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UEFA Champions League' 2007 - 2008 (Group Stage)
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GROUP A |
Liverpool |
FC Porto |
Marseille |
Besiktas |
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GROUP B |
Chelsea |
Valencia |
Schalke |
Rosenborg |
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GROUP C |
Real Madrid |
Werder Bremen |
S.S.Lazio |
Olympiacos |
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GROUP D |
A.C.Milan |
SL Benfica |
Celtic F.C |
Shakhtar Donetsk |
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GROUP E |
F.C.Barcelona |
Lyon |
Stuttgart |
Rangers |
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GROUP F |
Manchester United |
A.S.Roma |
Sporting Lisbon |
Dynamo Kyiv |
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GROUP G |
Inter Milan |
PSV Eindhoven |
CSKA Moscow |
Fenerbahce |
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GROUP H |
Arsenal |
Sevilla |
Steaua Bucharest |
Slavia Prague |
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ALL TIME WINNERS LIST
ALL TIME TOP SCORERS
Chelsea Grant-ed Mission Moscow
30.04.2008:(SF- 2nd Leg) :Liverpool 2 - 3 Chelsea
LIV:F.Torres 64',Babel 117' ::: CHE:Drogba 33',105', Lampard 99'
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01.05.2008:: Sudipta Sur ::Avram Grant, the self confessed “normal one”
delivered the “special” result, which Jose Mourinho, the self confessed “special
one” couldn’t deliver – a place in the UEFA Champions League Final for the “Blues”.
Grant’s boys in blue overcame Liverpool on a night that resonated with high drama
and heartfelt emotion.
After a day of incessant rain the surface proved
troublesome and it was clearly reflected when the big stars on display found it
difficult to keep their feet. However, it was the home side, egged on by a
vociferous Stamford Bridge crowd, whose passes seemed to be more assured.
The visitors looked vulnerable and it was no surprise when Chelsea went ahead.
Salomon Kalou stretched the defence down the left and forced Pepe Reina into
a flying save; Didier Drogba was first on the scene and rifled an unstoppable
drive in at the near post (33rd minute).
The balance of the game changed
perceptibly at the star of the second half when Yossi Benayoun’s driving run took
him away from four defenders, resulting in a prodded pass through to Fernando
Torres whose instant low shot found the bottom corner (64th minute). The
additional 30 minutes got underway at breathless pace, Michael Essien finding the
back of the net with a real scorcher, only to be denied by the linesman for
offside. When Sami Hyypia’s lunge felled Michael Ballack in the 98th minute, the
referee immediately pointed to the spot.
Frank Lampard coolly converted and
then broke down in tears. It was a poignant moment for the Lampard family
following the untimely death of Frank’s mother. Drogba put the issue beyond
doubt in the 105th minute, expertly turning in Nicolas Anelka’s centre. Though
Ryan Babel restored some hope for the “Reds” it wasn’t enough. Avram Grant’s
Chelsea had overcome Liverpool 3-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate. Having
overcome one English rival, the “Blues” will take on another in Moscow on 21st
May where Manchester United await.
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MOSCOW DATELINE FOR MANCHESTER UNITED
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29.04.2008 : Sudipta Sur:
Scholes strike sinks Barca in Champions League Semifinal 2nd leg.
When Manchester United last won the UEFA Champions League in 1999,
Paul Scholes could only watch from the stands as he was suspended on that
glorious night in Barcelona. Nine years later, on another big European night, it’s
courtesy of Scholes that the “Red Devils” are dreaming of European glory in
Moscow! A 1-0 victory on Tuesday night at “The Theatre of Dreams” (aggregate
1-0) against Barcelona kept United’s “dream” of third time European glory a
distinct possibility. It also ensured the first all-English final in European Champion
Clubs’ Cup history. Fittingly it was the one survivor of that 1998/99 treble winning
squad in the starting lineup, Scholes, who scored the only goal of the tie.
The midfielder collected a loose pass from Gianluca Zambrotta and unleashed a
viciously swerving long range shot into the top corner (14th minute). Manchester
United took the field without the injured duo, Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney.
Their absence was evident as it was Barcelona who started stronger. Lionel Messi
making two threatening runs, enough to worry the United faithful. However,
United turned the tie emphatically in the 14th minute. Zambrotta dispossessed
Cristiano Ronaldo on the edge of the area. But his hurried clearance found
Scholes who duly thumped an unstoppable effort past Victor Valdes from 25
metres. Amidst the celebrations reverberating around Old Trafford, the visitors
pressed hard for an equalizer, only to be denied by Edwin van der Sar and some
poor finishing.
In contrast to the first period, United seized the initiative as the
second half begun with Nani and Carlos Tevez coming close to scoring. Frank
Rijkaard, desperate to salvage Barcelona’s season, introduced Thierry Henry and
Bojan Krkic. The two, along with Deco, Messi and Xavi probed harder and harder
but the Catalan giants lacked the cutting edge. The “Red Devils” held their nerves
in a tense finale and now march forward to the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow for a
tryst with destiny!
