Milan brings down Barca

Amazing how the world is stunned when Barcelona loses.  But this was no fluke.  With 2 second half goals, Milan earned a 2-0 win over the Catalans during the first leg of their round of 16 match up. 

Unlike other teams who sit and wait for Barcelona to make their way to the 18 yard box, Milan brought the pressure to Barcelona to keep them at the center of the field.  A great physical and tactical effort by Milan was on display as Iniesta and Messi were shut out of the game.  Messi, playing on the wing, never got into a good attacking rhythm.  Iniesta was double, triple teamed even and was not able to create the chances we are accustomed to seeing.  Barca ended with 66% possession, but only 2 attempts on goal.  Yes they were being properly defended but  Barca showed no urgency going forward until they received some goals which is dissapointing to see from this side.

De Gea: A keeper from zero to hero

David De Gea, 22-year-old Spanish footballer, starting keeper for Manchester United, and subject of much scrutiny stitches together a sparkling performance in Madrid.

The waxing and waning success of De Gea's young career was once again highlighted in yesterday's 1-1 draw with Real Madrid. De Gea put together a world class match against one of the best teams in the world, giving up just one goal off of an un-stoppable header by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real Madrid Vs. Manchester United round 1

Manchester United got a pivotal 1-1 draw away at Real Madrid today in the first leg of their Champions League match-up.

The two teams will play again in Manchester two weeks from now to decide who moves on to the quarterfinals.

Danny Welbeck opened the scoring in the 20th minute on a headed goal off a corner kick.
Ten minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo got a free header in the box and smashed it home to tie it 1-1.
After that, Real Madrid had all the possession in the world but couldn't find the cutting edge in the box.

It was an enthralling match all the way until the end. It looked like Real Madrid would come close to taking a late lead when Ronaldo cut inside on to his left foot inside the 18 but passing instead of shooting, finding Mesut Ozil who hung on to the ball for too long, like someone trying to score the perfect goal in FIFA. When his pass inside met Sami Khedira, he shot straight at David de Gea leaving it all tied at 1-1.

Tuesday, 5 March.

Get that date in your diaries, if it's not already scribed in. That's the return date at Old Trafford where Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho says "It's still 50/50". And if it is anything like the first 45 minutes especially of tonight's game we are set for some knockout gold.