Champions League Final Player Ratings
AFTER 120 minutes the two best teams in Europe and the two best teams in England were eventually separated by the lottery of a penalty shoot-out. After a month of build up, the day finally arrived for the two sets of players and two sets of nervous supporters to travel to the Russian capital as Manchester United and Chelsea faced off in the Champions League Final. Following final day drama in the Premiership which has seen Manchester United pip the blues to the title, the West London club were looking for revenge in their first European Cup win.
Cristiano Ronaldo inevitably gave Manchester United the league in the first half with a header but saw his side pegged back when Lampard equalised a minute before half time. The game remained open but neither side could score what might be the decisive goal. Drogba hit the post before Lampard struck the cross back in the second half, whilst United missed great chances through Tevez and Carrick shortly after taking the lead.
Extra time could not separate England’s top two so it came down to the gauntlet of penalties. Both sides scored two before Cech saved from Ronaldo. No more of the remaining kicks were missed and it was down to John Terry to seal the win but slipping at the vital time Terry struck the outside of the post. Five more players kept their nerve before Van Der Saar was able to get a firm hand on a penalty by Anelka to give his side the victory.
In the year of the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster it was a fitting end for Manchester United whose players rejoiced at the end of the game as Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand lifted the trophy aloft. With the game a perfect advert for the English game abroad, just how did the players perform...?
Cristiano Ronaldo inevitably gave Manchester United the league in the first half with a header but saw his side pegged back when Lampard equalised a minute before half time. The game remained open but neither side could score what might be the decisive goal. Drogba hit the post before Lampard struck the cross back in the second half, whilst United missed great chances through Tevez and Carrick shortly after taking the lead.
Extra time could not separate England’s top two so it came down to the gauntlet of penalties. Both sides scored two before Cech saved from Ronaldo. No more of the remaining kicks were missed and it was down to John Terry to seal the win but slipping at the vital time Terry struck the outside of the post. Five more players kept their nerve before Van Der Saar was able to get a firm hand on a penalty by Anelka to give his side the victory.
In the year of the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster it was a fitting end for Manchester United whose players rejoiced at the end of the game as Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand lifted the trophy aloft. With the game a perfect advert for the English game abroad, just how did the players perform...?
Manchester United
The reds started the far better team in Moscow and took a deserved lead through Ronaldo who netted his 42nd goal of the season. United threatened to double their lead with Tevez and Carrick going close before Chelsea took over dominance of the game. In the second period of extra time when Drogba was dismissed, Manchester United started to find their passing rhythm and eventually in the penalty shoot-out they were able to lift their third European Cup.
Van Der Saar – United’s penalty hero was largely undisturbed in the first half but as Chelsea began to attack his communication with the two centre backs was very important. His decision making was crucial and in the shoot-out he wrote his name into the Manchester United book of legends with a penalty save from Nicolas Anelka.
Brown – Without doubt Manchester United’s most improved player this season, Brown was relatively untroubled by Malouda and defended resolutely against Kalou. Going forward he was able to offer his team an attacking option and his effective contribution was summed up by a great cross for the goal by Ronaldo.
Ferdinand – United’s captain had a great game and between Vidic and himself marshalled Drogba very well. The central defender was always comfortable in possession and was always an option was Chelsea stepped back and waited for United to attack them.
Vidic – Ferdinand’s central defensive partner was also effective in keeping Drogba quiet. He was willing as ever to throw himself in the way of Chelsea players with some great blocks and on crosses he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to prevent his side from slipping behind.
Evra – Supporting Ronaldo down the right hand side, Evra had a relatively easy time as United were on top due to Cole helping out his right back Essien. When Chelsea were able to get forward Evra was wisely tightly marking the most creative player on the opposition team and prevented him from doing anything of real note.
Hargreaves – The energetic midfielder was a surprise choice on the right hand side of a midfield as Manchester United looked to match Chelsea’s formation. In the first half he provided Cole with plenty of problems and when Scholes was substituted he reverted to a more familiar central role and was effective as United looked to stop a wave of Chelsea attacks.
Carrick – As one of the team’s unsung heroes throughout the season, Carrick continued his highly impressive performances with a display of some credit. He looked lovely and energetic and was frequently in positions to receive the ball when United needed another option. He contributed several vital interceptions and was one of the winning sides outstanding players.
Scholes – The first name onto the team sheet according to Sir Alex, Scholes looked comfortable as Manchester United started the game well. As Chelsea began to take the ascendency, he began to look a little over-run as Lampard and Ballack began to dominate the midfield.
