Bayern backslap Milan, Liverpool punish PSV
Wednesday, 04 April 07, 09:35 PM
Daniel Van Buyten braces for impact, Rafa roars past Ronald.
Milan 2 - 2 Bayern
Daniel Van Buyten has had an interesting season so far. Marked more by leaden footedness at the heart of Bayern Munich's often schizophrenic defence, than his normal air of authority, it would be one he would not look back too fondly on. However, with Bayern mounting a furious late charge for honours, Van Buyten served up a timely reminder of his worth in the Champions' League Quarterfinal first leg at Milan. Not only did he salvage a precious draw, but his late brace allowed Bayern to come from behind and go back to Bavaria in the driving seat knowing that Milan have to do all the attacking on the road. With two pricless away goals, the advantage i very much in the German team's favour.
Milan arguably deserved to win this game as they had dominated the proceedings till Van Buyten pulled one back. They were probably hard done by when the big Belgian's last minute strike ensured a late share of the spoils. However, for all their domination Milan wasted several chances and were lucky to go ahead the second time when a very spurious penalty was given when Lucio cleared the ball from Kaka's feet. Footballing Karma is circular and in this case it was paid in full as Milan were pegged back at the very end.
The recurring theme to Milan's season has been a plethora of chances despite their often dysfunctional playing style. As careless as they have been at the back, at the front they continue to possess two attacking gems of the very highest quality. In the Champions' League Kaka and Andrea Pirlo have been at the forefront of all things good. Here they continued to singlehandedly ensure Milan go as far as they can despite having an underwhelming season. Despite their sloppiness, they have been able to come this far with a mixture of individual brilliance, a plucky midfield and a slice of luck. One wonders, however, if they have used up all footballing fortune. Furthermore, how many more games can Kaka and Pirlo win for them.
Bayern showed once again that you can never count them out. Seemingly out of the domestic title race, they served a timely reminder of their class on the weekend with a defeat of leaders Schalke. In the earlier round in the Champions' League, they went behind to Real but hung in with 2 late goals before ensuring they progressed on away goals with a tight but composed in the home-leg. Oddly, and for Milan, worrying parallels with this tie as well. Never count the Germans out.
Daniel Van Buyten has had an interesting season so far. Marked more by leaden footedness at the heart of Bayern Munich's often schizophrenic defence, than his normal air of authority, it would be one he would not look back too fondly on. However, with Bayern mounting a furious late charge for honours, Van Buyten served up a timely reminder of his worth in the Champions' League Quarterfinal first leg at Milan. Not only did he salvage a precious draw, but his late brace allowed Bayern to come from behind and go back to Bavaria in the driving seat knowing that Milan have to do all the attacking on the road. With two pricless away goals, the advantage i very much in the German team's favour.
Milan arguably deserved to win this game as they had dominated the proceedings till Van Buyten pulled one back. They were probably hard done by when the big Belgian's last minute strike ensured a late share of the spoils. However, for all their domination Milan wasted several chances and were lucky to go ahead the second time when a very spurious penalty was given when Lucio cleared the ball from Kaka's feet. Footballing Karma is circular and in this case it was paid in full as Milan were pegged back at the very end.
The recurring theme to Milan's season has been a plethora of chances despite their often dysfunctional playing style. As careless as they have been at the back, at the front they continue to possess two attacking gems of the very highest quality. In the Champions' League Kaka and Andrea Pirlo have been at the forefront of all things good. Here they continued to singlehandedly ensure Milan go as far as they can despite having an underwhelming season. Despite their sloppiness, they have been able to come this far with a mixture of individual brilliance, a plucky midfield and a slice of luck. One wonders, however, if they have used up all footballing fortune. Furthermore, how many more games can Kaka and Pirlo win for them.
Bayern showed once again that you can never count them out. Seemingly out of the domestic title race, they served a timely reminder of their class on the weekend with a defeat of leaders Schalke. In the earlier round in the Champions' League, they went behind to Real but hung in with 2 late goals before ensuring they progressed on away goals with a tight but composed in the home-leg. Oddly, and for Milan, worrying parallels with this tie as well. Never count the Germans out.
PSV 0 - 3 Liverpool
Liverpool produced a solid, efficient and classy performance to emphatically beat PSV in Eindohoven. PSV's anemic display will cause embarrassment and anger in equal measure across parts of North London, as they folded in juvenile fashion against a rampant Liverpool team. This was definitely a big game for Liverpool and they ensured they put one leg in the semi-final by crushing their opponents on the night. Overall a good week for Liverpool so far. How coincidental that PSV's victims in the earlier round were also the side Liverpool beat one game earlier.
Rafa Benitez''s claim that Liverpool are better this year than they were in 2005 would seem true as they are better placed domestically and have been more consistent on the road. They are still unbeaten in Europe and are coming together nicely. Surely they were never this well placed during their victorious campaign in 2005. How fitting would it be for their new American owners if they are crowned champions of Europe again. Rafa Benitez's policy of rotation is loudly mocked after an away loss but there is clearly a method to his madness.
Sadly for PSV, their season seems to be coming apart. Despite playing as a good solid unit for the better part of the season, it seems the loss of talismanic central defender Alex, has reduced them to a motley crew of journeymen footballers. Are they really a one man team with their strength coming from the back ? It's hard to argue for that notion but the sad truth is that they have been a different side since his injury. This defeat followed a crushing 5-1 defeat domestically to rivals Ajax. Have the wind finally gone out of PSV's sails ? Did they peak too early in that tight win over Arsenal ? The fact of the matter is that Liverpool play a simple direct style and ensure they put their chances away. Clearly they are incapable of mounting a consistent challenge in the Premiership, but since the ascension of their Spanish coach, have become something of Champions' League specialists.
It's hard to see PSV coming back from this - there were simply no positives. Liverpool should be proud. PSV should be ashamed.
Liverpool produced a solid, efficient and classy performance to emphatically beat PSV in Eindohoven. PSV's anemic display will cause embarrassment and anger in equal measure across parts of North London, as they folded in juvenile fashion against a rampant Liverpool team. This was definitely a big game for Liverpool and they ensured they put one leg in the semi-final by crushing their opponents on the night. Overall a good week for Liverpool so far. How coincidental that PSV's victims in the earlier round were also the side Liverpool beat one game earlier.
Rafa Benitez''s claim that Liverpool are better this year than they were in 2005 would seem true as they are better placed domestically and have been more consistent on the road. They are still unbeaten in Europe and are coming together nicely. Surely they were never this well placed during their victorious campaign in 2005. How fitting would it be for their new American owners if they are crowned champions of Europe again. Rafa Benitez's policy of rotation is loudly mocked after an away loss but there is clearly a method to his madness.
