The latest games in the UEFA Champions League were played on Wednesday evening. It's a little difficult to know where to start but let's head over to Anfield shall we?
Yes, Liverpool did win the game, beating the French side Marseille 1 - 0. The victory secured Liverpool's passage through to the last 16 of the Champions League when the knock-out stages begin next February, but (and it's a big but), this was not a convincing victory nor display. Especially in the second half.
You would have expected Liverpool, the 5 times winners, to have come out and totally dominate the second half, power forward towards the Kop and kill the game off, as they have done so often in the past. On the contrary, it was Marseille, who at times looked excellent with their quick passing, who made life very difficult for Liverpool. As the second half wore on it was the home team who were put under increasing pressure and you could sense that there was a certain sign of relief ripple around Anfield when the final whistle blow.
It is fair to say Liverpool's victory was more to do with Marseille's lack of akiller instinct in front of goal and at the other end, some absolutely woeful defending. The Liverpool goal, scored by their captain Steven Gerrard who was returning from injury, is the perfect example of Marseille's terrible defending. It was so bad I hardly know where to start. In fact I'm not going to bother describing it. If you've seen it you'll know exactly what I'm talking aboyt. If you haven't watch for the Marseille defender who obviously can't decide whether it's worth following Gerrard into the penalty area or not. Unfortunately he decides he can't be bothered. Although I suspect his manager won't agree with the decision. It left Gerrard totally with a with a free header in front of goal.
In the Group's other game, it was a very empty and quiet Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, (due to UEFA punishment) that saw Atletico Madrid beat PSV Eindhoven 2 - 1. The victory booked Atletico's place in the last 16. They also remain on top of the group ahead of Liverpool because they have scored one extra goal. The final round of games in this group will decide who finishes one and two and therefore, should get the better draw come the knock-out stages.
On paper it would appear Liverpool have the easier fixture as the are away to Dutch side PSV whilst Atletico travel to Marseille. Marseille are always a far better team at home and after last night's performance it wouldn't be a surprise if Marseille won. By the same token, also on last night's display, it wouldn't be too much of a surprise it PSV beat Liverpool too! Althoug surely the English team couldn't really play that badly again.
In Group A Chelsea and Bordeaux fought out a tough encounter which ended in a 1 - 1 draw. It also saw the dismissal of Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard near the end for two yellow cards. The draw leaves the qualification places still up for grabbed but the Blues know that a win over lowly Cluj at Stamford Bridge in the next round in two weeks will secure their qualification. However, should Bordeaux beat Roma, a draw will be sufficient for their qualification.
Over in Group C, two times winners Barcelona defeated Sporting Lisbon easily by 5 - 2. However, the result was almost inconsequential as both teams had already qualified for the knock-out stages of the competition. The match was a personal milestone for the French striker Thierry Henry who become the first French player to play 100 times in the Champions League. It was a good night all round for Henry who also opened the scoring for Barcelona.
I've saved the best group for last, Group B! The last round of games in this group should produce some pure sporting drama. However, German side Werder Bremen probably won't care because, with only drawing against rank outsiders Anorthosis Famagusta, Bremen are already out and have no chance of progressing. Yes, they could end up level on points with Panathinaikos, however due to their head to head results, the German team are out.
Anorthosis Famagusta have certainly surprised a few people in this season's Champions League Group Stages and I for one, would not have given them a chance of still being in with a psooibility of claiming a place in the last 16 with the final round of matches still to play.
The biggest surprise of Round 5 though must surely be the result at the San Siro where Inter Milan, now managed by Jose Mourinho, lost to Panathinaikos. The result that leaves the group wide open and all to play for. Could Inter go out at the expense of the two unfancied sides? Well, I don't know but I can't wait to find out!
Rik Talavera, is The Soccer Blogger. A passionate soccer fan, Rik has followed the game his whole life and has an extensive knowledge of all the major leagues and competition (including the UEFA Champions League), the world's top teams and players.
Rik also has a keen interest in the coaching of soccer, training, skills and fitness and provides a free Soccer Fitness, Training & Skills eCourse to all his readers.
