Barca v Inter: Absorbing or Boring?
There was undoubtedly much to be admired about Inter’s defensive resilience. But did it make for a fascinating battle or a borefest?
There was undoubtedly much to be admired about Inter’s defensive resilience. But did it make for a fascinating battle or a borefest?
That is the question posed by serial guest contributor Andrew Walker…
Following the inspiraton of the superb Zonal Marking – http://zonalmarking.net – and the discovery of this11 – http://this11.com – a tactical analysis of United’s adjustment after Rafael’s red card with pretty diagrams and stuff…
A dramatic game in the Champions League saw Man Utd somewhat unfortunately go out on away goals to Bayern Munich. Here is our analysis of their great first half, that red card, Fergie’s bizarre tactical adjustment, and Arjen Robben’s superb goal…
Inter dumped Chelsea out of the Champions League last night. Here is what we learnt…
Real Madrid secured a swashbuckling 5-2 away win against FC Zurich in their last Champions League game, with world record signing Cristiano Ronaldo scoring two trademark freekicks. But their defensive frailties were again evident, despite coach Manuel Pellegrini playing them down. Can this hastily assembled team of superstars actually win the thing?
Group A: Bayern Munich, Juventus, Bordeaux, Maccabi Haifa
Group B: MANCHESTER UNITED, CSKA Moscow, Besiktas, Wolfsburg
Group C: AC Milan, Real Madrid, Marseille, FC Zurich
Group D: CHELSEA, FC Porto, Atletico Madrid, APOEL
Group E: LIVERPOOL, Lyon, Fiorentina, Debrecen
Group F: FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, Dinamo Kiev, FC Rubin Kazan
Group G: Sevilla, RANGERS, Stuttgart, Unirea
Group H: ARSENAL, AZ Alkmaar, Olympiakos, Standard
Where next for United? After their defeat to Barcelona, there is a definite feeling that they have been revealed as flat track bullies who fell short against the very best. What does Alex Ferguson need to do to elevate them above Barcelona’s ethereal level?
All four of the English sides have progressed to the Champions League quarter finals; Liverpool serenely, Man Utd and Chelsea edgily, and Arsenal by the skin of their teeth. They are joined by Bayern Munich, Porto, Villarreal and Barcelona.
Barcelona are the team everyone will want to avoid – with Villarreal or Porto the preferred draw for the Premiership sides. Despite the Last 16 second legs taking place on the 10th/11th of March, the draw itself isn’t until Friday March 20th.
Chelsea in the end went through comfortably as Bordeaux lost to Roma, and Liverpool’s impressive 3-1 win in Holland cemented top spot in the group. The BBC have a lovely little round up of last nights action, with all the results and scorers and who finished where in Groups A – D. You can watch [...]