Champions League, league stage, day four
Both Spanish sides drew 2-2
on Tuesday night, but whereas Valencia's result at Shakhtar
Donetsk means they are already through to the last sixteen,
Barcelona's draw with Chelsea leaves them needing to win their
last two games to be sure of qualifying. The following day Real Madrid
ensured their place in the last sixteen with a 1-0 win over Steaua
Bucharest, but only thanks to a ridiculous own goal by Nicolita in the
second half. (01.11.06)
Real Madrid 1 - Steaua Bucharest 0
Real Madrid join
Valencia in the last sixteen after a 1-0 victory over Steaua Bucharest,
although it was not their best performance and they only took the three points
thanks to an own goal. The Romanian side showed much better form than at their
own ground two weeks ago, and Cernea was only troubled by a double effort from
Van Nistelrooy before the break. However with twenty minutes to go Nicolita
passed back to his keeper without checking he was there, and the ball rolled in
to the empty net. Van Nistelrooy should have wrapped things up a few minutes
later when the keeper brought down the striker in the area, but he fired his
spot kick way off target. It didn't matter though, as Lyon's victory against
Dynamo Kiev means that both they and Madrid are qualified. (01.11.06)
Barcelona 2 - Chelsea 2
An injury time goal from
Drogba gave Chelsea a 2-2 draw at Barcelona, leaving Frank
Rijkaard's side with a lot to do if they are to reach the knock-out stage. Deco
had given the Catalans the lead in only the third minute, winning the ball off
a defender in midfield and running on to beat Hilario, and both keepers were
called upon as both sides produced attractive put physical football. Seven
minutes in to the second half Lampard equalised with an incredible lob, curling
the ball over the head of Valdés almost from the by-line, but soon
afterwards Barça were in front again after Gudjohnsen got on the end of
Ronaldinho's cross to score against his old club. Drogba popped up in the third
minute of injury time though to collect Terry's headed pass and level the
scores once again, virtually ensuring that Chelsea go through. (31.10.06)
Shakhtar Donetsk 2 - Valencia 2
Valencia struggled to
take a point off Shakhtar Donetsk, but in the end they picked up the
draw they needed to secure a berth in the last sixteen. The Ukrainina side
attacked right from the kick off and went ahead in only the second minute when
Jadson curled a free kick past Cañizares. And Matuzalem hit the post
before the Spaniards equalised, Morientes sticking out a foot to poke a low
David Villa free kick past the keeper a quarter of an hour later. Before the
break the locals restored the lead with a spectacular shot from outside of the
area by Fernandinho. But midway through the second half Ayala made it all
square again with a low header following Villa's corner. (31.10.06)
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