UEFA Champions League

[ROGER O. THORNHILL]

We all know...

He already has an Italian girlfriend, doesn't he?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCLayolbCOk&feature=related

There may be some who may not know much about Barca coach Josep Guardiola. He was the Andrea Pirlo of the Catalans; the distributor in Johan Cruyff's great Barca teams of the 90's. With Guardiola at the controls Barca won 5 Liga titles and in Champions Cup (92). Romario and Stoichkov were the stars of the team but it was Pep passing that made them. This was brutally highlighted in the 94 CL Final; Barcelona, though heavily favoured, had to go up against Milan's International defense (Maldini, Baresi, Costacurta, Panucci) without their injured playmaker. It was not to be Barca's day.

Eventually Guardiola moved the Serie A, where he did not enjoy the same level of success. Barcelona went five years without silverware without him. A great player and possibly just as good a coach.

For those of us Barca fans since childhood, seeing Guardiola become Coach is a perfectly natural fit. Much like I can see Xavi coaching the Catalan Giants ten years from now. It was Guardiola himself who said, regarding Xavi: "this is the kid who'll bump me out of my job".

It's obvious that a player who was coached by one of the True Great Gods of Football (that being Johan Cruyff) should also become a great coach in his own right. It's also quite conceivable that he should one day be asked to coach the Spanish National Team, but there is no use to anyone to get that far ahead of ourselves.

A player who was not only coached by Cruyff but was also on the pitch with the likes of Figo, Zubizaretta and Ronaldo would gather a wealth of information and knowledge that is now being clearly passed on in the best way possible.

As for Cristiano Ronaldo's Girlfriend, we all know he's an active member of the U.E.F.A.E.R.B chapter and has made no apologies in the past about it. In fact, I would LOVE to read some of his reviews. I'm sure he's has better luck than his namesake in Brazil had.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...kes-prostitutes-hotel-room--discover-MEN.html

 

[Insidious Von]

Nevermind the hyperbole

If Barca dont get the job done, I'm going to be severely PISSED! I'll hold nothing back in ripping them mercilessly. There is no worse scenario than having two sets of drunken English basturds pissing and puking all over my beautifull city.

So get it done Catalan.

 

[Big Michael]

F***ing TSN2

Thank you, whoever is providing the stream I am watching

 

[Big Michael]

Overall, as a neutral for this game, I am very disappointed in the "show". Talk about Chelsea playing anti-football, perhaps they are taking a page out of ManUs approach to Barca in last year's competition. Shut it down away, and win at home. However,someone should tell Chelsea that they a 1-1 back at Stamford Bridge and they are out. And does Chelsea really believe they can shut down Barca for 180 minutes. I am sure the pundits will say Chelsea is now favoured, but I don't see that.

So here the questions for the Barca supporters:

With Puyol suspended and Marquez injured, what do they do? Move Abidal over or do they have another quality centre back?

With El Classico to be played this weekend will Barca rest some players? Bigger question which competition is more important and do they believe they can still win La Liga even if they lose to Real Madrid? You know Chelsea will be resting players this weekend.

I know Dani Alves is a great player but he is such a little c**t, is he a fan favourite.

I know Bojan is still young but every time I see him I think nice player but definitely not good enough to be in this squad and I can't see where he will ever be Barca quality. Help me out, I must be missing something.

 

[Insidious Von]

Barca are going out again.

The deficiencies they had in 08 are still there this term; lack of physicality and air power. The Blaugranata will be eliminated - and they wont have Zambrotta to wear the goat horns. Chelsea has Michael Essien, Barcelona's strongman (Tiago Motta) is playing for Genoa. Ronaldinho got the credit for Barca's 2006 CL victory but it was Motta who drove the team.

It's also clear that Nello Messi is not a better player than C Ronaldo. He could not figure out how to get around a wayward Bosingwa. Last season C Ronaldo did just that against Zambro - a much more accomplished player.