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Titans in Stalemate Barcelona 0 - 0 Manchester United : Sudipta Sur
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23.04.2005:The UEFA Champions League Semifinal between Barcelona and Manchester United
had been billed as the “clash of the titans”, and on Wednesday when the action
unfolded at the Camp Nou, it certainly seemed that the match would live up to its
billing! The “Red Devils” had won the 1998/99 edition of the Champions League at
this very ground amidst extraordinary drama towards the end. They almost picked
up where they left off on their first return since, only for Cristiano Ronaldo to fire
a 3rd minute penalty wide, after Gabriel Milito had handled inside the penalty area.
The Catalan giants soon found their feet and began probing a makeshift United
back line, shorn of the unwell Nemanja Vidic.
After thwarting Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto’o, Man United almost took the lead
against the run of play. Andreas Iniesta’s misplaced pass let in Ronaldo, whose
darting run was halted by Rafael Marquez’s clumsy challenge, with the resulting
booking ruling him out of the second leg. Despite Barca’a possession Edwin van
der Sar was rarely troubled. Frank Rijkaard brought on the aces up his sleeve,
but even the presence of Bojan Krkic and Thierry Henry was ornamental, rather
than effectual! So part one ended 0-0, with everything to play for at Old
Trafford next week.
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Clash of the Titans :Semi final :Man Utd Vs Barcelona
H-2-H record of Man U Vs Barca in Champions League
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Played: 7 Matches (Cup Winner CUp and Champions League)
Wins: Barcelona 2 Manchester United 2 Draws 3
Goals: Barcelona 15 Manchester United 13
Cup-winners Cup
7.03.84 :: Barcelona 2 - 0 Manchester United (QF leg 1)
21.03.84 ::Manchester United 3 - 0 Barcelona (QF leg 2)
15.05.91 ::Manchester United 2 - 1 Barcelona (Final in Rotterdam)
UEFA Champions League (all group stage)
19.10.94 ::Manchester United 2 - 2 Barcelona
2.11.94 ::Barcelona 4 - 0 Manchester United
16.09.98 ::Manchester United 3 - 3 Barcelona
25.11.98 ::Barcelona 3 - 3 Manchester United
Leading Champions League 07-08 scorers
F.C.Barcelona: Lionel Messi 6, Thierry Henry 3,
Manchester United: Cristiano Ronaldo 7, Wayne Rooney 4, Carlos Tevez 4,
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Watch it
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* The first leg will be the 210th meeting between Spanish and English clubs. Spain
have won 81 and England 70 with 58 draws.
* For both teams this will be the 10th appearance in a European Cup/Champions
League semi-final. Manchester has reached only 2 finals, while
5 times for Barcelona's
* Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 11 Champions League games of which they
have won 9, including all the last 5.
* United have won only once in 16 away trips to Spain, a 2-0 Champions League
quarter-finals victory over Deportivo Coruna six years ago.
* United are unbeaten in all 10 Champions League games this season in which
they have scored 18 goals and conceded only five. They have won three and
drawn two of their five away games.
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Advantage Chelsea : Sudipta Sur
22.04.2008 (SF):Liverpool (Kuyt 43') 1 - 1 (Riise 90'+5' (self) Chelsea
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Chelsea would feel that John Arne Riise’s own goal has given them a big boost
ahead of the second leg Champions League Semifinal clash. The first leg at Anfield
ended 1-1 on Tuesday night. After Dirk Kuyt, continuing his impressive goal
scoring form in Europe, had given the “Reds” the all important lead in the 43rd minute, it
seemed all was well with the home side. Not only did Liverpool dominate
possession, they also had their chances.
Petr Cech, back after recovering from a facial injury, proved why he is considered
one of the best in business. The Chelsea goalie spectacularly tipped over a
Steven Gerrard drive before denying Fernando Torres. It seemed that the “Blues”
would need some external help to break down the Liverpool defence.
“Lady Luck” smiled upon Avram Grant’s men in an unexpected fashion. Riise came on as a
62nd minute substitute for the injured Fabio Aurelio. The Norwegian international
stooped low trying to clear Salomon Kalou’s cross from the left, but he certainly
didn’t stoop to conquer! His awkward header flew past Pepe Reina and into the
top of the net – giving Chelsea an away goal they had virtually given up on
getting.
Rafael Benitez will now have to shrug off this own goal disappointment
and rally his troops around for the clash at Stamford Bridge next week. His
opposite number, Avram Grant, would be hoping that the precious away goal
helps Chelsea in overcoming the Semifinals hoodoo
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Clash of the Titans :Semi final :Leverpool Vs Chelsea
21.04.2008 : Sudipta Sur :
It’s simply a case of “survival of the fittest” as the Semifinals of the UEFA
Champions League draws upon us. Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona and Manchester
United would all hope to be the last men standing when the pivotal Semifinal ties
conclude at month end. Just like the previous season, England have the quantity
going into the last four stage, and the three English clubs would hope that there
is enough quality as well! Barcelona would draw inspiration from last season’s
winners, AC Milan. The Rossoneris were the only non English club still left in the
competition at this stage last year. However, that didn’t deter them from
becoming Champions a year back. Barcelona certainly believe that they can break
the English monopoly.
