Stop hating on Inter

In defence of Inter.

So apparently now Italian fans are claiming that Serie A is too weak. Evidentally the ONLY reason why Inter is dominating is because they are surrounded by overachieving mediocrity (Empoli, Palermo, Catania) and underachieving pedigree (Milan, Roma, Fiorentina). Inter are actually garbage, they are the evil incarnate who need to be put in their place by the return of erstwhile hero, ex-public enemy number one and conquering usurper Juventus. (sic)

This thought pattern can surely be attributed to the notoriously fickle Italian psyche - or is it a deeper malaise ? Was it not Juventus who were recently excommunicated from Serie A with relegation to the second division, roundly abused by everyone for being on the favourable end of decisions and all-round puppetry engineered by that modern day machiavellian devil in chief - Luciano Moggi ? Was Juventus not the same team that were stripped of their ill-gotten gains, one of which, the 2006 Serie A title, was then awarded to Inter. Was not Inter, riding on the crest of a wave of positive public opinion and support, coupled with an all conquering team displaying mindboggling consistency supposed to herald in a new era of transparency and competitiveness in Serie A ?

Why this sudden change in opinion ?

If anything, Inter should be lauded for keeping their heads, moulding together so many talents and superstars into one cohesive unit that has refused to blink when put in the spotlight, and blazed a trail of glory while running away with the Scudetto. If ever there was an example of all round domestic excellence - this year's imperious display by Inter is surely the best case. Why the need to compromise and discount such an achievement ?

Okay so Juventus was not there - big deal. Juventus did not deserve to be there to begin with. In any case, the same reason why they were thrown out, is probably why they seemed to beat Inter in the past - they cheated. End of story. So if anything, these remarks basically mean "Inter are rubbish, they haven't beaten a Juventus team that cheated over them in the past".

So Inter have to beat Juventus while the latter own the referees and replays. Don't make me laugh.

What of Milan, their crosstown rivals and fellow chequebook cowboys ? Milan's response has been effete, inconsistent and jaded. That's not Inter's fault. When the two teams met, Inter raced to a 4 - 1 lead before Milan made the margin respectable (Milan still lost 4 - 3 ). Inter dominated the better part of that match. Even without the points deduction (for that same reason - cheating), Milan are counties behind Inter.

What of Roma, whom Inter have beaten and left behind in their dust ? Admittedly the league may be a little weak, vis-a-vis Europe but only the Primera Liga boasts an appreciably deeper league. The Premiership, Portugese Campeonato and Eredivise are top heavy while the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 are arguably on the same level this season.

So, Valencia held Inter. Big deal. Valencia play in a tougher league and are actually not too bad themselves. Plus, they took their chances off plucky set-pieces. On another day Valencia could have played the same and lost 2 - 0 (or 4 - 0 for that matter). Inter mostly dominated that match. Inter's opponents have the advantage of playing slightly tougher opponents week in, week out. Despite this, they were second best to a clearly superior Inter side. Valencia are made to cause teams like Inter problems with their dogged, reactive approach. Celta beat Valencia, does that make them better than Inter ? Absolutely not. I had written before how Valencia may be Inter's toughest opponents so far - and that match proved it. Yet it does not take anything away from the Nerrazzuri.

There's an oddly Byzantine hypocrisy that pervades the mentality of the average fan, that seems to despise Inter and put them down. Barely a year after lauding the coup that deposed Juventus, they are grumbling about the successor. Serie A fans should sit back and enjoy Inter's games - they've never had it so good. Let Juventus come up next year, the arrival of the likes of Zdenek Grygera and Hasan Salihamdzic shouldn't trouble this Inter side.

Chelsea hold off Porto, Roma and Lyon hold hands

Round of 16 - First Legs IV

Again - Mourinho at the Dragao, Lampard off a deflection.
Porto 1 - 1 Chelsea

For me the first name on the team sheet for Porto, is a healthy Lucho Gonzalez. For others it might be winger Ricardo Quaresma (he'd be second for me). For Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira, you suspect, the first 2 players are central defenders Pepe and Bruno Alves. Throughout this season, whether in Europe or domestically, the duo at the heart of the Porto defence have been pillars at the back. Unheralded outside Portugal, and probably largely unheard of and unseen among fans of the bigger, more popular leagues, they are arguably one of Europe's premier central defensive combinations. Thanks to their efforts Porto have kept 3 clean sheets in the group stage of the Champions' League, and 10 clean sheets (in only 18 games) while conceding just 10 goals in the Campeonato.

Unfortunately, Andriy Shevchenko, seemed to have picked this game to remind everyone that he is indeed (still) a world class striker. Whereas, normally, one would expect Porto to shut up shop after Raul Meireles' opener (deliciously, deflecting off Frank Lampard of all people) and rally around their two defensive lynchpins; they were quickly pegged back by the Ukrainian striker within minutes of taking the lead, and so had to abandon those plans. Thereafter, there was a refreshing look to the game as both sides seemed intent on attacking and scoring. Chelsea were second best for large parts of this game. Michael Ballack was notably anonymous yet again, picking up a yellow card in another mediocre performance. Porto really should have made the Londoners pay for their lapses at the back (Makalele seemed to be a little off), especially once defensive talisman Terry had to go off.

If Mourinho had taught Porto how to defend their way to titles, then this return to his launching pad, was crucial in being a refresher course on how to attack. Interestingly, rather than advocating a defensive approach, Mourinho responded to the gauntlet being thrown down by Ferreira, by going on the attack himself. Predictably, Arjen Robben was thrown on once Terry had to leave and Porto had taken the lead. Fittingly, he was decisive in securing the equalizer. Rather less exciting was Robben himself going off for the dire Jon Obi Mikel within half an hour of coming on.

Porto had more chances, Chelsea counterpunched, the game ebbed and flowed as both teams seemed to enjoy the space afforded by the other. On the left Ricardo Quaresma was in imperious form, coming close to snatching back the lead twice - first off a free kick, Petr Cech needing two tries to collect, and then hitting the bar.

However, rather than going for the jugular, Porto decided to throw in the towel and opt for a more defensive approach 10 minutes into the second half with Marek Cech coming on for goalscorer Raul Meireles. This allowed Chelsea to slowly impose themselves and Frank Lampard and Drogba both had shots on target. I wonder, if you're doing well while attacking at home, why change that ? Was Ferreira afraid of conceding another goal off a counterattack ? Why not try and score one yourself - which I feel would have happened had Porto not abandoned their initial approach.

At the end a fair result, better for Chelsea in getting the away goal while not losing. Ominously, Chelsea's tacklers mostly picked up yellow cards - Essien, Makalele and Ballack.

Olimpico No Show
Roma 0 - 0 Lyon

So this was supposed to be one of the most exciting games of this round. I feel silly in making such a prediction and disappointed in it not coming true. This was supposed to be 2 attack minded teams filled with accomplished and entertaining players orchestrating brilliance in a spontaneously choreographed foot-ballet. Francesco Totti, Juninho Pernambucano, Florent Malouda, Rodrigo Taddei, Alessandro Mancini, Sidney Govou - more than enough firepower capable of turning a match on its head. Like a teenager's first dalliance between the bed sheets - this promised so much but delivered so little. If you told me that the Porto - Chelsea game would finish 0-0 with 11 yellow cards - I'd have believed you. Not this game though, it promised more sparks and came loaded with more firecrackers. Looking at Lyon's left side line up - Abidal, Juninho and Malouda - one can conclude that they surely are one of the best left sided teams in Europe. Meanwhile Totti is enjoying an Indian summer and is running away with the scoring title in Serie A.

