AC Milan's Thiago Silva: I don't know if I can stop Arsenal's Robin van Persie

The Rossoneri center back has spoken of his side's need to be on top form to stop the Gunners, who will attempt to repeat their famous 2-0 knock-out victory from 2008

Getty Images

AC Milan center back Thiago Silva has revealed his concern at facing Arsenal striker Robin van Persie ahead of the Rossoneri's Champions League last 16 clash with the Gunners on Wednesday night.

The 27-year-old is wary of the Premier League side's attacking threat and has outlined the importance of a good first-leg performance at San Siro in order to keep Arsene Wenger's men at bay.

"If you do something wrong at home, you're out," Silva told UEFA.com. "Arsenal are a great team. We must watch out for the quality of all their players. Over 180 minutes, if you do something wrong in the home leg you're out."

The Italian outfit has been dominated by English teams in the recent past, with newcomers Tottenham knocking out the seven-time champions last season, while bowing out to Manchester United in 2009-10 and Arsenal in 2008.

Although the Brazilian international singled out in-form striker Van Persie and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as the men to stop, he is aware that doing so may prove a difficult task.

"Van Persie and Henry can decide the match at any time. I don't know whether I'll be able to stop the Dutchman ‒ we'll have to see," said Silva.

Silva also hinted at a shock return for international team-mate Alexandre Pato in time for Wednesday's clash, believing the 22-year-old could make all the difference.

"He's a great player and a great person," said the centre-back. "We all hope to see him back at the highest level as soon as possible. If he is feeling good, he can make a difference for us – maybe even on Wednesday."

CAN 2012 : la Côte d’Ivoire rejoint la Zambie en finale

L'Ivoirien Gervinho.

REUTERS/Louafi Larbi

L’équipe de Côte d’Ivoire disputera la troisième finale de Coupe d’Afrique des nations de son histoire. Vainqueurs 1-0 du Mali, ce 8 février 2012 à Libreville, les Eléphants ivoiriens affronteront la Zambie pour le titre suprême le 12 février prochain (19h TU) dans la capitale gabonaise. Les Maliens, eux, joueront la 3e place de la CAN 2012 face au Ghana.

L’équipe de Côte d’Ivoire sera bien présente au rendez-vous, en finale de la CAN 2012, le 12 février prochain à Libreville. Face au Mali, les Ivoiriens n’ont pas subi le même sort que leurs voisins ghanéens, éliminés par la Zambie 1-0. Les Eléphants ont bien géré leur derby ouest-africain, en demi-finale, ce 8 février 2012.
L’éclair Gervinho
Au coup d’envoi, le Stade de l’amitié sino-gabonaise est rempli au tiers. Parmi la dizaine de milliers de spectateurs présents, une grosse majorité de supporters ivoiriens et surtout maliens. Les fans des Aigles déchantent très vite suite à un coup de tête de  Didier Drogba sur le poteau. Dès la 6e minute, Siaka Tiéné délivre en effet un coup franc de son flanc gauche. Le ballon retombe au point de penalty pour Drogba. Le capitaine est encore dangereux sur un coup franc direct. La trajectoire plongeante et le rebond surprennent Soumbeyla Diakité, le portier adverse, qui repousse du visage (8e). Diakité est encore hardi quand Yaya Touré, servi dans la surface de réparation par Salomon Kalou, trouve son montant gauche d’une frappe puissante (16e).

A la 20e minute, Kalou perfore les lignes adverses et glisse le ballon sous le ventre de Diakité mais son petit tir n’est pas cadré. L’ailier tente encore sa chance à la 30e minute avec une reprise du plat du pied qui trouve Diakité sur sa trajectoire. A la 32e, Didier Drogba se joue de ses gardes du corps avec un contrôle de la poitrine, une feinte de passe en retrait mais le numéro 11 croise trop sa frappe. Kalou aussi est encore en action avec des tirs trop haut (42e) puis trop écrasé (43e). Les Eléphants sont maîtres dans l’impact physique et le jeu. Leur domination est récompensée à la 45e minute sur un exploit de Gervinho. L’ailier gauche récupère un ballon dans son camp et se lance dans une chevauchée solitaire sur la gauche, repique dans l’axe, ouvre son pied droit et le score : 1-0.
Une défense ivoirienne toujours invaincue

Siaka Tiéné barre la route à Samba Sow. REUTERS/Louafi Larbi

Si la première période a été à sens unique, le début de deuxième l’est moins avec un premier tir cadré pour le Mali signé Cheikh Tidiane Diabaté (49e). Le grand avant-centre se débat seul, en pointe. Ses partenaires ne sont pas d’un grand soir à l’image d’un Seydou Keita pris dans la tenaille ivoirienne. Barry Copa, le portier orange, peu sollicité éprouve quand même un frisson sur une tentative de Mustapha Yatabaré (72e).
Les Eléphants jouent durs et procèdent par contres. Kalou, pas en réussite, force Diakité à claquer le ballon en corner du bout des gants (66e). Le sociétaire du Stade malien s’interpose encore devant Didier Drogba à la 77e minute. Le score en reste à 1-0 et l’arrière-garde ivoirienne n’a toujours pas encaissé de but dans cette CAN 2012. Avec une telle défense et une ligne d’attaque en verve, la sélection de Côte d’Ivoire peut aborder avec confiance la troisième finale de son histoire après 1992 et 2006.

