Total Football Fan

Champions League Semi Finals Complete

The quarter finals have finished, and as expected the favourites have gone through and we have some brilliant semi final clashes to look forward to. Chelsea are up against favourites Barcelona, as Real Madrid go head to head with Bayern Munich. The Allianz Arena is the host for this season’s Champions League final, as Bayern Munich will hope its written in the stars for them to win the Champions League in their own stadium.

On Tuesday night, we saw Barcelona beat AC Milan 3-1 on the night, and on aggregate. Two Messi penalties and a goal from Iniesta was enough to see Barcelona through. At one stage they were heading out as Nocerino scored for Milan, making it 1-1 on aggregate with Milan going through on away goals. Barcelona showed their superiority and it will be hard for any team to stop them this year. The other game on Tuesday was the 2nd leg of the Marseille v Bayern Munich match. Bayern were 2-0 up in their away leg, so it was a matter of finishing the job off. Two goals from Olic made it 4-0 on aggregate as they cruised through to the quarters.

On Wednesday Chelsea had to see of their 1-0 lead they earned at Benfica. Chelsea had made it 2-0 on aggregate with a Frank Lampard penalty, and then it was made easier for the hosts as Benfica were down to 10 men. Chelsea didn’t see the tie out, and with 5 minutes to go Benfica had equalised. Meireles scored for Chelsea to send them through to the semi finals. Real Madrid had beaten Apoel Nicosia 8-2 on aggregate but the Cypriot side will be delighted with how they have performed in this seasons champions league.

So now we have to mouth watering semi final clashes to look forward to. Mourinho reckons Barcelona are super favourites and therefore thinks Chelsea won’t be in the final. The Real Madrid v Bayern clash is 50/50 in most peoples eyes. The final is going to be good no matter the outcome. Could Bayern play in their own final against either Barcelona or Chelsea? Will Mourinho face his old club in the final, if Real Madrid and Chelsea meet. Or will it be a Barcelona v Real Madrid final as most people will be expecting as the two giants of European football. We have 180 minutes of football to look forward to before then, and they should be cracking matches.

Manchester United Go 5 Points Clear

Manchester United persevered and kept going as they scored two fantastic goals in the final 10 minutes to secure a win at Blackburn and go 5 points clear. Valencia scored the first, with Ashley Young scoring with a few minutes to go, to send the United fans into raptures. With Manchester City drawing on Saturday, Manchester United go 5 points clear with this vital win, as it sends Blackburn down into the bottom three.

In the first half, it was Manchester United who started the stronger, and had dominated the game in terms of possession. Javier Hernandez came closest, as he latched on to Valencia’s cross put Robinson managed to keep it out. Towards of the end of the first half, Blackburn had three shots in the space of two minutes, but David De Gea managed to keep them all out with superb reflex saves. The two teams went into half time level, and the second half was eagerly anticipated.

Manchester United continued to dominate after half time, but Blackburn were dangerous on the counter attack. They had put the ball in the net by Pederson, but the ball was judged to be out of play just moments before. Manchester United made more attacking substitutions as Wellbeck, Young and Giggs were all brought out as they continued to search for a goal, with the loud United fans behind the goal. Valencia had gotten into great positions all match and crossed the ball endless amount of times but Blackburn had an answer each time. However, Valencia drive into the box with 10 minutes to go, and his shot/cross found the net as the players, manager and fans were jubilant. Ashley Young scored 5 minutes after, another good goal as he curled it in just outside the box. Two fantastic goals as United ended up winning such a vital game in their season. 5 points clear now, and next week they face QPR before City travel to Arsenal. It’s important for City to stay in the race, when this weekend finishes.

AC Milan Frustrate Barca, Chelsea, Bayern and Real All Win

Barca Frustrated – AC Milan 0-0 Barcelona
It was probably the smartest tactic of all by AC Milan last night. If the pitch is smooth, fast and big, then Barcelona are going to outplay you and most likely beat you. If the pitch is cut up, rough, bobbles all the time, then you may stand more of a chance. Barcelona couldn’t get into their rhythm and when they did, AC Milan defended as if their lives were on the line. Barcelona will still be favourites as a home win will put them through, but no away goals mean if AC Milan could achieve a score draw, like they did in the group stage, then it would be them to progress. It certainly promises to be a fascinating return next week.

