One Night In Moscow: Champions League Review 05.22.2008

Posted by Daniel Wilcox on 05.22.2008

A look back at one of the greatest nights in European history.

Wednesday evening, 21st of May 2008, had to be one of the most emotionally draining nights of my life but when it was all said and done, it was also one of the best nights of my life.

O'Sullivan has his breakdown of the final up, but I'd like to give you a view of the final from the perspective of a United fan. Although I'll try not to let this spiral into a United wank-athon, don't be surprised if the odd dig at Drogba and Terry pop up somewhere. But as well as providing my thoughts on the key moments of the match, I'll focus on the rollercoaster of emotion that the final put myself, and my friends who were watching the game with me, through.

Journey To Moscow

Let's roll back the years. It's 1999, and this very young United fan is watching the second leg of the Champions League semi-final between Man United and Juventus. 11 minutes in, and a brace from Inzaghi has put United 2 down already. After Ryan Giggs had equalized deep into stoppage time in the first leg, it seemed as though our luck had run out and we would be in for a very long night. But a tremendous performance from captain Roy Keane spurred us on. It was the captain's headed goal from a corner that got us back in the game, while Dwight Yorke put us level. At 2-2 we would be through via away goals, but Andy Cole made sure of it with a late goal from a superbly tight angle. We were through to the final, and we all know how that one went down. There's not a lot I don't remember about that night when United battled Bayern Munich in the final. I recall Basler's early free kick that almost had me in tears and I recall the numerous chances Bayern had squandered that would have put us out of the contest. I even remember the half-time kick about with my friends outside; the older kids from down the street mocking the Beckham-esque way I rotated my arm when taking a free kick (hey, I was young and impressionable). Suffice to say, I don't do that anymore. Sheringham and Solksjaer turned out to be heroes that evening and every time I think about that final I can still here Clive Tyldsley's cries of "And Solksjaer has won it!" in my head. At that stage in my life, that was the greatest night of my life.

Throughout the next eight years or so, things would never be the same for United in Europe. We were never able to recreate that same type of magic against the big clubs. Real Madrid would dump us out in the first knock out round the next year, and ultimately win the tournament. Bayern Munich would get revenge on us the next year and beat us in both legs of another quarter final – and the fact that Leeds made it to the semis that year made things even worse. Bayern Leverkusen put us out in the semis the next year, and a Ronaldo (the old, fat one) hat trick made sure we wouldn't progress past the quarter finals again in 02/03. The next season, we wouldn't even get that far as United encountered Jose Mourinho for the first time. He was a prick than, and he's even more of a prick now. And for the second consecutive year, we failed to make it to the quarterfinals, this time after two defeats to AC Milan who would go on to lose in one of, if not the best final in European history. Liverpool fans may remember that one. In 05/06, we didn't even manage to get past the group stage, having only recorded one win against Benfica. So unless we failed to qualify at all, things couldn't get much worse for United in Europe.

Last year, United met Benfica in the group stages again, but overcame them to finish top of their group. Two 1-0 wins over Lille (another team in that group from a year before) ensured we reached the quarterfinals, where we met Roma. After a 2-1 loss in Italy, we needed a performance in the second and we got, thumping the Italians 7-1. After last night, that moves down to my fifth favourite European night. In the semi-final, Wayne Rooney's late goal at Old Trafford gave us an advantage heading into the second leg, and I really thought that we would be able to upset Milan on their own turf, but alas, United came undone that night and were unceremoniously dumped out 3-0. Maybe if our best defence had been fully fit, we would have faired better, but they weren't and we didn't. It was pretty heartbreaking considering it was the furthest we'd come in many years. In a rematch of the 2005 final, Milan met Pool and this time the result was different, 2-1 to Milan with 2 goals from Inzaghi. The last time he did that to an English club, I was mildly upset; this time, not so much – it's Pool.

