'The best team lost' while the best team won

My expectations proved true. After the first leg ended in a feeble 1-1 draw, everybody knew: ‘Show must go on!’ Yesterday Old Trafford was invaded by storm of emotions: admiration, astonishment, disappointment, rage and fury, sympathy. The showdown between ManUn and Real is on everyone’s lips.

The wave absorbed me as well. To tell you the truth, I’m not a fan of either of two teams. I feel sympathy for Los Blancos and their eccentric Mourinho, I respect Sir Alex and his cool-headed men. In fact, it felt like the Red Devils win the day as Los Merengues have turned sour a little bit recently.

The first time ran smooth. The Devils, surely, felt at home and controlled the game but the Spaniards seemed to have forgotten they are guests. In fact, I merely think that it was just a logy day for ManUn. They obviously dominated in the first half and even had several golden chances to hit the goal net. Remember how much stress López felt after Vidić’ shot and how Welbeck hardly made the Spanish keeper gray just in a few seconds? And Van Persie’s super shot tried to be finished by Welbeck? It was some game of misfortune, a low-down trick that played the part and prevented Manchester to score.

The second half was a hot pepper. Hardly the whistle had blown, Manchester got so-long-awaited goal! Though, again, by chance, as it was Sergio Ramos’ leg they should thank for. But then goes the moment of the day, shock for everybody – Nani gets the red card. Today the world went crazy about this card. Endless talks about the event. The fans are ready to declare war against Turkey… ))) I hesitate to make the flat assertion, but as for me it was shown deservedly. We all know that poor Nani aimed at ball and that he most probably didn’t see Arbeloa. But in the majority of such cases, and you know there is a myriad of them, the players want to play the ball and think they play it, and nevertheless, they receive direct marching orders. The same about the case with Nani. Moreover, the clash was really harsh and you never know how it can end. Arbeloa could have picked up a really serious injury. I personally think that footballers should be more attentive to each other, keep their eyes open. Indeed, somebody’s red-hot play can cost career or, even worse, life to other player.

The fans and the pundits say that Nani’s sending-off changed the course of game. José Mourinho himself admits that his team didn’t play to their full capacity and Red Devils had all the chances to pass flying colors. Criticizing Portuguese seems not to be happy about Merengues victory. ‘The best team lost’ he says, as if he doesn’t believe in his men any more. But Modrić’ well-turned eye-catching strike and Higuaín’s perfect cross finished by on-alert Ronaldo cannot be called accidental or casual. These two goals were made thoroughly and professionally and prove that Los Blancos have something to be proud of. And though José strives for more accurate, more diligent play – it’s a praiseworthy aspiration, but he should also remember that the best team won yesterday, his team won yesterday!