The Official 2008-2009 UEFA Champions League Thread

[lefty]

It starts this week, bitches :makemyday

16 sep, 20:45 PSV Eindhoven
v
Atlético Madrid

16 sep, 20:45 Marseille
v
Liverpool

16 sep, 20:45 Chelsea
v
Bordeaux
Stamford Bridge, London
16 sep, 20:45 AS Rome
v
CFR Ecomax Cluj
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
16 sep, 20:45 Panathinaikos
v
Inter Milan
Olympic Stadium, Ipsilantou
16 sep, 20:45 Werder Brême
v
Anorthosis Famagouste
Wersestadion, Ahlen
16 sep, 20:45 Bâle
v
Shakhtar Donetsk
St. Jakob-Park, Basel
16 sep, 20:45 FC Barcelone
v
Sporting Portugal
Nou Camp, Barcelona
Mercredi 17 septembre
17 sep, 20:45 Manchester United
v
Villarreal

17 sep, 20:45 Celtic Glasgow
v
Aalborg BK

17 sep, 20:45 Steaua Bucarest
v
Bayern Munich

17 sep, 20:45 Lyon
v
Fiorentina

17 sep, 20:45 Porto
v
Fenerbahçe
Estádio do Dragão, Porto
17 sep, 20:45 Dynamo Kiev
v
Arsenal
Valeri Lobanovskiy, Kiev
17 sep, 20:45 Juventus Turin
v
Zenit Saint-Pétersbourg

17 sep, 20:45 Real Madrid
v
BATE Borisov

Mardi 30 septembre
30 sep, 20:45 Aalborg BK
v
Manchester United

30 sep, 20:45 Villarreal
v
Celtic Glasgow

30 sep, 20:45 Fiorentina
v
Steaua Bucarest

30 sep, 20:45 Bayern Munich
v
Lyon

30 sep, 20:45 Arsenal
v
Porto
Emirates Stadium, London
30 sep, 20:45 Fenerbahçe
v
Dynamo Kiev
Sükrü Saraçoglu, Istanbul
30 sep, 20:45 BATE Borisov
v
Juventus Turin

30 sep, 20:45 Zenit Saint-Pétersbourg
v
Real Madrid

Mercredi 1 octobre
1 oct, 20:45 Liverpool
v
PSV Eindhoven

1 oct, 20:45 Atlético Madrid
v
Marseille

1 oct, 20:45 CFR Ecomax Cluj
v
Chelsea

1 oct, 20:45 Bordeaux
v
AS Rome

1 oct, 20:45 Anorthosis Famagouste
v
Panathinaikos

1 oct, 20:45 Inter Milan
v
Werder Brême
Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro), Milano
1 oct, 20:45 Sporting Portugal
v
Bâle

1 oct, 20:45 Shakhtar Donetsk
v
FC Barcelone
Shahktar, Donetsk
Mardi 21 octobre
21 oct, 20:45 Villarreal
v
Aalborg BK

21 oct, 20:45 Manchester United
v
Celtic Glasgow

21 oct, 20:45 Bayern Munich
v
Fiorentina

21 oct, 20:45 Steaua Bucarest
v
Lyon

21 oct, 20:45 Fenerbahçe
v
Arsenal
Sükrü Saraçoglu, Istanbul
21 oct, 20:45 Porto
v
Dynamo Kiev
Estádio do Dragão, Porto
21 oct, 20:45 Zenit Saint-Pétersbourg
v
BATE Borisov

21 oct, 20:45 Juventus Turin
v
Real Madrid

Mercredi 22 octobre
22 oct Shakhtar Donetsk
v
Sporting Portugal
Shahktar, Donetsk
22 oct Bâle
v
FC Barcelone
St. Jakob-Park, Basel
22 oct, 20:45 Bordeaux
v
CFR Ecomax Cluj

22 oct, 20:45 Chelsea
v
AS Rome
Stamford Bridge, London
22 oct, 20:45 Inter Milan
v
Anorthosis Famagouste

22 oct, 20:45 Panathinaikos
v
Werder Brême

22 oct, 20:45 Atlético Madrid
v
Liverpool

22 oct, 20:45 PSV Eindhoven
v
Marseille

Mardi 4 novembre
4 nov, 20:45 Liverpool
v
Atlético Madrid

4 nov, 20:45 Marseille
v
PSV Eindhoven

4 nov, 20:45 CFR Ecomax Cluj
v
Bordeaux

4 nov, 20:45 AS Rome
v
Chelsea
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
4 nov, 20:45 Anorthosis Famagouste
v
Inter Milan

4 nov, 20:45 Werder Brême
v
Panathinaikos

4 nov, 20:45 Sporting Portugal
v
Shakhtar Donetsk

4 nov, 20:45 FC Barcelone
v
Bâle
Nou Camp, Barcelona
Mercredi 5 novembre
5 nov, 20:45 Aalborg BK
v
Villarreal

5 nov, 20:45 Celtic Glasgow
v
Manchester United

5 nov, 20:45 Fiorentina
v
Bayern Munich

5 nov, 20:45 Lyon
v
Steaua Bucarest

5 nov, 20:45 Arsenal
v
Fenerbahçe
Emirates Stadium, London
5 nov, 20:45 Dynamo Kiev
v
Porto
Valeri Lobanovskiy, Kiev
5 nov, 20:45 BATE Borisov
v
Zenit Saint-Pétersbourg

5 nov, 20:45 Real Madrid
v
Juventus Turin

Mardi 25 novembre
25 nov, 20:45 Villarreal
v
Manchester United

25 nov, 20:45 Aalborg BK
v
Celtic Glasgow

25 nov, 20:45 Bayern Munich
v
Steaua Bucarest

25 nov, 20:45 Fiorentina
v
Lyon

25 nov, 20:45 Fenerbahçe
v
Porto
Sükrü Saraçoglu, Istanbul
25 nov, 20:45 Arsenal
v
Dynamo Kiev
Emirates Stadium, London
25 nov, 20:45 Zenit Saint-Pétersbourg
v
Juventus Turin

25 nov, 20:45 BATE Borisov
v
Real Madrid

Mercredi 26 novembre
26 nov Shakhtar Donetsk
v
FC Barcelone
Shahktar, Donetsk
26 nov Sporting Portugal
v
FC Barcelone

26 nov, 20:45 Bordeaux
v
Chelsea

26 nov, 20:45 CFR Ecomax Cluj
v
AS Rome

26 nov, 20:45 Inter Milan
v
Panathinaikos

26 nov, 20:45 Anorthosis Famagouste
v
Werder Brême

26 nov, 20:45 Atlético Madrid
v
PSV Eindhoven

26 nov, 20:45 Liverpool
v
Marseille

Mardi 9 décembre
9 déc, 20:45 PSV Eindhoven
v
Liverpool

9 déc, 20:45 Marseille
v
Atlético Madrid

9 déc, 20:45 Chelsea
v
CFR Ecomax Cluj
Stamford Bridge, London
9 déc, 20:45 AS Rome
v
Bordeaux
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
9 déc, 20:45 Panathinaikos
v
Anorthosis Famagouste

9 déc, 20:45 Werder Brême
v
Inter Milan

9 déc, 20:45 Bâle
v
Sporting Portugal
St. Jakob-Park, Basel
9 déc, 20:45 FC Barcelone
v
Shakhtar Donetsk
Nou Camp, Barcelona
Mercredi 10 décembre
10 déc, 20:45 Manchester United
v
Aalborg BK

10 déc, 20:45 Celtic Glasgow
v
Villarreal

10 déc, 20:45 Steaua Bucarest
v
Fiorentina

10 déc, 20:45 Lyon
v
Bayern Munich

10 déc, 20:45 Porto
v
Arsenal
Estádio do Dragão, Porto
10 déc, 20:45 Dynamo Kiev
v
Fenerbahçe
Valeri Lobanovskiy, Kiev
10 déc, 20:45 Juventus Turin
v
BATE Borisov

10 déc, 20:45 Real Madrid
v
Zenit Saint-Pétersbourg

[SAtown]

PSV vs Atletico Madrid will be insane. Can't wait

[Purple & Gold]

Chelsea shouldn't have tied to a no name team. Not worried that they won't win the group, but still no way they should have tied that game.

