| Welcome to Soccer Futbol Forum. We hope you enjoy your visit. You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. Join our community! If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
| Champions League | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 1 2008, 07:30 AM (4,232 Views) | |
| raconteur | Mar 20 2009, 11:44 AM Post #211 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Hiddink against Benitez makes for an intriguing coaching battle. We've seen recently where Liverpool can be more than just a team who grinds out 1-0 wins as their recent victories against Real Madrid and Manchester United attest. But it is still hard to imagine the Chelsea-LIverpool series being anything but a battle of attrition. I agree with Yogi that Klose's injury is a real blow for Bayern. I am not even sure of Luca Toni will be ready in timt for that game either. Those are some big shoes for Bayern to fill and with their defense it is going to be difficult to control Messi, Eto'o & Henry. But the idea of Ribery going against Messi is an exciting one. |
![]() |
|
| gaviota | Mar 20 2009, 01:06 PM Post #212 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Liverpool probably wishes they could play these games now because they are in such a good moment currently. But as long as Torres and Gerrard stay healthy, the Reds should not fear any team. As a Madrid fan I actually want Barcelona to do well in Europe so they may possibly lose focus in the league! Good matchup with Bayern but right now I agree with those noting Bayern's absentees as playing a major role in favouring Barcelona.Villarreal got I think a pretty good draw against Arsenal. I am sure Arsenal are feeling the same which means this is an even looking series. Porto were pretty impressive in eliminating Atletico Madrid but now they are stepping up in class going against Manchester United. |
| CHAMP13NS | |
![]() |
|
| SuperEagle | Mar 20 2009, 05:18 PM Post #213 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Villarreal got I think a pretty good draw against Arsenal. I am sure Arsenal are feeling the same which means this is an even looking series. As the Arsenal fan here I think these sentiments are correct. It should be a pretty good matchup but I am much happier getting drawn with Villarreal than most of the other options out there. The bad news for Arsenal though is another injury setback for Walcott which offsets the return of Eduardo. |
![]() |
|
| Simon | Mar 21 2009, 04:30 AM Post #214 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I'd said previously that Porto and Villarreal are, if anything, slightly below the level of the other quarter-finalists, so being drawn against Porto must be a good thing for United. But they are real cup fighters with a strong recent pedigree in the CL, so I anticipate two tough matches. We've also played 3 games this season against the other two quarter-finalists on our side of the draw (Arsenal and Villarreal) and not won any of them, but then it's hardly news to say that things will be tough in the knockout stages of the CL! On the other side of the draw, I can't believe that it's Liverpool - Chelsea for the 5th season running in the CL! I was one of those who expected last season's games to be a snooze, but as robdog rightly pointed out at the time, they turned out to be very entertaining, especially the enthralling second leg. And as there have been two exciting league games between these two this season (both won by Liverpool) and as they are both in-form and neck-and-neck in the league I actually think these games look pretty enticing this year. As for the other game, I'm not convinced by Bayern Munich as they've stuttered in the Bundesliga and I'm not sure how much credit to give them for swamping Sporting Lisbon. I have a suspicion that Barcelona will find it pretty comfortable, but that remains to be seen. I'm with others in looking forward to those games, however. |
![]() |
|
| Hector | Mar 21 2009, 07:17 AM Post #215 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
As Simon notes any of these 8 teams remaining could come up and bite the others. You do not reach this far in the competition without reason. I wonder what effect, if at all, will be the closeness of the league races some of these teams are in? Will the fact Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are in a battle in England or Bayern are trying to catch up to Hertha in Germany effect their ability to do well in the Champions League? Teams like Porto or Barcelona comfortably ahead in their leagues or Arsenal and Villarreal, far enough back where their ttile hopes have been extinguished, may not have the pressing needs on both fronts that some clubs will have in the next few weeks. I feel as if this can be a factor in these quarterfinal matches. |
| iPuerta amigo, Sevilla esta contigo! | |
![]() |
|
| Simon | Apr 7 2009, 03:27 AM Post #216 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Here we go then... Manchester United v FC Porto This game comes only 48 hours after the thriller with the Villa, but that was a deliberate ploy from United to delay the league game to allow an extra day's rest from the internationals. I think that paid off, and now we've got players like Park, Scholes, Vidic and Rooney back who couldn't play on Sunday so the tiring effect on the team should hopefully be lessened. Porto are making some confident noises ahead of this game, and they have Lisandro Lopez back. We have to be wary of the lad Hulk leading their attack as well. Porto have got some good young players such as Raul Meireles and they have a reutation as dogged cup fighters so we know we have to be at our best. Villarreal v Arsenal Wenger has said that Arsenal are outsiders to win the CL, and that that suits him. Certainly, Arsenal have come into great form in England as they are winning matches and on a lengthy unbeaten run. They would be right in the mix in the title race were it not for their terrible start, but those autumn problems have been well and truly ironed out. The only bugbear is that they never seem able to get all their top players fit at once. No sooner have Adebayor, Walcott and Nasri returned then Van Persie is out, along with Eduardo, Diaby and, of course, long-term absentee Rosicky. Villarreal, besides Cazorla, are missing Bruno Sorriano. On the plus side, Nihat and Ruben Gracia are fit again. |
