UEFA Champions League 2010 - 2011 Thread

[resistanze]

:hat

LMFAO Arsenal.

Better focus on that EPL title race.

[lefty]

lol Lyon is gonna upset RMA again


:pctoss

[diego]

lol Lyon is gonna upset RMA again


:pctoss

i told you to pray! :lol

i don't think lyon will be able to pull it off again, but if they do you might as well stamp their club shield on the RMA jersey, jajajaja

[SAtown]

Having never won the European Cup before, and with the final in London this year, I imagine all three London clubs have enormous amounts of pressure on them, namely Arsenal and Chelsea. Good thing Chelsea already have a place in the quarterfinals

[Spurstro]

LMFAO Arsenal.

Better focus on that EPL title race.

Arsenal going to get knocked out again by Barca.

Being an Arsenal fan, I finally know what it must feel like to be a Suns or Mavs fan. :depressed

[resistanze]

Arsenal going to get knocked out again by Barca.

Being an Arsenal fan, I finally know what it must feel like to be a Suns or Mavs fan. :depressed

Yup, it's very disappointing. But hey, that's what you get for losing to Bragga and Shanktar and finishing 2nd in one of the easier groups.

[Spurstro]

Yeah they can only blame themselves.

It's not just Champions League though....it's league play also. Other than Nasri and Fabregas, they play with no fire at all. It's almost like they are going through the motions all the time. I'm getting frustrated just typing this out.

I've accepted the fact that Wenger will never spend a little extra to bring in some quality tough veterans that are needed to make them legitimate. For him supposedly being so smart, it's a little disappointing. It's like I have to talk myself out of them being my team at times.

[Spurologist]

:lmao

Wenger is shitting himself AND unfortunately, his defeatist attitude spreads to the team

[velik_m]

Yup, it's very disappointing. But hey, that's what you get for losing to Bragga and Shanktar and finishing 2nd in one of the easier groups.

Yep, they have no one to blame but themselves. At least they can still win the league cup... :depressed

[SAtown]

1 more week MFers!!! :D

Predictions (1st leg):

AC Milan 3 - 2 Spurs

Valencia 1 - 1 Shalke

Arsenal 0 - 100,000,000,000,000,000 FC God

Roma 2 - 0 Shakhtar

FC Copenhagen 0 - 4 Chelsea

Lyon 2 - 1 Madrid

Marseille 0 - 2 Manchester Utd

Inter Milan 2 - 2 Bayern Munich

[Whisky Dog]

I'm jacked. The way we've been steamrolling everyone even with Puyol out has been as enjoyable as things can be, but it only counts if we continue doing that in CL. Arsenal is a tough team, they'll put up a fight. We need to win that 1st leg convincingly to erase any hope.

[ALVAREZ6]

1 more week MFers!!! :D

Predictions (1st leg):

AC Milan 3 - 2 Spurs

Valencia 1 - 1 Shalke

Arsenal 0 - 100,000,000,000,000,000 FC God

Roma 2 - 0 Shakhtar

FC Copenhagen 0 - 4 Chelsea

Lyon 2 - 1 Madrid

Marseille 0 - 2 Manchester Utd

Inter Milan 2 - 2 Bayern Munich
:lol @ FC God

Damn it I am pumped, the Champions League was such a great idea.

[lefty]

Arsenal 0 - 100,000,000,000,000,000 FC God

:lol

[SAtown]

:lol @ FC God

Damn it I am pumped, the Champions League was such a great idea.

Absolutely. As much as i love the nba and nfl playoffs, i dont think they even come close to the intensity and atmosphere of a CL night in europe. It means so much more because its the culmination of at least 2 years of hard work, from finishing in the top spots in their respective leagues to doing well in the groups and knockou rounds a year later. It's extremely difficult to win it

[ALVAREZ6]

Absolutely. As much as i love the nba and nfl playoffs, i dont think they even come close to the intensity and atmosphere of a CL night in europe. It means so much more because its the culmination of at least 2 years of hard work, from finishing in the top spots in their respective leagues to doing well in the groups and knockou rounds a year later. It's extremely difficult to win it

Yup.

And there's no possible way to make something similar for basketball...the NBA obviously has all of the best teams, it's not applicable. In Europe, the talent is more or less spread out across many big leagues and clubs, and so it allows for all of the trash talk between those clubs to be settled in rare games where we can see the giants of each league battle in a meaningful game (no friendly bullshit).

[resistanze]

Milan has my support after Barca cream-fills the Gunners.

[MannyIsGod]

:lmao FC God.

[scott]

Can we just give Barca the championship now?

Agreed on Champions League being one of the greatest things of all time. That coupled with the Pro/Rel system makes Futbol the greatest sport on the planet from a structural standpoint (meaning, it's set up the best - I also think it's the best sport on the field too).

I was trying to think of a way for MLB to do Pro/Rel the other day. I think it's set up well for it... except for the gigantic stadiums MLB teams have vs. AAA.

[Whisky Dog]

FC God is hilarious

The trophy isn't ours yet, we still have to win on the field. I won't feel good about it until we do.

[ALVAREZ6]

Can we just give Barca the championship now?

Agreed on Champions League being one of the greatest things of all time. That coupled with the Pro/Rel system makes Futbol the greatest sport on the planet from a structural standpoint (meaning, it's set up the best - I also think it's the best sport on the field too).

I was trying to think of a way for MLB to do Pro/Rel the other day. I think it's set up well for it... except for the gigantic stadiums MLB teams have vs. AAA.

What are you referring to by pro/rel?

What the sport needs is better organizations running everything. FIFA is unacceptable. Also, in my opinion, the way clubs throw around money also ruins a part of the competitive nature of the game. I'm not exactly saying there should be a salary cap, but it's one of few possible ways to realistically solve the problem today. It seems as if so many of the sports best players spend their entire careers bouncing from team to team, whether it's the club or individual player's interest to do the transferring in any particular case. I understand the nature of how it got to be this way, but it still makes it of lower quality nonetheless. The premier league is the most balanced of all of the European leagues, probably due to there being more total great players in the league and so naturally it allows many teams to be competitive, yet even in England you still have teams filled with nobodies (compared to other sports where even the worst of teams still may have stars on the team).

As I've discussed with others here before, it simply lowers any honor to be had in winning a trophy in European soccer. Even the Heat, Celtics, or Lakers have to earn their championships, but in the case of the Spanish giants and perhaps Italy as well, your entire championship run really only boils down to a very small number of important games. If you succeed, great. If you fail, you simply ask to be transferred to another club. For many superstars, it's possible they spend their entire career on the move (Tevez for example) and it's unclear really where your legacy lies, or WTF you did the entire time. On the club's perspective, you don't win when you want and expect to (which is perpetually for many clubs), you simply shell out bigger bucks for more and better players, coaches, whatever. It doesn't really matter in the end how much debt you accumulate because winning is the only thing that matters to you. As an owner of one of the giants, your net worth is so damn high you could give a fuck how many millions it takes, having $20 billion as opposed to $22 billion has no real effect on the quality of your life. Winning is the only thing that matters. Essentially, no investment is a risky one. You toss around money, it works, great. It doesn't; repeat until it does. Neither really matters.

I don't know, I see pros and cons to both worlds, but I'd like to see what the sport would be like if it were similar to leagues such as the NBA, NFL, etc. I think a cool idea to try out in a fantasy world would be to consolidate all of the European leagues into one massive league, perhaps create a 2nd division for weaker teams (simply because there'd be too many). The quality would be of the champions league, but these teams would be playing each other all year round. Perhaps they could keep a similar format as we have now, except shorten the domestic leagues and make the champions league a bigger thing. Essentially make the domestic league half of the current year (maybe a little more than half), and make the champions league portion almost as big (if not as big). And also increase the # of clubs in the champions league.

I don't know, I'm done rambling aimlessly. Anyone else have any thoughts on this topic?

[scott]

Promotion/Relegation, dude

[ALVAREZ6]

Promotion/Relegation, dude
Ah..ok, thanks. How do you feel about the distribution of wealth/talent in soccer? Do you like the status quo or would like seeing something else?

[Muser]

Football has gone downhill over the last few decades because of all the money which is involved, it's still fucking awesome though.

[lefty]

Football has gone downhill over the last few decades because of all the money which is involved, it's still fucking awesome though.
I agree

Still the best team sport, but the level is not what it used to be

[Muser]

I always though they should have a salary cap, like the NBA. Stop teams like Chelsea/Man United/Man City dominating the smaller teams by buying all there fucking players.

[MannyIsGod]

I got the Spurs and Schalke tomorrow. Fuck any teams with Ibrahimovich and Guiseppi on them.

[ALVAREZ6]

I got the Spurs and Schalke tomorrow. Fuck any teams with Ibrahimovich and Guiseppi on them.

I'm betting on the opposite, but I'd rather have Tottenham beat Milan

[sonic21]

good news for arsenal, Nasri will probably play. Diaby won't though.

[SAtown]

Gareth Bale didn't even make the trip to Milan. No Pirlo, Ambrosini, or Boateng as well

[velik_m]

Go Arsenal!

Van Persie with a hat-trick :ihit

[quentin_compson]

good news for arsenal, Nasri will probably play. Diaby won't though.

So that's actually two items of good news. Won't help much, tough.

[resistanze]

Like I said last year when this match happened, I just want them to play with some pride and passion.

[ALVAREZ6]

Anyone know what channel, if any, is showing Milan vs Tottenham?

Edit: I found Valencia and Schalke will be on Fox Soccer Net

[SAtown]

Fox soccer channel for milan tottenham, though it probably should have been the FSN match

[lefty]

I forgot to program my PVR this morning

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck :pctoss

[ALVAREZ6]

1-0 Valencia

[MannyIsGod]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuck - I was watching both games at lunch on TV and a stream but then I come to my lab and apparently the university blocks ports for the streams and now I'm fucked. :(

[quentin_compson]

How on earth didn't Flamini get a red card for his horrible challenge earlier? Gattuso walking on a thin line as well.

[PuttPutt]

Tottenham 1-0 Milan

Crouch 80'

[MannyIsGod]

Spurs win.

[SAtown]

Disallowed goal. FML

[quentin_compson]

Jesus, Gattuso losing it after the game. Pretty pathetic, and there probably will be consequences as well.

[SAtown]

It was nice to see Ibra's usual disapearing act in big matches too. Im sure Inter fans are laughing themselves stupid

[Muser]

At least Spurs won..

[ALVAREZ6]

Jesus, Gattuso losing it after the game. Pretty pathetic, and there probably will be consequences as well.

Gattuso thinks he's hard, he's a huge faggot bitch

[TDMVPDPOY]

lol acmilan, lol italy

[SAtown]

Gattuso thinks he's hard, he's a huge faggot bitch

He's a proven defensive mid, and he's a proven winner (both on club and national level, which is what only a FEW players in the world can say). He's not a bitch, he's just retarded.

[ALVAREZ6]

I never said anything about him not winning, but he sure is retarded

[Spurologist]

lol Gattuso
lol Italy

[lefty]

lol Gattuso
lol Italy
:lol

[Muser]

Go Arsenal!

[lefty]

Go Arsenal!
Sorry, but....

[MannyIsGod]

I think Arsenal gots this.

[ALVAREZ6]

Today is a good day. Cannot wait to skip class and watch.




I think Arsenal gots this.


I definitely think they have a better chance than what most people think. But they will not win this game.

[MannyIsGod]

I gotta work so the best I can hope for is to get the doctor out of the office for a long lunch so I can stream it.

[ALVAREZ6]

crofl

I almost forgot to schedule my interview because of this game...something else was more important in my mind.

Manny, tell your boss to suck it if he doesn't let you watch. In all seriousness, good luck.

[lefty]

Once again, I forgot ot set my PVR for this, so I'll have to stream that shit at work


Or watch a replay tonight

[ALVAREZ6]

Once again, I forgot ot set my PVR for this, so I'll have to stream that shit at work


Or watch a replay tonight

You forgot?

[lefty]

You forgot?
No no, I did it on purpose

[lefty]

Barcelone should destroy Arsenal.

The Gunners will start the game wearing their Arsenal unis, only to leave the stadium wearing the Real Madrid unis.

5-0

[ALVAREZ6]

Barcelone should destroy Arsenal.

The Gunners will start the game wearing their Arsenal unis, only to leave the stadium wearing the Real Madrid unis.

5-0

I dono about that meng. Real Madrid ain't shit compared to Arsenal.

[IronMexican]

Who has the new adhe site?

[lefty]

Who has the new adhe site?


http://atdhenet.tv/

[IronMexican]

Fuck year.


vshare quality link there. Gracias.

[lefty]

Fuck year.


vshare quality link there. Gracias.
De nada

[resistanze]

I'm at work streaming this, no one better bother me for the next 2 hours.

[Muser]

Sorry, but....

but what?

[velik_m]

As expected Arsene strengthening the midfield leaving Van Persie more or less alone up-front. No surprises on the Barca side either, if they will have problems in the midfield expect Messi to be pulled into midfield.

[IronMexican]

Damn!

[resistanze]

Good attack.

[resistanze]

Messi spoils a sure goal.

[lefty]

So far, Arsenal is winning 0-0

[IronMexican]

Arsenal is trying to give everyone a heart attack with these dumb plays.

[resistanze]

Arsenal bending.

[IronMexican]

fuuuuuu

[resistanze]

god damnit!

[lefty]

Omg !!!

[IronMexican]

game

[resistanze]

Well this match is over.

[lefty]

Wenger need to go

What an overrated piece of shit :lmao

[lefty]

but what?
But...

[resistanze]

The only chance Arsenal had winning was holding Barca to no goals in the home leg.

[resistanze]

You GOTTA finish that.

[resistanze]

Just sub out Song now.

[Whisky Dog]

We've been sloppy, with Arsenal playing the back line so high we should be up 3-0 with all of the chances we barely missed or mis-timed. Come on and wake up, Messi!

[resistanze]

in other news, LMAO Roma.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

that disallowed goal wasn't offsides. Barca should be 2 - 0 right now. Still, Arsenal is playing very well.

[resistanze]

Really? Arsenal is playing very sloppy as well. I haven't seen them give that many balls away.

[Spurologist]

It's a slippery slope but I'd take the risk and keep Song in. If Denilson comes in for Song, Barca will score about 6 more.

Damn Barca's passing is unreal every fucking time. Messi has been subpar by his standards. Wilshere has been by par Arsenal's best player. Fabregas been been sloppy at crucial moments. Arsenal desperately needs to keep more possession...at least it's not 70-30 like last year

Arsenal still has a chance. Chamakh or Bendtner should come in the second half. Wenger has to play more attacking football

[resistanze]

It's a slippery slope but I'd take the risk and keep Song in. If Denilson comes in for Song, Barca will score about 6 more.

Damn Barca's passing is unreal every fucking time. Messi has been subpar by his standards. Wilshere has been by par Arsenal's best player. Fabregas been been sloppy at crucial moments. Arsenal desperately needs to keep more possession...at least it's not 70-30 like last year

Arsenal still has a chance. Chamakh or Bendtner should come in the second half. Wenger has to play more attacking football
I can agree with that. I love Song's style, but I think the early yellow is gonna hurt him. They really need to hold the ball as you said (easier said than done) and they need impeccable finishing if the chances arrive.

[lefty]

Really? Arsenal is playing very sloppy as well. I haven't seen them give that many balls away.
They have turned into mental midgets against Barcelona since last year's beatdown

[Spurologist]

Alves fucking flopping

[Whisky Dog]

Abidal has been a beast in the back, keep it up

[resistanze]

RVP for fucks sake.

[lefty]

Wenger sucks

I mean, he really really sucks

[Spurologist]

Koscielney and Abidal have been world class

[Spurologist]

RVP for fucks sake.

Peeeeeeeeerrrrrrrcccccccccccciiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee for 11111111111111111111111111111111111

[velik_m]

Van Persie now only two goals short of hatty...

[IronMexican]

Holy shirt

[Spurologist]

Holy fucking shit!!

[velik_m]

Andreeeeeeei!

[IronMexican]

ahhhhhhhhhhhhh

[resistanze]

I had to run out of my office so I wouldn't scream.


YYYEEEEAHHHH

[lefty]

Damn :lol

[Whisky Dog]

2nd straight game we've played like shit. Inspired 2nd half from Arsenal

[IronMexican]

:lmao Messi

[IronMexican]

"we've" :lmao

[Spurologist]

Arshavin almost giveth away there

[Whisky Dog]

Of course the ref misses a hand ball in the box. Not our night, but we'll come back to Camp Nou and win by two or more.

[resistanze]

FUCK yes.

[velik_m]

Plenty of luck, but also good tactics overall from Arsenal.

[Whisky Dog]

"we've" :lmao

???

[Spurologist]

Never seen this Barca team on the ropes like that. Barca got barca'ed

[SAtown]

Bahhahahahahahahahhahaha barca and their cocky fucking fans. Lmaoooooooo

[velik_m]

Pique not playing could be a problem for Barca in return match. Milito wasn't exactly stellar last time around.

[resistanze]

Arsenal was VERY luck there. Guess you need luck to beat a team like Barca.

Honestly the Gunners might be better off pulling an Inter @ Nou Camp. Arsene won't ever do it, though.

[velik_m]

Never seen this Barca team on the ropes like that. Barca got barca'ed

They should have never pull back, they aren't built for that.

[lefty]

Of course the ref misses a hand ball in the box. Not our night, but we'll come back to Camp Nou and win by two or more.
That reminds of the handball from that Barcelona player vs Chelsea

Of course, they didnt call that one

[SAtown]

What was up with barca taking out villa so early? I thought that was their worst mistake.

[velik_m]

Fun stat: Arsenal never lost a game with Djourou starting...

[velik_m]

Also: lol Roma

[resistanze]

Asharvin of all people...LMAO.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Arsenal played very well IMO. That's the sloppiest I've seen Barca this season and Arsenal had a lot to do with that. Messi was awful for most of the match, except maybe a few well placed passes (Villa's goal).

Nou Camp is a whole different story though. Hopefully, Barca gets its head out of its ass long enough to play like they can.

[resistanze]

Also: lol Roma

LMAO 3 away goals.

[resistanze]

Nou Camp is a whole different story though. Hopefully, Barca gets its head out of its ass long enough to play like they can.

I'll be frank - Arsenal has very little chance of winning at Nou Camp (10-20%). If they use the same strategy they employed in this leg over in Spain, it'll be a repeat of last year. Which is why I hope Wenger is seriously considering playing an Inter-like tactic.

[lefty]

So, after 2 days:



LOL Italy

[velik_m]

I'll be frank - Arsenal has very little chance of winning at Nou Camp (10-20%). If they use the same strategy they employed in this leg over in Spain, it'll be a repeat of last year. Which is why I hope Wenger is seriously considering playing an Inter-like tactic.

Fuck that, clog up the midfield and go hard at their defense, sure Barca will score, but their defense is not keeping this offense out either.

Besides we're talking about a team that cannot hold-on to the 4-0 lead for a half, let alone 2-1 for a whole game.

[Spurologist]

I'll be frank - Arsenal has very little chance of winning at Nou Camp (10-20%). If they use the same strategy they employed in this leg over in Spain, it'll be a repeat of last year. Which is why I hope Wenger is seriously considering playing an Inter-like tactic.

He should but I don't think he has the coaching gravitas for something like that.

LOL ITALY

[resistanze]

Fuck that, clog up the midfield and go hard at their defense, sure Barca will score, but their defense is not keeping this offense out either.

Besides we're talking about a team that cannot hold-on to the 4-0 lead for a half, let alone 2-1 for a whole game.

They can try that - sure. But Barca was pretty bad today, they would've shredded Arsenal on the counter on any typical day. If they decide to go hard at Barca in three weeks, I don't mind. I just don't expect it to end particularly well.

[lefty]

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/275/5/2/lol_italy_you_git__by_chibi_yuri-d2zxp9o.png

[ALVAREZ6]

What was up with barca taking out villa so early? I thought that was their worst mistake.
Yeah that was weird. But Villa is pretty overrated IMO. He does capitalize on his few chances at a relatively high rate though from what I've seen.

Anyway, fuck Maxwell and Pedro. These dudes are clowns. If I were Guardiola I would rather have Mascherano as a wingback over Maxwell, dude only made mistakes. Pedro, also only made mistakes. He didn't get the ball much, but when he does, automatic turnover. And....he spends the entire game offsides, even though that moron is speedy enough to be able to sprint to a ball. Garbage player.

But damn that defense was weak, Arsenal created way better opportunities. Messi should have given the ball up way earlier on so many plays, it was frustrating. Another one of my biggest frustrations was how Barca seem complacent and cocky enough to expect nothing terrible to happen as a team...when they turned it over, many times they just chilled and didn't bother to prevent a counter from beginning. They let it carry on. When you have relatively few men back, you gotta try to win that ball back immediately after losing it, not just a couple players. Arsenal's best chances the entire game came off of counters....the counter attack literally killed Barca today. God damn. As soon as I saw Nasri with the ball on the right wing, I knew the game was over. Complacent douche bags.

[ALVAREZ6]

CROFL Barca faggots

[quentin_compson]

I still can't believe Arsenal actually turned this one around. Barca looked like they had the game all wrapped up, but they got a little complacent and lazy.
Great goal by van Persie, nevermind if he actually wanted to hit the ball straight on goal. The second goal was set up just beautifully, and Arshavin's finishing abilities are first-rate, even if he has sucked for most of the season.

Still, I think Barca will advance in the second leg. Messi didn't have one of his better games, and you won't see Barca playing as languidly as they did in the second half.

All in all, a :downspin: game. But hell: Arsenal is :king for now, at least.

