Wednesday 10 December 2008
Real Madrid vs Zenit 3-0 Players Rating
REAL
Dudek – 6: Had an amazingly solid defence infront of him. They were exposed twice when Zenit hit the woodwork on two occasions but Dudek only had a few routine saves to make.
Salgado – 7: A gutsy display. Was outpaced by the likes of Denisov, Zyryanov and Dominguez but he stuck to his guns and kept on fighting. Played as a leftback in the second half when Metzelder came in and adapted to his new role without too much trouble.
Sergio Ramos – 7: Barely left his own half. The instructions from Juande are clear: he is to remain at the back as much as possible. And didn’t he do a sterling job. Did not put a foot wrong.
Cannavaro – 7.5: One of his better performances of the season. Barely let anyone past him and he looked like the rock-solid centreback who always turns up for
Marcelo – 6: Was caught hideously out of position early in the game but then wisely restricted his movements upfront. Played as an attacking left winger in the second half but didn’t have too much of an impact.
Guti – 7.5: Pulled the strings from midfield with a faultless display. Like many of his teammates, he did not put a foot wrong with his passing. Even seen back-tracking a few times to help out defensively.
Gago – 8: Constantly dropped back deep into his own penalty area to help out the rearguard. Was often seen all across the backline covering for his leftback, rightback and centrebacks. Also brought he ball forward astutely to link up the defence and the midfield.
Van der Vaart – 6: Another decent but low-key performance. Combined well with his midfielders and always present to receive the ball. Set-up the opening goal but nothing spectacular from him. Taken off at half-time.
Raúl – 9: Two goals and one assist. His first strike may not be his prettiest but his second was vintage Raul: lifting the ball over the goalkeeper with audacity and the deftest of touches. Left the game midway through the second half to a rousing standing ovation.
Higuain – 7: Could have had a couple of goals himself but poor finishing let him down… for once. A strangely subdued performance but he was always there in the attacking half to draw out defenders and exchange one-touch passes with his teammates.
Robben – 9: Absolutely unplayable. Formed the perfect attacking partnership with Raul and provided an assist for his captain and scored one for himself with an equally sublime, audacious chip. Had countless shots on target and denied only by a few sharp saves from Malafeev. A shame he will miss El Clasico.
Substitutes:
Metzelder – 6: Deployed as a rightback as Juande attempted to experiment ahead of El Clasico. Joined the attack a few times Sergio Ramos-style but didn’t quite pull it off. No shame in trying, though.
Javi Garcia – 6: Brought on to strengthen the midfield line and he did just that without much fuss.
Saviola – 6: His shortage in match fitness and sharpness was evident as his lack of pace let him down a few times when he was put through on goal.
Malafeev – 7: Made a number of excellent saves and single-handedly denied Robben at least a hat-trick. But his error gave away the opening goal and the final .
Anyukov – 5: Despite defending
Krizanak – 5: Didn’t see too much of him. Played his part to pack his own penalty box early in the game to stifle
Lombaerts – 6: Made a few number of critical interceptions, especially in the early parts of the match. Like Krizanak, he did well initially but left twisted inside out especially by Robben as the game wore on.
Sirl – 5.5: Simply had a torrid time trying to keep a leash on Robben. But credit to him, he kept on battling away and did not look dejected. Would have been extremely relieved to hear the final whistle, though.
Denisov – 6.5: Very difficult to control in the opening stages of the game. Continued to look lively in patches and provided the biggest attacking threat for Zenit.
Tymoschuk – 5.5: Did his best to wrestle with Guti and Gago for midfield domination but without extra support from his teammates, he came off second best almost every time.
Zyryanov – 5: Had to drop back and help out Sirl to defend against the rampant Robben. Did surge forward a few times but never really caused too much damage.
Danny – 6: Absolutely anonymous in the first half. Had maybe only one decent touch of the ball and hardly threatened. Came alive towards the game and came close to scoring a consolation goal when his header came back off the crossbar.
Arshavin – 6.5: Saw plenty of the ball and showed some good touches but he did not have any support from his teammates. Surprisingly taken off at half time.
Pogrebnyak – 4: Very isolated upfront. Hardly had a touch of the ball, barely had an attempt at goal.
Substitutes:
Fayzulin – 6.5: Had a few decent look-ins at goal and saw one of his efforts cannon back off the bar.
Tekke – 6: Didn’t have a clear scoring chance but his movement off the ball inside the
Juventus vs BATE 0-0 Players Rating
JUVENTUS
Manninger - 6.0: Did not have a single save of note to make all game. Cigar and slippers evening for the Austrian.
Grygera - 6.0: Not troubled at all defensively, and a few nice moves coming forward in the first half.
Legrottaglie - 6.5: Breezed through the evening due to the impotence of the BATE attack, but made on excellent tackle in the first half.
Mellberg - 6.5: Like Legrottaglie, had very little real defending to do tonight. A nuisance down the other end on set pieces.
Molinaro - 6.5: Did very well as an attacking force in the first half, using his pace to good effect, but was less prominent after the break.
Marchionni - 7.0: Was involved in a number of Juve's best moments, heading against the post, and creating an excellent chance for Del Piero.
Nedved - 6.0: Not for the first time this season, Nedved looked to be lacking the energy, and it was a touch surprising he lasted 91 minutes.
Zanetti - 6.0: Returned after his long injury layoff, and largely did okay. Kept the ball, and won a number of tackles.
De Ceglie - 6.0: Showed some battling qualities down the left hand side, but not too much danger came through De Ceglie.
Giovinco - 6.5: Had some excellent moments, and flashes of brilliance, but will regret his penalty miss early in the second half when he skied over the bar.
Amauri - 7.0: The best player on the pitch for 56 minutes before he was rested ahead of the Milan game. Showed some silky skills for such a big man, and created the chance for Marchionni.
Subs: Del Piero 6.5, Esposito N/A, Castiglia N/A
BATE
Veremko- 7.5: Was the reason why Juventus didn't win the game, with some smart stops, including one exceptional save from Del Piero late on.
Khagush - 6.0: Solid for most of the game, even if he occasionally found himself out of position.
Sosnovsky - 6.5: Was taken on by Amauri at times, but also made a host of key last gasp tackles inside the area.
Kazantev - 6.5: Like Sosnovsky, did well at the back, and limited Juve to not as many chances as they would have expected.
Yurevic - 5.5: The weak link of the BATE backline. Allowed Marchionni to get in behind a few too many times.
Likhtarovic- 6.0: Quietly went about his job in the middle-of-the-park, but never really stamped his authority on the game.
Sivakov - 5.5: Not a game Sivakov will look back to fondly on, and he was fortunate not to be punished after conceding a foolish penalty for handball.
Stasevich- 5.5: A passenger for almost all the time he was on the pitch, which led to his premature substitution.
Kryvets- 6.0: Did not have the same impact as he did in the reverse match in Minsk, but some neat touches.
Bliznyuk - 7.0: BATE's best player tonight. Dangerous on the ball, but he was guilty of missing a gilt-edged chance 12 minutes from time.
Rodionov - 4.0 Was completely invisible tonight. Indeed you could count on one hand the number of times his name was mentioned.
Pirlo, Ambrosini, Emerson Is Ready To Comeback
Milan may have been dealt a massive blow by Gennaro Gattuso's severe injury that could keep him out for the season, but can take some consolation in that Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini, and Emerson all seem to be back in action and injury free.
The Rossoneri held a double training session on Wednesday in preparation for their crunch match against Juventus on Sunday evening and Pirlo, Ambrosini, and Emerson were all able to take part without any problems.
Ambrosini had been out of action for several weeks, but he has returned just in time as Milan will need his services in the absence of Gattuso. Meanwhile, Emerson injured his back in the recent 1-0 win over Catania, but has recovered.
Andrea Pirlo was out for two months and returned only to suffer another injury setback, but the deep-lying playmaker is now set to take part against the Bianconeri on Sunday.
Milan fans will be happy to regain their injured stars as Carlo Ancelotti's side is trying to keep up with Serie A leaders Inter, who are currently six points ahead of them.
Materazzi Successfull Cheekbone Operation
The Italian international defender underwent an operation to reconstruct a fractured cheekbone sustained during Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League defeat at Werder Bremen.