If I could build a team that could defeat any team in the world, I would build around these three players: Michael Essien, Fabiano Santacroce (did anyone see his defensive Godzilla routine against Inter) and Sebastien Frey.

 

[David Beckham 23]

It's also clear that Nello Messi is not a better player than C Ronaldo. He could not figure out how to get around a wayward Bosingwa. Last season C Ronaldo did just that against Zambro - a much more accomplished player.

Well I never thought I'd see the day.

Regardless, Chelsea did what they set out to do. Will we see Anelka and Drogba play together next week? The next match will be interesting.

 

[Big Michael]

Barca are going out again.

The deficiencies they had in 08 are still there this term; lack of physicality and air power. The Blaugranata will be eliminated - and they wont have Zambrotta to wear the goat horns. Chelsea has Michael Essien, Barcelona's strongman (Tiago Motta) is playing for Genoa. Ronaldinho got the credit for Barca's 2006 CL victory but it was Motta who drove the team.

It's also clear that Nello Messi is not a better player than C Ronaldo. He could not figure out how to get around a wayward Bosingwa. Last season C Ronaldo did just that against Zambro - a much more accomplished player.

If I could build a team that could defeat any team in the world, I would build around these three players: Michael Essien, Fabiano Santacroce (did anyone see his defensive Godzilla routine against Inter) and Sebastien Frey.

Bosingwa had a lot of help dealing with Messi where as Zambro was left on his own to deal with CRon so I am not sure these comparisons are conclusive.

However one thing I do agree with is your starting three players, now that would be a team with a spine.

 

[spino1123]

With Puyol suspended and Marquez injured, what do they do? Move Abidal over or do they have another quality centre back?

With El Classico to be played this weekend will Barca rest some players? Bigger question which competition is more important and do they believe they can still win La Liga even if they lose to Real Madrid? You know Chelsea will be resting players this weekend.

I know Dani Alves is a great player but he is such a little c**t, is he a fan favourite.

I know Bojan is still young but every time I see him I think nice player but definitely not good enough to be in this squad and I can't see where he will ever be Barca quality. Help me out, I must be missing something.

Abidal will probably play centre back with Pique. They do have other centrals, but they're not experienced enough and Milito's still out. Silvinho will probably play left back.

Barca can't afford to slip up against Madrid with a game against Villarreal also coming up. If they lose those two games and Madrid keeps winning every game, which is not out of the question, then Madrid wins La Liga.

Dani Alves will be to Barcelona what Roberto Carlos was to Madrid.

Bojan is more than good enough to play for Barca, that's why Pep puts him in there. He's young, but has shown almost as much brilliance as Messi did at his age.

The game in London should be great. I can't see Barca not scoring with Chelsea having to open up space in order to go forward themselves. Like someone said earlier I don't see Chelsea holding Barca scoreless for 180 minutes. This is not the same Barca that lost to Man U last year, they're much better and will go through. All Barca needs is a tie with goals, while Chelsea have to win or go for the 0-0 and hope to outlast them in OT.

Cheers

 

[ROGER O. THORNHILL]

More than A Club

Abidal will probably play centre back with Pique. They do have other centrals, but they're not experienced enough and Milito's still out. Silvinho will probably play left back.

Barca can't afford to slip up against Madrid with a game against Villarreal also coming up. If they lose those two games and Madrid keeps winning every game, which is not out of the question, then Madrid wins La Liga.

Dani Alves will be to Barcelona what Roberto Carlos was to Madrid.

Bojan is more than good enough to play for Barca, that's why Pep puts him in there. He's young, but has shown almost as much brilliance as Messi did at his age.

The game in London should be great. I can't see Barca not scoring with Chelsea having to open up space in order to go forward themselves. Like someone said earlier I don't see Chelsea holding Barca scoreless for 180 minutes. This is not the same Barca that lost to Man U last year, they're much better and will go through. All Barca needs is a tie with goals, while Chelsea have to win or go for the 0-0 and hope to outlast them in OT.

