UEFA Champions League special: Five things to learn from match day five fixtures (Part 1)
The Champions League match day five fixtures were a treat to watch. There were goals, upsets and controversial plays all through the period. At the end of the day, it was a good feisty day for Champions League football.
Almost all the big guns recorded victories with Arsenal being the only exception. The Gunners were humiliated by a modest Sporting Braga outfit at Estádio AXA by a 2 – 0 score line. Shakhtar meanwhile go top of the group to boast their
recent series of luck.
In other matches, all Italian and Spanish teams won their games with ease while French sides, apart from Auxerre as they had impressive outings.
AS Roma’s mental strength
The Gilarossi recorded a 3 – 2 victory at Stadio Olimpico, Rome. In what was arguably the most entertaining game of the group stages, Roma produced a brilliant turn around to come back from 2 – 0 down at half time to score three second
half goals.
Claudio Ranieri relegated Francesco Totti to the bench in what was an extremely brave decision; Gilarossi usually struggle without their talismanic skipper in the line up. Romans started the game in worst possible manner and went behind
to a Mario Gomez brace. Things were looking ugly for the Lupi as a defeat would have left their progression dreams reeling.
At the start of the second half, many expected Totti to enter the fray but Ranieri stuck to his selection. Instead, Tinker man decided to tweak his tactics. Gilarossi started the second half with a high defensive line thus cutting down
the space available to Bavarian midfielders.
Lupi took control of the things and goals were inevitable. Marco Borriello got rewards for his sheer determination before Daniele De Rossi applied finishing touches to a brilliant team move. At this point, Francesco Totti entered the fray.
Er Pupone sent Borriello through on goal only for Kraft to upend the striker and concede a penalty. Er Pupone slotted home to complete a brilliant turnaround.
The victory is more than just three points for Claudio Ranieri. Gilarossi frequently loose heart when trailing by goals but Tuesday night was a different story. Gilarossi had faith in their abilities and were given rich dividends. The
new found winning attitude has long been missing from Gilarossi game play but know it seems they have found back their mojo and will be looking to take their place back as one of the best teams of Europe. This resilience is an asset Champions possess in abundance
and should Romans continue with the same spirit, they will go deep in the competition.
Inter Milan will be a different in January
Rafa Benitez’s side recorded a victory for a change. Even though Nerazzuri were the better side, they won by a solitary goal. Esteban Cambiasso scored a goal on his return from injury.
There were a lot of positives to be taken from this game. Samuel Eto’o was once again a potent goal scoring threat but it would be Wesley Sneijder’s return to form that would have brought thousand smiles on Benitez’s face. Sneijder’s was
the creative fulcrum of all-conquering Milanese side last season and his struggles with injuries and form hampered the Nerazzuri. Sneijder was full of running and ideas last night after a lengthy spell off colour.
On a less positive note, the defence still looks shaky every time a team runs at it. Without the defensive wall that was Walter Samuel, Lucio has to cover every blade of grass cleaning up the mess his fellow defenders make. Benitez will
need to use the Brazilian with utmost care and pray for an early return for ‘The Wall’.
Tags: