Champions League Semi Final Leg 1 & 2

This was going to be a huge game even if it was a friendly. This cup tie packed up the Asylum as St Lunatics hosted Maibuliwa in the first leg. The visitors had big expectations but the home team was not going down without a fight. The first game saw Luke Ware, Zuzul and Lilley out for the St. Lunatics while Maibuliwa had an almost fit team to pick from. The injuries proved to be a problem for the Americans as the home side failed to control the possesion in the game. Svistunov and Ryrosyuki were the stars in the first half as they dictated play for the Japanese. Viguier started instead of Sorenstam and the lanky striker was the first to trouble Casillas. As for the Americans, their first shot came after almost half an hour but Karaliopoulos's shot was never troubling Endo. Endo had very little to do in the first half. In the second half, Teralidis broke the deadlock on the 67th minute when his shot proved too hard to handle for Casillas. The Japanese continued to torment a weak St Lunatics side and the American's manager was not very happy with his team's performance. Lunatics had no more shots in the game and Maibuliwa cruised away with a hard earned away goal.

Maibuliwa players celebrating.

The second leg was played this week too as both managers agreed that they would want to get their games over with and done with. After a string of good results from both sides in the league, both are equally confident with their chances of going through. Santa Cruz started instead of Karaliopoulos and Sorenstam started instead of Viguier. Both sets of teams had a different style of play this time around and the crowds in the AvD. 53 Arena were going to be treated with a very pulsating game. The game started off with a bang as away side, St. Lunatics surged forward to find an early lead. A few early shots almost gave a scare to the home fans. Manager cyen was screaming down orders to his players even at the early minutes while manager tzelun decided to remain calm. On the 23rd minute, Santa Cruz's superior upper body strength proved to be a problem for the Maibuliwa defense. After scoring a hat-trick last night against HMGS, the big striker got into the scoresheet once more after fending off challenges from 4 Maibuliwa defenders. The away fans are not on their feet as the Americans controlled the first half. It got better for the Americans as Tristan's low drive on the 31st minute flew pass Endo with ease and the visitors are now on the driving seat.

Pique and Svistunov going for the ball.

In the second half, manager tzelun was clearly under stress and pressure but he rallied his team and gave a superb half time team talk. As for the Americans, they were complacent in the early minutes of the second half and almost gave a goal to the Japanese. However, Maibuliwa clawed one back on the 63rd minute through the quick feet of Sorenstam. The striker's shot proved too hard to handle for Casillas but the goal still does not secure a place in the finals for the Japanese. Maibuliwa had one hand on the tickets to the final on the 69th minute when Sorenstam once more took advantage over a confused St. Lunatics defense and the game is now tied 2-2. It was really an epic encounter between the giants. The goal meant that if St. Lunatics fail to score in the remaining time, Maibuliwa was on their way to the finals. Tzelun and cyen were then seen giving orders to his team. Tzelun wanted his team to tuck back and defend. He decided to defend for the next 15 minutes or so and that gave St. Lunatics a fighting chance. In the last 15 minutes, St. Lunatics were seen banging on Endo's door over and over again. On the 89th minute, Hylander whipped in an in-swinging corner and was met by Tristan's head. The ball fell to Endo but the veteran keeper failed to grab hold onto it and substitute Pantelis Karaliopoulos finished it off. The away fans went berzerk and manager cyen was seen dancing in front of his fans. An epic game. The game ended with the tickets to the finals in favor of St. Luantics.

Better Late than Never.