Champions League 2011/12

[AQMP]

Don't see where all this Chelsea adoration is coming from. they got a lucky break for their own goal when Messi gave the ball away and then Mascherano slipped to allow in Drogba, they also lucked out for the six missed goals Barca had. can't see them being as lucky next week...but you never know. It's what I hate about soccer the best team doesn't always win.

Actually Lampard tackled Messi and won the ball off him, no lucky break, good play by Lampard.  His pass to Ramires was brilliant and was missed in the hoo haa over the goal.  In case you didn't hear, there's a new rule in soccer...you get nothing for hitting the bar or post...it's the back of the net you've got to hit.  Barca didn't miss six goals, I can't see how Barca's poor finishing is somehow Chelsea's fault?

[nrico2006]

Surprised that a premiership team that is nearly 30 points behind the league leaders can beat the Spanish Champions.  Doesn't say much for the quality of the Spanish League.

Maybe you should wait till the second leg is over before getting carried away...

Surprising that a team, Athletic Bilbao, 40 points behind the league leaders in Spain can beat a team that is 30 points ahead of Chelsea.

My point exactly.  A lot was being made of the points difference between Bilbao and the top team in Spain to try and make Uniteds loss to them seem worse than it was yet there are teams at the bottom of the premier league or any league that still beat the big teams, as there are teams from divisions below that win cup games against the top teams or unfortunately lose out in the lottery that is a penalty shoot-out.

[ziggy90]

Don't see where all this Chelsea adoration is coming from. they got a lucky break for their own goal when Messi gave the ball away and then Mascherano slipped to allow in Drogba, they also lucked out for the six missed goals Barca had. can't see them being as lucky next week...but you never know. It's what I hate about soccer the best team doesn't always win.

Actually Lampard tackled Messi and won the ball off him, no lucky break, good play by Lampard.  His pass to Ramires was brilliant and was missed in the hoo haa over the goal.  In case you didn't hear, there's a new rule in soccer...you get nothing for hitting the bar or post...it's the back of the net you've got to hit.  Barca didn't miss six goals, I can't see how Barca's poor finishing is somehow Chelsea's fault?

Thank fcuk you understand the game. Flair, technique, style, panache whatever you want to call it is not enough on it's own to win a game. Hard work, stamina and determination have a lot going for them as well, if you add in no little skill and a big slice of luck you have a pretty potent mix. Btw in what sport does the best team (in your opinion) always win?

[gallsman]

Surprised that a premiership team that is nearly 30 points behind the league leaders can beat the Spanish Champions.  Doesn't say much for the quality of the Spanish League.

Maybe you should wait till the second leg is over before getting carried away...

Surprising that a team, Athletic Bilbao, 40 points behind the league leaders in Spain can beat a team that is 30 points ahead of Chelsea.

My point exactly.  A lot was being made of the points difference between Bilbao and the top team in Spain to try and make Uniteds loss to them seem worse than it was yet there are teams at the bottom of the premier league or any league that still beat the big teams, as there are teams from divisions below that win cup games against the top teams or unfortunately lose out in the lottery that is a penalty shoot-out.

United were hockeyed out of it for 180 minutes. Chelsea were dominated for the majority of 90 mins and got the win thanks to Barca's wastefulness. On balance, I'd say the three games are a bigger indictment of the Premiership than La Liga. Of the eight semi-finalists in European competition this year, five are from La Liga.

But that doesn't matter, United and City didn't really want to win the Europa League.

[Captain Obvious]

Surprised that a premiership team that is nearly 30 points behind the league leaders can beat the Spanish Champions.  Doesn't say much for the quality of the Spanish League.

Maybe you should wait till the second leg is over before getting carried away...

Surprising that a team, Athletic Bilbao, 40 points behind the league leaders in Spain can beat a team that is 30 points ahead of Chelsea.

My point exactly.  A lot was being made of the points difference between Bilbao and the top team in Spain to try and make Uniteds loss to them seem worse than it was yet there are teams at the bottom of the premier league or any league that still beat the big teams, as there are teams from divisions below that win cup games against the top teams or unfortunately lose out in the lottery that is a penalty shoot-out.

