Wednesday football as it happened

Live video - Midweek Final Score

LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY (all times GMT)

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By Sam Lyon BBC Sport

2250: And you lot thought tonight would be a bit dull didn't you? You see... always have faith in the Lyon. A cracking night's work from Crystal Palace, then, if a little disappointing for Celtic, Birmingham, Tottenham - and of course Manchester United. Let's hope Thursday night can match it for thrills and spills yes? I've been Sam Lyon, you lot have been awesome, and I'll see you tomorrow. Adios.

SamJordanTurner on Twitter: "Why do Man Utd fans criticise Fergie after a Carling Cup defeat?!? Does the last 25 years mean nothing to you? So ungrateful..."

Anon via text: "Last time PAOK put an English team out of a European competition was Arsenal, in 1997-98 season, who went on to do the double. A good omen for Tottenham..."

JordMc_ on Twitter: "Lets have it!!!!! #LFC"

2239: So we WILL definitely have a Championship side in the Carling Cup final. Happy?

2237: CARLING CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW
Manchester City v Liverpool
Crystal Palace v Cardiff City
Ties will be played in weeks commencing 9/1/12 and 23/1/12.

2235: Huzzah! Here comes the draw... ready?

2230: That Carling Cup semi-final draw is coming up. I promise.

David Steel on Twitter: "Sack Ferguson, Bruce in."

Zoe in Birmingham via text: "I have numbed my finger hitting refresh, refresh, refresh. Perhaps Man Utd need to do same."

chrisleonard666 on Twitter: "Hoping for a Liverpool-Man City semi-final so we can have a Championship side in the final."

Connor in Derry via text: "Going out of the Europa League with a weak team might backfire on Spurs - remember what happened to Villa when they were 3rd and did it."

Jack Ashbee on Twitter: Yet another damp squib of a performance from the "champions". Fergie needs to buy in January."

2225: Want your say? Tweet the commentary via #BBCFootball, Tweet me @sampatricklyon or text in via 81111 (UK). Now.

2222: Make no mistake people, that is a stunning result. Man Utd may have been under-strength, but with nine full internationals in their side they were still expected to wipe the floor with Crystal Palace. It means Manchester City, Liverpool, Cardiff City and Crystal Palace is your Carling Cup semi-final line-up - the draw for which is in just a momento...

Radio 5 live pundit Jason Roberts at Old Trafford: "I feel absolutely honoured to be here at Old Trafford tonight. The Crystal Palace players are all heroes. It was inspirational."

2219: FULL-TIME Man Utd 1-2 Crystal Palace (aet)

2219: Antonio Valencia fires goalwards... saved via a deflection by Lewis Price...

2218: Mame Diouf in space in the area, robbed by Glenn Murray...

2218: Another Antonio Valencia cross... hacked clear again...

2216: Chance! Antonio Valencia earns a yard down the right and dinks a lovely ball to the back post, where Mame Diouf's header is hacked clear off the line. Man Utd finally throwing the kitchen sink at this Palace rearguard.

2214: Saying that, the game is being played almost entirely in Palace's half right now. Five minutes remaining.

2212: Still Man Utd struggling to launch a considered, relentless offensive against this well organised Crystal Palace side, who appear to have taken a leaf out of PAOK Salonika's defensive handbook.

Fydria on Twitter: "From a United fan - Palace deserve to win this. Some embarrassing and disgraceful performances from a certain few in red tonight."

sentoo on Twitter: "Nothing controversial about the Tottenham defeat, we've treated the competition with disdain throughout and got what we deserved."

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: In Group B Standard Liege go through following their 2-0 win over Hannover 96 but the German side's place isn't quite confirmed after Vorskla Poltava secured a draw with FC Copenhagen. In Group C PSV Eindhoven are confirmed as group winners following their 3-0 win at Legia Warsaw, who also qualify.

2207: At Old Trafford, meanwhile, Crystal Palace are proving their own defensive mettle. Not that Man Utd are proving particularly threatening, mind. Less than 10 minutes left of extra time in that one.

2205: Just seen the replays of that controversial Spurs goal-that-wasn't by the way - and there is an argument the assistant referee has given the foul not offside, in which case it is probably an absolutely brilliant decision. And, you have to say, reward for a heroic defensive display from PAOK Salonika. Tottenham might as well sack the Europa League off now and concentrate on the league huh?

2204: Until now, as the second half gets under way. Man Utd 15 minutes away from a Carling Cup quarter-final exit.

2202: It's half-time in extra time at Old Trafford, by the way.

2202: A controversial defeat for Tottenham, then, and one that leaves their hopes of Europa League progression hanging by a thread. By our initial calculations, Harry Redknapp's boys need a hefty win over Shamrock Rovers in their final group game and for PAOK Salonika to beat Rubin Kazan. In other words... their chances look slimmer than a supermodel's ankles.

2159: FULL-TIME Tottenham 1-2 PAOK Salonika

2158: Blimey O'Reilly - Darren Ambrose has just pinged a doozy of a free-kick at goal from 40 yards that forces Ben Amos into a sprawling save.

2157: Immediate chance of a reply from Man Utd as Mame Diouf's header finds Federico Macheda inside the box, but the Italian flicks wide with just the keeper to beat.

Crystal Palace goal: Breakthrough. Palace lead again as Glenn Murray heads in Darren Ambrose's brilliant free-kick from six yards out, centre of goal. Upset back on.

2154: GOALFLASH Man Utd 1-2 Crystal Palace (Murray)

2153: Five minutes of stoppage time at White Hart Lane - where PAOK continue to defend like absolute animals. Tremendous effort from them tonight, tremendous.

