Weekend in Review

NOTE: For report/analysis on Saturday's FA Cup Final between Manchester United and Manchester City, please see previous post

Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona

HIGHLIGHTS

53'- Messi
82'- Ronaldo

With four Superclasico's in 18 days upcoming, football fans across the world are salivating. Real Madrid and Barcelona didn't disappoint in the first edition, battling to a 1-1 draw in La Liga that featured the usual great play from both sides, and more than a shred of controversy.

In the end, it was two points lost for Los Galacticos, whose most likely trophy pushes now rest in the Copa del Rey (final against Barca on Wednesday), and Champions League (semifinal against Barca begins next week), as they now trail the Catalan Giants by eight points with six matches to play.

The wound from November's 5-0 dismantling against Barca was fresh in the minds of Jose Mourinho's side, who turned in a performance far better than those disastrous 90 minutes at the Camp Nou.

The home side came out with a humble set up, realizing that even for a side of their quality, a defensive outlook was required to get the results against the best attacking team in the world.

The first half took on the outlook of one of Spain's matchups from the World Cup, as Barca patiently knocked the ball around and waited for the chances to arise. But in the end, Pep Guardiola and company knew that the openings would come, not only because of their quality but also since Real needed full points to retain any hope of winning La Liga.

There were still plenty of chances. Cristiano Ronaldo should have done better midway through the half when he received the ball with space inside the area, but his first touch was surprinsingly heavy, and Gerard Pique ended up blocking his attempt.

Referee Cesar Muniz Fernandez was the center of attention in the 26th minute, when he booked David Villa for a dive after the striker went down in the box from a collision with Iker Casillas. The call was not his best, as there was clear contact between the two, meaning at the very least Villa was not guilty of simulation.

Barca began to look lively as the half continued. They nearly created the opener in the 42nd when some vintage combination play between Lionel Messi, Iniesta, and David Villa, saw Messi into space in the box, but Casillas did well to push away his strike from an acute angle.

Real capped off the wild close to the half in the final seconds when Sergio Ramos rose gracefully and flicked to the far post for Ronaldo, who saw his powerful header cleared off the line in magnificent fashion by Adriano.

Only minutes into the second half, the match was turned on it's head.

Ronaldo came inches from netting the opener in the 48th, winning a free kick from 23-yards. His driven shot surprised Victor Valdes, but the Portuguese was left to curse his luck when it clanked off the post.

Just seconds later, Barca had the lead. A long ball into the box from Adriano asked questions of Xabi Alonso, who took a bad angle and allowed David Villa to get position, before recklessly fouling him for a penalty and unavoidable red card. Messi was cool from the spot, and Barcelona were up 1-0 just moments after their opponents had come so close to doing the same.

Real were down a man, and on the back foot as Barcelona went for the jugular.

In the 62nd, Xavi Hernandez was unlucky to hit the post after successfully chipping Casillas from just outside the area.

Madrid fought on, and Pepe should have equalized in the 65th. Sergio Ramos once again brilliantly won with his head from a corner and flicked to the far post for the center-half, but he couldn't get a solid boot on his volley attempt, and then headed a second bite of the cherry into the side-netting.

Barcelona had nearly all of the possession, and Real were beginning to look resigned to their fate. But to their credit, they defended well and kept the result within reach.

In the 81st, Madrid were rewarded for their defensive efforts with a goal of their own. Substitute Mezut Ozil did well to play Marcelo in down the left side of the box, and Dani Alves made contact with him as he lunged for the ball, resulting in Fernández pointing to the spot. The Barca players were incensed at the call, accosting the referee in numbers, and Marcelo had indeed go down easily, although Real would argue there was clearly contact on the play. Ronaldo was reliable from the spot to equalize.

Villa then spured two chances for Barca, both times receiving an aerial pass behind the defense before losing the one-on-one matchup with Casillas.

Sami Khedira came close after Emmanuel Adebayor countered up the left touch line, but Casillas held his low and powerful effort.

