Champions League thread

[lionelhutz]

So lads, who are ye backing to make the final?

My money is on a Barca Liverpool final. The majority believe Uniteds more consistent form will carry them through and there is a slight leaning towards Chelsea also. But Barca with Messi Eto Xavi will have too much football for United and Ferguson will f**k up the formation.

If Liverpool keep a clean sheet at Anfield, they'll go through. They'll get an away goal and a score draw at Stamford Bridge

[gustavo]

I'd edge towards a Barcelona/Manchester United Chelsea final , cant choose between those first 2 , depends on how well Messi plays

[Block G Raptor]

Pains me to say it but, I really think its going to be Liverpool Man Utd. if it is I think I'll wait for the DVD, me nerves would never hold up

[Pike B]

Pains me to say it but, I really think its going to be Liverpool Man Utd. if it is I think I'll wait for the DVD, me nerves would never hold up
I'd second that. The thoughts of losing to them Manc Ba...rds is too much to comprehend. Would be hardest 90mins of my 26 years as a Liverpool fan. But to beat them......... Ectasy, Euphoria, Heaven.... And so on and so forth....

[Block G Raptor]

Ectasy, Euphoria, Heaven.... And so on and so forth....

better still be out played by them and fall 1-0 behind to a far superior team only to score two goals in injury time against them to win 2-1 and give em a taste of their own medicine

[Pike B]

better still be out played by them and fall 1-0 behind to a far superior team only to score two goals in injury time against them to win 2-1 and give em a taste of their own medicine
Oh I like that.. :D
But man, my hair would be pulled out by the 89th minute..:(
Would be worth being bald for though..
Yes,
I'll have a bit of that please....:)

[Block G Raptor]

Oh I like that.. :D
But man, my hair would be pulled out by the 89th minute..:(
Would be worth being bald for though..
Yes,
I'll have a bit of that please....:)

Carlsberg don't do European Cup finals but....they do sponsor Liverpool F.C.
Dare to Believe, Pike B, Dare to Believe.
anyway don't want to jinx it by talking about the final lets get through Ch€l$ki first.

[jebus]

It's going to be a Barca Chelsea final I think, with whoever wins papering over the cracks that have appeared in their team this season

[Pike B]

Carlsberg don't do European Cup finals but....they do sponsor Liverpool F.C.
Dare to Believe, Pike B, Dare to Believe.
anyway don't want to jinx it by talking about the final lets get through Ch€l$ki first.
YES.. Very true...

[Block G Raptor]

It's going to be a Barca Chelsea final

Can't see it Jebus . If I'm being totally un-biased and objective I think Man Utd are the best team left in it (oh god I feel so sick typing that) and I also think Barca are having a mare this year. over two legs I'd have to fancy the Mancs. as for Liverpool -v- Chelsea? I suppose really it's anyones but even taking off my red tinted classes I still fancy Liverpool to have too much for them, think the atmosphere at Anfield will be crucial and think the reds will need to take 2 goals to the bridge but I think they will

[shakermaker1982]

Chelsea or Liverpool? Which team do I dislike the least?

The last few years I've preferred to see the Scousers edge it in these Semi Final games but I think I'd prefer to see the blues go through for a change. I predict a draw tonight (1-1 or 0-0).

Man Utd-Barca is going to be a thriller. If Man Utd can contain Barca and keep a clean sheet at the Nou Camp then they have an excellent chance of going through.

[jebus]

Can't see it Jebus . If I'm being totally un-biased and objective I think Man Utd are the best team left in it (oh god I feel so sick typing that) and I also think Barca are having a mare this year. over two legs I'd have to fancy the Mancs. as for Liverpool -v- Chelsea? I suppose really it's anyones but even taking off my red tinted classes I still fancy Liverpool to have too much for them, think the atmosphere at Anfield will be crucial and think the reds will need to take 2 goals to the bridge but I think they will