[resistanze]

I think Arsenal gots this.

Stop feeling good.

(Good call :toast)

[lefty]

Stop feeling good.

(Good call :toast)
Manny Is God

[TDMVPDPOY]

but but i thought messi=god? what happen...

[Spurologist]

but but i thought messi=god? what happen...

Messi has been demoted to Messi = jesus

[DAF86]

What was up with barca taking out villa so early? I thought that was their worst mistake.

Agreed, I've always thought Guardiola was overrated because of the players he has on the team.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Agreed, I've always thought Guardiola was overrated because of the players he has on the team.

he is overrated man to begin with anyway

[resistanze]

Agreed, I've always thought Guardiola was overrated because of the players he has on the team.

Think you gotta give Pep credit for the passing/possession game Barca play, though. It's been absurd under his reign.

[ALVAREZ6]

Pique not playing could be a problem for Barca in return match. Milito wasn't exactly stellar last time around.
BIG problem.


I don't feel comfortable when both Pique and Puyol are out. Well, I would, if Pep used Mascherano as a wingback instead of Maxwell if Abidal moves to the center. Maxwell should honestly not wear the Barca shirt again, he blows.

[velik_m]

but but i thought messi=god? what happen...

The English are of different religion... :downspin:

[velik_m]

http://i.cr3ation.co.uk/dl/s1/gif/a095b62ba601cdf2e9b5ff3d0e9c8069_szczesny2.gif

[ALVAREZ6]

http://i.cr3ation.co.uk/dl/s1/gif/a095b62ba601cdf2e9b5ff3d0e9c8069_szczesny2.gif


Honestly being in that stadium for that moment would have been awesome for anybody. Adrenaline foaming out the mouth :danceclub


I'm sure a massive proportion of north Londoners are passed out on the streets after draining all of the local pubs of their brew.

[sonic21]

men of the game :Wilshere, Koscielny and Abidal.

[DAF86]

men of the game :Wilshere, Koscielny and Abidal.

Busquets was the best Barca player IMO, I never saw him play a better game.

[Spurologist]

http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/tumblr_lgqc9eJCO51qz9e2ao1_400.gif

[SAtown]

FC Copenhagen 0 - 4 Chelsea

Lyon 2 - 1 Madrid

Marseille 0 - 2 Manchester Utd

Inter Milan 2 - 2 Bayern Munich

I'm keeping these, but changing the Inter score 2-1 for the home team. Shit I might even change the Madrid prediction, but I never know which team will show up, and they've been notorious recently for being eliminated immediately by "lesser" teams (like Roma and Lyon).

Chelsea will probably win big and just win the whole tie altogether in one match, and they'll probably end up getting Shahktar after this round. I also think Manchester Utd take care of business, although Marseille are very good.

[resistanze]

FC Copenhagen 1 - 2 Chelsea

Lyon 1 - 2 Madrid

Marseille 0 - 2 Manchester Utd

Inter Milan 1 - 1 Bayern Munich

Stat I just read - Mourinho hasn't lost a home league game in 9 years? Damn, that's pretty impressive.

[SAtown]

Stat I just read - Mourinho hasn't lost a home league game in 9 years? Damn, that's pretty impressive.

:wow Do you know if that's just Champions or domestic leagues/cups???

Either way, that's very impressive.

[resistanze]

:wow Do you know if that's just Champions or domestic leagues/cups???

Either way, that's very impressive.

I think it's limited to just domestic league games (Ligue 1, EPL, Serie A, La Liga) since February 23, 2002.


Matches played: 147
Matches won: 122
Matches drawn: 25
Goals scored: 331
Goal allowed: 87

Mourinho’s Home Record at P-W-D-L

Porto: 38-36-2-0
Chelsea: 60-46-14-0
Inter: 38-29-9-0
Real Madrid: 12-12-0-0

WTF? Absurd.

http://www.sportskeeda.com/2011/02/19/a-look-at-mourinho%E2%80%99s-9-years-unbeaten-home-record/

[SAtown]

I can only imagine if dipshit Abramovich didn't "let him go" after that Rosenborg draw in 07. He would have a CL trophy with Porto in 04, (most likely) Chelsea in 08, and Inter last year. No manager any time soon will come close to that.

As for his impressive home record, I hope Barca doesn't snap it in April.

[SAtown]

http://i53.tinypic.com/24kzej6.jpg

lol Why didn't they turn on the sprinklers then???

[sonic21]

Lyon's striker Lissandro Lopez (and best player with their GK Lloris) will not play.

[Spurologist]

lucky Lyon
lol Real

[resistanze]

LMAO Real

[diego]

didnt get to watch, but lmao at RM. if lyon beat them again, they should add lyon's crest to the RM jersey

[quentin_compson]

The way Real conceded this goal was almost Arsenal-like. :lol

[ALVAREZ6]

damn Lyon could have won...

[lefty]

Benzema :lmao

Gets an ovation from his former fans, and scores on his first possession :rollin

[ALVAREZ6]

Benzema :lmao

Gets an ovation from his former fans, and scores on his first possession :rollin

lol i don't get it..what's humorous about this or worth noting other than to inform??

[lefty]

lol i don't get it..what's humorous about this or worth noting other than to inform??
IDK man

It was fun :lol

[SAtown]

I thought it was pretty funny too :lol

At least he didn't celebrate though.

[it's me]

IMO.... that's a great score for Real.... sad that a team with that much talent and money spent ... compared to Lyon... plays so ugly, no ball movement, way too defensive, but that's Mourinho all over it, that's how he wins championships... expect a 0-0 at Bernabeu and to the next round for the visitor's goal.

