Football fans around the world wait for this weeks games concerning big teams within best leagues. Manchester United sit six points ahead on Chelsea on the top of the Premier League table. Both teams face a great challenge that would cause harm to their current positions if they fail to find victory.
Today, Saturday April 30th, Tottenham Hotspurs visit Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Since both teams were knocked from the Champions League during the Quarterfinals, as well Tottenham on the fight for fourth place and their Champions League Qualification, you can expect this game to be a clash worth watching.
To Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, victory against Tottenham is of the most importance. He understand that Tottenham are a strong team but he wants his team to remember that they need to "keep it open in the Premier League until the last minute."
Chelsea also heavily rely on the result of the Manchester United hosting Arsenal. If Arsenal were able to defeat the Red Devils, and Chelsea able to win against Tottenham, they would have the chance to win the Premier League.
Manchester United will bring striker Dimitar Berbatov back into action for this weeks Premier League match against Arsenal. If he is able to score against the Young Gunners, not only can his team win, he would also be improving his chances of coming out number one of goals scored within the EPL this season.
Alex Furgeson had a good few things to say in regards to the Premier League games ahead of United. "Two months ago, everyone was looking at these matches as league deciders - and they probably are, but we are going into them in good form so why can we not win them? Teams are going to drop points on the run-in, including Chelsea. Hopefully we get to a point where we need to win our last home game - against Blackpool - to win the league. I would take that."
It seems the United manager is ready for anything to result from the game against Arsenal, however due to Arsenal's inability to beat Bolton last week, I'm sure he and his team are in good spirits to win. Before the last game, Chelsea must also defeat United if they plan to win. I'm sure if United can win against Arsenal, they won't have a problem doing just as they did to Chelsea during the UEFA Semifinals.
With only four games to go after this week, the race for Premiership and qualifications for UEFA will be neck and neck with some of the best clubs in all of Football.
UEFA Champion's League Semifinals
The first leg of the semifinals ended with results favoring 2-0 for each game. Manchester United defeated Schalke 04 at home in Germany, and Barcelona did the same against Real Madrid.
United's game was real cut and dry, with little to no drama during the game. Schalke 04 was unable to continue the four year tradition of knocking United out of the semifinals due to German opposition.
The team knew they would have a great challenge before them once they knew United were to face them, however they can not be considered unable to retaliate. They face United this week at Old Trafford. One would call it irony if the German team was able to stop United at home, causing a first home defeat in a long time, though the odds are not in their favor.
The two goals made by United came from two of United's legends, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs. Ryan Giggs made the first on the 67th assisted by Wayne Rooney. Two minutes later Rooney was able to make a well placed strike thanks to the clever pass made by Hernandez.
On a different note, the Real Madrid against Barcelona game had more drama then your average soap opera episode. Both teams were given numerous yellow cards, as well both had one red card shown. This game was constant shoving and accusing against the teams more then well played football. However fortunate enough for Barcelona, Lionel Messi was able to make two goals late within the second half.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was escorted off the touch-line after a comment he made towards officials. He had claimed all through the game he was seeing favoritism for Barcelona by the match referees.
UEFA has confirmed that they will begin disciplinary proceedings against Mourinho, who refused to directly respond in concerning their decision.
A video was taken showing the challenge made by the Real Madrid player who was sent off. It showed that no contact was made by the player to the other, almost proving the player had forced himself to fall to make it look like an intentional, harmful attempts to gain possession.
"An image is worth more than words, and now there are so many images making their way around the world that I have nothing more to say," as stated by the Real Madrid manager. He claimed his players were not to blame for the defeat to Barcelona and scoffed when he was asked if his aggressive style of play had anything to do the send off. Afterward, Mourinho stated his devotion to keeping with Real Madrid, stating "I am ever more motivated to continue at Madrid, for its white colors and their meaning,"
Stated on Foxsoccer.com
Barcelona announced on Thursday that it was reporting Mourinho to UEFA for his accusations that the Catalan side had received help from UEFA referees in recent years.
Madrid countered with its own request that UEFA look into the alleged "unsportsmanlike behavior" of Barcelona's players.
The two teams face off for the fourth time in less than three weeks next Tuesday, in the return leg at Camp Nou stadium.
Madrid, which beat Barcelona 1-0 to win the Copa del Rey last weekend, is eight points behind Spanish league leader Barcelona with five rounds to play.
Though Manchester United manager Alex Fugeson claims he would be content with winning just one trophy this year, his teams ability to win a double is very evident. With a tight race ahead of them for Premier League victory, as well a most likely match against Barcelona for the UEFA Champions League Final, United's team have a lot on their plate.
As a fan, I wish them the best of luck with the big games ahead of them! Let's go you Reds!
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