There was almost more of a spectacle off the field than on it in last night’s Champions League as this week’s second half of games took place. Chelsea were taking on the Russian side Spartak Moscow where the spectre of violence once again reared its ugly head. Rival fans were reported to have clashed before the night’s game even got underway due to the groups not being able to agree on who was going to win this year’s version of Strictly Come Dancing. We think Ann Widdecombe’s a dead-cert.
When the game itself had got underway there was even the opportunity for one away fan to throw the ball at Ashley Cole when he was taking a throw-in. Reports of a brunette/red head running from the scene of the crime are being seriously considered by police. Chelsea made short work of their opponents on the field with a 4-1 victory. Didier Drogba marked his return from a freak diving injury with a penalty, Nicholas Anelka and Branislav Ivanovic (2) adding the remaining three goals.
Arsenal, meanwhile, came up short in the Ukraine, beaten 2-1 by Shakhtar. Former Gunners injury room occupier Eduardo scored the winner, Arsenal having to wait another gameweek to qualify.
In the San Siro there was justification for any of us who stand narrowly offside for the entire game every Sunday morning. Filippo Inzaghi’s his name and scoring tap-ins is his game – especially if he can stray narrowly offside. The late substitute scored twice to almost condemn Jose Mourinho’s Real to a defeat before Pedro Leon equalised late on. The best thing about Inzaghi’s second goal though? You’ve guessed it. The talisman was a full yard offside.