Sadly for PSV, their season seems to be coming apart. Despite playing as a good solid unit for the better part of the season, it seems the loss of talismanic central defender Alex, has reduced them to a motley crew of journeymen footballers. Are they really a one man team with their strength coming from the back ? It's hard to argue for that notion but the sad truth is that they have been a different side since his injury. This defeat followed a crushing 5-1 defeat domestically to rivals Ajax. Have the wind finally gone out of PSV's sails ? Did they peak too early in that tight win over Arsenal ? The fact of the matter is that Liverpool play a simple direct style and ensure they put their chances away. Clearly they are incapable of mounting a consistent challenge in the Premiership, but since the ascension of their Spanish coach, have become something of Champions' League specialists.
It's hard to see PSV coming back from this - there were simply no positives. Liverpool should be proud. PSV should be ashamed.
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Round of 16 Wrap Up
Friday, 09 March 07, 11:05 PM
Then there were 8.
Aggregate Scores:
Valencia 2 - 2 Inter (away goals)
Liverpool 2 - 2 Barcelona (away goals)
Bayern 4 - 4 Real (away goals)
Man U 2 - 0 Lille
Arsenal 1 - 2 PSV
Lyon 0 - 2 Roma
Chelsea 2 - 1 Porto
Milan 1 - 0 Celtic
Revisiting predictions is often a very humbling experience as it reveals how wrong or how badly off you were about something. Picking over the deadwood following last night's second legs, one wonders if the cream of the crop has been knocked out, replaced instead by gritty veterans, savvy of the perils of the knockout stage.
After the streetwise Valencia knocked out the arguably more talented Inter in a stranglehold in the second leg, Liverpool, Europe's most enigmatic team, produced a throughly dominant performance to knockout defending champions Barcelona. Both ties were decided on away goals. Both winners performed better at home but got the result that mattered in the away leg.
Valencia's game with Inter finished scoreless but the Spanish team had more chances and could have put the tie away. Their late goals in Milan ensured progression but it was no less than they deserved. The only blemish on a thoroughly absorbing tie was the disgusting violence that broke out at the end. UEFA should ensure David Navarro gets banned for a ridiculous piece of on field thuggery. Nicolas Burdisso must be feeling doubly sore - the pain from a broken nose adding to the disappointment of getting knocked out. Europe will be poorer with Inter's absence - although predictably their exit will be greeted with jeers in Italy who regard this as proof that Inter are getting a free run in Serie A.
Liverpool outclassed Barcelona at Anfield with ample chances to bury their visitors early. Sadly, for the second time in a week, Liverpool ended up losing despite dominating an opponent at home. Good thing that they had beaten Barcelona in Spain as they too advanced on away goals. The 2-1 away win priceless for Benitez and his men. Liverpool may still be off the pace domestically, but they have developed an impressive pedigree in Europe. Barcelona, like Inter, haven't sparkled in Europe and their start stop performances have never really convinced.
Lyon, on a slide since the start of the year, ensured they tripped when presented with their best chance of going deep in the draw. After stuttering in Rome they were clinically beaten at home by Roma. Luciano Spaletti got his tactics spot on as he ensured Lyon paid for their defensive mistakes with some efficient finishing from decent chances - Arsenal are you watching yet ? Notoriously inconsistent, Roma ensured they held firm at a crucial stage of their season. Being off form is one thing but questions must be asked of Gerrard Houllier who has taken a championship outfit and made them distinctly midtable. If talismanic midfielder Juninho and attacking presence Florent Malouda leave over the summer, Lyon's era of dominance may be truly over.
Lille out-muscled Manchester United again in a good performance on the field that doesn't deserve their childish behavior off of it. United, though have ensured this season that they take points from games despite their performance on it. They deserved their win in the tie but were run very close by Lille. The benefit of experience in your side is the presence of mind they bring when the going gets tough. Witness Giggs' smartly taken free kick in the first leg and Larsson's composed strike here. Lille have done themselves proud on the field but have let themselves down off of it. United, on the other hand, have shown that grinding out wins is not below them if the situation demands it.
Chelsea, on the other hand are the epitome of grinding out wins. Of all people, passenger of the year, Michael Ballack scored the winner after Arjen Robben drew Chelsea level. Ricardo Quaresma had scored the opener to give Porto an early lead both in the game and tie. Chelsea have come back strongly and their resilience in the Champions' League is to be admired. Jose Mourinho may claim that he is unperturbed by events on the pitch vis-a-vis his future but make no mistake - he wants to leave with Europe's top prize his, once again.
Celtic took 2003 winners Milan all the way before Kaka finally made sure one of Milan's astonishing 38 shots finally went in. Throughout the match Milan thrust but Celtic parried. Having played better in the home leg, Celtic were always up against it in Milan but they kept their more illustrious opponents at bay for almost 120 minutes. In the end it was only a moment of brilliance from one of Milan's stars that separated the two sides. That's all.
I was extremely skeptical of the fare that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich would serve up but they proved me wrong as they ensured their tie was the most absorbing. Real won the first leg 3-2 but then Bayern triumphed 2-1 in the second to go though on away goals - the third team to do so in the round. 8 goals all round with even a scuffle thrown in. Bayern's favorite midfield nuisance Mark Van Bommel tussling with Real's new nuisance - Mahamaddou Diarra. Both promptly got sent off.
Finally, Arsenal ensured that once again, they would end their Champions' League campaign earlier than it should have with a classic combination of defensive lapses and offensive impotency. Few teams in the last decade would have lost this tie to PSV having created the number of chances Arsenal did. Results have rarely mirrored performance for Arsenal and this season that discrepancy has reached an all time gap. PSV, soldiered on without doing anything special, 3 real shots on goal in 120 minutes and they go into the draw for the last eight.
Stat Wrap Up.
There are no representatives from Group G (Porto, Arsenal) and Group E (Real, Lyon) left while Group C (Liverpool, PSV) and Group D (Valencia, Roma) still have both their representatives going strong. In the 16 games, 3 were scoreless, a further 5 were 1-0 affairs and only 2 games featured more than 3 goals. Chelsea, Bayern and PSV are the only domestic champions left. 3 ties were decided on away goals. Milan, Roma and Manchester United did not concede a goal. Meanwhile Lille, Lyon and Arsenal didn't have a single goalscorer in their ranks this round. Inter went out despite not losing. 29 goals were scored in 16 games - less than 2 a game - 8 of them came in the Real-Bayern tie. Arsenal and Lyon are the only group winners who didn't make it.
Goal of the round:
Mancini's 'step'over Lyon.
Team of the round over both legs:
4-4-1-1
Gomes; Riise, Albiol, Lucio, Carragher; Silva, Deco, Cambiasso, Robben; Totti; Raul
Gracious Loser: Gerrard Houllier - he knows when he's truly beaten.
Stupid Comment: Jamie "Best night in Europe" Carragher. What about that win over Milan 2 years ago ? Stick to letting your football do the talking Carra.
Moron Award: David Navarro
Special mention for consistent Dejavu: Arsenal. Stick. ball. in. net.
Do-nothing-but-still-notch-2-goals award: Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Scrappy to the very end.
