As the anticipation looms over Old Trafford for this evening UEFA Champions league quarter final between Manchester United and Chelsea, will it be the Red Devils who once again triumph on the European stage? Or, will it be Chelsea defy the odds to go one step closer to that allusive dream of European Glory?
All English European fixtures over the years have delivered some memorable moments for both fans and neutrals alike. This sent me delving into the archives to recall a few of the greatest over recent years.
Here is a brief rundown of what I believe to be a selection of the greatest to jog your memory;
Liverpool vs Chelsea, 2005, 1-0
Liverpool where the happier side stepping out onto the Anfield turf that night, having taken a 0-0 draw away from Stamford Bridge. They knew it was their tie to throw away, although Chelsea at that time were considered favorites. Memorable moments from this, the first in the Cheslea vs Liverpool Euro saga; four minutes from kick off Luis Garcia got the better of Cech to have his shot seemingly cleared off the line by William Gallas, not according to the match officials! The goal that should not have stood (well, that is according the Jose Mourinho). The 90 minutes or so that followed were spent with Liverpool on the back foot holding firm however for the win, and a place in the 2005 European Cup Final. We all know what followed that year!!
Liverpool vs Arsenal, 2008, 4-2
In a fixture that saw the two sides face up three times in only six days in the league and cup, the best was certainly saved for last. Arsenal silenced the Anfield crowd taking an early lead through Abou Diaby, before Sami Hyypia and Fernando Torres swung the tie back in Liverpool’s favor. After the break the introduction of the electric Theo Walcott rejuvenated Arsenal, it was his mazy run that teed up Emmanuel Adebayor to set up a thrilling end to the Anfield leg. Straight from the kick off Liverpool went down the other end and won a penalty which Steven Gerrard duly dispatched. What followed was four minutes of end to end football that looked to difficult to call. The game was wrapped up however by Ryan Babel who send 6,000 unhappy ‘gunners’ home with the bitter taste of European defeat.
Manchester United vs Chelsea, 2008, 1-1
The only final between two English clubs in the history of the competition, and the game that went right down to the wire. The most memorable moments form this clash; Cristiano Ronaldo’s early header to sending the United faithful into wonderland, this was followed by Frank Lampard’s dream shattering equalizer just before half-time. Drogba sees red in extra-time, and Red Devils take home the trophy 6-5 on penalties! Oh and just one more thing… The first true classic defender since Terry Butcher – John Terry reduced to tears after striking the post with the penalty that would have seen Chelsea crowned Champions of Europe for the first time in the clubs history.
Chelsea vs Liverpool, 2009, 4-4
Trailing 3-1 from the first leg at Anfield, Liverpool had a uphill struggle going into the second leg at Stamford bridge. The most unforgettable moments form this game; first half goals from Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso to put Liverpool in the driving seat putting the scores level at 3-3 on aggregate, Pepe Reina gifting Chelsea away a way back in, before Alex (Goal of the game) and Frank Lampard looking to secure Chelsea safe passage to the semi final, with the score now sitting at 6-3. Yet, Liverpool as we know aren’t likely to give up without a fight, goals from Lucas and Dirk Kuyt set up a nail biting climax with the Reds chasing only one goal that would book them a place in the next round! Its wasn’t to be the fairytale finish however that Liverpool had become so accustom to over recent European evenings. The final hammer blow was dealt by Frank Lampard securing a 7-5 aggregate win for the Blues.
All fantastic night of football, but we want to know your views on what you believe to be the greatest all English tie of recent years;
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