09-10 UEFA champions League 1/8 (Part I): Milan Stumble At Home, Arsenal Gaffe Proves Costly
February 20th 2010 03:38
Well folks, it's that time of the year again where teams gear up for the final stretch of their domestic season while also fighting for European glory. With the African cup of Nations taking place in a World Cup year, fixtures around Europe suffered massive changes in order to accommodate all teams. As a result, I've been pretty much unable to follow league games as I did in the beginning of the season. But the Champions League is back, still sticking to the Tuesday/Wednesday combo, so that should be enough for now.
This week, we had the first half of the round of 16's first leg with 8 teams in action which delivered enough drama to make our anticipation of the second half even more palatable. Out of the four games, I only watched two (Manchester United – AC Milan and Arsenal – Porto). Here are my thoughts along with some video highlights
For most of the first half, the visitors looked like a team besieged and ready to crack at any moment. Ronaldinho easily had the upper-hand against both Rafael and Ferdinand while Ambrosini, Pirlo and Beckham dominated the midfield, leaving no chance for United to get out of their own half. When they did get out, Nani was unable to reach Rooney more because of his poor performance than Milan's man-marking. When it looked like Milan would have the lead at the break, Paul Scholes scored a lucky goal in the 36th minute to put both teams level.
After the break, the game suddenly turned to United's favor as they amped the pressure on Ronaldinho after realizing that Huntelaar didn't pose a serious threat. As the game wore on, Milan midfielders seemed to give ground to Scholes, Carrick and Park. United's pressure finally came to a head in the 65th minute when Valencia, who had replaced Nani one minute earlier, sent a perfect cross to Rooney at the far post. The striker perfectly struck the ball with his head, leaving Dida rooted in place. Valencia's play left me to wonder why Ferguson hadn't started him in the first place instead of Nani. Less than ten minutes later, Rooney added his second of the game thanks to a nice chipped pass by Fletcher. Once again, the marking was horrible on the play, and just like that Manchester United had three away goals at the San Siro. Seedorf reduced the score to 3-2 in the final minutes and, barren a huge collapse by Manchester United at Old Trafford, that goal might be Milan's only lifeline.
FC Porto v Arsenal
envoyé par sistenmathic. - Foot, rugby, surf et encore plus de sports en vidéo.
In other games, Madrid's powerful attack was held scoreless in Lyon as the Spanish club lost 1-0 and Bayern took a great step towards qualification by beating Fiorentina 2-1.
Bayern Munchen v Fiorentina
envoyé par sistenmathic. - Découvrez les dernières vidéos de sport.
This week, we had the first half of the round of 16's first leg with 8 teams in action which delivered enough drama to make our anticipation of the second half even more palatable. Out of the four games, I only watched two (Manchester United – AC Milan and Arsenal – Porto). Here are my thoughts along with some video highlights
Manchester United – AC Milan: 3-2
Before Tuesday, United had never defeated the Rossoneri on the European stage and when Ronaldinho opened the scoring in the second minute of play, I had nasty flashbacks of the 2006-2007 semi-finals when Milan – led by Kaka - had thoroughly destroyed the Red Devils 5-3 on aggregate. This this time around, it was Ronaldinho who was causing fits to the United defense as youngster Rafael proved to be no match for him.For most of the first half, the visitors looked like a team besieged and ready to crack at any moment. Ronaldinho easily had the upper-hand against both Rafael and Ferdinand while Ambrosini, Pirlo and Beckham dominated the midfield, leaving no chance for United to get out of their own half. When they did get out, Nani was unable to reach Rooney more because of his poor performance than Milan's man-marking. When it looked like Milan would have the lead at the break, Paul Scholes scored a lucky goal in the 36th minute to put both teams level.
After the break, the game suddenly turned to United's favor as they amped the pressure on Ronaldinho after realizing that Huntelaar didn't pose a serious threat. As the game wore on, Milan midfielders seemed to give ground to Scholes, Carrick and Park. United's pressure finally came to a head in the 65th minute when Valencia, who had replaced Nani one minute earlier, sent a perfect cross to Rooney at the far post. The striker perfectly struck the ball with his head, leaving Dida rooted in place. Valencia's play left me to wonder why Ferguson hadn't started him in the first place instead of Nani. Less than ten minutes later, Rooney added his second of the game thanks to a nice chipped pass by Fletcher. Once again, the marking was horrible on the play, and just like that Manchester United had three away goals at the San Siro. Seedorf reduced the score to 3-2 in the final minutes and, barren a huge collapse by Manchester United at Old Trafford, that goal might be Milan's only lifeline.
Arsenal – Porto: 1-2
Unlike Manchester United, Arsenal didn't have a good away game as they faced a regular foe in Porto. Fabianski's poor performance was much to blame as he was responsible for Porto's two goals but the Gunners simply looked uninspired in front, deeply missing Arshavin's presence. I won't go into details with this game simply because I felt that the refereeing was awful and one or two decisions by the ref could have sent the game in either direction.FC Porto v Arsenal
envoyé par sistenmathic. - Foot, rugby, surf et encore plus de sports en vidéo.
In other games, Madrid's powerful attack was held scoreless in Lyon as the Spanish club lost 1-0 and Bayern took a great step towards qualification by beating Fiorentina 2-1.
Bayern Munich - Fiorentina: 2-1
Bayern Munchen v Fiorentina
envoyé par sistenmathic. - Découvrez les dernières vidéos de sport.
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