The operation at the San Matteo hospital in Pavia was successfully performed by ENT specialist Marco Benazzo and maxillofacial surgeon Silvestre Galioto under the supervision of Inter team doctor Franco Combi.
According to the club's official website the player's recovery time is unknown at the moment and will be assessed in the coming days.
Inter Milan will be without Materazzi for Sunday's game against Chievo, and he is also doubtful for Inter's last league game of the year at Siena on December 20.
Gilardino Bring Viola To Uefa Cup !
Steaua Bucharest vs Fiorentina 0-1
La Viola traveled to Romania earlier tonight to face Steaua Bucharest, in a match that they had to attain a result from, to ensure that their adventure in Europe continued.
Both sides had already been eliminated from the Champions League, however a spot in the Uefa cup was up for grabs, something that the Viola were desperate to make the most of.
Alberto Gilardino grabbed his fifth goal of the campaign and the only goal of the match after 66 minutes, when he scored with a header following a brilliant cross in from Juan Manuel Vargas.
At the completion of the contest, he spoke about his performance tonight and his current feelings in regards to playing with Fiorentina.
“I feel great lately, and I am in great form,” Gilardino said in an interview with Sky.
“I stand by my decision to leave Milan, and I have no regrets with making it.
“I am so enthusiastic at Fiorentina, and we are doing extremely well, as was the case again tonight, as we recorded an important victory and can hold our heads high as a result,” he added.
“It is a great satisfaction to qualify for the Uefa cup, as it is something we desperately wanted to achieve tonight,” he concluded.
Gila had one final comment regarding his strike partner Adrian Mutu, and his passion for playing alongside him.
“I’m fine with Adrian, and I really enjoy playing with him, as we form a good attacking combination.
“But I am fine with everyone at Fiorentina, and that is why I love playing here so much,” he continued.
Gilardino will be hoping to carry on his good form again this weekend in the Serie A, when his side hosts Catania on Sunday.
Celtic Pride Beat Villareal
Celtic vs Villareal 2-0
Villareal visited Glasgow tonight to face Celtic in their home stadium of parkhead. A match that should have meant nothing quickly evolved into a night to remember.
The men in green fronted a strong side tonight, perhaps to save face at the bitter end of their European campaign, while Villareal made seven changes to the side that faced Machester United as they fielded what was quite clearly a second string.
First Half
Villareal seemed the more dangerous side from the start with some tidy link-up play from the forwards, however,both teams seemed to be doing nothing more than going through the motions in this seemingly meaningless match.
The pace of the game would soon change, though, after a lively Mark Wilson sent in the ball from a wide position to an arguably offside Scott Brown inside the box. Brown's touch would go on to find a lurking Shaun Maloney who steered the ball home with a tap-in header. Thirteen minutes in, Celtic go 1-0 up.
The small band of visiting fans had reason to leap out of their seats not long after this diappointment. Half an hour into the game, Villareal's most effective player so far - Guille Franco - was ordered to leave the pitch after the referee's assistant spotted foul play off the ball.
Replays showed minimal contact, the incident looking like nothing more than the Argentine striker shrugging off Gary Caldwell, the officials however, did not see it this way and the men in yellow went down to 10 men courtesy of a red.
In the wake of the earlier decision on Franco, it seemed the whole Villareal team were also seeing red, figuratively speaking. A barrage of fouls leading towards the break would only be punctuated by an injury-time goal by Aiden McGeady. The pacy winger was allowed too much space as he swanned forward to drill home number two for the home side. 2-0 Celtic.
Second Half
As expected, Villareal shuffled their system at half time, adding Turkish international striker Nihat Kahveci to the mix. The change saw Marcos Senna warm the bench, a precautionary move by the manager to ensure he did not follow in the footsteps of his teammate Franco.
Soon after play resumed, Nihat tested Artur Boruc with a shot on the edge of the box. The Turk continued to be a nuisance as the game progressed, at one point finding himself in a 1-on-1 with the Celtic 'keeper thanks to a Mati Fernandez pass, but his attempt was thwarted by a great save by the Polish goalie.
Overall, though, the second half saw more of the same great build up play from Celtic but without any end product. It seemed like every shot the home side took would end up going wide; even two great chances from Celtic subs Paul McGowan and Scott McDonald could only be directed by the posts.
Taking everything into consideration, it was a deserved win for the Scots. After the terrible streak of luck the Glasgow side have endured in European competitions, it seems only fair that they should end their campaign on a high note. Villareal, however, may not feel the same way as they take four yellow cards and one red into the next stages of the competition.
Questionable Young Arsenal Crushed By Porto
Porto vs Arsenal 2-0
Arsenal lacked poise, power and pentration and were distinctly second-best against Porto. They had looked reasonably comfortable for much of the first half, but a familiar flaw - lack of concentration leading to lax marking at a corner - saw Bruno Alves head the hosts in front on 39 minutes. And early in the second half more poor defending saw Lisandro double the hosts' advantage.
Arsenal travelled to Portugal needing a draw against Porto to finish top of Group G, and manager Arsene Wenger made seven changes from the side that beat Wigan last Saturday, with Emmanuel Eboue, William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Aaron Ramsey, Abou Diaby, Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner all brought into the starting XI. For Porto, playmaker Lucho Gonzalez was back, with Lisandro Lopez and Hulk forming the strike partnership.
Eboue was looking to exorcise the misery of his barracking at the weekend, which led to his being substituted after he himself had come on as a sub. Being away from home, and restored to his favoured right-back position should have made him feel better, though he is clearly a man under pressure and looked understandably edgy, despite being given a decent reception by the travelling fans.
The Gunners adopted a 4-5-1 formation, Bendtner playing as a lone striker with Vela on the left wing and Ramsey on the right, and Silvestre deployed at left-back.
Eboue fouled the wonderfully-nicknamed Porto striker Hulk early on, prompting the incredible one to wave an imaginary yellow card at the Ivorian, though the referee took no action.
Undeterred, Hulk then set off on a powerful run and Eboue checked him again. Alves took the free-kick and bent it in teasingly but Manuel Almunia dealt with it comfortably.
It was a fairly even, half-paced opening, Arsenal's passing looking neat and tidy but not causing Porto any problems, with Bendtner looking isolated up front. Porto though were pressing Arsenal well when not in possession, denying the Gunners time and space.
After they won a midfield scrap for the ball, Hulk was sent sprinting on to an astute defence-splitting pass, and it needed an outstanding last-ditch interception from Johan Djourou to snuff out the danger.
The Gunners followed that by mounting their best attack so far, Alex Song turning smartly but Bendtner overhitting a lay-off to Eboue. Then a slick through-ball from Denilson for Bendtner saw Brazilian goalkeeper Helton dash quickly off his line to gather.
Arsenal's first real shot at goal arrived on 26 minutes when teenager Aaron Ramsey ended a determined run with a powerful left-foot drive that was parried away by Helton.
Bendtner had to receive treatment after Alves' arm accidently caught him in the face, and a minute later Porto carved out an excellent chance as Gallas was robbed near his own goal and Almunia was forced into a smart save. The Portuguese side followed that with a rampaging run by Meireles who undid his good work with a long-range strike that flew well wide.
Then Porto earned a free-kick in a dangerous position after a Denilson foul, but Alves hit it straight into the wall and away to safety, though the hosts were beginning to dictate by this stage. And on 39 minutes they duly took the lead from a corner. Diaby was guilty of allowing Alves to power into the area and head home Meireles' flag-kick unhindered. It was too easy for defender Alves, and a poor goal to concede.
Although the Gunners picked up the game for the remainder of the half, they lacked any punch or real conviction and Porto went in deservedly ahead.
The second half got underway with the London side continuing to misplace their passes in the final third. Within the space of two minutes, Lucho was yellow-carded by the fussy Greek referee for a lunge on Eboue, and the Arsenal player was then booked for fouling Lucho.
After Ramsey tried an ambitious overhead kick that went wide, Porto struck again with a finely taken goal on 54 minutes that again exposed inept Arsenal defending. Silvestre allowed Lisandro to get goal-side of him and the rest of a flimsy back-four, and he strode on before firing the ball emphatically into the roof of the onrushing Almunia's net.
Vela was hacked down but the ref waved play on to the annoyance of Wenger on the touchline, and the manager responded by taking off the enterprising Ramsey and out-of-touch Diaby and sending on teenagers Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs.
Just after the hour, with Porto looking comfortable and Arsenal short on confidence and ideas, Rodriguez burst down the left leaving defenders trailing, then cut in and tried to find the bottom far corner with a shot but dragged it wide.
Arsenal switched to 4-4-2 but Bendtner in particular kept giving the ball away when the Gunners looked to get the ball forward. It was giving Porto opportunities on the counter-attack, and on one such break, Rodriguez sprinted through but Eboue managed to keep up with him and do enough to put him off, the Porto player firing wide.
Arsenal mounted a promising attack through Vela's run, but the Mexican was brought down to end the threat, though it was not a foul, said the referee.
Argentine Lucho got a lucky deflection off Gallas but his first-time shot went the wrong side of the post. Lucho was promptly replaced by Costa, and Rodriguez by Mariano as Arsenal sent on Randall for Song.
Apart from an impressive cameo role from Wilshere, and an earlier decent shift by the man he replaced, Ramsey, Arsenal were poor, lacking cohesion in a disjointed display in which their defending was at times shambolic and their passing off-target.
On 83 minutes, the Gunners earned a free-kick in a dangerous position, but Bendtner's low kick went through the wall but straight at Helton.
After a mazy Wilshire run came to nothing, incredibly Hulk was taken off for Guarin. But Porto, with a little more care, might easily have won by four or five.
The final whistle sounded on a game the Gunners will quickly want to forget. And by finishing second in their group behind Porto, they could face Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Juventus in the next round.
Porto: Helton, Fucile, Rolando, Alves, Emanuel, Gonzalez, Fernando, Meireles, Lopez, Hulk, Rodriguez.
Subs: Nuno, Stepanov, Guarin, Mariano Gonzalez, Lino, Sektioui, Costa.
Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Gallas, Silvestre, Djourou, Ramsey, Diaby, Song, Denilson; Vela, Bendtner.
Subs: Fabianski, Wilshere, Gibbs, Hoyte, Merida, Randall, Simpson.
Pepe : Schuster Is Only Try To Helping Us (On "We Cannot Win Againts Barca" Statement Scandals)
Bernd Schuster might have left Real Madrid but there is still plenty of talk about the German in the Spanish capital today, with different parties taking different sides on the decision to sack him.
It is believed that the final straw for the coach might have been when he declared that Madrid 'could not beat Barcelona' in their upcoming match, but today Pepe revealed that he only said this to help the team.
"People are asking a lot about the statements saying that we cannot win in the Camp Nou, but the ones in the team know what he [Schuster] really wanted to express," he told Antena 1.
"That is not what he told us in training and in the dressing room, he only wanted to remove the pressure that was on us. I do not think it was a good idea to tell that to the press, but he did not think that."
Real Madrid currently sit fifth in the table following defeat to Sevilla last weekend and a loss to arch-rivals Barça this Saturday could see them slip down to seventh. However, Portugal international Pepe does not believe that winning at the Camp Nou is impossible.
"Real Madrid have the capacity to win anywhere that we play, I expect that we will get a good result like last season," he declared.
Advocaat - Arshavin May Leave...
Dick Advocaat spoke with grim resignation to reporters after his side fell to a 3-0 loss to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Without some of their most recognisable stars he was left explaining why the lineup had an oddly youthful look to it - particularly without star forward Andrei Arshavin.
He told UEFA.com, "We need to think about who will be in the new team, in the future.
"We wanted to free those who want to leave, and work with those who want to be here."
Clearly he was hinting at Andrei Arshavin, who is said to be desperate to leave St. Petersburg to try his luck further west.
"As for Andrei Arshavin, he wasn't ready for this match. He had a fever. But I did want him to play.
"For him to play here would be a chance for him to demonstrate his talents," said the coach.
"That's the price we pay for having good players. It's normal that if we progress and move forward and play in Europe they want to improve.
"Having won the Super Cup against Manchester (United) has raised hopes in this team, yet we haven't managed to beat Real Madrid."
Giovinco Feel Sorry For Miss Pinalty...
Juventus came into to their final match with BATE knowing that they had already qualified for the next phase of the competition. Having said this though, anything but a defeat would ensure them of top spot in the group, ahead of the Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Their clash with BATE was at home, and so the Bianconeri were more than confident of achieving this. It ended 0-0 however, as neither side managed to break the other down.
The home side certainly had the better of the chances throughout the contest, most notably a penalty that they were awarded early in the second half.
With Alessandro Del Piero on the bench, the club’s young starlet Sebastian Giovinco stepped up to take the kick, only to see it fly over the bar, and deny his side a victory in the process.
Following the match, Giovinco apologized for his penalty miss, and made some comments on the performance of his side tonight.
“I really do apologize to my team mates and to the fans, but I promise I will try again,” declared a smiling Giovinco in an interview with Sky.
“Thankfully the miss didn’t cost us top spot in the group, and so we are still happy with our performance despite the draw.
“We were not at our best tonight, however that’s because BATE did not allow us to do so,” he added.
“Now we turn our attention to Milan, and hopefully we can bounce back and win that match this weekend,” he concluded.
Juventus and Milan to battle at the Olimpico in Turin this Sunday, with play getting underway at 20:30 CET.
Five Goals Thriller Lyon vs Bayern
Lyon vs Bayern Munich 2-3
Heading into this contest, both sides had already secured their passage to the next stage of the competition; however both undoubtedly were desperate for victory in this match, as the winner would finish atop of the group.
Lyon may be top of Ligue 1 and into the knock out stage of the Champions League but there is a sense that the perennial French champions are not firing on all cylinders at present, despite the fact that they have won three successive matches in this competition. For this contest, the home side was without Cris and Juninho through suspension, along with Frédéric Piquionne, Mathieu Bodmer, Francois Clerc and Anthony Reveillere who were unavailable through injury.
The situation was different for the visitors however, as they knew that victory or a scoring draw would be enough to finish on top. They had to go about their business without two key players in Lucio and Zé Roberto, who were late withdrawals because of illness and injury respectively. Martin Demichelis partnered Daniel van Buyten in defence, whilst Tim Borowski was given a rare start in the midfield.
First Half
The home side got the crucial Group F clash underway at the Stade de Gerland, and despite losing possession almost immediately, it was they that started the brighter in the opening minutes, as after just two minutes of play, Michael Rensing was forced into making a wonderful save to deny an Ederson header, following a glorious chip into the area by Karim Benzema.
Lyon continued their early dominance with another glorious opportunity, just moment later, when Ederson’s powerful drive was trickled just wide of the post, as the home crowd began to lift in voice.
Despite not having much of the play in the opening ten minutes, it was Bayern that broke the deadlock on 11 minutes, as Miroslav Klose capitalized on some poor defending by Lyon. A wonderful ball into the area by Phillipp Lahm caused some confusion amongst the French defenders, as Tim Borowski and Franck Ribery did well to put pressure on those in possession. Eventually Jeremy Toulalan’s weak clearance fell into the path of Klose, who made no mistake from inside the area.
Immediately following the goal, Mounier went on a surging run down the left for the French club, and his glorious ball into the area was met by the lively Benzema, although once again the ball was narrowly off target.
Moments later, Tim Borowoski managed to get on the end of some great work by the Bavarians in their attacking third, as the German club looked to double their advantage. The midfielder failed to finish off Ribery’s delicate cut back into the area however, as his unbalanced effort narrowly sailed over the bar.
The intensity dropped a little over the next ten minutes, as the visitors began to take control of proceedings. Despite this however, Claude Puel’s men continued to do all they could to get forward in numbers, as their highlight in this period came on 23 minutes, when a poor challenge from Borowski on Ederson gave them a free kick in an extremely dangerous shooting position. Karim Benzema took the resulting kick, but his effort failed to beat the wall, and the score remained 1-0.
On 34 minutes, Ribery made it 2-0 with a clinical strike that gave Hugo Lloris no chance in goals. Luca Toni’s wonderful turn and through ball was met by Ribery, who easily made his way past Lamine Gassama, and then coolly finished from inside the area. 2-0 to Bayern at this stage, and the Stade de Gerland was stunned.
As was the case after the first goal, the home side almost immediately responded with a goal of their own, and it was through Ederson again who saw his powerful drive from 25 yards rebound off the post, and unfortunately for their sake, lady lucked seemed not to be on their side tonight.
Astonishingly, just three minutes later, the Bavarians made it 3-0, as Klose grabbed his second off the match. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ribery, once again, combined brilliantly on the left, after some impressive passing that came to an end when Ribery spotted an unmarked Klose at the back post. With the goal at his mercy, the German international made no mistake, as his miss-hit shot into the ground, was too good for Lloris in goal. 3-0 at this stage, and Bayern had all but wrapped up top spot in Group F.
Benzema tried to restore some pride for the French club, as they looked to end the half on a high; however his powerful effort just prior to the interval, was off target again, and that’s how it ended, with Lyon trailing by three goals to nil at the break.
Second Half
Surprisingly there were no changes made by either coach at the break, as the visitors got the play underway in the second half. It didn’t take long for them to pick up from where they left off however, as they managed to win two corners within the first two minutes of play.
On 50 minutes Ribery should have made it four, following some great work by Schweinsteiger in the area, however it was Lyon who struck first in the second half, as Sidney Govou managed to get one back for the home side. Ederson’s right-footed drive from just inside the area was well dealt with by Rensing; however the stand-in captain was there to coolly tap the keeper’s save back past him and into the back of the net.
The French side certainly lifted in confidence following their goal, as they continuously moved forward with real purpose over the course of the next ten minutes. Their best opportunity came from an Ederson corner, just prior to the hour mark, when Govou’s header came back off the post, only for the defender Mensah to fail to score from all of two yards out, thanks to a courageous effort by Rensing in goal.
Claude Puel made a double switch on 63 minutes, with Kim Källström coming on for Gassama, and Fred coming on for Mounier, as the coach looked to change the structure of his line-up, with the Brazilian striker partnering Benzema up front. The change almost had an immediate impact too, as both players were involved in a fantastic team play by Lyon, as they continued to press for their second goal.
On 68 minutes, Lyon’s star man Benzema incredibly made it 3-2 as he managed to get on the end of a deflected pass forward. With Rensing and the goals ahead, Benzema strolled around the visiting keeper, and made no mistake by smashing it into an unguarded net. It was the 20-year-old’s 12th goal in 17 Champions League appearances, and incredibly the home side trailed by just one goal with over 20 minutes remaining.
Immediately after the goal, Bayern made a substitution, as Andreas Ottl came on for Klose, meaning that Luca Toni was to play as the lone striker for the final 20 minutes of the match. Ottl had a wonderful opportunity to grab his side’s fourth just moment after coming on too, as his effort from outside the area narrowly missed the target.
The next ten minutes were a lot quieter, as the five man Bayern midfield began to slow down Lyon’s run of play. Over this period, Govou went extremely close to scoring an own goal as his attempted clearance struck Boumsong; however Lloris was able to clear the ball, despite some heavy pressure from Van Buyten. And on 80 minutes, Lloris’ counterpart Rensing was forced into making a world-class save, to deny a Fred header that could have so easily leveled the score line.
Lyon gave everything in the closing stages, but the Bavarians held firm, and were determined not to concede yet another. It was extremely tough for both sides to find a way through in the last ten minutes, however when the three minutes of stoppage time was indicated by the fourth official, the home side lifted, and almost scored through Benzema and Fred. Rensing did really well to deny Benzema, whilst Fred’s header was denied by a tremendous interception by Demichelis.
Full time was blown by the referee, and this thrilling contest ended 3-2 to Bayern Munich, meaning that they will qualify as winners of Group F, with Lyon finishing in second. It was the French side’s first defeat of the campaign; however it means little, as both side’s move on to the next phase of the competition.
TEAMS
Lyon (4-5-1): Lloris; Gassama, Mensah, Boumsong, Grosso; Makoun, Toulalan, Govou, Mounier, Ederson; Benzema
Bayern Munich (4-4-2): Rensing; Oddo, Demichelis, Van Buyten, Lahm; Schweinsteiger, Van Bommel, Borowski, Ribéry; Klose, Toni
GOALS
11’ Klose (Bayern Munich)
34’ Ribery (Bayern Munich)
37’ Klose (Bayern Munich)
53’ Govou (Lyon)
68’ Benzema (Lyon)
Without Ronaldo, Red Devils Held At Home
With qualification already guaranteed Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson made nine changes to the team that sneaked past Sunderland last weekend, with only Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney retaining their places.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a spectator due to injury, still managed to hog the spotlight, being presented with his Ballon d’Or ahead of kick off alongside United legends Denis Law and Bobby Charlton.
Thus with Old Trafford in celebratory mood the holders began the game brightly and opened the scoring as early as the third minute.
Rooney dropped deep to head a ball down to Ryan Giggs and the Welshman’s first touch put Carlos Tevez through on goal. With only the goalkeeper to beat the Argentinean found the bottom corner with a fine strike.
Minutes later and Tevez should have had his second of the evening. Anderson found Rooney who squared the ball to his strike partner, but Tevez on his left foot shot wide.
The chances continued to come for a home side enjoying their football with Evans, Tevez and Nani all going close but unable to beat Bogelund in the visitors’ goal.
Yet just after the half hour mark the English champions were made to pay for such profligacy.
A superb free kick into the box found an unmarked Jakobsen running to the near post to flick home a fine header to level the scores.
The goal obviously buoyed the visitors and there was more to come as on the stroke of half-time they took a shock lead.
United gave away possession and allowed Due to run down the left flank and deliver a deep cross to the far post which Curth did well to calmly head back across goal and into the far corner.
An obviously unimpressed Ferguson opted to change things at the interval sending on Paul Scholes and Ji Sung Park as he sought to overturn the half time deficit.
It took the home side just over five minutes to get back on level terms. After Tevez had missed an early opportunity, Rooney made no mistake, racing onto the end of an Anderson through ball before thumping home an excellent finish.
The home side continued to dominate with the returning Gary Neville almost putting them ahead.
A cross-field ball from Rooney saw the full back control the ball inside the area first time with a superb touch before his shot from a tight angle was parried wide by goalkeeper Bogelund.
Minutes later and Rooney almost provided the breakthrough again, his ball into the box flying off the head of Olfers and onto the bar.
However, with five minutes to go Tevez wasted the best chance of all.
Yet again it was Rooney the supplier, his ball finding the Argentinean on the edge of the box, he controlled the ball expertly but took it too wide of the goalkeeper and his shot, when it finally came, flew the wrong side of the post.
Unlike at the weekend, a late winner was not forthcoming for United who had to settle for a draw against a delighted Aalborg.
Yet the result will not disappoint Ferguson too much as, with Celtic defeating Villarreal elsewhere in the group, the point sees the holders finish in top spot, ahead of their Spanish rivals, whilst the Danes head in to the Uefa Cup.
Manchester Utd: Kuszczak, Neville (Rafael, 77), Ferdinand, Evans, O'Shea, Nani, Gibson (Park, 46), Anderson, Giggs (Scholes, 46), Rooney, Tevez.
AaB Aalborg: Zaza, Bogelund, Olfers, Jakobsen, Pedersen (Sorensen, 76), Curth (Caca, 75), Enevoldsen, Augustinussen, Risgaard, Due (Kristensen, 66), Saganowski.
GOALS
2-2 Manchester United (Rooney, 52)
1-2 Aalborg (Curth, 45)
1-1 Aalborg (Jakobsen 32)
1-0 Manchester United (Tevez, 3)
La Vecchia Signora On Top Group H, Altough Get Draw
Juventus had long since qualified for the last 16, but they still required a point in order to finish above Real Madrid at the top of Group H. The Bianconeri still had a crippling injury list, with Andrade, Zebina, Trezeguet, Buffon, Salihamidzic, Knezevic, Poulsen, and Tiago all sidelined. However, Cristiano Zanetti finally returned to the team after a long layoff, while Sebastian Giovinco continued up-front alongside Amauri, following his super display at the weekend.
