Blues hold United, Reds top Spurs
Source: Agencies |
March 12, 2013, Tuesday
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CHELSEA staged a second-half comeback at Manchester United to earn 2-2 draw in the FA Cup on Sunday and force a replay to determine which team advances to a semifinal against Manchester City.
Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney put United ahead 2-0 after just 11 minutes, but substitute Eden Hazard began Chelsea's comeback in the 59th and Ramires equalized seven minutes later.
United manager Alex Ferguson blamed the collapse on fatigue in the wake of Tuesday's Champions League loss at home to Real Madrid. Chelsea's players, though, found the energy only three days after playing in the Europa League in Romania.
"We're lucky to still be in the cup," Ferguson said. "We just ran out of legs and Chelsea were far the better team in the second half. But I can't be critical of my side because ... the emotions and the intensity of Tuesday night took their toll."
There was a pre-match flashpoint, too, with Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez accusing Ferguson of snubbing his attempt to shake hands. "I was ready and waiting," said Benitez, who became embroiled in disputes with Ferguson before leaving Liverpool in 2010. "I have some education because I know a lot of people are watching so I know what I have to do."
The semifinals will take place on April 13 and 14, with Wigan Athletic now waiting to see whether it will play Blackburn Rovers or Millwall, who drew 0-0 on Sunday and have to meet again.
In the English Premier League on Sunday, third-place Tottenham Hotspur missed the chance to extend its two-point lead over Chelsea after losing 2-3 at Liverpool. Newcastle United moved nine points clear of the drop zone by beating Stoke City 2-1.
Luis Suarez put Liverpool ahead in the 21st at Anfield with his 50th goal for the club, but Jan Vertonghen headed Tottenham level on the stroke of halftime by meeting a cross from Gareth Bale. The Wales midfielder set up Vertonghen again after the break as Tottenham went in front, but a defensive mix-up allowed Liverpool to equalize in the 66th as Stewart Downing grabbed a rare goal.
Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto then fouled Luis Suarez in the area, and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard buried the winner from the penalty spot to clinch a third successive win that took his team up to sixth and ended Tottenham's 12-match unbeaten run.
Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney put United ahead 2-0 after just 11 minutes, but substitute Eden Hazard began Chelsea's comeback in the 59th and Ramires equalized seven minutes later.
United manager Alex Ferguson blamed the collapse on fatigue in the wake of Tuesday's Champions League loss at home to Real Madrid. Chelsea's players, though, found the energy only three days after playing in the Europa League in Romania.
"We're lucky to still be in the cup," Ferguson said. "We just ran out of legs and Chelsea were far the better team in the second half. But I can't be critical of my side because ... the emotions and the intensity of Tuesday night took their toll."
There was a pre-match flashpoint, too, with Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez accusing Ferguson of snubbing his attempt to shake hands. "I was ready and waiting," said Benitez, who became embroiled in disputes with Ferguson before leaving Liverpool in 2010. "I have some education because I know a lot of people are watching so I know what I have to do."
The semifinals will take place on April 13 and 14, with Wigan Athletic now waiting to see whether it will play Blackburn Rovers or Millwall, who drew 0-0 on Sunday and have to meet again.
In the English Premier League on Sunday, third-place Tottenham Hotspur missed the chance to extend its two-point lead over Chelsea after losing 2-3 at Liverpool. Newcastle United moved nine points clear of the drop zone by beating Stoke City 2-1.
Luis Suarez put Liverpool ahead in the 21st at Anfield with his 50th goal for the club, but Jan Vertonghen headed Tottenham level on the stroke of halftime by meeting a cross from Gareth Bale. The Wales midfielder set up Vertonghen again after the break as Tottenham went in front, but a defensive mix-up allowed Liverpool to equalize in the 66th as Stewart Downing grabbed a rare goal.
Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto then fouled Luis Suarez in the area, and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard buried the winner from the penalty spot to clinch a third successive win that took his team up to sixth and ended Tottenham's 12-match unbeaten run.
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