2152: First chance of note in extra time at Old Trafford, Darron Gibson firing wide from range.

2150: Minutes remaining at White Hart Lane, where it is never - ever - dull.

Richard Bound on Twitter: "Goal has to stand, referee has broken the rules not giving it. He is wrong."

Anonymous, via text on 81111: "Got to be a goal, might be unsporting but Defoe was onside and scored."

2147: Extra time at Old Trafford gets under way, Man Utd 1-1 Crystal Palace.

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: In Group C PSV have now scored a third goal away at Legia Warsaw as they look to pip the Polish side to top spot in the table. The visitors are making their extra man pay after Disan Kuciak, the Legia Warsaw keeper was sent off.

2144: And now Tottenham have yet another effort cleared off the line, Williams Gallas's header blocked right on the line. Moments later Yago Falque curls inches wide. One way traffic.

2142: Massive, massive controversy at White Hart Lane. Tottenham think they have equalised as Jermain Defoe prods home 10 yards out - and referee Bas Nijhuis gives it. However, with a PAOK Salonika player lying injured on the line - and playing Defoe onside - the linesman calls play back for offside and the referee changes his mind. There is an argument Spurs should have stopped play but it was never offside. Bizarre.

2140: FULL-TIME Man Utd 1-1 Crystal Palace
Extra-time to be played

2138: Ooh close! Crystal Palace's Glenn Murray lines one up from the corner of the box and his low shot almost creeps in at the near post, the effort zipping into the side netting. Into stoppage time at Old Trafford.

2136: Not a huge amount to report still from Old Trafford, where Man Utd and Crystal Palace continue to spar without either providing a knockout blow. Very much has the feel of extra time about that one.

2135: Final change for Tottenham - Yago Falque on for Harry Kane.

2134: Close for Tottenham - Harry Kane inches away from nodding Kyle Walker's cross in from close range and Gareth Bale firing the rebound over 12 yards out. There are 20 minutes left for Tottenham to come back there.

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: In Group B Standard Liege take a huge step towards qualification by doubling their lead against Hannover 96. The German side could also go through tonight if FC Copenhagen lose at Vorskla Poltava but that game is currently 1-1. It looks like PSV Eindhoven will win Group C after doubling their lead at Legia Warsaw who have also been reduced to 10-men, so they might have to settle for second spot.

2130: With PAOK Salonika sitting deeper than the Titanic right now it's Tottenham camped in the visitor's final third. No breakthrough just yet, though and after Jake Livermore punts inches wide from range Kyle Walker comes on to replace Steven Pienaar.

2128: Into the last 10 minutes at Old Trafford and the game remains finely balanced at 1-1. Extra-time looms.

2126: Change for Tottenham - and it's Gareth Bale coming on in place of Danny Rose. Just what PAOK Salonika didn't want to see, I'd wager.

2125: Over at Old Trafford, Crystal Palace have far from retreated into their shell since that Federico Macheda penalty - and if anything are just edging proceedings again. No great chances of note since United's leveller, mind.

2122: Wave after wave of Tottenham attacks at White Hart Lane...

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: Hapoel Tel Aviv restore their two-goal advantage away at Rapid Bucharest in Group C and they now lead 3-1. In the other match PSV Eindhoven are edging closer to winning the group as they still lead 1-0 at Legia Warsaw.

2119: It's all Tottenham at White Hart Lane - and it should be 2-2, Vedran Corluka picking out Steven Pienaar with a cut-back from the right but the midfielder fluffs his effort wide on the run 16 yards out. Ho hum.

Man Utd goal: Crystal Palace's lead lasts all of three minutes as Patrick McCarthy drags Federico Macheda down in the box and the Italian picks himself up to convert the resulting spot-kick. All level.

2116: GOALFLASH Man Utd 1-1 Crystal Palace (Macheda pen)

2116: PENALTY TO MAN UTD

2115: At White Hart Lane, Danny Rose flights a cross to Harry Kane at the far post, but the 18-year-old mistimes his jump and heads over the bar. It seemed easier to score from that position. Big miss.

2114: That's Palace's first goal in six, by the way. And what a way to get it.

Crystal Palace goal: Pick that one out. It's an absolute peach from Darren Ambrose, the midfielder picking the ball up 45 yards out, taking a touch or two, and then pile-driving an unstoppable shot into the top corner from fully 35 yards. Superb.

2113: GOALFLASH Man Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace (Ambrose)

@jmsutton on Twitter: "Kind of feel sorry for Steve Bruce. Assembled a very good squad and they let him down big style"

Andy from Portsmouth via text: "I expect Morrison to be in the next England squad now he has made an appearance for Utd then."

Jason Roberts on Radio 5 live at Old Trafford: "The only positive is that United have been slightly better than they were in the first half but you have to give Palace credit. But as the game progresses it's going to get easier for United and they will get chances."

2111: Man Utd change - Rafael da Silva replaced by Paul Pogba. The two hotly-tipped youngsters are on for Man Utd.

2109: ...and Tottenham immediately have the ball in the net, William Gallas prodding home Luka Modric's free-kick - only to be denied by the linesman's flag. Replays suggest that just the five Tottenham players were clear of the PAOK defence. Good call.

2109: Back up and running at White Hart Lane...

2108: Like that... the ball falling to Ravel Morrison eight yards out and Crystal Palace keeper Lewis Price has to pull off a wonder save to keep the youngster's low snap-shot out on the angle.

2107: Still plenty of commitment on show from the Crystal Palace boys - but you just get the feeling Man Utd are sharpening their attacking knives.

sendorange on Twitter: "Not a clear handball for me, but a clear red card-worthy foul on Defoe in the follow-up."

