Thursday, April 27, 2006

UEFA Champions League Semifinals 2006

The UEFA Champions League is the current form of the European Cup. The competition sees the best clubs from all over Europe competing to be crowned Champions of Europe.

The first European Cup final was played in Paris 1956 and this, the fiftieth anniversary of the competition, sees a return to France's capital on 17 May 2006.

The semifinals concluded this week and in a few weeks Arsenal FC from England will play FC Barcelona from Spain.

We will see Henry, Ljungberg, Ronaldhino, Eto'o, Gio, Deco, Pires, Reyes and a remarkable supporting cast battle this year.

My week at work was brightened by following the two semifinal matches on the internet.

Villareal 0-0 Arsenal, at El Madrigal, 25 April 2006
Arsenal goes through 1-0 aggregate.

87' Worry is showing on the faces of the Villarreal supporters and players as they realize their UEFA Champions League fairy tale looks like coming to an end.

88' Jose Mari­a (Villarreal) was fouled in the penalty area by Clichy (Arsenal) Penalty to Villarreal. Clichy is penalised for a foul on Jose Mari­a and Villarreal have a chance to take the match into extra time.

90' Riquelme (Villarreal) missed the penalty saved by the goalkeeper. Lehmann dives to his left to block Riquelme's spot-kick and keep Arsenal in front. Unbelievable drama at El Madrigal.

90'+3'Riquelme (Villarreal) has a shot blocked. The Argentinian has another shot blocked, and surely Arsenal are in the final now.

The final whistle is blown.


Barcelona 0-0 AC Milan, at Camp Nou, 25 April 2006
Barcelona goes through 1-0 on aggregate.

FC Barcelona booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final as they held off the challenge of AC Milan to earn a goalless draw at the Camp Nou and defeat the Italian side 1-0 on aggregate thanks to Ludovic Giuly's first-leg goal.


Read more news and see highlights at the Champions League site.



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