Yeah but Ferguson always shows too much respect/fear when up against the Barcas of this world in the European Cup. United will try to beat them at football and, Ronaldo aside, United just aren't in Barcas league (even with them in a slump in the league). Were United to go out and kick lumps out of them the way they did with Arsenal in recent seasons then I think they would beat them, but Fergie always gets stage fright in the big cup (I don't follow any of the Big 4 English teams before I get United fans on to me). The 2nd leg being in the Nou Camp will be telling I think. For score predictions I'll go 2-2 at Old Trafford and 3-1 to Barca in Barcelona

As for Liverpool-Chelsea, well in fairness Liverpool needed the 2nd leg in Anfield to have any chance, I can see it being 1-1 tonight, with Chelsea winning 2-0 or 2-1 in the 2nd leg

[Block G Raptor]

but Fergie always gets stage fright in the big cup (I don't follow any of the Big 4 English teams before I get United fans on to me). The 2nd leg being in the Nou Camp will be telling I think. For score predictions I'll go 2-2 at Old Trafford and 3-1 to Barca in Barcelona


I would Love it absolutely Love it if Jebus turns out to be right about this

[shakermaker1982]

Yeah but Ferguson always shows too much respect/fear when up against the Barcas of this world in the European Cup. United will try to beat them at football and, Ronaldo aside, United just aren't in Barcas league (even with them in a slump in the league). Were United to go out and kick lumps out of them the way they did with Arsenal in recent seasons then I think they would beat them, but Fergie always gets stage fright in the big cup (I don't follow any of the Big 4 English teams before I get United fans on to me). The 2nd leg being in the Nou Camp will be telling I think. For score predictions I'll go 2-2 at Old Trafford and 3-1 to Barca in Barcelona

As for Liverpool-Chelsea, well in fairness Liverpool needed the 2nd leg in Anfield to have any chance, I can see it being 1-1 tonight, with Chelsea winning 2-0 or 2-1 in the 2nd leg


first leg is at the Nou Camp!!! Fergie will play it cautious tomorrow. Tight at the back, pack the MF and look to counter with speed at every opportunity.

[eirebhoy]

No interest in this game tbh. Gym and wallpaper stripping tonight for me.

[jebus]

first leg is at the Nou Camp!!! Fergie will play it cautious tomorrow. Tight at the back, pack the MF and look to counter with speed at every opportunity.

They'll still bottle it, United just aren't up there on the world stage with the likes of AC Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and, dare I say it, Liverpool, and no amount of Chinese people buying official Man Utd mugs will change that

[shakermaker1982]

They'll still bottle it, United just aren't up their on the world stage with the likes of AC Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and, dare I say it, Liverpool, and no amount of Chinese people buying official Man Utd mugs will change that

we'll see and I hope your wrong! Barca isn't going to be easy but with the squad available to Fergie this time round (missing key players last year against Milan) he'll never have a better chance of winning the CL again.

Tomorrow's game should have been the final. Instead we'll have defence against attack in Moscow whichever two teams make the final.

[Pike B]

No interest in this game tbh. Gym and wallpaper stripping tonight for me.
You are a football fan yes??

[lionelhutz]

Yeah but Ferguson always shows too much respect/fear when up against the Barcas of this world in the European Cup. United will try to beat them at football and, Ronaldo aside, United just aren't in Barcas league (even with them in a slump in the league). Were United to go out and kick lumps out of them the way they did with Arsenal in recent seasons then I think they would beat them, but Fergie always gets stage fright in the big cup

Have to agree with this. Ferguson is his own worst enemy in Europe - with his very strange tactics and manouvering of players such as Rooney. This will be their downfall - he's very frightened of teams such as Barca in Europe. There's no doubt he would have preferred to have met one of the English sides

[mypost]

Tomorrow's game should have been the final. Instead we'll have defence against attack in Moscow whichever two teams make the final.

The last 3 European finals with Liverpool have featured 18 goals.

When the "dream final" happened in 2006, it was a damp squib.