[SAtown]

All goals today by French players btw

[velik_m]

This is a good result for Real, should be an easy advancement.

[ALVAREZ6]

IDK man

It was fun :lol

oh haha OK I see, laughing at him disrespecting his former club and fans so quickly.

I was going to say, there's nothing worth laughing about a player who scores immediately after entering the game. Laugh at Benzema for w/e. but not for that...

[lefty]

oh haha OK I see, laughing at him disrespecting his former club and fans so quickly.

I was going to say, there's nothing worth laughing about a player who scores immediately after entering the game. Laugh at Benzema for w/e. but not for that...
I'm not the only one who loled at that :D

[diego]

how is this a good result for RM?
In 7 CL games they have been unable to defeat a team with a fraction of the resources they have in the most important competition in club football, this draw coming after another heavy investment from RM and Lyon w/o one of their best players. Not to mention that Lyon faces the same problem of all small teams, that once success comes the good players are bought by big teams while they hope for another batch of good young players (diarra and benzema being direct examples of players going from lyon to RM in this time span). No disrespect to Lyon, on the contrary, but its an embarassment for a giant to get frustrated over and over again by the same david.

Lyon needs just one goal to put all the pressure on RM, even if they recieve a goal, that one goal would put all the pressure on RM. If mourinho is eliminated at home, playing ugly ball, by the same team that has screwed them in 3 of the last 4 tournaments (twice beat them for top group seed, eliminated them last year), with all the money they've spent... :stirpot::devil

[resistanze]

LMAO Julio Ceasar
LMAO Inter

[sefant77]

lmao overrated Cesar

[lefty]

LMAO today's soccer

[pookenstein]

Yeah, great win in San Siro. Good game.

Inter better in the first but Bayern also with good opportunities. Second half Bayern dominates but Inter very dangerous at the end. Then Bayern with the lucky ending. Gomez is a scoring machine this season!
But this matchup is far from over. But now Inter has to make the game. That should play into Munich's hands.

Now let's go Spurs, win against the Thunder and make it a perfect evening for me.:toast
Go Bayern, go Spurs.
:flag::flag::flag:

[AidanNelson2009]

MANCHESTER UNITED FC FTW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! gotta love the red devils

[ALVAREZ6]

Pique and Puyol out for Barcelona....fuck.

Now they're really gonna have to keep the ball as long as they can and stop the counter. If Barca don't hit any shots to the back of the net in the first half, I see them losing the overall match up vs Arsenal. The defense IMO was terrible last game vs. Arsenal. And that faggot Maxwell will undoubtedly play on a wing and do a terrible job like last time.


This game fucked with injuries, especially arsenal.

[Spurologist]

Pique and Puyol out for Barcelona....fuck.

Now they're really gonna have to keep the ball as long as they can and stop the counter. If Barca don't hit any shots to the back of the net in the first half, I see them losing. The defense IMO was terrible last game vs. Arsenal. And that faggot Maxwell will undoubtedly play on a wing and do a terrible job like last time.

Abidal is solid in the middle..Puyol might be back..yeah looks like Maxwell will play left back :lol. He's lucky Walcott is out. Nasri will play though. Bendtner will play which is good news for any defense playing against Arsenal in the CL

[resistanze]

Pique and Puyol out for Barcelona....fuck.

Now they're really gonna have to keep the ball as long as they can and stop the counter. If Barca don't hit any shots to the back of the net in the first half, I see them losing the overall match up vs Arsenal. The defense IMO was terrible last game vs. Arsenal. And that faggot Maxwell will undoubtedly play on a wing and do a terrible job like last time.


This game fucked with injuries, especially arsenal.

Damn, I now give the Gunners a 20% chance of victory. I still think Barca's offense will click this game and overwhelm the Arsenal's back line. With Van Persie, Walcott and possibly Fabregas out, I just don't think they can create too many clear opportunities.

[sonic21]

Milito sucks too much, they have to play Busquets on D with Abidal. So that leave Mascherano in the midfield.

[Spurologist]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/890673/javier-mascherano:-messi-could-get-five-this-time?cc=5901

Mascherano: Messi could get five
March 7, 2011

* Email
* Print

By ESPNsoccernet staff

Javier Mascherano has warned Arsenal that World Player of the Year Lionel Messi could repeat his hammering of the Gunners at the Nou Camp, or even go one better and smash five goals this time around.

• Wilshere fit to face Barca
• Fabregas 'feeling really good'

Messi bagged all four in a 4-1 win over Arsenal in the quarter-finals last season and Barcelona are hoping he is in similar form in order to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, with former Liverpool midfielder Mascherano claiming that Messi could be key once again.

"Nothing Leo does would surprise me. I think he can repeat what he did last year or even go one better. We don't know how far he can go,'' he told the Sun. "Obviously 1-0 is good enough but this team does not conform or settle for anything. We certainly will treat the game to win by the biggest margin possible."

Mascherano, 26, added: "We always play with the same intensity. The important thing is that we play in the way we are used to. Like we did in London, where I think that apart from the result it was spectacular.

"There are games where you don't deserve to have a negative result but you leave with almost nothing. Well, it's over now. But if we have the same intensity as we did in London we have a great chance to go through."

Argentina skipper Mascherano helped Barcelona record an important 1-0 win over Zaragoza on Saturday after making a rare start and insists that his side are not thinking about the injured Arsenal players who will miss the game at the Nou Camp.