Ronaldo – The Portuguese midfielder delivered a performance on the big stage that many had questioned if he could or not. From the first minute he made makeshift defender Essien’s life a nightmare and even in the second half when he did not receive much of the ball he was able to help his side defensively. His goal was a deserved reward for his fantastic goal-filled season and although he could not convert his penalty he ended up with a winner’s medal.
Rooney – Starting in the centre of the three pronged attack, Rooney looked to hold the ball and play in Ronaldo wherever possible. He spent much of his time when Chelsea were on top doing some great defensive work but in the second half he began to become more isolated and was taken off looking a frustrated figure with twenty minutes left in normal time.
Tevez – The Argentine was one of United’s quieter players on the night but was always a willing runner. Though he could not finish off one of the chances which fell to him in the first half, he helped United hold up the ball and was always looking to work some space for his team mates if he was not in a position to receive the ball.
Subs:
Giggs – Now United’s record appearance maker, it was fitting that Giggs was on the winning side on such a special night. Had a fantastic chance in extra time but was not able to finish off what would have been a dream ending. He did however score in the shoot-out before Anelka missed.
Nani – The Portuguese player came on with twenty minutes left and with United under pressure he did not have much of a role in normal time. In the final few minutes of extra time his ‘dancing feet’ nearly created a chance for Manchester United which would have saved the drama of a shoot out.
Chelsea
Having lost the league to Manchester United but beaten them at Stamford Bridge just three weeks ago, the blues looked to gain a psychological advantage in the early stages but found United in no mood to sit back and play a European style tactics. After a rocky start and the shock of conceding a goal they began to come back into the game and created a chance through Drogba which forced a reflex save from Van Der Saar. They were fortunate with the lucky breaks which fell to Lampard just before half time but probably deserved to be level after a sustained period of pressure in and around the United goal. The second half was all Chelsea and the London side were lucky not to be ahead when Drogba hit the post and Lampard went close on a couple of occasions. The manager made his changes and looked to push Chelsea forward and they were unlucky not to add to the goal by their top scorer. In extra time, Lampard again went close, hitting the woodwork. With five minutes left, Drogba was sent off for a needless slap on Vidic and from that point onwards Chelsea were looking only for the reprieve of penalties. It wasn’t to be as first John Terry missed the chance to win the game at 3-3 and then Anelka saw his spot kick saved by Van Der Saar to leave Chelsea trophy-less for the first time since 2003/04.
Cech – The big Chelsea goalkeeper looked confident and assured in a display which highlighted what an asset he is to the club. Although he failed to react to the Ronaldo header a couple of minutes later he made a great double save and ensured Chelsea were never in trouble from set pieces with some fantastic decision making.
Essien – The makeshift right back had his sternest test in the position playing against an on form Ronaldo and in the early stages it looked as if it would be a long night. His misjudgement of the ball led to the Portuguese winger heading home the opener but in the second half he was able to get himself much closer to the goalscorer and stop him from being a threat. A driving run in the second half saw him push Ronaldo back the other way and once this began to happen he looked more comfortable as the game began to slide Chelsea’s way.
Terry – The disappointment on Terry’s face at the end of the game displayed exactly what a rollercoaster of emotions the England defender must be going through. Although the game will be remembered for his penalty miss, his clearance off the line from Giggs should not be forgotten and his overall contribution to the game should be recognised.
Carvalho – The Portuguese defender played well in what was a difficult game for him up against Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez. In tandom with John Terry he kept the Englishman and the Argentine quiet for much of the game and at set pieces ensured that Manchester United were rarely a threat after they scored.
Cole – The Chelsea left back looked to have returned to the form of his Arsenal days with a good defensive performance. He dealt well with Hargreaves who looked to test him whenever possible. In the second half, Cole pushed the owness of defence onto Hargreaves and created an excellent chance to Lampard in the second half.
Ballack – The German midfielder was largely ineffective in the first half as Chelsea’s midfield was overrun by Hargreaves, Carrick and Ronaldo but once their threat dwindled he came much more into the game. His aerial threat was evident at corners and he was unlucky with a couple of free kicks. His dispatched his penalty with all the composure expected of a German.
Makalele – The French midfielder looked a little off the pace as Manchester United dominated early on. His tackling and skills at intercepting the ball were not quite up to scratch and he found it difficult to find the time to play his usually game in and around a very busy Manchester United midfield. With Ballack and Lampard in front of him trying to get Chelsea the winning goal he was sometimes left over exposed on the defensive.
Lampard – The Chelsea midfielder worked hard and deserved all the luck he got in the run up to his goal. He was extremely unlucky later on with his shot that hit the bar and he continued to drive Chelsea forward even when Drogba was sent off. The box to box running he put in throughout the ninety minutes will have been noted by Fabio Capello.