And so we come to this year. In the group stages, United had the best record of anyone, accumulating the highest number of points (16) and being one of 3 teams to not lose a game (United would defeat the other two in the semi-final and final). In the first knockout round, United faced Lyon, and a late Carlos Tevez header in France ensured our progression. Had it not been for a few of those Tevez headers, United might not have progressed and might have lost the Premier League. Carlos' energy and ability to come up with crucial goals this season has been imperative to our success. The man is an absolute legend and a tremendous buy for us. I have no doubt that he will go on to become a United legend, if that status isn't already cemented after last night.


Without Tevez's goals against Liverpool, Blackburn, and Lyon, United would be trophy-less

Meanwhile, Chelsea were having an easy time of it; they ousted Olmypiacos 3-0 in the first knockout round and drew Fenerbahce in the quarterfinal. Scary thought. Meanwhile, United would once again do battle with old pals Roma. And although that 7-1 thumping was embarrassing, at least their home fans didn't have to witness it. Not like this year, when United all but wrapped up the tie in Italy following a bullet header from Ronaldo and a scruffy tap-in from Rooney. And it was Carlos Tevez who attacked Owen Hargreaves' beautiful cross in the second leg that ensured United would reach the semis for a second year in a row. And although Fenerbahce didn't make it easy for them, Chelsea progressed to the semis as well, winning 3-2 over two legs.

The semi-final draw threw up some interesting ties. Chelsea would renew their rivalry with Liverpool who had made Jose Mourinho their bitch in Europe on several occasions. Of course, Chelsea were no longer under the guise of Jose, but there was a jinx that needed to be broken. United had the tough task of beating Barcelona, and I really didn't think they would do it, especially after Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in the opening minutes of the first leg. He may not miss many, but he sure does miss the big ones, huh? The last time United and Barcelona met was in the "Group of Death" in the 98/99 season. Both games saw some magnificent football, with David Beckham, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke putting in ridiculous performances for United; those games each finished 3-3. This time around, it was a collective performance from United that prevented Barca from scoring. Wes Brown had the game of his life in the first leg, as did Rio, and the duo stood tall again in the second. But it was a rare goal from Paul Scholes that would see us through. Picking the ball up outside the penalty area, Scholes drilled his shot high into the corner in the 14th minute and United never looked like going out from there, although I'll be damned if I wasn't gripping the arms of my chair in those final minutes. But when the whistle did finally blow and my friends and I came to the realization that yes, we were in the final, it was ecstasy. I threw myself onto the floor while everyone else was jumping up and down around me. Paul Scholes: absolute legend.


Paul Scholes sends United to Moscow

I can't even begin to fathom what it must have been like for Paul to miss out on that final in 1999. So for him to score the goal that got us to the final this time around and then play in the final, is terrific. He may not be as good as he once was but there's no disputing the fact that he has been one of United's greatest players over the years and an absolute genius at times.

Surprisingly enough, it was the Pool/Chelsea semi that produced the most goals and probably the more entertaining football. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard watching a game of football as when Riise scored that own goal deep into stoppage time at Anfield. The term "gutted" comes to mind and ultimately, it cost Pool the tie. Goals from Lampard and Drogba ensured Chelsea's progression to the final in what was something of a sickening display. The Lamps love following the conversion of the penalty was ridiculously over the top. Lampard is as much of a human being as anyone else; he's not the only person to have lost a loved one in the world and stepping up to take that penalty was no braver than if anyone else in Blue had have done it. Of course, if anyone else had taken, you might want to ensure it's neither JT nor Anelka.

One Night In Moscow

OK, so technically we weren't actually in Moscow while watching the game, but we did have a tremendous atmosphere going.

