Champions League Quarter Final / Semi Final Draw

[Fern9do]

English teams dominate draw lineup


There will be an English flavour to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final draw in Nyon on Friday 20 March after Manchester United FC and Arsenal FC swelled the Premier League contingent to four by eliminating Italian opposition on Wednesday.


Open draw
Holders United, 2-0 winners on the night and on aggregate against FC Internazionale Milano, join Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC in the hat along with an Arsenal side who needed penalties to oust AS Roma after both legs finished 1-0 to the home team. FC Barcelona and east-coast rivals Villarreal CF are also still involved, although fellow Spanish Liga side Club Atlético de Madrid were knocked out by FC Porto on away goals. FC Bayern München, 12-1 aggregate victors against Sporting Clube de Portugal, complete the eight-team lineup. The draw is open and without country protection.


Stadio Olimpico final
The event at UEFA HQ begins from 12.00CET and will be conducted by UEFA General Secretary David Taylor and the ambassador for the Rome final, Bruno Conti. The quarter-final first legs will be played on 7/8 April and the return matches the following week. The four winning teams will know who they will meet in the semi-finals – taking place on 28/29 April and 5/6 May – as those pairings will also be decided during the draw ceremony. The final will be played on Wednesday 27 May at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 20.45CET.

Teams
Arsenal
Chelsea
Barcelona
Bayern Munich
FC Porto
Liverpool
Manchester United
Villarreal


So who do you want in the next round?:)

[Fern9do]

If i'm totally honest I would prefer if Liverpool drew either Villarreal or Bayern Munich.

[mercurial]

I'd prefer if Man United got Villareal :p

[R13...]

whatever the draw,
this year's champs trophy is going back to england *sigh*
i just hope it's not to united:D

[smokey]

villareal-arsenal
bayern-barca
manu-liverpool (:D)
chelsea-porto

[dbecks]

PORTO FC.....:o

[poolmania]

I want the Mancs.

[JK8]

United vs Liverpool!
Chelsea vs Arsenal!

:)

[mercurial]

United vs Liverpool!
Chelsea vs Arsenal!

:)

No no no! That's what Schlepp Blowj0b wants.

[dbecks]

United vs Liverpool!
Chelsea vs Arsenal!

:)That should be the semi's..:p

[guru_pitka]

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard admits he doesn't want to draw Liverpool in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Lampard said: "Maybe Liverpool won’t want to play us, but to be honest we are all a little bit fed up with that one. If fate says it should happen then so be it, but I think we would all be happy to avoid it.

"When you look around at who is left in the competition there is not one team you would say you fancy playing. We know that whoever we get in the draw will be strong and we will have to perform to go through."


Frank running abit scared me thinks :D we all agree with you Frank No one wants to draw the mighty Reds :D

me i want some more spanish for dinner please especially made in Catalonia :D

[poolmania]

No no no! That's what Schlepp Blowj0b wants.

I've seen a few people mention this. Let's get it straight, it's Platini not Sepp.

[guru_pitka]

I've seen a few people mention this. Let's get it straight, it's Platini not Sepp.


actually its both of them ;)

[JK8]

No no no! That's what Schlepp Blowj0b wants.

Get rid of some of the EPL teams!:)
I hate ITV commentators lol!!

[mercurial]

I've seen a few people mention this. Let's get it straight, it's Platini not Sepp.

No. You've clearly not read the articles in which Sloppy Blowjob specifically talks about it.

[Genius.]

Id prefer any team.

[smokey]

Frank running abit scared me thinks :D we all agree with you Frank No one wants to draw the mighty Reds :D

me i want some more spanish for dinner please especially made in Catalonia :D

Mate... you lot are a curse for us... I never rated Liverpool on the last couple of years, but everytime I hear we stand a chance of playing them in the CL, my knees buckle! :)

[guru_pitka]

Mate... you lot are a curse for us... I never rated Liverpool on the last couple of years, but everytime I hear we stand a chance of playing them in the CL, my knees buckle! :)

:D im sure the liverpool lads are sick of playing chelsea asweel

[smokey]

:D im sure the liverpool lads are sick of playing chelsea asweel

yeah - but thats just down to boredom :D

[Fuma]

It doesn't matter who plays who, but Bayern Munich is taking this one.:)

[dbecks]

It doesn't matter who plays who, but Bayern Munich is taking this one.:)Because they put twelve pass Sporting:confused:

[poolmania]

No. You've clearly not read the articles in which Sloppy Blowjob specifically talks about it.

Clearly not. Do you mind pointing me in the right direction.

[smokey]

It doesn't matter who plays who, but Bayern Munich is taking this one.:)

Depends on the defence of the opposition. The Manc are very hard to break, no matter if you have the Triumvirate (Toni, Klose, Ribery). Also think they would have a tough time breaking down Chelsea.

That is why I would like to see Bayern vs Barca. Both play attack, and Barca are a bit weak in defence, so it could end up a veritable feast of goals!

[Fuma]

Because they put twelve pass Sporting:confused:

Sporting could beat Manure. Therefore...

[mercurial]

Clearly not. Do you mind pointing me in the right direction.

I did not mean to come across as harsh, so I apologise if it sounded like that.
There are many posts somewhere in the footy section. It's gonna take really long to source them from here, but from a quick google search:

http://forum.football.co.uk/about107410.html
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05032009/3/blatter-fears-premier-league-damage.html
http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/03/06/1140650/sepp-blatter-concerned-about-premier-league-mass-appeal
http://sports.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090228.wspt-soc-blatter-28/CommentStory/GlobeSportsSoccer/home
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1765_5038343,00.html

[dbecks]

Sporting could beat Manure. Therefore...Well if you into Gardening I suppose:D
But what has gardening got to do with Bayern winning the CL.....:rolleyes:

[poolmania]

I did not mean to come across as harsh, so I apologise if it sounded like that.
There are many posts somewhere in the footy section. It's gonna take really long to source them from here, but from a quick google search:

http://forum.football.co.uk/about107410.html
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05032009/3/blatter-fears-premier-league-damage.html
http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/03/06/1140650/sepp-blatter-concerned-about-premier-league-mass-appeal
http://sports.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090228.wspt-soc-blatter-28/CommentStory/GlobeSportsSoccer/home
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1765_5038343,00.html

Thanks for that. I see what you saying however I was referring directly to the English Clubs dominance in the Champions League. All the above links were all about the Premier League itself.

