An incredible 2 strikes by Raul Gonzalez and 1 mastery from Figo as an opener is enough, although quite disappointed that 2 penalty appeals were turned down. Their goals are classy compare to Van Nistelrooy's lucky header. Nevertheless, the tie in Santiago Bernabeu is enough joy for me. I enjoyed watching Raul and Zidane dribbled through the field as if their feet are born especially for football maneuvering. hehe! They deserved more goals, but it's enough. 2 weeks from now and it is going to be in Old Trafford for the 2nd leg. Gary Neville and Paul Scholes will both miss that leg for picking up yellow cards in the match. Figo had been hardworking all night but Ronaldo had been a letdown. He had some very clear chances wasted. Van Nistelrooy is lucky to get that header; and I have to admit that he has terrible dribbles. I lost count how many times the ball is being stolen from his long legs. My friend Johnny calls him a penguin! hehe!
After this encounter, I confirm I will buy Real's Raul no.7 jersey! hehe! I saw the Zidane's no.5 selling as well and very tempted to buy another! haha! That will be a great collection for me. This victory is a proof to Gerald Houllier who looks down on Real after Liverpool lost to Manchester United 0-4. Please don't think that Manchester United is such a great squad just because your team lost so miserably to them. Real Madrid are a collection of all-star footballers who controlled almost the whole game.
Here is a quote from Soccernet.com: " For a side who claim to be among Europe's elite, the gulf in class was almost embarrasing. In Zidane, Real had the man who dictated the tempo of the game and carved out the opening two goals with stunning simplicity." I refer to a statement that Ferguson had when they reached the quarterfinals. "BRING ON REAL". Again, he looked too lowly of Real Madrid.
There is no surprise why there are more Italian and Spanish clubs in the quarters. I repeat as I always do in the past; Manchester United did not deserve the Champ League win in 1998. Any football fan in the world who watched that final that day, including me see the TERRIBLE CURSE Bayern Munich had in the dying minutes of the given extra injury time at Nou Camp, Barcelona. The two corner kicks that got them the crown were really sheer luck. It was just shots of luck. Whatever I say now will be useless, the most important thing is to witness the second leg in Old Trafford. Until Real are confirmed winners, there is no doubt that Manchester United still have a chance. They need to win at least 2-0 to get through to the semis.
As a Real Madrid fan, I will support all the way and hope they will capture the UEFA Champ League match again this year for a record 10 times. I'm disappointed that Newcastle United are out, but it was a great performance for such a young squad average. I hope they will improve together as a team and progress further next season. Ajax Amsterdam and AC Milan had a 0-0 draw in Amsterdam. Still at this stage, AC Milan are the favourites. Barcelona is still unbeatable in the Champ League this season. Their record shows itself how good their performances are until now. These two teams are another two great candidates to be in the final with Real Madrid. Whatever it is, the path to the final is not easy now. All the teams in the quarterfinals are very strong.
