The first leg of the Champions League semifinals was this week, and Manchester United and Chelsea each took a big step at home toward a possible title meeting. First, injury-depleted Man U came from behind on two second-half goals by Wayne Rooney to beat AC Milan 3-2 on Tuesday, and after the game, it’s Milan with injury worries going into the return leg next week. Kaká scored two brilliant goals for Milan in the first half, but after defensive stopper Paolo Maldini went out at halftime with a knee injury and midfield bulldog Rino Gattu­so followed eight minutes later (foot), the Italians were not the same team. Both are doubtful for the rematch (and of course, league matches in between, as both teams face important road tests this weekend). At least they have eight days between games; Liverpool and Chelsea will go at it again with just five “rest” days (if you count their Saturday Premiership games as “rest”). Chelsea took the first leg Wednes­day, getting a fine early goal by Joe Cole, then effectively killing off the game and running out a 1-0 win. Next week, it’s Chelsea at Liverpool on Tuesday and Man U at Milan on Wednesday, both at 1:30pm on ESPN2.

Guadalajara and Pachuca drew, 2-2, in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final last Wednes­day. That title is being decided in Pachuca as we go to press.

Athens, meanwhile, is girding for a possible all-Eng­land Champs League final. In a nervous press release Friday, the Greek police chief urged fans without tickets to stay home, pledged to bring police in from around the country for the game, and to conduct “austere checks for alcohol use,” and he said that “our aim is for the opposing fans not to meet.”

The Copa Libertadores group stage finishes this Wednesday and Thursday, with four spots in the final 16 still to be decided. High profile losers include defending world club champion Internacional of Brazil and Argentina’s River Plate. Knockout rounds begin next Wednesday, May 2.

Cristiano Ronaldo swept the Professional Football Association awards this week, being named best player, best young player, and fans’ player of the year.

This article appears in April 20 • 2007.

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