Totty Posted May 20, 2008 Report Share Posted May 20, 2008 Kick Off: 7:45PMLive on Skysports, Setanta, ITV1Manchester United's Route to the final:GROUP FSPORTING LISBON 0 MAN UTD 1Cristiano Ronaldo got his incredible scoring season up and running by netting the winner against his former club. The Portugal winger finished off Wes Brown's low cross just past the hour mark but tellingly did not celebrate out of respect.MAN UTD 1 ROMA 0No repeat of the previous season's 7-1 mauling and thankfully no repeat of the crowd trouble either. United were made to work hard for a 1-0 win, which came courtesy of Wayne Rooney's fine first-time finish, the striker's first goal of the season.DYNAMO KIEV 2 MAN UTD 4Ronaldo and Rooney were again to the fore but it was Rio Ferdinand who opened the scoring. Rooney put United in complete control but Diogo Rincon pulled one back. Ronaldo's double made the game safe before Ismael Bangoura made sure Dynamo would be the only side to score more than once against United all competition - up to the final at least.MAN UTD 4 DYNAMO KIEV 0United's most emphatic win in the competition was kick-started by defender Gerard Pique, making his first Champions League start. Carlos Tevez then grabbed his first European goal before Rooney and Ronaldo got in on the act late on.MAN UTD 2 SPORTING LISBON 1An under-strength United fell behind for the first time in the competition thanks to Fernando Abel's 22nd-minute opener. Tevez's half-time introduction changed the game, the Argentina striker levelling, but it took a stunning stoppage-time free-kick from Ronaldo to ensure United topped Group F with a game to spare.ROMA 1 MAN UTD 1With United first and Roma guaranteed second spot, Sir Alex Ferguson played a second-string side. They did him proud, with Pique putting them ahead in the first half. Roma levelled through Mancini but a draw ensured United remained unbeaten.LAST 16LYON 1 MAN UTD 1That unbeaten record came very close to ending after a poor performance against the French champions when the competition resumed. Karim Benzema gave Lyon a deserved lead but Tevez came off the bench to scramble home a crucial equaliser three minutes from time.MAN UTD 1 LYON 0Another uncomfortable night followed in the return leg but United eked out a 1-0 win courtesy of Ronaldo's goal late in the first half.QUARTER-FINALSROMA 0 MAN UTD 2Arguably United's finest performance on the road to Moscow, they soaked up everything Roma could throw at them and scored a superb breakaway goal thanks to Ronaldo's stunning and courageous header. Rooney scrambled home number two and United could have killed the tie with better finishing late on.MAN UTD 1 ROMA 0United rested key men, including Ronaldo and Rooney, and almost paid the price when Roma won a first-half penalty. However, Daniele de Rossi blazed it over the crossbar and United gradually got into the game. Tevez's diving header made the tie safe with 20 minutes remaining.SEMI-FINALSBARCELONA 0 MAN UTD 0Ronaldo blew a golden opportunity to give United a priceless away goal when his third-minute penalty hit the stanchion. The Portugal winger was denied what appeared another spot-kick but otherwise Barcelona totally bossed the game. A lack of cutting edge from the home side ultimately spared United defeat.MAN UTD 1 BARCELONA 0Again, United were outplayed for long periods in a thrilling exhibition at Old Trafford. Paul Scholes' brilliant first-time shot flew into the top corner after 14 minutes but Barca could easily have levelled before half-time. Chances came and went for both sides after the break but United hung on.Chelsea's Route to the final:GROUP BCHELSEA 1 ROSENBORG 1Jose Mourinho's last European game as Chelsea manager ended in a drab draw in front of a half-empty Stamford Bridge as striker Andriy Shevchenko equalised Miika Koppinen's opening goal in their opening match in Group B.VALENCIA 1 CHELSEA 2Avram Grant's first game in the Champions League as Chelsea boss ended with victory at the Mestalla after Joe Cole and Didier Drogba helped the Blues fight back from David Villa's early strike.CHELSEA 2 SCHALKE 0Florent Malouda scored his first competitive goal in a Chelsea shirt and Drogba also found the net as the Blues cruised to a comfortable home victory over the Bundesliga outfit.SCHALKE 0 CHELSEA 0The German side proved more stubborn opponents away as Chelsea hung on for a goalless draw in Gelsenkirchen after goalkeeper Peter Cech had departed the field with a calf injury at half-time and was replaced by Carlo Cudicini.ROSENBORG 0 CHELSEA 4A brace from Drogba and a goal apiece from Joe Cole and Alex saw Chelsea secure their place in the knockout stage of the competition as winners of Group B with a comprehensive victory.CHELSEA 0 VALENCIA 0Grant rested a number of players as Chelsea missed several chances to end the group stage on a high as they qualified for the second round with three wins and three draws, scoring nine goal and conceding two.LAST 16OLYMPIACOS 0 CHELSEA 0Grant started the match with John Terry and Frank Lampard on the bench and only the latter was called into action six minutes from the end as Chelsea battled to a goalless draw in Greece.CHELSEA 3 OLYMPIACOS 0The Blues barely broke sweat as goals from Michael Ballack, Lampard and Salomon Kalou helped them stroll to victory in the second leg at Stamford Bridge and book the west Londoners' place in the quarter-finals.QUARTER-FINALSFENERBAHCE 