SEMI FINAL FIXTURE
| TEAM | VS | TEAM | 1st Leg | Result | 2nd Leg | Result | |
| Liverpool | Vs | Chelsea | 22.04.2008 | 1 - 1 | 30.04.2008 | 2 - 3 | |
| F.C.Barcelona | Vs | Manchester United | 23.04.2008 | 0 - 0 | 30.04.2008 | 0 - 1 | |
In the “Clash of the Titans” Tuesday night pits Liverpool against Chelsea. There is
plenty of history between the two clubs in the Champions League. The “Reds”
have acted as a major stumbling block in the “Blues” pathway in their previous
two last four appearances. Liverpool prevailed on penalties last season, having
won by a solitary goal two years earlier. Chelsea are confident that the time is
ripe to set the record straight. Avram Grant, the “normal one” hopes to do what
Jose Mourinho, the “special one” failed to do, i.e. steer the Londoners to the
Moscow Finale! It might be a bit advantageous that the “Blues” will play the
second leg at home. But, come Tuesday night, a packed Anfield would be roaring
the theme song of Liverpool – “You’ll never walk alone.” Steven Gerrard and
company would certainly hope that it’s the boys in “blue” that has to do all the
walking alone, and not the ones in “red”!
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Previous Champions League Results of Two Teams
27.04.05 :Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0 (SF leg 1)
3.05.05:Liverpool 1 Chelsea 0 (SF leg 2)
28.09.05 :Liverpool 0 Chelsea 0 (Group)
6.12.05 :Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0 (Group)
26.04.07 :Chelsea 1 Liverpool 0 (SF leg 1)
2.05.07 :Liverpool 1 Chelsea 0 aet (Liverpool won on pens) (SF leg 2)
Leading Champions League 07-08 scorers:
Liverpool: Steven Gerrard 6, Fernando Torres 5, Ryan Babel 4, Dirk Kuyt 4,
Chelsea: Didier Drogba 4, Michael Ballack 2, Joe Cole 2, Frank Lampard 2
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Camp Nou in Barcelona holds a special place in the heart of every Manchester
United fan. This was the setting for United’s epic come from behind victory
against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League Final. The “Red Devils”
would be hoping that the scene of their greatest triumph in recent years rekindles
fond memories on Wednesday. Ever since that 1999 triumph, Sir Alex Ferguson
has definitely aged over the years. But his thirst for success has been insatiable
and many are of the opinion that this is Man United’s best chance for European
glory. Barcelona seem to have lost their rhythm domestically, but are definitely
a force to be reckoned with in Europe. Frank Rijkaard’s last hope of silverware
with the Catalan giants lies in the Champions League. So, even without their
injured skipper, Carles Puyol, Barca will have a lot to prove on Wednesday. The
stage is set for fireworks, both on and off the field, when the Football Gods
descend on the pitch!
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Champions League Qr. final Result
| TEAM | VS | TEAM | 1st Leg | Result | 2nd Leg | Result | |
| AS Roma | VS | Man.UTD (Winner) | 01.04.2008 | 0 - 2 | 09.04.2008 | 0 - 1 | |
| Schalke 04 | VS | Barcelona (Winner) | 01.04.2008 | 0 - 1 | 09.04.2008 | 0 - 1 | |
| Fenerbache | VS | Chelsea (Winner) | 02.04.2008 | 2 - 1 | 08.04.2008 | 0 - 2 | |
| Arsenal | VS | Liverpool (Winner) | 02.04.2008 | 1 - 1 | 08.04.2008 | 2 - 4 | |
08.04.2008 And 09.04.2008 MATCH ANALYSIS
Sudipta Sur
Anfield Agony for Arsenal
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“Well begun is half the job done” – that’s exactly what the Liverpool fans should be
screaming at their Arsenal counterparts after Tuesday. Infact, the “Reds” have
every reason to do so after Liverpool beat the “Gunners” 4-2 on the night and 5-3
on aggregate to advance to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.
The final act of the grand “trilogy” certainly lived up to its billing as fluctuating fortunes
kept both set of supporters on tenterhooks throughout the 90 minutes at Anfield.
The “kop” was silenced early on as Arsenal, courtesy of their free flowing football,
raced into an early lead.
In the 13th minute, Abou Diaby broke down the inside right channel, collected
Aleksandr Hleb’s pass and his firing low shot at the near post was too powerful for
Pepe Reina to hold.Buoyed by the early goal, Arsene Wenger’s men continued to
dominate possession for a while. But it wasn’t long before the home team hit back.
