Champions League Semifinals Second Leg Schedule

The cool rich kids will be back at it again this week as we work our way from four Champions League teams to two. My fingers are eager to type and watch, so I will be liveblogging both matches. It would be delightful if you could join me. We enter the second leg of the competition with both home teams finding themselves a goal down. This is an outstanding setup to what should be a pair of thrillers.

Tuesday

Liverpool v Chelsea – It was a Joe Cole goal in the 29th minute last week at Stamford Bridge that has given Chelsea a one-goal advantage heading into the second leg. Michael Essien will be back for Chelsea after serving a one-game suspension, but the news is not all good for the men in blue with both Michael Ballack and Ricardo Carvalho out with injuries. Andriy Shevchenko has also been ruled out, but Arjen Robben is back in. Chelsea are also coming off a demoralizing draw in the Premiership this weekend.

Meanwhile, to avoid penalties and to progress Liverpool must do what they have never done at Anfield against English opponents in UEFA competition. They must score two goals. After being outplayed for the first 45 minutes in the first leg, Liverpool showed signs of life in the second half. Seven key players were rested by Rafa Benitez in Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Portsmouth this past weekend.

I picked Liverpool before the first leg and I guess I have no choice but to stick by my pick. Something tells me they will score an early goal and then hold on to advance on penalties. Given my track record as a prognosticator, you are advised to bet your retirement funds at your own risk.

Wednesday

AC Milan v Manchester United – It was a thrilling encounter in the first leg at Old Trafford with Kaka scoring a first half brace, only to be outdone by Wayne Rooney’s own two-goal effort. The second of Rooney’s goals, in injury time, gives Manchester United the 3-2 edge heading into second leg at the San Siro.

After controlling much of the first half on the road, AC Milan squandered the lead late, a trait they have displayed in this year’s Champions League. They do enter the game with two crucial road goals. The also enter after beating Torino on Saturday in a game in which many of their top players were rested.

The same can’t be said of Manchester United, whose Premiership title dogfight necessitated a strong lineup in their win against Everton. United have never beaten Milan in a two-game series, but I think that is going to change this time. I think Milan will get an early goal to put the pressure on United, but in the end it just seems like it is Manchester United’s year to win everything. They will advance to the finals on a 1-1 draw.

Your thoughts and predictions?

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Category: Champions League, World Football