[velik_m]

Chelsea shouldn't have tied to a no name team. Not worried that they won't win the group, but still no way they should have tied that game.

That "no name" team beat Roma on their home ground.

[el niño 9]

That "no name" team beat Roma on their home ground.

:tu

They deserve repect and played well enough that they could have beaten chelsea. It was a close game.

[Purple & Gold]

Roma is only slightly above being a no name team. I saw the game, they never threatened to beat Chelsea. They played well, but never threatened to win. They played for the 0-0 tie the whole game. They really only have one player that was capable of scoring (can't remember his name). Other than that no chance at all. Not good enough against a team as good as Chelsea.

[Purple & Gold]

And so this fucker will stop spamming his stupid website, go to MyP2P.eu for your sports fix. All the games are always on there. Not just soccer, but all the games.

[resistanze]

Arsenal is in good form:ihit

I still can't believe they lost @ home over the weekend to that scrub team.

Also, Fuck Sentanta Sports. They' monopolizing all Arsenal games, and I'm not playing 15 bucks a month when I barely have time to watch soccer on the weekends.

[velik_m]

Roma is only slightly above being a no name team.

Well if that is your criteria, then Chelsea is only slightly above being an "only slightly above being a no name team."

[Purple & Gold]

Well if that is your criteria, then Chelsea is only slightly above being an "only slightly above being a no name team."

Nope Chelsea has won the EPL in recent years and was in the CL Finals last year. But they were a no name team for most years I was a fan. Things have changed quickly though.

[Evan]

Arsenal is in good form:ihit

I still can't believe they lost @ home over the weekend to that scrub team.

Also, Fuck Sentanta Sports. They' monopolizing all Arsenal games, and I'm not playing 15 bucks a month when I barely have time to watch soccer on the weekends.

I cannot begin to explain how much I hate Setanta. $15 a month and its not even in HD. :ihit

[resistanze]

I cannot begin to explain how much I hate Setanta. $15 a month and its not even in HD. :ihit

It's sad. On Saturday I was watching Arsenal on Sentanta on my laptop; I plugged it in to my TV and it looked the same as their digital channel. I'll do this every week if I have to.

[velik_m]

Slightly off topic: Has anyone wathed the trashing Barca gave to Athletico Madrid during the weekend? By the 10th minute mark it was 3:0, by 30th minute it was 5:1, then Barca stepped off the gas and it ended 6:1. And the most amazing part of it: it could have been a lot worse for Athletico, cause Barca missed a couple of really good chances, including a goal post by Iniesta.

[SAtown]

...it could have been a lot worse for Athletico, cause Barca missed a couple of really good chances, including a goal post by Iniesta.

...and that nice run by Messi who tried to flick it over Coupet, but instead went wide. Barca looked unstoppable, and Eto'o put his usual whiny bitch face when he was taken out for Henry.

[SAtown]

And for anyone who plays Pro Evo, they've acquired the Champions League license. It looks pretty good

b66iFKaVTtM

Here's a HD version: http://www.gametrailers.com/player/39859.html

[SAtown]

Big week in the Champions League. Today: Juve v Real Mad, Man U v Celtic, Bayern v Fiorentina...... Tomorrow: Atletico Mad v Liverpool, Chelsea v Roma

[velik_m]

Wow, what a goal fest yesterday!

[lefty]

I had high hopes for Marseilles because my countryman Karim Ziani is playing for them, but they really suck :lol

[TDMVPDPOY]

man that liverpool v ath madrid was fukn shit....the ground looked like a cow just finish takin a shit oon it...

[Whisky Dog]

At Madrid looked like shit all game but caught some breaks to get the tie. Probably saved the head man's job for a bit longer

[SAtown]

1st in their group:
AS Roma, Panathinaïkos, FC Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, FC Porto, Juventus Turin

2nd in their group:
Chelsea, Inter, Sporting, Atletico Madrid, Lyon, Arsenal, Villarreal, Real Madrid.


no surprises, all the best team are here ( except Pana instead of Werder)

That's the strongest group of 2nd place finishers that there's been in a while. Can't wait for the draw on Friday. Anyone know if they televise it? I'd imagine Deportes does if anything

[resistanze]

Deep down, I want Arsenal to get Liverpool and avenge that bullshit penalty call they got last year.

Realistically, I hope they get Roma or Pana.

[sonic21]

Barcelona will not play against the real, Villareal and atletico (same country) and sporting (same group).

Barcelona can only play against Lyon, inter, chelsea or Arsenal. That'll be a great game.

[sonic21]

playoffs 1/8 finals

Lyon vs Barcelona
Chelsea vs Juventus
Inter vs Manchester :wow
Real Madrid vs Liverpool
Arsenal vs AS Roma
Villareal vs Panathinaikos
Atletico Madrid vs FC Porto
Sporting Portugal VS Bayern

[resistanze]

playoffs 1/8 finals

Lyon vs Barcelona
Chelsea vs Juventus
Inter vs Manchester
Real Madrid vs Liverpool
Arsenal vs AS Roma
Villareal vs Panathinaikos
Atletico Madrid vs FC Porto
Sporting Portugal VS Bayern

[lefty]

It's time again, bitches

[resistanze]

Let's see if Arsenal can grow some balls in the CL.

Go Gunners!

[SAtown]

Been looking forward to today and tomorrow for a long time. Great matchups

[velik_m]

Let's see if Arsenal can grow some balls in the CL.

Go Gunners!

Meh, they lack quality in midfield this year (they did, even before Fabregas went out) to be serious contender.

Hopefully Van Persie can provide some magic. Go Arsenal!

[resistanze]

Meh, they lack quality in midfield this year (they did, even before Fabregas went out) to be serious contender.

Hopefully Van Persie can provide some magic. Go Arsenal!

Van Persie scores :lol

It was a harsh penalty in my opinion; Arsenal was lucky considering how many chances they spoiled.

[Purple & Gold]

Chelsea :clap :clap

[TDMVPDPOY]

Van Persie scores :lol

It was a harsh penalty in my opinion; Arsenal was lucky considering how many chances they spoiled.

the game was shit and alot of the tackle fouls...if you look clearly you can the victim could at least make another step to get away but decides to fall down....

[lefty]

What a stupid way to lose the game, Real Madrid, really dumb retarded Ginobilesque foul.

FUCK

[Libri]

What a stupid way to lose the game, Real Madrid, really dumb retarded Ginobilesque foul.

FUCK

:depressed

[Texas_Ranger]

Forza Inter!!

[mabrignani]

forza calcio italia!