Anon via text: "Very unlucky for Stafylidis. Difficult to tell whether it hit is arm or not, and even if it did it definitely wasn't deliberate as he kept his arms down by his sides. Then again, I am an Arsenal fan."

Nick Clayden on Twitter: "This is what Man Utd fans have had to become used to lately! A below par United, not delivering."

2102: Man Utd starting to break Palace down now and that's the first we've seen of Ravel Morrison, the youngster stinging the palms of Lewis Price with a 20-yard strike. Sir Alex Ferguson's boys upping the tempo/

2100: And just as I type that Manchester United forge their best chance of the match, Antonio Valencia picking the pocket of Anthony Gardner and striding clear of the Palace defence, but his low finish is tipped around the post by visiting keeper Lewis Price. Great save.

2059: Five minutes in at Old Trafford... but no great shakes just yet from Manchester United, who have yet to get Ravel Morrison in the game yet.

2055: HALF-TIME Tottenham 1-2 PAOK Salonika
Michael Da Silva's HT snapshot: "Spurs spent much of the first half asleep but Luka Modric's penalty - and PAOK's Kostas Stafylidis' red card for handball - gives them a lifeline. It's still a big ask, but the momentum is clearly with Tottenham now."

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: It's all happening in Group B tonight, Dame N'doye has now made up for his earlier own goal to equalise for FC Copenhagen against Vorskla Poltava. Remember the Danish side need to avoid defeat to keep alive their hopes of qualification. There's also been more goals in Group C. Hapoel Tel Aviv doubled their advantage against Rapid Bucharest from the penalty spot, before Deac pulled a goal back also with a penalty. In the other game PSV Eindhoven have taken the lead at Legia Warsaw, with both already through.

2053: Meanwhile we're back under way at Old Trafford, where Ravel Morrison is on for Dimitar Berbatov. High, high hopes for this boy at OT, I'm telling you.

2053: And the half-time whistle goes in London.

2051: Completely different look and feel to the game at White Hart Lane now. It's Tottenham bang in the ascendency.

naskopalov on Twitter: "Very, very harsh penalty decision."

pintstonight on Twitter: "That is a definite penalty, it hits his arm. Anyway Defoe was clearly tripped right after it."

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: In the other game in Group B Vorskla Poltava, who can't qualify, have taken the lead at home to FC Copenhagen thanks to an own goal from Dame N'doye. If things remain the same both Standard Liege and Hannover 96 would go through.

2046: Watching that again on replay, I'm not convinced the ball didn't ricochet off Kostas Stafylidis's midriff rather than arm, you know. It's not at all clear, mind.

Tottenham goal/PAOK red card: Pivotal, pivotal moment. Moments after Jermain Defoe forces a fabulous save from range, one incident turns the game on its head.

After Vedran Corluka's header from a corner is blocked by Kostas Stafylidis, the same player gets in the way of Harry Kane's goalbound shot on the line - with, says the referee, his hand - and he is immediately sent off. Luka Modric steps up to convert the penalty and Spurs are all of a sudden right back in this.

2044: GOALFLASH Tottenham 1-2 PAOK Salonika (Modric pen)

2044: RED CARD, Stafylidis, PAOK SALONIKA

2043: PENALTY TO TOTTENHAM

2040: HALF-TIME Man Utd 0-0 Crystal Palace
Sam Sheringham's HT snap-shot: "I think I can hear Sir Alex cranking up the hairdryer. United were dismal, Palace bright and breezy, with their 19-year-old winger Wilfried Zaha the star of the half."

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: In Group C Hapoel Tel-Aviv take the lead at Rapid Bucharest. It's all academic when it comes to qualification but the Israeli side are looking to finish with a flurry after previously picking up just one point.

2038: Finally Tottenham forge something like an opening as Steven Pienaar's wayward shot at goal is side-footed instinctively wide by Harry Kane - a bit more encouraging nonetheless.

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: In Group B Standard Liege have taken the lead at home to Hannover 96, Mohammed Tchite with the goal. A win for the Belgian side would send them through to the last 32. While both sides will go through if Vorskla Poltava beat FC Copenhagen, which is currently goalless.

2036: The half-time whistle blows at Old Trafford.

2034: Tottenham, meanwhile, have not conceded for a few minutes - but that's about as good as it gets. Vedran Corluka, William Gallas and Steven Pienaar - the latter two returning from injury tonight, admittedly - look alarmingly rusty out there and as a result the hosts have so far been completely unable to build any rhythm at all.

2032: Blow for Crystal Palace as Sean Scannell limps away from the match at Old Trafford, Jonathan Parr his replacement.

2031: There's a chance for Man Utd, though - Antonio Valencia finding Mame Diouf with a deep cross, the striker sending his effort over the bar with an overhead kick.

2028: Most of the game at Old Trafford is still being played in United's half and Sir Alex Ferguson does not look a happy man. Fabio does not look overly contented either as he is forced off with a hamstring injury and replaced by Zeki Fryers.

2025: You don't think Harry Redknapp's "done a Steve Kean" and 'forfeited' do you?

2023: At Tottenham, it's like Young Boys all over again. Harry Redknapp's boys are being carved open like a Christmas turkey time after time again.

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: In Group C PSV Eindhoven and Legia Warsaw have already qualified, now they are battling it out to see who can win the group. A win for PSV in Poland would see them secure top spot tonight.

PAOK Salonika goal: Not just rocking... reeling. Vedran Corluka is having a nightmare at right-back and it's down his side that Tottenham are opened up for the second time inside 14 minutes, Giorgos Georgiadis bettering the Croatian again before sending over a super cross for Stefanos Athanasiadis to slide home.

