Even football pundits are surprised that the European Champions’ league first leg semi finals involving the continent’s four top scoring clubs should provide only one goal. Thanks to a 17th minute goal by Manchester United’s John O’Shea the Old Trafford ball artistes beat old rivals Arsenal to set up an intriguing second leg tie at the Emirates next Tuesday.

Unlike the Barcelona- Chelsea encounter at Nou Camp when defensive play was the order of the day, the Old Trafford match was an open play and even though United dominated Arsenal threatened in the dying minutes to snatch an unlikely equalizer.

The night definitely belonged to Arsenal goalie Manuel Almunia who showed big match temperament and saved many sticky situations including a point blank piercing header by Ronaldo.

The permutations are varied as to who qualifies for the final. All the teams are equally matched but the difference between the two ties is that whilst the Stamford Bridge encounter must produce at least a goal to determine the finalist, The Emirates could do without a goal and the finalist would not be in doubt.

Barcelona with their amazing attacking trio of Messi, E’too and Thierry Henry had all along been ranked favourites by analysts. Their frightening scoring power of four goals in a game six times, five goals five times and six goals four times really impressed the bookmakers.

Perhaps the deliberate defensive posture of Chelsea unsettled their rhythm but in the anticipated open match next week I can see the goals coming like nobody’s business

I have a sneaky feeling the final won’t be an all English affair like we had last season.

Your prediction is as good as mine. Cheers everybody and keep loving sports.