Wednesday 2 November 2011

Live Text : Wednesday's Football - The First Halves

22-44 : So we all know where we stand, take a move onto the other page as we'll head into the second halves. Get involved, and let's enjoy a good night of European football.

20-42 : City do lead, and they've done well, but large criticism coming in for Villarreal. Martin O'Neil states it's the poorest side he's ever seen in the Champions League. Ouch.

20-41 : Roy Keane on ITV : 'Look, he goes down easily. But listen, he's Italian, that's what he's going to do.' Classic Keane.

20-40 : City now at 1.06, United similar at 1.05. Both overwhelming favourites to win now you have to say. Other odds you might want to take a look at are Lyon 28/1 to win now against Real, and Basel 7.2 to earn a draw in Portugal.

20-37 : That is now half time everywhere, no goals that haven't been reported to update you on.

20-36 : Time for a quick run down on what we've seen so far then. United almost completely dominant, but a slender lead is all they've got at the break. City have a 2-0 lead, and from the replays of that penalty incident they are lucky to have it. That said, they have been the better side and do deserve to go in ahead.

20-34 : Games drawing to the break now all over the place, Napoli did pull one back through Fernandez a minute before hand though.

20-33 : It's a soft one, Mussachio's arm blocking Balotelli as he runs into the box. It's given despite protests, and Balotelli cooly dispatches it into the right hand corner. 2-0 half time, Manchester City in complete command.

20-32 : Half time at Old Trafford. And we've got a penalty for City at El Madrigal!

20-30 : Valencia and Toure remain the only scorers as we head into injury time. Anderson nearly joined them, but his weak footed effort slides wide.

20-28 : Almost! Galati break and it takes a smart stop from De Gea to keep out a deflected attempt on his goal. United counter attack themselves, Jones and Berbatov at the heart of it, but it's only a corner. Munich have a 3-0 lead against Napoli, rout.

20-27 : Approaching the breaks in most games now, and could there be a few more goals in these first halves...

20-25 : They're now a mere 1.25 to leave Spain with three points. United still searching for the second goal, but they're comfortable and content with the 1-0 lead at the moment.

20-24 : In Taylor Cross' words, City look 'frightening' when coming forward on the attack.

20-23 : Nearly a superb second for City, Nasri and Silva involved in unlocking the home side's back four, but the finish just can't be applied. Stunning passing, can they nick a second with only 5 minutes or so left of the half?

20-22 : Toure again skips around a few men, but is denied the chance to get a shot in. Meanwhile Evans has got a yellow card in Manchester.

20-20 : Blackpool have a third at Leeds, Shelvey striking again. United dominating in their game but just haven't found the elusive second goal. They'll be hoping to get it and avoid any nervous moments, just ask Chelsea from last night.

20-18 : Draw up to 5.6 now after Toure's intervention, with Villarreal all the way out at 17/1. Longshot, City growing in confidence all the time.

20-18 : Fabio goes on a surging run, beating a few men before being tackled. Enterprising play, let's see some more of the please. Madrid now lead Lyon, and both Ajax and Blackpool double their leads.

20-16 : Goal! Toure the man, and both Manchester teams lead 1-0. He gets free in the box and places a firm shot to the left of the keeper, who had no chance. A class finish. Man City 1-0 up.

20-15 : Comedy takes centre stage for a moment, as Mancini bangs his head on the dugout roof. Back to the football... Hernandez drags wide, good chance goes begging.

20-14 : It's finally blocked, and cleared accordingly. Villarreal threaten to break, Valero attempting a give and go on the edge of the box but loses it. Things livening up out there.

20-13 : Still lining it up. Back in England, Valencia has a decent effort blocked.

20-12 : HUGE chance for City, they're lining up a free kick just 20 yards out, right of centre...

20-12 : Bill James on Twitter makes the astute comment on how Villarreal's passing is looking very slick, and I have to say, City are struggling to get the ball back. Great atmosphere there too.

20-10 : Munich have double their lead, looking comfortable now.

20-09 : The draw in the City clash is down to 3.2, maybe worth a go?

20-09 : Half way through the games now, and we've had an interesting start. Man City and Villarreal both still feeling each other out in the early stages, but the opposite at United's ground as they lead against Galati already, and look like adding more. Inter, Ajax and Cardiff have all scored, giving them 1-0 leads.

20-07 : Very physical game at Old Trafford, with the ref letting a lot flow, which is good to see and allows for both sides to be committed.

20-05 : Not a huge amount happening in Spain, both sides taking it in turns to keep possession for a while. That said, Joselu just ran clear, but the flag is up. Munich lead Napoli in their game, the other one in this group.

20-04 : Blackpool have scored at Leeds, LuaLua the man.

20-02 : The little Mexican takes a harsh tackle moments after coming on. Welcome to the game, son.

20-00 : OH no. Disaster for United, and not a good sight for football fans. Owen is limping off, after less than 15 minutes. Hernandez on, and you've got to feel for the ex England star.

19-58 : United set to dominate? You bet. 1.03 to win now, almost seems too easy for a Champions League game.

19-58 : They take and short and lose it though, a let down.

19-57 : City more measured, as you'd expect away from home against talented opposition. Valero starts at attack for the hosts, and they've won a corner.

19-54 : Hang on... Otelul come charging forwards and nearly get a goal themselves, only for a header to drop just wide from numer 8, Antal.

19-52 : 8 minutes in, and we've got a goal. Manchester United up and running, as Jones' whips in a great cross from the right flank, and when Owen can't connect, it leaves Valencia free to tap into an empty net. Dream start.

19-51 : Benfica, in United's group, lead at home to Basel. The Swiss 32/1 to now turn that one around and win. Benfica top that group, coincidentally.

19-50 : Corner to United after decent pressure, but it's dealt with effectively, if not in a textbook manner by Rapa in the blue backline.

19-50 : Perez finds space out in Spain, testing Joe Hart with a decent effort. Early stages very cagey out there, will it be another typical Mancini away day set-up and performance?

19-48 : Ryan Cullen notes that maybe the Romanians will be pleased to see Rooney playing so deep, further away from their goal!

19-47 : Galati getting forward well early, showing they're not shy to wanting to pass it around. No danger though, United start solidly at the back.

19-45 : Teams are out, and we're up and running shortly after in both games involving the Manchester sides. I'm assuming we are elsewhere, or at least will be shortly.

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