Here are some quotes and Links on Platini.


Platini cited Manchester United and Chelsea, effectively calling into question their motives and morals and accusing them of reaching the Champions League final on the financial “never-never”.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article4083667.ece


Platini said that clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea, if they don’t curtail their huge debts, will not be allowed to participate in the Champions League. Well that’s one way to curtail the English influence - stop them competing.

http://www.nufcblog.com/2009/02/06/platini-at-odfds-with-english-premier-league-clubs-again/ - a bad source, I know...:o


Platini has been a longstanding critic of clubs buying their way to success and last summer said he was unhappy to see Chelsea and Manchester United contest the Champions League final.

"Look at Chelsea and Manchester United's debt,” he said.

“Fifa and Uefa have to do something to combat that, because today the ones who cheat are going on to win.

“Is Champions League success built around who has the most money? I think so. It is run on credit now and it annoys me.”

http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/Football/2009/02/06/Prem-Platini-on-plans/gnid-38967/

http://www.epltalk.com/how-michel-platini-is-writing-uefas-obituary/3401

He hates English Clubs. More than Blatter IMO. All he does is use English Clubs as examples of all the problems in the world of football.

[mercurial]

Okay, I see what you're saying :)

[JK8]

It doesn't matter who plays who, but Bayern Munich is taking this one.:)

Bayern
Barca
United

Should defiantly make the semis, it will suck if they had to play eachother before.......

[poolmania]

Okay, I see what you're saying :)

Great, I'm glad we were both able to give our argument backed up by some facts (links) and then come to some agreement on all points made.;)

Unlike some on here.....not mentioning names, they know who they are.

[Fern9do]

Lol. Platini is one sour dude. Must be pissed of that theres no Italian teams in the quarters. Wouldn't be surprised if they rigged the draw to get all 4 EPL teams facing each other

[Randhir]

The Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola, has said he would relish taking on one of the four English clubs in the Champions League quarter-finals. The Catalans defeated Lyon 5-2 at the Camp Nou to reach the last eight and the former midfielder said: "If you want to win the Champions League you have to play with the best in Europe.

"So we'll take the challenge. It would be nice to taste success against one of the English sides. If we have to play one of them it will definitely be a good match."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/mar/12/champions-league-barcelona-united-chelsea-liverpool-arsenal

[mercurial]

Barcelona were favourites before... that is until they got knocked out by English teams... at least twice.

[Fern9do]

Barcelona were favourites before... that is until they got knocked out by English teams... at least twice.

Third times the charm :)

[SuPaStA]

The current barca team are playing at a level that has not been seen since the golden days of Barca, this team would even destroy the champs league team of 2006.

There is a reason every report about them claims they the greatest in europe.

[Genius.]

You know what is frustrating. Is that the bandwagon crew believe that cos Barca lost to an English side in 2007, they will lose again.

Hell Barca rocked Chelsea in 2006. You dont see Barca supporters saying. Hell, we beat Chelsea in 2006 we will beat them again.

Squads changs, coaches change, tactics change etc.

[smokey]

When Messi single-handedly beats Manchester United - you can compare this team to the one in 2006. Not before.

[Stickfigure]

Bayern
Barca
United

Should defiantly make the semis, it will suck if they had to play eachother before.......

Yeah I would like it if those 3 made it through... Dunno who my 4th team would be :p

[SuPaStA]

What I find funny is when people all of a sudden realise how amazing messi is off one goal in the champs league as they don't actually watch any league games.

We have been saying over and over....The guy does that sort of thing week in/out in la liga.

[Fern9do]

What I find funny is when people all of a sudden realise how amazing messi is off one goal in the champs league as they don't actually watch any league games.

We have been saying over and over....The guy does that sort of thing week in/out in la liga.

What I find funny is that nobody suddenly realised how great Messi is. Genius brought the whole Messi thing up....again:rolleyes:

[smokey]

What I find funny is when people all of a sudden realise how amazing messi is off one goal in the champs league as they don't actually watch any league games.

We have been saying over and over....The guy does that sort of thing week in/out in la liga.

Ofcourse you're correct! We don't know how to use youtube, read goal.com or watch the occasional game on SuperSport. :rolleyes:

I seriously can't believe you wrote something that senseless. We acknowledged that his goal was superbly taken. We didn't start chanting "wow Messi is so good" over and over again as if to repent for thinking ill of him (which we never did). If we did that chanting thing... well... we'd need to change our forum nicks to something much more appropriate... *cough*

[dbecks]

Ofcourse you're correct! We don't know how to use youtube, read goal.com or watch the occasional game on SuperSport. :rolleyes:

I seriously can't believe you wrote something that senseless. We acknowledged that his goal was superbly taken. We didn't start chanting "wow Messi is so good" over and over again as if to repent for thinking ill of him (which we never did). If we did that chanting thing... well... we'd need to change our forum nicks to something much more appropriate... *cough*WAAAHAHAHA:D

[dbecks]

Okay I'm really getting anxious/excited..cant wait actually!:)

Anyone else.....

