Sporting briefs...

Petrov: Atletico Madrid's Bulgarian forward Martin Petrov has returned to training with the squad after six months out with a knee ligament injury. The 28-year-old is Bulgaria's top scorer in qualifying for Euro 2008 with four goals.

Michel: Egyptian giants Zamalek have handed French coach Henri Michel a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the Cairo club until 2009. The 59-year-old former France captain and coach initially signed a six-month deal when he took over in December.

Abedi Pele: Triple African Footballer of the Year Abedi Pele said he would appeal against a one-year suspension handed to him last week in a match-fixing case. He was among officials and players from four clubs banned after two high-scoring matches in the race for promotion to Ghana's premier league last month. Abedi Pele's club FC Nania won 31-0 over Okwawu United.

Schalke: Bundesliga leaders Schalke 04 welcomed midfielder Gustavo Varela back to training yesterday after the Uruguayan international injured his knee on February 10 and underwent an operation in Uruguay. Varela will be available for Schalke's match at home on Saturday against Energie Cottbus.

Levski win: Frenchman Cedric Bardon hit a hat-trick as Levski beat Slavia 3-0 in the oldest Sofia derby to move a step closer to their 25th league title. Stanimir Stoilov's side have 60 points from 23 matches, followed by city rivals Lokomotiv on 57.

In Germany: Cup SF - Wolfsburg vs Stuttgart 0-1.

In France: Cup SF - Marseille vs Nantes 3-0. Ligue 1 - Bordeaux vs Nancy 3-0; Lyon vs Rennes 0-0.

In Spain: Cup SF (first leg) - Barcelona vs Getafe 5-2.

In Gozo: GFA Division One - Xaghra vs Ghajnsielem 0-2.