Champions Elect!

The hype to the last 16 of the champions league doesn't always live up to expectation, but tonight...! There was never any contest which was the one to watch between Chelsea - Barca on ITV1 or Man Utd - AC Milan on ITV2; the off the pitch shenanigans between Rijkaard and Mourinho were beyond belief, only adding to the excitement - surely an anti-climax would result: No! The first half was the most exciting 45 mins of footy I can remember - 3 in 19 minutes for Chelsea then 2 for Ronaldinho and Barca to leave them edging it on away goals at the half. It had near misses, woodwork, unreal shots, fantastic saves, a dubious penalty, outlandish skill, impossible pace, grit, detemination, edge and desperation, and there were still 45 mins to go!!! Much of the same resumed following a brief hiatus of caution after the break and it needed a big moment from a big player to seal it. Things looked increasingly odds against for the blues as the clock ticked down, but the whole atmosphere felt like a fairytale moment was waiting in the wings. Up stepped defender of the year and potential player of the year (at least domestically) John Terry with a miracle header from a corner; then backs to the wall for the last 12 mins as the Spanish giants threw everything at the Champions elect. Just look at the photo to see how much it meant to Jose (I'll never forget his windmilling arm after the whistle), now we'll never shut him up! I predict Chelsea will go all the way now; this could have been the final, and who would dare to stop them now? Imagine the smugness if they win it! Look out for the Solipsism in 2006... Top Sport! Kx