[SuPaStA]

Ofcourse you're correct! We don't know how to use youtube, read goal.com or watch the occasional game on SuperSport. :rolleyes:

I seriously can't believe you wrote something that senseless. We acknowledged that his goal was superbly taken. We didn't start chanting "wow Messi is so good" over and over again as if to repent for thinking ill of him (which we never did). If we did that chanting thing... well... we'd need to change our forum nicks to something much more appropriate... *cough*

The bandwagon crew on here only ever saw messi in a champs league match, when we came on here saying his probably the best footballer on the planet we were laughed at "how can anyone compare with ronaldo!!!!".

When we started posting on here nobody (except for a select few) had ever watched a la liga match yet believed they were able to comment on his ability.


Now all of a sudden, people are saying wow/amazing etc about the guy.Seems to me its just another bandwagon to go jumping on, hence its suited to some people on this forum.

If anything its good people are catching a wake up.....be it years later.

[guru_pitka]

The bandwagon crew on here only ever saw messi in a champs league match, when we came on here saying his probably the best footballer on the planet we were laughed at "how can anyone compare with ronaldo!!!!".

When we started posting on here nobody (except for a select few) had ever watched a la liga match yet believed they were able to comment on his ability.


Now all of a sudden, people are saying wow/amazing etc about the guy.Seems to me its just another bandwagon to go jumping on, hence its suited to some people on this forum.

If anything its good people are catching a wake up.....be it years later.

im sorry :o but i cannot stop laughing when i read your posts :D

[SuPaStA]

im sorry :o but i cannot stop laughing when i read your posts :D

yaawwwwnn, I cant even try to laugh at such a pathetic attempt at a post.

[poolmania]

The bandwagon crew on here only ever saw messi in a champs league match, when we came on here saying his probably the best footballer on the planet we were laughed at "how can anyone compare with ronaldo!!!!".

When we started posting on here nobody (except for a select few) had ever watched a la liga match yet believed they were able to comment on his ability.


Now all of a sudden, people are saying wow/amazing etc about the guy.Seems to me its just another bandwagon to go jumping on, hence its suited to some people on this forum.

If anything its good people are catching a wake up.....be it years later.

Mate, you really are unbelievable.

[Genius.]

It true tho. Whoever said Messi was better than Ronaldo was laughed at.

Seems like the tune has changed and i have not heard one single compliment on Ronaldo's game for months. All i seem to hear is, how great Messi is.

[guru_pitka]

It true tho. Whoever said Messi was better than Ronaldo was laughed at.

Seems like the tune has changed and i have not heard one single compliment on Ronaldo's game for months. All i seem to hear is, how great Messi is.

you and supa/desasta are pathetic ,Im a pool supporter and i hate Manure but you cant hide the fact that ronaldo was the best player in the world last season ,however this season messi has been awesome and Ronaldo average ,that doesnt mean that messi was better than Ronaldo last year :rolleyes: cause he wasnt , no one was

[SuPaStA]

you and supa/desasta are pathetic ,Im a pool supporter and i hate Manure but you cant hide the fact that ronaldo was the best player in the world last season ,however this season messi has been awesome and Ronaldo average ,that doesnt mean that messi was better than Ronaldo last year :rolleyes: cause he wasnt , no one was

Go read previous threads before making stupid posts.
We have never said he didnt deserve the award last season and have always said he would win the award.

Though we never said his a better player than messi, messi due to injury was unable to fully compete for the award yet was still able to come 2nd even though he had far less game time.

We have always said between the 2 players messi is by far the better player, outside of injuries/performance in the last season etc.

[Genius.]

you and supa/desasta are pathetic ,Im a pool supporter and i hate Manure but you cant hide the fact that ronaldo was the best player in the world last season ,however this season messi has been awesome and Ronaldo average ,that doesnt mean that messi was better than Ronaldo last year :rolleyes: cause he wasnt , no one was

Learn to read and stay with us here.

Tell me, do you think Messi never played like this last season? LoL

Nothing has changed since last season. Yet people are ONLY NOW starting to notice him.

[smokey]

It true tho. Whoever said Messi was better than Ronaldo was laughed at.

Seems like the tune has changed and i have not heard one single compliment on Ronaldo's game for months. All i seem to hear is, how great Messi is.

Are you serious?

The main fight between the two factions (so to speak) happened when you, Supa, dbecks and that Henry dude got into a willy waving contest about the better player. They had Ronaldo's current form to go on - you had a player who was out for most of the season.

No one else seemed to debate about the quality of the respective players, only that Ronaldo was better (at that point in time)...

And somehow I highly doubt that most of the people on this forum had never seen Messi play outside of the Champs League. That's just my opinion though and could be wrong...

[hj2k_x]

Okay I'm really getting anxious/excited..cant wait actually!:)

Anyone else.....

Same here....

[smokey]

Go read previous threads before making stupid posts.
We have never said he didnt deserve the award last season and have always said he would win the award.

Though we never said his a better player than messi, messi due to injury was unable to fully compete for the award yet was still able to come 2nd even though he had far less game time.

We have always said between the 2 players messi is by far the better player, outside of injuries/performance in the last season etc.

When they both have injury free seasons (well mostly injury free) then we can decide who is the better. Until that time each faction will have an excuse "But he was injured for such a long time I tell you"...

[hj2k_x]

Are you serious?

The main fight between the two factions (so to speak) happened when you, Supa, dbecks and that Henry dude got into a willy waving contest about the better player. They had Ronaldo's current form to go on - you had a player who was out for most of the season.

No one else seemed to debate about the quality of the respective players, only that Ronaldo was better (at that point in time)...

And somehow I highly doubt that most of the people on this forum had never seen Messi play outside of the Champs League. That's just my opinion though and could be wrong...
LOL, without wanting to be drawn into this 'debate' I was certainly not waving my willy intentionally ;)

[SuPaStA]

Are you serious?

The main fight between the two factions (so to speak) happened when you, Supa, dbecks and that Henry dude got into a willy waving contest about the better player. They had Ronaldo's current form to go on - you had a player who was out for most of the season.

