Champions League Semi Final leg 2

Chelsea 1 v 3 Atletico Madrid Torres (36), Lopez (44), Costa (60pen), Turan (72)
(Atletico Madrid win 3-1 on Aggregate)
First Half: Koke hits the bar with a cross. Willian strikes a free kick over the bar at the near side. Luiz hits an overhead kick just wide of the far post. Goal! 1-0, Chelsea take the lead as Torres scores with a low shot across goal that deflects into the far side from a low Azpilicueta cross. Goal! 1-1, Atletico equalize as Lopez converts a shot into the near top corner.
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Turan has an effort palmed over at the near side. Terry has a header parried away. Penalty! Diego Costa is fouled inside the box by Eto'o. Goal! 1-2, Atletico come from behind to lead as Diego Costa scores from the spot with a high strike into the near side. Luiz heads against the near post before having an effort parried over. Goal! 1-3, Atletico seal the tie as Turan heads against the bar before tucking in from the rebound into the far bottom corner. Hazard has a low shot well stopped by the keeper. Hazard has a low shot saved.
Full Time: 1-3.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Turan. Atletico to meet Real in Madrid derby Final. Chelsea were knocked out of the champions league semi-finals after falling flat in the second half. They made a strong start to the match and took the lead thanks to Torres. It seemed like the first goal could have proven to be the winning goal and all looked good for Chelsea. However, they failed to make it into half time without conceding which meant that Chelsea had to score again to go through. This forced Mourinho into a more attacking formation which led to Eto'o coming on off the bench. However, he made a disastrous impact by giving away a silly penalty soon after coming on. This put Chelsea 2-1 down on the night but they now needed two more goals to progress. It just didn't work out and they conceded again which ended the tie. It could be argued that one moment of madness throughout the two legs proved significant in the outcome of the tie and I agree that the penalty changed everything. Chelsea could have scored in the second half to win 2-1 but in the end it is another missed opportunity. 
Atletico just keep surprising everybody and continued their incredible season with a place in the champions league final. Despite failing to score in the first leg, they more than made up for it in the second with three goals. They were on the back foot in the first half but scoring that vital away goal before half time was a hueg turning point. All they needed to do was hang on and they were through. However, they were gifted a penalty and Diego Costa made no mistakes, despite taking an absolute age to place the ball on the spot. That put Atletico firmly in control of the tie and they only grew stronger as the game went on. Turan killed the game off with a third goal for Atletico, sending Simeone running down the touchline in sheer delight. It makes for an intriguing final this year with both teams coming from Madrid. Real will most likely go in as favourites but Atletico could cause yet another surprise and win. 

Best Goal: Turan - Watch the Goal here

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mattaylott

Feel free to leave a comment below! 

Champions League Semi Final Second Leg

Bayern Munich 0 v 4 Real Madrid Ramos (16,20), Ronaldo (34,90)
(Real Madrid win 5-0 on aggregate)
First Half: Bale volleys over an open goal from long range. Goal! 0-1, Madrid take the lead as Ramos heads into the centre of goal from a Modric corner. Goal! 0-2, Ramos scores again with yet another header, this time from a Di Maria free kick into the far bottom corner following Pepe's flicked header. Ribery fires a low shot across goal wide of the far post. Ronaldo drags a low shot from long range wide of the far post. Goal! 0-3, Madrid break as Bale powers through the defence before squaring to Ronaldo who scores with a low shot under the keeper at the near side. Ronaldo sends a long range effort that bounces wide of an open goal. Robben fires a free kick over the near side.
Half Time: 0-3 (0-4).
Second Half: Alaba has an effort cleared over the ball by Ramos. Martinez heads over the bar. Robben curls a long range shot just wide of the far post. Coentrao has an effort parried away. Kroos fires a shot from the edge of the box just over the near top corner. Goal! 0-4, Ronaldo scores with a low free kick that goes under the wall and into the near side. Alaba has a free kick saved.
Full Time: 0-4 (0-5).



