[photo by "AtilaTheHun"]

• by Hiten Mandalia, writing from West London

Goals fom Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung allowed Man Utd to progress into the semi-finals of the Champions League for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

Manchester United took a slender 1 – 0 lead coming into the second leg, but the vital away goal they scored at Stamford Bridge was an important goal. The stage was set at Old Trafford for both Man Utd and Chelsea.

Chelsea came into the game knowing they had to win, so therefore, Ancelotti stuck to Chelsea’s favoured 4-3-3 formation and went out to attack right from the word go. Manchester United knew they couldn’t sit back all game because they don’t operate in that sense, especally when playing at Old Trafford. Ferguson stuck to his 4-4-2 formation with many determined and energetic players in the team.

The game started with a high tempo, which was signs of things to come. The first real chance of the first half came when Malouda ran through three to four Man Utd players and laid a pass to Lampard, who struck a weak shot. It was a simple save for Van Der Sar but Lampard should have done better. With tackles flying in from Chelsea players and with a few yellow cards being shown to the players in blue, it was alwalys likely that someone was going to get sent off in this game.

At 40, Van Der Sar still shows that he’s still got that magic touch. Taking a risky decision by coming out of his area and going for the ball, he had to get it right in order to avoid being sent off. His slide to get the ball off Anelka was pin point perfect, which resulted in a big applause all around Old Trafford. Had he got that wrong, he could have seen red, or at the very least, a yellow.

[photo by "AtilaTheHun"]

Hernandez got the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside. However, Hernandez would soon get his goal. Great build up play from Man Utd led to a corner. It resulted in Giggs passing it to O’Shea, who then reversed it back to Giggs, who was in acres of space by the byline and crossed it in, allowing Hernandez to get his boot to the ball. That was just before half time, which relieved some of the pressure. Utd were 1-0 up at half time and Chelsea had to score twice, at the very least

Tonight’s game further emphasised Giggs’ determiantion, passion and desire for the game. Despite coming to an age where he is consdering to hang up his boots, he still plays to the best of his ability. His first touch, his control, his crosses, his skill; Giggs has still got the potential to play at the highest level, despite playing for 21 years. This was emphasised throght the game, providing assists to both goals. His desire and motivation to win every game and his hunger to win trophies is still fresh, despite winning all the possible club competitions with Man Utd.

Ancelotti was forced to make a change at the start of the second half, with Drogba replacing the ever failing Torres. Minimal contribution again from the World Cup winner, which is starting to get frustrating to everyone associated with Chelsea Football Club. The second half started the way the forst half started, and both teams had their chances.

With the scoreline being 1-0 on the night and 2-0 on aggregate to Manchester United, Ramires made a challenge which earnt him his second yellow card of the game, which resulted him being sent off. Chelsea down to ten men and losing on aggregate, surely that was the end of Chelsea’s season.

However, six minuted later, Essien made an inch perfect pass to Drogba, before slotting the ball past Van Der Sar.

That was Chelsea’s away goal and a lifeline to get back in the game. As they say, you’re at your most vulnerable just after you scored and that proved to be the case in this scenario. 21 seconds later., Ji-Sung Park scored for the Red Devils after some nice build up play. 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate to Utd. That put the game to bed.

Manchester United fully deserved to go through to the semi-final of the Champions League as they were better then Chelsea over the two legs. They know how to live up to pressure and they’ve been in this scenario many times.

[photo by "AtilaTheHun"]

However, Ancelotti must be regretting his team selection. His decision to play Torres from the start backfired, as he was poor yet again. Torres was bought for these games and these occasions, but he doesn’t look like his former self. If Torres’ £50m was a flop, then Man Utd’s £6m signing of Hernandez has to be one of the best signings in recent years. Bargain, one must say.

This was Man Utd’s night to remember as they still look to win an historic treble for the second time, while Chelsea have to go back to the drawing board as their season looks as good as over.

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