Marseille 0-2 Bayern Munich
The final will be at the Allianz Arena and Bayern are doing everything they can to try and win the title in their own stadium. Marseille got to this stage by knocking out Inter Milan, but last night were outplayed by the better side. Gomez, who has now scored 11 goals in this season’s Champions League, and Arjen Robben, made it a comfortable night for Bayern Munich and they can nearyl start thinking of their huge semi final clash, which is almost certain to be Real Madrid. Still next week’s leg to play, but Marseille will need to perform the match of their lives to stand any chance.

Benfica 0-1 Chelsea
Chelsea had battled their way to a perfect away performance and this result puts one huge foot in the semi finals. Benfica had more possession and pressure but Chelsea had defended superbly throughout the night and looked a threat on the counter. The goal made by Torres, scored by Kalou was enough for Chelsea to win away in this fixture. They have a huge advantage now as any draw or win will see them through. Benfica need to win this match, but if they play like they have this season, it is still a possibility.

Apoel Nicosia 0-3 Real Madrid
It was the biggest match in Apoel’s history, but it didn’t end to well as they were comprehensively beaten by Real Madrid. They are out of the tie, but they enjoyed the run so far, and still have one more game at the Bernabeu to look forward to next week. The Real Madrid goals were scored by Kaka, and two by Benzema. They are on course to meet, most likely Bayern Munich, in the semi finals, which promises to be a classic.

A video of Eden Hazard, deciding where to move to next. A bit disrespectful?

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Can Manchester United go 3 points clear? 

Manchester United host Fulham tonight, as a win would take them 3 points clear at the top, with 8 remaining fixtures afterwards. Manchester United usually win at home against Fulham, and especially in recent years it has been comfortable. When the sides met earlier in the year, Manchester United had won 5-0 at Cravern Cottage, but it doesn’t mean United will have it easy tonight. Ferguson has already started the mind games, claiming Mancini and City are the team in ‘desperation’. Ferguson has said time and time again that experience is key in the title race, and perhaps that’s why Manchester United are the favourites. On paper Manchester United have the easier set of fixtures too, but football has never been played on paper. In the next four games, after tonight, United have Blackburn and Wigan away, whilst entertaining QPR and Aston Villa at home. Whereas Manchester City, have Sunderland and West Brom at home, whilst travelling to Arsenal and Norwich which won’t be easy. It may come down to the 30th of April, when Manchester City face Manchester United at the Etihad. That may be the decider of this enthralling season.

Stoke 1-1 Manchester City
I suppose that Manchester City took 4 points in two games they were losing this week so that is a positive, but they have dropped two points where Manchester United don’t look like dropping any at the moment. Stoke was always going to be a hard game, and it proved exactly that, as Stoke didn’t let City have any time on the ball and looked dangerous themselves. Peter Crouch scored arguably the goal of the season, as Stoke went 1-0 up, with a superb controlled volley, and Joe Hart and no chance. Yaya Toure equalised from a long way, albeit a slight deflection to give Manchester City perhaps a vital point.  From two hard games, they had been losing both, but managed to pick up four points. If Manchester United drop some silly points, then these 4 here would turn out to be crucial. Manchester City will be watching tonight, and praying for a favour from Fulham.

Premier League Round up
We started with Chelsea against Tottenham, where it was in truth a disappointing match which finished 0-0. The real winners of that game were Arsenal, as they beat Aston Villa 3-0 to go 3 points ahead of Tottenham and 8 ahead of Chelsea.  Bolton beat Blackburn 2-1, a game won for Fabrice Muamba who continues to recover. Wigan produced the story of the weekend when they won at Anfield for the first time in their history to give them 3 huge points, but still remain in the relegation places. Wolves are at the foot of the table, as Norwich defeated them 2-1 despite taking the lead. QPR remain in the bottom three as they were defeated by Sunderland 3-1 at the Stadium of Light. Everton produced a great performance to beat Swansea 2-0.

