Three goals in two games highlight why Russia's Alan Dzagoev is fast becoming a star of the show

Russia have lost a second defender ahead of Euro 2012 after Lokomotiv Moscow full-back Roman Shishkin was sent home from training because of a stomach complaint. The Russia coach, Dick Advocaat, said: "He was losing weight and the prognosis was not good."

The Serbia winger Milos Krasic has stated his desire to leave Juventus this summer in a move that is likely to attract interest among different clubs in Europe.

Real Madrid's players insist the club will be as happy to meet Barcelona as any other side in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Jose Mourinho will stay on as coach of Real Madrid next season, according to Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward said so yesterday, amid reports that Mourinho, the self-styled "Special One", was poised to return to Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho will stay on as coach of Real Madrid next season, his Portuguese compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo said today, amid reports that the self-styled 'Special One' was poised to return to London to manage Chelsea.

As thousands gather in Moscow, Shaun Walker asks how many were bussed in by the man himself

From Rashidi Yekini to Finidi George, Jay-Jay Okocha to Nwankwo Kanu, Nigeria has always been able to call upon a production line of exciting talent. Yet as the 2012 African Cup of Nations gets underway next week, the Super Eagles' omission from the continent's football showpiece represents a product of the disorganisation that threatens to ruin a whole generation of Nigerian players.

As the final preparations are made ahead of the forthcoming African Cup of Nations finals, few coaches are feeling the pressure like Ivory Coast boss François Zahoui, who knows he must deliver success to one of the continents perennial underachievers.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is yet to hear from Lille about any potential deal to make Joe Cole's loan spell permanent.

Lokomotiv Moscow have fired coach Yuri Krasnozhan despite the railway side being among the Russian Premier League title contenders.

Yury Zhirkov will look to leave Chelsea if he fails to force his way into the first team before the end of the season.

CSKA Moscow booked their place in the last 32 of the Europa League with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Palermo in Group F. Former Middlesbrough striker Massimo Maccarone gave the Serie A side the lead in Moscow but the first-half dismissal of Antonio Nocerino undermined Palermo.