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Ramos. Real Madrid thump Bayern in Munich. Bayern knew they had to score to get back into the tie and pressed forward which came to no surprise. However, they went two goals behind on the night as Ramos pounced from two free kicks. It was poor defending that cost them the two goals which put them in a terrible situation. They now needed to score four goals to go through. This forced them to push more players forward which left them far too open at the back. As a result, Ronaldo and Bale profited and killed the game tie off before half time. That result may come as a huge shock to many fans but it just proved how important an away goal can be in the champions leauge. They failed to score at the Bernabeau and left themselves plenty to do in Munich. It didn't work this time but I'm sure they will be back next year with a strong challenge, especially after signing Lewandowski.
That was a counter attacking masterclass from Real Madrid who were just too good for Bayern tonight. They held the advantage from the first leg and capitalised on it with an outstanding first half. Ramos was incredible and scored two unexpected goals from set plays. The game just played fully into their hands as Ronaldo and Bale's pace was almost impossible to defend on the counter. The two combined for their third goal whilst Ronaldo scored a very clever free kick right at the death. It was the German's who dominated European football last year but there was a changing of the guard tonight as Bayern got blown away. I'm delighted to see Real in the final as it is just an absolute joy to watch both Ronaldo and Bale at work.

Best Goal: Ronaldo - Watch the Goal here

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mattaylott

Feel free to leave a comment below!

Champions League Semi Final First Leg

Real Madrid 1 v 0 Bayern Munich Benzema (19)
First Half: Robben fires a strike from the edge of the box on the turn just wide of the near post. Goal! 1-0, Madrid take the lead as Coentrao fires in a low cross which Benzema casually taps in at the far post. Ronaldo fluffs a really good chance over the bar. Di Maria blazes an effort from close range over the bar.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Ronaldo has a low shot across goal parried at the near post. Ronaldo has a low shot from the edge of the box turned past the near post. Muller fires a strike from the edge of the box, that takes a slight deflection, wide of the of the near post. Gotze has a volley stopped by a great save at the centre of goal. Bale strikes an effort from an acute angle into the side-netting.
Full Time: 1-0.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Coentrao. Real Madrid's tactics of playing on the counter attack paid off as they head to the Allianz arena with a strong advantage. Benzema scored the only goal of the game in what turned out to be Madrid's night. It really could have been two or three for Real as Ronaldo and Di Maria missed golden opportunities in the first half. Ronaldo threatened the Bayern goal with a few stinging shots but Neuer was on hand to keep them out. Real defended really well and will be delighted that they didn't concede an away goal. The result means that Real will be able to sit back and counter in the second leg which suits their style of play down to a tee. I fancy Madrid to score in Munich and can see them progressing into the final.
Bayern dominated possession, much like they did against Man United, but they failed to make it count. There was no real cutting edge as they just passed the ball around the box for the majority of the match. They were caught out on the break for the goal and could easily have found themselves a couple more down. Neuer made some top saves to keep it a 1-0 but they will be disappointed to have not scored a crucial away goal. Muller came close with a deflected shot but Gotze had their best chance really well saved by Casillas during the second half. It will be a big task for the current champions to overcome Madrid in the second leg but I wouldn't rule them out just yet. 

Best Goal: Benzema - Watch the Goal here

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mattaylott

Feel free to leave a comment below! 

Champions League Semi Final (First Leg)

