The Sport Matrix: Thursday 24 April 2014

Advantage Real as Bayern are toppled

Bayern Munich dominated the ball against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, but finished 1-0 down in the Champions League semi-final first leg. Karim Benzema scored the only goal of the game after 19 minutes, but Cristiano Ronaldo missed chances to increase Real’s lead. MORE

Keane in running for United No 2 role

Roy Keane has emerged as a surprise target for Manchester United, to assist the prime candidate Louis van Gaal should he be appointed as manager. The Dutchman respected Keane as a player, he has managerial experience and the club want to retain a thread to their past. MORE

Moyes thanks fans — but not players

David Moyes has spoken publicly for the first time since his sacking by Manchester United. In a statement issued through the League Managers’ Association, the Scot thanked his coaching staff, the fans and even Fergie, but there was no mention of his former players. MORE

Veteran Schwarzer eyes final hurrah

At 41, goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is the oldest player to feature in a Champions League knockout tie, and he will break more records should Chelsea reach the final, with Petr Cech ruled out. “I wouldn’t have experienced [it] anywhere else,” Schwarzer said. MORE

Door left open for Armitage brothers

Steffon and Delan Armitage could still have an England future, according to Stuart Lancaster. The pair are unavailable as they play abroad, for Toulon, but the national coach has flown to France to assure them that the door is not closed. MORE

Yorkshire outclass injury-hit visitors

Yorkshire, despite missing three key players, wrapped up a comprehensive victory over Northamptonshire at Headingley yesterday. They beat the newly promoted visitors, who had barely 11 fit players, by an innings and 120 runs. MORE

Prize-money rise may hit grass roots

With Wimbledon prize-money set to increase again this year, it could lead to a lack of funds for grass-roots development because a large slice of the Lawn Tennis Association’s funding comes from the annual surplus from the tournament. MORE

Williams blossoms with Bolt’s help

He may have been born in Turks and Caicos, but 20-year-old Delano Williams is impressing training partners Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake as “the guy from Great Britain”. The world junior 200m champion is focused on the Rio Olympics. MORE

Hendry ready for special comeback

Stephen Hendry has decided to take advantage of a wild-card system which will let him play at next year’s World Championship. “Fortunately, because of the standard of snooker I’d fancy myself,” said Hendry. MORE

Ian Herbert

The size of overhaul required at United needs the magisterial grip of someone with the big picture of running a club. It is beyond Ryan Giggs, but Louis van Gaal would relish the task. MORE