Champions League Roundup: Part 1

Roma came from a goal behind to secure a memorable 2-1 win over Real, their first victory in four attempts against the Spanish giants at home.

Raul gave the visitors an eighth minute lead but David Pizzarro equalized 15 minutes later to give Roma some hope. Mancini scored the winner early in the second half to give Roma a slender advantage.

Madrid came thundering back with Raul and van Ruud van Nistelrooy having good chances to score, but Roma held on.

It should be an exciting game when the teams meet next in the Santiago Bernabeu. Both have attacking flair in abundance. Perhaps there could be an upset in the making with Roma going through.

Shalke (1) FC Porto (0) , Arena AufShalke

2004 champions Porto succumbed to a fourth minute Kevin Kuranyi strike when right back Rafinah’s strike was partially parried.

Shalke were in control for much of the match but Porto rallied in the second half and could have snatched an equalizer. 

Kuranyi should have capitalized on Jermaine Jones’s 60th minute cross, but shot wide. Shalke might regret their squandered chances come the return leg. Porto will feel confident having conceded only the one goal away.

Liverpool (2) Internazionale (0),  Anfield

A deflected 85th minute shot from Dirk Kuyt and a Steven Gerrard injury time drive secured a well-earned win for Liverpool at home.

Inter’s Marco Materazzi was sent off after his second foul against Fernando Torres, leaving the visitors to defend manfully for the remainder of the game.

The Merseysider’s enjoyed much of the possession and territory. Sammy Hyypia, Ryan Babel, and Fernando Torres all had chances, but Inter’s organized defense and goalkeeper Julio Cesar kept them at bay.

With 25 minutes left, Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant came in and the latter’s crosses directly lead to Liverpool’s goals.

With a two goal cushion Liverpool will hope to sit back, absorb, and counter Inter at home. Benitez’s European sensibilities seem to be working again.

Olympiacos (0) Chelsea (0), Gergios Karaiskakis Stadium

An unimaginative Chelsea failed to score against their less-fancied opponents who were content to counter attack the Blues and defend in numbers. Chelsea was without captain John Terry and midfield goal getter Frank Lampard for the encounter.

Playing as the lone striker, Drogba was starved for service despite Chelsea’s 4-3-3 formation, which had Malouda and Joe Cole playing as wingers.  

In the second period, Olympiacos had the better of the chances and went close with a Galleti volley that went over the bar.

Avram Grant should be happy with his team’s result and will feel confident of progressing when the teams meet at Stamford Bridge.