Greetings,
Last Matchday I was heavy into the technical analyses - formations, spaces, channels and starting options. It was Matchday 3 after all.
This matchday, like I predicted, some groups got themselves more or less decided - so I'll draw on some general observations about the various encounters. So much football - so little time.
Onwards.
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Group D
Roma 1 - 1 Olympiakos
Roma beat Olympiakos away from home last time round but much to my dismay, could only manage a come from behind draw this time.
Roma for all their variety in attack (they've had goals from 12 different players so far in Serie A) is maddeningly inconsistent. After ending plucky, Serie A outfit, Udinese's home unbeaten record at the latter's ground on the weekend, one would think this game was ripe for Roma to pull out a clinical performance to see off Olympiakos.
In the event, nothing of the sort happened.
Roma reverted to type, insisted on making things hard for themselves. Even though they salvaged a draw, with a Totti strike midway through the second half, the fact remains that inspite of their attacking intent, possession, and edge in shots on goal, Roma were trailing for large parts of this game. In a season in which they should cast off the shackles of the pre-moggipoli era and begin to deliver on some real promise by finally being consistently competitive both domestically and abroad, Roma are sometimes still a frustratingly unpredictable outfit to follow. One wonders where their campaign would be if they could not call on the services of loyal captain Francesco Totti along with veterans Montella and Panucci. Still, perhaps I am being a bit harsh and so far you have to say, job done well enough. One more point from their final 2 games should see them through.
Olympiakos are a decidedly mediocre outfit, something of a Fulham in the Champions' League - not quite good enough to make an impression but consistently in among the qualifiers. In trying to blend local Greek talent - ably demonstrated by midfield grafters like Stoltidis, Anatolakis and Patsatzoglou with expired foreign veterans like Rivaldo and Djordevic, Olympiakos have ensured they will always be competitive on the Greek scene and a threat in the UEFA cup - but will never be an impressive quantity in Europe.
I guess the biggest irony is that this system, despite being perfect for a team of their status, unable to attract big name talent from outside the country but able to buy some of the best Greek starlets, will never be a recipe for success continentally. Sadly for football at large, the very presence of the Olympiakos' is testament to the vicious circle that has been growing within football for the last decade - the big, rich teams getting bigger and richer with everyone else becoming also rans. I never espeted them to threaten Roma and Valencia - and so far they have not.
The fight for 3rd spot with Shakhtar should make interesting viewing.
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Shakhtar 2 - 2 Valencia
Perhaps I was too effusive in my praise of Valencia last time around. On cue they have promptly let me down.
Easily one of Europe's most impressive teams till about midday Saturday, they have now shipped 3 goals in 2 matches, lost to an inferior Racing Santander on the weekend and twice let Shaktar Donetsk take the lead today. I know, Valencia were the away team, it's cold in the former USSR this time of the year and traditionally, teams from the bigger leagues fare badly in these lands. While I don't dispute that, I don't wholly agree either. Only those teams which play a fluid passing style and keep the ball on the ground for large periods are bound to suffer. The grass is rarely cut evenly, the ground is hard and the bounce uncertain - hence the slick passing of the interchanging midfield and attack is stifled.
Valencia, though, are not like that. Their formation is more rigid, forever welded to a 4-4-2, their style is direct and their threat from set pieces ominously as effective as from open play. One would think, and past history shows, they are as dangerous away from home in a cold stadium in mid winter as they are at home in Mestella in mid August. I just hope they don't let this minor blip in their form become a blot on their otherwise impressive start to the season. Lack of concentration ? Maybe. Complacency ? Perhaps. It better not be arrogance. Once again powerhouse winger Joaquin started on the bench. I would have started him on the left instead of David Silva.
Then again, I may be taking a lot away from Shaktar who were, in general, excellent in this game. Jadson's opening free kick was inch perfect and Fernandinho's crisp 30 yard strike will make many a highlight reel. Still, they should have won. They had many more shots on goal and should have made a strangely static Valencia pay. Their movement was disciplined and their passing sharper than their Spanish opponents. On the night, however, they will be happy with the point. Their main games in this group have always been the ones against the Greeks to decide 3rd place and precious UEFA cup qualification. That race is still very much on.
Valencia should top this group - unless they lose the plot completely and limp into the knockout stages.
