Sporting briefs

United protests: There was a trade in US flags on the streets of Cardiff before yesterday's FA Cup final as Arsenal supporters chanting "USA, USA, USA" jeered Manchester United fans over the Malcolm Glazer takeover. Rain put a damper on the peaceful protests of the United fans, many dressed predominantly in black, against the US financier's purchase of their club. Probably the last FA Cup final to be staged in Cardiff went off without any major trouble, with police reporting only 10 arrests for minor public order offences, two of which were inside the ground.

Barcelona: Henrik Larsson and Gabri have been called into the Barcelona squad for the final home game of the season after spending much of the campaign on the sidelines with serious knee ligament injuries. Having wrapped up the league title last week, coach Frank Rijkaard may take the opportunity to give the pair a run out at some point during the side's match against Villarreal at the Nou Camp today.

Mutu: Juventus striker Adrian Mutu was named in Romania's squad to face the Netherlands and Armenia in World Cup qualifiers next month. The former Chelsea forward completes a seven-month suspension for testing positive for cocaine on Tuesday.

CSKA Sofia Champions: CSKA Sofia won the Bulgarian premier league title for the 30th time yesterday, beating struggling Pirin Blagoevgrad 2-1 at home with one game remaining. The Reds, who clinched the honour without losing once this season, produced 25 wins and four draws and also secured a berth in the Champions League qualifying stages by finishing six points ahead of second-placed Levski Sofia.

Rivaldo: Two-goal Brazilian Rivaldo added the Greek Cup to his list of honours as he steered Olympiakos Piraeus to a 3-0 final win over Aris Salonika at the Panpeloponisiakos Stadium in Patras yesterday. Predrag Djordevic opened the scoring with a 57th-minute penalty before Rivaldo made sure of victory.

Baros: Milan Baros is planning to use Michael Owen's example to become Liverpool's hero in the Champions League final on Wednesday. Baros is vying with Djibril Cisse for a place in attack against Milan after being demoted to a substitute's role in the League Cup final defeat by Chelsea in February. "Maybe I can follow Michael Owen," said Baros. "He was on the bench for the League Cup final in 2001 but in the FA Cup final a few months later scored the winning goals (in the 2-1 win over Arsenal). That would be nice."

In Spain: Primera Liga - Real Betis vs Real Zaragoza 3-2.