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Two fantastic nights of football in the UEFA Champions League, and there is so much to talk about.
But there were some moments that stood out, simply on the basis of being extraordinary. On that note, we take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly moments from Champions League Matchday 3/
Arturo Vidal’s dive and penalty claim (Real Madrid 2-1 Juventus)
This is the moment in question.
Arturo Vidal gets his foot stuck in the turf and throws himself the ground. That is not the bad part, footballers have done this time and again when the pitch “tackles” them.
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No, the bad part is him pointing and asking for a penalty as he feels he was impeded.
Well, then the question ought to be asked – “Impeded by whom”? The pitch, for having the audacity to simply lie there, or the groundsman for not preparing the pitch as per Vidal’s convenience?
What a farce! An awful dive followed by a disgusting child-like demand for a penalty. It seems the pressure of being in a losing position forces footballers to forgo logic and try their luck with the referee all the time!
Chiellini’s red card and Ronaldo’s theatrics
This is a straight red, there’s no doubt about it. Just to clarify, the rules say nothing about a red card to the last man, what the rules say is that the player should be given a straight red if he denies a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Chiellini is not even interested in playing the ball, he simply wants Ronaldo out of the way and commits a foul, for which he is duly sent off.
Having said that, one must question why Cristiano Ronaldo made a meal out of a clumsy challenge. Chiellini’s arm strikes him on the face, but he goes down and rolls around, pretending to clutch his eye. This behaviour continued even after Chiellini received his red, which leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
The best player in the world shouldn’t have to resort to such means.
Dortmund’s counterattacks are a thing of beauty (Arsenal 1-2 Borussia Dortmund)
On Tuesday, Borussia Dortmund did what most teams have failed to this season. They made Ramsey, and Arsenal, look mortal; such has been the North London club’s dominance over opposition teams this time around.
In a way, this was a match that showcased the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. Dortmund had to rely on counterattacks and quick football, whereas Arsenal had the majority of the possession but couldn’t break down a resolute defense. And in constantly keeping the ball, they played into Dortmund’s hand, who were only ever thinking of breaking forward whenever they had the ball.
But the last goal of the game is the one we will remember, for it was a fantastic counterattack completed successfully by the in-demand Pole Robert Lewandowski.
A difficult finish made to look easy, and a hard-worked goal made to look beautiful. It can only be Dortmund!
Zlatan goes goal-crazy (RSC Anderlecht 0-5 PSG)
Paris St. Germain’s encounter with RSC Anderlecht turned out to be one of the most one-sided contests in the Champions League, with the French team, led by Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s four goal salvo, running out winners 5-0.
But it was the Swedish hitman’s show that captured the audience, with all four goals showcasing Ibra’s talent. The first, a tap-in. The second, a beautifully finished backheel. The third, a monster hit from outside the box that would have decapitated any goalkeeper foolish enough to stand in its path. And the fourth, a lovely finish from a tight angle. Is there something he can’t do?
Manchester United show signs of improvement (Manchester United 1-0 Real Sociedad)
Although they needed an own goal to prevail in the end, Manchester United’s performance against Sociedad would have pleased the manager, with the team finally showing glimpses of the potential buried underneath.
Wayne Rooney was in fine form and combined well with Kagawa and Giggs to carve open the Sociedad defense on a number of occasions. Had they finished off their chances, Manchester United would have coasted to a 4-0 win.
The best moment of the match belonged to Shinji Kagawa, as he sliced his way through the defense yet still having enough time and composure to light up the match with his quick slide and turn.
Ronaldo’s goal glut and Benzema’s shocking miss!
Following his brace against Juventus last night, Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored seven goals in three games in the Champions League this season, a phenomenal return from a player who refuses to stop scoring.
Real Madrid are currently being bailed out by their in-form Portugese, but they know that sooner or later, the others need to pick up the pace and join in the goal scoring.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Benzema and co. are going to offer their support to Ronaldo in the goalscoring charts anytime soon. This hideous miss by Benzema should set the alarm bells ringing for Carlo Ancelotti. Luckily, it did not cost Real the game.
Racism rears its ugly head again (CSKA 1-2 Manchester City)
Enough said. Time for some action, but what else can UEFA do other than fining the home team? Nothing, not that they ever looked like doing anything.
Negredo’s brilliant pass (CSKA Moscow 1-2 Manchester City)
This is just outrageous. Surrounded by five players, Negredo shows immense composure, awareness and technique to flick the ball into Aguero’s path, who scores a good header to round off a great move.