2019: GOALFLASH Tottenham 0-2 PAOK Salonika (Athanasiadis)

2018: We have a booking at Old Trafford as Fabio da Silva finally has his name taken for yet another foul on Wilfried Zaha. The Palace man causing the United full-back all sorts of problems so far and the visitors have bossed the opening half hour as a result.

2017: Tottenham are rocking here and PAOK almost carve a second, Etto getting in behind the defence down the right only to pull his pass back behind the onrunshing Dimitris Salpi. Let-off.

EUROPEA LEAGUE LATEST: In Group G Metalist Kharkiv have qualified for the last 32, with a 4-1 win over Austria Vienna. The other place will go to either AZ Alkmaar or Austria Vienna. AZ host Metalist in their final game while Malmo travel to Austria Vienna.

PAOK Salonika goal: Awful, awful defending. Tottenham have dominated the opening five minutes but defending sloppier than a two-year-old's handwriting allows PAOK to open the scoring, Giorgos Georgiadis's cross headed home completely unmarked by Dimitris Salpi. Not the start Tottenham wanted or needed.

2011: GOALFLASH Tottenham 0-1 PAOK Salonika (Salpi)

2009: But back come Crystal Palace and the ever-lively Wilfried Zaha, who turns inside the Man Utd area to earn half a yard of space before lashing a rising drive over the home bar.

2007: Back at Old Trafford, Man Utd carve out their first real chance of note - Antonio Valencia ending a driving run with a delightful scoop into the path of Dimitar Berbatov inside the Crystal Palace box, but the Bulgarian slaps wide on the angle 12 yards out.

2005: A very decent atmosphere at White Hart Lane, following an emotional minute's applause in tribute to Gary Speed, and Tottenham get their Europa League match against PAOK under way.

2004: Here's a chance, though - a big penalty shout for Crystal Palace as Man Utd defender Fabio da Silva climbs all over the back of Wilfried Zaha but referee Chris Foy waves play on. Replays suggest it probably was a foul... but was also probably outside the box.

2002: No chances of any note at all at Old Trafford yet, but Manchester United have nipped Crystal Palace's early ambition in the bud and are starting to control possession. No doubt which team is winning the sing-off, though, with Palace very much the Leona Lewis to Man Utd's Wagner right now.

1959: TOTTENHAM v PAOK (2005)
Michael Da Silva reports: "At White Hart Lane Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp includes a number of senior players for the visit of PAOK. Jermaine Defoe and Aaron Lennon keep their places after Tottenham's 3-1 win over West Brom on Saturday, while Luka Modric, William Gallas and Steven Pienaar are also given starts."

1957: Crystal Palace have started very brightly at Old Trafford, with the highly-rated 19-year-old winger Wilfried Zaha clearly intent on carrying the fight to his illustrious opponents.

1955: Yep, Europa League conotation fans, pick the bones out of that. Those results in Group H mean Birmingham must now beat Maribor in their final match and hope that Braga win in Bruges - with both Braga and FC Brugge needing only a draw to qualify. Celtic, meanwhile, will join now-qualified Atletico in the knockout stages with a win over Udinese in their last game in Group I. Tension.

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: In the other key games in the Birmingham and Celtic groups, Club Brugge complete a stunning comeback to win 4-3 at Maribor with four goal in the last 16 minutes, while in Celtic's group Rennes and Udinese finishes goalless. Which is good for Celtic because...

1952: FULL-TIME Braga 1-0 Birmingham

1952: FULL-TIME Celtic 0-1 Atletico Madrid

1950: We're into stoppage time in the Birmingham and Celtic matches, but neither are showing much sign of getting anything at all from their games.

Ben Penney on Twitter: "Where are the youngsters in that united line up? Thought fergie was backing youth? #bbcfootball"

1948: We are up and running at Old Trafford in the Carling Cup quarter-final between Manchester United and Crystal Palace.

The_King_Clown on Twitter: "Hearing that Liverpool midfielder Lucas is out for six months."

robhelliwell21 on Twitter: "Maribor nightmare!!"

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: Staggering fight back at Maribor with Club Brugge now level at 3-3, believe it or not. Nabil Dirar netted two in three minutes before second half substitute Joseph Akpala equalises with nine minutes to go - and that aint great for Birmingham.

1944: Into the last five minutes in Braga and at Parkhead - and it's not looking too great for either Birmingham or Celtic as it stands. Late rally anyone?

1943: And speaking ahead of that Carling Cup quarter-final, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It's a cup tie and a quarter-final and the opportunity to get into semi-finals is there for both teams tonight. We know we have a job to do. We have a starting line-up with nine internationals in it so we expect to do well. I would love to have given the young boys a chance but I have a lot of players needing games tonight so that's why I have gone with an experienced team."

1942: MAN UTD v CRYSTAL PALACE (1945)
Sam Sheringham reports: "So having promised a "complete change" to his line-up, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson makes just the 10 changes for the visit of Crystal Palace, with Fabio Da Silva retaining his place from the side that drew 1-1 with Newcastle on Saturday. Darron Gibson and Mame Diouf come into midfield, while Federico Macheda partners Dimitar Berbatov up front. Crystal Palace, who play Derby in the league on Friday, show five changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Millwall in their last league game, with Jermaine Easter leading the line up front."

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: There's more good news for Birmingham as Maribor are now leading Club Brugge 3-1 after Dalibor Volas scored his second of the night.

1938: Massive chance for Braga to wrap things up against Birmingham - two in fact - but first Lima, one-on-one and in acres of space, is denied by Boaz Myhill standing tall in the Birmingham goal and then Paulo Cesar side-foots over on the rebound. What a waste.

