LONDON, 3 March 2005 — Premier League sides Arsenal, Southampton and Blackburn Rovers reached the FA Cup quarterfinals with victories over lower division opponents in fifth-round replays on Tuesday.
Arsenal needed extra time and penalties to beat second division Sheffield United, England defender Ashley Cole converting the decisive spot-kick to win the shootout 4-2 following a goalless draw.
Striker Peter Crouch scored twice to help Southampton beat third division Brentford 3-1, and Blackburn’s Morten Gamst Pedersen lashed in an 86th-minute winner to seal a 2-1 victory over local rivals Burnley.
Southampton will entertain holders Manchester United in the last eight, Arsenal travel to Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn host second division Leicester City.
Sheffield United forward Michael Tonge missed a golden opportunity to put his side ahead in the opening minute against Arsenal when he blazed the ball wide from just two meters out with the goal gaping.
The champions dominated the rest of the match, midfielder Francesc Fabregas hitting the crossbar in the second half, but their goalkeeper Manuel Almunia had to make a fine save in stoppage time to deny United defender Jon Harley.
Arsenal, severely depleted by injuries and suspensions, also enjoyed the better of extra time, with defender Pascal Cygan and substitute striker Jeremie Aliadiere wasting good chances.
In the shootout, Arsenal’s Lauren, Patrick Vieira, Freddie Ljungberg and Cole held their nerve to score, and Almunia produced good saves from Alan Quinn and Harley to put the London side through.
Brentford took a shock lead after four minutes against Southampton through midfielder Eddie Hutchinson, only for Crouch to level seven minutes later.
Barcelona Held by
10-Man Espanyol
In Madrid, an inspired performance from Espanyol keeper Carlos Kameni prevented Barcelona from extending their lead to 11 points at the top of the Primera Liga as they were held to a goalless draw at the Nou Camp on Tuesday.
Miguel Angel Lotina’s side, who moved up to fourth in the standings, finished the game with 10 men after defender Daniel Jarque received a straight red card in the 66th minute.
Barcelona pressurized Espanyol throughout the second half and created a number of scoring opportunities, but Kameni and his defenders held firm to leave Barca nine points clear at the top.
La Liga’s top scorer Samuel Eto’o had the perfect chance to put Barca ahead inside the opening minute as he cut into the visitors area and fired goalward, but Kameni made his first intervention of the night to turn the shot wide with his foot.
Espanyol’s five defenders weathered a nervy opening period but effectively smothered out most of the home side’s attacking impetus and Kameni had little to do until after the interval.
Clermont Stun Lyon to
Reach French Cup Quarters
In Paris, second division Clermont Foot pulled off a huge upset when they beat champions Olympique Lyon 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the French Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.
Third division Nimes crushed Ligue 1 Nice 4-0 in another shock result and second division Sedan beat fourth division Quevilly 2-0.
Clermont Striker Bruno Rodriguez slotted in a 20-meter free kick to put his side ahead in the 54th minute and French international Sylvain Wiltord equalized for Lyon four minutes into stoppage time.
Werder Avoid Embarrassment
Against Bayern Amateurs
In Frankfurt, holders Werder Bremen swept through to the semifinals of the German Cup with an easy 3-0 victory away to Bayern Munich Amateurs on Tuesday.
Bayern’s second-string team had beaten first division Borussia Moenchengladbach on their way to the quarterfinals but they were no match for Werder.
Last season’s double winners took the lead in the eighth minute when Nelson Valdez set up Tim Borowski.
