Wayne Rooney tucked away a penalty against Rangers to advance Manchester United to the knock-out stages of the Champions League by a 1-0 margin. In a generally worrying and usual custom, United were never dominant and failed to stamp their authority in the crucial tie in Sir Alex Ferguson's homeland. Even at their worst, The Red Devils seem to be getting the results necessary and that will be pleasing to the former champions but a little worrying for whoever comes up against them.
Barcelona were pedestrian away against Panathanaikos. It was a stroll in the park as they rarely broke sweat in blasting 3 goals past a spirited but fragile Greek side. It was never going to be a question of the victory but the goals. It was 1-0 by half time from a Pedro goal to the far post. Two typical Barca passing movements were buried by Messi and Pedro sealed the deal for Real Madrid arch rivals. The 2 will meet on Monday for a very hot encounter.
Tottenham Hotspur never fancied playing at this level for ages and even when they qualified, the draw seemed the harshest ever. While they did not give themselves a chance, many also believed their road had ended before it started. They are in the last 16, affording to miss the penalty kick even. Central defender, Kaboul, converted a Lennon cross as early as the 6th minute. Modric was stylish and cool to tuck away a cool finish in the first half injury time before Crouch langed onto yet another Lennon cross.
Bale did strike the cross bar from a free-kick and missed a penalty after Modric was fouled in the box. Now there is a question of them not surviving the knock-out stage, which is obvious. Expecting them to look forward now is gross, given there is more to see if they look behind than trying to x-ray a future they can only see when it comes. After all, even the present is wrong territory for them. I am certain they did not budget for the present even in their wildest dreams.
Football differs from live sciences because, while in mathematics you can make deductions, it has no 'therefore'. With the European giants likely to top their groups, Spurs will do themselves much good to do the same. Except for English sides, only Barcelona and Real Madrid are intimidating. Other teams can easily be dispatched by an inform Spurs. Depending on how much solid they decide to defend centrally, you can be assured the firepower will come to the party if the squad is injury free. Aaron Lennon need to be consistently in good form to complement Bale on the left. Suddenly, the team from White Hart Lane becomes a worry even to Barcelona in a very good day.
Inter registered a 1-0 victory over Twente while Shalke beat Lyon by a 3-0 scoreline as did Tel Aviv against Benfica. Valencia raised the bar to thump Bursaspor 6-1. This will worry Man U as they fight to top the group to get easier draw for the knock-out stage. Valencia were 4-0 at half-time.
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