Champions League Review – 23 February 2006

Report by David Walker

Chelsea’s hopes to declare the Champions League for their very own took a main setback soon after Barcelona won the 1st leg at Stamford Bridge. The Blues had Asier del Horno sent off after 36 minutes but the 5/4 favourites took the lead on the hour through a Thiago Motta own target.

From then on it was all Barcelona and their breakthrough came with 20 minutes left when Ronaldinho’s no cost kick was glanced in by John Terry for the 2nd very own aim of the night. Samuel Eto’o sealed the win for the 9/4 outsiders with 10 minutes left.

Arsenal had better fortune versus Spanish opposition, producing a spectacular win versus favourites Real Madrid at odds of 9/two. The under-strength Gunners took the lead seconds after the break by means of Thierry Henry and grew to become the 1st English side to beat Madrid at their own ground.

Liverpool may possibly have witnessed Benfica as a favourable draw but it was the Portuguese facet who took the initiative. Each sides struggled to generate chances and a draw at 21/10 looked most likely. But defender Luisao headed in for Benfica to give the residence facet a slender nine/five win.

Rangers arrived from behind twice to make a 2-two draw versus Villarreal. Juan Roman Riquelme gave the thirteen/eight Spaniards the lead with a penalty right after eight minutes but Rangers hit again by means of Peter Lovenkrands. Diego Forland gave the website visitors the lead once more ten minutes before the break but an personal target from Pena 8 minutes from time handed the Gers a lifeline.

Rank outsiders Werder Bremen brought on an eleven/five shock against Italian giants Juventus. Christian Schulz bundled in for the residence facet six minutes prior to half time but it looked as though thirteen/ten Juventus would appear out victorious with goals from Pavel Nedved and David Trezeguet. However, Bremen had been not discouraged and levelled by way of Tim Borowski with 3 minutes to go and found a stoppage time winner in Johan Micoud.

A totally free kick from Brazilian midfielder Juninho was enough to make 9/five Lyon an absent victory in opposition to very last season’s semi finalists PSV Eindoven.

European giants Bayern Munich and AC Milan could not be separated in Germany. Michael Ballack gave thirteen/10 favourites Bayern the lead but Andriy Shevchenko equalised from the penalty spot.

Ultimately, Inter Milan battled again from two- down to draw 2-2 at Ajax. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Mauro Rosales gave 23/ten lengthy-shots Ajax a dream start but Dejan Stankovic and Julio Cruz levelled for the Italians.

About the Writer

David Walker runs totally free bets and UK poker web sites. A no cost e mail program: “7 Days to Greater Betting” is obtainable at each of these internet sites.