Liverpool were seconds away from taking a precious lead to Stamford Bridge. After dominating the game and having the best chances, a lapse in concentration from John Arne Riise means it is very much advantage Chelsea. Riise seems quite distraught after gifting the Blues an away goal they really didn't deserve. The important thing from Liverpool's point of view is to forget about what happened in the first leg, as they now have to do something they haven't done before under Rafael Benitez. Score at Stamford Bridge. Fernando Torres will have to be at his best if Liverpool are to stand any chance of going through. He was anonymous in the first leg, and now needs to be on top form as Liverpool's main goal threat. Chelsea will be delighted with getting a score draw when they didn't really get going in the whole game. Their attacking play was devoid of ideas and it took a moment of madness from John Arne Riise to save their skin, and keeps Avram Grant in the hunt for a first Champions League final for his side. With Liverpool having to score in the second leg, this may play right into Chelsea's hands. They don't need to be adventurous (well, they never are) and will probably look to frustrate the opposition rather than focus on their own game. It's a big test for Benitez if they are to reach a third CL final in four years.
Who would have thought the Liverpool - Chelsea game would contain more goals than Barcelona - Manchester United? After the penalty award in the first 90 seconds it was looking like we were in for a lot of goals. Unfortunately the invincible Cristiano Ronaldo proved he was human after all, and put his spot kick wide. Following that, Manchester United failed to create a lot, instead being quite comtempt with Barcelona keeping the ball. In fairness to them, the Spanish side didn't really do a lot to threaten the United defence, who were missing Nemanja Vidic. A goalless draw was a satisfying result for the Red Devils, whose performance was viewed by their manager as 'professional' and by some pundits as 'poor'. Still the United boss will be confident his side can overturn the Catalan giants in the return leg at Old Trafford. It will be interesting to see how different the team selection in that game will differ to the first leg. Wayne Rooney looked lost and cut an isolated figure on the right-hand side. Expect to see him through the middle in the next game, probably as part of a three man attack, with another three packing the midfield. Barcelona need a goal from somewhere at Old Trafford, and with the quality in their attack are very much capable. Hopefully the second leg will deliver the attacking football the first leg promised, and ultimately disappointed us.
Manchester United vs Barcelona is LIVE on ITV1 on Tuesday 29th April from 7.30pm.
Chelsea vs Liverpool is LIVE on Sky Sports 2 on Wednesday 30th April from 6pm.
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