March of the Champions!
Missed chances by Lyon and Benfica has paved way for a pulsating clash between the mighty giants from Italy and Spain - AC Milan and Barcelona respectively. Arsenal produced a great performace over two legs against the Italian Champions Juventus and their prize is a comparitively easier clash against Spanish minnows Villareal.
AC Milan would have been left to rue the missed chances in the first leg at Lyon had it not been for Inzaghi's last gasp goal in the 88th minute. Sheva's strike in the 90th minute effectively settled the tie. Milan though deserved to go through just because they created the better chances over 2 legs and took their chances at the San Siro. Lyon did not make the Milan defenders work too hard...there was no sustained pressure on the Milan defence that was necessary to break them. Houllier has a great team and I am sure Lyon will come back stronger next season if they manage to keep hold of their key players.
I suppose Barca were a bit jittery after failing to score from a host of chances in Lisbon. Ronaldinho's penalty miss in just the 5th minute in the Nou Camp once again made everyone wonder if the Gods were on Benfica's side. However, Ronaldinho, the great player that he is, quickly atoned for his mistake by scoring from Eto'o pass in the 20th minute. Benfica too had a couple of chances to score but their failure to score over the 2 legs meant they had to go out. However, Ronald Koeman's side has to be applauded for overcoming the defending champions Liverpool and ex-champions ManUtd.
Arsenal are on a great run in Europe and their surprisingly comfortable victory over Juventus means they have the best chance to reach the finals in Paris, if Henry and Cesc remain fit and uninjured, that is.
Villareal, who were playing in a lower level league in Spain until about 7 years, have acheived a great distinction by reaching the semis in their debut run in Europe, thanks to the goal from Arruabarrena. Inter were a sorry side to watch as Villareal continued to create greater chances to extend their lead, while Inter and Adriano struggled. Perhaps, it is time for Adriano to move on. Real must be watching keenly. Manager Mancini looks set to be axed at the end of the season after yet another disappointing season.
2 Spanish sides, an Italian and an English one in the semis confirm these are surely the best 3 leagues in Europe.
posted by Lucas @ 5:59 AM
3 Comments:
This picture says it all.... 3 players surrounding Cesc.
Villareal cannot be categorized as easy. Atleast in case of Milan Barca there is some kind of history. They've met before in the competition. Both enjoy a lot of media attention which might help the opponent coaches in studying them.
Like Benfica, they've thrived when people had written them off. Scoring just 3 goals in group stages and still finishing top of the group, has a well-defensively knit Milan done such a thing before? They combine the silk of Barca as well the steel of Milan. Opponents' complacency is their biggest weapon. All said, Riquelme should be blunted. With supply lines cut, Villareal will not be able to score. Arsenal can breach their defence once at home and defend as they have for the past 8 games which would be enough to take thme through.
Cesc is important. Henry, no words to describe. But Eboue has been a revelation. He's so much brimming with energy. You can notice his crunching tackle on Ibra at one end. Minutes earlier he wasted one good chance. But he had taken the ball a long distance. While Nedved was supposed to give problems to Eboue the vice-versa happened. The old wily Czech lost his cool and was eventually dismissed. Ashley cole's mirror image, Eboue is. Dump Lauren.
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