UEFA Champions League 2005/6

[nickko]

Group A
FC Bayern München (GER)
Juventus FC (ITA)
Club Brugge KV (BEL)
SK Rapid Wien (AUT)

Group B
Arsenal FC (ENG)
AFC Ajax (NED)
AC Sparta Praha (CZE)
FC Thun (SUI)

Group C
FC Barcelona (ESP)
Panathinaikos FC (GRE)
Werder Bremen (GER)
Udinese Calcio (ITA)

Group D
Manchester United FC (ENG)
Villarreal CF (ESP)
LOSC Lille Métropole (FRA)
SL Benfica (POR)

Group E
AC Milan (ITA)
PSV Eindhoven (NED)
FC Schalke 04 (GER)
Fenerbahçe SK (TUR)

Group F
Real Madrid CF (ESP)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)
Olympiacos CFP (GRE)
Rosenborg BK (NOR)

Group G
Liverpool FC (ENG, holders)
Chelsea FC (ENG)
RSC Anderlecht (BEL)
Real Betis Balompié (ESP)

Group H
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)
FC Porto (POR)
Rangers FC (SCO)
FC Artmedia Bratislava (SVK)

Liverpool v Chelsea makes up the only real interesting group match. Juventus vs Munich won't be bad. Groups E and F will be tough. Utd should have an easy passage to the next round.

Barca and Milan are my favourites. Bring it on!

[Rusty_OHara]

^^ Sweet, just what I was about to go looking for.

PS: Love the last post in the "other" thread :P

[cruisysloth]

Can't wait for Liverpool to fail to qualify out of group stages as chelsea and betis take the spots

[Rusty_OHara]

Group A: Bayern & Juventus
Group B: Ajax & Sparta Praha
Group C: Barcelona & Werder Bremen
Group D: United & Villarreal
Group E: Milan & Schalke
Group F: Real Madrid & Lyon
Group G: Liverpool & Chelsea
Group H: Internazionale & Porto

Edit: Of course I don't know shite about football; so expect that the actual teams to go through will be totall different to my predictions :P

Are the fixtures / dates out yet?

[bricktop712]

Group B: Ajax & Sparta Praha
JEEZALOU!

Just you wait m'lads. The mighty Gooners will conquer Europe when you karnts least expect it.

[nickko]

Ok, now let me provide somewhat more of a sober analysis. :P Juventus and Bayern will go through from Group A, no problems. Arsenal and Ajax should go through from Group B, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if Sparta snuck through in place of either team. Barca will clean up Group C, Bremen and Pana to fight it out for second.

Man Utd will win Group D, with no major issues. Villareal should pip Benfica for the other spot. Group E is a tough one. Milan should qualify, but Turkey is a tough place to travel, and all the teams in that group will fancy their chances of qualifying. Group F is, in my opinion, the pick of the groups. Real historically struggle in the early stages of the tournament, so realistically any of the four could make it through. Khaos is spot on about travelling to Rosenborg, so it will be very interesting to see how this pans out.

Chelsea and Liverpool will be the tie of the round. Liverpool will need to pick up points against the Blues, as Betis and Anderlecht won't be pushovers. The two English teams to go through. Inter and Porto to qualify in the final group.

First matches on 13 September.

[bricktop712]

Man Utd ALWAYS get the push-over group. Fuckn lucky karnts!

The Gooners will leave it late and make the task look impossibly difficult. As usual. But they'll break out of jail, somehow.

The ECL draw is getting soooo utterly predictable these days. Arsenal, drawn against either PSV or Ajax, and the obligatory nutter Russian opponent. Every farkin year! :|

I'm curious to see Juve. That's an awesome team, solid in every facet, made even better by the Vieira pick-up. Ibra is a gun! They're my pick to take home the booty!

[ViRiPiDES]

T

*Rosenborg - theyre a nightmare when they play at home in the freezing cold .ive seen them beat the top teams there and if memory serves me correct they mightve beat Madrid a few years back.


Agreed. Rosenborg will be no pushovers especially if we have to visit them in the middle of winter. Half our squad is made up of Brazilians so those conditions will be less than ideal. However, I am quietly confident that we will be there or thereabouts this year. This is probably the most well-balanced squad we've had since 2000/2001 especially if we get Cincinho in the summer.

[cruisysloth]

My Predictions

Group A
FC Bayern München (GER)
Juventus FC (ITA)

Group B
Arsenal FC (ENG)
AFC Ajax (NED)

Group C
FC Barcelona (ESP)
Udinese Calcio (ITA)

Group D
Manchester United FC (ENG)
Villarreal CF (ESP)

Group E (GROUP OF DEATH!)
AC Milan (ITA)
PSV Eindhoven (NED)

Group F
Real Madrid CF (ESP)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)

Group G
Chelsea FC (ENG)
Real Betis Balompié (ESP)

Group H
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)
FC Porto (POR)

[midian]

My pics:

Group A
FC Bayern München (GER)
Juventus FC (ITA)

Group B
Arsenal FC (ENG)
AFC Ajax (NED)

Group C
FC Barcelona (ESP)
Werder Bremen (GER)

Group D
Manchester United FC (ENG)
Villarreal CF (ESP)

Group E
AC Milan (ITA)
FC Schalke 04 (GER)

Group F
Real Madrid CF (ESP)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)

Group G
Liverpool FC (ENG, holders)
Chelsea FC (ENG)

Group H
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)
Rangers FC (SCO)

[ViRiPiDES]

Ok I guess I'll have a go with my predictions as well.