Aggregate Scores:
Valencia 2 - 2 Inter (away goals)
Liverpool 2 - 2 Barcelona (away goals)
Bayern 4 - 4 Real (away goals)
Man U 2 - 0 Lille
Arsenal 1 - 2 PSV
Lyon 0 - 2 Roma
Chelsea 2 - 1 Porto
Milan 1 - 0 Celtic
Revisiting predictions is often a very humbling experience as it reveals how wrong or how badly off you were about something. Picking over the deadwood following last night's second legs, one wonders if the cream of the crop has been knocked out, replaced instead by gritty veterans, savvy of the perils of the knockout stage.
After the streetwise Valencia knocked out the arguably more talented Inter in a stranglehold in the second leg, Liverpool, Europe's most enigmatic team, produced a throughly dominant performance to knockout defending champions Barcelona. Both ties were decided on away goals. Both winners performed better at home but got the result that mattered in the away leg.
Valencia's game with Inter finished scoreless but the Spanish team had more chances and could have put the tie away. Their late goals in Milan ensured progression but it was no less than they deserved. The only blemish on a thoroughly absorbing tie was the disgusting violence that broke out at the end. UEFA should ensure David Navarro gets banned for a ridiculous piece of on field thuggery. Nicolas Burdisso must be feeling doubly sore - the pain from a broken nose adding to the disappointment of getting knocked out. Europe will be poorer with Inter's absence - although predictably their exit will be greeted with jeers in Italy who regard this as proof that Inter are getting a free run in Serie A.
Liverpool outclassed Barcelona at Anfield with ample chances to bury their visitors early. Sadly, for the second time in a week, Liverpool ended up losing despite dominating an opponent at home. Good thing that they had beaten Barcelona in Spain as they too advanced on away goals. The 2-1 away win priceless for Benitez and his men. Liverpool may still be off the pace domestically, but they have developed an impressive pedigree in Europe. Barcelona, like Inter, haven't sparkled in Europe and their start stop performances have never really convinced.
Lyon, on a slide since the start of the year, ensured they tripped when presented with their best chance of going deep in the draw. After stuttering in Rome they were clinically beaten at home by Roma. Luciano Spaletti got his tactics spot on as he ensured Lyon paid for their defensive mistakes with some efficient finishing from decent chances - Arsenal are you watching yet ? Notoriously inconsistent, Roma ensured they held firm at a crucial stage of their season. Being off form is one thing but questions must be asked of Gerrard Houllier who has taken a championship outfit and made them distinctly midtable. If talismanic midfielder Juninho and attacking presence Florent Malouda leave over the summer, Lyon's era of dominance may be truly over.
Lille out-muscled Manchester United again in a good performance on the field that doesn't deserve their childish behavior off of it. United, though have ensured this season that they take points from games despite their performance on it. They deserved their win in the tie but were run very close by Lille. The benefit of experience in your side is the presence of mind they bring when the going gets tough. Witness Giggs' smartly taken free kick in the first leg and Larsson's composed strike here. Lille have done themselves proud on the field but have let themselves down off of it. United, on the other hand, have shown that grinding out wins is not below them if the situation demands it.
Chelsea, on the other hand are the epitome of grinding out wins. Of all people, passenger of the year, Michael Ballack scored the winner after Arjen Robben drew Chelsea level. Ricardo Quaresma had scored the opener to give Porto an early lead both in the game and tie. Chelsea have come back strongly and their resilience in the Champions' League is to be admired. Jose Mourinho may claim that he is unperturbed by events on the pitch vis-a-vis his future but make no mistake - he wants to leave with Europe's top prize his, once again.
Celtic took 2003 winners Milan all the way before Kaka finally made sure one of Milan's astonishing 38 shots finally went in. Throughout the match Milan thrust but Celtic parried. Having played better in the home leg, Celtic were always up against it in Milan but they kept their more illustrious opponents at bay for almost 120 minutes. In the end it was only a moment of brilliance from one of Milan's stars that separated the two sides. That's all.
I was extremely skeptical of the fare that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich would serve up but they proved me wrong as they ensured their tie was the most absorbing. Real won the first leg 3-2 but then Bayern triumphed 2-1 in the second to go though on away goals - the third team to do so in the round. 8 goals all round with even a scuffle thrown in. Bayern's favorite midfield nuisance Mark Van Bommel tussling with Real's new nuisance - Mahamaddou Diarra. Both promptly got sent off.
Finally, Arsenal ensured that once again, they would end their Champions' League campaign earlier than it should have with a classic combination of defensive lapses and offensive impotency. Few teams in the last decade would have lost this tie to PSV having created the number of chances Arsenal did. Results have rarely mirrored performance for Arsenal and this season that discrepancy has reached an all time gap. PSV, soldiered on without doing anything special, 3 real shots on goal in 120 minutes and they go into the draw for the last eight.
Stat Wrap Up.
There are no representatives from Group G (Porto, Arsenal) and Group E (Real, Lyon) left while Group C (Liverpool, PSV) and Group D (Valencia, Roma) still have both their representatives going strong. In the 16 games, 3 were scoreless, a further 5 were 1-0 affairs and only 2 games featured more than 3 goals. Chelsea, Bayern and PSV are the only domestic champions left. 3 ties were decided on away goals. Milan, Roma and Manchester United did not concede a goal. Meanwhile Lille, Lyon and Arsenal didn't have a single goalscorer in their ranks this round. Inter went out despite not losing. 29 goals were scored in 16 games - less than 2 a game - 8 of them came in the Real-Bayern tie. Arsenal and Lyon are the only group winners who didn't make it.
Goal of the round:
Mancini's 'step'over Lyon.
Team of the round over both legs:
4-4-1-1
Gomes; Riise, Albiol, Lucio, Carragher; Silva, Deco, Cambiasso, Robben; Totti; Raul
Gracious Loser: Gerrard Houllier - he knows when he's truly beaten.
Stupid Comment: Jamie "Best night in Europe" Carragher. What about that win over Milan 2 years ago ? Stick to letting your football do the talking Carra.
Moron Award: David Navarro
Special mention for consistent Dejavu: Arsenal. Stick. ball. in. net.
Do-nothing-but-still-notch-2-goals award: Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Scrappy to the very end.
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Arsenal edge PSV, Real outslug Bayern
Thursday, 22 February 07, 06:11 PM
Round of 16 - First Legs I
Remarkably Unremarkable
Remarkably Unremarkable
PSV 1 - 0 Arsenal
Arsenal's insistence on doing things the hard way was highlighted yet again as they picked a rather inopportune time to slip to their first defeat of 2007. Despite marginally outshooting their Dutch opponents overall and arguably dominating the first half they left the Philipstadion nursing a 1-0 defeat. PSV, missing half their top striking partnership in the form of an injured Jefferson Farfan, made the most of their opportunities and sealed a good win over their opponents from London. Despite leading the Eredivisie there has been a lack of imperious authority about PSV's performances since the start of the new year. This win should serve as a filip for reigniting the dominance that saw them soar in 2006 and race to a handy lead in the race for domestic honours.
