Category Archives: Champions League

Barcelona-killin’ spread!

on March 9, 2011 None comments

A clash of the titans, but even titans fall. The game starts with optimism on both sides, but soon everything changes. In 17th minute, Szczesny, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, after a free-kick by Alves is replaced with Almunia. And the show begins……

In the extra-time of the first period Messi scores the first goal of the evening, making Arsenal fans go mute. Camp Nou on its knees, in minute 53, auto-goal Merxes, after a good execution of a corner, signed Nasri. Arsenal hopes.

After a stupid act, Van Persie is eliminated, with a second yellow card, because he hit tha ball after Busacca’s whistle. Min. 69, goal Xavi after a superb run for Iniesta.

Koscielny stopes Pedro with the price of a penalty, Messi prepares and scores, taking ta table at 3-1 for Barca. Arsenal spares another chance in the last minutes and walks away kneeled from Camp Nou.

Starting teams:

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Djorou, Koscielny, Clichy; Rosicky, Diaby, Cesc, Wilshere, Nasri;  Van Persie

Substitutes: Almunia, Denilson, Squillaci, Arshavin, Eboué, Chamakh, Bendtner

Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Busquets, Abidal, Adriano; Mascherano, Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Villa

Substitutes: Pinto, Bojan, Keita, Milito, Maxwell, Afellay, Thiago

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Shakhtar, the Eastern Star

on March 9, 2011 None comments

Shakhtar opens score early in the game,through Willian’s cross-shot, killing all hopes for Roma. Roma has a chance to revive,a penalty given by the English referee, but Shakhtar’s goalkeeper stands in front Marco Borriello’s goal.

Showing absolutely nothing, Shakhtar comes over the Italian defensive like a tsunami, wave after wave. Even with a low budget play, Roma remains in 10, loosing Merxes, after the second yellow card. De Rosi makes a grotesque gesture, hitting the opponent team captain, a red card fault, but Howard Web forgives him, showing just a yellow card.

Second part of the game starts almost the same like the firs, Shakhtar raising the bar at 2-0(5-2), through Wilian’s superb goal, leaving Doni without a reaction. Eduardo seals the future in this edition of Champions League for Roma in the 85 minute, going thru the entire defensive, putting the ball in the net.

Mircea Lucescu:
“Italians have underestimated us in the first match, when they took us from up and they thought they were winners before the match started. In return, we have taken seriously, but it was very difficult for them to change the result. If I expect to win with 6-2 on aggregate? No, but I trusted my team. We played great in both parties. At this level there is nothing accidental ”

Man of the game, Srna.

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Roma preparing!

on March 7, 2011 None comments

After a lucky one this week with Lecce, with a goal in the 90th minute, Montella’s gladiators are facing another week with high expectations. Everything starts Tuesday, in the Champions League 16-ies, with the match against Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, followed shortly by the Rome derby against Lazio.

To stretch the strings even more, rumours about Montella’s successor in the person of Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho, are rising.
“I don’t upset myself with rumours on the possible or hypothetical arrival of another Coach,” Montella said.
“Mourinho is a great Coach. His record speaks for itself, but I am only thinking about doing well until June. “
“I repeat the rumours don’t bother me.”

Despite all events, the players have to remain focused on their objectives, because they need to overturn a one-goal deficit and try to give their best on foreign grounds.

Statistics:
Shakhtar Donetsk wins: 2
Draws: 0
AS Roma wins: 1
2010/2011: AS Roma 2-3 Shakhtar Donetsk
2006/2007: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 AS Roma
2006/2007: AS Roma 4-0 Shakhtar Donetsk

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Guardiola in white clothes!

on March 6, 2011 None comments

Josep Guardiola is still in hospital and will continue to receive treatment. He will spend the night at a local hospital before the press conference.

The hospital will be home for Guardiola for another night regarding his back problem he is suffering, but will be present at the Champions League press conference in the Ricard Maxenchs Press Room at the Nou Camp tomorrow evening ahead of Tuesday’s game with Arsenal.

The press conferece is set Monday at 17:15 when, Guardiola will face the media, together with Sergio Busquets, the squad will then train on the Nou Camp pitch at 18.00.

Guardiola was on the present for Barça’s win over Zaragoza on Saturday evening, after which he returned to hospital where he spent the night.

Josep Guardiola i Sala is retired Spanish football player. He spent most of his professional career in the Fútbol Club Barcelona.
Currently, he is team coach for FC Barcelona where he signed a contract in 2008.

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The Champions League fever is here again!

on March 5, 2011 None comments

The Champions League fever is here again! Time flies with speed of light to face the second leg of the 16-ties. Starting Tuesday, 8th of March, the battle continues!

The eight teams trying to mark a new victory and a step forward in this battle for the supreme trophy this week are grouped as follows:

Tuesday: 08/03/2011

Barcelona 20:45 Arsenal
Shakhtar Donetsk 20:45 Roma

Wednesday: 09/03/2011

Tottenham 20:45 Milan
Schalke 20:45 Valencia

Will Barcelona revive on home land? The knights from East will crush the roman wolf? Can AC Milan annihilate Crouch? Who will win the race between Schalke and Valencia after the draw from the first leg?

Stay tuned for more!

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