2. EUROPE: Man. United victory marred by controversy
- by Soccer America , Feb 20, 2007
Lille had had the better play until Ryan Giggs scored on a free kick in the 82nd minute while Lille keeper Tony Sylva was organizing his team's wall. Lille players protested that Dutch referee Eric Braamhaar had not signaled for the kick to be taken, and they threatened to walk off the field. That only incited Lille fans, some of whom pelted United captain Gary Neville with objects when he later went to take a throw-in.
The game had been moved from Lille, whose tiny stadium does not meet UEFA standards, to nearby Lens' 42,000-seat capacity Felix-Bollaert Stadium, but trouble began early in the match when a United fan climbed the fence and approached United goalie Edwin Van Der Sar. Riot police sprayed tear gas at United fans angered by the treatment of the United fan who jumped the fence.
REAL MADRID-BAYERN MUNICH (3-2). Real Madrid broke out of its scoring slump but gave up a late goal to Mark van Bommel that gives Bayern hope for the second leg. Under-fire Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello lined up an attacking formation that featured Raul, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Gonzalo Higuain up front, and they responded with two goals from Raul -- his record 55th and 56th goals in the Champions League -- and one from van Nistelrooy. David Beckham set up Raul's second goal and van Nistelrooy's goal with set pieces driven into the area and almost scored himself on a free kick. Brazilian Lucio scored Bayern's first goal, and van Bommel netted with a stunning shot from the edge of the area just two minutes from time. Van Bommel then made rude gestures to the Real fans -- act for which he later apologized. "I want to apologize to the Real supporters," said the former Barcelona player. "I have got nothing against them, only against some of the players."
PSV-ARSENAL (1-0). The Dutch club beat the Gunners for the first time in five Champions League games thanks to a spectacular 25-yard strike from Ecuadoran midfielder Edison Mendez. Brazilian keeper Gomes was the savior for PSV, making reflex saves on Tomas Rosicky and Thierry Henry in the first half and stopping Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor in the second half.
CELTIC-AC MILAN (0-0). Milan's Paolo Maldini became only the fifth player, and first Italian, to notch up 100 Champions League appearances in a game that featured few good chances. Milan had the better of play and will be heavily favored for the second leg. "We played a very good game," said Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, "and I am confident about the return leg."
Wednesday's Games:
BARCELONA-LIVERPOOL.
TV: ESPN Deportes, live, 2:30 pm ET; Setanta Sports USA, live, 2:40 pm ET; ESPN Classic, delay, 5 pm ET.
PORTO-CHELSEA.
TV: ESPN Deportes, delay, 7 pm ET.
INTER MILAN-VALENCIA.
TV: ESPN Deportes, delay, 4:45 pm ET; Setanta Sports USA, delay, 9 pm ET.
ROMA-LYON.
TV: ESPN Deportes, delay, Thursday, 4 pm ET. Internet-PPV: espnsoccernet.com, live, 2:40 pm ET.