I've opted to watch the game at the girlfriend's house, due to the lack of United supporters in the family. I can put up with my father's ironic Ronaldo disses for a regular Premiership game, but not for this game. At a quarter to 7, I throw on my United shirt. It's a little tight, so I'll be picking up a new one in the summer. I give the girlfriend my old black one; it's still got the Vodafone sponsor and it says "Wilcox" on the back, but it looks good on her. 7 o'clock and the lads are here – apparently they didn't realize that they were to bring their own booze, so we send a couple of them home to get some – I don't drink personally, but they'd be awful to be around while watching this game if they weren't pissed up. We're only letting United fans in tonight – it's going to be hell if we lose, but amazing if we win. I think I was the only one there who thought Chelsea would win it. It's nice to know I have faith in my team.


Pressure

It's kick-off time and we're nervous as hell. United start brightly but don't aren't creating much. Ronaldo will be getting a lot of joy against Essien, as proves to be the case. Hargreaves was really looking bright early on too, so it's no surprise when he puts in a delightful ball for Ronaldo after 26 minutes. At first I thought he'd missed it; "Shi-," I begin, but it's in and the room explodes. For every single critic that's said he doesn't score in big games – shut the fuck up now. He has done it in the past, and now he's got a goal in the biggest game he's ever played in. The man is the best player in the world right now and last night solidified it. He had a great first half and made Essien, the makeshift right-back, look like a complete bitch and even when United were very lackluster in the second half, he was our brightest player going forward. You can't argue with 42 goals in a season, and from midfield, too. So thank you, Ron, for being the best.


Silencing the critics

United made it look easy in the first have and only the magnificent goal keeping of Petr Cech kept Chelsea in it. And even though Tevez should have scored from the header, Michael Carrick really should have done better with the rebound. He had a lot to aim at and a gaping whole to the keeper's left, but he squanders the chance and puts it right down the middle. The guy had a fantastic game last night and was certainly one of our best players, but he could have killed the game off right there. I don't begrudge Tevez missing that second opportunity either, because he I didn't think he had a chance of getting it. I think it was Carvalho doing the defending, but we were all sure he had the one covered.

And just when you think everything is going your way, who pops up but Frank fucking Lampard. Tim said it in his column; he is a very good player, but so overrated. I can't stand overrated players, unless they're on my team. A pair of deflections and a slip-up from the goalkeeper allowed Frank to equalize with a cool finish and also caused the room to go dead, other than the odd vulgar scream of a word that rhymes with "punt." And seeing him run over to the Chelsea supporters, pointing to the sky, made me physically sick. I can't be doing with that. I'm not sure I've ever hated a player as much as I hate Lamps.


The sickening equalizer

Half-time discussion is mostly about what a twat Lampard is. There's a few predictions going round, including me muttering "we're going to lose this now" and one defiant United fan saying "fuck that, we'll turn ‘em over in the second half."

The second half goes by without major incident, incidentally. Ballack has a couple of chances but for the most part, he was awful all night. His shooting was erratic and although he found himself in a few good positions at times, he was ultimately ineffective. The exact same thing can be said for Drogba who was kept in the pocket of the best central defensive pairing in the world. For someone who's been labeled a cup final specialist, he sure did go missing last night – literally, in extra time. Lampard and Essien were both good going forward for Chelsea. Ronaldo was reluctant to track Essien and that allowed him to roam and have time on the ball, pick out a few passes and such, but ultimately nothing would fall for Chelsea. United got away with a few things, like Rio's moment of madness where he attempted to take Joe Cole's head off (Cole was missing all night too). When that flag went up on the near side, my heart just about stopped. But we got away with it and that's when I started to think that we would win. And for the second time that night, my heart stopped as Drogba hit the post. That looked like it was in all the way.

Extra time was full of major incidents. Frank Lampard turned superbly to hit the bar and again, that looked in all the way. And then Ryan Giggs squanders a chance to put the game to bed, thanks to an amazing piece of defending from JT. Credit where credit's due, he did have a hell of a game last night, until, well, y'know.