Attack, defence, brutality, Machiavellian plotting - Jose Mourinho has tried it all but has run out of ideas of how to play against Barcelona

The Portuguese coach has only managed one win in nine attempts against Barcelona since taking over at Real Madrid and seems to have nothing up his sleeve

Entrenamiento De Real Madrid - Jose Mourinho

These days, Jose Mourinho brings to mind Coyote in his attempts to best Barcelona. The Real Madrid coach personifies a fervent zeal to overcome the challenge that will define his tenure in the Santiago Bernabeu hotseat. Granted, the Chamartin team are top of the pile currently in La Liga by virtue of their performances against Spain's also-rans. However, to claim victory over the Catalans, and to sustain supremacy, is now as important to Real Madrid as the attainment of trophies. It was a challenge before Mourinho arrived; it is now a necessity, although Jose would not be quick to admit it.

Mourinho's record as Real Madrid coach against Barcelona

Competition	Result	Date
La Liga	Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid	November 29, 2010
La Liga	Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona	April 16, 2011
Copa Del Rey	Real Madrid 0-0 Barcelona (1-0 AET)	April 20, 2011
Champions League	Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona	April 27, 2011
Champions League	Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid	May 3, 2011
Spanish Supercopa	Real Madrid 2-2 Barcelona	August 14, 2011
Spanish Supercopa	Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid	August 17, 2011
La Liga	Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona	December 10, 2011
Copa Del Rey	Real Madrid 1-2 Barcelona	January 18, 2011

So far, the coach appointed in 2010 has not been able to match the ends with the Machiavellian means deployed to overthrow the world's best team. Nine times he has come up against Barcelona and has come out victorious only once. And that victory is marked with an asterisk. The solitary win in nine attempts came in the Copa Del Rey final after extra-time.

For all their efforts and all their coach's chutzpah, Madrid have been beaten five times in the other eight encounters, drawing three. Their home record has been miserable. If there is a blueprint for victory in Mourinho's artillery, he has yet to come across it or implement it consistently.

Admittedly, his Real Madrid team did look capable of toppling Barca during that Copa final. Cristiano Ronaldo, deployed as the spearhead in a 4-1-4-1 formation, scored the winning goal in the most complete Madrid performance against Barcelona since the installation of the coach. In that match, los Blancos found the golden balance of physicality and football. Although they ceded possession to Barcelona, as they have done in each of their encounters, Madrid limited Barca's control of the ball to areas from which they could not score. There was discipline, unity and competence in front of goal.

It followed the league encounter at the Bernabeu which finished level; a game which hinted that Jose was capable of eroding some Barca dominance on the field. It wasn't quite that he'd cracked it but he certainly seemed to be on the right track. That match also saw the debut of Pepe in a central midfield position for Clasico combat.

And if one player has come to typify Madrid's attitude in the recent Clasico matches, it is he. Pepe's physical prowess was key in the 1-1 draw and also key in the Copa victory. His ability to disrupt Barca attacks in midfield won a rare victory for Mourinho's inventiveness over Pep Guardiola; as effective as using Ronaldo as a central attacking hub. But the line between aggression and brutality is a fine one, and one on which Pepe has often trampled. His presence in midfield, which brings with it fouls and gamesmanship, has come to be abhorred by observers on both sides of the divide.

Barcelona's players and fans paint Pepe as a thug and a bully. Real Madrid's fans are beginning to think so too. To start a match with Pepe while Mesut Ozil and Kaka kick their heels on the bench is anathema to Madrid's traditions and style. It is one thing sacrificing poetry for pragmatism in the name of results but when those results are not achieved, the man making the decisions is left with some explaining to do.

In his wake | Despite a superior league position, Jose has yet to get the better of Pep

Mourinho will point to his first Clasico experience, a veritable hazing, as evidence why Madrid cannot stand toe-to-toe in pure football terms with Barca. At 5-0 in Camp Nou, they were battered and Mourinho looked to have aged 10 years in two hours. By the time the two-legged Champions League semi-final came around, Mourinho knew that silky football, outright thuggery or a mix of the two was not enough to gain an advantage. And he turned conspiratorial.

Barcelona's partnership with Unicef was behind a perceived leniency from referees, he audaciously claimed. Uefa was afraid of a Barca-less Champions League final, he said. Pep should be ashamed of winning trophies in the manner he did, Mourinho concluded. Events on the pitch remained beyond his control when Barca comprised the opposition so he reverted to the snide insidiousness he spat while manager of Chelsea.

A summer cool-off ended abruptly when the two teams participated in the Spanish Supercopa - the prelude to the Liga season. A raucous, breathless battle at Camp Nou, following a Bernabeu draw, again ended in ignominy. Marcelo welcomed Cesc Fabregas to the Clasico jungle with an assault on the touchline; Mourinho took his cue in the ensuing melee to poke Barcelona's assistant manager in the eye and subsequently called Tito Vilanova a "dick" in the post-match press conference.

Many have been looking to find the antidote, including Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho, but they have been unable to stop them - Fabio Capello

Two more defeats have left Mourinho a little more sunken around the eyes, greyer on his thatch, ever more unpleasant in his engagements with media and now, indeed, his players. Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas, the club captain, are seemingly mutinous - scandalised by their team's approach to matches against Barcelona and disdainful of their manager's record as a player.

