Messi wins, United draw
April 23rd 2008 22:33
Messi gets plenty of attention, no matter where he goes.
Ronaldo can't wait to get back to Old Trafford.
Once again he has failed to live up to his standing in world football with an ordinary performace from a man many consider to be the world's best.
In front of over 90,000 fans at the Nou Camp, The Portugese flyer was left out cold. He missed a penalty and really did not have any imput in a match that United were dominated in.
Barcelona, despite the absences of Ronaldinho and Puyol, controlled the game in the midfield like Bill Gates controls Microsoft. United were ordinary in attack and never really clicked into gear despite Sir Alex Ferguson opting to start Tevez for more attacking flair.
Despite the match ending in a goaless draw,Barcelona will fancy their chances next week.
The most important aspect of today's result was the clean sheet held by Victor Valdes of Barcelona.
A nil-all draw is much better than a one-all. Just take a look at Liverpool's result against Chelsea.
Chelsea will now go to Stamford bridge needing only a goaless draw to qualify for Moscow. The away goals rule will play a huge part in both Liverpool and Barcelona's games next week.
Although United will favour this result more than their Catalan counterparts, Barcelona do have what it takes to score an upset.
No matter where the La Liga giant plays, they will alway be primed to deliver an attacking assault and Old Trafford will prove no exception.
If there is one thing playing into Barcelona's hands for the return leg next week, It is the form of attacking dynamo Lionel Messi.
Today, the world witnessed the immense talent this man possesses. If there was ever any doubt about this player's ability to perform on the world stage, those thoughts must now subside.
His clash with Ronaldo made this match the more fascinating to watch.
Who would crumble? Who would stand tall?
Luckily enough for Barcelona, it was Messi that stood head and shoulders above the rest. In simple terms the man was quite brilliant. When Messi touches the ball, the crowd stare. When he dribbles, the crowd roar in disbelief and appreciation.
His flick over United defender Patrick Evra was a highlight that just showcased the most complete footballer on the planet.
He outplayed Ronaldo in every facet of the game today. Messi was unmatched and United started to crumble.
Then right on the hour, an atom bomb. Messi is replaced. The United bench applaud the decision.
The spectacle that looked so promising dies out.
Bojan Krkic replaces the Messiah, eager to impress everyone that he alone posesses as much talent as the Argentine.
Unfortunatley things go astray. the kid is only seventeen years old. Krikic displays nerves that are normal in a teenager playing in his first champions league semi-final against one of the finest clubs in the world.
So why the replacement?
If Barcelona are to go through to Moscow, Messi must be at the fore front from the opening whistle to the last.
It would be a cruel tragedy if United were to qualify with Messi only looking on in dismay.
Ronaldo will get his chance at redemption when the two meet once again at Old Trafford. He will be eager to shed the monkey off his back once and for all.
Ladies and gentlemen,prepare for round 2.
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