While this statement does not mean much to people who have not been watching the 2007 UEFA Champions League on ESPN the last couple days, it could stir up some controversy with avid soccer fans out there who do not share my enthusiasm for this team. For those people we can just agree to disagree.
One universal truth about this tournament thus far, though, is that there have been some brilliant games played in the last couple days between clubs. Both Chelsea and Manchester United have gained the advantage over Liverpool and AC Milan, respectively, in the semi-finals heading into the second-leg games (a “leg” merely refers to a match played between the two teams).
Man. U. had more than its fair share of injuries going into Tuesday’s first leg against AC Milan. Nevertheless, they gained the advantage over Milan heading into the second leg with two goals from Wayne Rooney.
Chelsea, also seizing a win in the first leg in a 1-0 match against Liverpool, looks to make an appearance in the finals. Chelsea forward Joe Cole slid to catch up to a Didier Drogba assist and placed the ball in the back of the net. That goal would remain the only one scored in the game.
It is not surprising that Chelsea pulled out a win against Liverpool due to it being a home game, but Liverpool has a team that arguably recovers better than any other in the Premiership. They have managed to develop the type of squad that is more easily and radically rotated within positions. This positive attribute will not help them unless they can pull off a win over Chelsea in the next match, though.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho seemed content in an online press release after the match.
“Overall, I think Chelsea deserved a victory-no doubt about it. One goal more would have been fairer, especially after what we did in the first half. But football is about what it is, and it’s a 1-0 result,” Mourinho said.
There was some controversy over a questionable hand ball during the match. Mourinho had moaned referee Markus Merk’s failure to award his side a penalty, but replays showed that the incident was outside the area. Mourinho is a little uneasy that Chelsea only scored one goal in the Liverpool match, but he is confident they can pull off a second-leg victory.
“I don’t know whether it [the handball] was inside or outside the area. The referee was top. But, like everybody in the game-me and the players-he made a mistake,” Mourinho said.
But, what difference does one goal make? In this style of play, any goals scored in an away game are important. If the two teams split matches, the team that has the most “away game” goals will advance to the finals. Liverpool, then, will need to win with two goals in the next leg to advance.
That brings rise to the big question: Will Man. U. and Chelsea meet in an epic Championship finals series? Unless these two teams really mess up the second-leg matches coming up, then yes. Both teams must show up to play in their following matches if they are to reach the finals, though.
Could the epic matchup of Man. U. against Chelsea help restore the faith of the American public as they still try to cope with their national team’s failure in the past World Cup?
The potential matchup can be compared to the New York Yankees facing the New York Mets. It is dynasty versus dynasty. Enormous payroll versus enormous payroll. English power club versus English power club.
It will be interesting to watch how both clubs fare in their second legs. If you are looking for an example of real soccer, it wouldn’t hurt to check out ESPN and see the game played the way it was meant to be played. These teams both play with high levels of intensity and passion. So, if you gave up on soccer after the 2006 World Cup, tune to ESPN and renew the faith.
