UEFA Champions League Final Set

AC Milan vs. Liverpool
Athens, Greece May 23 2007

Semifinals Results:

AC Milan 3, Manchester United 0
(AC Milan wins 5-3 on aggregate) San Siro

The Red Devils have never won at the San Siro and everyone thought if there was a year to do it, it would have been 2007. It was not meant to be as an ominous rain fell which might have reminded Man U players of their training ground back home, depressing themselves into inefficiency. Milan pounced on an early chance in the 11th minute through the stellar play (yet again) by the young Brazilian Kaka. In the 30th minute, Dutchman Clarence Seedorf evaded a couple tackles to then rocket a half volley past the helpless (and he was...) Edwin Van der Sar. The Rossoneri defense shut out Man U sparks Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Wayne Rooney, keeping them frustrated and quiet. Gilardino provided the closer with a breakaway finish in the 78th minute. Man Utd didn't look like Man Utd.


Liverpool 1, Chelsea 0
(Tied 1-1 on aggregate, Liverpool wins 4-1 on penalties) Anfield

Yes, it's true, Chelsea played better football in the first half. Anyone who knows football knows that playing good football is half the battle. With Lampard, Essien, Robben, Drogba, Joe Cole, etc. you are bound to get 'good football'. None of that, however, puts the ball in the back of the net. Daniel Agger's first timer off a free kick held up as Chelsea and Liverpool fought through extra time to a nail-biting penalty final. The truth is though, I knew Liverpool would win once penalties came a-callin'...Chelsea didn't look too sure all game (they had their chances though) and it showed when Arjen Robben missed the first Chelsea penalty. Good for Liverpool - could we see another shocker in the final?? Pepe Reina saved 2 Chelski penalty kicks and was Because I Think...'s MVP. Unfortunately, he got home that night from celebrating and found his home ransacked. He joins former Liverpool GK Jerzy Dudek and goalscorer Daniel Agger as those who have had stuff stolen during matchdays. Asshole hamburglars.