These 2 teams have contested 2 semifinals and Liverpool has come out winner both the times. However, there is one major difference this time. Chelsea will play second leg at home. Its crucial considering the fact that in previous 2 matches Liverpool have failed to score at Stamford Bridge(Chelsea's stadium).
Liverpool are always good defensively and are clever in grinding out victories over 2 legged matches. This time they have got Fernando Torres as their striker. He has got lightning pace and calm finishing, 2 rare qualities for a striker. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will be involved in heavily as always.
Jose Mourinho, who was coach of Chelsea in previous 2 matches is out of equation since quitting job last fall. Currect coach Avaram Grant is not as good as tactician as Mourinho but has done a decent job in keeping chelsea in hunt for both, Champions League and Premiership. Chelsea are anxious about Drogba and Ballack to start. Its interesting to see who will start as Forward, Anelka or Shevchenko. Joe Cole and Frank Lampard will have to battle with Mascherano and Alonso in midfield and this battle holds the key to Chelsea's success. Chelsea will have Terry, Carvalho, Ashly Cole in defence. The last of defenders will be Alex/Balleti/Bridge/Ferreira. This might prove to be a week link in chain and Liverpool might take advantage here.
Critics have predicted tight encounter similar to previous 2 matches; goalless draw or 1-0 to Liverpool . I strongly feel that this won't be the case this time. Liverpool will try to score as many goals as possible. This will create spaces and Chelsea will try to get away goals.
Showing posts with label UEFA Champion's League. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UEFA Champion's League. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Review: Champions League- Round of 16
Consider the draws: AC Milan Vs Arsenal & Real Madrid Vs AS Roma fighting for place in the Quarter-Finals of UEFA Champions League. At any point of time in last century, these draws will produce memorable contests.
In both the matches underdogs went and won in Lions Den in return leg matches. History was made in one match when Arsenal became the first English team to register a win at Mythical San Siro (AC Milan's stadium). In another hisory repeated when Real Madrid failed to go to quarter finals for 4th consecutive year.
Spaniard Cech Fegregas fought inch for inch with Gattuso, Pirlo and Kaka and came out winner. Arsenal were patient and determined not to loose ground initially in first half. Once they had done that, they grew in confidence. Fabregas's clearance of Maldini's header at the goal line was a moment bringing together two giants of European Football. One hanging up the boots and another anouncing proudly that he is ready to take on champions. Later in dying stages of the game, Fabregas went past Gattuso and fired a shot out of nothing to score the vital away goal. This man has got the potential to be one of the game's greats. This season he has taken first step by beating Milan.
Elsewhere Real lost to Roma. Roma have a very competitive and hard working team lead by classy Italian Francisco Totti. Their manager's astute substitutions to bring fresh legs in match had huge impact in this victory. Once again, we see why its important to have good bench strength.
In both the matches underdogs went and won in Lions Den in return leg matches. History was made in one match when Arsenal became the first English team to register a win at Mythical San Siro (AC Milan's stadium). In another hisory repeated when Real Madrid failed to go to quarter finals for 4th consecutive year.
Spaniard Cech Fegregas fought inch for inch with Gattuso, Pirlo and Kaka and came out winner. Arsenal were patient and determined not to loose ground initially in first half. Once they had done that, they grew in confidence. Fabregas's clearance of Maldini's header at the goal line was a moment bringing together two giants of European Football. One hanging up the boots and another anouncing proudly that he is ready to take on champions. Later in dying stages of the game, Fabregas went past Gattuso and fired a shot out of nothing to score the vital away goal. This man has got the potential to be one of the game's greats. This season he has taken first step by beating Milan.
Elsewhere Real lost to Roma. Roma have a very competitive and hard working team lead by classy Italian Francisco Totti. Their manager's astute substitutions to bring fresh legs in match had huge impact in this victory. Once again, we see why its important to have good bench strength.
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