Inter slip against Valencia, Liverpool stun Barcelona
Saturday, 24 February 07, 06:06 AM
Round of 16 - First legs II
Rafa Rumbles the Nou Camp
Barcelona 1 - 2 Liverpool
If this game is any indication, managers everywhere should order up copies of Fight Club and sign up for the bulk plan from PING. Throw out the training videos, what your team needs is some Karaoke fuelled drunken aggression and a handy supply of golf clubs. Craig Bellamy and John Riise as a pair, do not even remotely resemble Edward Norton and Brad Pitt but on this performance it's safe to say both find random violence equally therapeutic.
What a turnaround for a club seemingly troubled and unable to find the away day consistency required to mount a creditable challenge in the league. Lesser teams may have folded after conceding an early goal at the Nou Camp but Liverpool battled back to draw level and then take the lead and win. How fitting that the two miscreants in Portugal - Bellamy and Riise made up by matching each other on the scoresheet. If only every club could have its players take out their violent competitiveness on the opposing team.
Is Frank Riijkard losing the plot ? Most managers would have dealt with Samuel Eto'o's selfish attitude on the weekend with a more direct disciplinary approach. Teams don't pay players to play when they feel like - it's a player's responsibility as a professional to turn out whenever fit and required whether it's for 92 minutes or just 2. As disgusting and pathetic as Eto'o's remonstration, justification and follow up make up was - it was only matched by Riijkard's effete resolution of the affair before belatedly leaving Eto'o out of the squad for this match.
Perhaps starting Andres Iniesta in place of Thiago Motta and pushing Xavi further back to protect the back four would have given Barcelona more balance and attacking bite - then again perhaps playing only 2 forwards instead of 3 may have left Barcelona less threadbare in the middle of the park. In actual events Liverpool controlled the midfield while no one could deal with Bellamy's pace down the left. The Catalan club had more attempts on goal but the crucial ones were by Liverpool and more importantly resulted in goals. The best player on the pitch may have been Deco but the best team was definitely Liverpool. The training pitch pictures were a tad artificial but the teamwork on display here was real.
Momo Sissoko's return to the Champions' League lineup was a welcome return as it allowed Benitez to give his other midfielders license to rampage forward. After the first 20 odd minutes, when Barcelona were rampant, they slowly relinquished their dominance and Liverpool increasingly came into the game. Javier Saviola's miss when he went past Carragher was the turning point. Professional would be a fair description as Liverpool took their chances while Barcelona missed theirs. Deco tried all he could but everywhere around him a lack of creative focus seemed to blunt all of Barcelona's intentions. It was telling that Liverpool scored their second goal of a rebound, Bellamy passing back across goal for Riise, but when presented with his best chance off a rebound, Lionel Messi had his deflected over.
Barcelona have to go to Anfield and win by 2 goals. With games against Sevilla and Real on the horizon as well, Rijkaard's end may be nigh.
Unstoppable Force meets Immovable Object
Inter 2 - 2 Valencia
It baffles me beyond sanity why and how Inter insist on making things hard for themselves again and again. It amazes me how incredible Valencia are at ensuring you can never write them off. Keeping in theme with Brad Pitt's movies; In Guy Ritchie's movie Snatch (2001) starring Pitt, there is a crucial scene where a massive hired goon goes one on one in a fistfight with a much smaller and skinnier Pitt. The larger man repeatedly batters the hollywood heartthrob with a series of crushing uppercuts and hooks. Each time Pitt gets up. Eventually, Pitt takes his chance and socks the giant.. and fells him.
For giant read Inter - for Pitt say hello to Valencia.
For the opening and better part of the match Inter slaughtered Valencia. Storming forward, irrepressible and focussed it seemed a miracle if Valencia escaped a hiding. Inter promptly took the lead and continued pressing. They hit and missed posts, poured forward in numbers. Santiago Canizares was kept busy, Roberto Ayala and Raul Albiol were undersiege more than they have been this season. Yet, you sensed somehow, Valencia were not out of it. Slowly they held firm, rode their luck to a certain extent (One wonders what would have happened if Zlatan Ibrahimovic's header against the post had gone in). Inter dominated this match but failed to capitalise on their superiority - they may live to regret this.
I wrote earlier on about how this may be the plum tie of the round of 16 in the Champions' League - more importantly, this was Inter's acid test in Europe. The prognosis so far ? They're still a bit off the pace. No doubt battering a slightly substandard Serie A week in week out has added a touch of complacency while lowering the performace levels of Europe's best stocked squad. To be the best you must play agains the best. Valencia, on the other hand, play in the toughest league in Europe, having to play week after week against a variety of balanced, tricky opponents. This gulf in experience paid off for the Spanish team as they came back and evened out the tie.
David Villa is more than just a sumptuous striker, as he creates so many chances for his team mates in addition to scoring goals. His free kick here was unstoppable, displaying a potency from set-piece as well as open play. Julio Cesar stood no chance and suddenly, Valencia had stopped a rampant Inter team in its tracks. You feared for Inter, them of the fragile mental state at times. Yet Inter continued where they had left off and bulldozed forward - aptly Maicon teamed up with Julio Cruz to slot home Inter's second. You felt that's it, Inter had held on. Surely Valencia were done. But no. With virtually the last play of the game, David Silva, volleyed a cleared corner into the goal. Inter were stunned, Valencia ecstatic.