On a day when their attack was a little disjointed, their talismanic rearguard came through with flying colours. Brazilians Gomes, in goal, and centre-half Alex, gave a clinic on positioning and snuffing out attacking threats as they ensured Arsenal's attack kept another clean sheet. Gomes' close range stop from Thierry Henry's turn and shot was crucial in setting the tone of the contest and he ensured that no one and nothing got past him. On the one occasion that Tomas Rosicky's shot eluded him, Carlos Salcido cleared off the line. In a nutshell that summed up the performance for Arsenal. Ronald Koeman managed to get an off colour PSV team to perform much better than the sum of it's parts. PSV might not dazzle and destroy but can make the odd period of dominance pay off in spectacular fashion. A quality oddly lacking in their opponents on the day.
Admittedly the game was unremarkable and Edison Mendez's strike, from 25 yards out, was comfortably the pick of the day's goals. Yet if Arsenal's season extinguishes itself in the next 2 weeks, games like this will surely serve to highlight their weaknesses. Their complete lack of consistent attacking inventiveness around the box has come back to haunt them time and again yet there seems to end in sight. Against Blackburn one could argue that a wall of 7 defenders around the 6 yard box made things very hard. But PSV offer more optimistic fare and there was plenty of space for Arsenal to push through. Yet the space around the backline was wasted and there was a worrying lack of urgency to the proceedings.
Emmanuel Adebayor, strangely off-colour, was left on for the whole game when a more enterprising approach would surely have replaced him with Jeremie Aliaderie from the bench. In the event Wenger resorted to throwing on the clumsy Julio Baptista who only served to confirm that his future lies away from the Gunners. Thierry Henry's morbid mercurialness plumbed new depths as he seemed to give up and not care once his first 2 shots didn't go in. His pathetic claims of being hit in the face when he was pushed was matched only by his general apathy to the cause. Wenger needs to take a stand. For every game that Henry plays brilliantly, there follows a spate in which he's unremarkably rubbish. This is not captaincy material.
One only look at Timmy Simons's game to see how far hard work and grit gets you when the chips don't fall your way. Along with a seemingly evergreen Phillip Cocu, they managed to keep a much more gifted Arsenal midfield at bay the whole game. With Salcido and Manuel Da Costa putting in solid shifts at the the back, PSV strove to ensure that when they were in the ascendancy, for the first part of the second half, they got results. Crucially, Mendez's arrival for Aruna Kone's layoff, was a couple of yards away from Gilberto. Positioning was the defining aspect of this tie.
Still, this tie is far from over, Arsenal can easily overcome this deficit at home - but they have to be wary of conceding away goals off counter-attacks despite dominating - the hallmark of their season so far. Arsenal will be wary of a repeat of their elimination at the hands of Valencia in 2001 - on away goals despite winning 2-1 at home (albeit in the first leg). And Farfan should be back - PSV will look to seal the deal.
There's life in this corpse yet
Real 3 - 2 Bayern
It is decidedly ironic that the 2 worst teams remaining in the draw should serve up the best game of the round. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have won the competition 13 times between them but are outside bets for this year's title. Both are in need of new personnel, retooling and a fresh approach. Whereas Bayern have already replaced their coach, rumous emanating from the Bernebeu suggested that Real were about to do the same.
In the event, both teams got down to play some serious ball and served up a trully thrilling contest. Raul's opener came from the sweetest move of the night as a through ball from Ruud van Nistelrooy (of all people) found Raul beyond Bayern's creaking backline. The latter's finish was clinical more than clean and for the upteenth time this season, Bayern had been opened up by some clever pacy passing. Daniel van Buyten's lack of positional sense (or lack thereof) and unease against pace has surely come to signify his possible departure from the Bayern starting XI once a genuine contender emerges.
Lucio on the other hand is a hard working defender who, for all his limited ability, never has a really rank game. His arrival to meet Willy Sagnol's free kick, unmarked was completed with the easy header into Real's net for the equalizer. One felt Real were ripe for the taking. However, David Beckham of all people ensured that Real had plenty left in the tank. 2 set piece plays - one a corner and the other a free kick - found Raul and van Nistelrooy respectively. 2 scrappy finishes later Real were leading 3 - 1. If Gonzalo Higuain had converted after being sent clear by Beckham, Real may have sealed the game early in the second half. In the event, Higuain missed, got substituted and Fabio Capello lost his nerve. Not happy with having brought on the defensive midfielder Michael Salgado for Higuain, he then took wingback Roberto Carlos off for a pure defender in Raul Bravo. Carlos had earlier taken out Owen Hargreaves, who suffered another ankle injury - Manchester United will watch developments closely no doubt.
Eventually, Bayern came back strongly, Van Bommel's shot from outside the box, eluding Casillas, was the least they deserved. The jury may still be out on Gonzalo Higuain but I've made up my mind - he's not that good. In time he may become an above average forward in Spain but at present he's out of his depth. For Bayern, Lukas Podolski and Roy Makaay were typically anaemic for the upteenth time this season. Claudio Pizarro, who came on for the former, shone briefly but did little to convince that he can carry Bayern's attack. Unable to work themselves into games, Bayern's attacking corps need to be euthanised sooner than later. Bastian Schweinsteiger was notably anonymous, hounded throughout by Fernando Gago, who was preferred to the diabolical Emerson, in the Real backfield. Whereas his contribution outshone his compatriot Higuain's, Bayern will not be quaking in their boots for the return leg. For Real it is a damning indictment of their lack of personnel that Beckham, who leaves at the end of the season, was their attacking fulcrum.
Even though Real won, the 3-2 scoreline would, at best, be described as pyrrhic. In a week's time they return to Bavaria.
Arsenal's insistence on doing things the hard way was highlighted yet again as they picked a rather inopportune time to slip to their first defeat of 2007. Despite marginally outshooting their Dutch opponents overall and arguably dominating the first half they left the Philipstadion nursing a 1-0 defeat. PSV, missing half their top striking partnership in the form of an injured Jefferson Farfan, made the most of their opportunities and sealed a good win over their opponents from London. Despite leading the Eredivisie there has been a lack of imperious authority about PSV's performances since the start of the new year. This win should serve as a filip for reigniting the dominance that saw them soar in 2006 and race to a handy lead in the race for domestic honours.
On a day when their attack was a little disjointed, their talismanic rearguard came through with flying colours. Brazilians Gomes, in goal, and centre-half Alex, gave a clinic on positioning and snuffing out attacking threats as they ensured Arsenal's attack kept another clean sheet. Gomes' close range stop from Thierry Henry's turn and shot was crucial in setting the tone of the contest and he ensured that no one and nothing got past him. On the one occasion that Tomas Rosicky's shot eluded him, Carlos Salcido cleared off the line. In a nutshell that summed up the performance for Arsenal. Ronald Koeman managed to get an off colour PSV team to perform much better than the sum of it's parts. PSV might not dazzle and destroy but can make the odd period of dominance pay off in spectacular fashion. A quality oddly lacking in their opponents on the day.
