The first leg of the quarterfinal round delivered three entertaining matches and an exceptional one in North London that featured just about every form of soccer drama: a brilliant technical display, breathtaking pace, bravery, momentum shifts and an ending that left everything in suspense. Inter, Barcelona and Bayern Munich carry mild advantages into the competition’s second leg, while Lyon earned a more comfortable victory that puts the club very close to the semifinals.
Manchester United trip to Munich could not have started better, as Rooney shook off his marker and tapped in a deflected cross in the second minute of the match. Fueled by Nani and Rooney, the English side looked crisp in the first half hour and could have gone up further. Meanwhile Bayern was forced to press forward, pushing laboriously in the absence of Arjen Robben and finally finding an equalizer with a quarter of an hour left on a deflected Ribery free-kick. Man United virtually relinquished possession in the second half, either tired or content to defend the latent German attack. Just when it seemed everyone was resigned to the draw, double whammy struck United. First, Rooney twisted his ankle chasing a middle of the field incursion. Then, moments later, Ivica Olic took advantage of several United players’ hesitation to score an improbable winner three minutes into injury time and changed everything for next week. Bayern can now go through with a draw and they will have Robben back, while Rooney is out for a while.
Rooney Injury, Bayern Winner
Inter’s one goal win over CSKA Moscow hardly reflected the action on the field – margin of victory should have been greater. On the Italian bright side, Mourinho’s team did not concede a goal at home, will have Lucio back next week and will bring plenty of confidence from the first leg. The Russians must feel fortunate to escape Milano down only one goal and will benefit from their synthetic home field. Still, one away goal should pave the way to the semifinals for the nerrazzuri.
Lyon achieved the most peace of mind against fellow French club Bordeaux. The two goal win assures Lyon of nothing against a well balanced team that features Gourcouff and Chamakh in great form, particularly considering that Lisandro will miss the second leg through suspension and Makoun through injury. But at this stage, Lyon gave itself the most comfortable cushion of the round. Bordeaux will play its chances well at home, 2-0 an attainable target.
Barcelona’s draw against Arsenal provided such a thrilling experience that it is hard to image replication. It was a magnificent display of excellence and determination. Considering the first twenty minutes of the match, the second leg should have been a formality. Arsenal survived the knock-out this time and, as the game went on, the greatest concern for Barca kicked in. Playing under maximum pressure for nearly two years now has taken the great players of Barcelona closer to exhaustion. Total football does not work without constant movement and when the movement slowed down, then completely died, Barca became just an ordinary opponent. Guardiola has not had flexibility to mix up his line-up very much this year because of the tightness of La Liga, and it’s showing at a critical time. Messi was brought on in the second half against Osasuna last week and taken out against Arsenal after he burned out.
Barcelona - Arsenal
Several players will not be available for the second leg: Pique (suspension), Puyol (suspension), Fabregas (suspension/injury), Arshavin (injury), Gallas (injury). Barca could be greatly boosted by Iniesta’s return for the Arsenal and Real Madrid week. Arsenal will have to find a way to score at the Nou Camp without its key players (add van Persie to that list). It is improbable, but a Sol Campbell set piece or a Nasri individual effort could make the difference. Never underestimate Arsene Wenger. It happens all over again next week, not to be missed.