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Group C
Liverpool 3 - 0 Bordeaux
Like a well trained St. Bernard, Liverpool continued their impressive home form and destroyed a Bordeaux side, to simply collect all 3 points. The French team on the other hand, simply did not turn up.
For the first time in 90 odd games Rafa Benitez persisted with a starting XI; the Scousers used space well, got a goal from captain Gerrard and a brace from Luis Garcia - the first one ruthless in its execution.
I guess there was little motivation in the French team - they dominated the corresponding home game to still lose - they probably thought, subconsciously, that with qualification slim, their chances against a rampant Liverpool playing at home would be slimmer still; so they seemed to just go through the motions.
Once Garcia scored the first, the result was indicated. Once midfielder Megazzano was sent off, it was confirmed and once Gerrard rifled in the second - it was academic. The good news for Bordeaux was that Crouch did not score, fatally for them, neither did they. Johann Micoud must now surely question, especially in the wake of events unfolding in Group A, the wisdom of trading the colours of Bremen for the home comforts of Bordeaux. On this display, the Champions' league will be none the poorer with the French teams' absence. Pierre Ducasse did a poor job protecting his back four while Marouanne Chamakh was limp in his 12 minute cameo upfront.
Now that the group is decided, the race is on to finish as winners. In that contest Liverpool will need more than just a settled first XI. PSV are hardened warriors who wont flinch at the sight of red. Liverpool are like a motley band of medieval mercenaries who approach every game like a siege a castle, hurling everything at the walls and gate, using a batttering ram (Crouch) while hoping that some of the better fighters (Garcia, Kuyt, Gerrard) can steal over the top and open the gates. PSV are more county milita than standing army - wily, well trained and able if a little blase. Liverpool's main weapon is their lack of consistent gameplan, tactics or rhythm - bringing in an element of unpredictability to their games - PSV are more organised having a set gameplan and established firepower.
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PSV 2 - 0 Galatasary
Okay - till Croat Stjepan Tomas was sent off for some typically over enthusiastic wrestling, Gala were arguably the better team. You can sense the sinews in my neck tensing as I inserted the word 'arguably' into that sentence; because for all their inspired attacking, they lack the weapons to hurt a pedigreed defence like PSV's. Sasa Ilic is a poor man's version of Dejan Stankovic and while Umit Karan and Hasan Sas may fatten up against the Samsunpors and Trabzonspors of the Turkish domesic scene, they come a cropper against more professional outfits that they encounter in Europe. Gala are fast receding into the shadows of the European scene - from whence they came - their fin-de-sicle glory, but a minor upturn in their perennial record of mediocrity.
PSV on the other hand - are wily old hands at this kind of thing. They regularly compete, have a consistent, proud record domestically (where their recent domination is in danger of discrediting the Dutch Eredivisie even further; the domestic triopoly they share with Ajax and Feyenoord notwithstanding) and were one fortunate shot away from the Champions' league final 3 season ago. A bit like Lyon, they regularly leak their best players and often, their top scorers, every off season but still return; often stronger than before. Perhaps their off season capture of Ronald Koeman this time, was their best acquisition.
I never saw them surrendering the keys to the citadel even once this game. While Timmy Simons was the established border garrison commander, protecting the home front, Jefferson Farfan was a rampant general, marauding deep into enemy lands. When PSV had the upper hand they used it to full effect - their passes were deadly, their intent direct and their execution professional. Kone and Simons were clinical with their chances. The former showing great confidence to continue his run and finish - if only he had done the same at the World Cup, one wonders, Cote D'Ivoire may have advanced !
Still, PSV must look ahead to their tussle with Liverpool with a sense of focus. That clash should decide the group winners. This year the difference between first and second may make a much bigger difference than in seasons past.
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Group B
Spartak 0 - 1 Inter
About a month ago, whilst fulfilling a lifetime dream of visiting San Siro, I was about to enter the Milan dressing room (right after leaving the Inter one), when I was prefaced by the tour guide, that the Milan dressing room was much more luxurious and better than the facilities belonging to Inter.
At the moment however, it is Inter who are playing the more luxurious and better football. After a champagne attacking performance in the Milan derby, that was direct in its method and clinical in its execution, one feared for the prospects of Spartak Moscow. If the continental aristocrats of Milan had been humbled on their own turf, what chance did the blue collar proletariat of the Russian League stand ?