![]() |
|
| Don Balon | Apr 7 2009, 07:08 AM Post #217 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Porto are a better team I think than they have been in recent seasons and Hulk, Lisandro Lopez and Lucho Gonzalez make for a dnagerous attacking trio but I just do not think the have the defensive ability to cope with Manchester United. Arsenal and Villarreal are two teams hard to figure out. Both have been inconsistent in their leagues but in Europe each has been a strong performer. Both like to move the ball quickly and I think that can make for good entertainment. Watch out for Diego Lopez who has been in good form in goal for Villarreal. |
![]() |
|
| Merengue | Apr 7 2009, 07:17 AM Post #218 |
|
Administrator
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I still think Manchester United were taking a big gamble by playing a key league match on Sunday. But Ferguson loves the high stakes gamble doesn't he? I agree with Don Balon that Porto do not appear to be strong enough defensively to contain Manchester United but this guy Hulk is a damn good player and these two matches will be his opportunity to show the world what he has. And of course Cristiano Ronaldo against his countrymen always makes for a fascinating battle too. With Cazorla out it will be up to Robert Pires to be Villarreal's creative source. Arsenal have changed enough faces where most of the players he will be going against will not be old teammates. Again I think Don Balon is right to point out how both clubs are inconsistent in league play but strong in Europe. But in a season where English clubs are dominating I think Arsenal are the slight favorites here. |
| http://twitter.com/#!/SocrFutbolForum | |
![]() |
|
| Winslow | Apr 7 2009, 01:54 PM Post #219 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Tuesday's scores... . . . . . . Manchester United 2, FC Porto 2; Villarreal 1, Arsenal 1. Good work by the road teams tonight. At Old Trafford, two appalling mistakes produced the first two goals; in the fourth minute Jonny Evans flubbed a clearance to Cristian Rodriguez, who made a nice inside move and hit it just inside the post to van der Sar's right, but ten minutes later Bruno Alves backpassed without looking and Rooney snapped it up to flick it over Helton. That was it until five minutes to go, when Rooney tapped a throw-in with his calf back to an onrushing Tevez, who beat the defender to the spot and roofed it. But in the 89th minute a cross from the right went over one Porto attacker's head to an unmarked Mariano, who put it away. In the other match, Villarreal went ahead after ten minutes when Marcos Senna beat Almunia from outside the area, but the Gunners tied it midway through the second half on a nifty bicycle kick by Adebayor. The home team had several late chances to win, but couldn't convert. |
![]() |
|
| Simon | Apr 7 2009, 02:59 PM Post #220 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I should really come on here and quibble about some of United's defending and a tendency towards slack passing, but it feels like that would be churlish after such an immensely entertaining game. I've hardly ever known a CL game like it, certainly not a first leg which can so often be cagey. This was just 100 miles per hour and totally end to end for the whole 90 minutes. The pace just never let up and I had to laugh as the poor ITV editors were trying to fit replays into their coverage but were struggling because there was never a dull moment to give them the opportunity! As a fan of one of the two clubs I was tearing my hair out at times, but really, what a game. Any neutrals watching must have loved it. I think most of the credit for that must go to Porto. Okay, United played in all-out attack but then we always do at OT. But very, very rarely does any team come to OT and have the balls to play like Porto did tonight, which was to constantly commit 5 or 6 players into each lightning-fast attack and to go straight for the jugular every time. Then United would win the ball and go charging forward in numbers and when our attack would break down Porto would be straight back down our throats - 90 minutes of that was exhausting to watch let alone to play! United badly need to sharpen their defending up, something that's been a real asset all season has become a weak point recently with 10 goals conceded in our last 4 games. And I don't think it's just a dip in form from the defenders, as the midfield IMO is not providing adequate protection. Far too often, Porto players were given space and time to turn and run at us. There were reasons to be cheerful. Rooney was fantastic, he's just such an intelligent player. You could see on United's first goal that he was already sprinting towards the Porto goal even as Bruno Alves was turning round. He's just so alert and lively, he'd obviously read the defender's body language and anticipated what was about to happen. Rooney's the player we can least afford to be without, but it will be nice when we can get Rio back as well! I think the short interval since the Villa game did catch up with United to some extent, but I don't have any regrets. The league, as ever, is totally our no.1 priority and we're in grave danger of blowing it to none other than Liverpool, which would be hideous. |