Of course having the game constantly interrupted by that doyen of refereeing, Mike Riley, did not help. Still, with so many free kicks being taken, one would have expected a peach of a delivery from either Juninho or Totti. For their 16 shots on goal, only 5 were on target for Lyon and crucially, none went in. They edged the game overall and had a real period of dominance around the middle of the match but could not find a way to score. Govou and Juninho were both just off while Alexander Doni ensured Malouda's shot was caught - eventually. Other than Totti and Stefano Perrotta no one else from Roma really seemed up for the game - perhaps still suffering the hangover from the weekend defeat in Serie A. Lyon for their part were just a little jaded from their come-from-behind win over Lille in Ligue 1. As United found out - overcoming the muscular Lille is not easy task.

It's so hard to talk about a game in which the talking point was the lack of action and the flurry of cautions. One can only hope that the return leg delivers more.

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Post Script

Over all the Champions League first legs have been a downer. Five of the games yielded just four goals - a combination of caution, defensive tactics, a loss of form and a lack of fluency contributing to more busts than one would have liked. On the other hand, several away teams emerged with credit - none more so than the English duo of Manchester United an Liverpool who both recorded away wins - the latter impressively so. Valencia beat Inter at its own game and notched 2 away goals in a draw. Chelsea left Porto with a precious away goal but without their captain and defensive anchor. Arsenal, Lyon and Roma all failed to rise to the occasion; while other than David Villa's free kick and Edison Mendez's goal- there was little to write home about.

Finally, I may be wrong here, but I think Lille's Tony Sylva is the first African goalkeeper to feature in the knockout stages of the Champions' League.

The bigs boys have felt each other out - they'll be going for each others' throats next time round.

Celtic and Milan Bore, Man U spill Lille

Round of 16 - First legs III

Much Oddo about nothing
Celtic 0 - 0 Milan

The return of Rino Gattuso to Glasgow could scarcely have been more underwhelming.

A dire 0-0 draw that Milan may have edged but Celtic had the better chances. Nakamura's vicious swinging free kick, cleared by Zeljko Kalac at the near post, was arguably the pick of the bunch. Celtic came at Milan hard, knowing full well the value of the home tie. 3 times this season in the Champions' League, they have won at home and lost away. Having drawn here, and kept Milan off the score sheet, one wonders if they can travel to Italy and get the result they need. A win would be nice, failing which a scoring draw would do quite well.

Despite the performance, Gordon Strachan may be privately fearing that his side have lost their chance, having failed to hit the back off the net against a Milan side that has been underachieving this season and was reeling with injuries for their visit. Personally, I think Milan is ripe for the taking, lame at the back, lethargic at the front, only potent in the middle. In my opinion they should not have been let back into the Champions' League, despite finishing 4th after the points deduction the season before. But the power brokers of the club ensured that UEFA would be pressured into letting them back in and the latter saw fit to include a tainted team in it's competition. Their participation may continue for atleast another match but if they were to go on and win the title - it would reflect badly on the state of UEFA on the whole.

I'll take blatant dives for 400. Since Milan can't seem to score against decent opposition, it seems they have resorted to conning their way into the score books. It's evil enough to dive, it's criminally stupid to do what Alberto Gilardino did - choosing to crumple a full meter away from the nearest Celtic player and a full 2 seconds after the he had lost the ball. In that moment Milan displayed the sheer desperation that churns inside, they knew that they needed something extra to break Celtic - but instead of conjuring up magic like the great Milan sides of old - they chose to resort to devilry.

In retrospect, not starting Alessandro Costacurta and Cafu was wise by Carlo Ancelotti, knowing full well the lack of pace that would be exploited by Kenny Miller, Jan Vennegoor(of Hesselink) and Aiden Mcgeady. Having Kakha Kaladze, Milan's most consistent defender this season, shore up the backline with the ageless, but slow Paolo Maldini, made sense. With Massimo Oddo playing deeper than Cafu would at right back - Celtic's threat down that side was minimised. Additionally not having enough strikers, fit, available or otherwise, played into Milan's hands as it allowed them to deploy both Massimo Ambrosini and Gattuso in midfield while Kaka roamed upfield and Yohan Gourcouff sped down the right. It's a pity then that their strike force was as blunt and useless as Gilardino was on the day. It's always seemed that Gilardino is an unlucky striker, somehow unable to find the back of the net now matter how her tries - one hopes he doesn't add cheating to his list of options.

For Celtic, Evander Sno and Neil Lennon put in typically hardworking shifts in the middle of the park, the latter departing before destroyer in chief, Thomas Gravesen, arrived to kill any semblance of a chance that Milan may have had. For all their possession Celtic could only manage a handful of shots on goal - home advantage resulting in a performance that was more whimper than roar. Vennegoor and Miller should have done better when they sighted goal - but now have to repeat it on away soil. Celtic are notoriously poor travelers in Europe this season.

Entertaining after the first leg, both sides have it all to play for. Celtic need to be more creative and Milan more clinical when they meet again in a week's time.

All is not black and white.
Lille 0 - 1 Manchester United

Lille may have a point but have acted like novices.

No matter what happens - you cannot walk off the pitch. Displaying the mental fortitude of a 6 year old who's been pushed off his favorite playground slide, Lille walked off the pitch after Manchester United scored off a free kick. They may claim that quick free kicks are not allowed in France. Lille may claim that they were not ready or that they had not heard/seen/caught on to the fact that the referee had allowed a quick free kick. Nonetheless they have backed themselves into a corner by choosing to take matters into their own hands and trying to call the tie off. Whatever the rules in France, it does not matter, this is the Champions' League. And it's all a pity really, since Lille played rather well.

Lille took the game to their opponents and really had a go. Manchester United may be rolling over opponents domestically, but they once again they came unstuck against a team who were not afraid to play at them and attack United from the off. Cristiano Ronaldo was replaced shortly after an hour. Him, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney, Henrik Larsson and Ryan Giggs, as attacking a quintet as you will ever find, were restricted to one measly shot in the first half. Lille are a defensive, muscular team to being with, but United are supposed to be this unstoppable juggernaut of attacking football. They were generally outplayed by the plucky French outfit.

Thereafter, Lille tried to go for the jugular as it strove to impose its advantage on United but both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand held firm. Matthieu Bodmer, Lille main offensive fulcrum, came closest with two shots after the break but in general there was little to suggest that the deadlock would be broken. Bodmer's linkup play with the equally impressive Nicolas Fauverge was very good and should give Lille lots of heart for the return leg. Peter Odemwingie headed home but thanks to a gentle nudge in the back of an already flailing Vidic, the goal was correctly ruled out. Odemwingie should have realised that he would have headed the ball in anyway and need not have pushed the defender. Yet, sometimes enthusiasm overshadows endeavour and his push was really quite silly and totally unnecessary. The referee's call was correct but one wonders if he would have been as particular if the roles were reversed. It's a well known fact that United, like many big clubs, get better calls than their smaller counterparts. Would United have taken it in their stride if a goal was chalked off for a minor infraction and then they were sucker-punched by a quick free kick ?

If you look closely at the replay, there seems to be an exchange between, Giggs, Rooney and the referee - albeit very hurried. In what seemed to be a carefully rehearsed move, Rooney placed the ball swiftly but quickly and Giggs took a shot - deliberately aimed for the corner away from Sylva. Lille were not aware of what was happening and were caught cold. Yes it was unfair but it was legal. They have reason to feel robbed - but walking off and sulking in the corner is no way to even things out. One remembers a Champions' League tie between United and Lyon several years ago. Ruud van Nistelrooy scored a hat trick of goals from offside positions. Despite the officiating, Lyon stuck to their task manfully and never gave up - or walked off.

Lille should regroup and grow up. This is a good team with a solid core. The next time they walk off they should try to do so as winners.