1936: In Scotland, Atletico's Salvio gets away from his man and through on goal, only to scuff his effort as he tried to lift it over advancing keeper Fraser Forster, who manages to parry wide.

1935: TOTTENHAM v PAOK (2005)
Michael Da Silva reports: "Harry Redknapp is wary of the threat posed by PAOK, who held Tottenham to a goalless draw in September. 'It's a must-win game. I would have made 11 changes from Saturday but Roman Pavlyuchenko tweaked his knee and Giovani dos Santos has a groin strain,' said Redknapp. 'Our league form is great because I've not played players on Thursday then Sunday. We will carry on with our plan but it will be difficult as they are a good team.'"

1934: MAN UTD v CRYSTAL PALACE (1945)
Sam Sheringham reports: "Crystal Palace boss Dougie Freedman was in philosophical mood ahead of his side's Carling Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford, urging his players to learn from the experience. 'I've told my players to go there and come away better players,' he said. Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, meanwhile, has backed the club's youngsters to produce the goods against Palace. 'I would back them to produce, definitely. They certainly have the talent.'"

1933: MAN UTD v CRYSTAL PALACE (1945)
Man Utd: Amos, Rafael Da Silva, Smalling, Evans, Fabio Da Silva, Valencia, Gibson, Park, Diouf, Berbatov, Macheda. Subs: Lindegaard, Michael Keane, Pogba, Morrison, Fryers, Cole, Lingard.
Crystal Palace: Price, Clyne, McCarthy, Gardner, Moxey, Dikgacoi, O'Keefe, Wright, Zaha, Scannell, Easter. Subs: Speroni, Parr, Ambrose, Iversen, Jedinak, Murray, Ramage.
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside)

1931: Birmingham chance! David Murphy swings in a great cross from the left and Nikola Zigic gets up between two Braga defenders to bullet a header at goal... but it flies over the top. Close.

1929: But Celtic are living dangerously at the back and Fraser Forster is forced to bundle Diego's free-kick on to the bar from range.

1927: Celtic think they have have levelled as Gary Hooper puts the ball in the back of the net, only for the referee to blow his whistle for off side - and maybe even handball against Anthony Stokes as well. Correct decision.

richkdavis on Twitter: "No joke but I've heard from my sources that Ant and Dec are being lined up for the Sunderland job."

1925: Great Celtic effort - finally - as Sung-yong Ki whips a fine free-kick at goal from 22 yards out, but Thibaut Courtois tips it over the Atletico bar. On loan from Chelsea, Courtois. And he's faring better tonight than he did at the weekend when he was sent off against Real Madrid.

1924: Oh Marlon, not good. The ball falls to Chris Burke at the back post and the Birmingham man looks set to fire goalwards - until Marlon King gets in his way looking to get an effort in himself. Oops.

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: There's a shock on the cards in Group H - Birmingham's group - with leaders Club Brugge currently trailing 2-0 at Maribor, who before tonight had picked up just point. Birmingham and Brugge sit on seven points each, three points behind Braga - who are through - as it stands.

pablonbar on Twitter: "No joke but I've heard from sources in Dublin that Steve Staunton is being lined up to become caretaker manager of Sunderland!"

Anon via text: "Re Sunderland, is now not the time to look at some up and coming English managers doing well in the job? Nigel Adkins for me..."

1920: An hour gone at Parkhead and Celtic are huffing and puffing in their attempts to get back into their match with Atletico Madrid. Beram Kayal has just lashed a volley wide from range, but otherwise it's not too threatening from the hosts so far this half.

1919: Braga's tails are up now following Hugo Viana's opener and after Lima breaks clear down the left, Helder Barbosa miskicks and the ball rolls to Djamal, whose fierce shot is well blocked by Curtis Davies.

1917: STEVE BRUCE REACTION
Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips speaking to Radio 5 live on Steve Bruce sacking: "Certainly when the Sunderland crowd turn on you, it left the board with no option. With the players they brought in the summer and the experience, you would have thought they would be doing better. The players need to look at themselves. Steve spent a lot of money and they (the players) haven't responded."

1916: TOTTENHAM v PAOK SALONIKA (2005)
Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Gallas, Bassong, Rose, Lennon, Livermore, Modric, Pienaar, Defoe, Kane. Subs: Cudicini, Bale, Falque, Walker, Townsend, Fredericks, Carroll.
PAOK Salonika: Chalkias, Etto, Malezas, Contreras, Stafylidis, Lazar, Pablo Garcia, Fotakis, Salpingidis, Georgiadis, Athanasiadis. Subs: Kresic, Balafas, Cirillo, Sznaucner, Ivic, Arias, Papazoglou.
Referee: Bas Nijhuis (Holland)

1915: STEVE BRUCE REACTION
Former Sunderland captain Michael Gray wants Mark Hughes to replace Steve Bruce at Sunderland, telling Phil McNulty: "I played under Mark Hughes at Ewood Park and I loved it. I know exactly how he works and I think he would be perfect for what Sunderland need right now. Mark is astute tactically, a very hard-working manager. Sunderland need results quickly and Mark would work those players like they have never been worked before."

J0hnCooke on Twitter: "Rafa Benitez for Sunderland, what I've been hearing..."

1910: Half-chance for Celtic against Atletico as Anthony Stokes decides to take a shot from 20 yards out rather than cross for Gary Hooper, but his effort is saved at the near post.

Braga goal: They have hardly touched the ball in this half but Braga are ahead and it's through former Newcastle man Hugo Viana. The midfielder collects a ball from the right 30 yards from goal, takes aim with his left foot and sees his hopeful shot strike Curtis Davies to deflect past a wrong-footed Boaz Myhill. Fluke.

