Champions League Round-up
3rd April, 2008
Chelsea were left stunned by two goals which saw them lose the first leg of their quarter-final against Fenerbahce last night, whilst Arsenal and Liverpool played out a 1-1 draw in the Champions League.
Chelsea will feel hard done by to face a second-leg deficient after being the better side in Turkey for much of the game. It did not take long for Chelsea to get the lead, despite it coming from an own-goal, as Deivid put the ball past his own keeper from a Malouda cross. The English side will lament not finishing the game off in the first half, with a number of chances going begging, including a superb strike from Michael Essien hitting the crossbar.
Chelsea continued to press in the second half, before Kazim-Richards was introduced from the bench for Fenerbahce. He made a huge impact, grabbing the equaliser after being on the pitch for just ten minutes, racing on to a through-ball and finishing with style. Cudicini was given no chance, and the blame goes to Ashley Cole for playing him onside. The home side then got the goal advantage that will be so crucial when playing at Stamford Bridge, as own-goal scorer Deivid hit a wonder-strike from 35-yards nine minutes from time. Chelsea will now have to hope their home form can save them and put them in the semi-finals.
In the final quarter-final first leg game, Liverpool came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Arsenal. The Gunners dominated from the start and got a deserved goal on 23 minutes from a corner, a move straight from the training ground. Van Persie played a short corner into Adebayor who shifted into position to head the ball past Reina. It then took only three minutes for them to equalise, when Kuyt was on hand to convert Gerrard’s smart ball in.
Arsenal continued to dominate the game, but could not find the breakthrough. They had a definite claim for a penalty turned down as Kuyt appeared to pull down Hleb in box only for the ref to give a corner. Liverpool will now go into the second-leg as favourites thanks to their away goal, and given recent history in the competition. We suggested yesterday you back the 1-1 result (6/1 with Paddy Power) and both teams to score at evens.
After the all the first legs of the quarter-finals, Manchester United are 7/4 favourites, Barcelona second at 3/1, Chelsea at 4/1, Liverpool at 6/1 and Arsenal are 8/1. Despite getting a win against Chelsea, Fenerbahce remain 33/1 with Bet 365.
By Chris M
