The drama intensified as the picture for knock-out qualification got a little clearer on Champions League Match Day 4.
Barcelona was held to a goalless draw in frigid temperatures in Kazan against a determined and well organized Rubin side supported passionately by a full stadium. Ibrahimovic came closest early on, his effort against the post, but in the end Barcelona was unable to return the favor from two weeks ago to the delight of the Russians, who feel great taking four points from the world’s best club.
Barca’s draw mattered a lot because Inter pulled off a huge coup in the last five minutes of its match in Kiev. With Dinamo sailing through thanks to a great individual effort from Andrei Shevchenko, in a three minute blitz Inter stunningly went from last to first in the group and now controls its fate. Mourinho reveled in Inter’s character, applauding his players’ persistence and rewarding effort.
The results set up Barcelona – Inter on November 24th in Catalonia, a match that Barca has to win and Inter can hardly afford to lose. Even with a win against Inter, Barca’s final match will be on a balmy December night in Kiev. All possibilities remain open in this group, but Inter took a huge step forward.
Heartbreak for an already wounded Liverpool in Lyon. After a number of wasted chances to take control of its fate, Ryan Babel (why is he so seldom used Rafa?) appeared to provide the hugely needed three points with a fantastic strike seven minutes from time, but a momentary lapse of concentration in the 90th minute allowed Lisandro Lopez to pounce and drastically reduced Liverpool’s Champions League prospects. Lyon is through, Fiorentina is in good shape now five points ahead of Liverpool with two matches to go. Liverpool deserved better on this night and Rafa Benitez will be under scrutiny again, but consistently Liverpool’s game has been thinner than its ambitions.
Milan and Real Madrid played to a 1-1 draw on Kaka’s return to San Siro with not much excitement to report. The match did not live up to the hype or their last encounter two weeks ago. The way forward appears to be smoother for Madrid, who can clinch a spot with a win at home against Zurich next time around. Milan will host a revamped Marseille team that ran riot on the Swiss and will roll into Milano with great confidence and a clear mission. Should be a great match.
Manchester United, Sevilla, Chelsea, Porto, Bordeaux and Arsenal booked their places in the spring tournament and can direct their focus on domestic competitions. Juventus is well position to join them soon. But Inter, Barcelona, Milan and Real Madrid will have to battle on all fronts with their best arsenal, while Bayern Munich seems set for the Europa League competition in the spring after suffering a shock home loss to Bordeaux. The second team from group B will likely be decided by the direct clash between CSKA and Wolfsburg in Moscow. The Russians’ 3-3 draw in Manchester should provide them with the necessary confidence for this match. Second place spots are also up for grabs in groups G and H, with Stuttgart, Olympiakos and Standard Liege in the mix.
