FC Barcelona-Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC-Chelsea FC: Probable semi-finals?
Monday, April 7th, 2008
A first UEFA Champions League goal for Bojan Krkic gave FC Barcelona a significant advantage in their quarter-final against FC Schalke 04 as the Catalan side withstood fierce second-half pressure to win in Gelsenkirchen. Frank Rijkaard’s men may be struggling for form in the Primera Division but having continued their impressive European run, they will be confident of booking a semi-final place in next Wednesday’s second leg match after expertly nullifying their German opponents. Regarding Manchester United it has the best options in sight since Ronaldo headed the English champions in front after 39 minutes and, after United’s defence had resisted a determined rally from the home side, Rooney doubled the lead in the 66th minute. Given that the United has already beaten the “Giallorossi” twice at Old Trafford in the last 12 months, few would bet against them sealing a semi-final berth when the teams meet again next Wednesday.For Liverpool FC from Rafael Benitez is also a good opportunity to find out another important final and he has the theoretical advantage after the draw (1-1) obtained in first leg match played at Emirates Stadium last Wednesday. The situation of Liverpool FC in the Premiership is not excessively buoyant and therefore a new European tittle Would be enough to save the season.Finally and in spite of his defeat (2-1) in Turkey in front of Fenerbahce FC last Wednesday, Chelsea FC is still the favourite because just a win 1-0 at Stamford Bridge would be enough to qualifies for semi-finals and try to obtain the Champions League tittle for first time in his history.The solution to all these conjectures will be known very soon.