Chelsea’s Hopes for Title Fade
Chelsea Manager Claudio Ranieri has conceded the Premier League title to Arsenal.
Chelsea’s chances slipped badly in a scoreless draw against Middlesbrough on Saturday at London. The loss came a day after Arsenal rallied to beat Liverpool, 4-2.
“They have great character and they deserve this title,” Ranieri said of Arsenal.
The race is now for second, and No. 2 Chelsea lost ground to third-place Manchester United, which came from behind to win, 2-1, at Birmingham City with second-half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Louis Saha of France.
Chelsea trails Arsenal by six points but leads Manchester United by six.
Chelsea and Middlesbrough each had chances to win in the final seconds.
Frank Lampard came close for Chelsea with eight minutes left when he sailed a shot wide. Middlesbrough’s Gaizka Mendieta almost landed a free kick at the end.
Germany
Werder Bremen moved a step closer to the Bundesliga title but only after a late and controversial penalty helped the club edge Eintracht Frankfurt, 1-0, at Berlin.
Defender Ivo Ismael stroked the penalty kick inside the right post in the 80th minute.
Reserve forward Nelson Valdez got clear and was pushed from behind by a Frankfurt defender, leading to the penalty call.
Italy
Serie A leader AC Milan benefited from a questionable call in the 84th minute that led to Andrea Pirlo’s winning penalty kick in a 1-0 win over Empoli at Rome.
Empoli goalkeeper Daniele Balli was ejected for charging Milan’s Danish striker Jon Dahl Tomasson as he was gathering a lob pass.
Spain
Brazil striker Ronaldinho scored a goal before being sent off as FC Barcelona defeated Valladolid, 3-1, at Madrid. Ronaldinho was ejected in the 53rd minute after getting his second yellow card for heading the ball out of Valladolid goalkeeper Albano Bizarri’s right hand.
France
Leader Monaco stumbled to a 0-0 tie against Lens at Paris, tightening the French first division title race.
Although Monaco has a two-point lead, Lyon can take first place if it wins at Strasbourg today.