Drogba – The Chelsea talisman had one of his poorer games for the club and he will hope his sending off was not the final act in a season of much pragmatism. He was largely ineffective throughout the game and unlike in the semi-final he was unable to inspire his team to the victory. If his act of petulance had not earned him a red card he would almost certainly have been one of the five penalty takers for his team and things might have turned out differently for Chelsea.
Cole – One of Chelsea’s most consistent performers throughout the season, Cole was well marshalled by Evra and was not able to show any of his trademark skill and creativity. He spent much of the first half chasing shadows as Manchester United looked to use Ronaldo to expose the out of position Essien.
Malouda – Chosen to start over Kalou, Malouda failed to test Wes Brown enough and will be disappointed for all the opportunities that he had but was unable to turn them into anything effective.
Subs:
Kalou – Produced little in his time on the field and once Drogba was sent off he was pushed into a deeper role which did not suit him.
Anelka – The strikers penalty missed summed up what has been a slow start to his Chelsea career. Playing from a wide position Anelka looked uncomfortable and was unable to get into the game once his strike partner was dismissed.
The reds started the far better team in Moscow and took a deserved lead through Ronaldo who netted his 42nd goal of the season. United threatened to double their lead with Tevez and Carrick going close before Chelsea took over dominance of the game. In the second period of extra time when Drogba was dismissed, Manchester United started to find their passing rhythm and eventually in the penalty shoot-out they were able to lift their third European Cup.
Van Der Saar – United’s penalty hero was largely undisturbed in the first half but as Chelsea began to attack his communication with the two centre backs was very important. His decision making was crucial and in the shoot-out he wrote his name into the Manchester United book of legends with a penalty save from Nicolas Anelka.
Brown – Without doubt Manchester United’s most improved player this season, Brown was relatively untroubled by Malouda and defended resolutely against Kalou. Going forward he was able to offer his team an attacking option and his effective contribution was summed up by a great cross for the goal by Ronaldo.
Ferdinand – United’s captain had a great game and between Vidic and himself marshalled Drogba very well. The central defender was always comfortable in possession and was always an option was Chelsea stepped back and waited for United to attack them.
Vidic – Ferdinand’s central defensive partner was also effective in keeping Drogba quiet. He was willing as ever to throw himself in the way of Chelsea players with some great blocks and on crosses he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to prevent his side from slipping behind.
Evra – Supporting Ronaldo down the right hand side, Evra had a relatively easy time as United were on top due to Cole helping out his right back Essien. When Chelsea were able to get forward Evra was wisely tightly marking the most creative player on the opposition team and prevented him from doing anything of real note.
Hargreaves – The energetic midfielder was a surprise choice on the right hand side of a midfield as Manchester United looked to match Chelsea’s formation. In the first half he provided Cole with plenty of problems and when Scholes was substituted he reverted to a more familiar central role and was effective as United looked to stop a wave of Chelsea attacks.
Carrick – As one of the team’s unsung heroes throughout the season, Carrick continued his highly impressive performances with a display of some credit. He looked lovely and energetic and was frequently in positions to receive the ball when United needed another option. He contributed several vital interceptions and was one of the winning sides outstanding players.
Scholes – The first name onto the team sheet according to Sir Alex, Scholes looked comfortable as Manchester United started the game well. As Chelsea began to take the ascendency, he began to look a little over-run as Lampard and Ballack began to dominate the midfield.
Ronaldo – The Portuguese midfielder delivered a performance on the big stage that many had questioned if he could or not. From the first minute he made makeshift defender Essien’s life a nightmare and even in the second half when he did not receive much of the ball he was able to help his side defensively. His goal was a deserved reward for his fantastic goal-filled season and although he could not convert his penalty he ended up with a winner’s medal.
Rooney – Starting in the centre of the three pronged attack, Rooney looked to hold the ball and play in Ronaldo wherever possible. He spent much of his time when Chelsea were on top doing some great defensive work but in the second half he began to become more isolated and was taken off looking a frustrated figure with twenty minutes left in normal time.
Tevez – The Argentine was one of United’s quieter players on the night but was always a willing runner. Though he could not finish off one of the chances which fell to him in the first half, he helped United hold up the ball and was always looking to work some space for his team mates if he was not in a position to receive the ball.
Subs:
Giggs – Now United’s record appearance maker, it was fitting that Giggs was on the winning side on such a special night. Had a fantastic chance in extra time but was not able to finish off what would have been a dream ending. He did however score in the shoot-out before Anelka missed.