[eirebhoy]

You are a football fan yes??
Dunno. I just couldn't get excited about Chelsea - Liverpool. There's no exciting Irish players playing first and foremost. I've no bias whatsoever towards either team. I've no bets on the match. There's no player on either team that I'm particularly excited about watching. The majority of the time I can tick one of those 4 boxes above but I'm not going to halt my wallpaper stripping to watch this match. :) It's a strange one alright and your question has probably made me realise that when I'm 100% neutral I don't have too much interest in any type of sport. Tennis, snooker, rugby, absolutely anything. My gambling habits mean I'm very rarely neutral. Come to think of it, maybe the highs and lows of gambling on anything and everything make it so boring when I'm neutral. Oh the questions. ;)

[Pike B]

Dunno. I just couldn't get excited about Chelsea - Liverpool. There's no exciting Irish players playing first and foremost. I've no bias whatsoever towards either team. I've no bets on the match. There's no player on either team that I'm particularly excited about watching. The majority of the time I can tick one of those 4 boxes above but I'm not going to halt my wallpaper stripping to watch this match. :) It's a strange one alright and your question has probably made me realise that when I'm 100% neutral I don't have too much interest in any type of sport. Tennis, snooker, rugby, absolutely anything. My gambling habits mean I'm very rarely neutral. Come to think of it, maybe the highs and lows of gambling on anything and everything make it so boring when I'm neutral. Oh the questions. ;)
You are a complicated fella and you have my sympathy. Go and make a bet,0-0. Worth your while.. Keep the intrest at least. You can work and keep an eye on the telly at the same time... Go on.. YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO... ;)

[shakermaker1982]

The last 3 European finals with Liverpool have featured 18 goals.

When the "dream final" happened in 2006, it was a damp squib.

Your 3 European Cup finals before that had 4 goals altogether - doesn't mean anything. I acknowledge Liverpool's record in Europe the last 3 seasons but I find the team extremely boring to watch whether it's in the PL or Europe. They have the odd entertaining game but it's usually when your having to chase the game.

2006? I enjoyed the Barca-Arsenal game if I'm being honest.

[mypost]

I acknowledge Liverpool's record in Europe the last 3 seasons but I find the team extremely boring to watch whether it's in the PL or Europe. They have the odd entertaining game but it's usually when your having to chase the game.

Liverpool have scored 26 goals in the competition this year, including 5 in the last round. The idea that the team are boring to watch is outdated.

[Pike B]

Liverpool have scored 26 goals in the competition this year, including 5 in the last round. The idea that the team are boring to watch is outdated.
Correct. We are no longer boring to watch. Chelsea are pretty drab though.... So if the game is bad, blame the Londoners..

[Block G Raptor]

Liverpool have scored 26 goals in the competition this year, including 5 in the last round. The idea that the team are boring to watch is outdated.

Agree whole heartedly with the above. come on this boring Tag is a relic of Houlliers reign ffs. It's the nature of the competition to be tight away from home that's why we've been in 2 finals in 3 years and are looking to make it 3 in 4 tonight. Any other team in Europe would be hailed as greats if they achieved this but not Liverpool why?


P.S. is now a good time to mention that we also broke the record for the biggest win in the competition this year by beating the Turkish champions 8-0

[eirebhoy]

I thought Liverpool played excellent football in the first half on Saturday. Didn't see the 2nd half.

[lionelhutz]

To be honest I can see why neutrals would be much more excited about the Barca-Utd game than Chelsea Lpool. The two semi finals between Che Liv had a paltry 3 goals in 4 games. For supporters of either side though, it was excitement of the highest order.

Neutrals are getting bored watching the Che Liv matches. And because Barca's defence is so poor and their attack so potent, there's no doubt going to be more goals in that semi. I'd go with Barca to go through 5-4 and Liverpool 3-1 on aggregate

[superfrank]

P.S. is now a good time to mention that we also broke the record for the biggest win in the competition this year by beating the Turkish champions 8-0
Just a few weeks after losing 2-1 to them? I don't know what that means really. Are Liverpool really good because they overcame a side that could beat them away from Anfield or are Besiktas just crap and bluffers extraordinaire?

Ah, I have my answer.

And they finished second last year, Fenerbahce won it.

[Block G Raptor]

Just a few weeks after losing 2-1 to them? I don't know what that means really. Are Liverpool really good because they overcame a side that could beat them away from Anfield or are Besiktas just crap and bluffers extraordinaire?