Group A
FC Bayern München (GER)
Juventus FC (ITA)

Group B
AFC Ajax (NED)
AC Sparta Praha (CZE)

Group C
FC Barcelona (ESP)
Werder Bremen (GER)

Group D
Villarreal CF (ESP)
SL Benfica (POR)

Group E
AC Milan (ITA)
PSV Eindhoven (NED)

Group F
Real Madrid CF (ESP)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)

Group G
Liverpool FC (ENG, holders)
Chelsea FC (ENG)

Group H
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)
FC Porto (POR)

[Aristotle]

meh everyones predictions are more or less identical, bar 1 or 2 teams ..... Man U is thru for sure, even though I hate to say it ....

[topitov]

Dont rule out Benfica the Portuguese champs!That group is quite even.

[maas]

i could write down my predictions but in all honesty as long as inter finishes top of their group i dont care about anyone else.

as for my group of death - group G.

[Mayday]

Group G is a dream... Cmon Chels!!

[phelon]

Group G is hardest group imo
Cant wait for it to start!

[ZGR33K]

Group A
FC Bayern München (GER)
Juventus FC (ITA)

Group B
Arsenal FC (ENG)
AC Sparta Praha (CZE)


Group C
FC Barcelona (ESP)
Panathinaikos FC (GRE)

Group D
Manchester United FC (ENG)
SL Benfica (POR)

Group E
AC Milan (ITA)
PSV Eindhoven (NED)

Group F
Real Madrid CF (ESP)
Olympiacos CFP (GRE)

Group G
Liverpool FC (ENG, holders)
Chelsea FC (ENG)

Group H
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)
FC Porto (POR)

:p

[innA]

has anyone created an ITM fantasy comp yet?
http://en.uclfantasy.uefa.com/

so many great strikers for 11 or so - you can make an unbelievably solid team with the 100 euros!

[nickko]

First round proper kicks off Wednesday. ;D

[ViRiPiDES]

has anyone created an ITM fantasy comp yet?
http://en.uclfantasy.uefa.com/

so many great strikers for 11 or so - you can make an unbelievably solid team with the 100 euros!

Yeah I've entered a team there - found it very hard to keep it under budget actually.
Anyway let us know if you have a created a league there.

[innA]

ITM league set-up

Code to join this league:
58156-15122

[h0rf]

joined

[SamJam]

1: Toldo






2: Puyol



3: Heinze





4: Córdoba


5: Kompany






6: Ronaldin-
ho
(C)


7: Ballack


8: Zenoni






9: Wiltord







10: Rivaldo







11: Shevchen-
ko


Substit-
utes
12: Malicki
Goalkeep-
er

13: Tacchina-
rdi
Midfield-
er


14: De Jong
Midfield-
er

15: Dos Santos
Defender

[ViRiPiDES]

ITM league set-up

Code to join this league:
58156-15122

Joined. My team is SCRaTCH.

[nickko]

Joined the league. My team:

1: Cech

2: Carragher

3: Puyol

4: Heinze

14: Poborský

6: Ronaldinho

7: Gerrard

9: Scholl

13: Farfán

10: Van Nistelrooij (C)

11: Adriano

Substitutes

12: Malicki
Goalkeeper

8: Adam
Midfielder

5: Heitinga
Defender

15: Hutton
Defender

[Rusty_OHara]

ITM league set-up

Code to join this league:
58156-15122 Joined :P

4-4-2 In the EPL, but a more attacking 4-3-3 for Europe.

Crvena Zvezda (Rusty O'Hara)

1: Cech (C) - Chelsea
2: Thuram - Juventus
3: Ferdinand - Man Utd
4: Carvalho - Chelsea
5: Kompany - Anderlecht

6: Ballack - Bayern Munich
7: Vieira - Juventus
8: Galásek - Ajax

9: Shevchenko - Milan
10: Eto'o - Barcelona
11: Makaay - Bayern Munich

Substitutes:
12: Rüstü [GK] - Fenerbahce
13: Alex Rae [MF] - Rangers
14: Herzán [MF] - Sparta Praha
15: Mahmut [DF] - Fenerbahce

[SoLaCeLL]

Can't wait for Liverpool to fail to qualify out of group stages as chelsea and betis take the spots
Come again?

2-1 LIVERPOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GET IN THERE CROUCHY!!!!!!!!!!!

[nickko]

Madrid off to their traditional start...

[Beegie]

Lyon 3-0 Francophiles.

:lol:

[SamJam]

I selected Wiltord!

[Anselm]

Come again?

2-1 LIVERPOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GET IN THERE CROUCHY!!!!!!!!!!!
Cruisy hates the 'Pool

[innA]

watched some of the Lyon game this morning.. it was super fast pace and they completely outplayed them - nice fantasy points from Juninho too! (despite missing a penalty)

[bricktop712]

Only one Arsenal game was televised last year during the group stage. And I'm certainly not expecting any favours this time round from the ESPN folk. Tommy Smyth hates the Gooners. He's said it before. Knobhead.

I selected Wiltord!Wiltord has appears to have bucked a somewhat ignominious trend by doin very well post-Highbury. Knobhead.

See Vieira and the Old Lady go tomorrow. I think I tipped them for glory. The most plausible development that will arrest 'em: Lillian Thuram brain explosion.