[lefty]

Can't believe I'm a Real Madrid fan

Fucking losers

[SAtown]

forza calcio italia!

Not looking so good. I have more faith in Roma tomorrow than Inter. Combine Fiorentina's early exit with Juve's and Milan's (UEFA CUP) disappointments, il calcio isn't looking as strong as it always has

[SAtown]

BTW, Chelsea v Juventus would've been a perfect CL final. Excellent matchups all around. Stupid decisions by Ranieri though, including putting in Giovinco around the 65 minute for the only juve goalscorer at the time, Iaquinta

[IronMexican]

Glad Real is out.

[lefty]

Glad Real is out.

:flipoff

[mFFL03]

DROOOOOOGGGGGGGGGGGGGBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

...."the blackest man in soccer"........

should have had 2 goals today....if you didn't see the game, he got a free kick in behind the post but they didn't call it.

What are the brackets? Who does Chelsea and Liverpool play next?

[SAtown]

DROOOOOOGGGGGGGGGGGGGBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

...."the blackest man in soccer"........

should have had 2 goals today....if you didn't see the game, he got a free kick in behind the post but they didn't call it.

What are the brackets? Who does Chelsea and Liverpool play next?

There's one more draw on March 20 to determine the quarterfinals bracket, which in turn creates the rest of the possibilities for semis and the Final in Rome. Any matchup sounds good though

[resistanze]

:lol @ Sporting Lisbon. 5-0 @ home? 7-1 away? Seriously? Damn.

I hope the Gunners can handle Roma, they need to meet Liverpool again. Arsenal is getting healthy, so they could do some damage if they advance.

[DPG21920]

United. United. United.

[TDMVPDPOY]

manutd too easy biatches

[Texas_Ranger]

Fuck you Man.Unt!!! FUCK YOU!!!!

[resistanze]

Man you thought Inter had a chance in England? :lol

And boy did Arsenal get lucky. But I'll take it!...Hopefully they get Porto in the draw.

[resistanze]

playoffs 1/8 finals

Lyon vs Barcelona - RIGHT
Chelsea vs Juventus - WRONG
Inter vs Manchester - RIGHT
Real Madrid vs Liverpool - RIGHT
Arsenal vs AS Roma - RIGHT
Villareal vs Panathinaikos - RIGHT
Atletico Madrid vs FC Porto - WRONG
Sporting Portugal VS Bayern - RIGHT

6-2. I have to remember to bet next round.

[lefty]

Man you thought Inter had a chance in England? :lol

And boy did Arsenal get lucky. But I'll take it!...Hopefully they get Porto in the draw.

To be fair, Inter dominated the game

[Warlord23]

Bayern are kicking some serious ass .. watch out

[lefty]

Bayern are kicking some serious ass .. watch out

Bayern is goooooooooood

[Purple & Gold]

BTW, Chelsea v Juventus would've been a perfect CL final. Excellent matchups all around. Stupid decisions by Ranieri though, including putting in Giovinco around the 65 minute for the only juve goalscorer at the time, Iaquinta

Ranieri will always have a special place for me for elevating Chelsea to a world power. His coaching us into the Champions League was masterful and was one of the main reason Abramovich even considered buying Chelsea. Which is when the spending and the consistent winning began. But Ranieri has always been known as the tinker man and it will drive people crazy. This matchup was dominated by Drogba. When he's on top of his game he's one of the best forwards out there. Unstoppable with the long pass and a great defensive player. He's a force out there. With Anelka paired with him it makes him even that much more dangerous. Two dangerous forwards out there that have to be respected make a world of difference.

[mabrignani]

Bayern is goooooooooood

luca toni!!!!

[mabrignani]

when is the next round draw?

[marini martini]

when is the next round draw?


There's one more draw on March 20 to determine the quarterfinals bracket, which in turn creates the rest of the possibilities for semis and the Final in Rome. Any matchup sounds good though

[velik_m]

QF match-ups:

VILLARREAL - ARSENAL
MANCHESTER UNITED - PORTO
LIVERPOOL - CHELSEA
BARCELONA - BAYERN

semi-finals:
MAN UTD/PORTO - VILLARREAL/ARSENAL
BARCELONA/BAYERN - LIVERPOOL/CHELSEA

-----

Arsenal with another lucky draw, their form seems to be rising too.

[DPG21920]

I am happy with the draw United has. Porto is very good, but I would rather play them than any other team except for Bayern.

[resistanze]

Arsenal better take care of business, they couldn't have gotten a better draw!

[quentin_compson]

Arsenal better take care of business, they couldn't have gotten a better draw!

Yeah, hope you're right, but I remember 05 when they embarrassed themselves against PSV. ManU in the SFs would be great, though. Let's hope Cesc and Adebayor are back in April.
Chelsea-Liverpool and Barca-Bayern are interesting matchups; I for one hope that Liverpool and Barca beat the crap out of their opponents.

[resistanze]

Yeah, hope you're right, but I remember 05 when they embarrassed themselves against PSV. ManU in the SFs would be great, though. Let's hope Cesc and Adebayor are back in April.
Chelsea-Liverpool and Barca-Bayern are interesting matchups; I for one hope that Liverpool and Barca beat the crap out of their opponents.

Not to mention that Arsenal almost lost to Villareal in the '06 semis (Thanks Riquelme!).

But yes, they need Fabregas and Adebayor back in form if they want any chance of winning the Cup.

[SAtown]

Villareal vs Arsenal and Man Utd vs Porto tomorrow.

Liverpool vs Chelsea and Barcelona vs Bayern Munich on Wed.

Who ya got

[SAtown]

And in other news, pretty good stuff for us who live in the states next year regarding the Champions League. Bye bye ESPN


FSC wins U.S. TV rights to Champions League

NEW YORK (AP) - Fox Soccer Channel beat out ESPN for right to the European Champions League starting next season, adding the top club event to a lineup that already includes the English Premier League and Italy's Serie A.

FSC didn't make an immediate announcement, preferring to wait until documents were signed with the Union of European Football Associations. ESPN, which had held the rights since the 1994-95 season, confirmed the switch.

"We have been informed by UEFA that they are moving ahead with a new partner in the United States," ESPN said in a statement Monday. "We made a strong bid that we believe would have helped continue the year-to-year growth of the UEFA Champions League in the United States."

ESPN and ESPN2 are available in 98 million homes and have broadcast Champions League matches in high-definition this season, while FSC reaches 34 million households and has not yet started hi-def telecasts. Also, FSC allows many top Premier League games to be telecast by Setanta Sports, which is not available on many cable systems.

UEFA, European soccer's governing body, announced March 11 that Fox will replace ESPN as the Champions League pay broadcaster in Central and South America next season under a three-season agreement.

ESPN averaged 255,000 households for 27 telecasts last season. Manchester United's victory over Chelsea in last May's final was ESPN's most-watched Champions League telecast, with 798,000 homes and 1,097,000 viewers.

ESPN has rights to the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and U.S. national team games through 2014. It shares Major League Soccer rights with Fox and other networks.

[SAtown]

* Fox will broadcast 31 live and 79 delayed matches on FSC next season.

* Sixteen games will air on Fox Sports Net on Tuesdays.

* The final from Madrid on May 22, 2010, will be on FX.

* Fox Sports en Espanol will broadcast 31 matches live and 63 on delay.