United were hockeyed out of it for 180 minutes. Chelsea were dominated for the majority of 90 mins and got the win thanks to Barca's wastefulness. On balance, I'd say the three games are a bigger indictment of the Premiership than La Liga. Of the eight semi-finalists in European competition this year, five are from La Liga.

But that doesn't matter, United and City didn't really want to win the Europa League.

Improvement on last years three.

[Applesisapples]

Don't see where all this Chelsea adoration is coming from. they got a lucky break for their own goal when Messi gave the ball away and then Mascherano slipped to allow in Drogba, they also lucked out for the six missed goals Barca had. can't see them being as lucky next week...but you never know. It's what I hate about soccer the best team doesn't always win.

Actually Lampard tackled Messi and won the ball off him, no lucky break, good play by Lampard.  His pass to Ramires was brilliant and was missed in the hoo haa over the goal.  In case you didn't hear, there's a new rule in soccer...you get nothing for hitting the bar or post...it's the back of the net you've got to hit.  Barca didn't miss six goals, I can't see how Barca's poor finishing is somehow Chelsea's fault?

Thank fcuk you understand the game. Flair, technique, style, panache whatever you want to call it is not enough on it's own to win a game. Hard work, stamina and determination have a lot going for them as well, if you add in no little skill and a big slice of luck you have a pretty potent mix. Btw in what sport does the best team (in your opinion) always win?

Huh? No team in world soccer work as hard as Barca. The premier league has been shown up for what it is.

[ziggy90]

Don't see where all this Chelsea adoration is coming from. they got a lucky break for their own goal when Messi gave the ball away and then Mascherano slipped to allow in Drogba, they also lucked out for the six missed goals Barca had. can't see them being as lucky next week...but you never know. It's what I hate about soccer the best team doesn't always win.

Actually Lampard tackled Messi and won the ball off him, no lucky break, good play by Lampard.  His pass to Ramires was brilliant and was missed in the hoo haa over the goal.  In case you didn't hear, there's a new rule in soccer...you get nothing for hitting the bar or post...it's the back of the net you've got to hit.  Barca didn't miss six goals, I can't see how Barca's poor finishing is somehow Chelsea's fault?

Thank fcuk you understand the game. Flair, technique, style, panache whatever you want to call it is not enough on it's own to win a game. Hard work, stamina and determination have a lot going for them as well, if you add in no little skill and a big slice of luck you have a pretty potent mix. Btw in what sport does the best team (in your opinion) always win?

Huh? No team in world soccer work as hard as Barca. The premier league has been shown up for what it is.

Where in that post did I say that Barca didn't work hard? Where in that post did I praise the Premier League? Why don't you answer the question you were asked?

[Applesisapples]

Don't see where all this Chelsea adoration is coming from. they got a lucky break for their own goal when Messi gave the ball away and then Mascherano slipped to allow in Drogba, they also lucked out for the six missed goals Barca had. can't see them being as lucky next week...but you never know. It's what I hate about soccer the best team doesn't always win.

Actually Lampard tackled Messi and won the ball off him, no lucky break, good play by Lampard.  His pass to Ramires was brilliant and was missed in the hoo haa over the goal.  In case you didn't hear, there's a new rule in soccer...you get nothing for hitting the bar or post...it's the back of the net you've got to hit.  Barca didn't miss six goals, I can't see how Barca's poor finishing is somehow Chelsea's fault?

Thank fcuk you understand the game. Flair, technique, style, panache whatever you want to call it is not enough on it's own to win a game. Hard work, stamina and determination have a lot going for them as well, if you add in no little skill and a big slice of luck you have a pretty potent mix. Btw in what sport does the best team (in your opinion) always win?

Huh? No team in world soccer work as hard as Barca. The premier league has been shown up for what it is.

Where in that post did I say that Barca didn't work hard? Where in that post did I praise the Premier League? Why don't you answer the question you were asked?

In hurling and football a team with 70% possession in the attacking third will always win.

[ziggy90]

Don't see where all this Chelsea adoration is coming from. they got a lucky break for their own goal when Messi gave the ball away and then Mascherano slipped to allow in Drogba, they also lucked out for the six missed goals Barca had. can't see them being as lucky next week...but you never know. It's what I hate about soccer the best team doesn't always win.