Unfortunate Arsenal

If Manchester United win the Premier League this season (all signs points to yes) after Arsenal's incredible 1-1 draw with Liverpool, the Gunners will only have themselves to blame. They've lost home matches to West Brom and Newcastle, drew 0-0 with lowly Blackburn at The Emirates two weeks ago, and also saw a 2-0 home lead on Tottenham turn into a 3-2 defeat. Once again, the consistency has not been there.

But those inexcusable results don't tell the whole story. The Gunners have controversially dropped points in five different matches this season thanks to poor officiating. That was the case in yesterday's draw with 'Pool, who gained an extremely soft penalty on the last kick of the ball to equalize.

In all honesty, a draw would have been a fair result, as both sides created a similar amount of chances in the final 45 minutes after Arsenal had dominated the opening half. But to make a call like that (START VIDEO at 11:00) must be tough to swallow for Arsene Wenger and company.

The decision may well have finished off the Gunners' title challenge, as they now sit six points off the pace with just six matches to go.

Granted, Eboue has no business making any contact with Lucas on the play, as the Brazilian was surely going to topple over after feeling any type of contact, but that type of call is a classic example of an official trying to even things out, as Liverpool players were very unhappy with the previous penalty given to Arsenal (correctly given) earlier in stoppage time.

Unfortunately, the Liverpool scenario is not an isolated incident, as the Gunners have been victimized by a plethora of poor refereeing decisions this season.

I try not to let my Arsenal bias sway my thoughts in this blog or in my analysis of the game, and I know that the claims I'm making here will cause many to think that my status as a Gooner is clouding my view. You can call it more Arsenal "whining" if you like, but PLEASE watch these videos, evaluate the situations and scenarios in which the bad calls occurred, and then try to tell me that officiating didn't have a significant effect on the title race this season. I don't want to hear any arguments if you haven't at least observed the evidence first.

Example #1: Arsenal travelled to the Stadium of Light early in the year looking to show their newfound confidence via a tough road win. They scored a lucky opener when Cesc Fabregas blocked a clearance and the ball sailed over the keeper's head and into the net.

Arsenal did well to dominate the second half, but as they often do, failed to ice the game to leave the result in doubt.

It appeared the Gunners were headed for a fantastic result when the fourth official signaled for four minutes of injury time. But in the final seconds of extra time, Steve Bruce's side won a corner kick, which surely represented the last kick of the ball. The Gunners did well to clear the attempt, but referee Phil Dowd didn't blow the final whistle, allowing another attempt into the box that Darren Bent slotted home.

Decide for yourself

Example #2: Fresh off the heels of a fine 3-0 win over Chelsea, Arsenal were looking to jump start their race for the title over the Christmas period.

They were the favorites when they visited the DW Stadium to face bottom feeders Wigan. But the home side were all over them in the opening moments, and scored their first goal from the spot. Arsenal fought back, getting goals from Andrei Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner before halftime to take the lead.

The Gunners cruised through the second half, and looked ready for the three points after Charles N'Zogbia was sent off. But in classic Gunner fashion, they yielded a goal from a set piece, as Sebastien Squllaci headed into his own net under pressure.

However, Arsenal should have won a penalty late in the match, when a free kick from Fabregas struck the arm of a flailing Wigan player. Referee Lee Probert was well positioned, but somehow missed the call.

Check it out (START VIDEO AT 13:25).

Example #3: There are differing opinions on Arsenal's 4-4 draw with Newcastle. After all, the Gunners did blow a 4-0 lead for the first time in Premiership history. But a crucial penalty call changed everything.

The visitors looked ready for a fine win after scoring four first half goals in a fantastic half of football.

The second half was a different story. Spurred on by the sending off of Abou Diaby, who callously shoved over Joey Barton after being angered by a tackle from the midfielder, Newcastle got back into the match on goals from Barton (from the spot) and Leon Best.

Referee Phil Dowd's moment of madness came in the 82nd. He handed the home side a silly penalty (START VIDEO WITH 2:13 LEFT) with less than ten minutes left, somehow seeing a foul when Nolan took a tumble going for an aerial ball in the box. Barton converted, making the score 4-3, and the come back was on.

Cheik Tiote equalized in the 89th with a fantastic volley from outside the area, and it was two points dropped for Arsenal.

But the atrociously poor call Dowd (not exactly in the good graces of Arsenal fans this year) saw Newcastle gain a penalty kick that spurred them on to the improbable draw.