* Setanta will continue its U.S. coverage of the Champions League under a separate agreement with UEFA, and will televise 94 matches. Fox Soccer Channel will get the top picks.

* Fox Soccer Channel is considering using the international feed for commentators instead of their own

* Its coverage will start with the new playoff round on Aug. 18-19 and Aug. 25-26, 2009.

* FSC also plans to air pregame and highlights shows.

* Fox hopes that the addition of the Champions League coverage will “get the network positioned onto more broadly distributed tiers and packages.”

* Fox plans on adding HD telecasts by the end of this year.

[Bukefal]

I hope chelsea wins!! I want them in the finals!

[velik_m]

I'm hoping for a Barca-Arsenal finals rematch. Hopefully Arsenal plays along with my wishes.

[resistanze]

QF match-ups:

VILLARREAL - ARSENAL
MANCHESTER UNITED - PORTO
LIVERPOOL - CHELSEA
BARCELONA - BAYERN


Arsenal got back Fabregas and Adebayor, they looked REALLY good over the weekend.

I hate Liverpool and Man U, but Man U has a gimme and Liverpool is in crazy form.

Bayern got curb stomped this weekend, but they're still dangerous. However I think the Messi-Eto-Henry attack will be too much, as long as Barca's D holds up.

[DPG21920]

Damn it United: 2-2, how about you come to play next time.

[SAtown]

Sucks for United. No English team has ever won at Dragao

[IronMexican]

That was a great game between MANU and Port

[resistanze]

Damn, Man U done phucked up! They can win outright, but their form needs to SERIOUSLY improve in the next week.

Arsenal is in pretty good shape heading back to the Emirates. Fabregas-Adebayor hooked up again for another goal, hope they take care of business next Wed.

[velik_m]

Arsenal got a lucky break with that superb goal by Adebayor. Villareal was way better.

Here's the goal: http://footballblips.dailyradar.com/video/adebayor_wonder_overhead_kick_at_villarreal/

[quentin_compson]

Good result for Arsenal, especially considering how poorly they played in the first half. Really great goal by Adebayor.

[Purple & Gold]

Lets go Chelsea :clap :clap


Kick them scousers ass!!

[resistanze]

I'm rooting for Chelsea, but damn they got a challenge ahead of them.

[Purple & Gold]

I'll be shocked if they win. Liverpool has our number. I'll be happy with a tie and an away goal. Drogba needs to dominate this game he has it in him. We need to score.

[Purple & Gold]

Damn and it's started already :depressed

Liverpool barely missed

[Purple & Gold]

I hate Liverpool:madrun:madrun:madrun

[Purple & Gold]

Drogba should have finished that one :madrun :madrun :madrun

[Purple & Gold]

:clap :clap :clap :clap


Great game Chelsea/Liverpool don't miss it non stop action.

[velik_m]

Barca toying with Bayern.

[IronMexican]

Liverpool is fucked

[Purple & Gold]

Chelsea!!!! :clap :clap :clap


Take that scousers

[resistanze]

YES! 3 away goals! Eat shit Liverpool!

[resistanze]

Bayern got curb stomped this weekend, but they're still dangerous. However I think the Messi-Eto-Henry attack will be too much, as long as Barca's D holds up.
Too much indeed:hat

All 4 goals scored by the holy trinity.

[quentin_compson]

Barca easily could have won that one by 6 or 7. Bayern was a complete disgrace (and I like it :p:).
What was wrong with Liverpool, though? I was so confident they would win tonight. :(

[Purple & Gold]

YES! 3 away goals! Eat shit Liverpool!

No John Terry for second leg but who gives a fuck now :lol

[Purple & Gold]

Barca easily could have won that one by 6 or 7. Bayern was a complete disgrace (and I like it :p:).
What was wrong with Liverpool, though? I was so confident they would win tonight. :(

Liverpool looked good in the beginning but after Chelsea's first goal they looked like shit. Essien dominated, Alex and Terry did a fine job on Torres after the goal, Drogba played well even though he missed a couple of easy ones, and Liverpool couldn't stop the corners. Two headers from Ivanovic!!

[Bukefal]

Guus Hiddink does it again!!!! Like i said, he will take chelsea to glory. This man is amazing, he is a coaching god, every team he takes under his wings are meant for success!! Nice work chelsea, see you in the finals!!!

[quentin_compson]

Guus Hiddink does it again!!!! Like i said, he will take chelsea to glory. This man is amazing, he is a coaching god, every team he takes under his wings are meant for success!! Nice work chelsea, see you in the finals!!!

:nope
Barca will kick Chelsea's ass in the semis.

[MacGyver]

Go Chelsea!

[lefty]

Is it me or did Bayern players looked scared vs Barcelona?

[resistanze]

Is it me or did Bayern players looked scared vs Barcelona?

If I just finished getting my ass handed to me by Wolfsburg or whatever, I'd be scared going into that match too.

Bayern, Real and Inter aren't built for this tournament.

[Bukefal]

:nope
Barca will kick Chelsea's ass in the semis.

We'll see, chelsea is highly motivated now because of hiddink and the man is a living wonder. Go chelsea, i hope they can lift the cup

[lefty]

If I just finished getting my ass handed to me by Wolfsburg or whatever, I'd be scared going into that match too.

Bayern, Real and Inter aren't built for this tournament.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that Wolfsburg beatdown :lol

[quentin_compson]

We'll see, chelsea is highly motivated now because of hiddink and the man is a living wonder. Go chelsea, i hope they can lift the cup

You're right, it will be a very interesting draw in the semifinals. Those teams combined for some great matches in the three years between 04/05 and 06/07.
Hiddink is a great coach for sure, but Barca seems to be firing on all cylinders this season and has the best group of attacking players in the world.

Personally, I am hoping for a rematch of the 06 finals between Arsenal and Barca.

[Purple & Gold]

Barca is Chelsea's bitch in CL. I don't see that changing this year.

[velik_m]

Senna will not play against Arsenal, got injured in home loss against Malaga (0:2) in spanish championship. That's a huge blow for Villarreal.

[resistanze]

Here's hoping for a Arsenal/Porto semi!

[quentin_compson]

The Bayern spanking will continue tonight. That is, if Barca won't just send their B-team to Munich.
I really hope Liverpool can turn it around against Chelsea, but it doesn't look good, to say the least. I hear Gerrard is doubtfoul - without him, they don't stand a chance.

[Purple & Gold]

Let's finish off these scousers :clap :clap :clap

[Purple & Gold]

Chech u fucking dumbass :madrun :madrun :madrun

[resistanze]

OUCH. Liverpool...Jesus...

[Bukefal]

GO chelseaaaa!!! Like i said, this team is champion potential, since hiddink became the coach.

[quentin_compson]

Wow, what a fight by Liverpool without their MVP (;)), but in the end, Chelsea deserved to advance.

[sonic21]

wow that was epic

[mFFL03]

one of the most tense second halves of soccer I've seen. It doesn't beat the shoot out from last year's final...but damn...what a game.

Gus Hiddink apparently has announced he will NOT be back next year....this team better break out the checkbook when this season is over.

[mFFL03]

BTW does Hicks still own Liverpool? I heard his creditors want to take the Rangers and Stars away from him due to a non-payment on a 10 million interest loan.

[DPG21920]

United better take care of business.

[velik_m]

Good job Arsenal.

