Match day 5 of the UEFA Champions League did not fail to excite as the heavy hitters secured their slots in the next stage of Europe’s premier footballing tournament.
Real Madrid, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Valencia, Manchester United, Olympique Lyon, Scalke 04 , Tottenham, Chelsea all qualified for the next round with one group match still still left to play.
The biggest surprise of the night yesterday was Tottenham’s 3-0 drubbing of German side Weder Bremen. Not many people gave the London club a chance against the more seasoned sides in Group A.
Inter Milan and Weder Bremen were considered the favourites to progress, however, underestimating Tottenham could prove to be costly for the Nerrazurri if they fail to win their final match by a sizeable margin.
In Greece, Barcelona eased passed Panathinaikos beating them 3-0 with Pedro and Messi getting on the score sheet for the Catalans. Fellow Spanish Club Valencia also progressed to the knock out stage after beating Turkish side Bursaspor6-1 at the Mestalla.
2008 winners Manchester United overcame rivals Rangers by a solitary Wayne Rooney goal. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson who’s relationship with the striker was on the brink of collapse praised the striker for his courageous display.
Speaking to ITV Sport, Fergusontook the chance to also clear any rumours concerning Rooney and United fans.
“It took him [Rooney] a lot of courage to take the penalty kick,”
“He hasn’t had an easy night, he’s missed a couple of chances but that’s what we expect, that’s his game at the moment. We’re pleased for him.”
“I don’t think there are any issues with that [the fans],”
For the likes of Roma, Marseille, Lyon, Copenhagen and Arsenal, it all comes down to their final match. Anything other thatn a win and their chances of moving to the next stage would be over.
Photo credit: from champions league