But Mourinho has nowhere left to turn. No matter the formation; 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 4-1-4-1, no matter the personnel, no matter the level of aggression, no matter the attacking balance in the team, Jose Mourinho cannot manage to beat Barcelona. Pep continues to leave him eating dust.

Wile E Mourinho again consults his ACME handbook before the Copa Del Rey quarter-final second leg. He is outwardly defiant. Nonetheless, he must be prepared for it all to blow up in his face as Road Runner Pep 'beep beeps' on by. 

Suarez hit with eight-game ban

Liverpool striker fined and banned for eight games for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra in EPL.

Liverpool have reacted angrily to the results of the hearing with the club likely to launch an appeal [GALLO/GETTY] Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was hit with an eight-game ban on Tuesday after an English Football Association disciplinary hearing found he had racially abused Manchester United's Patrice Evra. An unusually lengthy hearing that started last Wednesday, which itself followed a month long investigation, eventually determined Suarez - who was also fined around $60,000 - had abused Evra during a 1-1 English Premier League draw at Anfield on October 15. Suarez said that the decision had hit him hard. "Today (Tuesday) is a very difficult and painful day for both me and my family. Thanks for all the support, I'll keep working!" tweeted the 24-year-old Uruguayan international striker. Immediate allegations Evra had revealed immediately after the match that Suarez had repeatedly abused him. Evra, speaking to French television station Canal Plus, said Suarez had racially abused him "more than 10 times" during the game. "I was very upset," Evra said. "In 2011 you can't say things like this. He knows what he said, the ref knows it, it will come out. "I won't repeat what he said, but it was a racist word, and he said it more than ten times. He tried to wind me up. I won't make a huge deal out of it, but it's very upsetting and disappointing." And the FA disciplinary panel agreed with Evra, their statement Tuesday saying: "An independent regulatory commission has today found a charge of misconduct against Luis Suarez proven, and have issued a suspension for a period of eight matches as well as fining him £40,000 [$62,000], pending appeal." The commission's ruling stated: "Mr Suarez used insulting words towards Mr Evra during the match contrary to FA Rule E3(1); "The insulting words used by Mr Suarez included a reference to Mr Evra's colour within the meaning of Rule E3(2); "Mr Suarez shall be warned as to his future conduct, be suspended for eight matches covering all first team competitive matches and fined the sum of £40,000 [$62,000]; "The (penalty) is suspended pending the outcome of any appeal lodged by Mr Suarez against this decision." Liverpool ‘disappointed’ Liverpool's fading title challenge will be hit hard by the suspension of Suarez [GALLO/GETTY] Liverpool, who were repeatedly firm in support of Suarez, said Tuesday they "were very surprised and disappointed" by the FA verdict. They added they would "consider our right to appeal or take any other course of action we feel appropriate with regards to this situation". In a lengthy statement Liverpool said it remained their view that Suarez "did not commit any racist act" in the match. "We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone when no-one else on the field of play - including Evra's own Manchester United teammates and all the match officials - heard the alleged conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop goalmouth while a corner kick was about to be taken," the statement said. "LFC considers racism in any form to be unacceptable - without compromise. “It is our strong held belief, having gone over the facts of the case, that Luis Suarez did not commit any racist act." "It is also our opinion that the accusation by this particular player was not credible - certainly no more credible than his prior unfounded accusations," the statement said. This was a thinly veiled reference to a 2008 scuffle between French international Evra and Chelsea groundstaff, which branded the defender's testimony "exaggerated and unreliable." Liverpool's statement added: "We would also like to know when the FA intend to charge Patrice Evra with making abusive remarks to an opponent after he admitted himself in his evidence to insulting Luis Suarez in Spanish in the most objectionable of terms." Suarez, signed from Dutch side Ajax in January, has scored eight goals in 19 Liverpool appearances so far this season. Given he remains free to play while any appeal is in progress, he could feature in Wednesday's league match away to Wigan. EPL results In Tuesday’s Premier League action Blackburn Rovers were left bottom of the English Premier League after a 2-1 Lancashire derby defeat at home to fellow relegation candidates Bolton Wanderers at Ewood Park on Tuesday. Wolves and newly promoted Norwich shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

LATEST FOOT NEWS

2230: So Stoke go beyond the first round in European competition for the first time in the club's history - absolute kudos Potters - while all is not yet lost for Fulham either despite their defeat in Enschede earlier. See! I told you Fulham and Stoke would show us how it's done in Europe. Ahem. I'm back in the hot-seat for all your Champions League needs next week but before then join Tom Rostance at the weekend, yes? Groovy. Sam Lyon out.

JohnMcGrath95 on Twitter: "I don't really care for football that much, but for some strange unknown reason, I do love Stoke"

colm_hogan on Twitter: "Tony Pulis for England Manager? Can't think of anyone better. And yes I know he is Welsh!"

Gaskk on Twitter: "English teams might have Stoke sussed out, but European Teams still struggling with their style."

2220: STOKE 1-1 DYNAMO KIEV
Michael da Silva reports: "Stoke make it through to the last 32 after a spirited showing - but they owe Asmir Begovic for that stunning late save to seal their point and progress. Heady days."

2217: FC TWENTE 1-0 FULHAM
Jon Phipps reports: "A late disaster for Fulham as they lose to a last-gasp goal from Marc Janko and have Andy Johnson sent off in stoppage time - and now their qualification is up in the air."

