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Classy United oust Wolfsburg as Juventus collapse in Turin
Published by Ian John on December 9, 2009
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What an evening of Champions League football last night proved to be!
First up, congratulations to Manchester United for their performance in Wolfsburg. To go to Germany with only one recognised defender and come away with a 3-1 win, having played many reserve players, is an outstanding result. It also proved a very useful barometer for manager Sir Alex Ferguson as to whether Edin Dzeko really has the class to be a hit at Premier League level and I have to say, on last night’s showing, I remain unconvinced. It really was an outstanding display by United, capped by an excellent Michael Owen hattrick. What is it about Owen and Germany that brings out the best in him?
No doubt, the shock result of the night however came in Turin where Juventus were humbled, nay dismantled, comprehensively by Bayern Munich. The only bigger shock than the 4-1 scoreline in favour of the Germans being the fact that had it been a couple more in their favour, the Italians could have had no complaint. The result ensures Juventus will join Wolfsburg and Liverpool in the UEFA Cup after Christmas in what will be a huge blow to Juve’s season and will surely raise questions over Claudio Ranieri’s position as manager.
Shocks also in London where Chelsea were held by a spirited APOEL. Chelsea’s slack defending probably less of a worry to Carlo Ancelotti than the news that Mickael Essien may be out a while with what looked like a hamstring pull.
FIFA have confirmed this morning that CSKA Moscow will not be punished for two of their players failing dope tests. Sky Sports commentators had speculated whether the club would be eliminated and Wolfsburg allowed to take their place in the knockout phase but it seems FIFA will punish the individuals concerned rather than the team.
Last night saw Bayern Munich, CSKA Moscow, AC Milan and Real Madrid confirm their place in the knockout stages, joining Bordeaux, Manchester United, Chelsea and FC Porto who had already qualified. Tonight sees a similar scenario where Lyon, Fiorentina, Sevilla and Arsenal are already confirmed as through, with the four remaining spots to be decided by tonights final matchday clashes.
Certainly the most interesting story of the night will unfold in group F where Inter Milan and Barcelona coud both be eliminated if results do not go their way. Admittedly, it would have to be two freak results for both big sides to go out, but it is possible and it is certainly feasible that one of them may miss out of they lose their game tonight. Another crucial game in Group G between Stuttgart and Unirea will decide who accompanies Sevilla through from this group. The Germans will start as favourite with home advantage but the Rumanian side have proven tricky opposition this year for any team and this result is by no means a foregone conclusion.
Olympiacos need only a point to confirm their place alongside Arsenal in the knockout stages and they may not even require that unless Standard Liege can defeat AZ67 Alkmaar at home.
For Liverpool fans however, it will be their last game in this years competition and will only be memorable for it having the full debut of Alberto Aquilani, if reports are to be believed. The one silver lining for Reds fans on what has been a cloudy and miserable Champions League campaign this season.
Image Courtesy of ***The EFP *** on Flickr.com
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Nabyl Charania on Wed, 9th Dec 2009 12:09 pm
Owen scoring 3 was a shocker. Chelsea have to be concerned about their lackluster defending. Inter and Barcelona play today, good day for Champs League