EPL title race

The English Premier League (EPL) got a lot more interesting last week following the results. Arsenal dropped two points because of their 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea won (again), after a great display against West Brom (3-1) and Manchester United also drew their game last week 1-1 against Newcastle United. This leaves the top three looking like this in the points table (Columns 2 and 3 are Games Played and Current Points)-

	Man United	33	70
	Chelsea	33	64
	Arsenal	33	64

 Now it may seem like Man U are sitting comfortably at the top with a six point cushion. But looks can be deceiving. Out of the five games remaining in the EPL, they have some pretty tough fixtures ahead of them, including games against both Chelsea and Arsenal! They are also still in the Champions league, meaning fatigue will be a big issue for them. Finally, they have had a dip in their form, unable to win any of their last two games. Now this is where it gets exciting. Theoretically, Man U are the most likely team to drop the most points as we enter the final stretch of the Premier League. Along with that, if both Chelsea and Arsenal can beat them, then they basically have to say adiós to the title. The other two teams in the table have pretty decent fixtures, and are thus expected to win maximum points. But, this is soccer we are talking about, and anything can happen, as history concurs. The team that can be the most consistent, and show the most hunger to be champions, will definitely emerge triumphant! 

UEFA Champions League Quarter Final

13th April, 2011 marked the end of the quarter finals of the biggest annual soccer tournament, the UEFA Champions League. Here are the final aggregate results:

Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 5 Real Madrid
There were no problems for Real Madrid against Tottenham, who comfortably won both the legs. But with all due respect, had Peter Crouch, the 201cm target man, not been sent off in the 15th minute of the first leg, Real probably would have had a way more difficult task. Personally, the excitement of the game evaporated after that incident, and anyone who understands football could tell who would progress!

Schalke 04 7 - 3 Internazionale

At the beginning of the quarter-finals, no-one would have bet against Inter, the defending champions, the side with star players at pretty much all the positions. But the 'mediocre' side from Germany not only caused a huge upset, but literally thrashed Inter, making a bold statement to the three other teams.

Manchester United 3 - 1 Chelsea

Manchester United progress, completely dominating their fierce rivals, who look destined to end the season trophyless. Man U were sharp, composed and thus got the better of the Blues AGAIN, who are far away from their average form.

Barcelona 6 - 1 Shakhtar Donetsk

No surprises here! Barcelona, the best team in the world, has easily disposed of Shakhtar. Producing a professional performance, they booked their place in the final four, with Lionel Messi, the Ballon d'Or winner, netting the solo goal in the second leg.