Inter slip against Valencia, Liverpool stun Barcelona

Round of 16 - First legs II

Rafa Rumbles the Nou Camp
Barcelona 1 - 2 Liverpool

If this game is any indication, managers everywhere should order up copies of Fight Club and sign up for the bulk plan from PING. Throw out the training videos, what your team needs is some Karaoke fuelled drunken aggression and a handy supply of golf clubs. Craig Bellamy and John Riise as a pair, do not even remotely resemble Edward Norton and Brad Pitt but on this performance it's safe to say both find random violence equally therapeutic.

What a turnaround for a club seemingly troubled and unable to find the away day consistency required to mount a creditable challenge in the league. Lesser teams may have folded after conceding an early goal at the Nou Camp but Liverpool battled back to draw level and then take the lead and win. How fitting that the two miscreants in Portugal - Bellamy and Riise made up by matching each other on the scoresheet. If only every club could have its players take out their violent competitiveness on the opposing team.

Is Frank Riijkard losing the plot ? Most managers would have dealt with Samuel Eto'o's selfish attitude on the weekend with a more direct disciplinary approach. Teams don't pay players to play when they feel like - it's a player's responsibility as a professional to turn out whenever fit and required whether it's for 92 minutes or just 2. As disgusting and pathetic as Eto'o's remonstration, justification and follow up make up was - it was only matched by Riijkard's effete resolution of the affair before belatedly leaving Eto'o out of the squad for this match.

Perhaps starting Andres Iniesta in place of Thiago Motta and pushing Xavi further back to protect the back four would have given Barcelona more balance and attacking bite - then again perhaps playing only 2 forwards instead of 3 may have left Barcelona less threadbare in the middle of the park. In actual events Liverpool controlled the midfield while no one could deal with Bellamy's pace down the left. The Catalan club had more attempts on goal but the crucial ones were by Liverpool and more importantly resulted in goals. The best player on the pitch may have been Deco but the best team was definitely Liverpool. The training pitch pictures were a tad artificial but the teamwork on display here was real.

Momo Sissoko's return to the Champions' League lineup was a welcome return as it allowed Benitez to give his other midfielders license to rampage forward. After the first 20 odd minutes, when Barcelona were rampant, they slowly relinquished their dominance and Liverpool increasingly came into the game. Javier Saviola's miss when he went past Carragher was the turning point. Professional would be a fair description as Liverpool took their chances while Barcelona missed theirs. Deco tried all he could but everywhere around him a lack of creative focus seemed to blunt all of Barcelona's intentions. It was telling that Liverpool scored their second goal of a rebound, Bellamy passing back across goal for Riise, but when presented with his best chance off a rebound, Lionel Messi had his deflected over.

Barcelona have to go to Anfield and win by 2 goals. With games against Sevilla and Real on the horizon as well, Rijkaard's end may be nigh.


Unstoppable Force meets Immovable Object
Inter 2 - 2 Valencia

It baffles me beyond sanity why and how Inter insist on making things hard for themselves again and again. It amazes me how incredible Valencia are at ensuring you can never write them off. Keeping in theme with Brad Pitt's movies; In Guy Ritchie's movie Snatch (2001) starring Pitt, there is a crucial scene where a massive hired goon goes one on one in a fistfight with a much smaller and skinnier Pitt. The larger man repeatedly batters the hollywood heartthrob with a series of crushing uppercuts and hooks. Each time Pitt gets up. Eventually, Pitt takes his chance and socks the giant.. and fells him.

For giant read Inter - for Pitt say hello to Valencia.

For the opening and better part of the match Inter slaughtered Valencia. Storming forward, irrepressible and focussed it seemed a miracle if Valencia escaped a hiding. Inter promptly took the lead and continued pressing. They hit and missed posts, poured forward in numbers. Santiago Canizares was kept busy, Roberto Ayala and Raul Albiol were undersiege more than they have been this season. Yet, you sensed somehow, Valencia were not out of it. Slowly they held firm, rode their luck to a certain extent (One wonders what would have happened if Zlatan Ibrahimovic's header against the post had gone in). Inter dominated this match but failed to capitalise on their superiority - they may live to regret this.

I wrote earlier on about how this may be the plum tie of the round of 16 in the Champions' League - more importantly, this was Inter's acid test in Europe. The prognosis so far ? They're still a bit off the pace. No doubt battering a slightly substandard Serie A week in week out has added a touch of complacency while lowering the performace levels of Europe's best stocked squad. To be the best you must play agains the best. Valencia, on the other hand, play in the toughest league in Europe, having to play week after week against a variety of balanced, tricky opponents. This gulf in experience paid off for the Spanish team as they came back and evened out the tie.

David Villa is more than just a sumptuous striker, as he creates so many chances for his team mates in addition to scoring goals. His free kick here was unstoppable, displaying a potency from set-piece as well as open play. Julio Cesar stood no chance and suddenly, Valencia had stopped a rampant Inter team in its tracks. You feared for Inter, them of the fragile mental state at times. Yet Inter continued where they had left off and bulldozed forward - aptly Maicon teamed up with Julio Cruz to slot home Inter's second. You felt that's it, Inter had held on. Surely Valencia were done. But no. With virtually the last play of the game, David Silva, volleyed a cleared corner into the goal. Inter were stunned, Valencia ecstatic.

The coaches both played interesting starting lineups - Roberto Mancini should have deployed Olivier Dacourt instead of Luis Figo at the start. Later on as Dejan Stankovic seemed to have run out of steam, he should have brought Figo on. Similarly, Hugo Viana would have done better in midfield than Carlos Marchena. More natural in that position he would be a better foil for dogged ball retriever David Albelda. The introduction of both into the respective lineups - in Dacourt's case earlier than Mancini would have liked, was perhaps an indication that both coaches had gotten their opening balance a tad bit wrong.

Inter may have lost the advantage but Valencia has surely captured the impetus in this tie. Away goals are crucial in the knockout round - having a brace is priceless - especially against Inter. Conquering armies have been broken by a stubborn last stand - Inter's season hangs in the balance. Inter have it all to do now - the Mestella awaits.

PSV edge Arsenal, Real outslug Bayern - Round of 16 Tuesday I

Round of 16 - First Legs I

Remarkably Unremarkable

PSV 1 - 0 Arsenal

Arsenal's insistence on doing things the hard way was highlighted yet again as they picked a rather inopportune time to slip to their first defeat of 2007. Despite marginally outshooting their Dutch opponents overall and arguably dominating the first half they left the Philipstadion nursing a 1-0 defeat. PSV, missing half their top striking partnership in the form of an injured Jefferson Farfan, made the most of their opportunities and sealed a good win over their opponents from London. Despite leading the Eredivisie there has been a lack of imperious authority about PSV's performances since the start of the new year. This win should serve as a filip for reigniting the dominance that saw them soar in 2006 and race to a handy lead in the race for domestic honours.

On a day when their attack was a little disjointed, their talismanic rearguard came through with flying colours. Brazilians Gomes, in goal, and centre-half Alex, gave a clinic on positioning and snuffing out attacking threats as they ensured Arsenal's attack kept another clean sheet. Gomes' close range stop from Thierry Henry's turn and shot was crucial in setting the tone of the contest and he ensured that no one and nothing got past him. On the one occasion that Tomas Rosicky's shot eluded him, Carlos Salcido cleared off the line. In a nutshell that summed up the performance for Arsenal. Ronald Koeman managed to get an off colour PSV team to perform much better than the sum of it's parts. PSV might not dazzle and destroy but can make the odd period of dominance pay off in spectacular fashion. A quality oddly lacking in their opponents on the day.

Admittedly the game was unremarkable and Edison Mendez's strike, from 25 yards out, was comfortably the pick of the day's goals. Yet if Arsenal's season extinguishes itself in the next 2 weeks, games like this will surely serve to highlight their weaknesses. Their complete lack of consistent attacking inventiveness around the box has come back to haunt them time and again yet there seems to end in sight. Against Blackburn one could argue that a wall of 7 defenders around the 6 yard box made things very hard. But PSV offer more optimistic fare and there was plenty of space for Arsenal to push through. Yet the space around the backline was wasted and there was a worrying lack of urgency to the proceedings.