In their first serious assault on Arsenal’s goal, Sami Hyypia escaped the attentions
of Philippe Senderos, to meet Steven Gerrards centre with a firm header that
sailed into the net (30th minute). With the score 1—1, the home supporters found
their voice once again. The equalizer seemed to galvanize the “Reds” who now
begun to dominate possession. Just before the break, the “Gunners” were dealt a
cruel blow of fate when Mathieu Flamini had to be carried off with an ankle injury.
In the second half, Liverpool started from where they had left off in the first half,
dominating ball possession and raiding the Arsenal citadel time and again.
Their efforts were duly rewarded in the 69th minute when Peter Crouch nodded on
a long clearance from Reina and Fernando Torres, thanks to some slack defending
by the Arsenal central defenders, was given enough space to fire the ball high
into the top corner. There was more drama to follow.
Theo Walcott, who had come on as a substitute, sprinted past four Liverpool
players before teeing up Emmanuel Adebayor who made no mistake in slotting
home to make it 2-2 (84th minute). A minute later, the initiative was wrested back
form Wenger’s team when Kolo Toure was adjudged to have brought down Ryan
Babel and Gerrard converted from the spot. As Arsenal thronged forward leaving
open spaces behind, Ryan Babel took full opportunity. The Dutchman’s 92nd
minute goal certainly was the icing on the cake with a red cherry on top for
Liverpool!
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Blues Rule at the Bridge
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Last week at Istanbul’s Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, there was plenty of delight for
Fenerbache. A week can be a long time in football and after Tuesday night, the
Turks are entitled to believe that it was eternity! Chelsea dashed all hopes of a
fairytale in overcoming Fenerbache 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. The “Blues” thus
progressed to a semifinal meeting against Liverpool, courtesy of a 3-2 aggregate
win.
The clock showed only four minutes when Michael Ballack glanced home Frank
Lampard’s free-kick with aplomb. It was just the beginning the Londoners wanted.
When allowed the ball, the visitors from Istanbul showed some neat touches but
these were only brief interludes in a tidal wave of early Chelsea pressure.
The “Blues” made an enforced change when third-choice goalkeeper, Hilario,
came on for Carlo Cudicini, already deputizing for Petr Cech, with 26 minutes
played. The replacement responded superbly as the Turkish title holders, never
before European semifinalists, piled on the pressure until Lampard’s “coupe de
grace”.
In the 87th minute, Michael Essien, who will be suspended for the first leg
against Liverpool, ended a persistent run with a low cross and Lampard tapped in.
Man United set up Barca Dream Date
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Man United set up Barca Dream Date
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Sir Alex Ferguson’s “Red Devils” set up a dream semifinal meeting against FC
Barcelona, after Manchester United overcame AS Roma 1-0 on Wednesday night
at Old Trafford. Having won the first leg 2-0, they thus progressed 3-0 on
aggregate.
Old Trafford is called the “Theatre of Dreams” where many dreams are
woven and many are broken. Wednesday night certainly fulfilled the dreams of the
Mancunians while there was despair for the Romans! Far from being a dream land,
Old Trafford could very well said to be a nightmare for the “Giallorossis”.
Humiliated here last season and beaten again on their return in this term’s group
stage, their faint hopes of a comeback vanished altogether when Daniele De Rossi
sent a 30th minute penalty over the crossbar.
Carlos Tevez’s 70th minute goal only confirmed the inevitable. The
Argentinean stooped to meet Owen Hargreaves’s near-post cross and headed
home the all important goal.
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Camp Nou salute Catalan Armada
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Barcelona gave a football lesson to Schalke on Wednesday. With whispers of
imminent crisis and shenanigans looming large over Frank Rijkard, Barca displayed
amazing resilience in overcoming the second placed team from the Bundesliga.
Yet, the most important lesson that the German team needs to learn from their
illustrious counterparts from Catalonia, is the art of finishing.
Had Schalke made use of half the chances they had in front of the opposing
goal (in both the legs), the script would have been written differently.
But that wasn’t to be as Yaya Toure’s 43rd minute strike meant Barca won
both the legs by a 1-0 margin.
In the first leg it had been Bojan Krkic who made
the difference with his maiden UEFA Champions League goal and the precocious
talent was at it again. Sprinting down the right, his centre caused havoc in
Schalke’s penalty area. Marcelo Bordon skied his clearance and Mladen Krstajic’s
subsequent header off the goal line only fell as far as Toure, who swept the ball
into the unguarded net. For Barca, next up is Man United and they’ll have to do
without Carles Puyol.
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Heavyweights Eye Knock-Out Punch
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07.04.2008 : Sudipta Sur :For the heavyweights of European club football, the time is ripe! A place in the semi-
finals of the UEFA Champions League 2007-08 is up for grabs. When the teams
resume hostilities in the second legs of the quarter-finals on Tuesday and Wednesday,
the big guns of Europe would certainly look to deal a knock-out blow in the face of
their opponents!