Atletico Madrid 0 v 0 Chelsea
First Half: Cech tips a corner over the bar but lands heavily on his ribs, forcing the keeper off. Ramires fires a cross/shot wide across goal. Raul Garcia heads over the bar. Mario Suarez fires a long range blast just wide of the near post. Diego Costa has a volley blocked by Azpilicueta.
Half Time: 0-0
Second Half: Lampard has a long range shot saved. Diego has a low shot from the edge of the box saved. Torres goes past three defenders but has a shot from the edge of the box saved at the near side. Gabi hits a free kick that deflects off the wall before being parried past the near post. Turan heads wide at the near post. Raul Garcia heads a looping header over the bar. Diego Costa has a header blocked by Cahill. Luiz fires a free kick wide of the near post. Diego Costa has a header saved.
Full Time: 0-0.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Cahill. Atletico controlled most of the game and were largely on the front foot. However, they failed to score which keeps the tie nicely balanced. They created plenty of chances but just couldn't prise open a stern Chelsea defence. Diego Costa, Raul Garcia and Gabi all had decent chances scuppered but they will be pleased that they didn't concede an away goal. I would say the tie now favours Atletico who just need to avoid defeat at Stamford Bridge to reach the final. 
Chelsea clearly came with a plan and that was to defend, defend and defend some more. A classic and typical Mourinho performance away from home who set the team up to play on the counter attack and not concede. Well they didn't concede but equally and if not more importantly, they failed to grab an away goal. Ramires, Lampard and Luiz all had chances but it didn't look likely that they were going to get an away goal from the way they were playing. Losing Cech was a big loss early on in the game but Scharwzer coped very well having not played that much this season and coming on in a champions league semi-final. I'm sure Mourinho will fancy his team to beat Atletico in the return leg but it is a high risk strategy that he opts to go with in Europe. It paid off against PSG but it may prove tougher to do the same against Atletico. 

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mattaylott

Feel free to leave a comment below! 

Champions League: Match Day 6 (Group Stages)

Napoli 2 v 0 Arsenal Higuain (78), Callejon (90)
First Half: Giroud hits a shot across goal but parried away.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-0, Higuain puts Napoli ahead after turning past the defence on the edge of the box and strikes a low shot into the bottom corner. Red Card! Arteta is shown a second yellow card. Goal! 2-0, Callejon scores with a lobbed shot over the keeper into the far side.
Full Time: 2-0.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Higuain. It was a really tense affair in Naples. Not much happened during the first half as both teams were unable to create many chances. However, Napoli scored the opening goal and never looked back. Arteta was sent off before Callejon sealed victory for Napoli in the dying moments. Although Napoli were largely in control of the game, they finished one goal away from a place in the last 16. Arsenal were much better in the first half than in the second. They looked rather tired and lacklustre as the game went on and nearly crashed out. The defeat means Arsenal finish the group in second place.

Chelsea 1 v 0 Steau Bucharesti Ba (11)
First Half: Oscar hits a long range strike just wide of the post. Goal! 1-0, Ba puts Chelsea in front with a close range effort into the top far corner. 
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Oscar has a header saved. Ba has a shot saved from close range.
Full Time: 1-0.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Oscar. Chelsea took an early lead and managed to hold on to finish top of the group. It was a job well done by Chelsea who did what they needed to do. Steau did not have anything to play for and it showed. They were outclassed and failed to threaten the Chelsea goal throughout the match.

Best Goal: Garcia, Higuain, Neymar. Winner: Garcia

Qualified Teams

Group Winners: Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona

Runners Up: Schalke, Arsenal, Zenit St Petersburg, AC Milan

Champions League: Match Day 6 (Group Stages)

Bayern Munich 2 v 3 Manchester City Muller (5), Gotze (12), Silva (28), Kolarov (59pen), Milner (62)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Muller puts Bayern ahead after slotting home into the bottom corner from Dante's long ball. Ribery strikes a shot against the outside of the post. Goal! 2-0, Gotze scores with a close range low shot into the near corner following a corner set piece. Fernandinho blazes over the bar from long range. Goal! 2-1, Silva scores from close range after poking in Milner's cross. Gotze has a close range shot block saved by Hart. 
Half Time: 2-1.
Second Half: Dzeko has a shot saved by Neuer. Penalty! Dante fouls Milner inside the box. Goal! 2-2, Kolarov levels for City from the spot, firing low into the bottom corner. Goal! 2-3, Milner puts City ahead with a low curling shot into the far bottom corner. 
Full Time: 2-3.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Milner. Bayern came out really strongly and took full advantage, taking a two goal lead within the first 12 minutes. However, City found their feet in the game as Silva halved the lead going into half time. Two goals in the space of three minutes put City ahead but Pellegrini didn't realise that another goal would put City top of the group. Bayern enjoyed a fruitful opening fifteen minutes but were outplayed by City thereafter. However, they go through as group winners. City were left dumbstruck early on but fought back valiantly to win the match. This result will make them fearsome opponents going into the last 16.