The Last Quarter – Premier League Preview (24-26th March)

It’s ‘squeaky bum time’ for most of the teams in the Premier League going into the final 9 games of the season. This weekend we have so many vital matches we have so much riding on each game. We have the fight for the title, fight for Europe and the fight for relegation. I suppose teams from 8th to 15th are either happy they are not in these positions, or disappointed because they think they should be. Here are the previews for all the matches this weekend.

Manchester Clubs – Premier League Race
Manchester United won 5-0 last weekend, heaping the pressure on Manchester City for their game against Chelsea, and even recalled back striker Carlos Tevez for the match. Manchester City knew if they dropped points, then it would give United a further edge in the title race. However, despite being 1-0 down, Manchester City showed tremendous spirit and scored a great goal which saw them win the match 2-1, which puts the title back in the balance once again. Manchester City have the privilege of playing first this week, as they go to Stoke, which is always a tough away match, 5:30 kick off on Saturday. If they send out another message and go top, Manchester United will go into their match against Fulham with added pressure, which is the Monday night football this week. Both sides will be watching each other closely, but the main thing is for them to get the job done. All neutrals will be hoping the head to head match at the end of April will decide the title. What a cracking game that promises to be.

Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea – Champions League Race
I suppose Newcastle will be offended by this as they still have a chance of reaching the top four, but that would definitely exceed expectations. They face West Brom on Sunday, away from home, but a win there would put them in a hopeful position so you never know. Liverpool’s lost at QPR pretty much has ended any chance of them being a top four team, and their focus may be the FA Cup to build on from the Carling Cup success. Chelsea host Tottenham in another hugely important fixture this weekend. There is 5 points separating the two, so a win for Chelsea would bring the three London clubs very close together. Tottenham were well ahead of Chelsea at one point, but now it’s too close for comfort. Tottenham haven’t won at Chelsea in over a decade, but what a time it would be for them to win this Saturday and go 8 clear of Chelsea. Tottenham haven’t won in four, and Chelsea have improved a lot, so should be a fascinating watch.  Since a few weeks ago it was confirmed Arsenal wouldn’t be winning a trophy this season. However, their league form has been impeccable since then. They host Aston Villa at 3:00pm, and in current form, they should make it 6 consecutive wins in a row.

Relegation Battle!
Blackburn have turned up the ante in recent weeks, by winning back to back games and now have some breathing space. They travel to other relegation threatened team in Bolton, who are currently in 18th, so it’s fair to say that is a 6 pointer match for both sides. Fabrice Muamba has been continuing to improve his health since his collapse last Saturday, which is obviously great news, but Bolton players still will have that in the back of their mind when playing them tomorrow. If they show the spirit Muamba has, then they will fancy themselves to get out of this position.  QPR came from 2-0 down to beat Liverpool in the week, and that will boost them ahead of their match at Sunderland on Saturday. Wigan travel to Liverpool, which isn’t an easy match, as they are joint bottom of the table. Wigan need the same inspiration from last season to keep them up, but there is little evidence of that at the moment. Wolves have been very poor of late, as they are conceding for fun and not looking like scoring either. They travel to Norwich on Saturday, desperate to get a win under their books and try and survive in this league for one more season. So much to play for, it’s just pure entertainment for the neutral.

Premier League Preview – March 21st

Four huge matches tonight in the Premier League with 8 teams all going for different objects, from Premier League winners, Champions League aspirations, European aspirations, or simply to stick in the division for next season.