[ViRiPiDES]

watched some of the Lyon game this morning.. it was super fast pace and they completely outplayed them - nice fantasy points from Juninho too! (despite missing a penalty)

I knew Lyon would be tough since their season started about a month before ours and as such they are more match fit. Realistically I was hoping for a draw, but I guess that was not to be. I thought we started well enough but as soon as they went ahead, we just fell apart. Oh, and I picked Juninho in my fantasy team as well so thats some consolation I guess :| He is probably one of the best free-kick takers around and I cannot understand why we committed so many fouls near our penalty box. It was just asking for trouble. And Beckham played even worse than normal. The sooner we get rid of him the better. What a joke of a footballer.
Neverthless with R9 and ZZ back, I believe we will still qualify for the next round easily enough.

[Beegie]

Only one Arsenal game was televised last year during the group stage. And I'm certainly not expecting any favours this time round from the ESPN folk. Arsenal are pure shite in Europe- why bother showing their games?

[eman]

Can't wait for Liverpool to fail to qualify out of group stages as chelsea and betis take the spots

why would you say that? :-O that's just uncalled for..

[innA]

Arsenal are pure shite in Europe- why bother showing their games?

luckily we have the easiest draw - but i cant see us making it any further than the next round.

[Mayday]

MASSIVE result for the scousers last night, against an understrength Betis. Not that it matters or should any scouse care, its 3 huge away points against their main rival for second spot...

Chelsea is what I expected. Dull against a dull team in a dull and empty bridge.

[bricktop712]

Arsenal are pure shite in Europe- why bother showing their games?Hater.

This year!
This year!
This is the year.

:looks to the clouds:

Hehe, well the Gooners have failed to live up to their billing as ECL contenders during recent campaigns that's for sure. But they've hardly been shite. Perennial disappointments, certainly. Perhaps less expectations this time round, the better. Maybe. Hopefully.

Anyway, I hope to see an Ajax game at least. Always entertaining matches against Dutch opposition.

[Bug Powder]

Anyway, I hope to see an Ajax game at least. Always entertaining matches against Dutch opposition.

Usually yes, Ajax have turned shit though.

[spiKe]

Can't wait for Liverpool to fail to qualify out of group stages as chelsea and betis take the spots
Why do constantly act like the world's biggest twat mate?

Seriously get over the whole Liverpool hating thing, it's not cool anymore and it's getting really really old, or are you just not smart enough to think of anything else to whinge about?

[Rusty_OHara]

Usually yes, Ajax have turned shit though.
For now.

/waits for the next batch of youth palyers to come through.

Still can't believe van der Vaart went to Hamburg :tripping:

[Beegie]

I'm a big Ajax fan but the last 18 months have been dismal. Koeman lost the respect of the locker room, they sold too many good players at once (much like in the mid 90's).

As Rusty said though- they'll be back.

[nickko]

Rooney you imbecile.

[Anselm]

Heres something for all the doubters...CROUCHY!
http://football.guardian.co.uk/championsleague200506/story/0,16379,1569551,00.html

[nickko]

Well Viera did get sent too...

[cruisysloth]

Sucked in to rooney, i had the stupid twat

[innA]

love this pic..

http://www.soccernet.com/design05/DJ/20050910/rooney_mreg.jpg
"Rooney was ordered off by referee Kim Milton Nielsen for two yellow card offences just past the hour mark when the striker sarcastically applauded a first, harsh booking."

[bricktop712]

Saved by the Dutchmaster!

[midian]

For now.

Still can't believe van der Vaart went to Hamburg :tripping:

Did you hear the reasoning behind that though? It's all because he married a Jewish woman apparently, and Ajax has a large anti-semitic portion in it's fanbase and he was heckled every game, apparently some games were even stopped and the crowd told to clam down because it was so bad.

He pretty much took the first offer to get out of there, and Hamburg got him for such a bargain price. You watch, he'll be a superstar there and end up moving to a big club for 5 times the price!

As for Rooney, when all is said and done it's only his first red card at United and his second alltogether. It's just because he comes so close so often that people think it's worse! That was the same ref who sent Beckham off against Argentina in the '98 world cup too hahaha

[h0rf]

dont know that germany would be my first choice of country if i was avoiding anti-semites, but anyway...

[midian]

Fucking hell, how bad was this challenge by van Persie that got him sent off:

http://images.thesun.co.uk/picture/0,,2005421239,00.jpg

http://images.thesun.co.uk/picture/0,,2005421241,00.jpg

[innA]

holy crap! the reports were saying it shouldnt have been a red, but it looks damn nasty from those pictures!

[nickko]

Jesus Christ!

I wonder what Whinger's excuse was for this one?

[Rusty_OHara]

Did you hear the reasoning behind that though? It's all because he married a Jewish woman apparently, and Ajax has a large anti-semitic portion in it's fanbase and he was heckled every game, apparently some games were even stopped and the crowd told to clam down because it was so bad.

He pretty much took the first offer to get out of there, and Hamburg got him for such a bargain price. You watch, he'll be a superstar there and end up moving to a big club for 5 times the price!
Should have gone to Man Utd.

Do Hamburg even have european football this year?

I rate him, he was also U21 national captain as well, no? Good player.

I think I saw a comment from Cruyff about how stupid it was for him to go to Hamburg considering national team aspirations.

dont know that germany would be my first choice of country if i was avoiding anti-semites, but anyway...
:lol: My thoughts as well.