Manchester United 1 v 0 Shakhter Donetsk Jones (67)
First Half: Texeira puts an effort just wide of the far post. Januzaj has a shot punch saved away. Texeira has a shot saved by De Gea. Young hits a lob just wide of the far post. 
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Rodidski has an effort deflected just wide of the post. Kagawa has an effort turned round the post. Rooney hits a chip over the bar. Goal! 1-0, Jones put United ahead with a low volley from the centre of the box following a corner. 
Full Time: 1-0.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Jones. The first half was an even affair as both teams struggled to create many chances. However, it was United who struck first in the second half and managed to hold on to claim top spot in the group. United got the job done with a gritty performance. Not inspiring stuff but a massive result for Moyes who will hope for a favourable tie in the last 16. Shakhter had the better chances in the first half but were unable to take any of them. 

Best Goal: Milner, Modric. Winner: Modric

Qualified Teams:

Group Winners: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain, Bayern Munich.

Runners Up: Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Galatasaray, Olympiakos, Manchester City. 

Champions League: Match Day 5 (Group Stages)

Bayer Leverkusen 0 v 5 Manchester United Valencia (22), Spahic (own goal 30), Evans (66), Smalling (77), Nani (88)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Valencia taps in from close range at the far post from Rooney's curling cross. Goal! 0-2, Spahic heads into his own goal from Rooney's free kick.
Half Time: 0-2.
Second Half: Goal! 0-3, Rooney's close range shot is parried to Evans who taps in. Goal! 0-4, Kagawa puts Rooney through on goal who chips the ball over the keeper and Smalling is on hand to tap in from close range. Goal! 0-5, Giggs plays a through to Nani who takes the ball round the keeper and coolly finishes from an acute angle.
Full Time: 0-5.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rooney. Bayer Leverkusen put United under real pressure in the opening stages but managed to rather dramatically crumble as the game went on. They seemed in awe of Giggs and just could not handle an in form Rooney. United were simply brilliant. Moyes and the team really needed that sort of result to try and kickstart their season. Rooney and Giggs starred in what turned out to be a rout.



Manchester City 4 v 2 Plzen Aguero (pen 33), Horawa (43), Nasri (65), Tecl (69), Negredo (78), Dzeko (89)
First Half: Penalty! Handball inside the area. Goal! 1-0, Aguero sends the keeper the wrong way and finds the bottom corner. Goal! 1-1, Horava strikes from the edge of the box to level the match.
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Goal! 2-1, Nasri slots home at close range from Navas' cross to put City back in front. Goal! 2-2, Tecl slots low into the far bottom corner from close range to level the match again. Goal! 3-2, Negredo taps in from close range Navas' cross to give City the lead. Goal! 4-2, Dzeko ends the match after heading in at the far post from Milner's corner.
Full Time: 4-2.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Navas. Man City were defensively poor today but made up for it with their attacking power. The victory keeps City in hunt for top place in the group but they will have to beat Bayern away in the final group match. Plzen kept going during the game until they were put behind for a third time but they definitely gave a good account of themselves.



Best Goal of the Night: Nani

Champions League: Match Day 5 (Group Stages)

Basel 1 v 0 Chelsea Salah (87)
First Half: Xhaka has a free kick saved by Cech. Frei has a shot saved by Cech. Ivanovic has a header cleared off the line. Salah has a shot tipped over the bar by Cech. Salah has a shot that is well saved by Cech.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-0, Salah scores after converting a shot across goal into the far top corner.
Full Time: 1-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Salah. Basel put in a strong performance and deserved to take all three points as they created more chances. This result will really help with their qualification bid but Schalke will most likely push them all the way. Chelsea were not in the game and paid the price towards the end of the match after conceding the winning goal. Mourinho will expect better from his team in the final group game as finishing top of the group remains their priority.



