One Hell of A Match

The Champions League always, without fail produces world-class matches for us football fans, and this morning's match between Liverpool and Arsenal was one of the classics which will be firmly remembered in the competition's history.



A night when pride and a place in the last-four at stake, Arsenal came into this game knowing that they have to score at least once to boost their own chances. But Anfield is renowned for its extra-man-like atmosophere in which the likes of Inter Milan were eliminated earlier, and with Liverpool already having an all important away goal, Arsenal have a big hill to climb.



Indeed, it was worth watching. =D



Against all odds, Arsenal started as the stronger team and took the lead through Abu Diaby's well-taken opener in the first half. Unfortunately, the defence showed flaws once again as Liverpool equalized through their talisman Sami Hyppia with his header from the influential captain Steven Gerrard's corner. Stage all set for a pulsating second-half.



The second-half began with a pulsating pace once again, and Liverpool grabbed the initiative once again through their star-striker Fernando Torres (aka hubby of tak-tau-malu Claryn Chong =P), leaving Arsenal having to chase the game once more with the aggregate 3-2 now. Sensing the need of scoring that important away-goal to bring them through, Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger brought in Theo Walcott, whose wizardry brought him almost the whole length of the football field before teeing up for Adebayor to score the equalizing goal.

By now every Arsenal fan would have thought that they were through.

But the joy only lasted for less than a minute. The referee somehow gave a rather dubious penalty straight away after Liverpool's Ryan Babel was judged to be brought down by Arsenal's defender Kolo Toure in the dying minutes of the game.

Heartache once more for Arsenal fans as Steven Gerrard stepped up to score the penalty, dealting a cruel blow to Arsenal's brilliant comeback in what seemed to be a sufficient effort by Wenger's men.

Morale of the team dropped I guess, as Liverpool added a fourth to wipe out Arsenal, which deserved a credit for their fighting efforts.

Of course, credits to Liverpool as well for ALWAYS saving their best form for the Champions League. Both served up a fantastic match to be savoured upon.

But of course, as a MU fan, I really look forward to tonight's match between MU and AS Roma hehehehehehe. Football at it's best once more yay =D