Champions League thread

[OwlsFan]

Channel surfed as usual between the Celtic and Arsenal games and also the Sky Sports Centre (lots of Championship games on) (ignored the Man U game and RTE) and much as I hate Arsenal (1991 and all that) and their manager WHinger, I thought their one touch football was some of the best I have ever seen. Speed, movement, one touch - great to watch and they made AC Milan look like Sheffield United at times.

I'd love to see a Barca vs Arsenal final. Chelsea by comparison are dour and I don't enjoy watching them. Seville were gifted 2 goals by the opposition keeper and still couldn't get through.

[eirebhoy]

Happy enough with how Celtic played. They were never going to win so I'd rather lose 1-0 and 6 or 7 of your players play well than try to win the game and get embarassed.

[reder]

great result for arsenal tonight, what is the story with the next round is it an open draw?

Yes its an open draw. We could have 4 british teams in the next round. Liverpool v Man Utd in the quaters would be tasty.

[Block G Raptor]

Surprised no one thinks Liverpool can win it again. their League form was kak in 2005 as it is now. wouldn't be at all surprised if they went all the way again

[reder]

Surprised no one thinks Liverpool can win it again. their League form was kak in 2005 as it is now. wouldn't be at all surprised if they went all the way again

We also got knocked out of the cup by a lower league team beginning with 'B' and with 'ley'.

Might as well give us the trophy now. :)

[Morbo]

Surprised that nobody on the Panel gave Arsenal much of a chance considering the game was still tied and even though Arsenal were away from home, if Arsenal scored first I couldn't see Milan comming back, thought Souness talked a fair bit of sh*te tonight what with his men against boys talk and then when the men lost he justs says the men have suddenly gotten old instead of admitting he was wrong to underestimated the boys, Dunphy talked a fair bit of crap too but wasn't quite as poor as Souness.

[geysir]

I switched over and saw a bit of the RTE panel, without midfield general Giles there :confused:
Barca's weakness is that they don't score enough goals compared to their pure genius play. Personally would like to see another Barca Arsenal final.

Watched the Celtic game, face behind hands in the first half, if you were a Celtic fan and Donati was your twin brother you probably would still have shot him in the head. Better 2nd half with Sno who looked to be at home out there.
Naka and Boruc were excellent. McGeady cut inside more in the 2nd half and combined well with Naka a few times.

[Red4Eva]

absolutely gutted sevilla are out. best team in europe to watch at home, dodgy away from home of course. big shame that javi navarro's been out all season. has to be one of the most exciting 2 legs of football i've ever seen

[eirebhoy]

Really looking forward to Real-Roma later. Should be a great high scoring match.

[Red4Eva]

Really looking forward to Real-Roma later. Should be a great high scoring match.

ruud probably won't be starting but robinho's back thankfully. if guti performs it'll be great viewing. schuster will probably demand a display. after his antics at the weekend's press conference i think a few people are starting have their doubts about him

[joey B]

Dunphy's one of the top teams in Europe put out at home to Fenerbahce:D

To be 2-0 and 3-1 up and lose at home to a Turkish or Greek side is shocking. They never looked capable of defending it and the much heralded Alves was ripped apart defensively.


Watched this game with a mate of mine whos a Fenerbache fan and was a great watch abeit both teams could'nt defend to safe there lifes,some of the attacking play was a joy to behold and could teach some English sides a thing or two.

Glad I watched this rather than the United-Lyon snorefest!

[joey B]

By the way a player I'D tell you watch out for is Fenerbache's left winger Ugur Boral gave the much vaunted Daniel Aves a torrid time all night;)

[stojkovic]

By the way a player I'D tell you watch out for is Fenerbache's left winger Ugur Boral gave the much vaunted Daniel Aves a torrid time all night;)

Alves is like Roberto Carlos - great going forward but cant defend.

Ive been dissapointed with him.

[OwlsFan]

Great result by Roma against Real M. Watched that game instead of boring Chelsea. Having seen both Barca and Madrid play, can't understand how Madrid are leading the way in Spain, although I know they were missing players last night.

