1st leg report card, 2nd leg predictions.

Apart from Bayern V Sporting tie, all the others are wide open. One goal on either side can turn it around. Here is my take on the 1st leg and a prediction for 2nd.

InterVManU: The game was story of 2 halves. 1st belonged to ManU and 2nd to Inter. But overall, ManU quite easily was more dominant side. Young Johnny Evans is already looking a world class defender and the fact that they did not even miss Vidic, currently the best defender in Europe, is a huge compliment to their strength in depth. However, in spite of all the domination they failed to score. If it would have been any other side then ManU would have scored 2 goals in 2nd half and the tie would have been dead. But, this is why Mourinho is rated the one of the best. He read the game wonderfully and slowed the pace down in the 2nd half. At the end Jose will be very happy with a 0-0 draw.
My prediction for 2nd leg is that it will be another 0-0 draw over 90 minutes. The game will go to extra time and then to penalties and ManU will win the penalty shootout. I am predicting a penalty shootout because I just don’t see any of these stellar defenses conceding.

ArsenalVRoma: A typical Arsenal game where they dominated the whole game but did not create nearly enough chances. They really should have put this game to bed but their policy of not shooting till you are 2 yards away from goal is hurting them badly. Roma were quite average but the tie is not over by a long way. Roma is a dangerous team at home, they have already shown that Chelsea.
My prediction for 2nd leg is a 1-1 draw and Arsenal qualifying. This is because Roma will have to go on attack to get that goal and that will give Arsenal a perfect chance to use their pacy players to play a counter attacking game.

LyonVBarca: A side is termed “great” if it has a knack to get good results even when it plays ordinary football. That’s what Barca is at the moment. They had a very average game but still ended up getting an away goal and a fairly decent result. Lyon is a dangerous team and played a good attacking game and probably deserved to win the game. But now they have their task cut out at Camp Nuo.
My prediction for 2nd leg is a 3-1 victory to Barca. Lyon should get a goal considering the defensive frailties that Barca has shown in recent weeks. But eventually Barca should be able to overcome a determined Lyon side.

AtleticoVPorto: Now this result was a surprise to me. You look at the team sheets and think that it should be an easy draw for Atletico. But they have made life difficult for themselfs by conceding 2 away goals. Overall, Porto deserved the 2-2 draw and now has a huge advantage going in the 2nd leg.
My prediction for the 2nd leg is a 1-2 victory for Atletico. Even though Porto has a huge advantage going in the 2nd leg, I feel that eventually the quality in Atleticoside will sway the result in their favor.

ChelseaVJuve: Drogba the drama queen had done it. A huge victory for Chelsea and a big advantage going in the 2nd leg. It was a really cagy affair all 90 mins and overall I think Chelsea deserved the 1-0 victory. After a long time I have seen 2 Chelsea matches where our defense has looked rock solid. This match and the match at Villa Park reminded me so much of the Mourinho era where we were by no means flamboyant but were mighty effective.
My prediction for the 2nd leg is a 1-2 victory for the Blues. I am basing this on the way we have played in last 2 matches. Juve will have to go on attack which will leave gaps open for us to score. We should qualify without any drama.

RealVLiverpool: What a result for Rafa! With title hopes crashing like a plane without fuel and being already ousted of FA cup, CL represents the only chance of silverware for Liverpool. Real too are in exact same situation. The match was again a cagy affair, much like Chelsea v Juve. I can’t really say that Liverpool deserved to win it but what matters is that they got a goal that will go a long way in them qualifying for the next round.
My prediction for 2nd leg is a 2-1 victory to Liverpool. Looks like Gerrad and Torres will be fit and back for the 2nd leg and that will make a huge difference. Real will surely go on attack but to come to Anfield and get a victory in a CL knockout round is probably the most difficult thing to do in Europe.

VillarrealVPanathinaikos: Villarreal were the heavy favorites but ended up conciding an away goal which makes the 2nd leg very interesting. Did not really follow this game at all so can’t comment on it any more.
My prediction for 2nd leg is a 1-2 victory for Villarreal.

SportingVBayern: Well ….