Example #4: Despite fielding a sub-par lineup thanks to injuries, the Gunners had to feel confident when Sunderland visited North London last month. Steve Bruce's side hadn't been the same since losing Darren Bent in January, and were never the strongest road side to begin with.

However, Arsenal looked off the pace in the first half and chances were few and far between while Sunderland created legitimate offense of their own.

Arsenal fought back in the second 45, running rampant on the Black Cats defense. In the end, they should have had a penalty and another goal from the run of play. But Anthony Taylor somehow missed a blatant push from behind in the box courtesy of Titus Bramble, who shoved Andrei Arshavin just before he could shoot on the break (START VIDEO WITH 2:13 LEFT).

Arshavin was involved again minutes later, taking a through ball from Nasri and dribbling around Simon Mignolet before tapping home. Unfortunately, the flag was up, and replays would show that the linesman had completely blown the call (START VIDEO WITH 4:06 LEFT).


Three Titles Won?

Barcelona wanted to pound Real into oblivion as they did earlier in the season, but despite only managing a draw, they are likely headed to a La Liga title, as they now sit eight points atop the table. Having only dropped 11 points this season, it's hard to imagine Barca dropping at least eight in their final six matches.

But Spain wasn't the only league that may have been won on the weekend.

In Germany, Borussia Dortmund are sitting pretty after beating Freiburg 3-0, while chasers Bayer Leverkusen are now eight points adrfit with four matches remaining after Bayern Munich embarrassed them, 5-1.

The top two sides in Die Bundesliga won't meet again this season, meaning it will take quite the collapse from Jurgen Klopp's side merely for things to get interesting down the stretch.

Serie A was a similar story, with leaders AC Milan winning 3-0 over Sampdoria. In the meantime, Napoli couldn't get by Udinese, falling six points off the pace, and Inter Milan are now eight points adrift after being shocked 2-0 at Parma.

Champions League Review

Inter Milan 3-2 Bayern Munich (Inter win 3-3 on aggregate)

HIGHLIGHTS

3'- Eto'o
21'- Gomez
31'- Muller
63'- Sneijder
88'- Pandev

Bayern Munich were left to rue a host of miss chances, and ended up crashing out of the Champions League thanks to a pair of goals from Inter in the final 27 minutes.

Goran Pandev found Samuel Eto'o behind the defense just two minutes in, and the Cameroonian slotted home with his left foot to deadlock the tie.

Inter were off on the front foot, but the rest of the half would belong to the hosts. They equalized in the 10th when Julio Cesar made a massive mistake to yield a goal, fumbling in front of goal, and Mario Gomez did well to finish on the rebound.

Bayern kept up the pressure, and Thomas Muller appeared to have iced the tie when he pounced on a deflected pass and dinked over the charging Cesar.

Bayern had the upper hand. And the tie should have been done and dusted at halftime, but Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben both missed from close range.

The second half was more of the same with the Bundesliga side looking the more lively. But they lacked the quality in front of goal as Gomez had an effort saved, and a host of bad touches inside the 18 ruined a multitude of promising attacks.

Inter could count themselves lucky to still be in the tie midway through the second half. But they recognized that the opportunity to pull their way back was still there, and Wesley Sneijder got the hosts sweating when he blasted low and to the left corner from distance in the 63rd.

Interestingly, Bayern continued to attack. But again they lacked quality in front of goal. That was not the case for Inter, who stamped their ticket to the quarterfinals with a fine goal in the 88th. Eto'o outmuscled Breno to get the ball in the box, then held up possession brilliantly before playing into the path of the onrushing Pandev, who finished well into the upper corner.

Thoughts

It's been a tough season for Bayern. Their European Dreams were shattered on Tuesday, and they're already out of it domestically, where Borussia Dortmund are running away with the title.

However, they performed well in the group phase of the CL, and they certainly created more over the two legs than Inter. Yes, they were fortunate to score their first goal after the dreadful error from Cesar. But they dominated the match for long periods, and could have easily made it three or four before Inter's comeback.