Cheers

In fact, I was talking to a buddy tonight that my only real concern for the Second Leg is that Barca will be missing Puyol and Marquez. Of course, I hope Rafa recovers from his injury and is back by September. The Mexican National team needs him as well, being Captain and all.

Sylvinho will most likely be in left back. Savvy veteran with a great Futbol I.Q would probably be a starter on any other team. Abidal will play on the left where Puyol usually is if only because he's speedy. Puyol is worth TWO players so no one would be able to replace him anyway. Pique and Alves will stay where they are.

The only other change I hope Guardiola makes is to put Busquets in centre midfield, along with Xavi and Iniesta, bring it all up with speed.

Henry, Eto'o and Messi will stay upfront barring any injuries with the upcoming "Clasico". Chelsea will not hold the Blaugrana scoreless for another match. No way. A 1 -1 draw is all Barca needs to advance.

Valencia offered $ and Villa in exchange for Bojan. The answer was a straight: "NO! That's our future"! Along with Messi, Pique and Busquets, Bojan will continue the Great Catalan Tradition. To start your career playing along Henry and Puyol, he'll learn so much and only get better.

First thing is first. 'El Clasico' looms this weekend. A win and Barca has a seven point lead with four fixtures left. A loss and the lead becomes ONE point with Villarreal right around the corner.

"Quelcom Mes Que Un Club de Futbol" is what they'll show the world in the next week.

Let's watch and enjoy!

 

[Insidious Von]

Barca fans are delusional

I hope to be proven wrong on this.....

With Puyol out barca is losing vast amounts of physicality that they don't have in other positions - to make matters worse Abidal is a disaster. Barca will be far too preoccupied with Chelsea's counterattack to find net. It's over my Catalan friends...I hope to be proven wrong.

Coincidentaly Ibrahimovic says he worth 100 million euros on the transfer market - he must learn to clear his throat to command that level of scratch. However he is exactly the type of player Barca needs to become Europe's dominant team.

 

[forumla1]

United should have won there match by 5 goals. Almunia (sp) was great in goal for Arsenal.

Anyways, the complete domination by Manchester in the first leg makes me rather confident that they'll progress to the final. Arsenal simply does not have the defense, or an adequate strike force to counter United.

 

[stealthbomber]

United should have won there match by 5 goals. Almunia (sp) was great in goal for Arsenal.

Anyways, the complete domination by Manchester in the first leg makes me rather confident that they'll progress to the final. Arsenal simply does not have the defense, or an adequate strike force to counter United.

All the Gunners need is a goal and it,s "Game on" Keep in mind also,
United has yet to win at the Emirates. I see a different Arsenal
team next Tuesday. United with a Hurt Rio have a leaky defense
that can be exploited.

 

[Big Michael]

United should have won there match by 5 goals. Almunia (sp) was great in goal for Arsenal.

Anyways, the complete domination by Manchester in the first leg makes me rather confident that they'll progress to the final. Arsenal simply does not have the defense, or an adequate strike force to counter United.

I don' think anyone that saw the game would offer a different opinion that the scoreline could have been very different, and I am a hardcore Arsenal supporter. But for the same reason I am more uncertain about the outcome. When Ronaldo's shot went off the crossbar I was thinking, winning the CL this might be our destiny, we could actually win this... I mean, we barely scraped by a crap Roma team. Got lucky at Villareal and their best players were injured at the Emirates....You never know.

 

[VERYBADBOY]

United with a Hurt Rio have a leaky defense
that can be exploited.

That is a major factor but I heard today that he is clear for Tuesdays game at Emirates. When Rio was out the goals started to pour in and the shutout ended, flowed in when Vidic was also out due to a red card. However, Rio is not 100% more like 70% come game time so we will see.

Remember it is only one goal and the Gunners are at home, but I see ManU getting through if they start their key guys including Tevez.

The Chelsea v Barca game should be a good one and it is totally up for grabs to the team that wants it more.