For the purist, must be an Arsenal vs Barca final. ANything but Chelsea vs Liverpool please.

[DaveyCakes]

I'd love a Schalke v Fenerbahce final

[jebus]

Three combinations of the final I'd like to see would be

Barca v Arsenal
Barca v United
United v Arsenal (if Utd decided to actually try and beat them at football, and not kick them up and down the park as per usual)

[OwlsFan]

I'd love a Schalke v Fenerbahce final

Yes, Schalke 04 I have fond memories of. Shamrock Rovers played them in Europe sometime in the late 60s/early 70s I think and on a foggy evening in Dalymount beat them 2-1(lost the second leg 3-0) but it was and still is a great memory.

[Closed Account 2]

Fenerbahce are the fastest team I've ever seen. There is a severe paucity of skill and strength and the keeper is a real weakness. But they can just run and run down the wings. Sevilla are a quick team but Fener's wingers and full backs just kept kicking the ball ahead of them and running past them. They couldnt cross the ball for love nor money but just kept cutting inside near the corner flags and pinging it across the 6 yard line.

They could cause problems to a team if they can go 1-0 at home and then play on the break away from home.

I'd like an Arsenal-Roma final, they are both sublime to watch.

[rambler14]

Christ Inter Milan are bad.
I mean from the first minute they've looked like a team who were trying to throw the game. The amount of chances the defenders served up to Liverpool were unreal.

As for Ibrahimovic! Whoever said he was good player was an idiot. He must be one of the laziest players i've ever seen and he has absolutely no talent whatsoever, yet he's playing with a team like Inter Milan:eek:


That Burdisso who got sent off was shocking too. He must have had money on Liverpool to win because during the time he was on the pitch he did his best to hand Liverpool the game.

[bellavistaman]

its criminal how bad this game is. Torres got some goal, but this like 3/4 of english teams games in europe is so boring. Ref spoiling it too.

[zenokelly]

Christ Inter Milan are bad.
I mean from the first minute they've looked like a team who were trying to throw the game. The amount of chances the defenders served up to Liverpool were unreal.

As for Ibrahimovic! Whoever said he was good player was an idiot. He must be one of the laziest players i've ever seen and he has absolutely no talent whatsoever, yet he's playing with a team like Inter Milan:eek:


That Burdisso who got sent off was shocking too. He must have had money on Liverpool to win because during the time he was on the pitch he did his best to hand Liverpool the game.


Inter didn't deserve to win the tie, end of story. Materazzi was a liability with his pace with Torres around in the opening game, so him not being around was nearly a help. Liverpool are a champions league team. European football seems to be in turmoil.

It now seems that the "most overhyped" league in the world is actually the best league in the world.

By the way, anyone who says the sending off of Burdisso won the tie for Liverpool wasn't watching the match.

[TheBoss]

Inter should have scored 3 or 4 goals tonight, they were just awful at shooting, if Cruz had a squared it to Stankovic, a different game would have occured and Inter would have gotten a 2nd goal.

You have to say Inter were unlucky with the sending offs and the goals in the 1st leg, Matterazzi's in Leg 1, both his fouls were neither yellows and Burdisso's was a joke really, what did the ref see to give him a 2nd yellow.

Kuyt's shot deflected in and Gerrard scores a cross, that is unlucky whatever way you look at it. Liverpool scored their goal tonight cause Inter had the 10 men and left players up the pitch to score, another player and that goal does not happen.

[mypost]

You have to say Inter were unlucky with the sending offs and the goals in the 1st leg, Matterazzi's in Leg 1, both his fouls were neither yellows and Burdisso's was a joke really, what did the ref see to give him a 2nd yellow.

Kuyt's shot deflected in and Gerrard scores a cross, that is unlucky whatever way you look at it. Liverpool scored their goal tonight cause Inter had the 10 men and left players up the pitch to score, another player and that goal does not happen.

