Champion's League 1st Leg Notes

Roma (2) vs. Real Madrid (1): Real Madrid played offense through the middle of the pitch, even after Roma dedicated another mid fielder to defense in front of the center backs. I would have liked to see Real spread the field a bit and use crosses from the wings. Except for a shot of the post late in the game, Van Nistelroy was a non factor. I was surprised Baptista did not start, and even more surprised Schuster brought him on so late in the contest, minute 77. Baptista replaced Robben who played an excellent game. Roma had a few odd man breaks in the second half that they failed to capitalize on. One in particular was awful. 4-2 break, the spacing was too narrow and the passing even worse. I don’t think they got a shot off from this chance. Totti started the game slow, but showed his class in the second half, culminating in a steal from a bad Real pass and then placed a beautiful pass to a cutting Mancini who calmly beat the goalie. Real needs Robinho back. Their offense is not the same without his speed and skill up front.

Olympiacos (0) vs. Chelsea (0): This was one of the more boring matches I have seen in a long time. There was plenty of rain in the air and on the field, so one could surmise a team from England should be able to play in these conditions better than a team from Greece. Wrong, Chelsea lacked movement and pace the entire contest. Drogba had two chances, a strike in the first half that was saved, and then a header late in the second half that he should have done better with, sailing the ball over the bar. Olympiacos settled for counter attacks most of the contest, getting numbers in their favor a few times, but failing to get any thing menacing on net.

Liverpool (2) vs. Inter (0): As much as I hate Matterazzi, he did not deserve either yellow card that led to his dismissal early in the first half. Maybe his reputation preceded him, maybe the ref has a grudge, I do not know, but I am certain that the referee will face questioning after two awful calls that looks to have decided this contest before the return leg to Milan. A matchup of this magnitude is not for the referee to decide, but for the talent of the players on the pitch. After Materazzi’s dismissal , Liverpool controlled tempo but did not have any real chances at net. After half time, Inter seemed to get some momentum and threatened with a few shots and corners. Liverpool regained control at about the 75 minute mark and continued to pepper the Inter defense to no avail until Kuyt’s breakthrough at the 85 minute mark. Gerrard added a second goal a few minutes later. Young Dutch international Ryan Babel had a solid game. Liverpool uses him on the outside, but his physical qualities seem more suited for striker. Babel is fast, tall, has excellent skill with the ball at his feet and a relentless motor.

I have argued against the away goals rule for tie breaks. Let us say Inter beats Liverpool 3-1 in Milan with no dismissals. Under the away goals rule, Liverpool would advance. Is this fair? Why is 2-0 in an 11 on 10 game more impressive that a 3-1 full strength match? Uefa needs to improve the tie break rule. Away goals is garbage. In the event of a tie after two games, the teams should go to two 15-minute halves followed by penalty kicks if necessary.

Celtic (2) vs. Barca (3): Celtic looked lost against Barcelona’s movement and give-and-go passing. I am sure that Celtic do not see an offense with such movement and understanding of space in the Scottish league. Celtic played with a lot of heart but were simply out classed for most of the contest. Henry, in my opinion, is the best pure striker in the world when fit, and had a beautiful goal in the second half. From the corner of the penalty box area, Henry was given about two yards of space by the defender who worried against Henry’s quickness to goal. Henry simply curled a shot around the defense and goalie for the score. Magnificent goal that he made look effortless. Ronaldinho looked motivated and Messi was world class.

Celtic still has a chance and would be wise to go all out on offense. Some coaches would say, “let’s play our normal game and see what happens”. Well, Celtic tried that and should be down 5-2 rather than the 3-2 they are down. Abandon the 4-4-2 and go with more of an attack friendly 4-3-3 or 4-1-2-1-2.

Lyon (1) vs. Man United (1): The most entertaining game of the week. Back and forth play, beautiful passes and great defending. Can not fault either team in tactics or spirit. Govou played superbly on the left wing for Lyon and was the impetus for most attacks in the first half. I expect Anderson to sit for Man U in the return leg to give way for Tevez to start and for United to go to their more traditional 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 formation.

Arsenal (0) vs. A.C. Milan (0): Arsenal was the better team and controlled their play through the midfield, a surprise given the experience and class of Milan’s midfield. Arsenal created more chances, 7 shots on goal to only two for Milan, and were unfortunate to have several shots skim just wide of the net. The best chance was an Adebyor header in stoppage time that hit the crossbar. Adebyor has been one of the hottest strikers in the world the past month and had a clear look at net. The missed opportunity will haunt Arsenal if they fail in Milan. Arsenal’s youthful legs wore down Milan and they will certainly try to do the same at the San Siro.

Schalke (1) vs. Porto (0) and Fenerbache (3) vs. Sevilla: These games were not available at The Rover, I did not watch them, so consequently have no comment on these games.