I won.
A whole dollar.
More importantly, with the first leg of the Champions League semifinal over with, I figured we'd have some (relatively fun) analysis with the obligatory awards.
Starting with...
THE LIONEL MESSI AWARD FOR BEING LIONEL MESSI
presented to Lionel Messi, of course.
DUDE YOU SHOULD HAVE STAYED AT HOME AWARD
presented to Howard Webb who, as always, left his glasses at home (props to the other ref though, who made fair calls and kept the yellow cards on reserve)
CLASSY DUDE AWARD TO SOME CLASSY DUDE
Carles Puyol who, despite how awful his team was playing, stayed respectful, fair, and tried (vainly) to whip his teammates into shape.
GETS SHIT DONE AWARD
Philipp Lahm, for keeping posession in a thorny corner of Madrid's side and assisting Gomez in a key goal at the tail end of the Bayern match. And for supporting everyone else as well.
THE GRAVITY LOVES ME AWARD
Tie between Ribery and Drogba. Drogba arguably was not 100% fit but both players tended to go to ground on a dime.
MISSED MOMENT OF AWESOME AWARD
Casillas versus Neuer. DAMMIT.
Overall I'd say Neuer gave the best keeper performance but a large part of it is due to the fact that he had things to do. His distribution and passes are, as always, a gloriously beautiful sight to see. That does not mean he's #1 EPIC GOALIE AROUND, as Iker, Valdes, and Cech didn't have nearly as much to do.
Key leaders on the pitch include but are not limited to Ozil, Puyol, Kroos, and Didier Drogba.
How do I think the next leg will turn out?
Honestly?
I think Bayern and Chelsea have the best chance. Madrid and Barca will be meeting this weekend and if anything will have more Drama and potential injuries and will not have time to rest. Comparitively, Bayern and Chelsea have both conceded their chance to win the league title and while the weekend matches are important, Chelsea has a better chance of getting that CL slot by reaching the final and Bayern has a nice padding between them and Schalke. Which means time to rest and refocus for Tuesday and Wednesday.
THOUGHTS?
COMMENTS?
GIF SPAMS?