Admittedly the game was unremarkable and Edison Mendez's strike, from 25 yards out, was comfortably the pick of the day's goals. Yet if Arsenal's season extinguishes itself in the next 2 weeks, games like this will surely serve to highlight their weaknesses. Their complete lack of consistent attacking inventiveness around the box has come back to haunt them time and again yet there seems to end in sight. Against Blackburn one could argue that a wall of 7 defenders around the 6 yard box made things very hard. But PSV offer more optimistic fare and there was plenty of space for Arsenal to push through. Yet the space around the backline was wasted and there was a worrying lack of urgency to the proceedings.
Emmanuel Adebayor, strangely off-colour, was left on for the whole game when a more enterprising approach would surely have replaced him with Jeremie Aliaderie from the bench. In the event Wenger resorted to throwing on the clumsy Julio Baptista who only served to confirm that his future lies away from the Gunners. Thierry Henry's morbid mercurialness plumbed new depths as he seemed to give up and not care once his first 2 shots didn't go in. His pathetic claims of being hit in the face when he was pushed was matched only by his general apathy to the cause. Wenger needs to take a stand. For every game that Henry plays brilliantly, there follows a spate in which he's unremarkably rubbish. This is not captaincy material.
One only look at Timmy Simons's game to see how far hard work and grit gets you when the chips don't fall your way. Along with a seemingly evergreen Phillip Cocu, they managed to keep a much more gifted Arsenal midfield at bay the whole game. With Salcido and Manuel Da Costa putting in solid shifts at the the back, PSV strove to ensure that when they were in the ascendancy, for the first part of the second half, they got results. Crucially, Mendez's arrival for Aruna Kone's layoff, was a couple of yards away from Gilberto. Positioning was the defining aspect of this tie.
Still, this tie is far from over, Arsenal can easily overcome this deficit at home - but they have to be wary of conceding away goals off counter-attacks despite dominating - the hallmark of their season so far. Arsenal will be wary of a repeat of their elimination at the hands of Valencia in 2001 - on away goals despite winning 2-1 at home (albeit in the first leg). And Farfan should be back - PSV will look to seal the deal.
There's life in this corpse yet
Real 3 - 2 Bayern
It is decidedly ironic that the 2 worst teams remaining in the draw should serve up the best game of the round. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have won the competition 13 times between them but are outside bets for this year's title. Both are in need of new personnel, retooling and a fresh approach. Whereas Bayern have already replaced their coach, rumous emanating from the Bernebeu suggested that Real were about to do the same.
In the event, both teams got down to play some serious ball and served up a trully thrilling contest. Raul's opener came from the sweetest move of the night as a through ball from Ruud van Nistelrooy (of all people) found Raul beyond Bayern's creaking backline. The latter's finish was clinical more than clean and for the upteenth time this season, Bayern had been opened up by some clever pacy passing. Daniel van Buyten's lack of positional sense (or lack thereof) and unease against pace has surely come to signify his possible departure from the Bayern starting XI once a genuine contender emerges.
Lucio on the other hand is a hard working defender who, for all his limited ability, never has a really rank game. His arrival to meet Willy Sagnol's free kick, unmarked was completed with the easy header into Real's net for the equalizer. One felt Real were ripe for the taking. However, David Beckham of all people ensured that Real had plenty left in the tank. 2 set piece plays - one a corner and the other a free kick - found Raul and van Nistelrooy respectively. 2 scrappy finishes later Real were leading 3 - 1. If Gonzalo Higuain had converted after being sent clear by Beckham, Real may have sealed the game early in the second half. In the event, Higuain missed, got substituted and Fabio Capello lost his nerve. Not happy with having brought on the defensive midfielder Michael Salgado for Higuain, he then took wingback Roberto Carlos off for a pure defender in Raul Bravo. Carlos had earlier taken out Owen Hargreaves, who suffered another ankle injury - Manchester United will watch developments closely no doubt.
Eventually, Bayern came back strongly, Van Bommel's shot from outside the box, eluding Casillas, was the least they deserved. The jury may still be out on Gonzalo Higuain but I've made up my mind - he's not that good. In time he may become an above average forward in Spain but at present he's out of his depth. For Bayern, Lukas Podolski and Roy Makaay were typically anaemic for the upteenth time this season. Claudio Pizarro, who came on for the former, shone briefly but did little to convince that he can carry Bayern's attack. Unable to work themselves into games, Bayern's attacking corps need to be euthanised sooner than later. Bastian Schweinsteiger was notably anonymous, hounded throughout by Fernando Gago, who was preferred to the diabolical Emerson, in the Real backfield. Whereas his contribution outshone his compatriot Higuain's, Bayern will not be quaking in their boots for the return leg. For Real it is a damning indictment of their lack of personnel that Beckham, who leaves at the end of the season, was their attacking fulcrum.
Even though Real won, the 3-2 scoreline would, at best, be described as pyrrhic. In a week's time they return to Bavaria.
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Group Winners I - Chelsea, Bayern, Liverpool, Valencia.
Thursday, 04 January 07, 06:27 PM
Group Winners I - Chelsea, Bayern, Liverpool, Valencia.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Champions' League clubs in the round of 16.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Champions' League clubs in the round of 16.
CHELSEA
Weaknesses
Over reliance on Drogba in open play:
If the big Ivorian, who is enjoying an outstanding season, does not conjure up anything while the ball is in play, Chelsea seem unable to fashion a goal. Passing the ball off to Robben and letting him run at defences seems to have lost its effectiveness as well.
Over reliance on set pieces:
No one scores more frequently in big matches from set pieces - but these are typically hit or miss. If there is a paucity of corners or free kicks from decent areas - the Londoners are in a spot of bother.
Favour from referees:
Maybe it's the influence of the Russian rouble, maybe the pre-eminent stylings of a club trying to crash the G14 party or simply fear of upsetting them, but there's no denying that Chelsea, like many big clubs, routinely gets favourable decisions from referees and linesmen - perhaps more than others. It takes one strong referee and suddenly the decisions will seem to be going the other way.
Strengths
Consistency:
No one grinds out victories like they do. Despite the bland fare on offer on the pitch, rarely do more than 1 or 2 of Chelsea's players have an off night. And the rest (Lampard aside) routinely produce solid, efficient performances that do little wrong despite failing to inspire.
Set Pieces:
See weakness number 2 above. If you concede too many corners, free-kicks or throw-ins to the Blues, be prepared to concede too many goals as well.
Squad Depth:
Mourinho may be a few players off from having '2 established World class stars for every position on the pitch' - but he still has the most impressive armoury of depth charges to bring to bear on the opposition. Only Inter and Barcelona have comparable strength in depth.
BAYERN
Weaknesses
Over Reliance on Schweinsteiger:
A bit like France at recent International tournaments with Zidane, Bayern seem to rely too heavily on the interestingly surnamed German midfielder (it means pig climber in German apparently). They have impressive players all over the pitch but no one else seems to have the creative nous like Bastian. Give him the ball and unleash.
