CL action: matchday 5

Drenthe in his typical style…

It’s deep in November… Players are getting tired, coaches face injured key-players, the pitches turn hard, the weather gets worse… November was never my fave month in Europe. At least in December, there’s the festive season…

Matchday 5, leg 1, was a disappointment.

Lot’s of 0-0’s at half time. Arsenal’s wheels need oil. Real Madrid lost it’s rhythm. Getting up early in the morning to watch Zenit – Juventus…I couldn’t do it. Sorry…

No real big stories for the Dutchies. Sneijder and Drenthe played for Madrid away against Bate and won 0-1 (Raul), with as Dutch highlight Drenthe’s assist.

Van Persie played a frustrating game against Kiev, winning 1-0 thanks to a late Bendtner goal (great pass by Cesc Fabregas). Robin played well, lively and active. But the pass from the back was either too late, too obvious or poor… At the same time, Kiev played tight counter football and knew well how to handle the too slow build up by the Gunners.

The 0-0 Zenit – Juve end result means that Dick Advocaat is doing another UEFA Cup gig this season.

Bayern, Man United and Olympique Lyon cruise through.

Tomorrow, PSV will battle Atletico Madrid in Spain for their last chance to make it into the UEFA Cup. More on that on the offside PSV blog

More later!