Surely Spurs would have been a better option?

[Rusty_OHara]

I wonder what Whinger's excuse was for this one?
However it was another sending-off that had a club manager fuming as Robin van Persie (http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/fo/profiles/16105.html)'s first-half dismissal for Arsenal (http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/fo/arsenal/index.html) had Arsene Wenger - not for the first time - ranting after yet another red card for his team.

"He (Polish referee Grzegorz Gilewski) was flying high, he didn't watch the game," the Frenchman raged.

"The sending-off was an unpleasant surprise and the wrong decision. It was not Robin's fault. It was an accident. For me, it was never a red card."
Source:
http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/050914/3/dmve.html

[nickko]

:lol: Classic Wenger.

"Zee face, it got in zee vay of iz boot."

[SoLaCeLL]

Wenger is a twat!

[Bug Powder]

I'm a big Ajax fan but the last 18 months have been dismal. Koeman lost the respect of the locker room, they sold too many good players at once (much like in the mid 90's).

As Rusty said though- they'll be back.


Eventually, but this isn't like their usual 4 year slump. They've really hit rock bottom this time. The beginning of the end was when the club decided to lower its European target. Since then talent (on field and administrative alike) has been leaving the club in droves. Theyve even been pretty poor domestically where they are usually giants.

ah well...

[topitov]

What a goal by kaka!!!!

[nickko]

Which one?

Both were awesome.

How was Pirlo's flick for the first?!

[topitov]

I only saw the 2nd...Milan have a tough group,but should get through.

[Left-eye]

maybe now that Arsenal aren't doing any good in the premier leauge that might do something in europe

[topitov]

maybe now that Arsenal aren't doing any good in the premier leauge that might do something in europe

The chances of that happening are slim to none.

[Rusty_OHara]

maybe now that Arsenal aren't doing any good in the premier leauge that might do something in europe
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Next.

[Aristotle]

anyone playing uefa.com fantasy football???

if there is, perhaps we can make an ITM league? its more fun when you have a few leagues to play with on your list ........

I got 58 points for matchday 1, so happy .... :)

yes/no?

[innA]

ITM league set-up

Code to join this league:
58156-15122

look up..

[Aristotle]

whoops my bad :)

[Rusty_OHara]

Oh noez.... Someone let a Partizan fan into the ITM league :P

[innA]

some good games coming up for wed/thurs:
Ajax v Arsenal
Man U v Benfica
Schalke v Milan
Liverpool v Chelsea

[nickko]

Arsenal are gonna struggle massively with only Reyes up front.

Look for Utd to hammer Benfica. After that pathetic loss on the weekend, Fergie would have been at their throats. Ruud to score a hat-trick.

Liverpool to upset Chelsea.

[Aristotle]

Thats a host of cracker games coming up ....

Rusty, dont tease me hehee

[innA]

im thinking Benfica are actually going to beat Man U 2-1
Chelsea to beat Pool 3-0
Arsenal to draw 1-1 with Ajax

[nate_b]

Looking forward to Thursday morning's game. Being a Liverpool fan living with a fucking pommie chelsea fan should make for a very interesting game indeed. I already had to watch that smug grin after the ashes finished so hopefully i won't have to be subjected to it again!

[topitov]

Benfica to draw at Old Trafford.
Cant believe Schalke v Milan is not one of the televised games. :| Stoopid ESPN and Madrid.

[pro_dj]

Who do you guys tip to win?

[TranceArt]

Arsenal over Ajax by a goal
Man U to beat Benfica by at least 2-0
Liverpool to beat Chelsea 1-0, 2-1 or its a 1-1 draw

[Marinelli]

Take your savings and lump it on Barca. Barcalona welcome back Ronaldinho and Deco after they were rested in their weekend win. Also expect wunderkid Messi to get a run as he is not allowed to play La Liga. Udinese have been weakened due to the fact that inform frontman Laquinta has been removed from the squad for failing to sign a new contract.

Barcalona to win.

I reckon FC Thun have a really good chance to win at home as well. They play Sparta Prague, a team who lost on the weekend 2-0. Sparta talisman Karel Poborsky has been loaned out to a division two club, and apparently there is a rift between coaching staff and the players. Thun's first ever champions league game at home will be met with a full stadium. Thun will be eager to improve after their last minute loss against Arsenal

[TranceArt]

Poborsky was awesome at the Euro's for the Czechs

[Marinelli]

The one game I'm not sure of is Man U vs. Benfica. MU have been extremely poor lately, with injuries not helping their worries tonight. Rooney is out through suspension, Keane, Heinze and possible O'Shea will miss the game through injury. They are at odds of $1.30 at SportsTab, which is way too short in my opinion. I'm not sure what might happen tomorrow morning between these two.

[Rusty_OHara]

^^ Can't buy a goal at the moment :(

Also expect wunderkid Messi to get a run as he is not allowed to play La Liga.
Why? Did I miss something or am I too tired...

[innA]

thank god for having Ronaldinho at captain this week - 36 fantasy points :love:

awesome free kicks from Ronaldinho, Deco, and Simao in today's games!

[Marinelli]

Why? Did I miss something or am I too tired...

There is dispute as to if he is allowed to play. I'm not one hundred percent sure, but the club is unsure whether is able to play in La Liga under his current status, which is either a South American player or a Barca Youth acadamy player.

[TranceArt]

go the GUNNNNERSSSS!