The coaches both played interesting starting lineups - Roberto Mancini should have deployed Olivier Dacourt instead of Luis Figo at the start. Later on as Dejan Stankovic seemed to have run out of steam, he should have brought Figo on. Similarly, Hugo Viana would have done better in midfield than Carlos Marchena. More natural in that position he would be a better foil for dogged ball retriever David Albelda. The introduction of both into the respective lineups - in Dacourt's case earlier than Mancini would have liked, was perhaps an indication that both coaches had gotten their opening balance a tad bit wrong.
Inter may have lost the advantage but Valencia has surely captured the impetus in this tie. Away goals are crucial in the knockout round - having a brace is priceless - especially against Inter. Conquering armies have been broken by a stubborn last stand - Inter's season hangs in the balance. Inter have it all to do now - the Mestella awaits.
Rafa Rumbles the Nou Camp
Barcelona 1 - 2 Liverpool
If this game is any indication, managers everywhere should order up copies of Fight Club and sign up for the bulk plan from PING. Throw out the training videos, what your team needs is some Karaoke fuelled drunken aggression and a handy supply of golf clubs. Craig Bellamy and John Riise as a pair, do not even remotely resemble Edward Norton and Brad Pitt but on this performance it's safe to say both find random violence equally therapeutic.
What a turnaround for a club seemingly troubled and unable to find the away day consistency required to mount a creditable challenge in the league. Lesser teams may have folded after conceding an early goal at the Nou Camp but Liverpool battled back to draw level and then take the lead and win. How fitting that the two miscreants in Portugal - Bellamy and Riise made up by matching each other on the scoresheet. If only every club could have its players take out their violent competitiveness on the opposing team.
Is Frank Riijkard losing the plot ? Most managers would have dealt with Samuel Eto'o's selfish attitude on the weekend with a more direct disciplinary approach. Teams don't pay players to play when they feel like - it's a player's responsibility as a professional to turn out whenever fit and required whether it's for 92 minutes or just 2. As disgusting and pathetic as Eto'o's remonstration, justification and follow up make up was - it was only matched by Riijkard's effete resolution of the affair before belatedly leaving Eto'o out of the squad for this match.
Perhaps starting Andres Iniesta in place of Thiago Motta and pushing Xavi further back to protect the back four would have given Barcelona more balance and attacking bite - then again perhaps playing only 2 forwards instead of 3 may have left Barcelona less threadbare in the middle of the park. In actual events Liverpool controlled the midfield while no one could deal with Bellamy's pace down the left. The Catalan club had more attempts on goal but the crucial ones were by Liverpool and more importantly resulted in goals. The best player on the pitch may have been Deco but the best team was definitely Liverpool. The training pitch pictures were a tad artificial but the teamwork on display here was real.
Momo Sissoko's return to the Champions' League lineup was a welcome return as it allowed Benitez to give his other midfielders license to rampage forward. After the first 20 odd minutes, when Barcelona were rampant, they slowly relinquished their dominance and Liverpool increasingly came into the game. Javier Saviola's miss when he went past Carragher was the turning point. Professional would be a fair description as Liverpool took their chances while Barcelona missed theirs. Deco tried all he could but everywhere around him a lack of creative focus seemed to blunt all of Barcelona's intentions. It was telling that Liverpool scored their second goal of a rebound, Bellamy passing back across goal for Riise, but when presented with his best chance off a rebound, Lionel Messi had his deflected over.
Barcelona have to go to Anfield and win by 2 goals. With games against Sevilla and Real on the horizon as well, Rijkaard's end may be nigh.
Unstoppable Force meets Immovable Object
Inter 2 - 2 Valencia
It baffles me beyond sanity why and how Inter insist on making things hard for themselves again and again. It amazes me how incredible Valencia are at ensuring you can never write them off. Keeping in theme with Brad Pitt's movies; In Guy Ritchie's movie Snatch (2001) starring Pitt, there is a crucial scene where a massive hired goon goes one on one in a fistfight with a much smaller and skinnier Pitt. The larger man repeatedly batters the hollywood heartthrob with a series of crushing uppercuts and hooks. Each time Pitt gets up. Eventually, Pitt takes his chance and socks the giant.. and fells him.
For giant read Inter - for Pitt say hello to Valencia.
For the opening and better part of the match Inter slaughtered Valencia. Storming forward, irrepressible and focussed it seemed a miracle if Valencia escaped a hiding. Inter promptly took the lead and continued pressing. They hit and missed posts, poured forward in numbers. Santiago Canizares was kept busy, Roberto Ayala and Raul Albiol were undersiege more than they have been this season. Yet, you sensed somehow, Valencia were not out of it. Slowly they held firm, rode their luck to a certain extent (One wonders what would have happened if Zlatan Ibrahimovic's header against the post had gone in). Inter dominated this match but failed to capitalise on their superiority - they may live to regret this.
