Liverpool 1 Chelsea 3
Barcelona 4 Bayern Munich 0
I’m shell-shocked.
Can’t believe what I saw last night.
Michael Essien dominated Steven Gerrard, and Rafa, the great tactician, didn’t change it, didn’t switch him, just sat there and watched Liverpool being out-smarted and out-powered.
Normally, it is a waste of Essien’s running power to play him in a holding role. But here Essien intercepted as well as tackled, pinched the ball and used it, and Ballack played deep too, allowing Chelsea to win the game on counter-attacks and free-kicks.
Liverpool started well with precision passing and a highly organised shape. When Arbeloa crossed, Torres knocked the ball in from ten yards and Drogba replied by missing two good chances.
For me, the Torres goal galvanised Chelsea. That made decisions for them. They hit back immediately after being knocked down by that early goal. Which was the only time in the game that Torres was unmarked.
Serbian right back Ivanovic scored with a superb header from a right wing corner to make it 1-1 at half-time and then headed in a Lampard’s left wing corner to make it 2-1.Gerrard was at fault, losing Ivanovic sloppily.
Then Malouda, released by Ballack’s slide-rule pass, hit the ball first time and low across the six-yard box and Drogba stabbed in for 3-1. I can’t remember seeing Chelsea play better than they played last night. They were awesome.
Being round at Doug & Kate’s, I didn’t make any notes, so I’m just writing this off the top of my head. Early on I was just making frivolous remarks about stars players and billionaire owners like Abramovich, the oligarch.
Kate : “Is the oligarch there?”
Myles : “No , he’s on his yacht in Moscow.”
I’m shocked. That’s all I can say: I’m shocked. I didn’t think Chelsea would win that game 3-1. I didn’t think Stevie G could be so invisible in a game. And I didn’t think Rafa Benitez could be turned upside down in his own backyard.
Carlo Ancelotti will be Chelsea coach next season, we are told this morning.
Barcelona 4 Bayern Munich 0 was predictable.
I backed more than 3 goals. In a few games every season, the bookies are giving you money. Klinsmann admits the tie is over. He has said that Bayern have a lot of work to do before his team can be top four in Europe.
Messi scored the first, made the second for Eto’o, scored the third by stabbing in Henry’s left wing cross from two yards, and Henry slotted for 4-0.Messi’s face had an unscheduled encounter with Van Bommel’s shoulder but the impish Argie was chatting to TV reporters afterwards and his face looked intact.
I thought Malouda was just offside for Chelsea third goal, that Eto’o was just offside for Barcelona’s second. For what it’s worth, I thought referee Howard Webb was right to book Messi for diving. Pep Guardiola went ballistic when a penalty wasn’t awarded and the coach was sent off.
Next Tuesday, Chelsea play Liverpool at the Bridge, Bayern host Barca at the Allianz. Both second legs look like formalities
On Wednesday Arsenal 1 Villarreal 1 will continue at the Emirates.
And the Dragao will see the second half of Porto 2 Manchester United 2.
Champions League quarter-finals?
Good games and thrilling goals and surprises. I hope Platini was watching the fun. I enjoyed it. Wednesday for me was a night of shocks and laughs. I don’t know what other people think. I haven’t read any articles about football this week but I want to read some today and tomorrow.