Past winners to the fore
Thursday, 24 February 2005
While Spain's two representatives are fêted in print for their performances in the UEFA Champions League, today's newspapers make grim reading for Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC. uefa.com rounds up the European media reaction to this week's first-leg ties in the last 16 of club football's premier competition.
FC Barcelona 2-1 Chelsea FC
Last night's game produced a predictable score from an unexpected script. In effect, Barça claimed a modest 2-1 victory against Chelsea in the first round of this passionate European tie; a result that leaves everything hanging in the balance. Yet Barça did everything - from scoring an own goal to mounting a brave fightback. (El Mundo Deportivo, Spain)
José Mourinho was lost for words last night, but it was not Barcelona who took his breath away, despite their clear superiority. A tunnel fracas involving backroom staff from both clubs convinced the Chelsea manager to walk out of the Nou Camp without saying a word about his team's 2-1 defeat. (The Times, England)
Werder Bremen 0-3 Olympique Lyonnais
It has been a long time since Werder were taken apart at home the way Lyon did in their 3-0 win: now nobody believes Bremen will reach the next round. Lyon were committed, quick, skilful and courageous and Werder now know why they are the reigning champions in France. (Bild, Germany)
It's a genuine achievement Lyon recorded yesterday at the Weserstadion and it is now all but unbelievable to see the German side coming and stealing their UEFA Champions League quarter-final ticket. In front of the TF1 television cameras, Lyon have earned the sort of media acknowledgement they had been waiting for so long, a night to remember later with relatives during long winter evenings. (L'Equipe, France)
Manchester United FC 0-1 AC Milan
At a stroke Crespo's goal smashed the formula that has served Ferguson well in European football; land the knockout blow at Old Trafford and hold the line away from home. This was United's first European defeat at home in four years and in that time they have generally performed feebly in the great stadiums of Europe. (The Independent, England)
The real devils are red and black. AC Milan had never won in England before and this was their first success. Although they cannot underestimate Manchester United, if Milan play like they did yesterday, the devils in red and black will not lose at San Siro. (Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy)
FC Porto 1-1 FC Internazionale Milano
Porto only have themselves to blame for the draw against Inter. The tie is not decided but it is certain that the Dragons have to score in Italy. The result means Inter have the advantage, yet Porto proved in the second half that they can impress in Italy. (A Bola, Portugal)
Inter played a perfect first half – like a real team, always balanced and with every player helping each other out – and were clearly better than the European champions. They always seem to miss something when striving to achieve great results, but will surely qualify if they don't lose their nerve in two weeks. (Corriere dello Sport, Italy)
FC Bayern München 3-1 Arsenal FC
The goal just before the end was very disappointing. For 88 minutes of the match the home side were in charge and took a 3-0 lead. But then Bayern lacked concentration at the back for a second and Arsenal pulled a goal back. That silly goal could have been avoided, because it was Bayern's evening from the word go. (Süddeutsche Zeitung, Germany)
Kolo Touré's late goal has given Arsenal hope where there seemed none but Arsène Wenger's team remain not just down but in serious danger of going out. Defensive and goalkeeping frailties have dogged them all season and were brutally exposed by Bayern. The English champions face an uphill task and there was nothing to suggest that Arsenal will keep the clean sheet that will be vital. (The Guardian, England)
Liverpool FC 3-1 Bayer 04 Leverkusen
A 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen would have been grasped hungrily if Rafael Benítez had been offered it beforehand, but his players had edged so close to perfection that the final whistle could only bring a twinge of regret. (The Times, England)
As they left the field in their dirty white shirts, the Bayer players looked very disappointed. They put up a great fight in Liverpool, creating numerous chances to finally get a Bundesliga team's first win at Anfield but none the less slipping to a 3-1 defeat. (Express, Germany)
Real Madrid CF 1-0 Juventus FC
Zidane came in from the cold - or from wherever he has been hiding for the last few months - and directed Madrid to a simple, if not conclusive, victory. But Juventus disappointed, some players not showing why they merited being in the starting lineup of one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. (El País, Spain)
Even if everything is far more difficult, it's not over yet. Real Madrid's attacking power is lethal and they could have scored more than just one goal. Capello has two weeks to find the team which dominated the group stage. Real gave the Bianconeri a lesson in good football. Now Juve have to answer. (Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy)
PSV Eindhoven 1-0 AS Monaco FC
Getting through the winter in Europe has for so long been an obsession for PSV, but their already historical breakthrough in the Champions League could be set to continue after their perfect performance against Monaco. (De Volkskrant, Netherlands)
Monaco's defeat was to be expected considering the development of the game at the Philips stadium. Revengeful and comfortable with the ball, PSV edged the debates, flexed their muscle and even made a good impression for an hour before the game became uninteresting. (L'Equipe, France)
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