[nickko]

Last minute goal from Ruud saved us in what appears to have been an entertaining game.

Ronaldinho is just amazing.

[eman]

Far out.. I need Junihno (my captain this week in Fantasy football) to score 5 goals just to catch up with everyone else!! I have 2 points so far this week... how embarrassing.

[topitov]

Last minute goal from Ruud saved us in what appears to have been an entertaining game.

Ronaldinho is just amazing.
Very entertaining...awesome free kick by Simao.
Just after Simao scored Benfica were on top for about 10 mins and looked like winning the game,then all of a sudden they sat back and eventually Ruud scored.

[Marinelli]

Man U were not very convincing this morning. What is it that Fletcher actually does in that team, apart from give the ball away? Man U need a quality box to box midfielder if they want to win something

[bricktop712]

Pretty good away win for the Gooners, albeit assisted by an abject Ajax discharge. We've a firm handle on Group B now.

Nice games from Reyes, Alex Hleb, Ashley Cole. The yongsters, Fabregas and Flamini, acquitted themselves very well patrolling central midfield. A couple of nervy moments after Ajax pulled one back, but generally the Arsenal rearguard coped well. Classy finish by Freddie Ljungberg.

[ViRiPiDES]

thank god for having Ronaldinho at captain this week - 36 fantasy points :love:

awesome free kicks from Ronaldinho, Deco, and Simao in today's games!

Tried to free up some funds to get Ronaldinho into my team, but just couldn't do it without severely compromising the rest of the squad :(
Kicking myself for choosing Makaay as the captain though. Can't believe that he couldn't score at least one goal at home against Bruuge.

Arsenal look good to progress now, but I still maintain that they wont get past the round of 16.

[topitov]

Real v Olympiakos on ESPN 2nd game :|

Real Madrid could play Sydney United and it would be covered.

[SoLaCeLL]

Youll Never Walk Alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mayday]

You just wait scouser!!!! ;)

[phelon]

GO the REDS

[lairymarc]

Last minute goal from Ruud saved us in what appears to have been an entertaining game.

Ronaldinho is just amazing.

Was a good game, Rudd back to his last minute poaching best, im not his biggest fan to be honest, but he does get em at the right time.

[TranceArt]

Ruud seriously has to have the quickest instincts of any striker though

he manages to score off so many from close range where no one appears to know where the ball is but him

He just isn't getting the service that was provided 2 seasons ago

[Anselm]

Chelsea Liverpool 0-0....Liverpool ahd some pretty strong penalty shouts turned down, inlcuding a blatant handball by Gallas. Somehow I get the feeling both teams were happy with the point though.

[innA]

i thought the CHE v LIV was pretty damn boring.. but i was expecting a 0-0 or possibly a 1-0 to the blues.

looking at the fantasy leagues - im suprised how many Australians are playing!
http://en.uclfantasy.uefa.com/M/stats.mc?stat=bestcountries

[nickko]

Liverpool could have had two penalties, and definately should have had one when Gallas handled the ball. Other than that it seemed a pretty dull match.

Few cracking goals in the other matches. Olympiakos' goal against Real was awesome, so was Milan's first and also the second they conceded.

[ViRiPiDES]

Pheww...we almost made it very difficult for ourselves to qualify for the next phase. Thank God for Soldado!!
And props to Raul who has surpassed Don Alfredo as the all-time leading scorer in the European Cup/Champions League with his 50th goal.
And I'll be the first to admit that Beckham was great. One of the best games I have seen him play in a long while.

[Anselm]

Becks is the Justin Langer of world football. Plays shit for long periods and then, when people start questioining his spot in the side, puts together a couple of great performances to secure his future. Then he returns to medicority for long periods.

[nickko]

And props to Raul who has surpassed Don Alfredo as the all-time leading scorer in the European Cup/Champions League with his 50th goal.

Ruud will have that taken care of soon enough. ;)

Beckham has been playing well for Real lately. His dead ball crosses have been unplayable and he seems to have found his way with Madrid's style of play.

What's with Sergio Ramos? Sent twice already!

[ViRiPiDES]

Ruud will have that taken care of soon enough. ;)

Beckham has been playing well for Real lately. His dead ball crosses have been unplayable and he seems to have found his way with Madrid's style of play.

What's with Sergio Ramos? Sent twice already!


I have a feeling that Raul is just starting to get back to his old self now and I don't think Ruud will be catching up to him anytime soon XD

I heard Beckham had a decent game against Bilbao but against Alaves last weekend I thought he was aweful. I counted only one good cross from him in the entire game, and even his set-pieces were ordindary. I just hope he can maintain the form he showed against Olympiakos for us but I highly doubt it.

I thought Sergio Ramos was outstanding yesterday. The sending off was a joke, he received a bad tackle and barely even brushed the opponents shirt as he was getting up. Seriously, the Olympiakos players must be getting acting lessons from Rivaldo. I am confident that UEFA will overturn the suspension.

[midian]

Beckham seems to really be getting back into form, he's had three goal assists in the past two games alone.

[midian]

PS: Liverpool were ripped off, they should have had a penalty.

[Bug Powder]

PS: Liverpool were ripped off, they should have had a penalty.


Oh well, Chelsea were ripped off last year with a bad decision in the semi's. Thats the way the game goes I guess :P

[onetallpoppy]

was the chelski-pool game any good? bored me just thinking about it

[Vadaar]

was the chelski-pool game any good? bored me just thinking about it

Na, wished i stayed in bed!