In the end, Louis Van Gaal's side only have themselves to blame. Ribery's chance in the first half should be in the back of the net for a player of his quality; Ditto for Robben who missed from close range late in the opening 45 minutes.

The second half was also a source of frustration for Munich. The Inter defense looked helpless up against the midfield of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Muller, Ribery, and Robben, who were linking up magnificently and creating space for themselves and others. But time and time again, they weren't clinical in front of goal. They paid for that dearly.

Meanwhile, Inter helped avoid complete humiliation for Serie A, as Roma and AC Milan were both dominated by their opponents and knocked out in the Round of 16.

I know it's cliché to say this, but Inter did indeed show the heart of champions on Tuesday. Most sides would be demoralized after being dominated and down two goals with thirty minutes to go. But Inter kept the pressure on, knowing that they were still in with a shout as long as Bayern continued to botch their chances.

On a team lacking a ton of difference makers, Eto'o showed his brilliance for Leonardo's bunch. The first goal was a typical finish from him, as he cooly slotted between the keepers' legs. But it was his hard work that created the winner for Pandev, as he used his strength, skill, and composure to buy time in the box, and then showed great intelligence by playing Pandev rather than having a go himself. It was a goal worthy of winning the tie.

I still say Inter's days in this competition are numbered. They are a talented side, but they lack true creative attacking forces aside from Sneidjer and Eto'o (Diego Milito's injury doesn't help matters). For me, former gaffer Jose Mourinho's presence helped mask some of those weaknesses last season, as his teams are typically set up correctly to grind out an ugly result. Without him, that hasn't been the case, as the Nerazzuri have given up too many goals and only have a few guys that can create offense for themselves. Even in this matchup, it was the combination of Sneidjer and Eto'o creating most all of the offense, while Bayern's attack could play through a host of playmakers such as Ribery, Robben, Muller, Schweinsteiger or Gomes.

Despite their weaknesses, Inter received a much more favorable draw for the quarters, as they will face an enigmatic Schalke side that have played well in the Champions League, but have been awful in Die Bundesliga and recently fired manager Felix Magath.

Perhaps Inter Milan aren't the best side left in the competition, but it's hard to count them out after yesterday's comeback.

Real Madrid 3-0 Lyon (Real win 4-1 on aggregate

HIGHLIGHTS

37'- Marcelo
66'- Benzema
76'- Di Maria

It was a walk in the park of sorts for Los Galacticos, who exercised more than a few demons by beating a Lyon side that upset them in the Round of 16 last season.

Left back Marcelo turned in a man of the match performance, opening up the Lyon back line on multiple occasions. The first goal represented one of those times, as the Brazilian ran onto a beautiful ball from Ronaldo before sweeping past two defenders and beating Hugo Lloris.

Marcelo continued to be involved as Real took control of the match. He made a great run down the wing and found Karim Benzema all alone in the middle, but this time Lloris was up to the task with a fantastic save.

A headed goal from Benzema was correctly called back for offsides just before halftime. But the striker still managed to open his account in the 66th, sneaking in behind the Lyon defense and slotting between the legs of the charging Lloris.

The hosts clinched it just ten minutes later. With the Ligue 1 side throwing everything forward, Madrid began to unlock them on the counterattack. That would pay dividends in the 76th, as a fine flick from Benzema found Di Maria all alone, and he calmly scooped into the right corner to make it 4-1 on aggregate.

Thoughts

Jose Mourinho's side have received some criticism for their domestic performance. But one must remember that they still have 70 points from 28 matches and are chasing perhaps the best team on the planet for first place. They haven't been world-beaters this year (not yet, at least), but they have been a very good side.

I still say Mourinho's managing is at it's best in the knockout phase of the Champions League, where he has two matches to exert his tactical genius.

This tie was vintage Mourinho. Real were patient in France, making sure not to make any mistakes, and went home with a decent 1-1 result in a match that they dominated. Then, they came home looking to pounce, and they did so early and often. The talent gap between the two teams isn't too much wider than it was last season. But this year Real were more disciplined defensively, and more clinical going forward.

This was a tough draw for Lyon. But they dug their own grave by not winning a group in which they were favored.

Losing Michel Bastos for this leg didn't help, as they didn't have that extra burst of pace and creativity from the left wing. But based on their performance, it's hard to say he would have made a difference.