No one else seemed to debate about the quality of the respective players, only that Ronaldo was better (at that point in time)...

And somehow I highly doubt that most of the people on this forum had never seen Messi play outside of the Champs League. That's just my opinion though and could be wrong...

Unless Barcelona actually played some matches in the EPL that we not aware of specifically against Manchester united....then you would be wrong.

[Genius.]

When they both have injury free seasons (well mostly injury free) then we can decide who is the better. Until that time each faction will have an excuse "But he was injured for such a long time I tell you"...

So you are saying that Ronaldo's injury where he had a planned operation in the off season is effecting his performance this year?

[poolmania]

Why does every thread turn into a Messi v Ronaldo or Barca v the rest of the world thread?

Hold on, I know the answer.

[Fern9do]

Come on guys(Supesta & Genius), I'm always game for a bit of banter but is it really necessary to turn every thread into a Barca/Messi debate?
It's getting borring now.

[Hoodwink]

Man United are world club champs...

Period!

[Dr3xus]

Come on guys(Supesta & Genius), I'm always game for a bit of banter but is it really necessary to turn every thread into a Barca/Messi debate?
It's getting borring now.

And this is coming from someone that agrees messi is the best...

[guru_pitka]

Come on guys(Supesta & Genius), I'm always game for a bit of banter but is it really necessary to turn every thread into a Barca/Messi debate?It's getting borring now.

:eek: is it that obvious :D

[SuPaStA]

Again like the previous thread, did we bring up messi first in this thread???
No.....


When Messi single-handedly beats Manchester United - you can compare this team to the one in 2006. Not before.

[smokey]

Well, seeing as Ronaldinho single-handedly defeated Chelsea that year (who were in the same/better position than Man U are currently) it was only right for any comparison of the two "possible" encounters to be compared with that one.

Nuff sed.

[dbecks]

Go read previous threads before making stupid posts.
We have never said he didnt deserve the award last season and have always said he would win the award.

Though we never said his a better player than messi, messi due to injury was unable to fully compete for the award yet was still able to come 2nd even though he had far less game time.

We have always said between the 2 players messi is by far the better player, outside of injuries/performance in the last season etc.Wow you really are a joke:p. You saying that we should minus injuries and performance of last season in order for Messi to be the best..lol:D

[dbecks]

Learn to read and stay with us here.

Tell me, do you think Messi never played like this last season? LoL

Nothing has changed since last season. Yet people are ONLY NOW starting to notice him.Exactly-->That just goes to show that Messi is only noticed when Ronaldo is off form...In other words when both are playing well like last season (as you mentioned Messi has been playing this well since last season) then Ronaldo is better...:)

[dbecks]

Well, seeing as Ronaldinho single-handedly defeated Chelsea that year (who were in the same/better position than Man U are currently) it was only right for any comparison of the two "possible" encounters to be compared with that one.

Nuff sed.I think that Ronaldinho is the better player compared to any of the other three namely: K@k@/Messi/Ronaldo

[Genius.]

:rolleyes:
Exactly-->That just goes to show that Messi is only noticed when Ronaldo is off form...In other words when both are playing well like last season (as you mentioned Messi has been playing this well since last season) then Ronaldo is better...:)

Again the Messi arguement :rolleyes:

Cant you understand it? Messi is the better footballer. All the evidence proves it. Hell, even if you compare Ronaldo's season last year to Messi's this year - Messi is still better.

Most notable factor in Ronaldo's game is how he dissapears when ever the big game comes up. Where was he in the Liverpool game on Saturday?

Do you watch football? If you do, its not that hard to see who is the better footballer. Sad part is most of Ronaldo's goals this season are coming from penalty kicks cos there is no Rooney setting him up.

Are you sad that Ronaldo is having such a pathetic season? Im laughing at you trying to make excuses for Ronaldo. Get over it, the entire forum has already.

[Fern9do]

Avoid Liverpool, warns Cruyff


Holland and Barcelona football legend, Johan Cruyff, has warned that Liverpool are the team to avoid in the next round of the Champions League draw. Liverpool swept Real Madrid aside last week with an emphatic 4-o win at , and Cruyff believes that the remaining teams will want to avoid drawing them in the next round at all costs.

“For sure, many of those who feared playing against Manchester

[United] don’t want to face Liverpool from now on because of the way they demolished Madrid and then hammered United,” read the Setanta Sports‘ translation of Cruyff’s blog for El Periodico.

“They were two convincing and prestigious victories, but each was different.

“Against Madrid, Liverpool went on the pitch to attack and press them. Against Manchester, they went shoulder to shoulder and the game finally turned their way thanks to one incident: Vidic’s dismissal and the direct free-kick.

“Against Manchester United, Benitez felt comfortable with a more defensive team that was always together so that they could intercept the ball and play fast on the break.”

“Playing against Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea won’t be easy, especially since Hiddink arrived,” he added.

“Arsenal, Bayern Munich , Villarreal and Porto are put in the ‘if we play them, we go through for sure’ box, but we should be careful of this idea in the dressing room, because no second-rate clubs are remaining.”
http://www.footie.co.za/blog/?p=563

[Genius.]

It Does Not Matter Who Barcelona Draw In The Champions League - Cruyff


Barcelona legend, Johann Cruyff, has acknowledged today that it does not matter who his former side draw in the Champions League this week.

The Catalans are arguably the strongest side left in the competition and will be pitted against one of seven teams this Friday.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/16/1158786/it-does-not-matter-who-barcelona-draw-in-the-champions-league-cr

[Fern9do]

two days to go :)

[SuPaStA]

Ya but kick off is only on the 7th of april:(

[fishfly]

“For sure, many of those who feared playing against Manchester

[United] don’t want to face Liverpool from now on because of the way they demolished Madrid and then hammered

Lets see Liverpool beat united again with 4-1 ;)

[dbecks]

:rolleyes:

Again the Messi arguement :rolleyes:

Cant you understand it? Messi is the better footballer. All the evidence proves it. Hell, even if you compare Ronaldo's season last year to Messi's this year - Messi is still better.

