Champions League: Back to the drawing board…

By: Francesco | February 25th, 2009

So the long anticipated Champions League Round of 16 first legs have come and gone, and all the Italian teams will have to go back to the drawing board. Inter would have wanted to have gotten a better result at home (a win) but now face the arduous task of going to Old Trafford and getting a result (a scoring draw would put the Nerazzurri through). Inter suffered in the first half but provided a better reaction in the second half, however it was too late and the game finished a stalemate. On the other hand, Roma and Juventus have it all to do, as they both must win at all costs, after both sides lost their first legs in London 1-0. Roma honestly did not play well and were very fortunate to walk away from the Emirates only one goal down. The home crowd at the Olimpico will be much help and he expect Roma to be the team we all know they should be (the one that plays fast-flowing, beautiful football). Juventus’ lapse in concentration allowed Chelsea to go ahead today (the failed offside trap) but otherwise the Bianconeri put in a good effort, and deserved at least a draw. We will know see Juventus’ true strength in the second leg and if they are capable of attacking Chelsea and taking the victory. All the second legs will be interesting to say the least, as every team has a chance at going through. For a more opinionated view on things, visit the team’s respective blogs (Inter Offside, Juve Offside, Roma Offside). Unfortunately, because of that annoying thing called copyright, there are no highlights to be found anywhere on youtube or the internet. But if I find them, I’ll post them.