Actually Lampard tackled Messi and won the ball off him, no lucky break, good play by Lampard.  His pass to Ramires was brilliant and was missed in the hoo haa over the goal.  In case you didn't hear, there's a new rule in soccer...you get nothing for hitting the bar or post...it's the back of the net you've got to hit.  Barca didn't miss six goals, I can't see how Barca's poor finishing is somehow Chelsea's fault?

Thank fcuk you understand the game. Flair, technique, style, panache whatever you want to call it is not enough on it's own to win a game. Hard work, stamina and determination have a lot going for them as well, if you add in no little skill and a big slice of luck you have a pretty potent mix. Btw in what sport does the best team (in your opinion) always win?

Huh? No team in world soccer work as hard as Barca. The premier league has been shown up for what it is.

Where in that post did I say that Barca didn't work hard? Where in that post did I praise the Premier League? Why don't you answer the question you were asked?

In hurling and football a team with 70% possession in the attacking third will always win.

Ah, so you have changed now from the "best team" to a team that has the most "possession" in a certain area of the field always wins.  In football and hurling you may be right but that is not the game you were watching. Btw if you hate soccer so much why do you watch it?

[Applesisapples]

Don't see where all this Chelsea adoration is coming from. they got a lucky break for their own goal when Messi gave the ball away and then Mascherano slipped to allow in Drogba, they also lucked out for the six missed goals Barca had. can't see them being as lucky next week...but you never know. It's what I hate about soccer the best team doesn't always win.

Actually Lampard tackled Messi and won the ball off him, no lucky break, good play by Lampard.  His pass to Ramires was brilliant and was missed in the hoo haa over the goal.  In case you didn't hear, there's a new rule in soccer...you get nothing for hitting the bar or post...it's the back of the net you've got to hit.  Barca didn't miss six goals, I can't see how Barca's poor finishing is somehow Chelsea's fault?

Thank fcuk you understand the game. Flair, technique, style, panache whatever you want to call it is not enough on it's own to win a game. Hard work, stamina and determination have a lot going for them as well, if you add in no little skill and a big slice of luck you have a pretty potent mix. Btw in what sport does the best team (in your opinion) always win?

Huh? No team in world soccer work as hard as Barca. The premier league has been shown up for what it is.

Where in that post did I say that Barca didn't work hard? Where in that post did I praise the Premier League? Why don't you answer the question you were asked?

In hurling and football a team with 70% possession in the attacking third will always win.

Ah, so you have changed now from the "best team" to a team that has the most "possession" in a certain area of the field always wins.  In football and hurling you may be right but that is not the game you were watching. Btw if you hate soccer so much why do you watch it?

No I haven't changed as the best team invariably has the most of the possession and you need possession to score. where did  I say I hated soccer? I just dislike the fact that sometimes such as Wednesday the best team doesn't always come out on top...but that's the game. unless you believe That Chelsea were better than Barca?

[ziggy90]

Don't see where all this Chelsea adoration is coming from. they got a lucky break for their own goal when Messi gave the ball away and then Mascherano slipped to allow in Drogba, they also lucked out for the six missed goals Barca had. can't see them being as lucky next week...but you never know. It's what I hate about soccer the best team doesn't always win.

Actually Lampard tackled Messi and won the ball off him, no lucky break, good play by Lampard.  His pass to Ramires was brilliant and was missed in the hoo haa over the goal.  In case you didn't hear, there's a new rule in soccer...you get nothing for hitting the bar or post...it's the back of the net you've got to hit.  Barca didn't miss six goals, I can't see how Barca's poor finishing is somehow Chelsea's fault?

Thank fcuk you understand the game. Flair, technique, style, panache whatever you want to call it is not enough on it's own to win a game. Hard work, stamina and determination have a lot going for them as well, if you add in no little skill and a big slice of luck you have a pretty potent mix. Btw in what sport does the best team (in your opinion) always win?

Huh? No team in world soccer work as hard as Barca. The premier league has been shown up for what it is.

Where in that post did I say that Barca didn't work hard? Where in that post did I praise the Premier League? Why don't you answer the question you were asked?

In hurling and football a team with 70% possession in the attacking third will always win.

Ah, so you have changed now from the "best team" to a team that has the most "possession" in a certain area of the field always wins.  In football and hurling you may be right but that is not the game you were watching. Btw if you hate soccer so much why do you watch it?

