Manchester United and Arsenal progressed through to the last eight of the Champions league with wins against Lyon and AC Milan respectively Tuesday night.
Arsenal (2) AC Milan (0), 2-0 agg.
The Gunners drew 0-0 at home in the first leg and were heading toward extra time last night until Cesc Fabregas’ low strike in the dying minutes secured victory against the titleholders.
After Milan’s league draw over the weekend, Massimo Oddo admitted the team was tired after a demanding few months, which included a trip to Japan for the World Club Finals.
Even so, Arsenal had still played seven more games this season in all competitions. It did not show in the last 20 minutes, as they pressurized their more experienced opponents.
Fabregas’ goal was followed by another from Emmanuel Adebayor in extra time, after Theo Walcott outstripped the Milan defense and centered the ball.
Last night highlighted the lack of pace and fitness in the Milan side. The teams’ average age is 32 and calls have been made for changes.
Star midfielder Kaka sent a clear message to the management after the game that it is time for the veterans to move on.
After a few tough weeks for Arsenal in which their title credentials have been questioned, this win should restore momentum and confidence.
Manchester United (1) vs Olympique Lyonaiss (0), 2-1 agg.
United was expected to progress at Old Trafford after Carlos Tevez’ last-gasp equalizer secured a 1-1 away draw at Lyon in the first leg.
Christiano Ronaldo latched onto a loose ball in the box and squeezed off a left-foot shot to beat goalkeeper Gregory Coupet late in the first half. It was his 30 goal of the season.
Manager Alex Ferguson was happy with the result but critical of his sides’ inability to kill the game off in the second half.
As Lyon pushed for an equalizer, United had many chances to score on the break but lacked a final pass to finish off the game.
Last night it almost cost them. Lyon substitute and Ivorian international, Kader Keita, who impressed in the recent African Nations Cup, hit the bar with only 16 minutes remaining.
In the future United might well need that extra cushion. If Lyon had managed to sneak one, extra time and penalties awaited.
Young French international Karim Benzema, who played as a lone striker, would have impressed the United scouts. Despite a lack of service, his pace and physical strength was Lyon’s most likely route to goal.
Although the player has insisted he will stay in France, it seems United want him, which could see Louis Saha leave Old Trafford.
United will be happy with the result and could meet one of Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea in the quarter finals.
If Liverpool and Chelsea progress in Wednesday night’s games, as it seems they might, it will mark the first time that one league has advanced all four teams to the Champions League quarter finals.