Chelsea edge closer to final with stalemate at Atlético Madrid

Chelsea's goalkeeper, Petr Cech, leaves the field after suffering an injury to his shoulder in the 18th minute in Madrid. Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

There is no point in dressing it up as something it was not. At this rarefied level it was unusual to see such a lack of vibrant football, or so many occasions when passes were misplaced and two sides played with so little penetration. The setting was wonderful, in one of Madrid's great venues, with the Almudena cathedral as the backdrop. The din was as good as it gets in Spain. It is just a shame the two sides produced such a stodgy game for the size of the occasion.

David Moyes facing the sack as Manchester United's manager

A face in the crowd at Goodison Park signals that the end is nigh for David Moyes. Photograph: Carl Recine/Action Images

David Moyes will be sacked as Manchester United's manager with the owners, the Glazer family, and Ed Woodward, the vice-president, in discussions over when to end the Scot's reign.
United's 2-0 defeat at Everton on Sunday was the latest evidence to the executive that Moyes is the wrong man to lead the club and it is now only a matter of time before the decision is taken. Should he go before the end of the season, which appears likely, United may put Ryan Giggs in temporary charge. The 40-year-old, who is player-coach, would command the instant respect of the squad and would consider taking up the role, even if only temporary.

Sunderland's Fabio Borini deals huge blow to Chelsea title bid

Chelsea's Willian challenges Fabio Borini of Sunderland, right, during thePremier League match at Stamford Bridge. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters

Fabio Borini may never eclipse this contribution as a Liverpool player. The Italian loanee edged up to the penalty, awarded harshly against César Azpilicueta eight minutes from time and with those on the home bench still seething, to throw Mark Schwarzer off balance before easing the ball into the net. With that one conversion, while breathing life into Sunderland's desperate attempt to avoid relegation, the Italian simultaneously handed his parent club the initiative in the title race. The Premier League title is Merseyside's to claim.