The weekend provided a healthy dose of drama and excitement on both sides of the Channel, as the Manchester Derby lifted the fans in the stands while the Iberian giants of pro soccer rumbled along. Yes, a picture says a thousand words, but a well selected word says, um, five words? Six words? And now, the weekend in text.

In Manchester…

The Manchester Derby lived up to the hype, as United eeked out a thrilling 4-3 victory late in stoppage time. Darren Fletcher contributed two goals, but Michael Owen took a step towards endearing himself to the Red Devils faithful, slotting home a precise Giggs pass to steal three points.

Ben Foster, however, took two steps back. He comically misjudged Joleon Lescott´s longball, allowing Tevez to arrive early and tap a pass which Gareth Barry dutifully finished. On the other side of the ball, Craig Bellamy completed the Cantona hat-trick of two goals plus a punch to a fan. Still, it was not enough.

The Bullish Blues…

At Stamford Bridge, winning appears a simple equation. Marauding fullbacks + good goaltending = victory. Bosingwa rattled the cross bar early, but Ashley Cole provided the early lead on a header as the Blues defense provided the width so sorely lacking with Ballack and Lampard on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Petr Cech made a gem of a save to deny the redhot Jermain Defoe, and, of course, the Blues scored two more goals to seal the victory. While Carlos Ancellotti´s diamond is really just a new name for an old face, Chelsea has been more consistent thus far this season. But will the injury but hit in mid-March?

At the Emirates…

Forwards scoring goals? That is so 2005. Thomas Vermaelen, whose last name is Gaelic for “Puff the Floating Dragon,” headed home Arsenal´s first goal and actually had a delightful, bending shot for his second goal. But will he supplant Robin Van Persie?

Emmanuel Eboue also scored a goal, albeit off a fortunate deflection. Still, Gunner´s fans held an ice cold reception for the Ivorian – not wishing him immediate harm, but also not expressing concern should a semi-truck crash into his home. Unless he scores a hat trick in the Champions League final, all goals unassisted, he will be the runt of the litter.

On the Iberian Peninsula…

Cristiano Ronaldo is, well, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese hitman finally glowed brightly in a white jersey, scoring two early goals to lead the Merengues shuffle over lowly Xerez. Guti, who I loathe, also scored a goal. He now has scored two goals in two games, yet still….still…

United castaway Ruud Van Nistelrooy also came back from injury to score a goal, showing that even an aging, injury prone striker can score against a relegation-bound bottom feeder. He received a standing ovation, somewhat humilliating considering he still needs crutches to stand for more than five minutes.

Barcelona crushed Atletico Madrid. The azulgrana scored 4 goals in the first half as Ibrahimovic and Messi continued their uneasy courtship. Zlat, with his slow, powerful approach, latched onto a Busquets to chip far post and open the scoring. Ten minutes later, Xavi and Messi conspired to beat the offsides trap, and the little Argentine fooled Atletico´s keeper with a neat dummy. Then, with the keeper on the floor, Messi calmly rolled the ball into the net. But can Messi and Ibrahimovic complete a pass between the two? Do they need to?

While scoring against Atletico´s defense is not exactly a feat worthy of praise, the defense did look solid against Aguero and Forlan. Of course, a two goal cushion at the outset certainly helps. And Atletico´s 4 striker – 5 defender – 1 midfielder scheme is not exactly bearing fruit.

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