First a cross from a Porto winger is pushed into the net by Fabianski. Then this bonehead play. It definitely looks like Campbell touched the ball back and then stupidly, Fabianski picks it up. If at all possible, I don't think he will be seeing anymore time between the posts this season.
Showing posts with label UEFA Champions League. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UEFA Champions League. Show all posts
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Champions League is Back
Champions League action kicked off again today with two pretty big matches being shown on TV. Manchester United was able to take care of business at the San Siro with a 3-2 win over AC Milan. Wayne Rooney had a brace for the Red Devils with two nicely placed headers. Below you can see Clarence Seedorf's cheeky consolation goal for the home side.
In the other big game, Lyon was able to beat the new "Galacticos" of Real Madrid. The final score was 1-0 thanks to a beautiful strike from Makoun. Let's see if Madrid can rebound when the tie returns to Madrid.
In the other big game, Lyon was able to beat the new "Galacticos" of Real Madrid. The final score was 1-0 thanks to a beautiful strike from Makoun. Let's see if Madrid can rebound when the tie returns to Madrid.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Juande Ramos set to take over in Madrid
Former Tottenham and Sevilla manager Juande Ramos will take charge of Real Madrid today; his managerial debut will be a UEFA Champions League match that could have Madrid finishing atop their group with a win. Ramos must be enthusiastic about the opportunity with a top flight club, but his tenure with Madrid may prove to be anything but long term. Ramos is contracted for only a 6 month period and Madrid is notorious for discarding managers. Ramos will be Madrid's 11th coach in the last 10 years.
Madrid takes on Zenit St. Petersburg today in UEFA Matchday 6. Ramos will want a strong performance from his side, but the performance to watch might be that of Zenit's Andri Arshavin. Ramos has called him "magical" and may be looking heal some of Madrid's injury woes by bringing Arshavin to Real during the transfer window.
Madrid takes on Zenit St. Petersburg today in UEFA Matchday 6. Ramos will want a strong performance from his side, but the performance to watch might be that of Zenit's Andri Arshavin. Ramos has called him "magical" and may be looking heal some of Madrid's injury woes by bringing Arshavin to Real during the transfer window.
Monday, April 21, 2008
UEFA Champions League Semifinal Preview, Manchester United v Barcelona
The only two teams that have not suffered a defeat in this years Champions League competition are set to face off Wednesday night at the Camp Nou in Barcelona. This semifinal will allow both Manchester United and Barcelona to show off their stylish attacking brands of soccer.
Match Preview
The media is touting Manchester as the favorite, especially due to Barcelona's lackluster La Liga performances (earning only 4 victories in their last 13 games). However, Barcelona's ace up the sleeve has to be the return of phenom Leo Messi from injury. Manchester looks as imposing as ever and must feel ready for this challenge. United host so many attacking threats; despite dropping points to Blackburn this weekend, they are playing confident and consistent soccer. I expect both teams to attack in what will prove to be an exciting match filled with goals.
Key Match Ups
Its hard to isolate the most important match up when almost every player on each team is a superstar. With that in mind, the two most obvious threats for their respective teams are Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi. Ronaldo is on track to be the World Player of the Year and Messi is one of the most dangerous players on the planet when he is fit. Whichever team can manage the impact of those players will have a gigantic advantage.
SOTB Prediction: Manchester United 2 - Barcelona 2
Match Preview
The media is touting Manchester as the favorite, especially due to Barcelona's lackluster La Liga performances (earning only 4 victories in their last 13 games). However, Barcelona's ace up the sleeve has to be the return of phenom Leo Messi from injury. Manchester looks as imposing as ever and must feel ready for this challenge. United host so many attacking threats; despite dropping points to Blackburn this weekend, they are playing confident and consistent soccer. I expect both teams to attack in what will prove to be an exciting match filled with goals.
Key Match Ups
Its hard to isolate the most important match up when almost every player on each team is a superstar. With that in mind, the two most obvious threats for their respective teams are Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi. Ronaldo is on track to be the World Player of the Year and Messi is one of the most dangerous players on the planet when he is fit. Whichever team can manage the impact of those players will have a gigantic advantage.