:D :D :D

[OwlsFan]

You have to say Inter were unlucky with the sending offs and the goals in the 1st leg, Matterazzi's in Leg 1, both his fouls were neither yellows and Burdisso's was a joke really, what did the ref see to give him a 2nd yellow.

Too many people listen to Andy Gray who just hates referees. Always blame the ref. It was a second yellow and I would blame the player for coming in with his studs showing. He's already on a yellow and he comes in with studs showing which everyone knows is a booking on the continent. It's about time players took some responsibility for their own stupidity.

Thought Liverpool were comfortable throughout the game. Inter had a few half chances but never looked like pulling back the 2 goals, even with 11 on the pitch.

[bennocelt]

Inter should have scored 3 or 4 goals tonight, they were just awful at shooting, if Cruz had a squared it to Stankovic, a different game would have occured and Inter would have gotten a 2nd goal.

You have to say Inter were unlucky with the sending offs and the goals in the 1st leg, Matterazzi's in Leg 1, both his fouls were neither yellows and Burdisso's was a joke really, what did the ref see to give him a 2nd yellow.

Kuyt's shot deflected in and Gerrard scores a cross, that is unlucky whatever way you look at it. Liverpool scored their goal tonight cause Inter had the 10 men and left players up the pitch to score, another player and that goal does not happen.


yeah but to be honest Inter never looked like attacking from the start of both games.
Mancini messed up with a half decent team there me thinks

[TheBoss]

That is the way they play, they are slow passing team, it looks to the eye that they were not performing, the shooting was the real let down from them. They had 15 shots, and from that 2 on target, should have much better.

[bennocelt]

That is the way they play, they are slow passing team, it looks to the eye that they were not performing, the shooting was the real let down from them. They had 15 shots, and from that 2 on target, should have much better.

yeah, cattenico or whatever and all that
wouldnt you wonder that ireland and trap will start to play like that?

[eirebhoy]

yeah, cattenico or whatever and all that
wouldnt you wonder that ireland and trap will start to play like that?
I think Roma are one of the best teams in the world to watch so bring it on.

[Roadend]

Liverpool - Arsenal
Utd - Roma
Barca - Schalke
Chelsea - Fenerbahce

[EAFC_rdfl]

Champions League semi-final draw:
Arsenal/Liverpool v Fenerbahce/Chelsea
Schalke/Barcelona v AS Roma/Man Utd

[jmurphyc]

Interesting draw. A Man Utd/Roma - Barcelona semi final would be very interesting, as will the Arsenal - Liverpool game be.

[OwlsFan]

Man U vs Roma the most interesting of those.

[shanman2]

It's a clear path to the final for the love of my life FC Barcelona. We don't have the most clever record in Germany but I think we will be too strong for Shalke. United or Roma, I think Roma could beat United this time around fingers crossed!!! Based on the proformance in Madrid anyway.
Arsenal to beat Liverpool and Chelsea to beat Arsenal. Is there any point in considering Fenerbahce...

[jebus]

I'm still hoping for that Arsenal - Barcelona final. I think Arsenal will be able to get by Liverpool and Avram Grant's Chelsea, and I personally think Roma will put United out. Chelsea, as always, are lucky in the draw

[shanman2]

I'm still hoping for that Arsenal - Barcelona final. I think Arsenal will be able to get by Liverpool and Avram Grant's Chelsea, and I personally think Roma will put United out. Chelsea, as always, are lucky in the draw

I'd love that final but I can't see it happening. Just as long as Liverpool get knocked out by Arsenal I'll be happy. I just think Chelsea are too physically strong for Arsenal. With Terry and Carvalho back together they look alot more assured.
Roma bruised (Italian & their own) pride should I say anymore.
Barca for 4-0 aggregate win.

[jebus]

Ooh if we're calling aggregate scores I'd say it will go,

Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool
United 2-2 Roma (AG for Roma)
Chelsea 4-0 Fenerbahce
Barca 4-1 Schalke

[gustavo]

1 Arsenal v Liverpool
2 AS Roma v Man Utd
3 Schalke 04 v FC Barcelona
4 Fenerbahce v Chelsea

Champions League semi-final draw:
1 Liverpool v Chelsea
2 Barcelona v Man Utd

Chelsea v Barcelona

[DaveyCakes]

The Schalke v Fenerbahce final is still on..