"Walcott and Van Persie are two important players,'' he said. ''In Cesc's case I don't know if he will be there or not. In any of those cases they are very important players for Arsenal but also they have others to replace them.

"It's not as if we believe Arsenal will play with eight players if they're not there. No, they will play with 11. Maybe they won't be at the same level - but the ones who will come in, if they are at Arsenal it's because they have the level to be there.

"This is a hugely important game. Although it shapes the rest of the season in one competition we still have La Liga and the Spanish Cup as well. We all want to carry on and we will treat this game like a final."

:makemyday:makemyday:makemyday:makemyday:makemyday :makemyday:makemyday:makemyday

[resistanze]

Does this muthafucka even play?

[sonic21]

Van Persie and Fabregas may play tomorrow.

[it's me]

Does this muthafucka even play?

u mad:lol

[SAtown]

http://i54.tinypic.com/2ykhvg9.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/zsgvl.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/nnt85d.jpg ?

http://i53.tinypic.com/rro5jn.jpg

[DAF86]

Milito sucks too much, they have to play Busquets on D with Abidal. So that leave Mascherano in the midfield.

Guardiola won't play Milito and Abidal in the midle of the defense because they're both lefties so is probable that he'll try with Busquets in the back, I don't like the idea mainly 'cause I would like him to keep the team intact in the midfield and on offense but he really doesn't have much of an option, Barca has an incredible short roster for a club of its magnitude.

[DAF86]

I have a bad feeling for this game.

[resistanze]

I just want Arsenal to show some fight. None of this Messi running circles like last year.

[quentin_compson]

I just want Arsenal to show some fight. None of this Messi running circles like last year.

Same here. Van Persie really will at least be in the squad, as will Cesc. Song is out, though, which sucks because he is Arsenal's best defensive midfielder. Walcott will be missed as well.
Of course, Barca have to deal with some injuries on their own.

[Spurologist]

Same here. Van Persie really will at least be in the squad, as will Cesc. Song is out, though, which sucks because he is Arsenal's best defensive midfielder. Walcott will be missed as well.
Of course, Barca have to deal with some injuries on their own.

:pctoss Denilson is garbage

[IronMexican]

Anyone know if FSC shows these games?

[IronMaxipad]

Anyone know if FSC shows these games?

I don't think so. Gonna need a stream

[SAtown]

Anyone know if FSC shows these games?

Ya fox soccer channel shows all champions league matches. FSN, on the other hand, only shows a couple.

[IronMexican]

woo!

So god damn windy. Dish can't pick up FSC.

[sonic21]

Guardiola won't play Milito and Abidal in the midle of the defense because they're both lefties so is probable that he'll try with Busquets in the back, I don't like the idea mainly 'cause I would like him to keep the team intact in the midfield and on offense but he really doesn't have much of an option, Barca has an incredible short roster for a club of its magnitude.

yes without Busquets in the midfield they're not the same team. And with Xavi playing through pain the last few weeks, he doesn't touch the ball as much as before. That's why they're struggling more lately.

[lefty]

Ok, I'll jump ahead


LOL Real Madrid

[quentin_compson]

:pctoss Denilson is garbage

That's a bit harsh, in my opinion, but Song is certainly better. I hope Diaby won't set a foot on the pitch, however. Watching this guy is so frustrating; he has the technical skills and the physical attributes to be a really good player, but all he does is picking the wrong pass or giving the ball away time after time after fucking time.
Playing van Persie would be a massive gamble - but then again, it's a massive game.
I'm pretty pumped for this game, but I still believe a relatively comfortable win for Barca is the most likely outcome.

[IronMexican]

FSC doesn't work. Time for ATDHE

[SAtown]

Today and tomorrow's matches should be amazing. This Barcelona v Arsenal matchup should have been a final

[quentin_compson]

Apparently, Rosicky and Diaby are starting. :downspin:

[velik_m]

Van Persie really will at least be in the squad, as will Cesc.

Why rush them?, no wonder they are constantly hurt, let them heal and fight for the premiership title. Even if both of them play 100%, the chances against Barca are small.

Interesting (Nasri's development):

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/51554000/jpg/_51554544_2up_nasri.jpg

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/51527000/jpg/_51527185_2up_nasri_touch.jpg

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/9415207.stm

[Spurologist]

Barca flopping all over the fucking place

Alves' flop was a classic....holding his ankle when he was hit on the studs

[MannyIsGod]

God damn it ATDHE went down.

[MannyIsGod]

Ok back up. Phew.

[MannyIsGod]

LMAO what a girly fucking slap.

[Spurologist]

Fucking Fabregas gives it away.....Arsenal need a goal now....the game will open up now. :tu

[velik_m]

Clichy is french for "What's an offside trap?". Poor tactics from Arsenal, there was no way they could hold on to 0-0 for entire game. Diaby sucks, Rosicky is useless out there because he's not fast enough to push Barca defense.

EDIT: I just wanted to add the Arsenal midfield is not nearly aggressive enough.

[velik_m]

Also: lol Roma

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Barca flopping all over the fucking place

Alves' flop was a classic....holding his ankle when he was hit on the studs

LOL give me a fucking break! like Arsenal hasn't been trying to buy time since the beginning of the game.

Arsenal is trying to repeat what Inter did. They're not inter. Fuck that pussy defensive scheme.

Is every team going to try the same thing?

Either way, you're fucked now.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

LMAO what a girly fucking slap.

Off the ball foul. That wasn't a yellow. It should have been a red. Van Persie has been acting like a little bitch all game long.

[velik_m]

Off the ball foul. That wasn't a yellow. It should have been a red. Van Persie has been acting like a little bitch all game long.