I wrote earlier on about how this may be the plum tie of the round of 16 in the Champions' League - more importantly, this was Inter's acid test in Europe. The prognosis so far ? They're still a bit off the pace. No doubt battering a slightly substandard Serie A week in week out has added a touch of complacency while lowering the performace levels of Europe's best stocked squad. To be the best you must play agains the best. Valencia, on the other hand, play in the toughest league in Europe, having to play week after week against a variety of balanced, tricky opponents. This gulf in experience paid off for the Spanish team as they came back and evened out the tie.
David Villa is more than just a sumptuous striker, as he creates so many chances for his team mates in addition to scoring goals. His free kick here was unstoppable, displaying a potency from set-piece as well as open play. Julio Cesar stood no chance and suddenly, Valencia had stopped a rampant Inter team in its tracks. You feared for Inter, them of the fragile mental state at times. Yet Inter continued where they had left off and bulldozed forward - aptly Maicon teamed up with Julio Cruz to slot home Inter's second. You felt that's it, Inter had held on. Surely Valencia were done. But no. With virtually the last play of the game, David Silva, volleyed a cleared corner into the goal. Inter were stunned, Valencia ecstatic.
The coaches both played interesting starting lineups - Roberto Mancini should have deployed Olivier Dacourt instead of Luis Figo at the start. Later on as Dejan Stankovic seemed to have run out of steam, he should have brought Figo on. Similarly, Hugo Viana would have done better in midfield than Carlos Marchena. More natural in that position he would be a better foil for dogged ball retriever David Albelda. The introduction of both into the respective lineups - in Dacourt's case earlier than Mancini would have liked, was perhaps an indication that both coaches had gotten their opening balance a tad bit wrong.
Inter may have lost the advantage but Valencia has surely captured the impetus in this tie. Away goals are crucial in the knockout round - having a brace is priceless - especially against Inter. Conquering armies have been broken by a stubborn last stand - Inter's season hangs in the balance. Inter have it all to do now - the Mestella awaits.
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Champions League Final Memories '03 - '06
Tuesday, 13 February 07, 01:38 AM
2003 - Milan 0 - 0 Juventus (Milan win on penalties)
I had a hangover from the night before as I settled into my buddy's leather sofa to watch this. The Milan Inter semi-final had been tense and the evil empire of Juve loomed large in the final.
My first thoughts as the game kicked off - wow the pitch at Old Trafford looks beautiful, flat, smooth and well manicured. Juve looked less so - seemingly more intent on keeping Sheva and Rui Costa underwraps and stifling Milan than going out and actually trying to win the match. Shevchenko DID score and I will always maintain that it was a goal - but strangely it was ruled offside - rubbish. In retrospect I can try and attribute some of it to Moggipoli but I doubt his influence reached that far into the game. Gattuso was his usual bulldog self, bulldozing everything that moved in a jailhouse shirt. One shot from him from within his own half had to be palmed away by Buffon. Trezequet hung around in the box and off the backline waiting just waiting for a scrap. He got none. At the other end Inzaghi ran and ran and ran some more but did nothing. Once Ambrosini came on for Rui Costa I knew it was going to be penalties.
That livened things up and fittingly Sheva stroked home the winning spot kick. Everyone celebrated, I was finally fully awake - albeit in a warm fuzzy way. At this point hilarity ensured. Christian Brocchi, who hadn't played the final and had done precious little the whole tournament, grabbed the trophy and paraded it around Old Trafford as if he had singlehandedly won the damn thing. The bemused looks on Maldini and Inzaghi's faces were priceless - not to mention the one of pure joy on little Christian's face. I laughed so hard. I'm still laughing right now.
2004 - Porto 3 - 0 Monaco
First Arsenal somehow managed to lose 3-2 to Chelsea in the QF. Then Milan had let Depor wallop 4 past them to lose 5-4 in their QF. My dream Arsenal - Milan final was off. So, needless to say, I was more than a little disenchanted at watching Porto take on Monaco. I was still pining and had little interest in watching either. But watch I did and I was glad for it afterwards.
It was a good final. Porto manhandled Monaco. Their forward pressing, defensive coverage and all round organisation too much for Monaco. And they had Deco. One moment I remember was, Maniche of all people, dekeing out both Ludovic Giuly and Jerome Rothen in the middle of the park before passing the ball off to Deco who proceeded to dazzle and deke some more. From start to finish Porto were all over Monaco. From start to finish I kept thinking of Arsenal and Wayne 'blooming' Bridge. Watching Chelsea now it's hard to believe that a Mourinho coached team can actually play like this. I knew Deco would be off (he went to Barcelona); I didn't expect Giuly to join him.
This final was special in that it is the only final we'll ever see again that featured 2 teams from outside the established group of 14 big clubs. And for that, it should be remembered.