Nani – The Portuguese player came on with twenty minutes left and with United under pressure he did not have much of a role in normal time. In the final few minutes of extra time his ‘dancing feet’ nearly created a chance for Manchester United which would have saved the drama of a shoot out.
Chelsea
Having lost the league to Manchester United but beaten them at Stamford Bridge just three weeks ago, the blues looked to gain a psychological advantage in the early stages but found United in no mood to sit back and play a European style tactics. After a rocky start and the shock of conceding a goal they began to come back into the game and created a chance through Drogba which forced a reflex save from Van Der Saar. They were fortunate with the lucky breaks which fell to Lampard just before half time but probably deserved to be level after a sustained period of pressure in and around the United goal. The second half was all Chelsea and the London side were lucky not to be ahead when Drogba hit the post and Lampard went close on a couple of occasions. The manager made his changes and looked to push Chelsea forward and they were unlucky not to add to the goal by their top scorer. In extra time, Lampard again went close, hitting the woodwork. With five minutes left, Drogba was sent off for a needless slap on Vidic and from that point onwards Chelsea were looking only for the reprieve of penalties. It wasn’t to be as first John Terry missed the chance to win the game at 3-3 and then Anelka saw his spot kick saved by Van Der Saar to leave Chelsea trophy-less for the first time since 2003/04.
Cech – The big Chelsea goalkeeper looked confident and assured in a display which highlighted what an asset he is to the club. Although he failed to react to the Ronaldo header a couple of minutes later he made a great double save and ensured Chelsea were never in trouble from set pieces with some fantastic decision making.
Essien – The makeshift right back had his sternest test in the position playing against an on form Ronaldo and in the early stages it looked as if it would be a long night. His misjudgement of the ball led to the Portuguese winger heading home the opener but in the second half he was able to get himself much closer to the goalscorer and stop him from being a threat. A driving run in the second half saw him push Ronaldo back the other way and once this began to happen he looked more comfortable as the game began to slide Chelsea’s way.
Terry – The disappointment on Terry’s face at the end of the game displayed exactly what a rollercoaster of emotions the England defender must be going through. Although the game will be remembered for his penalty miss, his clearance off the line from Giggs should not be forgotten and his overall contribution to the game should be recognised.
Carvalho – The Portuguese defender played well in what was a difficult game for him up against Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez. In tandom with John Terry he kept the Englishman and the Argentine quiet for much of the game and at set pieces ensured that Manchester United were rarely a threat after they scored.
Cole – The Chelsea left back looked to have returned to the form of his Arsenal days with a good defensive performance. He dealt well with Hargreaves who looked to test him whenever possible. In the second half, Cole pushed the owness of defence onto Hargreaves and created an excellent chance to Lampard in the second half.
Ballack – The German midfielder was largely ineffective in the first half as Chelsea’s midfield was overrun by Hargreaves, Carrick and Ronaldo but once their threat dwindled he came much more into the game. His aerial threat was evident at corners and he was unlucky with a couple of free kicks. His dispatched his penalty with all the composure expected of a German.
Makalele – The French midfielder looked a little off the pace as Manchester United dominated early on. His tackling and skills at intercepting the ball were not quite up to scratch and he found it difficult to find the time to play his usually game in and around a very busy Manchester United midfield. With Ballack and Lampard in front of him trying to get Chelsea the winning goal he was sometimes left over exposed on the defensive.
Lampard – The Chelsea midfielder worked hard and deserved all the luck he got in the run up to his goal. He was extremely unlucky later on with his shot that hit the bar and he continued to drive Chelsea forward even when Drogba was sent off. The box to box running he put in throughout the ninety minutes will have been noted by Fabio Capello.
Drogba – The Chelsea talisman had one of his poorer games for the club and he will hope his sending off was not the final act in a season of much pragmatism. He was largely ineffective throughout the game and unlike in the semi-final he was unable to inspire his team to the victory. If his act of petulance had not earned him a red card he would almost certainly have been one of the five penalty takers for his team and things might have turned out differently for Chelsea.
Cole – One of Chelsea’s most consistent performers throughout the season, Cole was well marshalled by Evra and was not able to show any of his trademark skill and creativity. He spent much of the first half chasing shadows as Manchester United looked to use Ronaldo to expose the out of position Essien.
Malouda – Chosen to start over Kalou, Malouda failed to test Wes Brown enough and will be disappointed for all the opportunities that he had but was unable to turn them into anything effective.
Subs:
Kalou – Produced little in his time on the field and once Drogba was sent off he was pushed into a deeper role which did not suit him.
Anelka – The strikers penalty missed summed up what has been a slow start to his Chelsea career. Playing from a wide position Anelka looked uncomfortable and was unable to get into the game once his strike partner was dismissed.