Rock-bottom BATE had absolutely nothing to play for, but pride, as they could neither qualify for the next round, nor the UEFA Cup. Coach Viktor Goncharenko was hoping for a similar performance to the one his troops offered in the reverse fixture in Minsk, when BATE held Juve to a 2-2 draw, having been two-up at one stage.
First Half
Juventus attacked right from the start, and within the opening couple of minutes Amauri headed wide from Giovinco's right wing corner. Giovinco then raced away from two men, and went down under pressure inside the area, but the referee waved away the ambitious penalty appeals.
BATE had their first attempt of the game on 16 minutes, as Igor Stasevich headed harmlessly wide from a left-field cross.
Amauri appeared to have the beating of his marker in the air, and he rose highest at another Giovinco corner, but couldn't direct his header.
Juventus threatened for the first time midway through the half, as Giovinco almost caught goalkeeper Sergey Veremko by surprise with a beautiful free kick, which finished just inches past the far post. Down the other end, Mikhail Sivakov tested Alex Manninger with another set-piece.
Amauri did brilliantly down the left, and cut back for Giovinco, whose shot was blocked by a defender. The Brazilian was then denied himself by a Belarussian as he attempted to turn home Pavel Nedved's cross.
The ball would just not fall for Amauri, and it was a similar story just past the half hour mark following a brilliant rampage down the left by Cristian Molinaro. Meanwhile, Giovinco lashed a long range free kick over the bar.
The 21-year-old did excellently just before the break, as he left his man for dead, before lashing the ball just wide.
Second Half
Juventus came racing out of the traps in the second half, and were centimetres away from taking the lead on 51 minutes as Amauri crossed for Marchionni, whose header crashed off the inside of the post and into the arms of the grateful Veremko.
Minutes later Juve squandered an even better chance to take the lead, as they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Sivakov. However, Giovinco skied the penalty over the bar.
The youngster tried to make up for his error by embarking on a wonderful solo run, before teeing up Nedved, who shot straight at Veremko. Soon after Alessandro Del Piero was introduced for Amauri.
Juventus continued to come forward looking for the opener, and Nedved tested Veremko again on 69 minutes with a powerful volley from 20 yards.
Zanetti was the next Bianconero to try his luck, with a dangerous swerving effort from outside the area, but again Veremko was equal.
BATE had barely had a shot all night, but with just 12 minutes remaining they missed a glorious chance to take a shock lead, as Bliznyuk twisted past his man, but with just Manninger to beat, he sidefooted the ball wide.
This stirred Juve back into life, and they missed an excellent chance of their own a few minutes later, as Marchionni crossed for Del Piero, but his header from close range was brilliantly saved by Veremko. The two players combined again soon after, but this time Del Piero headed off target.
There was a special moment on 87 minutes as youngster Simone Esposito was introduced for his Juventus debut, in place of Giovinco.
The rest of the match played out without much incident. Juventus failed to get the win, but they still finished top of Group H with 12 points, above Real Madrid on head-to-head. BATE exit Europe all together, despite holding Juve home-and-away.
Teams
Juventus: Manninger, Grygera, Legrottaglie, Mellberg, Molinaro, Marchionni, Nedved (Castiglia 91), Zanetti, De Ceglie, Giovinco (Esposito 87), Amauri (Del Piero 56)
BATE: Veremko, Khagush, Sosnovsky, Kazantev, Yurevic, Likhtarovic (Volodko 56), Sivakov, Stasevich (Nekhaychik 60), Bliznyuk, Kryvets (Ermakovich 89), Rodionov
Anthony Sormani
'new coach syndrome' blessed Real Madrid, Beat Zenit 3-1
Bernd Schuster's sacking and the recent poor form of Real Madrid looks to have had no effect on his erstwhile charges, as the Spanish champions produced a vintage performance against a jaded Zenit St Petersburg side to emerge 3-0 winners in front of a buoyant home crowd.
Though it must be remembered the Russian season has ended and that Dick Advocaat's men were short on fitness, new
First Half
Los Merengues dominated possession and piled on the pressure instantly. But they struggled to find their regular rhythm in attack as Zenit defended with discipline, keeping a tight line at all times just infront of their penalty box.
But
Juande Ramos’ men continued to go on the attack and Arjen Robben was particularly lively down the left wing, constantly tormenting his markers by cutting into the middle and teeing himself up onto his left foot for a shot but Malafeev was up to the task almost every time.
The first half ended 1-0 to the Spanish giants but the signs were extremely encouraging as they played with confidence and passed the ball around sharply, and barely looked trouble at the back.
It was a massive contrast to how the blancos stuttering and sputtering during Schuster’s final few games in charge.
Second Half
Ramos made a surprise change during the break as he took off van der Vaart for Christoph Metzelder, shipping the German off to the rightback slot and moving Michel Salgado to leftback as the coach experimented with his backline knowing that he will be short on options come Saturday against Barcelona in El Clasico.
Five minutes into the restart,
Six minutes later, the contest was over when Raul got his second of the match as he responded to Robben’s strike with an ‘anything you can do, I can do just as well’ goal.
It was indeed Robben who provided the through ball this time as
It was a strike worthy to take him past Filippo Inzaghi to become the all-time leading scorer in European competition and his 66th in total.
As Ramos sent in fringe players Javi Garcia and Javier Saviola to give them a run-out, Zenit burst to life towards the end and they came close to hitting the target. First, Victor Fayzulin’s low shot skidded off Jerzy Dudek’s hands and cannoned back off the bar after the Polish 'keeper had dived to slap the effort away.
And late in the game, Danny sent a header crashing against the underside of the bar when he met Dominguez’s corner as the
But it didn’t matter as they romped home to an impressive 3-0 victory in what was their best all-round performance in a long time. It still wasn’t adequate, however, for them to top the group as Juventus did just enough to claim that honour following a 0-0 draw at home to BATE Borisov.
Andrei Arshavin Confirm Madrid Move...
Zenit St. Petersburg coach Dick Advocaat told the press yesterday that Real Madrid coach Juande Ramos was a big fan of Russian midfielder Andrei Arshavin.
Arshavin was quick to support the comments of his coach after he revealed that talks were well underway with Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Speaking to the press, Arshavin said, "I can confirm that officials from Zenit have begun preliminary negotiations with Real Madrid about my transfer."
The Russian kept his cards close to his chest though, after not wanting to reveal more information.
"At the moment there is nothing concrete on the table. Also, there is contact with other Spanish clubs, as well as Italian and English clubs too."
Real Madrid have already publicly stated that their top priority is a winger for the winter transfer window, and Arshavin will have a perfect chance to show Madrid fans his worth at the Bernabeu as Zenit face Los Blancos for the closing game of the Champions League group stages later this evening.
Zidane Next Career :.....Club President !
Football legend Zinedine Zidane admits he is ready to make his return to the game. However it will not be on the pitch or bench, but in the boardroom.
The 1998 World Cup winner left the game in shame just over two years ago when he headbutted Marco Materazzi in the dying moments of extra time in the World Cup final, seeing a red card for his troubles and watching his side lose on penalties.
Zidane now spends his time playing in charity matches and helping good causes, but he is itching to return to the big time.
Those who want to see him back on the pitch maybe disappointed though, as the former Juventus and Real Madrid man appears to be leaning towards a more executive stance.
"I am ready to return to football and enter the heart of a club," Zidane told Canal +.
"However, not as a coach but maybe like a director or president."
Zizou enjoyed a glittering career where he won major titles as a player.
Despite his cloudy past, the legendary status he enjoys is likely to see clubs like Real Madrid come running.
Flamengo Fans Give Voodoo...Ronaldo Give Explain...
Corinthians striker Ronaldo has explained his decision to snub Flamengo after fans went berserk.
The Brazilian joined the Sao Paulo-based side on Tuesday but not everyone has reacted well to his decision. The former Inter, Real Madrid and Milan striker knows why Flamengo fans feel aggrieved with his choice.
"I understand why the fans are upset," Ronaldo is quoted as saying on Datasport.it.
"I am a Flamenguista and I was at Rio for four months where I trained. However, no-one had a project for me. I am a professional and I like new challenges.
"Returning to the football pitch is a great motivation for me.
"When I played for Cruziero I was very young and now playing in the Brazilian league will be completely different.
"I have watched games on tv and now there is a chance to make some history. I won't make any predictions but I do have the will to do well."
