Barcelona and United were favourites to go through after both leading 2-0 on aggregate after the 1st leg. The 2nd legs in both matches were closer games but in the end the damage was done in the 1st leg.
Barcelona v Real Madrid
First was the match between Barcelona and Real Madrid. This time Real Madrid at least give it a go and didn’t play negative football. They were also unlucky with a disallowed goal when the ref (for some reason) thinking Ronaldo had fouled Mascherano in the build up to the goal. Ronaldo was fouled himself and then when he fell and rolled, he rolled in Masherano. Masherano then rolled over about 3 times as if he had been shot. When a cheat!
The game overall was much better than last week which had all the playacting. We did of course have some playacting but a lot less than last week. In between some dives, some actual football broke out. However, Barcelona were too good and Messi was brilliant – the speed, the control and the passing is amazing. And this is all between him being kicked about all over the pitch!
The game ended 1-1 with Barcelona going through, 3-1 on aggregate.
Manchester United v Schalke 04
This was a much closer match than last week. It wasn’t hard as Schalke were awful. However, United were very comfortable and didn’t threaten much. Raul was once again pretty anonymous. Neuer had a mixed game making some excellent saves but he was at fault for the 2nd goal. It was a bad mistake – an almost Gomes type error.
For tonights match, Fergie decided to rest several players. He had the weekends game against Chelsea in mind and the strong position of being 2 goals up on aggregate. 3 of the back 4 were not the first XI. He rested Rooney, Carrick, Rio and Park completely. The bench was very strong though with Chicharito, Vidic, Giggs and Fletcher.
In the end, United won 4-1 (6-1 on aggregate) with a brace from Anderson. That doubles his goals hes scored in his United career. Anderson played well but really should score more goals. Gibson played well too with an excellent pass for the 1st goal (and a bit of a lucky 2nd). Once again Valencia was excellent. Since coming back from injury hes been in great form.
It will be interesting to see how plays against Chelsea on Sunday and also who plays against Barcelona in the Champions League final. A lot of the players tonight were, in a way, playing and performing to try and get in the team. Anderson now has a chance. Valencia already had a good chance to play but it all depends who Fergie plays. He usually likes to play Park in big games and that would normally leave it between Nani and Valencia on the right wing. However, he may play Park more centrally so Nani and Valencia could both play. That would mean in the middle would be Park and space for 2 more midfielders (I think he will play with just Rooney upfront). Fletcher has just come back from injury so if he plays and plays well in the remaining 3 games he has a chance too.
I think it will 3 out of Fletcher, Park, Carrick, Giggs and Anderson. Will be interesting to see how Fergie will set the team up to stop Messi!!
