|
This week saw the return of Champions league football after the winter break.
Some interesting matches. Celtic versus Juventus was a nice appetizer with a game that was as classic as the team involved. British power football versus a balanced Italian defense. Celtic pressed hard and unsettled their opponents passing game, but never looked quite able to break down the wall. In the end Juves excess in quality resulted in a few deadly counters that settled the outcome before the return.
The main course was Real Madrid versus Man United. A clash between giants with well over a 1$ billion worth of players available for this encounter.
The resulting 1-1 draw leaves the return wide open for both sides to progress. It's hard to judge this result as decisive either way. Tactically speaking Ferguson was able to neutralize the threat of Madrid's counters and Ronaldo's individual brilliance. However United had to rely more on it's defense and goalie then looked comfortable. United surrendered the midfield without as much as putting up a fight. This might have been wise given the superiority of Madrid in midfield. Still Mourinho might be glad that Madrid wasn't pressed hard as they looked a bit dodgy at the back.
Surprising was the lack of accuracy of the strikers on both ends. Benzema falls short of world class and Van Persie as a modern hybrid lacks the killer instinct to bury chances like a true center nine.
In this match up playing at home may not be the usual advantage with both sides preferring to be reactive. The return in Manchester promises to be interesting.
|