1909: GOALFLASH Braga 1-0 Birmingham (Viana)

1908: BREAKING TEAM NEWS
Federico Macheda partners Dimitar Berbatov up front for Manchester United against Crystal Palace, while Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba start on the bench.

1907: The last thing Celtic need now is to concede a second goal - but that's exactly what they almost do as they allow Gabi far too much room on the edge of their area, the Braga man lashing narrowly wide with a 20-yard strike.

1905: BREAKING TEAM NEWS
Luka Modric, William Gallas, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe all start for Tottenham against PAOK Salonika tonight.

1904: ...as it is at Parkhead, where Gary Hooper is on for Victor Wanyama for the hosts.

1903: Back to matters on the pitch, though - Braga v Birmingham is back under way...

Michael Vaughan on Twitter: "Bruce sacked... I like him but surely now Martin O'neil will come back into management. IMO he is one of the very best in the business."

Jordan via text: "My source tells me Sven Goran Erikson is already at the Stadium Of Light negotiating a deal until the end of the season. You heard it here first."

SoakyDavies on Twitter: "Of course its natural to think of Mark Hughes for Sunderland, but I did have a feeling he'd consider a second spell with Wales."

1900: TOTTENHAM v PAOK (2005)
Michael Da Silva reports: "Having just made it nine wins from 10 in the Premier League, it would be fair to say the Europa League is not the priority for Tottenham this season. But Harry Redknapp's side have been impressive on all fronts and his fringe players will be favourites to maintain their unbeaten Europa League home record against PAOK at White Hart Lane."

1858: MAN UTD v CRYSTAL PALACE (1945)
Sam Sheringham reports: "Like their Premier League rivals who were in action last night, four-time League Cup winners Manchester United are expected to ring the changes with the highly-rated Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba both in the running for their first senior starts against Crystal Palace in their Carling Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford. The Eagles will hope they can shake off a poor run of form since their win over Southampton in the last round, where they have failed to win or score in their last five games."

1857: And let's have a look ahead to our two later featured matches shall we?

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: Rubin Kazan have moved to the top of Group A with a 4-1 win over Shamrock Rovers. Former Newcastle and Birmingham striker Obafemi Martins was on the scoresheet as they move two points clear of PAOK Salonika - but Tottenham can draw level on points with Rubin Kazan with a win over PAOK tonight.

Ash_Watson505 on Twitter: "Steve Bruce goes to Blackburn, keeps them up, Martin O'Neil goes to Sunderland, top half table. Steve Kean goes to Doncaster."

Chris B via text: "To come back from being one down against Renne is one thing, but against Athletico Madrid is quite another. Joe Ledley's loss is another to the growing list..."

byattchelseafc on Twitter: "Steve Bruce to Chelsea as a defensive coach anyone??"

1855: I told you folks - Carling Cup and Europa League nights are never dull. Even if we have to rely on events off the pitch at times. What are we thinking? Tweet the commentary via #BBCFootball, Tweet me @sampatricklyon or text in via 81111 (UK). Easy.

1853: HALF-TIME Celtic 0-1 Atletico Madrid
Keir Murray's HT snap-shot: "Arda Turan has been the thorn in Celtic's side all evening - and Neil Lennon's side face an uphill battle to stay in the competition now and no mistake."

1851: HALF-TIME Braga 0-0 Birmingham
Tom Rostance's HT snap-shot: "Birmingham were superb for the opening 20 minutes and should have been two or three goals up - but Nikola Zigic's penalty miss was costly and the Portuguese hosts end the half firmly on top."

TomasWare1 on Twitter: "Mark Hughes has got to be a favourite to take over at Sunderland..."

Ian from St Annes via text: "Can't say I'm surprised about Steve Bruce because football is a fickle business but I just hope Bolton don't follow suit with Owen Coyle now that the managerial rollercoaster has set off."

1848: As it does now in the Celtic-Atletico tie.

1847: The half-time whistle blows in the Braga-Birmingham match.

1845: At Parkhead, Celtic threaten when Anthony Stokes whips in a low cross towards James Forrest waiting to fire home at the back post, but defender Diego Godin is back just in time to nick the ball off the Bhoys' boy's toes.

1843: Better from Birmingham after a quiet period, Chris Burke bursting well down the right before cutting back to Keith Fahey, whose snap-shot is blocked inside the area.

William Cave on Twitter: "AVB to the North East if Valencia game goes wrong? Just a thought."

1840: Blow for Celtic as Joe Ledley is stretchered from the field following a kick to the calf, Charlie Mulgrew given the nod to replace him.

1839: In Braga, after Birmingham's brilliant opening 25 minutes it is the hosts who are in control now. Mossoro slaloms through three challenges to break into the area but he is robbed by a great recovery tackle from Keith Fahey.

1837: Celtic still rocking following Arda Turan's goal and Gabi is set up 18 yards out for another strike at the Bhoys goal, but the Atletico man slides his side-foot finish wide.

1836: To be fair, aside from Mark Hughes, Martin O'Neill is the only choice as the next Sunderland manager surely?

Adam Clatworthy on Twitter: "My default comment for any managerial sacking is "If they've got Martin O'Neill lined up, then it's a good move." #BBCfootball

Jonny via text: "Massive news from Bloomfield Road re: 1755. Gutted that our best and most consistent player has gone back to Liverpool."

1833: STEVE BRUCE REACTION
Did you know? Steve Bruce - who parted company with Sunderland earlier this evening - was in charge of the Black Cats for 98 games, winning 29, losing 41 and drawing 28.

Atletico Madrid goal: It was merely a blip a moment ago. Arda Turan gets the goal his display so far deserves, controlling a half-cleared corner before lashing a rising drive into the top corner from 22 yards. Big setback for Celtic.