Most notable factor in Ronaldo's game is how he dissapears when ever the big game comes up. Where was he in the Liverpool game on Saturday?

Do you watch football? If you do, its not that hard to see who is the better footballer. Sad part is most of Ronaldo's goals this season are coming from penalty kicks cos there is no Rooney setting him up.

Are you sad that Ronaldo is having such a pathetic season? Im laughing at you trying to make excuses for Ronaldo. Get over it, the entire forum has already.LOL....is that all you can come up with. Dont worry, carry on convincing yourself:). You've already proved your/my point in your other post...:o

[dbecks]

Lets see Liverpool beat united again with 4-1 ;)Planets only align once a generation or is that century...not sure:rolleyes::D

[Genius.]

LOL....is that all you can come up with. Dont worry, carry on convincing yourself:). You've already proved your/my point in your other post...:o

So you are saying that Ronaldo is a better footballer than Messi?

You must either be blind, brainwashed or Ronaldo's lover.

Which one is it?

[SuPaStA]

So you are saying that Ronaldo is a better footballer than Messi?

You must either be blind, brainwashed or Ronaldo's lover.

Which one is it?

I think his everything on that list lol:D:D

When the 2 players did meet in the champs league, over the 2 matches who got player of the match in both of them???
Messi....

Let us also not forget the time Ronaldo tried to take the ball off messi :D:D

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s243/supasta28/messivronaldo.gif

[Genius.]

Ownage :D

[dbecks]

No need to get fiesty guys...lol:D.You sure get sensitive around the Messi/Ronaldo issue (and they call me Ronaldo's lover!:p)

[smokey]

Oy vey... you people... They are both brilliant players in their own right. It's a bit of a moot point - a bit like Pele/Maradonna. Though in that case case I would be more inclined to Di Stefano and in today's game, Ronaldinho (though he has become fat and useless).

[poolmania]

Oy vey... you people... They are both brilliant players in their own right. It's a bit of a moot point - a bit like Pele/Maradonna. Though in that case case I would be more inclined to Di Stefano and in today's game, Ronaldinho (though he has become fat and useless).

Far from that. Pele and Maradona were great players, world beaters. Messi, you can picture being in the same category, not Ronaldo. He has pace and one trick. He falls around a lot, more than any other player. He moans all the time when things go against him. He will never be put in the Pele/Maradona bracket.

[Genius.]

Far from that. Pele and Maradona were great players, world beaters. Messi, you can picture being in the same category, not Ronaldo. He has pace and one trick. He falls around a lot, more than any other player. He moans all the time when things go against him. He will never be put in the Pele/Maradona bracket.

I agree.

Still early to put Messi in that bracket of course, altho he has all the signs of one day becoming like Pele/Marrodona.

Marodonna has even said that Messi is better than him at that age.

[Genius.]

Surprise Surprise.

I have posted that i think the biggest showpiece would be for Barca to play Arsenal due to their similiar playing style.


It is ''reported'' that Pep would ''prefer'' any team besides Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola wants to avoid Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final draw if possible because he believes that the Premier League side play the most similar football to Barcelona, according to a report from Sport.

Sport do state that Guardiola is confident of beating any opposition and knows that to win the Champions League his team must be prepared to play all comers.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/18/1161608/barcelona-coach-guardiola-wants-to-avoid-arsenal-report

[poolmania]

Surprise Surprise.

I have posted that i think the biggest showpiece would be for Barca to play Arsenal due to their similiar playing style.



http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/18/1161608/barcelona-coach-guardiola-wants-to-avoid-arsenal-report

Well Arsenal will be the easiest of opponents for Barca in my opinion. Chelsea, Man U and Liverpool will be difficult to break down as a team.

In that light, Pep is obviously deluded.

[Fern9do]

Surprise Surprise.

I have posted that i think the biggest showpiece would be for Barca to play Arsenal due to their similiar playing style.



http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/18/1161608/barcelona-coach-guardiola-wants-to-avoid-arsenal-report

This is the same Arsenal whos struggling to finnish in the top 4 and went through on Penalties?:confused:
Me thinks Pep is getting scared of the EPl's big boys:D

[dbecks]

This is the same Arsenal whos struggling to finnish in the top 4 and went through on Penalties?:confused:
Me thinks Pep is getting scared of the EPl's big boys:DYeah! sounds like a decoy statement. I think he is actually wishing for Arsenal and hoping he doesn't get the other three :p

[SuPaStA]

Any team that sits and defends (eg manu the last time they played), would get destroyed by the current barca team.

Arsenal play the same style as barca (passing/attacking) of taking the game to the opposition, Barca are better at it as they strike force are miles better than arsenal.Though that type of attacking football is the only way to play barca and it has been shown previously this season.

Example the only way liverpool would be able to beat barca is the way they played real madrid in the 2nd leg, the type of football they played in the 1st leg Barca would hammer them.

[Randhir]

Any team that sits and defends (eg manu the last time they played), would get destroyed by the current barca team.


So in your opinion, the current Barca team is FAR better than last season's team? So, they were useless last season then?

It's wonderful how you manage to predict the outcome of every game. I'm sure you thought the same thing last season, but what was the score again?

[SuPaStA]

So in your opinion, the current Barca team is FAR better than last season's team? So, they were useless last season then?

It's wonderful how you manage to predict the outcome of every game. I'm sure you thought the same thing last season, but what was the score again?

Why do I even bother replying to someone who obviously has not watched 1 la liga match.

Have you even seen the current team compared to last years?
After last season, Barca did a massive player cut as finishing 3rd in the league and not winning the champs league is not good enough.