2005 - Liverpool 3 - 3 Milan (Liverpool win on penalties)
Wow - what a final. Arguably the best Champions' League final in terms of sheer excitement and goals. Once Maldini scored I had this creepy feeling that the game would taper off and die an effete death. Then Crespo scored. And scored again. 2 swift finishes from some sweet midfield passing. I had this warm feeling inside and decided to go back to work after halftime - having taken a late lunch
Halftime ended, I thought, 'you know what? 10 more minutes'. Then Gerrard scored. I thought 'you know what? let's just wait till the end'. Then Smicer scored and I got this sinking feeling. How that ball went in I'll never know. And then Gerrard crumpled easily in the box and I knew Milan were fooked. Alonso muffed the shot but Milan were static on the rebound and he rushed to convert. Thereafter I could not believe how Dudek kept out Milan and especially Sheva's shot at the end of extra time. There has never been such all round defensive ineptitude in a final and never will be again.
Penalties were nerve wracking and once Smicer converted his kick, I knew the comeback was complete. As circular as things are in football - 2 years after scoring the winning penalty, Shevchenko missed the decisive one this time.
2006 - Barcelona 2 - 1 Arsenal
The trick to English clubs winning the Champions' League final is to spot the opposition a goal or three and then mount a comeback. Arsenal obviously missed that class because instead of handing them a goal advantage they let Barcelona go a man up and then actually took the lead.
After having waited my whole life to see the Gunners reach the final I was determined not to let Lehmann's sending off spoil my mood. Playing 1-0 down with 11 men seemed a lot worse than leading 1-0 with 10 once Campbell got his head onto the end of Henry's free kick and scored. I was ecstatic. But I will admit it was a dive by Eboue. Still Rooney's dive cost us our unbeaten run and Barca dive plenty so I wasn't unduly morally shocked.
Beating the best team in the world with 11 men is hard enough - beating them with 10 is nigh impossible. Atleast we held out for 75 minutes. Arsenal were better in losing than many teams are in winning and we battled and fought right to the end. If Henry had taken his chance when he turned in Eboue's cross things would have been over much earlier.
I actually thought the opening goal would be enough but once Larsson came on he changed things. First, Samuel Eto'o scored a good goal at the far post. I felt Almunia should have gotten something onto it as he was in position but hey it's Eto'o. Belletti's goal though was a shocker - it went off the inside of Almunia' leg. What the bloody hell. Perhaps it would have been better if Lehmann had stayed on.
Still I couldn't complain - Barcelona had beaten us fair and square and it was a good final I guess. I was proud of Arsenal. I knew they'd be back.
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Champions League Final Memories '91 - '94
Sunday, 11 February 07, 03:48 AM
1991 - Red Star Belgrade 0 - 0 Olympique Marseille (Red Star wins on penalties)
This was my first ever European Cup final.
I remember watching this with my dad and fittingly, an elderly Yugoslavian friend of the family. He was a real tome of club footballing knowledge. He assured me that the real name of the 'red team from Eastern Europe', as I called them, was a rather more unpronounceable Crvena Zvezda. Also the Pele who suited up for Marseille was not related to the Brazilian legend - but infact a Ghanaian ponytailed footballer prenamed Abidi. He also assured me that the best Yugoslav who played that game was not even on the side of the winners from Belgrade but infact on the bench for the French champions. I guess he was right, although Dragan Stojkovic, Pixie, did come off the bench for a small part of extra time. Then again, Dejan Savicevic did play the game for Red Star and in my mind was the best in show. (more on him later).
I've always loved penalty shootouts - it's my guilty pleasure. After the penalty shootouts of Italia 90, I was excited by the prospect of yet another one here - especially since the game was very boring. True to form it was another exciting shootout (is there ever one which is not?) and the unheralded team from Yugoslavia were European club champions. I will always maintain that this triumph was a prelude to that nation dominating football in the 90s - sadly civil war put paid to that dream.
1992 - Barcelona 1 - 0 Sampdoria
The eagerly awaited return of English clubs to the continental game was a damp squib for me - Arsenal lost to Benfica in the knockout rounds. Due to the lack of TV coverage I didn't get to see that match as it was only the mini-league stage onwards that was televised. Additionally, Milan didn't participate since Sampdoria won the Serie A title. Interestingly it was the Italian team that met Barcelona, the media darlings in the final.
The game was better than the final the year before. I remember Michael Laudrup dribbling a lot and getting nowhere and Lombardo heading a lot (that's probably why he's bald I reckoned) while Koeman won the game with a typically thunderous free kick. Thanks to the weekly coverage of Serie A matches I was more familiar with Sampdoria's team - goalie Pagliuca (whom I always felt looked like a preppy version of Sylvester Stallone), Attilio Lombardo, Gianluca Vialli and captain Roberto Mancini. I remember thinking, if only Milan had played they would have shown Barcelona up. Again, I would have to wait for this eventuality.
Later that summer teammates Koeman and Laudrup would meet on opposite sides in the European Championship semi-final. Laudrup's Denmark would prevail on penalties.
1993 - Marseille 1 - 0 Milan
The first Champions' League final but altogether anaemic for me. I was so excited to see Milan make the final. I didn't get to see them win back to back titles in 89 and 90, so for me it was like seeing them 'finally' making it there as opposed to 'returning to the final' that the media kept mentioning.