Les Gones were cool and collected in last season's shocker at the Bernabeu, but that was certainly not the case on Wednesday.

Also...

Tottenham 0-0 AC Milan (Tottenham through 1-0 on aggregate)
Chelsea 0-0 FC Copenhagen (Chelsea through 2-0 on aggregate)

A Black Eye for the Beautiful Game

Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal
HIGHLIGHTS

Let's just say that Tuesday's UEFA Champions League matchup between Arsenal and Barcelona had football fans licking their chops.

After a fantastic first leg saw the Catalan Giants dominate possession, the Gunners held tough and came back from a late deficit with two second half goals of great quality. That historic night at The Emirates figured to make for even more fireworks when both teams met up on Tuesday. After all, both sides are undoubtedly amongst Europe's best clubs (likely the best side on the planet in Barca's case). But more importantly, the two are stubbornly insistent on playing attractive football. And it had shown in the teams' previous three matches over the past year(Barca beat Arsenal 6-3 on aggregate in the quarterfinals last season), as there was pulsating football aplenty.

The favored Catalan side would take the second leg 3-1 to move on. But in the end, even those pulling for Barca must have been a little disappointed in what transpired. The 90 minutes should have been a celebration of the game of football. Swiss referee Massimo Busacca saw to that when he erroneously showed Robin Van Persie his second yellow card early in the second half for time wasting.

The Match

While the head referee decided to make himself the main storyline, there was still a game of football to be played on the pitch at the Camp Nou. And Barcelona knew that they would have to perform admirably in order to reverse a 2-1 deficit.

Pep Guardiola's side showed their obvious intentions from the opening whistle, as they patiently looked to breakdown the Arsenal defense with their incisive passing. Meanwhile, the Gunners were unable to find their rhythm as they spent the entirety of the first half on the back foot. That being said, they defended the barrage of Barca attacks fairly well, but they ended up shooting themselves in the foot thanks to an uncharacteristic error from captain Cesc Fabregas.

Barcelona's possession play was lovely. On countless occasions, an Arsenal winger and left/right back would double team a Barca player trying to force a turnover. But the combinations of Samir Nasri/Bacary Sagna and Tomas Rosicky/Gael Clichy simply couldn't get the ball from the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi etc. The result was close to 65% possession for the home side, and it was quite clear that Barca had the better first 45. But Djourou and Koscielny were defending heroically in the middle, and in the end Barcelona had just two shots on goal. There was a powerful, long effort from Dani Alves that was handled by Wojciech Szczesny. The shot itself was harmless, but it caused plenty of damage, as it dislocated one of the Pole's fingers, forcing him out of the match for much-maligned no. 2 Manuel Almunia.

And then there was the goal in first half stoppage time, which featured a picture perfect pass from Iniesta and a fantastically composed finish from Messi. But it's important to note that the go-ahead goal came from an inexcusable error from Fabregas, as he opted to back-heel to Jack Wilshere just outside his own box, and got burned when the ball ended up on Iniesta's foot.

Arsenal would have to come out of the break more attack minded after Messi's goal. And they did improve slightly before getting the equalizer, which would represent one of the few times of the match where they could count themselves lucky. Nasri's corner was not well placed, but Busquets failed to deal with it at the near post, shockingly heading back into his own goal.

Arsenal was holding the slimmest of leads, and both teams were looking lively and confident. Then came the moment of madness from Busacca, who embarrassingly sent off Van Persie.

The Call

Early in the second half, it appeared that we were headed for another classic between the two sides after the Gunners had netted that fortuitous own goal. Instead, Busacca effectively ruined the match three minutes later, handing Van Persie a second yellow for time wasting after he had a go at goal while the offsides flag was raised. That's right, the Swiss offical decided it necessary to administer a yellow card for delaying the match in the 56th minute, in a stadium with 95,000+ in attendance, and on a wayward shot that took place a mere one second after the flag had gone up.

I've seen some bad calls in my time. But this one takes the cake. Not only is the decision technically incorrect as RVP only takes one touch before shooting (not exactly a devious maneuver with 35 miuntes to play), but it also shows a complete lack of judgment and common sense.