Last seasons team was not bad but they cant compare to the current team.Why do you think every reporter/player is coming out and saying this is the best team in europe/best team they have seen in years etc.Why do you think even fergie has said barca are the only team who can stop them.

Last seasons team were at one point 85% possession against manu as they tried their best to defend over the 2 legs, now imagine what today's team will do.

[Fern9do]

Any team that sits and defends (eg manu the last time they played), would get destroyed by the current barca team.

Arsenal play the same style as barca (passing/attacking) of taking the game to the opposition, Barca are better at it as they strike force are miles better than arsenal.Though that type of attacking football is the only way to play barca and it has been shown previously this season.

Example the only way liverpool would be able to beat barca is the way they played real madrid in the 2nd leg, the type of football they played in the 1st leg Barca would hammer them.

Teams can't play the same away from home as they do at home. It simply wouldn't work. If you draw Liverpool we probably will sit back and defend at the Nou Camp. Still think we'd knock you out though

[SuPaStA]

Teams can't play the same away from home as they do at home. It simply wouldn't work. If you draw Liverpool we probably will sit back and defend at the Nou Camp. Still think we'd knock you out though
Well hopefully they will draw liverpool and we will find out.


Thats the difference with Barca they play the same attacking football away from home as they do in camp nou.

Some of their big away wins this season...

Sporting Gijon 1 - 6 Barcelona
FC Basel 0 - 5 Barcelona
Málaga 1 - 4 Barcelona
Sporting Lisbon 2 - 5 Barcelona

[guru_pitka]

Teams can't play the same away from home as they do at home. It simply wouldn't work. If you draw Liverpool we probably will sit back and defend at the Nou Camp. Still think we'd knock you out though

you are Wrong Fernando we wouldnt defend we would stay "COMPACT" as a certain little fat spaniard likes to say :D and then score 4 on the counter :cool:

[Genius.]

So in your opinion, the current Barca team is FAR better than last season's team? So, they were useless last season then?

It's wonderful how you manage to predict the outcome of every game. I'm sure you thought the same thing last season, but what was the score again?

Miles better! Last season Barca had 15 squad injuries, a President who was getting votes of no confidence, players who were faking injuries. They were poor compared to previous year's standards.

This year, so much has changed under Pep.



Teams can't play the same away from home as they do at home. It simply wouldn't work. If you draw Liverpool we probably will sit back and defend at the Nou Camp. Still think we'd knock you out though

Barca plays the same way. I dont think i have EVER seen a Barca team go out and defend or sit back and take attack after attack.

I dont think i have watched a Barca match where the other team had more possession than Barca.

Can you think of a match where Barca didnt play their usual passing, flowing, attacking football?

[Genius.]

Laporta Wants Barcelona To Face Manchester United In Champions League


But El Mundo theorised that Laporta wants an early date with United for several reasons, the first of which is to avenge last season’s defeat to them at the semi-final stage

...it is believed that Laporta is fully aware that Lionel Messi is anxious for a rematch with Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese helped the Red Devils past Barca en route to Champions League glory last term, before proceeding to beat the Argentine to the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player gong.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2009/03/19/1163319/laporta-wants-barcelona-to-face-manchester-united-in-champions-le

[dbecks]

Cant wait..... cant wait......... cant wait.........:D

[JK8]

Cant wait..... cant wait......... cant wait.........:D

What time is it?
I hope all the big teams play eachother and no1 has an easy road to the final.

[guru_pitka]

What time is it?
I hope all the big teams play eachother and no1 has an easy road to the final.

this is my hope

Liverpool vs Barcelona :D have us a nice payella :D
Manure vs Chelski
Arsenal vs bayern
villareal vs porto

that is what im hoping for :D

[poolmania]

I've thought about it, I would take anyone besides Chelsea. I'm fed up with playing them.

[dbecks]

What time is it?
I hope all the big teams play eachother and no1 has an easy road to the final.12.00 CET:D

[Genius.]

this is my hope

Liverpool vs Barcelona :D have us a nice payella :D
Manure vs Chelski
Arsenal vs bayern
villareal vs porto

that is what im hoping for :D

Wanted United, but hopefully we can make your dreams come true and draw Liverpool.

[dbecks]

Tick....Tock (shivering with excitement)

[poolmania]

I see it's live on SS3 at 13h00.

[dbecks]

The thing that makes this more exciting is you guys on the forum. I mean --> Anticipating your reactions, the banter that will follow once the ties begin, each teams thread lighting up with comments, EPL vs Rest of Europe discussion, Messi v Ronaldo....who knows what will come from this draw....one thing I do know is that it makes for a very exciting draw (well for me anyway:p).Good luck you guys....:)

[guru_pitka]

The thing that makes this more exciting is you guys on the forum. I mean --> Anticipating your reactions, the banter that will follow once the ties begin, each teams thread lighting up with comments, EPL vs Rest of Europe discussion, Messi v Ronaldo....who knows what will come from this draw....one thing I do know is that it makes for a very exciting draw (well for me anyway:p).Good luck you guys....:)

me to cant wait :D

[Genius.]

With all the banter today, a Barca vs Pool clash will be exciting.

[dbecks]

With all the banter today, a Barca vs Pool clash will be exciting.True True:p
But we can go further back say Revenge against Liverpool (ManUtd v Liverpool) or Liverpool revenge against Chelsea
Barca v United (recent history there). Barca v Arsenal (remember the final). ManUtd v Bayern (remember that final)...feel free to add

[guru_pitka]

True True:p

hey dont come TRUE TRUE here ,we all know Manure is Bang for Barca :D

[dbecks]

hey dont come TRUE TRUE here ,we all know Manure is Bang for Barca :DJust said it will be exciting how!...lol:D
World champions and reigning CL champs don't fear nobody....lol:p

Besides if you don't find it exciting than you must be bang for Barca...hehe

[guru_pitka]

Just said it will be exciting how!...lol:D
World champions and reigning CL champs don't fear nobody....lol:p

Besides if you don't find it exciting than you must be bang for Barca...hehe

dude im the only 1 saying that i want Barca :D no one else here has said it :cool:Im with capt fantastic on this WE FEAR NO ONE :D:D

[guru_pitka]

"Any team would be very difficult," said the boss. "Clearly I'd like to avoid English teams at this stage because we know each other so well, but it doesn't matter in terms of the other teams.