SOTB Prediction: Manchester United 2 - Barcelona 2
UEFA Champions League Semifinal Preview, Liverpool v Chelsea
The wait is over, the first leg of the Champions League semifinals is here. In the week's first match (Tuesday, April 22nd) Chelsea will travel to Anfield and take on Liverpool.
Match Preview
There is good news for the Merseyside faithful, Stevie Gerrard has been declared fit after recovering from last week's neck injury. And Blue's fans will be glad to see Lampard suit up for Chelsea after missing the past two games. Since the first leg is at Anfield, I'm expecting Chelsea to play conservatively, they won't want to go behind early. Liverpool on the other hand, will want to take the game to the Blues through the Gerrard-Torres fueled attack. I don't think Chelsea is going to be able to keep that attack out of the back of the net.
Key Match Ups
The midfield battle is key and the obvious match up to watch is the Lampard/Gerrard dynamic. Both players mean so much to their respective teams, but I think Gerrard has the edge in this one. Avram Grant's side has their work cut out for them.
SOTB Prediction: Liverpool 2 - Chelsea 1
Match Preview
There is good news for the Merseyside faithful, Stevie Gerrard has been declared fit after recovering from last week's neck injury. And Blue's fans will be glad to see Lampard suit up for Chelsea after missing the past two games. Since the first leg is at Anfield, I'm expecting Chelsea to play conservatively, they won't want to go behind early. Liverpool on the other hand, will want to take the game to the Blues through the Gerrard-Torres fueled attack. I don't think Chelsea is going to be able to keep that attack out of the back of the net.
Key Match Ups
The midfield battle is key and the obvious match up to watch is the Lampard/Gerrard dynamic. Both players mean so much to their respective teams, but I think Gerrard has the edge in this one. Avram Grant's side has their work cut out for them.
SOTB Prediction: Liverpool 2 - Chelsea 1
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Champions League Semifinals Take Shape
And then there were four. The race for European glory narrowed again today as the UEFA Champions League Semifinal picture came into focus.
The first leg of the Semifinals will take place on April 22nd and 23rd. FC Barcelona will take on Manchester United, meanwhile Chelsea will face Liverpool.
Liverpool 4 - Arsenal 2 (5-3 on aggregate)
This was the most enthralling fixture of the matchday. The defining moment of the match must have been when Liverpool were awarded a dubious penalty just moments after Arsenal had tied the Reds 2-2 thanks to an inspired Theo Walcott play. Babel went down in the box after minimal (Arsenal fans might say incidental) contact from Kolo Touré and Stevie Gerrard coolly finished the ensuing penalty. Arsenal fans may feel cheated, but I feel that Liverpool outplayed the Gunners in the second half.Barcelona 1 - Schalke 0 (2-0 on aggregate)
I didn't have a chance to watch this one, but it seems like Schalke just didn't have the ability to outmatch the Catalan side. Barcelona's hopes at catching Real in La Liga are starting to look unattainable; perhaps its time for Barca to start focusing on the mammoth task of undoing United in the Semifinals.Manchester United 1 - AS Roma 0 (3-0 on aggregate)
Manchester proved its quality again with a solid performance over Roma. Squandered chances will haunt the Roman's as they failed to convert a first half penalty that could have changed the game drastically. United rested many of its players as they have more work to do in the EPL this week. They will play host to a victory starved Arsenal side on Saturday.Chelsea 2 - Fenerbache 0 (3-2 on aggregate)
Yawn. Did anyone really expect Chelsea to be knocked out by the Turkish side? You would think with both EPL and European glory sitting as viable possibilities for the Blues they would be playing a more inspired brand of soccer. Instead we are forced to watch a side that continues to win (albeit, they are winning) by "going through the motions". I miss the fire, passion and controversy that Jose Mourinho instilled in this side. Lets see how boring Avram Grant can make these next few weeks.The first leg of the Semifinals will take place on April 22nd and 23rd. FC Barcelona will take on Manchester United, meanwhile Chelsea will face Liverpool.
