Preview UEFA Champions League Semifinal Leg 2
Chelsea and Manchester United Have the Advantage
After low scoring games in the first leg of the 2009 UEFA Champions League semifinals, it appears that the two slots in the final match are up for grabs. One thing is for sure - the competition is much closer than it was in the quarterfinals, where Bayern Munich was humiliated by Barcelona (after the German club had crushed Sporting 7-1 in the first knockout round) and where Villarrea suffered an easy defeat at the feet of Arsenal.
Barcelona in Trouble at Stamford Bridge
Spain’s FC Barcelona and England’s Chelsea held each other scoreless in the first leg of the semis to the surprise of many. Barcelona and Chelsea appear to be evenly matched, even though Barcelona looked incredibly strong throughout the tournament while Chelsea had a much tougher time battling rival Liverpool in the quarterfinals.
Things are looking positive for Chelsea, however, considering Barcelona’s history on English soil. With the home crowd behind them, Chelsea is the team to bet on. But, Barcelona has such an impressive array of talent, and this is the first time they’ve been backed into a corner all tournament, so anything is possible.
Man U. the Team to Beat
English teams Manchester United and Arsenal also fought a close match, with Man U. up after the first leg by only one goal.
Manchester United players seem confident after their win at Old Trafford and about the remaining game at Arsenal, especially with mounting injuries to Arsenal players, like left-back Gaël Clichy who will not play. Midfielder Darren Fletcher for Man U. praised his team’s efficiency, saying that “the game plan seemed to work.”
Despite playing on Arsenal’s turf, Manchester United appear to be unstoppable against an unhealthy and down Arsenal. It doesn’t hurt that Man U. scored a massive upset against Tottenham in FA premier play, winning 5-2 after being down 2 goals in the second half of the match. The club’s confidence is undoubtedly the highest, or close to highest, as it has been all season.
Man U. - Chelsea Rematch?
Last year’s final was one of the best in recent memory, with Chelsea and English captain John Terry missing a penalty kick to give Man U. the title. With the results of the first leg, it does appear that the Fates are calling for a rematch in this year’s championship. Fans can only hope, if it does end up that way, that this year’s game is as memorable as the last, but an incredibly close first leg really leaves the door open for all four teams.
Remaining Schedule
Semis Leg 2: Arsenal - Man U, May 5th, 20:45 (CET). Arsenal Stadium, London, England.
Semis Leg 2: Barcelona - Chelsea, May 6th, 20:45 (CET). Stamford Bridge, London, England.
Final: Teams TBD. May 27th, 20:45 (CET). Stadio Olimpic, Rome, Italy.
Man Utd.'s Sir Alex Ferguson
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