Monday, March 09, 2009

Champions League Thread

A quick note on Barca, and then I'm going to leave this as an open thread on Tuesday and Wednesday's results. I will be back on Wednesday evening with a report on Barca-Lyon and, perhaps, Inter-Man U.

I have a sick feeling to be honest. With Gabi Milito still out, and Puyol hurt this weekend, Barca are going to have to go without their two best central defenders. Add to that the fact that Abidal too is out (forcing Sylvinho to slot in at left-back) and the fact that Caceres is better at wetting his hair than actually dispossessing opposition forwards and the fact that Dani Alves is really a right-winger masquerading as a right-back and the fact that Barca's goalkeeper is a cartoon, you're set up for at least one, probably two away goals from Lyon. Which means Barca probably need to score three to go ahead. Which they can do certainly, but I wouldn't want to bet on it. To be safer and sounder, I really would like to see both Keita and Yaya Toure playing alongside Xavi in the midfield. Even then I wouldn't feel too comfortable.

Like I said, I have a sick feeling.

Comment away on this and the other games.

18 comments:

AKS said...

I honestly don't know why you're worried. Lyon aren't the force they were 3 years ago and I don't see them scoring more than one goal, if that. You should have this wrapped up quite easily.

The Inter-ManU game is what I'm more intrigued about. I still have a feeling that Inter can go through.

Having watched the FA cup game, I'm a lot more confident about Arsenal.

I'm surprised you're castigating Dani Alves. He may be a marauding right back but that doesn't mean he can't defend, he's so good that he manages to get in time. Kind of like the great Gael Clichy. I want to have his babies.

Ahsan said...

If Benzema is actually injured (rather than paying possum) then I will be more confident. But I will believe it only when I see it.

I also think Inter are going through. I predicted it two weeks ago and I'm sticking to my prediction.

I also think Arsenal are going through.

I'm not castigating Dani Alves. After Messi, he's been Barca's best player this year, and in many ways, as or more important than Messi. But I'm simply pointing out he's not a traditional right-back and sometimes leaves space behind, which when combined with the injury to Abidal and Puyol, means it might be problematic.

Asfandyar said...

Well, that's Liverpool through. Real Madrid are fucking wankers. That said, massive amount of luck for 'Pool on the second goal, the peno.

They really are the world's jammiest side. I'd really like to know of any football team who went to Anfield and got half the decisions in their favour. It always, always seems to be catered completely to Liverpool. Astonishing.

Not to mention that supreme cunt Gerrard and his diving; the hypocritical wanker.

Ahsan said...

Come on, Asfand. Tell us how you really feel.

Chelsea are through too. Juve now need two goals in the second half.

AKS said...

Madrid got fucked! Chelsea are pretty much through as well. Now if Man U and Arsenal go through, the bloody British press is going to have a field day.

And as I say that Juve have just scored a penalty. Well well well.

Asfandyar said...

Ahsan: hahahaha. Liverpool deserve to go through though. They really ripped Madrid apart. Very dodgy pen and refereeing decisions aside, the scoreline is more than an accurate reflection. It was always a weird fixture for me; I hate Madrid a fair amount too so there's some satisfaction in them getting their bollocks paddled. Maybe it'd give Ronaldo some second thoughts about joining that shower of shit?

Chelsea deserve to go through too.

To be fair, depending on how tomorrow goes, you could have four english sides in the QFs who deserve to be there.

Bayern look ridiculous btw. :|

Ahsan said...

How fucking shameless do you have to be to let 11 goals through in 2 games?

Chelsea were very solid. And I clearly overestimated Real -- clearly domestic form doesn't translate into Europe very well.

Ahsan said...

Wow, they added a 12th in the closing minutes. Fucking pathetic from Porto.

Anonymous said...

Relax, you guys are going through. Whenever you needed to you have pulled it out of the fire this season and with the Messi-ah fit and present can't see too many problems. Still remember the Shakhtar match; thought that was all over before Messi came on and scored those two late goals. Score early and it could be a rout.

adeel said...

people say my skin is glowing today :->

disappointed you guys havent said more about bayerns performance (given no toni, ribery, rensing, demichelis etc)....highest score in a match AND on aggregate records for bayern....just hope they dont come up against the scousers, lucky breaks aside they really did utterly dismantle real.

oh and i hate buffon, a lot. so sad to see nedved leave the way he did....i love that guy.

Ahsan said...

This Klinsmann's a real miracle worker, aan?

Man, the last 8 is going to be psycho.

By the way, I've decided to take the day off from school tomorrow. I hope this doesn't bite me in the ass.

AKS said...

Ahsan you're a bastard for taking the day off. Yesterday was a holiday, I spent the whole day at the beach and then stayed up to watch the matches. My head hurts so much. I hate work.

And I can't even sleep early tonight. Why the hell can't they have the matches at a decent time. Starting the matches two hours would be perfect. It would also mean more revenue from the rest of Asia. I should be running UEFA.

AKS said...

Bayern looked pretty fucking good, but that could just be because Sporting were truly awful. I still wouldn't want Arsenal to face Bayern in the Quarters that's for sure - if they go through that is.

Anonymous said...

AKS,

Tell me about it man, come halftime it's 1.30 in the morning and I'm too fucking tired to even roll a j for the second half. By the time the games done it's nearing 3 and I have to be up in less than 6 hours. It fucking kills me man.

And yeah, we gotta do it all over again tonight. Hopefully Inter puts two by manure early and I can have an early one.

Ahsan said...

Yes, Bayern have suddenly acquired "the team that no one wants to play" status. As have Liverpool.

Guys, it's a slow economy, so just go into work late -- I don't think it will matter too much to your firms' bottom line.

Asfandyar said...

Hi Ahsan. I'd just like to say, HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES? buahahahahaaha.

/end 13 year old.

Honestly though, really nervy. Should've been 2-0 up in the first half, but Inter really gave a good-ish account of themselves tonight. There's something inherently wrong with that club and their game in Europe. Also nice to know Maureen is a different manager without Abramovich's millions backing him up.

Roll on Saturday and the dippers. CL draw on Friday too. Open draw. :|

oh, and congratulations on the Barca win, you shouldn't have worried much. That said, I must catch highlights cause I've been hearing things kicked off.

oh and AKS probably has chewed off his fingers by now :|

AKS said...

YES!!!!

Now I sleep.

Ahsan said...

All football related comments should go on the new post above, thanks.