The highly acclaimed, sacred, and superb UEFA Champions League returned to play this week after a month and a half break. The 1st leg of the First Round began Tuesday as the best of Europe competed; while some continued where they left off, others are now reeling and barley holding on to their UEFA lives.
Tuesday February 14th
Bayer Leverkusen vs Barcelona: Top-tier Spanish club Barcelona traveled to Germany to play Bundesliga side Leverkusen who haven’t been to the round of sixteen since 2005. The tough German defense keep the flashy Spaniards off the board for over 40 minutes; but they couldn’t seem to last the entire half as Alexis Sanchez ran past the Leverkusen defense and swooped up a Messi lead pass to give Barca a 1-0 lead going into halftime. Unlike many clubs facing an early deficit to Barcelona, Leverkusen did not back down in the second, earning a score in the 52nd minute on a header from Michal Kadlec. However the joy was short lived for Leverkusen as Barcelona struck back only three minutes later with a second goal from Sanchez. The wind from Leverkusen’s sails were now gone, giving Barcelona the advantage in the final forty minutes. Although Leverkusen had chances including a slicing shot off the post, the Germans could not obtain the crucial equalizer. In classic Barcelona fashion, the great Lionel Messi ended Leverkusen’s chances of a draw with a late goal from a give-and-go with Dani Alves. At 34 minutes into the match Barcelona had an 88% passing accuracy and a 339 to 55 passes advantage; this describes how Barcelona can wear down even the strongest of sides with their passing. Barcelona showed their experience and control over their opponent while Bayer Leverkusen now stares down a large deficit heading to Camp Nou.
Barcelona 3 Bayer Leverkusen 1
What This Means: With a 3-1 victory on the road, Barcelona has two goal differential and Bayer would need to win 3-0 to win the tiebreaker for away goals.
Next Game: Wednesday, March 7th
Lyon vs APOEL: French side Lyon looks to get past the round of 16 after last seasons exit against Real Madrid; they were set to face cinderella story APOEL in front of their home crowd Tuesday. APOEL is the only team from Cyprus to reach the round of 16 and continued to be big underdogs versus the French club. APOEL battled throughout the match defensively but were unable to find any offensive rhythm and left Lyon with no away goals. Lyon scored in the 58th minutes on a beautiful dipping shot in from the corner of the box by Alexandre Lacazette. Although Lyon performed well, one home goal doesn’t provide much security as they set to travel to a hostile environment in Cyprus.
Lyon 1 APOEL 0
What This Means: Lyon has a one goal differential so the second game will be played as if Lyon is up 1-0. APOEL would need to shutout Lyon and score two goals to move ahead, whereas a 2-1 victory would give Lyon the win on away goals.
Next Game: Wednesday, March 7th
Wednesday February 15th
Zenit St. Petersburg vs Benfica: Zenit has proved to be the best Russian team this year and looked to continue their success in their first ever round of sixteen versus Portuguese side Benfica. The match which took place in Russia, quickly became a shootout when Maxi Pereira rebounded a botched free kick in the 20th minute. Zenit quickly responded with a volleyed cross sliced to the corner by Roman Shirokov. Both teams went back and forth until the scoring resumed late in the second with a back-heeled cross by Zenit’s Sergei Semak– quite possibly the best goal of the week. Benfica would once again score off a rebound when Zenit keeper Turi Zhevnov couldn’t contain a moving ball, and was put to the back by Oscar Cardozo. Benfica would have accepted a draw, but the home side couldn’t be contained as the Portuguese communication miscue by the keeper and defenders gave Zenit a free chance for a 3-2 victory. Both teams defenses were full of mistakes providing an exciting offense match-up that will most likely continue when they face-off in Portugal.
Zenit St. Petersburg 3 Benfica 2
What This Means: Zenit St. Petersburg has a one goal advantage, but Benfica will most likely have a tie-break with two away goals. If the second leg reflects Wednesday’s match, expect another high-scoring exciting affair that could come down to a heroic finish.
Next Match: Tuesday, March 6th
AC Milan vs Arsenal: After a long and treacherous EPL season, Arsenal would look to head into European play with a fresh start against AC Milan. But the Italians gave Arsenal no time to breath scoring early and throughout for a 4-0 demolishment of the Londoners. Midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng opened up the scoring in the 15th minute when he snuck in a rising ball in the upper ninety, giving Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szcesny absolutely no chance. The highly criticized Brazilian Robinho silenced his doubters by scoring twice in the 38th and 49th minute giving Milan a untouchable lead. Ibrahimovic added a fourth for good measure with a penalty kick late in the match giving the Italians a 4-0 advantage over Arsenal. The Gunners were out-gunned and out-matched on both sides of the ball and will head home with another disappointing result.
AC Milan 4 Arsenal 0
What This Means: This result means Arsenal will need to win 5-0 at home and somehow leave this awful result in the past. Meanwhile AC Milan could be the squad in the best form and looking like a favorite to win it all.
Next Match: Tuesday, March 6th