The last match of the UEFA Champions League took place on Wednesday evening. It’s a bit hard to know where to start but let’s go to Anfield, shall we?
Yes, Liverpool won the game, beating French side Marseille 1 – 0. The win guaranteed Liverpool a place in the last 16 of the Champions League when the knock-out phase begins next February, but (and this is a big but), it wasn’t a convincing victory or display. Especially in the second half.
You would have expected Liverpool, 5 times winners, to come out and completely dominate the second half, marching towards the Kop and closing out the game, as they have done so often in the past. By contrast, it was Marseille, who looked brilliant at times with their quick passing, who made life very difficult for Liverpool. As the second half wore on it was the home team who came under increasing pressure and you could sense that there was a definite sign of relief around Anfield when the final whistle blew.
It’s fair to say that Liverpool’s win was largely down to Marseille’s lack of killer instincts in front of goal and, at the other end, some absolutely desperate defending. The Liverpool goal, with their captain Steven Gerrard returning from injury, was the perfect example of Marseille’s terrible defense. It was so bad I don’t know where to start. Actually, I’m not going to bother describing it. If you’ve seen it, you’ll know what I mean. Unless you’re watching for a Marseille defender who clearly can’t decide whether it’s worth following Gerrard into the penalty area. Unfortunately, he decided he couldn’t be bothered. Although I doubt his manager would disagree with the decision. That leaves Gerrard perfectly in front of the goal with a free header.
In the other group game, it was a very empty and quiet Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid, (due to UEFA penalties) where Atlético Madrid beat PSV Eindhoven 2 – 1. The win sent Atletico into the last 16. They also remained top of the group as live scores 24 an extra goal. The final round of games in this group will determine who finishes one and two and should therefore be a better draw in the knock-out stages.
On paper, it looks like Liverpool will have an easier game as they are away to Dutch side PSV while Atlético travels to Marseille. Marseille is always a very good team at home and after last night’s performance, it will not be a surprise if they win. By the same token, on last night’s display, it wouldn’t be surprising if PSV beat Liverpool too! Although surely the English team didn’t really play that badly.
In Group A, Chelsea, and Bordeaux had a tough match that ended in a 1 – 1 draw. It also saw Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard dismissed late on for two yellow cards. The draw leaves the qualification places still up for grabs but the Blues know a win against lowly Cluj at Stamford Bridge in the next round in two weeks’ time will ensure their qualification. However, if Bordeaux beat Roma, a draw would be enough for them to qualify.
Two-time winners Barcelona easily defeated Sporting Lisbon 5 – 2 in Group C. However, the result was almost irrelevant as both teams had already qualified for the knock-out phase of the competition. The match was a personal milestone for French striker Thierry Henry who became the first French player to play 100 times in the Champions League. It was an auspicious round for Henry who opened the scoring for Barcelona.
I’ve saved the best group for last, Group B! The last round of games in this group should produce some pure sporting drama. However, German side Werder Bremen probably won’t care because, with only a draw against ranked outsiders Livescore 24, Bremen is already out and have no chance of improvement. Yes, they could get level on points with Panathinaikos, but due to their head-to-head results, the German side is out.
Livescore 24 has certainly surprised some in this season’s Champions League group stage and I for one, wouldn’t have given them a chance of making it to the last 16 with a final-round match still in hand. the game.