2215: Finally a British side come good in the Europa League, then. But what did our match reporters make of tonight?

eggfriedPrice on Twitter: "RE TyroneLewis22, please scroll down to 2100, we've been though this already..."

Opta Sports on Twitter: "14 - Only one Europa League match this season (V Poltava vs S Liege, 13) has seen fewer shots than Stoke vs Dinamo Kiev tonight. Cagey."

TyroneLewis22 on Twitter: "So with one game left, Arsenal and Stoke are the only English teams guaranteed to still be in Europe, who woulda guessed that?"

2200: So Stoke are the first English club to seal their qualification to the knockout stages of the Europa League this season - and even not being able to guarantee top spot in the group won't take the gloss off that achievement. Super stuff from Tony Pulis's boys, who may have made it hard for themselves at times tonight but made it count when it mattered. Kudos.

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: It's not ALL great news for Stoke as Ricardo Quaresma pops up in the last minute to put Besiktas back in front 3-2 at Maccabi Tel-Aviv, denying Stoke guaranteed top spot in Group E.

2158: FULL-TIME Stoke 1-1 Dynamo Kiev

2157: What. A. Save! Asmir Begovic - take a bow. Andriy Yarmolenko lines up a beauty from range and it's arrowed towards the top corner, but across gets Begovic with a stunning fingertip save to push it around the post. A crucial save. A match-saving save.

2155: Two minutes of stoppage time to be played. Stoke happily sitting on their draw. Dynamo deflated.

2153: Another substitution as Stoke look to kill the pace of the game, Dean Whitehead on for Jermaine Pennant.

pp0u20e8 on Twitter: "Come on Stoke! Everyone's second favourite team!"

jwillis50 on Twitter: "The Europa League needs just one thing to earn respect back again. Give the winner Champions League qualification."

2150: Attacking change from Dynamo Kiev, who need a win really - forward Milos Ninkovic on for defender Ayila Yussuf.

2149: Match hero Kenwyne Jones's night's work is done, he'll be replaced by Jon Walters for the closing minutes.

2148: The Potters have less than seven minutes of normal time in which to hold on here.

Stoke goal: Massive goal! Finally Jermaine Pennant gets his final delivery right, his pearler of a cross nodded home with aplomb by Kenwyne Jones - and all of a sudden the Potters are in the knockout stages as group winners as it stands.

2145: GOALFLASH Stoke 1-1 Dynamo Kiev (Jones)

2144: Stoke have been let down by their final delivery all evening and they are again as Jermaine Pennant's dinked cross proves far too high, allowing Kenwyne Jones to get only a weak header at goal.

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: The big comeback is on in Israel asMaccabi Tel-Aviv come from two goals down to Besiktas to level the scores. It means Stoke still need a point in Turkey in their last game to guarantee their progress, though.

2141: Ah, bad news for Stoke fans - Robert Huth receives a yellow card for a high boot on Ayila Yussuf and that means the German will miss the trip to Besiktas in the last game. Tricky.

2137: Dynamo Kiev change - forward Andriy Shevchenko off and defender Leandro Almeida on. I think that tells us Dynamo are looking to shut up shop.

2136: And Ricardo Fuller's immediately into the action as he latches on to a bad back-pass... but he dallies too long with the defenders recovering and Dynamo are able to clear.

2134: There will be a Stoke change - but it's not Peter Crouch it's Ricardo Fuller coming on, in place of Salif Diao.

2132: Stoke just about still on top here but Dynamo Kiev have kept things relatively quiet at the back in the last few minutes. The hosts mixing it up with long and short passes nicely, but their early-half effervesence is just drifting slightly.

2128: Peter Crouch continues to look on from the Stoke bench. How long until the former Tottenham man is introduced?

2124: Salif Diao - fresh from a GCSE chemistry class judging by the goggles - lashes miles off target with an effort from 22 yards, but Stoke's tempo is a whole lot better now.

2121: This is a lot more like the Stoke we're used to in Europe. So how will Kiev cope on the back foot?

2120: Off the line! Stoke oh so close to a leveller as Rory Delap's long throw finds its way to Jermaine Pennant 16 yards out inside the box, but the winger's drilled shot is cleared brilliantly under his own bar by Yevhen Khacheridi.

RKO777 on Twitter: "I wouldn't scrap the Europa League, because the more football I can watch, the better!"

2118: Much better from Stoke - and that's their best chance of the match so far, Wilson Palacios winning the ball back in midfield before running on to Rory Delap's dinked return pass, but his snap-shot from the angle is scrambled away by Kiev keeper Olexandr Shovkovskiy. Encouraging.

Bryan Ruiz (top) and Bryan Ruiz (bottom)

2115: And while we wait for proceedings to kick back into life at the Britannia Stadium, can I correct an earlier entry in which I stated that FC Twente had welcomed back Fulham striker Bryan Ruiz with a gift of flowers - they did in fact reward him with flowers... and a picture of himself. Lovely.

2114: Both teams feeling each other out at the start of the half, and it's a bit flat out there. Not what Tony Pulis would have been urging at the break.

2110: We're back under way at the Britannia Stadium.

Infostrada Sports on Twitter: "Standard Liege have only conceded one goal so far in the Europa League group stages, which would be competition record."

Anon via text: "Quaresma with an absolute corker of a strike for Besiktas. That man must hold some record for the number of extraordinary goals he scores."

