Battle of the Titans Barcelona 2 - 2 Chelsea

This was arguably a match that had everything including, football skill, artistic petulance, humour, bad temper, yellow cards, confusion, as well as great goals.


Chelsea were behind early on, when Deco put Barca ahead, after three minutes, with a great drive from twenty yards out. There were other chances for both sides, but at the interval the home side were a goal to nil in front. There had been plenty of drama, and it seemed that most spectators and commentators expected Ashley Cole to be sent off after 37 minutes. However, it later transpired that it was not Cole, but Lampard who had been booked. Interviewed after the match, Lampard was adamant that he hadn't done anything to deserve a booking.


Shortly after the interval Lampard scored a goal, which can only be described as exquisite, from an almost impossible angle. At first he seemed to have fumbled Essien's cross, but he then turned tightly and amazingly lofted the ball over Valdes.


The scores were not equal for long though, because a few minutes later a touch of Ronaldhino wizardry, delivered a ball to Gudjohnsen that was virtually unmissable and Barca went ahead again. Time was running out and it began to look like there would be a Spanish victory. Chelsea though had other ideas and continued to press. Their determination was rewarded when Captain John Terry unselfishly headed towards Drogba, who chested down and swerved to get the equaliser in the 90th minute.


The game was over but the drama continued. In a celebratory tribute to his men, Chelsea boss Jose Mourhino slid across the field on his knees, Meantime, Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard was less pleased, and seemed to berate the referee, who had a busy night with ten yellow cards. Not a classic match but as a spectacle - enthralling!


Home Run Continues Liverpool 3 - 0 Bordeaux


Liverpool continued to shine at home and they are through to the Champions League knockout stages.


Garcia started the ball rolling, with a powerful volley from Gerrard's cross, to put his side one up at the interval. Afterwards Bordeaux seemed more determined, until a nasty incident in the 67th minute saw Mennegazzo sent off for headbutting Riise.


Back to form Steven Gerrard got a second for Liverpool after 71 minutes. Luis Garcia got his second in the 76th minute to make it three for the hosts, and crown a good performance.


Tags:
Barcelona Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Bordeaux