Champions League Round-Up: 03.11.09

Real Madrid came away from the San Siro with a well-deserved point in the bag after a pulsating match which had the Italian fashion capital rocking. Madrid started with a bang, with Kaká eager to impress on his return to 'home', and they had a flurry of chances before Benzema finally slotted in a loose ball after Dida had pushed away a deflected shot from Kaká. Milan were against the ropes but they found a route back into the match when Zambrottas cross was adjudged to have been blocked by Pepes arm. Initially the decision looked harsh, but the slowmo replay proved the refs judgement to have been correct. Ronaldinho stepped up and slammed an unstoppable penalty into the top left corner; duely followed by his trademark finger and thumb celebration. He may lack a couple of yards of pace, but his technique is as world-class as ever.

The home crowd were pumped, and their men in red and black had the ball in the net minutes later, only for Patos emphatic finish to be chalked off for a suspected handball as he controlled the initial pass. This time the replay showed ref Felix Brychs decision to have been contentious at best. At this point Milan wrested control, with Ronaldinho striving to roll back the years with some trademark inch-perfect passing. Clarence Seedorf was imperious in protecting his back four, and Pato looked dangerous everyitme the ball went near him. For Madrid, Lass Diarra was immense, springing up all over the pitch constantly thwarting Milans forays into Madrid territory.

After the break, legs inenvitably began to tire and the match was drained of the supreme quality the first half provided. But sheer willpower and determination were still very much on show, and the old-timers Raul and Inzaghi could well have stolen victory for their respective teams with late chances. But the two greats of European Cup competition had to settle for a point each, which leaves them both vulnerable at the top, with Olympic Marseille lurking only a point behind.

Atletico Madrid were left to regret a late onslaught from that man Didier Drogba, as their brave performance wasnt enough to keep them in the competition. A solid first-half was epitomised by Reyes' invention and Cleber Santanas industry, but when they found a way through Chelseas resolute defence, there was the large frame of Petr Cech to repel any danger. Quique Sanchez Flores was expected to deploy a new attacking formation before the match, but he eventually settled for a more conservative approach with a 4-4-2 diamond; Sinama-Pongolle partnering Forlán upfront.

But with the ex-Liverpool man not producing the goods, Quique decided after 53 minutes, it was time to unleash that little Argentinian wizard, Sergio Agüero. And what an inspired decision it was. Having only been on the pitch 12 minutes he connected with a John Terry clearance with a spectacular volley which flew past a rooted Cech. The Atleti crowd erupted and, after so much turmoil within the club this season, who could blame them.

But Drogba was having none of it, and having equalised in the 82nd minute with a close range header, he put Chelsea infront by bulldozing his way through the 'rojiblanco' defence to squeeze a shot past Asenjo after his inital shot was blocked. Typical Drogba; brute strength and lethal finishing. There was still be be some late drama when Agüero curled in a delicious free-kick for his second of the night. But the Champions League dream had already ended for Atletico and they now have to pick themselves off the canvas for the Madrid derby this weekend.

AC Milan 1 - 1 Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid 2 - 2 Chelsea

End of Ronnies Hangover?

Ronaldinho has seen his career divebomb in the last three years, from the worlds best to the worlds best has-been. For those who saw Ronny in his heyday it's a crying shame, cause he could have secured beyond any doubt his place alongside Maradona, Cruyff or Pele as one of footballs greatest ever. A devastating blend of speed, spell-binding skill and creative vision, at his peak he was untouchable. He won the Balon D'Oro and a standing ovation at the Bernabeu after single-handedly dismantling Real Madrid; it´s hard to say which achievement is the more noteworthy. But since a poor World Cup in 2006, he has let his feet do the talking on the dancefloors of Europe and Brazil instead of the green grass of Europes finest stadia. His last season at Barca was largely forgettable and he was shipped out to the retirement home of former greats as part of Pep Guardiolas clearout.

But tomorrow in the San Siro he has his chance to shine, an opportunity to write one final chapter in his eventful journey through the game, a stage on which to wiggle those hips one more time. Real Madrid are coming to town for the second half of the two-match battle between these two greats of European football. Round one went to Milan, but Ronaldinho was largely anonymous bar some neat flicks, and it was left to another Brazilian Pato to take Real Madrid apart. This time round he has stated 'I want to score goals'. His manager Leonardo will at least be pleased that it wasnt followed by 'and then celebrate by teaching samba to scantilly clad Italian women'. Yes, Ronny has finally remembered what he is paid for; to stick the ball in the back of the net; to strike fear into defenders; to entertain. Perhaps the longest paid holiday in football is about to come to an end.

And to be fair to the buck-toothed wonder from Porto Alegre, he is fighting his way back into form and fitness. This weekend just gone he helped his team to a 2-0 win over Palma, teeing up both goals for teammate Borriello. The first assist was particularly eye-catching, with a burst of pace and skill that was truely reminiscent of his early form at the Camp Nou. The second included a piece of the old Ronaldinho magic, a gorgeous drag back, followed by an inch-perfect ball into the box and onto Borriellos left foot. Madrid will do well to take heed.