After another petty disagreement, there's a fracas in the second half of extra time. And for whatever reason, Edwin Van der Saar feels the need to come the length of the pitch to get involved. And it was all over a nothing incident and then suddenly a red card is flourished. Some of my friends cheer, realizing who it's for, while the rest, myself included, hold our breath because we're not sure who it's for, and what it's for. Hey guess, what; turns out it's for Didier! Party time! Remember when I said I don't think there's a footballer I despise more than Lamps? Yeah, I was wrong. I'm not a huge Drogba fan. It's at this point when I realize that this is turning into the perfect night but it didn't rid my nerves. You've got to love the sheer stupidity of Drogba though. And dude, if you're going to raise your hands in a football match, at least make sure you cause some damage instead of slapping like a little girl. Why don't you pull his hair while you're at it?



Hit the bricks, junior

And we're into penalties. Just think, had Drogba not been sent off, Terry wouldn't have had to take a penalty in the regular five. But alas, this is not the case because Drogba is a bit of a noob. I said in the build-up to the penalties that Ronaldo would miss his kick, and United would lose, adding more fuel to the fire that Ronaldo bottles it in big games. Well, I was half right. Ronaldo missed and we all thought it was over. Then we thought Van der Saar had pulled off a save but he could only parry the spot kick into the net. Then we thought Hargreaves had blazed his shot over the bar, but it turned out that his shot was a fantastic pen. John Terry steps up and I'm thinking "of all the Chelsea players to do it to us, he deserves in the most, but please…" Van der Saar goes the wrong way and for half a second we think he's scored.


The defining moment of the shoot out

But he hasn't! And the party starts! Anderson scores. What a time to get your first goal for the club, although I don't know if it counts officially. I can't even remember who scored Chelsea's next one; it's all such a blur. Ryan Giggs steps up and I'm thinking how cruel it would be if he was the one to miss now. But he doesn't. And Anelka does. Pure fucking delight. Van der Saar's a hero and Ronaldo owes him a Russian hooker.

What an amazing night. I thought 99 was incredible, but last night was something else, and it is a feeling I hope all of you experience at least once in your football fandom (unless you're a Chelsea fan).

Sir Alex Ferguson said after the game that he thought that this was his best team ever. I don't know about that, but a few more European nights like that and they might well be. With Giggs and Scholes only having a season or two left to play regularly, it's great to know that the likes of Hargreaves and Carrick are ready to fill the void. Anderson has had an amazing too. Park's been great recently and could well turn out to be a decent full-time replacement for Giggs on the left, although Nani will contest. He has had an erratic season but comparisons can be made between him and Ronaldo early on in his United career. Nani needs to mature but he has a future. Our back four seem to be set for a while. Evra has improved massively this year and last, and he's one of the best full backs in the world right now. Wes Brown has also been one of our most consistent players this year. Rio's the best centre-back in the world and Vidic's not far behind. We may want to start using one of our younger keepers more next season though, because Van der Saar, great as he's been, is showing signs of wear and tear, particularly when it comes to decision making and kicking. Tevez and Rooney are gems. Rooney may not be the most prolific, but he does create for others and when he's on, he's unstoppable. Tevez has proven to be the kind of player that can save a game for us, much like Solksjaer was for us a decade ago. If it weren't for Carlos' vital goals, we wouldn't have won anything this season. And there's not a lot to say about Ronaldo that hasn't already been said, but for the love of God, please stay!


Champions of Europe… again

What a season. It's been exhausting but it's been worth. Just imagine how the players are feeling this morning. And spare a thought for the losers. What a rough ride they've had this year. Losing Jose was a big blow, and Avram Grant has done a fantastic job with them. You just have to wonder who will be leaving in the summer and what effect last night will have on each of them. Drogba will probably be gone, and Lampard might be too. Who knows who else might leave, and who knows if Avram will even still be around come the start of the new season? OK, Drogba may have shot himself and his team in the foot, but that was rough on Chelsea. I don't know if they were the better team; it was pretty even, but that had to suck. And as much as I don't like him, upon reflection, JT didn't deserve last night. He's a fantastic player and his performance last night didn't deserve to be a losing effort.


Despair

But damn, it felt good seeing that last night.