[SAtown]

Barcelona v Chelsea

Arsenal v United

[quentin_compson]

Very good game by Arsenal, should be a great matchup against ManU in the semis. :toast

[resistanze]

For the second straight year, 3 out of the 4 teams in the semi-finals are English.

GJ Gunnners! I'll watch the game once I get home.

[DPG21920]

I am very pleased with United's draw and I am hoping it sets up a United/Barca final. That would be amazing.

[resistanze]

Well, if today's FA Cup was any indication, they need Almunia back healthy in goal if they want to push Man Utd. Fabianski is just too inexperienced.

WTF on that goal by Drogba?

[quentin_compson]

Well, if today's FA Cup was any indication, they need Almunia back healthy in goal if they want to push Man Utd. Fabianski is just too inexperienced.

WTF on that goal by Drogba?

Fabianski had a rough afternoon, but Silvestre was just shockingly bad. It's a shame Wenger has to rely on players like him due to about 100 defenders being injured. Hopefully, Djourou, Sagna and Clichy will be fit for the semis against ManU.

[resistanze]

Fabianski had a rough afternoon, but Silvestre was just shockingly bad. It's a shame Wenger has to rely on players like him due to about 100 defenders being injured. Hopefully, Djourou, Sagna and Clichy will be fit for the semis against ManU.

Yes, Silvestre looks lost out there. Ah well, better luck in the CL I hope. Today felt like deja vu of '07 when Walcott opened up the scoring, and with Drogba scoring the winning goal.

[Purple & Gold]

WTF on that goal by Drogba?

Drogba is back and in full effect :toast

[Purple & Gold]

one of the most tense second halves of soccer I've seen. It doesn't beat the shoot out from last year's final...but damn...what a game.

Gus Hiddink apparently has announced he will NOT be back next year....this team better break out the checkbook when this season is over.

That was a nailbitter I guess we did need John Terry more than I thought :lol


I had to see the doctor after that one. Who would have ever thought a Chelsea/Liverpool game would ever have 8 goals. And Hiddink has been great he single handidly saved the season. Now on to Barca!!

[mFFL03]

Drogba is back and in full effect :toast

helllllz yes

[SAtown]

Who would have ever thought a Chelsea/Liverpool game would ever have 8 goals.

I have a feeling the aggregate of Chelsea/Barca will be the same or more as the Chelsea/Liv matchup. Should be really fun to watch for neutrals

[SAtown]

http://i44.tinypic.com/2ccozu1.jpg

Tomorrow: Barcelona vs Chelsea

Wednesday: United vs Arsenal

Who ya got?

*DAF86 doesn't have to respond since he thinks this Barca team is the best in the history of football.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

I've got Barca over Chelsea, United over Arsenal.

then Barca over United in the final

[quentin_compson]

I'm hoping for Barca-Arsenal in the finals. But I don't know if Arsenal really has the potential to beat ManU over two legs.
Should be some great games, though.

[resistanze]

Tomorrow: Barcelona vs Chelsea

Wednesday: United vs Arsenal

Who ya got?

*DAF86 doesn't have to respond since he thinks this Barca team is the best in the history of football.

:lol

Gotta go with Barca and Arsenal. Mainly because that's what I want to see.

GO GUNNERS!

[velik_m]

http://www.expansionistparty.org/bigcannon.JPG
http://www.thortrains.net/armymen/artygun8.jpg
http://blog.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/graphics/cannon_echo_copyright.jpg

[IronMexican]

Go Chelsea. I hate Barca

[DAF86]

I have a feeling the aggregate of Chelsea/Barca will be the same or more as the Chelsea/Liv matchup. Should be really fun to watch for neutrals

I thought the same, but Chelsea except for that Drogba chance (thanks to a stupid mistake by Marquez) has played too defensive, let's hope for a better second half.

[IronMexican]

Pretty boring match

[velik_m]

Nice display of catenaccio from Chelsea.

[DAF86]

Well, I hope that in England Chelsea dares to get past the midfield in more than one or two ocassions.

[quentin_compson]

Barca should have created more chances, especially in the beginning when Chelsea was playing rather poorly.
All in all, a good defensive display by Chelsea, but I'm still confident that Barca is strong enough to get at least one goal in London.

[Bukefal]

very very boring game, i watched the whole game, but i could have better not watched it. Anyway, this is good for chelsea, and i hope they can win the next game, i really want to see them in the finals. hopefully we get to see some exciting games!!

[sonic21]

good game for chelsea, 3-1 for chelsea in london

[resistanze]

Damn, talk about not taking any risks. Chelsea just wants to play at home.

And Barca should've scored at least once (Eto'o, Krkic).

I really don't want to see the same two teams in the Finals this year, but there's a damn good chance.

GO GUNNERS!

[IronMexican]

Gol!

[IronMexican]

Great shot by Ronaldo. That was almost 2-0

[velik_m]

Arsenal got lucky. I can't see them advancing, ManUnited is clearly a superior team.

Maybe Van Persie will be ready for the return match.

[quentin_compson]

Arsenal somehow survived a terrific first half by ManU being down just one goal, and they defended much better in the second half. Still, their offensive production was poor, and they will have to play much better next week to give themselves a chance to advance.

I still hope, though.

[TDMVPDPOY]

wat was the score biatches?

[resistanze]

Arsenal was lucky to be down only 1-0 by halftime, thank God for Almunia.

I can't see Arsenal holding Man U scoreless next week, so in that case they'd have to score at least 3 goals. Doesn't look good for the Gunners.

[SAtown]

Almunia played like a maniac. There's too many great spanish gks in the world

[SAtown]

Henry playing vs Chelsea? It'd be a pretty big blow offensively for Barca if he didn't, considering they almost have to score once. Hopefully he plays


Barcelona Deny Henry Out Of Chelsea Encounter

Thierry Henry could play against Chelsea on Wednesday after the Blaugrana denied claims that he was out of action for a fortnight...

Barcelona have refuted reports that Thierry Henry is out of action for two weeks and stated that not only is he in the squad to face Chelsea, but he could play.

The Frenchman was the subject of claims that the knock on his knee that he suffered during the Blaugrana's historic win against Real Madrid would sideline him for two weeks.

Sport ran the story as their main lead, but have since been forced to retract it and replace the news with confirmation that Henry is travelling to London.

Marca state that sources from within Barcelona have told them he is not out for two weeks and will be monitored ahead of the game at Stamford Bridge before undergoing a late fitness test.

It is a sudden turnaround from the earlier statement, because while he was kept quiet in the first leg against Chelsea, Henry showed what he can do against Madrid three days later.

After netting two goals in a superb display in the Bernabeu, Henry's absence would have been sorely felt by the Catalan outfit, and there was talk that Andres Iniesta would move up to the left side of attack.

Allied with an injury to Rafa Marquez and the suspension of Carles Puyol, coach Pep Guardiola would have had to shuffle his squad even more if Henry had certainly been out.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com



http://goal.com/en-india/news/138/spain/2009/05/04/1245742/barcelona-deny-henry-out-of-chelsea-encounter

[DAF86]

Henry playing vs Chelsea? It'd be a pretty big blow offensively for Barca if he didn't, considering they almost have to score once. Hopefully he plays



http://goal.com/en-india/news/138/spain/2009/05/04/1245742/barcelona-deny-henry-out-of-chelsea-encounter

This is what I'm talking about, after a great season you sudenly see your self playing an elimination game without 3 (or 4, 'cause you have to remeber that Milito is also injured) very important starters of your squad that could easily be the difference between getting eliminated or getting to the final.