Emmanuel Adebayor, strangely off-colour, was left on for the whole game when a more enterprising approach would surely have replaced him with Jeremie Aliaderie from the bench. In the event Wenger resorted to throwing on the clumsy Julio Baptista who only served to confirm that his future lies away from the Gunners. Thierry Henry's morbid mercurialness plumbed new depths as he seemed to give up and not care once his first 2 shots didn't go in. His pathetic claims of being hit in the face when he was pushed was matched only by his general apathy to the cause. Wenger needs to take a stand. For every game that Henry plays brilliantly, there follows a spate in which he's unremarkably rubbish. This is not captaincy material.

One only look at Timmy Simons's game to see how far hard work and grit gets you when the chips don't fall your way. Along with a seemingly evergreen Phillip Cocu, they managed to keep a much more gifted Arsenal midfield at bay the whole game. With Salcido and Manuel Da Costa putting in solid shifts at the the back, PSV strove to ensure that when they were in the ascendancy, for the first part of the second half, they got results. Crucially, Mendez's arrival for Aruna Kone's layoff, was a couple of yards away from Gilberto. Positioning was the defining aspect of this tie.

Still, this tie is far from over, Arsenal can easily overcome this deficit at home - but they have to be wary of conceding away goals off counter-attacks despite dominating - the hallmark of their season so far. Arsenal will be wary of a repeat of their elimination at the hands of Valencia in 2001 - on away goals despite winning 2-1 at home (albeit in the first leg). And Farfan should be back - PSV will look to seal the deal.

There's life in this corpse yet
Real 3 - 2 Bayern

It is decidedly ironic that the 2 worst teams remaining in the draw should serve up the best game of the round. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have won the competition 13 times between them but are outside bets for this year's title. Both are in need of new personnel, retooling and a fresh approach. Whereas Bayern have already replaced their coach, rumous emanating from the Bernebeu suggested that Real were about to do the same.

In the event, both teams got down to play some serious ball and served up a trully thrilling contest. Raul's opener came from the sweetest move of the night as a through ball from Ruud van Nistelrooy (of all people) found Raul beyond Bayern's creaking backline. The latter's finish was clinical more than clean and for the upteenth time this season, Bayern had been opened up by some clever pacy passing. Daniel van Buyten's lack of positional sense (or lack thereof) and unease against pace has surely come to signify his possible departure from the Bayern starting XI once a genuine contender emerges.

Lucio on the other hand is a hard working defender who, for all his limited ability, never has a really rank game. His arrival to meet Willy Sagnol's free kick, unmarked was completed with the easy header into Real's net for the equalizer. One felt Real were ripe for the taking. However, David Beckham of all people ensured that Real had plenty left in the tank. 2 set piece plays - one a corner and the other a free kick - found Raul and van Nistelrooy respectively. 2 scrappy finishes later Real were leading 3 - 1. If Gonzalo Higuain had converted after being sent clear by Beckham, Real may have sealed the game early in the second half. In the event, Higuain missed, got substituted and Fabio Capello lost his nerve. Not happy with having brought on the defensive midfielder Michael Salgado for Higuain, he then took wingback Roberto Carlos off for a pure defender in Raul Bravo. Carlos had earlier taken out Owen Hargreaves, who suffered another ankle injury - Manchester United will watch developments closely no doubt.

Eventually, Bayern came back strongly, Van Bommel's shot from outside the box, eluding Casillas, was the least they deserved. The jury may still be out on Gonzalo Higuain but I've made up my mind - he's not that good. In time he may become an above average forward in Spain but at present he's out of his depth. For Bayern, Lukas Podolski and Roy Makaay were typically anaemic for the upteenth time this season. Claudio Pizarro, who came on for the former, shone briefly but did little to convince that he can carry Bayern's attack. Unable to work themselves into games, Bayern's attacking corps need to be euthanised sooner than later. Bastian Schweinsteiger was notably anonymous, hounded throughout by Fernando Gago, who was preferred to the diabolical Emerson, in the Real backfield. Whereas his contribution outshone his compatriot Higuain's, Bayern will not be quaking in their boots for the return leg. For Real it is a damning indictment of their lack of personnel that Beckham, who leaves at the end of the season, was their attacking fulcrum.

Even though Real won, the 3-2 scoreline would, at best, be described as pyrrhic. In a week's time they return to Bavaria.

Arsenal's Style of Play

5-4-1:
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6-3-1:
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Arsenal's difficulties in breaking opponents down are due to an attitude of keeping possession and trying to pass the ball into good goalscoring situations. This is counter-balanced by teams defending extremely deep and deploying 5 or 6 defensive minded players, who sit back and try to break play up. Blackburn deployed 6 defenders against Arsenal. As did CSKA Moscow. So what are Arsenal supposed to do ?

Normally, when faced with a defensive triangle that sits deep there are 3 things you can do to get the ball into scoring situations in the box.

1) Cross from the touchline, high, aimed to the back post or top of the 6-yard box for someone to head home. Arsenal have no crossers other than Eboue - more importantly we have no headers in attack or midfield and are not encouraged to cross. Crossing is deemed wasteful since it often results in possession being lost. Henry's winner against United was a rare, rare headed goal from him or anyone up front.

2) Take shots from distance when the ball is at someone's feet with space opening up in front of him. Arsenal have few players who can shoot from distance adeptly other than Rosicky and Henry. Henry is usually in the box and plays deeper (when he bothers to play at all) as opposed to outside it. Rosicky has not been shooting that much this year as he is not encouraged to and has also been strangely off balance when he does. Shooting from long distance is deemed wasteful since it often results in possession being lost. Rosicky's strikes against Hamburg and Liverpool and Henry's goal against Blackburn were exceptions.

3) Try to barrell through, running at pace with the ball at one's feet looking to shoot as soon as space opens up. Vieira and Bergkamp were very good at this. Again, Arsenal currently, have few players who can do this as it involves having a low centre of gravity and the ability to ride challenges while maintaining one's balance. Only Adebayor can do this somewhat but he is not encouraged to. This too is deemed wasteful since it often results in possession being lost. The development of Denilson and Abou Diaby will be critical and interesting in this regard.

So Arsenal revert to 2 other approaches that maintain possession and use it to their advantage.

Approaches that maintain possession involve:

4) Pass around the corners of the triangle and try to cut the ball back to someone at the corners and top of the 6-yard box or penalty area. Arsenal try this as they have plenty of players who move and pass well and are composed on the ball. However this is very tricky as it requires many consecutive passes working out and the final player being available in space. It also requires excellent first touches and a good pitch - not to mention ensuring defenders don't get a slight touch on the ball or crowd out attacking players. It also does not work if teams defend very deep. Everyone defends deeper against Arsenal than they do against anyone else.

5) Pass around the sides and apex of the defensive triangle till mini-channels open up and then pass into the mini-channel at speed and shoot once space opens up in front of the goal. This is time consuming, requires many consecutive passes working out and the final player being available in space. It also requires excellent first touches and a good pitch. This is Arsenal's favorite way of trying to score. When successful, this is the closest any team comes to scoring the perfect goal. On the flip side this approach often results in defenders sticking out legs to try and knock the ball away (or knock the player down) and conceding penalties. But if those are not picked up or given by the referee, the point is lost. Aliaderie's penalty against Blackburn that was not given was a case in point. Arsenal twist opposing defences like no one else. Referees cannot often keep up and would rather give the defenders the benefit of the doubt.

So why is possession so important ?

