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This week, the Champions league quarter final first legs were played and languagecaster takes a look at what happened.
In addition we:
- Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
- Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
- And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition
For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:
- Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
- Worksheets and transcripts
- Vocabulary lists
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Transcript
Damian: Only a month ago many here in England were tipping Manchester United to win an unprecedented quintuple – five trophies in one season – but in recent weeks the Red Devils have started to wobble. This dip in form continued on Tuesday night as they were held to a 2-2 home draw by Portuguese champions FC Porto. To say that Manchester United did not play well is a little unfair on the team from the north of Portugal as they were well organised, passed the ball better than the home team and were always looking to attack. They deserved their last-minute equaliser from Mariano Gonzalez which left United manager Alex Ferguson admitting that it would be a difficult job to qualify for the semi finals. However, only a fool would write off United and I still think they can win away in Portugal next week.
Damon: Right, leta€™s get the views from a German fan on Bayern Municha€™s performance against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter final first leg. This is what Hans had to say.
Hans: Dear oh dear, what a terrible performance by Bayern Munich they really are in a slump at the moment and their defeat in Barcelona 4-0 proves that. But ita€™s not like it was a surprise. Last weekend, losing 5-1 away to Wolsburg in the Bundesliga had the writing on the wall. And in Munich, there are a lot of people pointing fingers at coaches, management and so on. So Barcelona full credit, excellent victory. But I dona€™t think things will change in the second leg. It looks like Barcelona have this one wrapped up, and whilst they may lose it doesna€™t matter. The 4 goal victory is enough, and I think that barcelona will go on to win the Champions League. I have to say that because they were pretty impressive last night.
Damon: Thanks Hans. Now that game of course featured the Spanish giants Barcelona – now surely favourites to win the whole thing, but another Spanish team was also in action when Villarreal hosted English side Arsenal. This game ended 1-1, and while Arsenal will be happy to take an away goal into the second leg, this tie is by no means over. Arsenal were also struck by injuries to Gallas and Almunia the keeper. Gallasa€™ injury looks set to keep him out for the rest of the season, too. But I think Adebayora€™s fantastic equaliser will be crucial. Villarreal failed to make the most of the 12th man effect – their ground can be an intimidating place to go. I think they will not play with the same confidence and passion in London and will be knocked out by Arsenal. As for the final, I think ita€™ll be Barcelona vs Porto.
Damian: Liverpool’s Champions League dream lies in tatters after the Reds were beaten 1-3 by Chelsea on Wednesday night. Despite taking an early lead with a classy finish from Torres the home side had no answer to Chelsea’s power, passing ability and attacking play. Manager Guus Hiddink has definitely made his mark on the side and when Chelsea play like this you wonder if any team can stop them. Unless there is a dramatic turn around in the second leg matches a semi-final with Barcelona awaits which should turn out to be a cracker.
