UEFA Champions League
The semi finalists are now known, there were no surprises. This does not mean that the defining games were not good. Aston Villa gave PSG a great run for there money, this was the most difficult game of the quarter finals, PSG squandered a 2-0 lead and nearly was sent to penalty shoot outs or overtime (I really don't know which applied) only a final minute save by Pacho denied AV this. It was a great game to be honest.
The other games were not quite so difficult for the teams that went through, I did not see Barcelona in much danger except for the few minutes between Dortmund's second goal and the own goal that killed their chances. Inter was in trouble for six minutes before turning that game around and it was an exciting finish, but frankly it is very difficult to see an Italian team of similar strength to their rival lose in the last minutes. And Arsenal had quite the game I thought they would have, it is difficult to squander a 3-0 lead when you are actually better than the opposing team.
So now it will be Arsenal vs Paris Saint Germain and Barcelona vs Inter. Two very interesting semi finals with no clear favorites. I think the Arsenal vs PSG should be a better quality game, both teams go all out in attack, while Barcelona vs Inter we have a team, Barcelona, that likes to get to the area with touches, making for a slower game and Inter plays from the start based on a strong defense. Now do I have a favorite to go through to the final? Frankly I don't, I think both semis are quite evenly matched and it will come down to the sides that commit less errors.
That being said, to me this Champions League is for Paris Saint Germain to win. Why? Well, they have had teams with more stars in them, actually with better players and they even have gotten to a final, but they have never been favorites. This time around they have beaten two very good English teams, and they have won after very difficult games, but there has been a difference this time. Apart from having a good team I think right now luck is with them. And luck plays a good part in winning a tournament like this one.