Monday, March 31, 2008
UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal Preview
The Champions League is back this week with eight remaining European sides looking to secure a trip to the semi finals. Matchday 9 is upon us and no one seems to be denying that there are some definite Davids and Goliaths left in the tournament. Here is your preview for this week's match ups.
Manchester United at AS Roma
United is being regularly referred to as the best club in the world right now, and probably rightfully so. Cristiano Ronaldo is playing inspired soccer and is seemingly scoring goals at will. Roma will be missing Totti due to injury and despite their current hot streak in the Serie A, I don't think anyone is going to be able to touch United right now.
SOTB Prediction: Manchester United 3 - AS Roma 0
FC Barcelona at Schalke 04
Both injuries mark the Barcelona side that making the trip to Germany. The Catalan's will be without the attacking prowess of Leo Messi, Deco, Ronaldinho and Eto'o is still questionable after injuring his calf last weekend. Schalke has a huge opportunity to put itself in the driver seat, but Barcelona still looks dangerous with Xavi and Iniesta running the midfield and youngster Krkric (alongside Henry) up top.
SOTB Prediction: Barcelona 2 - Schalke 1
Liverpool FC at Arsenal FC
From a neutral perspective one has to feel that Liverpool has all the momentum. They finally have a little bit of breathing room in the EPL and can go into Wednesday's match knowing that they have one of the best strikers in Europe with Fernando Torres. Arsenal is in trouble. They are playing without any of the conviction or consistency that usually defines their style of play. I think they will concede a couple of away goals in this one and put Liverpool in the driver seat for the second leg.
SOTB Prediction: Liverpool 2 - Arsenal 0
Chelsea at Fenerbahçe SK
I get the feeling that Fenerbahçe is really enjoying being the underdog. The Turkish side seems to be relishing the opportunity to play without any pressure. Fenerbahçe is brimming with confidence and Chelsea is the side that has it all to loose. I'm betting that Fenerbahçe really goes for Chelsea in this one in an effort to get a few goals before their trip to London for the second leg. On the other hand, I'm expecting Chelsea to try and control the flow of the game and attack limitedly.
SOTB Prediction: Chelsea 1 - Fenerbahçe 2
Tuesday April 1st
Manchester United at AS Roma
United is being regularly referred to as the best club in the world right now, and probably rightfully so. Cristiano Ronaldo is playing inspired soccer and is seemingly scoring goals at will. Roma will be missing Totti due to injury and despite their current hot streak in the Serie A, I don't think anyone is going to be able to touch United right now.
SOTB Prediction: Manchester United 3 - AS Roma 0
FC Barcelona at Schalke 04
Both injuries mark the Barcelona side that making the trip to Germany. The Catalan's will be without the attacking prowess of Leo Messi, Deco, Ronaldinho and Eto'o is still questionable after injuring his calf last weekend. Schalke has a huge opportunity to put itself in the driver seat, but Barcelona still looks dangerous with Xavi and Iniesta running the midfield and youngster Krkric (alongside Henry) up top.
SOTB Prediction: Barcelona 2 - Schalke 1
Wednesday April 2nd
Liverpool FC at Arsenal FC
From a neutral perspective one has to feel that Liverpool has all the momentum. They finally have a little bit of breathing room in the EPL and can go into Wednesday's match knowing that they have one of the best strikers in Europe with Fernando Torres. Arsenal is in trouble. They are playing without any of the conviction or consistency that usually defines their style of play. I think they will concede a couple of away goals in this one and put Liverpool in the driver seat for the second leg.
SOTB Prediction: Liverpool 2 - Arsenal 0
Chelsea at Fenerbahçe SK
I get the feeling that Fenerbahçe is really enjoying being the underdog. The Turkish side seems to be relishing the opportunity to play without any pressure. Fenerbahçe is brimming with confidence and Chelsea is the side that has it all to loose. I'm betting that Fenerbahçe really goes for Chelsea in this one in an effort to get a few goals before their trip to London for the second leg. On the other hand, I'm expecting Chelsea to try and control the flow of the game and attack limitedly.
