LUCKY

Last night, as expected from former Champion League title holder, Manchester United have made their way to the semi-final where they will meet Arsenal who magically won against nine men Villarreal with 4-1 on aggregate. Earlier last week at Old Trafford, they were held tied 2-2 with Porto. United made four changes from the side that started the 2-2 first leg draw at Old Trafford. Paul Scholes, Darren Fletcher, Ji-Sung Park and Jonny Evans all made way with Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov and Rio Ferdinand coming in. Porto, on the other hand, kept the same starting XI who impressed in that match with their coach, Jesualdo Ferreira subject of a touchline ban. The visitors got off to a dream start in the sixth minute through a magical goal from Ronaldo. The World Player of the Year controlled a pass from Anderson a full 40 yards out, took aim, and smashed a shot past helpless home goalkeeper Helton into the top corner.

Bruno Alves had Porto’s best effort of the early stages - just missing the target with a 30-yard free-kick on 20 minutes that had van der Sar scampering across his goal-line in an attempt to cover. The Portuguese side came close again five minutes later as they began to get a foothold in the game. Lisandro López swivelled and shot straight at van der Sar after being fed by Cristian Rodriguez inside the United penalty box. Alves had another chance when he headed Raul Meireles’ free-kick narrowly wide, before Lucho Gonzalez was substituted due to an injury as United rounded off the half with two good opportunities. The Red Devils had a glorious opportunity to make it 2-0 a minute before the half-time interval. It fell to Vidic after John O’Shea had flicked on Giggs’ near post corner, but the Serbian defender could only divert the ball over the crossbar from close-range.

After the break, Meireles came close for the hosts as he shot just wide from the edge of the area after Patrice Evra lost possession, before Hulk struck a free-kick straight into the arms of van der Sar from a promising position.

The home side huffed and puffed but were struggling to create clear goal-scoring opportunities and United were happy to soak up the pressure and attempt to counter-attack when the chance to do so presented itself, with Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney coming close with late long-range attempts. They did have to survive two scares before the end, though. In the 78th minute, Porto defender Rolando saw his header fall just wide after escaping attentions of O’Shea from Meireles’ corner, which van der Sar had mis-judged the flight of. Then, on 85 minutes, substitute Mariano Gonzalez sent a low cross into the congested United box to give López the chance to shoot from 10 yards. However, the Argentinean could not generate enough power on his effort and the Red Devils held on for victory.

Well, to me i guess, the game was not too much of entertaining to watch. It was rather a boring match compared to the first leg encounter. That one was an astonishing one. Both side were playing with high speed and pace and with lots of tactical movements. Last night was somehow far below the expectation. But, luckily the Red Devils managed to win this somehow. It was a close one also. If let say Porto men equalized the score even with 1-1, the Red Devils will have to say good bye due to away goal advantage. But, unfortunately, that did not happen to be the event last night. With that win, Manchester united will face Arsenal and Chelsea will meet Barcelona in the semi-final of the European Champion League.