[resistanze]

This is what I'm talking about, after a great season you sudenly see your self playing an elimination game without 3 (or 4, 'cause you have to remeber that Milito is also injured) very important starters of your squad that could easily be the difference between getting eliminated or getting to the final.

Injuries are a factor, I agree, but it's not like Barca was able to score at home last week even with Henry.

Barca is by far the most exciting team to watch in football, but you can't deny the prestige of a three-peat in the Premier League and a repeat in Champions League, if Man Utd. is in fact able to accomplish this. There hasn't been a repeat champion in the CL for 20 years.

[TDMVPDPOY]

30mins too kickoff 2nd leg...fkn sleepy as fuck will be 4.30am where i am

[velik_m]

Go gunners!

[DAF86]

Go gunners!

Lol 0-2 in 10 mins.

[Whisky Dog]

Arsenal getting Hatton'd. Gibbs is a bum

[resistanze]

Missing the game cuz of an experiment I'm running, but...LMAO Arsenal.

Spineless, mentally weak bastards.

[quentin_compson]

what a fucking nightmare :depressed

[velik_m]

The better team won. :( This is why i was silently rooting for Porto in quarter finals...

Oh well, the arsenal has a crapy midfield, they need a complete revamp in that area, Arshavin is a good start, but they need some good wingers and at least one more creator. Also more rotation of players, some players have hardly played all year and then they get suddenly pushed into the biggest games of the year because of injuries. You always need players on the bench ready to step in.

[TDMVPDPOY]

park ji sung man of the match? dude was running everywhere...either it was defending or settin up goals or tryin to score himself....


score shouldve been at least 5+

[resistanze]

They need some experienced players, period. The Wenger youth movement is nice and cute, but Arsenal has shriveled up on the big stage for say, the past 3 years.

No one was realistically expecting them to win this game, but damn, the gave was over in the first 10 minutes. No heart whatsoever, forget the fact they were outclassed by a better team.

[TDMVPDPOY]

lol the goal from ronaldos free kick, that was the fukn worst goal keeping...no fkn effort to jump higher...


ps. the arsenal goal from the penalty kick.....is there any rule that says the goalie can set anywhere outside of that line? cause he can clearly closed down angle available from the original spot....

[SAtown]

ps. the arsenal goal from the penalty kick.....is there any rule that says the goalie can set anywhere outside of that line? cause he can clearly closed down angle available from the original spot....

Speaking of the pk, i'm not saying it wasn't or couldn't have been one, but did Rosetti have to give Fletcher a straight red on that tackle? I mean, he did touch the ball first... It sucks he won't be playing in the 2nd straight final

Adebayor's nasty challenge, on the other hand, deserved a straight red card. It came at about the 80th-85th minute (don't remember who he tackled), but it was a pre-meditated foot first tackle on the other player's ankle. It was right in front of the 4th official and yet nothing was done. It was obviously done out of frustration as well

[DAF86]

Speaking of the pk, i'm not saying it wasn't or couldn't have been one, but did Rosetti have to give Fletcher a straight red on that tackle? I mean, he did touch the ball first... It sucks he won't be playing in the 2nd straight final

Adebayor's nasty challenge, on the other hand, deserved a straight red card. It came at about the 80th-85th minute (don't remember who he tackled), but it was a pre-meditated foot first tackle on the other player's ankle. It was right in front of the 4th official and yet nothing was done. It was obviously done out of frustration as well

Yes 'cause even though it wasn't a hard foul, he stopped a clear goal oportunity and that's an automatic red card. Fletcher should have just let the Arsenal guy take the shot.

[SAtown]

uh oh

[Libri]

Chelsea leading, 1-0

[IronMexican]

forgot they played today. Glad to see Chelsea winning.

[IronMexican]

That was a fucking foul.

[SAtown]

Gotta love Drogba and his spectacular dives :lol

[lefty]

Gotta love Drogba and his spectacular dives :lol


He must have watched a lot of AC Milan games (Inzaghi)

[sonic21]

amazing goal by essien, it reminds me of zidane goal in the 2002 finals

[SAtown]

He must have watched a lot of AC Milan games (Inzaghi)

:lol You could have at least said Gilardino, he was by far the worst diver Milan ever had

[Libri]

Guardiola is having a fit. :lol

[SAtown]

And if he did watch enough of Super Pippo he could've learned a thing or two about scoring on a wide open goal

[SAtown]

uh oh

[diego]

i dont care much for either team, and i missed the first leg and first 15 min. of this match... but this is exactly what is wrong with european futbol.

chelsea is hanging to its goalpost while their forwards dive every single time the ball comes close... and the ref rewards them with a red for a guy that wasn't even near that bitch anelka.

these games used to be exciting, now its just a matter of who is the bigger bitch. congratulations chelsea, hiddink is a winner but i'd rather watch paint dry.

[SAtown]

Absolutely terrible game by Alves. Every cross/shot is way off the mark

[SAtown]

Wow

[SAtown]

these games used to be exciting, now its just a matter of who is the bigger bitch. congratulations chelsea, hiddink is a winner but i'd rather watch paint dry.

How's that paint dryin? :lmao

[Libri]

Iniesta!

[velik_m]

Barca didn't deserve to pass. 1 single shot into goal? Eh..

Chelsea should've scored the away goal - oh wait they couldn't with their 9-1-0 formation.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Chelsea was robbed that match

first half 45+3 extra time
2nd half 45+3+ extra time
seriously thats just too much extra time for a match 6minz+ altogether

drogba was shithouse, kept on diving...
messi was shut down for the whole match, while alvaz had alot of the ball for barca but played like crap...iniesta didnt even touch the ball that much of played in his area, but he scored when it mattered.

2 hand balls wasnt awarded to chelsea in the penalty box :(

i agree chelsea shouldve won it 5-0 the way they were playing all game.

[diego]

i stopped watching after i posted, so i don't know how barca tied it but my point still stands, european soccer is too defensive, no one takes risks and on top of that with such crappy refs you get very boring games

chelsea should have won they had much better opportunities but they took no risks so I'm happy they lost

[DAF86]

i stopped watching after i posted, so i don't know how barca tied it but my point still stands, european soccer is too defensive, no one takes risks and on top of that with such crappy refs you get very boring games

chelsea should have won they had much better opportunities but they took no risks so I'm happy they lost

No one except Barca, even though they played like shit today.

[DAF86]

Barca didn't deserve to pass. 1 single shot into goal? Eh..

Chelsea should've scored the away goal - oh wait they couldn't with their 9-1-0 formation.

They didn't play well at all in this match, but if you take into consideration the whole tournament I think it's fair that Barcelona is in the final.

[TDMVPDPOY]

i stopped watching after i posted, so i don't know how barca tied it but my point still stands, european soccer is too defensive, no one takes risks and on top of that with such crappy refs you get very boring games

chelsea should have won they had much better opportunities but they took no risks so I'm happy they lost

what risks you talkin about? they were up 1-0 at the half

they had so many opportunities to win it in the 2nd half, but
- drogba fkn kept on diving every time he got the ball
- 2 fkn handballs that shouldve been called
- most of the shots were on target....sit and counter..
- there offense was more fluid
- anelka started to dive when drogba was subbed off...
- lampard his fkn shithouse, every fkn game thats an elimination match his nowhere to be seen...

while barca played like shithouse mainly cause alvaz had so much of the damn ball it got fkn boring....shouldve switch sides with iniesta imo cause he wasnt getting many touches.
- barca pique i felt that this guy couldve score at leasts 2 goals outside the box but off target....