1) Regaining 'useful' possession is a bit of a problem:

Since Arsenal play by passing and moving at pace, they need to start attacks quickly as well. Just getting the ball back is not enough. When they had Vieira, Petit and to a certain extent Edu, this was achievable as they could regain possession quickly and continue the attack. Presently, Arsenal do not have players in midfield who can win the ball back quickly and restart an attack instantly. The best tacklers are in defence and by that time, play has shifted to the other end and Arsenal's shape and momentum is lost. When midfielders do break up an attack, again, Arsenal's shape is lost. The time and effort spent in regaining possession in one of these 2 ways is considered detrimental to Arsenal's style of play. Solution ? Try not to lose the ball to begin with.

2) Open play is Arsenal's primary avenue for scoring:

Both players and manager know this. Recent goals from free kicks are exceptions more than the norm and will require more time and practice to become a regular part of the armoury. Arsenal have no free kick specialists - their most proficient free kick taker is now out for the season (Van Persie). Corners are almost never scored off and so, despite being awarded more corners and attacking free kicks than any one else in the league, Arsenal concentrate on scoring from open play. So how can you maximise scoring from open play ? Keep the ball for as long as possible.

So opposing teams are willing to concede corners and free kicks, knowing that the chances of conceding a goal are so slim, it is worth breaking down an attack for.

In time once this group of players get to know each other more and get more accustomed to the Premiership, Arsenal will be more successful with its style which may be viewed as tedious in it delivery and stubborn in it's attitude. However, no one pursues attacking excellence as diligently as Wenger and the Gunners. Arsenal have shown that it is possible to dominate, playing its style of football in the past. Arsenal will show it's possible once again - just give them some time.

Champions League Final Memories '03 - '06

2003 - Milan 0 - 0 Juventus (Milan win on penalties)

I had a hangover from the night before as I settled into my buddy's leather sofa to watch this. The Milan Inter semi-final had been tense and the evil empire of Juve loomed large in the final.

My first thoughts as the game kicked off - wow the pitch at Old Trafford looks beautiful, flat, smooth and well manicured. Juve looked less so - seemingly more intent on keeping Sheva and Rui Costa underwraps and stifling Milan than going out and actually trying to win the match. Shevchenko DID score and I will always maintain that it was a goal - but strangely it was ruled offside - rubbish. In retrospect I can try and attribute some of it to Moggipoli but I doubt his influence reached that far into the game. Gattuso was his usual bulldog self, bulldozing everything that moved in a jailhouse shirt. One shot from him from within his own half had to be palmed away by Buffon. Trezequet hung around in the box and off the backline waiting just waiting for a scrap. He got none. At the other end Inzaghi ran and ran and ran some more but did nothing. Once Ambrosini came on for Rui Costa I knew it was going to be penalties.

That livened things up and fittingly Sheva stroked home the winning spot kick. Everyone celebrated, I was finally fully awake - albeit in a warm fuzzy way. At this point hilarity ensured. Christian Brocchi, who hadn't played the final and had done precious little the whole tournament, grabbed the trophy and paraded it around Old Trafford as if he had singlehandedly won the damn thing. The bemused looks on Maldini and Inzaghi's faces were priceless - not to mention the one of pure joy on little Christian's face. I laughed so hard. I'm still laughing right now.

2004 - Porto 3 - 0 Monaco

First Arsenal somehow managed to lose 3-2 to Chelsea in the QF. Then Milan had let Depor wallop 4 past them to lose 5-4 in their QF. My dream Arsenal - Milan final was off. So, needless to say, I was more than a little disenchanted at watching Porto take on Monaco. I was still pining and had little interest in watching either. But watch I did and I was glad for it afterwards.

It was a good final. Porto manhandled Monaco. Their forward pressing, defensive coverage and all round organisation too much for Monaco. And they had Deco. One moment I remember was, Maniche of all people, dekeing out both Ludovic Giuly and Jerome Rothen in the middle of the park before passing the ball off to Deco who proceeded to dazzle and deke some more. From start to finish Porto were all over Monaco. From start to finish I kept thinking of Arsenal and Wayne 'blooming' Bridge. Watching Chelsea now it's hard to believe that a Mourinho coached team can actually play like this. I knew Deco would be off (he went to Barcelona); I didn't expect Giuly to join him.

This final was special in that it is the only final we'll ever see again that featured 2 teams from outside the established group of 14 big clubs. And for that, it should be remembered.

2005 - Liverpool 3 - 3 Milan (Liverpool win on penalties)

Wow - what a final. Arguably the best Champions' League final in terms of sheer excitement and goals. Once Maldini scored I had this creepy feeling that the game would taper off and die an effete death. Then Crespo scored. And scored again. 2 swift finishes from some sweet midfield passing. I had this warm feeling inside and decided to go back to work after halftime - having taken a late lunch

Halftime ended, I thought, 'you know what? 10 more minutes'. Then Gerrard scored. I thought 'you know what? let's just wait till the end'. Then Smicer scored and I got this sinking feeling. How that ball went in I'll never know. And then Gerrard crumpled easily in the box and I knew Milan were fooked. Alonso muffed the shot but Milan were static on the rebound and he rushed to convert. Thereafter I could not believe how Dudek kept out Milan and especially Sheva's shot at the end of extra time. There has never been such all round defensive ineptitude in a final and never will be again.

Penalties were nerve wracking and once Smicer converted his kick, I knew the comeback was complete. As circular as things are in football - 2 years after scoring the winning penalty, Shevchenko missed the decisive one this time.

2006 - Barcelona 2 - 1 Arsenal

The trick to English clubs winning the Champions' League final is two spot the opposition a goal or three and then mount a comeback. Arsenal obviously missed that class because instead of handing them a goal advantage they let Barcelona go a man up and then actually took the lead.

After having waited my whole life to see the Gunners reach the final I was determined not to let Lehmann's sending off spoil my mood. Playing 1-0 down with 11 men seemed a lot worse than leading 1-0 with 10 once Campbell got his head onto the end of Henry's free kick and scored. I was ecstatic. But I will admit it was a dive by Eboue. Still Rooney's dive cost us our unbeaten run and Barca dive plenty so I wasn't unduly morally shocked.

Beating the best team in the world with 11 men is hard enough - beating them with 10 is nigh impossible. Atleast we held out for 75 minutes. Arsenal were better in losing than many teams are in winning and we battled and fought right to the end. If Henry had taken his chance when he turned in Eboue's cross things would have been over much earlier.

I actually thought the opening goal would be enough but once Larsson came on he changed things. First, Samuel Eto'o scored a good goal at the far post. I felt Almunia should have gotten something onto it as he was in position but hey it's Eto'o. Belletti's goal though was a shocker - it went off the inside of Almunia' leg. What the bloody hell. Perhaps it would have been better if Lehmann had stayed on.

Still I couldn't complain - Barcelona had beaten us fair and square and it was a good final I guess. I was proud of Arsenal. I knew they'd be back.

Champions League Final Memories '99 - '02

1999 - Manchester United 2 - 1 Bayern Munich

After their heroics in the semi-final against Juventus, I was a little unsurprised that Manchester United started this final a little flat. Nervy comebacks in semi-finals often take a lot out of teams and United are no exception. Credit must be given to Bayern though who played a very disciplined game upto the very last bit. Basler's opener seemed carefully rehearsed as Bayern took an early lead before settling into starve United into submission.

Fergie had switched Giggs and Blomqvist up on the flanks but got away with it in spectacular fashion when his replacement for an ineffectual Blomqvist, Solskjaer, actually scored the winner.

Bayern harried United at every opportunity and it surprised me how little space they afforded United. It was a complete performance, cutting United off every avenue but they undid it all with some uncharacteristic sloppiness in injury time. When Kuffour conceded a late corner I had this feeling that United would score. They did. Sheringham's header was spot-on. As often happens, a torrent turned into an downpour, and Bayern conceded another corner that led to the winner. I will say this, Giggs volley back into the danger area after the corner had been partially cleared was crucial - more so than the actual winner from Solskaer's lucky, lucky, outstretched boot.