I had been critical of Inter earlier in the season as once again they insisted on trying to scale the walls to the keep when the front gates were open - looking disjointed and sluggish in the opening skirmishes in both Serie A and Europe. But then they woke up - and how. Last round an opening salvo from Argentinian benchman Julio Cruz destroyed Spartak and today he continued in the same vein. A cool header for an early goal, game, set and match. I'd like to especially mention Mancini's smart move, of Javier Zanetti into the middle of the park, after his virtuouso display on the weekend - Patrick Vieira was barely missed.
Whatever fatigue, the sprint to the stadium via the subway in rush hour, had caused to the Russian team, they were soon in their stride passing the ball around, and shaded posession on the night. However, in freezing conditions, nursing an early away goal, Inter were never going to come out to play and were rarely pushed. Despite relying mainly on counter attacks they had a few chances to increase their tally - if any criticism can be levelled at the Nerazzurri during this stretch it has to be their inabilty to put opponents away and seal out the match. Roman Shiskin's bullet against the crossbar was Spartak's best chance as they failed to make anything out of the home field advantage and the freezing conditions - then again with the presence of so many key Brazilians in their team (similar to Shakhtar and CSKA for that matter) - one wonders just how much of an advantage playing on the frozen steppe in winter provides.
Inter are back on track and should close out second place. Their clash with Sporting Lisbon next round, crucial in this regard, as it will not only decide second place, but also provide a litmus test to the longevity of Inter's recent mini streak. Spartak must surely hate the very mention of Julio Cruz. Once not so long ago, Spartak destroyed a frozen Arsenal team 4-1 at home in a Champions' League tie - now they've gone 20 odd games without a win.
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Bayern 0 - 0 Sporting
One would have thought that with qualification all but ensured, playing at home, against a team looking nervously over its shoulder, Bayern would play classic spoiler to Sporting's attacking intent - relying on the counter attack and a quick 3 man front field of Pizzaro, Santa Cruz and Roy Makaay to score some neat goals. Nothing of the sort happened. The teams may have come out to the strains of Hans Zimmer's Gladiator soundtrack - but on the battlefield they remained remarkable unemotional and uncomitted.
Sporting weren't terrible but didn't show much urgency to eke out a win - while Bayern were simply boring. They defended when they had to, made an attempt to attack when they were called upon - but did little to suggest they cared much about this game at all. I guess they knew they had to just draw and they did just that. Since Sporting rarely committed themselves enough to be susceptible to the classic counter-attacking sucker punch, Bayern had little opportunity (or desire for that matter) to unleash their quick heeled Peruvian strikeforce or the flying Dutchman in the opposing half.
There is little to analyse and even less to say about a game in which there were only 2 real chances, and had the tactical sophistication of a pair of 5 year olds trying to smother each other with little blankets. The jeers at the Allianz Arena were well founded as Bayern slipped
form the heady heights of it's first 3 games. Sporting may have made 3 changes to their starting XI - but Paredes had a horrid game, Yannick was terrible, Carlos Martins was anonymous, after a lively opening, while their backline of Polga, Caneira, Tello and Tonel held
firm without doing anything outstanding. Bayern for their part missed Bad Boy Bastian in the middle of the park, as the game wore on, the need for a mercurial talent like his, seemed ever more pressing. Atleast the flypaper that is Van Bommel did not play - else the 2 shots Sporting had on target would have been reduced further. Andreas Ottl and Daniel van Buyten seem perfect for the Bavarians - unhurried, unbothered, unable to entertain.
Before I discount them altogether, I must say however, that Sporting were probably tired from their epic 3 - 3 draw at domestic rivals Beira Mar on Friday and did hit the woodwork - a drive from Moutinho crashing against the crossbar. If that had gone in, perhaps the game would have changed. Just like in the other game featuring Spartak - if the shot had been a few inches lower and a goal ensued - things could have been different.
Bayern though, won't complain - Sporting have their work cut out for them.
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Group A
Levski 0 - 3 Bremen
Okay honestly, did anyone actually think Levski stood a chance ?
Bremen have been in sparkling form of late - hitting up everyone for a couple of goals - and seemingly scoring for fun. Admittedly, the scene of carnage this time was in Bulgaria but that scarcely made any difference. Add in a nervous rookie goalie who scores in his own net - the recipe for disaster had all the ingredients set. Bremen were rarely stretched - Frings and Baumann adding to the tally - and cruised to an easy win. The 3 points puts them ahead of Barcelona now and the Chelski's sad dominance of this group has ensured that 1 of the 2 true attacking teams in this group will now miss the next round - to the eternal discredit of the competition thereafter. Along with the Catalans, Arsenal, Lyon and Inter, Bremen are arguably one of few teams in Europe this season who seem to reintroduce attack into an art form - expertly combining dexterity with the ball and smoothly coreographed player movement.
