Manchester United beat Chelsea 2:1 and qualified for the semifinals of the Champions League. The Red Devils once again proved to be the black cat that stood in the way of the London team to the most valuable prize in club football in Europe. Chelsea craved revenge for losing the final in Moscow in 2008, but with a 0:1 defeat at Stamford Bridge put Carlo Ancelotti's team in a very disadvantageous situation. United had never disappeared from the European stage after a win on away goals in the first game today and they have continued the tradition.
The Red Devils took the lead with a goal by Javier Hernandez in the 43th minute and Didier Drogba equalized in the 77th, when Chelsea was playing already with one man less. A few seconds later, the Korean Park Ji Sung put a point of dispute with the crucial second goal for United.
Hosts manager Sir Alex Ferguson has made surprising moves by the choice of the starting lineup. Dimitar Berbatov was again ignored and the attack on the Red Devils took the lead from the first leg scorer Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez. Veteran Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick pair shaped inner midfielders and wing began Luis Carlos Nani and Park Ji-Sung. In defense gathered Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Left-acted Patrice Evra and John O'Shea replaced right Brazilian Rafael da Silva.
The result of the Stamford Bridge was predetermined in offensive scheme Carlo Ancelotti. Torres found a place among the holders, despite its total failure until the blue jersey. Support the Spaniard on both flanks had to put Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba left the reserve. In defense line of Londoners appear longer treating trauma Alex, who took the place of his compatriot David Luiz. Other defenders for Chelsea were Ashley Cole, Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry. Ancelotti relied on three players in midfield - alongside Frank Lampard stood Ramires and Michael Essien.
Chelsea's players had no intention of waiting for a mistake in the protection of United and tried to press his rival in his half. Initial minutes passed under dictation of Londoners and the first who created a more interesting situation to one of two doors, was Chelsea, but the breakthrough of Ramires was blocked. The Red Devils responded with a fine incision of Park Ji Sung in the penalty area. Korean sought to pass the incoming Rooney, but the ball was cleared.
Chelsea continued to dominate, and in the 15-minute Lampard made a serious omission. He received an excellent pass from Malouda but from the point of penalty the shot was too low and not difficult to Van der Sar. Torres still couldn't find a place on the ground and was more of a spectator of what is happening around him. In the middle of the half the kid showed some technique in the penalty area and after a pass Anelka made a powerful punch with the left leg, but Van der Sar correctly judged that the ball that was going out.
The first half hour recalled to many for the match at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea attacked more but United didn't worry about it much because the attacks that Chelsea performed weren't much dangerous. In several situations midfielders hosts were concentrated and allowed Ramires and Essien to make continuous raids in midfield, but they didn't lead to something dangerous. The hosts were more cautious, but could easily lead the 27th minute when Rooney centered on Hernandez and Mexican stuck with the ball head in the door of Petr Cech. Chicharito left to enjoy, but the linesman had raised his flag and the goal was annulled for thin offside.
At the end of the first United controlled the game already. Attacks on the team were not much, but one of them lift the crowd at Old Trafford. John O'Shea passed the ball to Giggs with a through pass, and he slipped out right in the penalty area and cleverly crossed by land to the rushing Rooney and Hernandez. The first missed the ball, but from a few meters Chicharito directed it in the net.
The second half started with the expected substitution and Drogba appeared in the place of Fernando Torres. The player from Cote d'Ivoire was significantly more aggressive and made few shots, but overall the match entered the United desired channel. In the 60th minute Ancelotti made another change - Salomon Kalou for Anelka substitution. Chelsea seemed increasingly losing confidence that and in the 70-minute another blow was there for the Blues after it was Ramires deservedly sent off for a second yellow card. The Brazilian midfielder tackled Nani from behind. Soon after, the same fate could befall John Terry but referee Olegario Benkuerensa spared England international.
In 77 minutes Drogba escaped from the defense of United and with a solid punch on the diagonal put the intrigue back in the match. Just one goal could make a miracle for the London team, but seconds after the goal the host team stroke back. Rooney passed the ball to Giggs and the Welsh with an amazing pass delivered the ball to Park Ji Sung, who didn't give chance for Peter Cech. That goal finally broke Chelsea down and ended the match, so both teams were just finishing the match. Guests could still catch up, but the class of Van der Sar said its word. After the win United are waiting for their next opponent. United will face Schalke 04, who qualified with impresive aggregate result 7-3 over the present champion Inter Milan.
Although not playing in the match, Berbatov became an author of historical success. He became the first Bulgarian who is ranked third in the semifinal most prestigious club tournament.Man of the match was Ryan Giggs, who showed that despite of his age, he continues to play amazing football. He has 4 assists in the last 3 matches for the Red Devils, and was the author of all the assists for the goals against Chelsea in the quarterfinal.
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