Arsenal and Liverpool supporters may be sick and tired of the sight of each other, but
their epic “trilogy” is set for a grand climax, come Tuesday night, at Anfield. Both the
previous encounters have finished 1-1, so there is everything to play for. Liverpool
might consider themselves to be at an advantage because of the away goal they scored
last week. On top of that the “kop” would be singing their hearts out at Anfield hoping
for a “Reds” victory. Arsenal’s weekend draw against Liverpool has all but ended their
domestic title aspirations. Arsene Wenger’s “Gunners” now have all their eggs in one
basket. And that basket is a precious one, ie, the Champions League. At the end of
Tuesday’s night’s encounter, we’ll surely know the fate of that basket and the eggs!
Zico and his Fenerbache side would dearly hope that last week’s victory against Chelsea
is just the beginning of a honeymoon period. The two sides clash again, this time at
Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s den, on Tuesday. Avram Grant would be conscious that there
are no blues for his fabled “men in blue.” Fenerbache look to become the first Turkish
side to make it into the semi-finals, while Chelsea are targeting a fourth semi-final in
five years.
The “Red Devils” from Manchester already have a firm grip in their tie against AS Roma.
On Wednesday night at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men would look to press home
the advantage. Roma may once again be without their injured captain, Francesco Totti;
United would have to cope with Nemanja Vidic’s absence. Manchester United look be
the only team among the quarterfinalists who have a clear edge going into the second leg
fixture. They would however be guarding against any complacency in their fixture
against the Romans.
Ronaldinho’s hamstring strain has somewhat dampened Barcelona spirits ahead of their
second leg tie against Schalke 04. The Brazilian could well miss the rest of the season.
This news may be music to the ears of the Schalke fans. But, in essence, Schalke know
the magnitude of their task in overcoming a 1-0 first leg deficit at the packed Camp Nou
in Barcelona come Wednesday night.
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Ronaldo, Rooney Conquer Rome
Manchester United (C.Ronaldo 39',W.Rooney 66') 2 - 0 AS Roma
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03.04.2008 ::Sudipta Sur:Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney proved to be the real “gladiators” at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday
night. For Manchester United it simply was a case of “vini, vidi, vici”! The “Red Devils” dished out a fascinating
display of European football at its very best, enthralling friends and foes alike. Two goals either side of the
break (from Ronaldo and Rooney) gave United the bragging rights ahead of the second leg meeting at Old
Trafford on 9th April. In the absence of skipper Francesco Totti, the Romans desperately seemed to miss a link
man as they tried in vain to breach the resolute Man United defence. United struck the first blow in the 39th
minute. Paul Scholes received a ball on the right of the penalty area. He spotted Ronaldo’s run and crossed the
ball for the No. 7, who headed emphatically inside the far post. After United’s defence had resisted a
determined rally from the home side, Rooney doubled the lead in the 66th minute. Wes Brown sent over a deep
cross from the right, Park Ji Sung nodded it back across goal and Rooney stole in between Cristiano Doni and
Cristian Panucci to turn the ball over the line. AS Roma now face a gigantic task ahead of them if they are to
progress further. If they do come up trumps next week at “The Theatre of Dreams”, it would certainly be
beyond their wildest dreams. Manchester United, on their part, certainly are showing no signs of slowing down.
Their thirst for European glory seems insatiable!
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Barca Ride Bojan Brilliance
F.C.Barcelona (Bojan Krkic 11') 1 - 0 Schalke 04
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03.04.2008 ::Sudipta Sur:Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Bojan Krkic, scored his first UEFA Champions League goal
as the Catalan giants overcame Schalke 04 by a solitary goal. The Arena Auf Schalke in
Gelsenkirchen was a sea of blue as the home supporters egged on their favourite team.
Appearing at the Quarter Finals stage for the first time, the hosts seemed to be suffering
from stage fright. There were no such concerns for the seasoned pros from Barcelona,
though. However it was their 17-year-old wonder kid, Krkic, whose feet brought joy to the
Catalans. The game was just 12 minutes old when Andreas Iniesta’s slide-rule pass found
Thierry Henry in space on the left. After Schalke goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer failed to hold
Henry’s first time shot, the Frenchman flicked the ball across for Krkic to tap in his first
European goal. After the goal, Schalke came out all guns blazing but were unable to
penetrate the Barca defence which stood tall and firm. The return leg takes place at Camp
Nou, Barcelona, on 9th April.
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Act One Ends 1-1
Arsenal (Adebayor 22') 1 - 1 (Kuyt 25') Liverpool
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03.04.2008 ::Sudipta Sur:The first leg of the epic “trilogy” featuring Arsenal and Liverpool proved indecisive at the
end of 90 minutes at London’s Emirates Stadium. Ever since these two clubs were paired
to play each other in the Champions League draw, the British media had billed their clash
as a “trilogy”, much in the same mode of “The Godfather”. The teams meet each other
again on Saturday in the English Premier League before the second leg Quarter Final
encounter at Anfield on Tuesday, thus making it a “trilogy”. On Wednesday night, as
Act One unfolded, it seemed pretty clear that it would be an absorbing contest. Both
Managers seemed to have dwelled upon the fact that “patience is a virtue.” It was
Arsene Wenger’s “Gunners” who first realized the virtues of patience when Emmanuel
Adebayor headed the home team in front (23rd minute). Liverpool were reeling yet
quickly regrouped and as so often, inspired by Steven Gerrard, they hit back with their
first chance of the game. The “Reds” captain picked up a loose ball and crossed low for
Dirk Kuyt to bundle the ball in (26th minute). In the second half Arsenal pressed forward
with purpose for that winning goal, but it proved illusive. Liverpool defended their
citadel masterfully, a fact which pleased their Manager, Rafael Benitez, immensely.