Levski, like in every single one of their previous games, made some critical mistakes; but once again will have learnt several lessons. The sad part is that they will not be able to apply any of this to even the UEFA Cup as they will surely finish bottom of this group. Still it's not easy going head to head with their 3 group mates - boasting the best of 3 of the top leagues in Europe.
Since their 1 - 1 draw with Barcelona on Matchday 2 - Bremen has now scored 23 goals in 7 matches - including a thrashing of Bayern.
Bremen to finish second ? On this form - don't bet against it. Barcelona have their work cut out for them.
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Barcelona 2 - 2 Chelsea
So, Chelsea sewed up the group in this game. So, Barcelona have been left to fight it out with Bremen in their game for the other qualification spot.
I won't go into the match itself - it was typically thunderous with a plethora of bookings as Chelsea, inspired and instructed by Mourinho no doubt, brought all their cynical defensiveness into this game to halt a superior Barcelona team that seemed to be back on track. Plenty will be written about that. My main concern is - would Barcelona have been allowed 4 minutes of second half injury time to fashion an equalizer ? Does Chelsea's insidious financially muscled influence extend beyond the front gates of the UEFA HQ at Nyon ? I'd tend to say no - but after Moggipolli this summer, which keen football afficianadoes like myself had always suspected - anything is possible.
On the other hand - the format of the Champions' League ensure that we get to see a few of these matches every year. In fact it is worth sitting through the dreadfest that is say Anderlecht versus AEK for this fare. Charged, emotional, packed with some of the best talent the world has to offer while being coached by one of the world's best coaches and another bloke who knows who to defend his way to a title.
I have always respected Frank Riijkaard - first as a classic midfielder at Milan, then a calm mentor at Ajax and finally a surprisingly good coach at Barcelona - the latest in a long line of Dutch ones. However, like his predecessors, his empire seems to be crumbling after a couple of years of lustrous glory - his superstar studded dream team ebbing away - unable to motivate or lift itself from its current stupor.
While Cruyff's dream team came unstuck against a far superior Milan side in the 94 final - losing 4 - 0 - personal arrogance was their chief enemy. Half a decade later Louis Van Gaal's dream side came unstuck in the face of blinding ambition but the current malaise afflicting Barcelona is strange indeed. Surely the loss of Eto should not handicap them so, surely Rijkaard still has a plan ? Sadly, on the evidence displayed by him after the final whistle - I am not so sure anymore.
They started well; Deco driving in an early notch - and although the world's greatest limited player Frank Lampard evened things up - Eidur Gudjonsen then provided the perfect riposte to the diving slander initiated by the sideshow that is Mourinho, by putting Barcelona back into the lead. How then did they contrive to concede a late, late equalizer is beyond me. Frank must be crushed, Barcelona must be dismayed, the Catalan top brass shifting nervously in their beds, fearing if this is the start of the end of another Dutch led dream team. Meanwhile Real goes from stength to strength.
It should have been so different - and surely Barcelona have enough firepower to knock the stuffing out of Chelsea - but the addition of Ballack has added resilience and additional ballast (no pun intended) to this Chelski team. Although they look more boring with every passing game, they also look stronger and much as I hate to admit it - they have upset all the odds and comprehensively outfought Barcelona this year. What a sad day for football everywhere.
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How did I do ?
5 out of 8
Bayern and Roma let me down - playing at home against inferior opposition with every reason to go for a win. They drew. Valencia were away, so perhaps I should have had a little more faith in Shakhtar - ah well - the champions' league is not an even competition and neither are my picks.
The only game I picked to draw was the Barca - Chelski clash - but deep inside I was hoping Barca won.
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Tactic of the day:
Has to be the defensive 4-1-3-2 with an anchor sitting in front of the back four - worked well for Roma, PSV, Chelsea, Bayern, Sporting and Bremen - not so well for Barca and Bordeaux.
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Team of the day:
(4-1-3-2)
Julio Cesar; Zanetti, Van Buyten, Polga, Ayala; Simons; Frings, Gerrard, Deco; Garcia, Totti.