1832: GOALFLASH Celtic 0-1 Atletic Madrid (Turan)

1831: Just after giving him the right royal big-up, Arda Turan's touch lets him down badly as the ball falls to him on the edge of the area with the goal gaping, only for the forward to fail to control first time, allowing Celtic to clear.

1829: Braga have come right back into affairs in their match against Birmingham following the visitors' blistering start, but the Portuguese outfit just struggling top open the Blues up at present.

1826: Arda Turan is looking all sorts of lively for Atletico Madrid tonight and he opens up the Celtic defence on the back of a fine run, only for Adrian Lopez to see his low shot blocked.

BBC Football Focus presenter Dan Walker on Twitter: "Steve Bruce gone. Don't forget he lost Gyan, Wellbeck & Bent. Aren't many sides who wouldn't struggle without their best 3 strikers"

The_CoinToss on Twitter: "Blackburn should snap up Brucey. He'll save their season."

1821: STEVE BRUCE REACTION
Sunderland chairman Ellis Short on Steve Bruce leaving Sunderland: "It is my job to act in the best interests of our football club and I can assure everyone that this is not a decision that I have taken lightly. Sadly results this season have simply not been good enough and I feel the time is right to make a change."

1818: At Parkhead, it's getting increasingly encouraging for Celtic. First, Giorgos Samaras turns and heads at goal from point-blank range but too close to keeper Thibaut Courtios, who saves, and the Greek striker then bursts down the left only for his cross to be desperately cleared from under his own bar by Diego Godin.

1815: Another minute, another Birmingham chance as David Murphy's free-kick is met on the dive by Steve Caldwell at the far post, but his glance header is palmed away by Quim. The Blues could be two or three to the good already.

1814: And from the resulting free-kick, David Murphy's whipped effort forces a smart low stop from Braga keeper Quim.

1813: A massive sigh of relief for Braga as Ewerton - who was booked moments earlier when he gave away thatpenalty - slides in rashly to bring down Chris Burke on the edge of the area, only for referee Markus Strombergsson to decide not to book the defender, who is very lucky not to see red.

Missed penalty: After Ewerton clearly fells Wade Elliott dashing into the Braga area, up steps Nikola Zigic with a golden chance to hand the visitors a deserved lead - but his effort is stopped by Quim's sprawling save to the left. Waste.

1811: PENALTY MISSED, Birmingham, SAVED

1810: PENALTY TO BIRMINGHAM

1809: Chances at both ends at Parkhead, Daniel Majstorovic glancing Anthony Stokes's cross off-target from close range for Celtic before Arda Turan's cross at the other almost lets in Eduardo Salvio as keeper Fraser Forster dallies, but his first touch gets away from him and Celtic survive. Just. Again.

RobinsSupremo on Twitter: "Steve Bruce out before [Blackburn boss] Steve Kean? I know the Premier League is unpredictable this year but seriously...?!"

1806: Birmingham have started nicely in Braga, Chris Hughton's boys knocking the ball around nicely. This time, Wade Elliott combines with Chris Burke down the right, and Burke is able to pick out Jean Beausejour running into the area - but the winger can't control his header and sends his effort high and wide.

1804: At Parkhead, meanwhile, it's a big chance for Atletico as Eduardo Salvio, six yards out and completely unmarked, heads wide of goal. Massive let-off early doors for the Bhoys.

1802: And it's a big penalty shout for Birmingham in the first minute as Chris Burke's cross strikes the hand of Elderson inside the area. Unluckily for Chris Hughton's side referee Markus Strombergsson decides that it is a case of ball to hand and waves play on.

1801: Big, BIG news coming out of the Stadium of Light, then, with Steve Bruce heading through the exit door. As that news breaks, the Birmingham and Celtic matches get under way.

1800: BREAKING NEWS
Sunderland have parted company with manager Steve Bruce.

1759: Celtic, by the way, have played Spanish opposition on 23 occasions: they have won six, drawn five and lost 12.

1758: The players are out and about in the Birmingham and Celtic matches, you lot ready?

GavinSharp97 on Twitter: "Man City to win the Europa League - heard it here first."

Ned, Hertfordshire via text: "Carling Cup, Europa League, Champions League, World Cup even. Football is Football, that's why I'm watching."

1755: BREAKING NEWS
Liverpool have recalled Jonjo Shelvey from his loan spell at Blackpool after key midfielder Lucas sustained a knee injury against Chelsea last night.

1754: CELTIC v ATLETICO MADRID (1800)
Keir Murray reports: "Celtic go into the game against Atletico Madrid on the back of a 5-0 win over St Mirren, and boss Neil Lennon is hoping that will be perfect confidence boost in Europe: 'Of course it lifts us when we see the team play as well as they can. Confidence is high in the squad and there is a good feeling around the club again.' Atletico Madrid manager Gregorio Manzano won't be settling for a draw, though: 'We want to get far in the tournament and to do that we need to take all the points. Mathematically that would put us through.'"

1753: BRAGA v BIRMINGHAM (1800)
Tom Rostance reports: "Birmingham boss Chris Hughton does not see his side's European jaunt as a distraction from their aim of winning promotion back to the Premier League, saying: 'Braga are quite rightly the favourites for the game. But with big Championship games coming up it's a release to play in this game in a magnificent stadium.'"

EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST: There's a match already under way in Europe tonight - and it's a big one for Spurs fans. Shamrock are still looking for their first point in Group A and it looks a hard road for them again against Rubin Kazan. At half-time they trail the Russians 2-1 having equalised through Ken Oman on 12 minutes, only for Bebras Natcho to have re-established the hosts' lead. Not great news for Spurs, who trail Rubin in the group by three points as it stands.