SOTB Prediction: Chelsea 1 - Fenerbahçe 2
Friday, March 14, 2008
UEFA Champions League Draw
UEFA conducted the draw for the Champions League quarterfinals this morning from Nyon , Switzerland
The second leg of the quarterfinals will take place on April 8/9th. Here is a look at how the semifinals (April 28/29th) will line up:
Arsenal/Liverpool v Fenerbahçe/Chelsea
Schalke 04/Barcelona v AS Roma/Manchester United
April 1st
Fenerbahçe SK
AS Roma vManchester
April 2nd
Arsenal FC v Liverpool
AS Roma v
April 2nd
Arsenal FC v Liverpool
The second leg of the quarterfinals will take place on April 8/9th. Here is a look at how the semifinals (April 28/29th) will line up:
Arsenal/Liverpool v Fenerbahçe/Chelsea
Schalke 04/Barcelona v AS Roma/Manchester United
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
UEFA Round of 16 Wrap Up
There has been some high quality European soccer taking place over the past two days. For those of you who missed the action we have all the results from this weeks' matchday. In my opinion "the goal of the matchday" goes to Cesc Fabregas for his 30+ yard strike that silenced AC Milan.
Yesterday, Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal and Fenerbahçe all advanced to the round of eight. And in today's matches favorites Real Madrid were ousted by Roma, Chelsea dismantled Olympiacos and Porto lost in penalties to German side Schalke. The last match before the quarterfinal draw will take place next week as Liverpool will face off against Internazionale.
Here is a quick rundown of the aggregate scores (bold teams are through to the quarterfinals):
Arsenal 2- Milan 0
Fenerbahçe 5 - Sevilla 5 (Fenerbahçe through on penalties 3-2)
Manchester United 2 - Lyon 1
Celtic 2 - Barcelona 4
Olympiacos 0 - Chelsea 3
Roma 4 - Real Madrid 2
Schalke 1 - Porto 1 (Schalke through on penalties 4-2)
The first leg of the quarterfinals will take place during the first week of April.
Yesterday, Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal and Fenerbahçe all advanced to the round of eight. And in today's matches favorites Real Madrid were ousted by Roma, Chelsea dismantled Olympiacos and Porto lost in penalties to German side Schalke. The last match before the quarterfinal draw will take place next week as Liverpool will face off against Internazionale.
Here is a quick rundown of the aggregate scores (bold teams are through to the quarterfinals):
Arsenal 2- Milan 0
Fenerbahçe 5 - Sevilla 5 (Fenerbahçe through on penalties 3-2)
Manchester United 2 - Lyon 1
Celtic 2 - Barcelona 4
Olympiacos 0 - Chelsea 3
Roma 4 - Real Madrid 2
Schalke 1 - Porto 1 (Schalke through on penalties 4-2)
The first leg of the quarterfinals will take place during the first week of April.
Monday, March 3, 2008
UEFA Round of 16 - Second Leg Preview
Sixteen teams will be trying to move one step closer to securing a trip to Moscow in this weeks' UEFA Round of 16 second leg. One can never expect an easy ticket in European football, and this week is no exception. With some truly epic clashes taking place this week; here is a preview for Tuesday's fixtures.
Celtic FC vs FC Barcelona: Celtic will travel to the Camp Nou and try and relinquish the three goals that they surrendered in the first leg. Celtic might be feeling a bit overwhelmed at the task of trying to deconstruct a Deco-Messi-Ronaldinho-Eto'o-Henry led attack, and if they don't, they should be. I'm expecting Barcelona to put a goal away early--killing the Scots' dreams of advancement.
Prediction: Barcelona 2 - Celtic 0 (5-2 agg. Barcelona through)
Lyon vs Manchester United: United will be looking to extend their consecutive UEFA winning streak (at home) to 10 at Lyon's expense. United was lucky to pluck an important away goal in the first leg; it was Tevez's last gasp equalizer that put United in the driver seat. Benzema and Lyon are lethal, but I think United and Old Trafford will be too much to handle for the French side.
