Top 10 matches of the season: Part 2
2012 brought with it some truly memorable matches. In part 2, we look at some incredible action from various tournaments across Europe, which saw an an incredible unbeaten streak come to an end, while two first-time champions were crowned, one for the new-era, and one for the first time in history. It would be impossible to pick a certain game as being better than another, and hence, in no particular order, here are another five of the most exciting matches of 2012.
When Inter Milan came knocking at the Turin stadium with a four point deficit, to face a Juve side who hadn’t been beaten in 49 matches, eyes all over Italy and the world were fixed on the outcome. When Arturo Vidal scored within 19 seconds of the start, albeit with the help of an offside in the buildup to the goal, one thought the result was a foregone conclusion, with half a century of games unbeaten for the Old Lady just 90 minutes away. What they did not expect, however, was that The Prince, Diego Milito, would score a brace, and inspire a 3 – 1 win for the visitors, who left the stadium on top after a thoroughly entertaining and open fixture; one which rarely associates with the Serie A.
It was a rare close-call for the Catalans when, down to ten men, they had to battle hard to overcome Deportivo La Coruna. Having lost the La Liga trophy to Real Madrid for the first time in 4 years, this was a crucial game for Barcelona to maintain the gap they had established between themselves and the champions. An incredible first half saw six goals being scored, with the scoreline reading 4 – 2 in favour of the visitors. This comfort was soon shattered with an excellent free kick from Pizzi two minutes into the second half, and Mascherano’s sending off just moments later. However, Messi turned saviour yet again, as he completed his hat-trick to make the scoreline 5 – 3 in favour of Barca who, in spite of an Alba own goal, managed to see out the game.
Chelsea were practically untouchable in the new season, flying high on the back of their Champions League win and expensive signings, to take an early lead in the Premier League race. What was even more impressive though was the manner of their victories, coming in excellent attacking displays. The visit of United though, changed all that for the blues, as a 2 – 3 loss at the Bridge, in controversial fashion, set in motion a chain of events which ended Chelsea’s run, and saw Di Matteo eventually sacked. Chicharito scored the winner from a suspected offside position, and Chelsea finished the game with nine men, before lots of fingers were pointed at the referee for all sorts of issues, and led to the demise of Chelsea’s early season form.
Chelsea, and Roman Abramovich, reached the promised land for the first time in history, largely due to the efforts of one Didier Drogba, who was playing his last game for the club, at least for the time being. Deploying a similar tactic as in the semi final against Barcelona, Chelsea held out against a wasteful Bayern until Muller broke the deadlock late, in the 83rd minute. However, just when Bayern thought they had edged it, Drogba turned up with an equaliser just 2 minutes from time, sending the game into extra time, and then penalties. Here again, Drogba would have the last laugh, scoring the winning penalty, and celebrating an unlikely triumph with his London teammates.
Manchester City fans had their joy cut short, when, 66 minutes into the game, Mackie gave QPR an unlikely lead, after having trailed to a Zabaleta strike. That sinking feeling was setting in to the City fans, as QPR continued to frustrate the home team till the 90-minute mark, when they learned that they had been saved from the relegation zone. It was loose play then, from the visitors, that let Dzeko equalise in injury time, before Aguero scored a dramatic late winner for City, winning the title with virtually the last kick of the season. Undoubtedly the most incredible moment of the season, at least for a neutral.