The game was tepid as Milan huffed and puffed but seemed very tired, drained no doubt from their Serie A championship season. Marseille seemed one step ahead on all occasions despite their talismanic striker and best player from the previous season starting the final on the Milan bench - Jean Pierre Papin. Roberto Donadoni, who seemed sluggish, eventually came off for the Frenchman but Milan could not find a way through. Basil Boli scored a first half goal and Marseille sat back and protected their lead. I was very disappointed. But I wouldn't be for long.....
It emerged later that Marseille had bribed some French team (Valenciennes I think) to throw their final league game so that they would be rested for the final. They were stripped of various titles and relegated. I greeted this news with no small measure of glee. Milan promptly bought Marcel Desailly from Marseille.
1994 - Milan 4 - 0 Barcelona
Ah what a night. There has never been such an annhilation in a Champions' League Final. I suspect there never be another like it. Barcelona was actually lucky to lose only 4 - 0 as Dejan Savicevic (yes him again) hit the post twice. Barcelona was the supposed 'dream' team, media darlings, expected to brush aside the meaningless opposition of Milan who were missing Baresi and Costacurta through suspension.
Right from start to finish Milan, playing in white, dominated. Dejan Savicevic aptly demonstrated why he was one of the premier midfielders in the world, setting up 2 goals and scoring one himself. Marcel Desailly surged forward to score a brace while Daniele Massaro notched the fourth. Barcelona came expecting a cakewalk but were swept aside by an imperious, and perhaps wounded, Milan. From a footballing perspective, the best final ever. 2 attacking teams going full throttle at each other. Milan destroyed Barcelona - Capello completely outclassed Cruyff.
What made this year (1994) doubly special was Arsenal beating Parma in the Cup Winners' Cup final! The only sad note was that I never actually got to see that game.
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The Calm before the Storm II
Sunday, 11 February 07, 03:25 AM
Part 2 of 2.
We're in the final home stretch leading up to the first legs of the knockout round, here's a look at where all the various contestants stand. The engines are revving in the pit lane and we're about to embark on the warm up lap - the last few matches before they square off Feb 20/21. Who's hot, who's not and who's still looking for a working clutch pedal - or in Lyon's case a functional healthy strikeforce. All stats since the new year and accurate upto Friday Feb 9 2007.
A little wobbly
Liverpool
4 wins 1 draw 2 losses over all. In 2 cup ties: 2 home losses.
While sailing along smoothly in the league, Liverpool's showing in cup play have been worrying. Although some of those defeats can be attributed to the surely departing Jerzy Dudek, Liverpool's positioning and closing down of opposing players was poor. The talisman that is Steven Gerrard may play out the rest of the season the middle but his performances are increasingly hit or miss - terrific when on song, rubbish when not. Surely carrying an entire team on his shoulders is beginning to take it's toll.
Benitez will no doubt refocus and motivate them for the game against Barcelona - especially with the Catalan's looking a little leaden footed themselves, but Liverpool lack few matchwinners if the team as a whole is playing badly.
Lyon
3 wins 1 draw 4 losses overall . 4 cup ties. 1 home win 1 away loss 2 away wins.
I would never have thought Lyon would lose back to back matches all season, leave alone being winless in 5 in all competitions. I wouldn't write them off yet, as their collective talent, skill and experience still makes them formidable, but they do look to be reeling. Add in the fact that they replaced John Carew, whom I rate as bruising, crushing, centre forward with a rather ropey Milan Baros (goal on debut notwithstanding). Lyon's style is fast, fluid and direct. Although Baros would fit in perfectly in that style, he will need some time to gel and is still short on form. Carew however represented a different approach which could have served Lyon well if things were to ever get tight. Especially since they're still a little short on strikers.
They did notch up 2 away wins though, albeit against lower level opposition. Still, Lyon need to get a few solid wins under their belt before they meet Roma.
PSV
2 wins 2 losses overall. In 1 cup tie: 1 home win.
Think Lyon, but on a smaller scale and in Holland. PSV are still clear the top in Eredivisie but they're lead is down to 5 points and have split their 4 games. It could just be start of the year jitters coupled with the fact that they have one eye on their tie against Arsenal. Then again, AZ Alkmaar did play play but PSV were at home. The game before they were comprehensively beaten at Roda. So something's definitely up, since upto this point PSV had won 18 out of 21 with only 1 loss.
Milan
3 wins 2 draws 2 losses overall. In 4 cup ties: 1 home win 1 home draw 2 away losses.
Milan have never quite shaken off the sloth permanently all season. It seems Kaka and Pirlo are encases in this sludgy ether that prevents them from breaking free. They are mired in midtable and came unstuck in their first real test in the Coppa Italia, losing to Roma. Judging by the distance that separates them from Inter, one would have felt Milan's best chances of silverware this season would have been the Cup. Losses at Arezzo and Roma put paid that dream however and surely Ancellotti must be nervily loooking over his shoulder whenever he sees Galliani.