No I haven't changed as the best team invariably has the most of the possession and you need possession to score. where did  I say I hated soccer? I just dislike the fact that sometimes such as Wednesday the best team doesn't always come out on top...but that's the game. unless you believe That Chelsea were better than Barca?

There you go!!Btw I don't for one minute think Chelsea are a better team than Barca. I suppose what I am trying to say is if you go out on the pitch expecting to lose if Barca beat you in the possession stakes then you are going to get beat.Chelsea to their credit went out stuck to their task and imo got their just reward. I don't think Chelsea or any other team worth their salt will give a flying fcuk about your opinion that possession should always win games, the fact is Chelsea won that one.

I do expect Barca to go through,but I don't expect Chelsea will be thinking this way.

[Applesisapples]

Don't see where all this Chelsea adoration is coming from. they got a lucky break for their own goal when Messi gave the ball away and then Mascherano slipped to allow in Drogba, they also lucked out for the six missed goals Barca had. can't see them being as lucky next week...but you never know. It's what I hate about soccer the best team doesn't always win.

Actually Lampard tackled Messi and won the ball off him, no lucky break, good play by Lampard.  His pass to Ramires was brilliant and was missed in the hoo haa over the goal.  In case you didn't hear, there's a new rule in soccer...you get nothing for hitting the bar or post...it's the back of the net you've got to hit.  Barca didn't miss six goals, I can't see how Barca's poor finishing is somehow Chelsea's fault?

Thank fcuk you understand the game. Flair, technique, style, panache whatever you want to call it is not enough on it's own to win a game. Hard work, stamina and determination have a lot going for them as well, if you add in no little skill and a big slice of luck you have a pretty potent mix. Btw in what sport does the best team (in your opinion) always win?

Huh? No team in world soccer work as hard as Barca. The premier league has been shown up for what it is.

Where in that post did I say that Barca didn't work hard? Where in that post did I praise the Premier League? Why don't you answer the question you were asked?

In hurling and football a team with 70% possession in the attacking third will always win.

Ah, so you have changed now from the "best team" to a team that has the most "possession" in a certain area of the field always wins.  In football and hurling you may be right but that is not the game you were watching. Btw if you hate soccer so much why do you watch it?

No I haven't changed as the best team invariably has the most of the possession and you need possession to score. where did  I say I hated soccer? I just dislike the fact that sometimes such as Wednesday the best team doesn't always come out on top...but that's the game. unless you believe That Chelsea were better than Barca?

There you go!!Btw I don't for one minute think Chelsea are a better team than Barca. I suppose what I am trying to say is if you go out on the pitch expecting to lose if Barca beat you in the possession stakes then you are going to get beat.Chelsea to their credit went out stuck to their task and imo got their just reward. I don't think Chelsea or any other team worth their salt will give a flying fcuk about your opinion that possession should always win games, the fact is Chelsea won that one.

I do expect Barca to go through,but I don't expect Chelsea will be thinking this way.

I'd be somewhat surprised if Chelsea even read this board let alone care for my opinions!

[ross4life]

It's been a while since Barca finished back to back games without scoring last Saturday it took them 70mins to produce a shot on target. The Chelsea game is set up great for the neutrals now & goal for the blues would make it even more interesting. In the other semi final Real Madrid are on high after that Camp Nou win & i expect them to progress to their first CL final for 10 years.

[gallsman]

It's been a while since Barca finished back to back games without scoring last Saturday it took them 70mins to produce a shot on target. The Chelsea game is set up great for the neutrals now & goal for the blues would make it even more interesting. In the other semi final Real Madrid are on high after that Camp Nou win & i expect them to progress to their first CL final for 10 years.

But that shot went in...

[Rossie11]

The fact they scored 2 mins after bringing on a striker was no coincidence.
Alexis has to start tomorrow as he gives them an outlet up top which they lacked
for most of the Madrid match. Pedro has to come in also as he will stick to the wings
and stretch the Chelsea back 4.
It has the makings of a facinating contest and I would give Chelsea a huge chance
of getting through. They will need drogba to stay on his feet thought as the Barca fans will
put the ref under massive pressure if he starts his playacting again.