OSLifestyles on Twitter: "This is as thriling as the InterTwoBob Cup. Scrap the Europa League anyone?"

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: It's more bad news for Stoke as Group E rivals Besiktas score on the stroke of half-time through Portuguese international Ricardo Quaresma and they lead 1-0 in Tel Aviv.

2100: Last chance folks. Tweet the commentary via #BBCFootball,Tweet me @sampatricklyon or text in via 81111 (UK). Now.

SClarke1989 on Twitter: "Actually "anon" - it is impossible as Man City, Man Utd and Chelsea are guaranteed Europa league at least."

HALF-TIME Stoke 0-1 Dynamo Kiev
Michael Da Silva's HT snapshot: "Stoke are behind at the break - and they deserve to be. Dynamo have been very composed on the ball and have had chances to extend their lead. For the first time in Europe this season, Stoke are labouring."

2055: The half-time whistle blows in Stoke.

2054: Ouch. In the last action of the half, Betao slams a shot straight at team-mate Olexandr Aliyev, hitting him exactly where it hurts. Aliyev crumples to the ground, and the whole of the Britannia Stadium stifle sniggers. He'll be fine...

2052: ...fortunately for Stoke and Asmir Begovic, it comes to nothing.

2051: And what Stoke don't need is to concede corners cheaply... which is exactly what Asmir Begovic has done with a rubbish piece of control under zero pressure...

Anon via text: "Improbable but not impossible that Arsenal could be the ONLY British team left in Europe in 2012... what price please bookies?"

2048: Stoke have looked out of sorts so far tonight I must say, but I've been very impressed with Dynamo Kiev. Chocabloc full of European experience the Ukrainians, of course. And it's showing.

2045: Post! Dynamo Kiev, soaking up the pressure and bursting forward on the counter, forge a superb chance as Olexandr Aliyev releases Andriy Shevchenko clear on goal on the angle... but the former Chelsea man's rising drive crashed off the outside of the post. Let-off.

2044: Stoke certainly enjoying more possession since going a goal down but it's hard going getting in and behind the Kiev defence. To say the least.

Zain_Patel on Twitter: "What is it with British teams in Europe this week! They just can't win!"

2040: I'll tell you this - Stoke won't want to go to Besiktas in their last game needing a draw. Which, as it stands, is what they would probably need...

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: Stoke fans will have half an eye on the other game in Group E after that Kiev goal - hoping Maccabi Tel-Aviv can do them a favour by beating second-placed Besiktas. It's 0-0 in Israel after 30 minutes.

2037: Now then, what have Stoke got in them by way of a response? The Potters are still top of Group E as it stands... but progression is not yet guaranteed.

Dynamo Kiev goal: It's been coming - though its arrival is down in no small part to luck. Andriy Yarmolenko drives at the Stoke defence and lays in Olexandr Aliyev on the right of the box, the midfielder's low shot deflected past Asmir Begovic on the stretch by Matthew Upson's outstretched boot. Breakthrough.

2033: GOALFLASH Stoke 0-1 Dynamo Kiev (Upson og)

2032: Dynamo Kiev, of course, are desperate for a win tonight given they are currently third in Group E - and it's showing. Playing some nice stuff, the Ukrainians.

2028: A quiet few minutes as Dynamo control possession with Stoke on the back foot, but not a huge amount doing in front of goal. Very positive start from the visitors, this, though.

BenniiiP on Twitter: "Yarmolenko's going to have a field day, this boy is something special. 3-1 Kiev."

Dan via text: "Same old Fulham away from home tonight - manager after manager play this negative rubbish in the hope of snatching a 0-0 - 3,500 travelling fans deserve better."

2021: It's an open start from both sides here - Stoke causing problems from set pieces and Dynamo Kiev looking lively with the ball on the deck going forward, and this time Oleh Gusev surges into the box only for his low cross to narrowly evade Andriy Yarmolenko in the Stoke six-yard area.

2018: Another long Rory Delap throw cause problems again, but Robert Huth gets under his header and glances it over the bar.

2017: Olexandr Aliyev fancies his chances from range tonight - he's just fired in another one in from circa 35 yards but this time it flies wide. He's got a strike on him, though.

2014: Ouch, that's a poor tackle - Andriy Yarmolenko going through Jermaine Pennant hard and late - but any ill-feeling over the challenge is diffused when referee Florian Meyer throws his yellow card away when making the booking. Oh how we laughed. Or as the youth of today would probably 'say' *lolz*.

2011: Ooof, that's a great effort from Dynamo Kiev's Olexandr Aliyev - the midfielder taking aim from range on the right-hand side and forcing a smart stop from Asmir Begovic with a dipping effort.

2010: ...that comes to nothing.

2009: Less than a minute in and two Rory Delap long throws have already been flung in. The first cause problems before being cleared, the second forces a corner...

2008: ...perfectly observed. And we are now up and running.

2006: The players out and we'll have a minute's applause in tribute to Gary Speed before kick-off...

2002: STOKE v DYNAMO KIEV (2005)
Michael Da Silva reports: "Stoke boss Tony Pulis is focused on making sure his side seal qualification in style tonight, saying: 'It's a cup final for us. If we get past Dynamo we're qualified, so it's massive.' Dynamo boss Yuri Semin, meanwhile, is prepared for a difficult game at the Britannia. 'Stoke have a certain style of play. They are physically very well prepared and have a very strong team. Our goal is to win the game, but that is going to be hard.'"

cazzycal on Twitter: "The way Stoke are playing, they're definitely worth a £10 bet to win the Europa League!"

