Capital city clubs Real Madrid, Roma and Paris Saint Germain all suffered shattering defeats at the weekend, which put the jobs at least two high-profile coaches on the line. Real, humbled 3-0 at Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League in midweek, lost 1-0 at Espanyol despite dropping David Beckham and Raul to the bench.

West Indies captain Brian Lara praised his side’s composure and discipline after they had successfully chased 247 to beat South Africa in London at the Oval and win a place in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinals next week. The West Indies’ reply was interrupted by Saturday’s rain and they resumed on 20-0.

Formula one races into Shanghai for the first time this week, and drivers and teams alike are relishing the challenge of a country rapidly establishing itself as a sought-after sporting venue. For world champion Michael Schumacher, it is a maiden visit to China and he plans to make the most of the opportunity.

Kaizer Chiefs mentor Ted Dumitru was not happy with some of referee Abdul Ebrahim’s decisions during the SAA Supa 8 semifinal against Moroka Swallows at the Absa Stadium on Sunday. Chiefs won by 1-0, with the goal coming from Zambian international Collins Mbesuma.

Murder dropped by 9,9%, attempted murder by 1,78% and common robberies by 7,8% in the 2003/04 financial year compared with the previous year, National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi said on Monday. Robbery with aggravating circumstances rose by 3,2% according to the police’s annual report.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said on Monday he has accepted Jose Antonio Camacho’s resignation as coach and appointed his deputy Mariano Garcia Remon in a caretaker role. Real were thrashed 3-0 by Bayer Leverkusen in the European Champions League last week and lost 1-0 to modest Espanyol on Sunday.

Legendary manager Brian Clough, who led unfashionable Nottingham Forest to two European Cup titles, died aged 69 on Monday. Clough, a great motivator and tactician who led Forest to two European Cup wins in 1979 and 1980, was a controversial character but also universally admired for his contribution to English football.