Fair play to United, for having the belief to soldier on, but poor Bayern were truly robbed.

2000 - Real Madrid 3 - 0 Valencia

The most annoying thing about the Champions' League format is that sometimes terrible teams actually win the whole thing. For large parts of the 1999-2000 season, Real Madrid was rubbish, limping home in 5th place domestically. For large parts of the 1999-2000 final Real Madrid were brilliant.

When Roberto Carlos teed up a free kick, I thought "Bloody hell he's never gonna socre - he never does anyway". He didn't score but in the ensuing melee Moreintes tucked in and scored. I was most surprised at the ease with which he did it. To make things worse I could not believe the space afforded Raul when he broke clear for the second. I think he was beyond the last defender, in his own half ! In keeping with the theme of limited talents making the most of their chances - McManaman volleyed home a flukey shot late.

2001 - Bayern Munich 1 - 1 Valencia (Bayern wins on penalties, both regular time goals were also penalties and I think another penalty was saved)

Despite the penalty shootout this was the most boring final ever - with all respects to the Italia 90 final- whatever I remember of that.

I had an exam to study for the next day and decided to plump down in front of the TV with my books (never a good idea). So dull were the proceedings, that I was actually turning away from the football game to read up on chapter 12. I guess some of it was down to the disappoinment of not seeing Arsenal make it to the final - they lost on away goals to Valencia in the quarterfinals - Carew supplying the sucker punch. But the truth is - the game was abysmal, an apology to football purists everywhere. It was this massive grindfest. Bayern kept their date with footballing Karma, overcoming the Ches in a penalty shootout. I turned the TV off in disgust. Even Leeds United would have been more fun to watch.

2002 - Real Madrid 2 - 1 Bayer Leverkusen

What a goal from Zidane. Wow. The cheek in trying it was only surpassed with the sumptuous ease with which he completed it. I have tried it on the playing field and have never come even close to matching the majesty of that strike. Zinedine, we salute you.

Raul's goal was very lucky though, capitalising on a poor throw from Basturk - but that's what he is - a nippy finisher and a tricky poacher. Lucio's equaliser was dogged - his Jesus loves you T shirt underneath would come out for the first time that summer during a football match.

Spare a thought though for Ballack, Neuville, Ramelow and Schneider. This was the third club competition they would finish 2nd in that season. But that's not the end of it - they would go on to lose the World Cup final as well.

Round of 16 beckons II

The Calm before the Storm - Part 2 of 2.

We're in the final home stretch leading up to the first legs of the knockout round, here's a look at where all the various contestants stand. The engines are revving in the pit lane and we're about to embark on the warm up lap - the last few matches before they square off Feb 20/21. Who's hot, who's not and who's still looking for a working clutch pedal - or in Lyon's case a functional healthy strikeforce. All stats since the new year and accurate upto Friday Feb 9 2007.

A little wobbly

Liverpool
4 wins 1 draw 2 losses over all. In 2 cup ties: 2 home losses.

While sailing along smoothly in the league, Liverpool's showing in cup play have been worrying. Although some of those defeats can be attributed to the surely departing Jerzy Dudek, Liverpool's positioning and closing down of opposing players was poor. The talisman that is Steven Gerrard may play out the rest of the season the middle but his performances are increasingly hit or miss - terrific when on song, rubbish when not. Surely carrying an entire team on his shoulders is beginning to take it's toll.

Benitez will no doubt refocus and motivate them for the game against Barcelona - especially with the Catalan's looking a little leaden footed themselves, but Liverpool lack few matchwinners if the team as a whole is playing badly.

Lyon
3 wins 1 draw 4 losses overall . 4 cup ties. 1 home win 1 away loss 2 away wins.

I would never have thought Lyon would lose back to back matches all season, leave alone being winless in 5 in all competitions. I wouldn't write them off yet, as their collective talent, skill and experience still makes them formidable, but they do look to be reeling. Add in the fact that they replaced John Carew, whom I rate as bruising, crushing, centre forward with a rather ropey Milan Baros (goal on debut notwithstanding). Lyon's style is fast, fluid and direct. Although Baros would fit in perfectly in that style, he will need some time to gel and is still short on form. Carew however represented a different approach which could have served Lyon well if things were to ever get tight. Especially since they're still a little short on strikers.

They did notch up 2 away wins though, albeit against lower level opposition. Still, Lyon need to get a few solid wins under their belt before they meet Roma.

PSV
2 wins 2 losses overall. In 1 cup tie: 1 home win.

Think Lyon, but on a smaller scale and in Holland. PSV are still clear the top in Eredivisie but they're lead is down to 5 points and have split their 4 games. It could just be start of the year jitters coupled with the fact that they have one eye on their tie against Arsenal. Then again, AZ Alkmaar did play play but PSV were at home. The game before they were comprehensively beaten at Roda. So something's definitely up, since upto this point PSV had won 18 out of 21 with only 1 loss.

Milan
3 wins 2 draws 2 losses overall. In 4 cup ties: 1 home win 1 home draw 2 away losses.

Milan have never quite shaken off the sloth permanently all season. It seems Kaka and Pirlo are encases in this sludgy ether that prevents them from breaking free. They are mired in midtable and came unstuck in their first real test in the Coppa Italia, losing to Roma. Judging by the distance that separates them from Inter, one would have felt Milan's best chances of silverware this season would have been the Cup. Losses at Arezzo and Roma put paid that dream however and surely Ancellotti must be nervily loooking over his shoulder whenever he sees Galliani.

When teams are a little static and seem to be going through the motions without getting tangible results, common sense dictates getting a player that can turn things around and fire them up. Not at Milan though, who acquired Ronaldo, thereby ensuring that they will stay mired in the mud, both metaphorically, and judging by Ronaldo's physique, literally.

Barcelona
4 wins 3 draws 2 losses overall. In 3 cup ties: 1 home win 1 away win 1 home loss.

Being defending champions and one of the best teams in Europe has it's own set of expectations. Barcelona has not met those, ridiculously high they may be. Getafe and Espanyol first showed them to be a little impotent up front while Osasuna and Zaragoza have ensured the Catalans have gone 2 complete matches without scoring. Despite Saviola's impressive return, and Iniesta's consistent performances, Barcelona are in a slumber and need to wake up.

If the desire in Rijkaard's fist when he punched out of a glass panel during their defeat at Espanyol, could be channelled into his team, Liverpool are doomed. On current form however, Liverpool look primed for an upset.

Porto
1 win 2 losses overall. In 1 Cup tie: 1 home loss.

Hard to spot much of a trend here since they've only played 4 times. I will say this. Losing at home twice in both games since the start of the year is not the perfect tonic for a long continental run. Getting knocked out of the Cup and then losing at home to lower-midtable Estrela Amadora (gotta love the way that rolls off the tongue though) would certainly have given coach Ferreira a few worries. The integration of Argentine defender Lucas Mareque and Colombian striker Wason Renteria needs to be completed soon as well.

They still have a few games before meeting Chelsea but the gulf in class seems to have widened since 2007 started.

Wheels coming off ?

Real Madrid
2 wins 2 draws 3 losses overall. In 2 cup ties: 1 home draw 1 away draw (lost on away goals).

When purporting (however self-proclaimed) to be the world's biggest club one one expects a certain amount of class to emanate from the so ordained. Real possess none. With the death of the Galactico culture, they have ensureed that they now possess a team that is neither very good and not even marketable anymore. Their behavior after being second choice to the MLS was more worthy of 7 year old playground pup whose been told to get off the swings than a global giant about to embark on a winning run in the Champions' League.

Turns out they're pretty rubbish in the league too. Acquiring the two Argentines Higuain and Gago may pay off in the future but at the moment they are still too raw. Raul and Ruud look rustier than usual and their pathetic return of 2 goals in 7 games since the new year won't send shivers down anyone's spine - even in the MLS.