Prediction: Manchester United 2 - Lyon 0 (2-1 agg. United through)
Fenerbahçe SK vs Sevilla: I really want Sevilla to take this one, but the way they have been playing it looks like they are more cut out for UEFA Cup competition. Sevilla is down 3-2 on the aggregate, but they do have two important away goals. On paper this should be a walk in the park for an attacking suited Sevilla. They have a record of coming from behind in European competitions (albeit UEFA Cup) and they also have an impressive home record this season. This game will will show if they have the ability to preform at the highest of levels.
Prediction: Sevilla 2 - Fenerbahçe 1 (4-4 agg. Sevilla through on away goals)
Arsenal FC vs AC Milan: Milan seemingly has all the momentum. Kaká, Pato, Maldini and Nesta are all reported as fit. And Arsenal on the other hand has some serious question marks surrounding their team. Arsenal supporters are sure to be hoping for both Cesc and Hleb to improve upon their performances last week; Arsenal's style of play depends almost exclusively upon their play. Also, I think that Gallas' ability to lead the team is questionable at best. The Gunners have been on an emotional roller coaster ride over the past few weeks and I'm not sure they are going to have what it takes to top Milan.
Prediction: Milan 1- Arsenal 0 (1-0 agg. Milan through)
Celtic FC vs FC Barcelona: Celtic will travel to the Camp Nou and try and relinquish the three goals that they surrendered in the first leg. Celtic might be feeling a bit overwhelmed at the task of trying to deconstruct a Deco-Messi-Ronaldinho-Eto'o-Henry led attack, and if they don't, they should be. I'm expecting Barcelona to put a goal away early--killing the Scots' dreams of advancement.
Prediction: Barcelona 2 - Celtic 0 (5-2 agg. Barcelona through)
Lyon vs Manchester United: United will be looking to extend their consecutive UEFA winning streak (at home) to 10 at Lyon's expense. United was lucky to pluck an important away goal in the first leg; it was Tevez's last gasp equalizer that put United in the driver seat. Benzema and Lyon are lethal, but I think United and Old Trafford will be too much to handle for the French side.
Prediction: Manchester United 2 - Lyon 0 (2-1 agg. United through)
Fenerbahçe SK vs Sevilla: I really want Sevilla to take this one, but the way they have been playing it looks like they are more cut out for UEFA Cup competition. Sevilla is down 3-2 on the aggregate, but they do have two important away goals. On paper this should be a walk in the park for an attacking suited Sevilla. They have a record of coming from behind in European competitions (albeit UEFA Cup) and they also have an impressive home record this season. This game will will show if they have the ability to preform at the highest of levels.
Prediction: Sevilla 2 - Fenerbahçe 1 (4-4 agg. Sevilla through on away goals)
Arsenal FC vs AC Milan: Milan seemingly has all the momentum. Kaká, Pato, Maldini and Nesta are all reported as fit. And Arsenal on the other hand has some serious question marks surrounding their team. Arsenal supporters are sure to be hoping for both Cesc and Hleb to improve upon their performances last week; Arsenal's style of play depends almost exclusively upon their play. Also, I think that Gallas' ability to lead the team is questionable at best. The Gunners have been on an emotional roller coaster ride over the past few weeks and I'm not sure they are going to have what it takes to top Milan.
Prediction: Milan 1- Arsenal 0 (1-0 agg. Milan through)
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Champions League Results: 2/19/08
Liverpool 2 - 0 Internazionale
Anfield, England
Anfield, England
I have no idea what Liverpool ate for breakfast, but they should make a point of eating it again before every match for the rest of the year. A team which lost to Barnsley last weekend managed to pull out a 2-0 win over an Inter Milan team that hasn't lost since SEPTEMBER. What gives? All I can say is that Liverpool is going to need to keep on getting results like this for Rafa to keep his job come May.
