Manchester United, Lyon, Bayern Munich and Porto each take a lead into the UEFA Champions League second round second leg after in an intriguing return of Europe’s premier club competition.

With the playing format of the tournament altered this season, just four of the eight second round ties took place this week, with the other four commencing next week, and it was United who gained the most impressive result.

AC Milan 2 Manchester United 3
A brace from in-form Wayne Rooney helped them to a creditable 3-2 win over Seria A giants AC Milan in the San Siro. The rejuvenated Ronaldinho handed the Italian outfit a third minute lead with a deflected volley before veteran midfielder Paul Scholes equalised for Alex Ferguson’s men ten minutes before the break.

The match turned into the Rooney show in the second half, as a pair of headers moved United into control of the tie as Milan’s unfavourable average age began to show as their performance waned. Veteran Dutchman Clarence Seedorf ensured Leonardo’s men hold a glimmer of hope in the second leg with his sublimely taken goal five minutes from time.

United will be without midfielder Michael Carrick for the return leg, however, as he received a foolish second yellow card for kicking the ball away in stoppage time. The English side will no doubt remain overwhelming favourites to progress, with the Old Trafford meeting pencilled in for the 10th of March.

Porto 2 Arsenal 1
Meanwhile, Arsenal have given themselves plenty of work to do as they must overcome a 2-1 deficit after going down away to Porto in a game riddled with mistakes. Lukasz Fabianski was the centre of attention after he gifted the Portuguese side an 11th minute lead after fumbling Silvestre Varela’s cross.

Veteran defender Sol Campbell, making his first Champions League appearance since Arsenal’s 2006 final defeat to Barcelona, popped up with an equaliser soon after but he was at the forefront for Porto’s second in a bizarre phase of play.

Goalkeeper Fabianski was penalised for picking up a backpass from Campbell, before the pair stood aimlessly as the hosts got on with the indirect free-kick, leaving Radamel Falcao the simple task of tapping into an almost empty net with the Arsneal goalkeeper stranded when he perhaps should have been more alert.

The Gunners remain favourites to progress to the quarter finals despite the defeat, with an impressive home record at the Emirates this season leaving them confident the tie is far from over. Manager Arsene Wenger’s injury list should have lessened by then, with his beaten side heavily weakened through injury in Wednesday night’s encounter.

Lyon 1 Real Madrid 0
Elsewhere, Real Madrid have also given themselves an uphill task after they went down to a shock 1-0 defeat to Lyon. Jean Makoun’s screamer was the only goal of the leg, with Madrid’s star-studded side unable to break down the resilient French side.

The Spanish giants have an added incentive in reaching this year’s final as it takes place in their very own Bernabeu stadium, not to mention spending in excess of £250million in the summer in president Florentino Perez’s latest ‘Galacticos’ era.

But they must come from behind in the second leg if they are to continue their quest towards a tenth European Cup. Should they fail to progress, however, manager Manuel Pellegrini’s job could well be on the line.

Bayern Munich 2 Fiorentina 1
The week’s only other Champions League game took place at the Allianz Arena where Bayern Munich took a 2-1 win over Fiorentina in an evenly balanced tie. Former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben opened the scoring from the spot on the stroke of half-time, his sixth consecutive match in which he has scored.

Former Everton defender Per Kroldrup got the Italians back in the contest shortly after the break but the Germans ensured they take a slender lead to Stadio Artemio Franchi thanks to a controversial goal from Miroslav Klose.

It is debateable whether the Germany international should still have been on the pitch after escaping with a yellow for a lunge on Cesare Natali earlier in the match, but there was no debating his equaliser should not have stood.

The 31-year-old, a second half substitute for Thomas Muller, was clearly yards offside when he nodded in a minute from time, leaving the Viola coach Cesare Prandelli livid with the decision and no doubt determined to gain justice in the return leg.

I watched a tape of the England vs Germany 1966 World Cup Final the other day and the thing that struck me the most was how many of today’s players can’t make a solid tackle without leaving their feet. And some players, such as Paul Scholes and perhaps David Beckham, are actually pretty brutal when it comes to tackling. In fact, there is way too much tackling from behind going on in today’s game and it’s no wonder half of the teams’ best players are out game after game with injuries.

