United - Barca final hopefully.
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United - Barca final hopefully.
2009/10 UEFA Champions League draw
Quarter-finals: 30/31 March & 6/7 April
1: Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) v FC Girondins de Bordeaux (FRA)
2: FC Bayern München (GER) v Manchester United FC (ENG)
3: Arsenal FC (ENG) v FC Barcelona (ESP, holders)
4: FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) v PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS)
Semi-finals: 20/21 & 27/28 April
1: Winner quarter-final 2 v Winner quarter-final 1
2: Winner quarter-final 4 v Winner quarter-final 3
Quarter Finals:
Bordeaux v Lyon
Bayern v Man Utd
Arsenal v Barcelona
Inter v CSKA
Semi Finals:
Bayern/Man Utd v bye*
Inter/CSKA v Arsenal/Barca
Interesting draw. Bordeaux and Lyon have both been impressive in getting to the quarters. That should be a good match. I suppose Arsenal v Barca is the most attractive tie of the round. Barca should be too strong for them but as a neutral it should be a good tie to watch. Bayern are very lucky to be in the draw. I cant see them getting past United to be honest. Again CSKA have done well to make the quarter final draw but Inter should find they have the easiest path to the semi-finals.
A repeat of the 2009 final looks the most likely alternative at the moment.
That would definitely appear the most likely Final after that draw. United have to be very happy with it. I was hoping Barca and Arsenal would meet, should be a cracking tie. Bordeaux will fancy their chances against Lyon, they are top of the French league after all. If they do I suspect it will make the semi a much easier proposition for Bayern or United as Lyon have far greater European pedigree at this stage.Quote:
Originally Posted by shakermaker1982
Really Edmundo? It's not like you to be so dismissive. Surely if it's a Bayern v Lyon semi final it's not a foregone conclusion?Quote:
Originally Posted by cfdh_edmundo
Sorry but I just can't see either french team getting past United or Bayern, Bordeaux are efficient and workman like and Gourcuff is a special player, but they nearly threw it away against Olympiacos despite having a 1-0 away goal lead from the first leg. I know they beat Bayern already in group stage twice, but I think they will struggle at this big stage. As for Lyon, I don't seem being a danger to either team, they scraped through against a disjointed Madrid (who have an unbalanced defence with the likes of Sergio Ramos sauntering up the field). You would have to think either Bayern or United will be too strong.
Of the "weaker" teams I think CSKA could cause an upset against Inter. Arsenal / Barca and Bayer / United are mammoth games and it's very hard to call those ones. Some how the quarters seem more difficult (and more exciting to watch) than the semis...
Interesting to see a few of the teams seem to have come from the same groups (Bordeaux & Bayern, United & CSKA, Barca & Inter) 6 of the 8...
Inter dark horses.
Well after beating Chelsea twice and drawing CSKA they'll definitely see themselves in a semi final. They'll give Arsenal or Barca a serious test in that but would obviously prefer Arsenal.
I'm happy with that draw from a United perspective. Loads of people are saying we are guaranteed to be in the final. Eh, no. Bayern are a good team who are capable of pulling something out of the bag even when they haven't been looking great. Bordeaux have been impressive and Lyon are not to be sniffed at.
Saying that, I think I will be booking flights to Spain for that weekend! :p
If they get over Bayern it would be a fairly big surprise for them not to make the Final I think. Bayern will be tough though. The PL obsessed Sky Sports asked Dwight Yorke if he thinks United will be happy to face the winners of the French tie in the semi....Yorke said.."am I think they have to beat Bayern first!!".Quote:
Originally Posted by MaryDrummer
That's Yorke after going up in my estimation.
I think either of those French sides would be tricky, especially Bordeaux.
It will be interesting to see what happens in the game tonight at the Allianz Arena. Much has been made of Ribery and Robben's lack of fitness / availability, and without them at the top of their game (together with the bizzare decision to loan Kroos and Toni out) it's hard to see how Bayern will create a lot of chances. Klose is a good player, but I've never been impressed by Mario Gomez, Olic is potentially dangerous but so far he's not been able to rediscover his form at HSV. They have some decent defensive-minded like De Michelis, Van Buyten and Van Bommel, but the pace of Man Utd's attacks could be an issue - none of those Bayern players are especially quick.
It's a very interesting tie alright. I'd be shocked if United went with anything other than their preferred big match 4-5-1 tonight or 4-3-3 depending on what way you look at it, certainly more of a 4-5-1 tonight. I'd imagine the team will be VDS, Neville, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Valencia, Fletcher, Scholes, Carrick, Park and Rooney. This way Evra and Park will try to double up on Robben should he be fit and Neville and Valencia will try something similar with Ribery. Think Valencia and Park are more suited to this kind of job than Nani, although he did get the nod in the San Siro. I wouldn't be that concerned about Ribery anyway to be honest I think he's a bit overrated. I could see Bayern winning the midfield battle alright with the players you've mentioned, Scholes isn't the player he was and Carrick can be a bit laboured looking in these kind of games. Fletcher could be a key player over the two legs alright.