Having defeated holders AC Milan at San Siro to get this far, Arsenal will not be daunted
by the return leg at Anfield; given their record against English opposition there in this
competition, neither will Liverpool be.
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Turkish Delight In Istanbul
Fenerbache(Kazim 65',Deivid 80') 2 - 1 (Deivid(og 12') Chelsea
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03.04.2008 ::Sudipta Sur:Deivid’s spectacular long range strike nine minutes from time, atoning for his earlier mistake,
meant Fenerbache came from behind to upstage Chelsea 2-1 on Wednesday. The victory had
seemed most unlikely when the same player scored an early own goal. The expectation
surrounding this match had reached a feverish pitch in Istanbul. Fenerbache fans thronged
outside the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium from early afternoon, and, by kick-off, fervent would
be a severe understatement of the atmosphere. But there was pin drop silence when Deivid
trying to clear a cross from Florent Malouda turned the ball into his own net (13th minute).
In the 65th minute, Kazim Kazim’s equalizer brought back life into the home crowd. Deivid’s
81st minute strike ensured Fenebache’s victory and unsurprisingly, the volume inside the arena
was now ear-splitting. The return leg is scheduled on 8th April at London’s Stamford Bridge.
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Champions’ Battle Intensifies
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04.03.2008 ::Sudipta Sur:The race to be in Moscow for the UEFA Champions League Final would present a clear picture
once the battle lines are drawn for the Quarter Finals. There will be no love lost between the elite
European clubs when the last eights set their sights to become the final four.
Tuesday night would see Roma looking to avoid their last season’s nightmare against Manchester
United. It was at this same stage last year that the two teams met. After winning 2-1 at Rome, the
“Giallorossi” were decimated 7-1 at Manchester. What’s more, the two clubs were paired together
in this season’s initial group stage. Roma and Manchester United renew acquaintances at Rome’s
colossal Stadio Olimpico in the first leg tie. The home team would be hugely handicapped by the
absence of Simone Perrotta (out due to suspension). Captain fantastic, Francesco Totti, picked up
a thigh injury in the weekend’s Serie A action and could possibly be out of action against the
“Red Devils.” Manchester United would be devoid of the services of an injured
Darren Fletcher.
In the night’s other encounter, a determined Schalke side would be looking to keep Barcelona’s mighty
attacking armada at bay at the Arena Auf Schalke, Gelsenkirchen. The Germans would however have to
do without their suspended striker, Jermaine Jones. For Barca, Ronaldinho and Deco will not travel to
Germany and Samuel Eto’o faces a late fitnees test to prove his availability for the game.
On Wednesday, the focus shifts to London. In a distinctly English affair, Arsenal takes on Liverpool at
the Emirates Stadium, London. This will be the 200th match between the two teams, but their first
European encounter. The sides meet each other thrice in the space of seven days, the home and away
European ties sandwiching a Premier League fixture in the weekend.
Chelsea, the other London side involved, travel to Istanbul on the same night to lock horns with
Fenerbache. The Turkish side have their task cut out against the “Blues.” But Avram Grant’s side
would be aware of the Turks’ resilience and would also have to tackle a partisan crowd at the
Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
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Liverpool beat Inter Milan 1 - 0
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12.03.2008 : Sudipta Sur:
Liverpool stormed into the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League courtesy a
1-0 away victory over Inter Milan at San Siro on Tuesday night.
The “Reds” advanced 3-0 on aggregate, thereby becoming the fourth English
team to make the last eight (a record in the Champions League). Liverpool’s impregnable defence,
marshaled by Jamie Carragher (making his 100th European appearance), and
flawless goalkeeping from Jose Pepe Reina made the “Nerazzurris” eat humble pie
on their centenary season.
Rafael Benitez’s men soaked up the early pressure coming from Roberto Mancini’s
side. Even on occasions when Inter were able to breach the Liverpool resistance,
profligacy from the home team’s strikers, particularly Julio Ricardo Cruz and Zlatan
Ibrahimovic, made the task more difficult for the “Nerazzurris” with every passing
minute.
The task became insurmountable when Nicolas Burdisso, like Marco Materazzi in the first leg, was
sent off for his second booking in the 50th minute. The final nail in Inter Milan’s
coffin was delivered by Fernando Torres in the 64th minute. “El Nino” brought
down a ball from midfield with his back to goal, turned on the edge of the area
and swept an unstoppable low strike past Julio Cesar
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Liverpool set to spoil Inter centenary
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10.03.2008: Sudipta Sur::
Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool are determined to paint the blue half of Milan into red.