Arsenal 2 v 0 Marseille Wilshere (1, 65)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Wilshere opens the scoring with a delightful chip into the far top corner. Ramsay is denied from close range by a great save. Penalty! Ramsay is fouled inside the area. Ozil is denied from the penalty spot after a great save from the keeper.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Giroud has a shot deflected just wide of the post. Ozil has a shot saved really well by the keeper. Goal! 2-0, Wilshere scores his second of the game after converting from an Ozil pass. Tovan has a shot saved by the keeper. Tovan is denied by a great save from the keeper.
Full Time: 2-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Wilshere. Arsenal put in a decent performance and rightly took all three points. The Arsenal midfield dominated throughout and the outcome was inevitable after Wilshere scored within the opening minute. Marseille were simply outplayed and their champions league will be shortly coming to an end.



Best Goal of the Night: Wilshere

Champions League: Match Day 4 (Group Stages)

Chelsea 3 v 0 Schalke Eto'o (31, 54), Ba (83)
First Half: Draxler misses with a low shot from the edge just wide of the post. Schurrle free kick heads for the top corner but is stopped by a great save. Goal! Eto'o chases down the goalkeeper and slots home.
Half Time:1-0.
Second Half: Goal! Willian plays the ball to Eto'o who slots into the far side of the goal. Goal! Ba scores with a left footed volley into the far corner from Willian's pass.
Full Time: 3-0.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Eto'o. Chelsea were clearly the better team and fully deserved to take all three points. Eto'o in particular was impressive and showed glimpses of his former self. Schalke were simply outplayed and never really got back into the match.

Borussia Dortmund 0 v 1 Arsenal Ramsay (62)
First Half: Subotic volleys just wide of the post. Lewandowski drags a long range shot wide of the near post. Reus header saved from the bottom corner.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! Ramsay heads in Giroud's headed pass from close range to put Arsenal ahead. Mertesacker header just over.
Full Time: 0-1.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Koscielny. Dortmund were in control during the first half but failed to take any of their chances which ultimately cost them. Arsenal put in a strong performance to take all three points back to London and continue their fine run of form.

Best Goal: Inler

Champions League: Match Day 4 (Group Stages)

Man City 5 v 2 CSKA Moscow Aguero (3, 20), Negredo (30, 51, 90), Doumbia (45, 71p)
First Half: David Silva is fouled in the penalty area in the second minute by Tosic and is awarded a penalty. Goal! Aguero scores the penalty into the top corner. Doumbia puts a close range shot wide. Goal! Aguero spins a defender and curls a shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! Negredo taps in from close range from Aguero's cross. Goal! Doumbia beats the offside trap before rounding Hart and slotting home.
Half time 3-1.
Second Half: Goal! Negredo taps in from close range Nasri's pass. Penalty awarded to CSKA as Clichy fouls Doumbia. Goal! Doumbia scores from the spot into the bottom corner. Negredo close range shot saved. Aguero close range shot saved. Goal! Negredo heads in Milner's cross to complete his hat-trick.
Full Time 5-2.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Negredo. It was a solid performance from City who were great going forward but not so good defensively. The deadly partnership of Aguero and Negredo was at full throttle tonight with both scoring the goals. Impressive hat-trick from Negredo who stole the show. CSKA never really got into the game and were outclassed but did well to score a few goals.

Real Sociedad 0 v 0 Man United Fellaini sent off (89)
First Half: Kagawa shot misses just wide of the post. Kagawa shot from the edge of the box saved. Delofela long range curling effort misses just wide of the post.
Half time 0-0.
Second Half: Hernandez misses great chance from very close range. Van Persie strikes outside of near post from close range. Penalty! Young fouled inside the box. Van Persie misses penalty after shot bounces back off the inside of the post. Red Card! Fellaini sent off for a second yellow card.
Full Time: 0-0.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Kagawa. It was a good point for Sociedad who managed to hold onto a point but were largely outplayed. United will be disappointed as much as I was that the three points didn't come back to Old Trafford. A dominant display but managed to miss every great chance to score. Van Persie should have slotted the penalty home for the crucial victory but it wasn't to be. Fellaini learnt a harsh lesson about making fouls in European football and will need to learn from his mistakes tonight.