[TDMVPDPOY]

They didn't play well at all in this match, but if you take into consideration the whole tournament I think it's fair that Barcelona is in the final.

are you serious?

both teams first leg was shithouse game

2nd leg i felt chelsea was the dominant side.....

[Bukefal]

Damn that was really really sad for chelsea. They should have gotten at least one penalties, for the two hands ball!!!!!!

Damnit

[DAF86]

Chelsea was robbed that match

first half 45+3 extra time
2nd half 45+3+ extra time
seriously thats just too much extra time for a match 6minz+ altogether

drogba was shithouse, kept on diving...
messi was shut down for the whole match, while alvaz had alot of the ball for barca but played like crap...iniesta didnt even touch the ball that much of played in his area, but he scored when it mattered.

2 hand balls wasnt awarded to chelsea in the penalty box :(

i agree chelsea shouldve won it 5-0 the way they were playing all game.

Well let's not get carried away, they were lucky to score that goal at the begining of the game (Essien could try to repeat that shot for the rest of his life and I bet he won't be able to do it again) and then they took advantage of Barca's desesperation to create oportunities counterattacking. I'm pretty sure that if we look at ball possesion for the two game the numbers will be close to 80% to 20% in favour of the Spaniards.

[DAF86]

are you serious?

both teams first leg was shithouse game

2nd leg i felt chelsea was the dominant side.....


Well let's not get carried away, they were lucky to score that goal at the begining of the game (Essien could try to repeat that shot for the rest of his life and I bet he won't be able to do it again) and then they take advantage of Barca desesperation to create oportunities counterattacking. I'm pretty sure that if we look at ball possesion for the two game the numbers will be close to 80% to 20% in favour of the Spaniards.

And I was talking about the whole tournament not only the two games between Barca and Chelsea

[TDMVPDPOY]

Well let's not get carried away, they were lucky to score that goal at the begining of the game (Essien could try to repeat that shot for the rest of his life and I bet he won't be able to do it again) and then they take advantage of Barca desesperation to create oportunities counterattacking. I'm pretty sure that if we look at ball possesion for the two game the numbers will be close to 80% to 20% in favour of the Spaniards.

i dunno how you can say that was a fluke goal man, he was there at the right time and right place to volley it in....all fkn volley shots are like that..either they go in or they dont. In this case it went in from the underside of the topbar.

chelsea countered so many times, but their fkn forwards kept on diving and pulling a hissy fit.

i dont care if ur playing with 10 or 9 men, you cant penalize the team playin with 11 men from handballs, penalty shots....its just stupid....the calls from the refs were consistent with the divings, but when it was clearly handballs he didnt call it...but in previous rounds they wouldve called it.

[SAtown]

What was more of a fluke goal... Essien's goal or Maxi Rodriguez's goal in 06 world cup to eliminate Mex?

[SAtown]

I say Maxi's

[DAF86]

i dunno how you can say that was a fluke goal man, he was there at the right time and right place to volley it in....all fkn volley shots are like that..either they go in or they dont. In this case it went in from the underside of the topbar.

It was a great goal, but 9.999 out of 1.000 that ball ends up on the stands.


chelsea countered so many times, but their fkn forwards kept on diving and pulling a hissy fit.

i dont care if ur playing with 10 or 9 men, you cant penalize the team playin with 11 men from handballs, penalty shots....its just stupid....the calls from the refs were consistent with the divings, but when it was clearly handballs he didnt call it...but in previous rounds they wouldve called it.

I didn't say anything about the ref, it's true that there were two penalties for Chelseas that the ref didn't called but is also true that that red card on Abidal was really iffy.

[SAtown]

i dont care if ur playing with 10 or 9 men, you cant penalize the team playin with 11 men from handballs, penalty shots....its just stupid....the calls from the refs were consistent with the divings, but when it was clearly handballs he didnt call it...but in previous rounds they wouldve called it.

Chelsea was playing most of the 2nd half with 10 men anyways, since Drogba couldn't stay on his feet the entire half

[TDMVPDPOY]

cant wait for manutd to destroy barca....

if manutd wins this and epl, expect ronaldo to win player of the year award again...

[DAF86]

What was more of a fluke goal... Essien's goal or Maxi Rodriguez's goal in 06 world cup to eliminate Mex?

Both, but Essien's goal hit the crossboard. A little bit lower the ball would have flied and Valdes was right there.

[DAF86]

cant wait for manutd to destroy barca....

if manutd wins this and epl, expect ronaldo to win player of the year award again...

I don't think Man-U will destroy Barca, they usually win games by just one or two goals, if there's a team in Europe that can win destroying his rivals is Barcelona, but like I said many times before in Football anything can happen.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

cant wait for manutd to destroy barca....

if manutd wins this and epl, expect ronaldo to win player of the year award again...

Chelsea was only able to shut down Barca by playing amazing D. WTF do you think Manchester is going to be able to do that Chelsea didn't? I'm sorry, either team may win, but Manchester ain't "destroying" shit :lol

[sonic21]

that wasn't a fluke shot, i watched essien play for like 5-6 years when he played in france and he's an amazing player, chelsea paid 37M euros to have him that's not a coincidence.

[TDMVPDPOY]

the next game is going to see whose better ronaldo or messi, this will seperate both players, at leasts we know where kaka is now....


ps. lol at drogba cussing at the ref and the ref giving him a yellow card when his not involve in the game since he was subbed off....lmao douche

[IronMexican]

What was more of a fluke goal... Essien's goal or Maxi Rodriguez's goal in 06 world cup to eliminate Mex?

Rodriguez's

[resistanze]

One of those games that was a pain and joy to watch. 2 spectacular goals with a steaming pile of shit in between. Horrible referring, so horrible that it was actually fair for both sides. Chelsea had no attacking game. Messi was a ghost. Man Utd. is probably licking their chops.

I really hope Barca wins it though, preferably by a goal from Henry.

[velik_m]

btw, great game from Valdez :tu

[TDMVPDPOY]

dont think uefa wanted to see 2 english teams in the finals again....rigged!!!

[quentin_compson]

Well, I think there was only one situation where there maybe should have been a penalty, which was the one in injury time with Ballack's shot that hit Eto'o's arm.
Tough luck for Chelsea, but they could have advanced if Drogba had taken care of his chances rather than diving and lying on the ground complaining like a pre-schol child.

Anyway, I like Barca and I'm glad they made it to the finals.

[sonic21]

henry may miss the finale, he has a knee injury, he's out minimum 10 to 15 days.

[Bukefal]

i so hate chelsea isnt in the final, that was really really a disgrace, as drogba said it. Damn. I dont even care about the whole final anymore. Chelsea should have been there. PERIOD.

[DAF86]

Let's start the preview

OYbFcsVvfiU

[DAF86]

Do you think this final will determine who wins the "FIFA world best player" award?

4RYX33I8MfM

[DAF86]

b_r4ZTRa-pY

JQZ5aDLD-Bw

[quentin_compson]

i so hate chelsea isnt in the final, that was really really a disgrace, as drogba said it. Damn. I dont even care about the whole final anymore. Chelsea should have been there. PERIOD.