Liverpool would leave no stone unturned in spoiling the centenary celebrations of
Internazionale. A 2-0 first leg victory at Anfield makes Steven Gerrard and his
mates’ favourites to progress to the quarterfinals.
But the “Reds” are guarding
against any complacency. Inter, the runaway leaders in the Serie A, are a tough
proposition at their own den, the San Siro. Liverpool have the added pressure of
history weighing on their shoulders. With Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea
already into the last eight the previous week, the “Reds” can make it four out of
four for English clubs (the first time in the history of the Champions League).
But recent form in the Premier League and the Champions League has got the
“Kop” buzzing again. Victory against Inter in the Champions League has been
followed up by four wins in the Premiership. The architects of those positive
results have been “Captain Fantastic”, Steven Gerrard and “El Nino”, Fernando
Torres, who has been firing on all cylinders. Come Tuesday night, Liverpool fans
would be hoping for more from their star studded line-up.
Inter Milan celebrated their 100 years of existence in style when they overcame
Reggina in Serie A action last Saturday. The San Siro was the place to be in
where the “Nerazzurri’s” rich heritage received a grandiose ovation.
But any
thoughts of a real celebration were put in check with the visit of Liverpool in mind.
Roberto Mancini, Inter coach, has urged on his players to deliver a superlative
performance against Liverpool to crown the centenary celebrations. Even the
most optimist Inter fan would agree that to overturn a 2-0 first leg deficit is no
mean task. History, though, is on Inter’s side.
43 years ago the “Nerazzurris” had
been beaten by the “Reds” 3-1 in the first leg at Anfield. But Inter bounced back
to win 3-1 at the San Siro. Even more interesting is the fact that Internazionale
went on to win Europe’s elite club competition that year. The “Nerazzurri” fans
would be hoping that history repeats itself at San Siro on Tuesday night.
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After A.C Milan, Real Madrid also out of Champions League
Result on 05.03.2008 (2nd Leg)
F.C Porto 1 - 0 Schalke :: Agregate 1 - 1 :: Tie Braker - Schalke 4 - 1 Porto
POR:Lisandro 86'
Real Madrid 1 - 2 AS Roma
RM:Raul 75' ::: ROM:Taddei 73',Vucinic 90'
Chelsea 3 - 0 Olympiacos
CHE:Ballack 6',Lampard 25',Kalou 48'
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Sudipta Sur:05.03.2008:
On Wednesday night Chelsea shrugged off any lingering doubts about their title
credentials (if there was any) at Stamford Bridge. The “Blues” cantered to a 3-0
victory over a hapless Olympiacos side and advanced into the last eight of the
Champions League. Goals from Michael Ballack (5th minute), Frank Lampard
(25th minute) and Salomon Kalou (48th minute) inflicted misery and pain upon the
Greeks.
The London club made it to the quarterfinals for the fourth time in five seasons
in this competition by virtue of a 3-0 aggregate score.The Estadio Santiago
Bernabeu witnessed the ouster of home team, Real Madrid. A resolute performance
from the gladiators of Rome resulted in a 2-1 victory for Roma (4-2 aggregate).
The Madrid powerhouse, missing galacticos Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Arjen Robben,
were dealt a cruel blow when Pepe was shown the red card in the 71st minute.
Down to ten men, the “Merengues” crumbled when Taddei headed in the 73rd
minute to give Roma a 1-0 lead. But Raul equalized after two minutes to bring
back hope.
But all hopes of a Madrid fight back were extinguished when Roma substitute,
Mirko Vucinic, scored the decisive goal (92nd minute). Simone Perrotta’s yellow
card, making him ineligible to play in the first leg of the quarterfinals, might just
take out a bit of sheen from Roma’s victory.
Manuel Neuer grabbed all the headlines at the Estadio do Dragao. The Schalke
goalkeeper put up a brilliant display of goalkeeping as Schalke beat Porto 4-1 on
penalties reaching the last eight for the first time.
Lisandro Lopez’s 86th minute strike made all the positive vibes for the home
team after Fucile was sent off four minutes earlier. After extra time proved
indecisive and it was 1-1 on aggregate, Neuer kept out spot kicks from Bruno
Alves and Lisandro Lopez to seal victory for the Germans.
