United drop important points to Chelsea
LONDON: Two critical goals by Michael Ballack have put Manchester United and Chelsea on even points. United still holds the first spot with a goal differential advantage.
A questionable decision by Alex Ferguson left Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for this match in order for him to be fully fit for the upcoming Champions League tie with Barcelona at Old Trafford.
Michael Ballack put Chelsea in front after he superbly headed home a cross from Didier Drogba just before half-time. United responded positively after half-time and were even after a gifted Wayne Rooney goal. Ricardo Carvalho played a lazy backpass to Petr Cech that Wayne Rooney intercepted and finished with class.
However, it was not meant to be for Manchester United on this day. With less than five minutes to go, a dubious handball call on Michael Carrick put Michael Ballack on the penalty spot. The German coolly smashed to ball into the back of the net and that put an end to the match.
United’s next fixture is the second leg against Barcelona at Old Trafford.
Tags: Chelsea, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Michael Ballack, Wayne Rooney