"Clearly we have enough confidence whoever we face but it'll be tough."

Asked about comments from Dutch legend Johan Cruyff that every team wants to avoid Liverpool, Benitez added: "I was really pleased because it shows people see us as a threat. It's positive when it comes from someone like Johan Cruyff."

The draw takes place in Nyon at 11am GMT - not that Benitez will be watching.

He said: "No, I don't think so. I cannot change anything and I will have 100 people telling me who we're playing against anyway, so I can just keep working."

i think mr platini will make sure the english are drawn against each other :D

[Genius.]

5 mins.

[dbecks]

"I'd prefer to avoid United and Wayne Rooney declaring the holders would be happy to face Liverpool" mmmm:rolleyes:

[Alan]

****ing Chelsea again for Liverpool :mad:

[guru_pitka]

****ing Chelsea again for Liverpool :mad:

you joking :sick:

[Alan]

Arsenal and Manure get the easy ties surprise, surprise

[SuPaStA]

Villarreal v Arsenal
Manchester United v FC Porto
Liverpool v Chelsea
Barcelona v Bayern Munich


Barca drew the strongest performer of the last round.

[guru_pitka]

Arsenal and Manure get the easy ties surprise, surprise

who :confused:

[Genius.]

United get the easiest draw.

Barca vs Bayern should be entertaining.

[Alan]

Villarreal v Arsenal
Manchester United v FC Porto
Liverpool v Chelsea
Barcelona v Bayern Munich


Barca drew the strongest performer of the last round.

Didn't see the semi final draw. Who's playing who?

[guru_pitka]

Damn :mad: Liverpool vs Chelsea again ,how freaking boring is that :mad:
i would have been happy with anyone but Chelsea

[Genius.]

Winner of Pool/Chelsea will play winner of Barca/Bayern

Winner of Villareal/Arsenal will play winner of United/Porto

[Genius.]

Damn :mad: Liverpool vs Chelsea again ,how freaking boring is that :mad:
i would have been happy with anyone but Chelsea

Scared of Chelsea?

[SuPaStA]

Villareal can get revenge for Arsenal knocking them out at the semis of the champs league in 2006.villareal deserved to go through that year.

[Alan]

Damn :mad: Liverpool vs Chelsea again ,how freaking boring is that :mad:
i would have been happy with anyone but Chelsea

Agreed. Must have played them a dozen times or more in the CL. Every fsking year we get them :mad:




Winner of Pool/Chelsea will play winner of Barca/Bayern

Winner of Villareal/Arsenal will play winner of United/Porto

Cool atleast no Prem teams for us if we go through

[guru_pitka]

i see manure has the easy path to the final :rolleyes: if liverpool go through it should be a Pool VS Barca semi

[guru_pitka]

Scared of Chelsea?

are you mad how the heck can i be scared of chelsea :confused: it getting boring playing them every year :mad:

[Alan]

i see manure has the easy path to the final :rolleyes:

Just like the FA cup :sick:

[guru_pitka]

Just like the FA cup :sick:

dont get me started :sick:

[SuPaStA]

Porto should not even have been at this stage, they were lucky to get past atelico.

[guru_pitka]

Porto should not even have been at this stage, they were lucky to get past atelico.


exactly so you can already put Manure down for the semis :sick:

[Stickfigure]

Have to say Man United can make the finals. Porto will be easy and then Villarreal/Arsenal shouldn't be too difficult either.

Also


Liverpool drew Chelsea yet again and means Rafa Benitez's 2005 champions will face last season's beaten finalists for the fourth time in the knock-out stages in five seasons.

[Alan]

exactly so you can already put Manure down for the semis :sick:

Yeah and Villarreal and Arsenal don't compare to at all to Barca or Chelski's ability. Like the FA cup all the good teams are going to knock each other out on one side of the draw while Manure tramples over the lesser teams on their side on the way to the final :rolleyes:

[SuPaStA]

I think Villareal will beat Arsenal so it will be a Manu V Villareal Semi.

[dbecks]

Arsenal and ManUtd get the easy ties surprise, surpriseDon't agree or maybe you forgot we got Inter round before, Barca last year, Milan before that......oh by the way enjoy Chelsea......again:D

[dbecks]

exactly so you can already put Manure down for the semis :sick:You could have done that before the draw:D

[dbecks]

Yeah and Villarreal and Arsenal don't compare to at all to Barca or Chelski's ability. Like the FA cup all the good teams are going to knock each other out on one side of the draw while Manure tramples over the lesser teams on their side on the way to the final :rolleyes:Bout time.. we have faced more Premiership opposition in the FA cup than any other team:cool:

[poolmania]

I'm gutted. Would of like someone different.

Liverpool have to go through Chelsea, Barcelona and Manchester United to win the Cup.

One thing to note:

The semi finals are as follows:

Man U/Porto vs Arsenal/Villarreal (Arsenal/Villarreal home adv for second leg)

Barcelona/Bayern vs Chelsea/Liverpool (Chelsea/Liverpool home adv for second leg)

Also:

Arsenal/Villarreal/Barcelona/Liverpool will have home advantage in the Final.

[JK8]

Agh the English teams always get the easy draws...

[fishfly]

Arsenal/Villarreal/Barcelona/Liverpool will have home advantage in the Final. home advantage? in what way?

