A fight to the finish

The percentage probability of Man Utd finishing the season trophyless has probably gone up slightly as a result of the events at the Bridge. Unlikely scenario but the probability figures would rise if they don't put in the crucial steam at the last few matches of the season. Fergie's line-up at the Bridge showed that he was prepared to lose there. It was clear that the second leg of the Champions League matter more. Lose at the Bridge, there's still a chance to win the title given the superior goal difference. Lose to Barca, no more chance and another excellent European run-up goes to the dumps. As such, Fergie felt that it was worth the risk in not fielding notable peeps like Patrice, Ronaldo, Scholes or Tevez.

A draw is sufficient and United would have been pleased with the point that is gifted to them courtesy of Carvalho's moment of blurness. But at the dying minutes, Carrick had his handball moment and the linesman gave Chelsea the penalty. Well, Ballack made sure Fergie get punished for his team fielding decisions and out Chelsea up at 2-1. At this occassion, it was job done without the need of Jose as boring Grant would have more than enough stars to overshadow some of the Man Utd players. Some credit should be given that Man Utd made great attempts at extra time to equalise again but those shots were saved by Cech and Shevchenko. Andriy was paid to score goals but he ended up being a better defender..hahaha. Fergie's decision to put in O'shea as the last sub probably showed that he was determined to defend the 1-1 scoreline and that it was not necessary to throw in "ass-saving king" Tevez to get another goal.

In the end, United just had to make it hard for themselves this time. The portrayal of anguish by the Man Utd players during and after the match possibly shows that the pressure is getting to them. The usually cool bling bling Ferdinand had to be restrained from his fellow mates from beating up Mikel. Apparently after the match, he had "accidentally" kicked a female Chelsea stewart. Lol, he claims that he was venting his frustrations by trying to kick the wall but his studs unintentionally end up on a human instead. Ferdinand's not the only one losing it. Patrice and some of the reserve gang were involved in a fight night brawl with the Bridge stadium staff. Man Utd's problem were further compounded with another injury on Vidic and Rooney limping off injured after scoring.

Things aren't going well too for the Catalans in Spain. It was another domestic boo boo for Barca as they lost to Deportivo. Both Barca and Man Utd are wounded animals now as they head towards the second leg. It would be interesting to see which club is affected more by the loss. Unfortunately for Stan, he won't be able to see the match cos he has some business to attend to...lol. Looking ahead at the Premier League, I would say Chelsea's final 2 matches would be slightly more harder than Man Utd since they needed to play away at a resurgent Newcastle at the St. James Park. Hopefully, a win at the Champions League semi-final will give them the boost to win the remaining two games.