Champion's League 2011-2012

[Clevelandmo]

I guess I'll be hoping Bayern advance and win the final. Ugh, I feel so dirty saying that

.

I was smiling when Torres scored. I am sorry, but I absolutely hate Barca. They're a bunch of diving cheats, especially Busquets who went over like Tyson hit him when Inter played them.

Well I feel dirty saying that I found myself rooting for Chelsea, but I did. I also smiled when Torres scored not just because I wanted Barca to loose but also because I called it.

Barca doesnt annoy me with their diving because so many teams are much worse, but I'm just tired of all the "amazing Barcelona" worship stuff that goes on. These days you cant even read an article or have a conversation about youth soccer without having to hear about what Barcelona does. I'm impressed with their defense because it's relentless, but I'm getting bored with their offensive style. I prefer the more varied and athletic attack of teams like Real Madrid, Man City, or heck even the total football that Jol has Fulham implementing. It's more exciting. The incessant one-two's in tight spaces that Barca tries has gotten old for me.

And because that's how they play they totally blew the man-up advantage they had in the game yesterday. That style did not do enough to tire out a 10 man Chelsea. Chelsea was able to just sit back and defend with a line of men shuffling around the top of the box. Barca didnt move the ball around the entire field and make Chelsea run. Stupid IMO. You have to take advantage of being a man up for that long.

Also Ramires' goal was simply amazing. Up there among the best I have ever seen

[jumpkutz]

Ramires' goal was amazing, but that pass from Lampard (choke, choke, cough, cough) was just flat out sick.

[VegasJustin]

Mo is right. You could see that Chelsea would hang on because Barca was always looking to pass the ball into the net. Then they tried crossing in balls which is really stupid considering Chelsea is so much bigger than they are and they have practice with that being in the premier league.


This game makes me wonder about them being the best team ever. The best teams would find a way to break down a ten men Chelsea without their starting central defense. I know it's pretty much a fact among people who watch the sport that they are the best ever, but this kind of game has to at least dent that a bit.

[SoCalJoe]

After seeing the replay last night after not seeing the first half and wow was the Lampard to Ramires goal filthy. Barca relaxed after the go ahead goal for a second and gave the Undead a lifeline. This can be such a cruel game, Barca dominated Chelsea for 180 minutes, but hit the crossbar twice, the post three times, and ran into Cech who in those 2 games played like he did pre-head injury. It's not like Barca didn't create chances in the second half. Messi sees Cech guess right at the last second and tries to roof it on the pk, Cech makes 2 or 3 great saves (still couldn't tell if he got his fingers on the shot Messi hit the post on), and had a goal disallowed on a tight but correctly called offside.

• Sanchez made the most of it, but John Terry totally deserved red on that cheapshot. The guy is a total scumbag on and off the pitch and it warms my heart that he has to sit out the final.

• No fan of Barca, but it's a shame the 2 best teams won't be playing in the Final. I haven't experienced the burnout on them since I never watch La Liga, but they look to have fallen victim to what all great teams (no matter the sport) do. Sooner or later those teams that win constantly lose that little edge. Throw in the media circus that surrounds them and this slip isn't surprising.

Sadly, the Special One looks like he's going to win the double.

[DCHeather]

Bayern Munich and Chelsea in the final. The Spanish teams couldn't get it done at home.

I was originally hoping for both of them to make it through, as I always like watching a rivalry in a final. But as soon as Barcalona couldn't get it done, I switched to pulling for that icky German team. Ugh, I still feel dirty cheering for Bayern Munich...but I like them more than Real Madrid.

[SoCalJoe]

Is called for anytime Mourinho loses. Had to be somewhere and missed all of extra time and penalties. Real for some reason didn't try and attack the final 20 minutes of regulation. The first half was an awesome display by both sides. Bayern certainly played even (if not better) w/Madrid over the course of both legs and got their just rewards.

[nevzter]

wow. wow.

[nevzter]

Whitesbhoy must be over the moon for Bayern's accomplishment

[Clevelandmo]

Well the two, and only two, Spanish teams are out. Is La Liga the best league in the world now Blatter? ??

[SCFulhamFan]

I would have liked to see Jose take it to Chelsea, but Bayern has played their socks off. Good for them.

[DCHeather]

Here's an excellent take from Rich at Craven Cottage Newsround:

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress ... d-ends-10/?

[jumpkutz]

That's good stuff from Rich. Find myself agreeing with pretty much everything he said. Now if only the Cottagers would give something to talk about....

[SoCalJoe]

The Undead taking on Bayern Munich Saturday. Will playing at home, help or hurt Bayern? Sometimes in the biggest matches, playing on the road or a neutral site is a good thing. I'll still take Arjen Robben to grab the winner against his old team 2-1. WIll be curious to see the ratings afterwards, since the match is being shown live on regular Fox.

[DCHeather]

"It is written in the stars!!!"

Could we have had any bigger homers for announcers for this one? Thought Bayern had it, but Chelsea just don't give up. Unbelievable.

Oh well. I think I should start cheering on other teams for awhile, since the almost all the ones I hope win end up losing lately.

[jumpkutz]

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