Bayern Munich
1 draw 2 losses overall. No cup ties.

Which brings us, finally, to that other moribund excuse for an erstwhile continental giant - Bayern Munchen. How far have the mighty fallen. The truth is, they've been slowly rotting in the Champions' League for a few seasons but only now has their disease become terminal. Ironically, the only team that may be worse off then them are their opponents, David Beckham's Real.

Bayern are off the pace in the Bundesliga and their style of play is being prescribed for insomniacs from Bavaria to Bremen. The latter, may not need them anymore, judging by the daylight opening up between their team and Bayern.

Tragically, one of these 2 will live to go into the hat for the quarterfinals, whereas elsewhere 2 of Lyon, Roma, PSV and Arsenal will go home.

Round of 16 beckons I

The Calm before the Storm - Part 1 of 2.

We're in the final home stretch leading up to the first legs of the knockout round, here's a look at where all the various contestants stand. The engines are revving in the pit lane and we're about to embark on the warm up lap - the last few matches before they square off Feb 20/21. Who's hot, who's not and who's still looking for a working clutch pedal - or in Lyon's case a functional, healthy strikeforce. (All stats since the new year and accurate upto Friday Feb 9 2007.)

Running Smooth:

INTER
6 wins 1 draw overall. In 4 cup ties: 1 home win 1 home draw 2 away wins.

It seems the only thing preventing Inter from officially claiming the Serie A title is the suspension of the domestic championship. Luckily for Inter the Champions' League is more resilient to fan violence and considerably better supported financially. If the only worries for Roberto Mancini come matchday is whom to omit from the bench, he'll be content. Keeping this squad motivated, hungry and focussed is trickier than it may seem.. especially when you consider that one of Europe's other form teams, Valencia, pose their hardest test this year in the round of 16.

VALENCIA
4 wins 1 draw 2 losses overall. In 2 cup ties: 1 home loss 1 away draw.

Whereas the minor blip in the league against Betis can be put down to an away day blue (not so rare) in the notoriously cut-throat Primera Liga, more worrying for Quique Flores will be the elimination at the hands of Getafe. Madrid's third team is one of the tightest defensive units in the league and more akin to Inter than anyone else Valencia will meet this season. The prognosis was not good. The Kings' Cup may not rank high on Valencia's list or priorities this season but the Champions' League surely does, anything less than 100% against Inter and their continental adventure could be over by the first week of March.

CHELSEA
7 wins 2 draws overall. In 4 cup ties: 3 home wins 1 away draw.

The sludge in the engine remains, some may say in the bulky frame of Ballack. Their wins have been barely functional and hardly imperious - but they've still been victories - and the hallmark of a good team is the ability to grind out a win even when not on song. Chelsea have regressed in the year since they last got knocked out by Barcelona, but they still pose a potent threat to anyone left in the draw. Now, they've gotten their defence back, as a bonus, Ballack has been injured in an International friendly. If only we could all lose dead weight from the middle that easily.

MANCHESTER UNITED
5 wins 1 draw 1 loss overall. In 2 cup ties: 2 homes wins.

They are the form team of the Premiership at the moment - churning out victories with refreshing and often ridiculous ease. Larsson's acquisition have given them further depth up front and Saha's return will boost them further. Their team is firing on all cylinders and all parts seem to be gelling at just the right time - from Vidic at the back to Ronaldo and Giggs on the wings.

Ferguson's only worry will be United's lack of cutting edge against teams who are not afraid of playing at them. Their defeat at Arsenal was comprehensive and for the first half hour against Spurs they were definitely outplayed. Whereas teams in the Premiership often surrender after conceding the first goal to United, their opponents in Europe will show more fight and gumption - and none more so than Lille who they face first up. The away leg of a cup tie should prove an acid test of their credentials.

Having said that though, few managers would pass on trading up with Alex Ferguson right now.

LILLE
4 wins 2 draws 1 loss overall. In 3 cup ties: 2 away wins 1 away loss.

The only team besides Arsenal and Inter who have managed multiple away wins in cup ties this calendar year - a very good statistic to have. The significance of an away win cannot be overstated enough. Cup ties on enemy turf are the most intimidating matches a team can face during a season - winning then are arguably the most impressive of the a team's season.

Lille seem to care little for reputation and will plunge themselves into any tie with relish and zest. Like a pack of young huskies who know no fear, Lille's physical approach will ruffle more than it's fair share of feathers. The injury to Mathieu Bodmer however could prove to be a serious setback - one hopes he can return in time for United. He, more than anyone symbolises the all action style of Lille.

CELTIC
6 wins overall. In 2 cup ties. 1 home win 1 away win.

Solid, well oiled, robust - they just keep winning. Celtic have made dominating in Scotland look even easier than normal. The loss of Shaun Maloney shouldn't make much difference as Celtic have enough players to compensate for his absence, with Paul Hartley's arrival ensuring that the midfield corps retains its depth and threat. Their pace against Milan's aging backline should be crucial - however their lack of matchplay against quality opposition will be telling, Dumbarton and Livingston are a far cry from teams they will meet in Europe. The irony being that no matter how good their domestic form is - it's Milan's form that will decide the tie.

Celtic should make sure they never lose that winning feeling or that winning attitude. Their tie against Milan could not come at a better time and if they do not have to travel to the San Siro for the away leg, their chances may increase substantially.

ROMA
3 wins 4 draws overall. In 4 cup ties: 2 home wins 2 away draws.

They've been efficient rather than overpowering but they've added steel to their normally inconsistent performances. Milan may be limping a little right now, but Roma's victory over them in the Coppa Italia semifinals was still a good performance. 2 legged ties are often won by winning the home leg and holding out away. Roma have shown that they can do both. Their new found resilience and the fact that their opponents Lyon are in a slump themselves may make this tie tilt a little in their favour than before.

If Totti can keep his head and their midfield can swarm the opposition, progression is definitely on the cards. Their opponents look ripe for the taking.

ARSENAL
6 wins 3 draws overall. In 5 cup ties: 2 away wins 1 home win 1 home draw 1 away draw.

Unbeaten since the new year despite an injury list that seems to grow longer even longer every time they play. Arsenal seem to have welded grit, determination and resolve to their normally turbocharged frame. The gunners have never lacked the talent or skill to be successful in Europe but have now developed a clinical resilience that makes them harder to beat. Along with Chelsea, no one has played more times since the new year and just like their west London neighbours - are still unbeaten. More Importantly, no one has played Group Phase winners more often and crucially, beaten them.

If the comeback win against United at home was stellar, their back to back wallopings of a Liverpool side at Anfield are surely the pick of the bunch. Provided Arsenal stay healthy and retain focus, a place in the quaterfinals seems likely.

Champions League Final Memories '95 - '98

1995 - Ajax 1 - 0 Milan

Frustrating. Not only were Milan never in top gear the whole season, losing out to Juventus domestically, they were always a little off the pace in Europe - and they still reached the final. Patrick Kluivert had been the difference between the sides in the group stage and was the only player Milan could not really shackle.

Inevitably, it was Kluivert who scored in the final as a young vibrant Ajax beat a rather limp Milan. My favorite, Savicevic didn't play, Boban was off colour and Baresi was a yard too slow all night. Louis Van Gaal had unleashed his brood on Europe and in retrospect it was a very good Ajax team that beat Milan that night. They passed around very well and their movement off the ball was too much for Albertini and Donadoni to handle. It would be another 9 years before Milan made it back to the final.

When it rains it pours: this time I got to see the Cup Winners' Cup final and this time Arsenal proceeded to lose in rather farcical circumstances. David Seaman would go on to get get lobbed and beaten from distance several times in his career - this was arguably the most high profile. if 1994 was my zenith as a football fan, 1995 was definitely the nadir.


