We’ll always have Istanbul, err Athens

AC Milan whipped Manchester United 3-0 (TTL WRONGLY predicted a 2-2 draw) at the rain-drenched San Siro last night.  Their victory sets up the Mother of all rematches against Liverpool in the Champions League Final on May 23rd.   

Milan were masterful, almost notching the opening goal a mere minute into the game through the sublime Kaka.  He and the ageless Clarence Seedorf controlled the game and at times it seemed as if Milan were  the only team on the pitch.  As the disgruntled Man U fan at the bar kept uttering last night, “this is not United.  Where is Man U?” 

TTL didn’t think it could happen but Man U were shutout.  Only for about a 10 minute stretch in the 2nd half did they look like scoring and on the night were a far cry from the team who is in the FA Cup Final and on the cusp of winning the Premiership.  Sir Alex curiously left strikers Alan Smith, Luis Saha (2nd half sub) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the bench leaving Wayne Rooney solo upfront.  Ronaldo was contained by the relentless Gennaro Gattusso while old boys Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs played poorly.  Man U chose a terrible moment to play its worst game of the season. 

TTL was hoping against the 1st all-England CL Final and it is probably more interesting for casual fans to have teams from different countries.  Liverpool and AC Milan are steeped in European history with the teams having won the title a combined 11 times.  But they are best remembered for playing in the classic CL Final in 2005 when AC Milan blew a 3-0 halftime lead and lost on penalties to Liverpool.  TTL’s favorite night of football ever.  Below is a great 9 minute clip of all the madness.

Tonight brings the 2nd leg of the UEFA Cup semis:  Sevilla (0) v Osasuna (1) and Werder Bremen (0) v Espanyol (3).   Back tomorrow with a blog about TTL’s trip to Hibs-Rangers and the Best of Sports.  Enjoy the games.