Well what a tie so far... I had my doubts that it could live up to the classics of yesteryear when the likes of Matthaus, Jeremies, Basler and Effenberg pitted against Keane, Scholes, Butt, etc the towering Jancker against Stam, Kahn up against Schmeichel. But tonight's game was a great spectacle and credit has to be given to both teams for honest attacking play. I still think Man Utd will probably edge it given the away goal, but much will depend if Bayern get Robben back and how Schweinsteiger plays.
I do wonder why Ferguson changed it swapping Park & Carrick off for Berbatov & Valencia, one of them might have been understandable but in taking Park off especially I think they were a little lightweight in the middle of the park and with the likes of Van Bommel's vision and ball retention and Pranjic's lungs Bayern were always going to be a threat.
Almost the reverse of the Milan away tie, united were very poor in the second game and when the momentum swung Bayerns way after the equaliser, they looked in trouble. In a sense united might consider themselves lucky that the second goal was right at the end of the game because Bayern were well on top. Much is made of Ferdinand and Vidic at centre half for united but the back four is really comprised with Neville at RB. If anyone thinks United dont miss JOSH, tonight was proof. He certainly wouldve kept a much tighter rein on Ribery.
Expect a different united performance in OT and probably a different formation too, 1-0 will do them but dont think it will be that simple. A fit Rooney will be key, dont think the injury picked up tonight is all that serious, a doubt for saturday yes but doesnt look like a break of any sort.
Michael Carrick is mr invisible. Bayern should have been out of sight and played very well. Man Utd were very poor in possession and their midfield was outplayed. Fletcher and Park were not at the races and they'll need to get their A game back if they have any chance of overturning the result at OT.
Bringing on Berbatov was a strange move. A fresh Tevez would have been a nice man to bring on.....
Come on BARCA!!! A 6 nil drubbing would do nicely. Wenger moaning about how teams can only score against Arsenal with long balls shouldn't really apply here.
So, you're predicting 1-0 for Man U at home? Otherwise, the "away goal" rule doesn't count for Man U. I would be very surprised if it ends up 1-0. Both teams can score.Quote:
Originally Posted by cfdh_edmundo
Enjoyable game I have to say. Open contest. I look forward to the return leg.
Purely because Henry plays for Barca I want to see Arsenal win.Quote:
Originally Posted by shakermaker1982
I also think there is too much made of the away goals rule at times but it will give United a little bit more freedom at Old Trafford. If they had lost 1-0 they'd know that they are in serious trouble if they concede at home so they won't be on quite the same knife edge having scored away. United are well capable of keeping a clean sheet at home and if they do you'd have to expect they'll score at some stage. An awful lot depends on whether Rooney plays as well, their season could fall apart even if he's only out for two games. Bayern were by far the better team last night overall and certainly deserved their win. Bringing on Berbatov at 1-0 was a suicidal move I thought. It would have been ok if United were dominant and they wanted to try to finish the tie but they were on the back foot even at that stage. Bordeaux were fairly unlucky against Lyon going by the highlights, Lloris having plenty to do. The penalty decision for the third Lyon goal was harsh in the extreme as well I felt.Quote:
Originally Posted by OwlsFan
The way he slid in with his arms up, I thought the penalty was totally justified. The reason he turned his head away was not to the the ball into the face, despite what that utter knobhead Redknapp thinks.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeLorean
Didn't hear Redknapp, only had TV3 available to me last night unfortunately. Very harsh I thought, fair enough when a player is on their feet and their hands are wrecklessly up in the air but I didn't think that this was like that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roadend
I'd agree with this. Obviously it is ball to hand, but when you put your hands well out from your body like that, you can't complain if a penalty is given.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roadend
I've just watched the highlights on youtube, because I was watching the Bayern game when Lyon got the penalty, and it looked very harsh to me. His arm wasn't that far from his body and he wasn't trying to block the shot with his arm.
On another note, the commentator came out with the classic quote "you can't win the tie in the first leg but you can lose it". I don't know how you lose the tie without the other team winning it!
I thought it was a definite penalty to be honest.
Always have a giggle about that cliche Schumi. Spent about a couple of hours trying to explain how it was funny to a drunken mate before I had to give up... Not a great night....
Yeah I've heard them saying that a few times. Makes no sense really but we know what they're getting at all the same!! Totally agree about the penalty, it's practically impossible to slide with your hands by your side anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by Schumi
I've never heard it said about a 2-horse race before. It makes sense about the early part of a league or the start of a race but not a football match!