[Bug Powder]

was the chelski-pool game any good? bored me just thinking about it

It was crap

[h0rf]

Real fucking crap

[h0rf]

This weekends game will be much better though I hope.

[boz-e]

I've only watched bits of the last two liverpool games (this weekends and this mornigns) and christ they've both been boring

[cruisysloth]

To the scouser red fucks who are complaining about last night. Chelsea was ripped off last year. I'd rather be ripped off in a group game than a fucken semi-final

[Beegie]

... and to you Chelski bandwagoners- Tiago should have been penalised in the league last season for a deliberate handball against the scousers.

Short, selective memories :p

[SoLaCeLL]

... and to you Chelski bandwagoners- Tiago should have been penalised in the league last season for a deliberate handball against the scousers.

Short, selective memories :p
aye aye capitan, you speak the truth......

Chelsea are indeed unbeatable..........

[Marinelli]

Probably one of the worst games I have ever seen. I think I might go to Chelsea to try out at right back, because Ferreira was shocking! The bloke has no pace and was caught out of position nearly every time Liverpool went forward. Cisse was pretty crap as well. I don't know why Rafa was trying to yell instructions to him from the sideline, doesn't he know that a chook without its head cant hear sh*t? I thought the referee had an absolute shocker. He kept starting and stopping the game for what seemed like every two minutes.

BTW, I put my entire weeks paycheck on Inter to beat Rangers. Phew.

[Bug Powder]

... and to you Chelski bandwagoners- Tiago should have been penalised in the league last season for a deliberate handball against the scousers.

Short, selective memories :p


In the league? Yeah I guess that handball would've made all the difference seeing how hot on our heels everyone was...

[innA]

its a hard game to tip for this weekend again.. i cant see it be any more than 1-0 either way, but its hard to go past another 0-0 with about 1 shot each on target.

[Marinelli]

Did anyone see that sickening hit on Arteta last night during the Bucharest - Everton game? I thought he was dying on the field, seriously. Later it was found out he was having a fit. His legs were just shaking and he looked in really bad shape.

[h0rf]

difference between the two games is liverpool pretty much have to go for the win on this one. i think we'll see a much different game

[spiKe]

To the scouser red fucks who are complaining about last night. Chelsea was ripped off last year. I'd rather be ripped off in a group game than a fucken semi-final
Get over it, there isn't a single camera shot that shows the ball not crossing the line and the ref who was closest to it called it as he saw it

[bricktop712]

Bumpidy bump.
Few interesting games this week.

The pick of which appears to be:
Bayern v Juventus

I'll be very happy if the Gooners can nab a point in Prague considering both our form and injury list - on the bright side, Henry's back athough admittedly he'll be limited to a half hour or so off the bench.

[SoLaCeLL]

Come ON REDS!!!!!!!!

[nickko]

Unless Bayern play Juve off the park that'll be a pretty boring match, I think. Man Utd should do away with Lille with little trouble, and with Rooney out, I'm predicting at least a brace for Ruud. Rest of the games are pretty mediocre to be honest.

[topitov]

Milan v PSV :D

[Beegie]

Juve looked awful in the first half... Bayern all over them.

[nickko]

Henry's first was amazing, good news for Gunners fans to see him back and scoring.

Scholes you idiot.

[Anselm]

Harry has been named for Liverpool

[cruisysloth]

Chelsea 4 - 0 Betis

Geez they are looking good

roll on boys

[Anselm]

Liverpool 1-0....Wasted a heap of chances and harry played for 15 minutes.

[nickko]

Beckham's free kick wasn't bad.

[Marinelli]

Beckham is playing into form. He is getting better every game.

[Vadaar]

Just watched all the chelsea goals, can't believe I forgot about the game! :(

All thankes to ViRaL's post about F.E.A.R., ended up all night on my PC and missing a wicked game.

http://images.thetimes.co.uk/TGD/picture/0,,237348,00.jpg

[Anselm]

Since when did Nigel Martyn play for Real Betis?

[cruisysloth]

Since when did Nigel Martyn play for Real Betis?

Looks more like Tomas Sorenson or even David O'Leary than Nigel Martyn don't you think

[Anselm]

Fair bit of O'Leary about him

[innA]

good wins from Arsenal, Bayern, Chelsea, Lyon and Madrid.
Riquelme's goal wins best of the Matchday though!

[nickko]

^ the penalty? Or were you thinking of the goal against Villareal? (chest > volley)

[cruisysloth]

This mornings liverpool game further shows why Cisse should be no. 1 choice striker for the reds. I can't BELIEVE that they even contemplate playing him right midfield or out on the left flank. He's a striker and he's the best you've got so fucken play him there.

Not that i'm complaining. I'm happy to watch the red's play a formation or team that isn't to the best of their capabilities.

I am however unhappy at watching a potential 20+EPL goal scorer a season been sit on the bench for the head on a stick who will struggle to score 5

[innA]

my bad - was against Villareal..
http://www.latestgoals.net/upload/ff9f5dz3dhxc.zip

[topitov]

Not a bad result for Milan...its the toughest group,still in 1st place though they must travel to Eindhoven and Istanbul the next 2 games.

[cruisysloth]

Just saw Cisse's goal on eurosport news. very well taken!!

how sissoko didnt score i dont know either!!

How'd kewell play?