2 CHELSEA 1Fenerbahce mounted a stunning comeback to shock Chelsea in front of a partisan crowd in Istanbul. Deivid put through his own net early in the match but London-born Colin Kazim-Richards equalised in spectacular fashion before Deivid found the net at the right end nine minutes from time.CHELSEA 2 FENERBAHCE 0Ballack eased Chelsea's nerves with a goal in the fourth minute of the second leg and Lampard made it safe with a goal three minutes from time although the Blues were forced to call upon third-choice goalkeeper Hilario after an injury to Cudicini.SEMI-FINALSLIVERPOOL 1 CHELSEA 1The first leg of Chelsea's third Champions League semi-final with Rafael Benitez's side seemed to be going to form after Dirk Kuyt's goal before half-time in front of noisy Anfield. But John Arne Riise's bizarre injury-time own goal silenced the Kop and handed the Blues a crucial away goal.CHELSEA 3 LIVERPOOL 2Fernando Torres equalised Drogba's opening goal to take the match to extra time. But a Lampard penalty, and a second goal from Drogba gave Chelsea the initiative despite Ryan Babel's late strike as Riise's own-goal in the first leg proved the difference between the two sides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Swiftie Posted May 20, 2008 Report Share Posted May 20, 2008 With all things considered, it's moved and pinned for 2nites action. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lieutenant Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 my prediction.. 2-0 man utd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Q Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Hope Chelsea smash United.want drogba to bang in two then go dance in rooneys face.but in reality, ronaldo will score, rio will hand ball in his area not conceed a penalty and the scum will lift the european cup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BATTY BOY BUM BANDIT Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 HE COMES FROM SENEGALHE PLAYS FOR ARSENALVEIRAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOHHH WOAAAAAAAHVEIRAAAAAAAAAOOOOHHH WOAHHHHHHHH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flojo Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Shevchenko to come on and score the winner would be the best thing that could happen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The King Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Im f*ck*ng so hyped for this game. Cant f*ck*ng wait for work to finish so I can get into the pub and get a Stella down me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LS Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Shevchenko to come on and score the winner would be the best thing that could happenHave a feeling he will score as well. Big game player.1-1 then extra time.Wouldn't be surprised if the ref helps chelsea out a little Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ironman Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 already started to pre-match drinking,gonna be charged for this,i'm superstitious so not gonna leave a prediction or change my viewing venue.C'MON UTD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinister Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Shevchenko to come on and score the winner would be the best thing that could happenHave a feeling he will score as well. Big game player.1-1 then extra time.Wouldn't be surprised if the ref helps chelsea out a little LOLSame ref that gave the "Phantom goal" goal Vs. Liverpool that never really crossed the line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquaman Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 chelsea will destroy your midfield with there physicalityif essien plays cm whilst its all square you wont win i promise you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young £ Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Chelsea defense vs. Manchester United attackJohn Terry is the resident "Mr. Bump," an uncompromising gladiator who puts his body on the line every time he steps on the pitch. In the speedy and intelligent Ricardo Carvalho, he has the perfect complement. Michael Essien is out of position at right back, but he's so good, it just doesn't matter. And Petr Cech, despite an off-year, remains the kind of goalkeeper who can dominate games.That said, they're up against the New Holy Trinity: Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tévez and Wayne Rooney. Few teams in recent history have had three guys who were so talented, so young. It's strength against strength.Edge: Even.Chelsea midfield vs. Manchester United midfieldEven at 35, Claude Makélélé is the consummate defensive stopper. His help comes from a rejuvenated Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard, who could be making his final appearance in a Chelsea jersey.Paul Scholes has reinvented himself in a deeper position, turning in one of the best seasons of his career, while both Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves (or, should he play, Anderson) are solid defensively and rarely give the ball away.Edge: Chelsea, slightly.Chelsea attack vs. Manchester United defenseDidier Drogba combines an old-school battering ram with speed and athleticism. Joe Cole can be tricky out wide, but neither Solomon Kalou nor Florent Malouda (penciled in to start on the opposite flank) have played well lately.Rio Ferdinand has