With another weekend passed in the MLS season, it was again the home teams that stayed strong this week. Of all the games played, the New York Red Bulls were the only team to pick up all three points on the road, beating Montreal 2-1. With the win, the Red Bulls extended their streak to five straight wins and cemented their place atop the Eastern Conference. While local rivals DC United sit just a mere point behind, the Red Bulls have played two games less than DC. In the Western Conference, San Jose gained a little ground on leaders Real Salt Lake after picking up a late goal to draw against Columbus 1-1. RSL was out of action this weekend and with the tie, San Jose moves to just two points behind Salt Lake, having played one less game.
In Europe, the Italian campaign officially concluded with the Coppa Italia. Juventus, who entered the final unbeaten in domestic competition, faced off against Napoli. It was a scrappy game that was ultimately decided by an Edison Cavani penalty kick, and a classic Napoli counter attack in the final moments, which ensured Napoli were victorious by a score of 2-0. It was disappointing for Juventus, who suffered their first domestic loss and failed to complete the domestic cup duo of Serie A and the Coppa Italia. However, it was well deserved for a Napoli side that was worthy of a trophy for how they performed throughout the season.
Although, the main action abroad was undoubtedly the Champions League final. In a thrilling match, Chelsea emerged victorious, albeit undeservingly, through a penalty shootout. Bayern Munich, playing in their home stadium, look to have secured the win late on after Thomas Muller put Bayern ahead 1-0 in the 83rd minute. Bayern deserved to be ahead after creating more chances throughout the match than Chelsea, but failing to convert. However, the never say die attitude of Chelsea prevailed again as Drogba scored a wonderful headed goal off of a corner kick in the 88th minute to keep Chelsea’s dream alive.
In extra time, Drogba seemed to turn from hero to villain as just a few minutes in to the first period he brought down Franck Ribery in the box and the referee awarded a penalty to Bayern. Robben stepped up to the spot, but his weak penalty was foiled by a strong save from Cech. At this point it seemed it was destined Chelsea were going to win simply because Bayern had essentially done everything they could to get the winning goal but ultimately that goal eluded them. In penalties, a surprising miss from Bastian Schweinsteiger on the final shot gifted Chelsea the opportunity to win the shootout on the fifth attempt. Drogba approached the spot, and based on how he had carried them throughout their Champions League campaign, there was little doubt that he would miss. Drogba sent Neuer the wrong way, slid the ball into the back corner and Chelsea’s historic Champions League campaign ended in victory. It was heartbreak for Bayern Munich, who have now reached the final twice in the last three years, only to fall short. For Chelsea, however, it was a magical moment. Winning the Champions League was a long time goal for the club and for them to win it in this fashion was simply unbelievable.
(image courtesy of AP)
