While nobody will mistake Tuesday night's CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg between the Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake as an instant classic, there were plenty of talking points to come out of the 0-0 draw at Crew Stadium.
Referee Jair Marrufo issued three red cards, with RSL's Tony Beltran (two yellows) and Nat Borchers and Columbus' Emilio Renteria all being sent off and becoming ineligible for the return leg March 1 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Columbus had more opportunities in the attacking third, with Renteria and Andres Mendoza linking up together to create chances, all of which were either off target or saved by Nick Rimando. RSL, meanwhile, didn't challenge third-string goalkeeper Ray Burse once, but did well to keep the tie even despite being down a man for the final 37 minutes of the game.
Highlights from the match are after the jump:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjsbDema9nE]
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What did you think of the match? Do you think all the cards were deserved? Were you impressed with the Crew's attack? Dissapointed with RSL's? Do you see RSL or Columbus winning the second leg and advancing?
Share your thoughts below.