With the 1st leg of the Champions League semi-finals now concluded, none of the four competing teams should be truly pleased with the outcome. Though United got their goal, through the unlikely source of John O'Shea, they should have had many more if it hadn't been for Almunia and his woodwork. Arsenal on the other hand looked ineffective and are away-goalless, which significantly weakens their bargaining position when the two face each other at the Emirates. While firing on all cylinders at Anfield a fortnight ago, when the game matters and the pressure is on, their psychological frailty is all too often and they look tepid and limp. Or did they just miss the little Russian four-goal hero? In any case, with the unlikely midfield trio of Anderson, Fletcher and Carrick and the rare inclusion of the loveable Carlitos up front, United had a spark for the first time in a while, and that was without the undisputed player of the season. Wow!

In the other tie at the Nou Camp, the Blues of West Lndon predictably parked the bus and Barca were left frustrated. Terry called their defensive display one of the best ever. Of course, if you do not concede at Barcelona where you're up against arguably the best attack in the world, you'll sing your praises, especially if you're a centre-back with Terry's qualities and mindset. I can't help feeling however that you could have had the same spectacle if Chelsea had lined up 10 Martin Keowns and a Petr Cech. Or how about 11 defensively-programmed baboon machines? That may have provided a little more interest anyway. While you may argue that it's not being attractive that counts but winning. This is true, but Celsea didn't win, they drew 0-0. When has the old adage of attack being the best form of defence been more pertinent in a game like this when the opposition is defensively frail and an away goal is priceless. I can't see Barca failing to score at the Bridge and if that's the case then I can see Chelsea's cynical tactics coming back to haunt them. With the awesome Iniesta making things happen in midfield, let me allow myself the indulgence of predicting their rightful appearance in the final.

Before the 2nd legs of the semi-finals however, which are sure to serve up more of a football spectacle, I warn you against missing El Classico where Barca will be aiming to prove that they are indeed 'mas que un club' by beating Real Madrid (with 6 ex-Prem players in Dudek, Heinze, Diarra, Robben, Faubert and van Nistelrooy) at the Bernebau and pulling away in La Liga title race. If they do, then all the superlatives associated with them will be well justified. Watch this space...

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