The Sports Matrix: Thursday 08 December 2011

Opinion: James Lawton

Roberto Mancini's City came into the Champions League with hope and expectation but had to contemplate a harder reality – that money and accomplished talent is no good unless you can meet every new set of demands. MORE

City beat Bayern but still tumble out

Manchester City joined their neighbours in exiting at the group stage, despite beating Bayern Munich 2-0. Goals from David Silva and Yaya Touré secured the win for Roberto Mancini's side, who now drop down into the Europa League. MORE

Rooney to hear appeal outcome

Wayne Rooney will today learn the outcome of an appeal against his three-match suspension from next year's European Championship. The Manchester United forward will meet with the Football Association legal team before the Nyon hearing. MORE

Liverpool fury over Suarez charge

Liverpool reacted with fury last night after striker Luis Suarez was charged with improper conduct after making a gesture at Fulham supporters during Monday's defeat. The Uruguayan already has an existing charge hanging over him. MORE

Kings of Lyons eliminate Ajax

Lyons thrashed Dynamo Zagreb 7-1 in Croatia to overhaul Ajax on goal difference and take the Group D runners-up spot. The Dutch side lost 3-0 at home to group winners Real Madrid. In Group B, CSKA Moscow joined Internazionale in making the final 16.

Donald: Rory beats Tiger for talent

Luke Donald believes Rory McIlroy is the most talented player he has faced as the duo prepare to do battle in the Race to Dubai. "Rory has the most talent I've played with," Donald said. "Tiger [Woods] is very, very close, but Rory has more." MORE

Warm welcome awaits Wilkinson

Despite sitting at the bottom of the Premiership and with a relegation fight ahead, Newcastle are expected to welcome back former player Jonny Wilkinson tonight when he returns with his Toulon side for an intriguing Amlin Challenge Cup game. MORE

Trump warned of dangers of fame

Stephen Maguire has warned Judd Trump not to fall prey to the trappings of fame. "He's good for the game," Maguire said. "I enjoyed [my success] too much and it took me a couple of years to get back. Hopefully, Judd doesn't fall into that trap."

Moody sidelined for three months

Bath flanker Lewis Moody has been ruled out of action for three months after undergoing surgery on his damaged shoulder. "It's disappointing for him and disappointing for us," Bath coach Brad Davis said. "We're really struggling with injuries." MORE

United suffer shock exit in Switzerland

Manchester United were sent tumbling out of the Champions League at the group stage for just the third time in 17 years after crashing to a 2-1 defeat in Basle. Marco Streller put the Swiss side ahead after nine minutes, taking advantage of an injury to United's Chris Smalling, before Nemanja Vidic left the pitch with a knee problem. United had the majority of possession after the break but, missing the injured Javier Hernandez and with Wayne Rooney seemingly distracted by today's appeal hearing over his Euro 2012 ban, Sir Alex Ferguson's side were unable to equalise. The hosts doubled their lead when Alexander Frei headed home with six minutes remaining. Phil Jones bundled in on 89 but it was all to no avail, with United forced to settle for a place in the Europa League. MORE

Chapter closes on Storey 2012 hopes

Paralympian Sarah Storey remains upbeat despite missing out on a place in Great Britain's 2012 Olympic squad. "They have the personnel to go quicker, that's just the way it is," she conceded. "You have to take it on the chin."