Last Matchday I was heavy into the technical analyses - formations, spaces, channels and starting options. It was Matchday 3 after all.
This matchday, like I predicted, some groups got themselves more or less decided - so I'll draw on some general observations about the various encounters. So much football - so little time.
Onwards.
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Group D
Roma 1 - 1 Olympiakos
Roma beat Olympiakos away from home last time round but much to my dismay, could only manage a come from behind draw this time.
Roma for all their variety in attack (they've had goals from 12 different players so far in Serie A) is maddeningly inconsistent. After ending plucky, Serie A outfit, Udinese's home unbeaten record at the latter's ground on the weekend, one would think this game was ripe for Roma to pull out a clinical performance to see off Olympiakos.
In the event, nothing of the sort happened.
Roma reverted to type, insisted on making things hard for themselves. Even though they salvaged a draw, with a Totti strike midway through the second half, the fact remains that inspite of their attacking intent, possession, and edge in shots on goal, Roma were trailing for large parts of this game. In a season in which they should cast off the shackles of the pre-moggipoli era and begin to deliver on some real promise by finally being consistently competitive both domestically and abroad, Roma are sometimes still a frustratingly unpredictable outfit to follow. One wonders where their campaign would be if they could not call on the services of loyal captain Francesco Totti along with veterans Montella and Panucci. Still, perhaps I am being a bit harsh and so far you have to say, job done well enough. One more point from their final 2 games should see them through.
Olympiakos are a decidedly mediocre outfit, something of a Fulham in the Champions' League - not quite good enough to make an impression but consistently in among the qualifiers. In trying to blend local Greek talent - ably demonstrated by midfield grafters like Stoltidis, Anatolakis and Patsatzoglou with expired foreign veterans like Rivaldo and Djordevic, Olympiakos have ensured they will always be competitive on the Greek scene and a threat in the UEFA cup - but will never be an impressive quantity in Europe.
I guess the biggest irony is that this system, despite being perfect for a team of their status, unable to attract big name talent from outside the country but able to buy some of the best Greek starlets, will never be a recipe for success continentally. Sadly for football at large, the very presence of the Olympiakos' is testament to the vicious circle that has been growing within football for the last decade - the big, rich teams getting bigger and richer with everyone else becoming also rans. I never espeted them to threaten Roma and Valencia - and so far they have not.
The fight for 3rd spot with Shakhtar should make interesting viewing.
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Shakhtar 2 - 2 Valencia
Perhaps I was too effusive in my praise of Valencia last time around. On cue they have promptly let me down.
Easily one of Europe's most impressive teams till about midday Saturday, they have now shipped 3 goals in 2 matches, lost to an inferior Racing Santander on the weekend and twice let Shaktar Donetsk take the lead today. I know, Valencia were the away team, it's cold in the former USSR this time of the year and traditionally, teams from the bigger leagues fare badly in these lands. While I don't dispute that, I don't wholly agree either. Only those teams which play a fluid passing style and keep the ball on the ground for large periods are bound to suffer. The grass is rarely cut evenly, the ground is hard and the bounce uncertain - hence the slick passing of the interchanging midfield and attack is stifled.
Valencia, though, are not like that. Their formation is more rigid, forever welded to a 4-4-2, their style is direct and their threat from set pieces ominously as effective as from open play. One would think, and past history shows, they are as dangerous away from home in a cold stadium in mid winter as they are at home in Mestella in mid August. I just hope they don't let this minor blip in their form become a blot on their otherwise impressive start to the season. Lack of concentration ? Maybe. Complacency ? Perhaps. It better not be arrogance. Once again powerhouse winger Joaquin started on the bench. I would have started him on the left instead of David Silva.
Then again, I may be taking a lot away from Shaktar who were, in general, excellent in this game. Jadson's opening free kick was inch perfect and Fernandinho's crisp 30 yard strike will make many a highlight reel. Still, they should have won. They had many more shots on goal and should have made a strangely static Valencia pay. Their movement was disciplined and their passing sharper than their Spanish opponents. On the night, however, they will be happy with the point. Their main games in this group have always been the ones against the Greeks to decide 3rd place and precious UEFA cup qualification. That race is still very much on.
Valencia should top this group - unless they lose the plot completely and limp into the knockout stages.