Best Goal: Aguero, Bale, Ronaldo. Winner: Aguero

Champions League Match Day 3: Group Stages

Both Manchester clubs claim European victories

CSKA Moscow 1 v 2 Man City Tosic (32), Aguero (34,42)



Aguero double sinks CSKA Moscow. City started well in their trip to Russia but couldn't open the scoring as Aguero headed wide of the far post before Negredo put a long range strike over as well as having a low shot comfortably saved from close range. However, it was ex Man United player Tosic who put the home side ahead on the half hour mark after latching onto a Honda flicked header to chip over Hart. City immediately hit straight back equalised as Aguero tapped Silva's cross from close range. Aguero then put City ahead just before half time by heading in Negredo's pass from close range. Silva had a free kick well saved as City went into the break 2-1 up. City largely dominated the second half but failed to find the net. Negredo had a goal disallowed for handball whilst Toure had a header saved. Doumbia had a header saved for CSKA before Kolarov hit a free kick just wide of the near post. Toure had a free kick tipped over the bar whilst Dzeko put an effort just wide. Musa hit a shot straight at Hart before Tosic hit a long range strike straight at Hart. Dzeko put an effort just wide of the post before Hart made a world class save right at the end to deny Honda as City took all three points.

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Aguero for his two goals. CSKA were in the game but failed to take their chances. Man City will be delighted with that win and dug themselves out of a hole in the first half. They should have made it 3-1 in the second but Hart made a world class save at the death to keep them in the lead.

Man United 1 v 0 Real Sociedad Martinez (og,2)



United claim narrow victory over Sociedad. It was a fast start to the game from United and they only needed two minutes to take the lead as Rooney's shot curled onto the far post before Martinez kicked the ball into his own net. Rooney had a volley well saved before Hernandez had a goal ruled out for offside. De Gea was forced into turning Seferovic's shot round the post before Griezman hit a free kick onto the bar as half time closed in. United created plenty of chances in the second half but couldn't find a second goal as Jones had his header at the far post well saved whilst De Gea tipped De La Bella's cross onto the top of the bar. Valencia had a drilled shot saved before Rooney blazed wide from close range. Pardo hit a free kick just wide whilst Rooney had a long range strike saved. Young blazed a left footed shot wide before Kagawa fired into the side netting as United held on for the three points.

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Rooney who showed a very high level of work rate. It was a decent performance from United and they really should have scored more goals to finish the game. Sociedad had their chances but just couldn't find the back of the net.

Best Goal: Ibrahimovic third goal

Champions League Match Day 3: Group Stages

Chelsea shine in Schalke

Schalke 0 v 3 Chelsea Torres (5,69), Hazard (87)



Torres at the double for Chelsea in Germany. Chelsea started brightly and took the lead in the first five minutes as Torres headed in from a corner at the far post. Schalke mounted pressure for the rest of the first half but could not find an equaliser as Boateng had a long range strike tipped over by Cech before Neudstadter had a header tipped over the bar. Chelsea showed their superiority in the second half whilst Torres headed onto the bar from a Lampard free kick. With under twenty minutes left to play, Torres scored his second of the night after tapping in from close range as Hazard put the ball on a plate for the Spaniard. Hazard capped off a fine Chelsea display in the final few minutes to put the away side 3-0 up after slotting past the goalie in a fast break. Luiz tried his luck just before the end but his shot blazed very wide.

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Torres who is starting to look like his old self again. Schalke were able to mount pressure on the Chelsea defence but were caught out on the break too many times. Chelsea were very strong and deserved to win by that margin. Great result for Chelsea who will be looking for a win in the return fixture in two weeks time.

Arsenal 1 v 2 Borussia Dortmund Mkitharyan (16), Giroud (41), Lewandowski (82)




Dortmund snatch late victory. The German side started well and went close in the opening stages as Reus tried his luck with a long range dipper but it just went wide of the far post. Dortmund took the lead as Ramsay lost the ball on the edge of his own box to Mkitharyan, who coolly scored with a well placed low shot. Arsenal then managed to get a foothold in the game as Rosicky had a shot cleared off the line before Giroud levelled before half time after smashing in from close range from Sagna's cross. Arsenal pushed for a winner in the second half but failed to do so although Cazorla came the closest after his shot bounced off the top of the bar. For all Arsenal's efforts, they were undone in the final ten minutes by a quick Dortmund break. Lewandowski put the Germans back in front after stylishly finishing Grosskreutz's cross.

