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Champions League Team Of The Week
Champions League action resumed with some stunning games on Tuesday, and the most exciting was Roma's 2-1 comeback win against Real Madrid, which leaves the tie very evenly poised heading to the Bernabeu. Arjen Robben and Amantino Mancini stole the show as far as individual plaudits go.
The most decisive result came at Anfield, where Inter were perhaps a touch unlucky, but were squarely beaten by Liverpool's sustained onslaught. However, it was not before they put on a quality defensive display for 85 minutes, led by the now injured Ivan Cordoba. It is backs against the wall for the Nerazzurri now.
Schalke produced a fine display - led by Ivan Rakitic and Kevin Kuranyi - to take a 1-0 lead into the second leg against Porto, while the poorest match of the week was played out in Greece, Chelsea sleeping through to a goalless draw against Olympiacos that nonetheless leaves them in pole position to progress.
If Tuesday was good, Wednesday was excellent, as we saw 12 goals and two five goal thrillers. Lionel Messi was the star of the show at Celtic Park as Barcelona came from behind twice to beat Celtic 3-2, leaving the tie almost decided, while Fenerbahce picked up a similar win over Sevilla in Turkey, inspired by the ageless Roberto Carlos.
However, with two away goals and a home game remaining, Sevilla will fancy themselves to progress too.
Lyon almost shocked Manchester United thanks to the up and coming Karim Benzema - who was a livewire all evening - but were denied as Carlos Tevez scored yet another one of his late goals this season to give United a slight edge heading to Old Trafford.
Finally, the clash of generations at The Emirates ended goalless, but Arsenal could and should have won it with some composure in the final third. Paolo Maldini put in a fine display, as did Philippe Senderos after coming on for Kolo Toure, but the big question is, will Arsenal be left to rue those misses?
This week's best line up in an attacking version of the 4-4-2.
Goalkeeper
Julio Cesar (Inter)
Might have been beaten twice towards the end, but was one of the biggest reasons for Inter remianing in the game until the 85th minute. Four or five top notch saves before he was eventually 'done' by a deflection.
Defenders
Ivan Cordoba (Inter)
The Colombian was simply the best Inter player on the pitch. Was absolutely rock solid throughout, snuffing out anything Liverpool had to throw at him. A classic display of backs-to-the-wall defending. No surprise then that after his injury Liverpool quickly scored twice.
Philippe Senderos (Arsenal) 
There was a massive blow for Arsenal when Kolo Toure hobbled off early in a game as big as this, but the blow-hot-blow-cold Swiss defender was right on the money when his team needed him. A rock solid display to keep Milan firmly on the back foot. What is more, the understanding with Gallas continues to improve thanks to some continuity. With the Ivorian out for three weeks, it will give Gunners some respite.
Paolo Maldini (Milan)
The veteran had been saved for this game, and he showed just why. The 39-year-old rolled back the years to produce a classy display. Had some uncomfortable moments on the left early on, but once he moved to the centre after Nesta's injury, he barely put a foot wrong. Takes on a central berth this week to make toom for another legend on the left. And you can bet your house that he will be saved again for the clash in two weeks' time.
Roberto Carlos (Fenerbahce)
The Brazilian left-back was another veteran who rolled back the years with a faultless performance. He marshalled the ever-dangerous Jesus Navas throughout the gane and made it impossible for him to get any joy down the right hand side, and pushed forward well to support Alex and Boral as well. A candidate for Man of the Match, unfortunately went off injured when he received a cut to his leg when attempting to stop Escude's equaliser - great performance.
Midfielders
Arjen Robben (Real Madrid)
He was the brightest light on the Olimipico pitch, putting in an explosive display to move thoughts of Robinho's absence into the background. Was unplayable at times and skinned Panucci and Cassetti on numerous occasions, and caused Juan and Mexes plenty of problems too when he got to run at them.
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Steven Gerrard on the pitch, Liverpool needing inspiration in the Champions League - you know what comes next. A never say die attitude throughout the match, repeatedly bursting forward to support his front men. Got his just reward when scoring his team's decisive second goal in the final minutes. Mr. Champions League, to quote Jamie Carragher!
Ivan Rakitic (Schalke)
Performed very well on the night and had a few decent chances but his finishing let him down slightly. Still, it was a confident display for one so young, a display that could well hand Schalke a quarter-final place. No wonder you hear this morning that the race for him his getting more furious.
Amantino Mancini (Roma)
Easily Roma抯 most dangerous and productive offensive player. Miguel Torres looked like a novice and even the reliable Sergio Ramos was made to look ordinary on the right. Helped create the first goal, and scored the second by showing some explosive pace, and then a delightful touch after rounding Casillas.
Forwards
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
What a display from the Champions League top scorer this season! Was on the money from the word go. The one-twos with Deco and Iniesta, the twinkle-toed runs past his stunned markers, and some attractive finishing make him the player of the week. Marshalled an attacking masterclass from Barcelona, to sum it up.
Karim Benzema (Lyon)
A class act. Showed Alex Ferguson that he has both the pace and the technique to cut it at the top level. Was constantly running into dangerous gaps, though when he did score, it was a case of creating something out of nothing - something that stars are known for. The only pity was that his goal was not the match-winner.
Cesar
Cordoba Senderos Maldini Roberto Carlos
Robben Rakitic Gerrard Mancini
Messi Benzema
Arsenal's Gael Clichy and Manchester United's Patrice Evra had good games, but miss out thanks to Roberto Carlos' brilliance. Defenders Philippe Mexes and Jean Alain Boumsong also did well dealing with some top quality strikers for large parts of the game.
There were a number of quality displays in central midfield this week. Mathieu Flamini and Gennaro Gattuso both made their impact despite going head to head, and deserve mention too, as do Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Michael Essien (Chelsea), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Yaya Toure (Barcelona), Anderson (Manchester United), Aurelio (Fenerbahce) and Christian Poulsen (Sevilla).
Emmanuel Eboue was electric all night  , and it would be harsh not to mention Celtic midfielders Aiden McGeady and Champions League debutant Barry Robson, both of whom battled against the odds.
Up front, Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho both made an impact against Celtic, while Raul, Dirk Kuyt and Kevin Kuranyi also deserve a mention for scoring hugely important goals. |
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Arsenal Report Profits Rise  Arsenal have achieved a 54% increase in half-year profits, boosted by the latest Premier League television rights deal and the success of the Emirates Stadium.
Premier League leaders have reported that their pre-tax profit totalled |
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Originally posted by -manraj- at 22-2-2008 07:35 PM 
Milan To Move For Adebayor?
http://www.goal.com/images/13846_hp.jpg
AC Milan are considering making a summer transfer bid for Arsenal star Emmanuel Adebayor, according to the Corriere dello ...
dulu2 masa karat dr monaco tkde org nk..skrg wenger dh kikis bg ilang karat ade je yg nyebuk |
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Reply #901 -manraj-'s post
amacam manraj?senderos steadyyyyyyyyyy |
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Reply #906 aku76's post
kutuk inzaghi tua ye..akak pariii where r u?  |
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terperosok bawah benang neh |
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apa terjadi pada eduardo??cm ngeri ja reaction semua boboi2 arsenal |
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Reply #915 borhan_abu's post
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tuu laaa pasal....aku tgk2 jer si mamat birmingham dpt red card...pastu commentator tuu ckp dia x nak ulang tayang |
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ceh lawan sepuloh org lagikk..
kena sayur arrr lepas neh.. |
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powernyer boboi walcott.... |
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Reply #917 gicks79's post
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sayurr???? abg galas bagik adiah penalti kat the blues |
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Post time 22-2-2008 07:41 PM
