Hi everyone. It's been an ironic week of results in the last few days. For starters, all four semi-finalists - Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester Utd. and Shalke 04, all lost in their respective leagues. This tells you how much fatigue must be running through these squads as the footballing season ends in an exciting climax; for United and Barcelona supporters anyway.
Barcelona are the first team to have booked this years final berth after defeating Real Madrid last night over two legs with a 3-1 aggregate victory. United now look to confirm their place as the second finalist in this years most rewarding competition - The UEFA Champions League. Manchester United host Shalke at home holding a two goal advantage away from home over their opponents. Its safe to say that United will surely not let it slip from their grip at this stage in the competition after acquiring such a good lead from the first leg in Germany. But you can never be too sure. And too cocky.
All the odds will favour Manchester United to go through to the finals against an inexperienced Shalke side. United are experienced; especially after reaching their third semi-final in four years having progressed through twice already and winning one final. They've also been more than formidable at home in the champions league. Two goals conceded, yet, they've emerged victorious. No losses to their name either. Also, Manchester United can soak up the pressure and still deliver.
Everyone's probably written off Shalke after their disastrous first leg defeat to United. No one really expected Shalke not to turn up and perform in front of their own fans with so much at stake. But maybe that's where the problem lies for the German bull dogs. When you least expect it, they strike. And how! They ripped Inter in their own backyard slamming 5 past the Italians. I think that when no one expects much of them, they rise up. Not to a challenge. Its not to prove anything to anyone. I generally feel that they have a go at it because, people would forget that they are still participating and they don't face the burden from expectant fans in unknown territory. There's less at stake at that moment and they live for that moment. Which is precisely why I feel, that they will be dangerous tonight against United. You cannot write them off or underestimate them. Thats when they perform. They're threatening all over the park. Their midfield gets revved up, and their attack, although unenviable, is frightening when these two units click in tandem. It's strange isn't it? But it's something that has worked for them. Having said that, I still feel that United will be a difficult place to come to and leave with that decisive victory.
Here's what you need to know.
First Leg : Shalke 0-2 United
Second Leg : Shalke need to win by a difference of two goals other than a 2-0 win.
This will take it to extra time.
If they win 3-1, then its Shalke that go through on the away goals rule having scored 3 away from home against United's 2 even though the aggregate ( total score ) reads 3-3.
So should Shalke win 3-1, 4-2, 5-3 or 6-4, they go through courtesy of the Away goals rule.
If Shalke win 3-2, 4-3, 5-4 or 6-5, United go through. Courtesy of the Away goals rule.
If Shalke win 1-0, the it's who United go through. Again, courtesy of the Away goals rule.
If Shalke win 2-0, they then take United to Extra Time which is another 30 minutes of game time.
The same away goals rule applies here as well. If Shalke score one more, the score line reads 3-0 and the Aggregate score reads 3-2. Hence United then need to score two more goals. The score line then reads 3-2. And the Aggregate score reads 3-4. But United win the over all tie because they scored more goals than Shalke.
Now I didn't need to explain it but I wanted to. Just in case none of of you were familiar with the Away goals rule. It's a real pain but If any one understood it, I'm happy.
If not, I'll explain later... when the season concludes.
Basically, I don't see Shalke winning this one but you cannot be too sure. United will be playing a slightly understrength side; with experienced players nonetheless. Shalke will have a go and get a goal. I see United struggling to contain them but will play on counter-attacks when Shalke commit men forward. Should be a see-saw of a game. Can't wait.
Enjoy the game everyone :) It'll be a cracker. Explicits- provoking I hope!
Barcelona are the first team to have booked this years final berth after defeating Real Madrid last night over two legs with a 3-1 aggregate victory. United now look to confirm their place as the second finalist in this years most rewarding competition - The UEFA Champions League. Manchester United host Shalke at home holding a two goal advantage away from home over their opponents. Its safe to say that United will surely not let it slip from their grip at this stage in the competition after acquiring such a good lead from the first leg in Germany. But you can never be too sure. And too cocky.
All the odds will favour Manchester United to go through to the finals against an inexperienced Shalke side. United are experienced; especially after reaching their third semi-final in four years having progressed through twice already and winning one final. They've also been more than formidable at home in the champions league. Two goals conceded, yet, they've emerged victorious. No losses to their name either. Also, Manchester United can soak up the pressure and still deliver.
Everyone's probably written off Shalke after their disastrous first leg defeat to United. No one really expected Shalke not to turn up and perform in front of their own fans with so much at stake. But maybe that's where the problem lies for the German bull dogs. When you least expect it, they strike. And how! They ripped Inter in their own backyard slamming 5 past the Italians. I think that when no one expects much of them, they rise up. Not to a challenge. Its not to prove anything to anyone. I generally feel that they have a go at it because, people would forget that they are still participating and they don't face the burden from expectant fans in unknown territory. There's less at stake at that moment and they live for that moment. Which is precisely why I feel, that they will be dangerous tonight against United. You cannot write them off or underestimate them. Thats when they perform. They're threatening all over the park. Their midfield gets revved up, and their attack, although unenviable, is frightening when these two units click in tandem. It's strange isn't it? But it's something that has worked for them. Having said that, I still feel that United will be a difficult place to come to and leave with that decisive victory.
Here's what you need to know.
First Leg : Shalke 0-2 United
Second Leg : Shalke need to win by a difference of two goals other than a 2-0 win.
This will take it to extra time.
If they win 3-1, then its Shalke that go through on the away goals rule having scored 3 away from home against United's 2 even though the aggregate ( total score ) reads 3-3.
So should Shalke win 3-1, 4-2, 5-3 or 6-4, they go through courtesy of the Away goals rule.
If Shalke win 3-2, 4-3, 5-4 or 6-5, United go through. Courtesy of the Away goals rule.
If Shalke win 1-0, the it's who United go through. Again, courtesy of the Away goals rule.
If Shalke win 2-0, they then take United to Extra Time which is another 30 minutes of game time.
The same away goals rule applies here as well. If Shalke score one more, the score line reads 3-0 and the Aggregate score reads 3-2. Hence United then need to score two more goals. The score line then reads 3-2. And the Aggregate score reads 3-4. But United win the over all tie because they scored more goals than Shalke.
Now I didn't need to explain it but I wanted to. Just in case none of of you were familiar with the Away goals rule. It's a real pain but If any one understood it, I'm happy.
If not, I'll explain later... when the season concludes.
Basically, I don't see Shalke winning this one but you cannot be too sure. United will be playing a slightly understrength side; with experienced players nonetheless. Shalke will have a go and get a goal. I see United struggling to contain them but will play on counter-attacks when Shalke commit men forward. Should be a see-saw of a game. Can't wait.
Enjoy the game everyone :) It'll be a cracker. Explicits- provoking I hope!
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