Newbie managers hold English sides in Europe…

CSKA Moscow 3/ Manchester United 3

Leonid Slutsky’s (no laughing at the back) side took a surprise lead through Alan’s 25th minute strike, but were soon pegged back by a typically poached goal from Michael Owen. After going 3-1 down to a pair of all-too-easy goals from Milos Krasic and Vasili Berezutski, United staged a late rally - 84th minute late - with a Paul Scholes header and Antonio Valencia’s deflected equaliser.

Atletico Madrid 2/ Chelsea 2

Chelsea started the match ready to hammer an Atletico Madrid side, laughably shambolic on and off the pitch, who had nothing to play for. However, Atleti put in an admirable first-half performance, before Kun Aguero came on and smashed a 66th minute volley which stuck a massive middle finger up at any idea of a Blues rout.

Didier Drogba grabbed a late brace, but Aguero popped up again in injury time (with a free-kick that’ll add a few €m to his price tag in January) to grab a point.

The latest transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies

Luis Fabiano to Manchester United
While Michael Owen stories have dominated today’s back pages, The Daily Mirror claim that Manchester United are offering Sevilla £16 million to try to beat AC Milan to the signing of Brazil striker Fabiano.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Fans probably wouldn’t be too happy to see Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez replaced solely by Antonio Valencia and Owen so it is plausible, especially considering the latter’s injury record, that Sir Alex Ferguson will want another attacking option.

Yuri Zhirkov to Chelsea
Chelsea completed their first summer signing last night, bringing in Middlesbrough’s reserve keeper Ross Turnbull - who conceded seven goals

The Spoiler looks into Chelsea’s prospective signing

According to this morning’s press, Chelsea are all set to invest the money raised from the imminent Wayne Bridge sale in a CSKA Moscow player known as “the Russian Ronaldinho.”

The eagle eyed among us may have seen Yuri Zhirkov impress his way into the Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament last summer, and here’s a few more facts about the 25-year-old Russian:

• He can play left back or on the left wing, and is known for his hard work, creativity and showboating.
• His brilliant goal against Hamburg (shown above) earned him the honour of best goal of the Champions League 2006/07, according to UEFA’s magazine Goal.
• He also performed his own version of Ryan Gigg’s legendary FA Cup goal - see it here.
• His agent has been trying to increase his transfer value boasted that Barcelona, Juventus and three Premier League clubs are chasing him.

Chelsea fans, do you think he will be a good signing? Let us know below…