UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals Part II

UEFA Champions League Preview

A look at Manchester United, Barcelona, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Fenerbahce as the semifinals approach

April 7, 2008

With by no means a dynamic performance but certainly an accomplished one, Manchester United laid a strong claim to a place in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Their 2-0 win over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico will hang heavy on Luciano Spalletti's team who now face a return leg at Old Trafford, site of last year's 7-1 demolition.

Spalletti had criticised United's away record in the Champions League leading up to the fixture and was bullish about Roma's chances against the favourites. Instead, he bore witness to a United team that soaked up some early Roma pressure without too much concern. Indeed, United will be pleased that keeper Edwin van der Sar was really only troubled twice, once on a cross turned shot and once to parry a fine header from Mirko Vucinic, both in the second half.

More...