Here is a look at the first leg of the quarterfinal round of the UEFA Champions League, including some major injuries which will shape the EPL season, UEFA Champions League and the upcoming World Cup.
Inter Milan (ITA) vs. CSKA Moscow (RUS)
- Result: 1-0 (Inter)
- Thoughts: Inter out shot CSKA 25 to 10, but could not find the net until the 65th minute. Inter appeared to have the better quality, but between CSKA's defensive stance and Inter wasting good chances the game and leg remain tight. They now travel to the Russian capital where CSKA are quite capable of knocking off Inter and sending Mourinho packing for the EPL sooner than expected.
Arsenal (ENG) vs. Barcelona (SPA)
- Result: 2-2
- Thoughts: Clash of the Titans. The Gunners went up against the reigning European and World champions knowing this was most likely the toughest round of the competition for them, even if they advance. After falling behind early on two goals by Ibrahimovic, Arsenal responded with a goal by Walcott. Then the captain and hero of Arsenal, who made his return despite injury, Cesc Fabregas, connected on an 85th minute penalty to tie the match and save the clubs European title hopes. However, Arsenal was destroyed with injuries as Fabregas, Arshavin, and Gallas all left the match. While the Gunners pulled out the heroics to level, with the injuries and now faced with a road match at Camp Nou the advantage is clearly with the champions.
Bayern Munich (GER) vs. Manchester United (ENG)
- Result: 2-1 (Bayern Munich)
- Thoughts: 2 minutes in and the game looked just as predicted. Rooney and company dominating and continuing to improve their performance. But then Bayern responded with two goals in the final 15 minutes, including one in stoppage time. However, the headline from the match is that Wayne Rooney left with an injured ankle and is expected to be out for at least a month. With a second leg match against Bayern, an EPL game versus Chelsea on Saturday and the World Cup in less than 3 months this is a tremendous blow for English and ManU fans. I think Manchester has the skill to overcome the deficit at home, but will they have the heart after losing Rooney and potentially the EPL lead to rivals Chelsea.
Lyon (FRA) vs. Bordeaux (FRA)
- Result: 3-1 (Lyon)
- Thoughts: The French battle proved to be an entertaining match and on the back of Lopez' two goals Lyon take a solid lead heading into the second leg. Bordeuax were without Pjanic, but will need him, the home crowd and some luck so overtake the goal differential.
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