Champions League Round Up

Valencia 1 Chelsea 2 (2-3 aggregate)



This shows us from strong Chelsea is going to be in the Champions League. They fought a goal down away from home and managed to score in the 90th minute for the winner. When the game at Stamford Bridge ended at 1-1, many of us started to think that Valencia may have that slight advantage with an important away goal.

For Chelsea, it wasn't seems to be the case. They were determined to win the tie and with their experience of their players, they managed to nick in on time. Jose Mourinho is one of the best coaches around and I believe the key to Chelsea success is all because of him. Yes, many would have argued that they bought their success. However, they do have a great coach. Without him, I believe Chelsea would be another Real Madrid. A team with many stars players, however, unable to play well together as a team.

The quality of Chelsea is without any doubt one of the best in Europe. With Cech in goal, Terry in defence, Lampard in the middle and of course, Drogba upfront. They have the players to punish you if you just switched off. Although the 4 teams in the semi-final all stands the equal chance of winning the cup, somehow, I felt that Chelsea would be the favourites. Isn't it with the quality of players?


Manchester United 7 Roma 1 (8-3 aggregate)


Manchester United has proven this time they meant business. Like Chelsea, with the first leg score of 2-1, many started to doubt them and believe that they may struggled against the Italians.

However, the 7-1 score win at home just tells us everything. The first leg, Man Utd struggled to handle the Roma's attacks and was left with 10 men majority of the match. Rooney's away goal proved to be vital and Ferguson was quick to point out that. That goal gave them hope. That cool finishing gave the fans hope, gave the players the determination and of course, gave Ferguson the light.

Credit to Manchester United, they played really well. Their attacks were menacing and the Roma players didn't know how to handle the fast and swift attacks from Manchester United. The huge scoreline just tells us how clinical Man Utd was and how bad the Italians defended. I didn't watch the match, however, I believe that practically, every single shot by Man Utd went into the goal.

Will Manchester United able to maintain the good form and move on?


Bayern Munich 0 AC Milan 2 (2-4 aggregate)



AC Milan, 6 times winner of the Champions League has proven again that they are no pushovers in Europe.

Despite all their match-fixing incidents back in Italy, they have shown that those days are over and they are determined to win the trophy which they recently lost to Liverpool back in 2005. They have the most experienced team in this high level. Many of their players have played in big occasions before, win trophies over the years of their career. Players like Clarence Seedorf, who won 3 Champions League with 3 different clubs, has so much experience at this stage.

They conceded 2 away goals to Bayern and they had to travel to Germany with a thought of needing to score goals. And they did. They scored 2 awesome goals and keeping a clean sheet away from home. What a great performance by the Italians!

Will Milan overcome the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney?


Liverpool 1 PSV 0 (4-0 aggregate)

Finally, it's my beloved Liverpool. They have played well over the past 2 legs and were the better team. Having the job done at the Philips Stadium, Liverpool just needed to make sure that they don't concede at home, they will be through. Reina kept a clean sheet and the we managed to win the game as well.

With just 4 teams left, any team is capable of winning the cup. Liverpool, who had won the cup in 2005, has been performing consistently in the Champions League. They played pretty well in the group stages, knocked the defending champions Barcelona out and now the Champions of the Dutch, PSV.

With the current players, I believe that Liverpool has the quality of winning it again. However, they have to be on top of the game and can't afford to make any mistakes. Defensively as well as offensively. They can't miss chances, and of course, Rafa Benitez will be very important for them. To me, Rafa Benitez is the key of Liverpool path over these years in the Champions League. Tactically, I've never doubt him. His knowledge of European football is one of the best and it's been proven over the years that he's on top.

The next stop will be Chelsea. Will history repeat itself like 2 years ago? Will Liverpool have the quality to stop the mighty Chelsea?

Champions League Fixtures

1st Leg
24 April 2007 Tuesday
Manchester United Vs AC Milan - Old Trafford
Chelsea Vs Liverpool - Stamford Bridge

2nd Leg
1 May 2007 Tuesday
AC Milan Vs Manchester United - San Siro
Liverpool Vs Chelsea - Anfield

You'll Never Walk Alone..