The aftermath

SEMI-FINALS: THE AFTERMATH

After the Semi-finals of UEFA, only two teams were left: Manchester United and Chelsea FC.

Before anything else, I would like to comment on Cristiano Ronaldo. I don't know what's happening to him. Before the semi-finals, he was a very intense player, but now, I don't know what's up with him. Maybe he's just saving his strength for the Finals? We don't know. But for me, I want to see the Ronaldo that played with fiery rage a couple of fixtures back. If he is truly the best player of our generation, he better show that he deserves the title. Don't get me wrong. I like Cristiano Ronaldo, but it just pains me to witness only above average performance from a very very excellent player.

Anyways! I guess Eto'o's claim that they will score against Manchester in their away game was not fulfilled as they lost because of Scholes' magnificent long-shot.
Final score was (1-0)

Chelsea has really made a comeback. They showed that they were not just some team that was there to fill up the space. They showed that they can stand up from disaster games(Fenerbahce 1st leg) in a past. And now, they beat Liverpool, even when people thought that they won't be coming back from their poor performance in the first leg. Drogba, who scored 2 goals, and Lampard, who scored 1 (at last), certainly stepped up and put out an amazing performance. At first, I thought that Liverpool will be the one to advance because they started out strong. I guess Chelsea proved me wrong. They beat the team that defeated them and went on to collect the Championship Trophy two seasons ago. Final score was (3-2).

The finals are next. Who will win? Both of the teams are the best, or else they wouldn't be in this stage.

My bet is Manchester United! Although the finals isn't only for one game. Each game should be looked at one at a time. It was proved in the past that the outcome of one game does not decide the outcome of the next.

Well I guess only time will tell who will be this year's Champion!


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SO VERY UNEXPECTED

MANCHESTER UNITED AND BARCELONA FC's game was so unexpected. I was hoping for Manu to win though we can expect that both teams will give their all. Both teams came on very strong and this resulted to a draw.

Too bad for Cristiano Ronaldo - He missed a penalty kick which could've given the reds the lead.

Meanwhile, Eto'o warns ManU that they can score even in away games. Home or away, it doesn't matter. He says that they will score.

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SEMIFINALS First leg: Chelsea vs Liverpool

The semi finals are really filled with surprises. Everything was going well for Liverpool. They were leading 1-0 the whole game. The advantage came from Dirk Kuyt. It was a slight advantage and at any moment, the blues could've equalized at any time.

And equalize they did! Although this didn't come from any of their players. Five minutes into injury time, John Riise, Liverpool's defender, gave away an header own goal which gave the Blues a chance to get back in the game.

Chelsea's performance wasn't as high as we expected it to be. Even though they had some decent attempts, it was seen that they weren't in their zone.

Chelsea looked tentative with Frank Lampard's set-pieces unproductive and Petr Cech unusually hesitant between the sticks. - goal.com

It was seen that after the first half, Chelsea's team of top players were being overshadowed by Liverpool Mids Gerrard and Alonso, as they were the ones who were dictating the game's movement.


Here is something that's really inspirational.

The midfielder told LiverpoolFC.tv, "Obviously we're disappointed with the late goal but it's done. We've got to pick ourselves up. We've got to get a result at the weekend then give it everything we can at Stamford Bridge. We know this tie is not over.

"It's my job as captain to pick the boys up and make sure we're ready for next week.

"Let people say Chelsea are favourites, let them. We've got to block that out and do what we've got to do. We are confident we can beat Chelsea on their patch."

Take A Chance

He continued, "We've created the better chances against them here. I don't think Pepe had anything to do besides pick the ball out late doors.

"Petr Cech has had to pull off two or three great saves. To be honest, we'd have been disappointed if this game had ended 1-0 when it could have been 2-0."

"Criticism of Kuyt? I haven't heard him get any stick. We don't listen to any of that (the media). Dirk has been fantastic for us, he's worked his socks off for us again tonight and deserved his goal. He is well respected in the dressing room."

On Riise's own goal, he said, "These ties are decided on small details and Chelsea have had a bit of luck here at the end, but maybe we'll get that luck at Stamford Bridge. This team wins, loses and draws together.

"It's the second leg of the European Cup semi-final – if you can't motivate yourself for that you shouldn't be playing football." - Goal.com

The semifinal leg is already here. Ever player of every team should be able to play at that level. No matter what happens, may it good or bad, the players should be able to pick themselves up and get themselves ready for the next series of battles for the Cup.

Teams:

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Alonso, Mascherano, Babel, Gerrard, Torres.Subs: Itandje, Hyypia, Riise, Benayoun, Crouch, Pennant, Lucas.

Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Lampard, Makelele, Ballack, Joe Cole, Drogba, Malouda.Subs: Hilario, Shevchenko, Obi, Kalou, Alex, Belletti, Anelka.

-goal.com

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