I don't know about you but I was pretty disappointed in the quality in both the Champions League semi Finals. Barcelona dominated Chelsea without really hurting them and when they did create any real chances Petr Czech foiled them.
Chelsea never really threatened and seemed quite happy just to sit and contain Barcelona-which is fair enough with a second leg at home coming up-but I still thought they could have tried to be a bit more adventurous. They just hoofed the ball up the park at times and while it ended up being effective it was pretty rubbish to watch if you were a neutral.
Barcelona can feel a bit aggrieved that Ballack didn't receive his marching orders for a pretty cynical foul that should have warranted a second yellow, but even then I'm not too sure they would have scored anyway. The seemed content to play in front of Chelsea and look for the "Perfect goal." Still it does mean that next week's match is still in the balance and at least Chelsea will have to come out and have ago, so maybe we'll get a decent game then.
The Manchester United v Arsenal game did have some good football, but it was only in flashes and I thought both teams cancelled each other out to a certain extent. United probably should have ended up winning by a bigger margin as Almunia had a couple of great saves. At least Arsenal tried to attack in this match and they are still in the tie and we wouldn't be too surprised to see this tie going right down to the wire and being decided on the dreaded penalties.
The injury to Ferdinand could be a big blow to Manchester United if he has suffered a broken rib and can't make the second leg.
Let's hope the four teams can serve up a bit more exciting fare in the return legs next week.
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