A couple notes: Gerard once again scores a blast from long distance. Kuyt makes it two games in a row with a goal. Crouch plays well and makes everyone wonder why he can't get more starts (Oh yea, Rafa's stupid rotation). Liverpool could have used Torres last weekend. Materazzi is a goon and can get a red card in every game for all I care. He sucks.
A couple notes: Gerard once again scores a blast from long distance. Kuyt makes it two games in a row with a goal. Crouch plays well and makes everyone wonder why he can't get more starts (Oh yea, Rafa's stupid rotation). Liverpool could have used Torres last weekend. Materazzi is a goon and can get a red card in every game for all I care. He sucks.
AS Roma 2 - 1 Real Madrid
Stadio Olimpico, Italy
Stadio Olimpico, Italy
Roma pulls out a win at home on goals from Mancini and Pizarro. Madrid did manage to earn a valuable away goal which may help their chances when they play next at the Bernabéu. Raul scored his 60th Champions League goal, an amazing milestone in European football. I would have liked to see Madrid win this one but it was not to be. Real seems to be on a bit of a skid as of late as the La Liga leaders also dropped a game last weekend to Real Betis.
Olympiacos 0 - 0 Chelsea
Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece
Olympiacos held Chelsea to a 0-0 tie in Athens while Avram Grant decided to rest several of his usual starters.
Fenerbache 1 - 0 FC Porto
Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen
Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen
Fenerbache beat Port 1-0 at home in Gelsenkirchen. I saw the highlights and Porto missed a couple of sitters that could have gotten them a better result in the away leg of their match up. More games tomorrow....
Monday, February 18, 2008
UEFA Champion's League Preview pt I, Tuesday's Match Ups
For those of you who have felt that the last few months have been agonizingly empty of quality European matches the wait is now over. UEFA Champions League is back and the knockout phase is set to begin this Tuesday. In case you haven't had enough speculation, anticipation or media coverage of these matches, here is a quick run down of what you can expect on Match Day 7.
Tuesday, February 20th's match ups:
Liverpool
The drama of the past few days makes this Tuesday's match of the day. DeflatedLiverpool is hoping to conjure the same Champions League magic that it has found in years past, but is there already too much resting on the shoulders of captain Stevie Gerrard? The fan's dissatisfaction with the club's performance, Rafa's never ending roulette-dance with the media, the ownership circus, and Liverpool's poor fitness are all aspects that are surly distorting the focus that Liverpool is trying to achieve before this match. Is it a good thing or a bad thing that they seemingly don't have the time to worry about Inter's almost clinical like disposal of opponent, after opponent after opponent.
Liverpool
The drama of the past few days makes this Tuesday's match of the day. Deflated
AS Roma vs Real
Real
Olympiacos CFP v Chelsea FC
Olympiacos may be dwarfed when they are put next to the footballing conglomerates of
FC Schalke 04 v FC Porto
FC Porto won Europe's most prestigious award in 2004 when they lifted the trophy in FC Schalke's home town of
UEFA Champions League Preview pt II, Wednesday's Match Ups
Wednesday, February 21st's match ups:
Arsenal FC vs AC Milan
In my opinion this is definitely the match of the day. Its the age old battle between youth and experience. The team that proved to be the best in Europe in 2007 seems ever more like yesterday's news, nothing but a memory. Ancelotti's Milan look like serious underdogs in this one, but World Player of the Kaká isn't buying it; you can bet Arsenal isn't either. Look for the Italian side to do anything possible to slow, disrupt or deconstruct the Gunner's midfield fluidity. Milan will be looking stay competitive through the second leg where they will not only have the home advantage, but hopefully a healthier roster.
Celtic FC vs FC Barcelona
The first leg will take place at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Barcelona fans have reason to feel that last years early exit will be avenged as Ronaldinho, Messi, Eto'o and Henry have all been reported as match fit. Celtic will be looking to rely on a good first leg performance; Celtic Park is one of the most difficult stadiums to play in.
