Sports

Mario Balotelli scored twice to lead City to a 3-0 win over Salzburg.

Lionel Messi scored a hat trick in Barcelona's record 8-0 rout of Almeria.

AS Roma draw 1-1 with Juventus and Fiorentina beat Cesena 1-0.

Liverpool's revival was brought to a halt by a 2-0 loss to Stoke sending the Reds sliding down the Premier League table.

Essien scored the winner over Fulham while Drogba lay injured inside the penalty area.

India lose 0-2 against Kuwait to get their Asian Games football campaign off to a disappointing start.

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka will look to halt Liverpool's mini-revival when the Blues visit Anfield.

Javier Hernandez's strong start at Manchester United is increasing the weight of expectations on him.

Theo Walcott's double helped Arsenal rout Newcastle 4-0 on Wednesday.

On Saturday, Real Madrid routed Racing Santander 6-1, Barcelona beat Zaragoza 2-0.

Samuel Eto'o prodded home a late equaliser to ensure Inter and Sampdoria shared the spoils.

Real Madrid counterpart Jose Mourinho's belief that the unsettled striker will stay put at Manchester United.

The meeting between the two clubs, who have won 16 European Cups between them, is the pick of matchday three.

The deal came on the day set as the deadline for repayment of the club's debts.

Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-1 while Real Madrid and Levante were involved in a goalless draw.

The City manager said the decision was important as the Citizens will face Chelsea in the EPL on Saturday.