Yesterday Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States of America. What does this have to do with football(soccer)? President-elect Obama is a huge fan of football(American football) and the rumors are that he might make referring to soccer(football) as football(soccer) a crime punishable by death. However I always fancied myself as a Thomas More, and I will not bow to this (fictitious)tyranny. On with the football(soccer), I mean soccer(football).
Manchester United tied Celtic 1-1, thanks to a Ryan Giggs header in the second half. Celtic have had some success against their rivals to the South, and will be disappointed that they didn't get the win. Villareal tied Aalborg 2-2, waisting the opportunity to grab sole possession of first place. Rossi scored for Villareal, leaving American fans shaking their fists at his decision to play for the fascismo(Italians) instead of the freedom loving Americans. Man U are in first place in Group E through goal differential, making their final match all the more important.Bayern Munich tied Fiorentina 1-1 thanks to a late Tim Borowski goal. The home side struck early through Mutu, but Borowski's strike in the 78th minute puts the Germans in a tie for first place. Lyon defeated Steau Bucuresti 2-0 thanks to a classic Juninho free kick and a Reveillere counter attack goal. Lyon and Fiorentina each have eight points and are tied on goal differential. This could mean an exciting last day in Group F, when Bayern come to Lyon.
Arsenal tied Fenerbahce 0-0, as they continued their poor form. Wenger made significant changes, putting Djorou in at center back and starting Aaron Ramsey in midfield. Van Persie had a number of opportunities, but is not playing his best at the moment. FC Porto defeated Dynamo Kiev 2-1 thanks to two second half goals, including a winner in the 90th minute by Lucho Gonzalez. Lucho was then booked for the celebration, and sent off for his second yellow card of the match. Porto will miss Lucho in their match at Fenerbahce, and with Kiev a point behind them and Arsenal two points ahead of them, they have little room for error if they want to progress out of Group G.Juventus defeated Real Madrid 2-0, a humbling loss for the Spanish side at the Bernabeu. Juve now has a stranglehold on the group, and only need a point from their next two matches to progress. Madrid are not looking like the best team in Europe, and are having trouble in Spain as well. Zenit St. Petersburg defeated BATE Borisov 2-0 to pull into third place in Group H. Zenit had a terrible start to the campaign, and with Juve at home and away at Madrid, they may not have the time to make it into the knockout stages. They do look set for the parachute place into the UEFA Cup, and as reigning UEFA Cup Champions they would appreciate the chance to defend their title.
One Liners
- Pulis says Wenger is trying to fool the public with his comments, claims that he isn't even French
- Martin O'Neill says he will speak to FA about racial slur used by Barton, somebody needs to go Pete Rose on his ass and ban him from the sport
- Inzaghi signs new deal with Milan, figures if Maldini is still playing then he has another decade in him
- Iniesta out for eight weeks, Barca look for another pale talisman to creep out opposing players
- Adebayor out for three weeks, Wenger repeatedly uses the word merde
