Thursday, March 10, 2005

UEFA Champions League: Last-16, 2nd leg

Chelsea-Barcelona 4-2
Goals: Eidur Gudjohnsen, Frank Lampard, Damien Duff, John Terry; Ronaldinho (2)

  • The two teams I would have preferred the most to be in the final. But such is football, that one of them had to be out. I would have been sorry if it had been Chelsea, and I am sorry it is Barcelona. But the two matches were a truly great spectacle. Chelsea is the team to watch!

AC Milan-Manchester United 1-0
Goals: Hernan Crespo

  • Hernan Crespo sealed the fate of Manchester United, scoring the lone goals in each match. Man United was a disappointment against a non-entertaining Italian side, which showed the efficiency that has made them champions before, and might also lead them to the title this season.

Olympique Lyon-Werder Bremen 7-2
Goals: Wiltord (3), Essien (2), Malouda, Berthod; Micoud, Ismael

  • This match saw the complete and utter destruction of a disillusioned German side. Lyon, on the other hand, is really emerging as this season's "dark horse". I really believe they can make it all the way, and no team whatsoever should feel comfortable playing this fantastic French side.

Juventus-Real Madrid 2-0 (after extra time)
Goals: Trezeguet, Zalayeta

  • Although an intense game, it was rather bad in outright quality. Juventus were too good in defence, and Real Madrid does not really seem to have the capacity nor the will to try to dominate a match. After first half, it became more and more predictable that Juve would get a goal, and they did through a marvellous strike by Trezeguet. Otherwise, the game belonged to the ever-fighting Camoranesi.

Arsenal-Bayern Munich 1-0
Goals: Thierry Henry

  • Arsenal did it again - got eliminated from the Champions League. They tried hard, but a great goal from Thierry Henry was not enough against a Bayern Munich team that has been so strong, that they should in every respect be considered as a serious candidate for the title.

Leverkusen-Liverpool 1-3
Goals: Krzynowek; Luis Garcia (2), Milan Baros

  • Liverpool has been excellent, giving them a hope of tasting some of their former glory. While they have showed will and spirit, they will indeed have to continue some of their best against any team in the next round. But they do have a strong team, and a coach who is used to winning...

AS Monaco-PSV Eindhoven 0-2
Goals: Vennegoor, Beasley

  • I know too little about PSV: they are a talented young team, leading in Netherlands, coached by Guus Hiddink, one of the best coaches in the world. But otherwise, I never expected them to eliminate Monaco in such a formidable way. It seems they can beat anyone. There is little expectation, and every will to show how good they are. More surprises ahead, PSV?

We still have one more to go, as Inter-Oporto was postponed until next week. Then we will know all the quarterfinalists.

Bad for Spanish football. Completely out of the quarterfinals!

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