Champions League Drama; Manchester United Continue to Spring Leaks

Four English teams have again made it to the quarter finals of the Champions’ League. The English four have monopolised the tournament in recent seasons, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United all making the final on at least one occasion.

But with Arsenal not producing consistent football and Chelsea and Liverpool strangely drawn against each other for a fifth consecutive season, the pressure was firmly on Manchester United tonight to push into the semis

In reality, they had been handed a great opportunity. With Arsenal’s current performance being under intense scrutiny and one English team guaranteed to be sent packing, Manchester United had a clear chance to reach the final without fear of facing any English opponents.

Yet the recent shortcoming by their defense have seemingly continued tonight as Portuguese giants Porto produced a fine display of football. This ultimately has given Porto the upper hand. With two beautiful away goals to take to the second leg of the tie and an unbeaten home record against English clubs in Europe, Porto go in as clear favorites to reach the next stage of the tournament.

Of course, Porto really should have gotten more out of the game. A first half display that yielded little in the way of United pressure could have allowed them to capitalize with a first half lead. But alas, Rooney’s powerful equalizer proved this not to be the case.

Predictably, United then looked to do what they do best, punishing Porto’s lack of goals with what was suspected to be a late winner from substitute Carlos Tevez.

But an even later equaliser from Porto now means United can afford no liberties when they head off to Porto in an attempt to successfully defend last year's inspirational Title win.

Arsenal themselves did garner a joyous win against Villarreal, but few would rate them as an effective challenge to the crown. And with either Chelsea or Liverpool heading out next week, there is a slight worry that this year's final could feature no English sides if results do not go the way of previous seasons.

Tomorrow's action, coupled with next week's return legs, will give us a greater perspective of who will reach the final.

At this moment, the prize for Europe’s biggest club tournament does look more likely to be heading to a club on the other side of the English Channel.