What absolutely blew me away about Wednesday’s Man Utd-Roma game was the blistering pace at which the match was played. For a game where United could have scraped by with a draw or even a loss, they came flying out of the gates looking determined to put away the tie before the fans had settled in their seats.
Despite creating several brilliant chances, where both Hargreaves and Giggs could have and maybe should have scored, it was Roma who had the best chance, with a first half penalty. Certainly fans will dispute this one, although it became a somewhat moot point as De Rossi blasted the spot kick into about row Q. When I saw the tackle by the woeful Wes Brown to give away the penalty, my first thought was: “oh boy, that was so rash, it’ll be a penalty for sure”. Upon seeing the replay I was much less convinced it was a penalty. A very harsh decision indeed, but I can understand how in real time the referee saw an infringement in the tackle.
Eventually United put the game on ice with a lovely header from Tevez. Ronaldo and Rooney (who played only a few minutes toward the end) were rested ahead of Sunday’s league clash with Arsenal. Man of the match was Hargreaves, certainly the best I have ever seen him play for United.
I missed the Barcelona game, but the match up appeared a similar result to the first leg: with Schalke blowing their chances and Barcelona scrapping in a goal. The semi-final between Manchester United and Barcelona should provide ample excitement, as both teams can play with a spectacular attacking flow. If the games were to be contested immediately I would give the edge to United; however things can change in two weeks, so I will have to wait to make my semi-final predictions.
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