Real Madness
Last weeks Champions League tie between Manchester United and Real Madrid was the game ‘the world would stop for’ in the words of Jose Mourinho. If they did they will have seen a Manchester United side control Reals’ superstars and look like much the better side at Old Trafford last Tuesday. That was until a Turkish referee decided to intervene and make a decision that can be described as controversial at best, at worst appalling. He sent off Nani for a high boot and effectively handed the tie to Real Madrid, who progressed through to the Quarter Finals. Yet again, English clubs will feel that a referee has cost them in Europe, something which seems to happen with increasing regularity.
Harry Houdini?
QPR looked dead and buried a few weeks ago. Back to back wins however have turned that around and pulled QPR level with Reading at the foot of the Barclays Premier League table. A 3-1 victory over Sunderland will provide QPR with all the momentum they need to head into another crucial relegation match against Aston Villa next weekend. It should perhaps come as no surprise that QPR are winning these games, given their quality of squad and the vast amounts of money they have lavished on it. However, having spent the first half of the season turning in shocking performances, Harry Redknapp must take some credit for this recent upsurge in form.
United faltering?
Following the defeat to Real Madrid, where United were exceptional in the loss, an FA Cup game against Chelsea seemed to be the perfect game for a response. It started that way too. Two goals up inside 11 minutes and in cruise control, United seemed to lose all sense of discipline and allowed Chelsea to launch wave after wave of attack, ultimately resulting in them earning a draw at Old Trafford to force a replay. For Sir Alex Ferguson, who will not have witnessed a worse performance from his side for a long time, he will be concerned that these blows do not impact on their league form. United host Reading next weekend and will want to get right back on track.
Barcelona vs. Milan
This week sees the second leg of the last 16 tie at the Nou Camp between European giants Barcelona and AC Milan. Milan stunned the football world by beating Barcelona in the San Siro and will take a 2-0 advantage to Catalonia hoping to knock out the tournament favourites. For Barcelona, their form of late has been patchy by their high standards. Defeat in the first leg coincided with two losses to great rivals Real Madrid and they will need a massive effort to get past a dogged Milan side this week.
Do Arsenal believe in miracles?
Following the first leg dominance by Bayern Munich at the Emirates, it would be nothing short of miraculous if Arsenal could go to the Allianz Arena and turn this tie around. Trailing by 3 goals to 1 leaves Arsene Wengers men with seemingly no chance of progressing past this stage. It would seem that the most likely outcome is that Bayern will extend their lead in the tie and progress, possibly to take on the mantle of tournament favourites if Barca cannot beat Milan.
