Europa League : Semi Final Second Leg Review

Jose Mourinho claimed he could break Barca, he couldn’t. However controversially, Barca are through to the finals of the Champions League, and they face the Red Devils from England the second time in the finals in three years. Manchester United, who completely owned Schalke in both the ties won 6-1 on aggregate, will appear in the finals of the most prestigious competition in Europe for the third time in four years. Xavi has already stated that Manchester United will be the favorites this time around. Mind games, I say. Anyway, let us now shift our focus to the second most prestigious competition in Europe, the Europa League( with the change in format, followed the change in the name from UEFA cup in 2009). The semifinalists included 3 Portuguese teams and the lone Spanish team, Villareal. Braga were to face Benfica, whereas Villareal met Porto. If it was probable that it was going to be an all Portuguese final, Porto made it impossible for Villareal to go through, when they defeated Villareal 5-1 at home in the first leg. The second semi-final was different, it was very well contested, with Benfica winning 2-1 at home, but Braga got the all important away goal. So let us now review the second legs, shall we?

The second most prestigious competition in Europe

1. VILLAREAL VS PORTO

An easy task for Porto already having a 5-1 lead

The only non-Portuguese side in the semi-finals

The Spanish side hosted Porto at home, with a very tough tie ahead of them. They had to get at least 4 goals, and had to prevent Porto from scoring ,which is like 10 mountains to climb. They were playing for pride, and the tie was an exceptional one, with both sides playing well. Villareal drew first blood on the 19th minute, when after a good exchange with Marco Ruben, Cani slotted it past Moutinho. 1-0 Villareal. Porto are not a team who refuse to attack. And attack they did. They soon got their reward, when in the 39th minute, an awesome left footed shot by the strong Hulk ( a very apt name), which was well, going wide, took a wicked deflection of Musacchio, went into the net. 1-1. Villareal were trying a new defensive set up, with Matilla playing CDM, a position he was not used to, and Porto took full advantage of that. 3 minutes into the second half, Falcao, who is having a dream season for Porto, controlled a great cross from Guarin, and his chip into the goal was a treat to watch. Porto had their noses in front now.Falcao had now scored 16 goals in this competion, a new record. Some English clubs would sure be wanting to sign him. Villareal weren’t going to go down so easily, and at the 75th minute, Joan Capdevilla unleashed a great volley past Motuinho, and equalized. Just five minutes later, when Rossi, who had been outstanding the entire match, was tripped in the box by Otamendi, a penalty was given. Rossi easily slotted it in. Villareal won 3-2, regained their pride, but it is Porto who go through as favorites to face off with their Portuguese rivals.

2. BRAGA VS BENFICA

So, this was the situation. Benfica had won slenderly at home, but Braga had got the all important away goal. The favorites were certainly Braga, as just one goal would do it for them, and yes, they had to keep the Benfica attack line at bay. And they successfully did so, with Braga winning the tough contested albeit defensive game by Braga. Both teams had early chances, but they failed to convert. Benfica missed the veteran Pablo Aimar who was suspended from the first leg, and so was Braga’s skipper Vandinho. In the 19th minute, when Hugo Viana’s delivery extracted the maximum from a 19th-minute corner won by Albert Meyong’s persistence, defensive midfielder Custódio rose highest to head powerfully towards the top-right corner. One-nil to the Arsenalistas. Game on. But, suddenly Braga went on to their defensive mode. And they were successful at that, keeping Oscar Cardozo, the main threat out. Braga played really well, countering well, and maintaining the scoreline to go through to meet Porto on away goals. Viana and Custodio were brilliant that day, and provided inspiration to their teamates. A well contested tie, but Braga go through.

So, now we have two Portuguese teams to face off in the finals, which are situated no more than 50 km from each other on the 18th of May at the Aviva. Old rivalries will come up, and I’m sure it will be a well contested, evenly matched tie. Don’t forget to tune in.