Dubai Cup: AC Milan Beat Hamburg on Penalties

In the Copa del Rey, Leo Messi gave Barca the early lead at Atletico Madrid.

AC Milan 1* - Hamburg 1 (Pens. 4-3) (Dubai Cup, Jan. 6, 2009) After a goalless first half (Hamburg’s chances here) the locals had to wait until just after the hour mark to witness a goal. And when it came it was soft, Massimo Ambrosini tumbling in the box and Ronaldinho rolled in the spot kick.

But Hamburg, who had arguably been the better team, rallied, equalising minutes later when Collin Benjamin was in the right place to score from a corner after Dida had made an initial save. Milan won the match on penalties. (Penalty highlights here, longer highlights here.)

Marsala 0 - Catania 6 (Freindly, Jan. 4, 2009) Taka Morimoto and Jorge Martinez both hit a brace while Giuseppe Mascara and Michele Paolucci scored a goal apiece.

Melbourne Victory 1 - Adelaide United 0 (A-League, Jan. 6, 2009) Melbourne’s narrow victory sent them top of the table in Australia, the only goal coming from Nicky Ward’s second-half header.