First proper Champions League game at the new stadium (qualifiers don't count!), and it yielded the first goal at the south end of the stadium. I sit at the other end, so its all a bit far away from me, but it was good to finally christen the "other" end of the stadium. The players all did their customary "get in the corner and have it large with the crowd" celebration, which seems to be becoming a habit in the new stadium.
The opener was a header as well, for the second time in 2 games - the new pitch is much wider, which definitely seems to be helping us get crosses into the box for goals like that. I never thought I'd see the day where Henry scored 2 in a row with his head.
Porto were particularly unimpressive, they have a great UEFA ranking, but much of this is built on back to back Euro trophies, 3 years ago when Mourinho was their manager. Only about 2 players from that team are still there, and they are a shadow of their former selves - and that even includes not diving and playacting quite as much as they used to.
This was the second game in a row where people I know got thrown out of the stadium during the game - both for standing up and being loud in support of the team. This also seems to be becoming a habit, and not a good one, especially when the away fans are allowed to do whatever the hell they like. I don't know why the club seem to be picking on their own fans, but I hope they stop, and soon. Its as if they only want atmosphere to be coming from the away section!
So, another good win in Europe, and this puts us in pole position to qualify for the next round. The incredible thing is how we seem to be doing this with so little fuss. Seven or eight years ago, we would have really been struggling with this group, but now we just seem able to pick up the wins we need, no messing around.
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