Eden_Jones123 on Twitter: "Crystal Palace to shock out of sorts Man Utd later?! Wonder what the odds are!"

1749: CELTIC v ATLETICO MADRID (1800)
Keir Murray reports: "Celtic manager Neil Lennon makes one change to his side from the starting XI that beat St Mirren 5-0 on Saturday with midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng replacing striker Gary Hooper, who starts as a substitute. Skipper Scott Brown and Mohamed Bangura return from respective ankle and knee injuries but are on the bench for the crunch match against Atletico Madrid."

1747: BRAGA v BIRMINGHAM TEAM NEWS (1800)
Tom Rostance reports: "Birmingham manager Chris Hughton makes just two changes for the trip to Portugal, with right-back Stephen Carr ruled out with a knee injury. Nikola Zigic replaces Marlon King up front while Guirane N'daw also comes into the side. Former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana starts for Braga."

mzunye88 on Twitter: "Will be interesting seeing Man City in the Europa."

DASAyrshire on Twitter: "Wet and windy at Celtic Park. Our only advantage."

1741: If, by the way, you're after a dedicated commentary of Celtic's crunch match against Atletico - our boys in Scotland have very much obliged. Get involved.

1740: CELTIC v ATLETICO MADRID (1800)
Celtic: Forster, Matthews, Majstorovic, Loovens, Ledley, Forrest, Wanyama, Kayal, Ki, Stokes, Samaras. Subs: Zaluska, Bangura, McCourt, Mulgrew, Filip Twardzik, Hooper.
Atletico Madrid: Courtois, Godin, Miranda, Perea, Filipe Luis, Salvio, Mario Suarez, Turan, Gabi, Diego, Adrian. Subs: Sergio Asenjo, Falcao, Reyes, Dominguez, Koke, Juanfran.
Referee: Eric Braamhar (Netherlands)

1738: BRAGA v BIRMINGHAM (1800)
Braga: Quim, Leandro Salino, Paulo Vinicius, Ewerton, Echiejile, Djamal, Hugo Viana, Alan, Mossoro, Helder Barbosa, Lima. Subs: Berni, Rodrigo Galo, Paulo Cesar, Merida, Nuno Gomes, Douglao, Nuninho.
Birmingham: Myhill, Spector, Caldwell, Davies, Murphy, N'Daw, Elliott, Fahey, Burke, Beausejour, Zigic. Subs: Doyle, Ibanez, King, Gomis, Rooney, Redmond, Wood.
Referee: Markus Strombergsson (Sweden)

GlenGraham2 on Twitter: "Tonight is the night where everyone sees why [Man Utd youngster] Ravel Morrison is being talked about so much!"

Chris via text: "Re 1715: Reflecting on school memories are we Sam?!"

1736: CELTIC v ATLETICO MADRID (1800)
Keir Murray reports: "Celtic go in to their penultimate game in Group I, against Atletico Madrid, in third place. The Spaniards lost 4-1 to city rivals Real on Saturday and had two men sent off. A win or draw for Neil Lennon's team would keep them in contention for progression from the group, but if they were to lose, they would be relying on Rennes taking something from Udinese. The Italians and Atletico - who Celtic have not beaten in five meetings - top the group on seven points, while Celtic are two points further back."

1734: BRAGA v BIRMINGHAM (1800)
Tom Rostance reports: "Birmingham face a tough test against Braga but should they avoid defeat they will go into the group decider with Maribor with qualification in their own hands. Chris Hughton's side have acquitted themselves well in Europe, but with visits to Championship play-off rivals Cardiff and Hull next week much will depend on how the manager shuffles his pack."

1732: Without further ado, then, let's hear from our reporters...

StevieOfKane on Twitter: "I'm stuck in the library writing an essay, I'll take anything right now. #Youhadmeateuropaleague."

1729: Your highlights for this evening, then, are...
EUROPA LEAGUE
Braga v Birmingham, Gp H (1800)
Celtic v Atletico Madrid, Gp I (1800)
Tottenham v PAOK Salonika, Gp A (2005)
CARLING CUP
Man Utd v Crystal Palace, QF (1945)
And I'll also bring you a round-up of events from elsewhere where and when I can. Basically, we've got it all going on right here.

FranklySpurs on Twitter: "Cant wait for the Tottenham game tonight. Should be a good one to continue our recent Premier League form and to qualify from the group."

Luke, Braintree in Essex, via text: "I'm a Spurs fan. I didn't even know we were playing today!"

1725: Whatever. Either way, why don't you lovely lot get in touch yeah? Tweet the commentary via the hashtag #BBCFootball, Tweet me @sampatricklyon or text in via 81111 (UK).

1723: Am I convincing anyone? Absolutely anyone at all?

1721: So forget your traditional top dollar tournaments, people, this season is turning into the year-of-the-Carling-Cup-and-Europa-League. And the journey to the end of the rainbow continues in approximately 39 minutes. Joyous scenes.

1718: Now, ladies and gentlemen, the Carling Cup and Europa League are threatening to take over as this season's glamour competitions. (Ahem. Ish.) While the former could boast a semi-final line-up including Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool, the latter might just feature a knockout line-up that includes not only the likes of Tottenham and Celtic, but also Champions League tightrope-walkers Man City, Man Utd and Chelsea. Boomtown.

1715: On the face of it, the Carling Cup and Europa League are very much the 'ugly sisters' of domestic and European cup competition. If the FA Cup and the Champions League are your big, older kids that always get picked first in gym class, the Carling Cup and Europa League are your young 'uns, made to wait until last knockings to get the nod... and then forced to play in goal. Until now, that is.