The decision was a poor one. It also killed the match off, as Barcelona put their foot on the gas and ten-man Arsenal simply couldn't handle the pressure any longer. Granted, the overall result surely may have been the same, as relentless Barcelona were knocking on Arsenal's door even before the sending off. But an egotistical blunder of massive proportions from Busacca became the story. In the end, we'll never be able to say what would have really happened between these two, as he the proactively changed the course of the tie drastically.

The Rest

What happened after Arsenal went down to ten was predictable. With their class and quality, Barcelona simply couldn't be stopped. After mustering just the two shots on goal before Busacca got involved, they began to pepper the Gunners' goal with shots.

David Villa burst through moments after the controversy only for Almunia to make the first of several fantastic saves.

Without a striker, the Gunners could only defend and hope for the best. That typically doesn't work against the likes of Barcelona, and this match would be no different.

With Arsenal hanging by a thread, the hosts pounced. It was a vintage piece of Barca buildup play that finally some them breakthrough in the 69th, as some fantastic combination passing saw Iniesta find Xavi behind the defense, who did well to finish past Almunia.

Even at 2-1, it was Barcelona who were in total control. So it was no surprise to see them net an insurance goal just two minutes later, when Laurent Koscielny clumsily took out Pedro in the box. Messi was calm and collected on the penalty to finish off the scoring.

The Verdict

All in all, there is very good reason to believe that Barca would have gotten their result. Their midfield was absolutely dominant, and opposition rarely stand a chance when that is the case. While they will surely feel fortunate to have seen their opponents weakened early in the second half, I'd say that they'd have been favorites to win the match based on the course of the match's first 54 minutes.

That said, one will never be able to discuss this fixture without making mention of the abysmal refereeing error. The match completely changed as Arsenal's previously staunch defense was bending but not breaking before the incident, and then suddenly opened up at the seams after RVP's dismissal. If you really think that the match would have followed a similar course regardless of Busacca's decision, you might be a crazy person.

RVP's offense would have been a soft yellow on any pitch, little less in front of "95,000 screaming people" (Van Persie's words) making it excessively difficult to hear the whistle. But what troubles me is the nature of the decision. Busacca has made a conscious effort to take the match out of the players' hands, and he's done it under circumstances that in no way should elicit that type of response. His guffaw makes him look like a terrible referee, but it also a decision that shos him to be self-absorbed and irrational. If you are a fan of the game, there is simply no way you can believe otherwise.

Look, I'll admit once again I am an Arsenal guy and was massively upset with the call. But my complaints with Busacca are not just from a Gooner perspective, but also as a fan of football. I didn't want to be to discussing the officiating when reviewing a match between two squads that play football beautifully. Busacca made sure that wasn't the case, and in the process, we were all robbed of an opportunity to watch what may have been one of the season's most entertaining 90 minutes.

Spurs Shocker

Please, please, PLEASE, give me your thoughts on the match by leaving a comment! It's always fun to talk some footy with fellow fans!

Tottenham 1-0 AC Milan

80'- Crouch

It was a wild evening at the San Siro, as a match chalk-full of hard tackles, physical altercations, and a massive late goal for visiting Tottenham made for plenty of talking points.

In the end, it was a match that could have gone either way, and looked headed for a 0-0 draw late on. But a fine bit of counterattacking football helped the visitors to just the type of result they dreamed of before taking the pitch. Now they head back to White Hart Lane with a lead in the tie after a fine performance in Milan.

Spurs looked poised and confident throughout the match, and even had the hosts rattled and frustrated for much of the 90 minutes. Surprisingly, it was Tottenham that looked the more experienced of the two teams, as Milan lost their cool in the second half while Harry Redknapp's team defended well and pounced on their one opportunity for victory.

The match featured plenty of action, but there wasn't much to discuss until the second half.

It was Spurs that controlled the proceedings in a scrappy first 45. However, they failed to create any serious chances aside from a few long distance efforts courtesy of Rafael van der Vaart.

Meanwhile, Milan were dreadful in the first half. The service from the midfield was non-existent, as Ibrahimovic and Robinho had little to work with, while the ever-dangerous Pato started the match on the bench.

