Archive for December, 2011

Crazy Stuff :UEFA Champions League 2011/12

Posted: December 9, 2011 in Sports
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Here’s a recap: Manchester united needed a draw against Swiss team FC Basel (easy task*) .Manchester City needed to beat Bayern Munich to have any chance of advancing out of Group A.

But what emerged from the final round group stage matches in many ways was truly remarkable . Shocking rather disappointing was the exit of both Manchester clubs.Though City exit might have been expected, given they had a tough group and some disappointing results,but Man Utd falling to FC Basel was a real shocker. City will be thwarted, but it may be better for the club in the long run. They can now focus on domestic matters, and to be believed they can win the league.On the other hand Manchester United join their neighbors in the Europa League.It was a fate that didn’t please United manager Alex Ferguson one bit. There were more than a few fans and pundits who were happy to see United fall. Former United star Roy Keane, now a TV commentator, said that United had “got what they deserved.”

Then we had this remarkable game between Lyon and Dynamo Zagreb. Lyon entered the game needing a win and to turn around a goal difference 9 goals against them in order to qualify ahead of Ajax.Ajax lost 3-0 to Real Madrid, leaving Lyon needing a six goal winning margin in Zagreb, which they duly managed, with six second half goals, to win 7-1.

Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen were already through in Group E. Same with Arsenal and Marseille in group F , Barcelona and AC Milan in group H, Real Madrid and Inter Milan from group D&B respectively.There were some twists and turns, but no surprises best teams went on to next round.

Very soon knockout draws will give us a good idea of who might be a surprise entrant to the last eight, and who might have their European venture ended untimely.

Final standings group stage: http://www.espnstar.com/football/champions-league/standings/

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