Friday, April 24, 2009

Champions League 2009

Those of us who were fortunate enough to watch the return quarter final leg between Liverpool and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (London) witnessed one of the greatest and most exciting football matches of the past 20 years. The 4-4 draw confirmed Liverpool as one of the most entertaining teams of all time. They produced a 5-4 win in teh UEFA Cup final against Alaves of Spain in 2001. Then in 2005 fell behind 3-0 in the first half against Milan in the CL Final, and came back to draw 3-3 and win on penalties, and now the 4-4 draw with Chelsea! To put the icing on the cake, a week later they drew 4-4 with Arsenal at Anfield in a EPL match!

However, sadly Liverpool were eliminated. The semi final between Chelsea and Barcelona should be a great encounter. But, let's hope Barcelona beat Chelsea and go all the way and win this year's CL final. That would be a victory for Football, how it should be played and how entertaining it is. Barcelona are simply the best team in the world at the moment.

On the other hand, I hope Manchester United lose to Arsenal in the other semi final. Whilst I admire the club, Sir Alex and what they have achieved during his long reign, I can not believe how lucky they have been along the way! Look at their two CL triumphs! In 2001, Bayern were 1-0 up, hit both Man Utd's post and bar, and Man Utd won by scoring two goals in the 92nd and 93rd minutes of the added time at the end of the match. Then last year, John Terry, normally the most reliable player around had to score his penalty and win the CL for Chelsea in the final, and he slipped and missed!! man Utd went on to win the Cl on penalties in that match.

My prediction:

Manchester Utd vs Barcelona final

and Barcelona will give Man Utd a footballing lesson of a life time and crush them 3-1. That would make up for all their previous lucky wins!

Rick

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