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Group C
Liverpool 3 - 0 Bordeaux
Like a well trained St. Bernard, Liverpool continued their impressive home form and destroyed a Bordeaux side, to simply collect all 3 points. The French team on the other hand, simply did not turn up.
For the first time in 90 odd games Rafa Benitez persisted with a starting XI; the Scousers used space well, got a goal from captain Gerrard and a brace from Luis Garcia - the first one ruthless in its execution.
I guess there was little motivation in the French team - they dominated the corresponding home game to still lose - they probably thought, subconsciously, that with qualification slim, their chances against a rampant Liverpool playing at home would be slimmer still; so they seemed to just go through the motions.
Once Garcia scored the first, the result was indicated. Once midfielder Megazzano was sent off, it was confirmed and once Gerrard rifled in the second - it was academic. The good news for Bordeaux was that Crouch did not score, fatally for them, neither did they. Johann Micoud must now surely question, especially in the wake of events unfolding in Group A, the wisdom of trading the colours of Bremen for the home comforts of Bordeaux. On this display, the Champions' league will be none the poorer with the French teams' absence. Pierre Ducasse did a poor job protecting his back four while Marouanne Chamakh was limp in his 12 minute cameo upfront.
Now that the group is decided, the race is on to finish as winners. In that contest Liverpool will need more than just a settled first XI. PSV are hardened warriors who wont flinch at the sight of red. Liverpool are like a motley band of medieval mercenaries who approach every game like a siege a castle, hurling everything at the walls and gate, using a batttering ram (Crouch) while hoping that some of the better fighters (Garcia, Kuyt, Gerrard) can steal over the top and open the gates. PSV are more county milita than standing army - wily, well trained and able if a little blase. Liverpool's main weapon is their lack of consistent gameplan, tactics or rhythm - bringing in an element of unpredictability to their games - PSV are more organised having a set gameplan and established firepower.
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PSV 2 - 0 Galatasary
Okay - till Croat Stjepan Tomas was sent off for some typically over enthusiastic wrestling, Gala were arguably the better team. You can sense the sinews in my neck tensing as I inserted the word 'arguably' into that sentence; because for all their inspired attacking, they lack the weapons to hurt a pedigreed defence like PSV's. Sasa Ilic is a poor man's version of Dejan Stankovic and while Umit Karan and Hasan Sas may fatten up against the Samsunpors and Trabzonspors of the Turkish domesic scene, they come a cropper against more professional outfits that they encounter in Europe. Gala are fast receding into the shadows of the European scene - from whence they came - their fin-de-sicle glory, but a minor upturn in their perennial record of mediocrity.
PSV on the other hand - are wily old hands at this kind of thing. They regularly compete, have a consistent, proud record domestically (where their recent domination is in danger of discrediting the Dutch Eredivisie even further; the domestic triopoly they share with Ajax and Feyenoord notwithstanding) and were one fortunate shot away from the Champions' league final 3 season ago. A bit like Lyon, they regularly leak their best players and often, their top scorers, every off season but still return; often stronger than before. Perhaps their off season capture of Ronald Koeman this time, was their best acquisition.
I never saw them surrendering the keys to the citadel even once this game. While Timmy Simons was the established border garrison commander, protecting the home front, Jefferson Farfan was a rampant general, marauding deep into enemy lands. When PSV had the upper hand they used it to full effect - their passes were deadly, their intent direct and their execution professional. Kone and Simons were clinical with their chances. The former showing great confidence to continue his run and finish - if only he had done the same at the World Cup, one wonders, Cote D'Ivoire may have advanced !
Still, PSV must look ahead to their tussle with Liverpool with a sense of focus. That clash should decide the group winners. This year the difference between first and second may make a much bigger difference than in seasons past.
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Group B
Spartak 0 - 1 Inter
About a month ago, whilst fulfilling a lifetime dream of visiting San Siro, I was about to enter the Milan dressing room (right after leaving the Inter one), when I was prefaced by the tour guide, that the Milan dressing room was much more luxurious and better than the facilities belonging to Inter.
At the moment however, it is Inter who are playing the more luxurious and better football. After a champagne attacking performance in the Milan derby, that was direct in its method and clinical in its execution, one feared for the prospects of Spartak Moscow. If the continental aristocrats of Milan had been humbled on their own turf, what chance did the blue collar proletariat of the Russian League stand ?
