Thursday, 24 April 2014

REVIEW OF THE UCL SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG

The Chelsea-Atletico Madrid game failed to live up to its pre-match billing as both teams played out a non so entertaining goalless draw at the Calderon. Diego Costa wasted the chances that came him way and the Colchoneros game plan was countered by the Mou-naccio system-a coinage from the Catenaccio employed famously by the great Helenio Herrera in the 1960s. In the end, Mourinho got what he wanted. a 0-0 draw. 

Chelsea may have left Atletico satisfied with their performance and the eventual result but they didn't win the war as two of their very best soldiers left the battle field injured and out for the rest of the season. Peter Cech had to be replaced by Mark Schwarzer early on and John Terry followed suit at the tail end of the encounter. That has left gaping holes in their defence as they prepare for another very crucial match on Sunday v Liverpool. Lose at Anfield and the hopes of laying their hands on a 4th EPL title will be dashed.

Diego Simeone said after the game his team que Could They all tried but they just t Chelsea's approach as it is the very same one he employs against Barcelona. Mourinho beat him to his own game on Tuesday but it is not over yet. Next stop-Stamford Bridge on Wednesday 30th April.


Bayern Munchen started the match at the Bernabeu well on top, totally dominating possession and creating countless opportunities.Spanish capital until Real broke and Ronaldo freed countryman, Coentrao on the left. He managed to get past Rafinha and the sweet, well timed cross was poked home by Karim Benzema to give the merengues a 1-0 lead in the match and tie. Try all they could, die roten couldn't find a way past Iker Casillas even when they dismantled Ramos and Pepe many times. Real's MOTM was Luka Modric-One of the true greats of his generation. He calmly played a fantastic game and United fans are still disgusted at the failure to land him when it was all but confirmed that the 'Ginger meastro' Scholes was calling it a day. The tie is still in the balance as the Bavarians can still negotiate a way into their third consecutive final appearance. They know how close they are to becoming the first team to retain the UCL crown. Everything will unfold in five days at the Allianz Arena.


All four teams still have a chance to book a final berth. Chelsea have the slight advantage over Atletico but the Champions League has sprang many surprises over the years and Simeone's warriors are not easy to devour. Bayern need to call upon their champions' spirit to get past the Blancos. Shutting Real out is not impossible as Dortmund showed in the previous round. Let's see what happens next week when the fixtures are reversed.


Ohireime P Eboreime
@ Ohiskaka1990

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