Attack is hit or miss:
Pizzaro, Santa Cruz and Makaay are deadly strikers on their day, capable of notching up a hat trick in 10 minutes - or of going 90 minutes with aimless or tepid shots on goal. Incapable of working themselves into games, Bayern's mercurial strikeforce may be their undoing.
Cannot break teams down:
Line up, form waves of defence and harry the ball carriers - Bayern will resemble orcs against the battlements in a children's movie. They'll keep coming but will be unable to unlock the gates.
Strengths
Good start:
Typically German, they start well, going straight at their opponents from the word go. No one seems to focus his troops pre-game like Magath, if their starts are anything to go by. In a 2 legged play-off tie, a good start in the opening leg is crucial.
Concentration:
They're boring on occasion, a bit toothless at times and generally tame - but they never make mistakes and have few, if any, defensive lapses. Efficient to the core, they stick to the task with classic determination and drive.
Never play badly as a whole:
A bit like Chelsea, they rarely have a bad game collectively. They may not have many good games either but Bayern will never lose the game to you - you have to beat them.
LIVERPOOL
Weaknesses
If Gerrard is off so are they:
Their captain is also their talisman, their performances inextricably linked to his onfield fortunes for the day. As peerless as he is at galvanising a team, there is no better example in modern club football of a sink and swim team than Liverpool. When he flops, the whole team follows ensuite.
Weak in the centre of midfield:
Once again, Gerrard cannot be everywhere, so, due to Momo Sissoko's injury, when Rafa Benitez deploys the captain on the right wing, there is a veritable hole in the centre of the park. For all their attacking nous, Xabi Alonso, Zenden et al cannot dictate the centre of the park while the rest of the midfield corps are an army of wingers.
Strengths
Strong defence:
Surprisingly, Carragher, Hyppia, Riise comprise as solid a defence as any in the continent. Made up of unremarkable internationals, it is consistently greater than the sum of its parts. Perhaps Benitez brought over his defensive shtick that made Valencia one of the stingiest teams in Europe, perhaps Liverpool attacks with its defence, whatever it may be, this team is tricky to score against when in the mood.
Very good in knockout games:
On its day Liverpool is as good as anyone in the world, and while motivation and consistency are works in progress, no one gets up for a knockout game as the Reds do. Over the last 5 years few teams have been as impregnable over a 2 legged knockout tie. Barcelona beware.
VALENCIA
Weaknesses
Mercurial:
Some days they can destroy the best in Europe, Villa, Morientes, David Silva and Edu seemingly linking effortlessly to score at will. Other days they can lose at home to well.. Racing Santander. Entirely dependent on which team struts out on matchday, few teams remain an enigma like Valencia.
In fighting:
Flores may well be on his way out with the management and players converting the dressing room into the battle of the bulge. Mercurial they may be, there's no denying that team morale is an issue this term.
Joaquin:
I expected great things from the former Betis winger after his move to one of the bigger guns in Spain. He's been a sad disappointment - out of touch, out of place, inept.
Strengths
David Villa:
One of the best strikers in Europe. Equal parts finisher and creator.
Defence:
Albiol is an everpresent, Ayala is an evergreen. Valencia can keep attackers at bay like no one else. In crunch games, they have both the knowledge and the knack of taking the sting out of opponents' attacks.
Balance:
Deep, with equally qualified personnel all over the pitch and team bus - few teams are as balanced as Valencia. You don't just need multi-million dollar superstars to have an even team - just some competent footballers will do.
Weaknesses
Over reliance on Drogba in open play:
If the big Ivorian, who is enjoying an outstanding season, does not conjure up anything while the ball is in play, Chelsea seem unable to fashion a goal. Passing the ball off to Robben and letting him run at defences seems to have lost its effectiveness as well.
Over reliance on set pieces:
No one scores more frequently in big matches from set pieces - but these are typically hit or miss. If there is a paucity of corners or free kicks from decent areas - the Londoners are in a spot of bother.
Favour from referees:
Maybe it's the influence of the Russian rouble, maybe the pre-eminent stylings of a club trying to crash the G14 party or simply fear of upsetting them, but there's no denying that Chelsea, like many big clubs, routinely gets favourable decisions from referees and linesmen - perhaps more than others. It takes one strong referee and suddenly the decisions will seem to be going the other way.
Strengths
Consistency:
No one grinds out victories like they do. Despite the bland fare on offer on the pitch, rarely do more than 1 or 2 of Chelsea's players have an off night. And the rest (Lampard aside) routinely produce solid, efficient performances that do little wrong despite failing to inspire.
Set Pieces:
See weakness number 2 above. If you concede too many corners, free-kicks or throw-ins to the Blues, be prepared to concede too many goals as well.
Squad Depth:
Mourinho may be a few players off from having '2 established World class stars for every position on the pitch' - but he still has the most impressive armoury of depth charges to bring to bear on the opposition. Only Inter and Barcelona have comparable strength in depth.
BAYERN
Weaknesses
Over Reliance on Schweinsteiger:
A bit like France at recent International tournaments with Zidane, Bayern seem to rely too heavily on the interestingly surnamed German midfielder (it means pig climber in German apparently). They have impressive players all over the pitch but no one else seems to have the creative nous like Bastian. Give him the ball and unleash.
Attack is hit or miss:
Pizzaro, Santa Cruz and Makaay are deadly strikers on their day, capable of notching up a hat trick in 10 minutes - or of going 90 minutes with aimless or tepid shots on goal. Incapable of working themselves into games, Bayern's mercurial strikeforce may be their undoing.
Cannot break teams down:
Line up, form waves of defence and harry the ball carriers - Bayern will resemble orcs against the battlements in a children's movie. They'll keep coming but will be unable to unlock the gates.
Strengths
Good start:
Typically German, they start well, going straight at their opponents from the word go. No one seems to focus his troops pre-game like Magath, if their starts are anything to go by. In a 2 legged play-off tie, a good start in the opening leg is crucial.
Concentration:
They're boring on occasion, a bit toothless at times and generally tame - but they never make mistakes and have few, if any, defensive lapses. Efficient to the core, they stick to the task with classic determination and drive.
Never play badly as a whole:
A bit like Chelsea, they rarely have a bad game collectively. They may not have many good games either but Bayern will never lose the game to you - you have to beat them.
LIVERPOOL
Weaknesses
If Gerrard is off so are they:
Their captain is also their talisman, their performances inextricably linked to his onfield fortunes for the day. As peerless as he is at galvanising a team, there is no better example in modern club football of a sink and swim team than Liverpool. When he flops, the whole team follows ensuite.
Weak in the centre of midfield:
Once again, Gerrard cannot be everywhere, so, due to Momo Sissoko's injury, when Rafa Benitez deploys the captain on the right wing, there is a veritable hole in the centre of the park. For all their attacking nous, Xabi Alonso, Zenden et al cannot dictate the centre of the park while the rest of the midfield corps are an army of wingers.