I had been critical of Inter earlier in the season as once again they insisted on trying to scale the walls to the keep when the front gates were open - looking disjointed and sluggish in the opening skirmishes in both Serie A and Europe. But then they woke up - and how. Last round an opening salvo from Argentinian benchman Julio Cruz destroyed Spartak and today he continued in the same vein. A cool header for an early goal, game, set and match. I'd like to especially mention Mancini's smart move, of Javier Zanetti into the middle of the park, after his virtuouso display on the weekend - Patrick Vieira was barely missed.
Whatever fatigue, the sprint to the stadium via the subway in rush hour, had caused to the Russian team, they were soon in their stride passing the ball around, and shaded posession on the night. However, in freezing conditions, nursing an early away goal, Inter were never going to come out to play and were rarely pushed. Despite relying mainly on counter attacks they had a few chances to increase their tally - if any criticism can be levelled at the Nerazzurri during this stretch it has to be their inabilty to put opponents away and seal out the match. Roman Shiskin's bullet against the crossbar was Spartak's best chance as they failed to make anything out of the home field advantage and the freezing conditions - then again with the presence of so many key Brazilians in their team (similar to Shakhtar and CSKA for that matter) - one wonders just how much of an advantage playing on the frozen steppe in winter provides.
Inter are back on track and should close out second place. Their clash with Sporting Lisbon next round, crucial in this regard, as it will not only decide second place, but also provide a litmus test to the longevity of Inter's recent mini streak. Spartak must surely hate the very mention of Julio Cruz. Once not so long ago, Spartak destroyed a frozen Arsenal team 4-1 at home in a Champions' League tie - now they've gone 20 odd games without a win.
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Bayern 0 - 0 Sporting
One would have thought that with qualification all but ensured, playing at home, against a team looking nervously over its shoulder, Bayern would play classic spoiler to Sporting's attacking intent - relying on the counter attack and a quick 3 man front field of Pizzaro, Santa Cruz and Roy Makaay to score some neat goals. Nothing of the sort happened. The teams may have come out to the strains of Hans Zimmer's Gladiator soundtrack - but on the battlefield they remained remarkable unemotional and uncomitted.
Sporting weren't terrible but didn't show much urgency to eke out a win - while Bayern were simply boring. They defended when they had to, made an attempt to attack when they were called upon - but did little to suggest they cared much about this game at all. I guess they knew they had to just draw and they did just that. Since Sporting rarely committed themselves enough to be susceptible to the classic counter-attacking sucker punch, Bayern had little opportunity (or desire for that matter) to unleash their quick heeled Peruvian strikeforce or the flying Dutchman in the opposing half.
There is little to analyse and even less to say about a game in which there were only 2 real chances, and had the tactical sophistication of a pair of 5 year olds trying to smother each other with little blankets. The jeers at the Allianz Arena were well founded as Bayern slipped
form the heady heights of it's first 3 games. Sporting may have made 3 changes to their starting XI - but Paredes had a horrid game, Yannick was terrible, Carlos Martins was anonymous, after a lively opening, while their backline of Polga, Caneira, Tello and Tonel held
firm without doing anything outstanding. Bayern for their part missed Bad Boy Bastian in the middle of the park, as the game wore on, the need for a mercurial talent like his, seemed ever more pressing. Atleast the flypaper that is Van Bommel did not play - else the 2 shots Sporting had on target would have been reduced further. Andreas Ottl and Daniel van Buyten seem perfect for the Bavarians - unhurried, unbothered, unable to entertain.
Before I discount them altogether, I must say however, that Sporting were probably tired from their epic 3 - 3 draw at domestic rivals Beira Mar on Friday and did hit the woodwork - a drive from Moutinho crashing against the crossbar. If that had gone in, perhaps the game would have changed. Just like in the other game featuring Spartak - if the shot had been a few inches lower and a goal ensued - things could have been different.
Bayern though, won't complain - Sporting have their work cut out for them.
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Group A
Levski 0 - 3 Bremen
Okay honestly, did anyone actually think Levski stood a chance ?
Bremen have been in sparkling form of late - hitting up everyone for a couple of goals - and seemingly scoring for fun. Admittedly, the scene of carnage this time was in Bulgaria but that scarcely made any difference. Add in a nervous rookie goalie who scores in his own net - the recipe for disaster had all the ingredients set. Bremen were rarely stretched - Frings and Baumann adding to the tally - and cruised to an easy win. The 3 points puts them ahead of Barcelona now and the Chelski's sad dominance of this group has ensured that 1 of the 2 true attacking teams in this group will now miss the next round - to the eternal discredit of the competition thereafter. Along with the Catalans, Arsenal, Lyon and Inter, Bremen are arguably one of few teams in Europe this season who seem to reintroduce attack into an art form - expertly combining dexterity with the ball and smoothly coreographed player movement.