When teams are a little static and seem to be going through the motions without getting tangible results, common sense dictates getting a player that can turn things around and fire them up. Not at Milan though, who acquired Ronaldo, thereby ensuring that they will stay mired in the mud, both metaphorically, and judging by Ronaldo's physique, literally.
Barcelona
4 wins 3 draws 2 losses overall. In 3 cup ties: 1 home win 1 away win 1 home loss.
Being defending champions and one of the best teams in Europe has it's own set of expectations. Barcelona has not met those, ridiculously high they may be. Getafe and Espanyol first showed them to be a little impotent up front while Osasuna and Zaragoza have ensured the Catalans have gone 2 complete matches without scoring. Despite Saviola's impressive return, and Iniesta's consistent performances, Barcelona are in a slumber and need to wake up.
If the desire in Rijkaard's fist when he punched out of a glass panel during their defeat at Espanyol, could be channelled into his team, Liverpool are doomed. On current form however, Liverpool look primed for an upset.
Porto
1 win 2 losses overall. In 1 Cup tie: 1 home loss.
Hard to spot much of a trend here since they've only played 4 times. I will say this. Losing at home twice in both games since the start of the year is not the perfect tonic for a long continental run. Getting knocked out of the Cup and then losing at home to lower-midtable Estrela Amadora (gotta love the way that rolls off the tongue though) would certainly have given coach Ferreira a few worries. The integration of Argentine defender Lucas Mareque and Colombian striker Wason Renteria needs to be completed soon as well.
They still have a few games before meeting Chelsea but the gulf in class seems to have widened since 2007 started.
Wheels coming off ?
Real Madrid
2 wins 2 draws 3 losses overall. In 2 cup ties: 1 home draw 1 away draw (lost on away goals).
When purporting (however self-proclaimed) to be the world's biggest club one one expects a certain amount of class to emanate from the so ordained. Real possess none. With the death of the Galactico culture, they have ensureed that they now possess a team that is neither very good and not even marketable anymore. Their behavior after being second choice to the MLS was more worthy of 7 year old playground pup whose been told to get off the swings than a global giant about to embark on a winning run in the Champions' League.
Turns out they're pretty rubbish in the league too. Acquiring the two Argentines Higuain and Gago may pay off in the future but at the moment they are still too raw. Raul and Ruud look rustier than usual and their pathetic return of 2 goals in 7 games since the new year won't send shivers down anyone's spine - even in the MLS.
Bayern Munich
1 draw 2 losses overall. No cup ties.
Which brings us, finally, to that other moribund excuse for an erstwhile continental giant - Bayern Munchen. How far have the mighty fallen. The truth is, they've been slowly rotting in the Champions' League for a few seasons but only now has their disease become terminal. Ironically, the only team that may be worse off then them are their opponents, David Beckham's Real.
Bayern are off the pace in the Bundesliga and their style of play is being prescribed for insomniacs from Bavaria to Bremen. The latter, may not need them anymore, judging by the daylight opening up between their team and Bayern.
Tragically, one of these 2 will live to go into the hat for the quarterfinals, whereas elsewhere 2 of Lyon, Roma, PSV and Arsenal will go home.
We're in the final home stretch leading up to the first legs of the knockout round, here's a look at where all the various contestants stand. The engines are revving in the pit lane and we're about to embark on the warm up lap - the last few matches before they square off Feb 20/21. Who's hot, who's not and who's still looking for a working clutch pedal - or in Lyon's case a functional healthy strikeforce. All stats since the new year and accurate upto Friday Feb 9 2007.
A little wobbly
Liverpool
4 wins 1 draw 2 losses over all. In 2 cup ties: 2 home losses.
While sailing along smoothly in the league, Liverpool's showing in cup play have been worrying. Although some of those defeats can be attributed to the surely departing Jerzy Dudek, Liverpool's positioning and closing down of opposing players was poor. The talisman that is Steven Gerrard may play out the rest of the season the middle but his performances are increasingly hit or miss - terrific when on song, rubbish when not. Surely carrying an entire team on his shoulders is beginning to take it's toll.
Benitez will no doubt refocus and motivate them for the game against Barcelona - especially with the Catalan's looking a little leaden footed themselves, but Liverpool lack few matchwinners if the team as a whole is playing badly.
Lyon
3 wins 1 draw 4 losses overall . 4 cup ties. 1 home win 1 away loss 2 away wins.
I would never have thought Lyon would lose back to back matches all season, leave alone being winless in 5 in all competitions. I wouldn't write them off yet, as their collective talent, skill and experience still makes them formidable, but they do look to be reeling. Add in the fact that they replaced John Carew, whom I rate as bruising, crushing, centre forward with a rather ropey Milan Baros (goal on debut notwithstanding). Lyon's style is fast, fluid and direct. Although Baros would fit in perfectly in that style, he will need some time to gel and is still short on form. Carew however represented a different approach which could have served Lyon well if things were to ever get tight. Especially since they're still a little short on strikers.
They did notch up 2 away wins though, albeit against lower level opposition. Still, Lyon need to get a few solid wins under their belt before they meet Roma.
PSV
2 wins 2 losses overall. In 1 cup tie: 1 home win.
