Champion's League - again

I woke up 4am today and watched Manchester United (England) vs Lille (France) in one channel, and Bayern Munich (Germany) vs Real Madrid (Spain) in another channel for the European Champion’s League round of 16.

There was no problem waking up, though I was all alone in my hotel room in Malate. I was just so excited watching the games live on TV that I slept at 1030pm and set the alarm at 4am. Had I arrived here in Manila a day earlier, I would have watched my team Chelsea dump Porto at Stamford Bridge.

Ron Makaay of Bayern Munich scored the fastest goal in Champion League’s history. He put in the goal at 10 seconds at the start of regulation. Crazy football! Shame on the many-time European Champion Real Madrid! They were knocked out on away goals despite leading 3-2 in the first encounter. Fabio Capello must be shivering right now. Plenty of Madridista may again demand his resignation.

As expected, Manchester United waylaid little-known Lille. Their first encounter last month was very controversial. But the better team prevailed this time. Last year’s losing finalist, Arsenal (England), was knocked out by PSV Eindhoven (Dutch). The Champion’s League was the last of the trophies attainable by them this season. In another match, AC Milan (Italy) held on after scoring over Celtic (Scotland) in extra time.

The other day, the reigning champion Barcelona (Spain), was knocked out by 2005 champion Liverpool (England). Chelsea (England) drubbed Porto (Portugal), after a first half scare. Valencia (Spain) and Inter Milan (Italy) involved in some trouble. Valencia emerged the victor, but at a cost of many players that may be sanctioned. In another battle, AS Roma (Italy) held off French Champion Lyon.

So, here’s the final 8.
AS Roma (Italy)
Valencia (Spain)
Liverpool (England)
Chelsea (England)
Bayern Munich (Germany)
Manchester United (England)
AC Milan (Italy)
PSV (Dutch)


Three English teams in the final eight. This could speak of the superiority of the English League over the others, at this moment. But there will always be surprises. My Chelsea team is still alive and running for the trophies in all competition they entered. They already got their Carling Cup. The Champion’s League is still their ultimate goal this season. Go Chelsea!