All of London is buzzing for this one on two straight nights and the bets are on for one of these two games to go to penalty kicks.

VBB

 

[forumla1]

I don' think anyone that saw the game would offer a different opinion that the scoreline could have been very different, and I am a hardcore Arsenal supporter. But for the same reason I am more uncertain about the outcome. When Ronaldo's shot went off the crossbar I was thinking, winning the CL this might be our destiny, we could actually win this... I mean, we barely scraped by a crap Roma team. Got lucky at Villareal and their best players were injured at the Emirates....You never know.

While I agree that it simply would take one Arsenal goal to completely turn this tie on its head, I just don't see it from Arsenal. They never had an answer for United the whole match.

If I'm not mistaken, they had one clear chance, when Bentdner had a shot on goal. That's it.

Defensively, they are just too weak at the moment. And, there main player Arshavin is cup tied. Arsenal has been clicking with him in the lineup the last few weeks. They looked like they severely missed him against United.

Rio should be back for the second leg. He doesn't have cracked ribs (massive relief there. It's vital to United's defense).

You're right though. I won't count my chickens before they've hatched. But, if United continue the performance from the 1st leg, it will be next to impossible for Arsenal to come back.

 

[teassoc]

The Chelsea v Barca game should be a good one and it is totally up for grabs to the team that wants it more.

All of London is buzzing for this one on two straight nights and the bets are on for one of these two games to go to penalty kicks.

VBB

I wouldn't be surprised either if one goes to penalties. Question is which one?

As far as Barcelona is concerned, Chelsea have shut them down once and with their strong defence could do it again.

Chelsea versus Arsenal is not difficult to imagine leaving both teams the sole focus of winning their domestic leagues.

There again could be totally the other way round with Man U versus Barcelona. This is what makes next week's games so interesting.

 

[Barca]

I wouldn't be surprised either if one goes to penalties. Question is which one?

As far as Barcelona is concerned, Chelsea have shut them down once and with their strong defence could do it again.

Chelsea versus Arsenal is not difficult to imagine leaving both teams the sole focus of winning their domestic leagues.

There again could be totally the other way round with Man U versus Barcelona. This is what makes next week's games so interesting.

Not if Barcelona play like they did today against Madrid. It was complete dominance.

 

[ROGER O. THORNHILL]

Viva Barca!!

Not if Barcelona play like they did today against Madrid. It was complete dominance.

Did you see that! Quelcom mes que un club Catalan!

Just the sight of Puyol taking off his armband and kissing it in celebration of Catalan supremacy over Castillian mediocrity brought tears of joy to my eyes!
And in Bernabeu no less! 5 points are all that remain for the league title.

I'm sure they were keeping their eye on that game over at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will have their hands full on Wednesday.

 

[VERYBADBOY]

I wouldn't be surprised either if one goes to penalties. Question is which one?

As far as Barcelona is concerned, Chelsea have shut them down once and with their strong defence could do it again.

Chelsea versus Arsenal is not difficult to imagine leaving both teams the sole focus of winning their domestic leagues.

There again could be totally the other way round with Man U versus Barcelona. This is what makes next week's games so interesting.

Thats a Big Question ... could be both, it is possible.

Chelsea shut down a subdued Barca as the were thinking about RealMad that weekend and a LaLiga title this year, remember a few years back they were tied for points and Barca had a larger GF/GA total but RM beat them in head to head ... not like EPL when determining the winner. With the convincing win they can focus plus they have away goals in their favour. However, Drogba and Anelka are finally working together, thanks Guus, so this is still anybodys game. I should note that Puyols is not playing which is huge.

VBB

 

[Big Michael]

All of London is buzzing for this one on two straight nights and the bets are on for one of these two games to go to penalty kicks.

VBB

I bet it's a wonderful time to be in London this week. I was thinking what Toronto would be like if we had two NHL teams (insert joke here) in the Stanley cup semis and both played game 7 on back-to-back nights.