Think Lyon, but on a smaller scale and in Holland. PSV are still clear the top in Eredivisie but they're lead is down to 5 points and have split their 4 games. It could just be start of the year jitters coupled with the fact that they have one eye on their tie against Arsenal. Then again, AZ Alkmaar did play play but PSV were at home. The game before they were comprehensively beaten at Roda. So something's definitely up, since upto this point PSV had won 18 out of 21 with only 1 loss.
Milan
3 wins 2 draws 2 losses overall. In 4 cup ties: 1 home win 1 home draw 2 away losses.
Milan have never quite shaken off the sloth permanently all season. It seems Kaka and Pirlo are encases in this sludgy ether that prevents them from breaking free. They are mired in midtable and came unstuck in their first real test in the Coppa Italia, losing to Roma. Judging by the distance that separates them from Inter, one would have felt Milan's best chances of silverware this season would have been the Cup. Losses at Arezzo and Roma put paid that dream however and surely Ancellotti must be nervily loooking over his shoulder whenever he sees Galliani.
When teams are a little static and seem to be going through the motions without getting tangible results, common sense dictates getting a player that can turn things around and fire them up. Not at Milan though, who acquired Ronaldo, thereby ensuring that they will stay mired in the mud, both metaphorically, and judging by Ronaldo's physique, literally.
Barcelona
4 wins 3 draws 2 losses overall. In 3 cup ties: 1 home win 1 away win 1 home loss.
Being defending champions and one of the best teams in Europe has it's own set of expectations. Barcelona has not met those, ridiculously high they may be. Getafe and Espanyol first showed them to be a little impotent up front while Osasuna and Zaragoza have ensured the Catalans have gone 2 complete matches without scoring. Despite Saviola's impressive return, and Iniesta's consistent performances, Barcelona are in a slumber and need to wake up.
If the desire in Rijkaard's fist when he punched out of a glass panel during their defeat at Espanyol, could be channelled into his team, Liverpool are doomed. On current form however, Liverpool look primed for an upset.
Porto
1 win 2 losses overall. In 1 Cup tie: 1 home loss.
Hard to spot much of a trend here since they've only played 4 times. I will say this. Losing at home twice in both games since the start of the year is not the perfect tonic for a long continental run. Getting knocked out of the Cup and then losing at home to lower-midtable Estrela Amadora (gotta love the way that rolls off the tongue though) would certainly have given coach Ferreira a few worries. The integration of Argentine defender Lucas Mareque and Colombian striker Wason Renteria needs to be completed soon as well.
They still have a few games before meeting Chelsea but the gulf in class seems to have widened since 2007 started.
Wheels coming off ?
Real Madrid
2 wins 2 draws 3 losses overall. In 2 cup ties: 1 home draw 1 away draw (lost on away goals).
When purporting (however self-proclaimed) to be the world's biggest club one one expects a certain amount of class to emanate from the so ordained. Real possess none. With the death of the Galactico culture, they have ensureed that they now possess a team that is neither very good and not even marketable anymore. Their behavior after being second choice to the MLS was more worthy of 7 year old playground pup whose been told to get off the swings than a global giant about to embark on a winning run in the Champions' League.
Turns out they're pretty rubbish in the league too. Acquiring the two Argentines Higuain and Gago may pay off in the future but at the moment they are still too raw. Raul and Ruud look rustier than usual and their pathetic return of 2 goals in 7 games since the new year won't send shivers down anyone's spine - even in the MLS.
Bayern Munich
1 draw 2 losses overall. No cup ties.
Which brings us, finally, to that other moribund excuse for an erstwhile continental giant - Bayern Munchen. How far have the mighty fallen. The truth is, they've been slowly rotting in the Champions' League for a few seasons but only now has their disease become terminal. Ironically, the only team that may be worse off then them are their opponents, David Beckham's Real.
Bayern are off the pace in the Bundesliga and their style of play is being prescribed for insomniacs from Bavaria to Bremen. The latter, may not need them anymore, judging by the daylight opening up between their team and Bayern.
Tragically, one of these 2 will live to go into the hat for the quarterfinals, whereas elsewhere 2 of Lyon, Roma, PSV and Arsenal will go home.
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AC Milan, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, FC Porto, Lyon, PSV Eindhoven
UEFA Champions League 2008, AC Milan, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, FC Porto, Lyon, PSV Eindhoven 0
Group Runners-up I - Barcelona, Inter, PSV, Roma.
Friday, 05 January 07, 12:46 AM
Group Runners-up I - Barcelona, Inter, PSV, Roma.
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.
BARCELONA
Weaknesses
Attacking corps is mercurial this year:
Ronaldinho is still lethal and capable of sheer brilliance on occasion but he is still mostly start stop. Deco can follow a brilliant game with 2 lacklustre ones, while Giuly is not the same as he was at this stage last year. Larsson ? Oh yeah - he's at Man Utd via Helsingborgs.
No finisher:
Which leads me to the main point about Barcelona's attack - Eto'o is injured. They have no one to put the ball in the back off the net.