matured into one of the best central defenders in the Premier League and, with Nemanja Vidic, forms one of the top partnerships in Europe. In goal, Edwin van der Sar isn't getting any younger, but his experience counts for something. Right back Wes Brown has quietly had a very solid year replacing Gary Neville, while Patrice Evra gives you plenty of punch going forward, less so defensively.Edge: Man. United.Chelsea bench vs. Manchester United benchNicolas Anelka and, especially, Andriy Shevchenko have failed to impress since moving to Stamford Bridge, but both will be called upon if things get messy for Chelsea.United has a wealth of options -- Park Ji-Sung (who played a huge part in the Champions League run), Anderson, Nani, Ryan Giggs (or, if he starts, whoever he displaces) -- each of whom gives the side a different dimension.Edge: Man. United.Avram Grant vs. Sir Alex FergusonThe Israeli boss was derided and mocked, but he actually lost fewer games this season than José Mourinho lost in any of his three years at Stamford Bridge. The mere fact that Chelsea took the Premier League race right down to the last day of the season while making it Moscow is evidence that he's doing something right.But Sir Alex is in a different category altogether. If United has successfully completed a Jekyll and Hyde act this year -- devastating attacking force in the Premier League, solid, tactically sound defensive stalwarts in the Champions League -- credit has to go to him, assistant Carlos Queiroz and the rest of his staff.Edge: Man. United.X-FactorChelsea got a huge psychological boost beating United (albeit, an under-strength United) earlier this month. More importantly, if the game turns into a cagey, defensive affair (as many predict) Chelsea is more of a threat on set-pieces and arguably has more individuals who can turn a game single-handedly.Edge: Chelsea.Keys to the gameChelsea1. Test van der Sar from distance, particularly through Lampard and Ballack.2. Don't let Ronaldo run at defenders.3. Exploit the size advantage on free kicks and corner kicks.Man. United1. When not in possession, make sure the fullbacks get plenty of help.2. Don't try to out-defend Chelsea -- make your advantage up front count.3. Mix it up. If you just focus on keeping possession, you're playing into Chelsea's hands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young £ Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 More than 200 football fans have been stranded at Gatwick airport after their flight to Moscow for the final of the Champions League was cancelled.The 224 Chelsea supporters had planned to fly to Russia on a special charter flight, leaving the airport's south terminal at 0555 BST.An airport spokesman said a technical problem caused the cancellation.Some of the fans have left the airport because they are too late to get to the match, which starts at 1945 BST.Manchester United and Chelsea are competing to become the European champions in the competition's first all-England final.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/7412711.stm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HangTheDJ Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Hoping for a United win.Cant have any old team like Chelsea winning the European cup.Only the true bigboy teams have won that competition.They dont deserve it.that and I hate chelsea and have a respect for United.wanna see Fergie complete his legacy as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrJibbles Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Essien rightback talk about taking some serious drive and power from midfield.Cuntly Cole starts. Malouda on the left wing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fresh Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Man U 4 - 1 Chelsea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HangTheDJ Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Manchester United 2 - 1 Chelsea AET Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ironman Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 i'm out boysC'MON UTD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TF S4DK Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 I hate to say it but I think Chelsea gonna win... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jubez II Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 If this match is boring I swear down... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LS Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 I hate to say it but I think Chelsea gonna win...Only time i'm ever gunna c/s you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Poetic Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Team News anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Chelsea have weakness in Essien at RB and MaloudaManu have kno weakness imoi still dont kno who to bet on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Coquelin Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Chelsea have weakness in Essien at RB and MaloudaManu have kno weakness imoi still dont kno who to bet onbrown, ronaldo, scholes(red card) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Coquelin Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 how the f*ck does malouda get unto the teamswear swp aint played in months Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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