1958: STOKE v DYNAMO KIEV (2005)
Michael Da Silva reports: "So Stoke make eight changes from the side that beat Blackburn at the weekend. Asmir Begovic, Danny Higginbotham, Matthew Upson, Ryan Shotton, Salif Diao, Wilson Palacios, Kenwyne Jones and Cameron Jerome come in to the starting line-up. Dynamo make four changes from their win over Obolon on Saturday with Danilo Silva, Yevhen Khacheridi, Oleh Gusev and Ideye Brown coming into a team that already contains former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko."

1955: Fulham fans - let off some steam right here. Stoke - cheer your boys on right here. Tweet the commentary via #BBCFootball,Tweet me @sampatricklyon or text in via 81111 (UK). Jubbly.

KevinOnEarth on Twitter: "Just got in, saw: "Fulham are just starting to sense an opportunity here". Knew then it was over!"

Anon via text: "Tactical fail. That's what happens when you play for 0-0..."

1952: Well we had to wait a while but given time that match sparked into life and brought us the bit of late drama all football fans love... all footy fans other than Fulham supporters, obviously. I wonder what Stoke-Dynamo Kiev has in store?

1951: Re: 1947 - I did of course mean a win will NOW guarantee the Cottagers's progress. You knew that, right?

1949: FULL-TIME FC Twente 1-0 Fulham

1948: That red card came in the 92nd minute of the game, by the way. So frustrating.

Fulham red card: Bad to worse for Fulham and it's an utterly mindless second booking and red card for Andy Johnson as he kicks the ball away after being pulled up for a foul and he will now sit out that potentially must-win match against Odense. Stupid.

1948: RED CARD, Andy Johnson, FULHAM

1947: That goal - if it stays like this - means that while a draw would have been good enough in their last game against Odense, only a win will now absolutely guarantee the Cottagers's progress into the Europa League knockout stages. And that in a month in which they face Liverpool, Man Utd and Chelsea in the league. Ouch.

FC Twente goal: Deary me. It's been a workmanlike defensive display from Fulham tonight - but it looks like counting for nothing as Emir Bajrami whips in a superb cross from the right for Marc Janko to tap home unmarked six yards out. Heartbreak.

1944: GOALFLASH FC Twente 1-0 Fulham (Janko)

1942: Biggster tipped him for a hat-trick earlier - well he has four minutes in which to bag one, Orlando Sa is on for Bobby Zamora.

1940: Right then, any late drama from either side here?

1939: Fulham change now - Pajtim Kasami on for Moussa Dembele, who worryingly looks to have picked up a bit of an injury.

JosephEmslie on Twitter: "Fulham seem to be satisfied passing the ball around the halfway line! Frei seems the only one pushing for it. COYW."

Captain_OK on Twitter: "Stuck in a late lecture on experimental film, which has driven me to follow Fulham vs FC Twente in secret. Out of the frying pan..."

1934: As we approach the last 10 minutes I can honestly say this second half has been pretty decent to be fair. It's a fair bit more open - and Fulham are just starting to sense an opportunity here, I reckon.

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: Odense, losing 2-0 at half-time to Wisla Krakow in Fulham's Group K, pull a goal back through Rasmus Falk. A draw in Odense would sent Martin Jol's side through if they claim a point in Holland.

1931: Luuk de Jong has had something of a mixed-bag evening tonight but he does well here to set up Emir Bajrami on the edge of the Fulham box with a neat header, but the Twente midfielder's snap-shot is well blocked.

1929: STOKE v DYNAMO KIEV (2005)
Stoke: Begovic, Shotton, Huth, Upson, Higginbotham, Pennant, Palacios, Diao, Delap, Jones, Jerome. Subs: Nash, Fuller, Wilson, Shawcross, Whitehead, Walters, Crouch.
Dynamo Kiev: Shovkovskiy, Danilo Silva, Yussuf, Khacheridi, Betao, Gusev, Aliev, Vukojevic, Yarmolenko, Ideye, Shevchenko. Subs: Koval, Milevskiy, Haruna, Adi, Ninkovic, Leandro Almeida, Correa.
Referee: Florian Meyer (Germany)

1927: And the chances just keep on coming, Danny Murphy sliding a Fulham free-kick behind the FC Twente backline for Bobby Zamora to run on to, but the striker side-foots wide from 12 yards out.

Infostrada Sports on Twitter: "FC Twente have never beaten an English opponent in Europe: five draws and seven defeats."

1924: Chance! EVEN BIGGER chance! This time it's for FC Twente and the irrepressible Ola John crossing to Luuk de Jong who, completely unmarked eight yards out, centre of goal, contrives to glance it wide. What a let-off for Fulham.

1921: Chance! BIG chance! Stephen Kelly's pass via a ricochet lands at the feet of Andy Johnson 12 yards out with just the keeper to beat, but the Fulham man snatches at the chance and fires wide. Best chance of the game - certainly for Fulham - but it's wasted.

1920: First booking of the match, Andy Johnson having his name taken for a clumsy late tackle on Ola John.

