The English premier league had its proudest moment on Wednesday with three of its members participating in the Champions League. I don’t ever recall the English dominating the competition the way they have done this year. First was the way Barcelona were made to look ordinary by both Liverpool and Chelsea. Then there was Manchester United hammering Fransesco ‘Ferguson will know my name’ Totti’s Roma 7-1 in what was the performance of the season. However, I am not quick to jump on this EPL bandwagon. Barca had the post Champions league dip, Real Madrid are never this bad and to be honest the Italians were underrepresented without Juventus. Before all you Anglophiles brandish those knives I dont mean to say that EPL isn’t good, but I am more circumspect when it comes to the question which league is the best. I would have acceded if it weren’t for the same three clubs every year. As Phil Ball said in his article, its not the Chelsea’s that make the league, it’s the Villas and the Boro’s and they haven’t done diddley poo this year. [ More on this later]

The last two nights have been great for football. Tuesday brought the game of the season as Kaka and Ronaldo went head to head. You would be hard pressed to find two more productive players in the world. Yet, their gameplay is diametrically opposite. While Ronaldo relies on his flair and propensity for the spectacular, Kaka is the more direct, substance over showmanship type of player.

Ronaldo was shackled by a rigid Milan defense that allowed him very little space, but in the process allowed the other young wizard in the team to take centre stage. Rooney had his best match in the Champions league and his second goal showed the opportunistic side of his. His first time shot took everyone by surprise and it was a killer blow to a Milan team that looked good for the draw.

Chelsea Vs Liverpool

Chelsea and Liverpool didn’t provide anywhere close to the entertainment of the previous night but they were never billed to. But it was fascinating to see Pool go back to the KOP without an advantage. I don’t think Rafa has been in such a spot in a long time. Against Barca and PSV they played their second legs without much pressure. So, this would be their first real test.

My Predictions (If you want to make good money, bet against this spread)

Liverpool 1 - Chelsea 1

Milan 1 – Man Utd 2

Technorati Tags: Barcelona, Liverpool, Chelsea, Milan, Man Utd