Arsenal
Break New Grounds in San Siro
It was another historic and spectacular Champions League victory for Arsenal
in Milan, following on from their famous 5-1 win against Inter Milan in November
2005. Milan opened brightly, with Fabregas clearing off the line from Paolo
Maldini's header at the near post, but once the Gunners found their stride
they controlled the first 45 minutes in a scintillating fashion. The Gunners
almost paid the price for their profligacy in front of goal with 12 minutes
left when Pato was only inches off target with an angled shot that took a
deflection off Senderos.
Arsene Wenger's side produced a virtuoso display but had to wait until the
84th minute before Cesc Fabregas fired in a low 30-yard finish. Emmanuel Adebayor
then turned in Theo Walcott's cross in injury time to send the holders crashing
out. This is the first time the Italians have lost to an English side at home.
After a goalless first leg at the Emirate stadium a fortnight ago, the tie
appeared to be heading into extra- time as 83 minutes of the return fixture
elapsed without a goal. Arsenal out classed AC Milan with a style that suggested
they can reach a second Champions League final in three seasons. As Arsenal's
players celebrated, it marked a poignant end to European combat for the great
Milan icon Maldini, who won five winners' medals in this competition and is
retiring at the end of this season. Meanwhile , the joy of all Gunners fans
have known no bounds, especially as they have done what no club in English
have done. They have opened the way for the other clubs in English.
In the other Champions League match results played on Tuesday and Wednesday
respectively, Fenerbahce reached the Champions League quarter-finals after
a thrilling 3-2 penalties win in Sevilla, after the teams were tied at 5-5
aggregate, Manchester United of England made it also to the quarter finals
after beating Lyon of France 1-0 at Old Trafford, Barcelona won Celtic 1-0
to secure a place at the quarter finals. Nine-time winners Real Madrid were
knocked out of the Champions League after losing 2-1 at home to Roma. Real,
who ended the game with 10 men after Pepe was sent off for two yellow cards,
went out in the last 16, 4-2 on aggregate to their Italian opponents. Chelsea
made it also in to the last eight by beating Greek Champions Olympiakos 3-0
at Stanford Bridge. SchalkeO4 won FC Porto 4-1 on penalties after ending on
1-1 aggregate. Meanwhile Inter who are 2 goals down already will play Liverpool
in the last round 16 encounter on Tuesday 11 march 2008. The out come of which
may bring to 4 the total number of English clubs that made it to the quarter
finals.
By: Fabian Njoku