[Genius.]

There is no home advantage in the final. LoL

That is purely for operational purposes.

Im a bit dissapointed that Barca play both quarters and if they make the semis at home in the first leg.

I would have liked Barca at least to play one second leg at home.

[poolmania]

home advantage? in what way?

The team gets to choose the kits to play in, that's all. For some teams this is important. AC Milan for instance prefer to play in their famous second kit.

[Genius.]

There is no advantage.

[fishfly]

The team gets to choose the kits to play in, that's all. For some teams this is important. AC Milan for instance prefer to play in their famous second kit. LMAO so United's Blue or White shirt means they will play well or not? Wait lets not forget... Van Der Sar's Goalkeeper kit must be the same colour as the ref... that's why they beat INTER! MUST be the colour code!

[Fern9do]

Not happy with the draw, ffs Chelsea...AGAIN!!

Looking forward to meeting Barca in the semi's though :) Thats if they can beat Bayern :D

[poolmania]

LMAO so United's Blue or White shirt means they will play well or not? Wait lets not forget... Van Der Sar's Goalkeeper kit must be the same colour as the ref... that's why they beat INTER! MUST be the colour code!

It's a superstitious thing for some clubs. AC Milan come to mind. At the end of the day, it doesn't make any difference. It's how you play on the day that counts.

[fishfly]

It's a superstitious thing for some clubs. AC Milan come to mind. At the end of the day, it doesn't make any difference. It's how you play on the day that counts. exactly what i said in the United vs Pool match ;)

[jammio]

hahahaha fishfly.. i kid you not, this entire week, anything that anyone said, came back down to united and pool metaphors

[smokey]

I'm also looking forward to a Chelsea/Barca semi fern9do :p

I echo the sentiments... FFS!

[proximiti99]

Arsenal gonna open a can of whipa$$ on manure in the semis .... :p

[nivek]

Arsenal gonna open a can of whipa$$ on manure in the semis .... :p

+1

[Alan]

Arsenal gonna open a can of whipa$$ on manure in the semis .... :p

Hope so. Then we'll play you in the final ;)

[hj2k_x]

Great draw for United is all I can say :)

[Alan]

Great draw for United is all I can say :)

As usual :rolleyes:

[Genius.]

Ribery: Barcelona Are The Best Team In The World


Franck Ribery has stated that he believes Bayern Munich's next Champions League opponents Barcelona to be the finest side on the planet.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/22/1168766/ribery-barcelona-are-the-best-team-in-the-world

[smokey]

Ribery: Barcelona Are The Best Team In The World



http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/22/1168766/ribery-barcelona-are-the-best-team-in-the-world

Why is this here? Can't you post these in the Barca thread? Or make a separate thread "Players who say Barca is the best *with links* - official thread".

[dbecks]

Why is this here? Can't you post these in the Barca thread? Or make a separate thread "Players who say Barca is the best *with links* - official thread".WAAAAHAAAA thats a good one....:D

[Genius.]

Why is this here? Can't you post these in the Barca thread? Or make a separate thread "Players who say Barca is the best *with links* - official thread".

It is here cos Barca is playing Bayern in the CL!

This is a CL thread, is it not?

Jealous that no players are saying Chelsea is the best? :D

[smokey]

It is here cos Barca is playing Bayern in the CL!

This is a CL thread, is it not?

Jealous that no players are saying Chelsea is the best? :D

Yeah, but news stories like that do not add to the discussion at all. I mean what are we going to say? Debate in a circle whether he will play better/worse because of the mental anguish caused by facing the best team on the planet? Stick to your views on these types of threads and keep the news to your clubs thread - or start another one.

FYI... If anyone has been critical of Chelsea it's been me. I don't have the right to be jealous of any team. I had to go through years of people saying Chelsea's near misses would end up with us being relegated/becoming a mid table team. The fact that we regularly put a fight up for the title in the last four years and do so well in the Champs League (phantom goals and Ronaldinho not withstanding ;)) means that I jealousy is not something I do would get much from...

Anyway, I think we are all in agreement that Barca is the best team currently in the world as far as attacking footie is concerned. They could be beaten by 'Pool or United (or even Chelsea!), but that would not change what they have done this year and no one would want to take that away from Barca. These "news flashes" are boring now... that's it.

How about this - the stuff you posted in the Barca thread could have done nicely here, with a reference to the fact that Iniesta would own neutralize Bayern's midfield and you views of Messi's part in it being crucial to neutralizing Lahm. Then you could have put this in the BArca thread and we wouldn't even be having this discussion.

I mean seriously... If we had to put a quote&link to everything another player said about our respective teams into this forum, it would just get crowded, boring and useless.

My R0.20

[Genius.]

Last time i checked i was the owner of my keyboard.

Never saw a sticky with the rules that i had to adhere to only posting newsflashes in the related clubs thread. I must have missed that.

[smokey]

Last time i checked i was the owner of my keyboard.

Never saw a sticky with the rules that i had to adhere to only posting newsflashes in the related clubs thread. I must have missed that.

Hey man, do whatever you want. It's not like you got much of a reputation to kill anyway.

PS: It's called constructive criticism.

[Genius.]

Oh ya - this forum is my life and my reputation means so much to me. Get over yourself. Must be moody cos of your teams inability to win the title this season.

[smokey]

Oh ya - this forum is my life and my reputation means so much to me. Get over yourself. Must be moody cos of your teams inability to win the title this season.

Now you're getting childish... I'd compare it to dbecks Ronaldo being fouled comments but I am soooo tired... :D

Chill dude...

[Genius.]

Never compare me to dbecks.

That must have been the biggest insult i have ever recieved on any forum.

:D

[smokey]

Never compare me to dbecks.

That must have been the biggest insult i have ever received on any forum.

:D

My pleasure :p