Strengths
Strong defence:
Surprisingly, Carragher, Hyppia, Riise comprise as solid a defence as any in the continent. Made up of unremarkable internationals, it is consistently greater than the sum of its parts. Perhaps Benitez brought over his defensive shtick that made Valencia one of the stingiest teams in Europe, perhaps Liverpool attacks with its defence, whatever it may be, this team is tricky to score against when in the mood.
Very good in knockout games:
On its day Liverpool is as good as anyone in the world, and while motivation and consistency are works in progress, no one gets up for a knockout game as the Reds do. Over the last 5 years few teams have been as impregnable over a 2 legged knockout tie. Barcelona beware.
VALENCIA
Weaknesses
Mercurial:
Some days they can destroy the best in Europe, Villa, Morientes, David Silva and Edu seemingly linking effortlessly to score at will. Other days they can lose at home to well.. Racing Santander. Entirely dependent on which team struts out on matchday, few teams remain an enigma like Valencia.
In fighting:
Flores may well be on his way out with the management and players converting the dressing room into the battle of the bulge. Mercurial they may be, there's no denying that team morale is an issue this term.
Joaquin:
I expected great things from the former Betis winger after his move to one of the bigger guns in Spain. He's been a sad disappointment - out of touch, out of place, inept.
Strengths
David Villa:
One of the best strikers in Europe. Equal parts finisher and creator.
Defence:
Albiol is an everpresent, Ayala is an evergreen. Valencia can keep attackers at bay like no one else. In crunch games, they have both the knowledge and the knack of taking the sting out of opponents' attacks.
Balance:
Deep, with equally qualified personnel all over the pitch and team bus - few teams are as balanced as Valencia. You don't just need multi-million dollar superstars to have an even team - just some competent footballers will do.
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Champions' League Draw - first thoughts
Sunday, 17 December 06, 06:40 PM
The cream has risen in Europe.
At the end of the group stages, demotions, pre-qualifying and ancillary qualifying, the knockout rounds have been set. 16 teams in the Champions' League and 32 in the UEA cup will go head to head for the final chalice in their respective competitions. I for one, am glad the tedium is now finally over. While the knockout rounds are still over 2 months away and there is a transfer window in between, I'll try and sketch out my initial thoughts of the draw. This is always dodgy. I make no claims of being clairevoyant - not at this stage anyway.
At the end of Matchday 6 in the Champions' League, the only surprises for me was Inter failing to beat Bayern and Celtic losing to Kobenhavn. As a result both Inter and Celtic missed out on topping their groups. While Inter may well fancy their chances against Valencia, Celtic surely do not relish their tie against Milan.
The Rossoneri may have dropped their last game against Lille but it was a dead rubber. When it comes to navigating through knockout rounds, few do it better than Milan. Celtic have the speed to trouble Milan's ageing backline but they have no hope of coping with the twin threats of Pirlo and Kaka, when on song. Form will have a large part to play in this game but Celtic may find that they are up against wily veterans who have campaigned for many springs in Europe. Milan are good for atleast another round in Europe this season - they've been lucky that their opponents are Celtic rather than someone more wily and experienced.
Inter are my dark horses and outside bets for the whole damn thing this year. They are balanced, poised and have lost their initial jitters. Valencia are excellent in Europe but seem to be slowly imploding with every passing week. However they have the personnel to be quietly confident going into this tie and if they can hold onto David Villa past January, they may well be fit to cause an upset. Their organisation and experience are their chief threats but it will be Inter who will be looking forward to this tie more than Valencia. Expect a grinding contest decided by a Stankovic header or a Villa penalty.
Arsene Wenger's remarks at the end of the draw may have been taken out of context. When he said the draw was "not an easy one" he did not necessarily mean that they had drawn a tough opponent - step forward Liverpool, who have done just that - he meant that PSV cannot be considered easy pushovers and that there are no easy games at this stage at this level. This time round there were few bunnies, if any, sitting in the pot waiting to be drawn for the group winners - even LOSC Lille may well give United a run for their money - and as such, although PSV can be considered a non heavyweight; they are by no means an easy opponent. Still, Wenger can be safe in the knowledge that PSV are not as muscular in their approach as some of the other group runners-up could be and spend time playing the ball on the ground. I doubt he would have enjoyed going head to head with Inter or Porto, definitely not with Arsenal's unease at set pieces and aerial balls.
Liverpool, 2005 winners, drew the short straw and have the plum tie of Barcelona, themselves winners last year. No one would envy them the task of dethroning the current champions of Europe - however the two glimmers of hope that Kopites can cling to, is that Benitez is a shrewd operator in Europe (2 finals with Valencia, the title with them, a 4-1 upset win over Barcelona in the 1999-2000 season) and that even though Liverpool are inconsistent at times - so are Barca. But, If Iniesta and Deco can continue their heady form while sharing the workload with the ever brilliant Ronaldinho, Liverpool are in big trouble, Gerrard's long range missiles notwithstanding.
Chelsea will meet Porto, winners in 2004. Even though Mourinho coached Porto to the summit 2 years ago, he will have his work cut out as Porot have moved on from then. Tricky winger Quaresma will terrorise Chelsea down the flanks - especially if they insist on playing a solid but narrow defensive midfield. Lucho will tease from distance, Postiga may well turn in a few close range tallies. Having said that, however, I cannot see Porto upsetting Chelski over 2 legs. There may well be some nervous moments on set pieces but Chelsea have too many tricks up their sleeves. They are far too established and settled a machine to come unstuck against Porto. If in the mood Drogba can singlehandedly bludgeon in a few goals against the Portugese leaders.
Man U seem to be on some sort of trail of redemption this season. They have mounted a furious pacesetting challenge domestically, belying their usual slow starts, they've conquered their nemesis from last season in the group stage, Benfica. Now, in Lille, they find themselves up against another one of the teams that ended their European campaign at the group stage last year. Revenge must surely be on their minds. Yes, I'll be honest, Man U are the favorites, but don't count out the plucky French outfit, Odemwingie will be a handful for the United backline, Tavlardis more than a match for Saha, their midfield capable of controlling United's gaping absence in the middle of the park. I guess we'll have to wait and see. If Man U do win, keeping with my theme of redemption, they might well be drawn against Milan next.
Real renew rivalries with Bayern. From 1998 to 2002, 4 of the 5 European Cups were won by these two clubs. So, recent pedigree and history should not be lacking when it comes to motivation. Both have fallen off the summit in recent years. More attacking, fresher upstarts in the German Bundesliga seem to be giving Bayern a run for the title while the heavyweight duopoly in La Liga has shifted back to Barcelona. Real were dressed by Arsenal last year and have stuttered this year. Bayern started very well but have slowed up a little in recent weeks. So expect this to be a stop start game depending on form and finishing. Bastian Schweinsteiger can turn the tie for Bayern along with Roy Makaay. At the same time watch for Ruud or Raul to bundle home some loose balls in the 6 yard box.
