AP/ Eduardo stuns former club Arsenal
Eduardo scored one of the most important goals of his career Wednesday night as he slotted home a Darijo Srna pass seconds before halftime to give Shakhtar a huge 2-1 win against Arsenal. Eduardo stayed true to his promise that he wouldn’t celebrate if he scored against former club Arsenal, instead looking as if someone had died. He only gave a ‘thumb suck’ and ‘big belly’ gesture as Srna ran across the field like he’d won the World Cup. Boys, get the cigars ready, Dudu’s going to have a baby!
GROUP H STANDINGS
Darijo Srna played with cause in this match against Arsenal as shown on the play of Eduardo’s goal. He flagged down a long-field pass, and even though he didn’t have position on the play, fought hard to pick Eduardo out all alone in the penalty box. With the win, it looks like Shakhtar will be playing Champions League ball come early 2011. Doesn’t look like Srna is going anywhere.
THE CROATIAN CONNECTION GETS IT DONE IN DONETSK
AP/ Modrić relives his AYSO days
Some might say that Luka Modrić is back, but we’d like to think that he’s now better than ever! Modrić played the entire game Tuesday night as reigning European champions Inter Milan visited White Hart Lane. Tottenham came out on the attack and looked hungry for the three points straight out of the gate. It was Modrić who created all the magic for the Spurs’ first goal; as he strung a perfect ball to van der Vaart in the 18th minute for a clean look on goal. Crouch added a tap-in goal 61 minutes through and Pavlychenko bought some insurance late for a 3-1 Tottenham victory. With the win, Spurs lead Group A with two games left.
AP/ Modrić giving Inter a hard time
Luka Modrić is showing us that he can play amongst the world’s best. Inter could have locked up a Round of 16 berth with a win in London Tuesday night, however, Modrić and the Spurs had other ideas. With the win, Tottenham jump Inter in the Group A standings on goal differential and will battle it out for a seed in the next round. Both teams play Werder Bremen and Twente in their last two group games.
GROUP A STANDINGS
Niko Kranjčar was once again left high and dry on the Tottenham bench. It’s not the end of the world if he leaves in January, but where? How about Liverpool FC? They can quickly become the Liverpool of old with a few solid signings and some re-arranging of players.
Vedran Ćorluka watched in street clothes as he rests a groin injury. How hurt can Ćarli be if Slaven Bilić called him up for the Malta qualifier on November 17th though? Stipe Pletikosa backed up Spurs #2 Carlo Cudicini. Shame on you who were praying for a Cudicini injury. Where is your Fair Play at?
MODRIĆ SHOWS US HIS NEWEST MAGIC TRICK
REUTERS/ Lovren giving some thanks after 1st Lyon goal
After going down 4-0 to Benfica in the first 67 minutes, Dejan Lovren and Lyon almost made a comeback of epic proportions come true as they scored three goals in the last 16 minutes of the match. Lovren played the entire match and made the game interesting in injury time, as he flicked home Lyon’s third goal to make it 4-3 Benfica. That’s the way it would end but it’s good to see Lovren out of the doghouse. Lyon still look good to make the final 16.
LOVREN FLICKER AT 1:02
GROUP B STANDINGS
AFB/ Rakitić has seen better days
In more Group B action, Ivan Rakitić and Schalke travelled to Israel for their Hapoel Tel Aviv encounter. Rakitić got the start but was pulled out in the 74′ after a sluggish defensive day where he got burned on more than one occasion. The match ended in a scoreless draw. Schalke still control their own destiny in Europe after an awful start to their German season.
AP/ Pranjić (R) playing well with Bayern
Danijel Pranjić is increasing his stock everyday as Bayern Munich look unstoppable these days. Even without Ivica Olić and Arjen Robben, the men from Munich are getting the job done. They clobbered Cluj 4-0 Wednesday night and have already booked their ticket into the Round of 16. Pranjić is making the best of his starts with Bayern as half the team is out due to injury. What will manager Louis van Gaal do with his Croatian utility man come this winter?
GROUP E STANDINGS
Daily Record/ Jelavić must wait till next year for CL
We can only imagine that Rangers would be that much more dangerous with the services of Nikica Jelavić. Not only is the Croatian striker out with injury, but he is also cup-tied for Champions League this season. Rangers should be a lock for a Group Stage spot next year, so we’re going to have to wait until we can see Jelavić play amongst Europe’s elite. Can Rangers make the final 16 without Jelavić though? It’s going to be tough.
GROUP C STANDINGS
Eduardo's goal in different camera points of view.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkHybP-CM2U
Bravo, captain Darijo, bravo, Dudu! Majstorski!