He slid in with both arms up though, it looked like his intent was clearQuote:
Originally Posted by DeLorean
Yeah but I thought it was just to block the ball with his body. Opinions are always divided on those kind of ones anyway I suppose. Even ref's can't even seem to agree.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roadend
Dare I even say this, TV3's coverage was bearable this week compared to other weeks. Still watched a good bit on sky cos I cant stand T Welch, but also cant stand Redknapp so its a tough call!Quote:
Originally Posted by DeLorean
Yeah David May was a useful enough addition. Redknapp doesn't actually really bother me at all. I wouldn't have huge value for his opinion and a lot of what he says is pretty obvious but he doesn't grate on my nerves like some of them. He tries to take over the show a bit at times as well almost interviewing his co-pundits. Richard Keys is almost redundant at times with him!!Quote:
Originally Posted by elroy
spends most of his time on the bench !! so u should be ok to shout for barcelonaQuote:
Originally Posted by elroy
rooney a big blow to utd... but if they up their game should have enough to win the tie at old trafford .. but expect bayern to cause a few scares with robben & ribery counter attacking utd at every chance .. if bayern score first it will make it some game ..:ball: cant blame berbatov for result team was sitting back to much.. neville stupid handball .. 3rd goal comical defending and in between dont forget utd could have scored again with vidic header nearly breaking crossbar .. lot of football to be played yet .Quote:
Originally Posted by DeLorean
Giles and co are rubbishing Arsenal now saying how weak they are, Funny how they never mentioned this before the game when they predicted a draw
Mentioning their 03-04 team but they never won the thing either
Dunphy doesnt seem to be able to do a single analysis without mentioning Ruby Walsh
I didn't see any of the panel but that doesn't surprise me. When Sharapova won Wimbledon he must have said her name a dozen times the next time he was on the panel. He has his pets does Eamo.Quote:
Originally Posted by gustavo
I would have taken a 2-2 before the game. Barca are immense and I can't see Arsenal going through, but it's good for the confidence to match them (in terms of the scoreline) at the Emirates.
It depends on the injuries to Arsenal's players as to how much of a chance they now have. Fabregas was gone for the 2nd leg anyway (yellow card), but if Arshavin's out, Van Persie doesnt make it and Gallas as well then you would fear for them. Maybe Campbell could just about do a job for 90 mins but they would need to rest him this weekend and probably the weekend after too. The only bright spot for Arsenal is Barca will be without Piqué and Carlos Puyol weither they play Milito and Rafael Marquez, or bring in Abidal or even play Yaya Toure at the back with Chygrinsky or Keita dropping into DM it will still be a major shake up for them. I think Arsenal's pace, together with the high passing ability of Arshavin (if fit) or Nasri could test them and maybe expose Victor Valdes. They must regret loaning Caceres to Juventus now.
It will be very difficult but you never know, Rubin Kazan's coach, Kurban Berdiyev, was able to out smart Guardiola tactically in the Nou Camp. Playing with defence that was systematically and organisationally strong they were able to restrict Barcelona to a few chances and sucked them into their half, then using the pace of players like Bukharov and Gokdeniz they were able to hit them on the break. Obviously there was a degree of luck, but anyone who watched the Russian league over the last few years would be able to tell you how their coach usually always gets his tactics spot on, Wenger might be able to do the same.
In the other game CSKA played a decent game at the San Siro but I would still say they have a superb chance to upset Inter in the Luzhniki. They will be getting stronger as the Russian season has just started to get going, and in Dzagoev, Mamayev and Aldonin they have a reasonable balance in midfield with Krasic and Necid able to offer possibilities upfront. I do wonder how Inter will cope on the plastic pitch and with the forcasted snow in Moscow next week, they certainly didnt do too well back in a freezing, snowy Kazan a few months ago.
Actually Krasic and Aldonin are out for the return leg so it could be very uphill
I was giving out about the substitution, not Berbatov himself. Bayern had already taken over at that stage and United needed as many workers as possible I felt. I would have just brought on Valencia for Nani and left it at that.Quote:
Originally Posted by old git
Johnny Giles kept saying it wouldn't surprise him if Fabregas is ok for next week, my God like surely somebody in the studio knew he was suspended anyway, a kind of major point to miss (ignore). Inter should be out of sight against CSKA going by the highlights, still fancy them to go through really as they'll more than likely score in Moscow. The CSKA keeper looks very useful. Damien Richardson is painful, over-analyses every kick of the ball.
plus dunphy had the neck to say messi was excellent in first half.. never mentioned he was non exsistent in 2nd half and also twice he stopped running and let clichy attack down wing dunphy used to hammer ronaldo for this .. barcelona were awesome in first half could have been 3-4 up passing & movement was a joy to watch and totally outplayed arsenal for 60 mins and then stopped playin & working and let arsenal into game . valdes should have saved walcotts shot and it was never a penalty for 2nd goal :ball:Quote:
Originally Posted by gustavo
Thought it was a penalty myself. He definitely interfered with Fabregas' efforts to hit the ball, and didn't get the ball himself.Quote:
Originally Posted by old git
thought they were shoulder to shoulder and ball was running away from fabregas , who then kicked into the back of poyol legs..Quote:
Originally Posted by osarusan