![]() |
|
| raconteur | Apr 7 2009, 05:34 PM Post #221 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Both games were very entertaining which as Simon points out is quite rare for first legs of the knockout round sof the Champions League. I agree with Simon that a lot of praise should be sent Porto's way for not playing scared at Old Trafford. They really did take the play to the home team for good portions of the game. Good passing and quickness by Porto, we already know about United's speed and relentlessness but Porto played with a great deal of skill and determination. Bruno Alves' mistake was just awful, supposedly he is Porto's best defender but not tonight, the guys who really impressed me were Cissokho on the left and Fernando in midfield. Porto's 2 away goals mean Manchester United will likely have to win in Porto in order to advance which is something no English club has yet done in the Champions League. Two great goals in Villarreal-Arsenal, Marcos Senna's rocket from 30 yards out and Adebayor's acrobatic 2nd half goal, chesting the ball down and then scoring off of a scissor's kick! I thought Villarreal were the betetr team overall on the night but they couldn't get that 2nd goal and were amde to pay by Adebayor. Arsenal with the draw and away goal are pretty well situated for leg 2 next week in London but will likely be without both Gallas and Almunia who left this game with injuries. A great start to the quartefinals, hopefully tomorrow's games are equally exciting. |
![]() |
|
| Dr. Z | Apr 7 2009, 09:42 PM Post #222 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I can understand why Don Balon questioned Porto's defense before the game but overall they defended pretty well and as discussed, they took the play to Manchester United in Manchester. You always like to see teams who look to attack when playing away from home. I thought Porto's forwards were very mobile and that created problems for United's defense. Sets up a good 2nd leg where United's experience and ability will be needed if they are to win in Portugal. A wonderful goal by Adebayor but I too think this was a game Villarreal should have won but their inability to finish off Arsenal is likely going to hurt them. Both Almunia and his sub fabianski came up with some good saves to keep Arsenal in the game before Adebayor struck. |
| Poniendo el pecho a las balas! | |
![]() |
|
| kevin | Apr 8 2009, 06:30 AM Post #223 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Agree with everyone that the United-Porto game was likely THE match of the first legs -- without seeing what's coming tonight (really, can you see Liverpool and Chelsea providing something more exciting to watch? Bayern-Barca have it in them, but not of Bayern fails to show up again). The only consolation and hope I'm taking from last night's result is that I'm not sure Porto have it in them to just defend in the 2nd leg -- so a free flowing affair favors a team that urgently needs to score. |
| 'Tis better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. | |
![]() |
|
| Yogi | Apr 8 2009, 06:52 AM Post #224 |
![]()
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
kevin brings up a valid point about how Porto should approach the second leg, I am sure we will discuss that more as the game approaches but he is right of course that an open game would favor Manchester United's need for goals. Still the way Porto attacked last night makes me think they should do the same when playing in front of their home fans. raconteur mentioned a few Porto players who impressed him, I would add the scorer of the first goal Cristian Rodriguez to the list, he was so active and dangerous every time he touched the ball. Man U fans, will Ferdinand be available for the return? His presence should help the defense but strange isn't it that after such a long scoreless streak not so long ago, Manchester United's defense has been vulnerable recently. I am curious to see if Liverpool's incredible form before the international break can be duplicated today. They struggled against Fulham on the weekend but that can be dismissed as a game where they were caught looking ahead to today's match. Can the same be said of Bayern after losing 5-1 to Wolfsburg? Bayern have the offensive tools but can a team which just conceded 5 goals be expected to contain Barcelona? |
![]() |
|
| SuperEagle | Apr 8 2009, 09:02 AM Post #225 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Losing Gallas and Almunia will hurt Arsenal tremendously especially if both are out for more than just a week or two. Seems the normal however for this season with the Gunners. Just as Fabregas and Walcott come back, and both were vital yesterday against Villarreal, more players go down. Add to them injuries to Eduardo and van Persie which caused them to miss the game. But the team responded well to the pressure, Fabianski came up with some good saves, Djorou played very well in place of Gallas and what can you say about Adebayor's goal? It will be talked about for some time. I am quite satisifed with the result obtained in Villarreal but next week Arsenal will have to be careful about Marcos Senna's long distance shooting. Apart from his goal, he came close on two other occasions.. I read where Bayern are changing goalies after their weekend 5-1 loss, Hans Jorg Butt will be their goalie today against Barcelona. That is one way to try and solidify the defense after last weekend's embarassing league loss. |
![]() |
|
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · UEFA · Next Topic » |





![]](http://z1.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)



Good matchup with Bayern but right now I agree with those noting Bayern's absentees as playing a major role in favouring Barcelona.
5:04 PM Jul 10