Not cynical enough:
There's a lot to be said about the cynical foul in midfield 45 yards from goal - Bayern, Inter, Manchester United and Real have all made it into an art form. Barcelona seem to have lost it. Potential attacks often become probable goals as a result.
Strengths
Depth:
Another one of the deepest squads in Europe - helped inevitably by Juventus' firesale. One of the most skilled and talented teams in the competition. Mourinho must be secretly envious.
Experience:
They won last year... and then added Zambrotta and Thuram. Many of the senior players have been around for ages both at Barcelona or in the latter stages of European competition. Rijkaard is an old hand at all this.
Explosive attack when on fire:
If Barcelona are in the mood - expect fireworks. They will light up any defence for some scorching scores in an exhilarating display of attacking intent. The question is - does this attitude help as much in the latter stages of a 2 legged tie ?
INTER
Weaknesses
Belief:
Perenially bridesmaids when it comes to the bigger competitions, their lack of killer instinct stems as much from a lack of belief as from a lack of ability. If they are to triumph they must go about exorcising demons as much as make tackles in the opposing half.
Concentration:
Inextricably, they can all fall asleep - letting a team they have dominated for most of the match back into it. Mancini must work on keeping this group motivated, focussed and on the ball - in more ways than one.
Strengths
Stankovic:
You read it here first - Europe's most underrated midfielder this season. No one else has played as well for as long as he has this season. A bit of an underdog, you'll never hear him being mentioned in the 'Best midfielder in Europe' discussions - but this season he has really come to life. The former Yugoslavia has featured many players who have played crucial parts in winning the Champions' League - Milan's Savicevic in '94, Juventus' Jugovic in '96, Real's Mijatovic in '99, the whole flippin Red Star Belgrade side in '91. A good bet for Inter's Stankovic in '07 to join that list.
Balance:
Inter are equally blessed with finishers, playmakers, stoppers, wide men, wingbacks, centre halfs, tacklers, set piece specialists as well as cynical goaders who can annoy the bejesus out of opposing stars - Materazzi.
Depth:
If required, Inter's second string can handily beat most sides. Alvaro Recoba and Solari don't even make it to the bench most days - remember them?
PSV
Weaknesses
Shaky backfield:
As solid as Alex is at anchoring the backline, PSV are a little weak in other places. Addo and Da Costa are not quite the imposing centre half, Reiziger is a spent force and Kromkamp, though adept, is not quite continental material. In front of them, PSV lack a true, shielding defensive midefielder like Makalele and Vieira.
Attack is still thin:
True, both Kone and Farfan score often but are both a bit like ex-player Kezman - good against rubbish teams but rubbish against good teams. Kluivert is on lifesupport and Tardelli not in the same class. Their attack is competent but not proficient.
Strengths
Balance:
In a perverse thumb in the face of the big chequebook cowboys of Europe, PSV has quietly assembled a squad with decent balance. No one is a true world beater - not anymore, anyway - but everyone is within a level or two of each other. Whereas some of the bigger teams drop noticeably when several first teamers are out, PSV seem to have a whole raft of made-to-order middling talents ready to plug the gaps without a depreciable change.
Equally deadly off setpieces and open play:
PSV has had to develop it's gameplan to suit every eventuality. They can hurt you off deadballs as well as prove quite proficient at sticking the ball in from open play. Very well organised, their movement and teamwork is fundamental to their gameplan.
ROMA
Weaknesses
Inconsistent:
Maddeningly mercurial at times, they can beat table toppers on one day and then promptly drop points to basement dwellers the next. Coach Luciano Spaletti has to work on keeping this team from switching off.
Inexperience:
Panucci has won it all a couple of times before while Totti, De Rossi and Perotta won the World Cup with Italy this summer. The knockout stages of the Champions' League however is a different ball game. Their team has never been required to play 7 ties against the best in Europe over 3 months before. Other than Totti and Panucci, few even know how to.
Strengths
Discipline:
No red cards so far, one of the fewest yellow card tallies, this Roma team keeps things clean for the most part. For a team that features De Rossi and several young midfielders who like to get stuck in, this is very impressive indeed.
Totti:
Seemingly better with every passing season - he's lead scorer in the Italian league. Absolutely deadly from attacking positions, he seems to find new ways to score every week. If inspiration is required - Roma look to him.
Deep midfield:
Lots of up and coming stars mixed with some established internationals - Roma's midfield features loads of players who can tackle, pass well and score - some like Taddei and Mancini, spectacularly so. Leeds United once made it to the semifinals with an army of enthusiastic midfielders - perhaps Roma can bond around the old heads of Totti, Tonetto and Panucci and do the same.
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Champions' League Draw - first thoughts
Monday, 18 December 06, 12:40 AM
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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Go To Topic: UEFA Champions League 2008, 
UEFA, England, Manchester United, Roma, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Valencia, FC Porto, Lyon, PSV Eindhoven, Celtic, Chelsea
UEFA Champions League 2008, UEFA, England, Manchester United, Roma, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Valencia, FC Porto, Lyon, PSV Eindhoven, Celtic, Chelsea 0