And then there were four. We're now in the semi-final stage of the UEFA Champions League. The line-up promises some mouth-watering matches:Liverpool (England) v Chelsea (England)
Barcelona (Spain) v Manchester United (England)
Matches will be played on a home-and-away basis. The 3 English clubs which reached this year semi-finals were the same 3 that appeared in last year's semis. The possibility of an all-English final is strong, & only Barcelona stand in the way of that scenario.
My forecast on how I see the semi-finals unfold are as follows:
Liverpool v Chelsea
This will be the third time both sides meet in the Champions League semi-final! That's because these 2 teams previously faced each other in the semis of the 2005 & 2007 Champions League. On both occasions, Liverpool narrowly prevailed to reach the final. On the basis of those results, Liverpool are seen to be the favourites (though not strong favourites) in this tie. Indeed, Liverpool have really thrived in this competition over the last few years, so it will surprise no one should they get past Chelsea yet again.
Matches between these sides tend to be tight affairs. This particular tie will probably not be any different - there will only be 1-2 goal difference at most over both legs. It's possible that a penalty shoot-out may be needed to separate the sides, as was the case in 2007. Both teams seem to play a similar, disciplined style of football. That is not to say both sides do not have quality players. Far from it. There are match winners on each side - Torres & Gerrard for Liverpool, & Drogba & Anelka for Chelsea. Besides these, both sides can also call on numerous other international players. On the coaching side, both coaches enter this tie with an opportunity to prove something - Liverpool's Rafa Benitez has a chance to establish his credentials as a tactical master for the big-games, while Chelsea's Avram Grant will have a chance to step outside the shadow of the previous coach Jose Mourinho.
Benitez suggested that Chelsea's players must overcome the mental block from the 2005 & 2007 semi-final defeats in order to get past Liverpool this time. He suggested that Liverpool therefore have the psychological edge. Some may see this as Chelsea's opportunity to gain revenge on those defeats. And I think they will get it this time. Chelsea's players will have to be careful not to get carried away with the revenge factor - the danger is that the desire for revenge can be so strong as to get the better of their emotions & consequently the ability to focus on their game. But I would think Chelsea's players are experienced enough not to let "revenge" get to their heads. Furthermore, the difference between now compared to 2005 & 2007 is that this time, Chelsea will have home advantage in the decisive second leg. And, overall, I feel Chelsea have a stronger squad than Liverpool. So, all things considered, I think Chelsea will make it third time lucky & will prevail. My verdict: revenge for Chelsea.
Barcelona v Manchester United
It is this semi-final tie, more so than the other, that will have football fans everywhere excited. That is because Barcelona & Manchester United both play attacking, enterprising football, compared to Liverpool & Chelsea who are both considered to be more tactical & conservative. Past matches in this competition have seen lots of goals - 4-0 to Barcelona in 1994/1995 season, & 2 sets of 3-3 draws in the season Man Utd won the treble. Another goal fest could be on the cards.
Now, if this match was to be played 2 years ago, I would be absolutely confident of an emphatic Barcelona victory. Back then, Barcelona were the best team in Europe. Today's Barcelona, however, are not as strong, & so I find it hard to imagine a comprehensive win over Man Utd this time. Barcelona's performances this season have been very inconsistent, & at times, ordinary. They have been struggling of late - just refer to one of my previous posts on FC Barcelona. They are having problems on & off the field (injuries, erratic form, uncertainty over coach & players' futures, etc etc). By contrast, everything is going extremely well for Manchester Utd. They have been in fine form, have such great team spirit, have no injury worries, & some of their players recently having their contracts renewed, which should boost the morale of those players.
Needless to say, I would be supporting Barcelona. For those who know me, it's no secret that I am no United fan & would not want to see them win this competition. However, I do like a couple of their players - Portugal's sensation Cristiano Ronaldo & Argentinian forward Carlos Tevez. The best compliment I could pay these 2 is that I wish they were playing for Barcelona. If so, then I can definitely see a comfortable win for Barca. But the reality is they play for Man Utd, & they will most likely be key in helping Man Utd get past Barca. Verdict: Based on form & their consistency, I would have to say Manchester United will prevail over the 2 legs. Never mind the fact that Man Utd will play the decisive second leg at home, their more impressive form alone is enough to persuade observers that they look more likely winners. But in football, anything can happen, so who knows, maybe Barcelona can rise from the ashes? I hope so...
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