The First-Leg of the UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals saw two tightly contested matches resulting in draws by four prestigious clubs fighting hard to earn the right to play in Moscow, where the Final Match for the Champions of Europe will be decided on May 21, 2008.
Semi-Finals Second-Leg Schedules
Chelsea FC – Liverpool FC
Semi-finals – 30 April 2008 20:45 (CET) – Stamford Bridge – London
Manchester United FC – FC Barcelona
Semi-finals – 29 April 2008 20:45 (CET) – Old Trafford – Manchester
Semi-Finals First-Leg Results
Liverpool FC – Chelsea FC (1-1)
The first half goal by Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt could have given the home side a significant advantage as they visit Stamford Bridge on the 30th for the Second-Leg of the Semis but a late own goal by substitute John Arne Riise gave the visitors, Chelsea FC, a draw.
What should have been a clearing header for a cross from the left by Chelsea’s Salomon Kalou, flew past Liverpool’s Goal Keeper Pepe Reina and into the top of the net. Both teams started off slow, but opportunities are were present on both ends of the field. A 43rd minute goal by Kuyt drastically changed the atmosphere of the match, as the tempo was increased, especially just after the half time break as the Reds made several threats to move further in front.
The visitors forced the pace as time winds down, but Liverpool could have scored a second goal as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres tested Petr ÄŒech. If one of those chances went in, the second leg would be on a different stage, as what the late goal had did for Chelsea’s benefits.
FC Barcelona – Manchester United FC (0-0)
A missed Penalty Kick by United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, from a hand ball by Gabriel Milito on the 3rd minute, was as close as to goal United had came, thus resulting to a draw on the First-Leg of the UEFA Champions League Semis against Barça.
The penalty miss let off a sigh of relief from the sell-out crowd in Camp Nou.
United’s back line was missing the precence of an unwell Nemanja Vidic, as the home side continuously and relentlessly applied pressure. Sir Alex Ferguson called on the services of Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tévez, with an intent to attack Barça, but they had a hard time breaking into the oppononent’s defense.
The Barça still was not able find a way through, with United’s Goal Keeper, Edwin Van der Sar, push away Thierry Henry’s fierce shot after the he had cut inside from the left, and United looked increasingly dangerous on the break as the half progressed. Both teams, however, did not have the chance to break the deadlock, leaving the tie evenly poised for the return leg at Old Trafford.
Source: UEFA Champions League
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