Earlier, Flamengo fans were so annoyed with Ronaldo's move that they threatened to use a voodoo witch to cast a spell on the star.
Jerseys and photographs of the striker were also burned- such is the outrage in Brazil.
Ronaldinho Is Big Waste, -Luciano Moggi
Disgraced Calciopoli mastermind and former Juventus transfer Guru Luciano Moggi believes Ronaldinho was the worst signing of the summer.
Moggi is currently serving a ban from the game but he is never shy of sharing his opinions. His latest is likely to cause some uproar in Milan as well as stir a reaction from Rossoneri vice president Adriano Galliani, it was the bald-headed man who brought 'Dinho to San Siro.
"The worst signing? Well there are buys like Ronaldinho," Moggi told 7itv.tv.
"Not because he isn't worth the money but he plays a mild rhythm even though he knows how to do everything with his feet.
"However, things are different in Italy and when the tempo increases, Ronaldinho's stays the same. He just watches the game. Maybe he does something from a free kick.
"I think he finds it difficult when he plays with Kaka up front. I think Milan made a mistake when signing Ronaldinho. They should have bought a defender."
The Brazilian seems to shine when he doesn't play with Kaka, but to say he is the worst signing of the season maybe a stretch too far from Moggi.
Fabregas Confirm Will Leave Arsenal
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has reiterated his desire to move away from the club and back to Spain upon completion of the terms of his current contract.
Fabregas still has six years to run on his current Gunners deal, having signed a long-term agreement in October 2006.
However, the Barcelona-schooled 21-year-old admits that he still harbours a long-term ambition to feature in La Liga.
The Euro 2008 winner conceded in the interview with Radio Marca that not even his place in the Arsenal line-up can be guaranteed, but affirmed that he is still happy and motivated at the Emirates.
Fabregas was handed the captaincy last month after manager Arsene Wenger stripped it from William Gallas, and the midfielder admits that the responsibility has had an effect on his game.
Nevertheless, Fabregas stated that it is a question of 'when' rather than 'if' he returns to ply his trade on the Iberian peninsula.
He told Radio Marca: "The idea has always been the same. That's why I signed such a long contract.
"What happens is that nobody in football has guaranteed place anywhere. Today everything is so changeable, so complicated that you never know, but the truth is that I'm very happy, very motivated and being captain is an extra incentive.
"Everybody knows that one day I would return to Spanish football. It's an experience I want to live. I want to play in Spain as a professional."
Tuesday 9 December 2008
40 Millions Euro to Save Valencia..!
Just as Valencia were bracing themselves for a bleak Christmas, the club board have delivered some good news to their fans after revealing that they have successfully acquired a massive cash injection to help curb their immediate economic crisis.
Rumoured to be on the verge of a financial collapse, club president Vicente Soriano had assured last week that the situation was not as grim as the reports had made it out to look and that Los Che had a sound back-up plan in the works.
And that plan was unveiled yesterday when sources at the club told EFE news agency that
The money will be used to clear off immediate debts and help solve the short-term financial crisis to ensure that the player wages are paid and there are significant funds for continuous club development.
The latest cash injection could see
Preview : Real Madrid Vs Zenit St. Petersburg
Real
It seems unlikely that the Italian giants will falter but on any other week, Bernd Schuster and his men would have gladly taken up the challenge to fight Juve for top spot. However, this isn’t any other week. This is the week leading up to their blockbuster battle with Barcelona in El Clasico… a clash that is more important than any other game on the calendar and one that will have ten times the significance for Madrid this weekend, considering their position in the Primera Division standings at present.
The dilemma for Schuster isn’t so much whether or not he should consider fielding a second-string team. The simple fact is that he does not have a weaker – or stronger – team to send out even if he wanted to. With the squad decimated by injuries, at least half of Schuster’s starting XI on Wednesday will have to be first team regulars, like it or not.
The real conundrum for the German-born trainer is whether or not he should order his troops to conserve their energy for the
The risk in doing that is that with the Bernabeu die-hards already raging mad at their team following the 4-3 loss at home to Sevilla at the weekend, a less than committed performance and yet another defeat in their own backyard could send the fans over the edge.
But one has to ask if there’s even any advantage or any point in
Regardless of who they will end up facing come February 2009 in the first knock-out phase, Los Blancos will be better off taking care of the more pressing and dire issue at present, which is to avoid Barcelona opening up a double-digit gap at the summit of La Liga.
UPDATE: Bernd Schuster has since been sacked by Real Madrid. Juande Ramos has taken over with immediate effect and will be in charge of this game.
Out With A Whimper
Zenit have been largely disappointing in their maiden Champions League campaign. Even though Juventus and Real Madrid were always favourites to qualify from the group, last year’s UEFA Cup winners were expected to pose a more serious threat to the two continental giants and push them all the way, or even perhaps produce a shock.
But that never happened and they will now bow out of the competition with a whimper. They made a decent enough start to the tournament-proper when they only narrowly lost to Juve 1-0 and
Despite their penchant for playing attractive football and the wealth of attacking talent in the team, Zenit have only managed to score four goals so far, often leaving their frustrated coach, Dick Advocaat, to lament his side’s ineffectual finishing in key matches.
As such, they will head into their final group match against Los Merengues with something to prove, especially considering that this will be their last Champions League game for a while. They have failed to qualify for next season’s competition after finishing fifth in the recently concluded Russian Premier League, although they will participate in the inaugural UEFA Europa League (UEFA Cup).
With their place in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup already confirmed, Advocaat will be hoping that his charges can play without any apprehension, pressure or reservations and allow their true attacking potential to show.
FORM GUIDE
Real
Dec 07 Real
Nov 29
Nov 25 BATE Borisov 0-1 Real
Nov 22 Real
Nov 15 Real
Nov 25 Zenit 0-0 Juventus (CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)
Nov 22 Spartak Moscow 1-3 Zenit (ROSGOSSTRAKH)
Nov 16 Zenit 1-1 Dinamo Moscow (ROSGOSSTRAKH)
Nov 09 Amkar Perm 1-1 Zenit (ROSGOSSTRAKH)
Nov 05 BATE Borisov 0-2 Zenit (CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)
TEAM NEWS
Real
Defensive midfielder Mahamadou Diarra is out of action for six to nine months after undergoing surgery to repair damaged ligaments in his right knee. Royston Drenthe looks likely to miss out after picking up a knock on his knee during Monday’s training session.
Miguel Torres, Pepe, Gabriel Heinze, Wesley Sneijder, Ruben de la Red and Ruud van Nistelrooy are all injured, while veterans Fabio Cannavaro and Raul could be rested. Marcelo and Arjen Robben, both of whom will be suspended against
Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Casillas – Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Metzelder, Marcelo – Van der Vaart, Gago/Javi Garcia, Guti (c) – Higuain, Saviola/Bueno, Robben
Zenit St.
Defender Sebastien Puygrenier returns from suspension following his red card against BATE on Matchday 4. Captain Anatoliy Tymoschuk will miss his next game in European club competition should he pick up a yellow card in this match.
This will be the last competitive outing for 33-year-old Vladislav Radimov, who announced his retirement to take on the role of team director next year. Korean midfielder Lee Ho is the only player sidelined as he nurses a muscle injury.
Probable Starting XI (4-3-1-2): Malafeev – Anyukov, Puygrenier, Krizanac, Sirl – Denisov, Tymoschuk (c), Zyryanov – Danny – Pogrebnyak, Arshavin
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Real
Alberto Bueno has already seen a decent handful of match-time so far this season. With some of the regulars expected to be rested, the 20-year-old could be given a chance to play the full 90 minutes and showcase his real talent. The Merengue faithful are crying out for a young hero from their own cantera to burst out onto the big stage to save their team in this desperate time of gloom, and this could be that one glorious evening for Bueno to shine.
This could very well be the last game Andrei Arshavin plays in the blue-and-white of Zenit. Desperate to leave
PREDICTION
With their domestic campaign over, Zenit will need to field their strongest possible team in order to keep their key players in shape for the UEFA Cup knock-out round, which will only get underway next year.
Avoiding defeat will still be a priority for
Bayern Munich On "Full Power" Againts Mighty Lyon
Jürgen Klinsmann is adamant that Bayern Munich will be pulling out all the stops to beat Lyon in order to claim top spot in Group F of the Champions League.
