2-1 win and it proves again we can beat anyone - even the mightly Juventus - if players are all stand up and be counted. This result is very significant no matter what happened in the 2nd leg. It shows that we have the capability.
From the first whistle we were determined to win and assert a lot of pressure to Juventus. Their defense were under a lot of pressure and in 10 minutes a leak is found. Gerrard's corner to the near post found Garcia, who flicked the ball to the far post and an unmarked Hyypia scored with his left foot - his 2 goals this seasons are all by foot. And our last 2 goals are all from corners. We keep pressure and at 25 minutes we are 2 goals up. Biscan found Le Tallec on the right and his one touch pass found Garcia, who scored an unstoppable volley.
Juventus also had a few chances, most notably Carson saved a shot by Del Piero when we were 1 up, and after we are 2 up Ibrahimovic hit the post immediately, and Del Piero's "offside" goal, which should actually be good, although I think Carson would have saved it should he not hear the whistle. At half time we were 2-0 up and looks very safe.
In 2H our players look a bit tired and allowed Juventus to score one back. Carson's confidence was high after making a few more saves, but then he misjudged a header and let the ball went in - should have parried it out for a corner instead. Anyway, 2-1 against Juventus is a good result, and in some away it could be a blessing in disguise as players won't get carried away and concentration will remain. We need to keep the pressure against Juventus and hope to score a goal, and of course keeping a clean sheet will do.
Player Rating:
Carson: 7 He's young and will learn from this mistake. And don't forget he made a few good saves to keep the score at 2-1.
Finnan: 7 He's making the right back a place of his own now.
Carragher: 7.5 As good as it should be.
Hyypia: 8 He still need to score a header in this season. Nice goal!
Traore: 7 Made a few important tackles.
Garcia: 9 One goal, one assist. Our best player in the past 2 months just rolls on! If he can reduce his mispasses he will be a better player.
Gerrard: 8 He's everywhere and he's enjoying his football now!
Biscan: 7 His vision has led to the second goal. Well done Igor!
Riise: 7 Another good display and this game we saw his long free throws again.
Le Tallec: 8 As good as he can. It's an excellent display from the young man.
Baros: 6.5 Causing a lot of troubles to the Juventus defense, unfortunately he still can't score.
Substitutions:
Nunez: 6.5 Come on to give some strength to the midfield.
Smicer: 6.5 Nice hair cut but not much contribution.
Rafa: 7.5 His game plan of keeping pressure up worked, although the players cannot do it in 2H.
Juventus: 7 They are a good side and are the king of 1-0 win. We need to keep a clean sheet next game.
Man of the Match: Garcia. He is on fire again!
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