Meh, he didn't see him and Alves floppped like hell, yellow is about right. On the flip side Abidal grabing the neck of Van Persie could also be red. Overall the refs were pretty poor in the first half.

[Spurologist]

It must be extremely frustrating to be an Arsenal fan...which I casually am because of Song. They'll give you flashes of brilliance (i.e outlclassing chelsea, getting to the carling cup final, going far in the CL etc) but they seem to follow it up with equally mind boggling performances. They played really good D for 45 minutes then allow a goal in extra time...what a fucking tease. :lol I guess it's to be expected that Barca would've come through but what a disappointing way to give up a goal. (for more evidence see Carling Cup final).....smh

[Spurologist]

LOL Mexes red card
LMAO Roma

[velik_m]

It must be extremely frustrating to be an Arsenal fan...

Now you know how Phoenix Suns fans felt all those years... :lol

[Spurologist]

Now you know how Phoenix Suns fans felt all those years... :lol

I was just gonna make that comparison. :lol

should be at least 2 more goals in the second half...Book it.

[resistanze]

Lost track of time - missed entire first half. Natural they would give up a goal on the strok of HT.

[resistanze]

This game will end 3-0.

[Spurologist]

Goal!!!

[Spurologist]

now Barca need two more goals to win

[velik_m]

Perhaps Cesc was traded for Busquets and they forgot to tell everyone else?

[resistanze]

lmao @ me scrambling for a feed

[Whisky Dog]

What the fuck. Got damn world is going to end after all

[resistanze]

Red card???

[Spurologist]

That's the most bullshitest of red cards I've ever seen in a game of this magnitude

[resistanze]

Fuck that. Pack 9 men in the box. Fucking BS.

[velik_m]

Well thats game over.

[Spurologist]

Easy game for the camera man this half....just stay on Arsenal's end

[IronMexican]

refball

[Spurologist]

The time that elapsed between the whistle blowing and RVP kicking the ball was ONE SECOND.....unfuckingbelievable

what a disgrace by a typically cool ref

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Arsenal got fucking robbed. WTF is the ref thinking?? If Van Persie didn't earn a red on the off ball foul, this sure as shit didn't deserve it.

FUCK! I hate when something like this ruins a game!

[IronMexican]

ATDHE links not working. fuck

[Spurologist]

i'm watching on FSC....try this link and see if it's good enough...I'll edit it later

http://www.soccertvlive.net/watch/54057/1/fc-barcelona-vs-arsenal.html

[IronMaxipad]

ATDHE links not working. fuck

You got sopcast?

FSC HD:
sop://broker.sopcast.com:3912/82153

[IronMexican]

This game has sucked. fuck this

[Spurologist]

game over

[velik_m]

So what will be the final score? 5-1 i think and then barca will step off the gas. At least van persie didn't reinjure himself.

[IronMexican]

That was fucking ass. refball

[velik_m]

wenger saving cesc for manutd

[Whisky Dog]

My link went out I didn't see what happened. The refs fucked the game up?

[Spurologist]

Arsenal need a prayer now...ala Rangers

[Spurologist]

Fucking Bendtner can't come up with the good.

[resistanze]

Didn't expect a win, but meh. I can't be bothered to comment on what transpired in this game.

[velik_m]

Meh the ref sucked ass. Wrong tactics by the Arsenal anyway, they should test the Barca defense and at least get a couple of shots on goal.

[Spurologist]

LOL Roma
LOL Italy

[quentin_compson]

Congrats Barca, they were the better side in both games. Yeah, the second yellow for van Persie was a bad joke, but did it really have that big an impact? I don't think so.
Barca just showed again that they are in a different class than Arsenal is, as sad as it is for a Gunner fan to admit it. Barca wasted goalscoring opportunities the way Arsenal does against lesser PL-teams.
By the way, why the hell did Rosicky play 75 minutes? He's no better than Arshavin defensively and way too slow offensively against Barca. I was impressed with Koscielny, Djourou and Almunia today, though - and this is a strange thing to say.

[lefty]

LOL Roma
LOL Italy

:lol

[DAF86]

That Van Persie red card seemed a little too much but the rules do say that a player should get a yellow card for keep playing after the offside flag is shown, either way he should have been sent off in the first half when he hit Alves without the ball, and there was also a penalty on Messi that the ref didn't call.

[Whisky Dog]

Yeah I hate when technicalities are called in close, big games. I'd like to see a little extra leeway given, but it was definitely deserving of a red if you look at it as a sole play in a vacuum.

The Spanish have ruined Van Persie in the last calendar year - champions league outs by Barca and a world cup final defeat to Spain. That fucker must hate us lol

[TDMVPDPOY]

where was this game played? nou camp? lol good luck gettin calls

[velik_m]

http://www.shrani.si/f/3I/Bf/4peieWFN/1/189032201645499863080100.jpg

[resistanze]

Yeah I'd say that's definitely deserving as a red card as well. One thing I can't stand about football is that there's no other sport in a where a referee can directly intervene and ruin a game.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

The red card was bullshit, but Arsenal has no fucking heart either. For the last 20 minutes or so, Arsenal just gave up. They stopped chasing after easy balls, stopped running after players. They basically just said "fuck it", much like a brat who didn't get what he wanted. Let's face it, Arsenal could have gone for the win on this one, even with 10 players. Barca's defense isn't all that great at the moment. A second goal wasn't out of the question.

Instead, the last 20 minutes were Arsenal boycotting the game because the ref fucked up on a red card. That's fucking pathetic, I'm sorry.