A well placed, and timed tackle can often be the difference between winning and losing a game of football. Tackling is a very important part of the game in all areas of the pitch. It’s essential for good defense and good offence as it stops the opposition’s attack and enables you to gain possession of the ball to launch a counter attack.

The most important factor of tackling is the timing. If your timing’s off, you risk fouling the opponent Just ask Scholes about this. This could be disastrous if you do it in your own 18 yard box as the inevitable penalty kick is bound to be called. In some cases, you may not have to tackle the opponent if you’re skilled enough to slow the ball carrier down or contain him/her and limit their options by guiding them away from the goal.

You shouldn’t really attempt a tackle in the box unless you’re sure you can win the ball. If you’re not positive, you should try to jockey the ball carrier by staying between them and the goal. You need to bend your knees and lean forward slightly to lower your center of gravity. You should always face the attacker at an angle so they can’t slide the ball between your legs, nutmeg you, and run by you. This will also force the opponent toward the sideline.

You should remain on your feet when tackling if possible. This way, you’re in position to counter attack after winning the ball. To do this, make sure your feet are firmly planted and use the foot closest to the ball to tackle with. You can also try to stab or poke the ball away from an oncoming attacker if enough of the ball is visible and reachable. So many players make a tackle and end up on their ass, therefore giving possession right back to the opposition.

When slide tackling, you’re actually leaving your feet and lunging at the ball carrier with your foot. You should never slide tackle with both feet as it’s very dangerous and of course against the rules. You must always tackle with the studs of your football boots down or you could easily break a player’s leg. While slide tackles may look good to the fans, they should really only be used as a last resort, especially close to your own goal. Slide tackles are however, generally the most effective type of tackle to use against opponents attacking down the sideline.

When you make any type of tackle in football, there’s no reason at all to place your hands on the opponent. This is another aspect of the game that is getting way out of hand. You’re supposed to tackle with your feet, not your hands.

Now that the crying is all over with, all the arrests have been made and life is back to normal for most Manchester United fans, what’s next for the Red Devils? Before going on though, I must mention the Barcelona supporters who were killed in Nigeria, by some lunatic who ran them over while celebrating their team’s victory. Our sympathy goes out to all of their family and friends.

On the pitch, we see that manager Sir Alex Ferguson has blamed the Champions League loss on poor defending, while Portuguese superstar and the team’s top marksman Ronaldo has blamed bad tactics. Well, they’re both right, but the players and manager need to take a good look in the mirror and watch a tape of the game to see how lifeless and disappointing they really were. At least they both acknowledged that Barcelona was the better team on the night.

But, will United realistically bounce back next season, or was this the last kick at the can for a while now? Well, a lot of things really depend on who goes and who stays. Ronaldo has again been rumoured to be heading to Real Madrid and has also been rumoured to have said he wants to stay at United.

This should basically be the team’s decision as he’s under contract until 2012, but is there really a buyout clause in this contract that will allow the player to head elsewhere. United will have to think this one over long and hard before making a decision. Is Ronaldo really that good and does he inspire his teammates?





Well after watching him since he broke in as a rookie, I must say he has matured quite a bit, but still seems to be very inconsistent in his play. I also think he hit his peak last year with 42 goals and it’s highly unlikely he’ll reach that number again. Perhaps the time is right to sell him before his play and goal tally slips even further. Take the money and run while the offer’s still on the table.

If he does go though, how will this affect the team and who will replace his lost goals. Well, United can either bite the bullet and go with what they have for a year or two until some of their youngsters like Macheda develop, or they can go out and spend on new players, which of course is the likely scenario.

And if Ronaldo does leave, what happens with Tevez, can you afford to lose them both at once? And where does Nani fit in, or doesn’t he? Owen Hargreaves should finally be ready to come back next season, but he’s not really an offensive threat. They also have Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, and Paul Scholes, who are all longer in the tooth these days. Next season could well be the last for all three of them. And let’s not forget Edwin van der Sar in net, he’s not going to last too much longer, but I think if Ben Foster can stay healthy, United looks pretty good in goal

While United have bought quite a few top-notch players over the years, they’ve also developed some pretty good youngsters of their own. I think it’s a good balance that has served the team well, and that’s why United hasn’t really been perceived as a team that has bought its way to championships.

