Manchester United win Champions League
Posted by Z on May 21st, 2008
In a tense but pulsating final in Moscow, Manchester United beat Chelsea 6-5 on penalties. The match had ended 1-1 after 120 minutes with Frank Lampard’s goal on the stroke of half time canceling Ronaldo’s headed goal earlier in the first half. After United dominated the first half only to be played off the park by Chelsea in the second, the match went to extra time. And after an incredible clearance by John Terry to deny Ryan Giggs and an moment of sheer lunacy on the part of Drogba which resulted in him getting sent off, the match went to penalties.
After Ronaldo’s miss and 8 successful spot kicks, it all came down to “Mr. Chelsea” himself- John Terry stepped up to take the final penalty knowing that Chelsea would win if he scored. What happened next would remain etched in the minds of fans everywhere, Terry lost his footing and ended up missing the penalty despite sending Van Der Saar the wrong way. Unbelievable stuff. And in sudden death, it was Nicolas Anelka who saw his spot kick saved by Van Der Saar to give the title to Manchester United. Their third European title overall and their first since 1999. A particularly memorable achievement considering this came on the 50th anniversary of the Munich air crash.
Full credit to Chelsea:
Chelsea’s season could have been so much more different today morning if either Drogba or Lampard had managed to score instead of hitting the woodwork. It probably would have been different if Drogba had not got sent off (a la Zidane in the 2006 final) but credit where its due, Chelsea had resurrected their season brilliantly. Avram Grant looks as clueless as ever on the pitch but his half time talk did have a positive effect. The team will see a lot of changes in the off season with players such as Drogba, Lampard, Carvalho all expected to leave. Whether Roman Abrahamovich will continue to spend money to get new players remains to be seen.
Best team in Europe
Much like Barcelona in 2006, this season has seen Manchester United dominate both domestically and in Europe. The team has played some attacking football with Ferguson using the 4-3-3 formation to great effect. Obviously, all the credit will go to Ronaldo, who with Tevez and Rooney contributed most of United’s goals. However, the success of the squad also has a lot to do with the incredible back four. The duo of Ferdinand and Vidic in the centre, the much improved Wes Brown on the right and the brilliant Patrice Evra at left back. Ferguson has added another trophy to the 31 accumulated in his career and watching him jump about in the rain, it was obvious that he will be in charge at Old Trafford for some time to come.
If you liked that post, then try these...
The Champions of Europe by V on May 23rd, 2007
.
Chelsea win the FA Cup!!! by Vi on May 19th, 2007
.
Milan thump United and enter final. by Z on May 2nd, 2007
For the second time in three years we are going to have a Liverpool vs Milan final in the UEFA Champions league.
May 22nd, 2008 at 5:26 am
Pulsating is hardly the word i would associate with this cuntorama…
Never before has a football pitch has this high a concentration of turds.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:02 am
I agree with the first comment. Terrible. Chelsea had them by the balls i was very disappointed. sad sad day.
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:06 am
Wow, im sure anyone on that pitch in moscow, including the club managers could beat you back into the dark age… dont ever come on a thread and bash professionals of top european clubs.
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:07 am
I’m not a Chelsea fan but last night Chelsea did better than United. Anyway congratulation to United fan.
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:23 am
A Scouser I Presume?
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:36 am
now now Vignesh, that’s no way to talk about Chelski.
Have you been drinking chelski vodka by any chance? bottled in Moscow!
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I’m NOT a Chelsea fan. I was kinda hoping they would take pens till the new season started. Or for some natural disaster.
Atleast that would have saved us from some insufferable gloating.
I can see it now.. “Ooh that amazing night in Moscow”
Puuuuke..
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:25 pm
@Scubasteve and P7: Chelsea did dominate in the second half but United were on top, the first 45 minutes.
@James: An Englishman taking the fifth penalty!
@Vignesh: You bitter bitter bitter fellow. That Belleti goal in Paris still giving you nightmares?
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
look.. im a staunch united fan.. but to win a title u need an insane amount of luck. and united on the night had it.. its not like chelsea had none though.. their goal itself was pure luck.. the penalties were cruel.. but so is every other.. so other than the fact that they lost .. i dont they have too much to complain about..
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
@ Z - United dominated the first half, should have been 2 up at the break. It really was all Chelsea after that, right up until Drogba was sent off. On the balance of play, I’d have given it to Chelsea. And as a Scouser, I was hoping they’d beat United.
@James - Very clever, mate.
@Vignesh - No point getting your knickers in a twist now. It was a good game for the fans of the clubs, but it was no Istanbul.