Underdogs bare their teeth in Champions League

Unheralded sides CFR Cluj and Anorthosis Famagusta earned valuable points on Wednesday in their unlikely quest to qualify for the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

Cluj, who had opened their Champions League group campaign with a stunning win over AS Roma, held English Premiership side Chelsea to a 0-0 draw in Romania while Anorthosis walloped Greek giants Panathinaikos 3-1.

Chelsea's former handler Jose Mourinho, endeavouring to deliver Inter Milan Champions League glory in his first campaign in charge, had to make do with a 1-1 draw against in-form German outfit Werder Bremen. Other underdogs also went close to famous wins as Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk led Barcelona 1-0 till three minutes from time but the 2006 champions bit back through a double from Argentinian maestro Lionel Messi.

French side Bordeaux, humiliated 4-0 by Chelsea in their opening match, also looked well in control of their clash with AS Roma leading 1-0 until Brazilian central defender Henrique was harshly red-carded in the 36th minute for an alleged elbow.

From there on in, the Italians ran the rule running out 3-1 winners thanks to a double by former Real Madrid and Arsenal striker Julio "The Beast" Baptista.

Liverpool, though, kept the estalished order in top spot with a commanding 3-1 win over Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, Robbie Keane scoring a first goal for the club since signing from Spurs while its longtime servant Steven Gerrard notched up his century of goals for the team with a stunning effort.

PARIS, Thursday (AFP)