Drogba is a "disgrace" himself.

[DAF86]

This is just great! First Milito, then Marquez, then Henry and now Iniesta: The Barca midfielder would probably miss the UEFA Champions league final because of a (acording to google translation) "tear of the anterior right thigh straight".

This could be a massive loss for the Spaniards.

[Libri]

This is just great! First Milito, then Marquez, then Henry and now Iniesta: The Barca midfielder would probably miss the UEFA Champions league final because of a (acording to google translation) "tear of the anterior right thigh straight".

This could be a massive loss for the Spaniards.

Marca says that Iniesta will definitely miss La Copa del Rey but it's still uncertain whether he will miss the final of the Champions. They will do some tests on Monday to see how bad is the tear. It doesn't look good.

[velik_m]

Iniesta out for 2 weeks.

[quentin_compson]

Iniesta out for 2 weeks.

Well, he could still be back for the CL-final, then. Would be a massive blow for Barca if both he and Henry should miss it.

[MB20]

I don´t like Ronaldo. Great soccer player...but too cocky, imo.
Go Barca !

[DAF86]

Barca just won the "Copa del Rey" beating Athletic Bilbao 4-1 in the final, Goals scored by: Toure, Messi, Bojan and Xavi, if they win "La liga" (pretty much a given by now: 8 pts lead with 9 pts to play) and the "Champions league", they will become the first team to win all the tournaments they participated in.

[sonic21]

Barca just won the "Copa del Rey" beating Athletic Bilbao 4-1 in the final, Goals scored by: Toure, Messi, Bojan and Xavi, if they win "La liga" (pretty much a given by now: 8 pts lead with 9 pts to play) and the "Champions league", they will become the first team to win all the tournaments they participated in.

Manchester in 1999 won the cup, the premier league and the champions league.

[DAF86]

Manchester in 1999 won the cup, the premier league and the champions league.

I meant Spanish team but either way in England Manchester plays: The Champions league, the Premier league, the FA cup and the Carling cup so to win everything they play, they need to win 4 tournaments not 3.

[MB20]

I meant Spanish team but either way in England Manchester plays: The Champions league, the Premier league, the FA cup and the Carling cup so to win everything they play, they need to win 4 tournaments not 3.

Don´t they have the chance to win all 4 tournaments this year?

[DAF86]

Don´t they have the chance to win all 4 tournaments this year?

No, they already lost in the FA cup.

[MB20]

No, they already lost in the FA cup.

Thanks for clarifying.

[sonic21]

I meant Spanish team but either way in England Manchester plays: The Champions league, the Premier league, the FA cup and the Carling cup so to win everything they play, they need to win 4 tournaments not 3.

well i think there was no carling cup that year

[DAF86]

This is nice.

ESvo4x0Pjpk

[Purple & Gold]

Chelsea got robbed that's all I have to say, even barca fans know it. No more needs to be said about that disgraceful game by the refs.

[Purple & Gold]

i so hate chelsea isnt in the final, that was really really a disgrace, as drogba said it. Damn. I dont even care about the whole final anymore. Chelsea should have been there. PERIOD.

I agree it's more than a disgrace. BTW Macedonia a beautiful country and Skopje is one of my favorite cities. Miss that skopsko, it will get you faded!!!

[sonic21]

with manchester playing, the finale will be boring, the score will be 1-0.
and i agree chelsea deserved to win.

[SAtown]

What are your predictions on the Final?

Barcelona 1 - 3 United

[MB20]

What are your predictions on the Final?

Barcelona 1 - 3 United

mmm....two great teams...it could go either way.
I´m rooting for Barcelona. But I won´t complain if Tevez wins it. :lol

[velik_m]

What are your predictions on the Final?

Barcelona 1 - 3 United

Barca will win 6-1. :downspin:

[DAF86]

Global Sports Forum: Champions League Edition, Part 2
from "Goal" The New York Times soccer blog

http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/23/global-sports-forum-champions-league-edition-part-2/

[DAF86]

Global Sports Forum: Champions League Edition, Part 2
from "Goal" The New York Times soccer blog

http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/23/global-sports-forum-champions-league-edition-part-2/

Here's part 1

http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/22/the-global-sports-forum-with-christopher-clarey-champions-league-edition/

[DAF86]

Adidas Commercial made for the UCL, featuring Messi and Zidane.

kjL9Fm7v2B4

[DAF86]

Most likely line-ups:



Valdes

Puyol Toure Pique Sylvinho
Ronaldo

Xavi Busquets Iniesta

Rooney Giggs Carrick Anderson Park

Messi Eto'o Henry

Evra Vidic Ferdinand O'shea

Van der Sar



It seems like Man-U will employ the same tactic that Chelsea used against Barcelona. For the good of the fans I hope to be wrong.

[MB20]

It´s their only chance. They HAVE TO play like Chelsea did.
Barcelona would spank them if they don´t do it.
Man-U must not give Messi or Iniesta any space to operate.

[resistanze]

Go Barca!

I think they'll lose, so I don't want to predict the score. :lol

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Most likely line-ups:



Valdes

Puyol Toure Pique Sylvinho
Ronaldo

Xavi Busquets Iniesta

Rooney Giggs Carrick Anderson Park

Messi Eto'o Henry

Evra Vidic Ferdinand O'shea

Van der Sar



It seems like Man-U will employ the same tactic that Chelsea used against Barcelona. For the good of the fans I hope to be wrong.

for the good of whose fans? :lmao Give me a break! I think Man U's fans would rather win the game, than play "beautiful football" and lose. Each team is going to do what it takes to win, period. If Guardiola isn't smart enough to recognize a way of overcoming a tactic like the one employed by Chelsea, then Man U deserves to win, plain and simple. No matter how ugly it turns out.

[DAF86]

for the good of whose fans? :lmao Give me a break! I think Man U's fans would rather win the game, than play "beautiful football" and lose. Each team is going to do what it takes to win, period. If Guardiola isn't smart enough to recognize a way of overcoming a tactic like the one employed by Chelsea, then Man U deserves to win, plain and simple. No matter how ugly it turns out.

Impartial fans.

[velik_m]

Guardiola isn't smart enough to recognize a way of overcoming a tactic like the one employed by Chelsea, then Man U deserves to win, plain and simple.

This.

It's the game of the year. Both teams will do anything to win. Beauty will be the first casualty.

[IronMexican]

I'm fucking pumped.

[Trainwreck2100]

these two commentators acccents are hilarious "gladiehators"

[Libri]

http://www.worldcupblog.org/files/2008/10/capt6ff14a1fdaf4436e8caedb4cbd70f421italy_soccer_c hampions_league_ppc103.jpg

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Can't do much better than Adrea Boccelli :tu

[IronMexican]

Agreed, Boccelli is top notch

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Tony Parker in the house (apparently)

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Wow! what a way to start Man U!!

[MaNuMaNiAc]

I have a feeling this is going to be a game for the books!

[MB20]

ManU started better.

[Libri]

Manchester attacking early!

[IronMexican]

Damn!

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Pep Guardiola saying they were going to go out and attack Man U. I guess United took offense :lol

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Well, Ferguson shutting up all those that thought he was going to take the Chelsea route. United is playing beautiful football.

[IronMexican]

MANU getting a lot of chances.

[IronMexican]

Damn

[MaNuMaNiAc]

and Eto scores the first :D

[MB20]

Goooooooooooooooooooooal.