The Champions League wasn’t short of excitement as a 60-year-old Scotsman and a demented hairy Italian went head-to-head in a butting war.
Then Arsenal step-up and actually have the temerity to beat the best team in the world.
Gennaro Gattuso will have the book thrown at him by the authorities. But Joe Jordan didn’t seem unduly worried by the attack.
Jordan took off his glasses supposedly ready to rumble – but most people who’ve seen “Jaws” in action know he’s only getting serious when he takes his teeth out.
After the ugliness of Milan it really was back to the beautiful game at the Emirates where Barcelona passed Arsenal off the park, then lost.
But let’s not get blinded by the result. Arsenal had a good first ten minutes and a great least ten but were second best by a long way for most of the match.
Barcelona tried to cruise the game at one up and Pep Guardiloa’s uncharacteristically defensive substitution was leapt on by Arsene Wenger who went for broke and won.
The result has seen Barcelona drift to 9/4 to win the Champions League and that could look a bargain if they get past Arsenal in the second leg.
Real Madrid are next in the betting – and Barcelona put five past them last time, Mourinho and all.
Barcelona are simply the best team in the tournament and should be backed at that price.
As a West Ham fan it’s sometimes like watching a different sport. I saw more completed passes by the Spaniards in the first half Wednesday than I have all season at Upton Park.
This weekend’s FA cup matches look a little dull in comparison with plenty of one-sided affairs and tricky calls so let’s stick with Europe for our second punt.
Man Utd are away to Marseille next week and 11/10 looks a fair bet.
The Red Devils will be able to field a second string against Crawley Town in the FA Cup leaving the big guns well rested for the short trip to France.
Marseilles will be desperate for a lead to take into the second leg but that could play right into the hands of Sir Alex Ferguson who will have his side ready to win it on the break.
Running Total for all bets to a £10 stake: +£55.75
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