Anti-climax in Barcelona, United Gear Up for Tuesday

Barcelona F.C. were welcomed in electrifying fashion this Wednesday night at the Camp Nou when 95,000+ home supporters gathered to witness what would be a grueling chess match against English crème de la crème, Manchester United. Some 56,000 yellow flags were lifted by home fans forming a large mosaic that read Tots Units Fem Forca (Together We Are Strong). But at the end, even the largest football stadium in Europe, filled to capacity, couldn’t breach a most stubborn Manchester United defense.

Two minutes into play, Cristiano Ronaldo, of all the players in the world, failed to give the Reds an early lead after missing a penalty awarded against a hand ball by Barcelona’s Gabriel Milito. And what a price he’s paying. Look at these headlines. Barca were allowed to dominate the entire game as United refrained from the usual attacking style and pursued a more strategic defensive stance. The result was a satisfactory stalemate.

The Spanish giants will travel to Old Trafford this Tuesday for the second leg of the semifinals.

Over in Manchester, United has organized a campaign calling all Reds supporters to fill The Theatre of Dreams with a sea of red and white for next week’s clash against Barca.

It's not over yet. This Tuesday, wear your red!