Manchester City v Chelsea
It’s a huge game this one, as Manchester City are 4 points behind their rivals United, despite being top since late October. There is pressure on the City side, and to make things worse, they are facing a Chelsea side who are in fine form under Di Matteo. Chelsea have won all 4 games under his reign, as they are in two competitions and hoping to secure 4th in the league. Tonight will be arguably their toughest remaining fixture yet, as Manchester City have yet to drop any points at home all season. It’s going to be a great clash, with lots of quality, but we hope the drama is there like it has been in all the top games this season. Manchester United will be the biggest Chelsea supporters tonight, with Arsenal being huge supporters of Manchester City. That’s what we love about football.

Everton v Arsenal
Speaking of Arsenal, they are too in action tonight and it’s not an easy one for them either. Everton did lose to Liverpool a week ago, but that was the sole defeat in the last three months in all competitions. At home, Everton are a tough force as Tottenham found out in their last game. Arsenal are on good form themselves though, having won their last 4 matches, and in each match coming from a goal down. Expect a close encounter here.

Tottenham v Stoke
Tottenham has a stressful time on Saturday being apart of the Bolton match which saw Fabrice Muamba collapse on Saturday. The spirit may be low in the stadium due to this, but football does have to carry on. It’s a huge game for them, as they can feel Chelsea and Arsenal breathing down on them. Stoke beat them in the reverse fixture, and showed against Liverpool on Sunday they are a tough team to be up against.

QPR v Liverpool
QPR are in huge trouble at the bottom of the league. They are in a relegation dog fight with four other teams, and at the moment, it’s fair to say they are losing it as they sit in 18th currently. Liverpool still have Champions League aspirations but know they need to go on a good run to achieve that. They have won their last two matches and they will certainly hope for another three points here to keep their chances alive.

Blackburn 2-0 Sunderland
There was also one game last night, as Hoilett and Yakubu both bagged a goal each as they won a vital game 2-0, which makes them 6 points above the relegation zone. Sunderland have been going strong lately, and will want to see that as a little blip.

Great Chelsea Comeback; Real Madrid Cruise; Europa League Previews – Thursday 15th

Chelsea 4-1 Napoli AET – (5-4)

Chelsea had to come back from a 3-1 loss back in Naples 3 weeks ago, and found themselves in an underdog position going into the second leg. Chelsea showed a new spirit tonight though, and all their best players had their better days. Drogba scored a great header to put them straight back into the tie, as they lead at half time 1-0. Goal from John Terry put them 2-0 up, before Inler scored for Napoli, who looked threatening on many occasions. Chelsea needed a goal, and former Liverpool player Dossena hand balled in the box, and Lampard stepped up to take the penalty.  The match went into extra time, and both sets of players looked tired and penalties were looming large. Ivanovic was the hero though, as he steered in a fine shot to put Chelsea 4-1 up on the night. Napoli needed a goal, and that would have put them in the driving seat on away goals, but it wasn’t to be for them. Chelsea now advance to the last 8, as the only remaining English team.

Real Madrid 4-1 CSKA Moscow – (5-2)

Real Madrid had earned a decent result in the first leg, drawing 1-1 away, and with their magnificent home form this season, it was well expected for them to cruise through on this evening. Higuain tapped in a goal within the first 15 minutes, and Ronaldo’s cracker put daylight in between the two sides. Benzema made it 3-0 and effectively game over, although Tosic scored a consolation for CSKA, and a fine goal that was too.   Ronaldo added the fourth of the match, as Real Madrid are also in the last 8.

The Draw

It will take place on Friday late morning time, as we find out the quarter final and semi final draw. The final 8 teams in it, are favourites Barcelona and Real Madrid, Chelsea, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Marseille, Benfica and Apoel Nicosia. If possible, the ideal draw for anyone is to miss Barcelona and Real Madrid, both in the quarters and semis, but to win this you have to beat the best.

Europa League Preview

There are 8 matches tonight, as we will find out the final 8 teams in the Europa League quarter finals. Manchester United kick off at 6:00pm, as they wil try and comeback from a 3-2 loss against Bilbao, away from home, which does seem unlikely. Manchester City have a better chance of qualifying, despite them losing 1-0 in the first leg, but are now home for the second leg.