One More Win
The Champions League is peaking toward the climax in Paris. Only two games remain before the final is decided. This past Tuesday saw FC Barcelona grab, not only an away goal, but an away win at AC Milan. Of course, I was ecstatic. I have been a Barca fan ever since I first stepped foot on Las Ramblas. Ever since, I took a tour of the Camp Nou. We only need one more win to reach the final.
For Valentine's Day, Teresa gave me a Barca jersey. It's awesome, and it fits much better than my old jersey. It was so big, I ended framing it as a wall hanging. I wore the jersey to work. As a side note, no dress code to work is the only way to go. Of course, I got a few good looks en route. I even got three seperate compliants. 'Nice shirt,' from the business man in my building. 'Barca! Barca!,' and a thumbs up from a Latin American man in the street. 'Watch out for Arsenal,' from a beatnick in my neighborhood. Suprising, but not really. We have been consistently ranked the best team in the world since last summer.
The game was held at the San Siro. I was happy that Barca delt with an away from for the first part of the leg. Everyone knew the game was going to be a classic and low scoring. Unfortunately, I was at work so, I could only follow on the UEFA website. I really need to get a Comcast DVR. The game seemed quite for the first half. It always does while following online. Both teams had a few chances, and the possession seemed to be even. The second half saw Barca control the game. On the 67th minute, Ronaldinho sent an impossible ball to the only bit of space inside Dida's box. The Frenchman, Giuly, ran onto the ball and sent it past Dida at the near post. It was a stunning goal. Reports after the game explained, Barca was very efficient. They played extremely well and kept to their game.
Ludovic Giuly scores a decisive away goal for FCB at the San Siro
Photo courtesy fcbarcelona.com
The return leg in Barcelona will be played next week. The game is on a Wednesday so, I will be able to have the TV on as background noise. Perfect. AC Milan has a tuff challenge, but we cannot contend lightly. Milan have excelled in this competition for years. Nothing can be taken for grantie by Frank Rijkaard's team. Even if we do win, it appears Arsenal will be the next team to beat. Many consider them the current in form team of Europe. I can only hope for good results.
If they win, Ronaldinho will be one more step closer to immortalization. He currently holds the titles FIFA World Player of the Year, European Footballer of the Year, and Champion of La Liga. If he can add the Champions League and the World Cup to that array, it would be the first time in history one man would have all these titles at once. If you haven't considered him as important as Pele, Beckenbauer, or Maradona, he is. Ya Barca.