I know what I think.

And they finished second last year, Fenerbahce won it.
I never said the 8-0 win meant Liverpool were world beaters
I agree Besiktas probably did fluke the win in turkey and flattered to deceive. However I don't think a team that wins 8-0 against any opposition in a major competition can be described as boring or defensive

[shakermaker1982]

so you hammer a **** poor team and that makes you exciting? Christ by that logic every team who thrash Derby County every week must be easy on the eye then.

This thread has quite a few non Liverpool fans bored by their style of play so it isn't just me. Don't get me wrong Chelsea are even worse and I accept that as long as you guys keep progressing in Europe your fans won't be demanding sexy football because Benitez gets results in Europe. I'd be delighted if Ireland could grind out wins like that every week but one thing for sure is that I wouldn't proclaim them to be easy on the eye for neutrals. Arsenal, Man Utd, Spurs, Newcastle under Keegan......hell yeah.

[NeilMcD]

Rubbish match with lots of long ball football. I thought Liverpool were boring but jesus Chelsea are a disgrace. With all the money in the world and they still play Clare League Football.

Get rid of it.

[rambler14]

What a tool Riise is!

You spoke thirty seconds too soon NeilMcD:D:D

[Marked Man]

Screamer of an equaliser!

[passinginterest]

Riise must still have a few gambling debts to pay off! Horrible.

[micls]

Awful awful game....

[rambler14]

Terrible game on that evidence Wigan deserve a Champions League Final place:D:D

[jebus]

Chalk one down for Jebus in the prediction stakes :D:D Never watching another Liverpool - Chelsea game again

[NeilMcD]

What a tool Riise is!

You spoke thirty seconds too soon NeilMcD:D:D

Eh sorry how did I speak too soon, everything I said still stands.

Rubbish match and Chelsea are shocking to watch.

[see's it]

will someone please explain how he manged that o.g?

[rambler14]

will someone please explain how he manged that o.g?

Riise forgot he had a right foot??????

[see's it]

i hope rafa is using he's to boot him up the arse.............shocking!

[dfx-]

Oh dear.

Kinda bad decision there from Riise. Facing your own goal, a diving header would not be the best choice to pick.

[chuckie]

Dissapointed with that,
but it should make for a more exciting match next week

[superfrank]

Riise you legend!!!

Game was poor. Liverpool had the most of a poor first half and Chelsea had the most of a poor second half but I had pretty much given up on getting an equaliser when Riise popped up.

You could see at the end the Liverpool players looked defeated. Wonder will this set the tone for next week's match.

[cheifo]

The man on the radio just described it as a "pulsating match".:)BTW If John Terry gets bkd in next weeks match is that him out of the final?

[Junior]

The man on the radio just described it as a "pulsating match".:)BTW If John Terry gets bkd in next weeks match is that him out of
the final?

Yes.....

[OwlsFan]

I didn't think it was too bad a game as there were a few chances here and there and to blame Chelsea is unfair as Liverpool play the same sort of game. Both play with only one man up front and try and stifle the opposition. It takes two to tango as they say.

Needless to say the panelists almost came off talking about the "away" goal as they always do. So few games are decided on the "away" goal rule. It is a GOAL and will only count as an "away" goal if it ends 0-0 at the Bridge. Liverpool will play the exact same game away from home even if they had won 1-0. They might have to change after 70 minutes if they haven't scored but it doesn't change the whole complex of the game as the panelists said. Personally I think Chelsea will win the 2nd leg 2-0 as it's their turn to get by Liverpool. Then Benitez will be under pressure. 4th place and no trophy so where did all the rotation get him?

[reder]

as it's their turn to get by Liverpool.

Being honest, I have had this feeling about the tie since day 1 and that og last night confirms it for me. I have the same feeling that Barca will come good and pip the mancs also. Think they will win it outright for some strange reason.

How anyone can get a contract as a professional footballer without being able to kick the ball with both feet is beyond me.

Thought the game was the standard tight affair between the 2 teams. Next week will be no different.

[seand]

Yes.....

No, it's him out of Chelsea's first game next season ;)