It’s not the winning but the losing that counts
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- Created: Tuesday, 21 April 2009 10:46
- Written by Ian Shine
As seasons across Europe come to a close everyone is supposedly neglecting the rear parts of their seats and experiencing bouts of incontinence.
But why? Most seasons ended a long time ago when certain teams decided to lose the odd game or two.
The Portuguese league was decided in favour of Porto when Benfica lost at home to Guimarães in March and Sporting lost at home to Braga in February.
The Premiership is supposedly wide open but you know Man U are going to win it. This was decided when Middlesbrough popped a cap in Liverpool’s ass in February and Chelsea were guffed on by Tottenham in March.
Those of you who read Last week's liga review could be forgiven for thinking this report describes the very same round of fixtures. But despite Real and Barca squeeking to narrow victories again, 
Just a few weeks and games remain in the season, every upcoming game is tagged with a reminder that at this stage all fixtures are must-win and of intense importance. The FA Cup semi-finals are in some ways like a paradox, it is make or break for the next few days, on the one hand there is tantalising glory, and then on the other, bitter disappointment.
With Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal all otherwise engaged, attention turned to the fight at the other end of the table this weekend. Going into the games nine were still in with a decent shout of going down, making it the closest relegation battle for years.