[Marked Man]

Beginning to think it might be Utd's year. Excellent performance last night, while playing well within themselves.

[sligo23]

It's a clear path to the final for the love of my life FC Barcelona. We don't have the most clever record in Germany but I think we will be too strong for Shalke. United or Roma, I think Roma could beat United this time around fingers crossed!!! Based on the proformance in Madrid anyway.
Arsenal to beat Liverpool and Chelsea to beat Arsenal. Is there any point in considering Fenerbahce...
yes:D

[DmanDmythDledge]

I think Roma are one of the best teams in the world to watch so bring it on.
I was expecting good stuff from them, you let me down EB.:) Created a couple of half chance, but seemed generally to be clueless going forward. Rio Ferdinand has to be the best centre back in Europe at the moment, brilliant again last night.

Can't wait for Man Utd vs Barca- should be an amazing game.

Surprised so many people didn't give Fenerbache a chance- they've won all their games at home in the CL this season, beating Inter and Sevilla. Haven't lost at home in a good few years either.

[jmurphyc]

I had a good feeling Fener would win the home game. It'll be an interesting second leg. I agree about Ferdinand being the best centre back in Europe at the moment (or at least close to it). He does the simple things really well. One thing I hate is the way Italian teams just lose hope and give up after going a few goals down. Roma did it last year as well pretty much.

[cheifo]

Arseanl just dont have the squad to cope with injuries.Rosickys hamstring injury is neverending and if Van Parsie combed himself he would end up with a hairline fracture.Sagna and Eduardo also big losses.United success could hinge on whether the excellant Vidic gets the all clear in tomorrows scan.Barca look shakey.

[shakermaker1982]

Can anyone explain to me how Gerrard got MOM last night (in most papers this morning)? Fingers crossed for Fenerbache would love to see em progress.

[Donegalred]

I thought he had a decent game...who else would you have giving it to.? Gallas had a great game, as did fabregas but gerrard was instrumental in getting a result for liverpool

[shakermaker1982]

I thought he had a decent game...who else would you have giving it to.? Gallas had a great game, as did fabregas but gerrard was instrumental in getting a result for liverpool

Fabregas, Gallas, Flamini and Adebayor were all more impressive IMO than 'Stevie G'. Other than his assist he didn't do much - not a MOM performance that is for sure.

[shakermaker1982]

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/04/03/fabregas_weaves_his_patterns_f.html

ignoring Richard William's article creaming himself over Gerrard as per the norm.....I'm pleased to see most fans agree with me on Gerrard's performance.

[cheifo]

Dirk Kuyt was Liverpools most effective player (altough it was a clear penalty) just ahead of Mascerhano.
His work rate and defensive work surprised me.Gerard was anonaymous.As pointed out he set up goal but then disappeared.

[eirebhoy]

I was expecting good stuff from them, you let me down EB.:) Created a couple of half chance, but seemed generally to be clueless going forward.
Maybe we look for different things in a game so. :) I thought they passed it exceptionally. Their movement is class. A bit like Arsenal of last season, just couldn't score. Fantastic team to watch though imo.

[shanman2]

Dirk Kuyt was Liverpools most effective player (altough it was a clear penalty) just ahead of Mascerhano.
His work rate and defensive work surprised me.Gerard was anonaymous.As pointed out he set up goal but then disappeared.

Mascherano was excellent as was Kuyt. Kuyt gets through some amount of work fair play to him. He may not be my cup of tea but he does a job.
Just a word on Liverpool, to say they frustrate me would be an understatement. They went to Arsenal last night and had about as much interest in playing football as I do in Golf.
If Gerrard and Torres are "two of the best in Europe" as their fans often proclaim why don't they try play football rather than constantly trying to contain the opposition. I'm of the opinion that they can play only Benitez won't let them.