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Grosskreutz who put in a real shift for Dortmund. Arsenal were naive and duly punished by a good Dortmund side. It was a decent performance from Arsenal but they were just undone pushing for a winner. Dortmund showed the art of the classic counter punch in European football and will be delighted to take away the three points.

Best Goal: Contenders: Diaz, Ayew. Winner: Diaz

Champions League Match Day 4: Group Stages

Bayern Munich outlcass Man City

Man City 1 v 3 Bayern Munich Ribery (7), Muller (56), Robben (65), Negredo (80)



Bayern Munich prove to be too strong for City. Ribery put the German champions ahead in the seventh minute after his long range strike beat a despairing Joe Hart. Muller doubled the Germans lead shortly after half time by rounding Hart before tapping in. Robben added a third soon after brilliantly dribbling through the City defence and driving his shot inside the near post. Man City managed to produce a consolation goal towards the end of the game after turning his defender on the edge of the box before curling the ball into the far bottom corner. David Silva came close to another goal but his free kick struck the crossbar. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Ribery who proved to be a constant threat. Man City were shown a European lesson at the Etihad but they improved when Negredo came off the bench to provide a more physical presence up front. Bayern were very strong and simply outclassed City for the majority of the game. 

Shakhtar Donetsk 1 v 1 Man United Welbeck (18), Taison (76)



Late Shaktar goal denies United victory. Van Persie blazed over an early United chance before Cleverly was fortunate not to have given away a penalty as the referee didn't point to the spot. However, United took the lead in the opening twenty minutes as Welbeck was on hand to slide in Fellaini's cross. Shakhtar looked more of a threat in the second half and equalised in the last fifteen minutes as Taison smashed his shot past De Gea as Vidic failed to clear the ball. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Carrick was the best player on the pitch. Shakhtar put plenty of pressure on United and it eventually paid off as they got their late equaliser. United started the game strongly and deservedly went ahead but they looked uncertain in defence which ultimately cost them the three points.

Best Goal: Contenders: Robben and Negredo. Winner: Robben

Champions League Match Day 3: Group Stages

Arsenal and Chelsea both claim victories

Arsenal 2 v 0 Napoli Ozil (8), Giroud (15)



Arsenal in comfortable win over Napoli. It was a great start for the home side after two goals in the opening 15 minutes was enough to beat Napoli. Ozil opened the scoring after slotting home a  Ramsay cross before Giroud was on hand to finish from an Ozil cross. Napoli never threatened the Arsenal goal in the first half but came closest when Insigne fired high of the target. The second half was pretty tame as Napoli continued to struggle in front of goal. Inler could only blaze over before Insigne had a tame effort saved easily. Koscielny came close to a third goal for Arsenal but his shot was well saved. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Ozil for his goal and an assist. Very strong performance from Arsenal who will be encouraged by this win. Napoli struggled to get into the game and were never really a threat. 

Steau Bucharesti 0 v 4 Chelsea Ramires (19,55), Georgievski (og,44), Lampard (90)



Dominant Chelsea thrash Steau Bucharesti. Chelsea got off to a fast start and took early control of the game. Schurrle had his effort blocked early on before Ramires opened the scoring after a delightful little chip over the goalie. The away team went 2-0 up just before half time as Georgievsky put the ball into his own net after an unfortunate touch. Ramires scored his second of the night ten minutes into the second half by smashing the ball into the near side of the goal. Mata then hit the post before Cech was forced into tipping the ball over after a long range chip effort. Oscar fired over whilst Schurrle curled his shot wide. Cech made two decent saves in the final ten minutes before Lampard's long range low drive went in off the post in the dying moments to cap off a fine win for the Blues.