This will be a very important summer for the club, but I will be somewhat surprised if they can repeat this year’s successes again next season. At least they have something to aim for though, as they would become the first English team to win four straight league championships.

Manchester City are about offer their player of the year, Stephen Ireland, a new contract worth around £4 million a year. It is a fitting reward for a player that has so consistently performed in and around some of the best talent in the English game.

The reason the news is so significant to neutrals and City fans alike is that fact that Manchester City are poised to try and buy some big names this summer, names that would easily be considered automatically better than Ireland. For this reason the fact he has made such an impact, regardless of Robinho coming in, is doubly significant.

He is a very likeable man as well, seemingly one of the Paul Scholes club who don’t tend to create much drama or draw much attention when off the pitch. The new deal is pretty much physical proof that there is still reward for genuine hard work in a game where foreign imports can so easily be snapped up at a moments notice.

He has cured a headache for Manchester City for the simple fact that he has managed to hold down a key position in the side they may have gone and looked to fill in. City could have easily gone and bought a high calibre star but Ireland has now proved himself as one of the best current players in the Premier League.

His signature is a sign of the club’s ambition but it is also a sign to Ireland admirers that is set to get even better. The players that City are likely to bring in will only help Ireland improve his own game. This will raise his levels of performance on a more consistent basis and he could easily become one of the most talked about names in European football in years to come.

City boss, Mark Hughes, obviously thinks quite highly of him, hence the contract offer before the close season has even kicked in. It is a sure sign of his commitment and any bids that come in for Ireland now will have to be stupidly big to have any impact.

There is the added fact that Ireland no longer plays international football for his country. This seems to have allowed him to focus on his own game and the fact he has more time to concentrate may have lifted his levels of performance. However, he will have his critics for this as many see the international games as the pinnacle of football.

The lad has a bright future and he is at a growing club, if City can materialise all of the ambitions they are currently talking about then Ireland could be instrumental in the success, from a point where he struggled to play he is now becoming one of the most talked about players in the country.

This is a player who has cost next to nothing to develop, until now that is. The massive wages will bring with them pressure but it seems to be a breeze to this young man.

Manchester United can stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table tonight with a victory over Wigan Atheltic. United are gunning for an umpteenth league crown and will want to secure it quicker rather than sooner as they prepare for the Champions League final at the end of the month.

Wigan on the other hand will want to throw a spanner in the works and give a shed of hope to every Liverpool fan in the country. This is a very uphill task but one they are capable of as they go for one of their best Premier League finishes in recent times.

The fitness of United defenders, Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans, is in doubt as both picked up knocks in the Manchester derby. John O’Shea could step in and Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney could all start. Wigan’s Amr Zaki will not play due to a knee injury and keeper, Chris Kirkland, also looks likely to miss out.

Sir Alex Ferguson must also decide whether to start star winger, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the game after his tantrum at being substituted against Manchester City. Considering just how influential a player Ronaldo is his starting place is likely but you just never know as Ferguson has left out bigger names from key games before.

This promises to be a game that delivers for the fans and could well be one of Carlos Tevez’s last performances in a United shirt. Tevez has made no secret of his desire to stay at United and will no doubt be playing his socks off as he continues his search for the elusive contract that is yet to be offered to him.

Wigan’s aim for the match is quite simple. Steve Bruce said on Monday that his side’s intentions were to get stuck in and make it as difficult for United as they could. Although they may not have much to play for themselves, they will want to prove that they are better than they were at this point last season.

A point or better would also satisfy their fans as no doubt some will still be bitter about the 2-0 loss last season that led to United lifting the title on the last day of the campaign. They will want to spoil the party and although a United title is virtually guaranteed they will obviously be annoyed by any further delays in securing it.

It is also a very good chance for both managers to get one or two of the youth and fringe players in their squads involved. Although the magnitude of the match is not as great as it may be, there will be valuable experience available for some of the up and coming stars at both clubs.

The favourites are United for another away win but few may have a punt on Wigan who are consistently over looked. Their desire to peg back United could well result in a good outcome for Bruce’s men. This is likely to be one of the better mid-week Premier League matches we have seen in a long time.