1919: Penalty shout! Ish. Kerim Frei drives forward and looks to find Moussa Dembele in the box but he goes down under the challenge of Wout Brama. Ref Marijo Strahonja is having none of it.

1918: I do of course jest. Fulham came for the draw, are playing for the draw, and at present look like getting a draw. Top work.

1917: An hour gone in this game. Is that all?

1913: And now Emir Bajrami punts one narrowly wide from range. FC Twente looking dangerous.

1912: They might have their work cut out to be fair, with Ola John looking very lively out on the left wing. This time Collins's brother dances inside Stephen Kelly before standing up a cross that just evades Luuk de Jong at the back post.

1909: Fulham definitely look to have more verve about them going forward this half. Can they combine that with their first-half solidity though?

aboscawen on Twitter: "Martin Jol looks like he wishes he was in the other dugout as FC look more promising. Fulham are kings of Europa upsets though"

1907: And Fulham bounce up the other end to create a half chance of their own, Stephen Kelly's excellent cross headed wide on the stretch by Andy Johnson 12 yards out.

1906: I tell you what, that's a chance that - Ola John's corner finds Luuk de Jong's head in the box, but the Twente striker's effort bounces wide. Close.

1903: There was an FC Twente change at half-time FYI - Denny Landzaat replaced by Ola John, younger brother of former Cottager Collins John. Which is nice.

1902: Did you know, by the way, that a Fulham player has not scored in more than five hours of football. Bodes well.

1901: Fulham kick off the second half in Enschede.

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: The first game of the evening is done and dusted, and Locomotiv Moscow's 3-1 win over Sturm Graz in Group L guarantees them a place in the last 32. Anderlecht have already qualified from the same group.

henrywalmsley on Twitter: "Would love to say Fulham are a team who are much better in the second half... but we're not, we love a good draw..."

1857: STOKE v DYNAMO KIEV (2005)
Michael Da Silva reports: "A point is enough to take Stoke through tonight, while a win would confirm them as winners of Group E - and even a defeat could see them through if results go their way. Tony Pulis' side are unbeaten in the competition and have a 100% home record, while Dynamo are looking to break their English hoodoo - they have lost nine of their ten matches in England. Not looking predictable at all then."

1855: And while you do that, let's look ahead to our later match...

1853: Well if that half of football doesn't get you chatting... tweet the commentary via the hashtag #BBCFootball, tweet me@sampatricklyon or text in via 81111 (UK). Go ooooooon.

Infostrada Sports on Twitter: "This is Fulham's 27th match of the season indeed. However, it is FC Twente's 26th. What about their legs?"

Opta Sports on Twitter: "Fulham did not manage a single shot in the first half against FC Twente. Toothless."

1848: HALF-TIME FC Twente 0-0 Fulham
Jon Phipps's HT snap-shot: "Not the most enthralling half in Enschede. To say the least. Twente are good in possession and solid at the back, but neither side have really looked like scoring."

1846: The half-time whistle blows. Get me a drink.

1843: I want some of what the crowd are on. Despite what is being played out in front of them they are absolutely jumping. Gawd knows what they'd be up to if this were a thriller. Or even, you know, mildly interesting.

1841: Frustrated by Fulham's defensive strength, Twente opt for a more patient build-up - and it almost works wonders as they work their way into the Fulham box before it is laid back towards Nacer Chadli - and it takes a fabulous last-ditch block from Brede Hangeland to stop his effort reaching the goal.

1837: Ooh - Fulham chance! Ish. Danny Murphy threads a beauty of a through-ball for Andy Johnson to run on to in behind the Twente defence, but it is a touch too strong and home keeper Nikolay Mihaylov gets out just in time to grab the ball at the striker's feet.

martochengo on Twitter: "Stoke to win today through Crouch and Walters. Bye to Tottenham's Europa hopes. Next week, Chelsea, Man City out."

1835: You have to hand it to Fulham, they really do look to have drawn Twente's sting here. Just what the visitors wanted.

1834: Ah, that's a shame - it looks like the calf problem that kept Damien Duff out of the Arsenal game has struck again and the Irishman is forced off the field of play to be replaced by Kerim Frei.

1833: Erm... anyone know any good jokes?

1830: Fulham are in possession AND in Twente's half! Oh. Nope. Andy Johnson runs it out of play. As you were.

1827: Fulham look heavy-legged to me and this is their 27th match of the season, of course.

Jukebox_Jack on Twitter: "No doubt about it, Fulham manager Martin Jol has inherited a very talented side, ought to be playing better though!"

1821: If things continue as they are, it would look only a matter of time before FC Twente take the lead. Looking comfortable, the hosts.

1818: And another chance for Twente, who are starting to find holes in the Fulham defence, Luuk de Jong's knock-down finding Leroy Fer, who brings a smart stop out of Mark Schwarzer from 16 yards out.

1816: Nacer Chadli has apparently stirred interest in a few English clubs this season and the FC Twente forward hints at why again with a burst at the Fulham defence before unleashing a low shot right-footed that forces Mark Schwarzer into a scrambling save.

1814: Proper chance! And it's for Twente, Leroy Fer laying it to Nacer Chadli on the corner of Fulham's box, the striker's low left-foot cross-shot held well by Mark Schwarzer.

1811: There's half a break from Fulham, though - their first - as Stephen Kelly bursts down the right, only for his pull-back to fall behind Bobby Zamora in the box before it is hacked away.