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Arsenal out A.C.Milan from Champions League
F.C.Barcelona 1 - 0 Celtic F.C
BAR:Xavi Hernandez 3'
Aggregate: 0 - 2
Manchester Utd 1 - 0 Lyon
MU:C.Ronaldo 40'
Aggregate: 2 - 1
04.03.2008 :: Sevilla 3 - 2 Fenerbahce
SEV:Alves 5',Keita 10',Kanoute 41' ::: FEN :Deivid 20',80'
Agreegate : 5 - 5 .Fenerbahce won 3 - 2 in Penalties
A.C.Milan 0 - 2 Arsenal
ARS: C. Fabregas 84', E. Adebayor 90'
Aggregate: 0 - 2
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04.03.2008 ::Sudipta Sur:The young guns of Arsenal boomed at San Siro on Tuesday
night. In a fascinating display of European football (technically and tactically),
Arsenal gunned down mighty Milan. Cesc Fabregas’ superb long range strike
(84th minute) and Emmanuel Adebayor’s tap in (92nd minute) gave the “Gunners”
a 2-0 victory on the night as well as on aggregate. In overcoming the
“Rossoneris” Arsene Wenger’s team became the first ever British team to beat
A.C. Milan at the San Siro. The defeat signaled the end of legendary Paulo
Maldini’s illustrious European career. Disappointment flooded the hearts of the
“Rossoneri” faithful, while the “Gunners” marched on to the quarterfinals.
At the “Theatre of Dreams”, i.e. Old Trafford, Cristiano Ronaldo’s opportunistic
strike in the 41st minute gave the “Red Devils” the license to dream about
European glory. A 1-0 score line on the night meant that United progressed to the
last eight on the basis of a 2-1 aggregate. Lyon’s dreams of progressing further
in this season’s Champions League remained a distant dream.
There was both joy and concern at the Barcelona camp after their victory against
Celtic at Camp Nou.
Xavi Hernandez’s clever goal in the 3rd minute made the Catalans merry. But a
sense of disbelief prevailed in the stadium when Lionel Messi pulled up a hamstring
injury and left the field in tears. Barring the Messi injury, it was the Scottish side
which did all the crying at the end of ninety minutes, as Barca advanced 4-2
over the two legs.
A sense of déjà vu prevailed at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan where Sevilla and
Fenerbache dished out an identical first leg 3-2 score line. But on this occasion it
was the Spanish side that scored 3. Daniel Alves (5th minute), Seydou Keita
(9th minute) and Frederic Kanoute (41st minute) got on the score sheet for the
Seville side; while Deivid’s double strike (20th and 79th minutes) for Fenerbache
meant that it was 5-5 on aggregate after regulation time, with both teams
scoring 2 away goals. In extra-time both teams were unable to breach each
others’ defence. Volkan Demirel turned out to be the hero for Fenerbache with
saves from Julien Escude, Enzo Maresca and Daniel Alves in the penalty shootout,
thus facilitating a 3-2 victory on penalties for the Turks in a titillating encounter.
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STARS AIM FOR GLORY : SUDIPTA SUR
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(04.03.2008):A lot more than pride would be at stake when top clubs of Europe resume their
battles in the second legs of the UEFA Champions League knock-out phase. With
all the ties intriguingly poised the teams have everything to play for looking to
cement a quarter-finals berth. 14 of the 16 teams involved would know their
fates on Tuesday and Wednesday. Liverpool and Inter Milan would have to wait
for another week when they clash at the San Siro on 11th March.
Arsenal and A.C. Milan resume their battle royal at the San Siro, Milan, on Tuesday
night. The second act of this epic drama is about to unfold. No English team has
ever beaten the “Rossoneris” in their own den. Arsene Wenger’s men, who defeat
ed Inter Milan at the San Siro, would look to do the same to A.C. Milan. They
could however be hugely handicapped by the absence of Croatian stiker,
Eduardo da Silva. A.C. Milan are sweating over the fitness of Clarence Seedorf.
Lyon, the runaway leaders in the Ligue 1, put up a creditable performance in the
first leg to draw 1 - 1 against Manchester United. In the away leg on Tuesday they
would be boosted by the return of influential defender, Cris. But in reality, the
French champions need more than good luck to upset a rampant United side which
has been firing on all cylinders. Old Trafford, the “Theatre of Dreams” would
certainly put the French side’s dreams into real perspective.
Tuesday’s action would also pit Gordon Strachan’s Celtic against Barcelona at the
Camp Nou, Barcelona. The first leg ended 3 - 2 in favour of the Catalan giants.
Sevilla would be looking to overturn a 3 - 2 deficit when Fenerbache come calling at
the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville.
Wednesday night’s action sees Roma taking a slender 2 - 1 advantage to the
Estadio Santiago Bernabeau to face Real Madrid. The Romans would be devoid of
Marco Cassetti due to a dislocated left shoulder. Real Madrid are still unsure of
Dutch duo, Arjen Robben and Royston Drenthe.
Chelsea would be confident facing Olympiacos at Stamford Bridge, London. A 0-0
first leg score line would definitely suit the “Blues”. The Greek side’s woes have
been further compounded by striker Lomana Lua Lua’s injury.
The 2004 champions, Porto, take on Schalke at the Estadio da Dragao, Oporto,
knowing that a boisterous home crowd would cheer them on till the final whistle.
In the first leg the Germans scraped out a 1 - 0 victory.
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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH RESULT : (19/02/2008) : Sudipta Sur
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