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Ramires who scored two goals. Steau were simply outclassed tonight but came close to scoring on a few occasions. Chelsea showed their class and dominated from the start. A deserved victory whilst Ramires and Schurrle impressed.

Best Goal: Contenders: Ozil, Lampard, Draxler. Winner: Ozil

Champions League Match Day 2: Group Stages

Basel strike twice to shock Chelsea

Chelsea 1 v 2 Basel Hazard (45), Salah (71), Streller (82)


Two late Basel goals sink Chelsea. Chelsea dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead just before half time as Eden Hazard slotted home from close range. Basel came into the game a lot more in the second half which provided a much closer contest. Basel equalised with twenty minutes to go after Salah curled his shot past Cech. Incredibly, Basel took the lead with eight minutes to go as Streller scored with a header at the near post from a corner as Chelsea were left stunned. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Streller who scored the winning goal. Chelsea were the better team in the first half and rightly led at the break. However, Basel were much more of a threat in the second half and deserved to equalise. Nobody saw Basel winning the game though and Chelsea will be very annoyed to have let the game slip away from them. 

Marseille 1 v 2 Arsenal Walcott (65), Ramsay (84), Ayew (Pen, 90)


Arsenal claim vital away victory in Marseille. The first half was evenly contested as both teams were cautious of going forward. Gibbs denied Marseille taking the lead after the break by clearing off the line to keep the game level at 0-0. Arsenal took the lead just after the hour mark as Walcott volleyed past the goalkeeper. Ramsay gave Arsenal a crucial 2-0 lead in the last six minutes after firing in from close range. However, it was Ramsay who conceded a late penalty which Ayem duly converted. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Aaron Ramsay who starred in the Arsenal midfield. A close game which Arsenal will be delighted to have won as they may very well need all the points they can accumulate in order to progress from their challenging group. 

Best Goal: Theo Walcott with his spectacular volley.

Champions League Match Day 1: Group Stages

Opening wins for Man United and Man City

Plzen 0 v 3 Manchester City Dzeko (48), Toure (53), Aguero (58)


Man City cruise to victory away to Plzen. The first half was dominated by City who came close to opening the scoring but were denied by the post and goalkeeper. Dzeko had an early header saved before Aguero hit the post. Kolarov had a shot saved before Aguero hit the post again before half time. It was more of the same in the second half with City increasing their pressure on goal. Dzeko eased City's nerves by finding the net three minutes after the break with a placed shot into the bottom corner after Aguero's lay off. Yaya Toure doubled City's lead five minutes later with a stunning strike from distance which flew into the top corner. Sergio Aguero ended the game before the half hour mark to give City a 3-0 lead after curling his shot into the corner. Plzen nearly scored a consolation goal but their strike struck the crossbar. Aguero came close to his second goal of the night but could only blaze over the bar. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Sergio Aguero who played pivotal parts in two of the City goals. City will be really pleased with their comfortable victory which will boost their confidence in Europe. The scoreline was very kind to Plzen who could have been hit for six as City dominated the whole game.

Manchester United 4 v 2 Bayer Leverkusen Rooney (22, 70), Rolfes (54), Van Persie (59), Valencia (79), Toprak (88)


United get off to great start in champions league. Wayne Rooney settled United's nerves after converting Evra's cross to put the home side ahead. United should have been 2-0 up but Rooney somehow managed to miss an open goal after playing a cross to Van Persie. Leverkusen came out strongly at the start of the second half and levelled the match after Rolfes took a shot which deflected off a defender and beat De Gea. Van Persie restored United's lead five minutes later after scoring with a brilliant overhead kick. Rooney then scored his second of the night with a near post shot. Valencia put United 4-1 up after scoring with a driven shot that went straight through the goalkeeper. Leverkusen struck late on in the game as Toprak tapped in from close range after Reinatz header came back off the bar. Van Persie should have scored his second goal of the game in the dying moments but managed to miss an goal. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Wayne Rooney who shone in tonight's game. United should have scored two more goals but both Rooney and Van Persie missed open goals. A very dominant performance from United who will look to take this form into the weekend. 

Best Goal: Yaya Toure for his long range screamer.