London, Jan. 8 : Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez has rejected Manchester United counterpart Alex Ferguson's view that Liverpool does not have an outside chance of nailing the Premier League title because it is consumed by nerves.

Though bookies have rated Liverpool's chances as no better than third favourites behind Fergie's champions Manchester United and Chelsea, Benitez insisted: "I still believe we can improve and will have more options for the second half of the season - and more competition for each position."

London  - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he believed his side will reach the Carling Cup final despite their 1-0 defeat at Derby in the first leg of the semi-final on Wednesday.

United were beaten by Kris Commons' superb shot after half an hour, but Rob Hulse missed a good chance to extend their lead later on.

Ferguson said the Championship side could live to regret their missed opportunities.

"I think we are lucky," Ferguson said. "We could have lost by more.

Madrid  - Spanish cup holders Valencia were relieved to escape with a 1-1 draw away to Racing Santander on Wednesday, in a lively fifth round first leg clash.

Valencia, who beat Getafe 3-1 in last season's final, had Vicente and Miguel sent off in the dying minutes, when Santander came close to winning.

Valencia had taken the lead in the 38th minute, when Santander veteran Gonzalo Colsa headed a Manuel Fernandes corner into his own goal. From then on, the hosts were in the driving seat, with Valencia content to soak up the pressure and play on the break.

Madrid - Lionel Messi is again all the talk in Spain after his hat-trick and brilliant form against Atletico Madrid received unanimous praise from country's media.

Messi dazzled as Barcelona beat Atletico 3-1 away in the Spanish capital to move close to the quarter-finals of the King's Cup.

The Argentina striker left the pitch at the Vicente Calderon stadium on Tuesday to applause even from rival fans, who surrendered to the charm of an outstanding player in undoubtedly great form.

London, Jan. 7 : Manchester United are set to kick out Argentine football star Carlos Tevez after his admission that he would love to play for the Spanish football team Real Madrid.

According to The Sun, club boss Alex Ferguson is said to be running out of patience with the 24-year-old Argentinian striker after he made it clear that clubs are lining up to sign him.

Tevez's owner and advisor, Kia Joorabchian, said: "I don't know if `Carlitos' will go. It's difficult to say. Anything can happen.

"Madrid want him and have showed concrete interest. They're not the only club. There are many," Joorabchian added.