Lyon vs Manchester United
The hype surrounding the transfer speculation of Karim Benzema from Lyon to United is dwarfing the coverage of the actual match up. I don't follow the French Ligue 1 avidly, but I do know that Lyon's attack looked dangerous in the group stages of this tournament. I wouldn't write this one off as a "easy" draw for United just yet. However, the Red Devils' play continues to ooze confidence. Expect them to try and kill Lyon's chances early in order to make for a more "relaxed" second leg at Old Trafford.
Fenerbahçe SK vs Sevilla
About the only thing I know about Turkish football is that Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray are bitter rivals, and that Roberto Carlos plays for the former. Sevilla on the other hand, is one of my favorite La Liga sides to follow. They have an impressively fast style of play that leads to lightning quick buildups and attacks. It will be interesting to see which Brazilian "attacking" style defender will have a greater effect on the game: the pacey Dani Alves or the veteran Roberto Carlos.
Arsenal FC vs AC Milan
In my opinion this is definitely the match of the day. Its the age old battle between youth and experience. The team that proved to be the best in Europe in 2007 seems ever more like yesterday's news, nothing but a memory. Ancelotti's Milan look like serious underdogs in this one, but World Player of the Kaká isn't buying it; you can bet Arsenal isn't either. Look for the Italian side to do anything possible to slow, disrupt or deconstruct the Gunner's midfield fluidity. Milan will be looking stay competitive through the second leg where they will not only have the home advantage, but hopefully a healthier roster.
Celtic FC vs FC Barcelona
The first leg will take place at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Barcelona fans have reason to feel that last years early exit will be avenged as Ronaldinho, Messi, Eto'o and Henry have all been reported as match fit. Celtic will be looking to rely on a good first leg performance; Celtic Park is one of the most difficult stadiums to play in.
Lyon vs Manchester United
The hype surrounding the transfer speculation of Karim Benzema from Lyon to United is dwarfing the coverage of the actual match up. I don't follow the French Ligue 1 avidly, but I do know that Lyon's attack looked dangerous in the group stages of this tournament. I wouldn't write this one off as a "easy" draw for United just yet. However, the Red Devils' play continues to ooze confidence. Expect them to try and kill Lyon's chances early in order to make for a more "relaxed" second leg at Old Trafford.
Fenerbahçe SK vs Sevilla
About the only thing I know about Turkish football is that Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray are bitter rivals, and that Roberto Carlos plays for the former. Sevilla on the other hand, is one of my favorite La Liga sides to follow. They have an impressively fast style of play that leads to lightning quick buildups and attacks. It will be interesting to see which Brazilian "attacking" style defender will have a greater effect on the game: the pacey Dani Alves or the veteran Roberto Carlos.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
AC Milan's Ronaldo Ruptures Tendon in Knee
Although he had hardly been featured in any of Milan's games due to several serious injury problems, Ronaldo has made Milan's hopes for a spot in next years Champions League that much more difficult. He suffered what initial reports are calling a "ruptured knee tendon" just minutes after coming on as a substitute in today's 1-1 draw with Livorno. The severity of his injury echoes in Carlo Ancelotti's statement; "I don't want to say it's the end of his [Ronaldo's] career because only time can decide - all we can do is stand by him." The BBC is reporting that Ronaldo maybe sidelined for up to 9 months.
Kaká is also reported as injured. He did not play in Brazil's friendly against Ireland, and was substituted out of last weeks match against Fiorentina due to a knee injury. Although Kaká's injury is not considered serious, Milan has to feel that with both Ronaldo and Pato sidelined it seems that they are being haunted by injuries. About the only good news coming out of Milan is that midfield-workhorse Gattuso has been declared match fit, and will feature in next weeks Champions League contest when Milan takes on Arsenal.
Kaká is also reported as injured. He did not play in Brazil's friendly against Ireland, and was substituted out of last weeks match against Fiorentina due to a knee injury. Although Kaká's injury is not considered serious, Milan has to feel that with both Ronaldo and Pato sidelined it seems that they are being haunted by injuries. About the only good news coming out of Milan is that midfield-workhorse Gattuso has been declared match fit, and will feature in next weeks Champions League contest when Milan takes on Arsenal.
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