[nickko]

Cisse's goal was a bit of alright, aye?

You see Juninho's free-kick cruisy?

Some bloody good goals this round.

[cruisysloth]

Nah i didnt see it nickko unfortunately

who was it for/against?

beckham's was okay. I still think there is a LOT LOT LOT better deadball specialists than him tho!

[nickko]

Lyon against Olympiacos. It was similar to Beckham's, but further out and struck better.

[SoLaCeLL]

This mornings liverpool game further shows why Cisse should be no. 1 choice striker for the reds. I can't BELIEVE that they even contemplate playing him right midfield or out on the left flank. He's a striker and he's the best you've got so fucken play him there.

Not that i'm complaining. I'm happy to watch the red's play a formation or team that isn't to the best of their capabilities.

I am however unhappy at watching a potential 20+EPL goal scorer a season been sit on the bench for the head on a stick who will struggle to score 5
Im not sure about number 1, but I think the reds should play with 2 up front, because they dont have the midfield (like chelsea) to play 1 striker up front.

We missed so many fucking chances it was disgraceful, im sure we'll improve in the goal scoring department, its not as if they arent creating chances....

[bricktop712]

Chelsea look damn good. Watched up to Crespo's goal - what a cross by SWP!

Nice open play from both sides. When the Blues play like this, they're a pleasure to watch. A couple of real clangers though from Betis who were continually exposed by lose passing from which they were duly punished.

[cruisysloth]

Im not sure about number 1, but I think the reds should play with 2 up front, because they dont have the midfield (like chelsea) to play 1 striker up front.

We missed so many fucking chances it was disgraceful, im sure we'll improve in the goal scoring department, its not as if they arent creating chances....

Who is the no. 1 striker then if cisse's not?

I cant believe you think he isn't your best striker

[nickko]

Thing with Cisse is he is just so inconsistent. He might score a cracking volley like he did yesterday, but he'll miss three or four sitters beforehand. He reminds me of one of the strikers in my team, who argues: "If you're gonna score, score good."

[bricktop712]

Rafa appears too hellbent on sticking with his trusted lone striker formation - even though the Reds don't have any natural players out wide in midfield (they bought Gonzalez but he can't play for 'em till next year).

Mind you, it seems to work perfectly well in the ECL even considering their obvious deficiencies. Liverpool are pretty much assured of next phase play barring a complete meltdown.

Heh, they'll probably go back to back (gawd I hope not! :boring:)

[nickko]

Go Betis!

[midian]

Choke Chelsea, Choke!

[nickko]

How good was Garcia's header!

Is there a better free-kick specialist than Juninho at the moment? He just doesn't seem to miss.

[cruisysloth]

Interesting night's play. Chelsea are really one bad result away from not making it through to the next round. How big is the game vs pool now gunna be!

[SamJam]

God..how awesome would that be if Chelsea misses out.

[topitov]

Is there a better free-kick specialist than Juninho at the moment? ...

No hes the best without a doubt.

Poll is a shit ref,its no surprise considering hes English...Today just proved it,Milan should have had a penalty 87th minute...other than that PSV were awesome,lets hope Guus carries the form over to us.

[nickko]

What was with Guus sprinting up the tunnel after the final whistle?

[topitov]

^^i dont know what happened there,i kind of missed it...did he shake hands with Ancelottti :?

Maybe Stam said something as he was sent off and Guus went to confront him...or maybe Lowy just called :P

[SamJam]

or maybe Lowy just called :P
:lol:

[SoLaCeLL]

Youll Never Walk Alone!!

[nickko]

Bloody useless Utd. :meh:

Barca crushed Pana, so I've at least got something to be happy about.

[SamJam]

Saw a bit of the Man U/Lille game, was a pretty decent goal, first touch was awesome.

[TranceArt]

one word:

Arsenal

they will pull a liverpool last year (who are also currently looking good - that Luis Garcia header was pure magic) and have an average premier league season but kill this comp

[topitov]

^^i think they are lucky to have an easy group...minus Vieira i cant see them doing anything,but as u said who could forget Liverpool last season.

[bricktop712]

If we can get healthy, than sure, the Gooners could make some noise this term. I tend to look at our perfect record with a grain of salt however. Fair is fair, Arsenal have had the easiest group.

Overall, this has been an interesting round of matches. Man Utd, Chelsea and Milan have all gotten themselves into a spot of difficulty. Megalols if Villarreal progress ahead at Scum's expense. I don't expect Chelsea to implode, but if they do..

[nickko]

How about Henry's goal this morning! Must have curved a good two metres to sneak inside the far post.

Eto'o's third wasn't bad either...

[TranceArt]

^^^
yeh those 2 were crackers

Barcelona would be good for a wager, especially with that young gun Messi firing

him and Ronaldinho as attacking midfielders :-0

[nickko]

I can't put into words how well Barcelona are playing at the moment. Just glorious to watch.

[spiKe]

We've had painters in our house for the last week and they were originally from Everton. Being a Liverpool supporter I spent most of the week giving them shit but I remember one day one of them raised the idea of Chelski missing out on the finals. He thought Liverpool should lose to Betis and then go and beat Chelski. I thought it was amazing that a toffee was hoping for a Liverpool win, no matter the opposition.

Chelski has become arch enemy #1. It's like "I supoort two teams, __________ and whoever is playing against Chelski"

[ViRiPiDES]

Slightly off topic but Ronaldinho was on another planet in the Classico last night. I may be a staunch Madrid fan, but credit when credit is due - he simply carved up our team yesterday. It really says something when almost all of the Bernabeu gave him a standing ovation after his second goal.