1810: We're 10 minutes in and, I'm not going to lie, there has been less than nothing to shout about so far. Ho hum.

1808: FC Twente might be brilliant home in the league - but they were romped 3-1 at home in this competition by Villarreal in April. The odds on Fulham repeating that might be a touch long, mind.

1807: Fulham look like they will be keeping a lid on their ambitions in these early stages - mindful, I'm sure, that FC Twente have not been beaten at home in the league a year. Bobby Zamora could face a night of getting to know his marker... and not much else.

1804: Steady, composed start from FC Twente, who are happily knocking the ball around the midfield and looking to use the wings. Fulham's backline standing firm at present, though.

1800: The wait is over people - finally - and we are up and running at the FC Twente Stadion.

JosephEmslie on Twitter: "As a Fulham fan I am buzzing for tonight...Bobby to score and get his confidence back!"

1759: There are apparently 3,500 Fulham fans in Enschede tonight. Impressive.

1758: We've been sold a dummy, friends. There is in fact no place in the Fulham team yet for Simon Davies, with Dickson Etuhu retaining his place in the Cottagers midfield. Gremlins somewhere in our system are to blame and the exterminators have been called.

1756: The tribute to Bryan Ruiz? Flowers. I think he'd have preferred something fizzy.

1754: FC TWENTE v FULHAM (1800)
Jon Phipps reports: "So Fulham make four changs from the side which drew 1-1 at Arsenal, but it's still a strong side - and an attacking one too with Moussa Dembele, Damien Duff, Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson all in the line-up. FC Twente bring in Emir Bajrami for Ola John in the only change from their 0-0 draw with Vitesse Arnhem at the weekend. Household names in the UK are few and far between, but former Wigan man Denny Landzaat - now 35 - is in their midfield."

nickmastrini on Twitter: "Nice to see Simon Davies back in the Fulham team after injury - he was vital in the journey to the final in 2010."

1750: Even though he's ineligible to play tonight, by the way, it's a big night for Fulham's Bryan Ruiz as he returns to his former club - where he will apparently be honoured tonight. "I think they have something up their sleeve," said Martin Jol. "They want to celebrate something with him, a little party before or after the game." A party before the game? English football in its 80s pomp.

AlexLowy on Twitter: "Fulham and Twente are better sides than I think people anticipate - should be a great, attack-minded game, hard to predict."

1747: FC TWENTE v FULHAM (1800)
Jon Phipps reports: "Fulham boss Martin Jol played for FC Twente between 1979 and 1982 and sees the difference in his old club now, saying: 'Twente have developed into a very good club. When I was here they were getting [crowds of] 10,000 and now they are getting over 20,000 all the time. Twente play good football and play for results.' Twente defender Douglas, meanwhile, insists his side are going all out for the win despite already being through, adding: 'We'll do everything to get another win and finish this phase undefeated.'"

AndyHa_ on Twitter: "If Stoke win the Europa and Barca win the CL... we might finally see if Messi can do it against Stoke on a cold and wet Wednesday night!"

Biggster via text: "Orlando Sa hatrick for Fulham tonight - you heard it here first!"

1744: FC TWENTE v FULHAM (1800)
Jon Phipps reports: "Fulham know that a win in Enschende will take them through to the knockout stages in the competition they reached the final in two seasons ago, but this being their 27th match of the season, Martin Jol - a former FC Twente player - has shuffled his pack a touch. FC Twente, currently third in the Eredivisie, are already through and are unbeaten - and with old boy Bryan Ruiz watching on, will want to maintain that record."

1742: And your match reporter...

1741: FC TWENTE v FULHAM (1800)
FC Twente: Mihailov, Rosales, Wisgerhof, Douglas, Tiendalli, Brama, Fer, Landzaat, Bajrami, de Jong, Chadli. Subs: Marsman, Cornelisse, Bengtsson, Janko, Buysse, John, Gouriye.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Dembele, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Johnson, Zamora. Subs: Etheridge, Orlando Sa, Kasami, Senderos, Gecov, Frei, Briggs.
Referee: Marijo Strahonja (Croatia)

1740: And with no time at all to waste, the teams...

1739: Your order of play tonight, folks...
FC Twente v Fulham (1800)
Stoke v Dynamo Kiev (2005)

RobinCottleSG on Twitter: "Sell it however you want Sam, but you know as well as I do there's no such thing as a MONSTER night of Europa League footy!"

1737: So, good people of the BBC text commentary, I'll leave the jokes and witty observations to you. Tweet the commentary via the hashtag #BBCFootball, Tweet me @sampatricklyon or text in via81111 (UK). This really is your time to shine.

1735: I was mulling over whether to ham-fist an "Avengers" reference in here to spark a bit of chat as to which Fulham/Stoke player would be each character. But then I realised that'd be rubbish.

1734: Yep, let's just write last night off as a bad day at the office - tonight Fulham and Stoke are back hoping to earn Britain European redemption. And they're well set to do so, too. Fulham go into their match against FC Twente knowing a win will seal their progress into the knockout stages, while Stoke need only a point at home to Dynamo Kiev to do the same - and maybe not even that. Aces.

1730: Europa League fan-boys of Britain, forget the doom and gloom of last night. Immediately. Tottenham, Birmingham and Celtic may have hit a rather large pot-hole on their European adventures, but tonight Fulham and Stoke return to show us how it's done. Ready?