Both sides are already assured their spots in the knockout rounds thanks to their respective wins on Matchday 5, but Klinsmann insists that Wednesday's clash will be much more than just a glorified friendly.
“It’s very important we win the group,” he said looking ahead to the round of 16. "The statistics prove it - by playing the second leg at home, the chances of getting through are bigger. It is why the best Bayern team will be aligned at Lyon.
“We’re approaching the match with plenty of confidence," he added. "The team’s come together so well, we’re sure we can cause Lyon problems in front of their home crowd.”
Despite his best intentions, Klinsmann has been hit with two late withdrawals of key players. Centre back Lucio has pulled out ill, while midfielder Zé Roberto is ruled out with a slight muscle strain.
"Barcelona B" Not Enough Againts Shaktar...
Barcelona came into tonight's game in the best form they have seen for over two years, with many already eulogizing that this side is as good as or even better than the one that obtained a Primera Division-Champions League double in 2006.
However, in what was a dead-rubber game in Group C this evening, an under-strength Blaugrana side were embarrassed by visiting Shakhtar, who themselves had nothing other than pride to play for, too, as they finished third in the group.
A half-empty stadium and a Barca line-up missing eight first-team regulars made for something of a flat atmosphere at the Camp Nou this evening, as Barcelona started comfortably enough and looked confident as they passed the ball around nicely in the cold Catalan evening.
They struggled to find the incisiveness that has characterised their season so far however, and, after an intitial perod of trying to find their way through the well-drilled Ukrainian defence, found themselves the victims of a sucker punch.
Olexandr Gladkiy, ploughing a line furrow for Shakhtar up front, struck to send them into a shock lead. After enjoying a brief spell of pressure, Razvan Rat sent the ball down the Donetsk left for Willian to knock the ball in to the striker's path for him to finish confidently.
The latter part of the first half was a much more even affair as Shakhtar played a more active part in proceedings following their goal. Aliaksandr Helb sparkled in patches for the Catalans, but they remained unable to find an equaliser before the interval.
After the break, Barca once again enjoyed the bulk of the possession but were still struglling to find a way to turn that possesion into meaningful reward. Although Pedro flickered briefly, the Blaugrana struggled for fluidity and shape.
On 56 minutes it began to look as though Guardiola's decision to rest the bulk of his first-choice players might end up looking like an embarrassing mistake. Gladkiy netted again, nodding home a Jadson cross from the left.
Almost immediately though, Barcelona struck back. Just a minute after Gladkiy's second, defender Sylvinho charged forward and slammed a powerful shot inside goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov's near post.
That sparked a renewd spirit amongst the hosts, and Pyatov found himself called into action with increasing frequency, keeping out efforts from Bojn Krkic and Victor Vazquez.
Barca continued to press for an equaliser until the 74th minute when Shakhtar scored again to make the game safe. After a period of soaking up the Catalans' pressure, Donetsk attacked with Razvan Rat prominent again.
The Romanian played a neat ball across the face of the Barca goal and Fernanadinho slid in to score and put the Ukrainians into an unbeatable lead.
Barcelona then struggled to claw their way back into things, but not even the introduction of Eidur Gudjohnsen could help them find a way through as Shakhtar stubbornly clung onto their lead until the 82nd minute.
Gudjohnsen then managed to thread through ball into the path of Sergi Busquets who scored what turned out to be merely a consolation effort for the Blaugrana whose 20 match unbeaten run was brought to an end on the final whistle.
Not an ideal warm-up then for the weekend visit of Real Madrid to the Camp Nou, though the first choice players will undoubtedly return for that.
A historic evening for Shakhtar Donetsk though, who were able to claim a major European scalp, even if it was in a 'dead rubber'.
Totti : Roma Want Liverpool !
The Giallorossi extended their winning streak to six earlier tonight, with a convincing 2-0 win over Bordeaux in Rome. Matteo Brighi and Francesco Totti grabbed the goals for the home side, as they assured themselves of top spot in their Champions League group.
Totti has been an integral part of the incredible Roman resurgence of late, since making his return from injury earlier in the season. As a result, the capital club are now undefeated in their last eight matches in all competitions.
Following the completion of tonight’s match, Il Capitano spoke to Sky in regards to the knockout phase of the competition.
“All roads lead to Rome? As for us at present, we are at the tollbooth. The centre of the city is still far away, but we know the roads well so we should be fine,” Totti jokingly said.
“On a more serious note though, this may very well be my last chance to play a match of such significance in Rome, and so I would love to make the final.
“Hopefully it will be another Roma-Liverpool final, just like it was in 1984,” he added.
Totti then made some final comments concerning the side’s resurgence in recent times, and the pleasure it has brought to the club.
“In the space of just one month, everything has changed.
“For example tonight is the first time that we have finished first in a Champions League group, making it an unforgettable day.
“What makes it even better is that after the first matchday, we were not sure if we would even qualify, let alone finish first, and so we are all very pleased with our efforts,” he concluded.
The talisman of Roma will be keen to lead his troops to their seventh successive victory on the weekend, when they do battle with Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico.
Eredivisie Giants, PSV, Got Nothing Againts Mighty Reds
PSV manager Huub Stevens missed the injured likes of playmaker Ibrahim Afellay and right back Jan Kromkamp, while Danny Koevermans wasn't fit enough to play the entire match and started from the bench.
The PSV boss opted to start in an attacking 4-4-2 formation, with Nordin Amrabat and Balazs Dzsudzsak as the starting wingers to provide strike duo Ottman Bakkal and Danko Lazovic with some crosses from the wings.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez missed the injured attackers Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres, while defenders Philipp Degen, Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio were all unavailable, too.
Liverpool started in a 4-4-2 formation, with David N'Gog and Robbie Keane starting up front. Pepe Reina, Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso all started on the bench to get some much needed rest.
First Half
The guests started the match the better side of the two and got their first chance after only three minutes. Lucas played a free kick to Andrea Dossena, who sent in the cross towards Albert Riera. However, the Spaniard failed to get his header on target.
The Reds created some more danger after eleven minutes via Ryan Babel and Robbie Keane. The Dutch international went by his opponent before cutting the ball back to Keane. Nevertheless, the former Spurs star tripped over the ball and the chance went begging.
PSV almost grabbed the lead after fifteen minutes. Hungarian winger Balasz Dszudszak flew in a cross which was cleared by Alvaro Arbeloa. The loose ball fell to holding midfielder Timmy Simons, but his long range effort was parried by Liverpool shot stopper Diego Cavalieri.
Babel caused PSV defender Carlos Salcido all kinds of trouble and went by the Mexican international after 25 minutes of play before reaching tricky winger Riera on the far post. His cross troubled PSV goalie Andreas Isaksson, but the Swede managed to clear the danger with an awkward punch.
The referee awarded the guests another free kick around the half hour mark after Simons's foul on Keane. Brazilian midfielder Lucas reached Riera from the set piece, but his first time volley went wide of the goal.
PSV grabbed the lead in the 36th minute after a corner kick. Javier Mascherano failed to clear the cross and the ball deflected off the back of Dirk Marcellis into the feet of Serbian striker Danko Lazovic, who slotted home through Cavalieri's legs into the back of the net.
Liverpool leveled the score in the dying minutes of the first half and did so after yet another free kick. Once again Brazilian youngster Lucas sent in a dangerous cross and former Ajax star Ryan Babel silenced the home crowd with his perfect header, leaving Isaksson not a chance to save his attempt.
Second Half
Liverpool stepped up their game in the minutes after the break and caused the PSV defence some serious trouble. However, crucial interventions from Dirk Marcellis and Timmy Simons prevented the guests from grabbing the lead.
Quick winger Ryan Babel could have scored his second goal of the match only ten minutes after the break after a nice solo effort. Nevertheless, the Dutchman aimed too high and his shot sailed over the bar.
It was all Liverpool in the first fifteen minutes after the interval, but highly rated midfielder Ottman Bakkal still managed to unleash a ferocious drive after escaping the offside trap. However, Cavalieri pulled off a superb save to deny Bakkal.