Levski, like in every single one of their previous games, made some critical mistakes; but once again will have learnt several lessons. The sad part is that they will not be able to apply any of this to even the UEFA Cup as they will surely finish bottom of this group. Still it's not easy going head to head with their 3 group mates - boasting the best of 3 of the top leagues in Europe.
Since their 1 - 1 draw with Barcelona on Matchday 2 - Bremen has now scored 23 goals in 7 matches - including a thrashing of Bayern.
Bremen to finish second ? On this form - don't bet against it. Barcelona have their work cut out for them.
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Barcelona 2 - 2 Chelsea
So, Chelsea sewed up the group in this game. So, Barcelona have been left to fight it out with Bremen in their game for the other qualification spot.
I won't go into the match itself - it was typically thunderous with a plethora of bookings as Chelsea, inspired and instructed by Mourinho no doubt, brought all their cynical defensiveness into this game to halt a superior Barcelona team that seemed to be back on track. Plenty will be written about that. My main concern is - would Barcelona have been allowed 4 minutes of second half injury time to fashion an equalizer ? Does Chelsea's insidious financially muscled influence extend beyond the front gates of the UEFA HQ at Nyon ? I'd tend to say no - but after Moggipolli this summer, which keen football afficianadoes like myself had always suspected - anything is possible.
On the other hand - the format of the Champions' League ensure that we get to see a few of these matches every year. In fact it is worth sitting through the dreadfest that is say Anderlecht versus AEK for this fare. Charged, emotional, packed with some of the best talent the world has to offer while being coached by one of the world's best coaches and another bloke who knows who to defend his way to a title.
I have always respected Frank Riijkaard - first as a classic midfielder at Milan, then a calm mentor at Ajax and finally a surprisingly good coach at Barcelona - the latest in a long line of Dutch ones. However, like his predecessors, his empire seems to be crumbling after a couple of years of lustrous glory - his superstar studded dream team ebbing away - unable to motivate or lift itself from its current stupor.
While Cruyff's dream team came unstuck against a far superior Milan side in the 94 final - losing 4 - 0 - personal arrogance was their chief enemy. Half a decade later Louis Van Gaal's dream side came unstuck in the face of blinding ambition but the current malaise afflicting Barcelona is strange indeed. Surely the loss of Eto should not handicap them so, surely Rijkaard still has a plan ? Sadly, on the evidence displayed by him after the final whistle - I am not so sure anymore.
They started well; Deco driving in an early notch - and although the world's greatest limited player Frank Lampard evened things up - Eidur Gudjonsen then provided the perfect riposte to the diving slander initiated by the sideshow that is Mourinho, by putting Barcelona back into the lead. How then did they contrive to concede a late, late equalizer is beyond me. Frank must be crushed, Barcelona must be dismayed, the Catalan top brass shifting nervously in their beds, fearing if this is the start of the end of another Dutch led dream team. Meanwhile Real goes from stength to strength.
It should have been so different - and surely Barcelona have enough firepower to knock the stuffing out of Chelsea - but the addition of Ballack has added resilience and additional ballast (no pun intended) to this Chelski team. Although they look more boring with every passing game, they also look stronger and much as I hate to admit it - they have upset all the odds and comprehensively outfought Barcelona this year. What a sad day for football everywhere.
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How did I do ?
5 out of 8
Bayern and Roma let me down - playing at home against inferior opposition with every reason to go for a win. They drew. Valencia were away, so perhaps I should have had a little more faith in Shakhtar - ah well - the champions' league is not an even competition and neither are my picks.
The only game I picked to draw was the Barca - Chelski clash - but deep inside I was hoping Barca won.
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Tactic of the day:
Has to be the defensive 4-1-3-2 with an anchor sitting in front of the back four - worked well for Roma, PSV, Chelsea, Bayern, Sporting and Bremen - not so well for Barca and Bordeaux.
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Team of the day:
(4-1-3-2)
Julio Cesar; Zanetti, Van Buyten, Polga, Ayala; Simons; Frings, Gerrard, Deco; Garcia, Totti.
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