007 – License To March

By: Adam | March 6th, 2008

We are on the doorsteps of quarter finals and 7 have already passed thru the gate. Latecomers will be either Liverpool/Inter since San Siro still facing the aftershocks of the earthquake that sent champions out of the Champions League. As usual KO rounds had everything from drama to ecstasy.

My predictions mostly went haywire. Much like Real Madrid’s performance. Since football is very unpredictable game I won’t back off. Lets see how teams fared in KO rounds.

AC Milan vs Arsenal – [0-2]
Few titbits:This game reminds me of Jack Nicholson’s famous dialogue in Few Good Men, “you can’t handle the truth”. Result speaks the same to everyone. If it was Maldini’s last European game then its really sorry ending to the glorious career by Europe’s one of the most decorated defender. Believe me he was Milan’s best player on the pitch. Even at the age of 39. Milan were poor. And they were the worst team compared to other 11 who played in KO rounds till now. I just can’t believe how come the same lieutenants who mauled the man utd’s youthful exuberance cannot string a pass. Seedorf who is brilliant passer of the ball was sorely missed by Milan. Even world player of year Kaka was shadow of himself. In the last 15 mins of 1st half I lost my count on how many times Milan lost the possession. Ball was getting cleared from their box and on very next pass Milan would loose the possession. On the contrary, Arsenal were not even playing the pressing game. Arsenal were brilliant. Breathtaking would be right word instead of brilliant. Everyone is going ga-ga about Fabregas at the moment. But I strongly believe it was Flamini who orchestrated the famous victory.
Moment of truth: Cesc’s goal where poor GK positioning with some excellence in shot put Milan in no man’s land
Man of the Match: Matheiu Flamini.

Sevilla vs Fenerbahce – [3-2]
Few titbits:As I said earlier that these 2 teams were most underrated teams in the KO rounds. And I still feel the same. This game was one for pure joy. Beautiful yet so cagey. 5 goals were not enough to decide the winner. It was all down to lottery of penalty kicks. And Sevilla undeservedly went out crashing of CL. That doesn’t mean I have belittled the efforts of Fenerbahce. Beating Sevilla in spain was always tough task so was the scoring at their home ground. Volkan, Fener’s keeper denied Julien Escude, Enzo Maresca and Danny Alves to to settle his previous error.
Moment of truth: Kanoute’s goal that set Fener on fire for last few minutes in 1st half and then culminating into 2nd goal for visitors in 2nd half.
Man of the Match: Volkan

Man Utd vs Lyon – [1-0]
Few titbits:It proved to be disappointing game for much of the hype it created. Ronaldo just can’t stop from scoring. Benzema much like the game was futile on the pitch. All in all average game of football involving some of the Europe’s finest young talents.
Moment of truth: Simple. Ronaldo’s goal.
Man of the match: Cristiano Ronaldo

Barcelona vs Celtic – [1-0]
Few titbits:Only Spanish team remaining in the contention for big ears. If loosing a home tie to Barca was a big blow then conceding in first five minutes was bigger than previous one. Barcelona were once again showed why they are billed as favorites to lift the trophy. They played some beautiful football. Ronaldinho was pulling strings after long time (especially in CL matches). Celtic found themselves on backfoot for long spells. Messi once again got sidelined for possible 4-6 weeks due to hamstring injury.
Moment of truth: Xavi’s goal that killed the game straightaway.
Man of Match: Ronaldinho

Thats only about 8 teams. Rest 6 teams will be covered shortly. So stay tuned.