The hosts almost restored their lead around the hour mark. Tricky winger Nordin Amrabat sent in a dangerous cross and Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa hit the sidenetting with his attempt to clear the ball with his head.
Liverpool grabbed the lead in the 69th minute. Spanish winger Albert Riera got possession in PSV's half and unleashed an amazing strike from about 35 yards. PSV goalie Isaksson never saw the shot coming and the ball ended up in the top corner.
PSV came really close to equalizing only minutes later. Young defender Dirk Marcellis fired in a shot from a narrow angle and almost surprised Cavalieri. Nevertheless, the young goalie was saved by the post.
David N'Gog added his name to the score sheet with about fifteen more minutes remaining. Robbie Keane set up the French youngster and N'Gog calmly placed the ball in the back of the net to gift his side a two goal lead and end PSV's European dream.
Substitute Danny Koevermans almost pegged one back for the home side after 85 minutes after he latched onto a loose ball. Nevertheless, the towering forward aimed inches wide and his shot ended up in the sidenetting.
Line-ups:
PSV: Isaksson; Culina, Salcido, Marcellis, Br?chet; M?ndez (Manco/80), Simons, Bakkal (Nijland/83); Dszudszak, Lazovic, Amrabat (Koevermans/72)
Liverpool: Cavalieri; Dossena, Agger, Carragher (Kelly/81), Arbeloa (Darby/69); Mascherano, Lucas, Riera (Spearing/76), Babel; Keane, N'Gog
Yellow Cards: Simons, Mendez (PSV); Riera, Arbeloa, Dossena (Liverpool)
Red Cards: none
Goals:
1-0, Lazovic 36'
1-1, Babel 45'
1-2, Riera 69'
1-3, N'Gog 77'
Gary Neville's fitness woes Make Him Frustrated...
In a footballing sense, Gary Neville has never known anything but Manchester United and England. The 33-year-old has racked up a wealth of experience and standing in the game whilst turning out for both.
However, the right-back suffered an ankle injury in March 2007 and has plodded along the comeback trail for almost two years. Now, the next generation is starting to creep through, with full-back Rafael da Silva in particular looking as though he could replace both Neville and fellow crock Wes Brown in the long-term.
Neville is said to be a professional figure off the field - becoming involved in various committees and initiatives in an ambassadorial capacity in recent years, so he is expected to have a future in the game when he hangs up his boots.
Still, that doesn't mean he isn't feeling low at present as he skulks around on the fringes of the Red Devils' first-team.
He told the club's official website: "To be honest, I've not been able to stay fit enough, long enough, or produce consistently good enough performances to stay in the team.
"You've got to be realistic and honest with yourself. The first thing you've got to do is stay fit. If you do that over a long period of time, you get the opportunity to get your level of performance to something that is acceptable for this club."
Neville is expected to feature as United wrap up their Champions League Group E campaign in midweek against Aalborg.
Once Again Inter Failed On 4-3-3 Formations...
Tonight Inter lost their second Champions League match in succession, going down 2-1 away to Werder Bremen after losing 1-0 at home against Panathinaikos. This means the Greek side win Group B, with Inter following in second place.
Following the game, coach Jose Mourinho looked disappointed but felt the defeat should not be taken too seriously as the Nerazzurri were not playing in their best formation.
"This defeat is not a reference point, we didn't play with our best team and we deserve to face one of the strongest teams of the draw," he said. "We've put ourselves in this situation. In Serie A we are much more concentrated and strong.
"Werder put us in difficulty high dead ball situations with a very high pressing game. An example is the first goal, with Maxwell coming late on [Claudio] Pizarro. I was not surprised he made the decisive mistake, as he did not look concentrated in the second half.
"[Amantino] Mancini and [Ricardo] Quaresma aren't at their best but they did their part. Perhaps if Quaresma had scored early on with that quickly-taken free kick, things would have gone differently."
Tonight Inter reverted to the coach's preferred 4-3-3 formation, but he admits the 4-4-2 works better for the team at the moment.
"Right now we are more comfortable playing with a 4-4-2, because it gives us more strength physically, tactically, and psychologically."
As group runners-up, Inter could now meet the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester United in the last 16.
Del Piero Recovered And Ready for Bate And Milan !
Alessandro Del Piero has once again been able to roll back the years this season, as he has been in fine form for Juventus since the beginning of the season.
However, the Juventus talisman missed the recent 2-1 victory against Lecce through injury and there was a worry that the 2006 World Cup winner would miss the matches against BATE Borisov on Wednesday and AC Milan on the weekend.
The captain has been included in coach Claudio Ranieri's squad to face the minnows from Belarus at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin.
It is not known if Del Piero will play against BATE Borisov, especially since the Bianconeri have already qualified for the next round of Europe's premier competition and Ranieri may prefer not to risk the 34-year-old.
Although, it is a near certainty that Del Piero will play against Milan on the weekend.
Werder Bremen vs Inter 2-1 Players Rating
WERDER BREMEN
Wiese: 5.5 -
Quick to collect a few loose balls in the first half. Was largely untested though. Could do little to stop Ibrahimovic's superb strike.
Boenisch: 6.5 -
Looked to get forward at every opportunity in the opening stages.
Prodl: 6.5 -
Got himself forward, along with Mertesacker, in order to find an early goal. Took on Cesar, and winded the fella.
Mertesacker: 6.5 -
Looked to attack the ball from set play. Sometimes passed back to Wiese in order to go forward. Was guilty, along with Prodl, in affording Ibramovic too much space for the Swede's stunning goal.
Fritz: 5.0 -
Contributed poorly apart from his goal-line clearance from Burdisso. Molested Adriano in the first half with some constant fouling.
Frings: 7.0 -
Shielded well, broke up play when needs be. A silent operator that did his job in nullifying Inter's attacks.
Vranjes: 4.5 -
Who? Where? Some okay passing, but overall Vranjes saw little action.
Hunt: 7.0 -
Got forward well and drove the team on from midfield. Looked for the link up and the one-two. Decent.
Ozil: 7.5 -
Great playmaking skills from the man asked to fill the role normally occupied by Diego. One of the better performers on the pitch. Helped set up the second goal with a tricky grounded cross along the six yard line.
Rosenburg: 7.5 -
In all fairness he was poor all game, but he rounded off a swift team move with a neat six yard flick in with his left foot.
Pizarro: 8.0 -
Was Bremen's greatest dangerman. If anyone was going to draw first blood it was going to be the on loan Chelsea man who reacted first to a Julio Cesar spill. Tested Cesar on numerous occasions.
Substitutions:
Jensen: 5.0; Niemeyer: 5.0.
INTER
Cesar: 4.5 -
Was winded early on following a Prodl challenge. Made some decent clearances in the first half, but looked out of place in the second as he constantly spilled shots. A catch was an impossibility for Cesar.
Zanetti: 5.5 -
Okay, but uninspiring. Did nothing much of note.
Materazzi: 5.0 -
Got himself involved in a fiery clash with Rosenberg. Was replaced with Maxwell.
Cordoba: 6.0
Good and able defending in the first half and played some decent balls in.
Maicon: 7.0 -
Did reasonably well. While the majority of Inter were dire, he provided a shining light. Played some good balls into Mancini. Great skill employed to evade Rosenberg.
Burdisso: 6.0 -
Had a powerful header blocked off the line.
Muntari: 4.5 -
Anonymous in the first half until a controversial moment when he should have been red-carded after an elbow to the chin of Fritz. Got himself involved more in legitimate play in the second half.
Cambiasso: 5.0 -
A performance that the Argentine international will be keen to forget as he consistently failed to pick out a team-mate from corner kicks.
Quaresma: 4.0 -
A terrible performer. The label of a 'poor man's Cristiano Ronaldo' was, based on tonight's display, an insult to the Manchester United winger because he was worse than that. Wayward shooting.
Adriano: 5.5 -
Had one great ball into Mancini. Substandard execution from set play. Was substituted.
Mancini: 7.0 -
Got himself into clever positions and beat the offside trap multiple times but was let down with awful final balls, mostly from Quaresma.
Substitutions:
Ibrahimovic: 7.5 - The Swedish international was gifted space outside the box and he rocketed a low drive against the inside post and into goal.
Balotelli: 5.0; Maxwell: 5.5.