As the Ledley King nightclub assault story slowly passes over Tottenham Hotspur manager, Harry Redknapp, is set to introduce an alcohol ban to the club to prevent his stars from stepping out of line.

Redknapp is one of the most respect managers in the game and his no nonsense attitude is often remarked upon as he deals with various issues quickly and efficiently. His theory is that professional players should live, sleep and eat football and that they are truly gifted as individuals to be part of such a lucrative profession.

If the rule develops then it is likely to come into effect over the close season and will result in Spurs’ stars being subjected to random and routine tests to determine if they have been out drinking. If they test positive then they will face club discipline procedures, which could result in suspension or hefty fines.

Redknapp must be praised for thinking of such a rule. It is a shame that players in today’s modern age cannot be trusted to go out and act responsibly, but rules of this type being adopted around football clubs everywhere will ensure that no players step out of line and the no individuals attract bad press for themselves or for their football club.

Speaking on the matter Redknapp said: “I’ll implement a strong rule next season that drinking is a no-no here. Footballers should dedicate their lives to playing.”

He is quite right, the whole point about being a professional football player is that you are entirely dedicated to your art and not the wealth and fame that comes with it. These things only breed problems for players, as when they go out they become targets for people, possibly opposition fans, to wind up and create problems.

The story that broke about King being involved in a nightclub brawl is not the first story of this type. Not too long ago Chelsea’s left back, Ashley Cole, got into trouble with the law and the resulting story was brandished all over the papers.

The problem is that even if these big clubs introduce no drinking laws it will be difficult to make the players stick to it. Most have enough cash in the bank to make a few weeks of missed wages not really a problem. The other problem is that players may use injuries as an excuse to step out of line because any ban put on them will be rendered irrelevant by the fact they can’t play any way.

So Spurs have a lot of thinking to do about how they are going to make the rule work and fit into the every day life of the club and the players. However, it is a step in the right direction and Redknapp’s example should be followed elsewhere. This seems to be the only way that the behaviour of professional players abusing their gifted position in life can be stopped or curbed.

There are far too few Paul Scholes’ in the world that make such rules unnecessary but unfortunately they may now pop up all over the place instead of letting grown men have their own freedom and responsibility.

Manchester United can move back to the top of the Premier League table with a win in the Manchester derby. Their city rivals, Manchester City, will as always be out to cause an upset but United will want to set the Premier League table right and knock Liverpool after the top.

Liverpool comfortably beat West Ham United yesterday to go top of the table on goal difference but this United side has showed so far this season that it has more hunger and energy than ever before and they will be going all out to make sure Liverpool aren’t given the slightest sniff in the title race.

United’s club captain, Gary Neville, looks likely to take part in the game as he has recovered from a foot injury that has plagued him over the last month. Neville is an icon of this very hunger and desire and will be determined to make a point as he has struggled to hold down a place in this season’s side owing to on and off spells on the sidelines.

Wes Brown is out for the rest of the season while Carlos Tevez, Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov will all be hoping that Sir Alex Ferguson gives them a chance to impress in one of the most anticipated derbies in world football.

Manchester City boss, Mark Hughes, is unlikely to include Shaun Wright-Phillips in the travelling squad, as his recovery from an ankle injury is still some distance away. Right back, Pablo Zabaleta could feature but otherwise City appear to be at full strength for the match.

It makes for a great game for all of the neutrals as to compliment United’s want to move back to the top, City will want to keep winning games to improve their own table position as well as increasing their chances of attracting high calibre individuals once the season has drawn to a close.

We are guaranteed all of the traditional elements a derby promises: loud fans, aggression, passion and endless streams of excitement. United will go into the game as favourites but as recent history has shown, City are more than capable of causing an upset or two and a victory for them would offer a small hand of hope to everyone on Merseyside who will be begging for a United loss.

However, Sir Alex is arguably the most experienced top-flight manager in the last 20 years and he is quite obviously no mug. It is doubtful that he will muck around and not pick a full strength side. The Premier League title means as much to United as the prospect of another Champions League final and with the latter of those competitions a distance away, there is no reason why United won’t field a side capable of destroying anyone.

Let’s hope that City put up some real fight and make it a very difficult game for United. As with all end of season times there come a lot of meaningless and pointless games that don’t entertain the fans or do the game justice. This is certainly not going to be one of them.