1996 - Juventus 1 - 1 Ajax (Juventus win on penalties)

When the white feather, Fabrizio Ravanelli, scores, his inevitable celebration is a 'I told you so' run towards the coach with his finger pointed. He didn't do that here despite scoring from the spot as Juventus surged to a lead.

Ajax however, were better in this game and looked sharper with smooth passing and movement - hallmarks of the Louis Van Gaal style. Litmanen's leveller was the least they deserved but some smart tactical substitutions by Lippi ensured the balance slowly titled in Juventus's favour. Ajax attacked but Juve, featuring ex-Milan youth player Gianluca Pessotto, held firm and inevitably penalties were the order of the day.

Keeping in theme with Yugoslav players making a telling contribution to Champions' League finals, Vladimir Jugovic slotted home the winning penalty and Juventus won. Ajax has not made the final since. Kluivert went to Milan while most of the rest of the golden Ajax team slowly reunited at Barcelona under Louis Van Gaal.


1997 - Borussia Dortmund 3 - 1 Juventus

Quite simply Dortmund outclassed Juventus.

2 goals from an irrepressible Karl-Heinze Reidle who seemed to be about to score every time he got the ball and a late marker from Lars Ricken ensured Dortmund won the final with plenty to spare. Paulo Sousa turned out for the Germans against his old team who never really got going. The commentator was awful, reminding us time and again how Dortmund were lucky to have beaten Manchester United in the semi-finals - but there was nothing lucky about this. They pressed on the attack and defended deep. The only Juventus player who seemed up for it was Del Piero who, fittingly, scored a consolation to briefly revive the tie after Dortmund had shot to a 2-0 lead. Stefan Reuter made some telling tackles on Alen Boksic while Jurgen Kohler held the backline together with an efficient performance. A certain Angelo Di Livio played - I don't recall him doing one thing of note the entire game.

A very good game lots of playmaking, a fair smattering of goals. A new champion of Europe.

Oh btw, a year after helping Bordeaux beat Milan in the UEFA Cup, a certain Zinedine Zidane played this final - although I scarcely recognized him from the year before. Needless to say he was largely anonymous.


1998 - Real Madrid 1 - 0 Juventus

There was a strange media circus leading to this game. Everyone was constantly reminded about how this was to be the Spanish team's year - getting back the trophy that they owned early on in the century - way back when. Personally I couldn't care less who won. I wanted to see Zidane (Juventus), Roberto Carlos, Davor Suker and Pedrag Mijatovic(All Real) play.

The game was a tactical masterpiece, Raul and Mijatovic going wide whenever they got the ball, dragging Iuliano and Montero with them, out of position; Redondo pulling the strings in the midfield while Zidane danced all over the place looking to play either Del Piero or Inzaghi in, with French team mate Christian Karembeu in tow. Seedorf battled national team colleague Davids in a midfield scrapfest while Di Livio did .. well nothing. He never does anything anyway - his making way for Tacchinardi refreshingly welcome.

The small disappointment was not seeing Davor Suker start, but Mijatovic scored a clinical goal, getting behind Peruzzi (see Yugoslav players, Champions' League finals) and slotting home before he came off for the Croat marksman.

The media circus reached an apoplectic frenzy after the win - Real finally being crowned champions' of Europe after several decades, etc, etc. You should have seen Hierro's face.

Postscript:
Arsenal made 1998 super special - that's right, the double in spectacular fashion ! Wenger had truly arrived. You know I had to put this in.

Champions League Final Memories '91 - '94

1991 - Red Star Belgrade 0 - 0 Olympique Marseille (Red Star wins on penalties)

This was my first ever European Cup final.

I remember watching this with my dad and fittingly, an elderly Yugoslavian friend of the family. He was a real tome of club footballing knowledge. He assured me that the real name of the 'red team from Eastern Europe', as I called them, was a rather more unpronounceable Crvena Zvezda. Also the Pele who suited up for Marseille was not related to the Brazilian legend - but infact a Ghanaian ponytailed footballer prenamed Abidi. He also assured me that the best Yugoslav who played that game was not even on the side of the winners from Belgrade but infact on the bench for the French champions. I guess he was right, although Dragan Stojkovic, Pixie, did come off the bench for a small part of extra time. Then again, Dejan Savicevic did play the game for Red Star and in my mind was the best in show. (more on him later).

I've always loved penalty shootouts - it's my guilty pleasure. After the penalty shootouts of Italia 90, I was excited by the prospect of yet another one here - especially since the game was very boring. True to form it was another exciting shootout (is there ever one which is not?) and the unheralded team from Yugoslavia were European club champions. I will always maintain that this triumph was a prelude to that nation dominating football in the 90s - sadly civil war put paid to that dream.


1992 - Barcelona 1 - 0 Sampdoria

The eagerly awaited return of English clubs to the continental game was a damp squib for me - Arsenal lost to Benfica in the knockout rounds. Due to the lack of TV coverage I didn't get to see that match as it was only the mini-league stage onwards that was televised. Additionally, Milan didn't participate since Sampdoria won the Serie A title. Interestingly it was the Italian team that met Barcelona, the media darlings in the final.

The game was better than the final the year before. I remember Michael Laudrup dribbling a lot and getting nowhere and Lombardo heading a lot (that's probably why he's bald I reckoned) while Koeman won the game with a typically thunderous free kick. Thanks to the weekly coverage of Serie A matches I was more familiar with Sampdoria's team - goalie Pagliuca (whom I always felt looked like a preppy version of Sylvester Stallone), Attilio Lombardo, Gianluca Vialli and captain Roberto Mancini. I remember thinking, if only Milan had played they would have shown Barcelona up. Again, I would have to wait for this eventuality.

Later that summer teammates Koeman and Laudrup would meet on opposite sides in the European Championship semi-final. Laudrup's Denmark would prevail on penalties.


1993 - Marseille 1 - 0 Milan

The first Champions' League final but altogether anaemic for me. I was so excited to see Milan make the final. I didn't get to see them win back to back titles in 89 and 90, so for me it was like seeing them 'finally' making it there as opposed to 'returning to the final' that the media kept mentioning.

The game was tepid as Milan huffed and puffed but seemed very tired, drained no doubt from their Serie A championship season. Marseille seemed one step ahead on all occasions despite their talismanic striker and best player from the previous season starting the final on the Milan bench - Jean Pierre Papin. Roberto Donadoni, who seemed sluggish, eventually came off for the Frenchman but Milan could not find a way through. Basil Boli scored a first half goal and Marseille sat back and protected their lead. I was very disappointed. But I wouldn't be for long.....

It emerged later that Marseille had bribed some French team (Valenciennes I think) to throw their final league game so that they would be rested for the final. They were stripped of various titles and relegated. I greeted this news with no small measure of glee. Milan promptly bought Marcel Desailly from Marseille.


1994 - Milan 4 - 0 Barcelona

Ah what a night. There has never been such an annhilation in a Champions' League Final. I suspect there never be another like it. Barcelona was actually lucky to lose only 4 - 0 as Dejan Savicevic (yes him again) hit the post twice. Barcelona was the supposed 'dream' team, media darlings, expected to brush aside the meaningless opposition of Milan who were missing Baresi and Costacurta through suspension.

Right from start to finish Milan, playing in white, dominated. Dejan Savicevic aptly demonstrated why he was one of the premier midfielders in the world, setting up 2 goals and scoring one himself. Marcel Desailly surged forward to score a brace while Daniele Massaro notched the fourth. Barcelona came expecting a cakewalk but were swept aside by an imperious, and perhaps wounded, Milan. From a footballing perspective, the best final ever. 2 attacking teams going full throttle at each other. Milan destroyed Barcelona - Capello completely outclassed Cruyff.

What made this year (1994) doubly special was Arsenal beating Parma in the Cup Winners' Cup final - and that after starting Ian Selley in midfield! The only sad note was that I never actually got to see that game.