The best tie though, of the whole competition and perhaps in all of Europe this season, has to be Roma versus Lyon. Whereas Inter versus Valencia will be more tactical and at times more brutal in the sheer physicality of the tie, the aesthetic brilliance of Lyon versus Roma is hard to match. This will be a game of 2 teams commited to attacking - two teams who believe the only way to win is to score more goals than your opponent. They will go forward at every stage and send balls crossfield searching for ever more attacking options. Lyon should shade this though, if only in that they are more assured, settled and consistent than Roma. The Italians, however are more mercurial and can upset the applecart if De Rossi and Totti are in the mood. Watch for plenty of goals and some audacious shots from distance.
So, off the top of my head at first glance, these are my initial picks:
Chelsea over Porto
Milan over Celtic
Arsenal over PSV
Man U over Lille
Lyon over Roma
Barcelona over Liverpool
Bayern over Real
Inter over Valencia
At the end of the group stages, demotions, pre-qualifying and ancillary qualifying, the knockout rounds have been set. 16 teams in the Champions' League and 32 in the UEA cup will go head to head for the final chalice in their respective competitions. I for one, am glad the tedium is now finally over. While the knockout rounds are still over 2 months away and there is a transfer window in between, I'll try and sketch out my initial thoughts of the draw. This is always dodgy. I make no claims of being clairevoyant - not at this stage anyway.
At the end of Matchday 6 in the Champions' League, the only surprises for me was Inter failing to beat Bayern and Celtic losing to Kobenhavn. As a result both Inter and Celtic missed out on topping their groups. While Inter may well fancy their chances against Valencia, Celtic surely do not relish their tie against Milan.
The Rossoneri may have dropped their last game against Lille but it was a dead rubber. When it comes to navigating through knockout rounds, few do it better than Milan. Celtic have the speed to trouble Milan's ageing backline but they have no hope of coping with the twin threats of Pirlo and Kaka, when on song. Form will have a large part to play in this game but Celtic may find that they are up against wily veterans who have campaigned for many springs in Europe. Milan are good for atleast another round in Europe this season - they've been lucky that their opponents are Celtic rather than someone more wily and experienced.
Inter are my dark horses and outside bets for the whole damn thing this year. They are balanced, poised and have lost their initial jitters. Valencia are excellent in Europe but seem to be slowly imploding with every passing week. However they have the personnel to be quietly confident going into this tie and if they can hold onto David Villa past January, they may well be fit to cause an upset. Their organisation and experience are their chief threats but it will be Inter who will be looking forward to this tie more than Valencia. Expect a grinding contest decided by a Stankovic header or a Villa penalty.
Arsene Wenger's remarks at the end of the draw may have been taken out of context. When he said the draw was "not an easy one" he did not necessarily mean that they had drawn a tough opponent - step forward Liverpool, who have done just that - he meant that PSV cannot be considered easy pushovers and that there are no easy games at this stage at this level. This time round there were few bunnies, if any, sitting in the pot waiting to be drawn for the group winners - even LOSC Lille may well give United a run for their money - and as such, although PSV can be considered a non heavyweight; they are by no means an easy opponent. Still, Wenger can be safe in the knowledge that PSV are not as muscular in their approach as some of the other group runners-up could be and spend time playing the ball on the ground. I doubt he would have enjoyed going head to head with Inter or Porto, definitely not with Arsenal's unease at set pieces and aerial balls.
Liverpool, 2005 winners, drew the short straw and have the plum tie of Barcelona, themselves winners last year. No one would envy them the task of dethroning the current champions of Europe - however the two glimmers of hope that Kopites can cling to, is that Benitez is a shrewd operator in Europe (2 finals with Valencia, the title with them, a 4-1 upset win over Barcelona in the 1999-2000 season) and that even though Liverpool are inconsistent at times - so are Barca. But, If Iniesta and Deco can continue their heady form while sharing the workload with the ever brilliant Ronaldinho, Liverpool are in big trouble, Gerrard's long range missiles notwithstanding.
Chelsea will meet Porto, winners in 2004. Even though Mourinho coached Porto to the summit 2 years ago, he will have his work cut out as Porot have moved on from then. Tricky winger Quaresma will terrorise Chelsea down the flanks - especially if they insist on playing a solid but narrow defensive midfield. Lucho will tease from distance, Postiga may well turn in a few close range tallies. Having said that, however, I cannot see Porto upsetting Chelski over 2 legs. There may well be some nervous moments on set pieces but Chelsea have too many tricks up their sleeves. They are far too established and settled a machine to come unstuck against Porto. If in the mood Drogba can singlehandedly bludgeon in a few goals against the Portugese leaders.
Man U seem to be on some sort of trail of redemption this season. They have mounted a furious pacesetting challenge domestically, belying their usual slow starts, they've conquered their nemesis from last season in the group stage, Benfica. Now, in Lille, they find themselves up against another one of the teams that ended their European campaign at the group stage last year. Revenge must surely be on their minds. Yes, I'll be honest, Man U are the favorites, but don't count out the plucky French outfit, Odemwingie will be a handful for the United backline, Tavlardis more than a match for Saha, their midfield capable of controlling United's gaping absence in the middle of the park. I guess we'll have to wait and see. If Man U do win, keeping with my theme of redemption, they might well be drawn against Milan next.
Real renew rivalries with Bayern. From 1998 to 2002, 4 of the 5 European Cups were won by these two clubs. So, recent pedigree and history should not be lacking when it comes to motivation. Both have fallen off the summit in recent years. More attacking, fresher upstarts in the German Bundesliga seem to be giving Bayern a run for the title while the heavyweight duopoly in La Liga has shifted back to Barcelona. Real were dressed by Arsenal last year and have stuttered this year. Bayern started very well but have slowed up a little in recent weeks. So expect this to be a stop start game depending on form and finishing. Bastian Schweinsteiger can turn the tie for Bayern along with Roy Makaay. At the same time watch for Ruud or Raul to bundle home some loose balls in the 6 yard box.
The best tie though, of the whole competition and perhaps in all of Europe this season, has to be Roma versus Lyon. Whereas Inter versus Valencia will be more tactical and at times more brutal in the sheer physicality of the tie, the aesthetic brilliance of Lyon versus Roma is hard to match. This will be a game of 2 teams commited to attacking - two teams who believe the only way to win is to score more goals than your opponent. They will go forward at every stage and send balls crossfield searching for ever more attacking options. Lyon should shade this though, if only in that they are more assured, settled and consistent than Roma. The Italians, however are more mercurial and can upset the applecart if De Rossi and Totti are in the mood. Watch for plenty of goals and some audacious shots from distance.
So, off the top of my head at first glance, these are my initial picks:
Chelsea over Porto
Milan over Celtic
Arsenal over PSV
Man U over Lille
Lyon over Roma
Barcelona over Liverpool
Bayern over Real
Inter over Valencia
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On The Obscure Footie Quiz III