Massimiliano Allegri signaled his intent to attack by substituting Pato into the match for Clarence Seedorf to start the second half.

Van der Vaart nearly scored a spectacular goal early in the half when he chipped substitute keeper Marco Amelia from 20-yards. The chip had the Italian beaten, but landed just wide of the right post.

Soon after, Mario Yepes came desperately close to putting the Rossoneri in front. His header appeared headed for goal after a nice cross from Gennaro Gattuso. But Heurelho Gomes made a stunning save, as his lightning-quick reactions saw him push the ball over the bar.

With Milan pressing forward, the match began to open up. And a major altercation soon after only further stirred the pot.

It all started when Mathieu Flamini took out the legs of Vedran Corluka with a two-footed tackle at midfield. Although replays showed Corluka had managed to avoid the brunt of the challenge, the Frenchman's malicious tackle got enough of him to force a substitution. Flamini received a yellow for the challenge, and things got chippy when he and van der Vaart exchanged words at midfield as AC players accosted the referee and tried to pull the injured Corluka to his feet so play could continue.

Gattuso, no stranger to a game of physicality, simply snapped thereafter. First he shoved Peter Crouch after the two collided post-whistle, then he had a go at Tottenham assistant Joe Jordan during a stoppage. He would finally receive a yellow for a dangerous challenge in the 76th, ruling him out of the second leg in London.

Buoyed on by the home crowd, the home team pressed relentlessly, while Redknapp told his team to defend, playing everyone but Peter Crouch behind the ball.

But a little bit of space was all Aaron Lennon needed to help give Spurs a shock lead in the 80th. It all started after Milan gave the ball away in the Tottenham final third, and Modric poked the ball up to the speedy Englishman, who took off with acres of space in front of him. The winger scurried up the right side into the Milan half, then touched the ball around a slide tackling Yepes, before quickly finding Crouch in front of goal for an easy finish.

Milan almost grabbed the equalizer on two different occasions in stoppage time. First Robinho nearly beat Dawson and Gomes to a ball inside the 6 after the two miscommunicated and let the ball fall between them. Then Ibrahimovic appeared to have scored spectacularly after blasting a Rooney-esque bicycle kick into the corner. But referee Stephane Lannoy made a big decision by ruling that the Swede had pushed off on Dawson. Replays would show that the call was correct.

It looked like things might boil over during the match. But it turned out that wouldn't happen until after the final whistle. A frustrated Gattuso returned to Jordan after the match, and the two went eye-to-eye. In a moment of complete madness, the Italian head-butted the assistant and an altercation between the two teams ensued for a few moments before cooler heads prevailed. That wasn't the case for Gattuso, and several players had to hold him back minutes after the initial altercation.

Opinion

The win was of the historic variety for Spurs. And they deserve a massive amount of credit for it. Van der Vaart and William Gallas were the only starters with any experience in these sort of matches. But you wouldn't have known that from the performance. The Whites withstood the pressure of an incredibly intense match in front of 80,000 fans, and had to hold off a barrage of attacks from ACM before netting the crucial away goal.

Center half Dawson didn't look out of place in the biggest match of his career, while backup center mids Sandro and Palacios controlled the match.

Milan couldn't be happy that the winning goal came when they were looking their most dangerous. But the road side certainly deserved it on the whole, as the match went exactly according to plan.

The work rate in the first half was top notch, as Spurs hassled the slower duo of Gattuso and Seedorf in the middle, didn't let Robinho into any dangerous areas, and possessed the ball enough to make Milan's defense work, too.

They tried to attack in the second half. But ended up on the defensive, where they were able to effectively stifle the Milan offense.

We're talking about an inexperienced team facing a veteran-laden squad that's currently sitting atop Serie A. And guess what? Rednknapp's bunch looked not just to be the better of the two sides over the full 90 minutes, but the more composed one as well. There's something to be said for that.

Spurs now are the favorites to move on to the quarterfinals. And you can't count them out in terms of going deep into the competition. When they defend well, everything falls into place for a team that has attacking quality all throughout the squad.

There are still 90 minutes to be played. But after what we saw on Tuesday, you'd have to think this tie is Tottenham's for the taking.