[nickko]

Yeh, that was almost shocking to see the Madrid crowd applauding him. He is just in another world though...

[bricktop712]

Well I'm cynically hoping for Chelsea's downfall this round. We shall see how the Blues cope with Makelele's absence (I assume he's out). Big big match for Man Utd as well whom I wouldn't at all be crestfallen to see the the last of in this competition. Liverpool are already through, but nonetheless I do hope they cop a hiding as well, just to complete the English trifecta.

Anyone (who hasn't been living under a rock) hear about the Roy Keane developments? Hehehe Vieira and Keane playing in the same team. That would be somethin eh..

Oh and go the mighty Gooners - we're on tv this week!!

[innA]

i wonder if teams that have qualified will risk star players.. Arsenal and Henry, Ronaldinho and Barca, Juninho and Lyon?

[SoLaCeLL]

Liverpool are already through, but nonetheless I do hope they cop a hiding as well, just to complete the English trifecta.


Not strictly true, we need a draw or win to go through without any hiccups.......stranger things can happen, if betis beat us then we need to beat chelski............

[TranceArt]

i wonder if teams that have qualified will risk star players.. Arsenal and Henry, Ronaldinho and Barca, Juninho and Lyon?

yeh no chance i reckon

yeh in a nutshell those teams are close to NOTHING without them

although Barcelona do have Messi now

[Valski]

No ones televising the Inter Vs Artmedia game. Is this because they are playing behind closed doors or because no one gives a shit besides dopey Inter supporters?

[BENFICA]

No ones televising the Inter Vs Artmedia game. Is this because they are playing behind closed doors or because no one gives a shit besides dopey Inter supporters?


====because no one gives a shit besides dopey Inter supporters?==== hit the nail on head mate ....... just like Lille Vs benfica

[Anselm]

Man United 0- Villareal 0
Arsenal 1 Thun 0

[cruisysloth]

Just finished watching Man USA vs Villareal.

BORING

Man USA continue to struggle and looks like will neede to win at benfica to go through. They really are struggling in front of goal in the UCL

Hope Chelsea get up tonight which will virtually assure them of qualifying through to the next round

[BENFICA]

Man U!!!!! bring it on .........................

[nickko]

yeh no chance i reckon

yeh in a nutshell those teams are close to NOTHING without them

although Barcelona do have Messi now

Barcelona can play without Ronaldinho, he's been rested a few times this season and they've still impressed.

Fuck Utd are struggling. If we don't get through to the next round prospects of signing anyone in January could be lost.

[innA]

what a terrible decision to get rid of Ronaldinho in the fantasy comp.. Messi didn't even play!

Arsenal didnt deserve to win tonight - played very scrappy, Thun had a goal disallowed on a poor decision, and we won on a penalty kick :meh:

[SoLaCeLL]

Reds are through :thumb:

Youll Never Walk Alone!

[Anselm]

Chelsea as well. boooooo

[nickko]

Lyon still unbeaten in all competitions this season, thanks to a Carew backheel that went through Roberto Carlos' legs. I wouldn't want to have to face them in the knockout stages.

[Anselm]

Congratulations to Cruisy for his various predictions that generally involved Liverpool getting smashed by Betis and not making the 2nd round

[cruisysloth]

Yeah i've been on fire with my predictions against liverpool over the past year havent I :P :lol:

Good to see the Blues through

Barcelona are the form team of the competition at the moment. Fuck they are playing well

[Anselm]

Speaking of Barca, did anyone see the goal Ronaldinho scored in El Classico the other night? The Madrid crowd gave him a standing ovation

[nickko]

The first one was even better. He's the best player ever, I'll say that now.

[BENFICA]

The first one was even better. He's the best player ever, I'll say that now.
il back that up !!!!

btw check how he show the rest how its done :P enjoy http://www2.uol.com.br/cbf/videos/site/20051111_1.html

[topitov]

Thank you Shevchenko :bow:

Scored all 4 goals!! Still believe hes only just behind Ronaldinho at the moment.
A draw will see the Rossoneri through.

[SoLaCeLL]

^^ Just behind shevchenko ??? You need yer head checked......

[topitov]

^^ Just behind shevchenko ??? You need yer head checked......

You need your eyes checked!!!!
Thank you Shevchenko

Scored all 4 goals!! Still believe hes only just behind Ronaldinho at the moment.

http://www.opsm.com

[SoLaCeLL]

4 goals against Fenerbache proves jack shit.......Luis Garcia scored 3 goals against Slovakia in their world cup qualifier and that dont make him just behind Ronaldinho. 2 tap ins, a throughball by Seedorf and yes I admit he did have a bit to do for his second, right place at the right time.

There is a fair gap between Ronaldinho and the rest........the brazilian kid is a freak

[bricktop712]

Just watched the highlights of the Arsenal match - we were pretty fortunate to come away with three points for the reasons innA stated. Anyhow, Van Persie and Henry are clicking quite nicely, although they tend to get carried away with over-elaboration some times.

[innA]

god i hope Ronaldinho and Henry dont end up playing on the same team (unless its Arsenal) - it would just be unfair! :P

[ViRiPiDES]

god i hope Ronaldinho and Henry dont end up playing on the same team (unless its Arsenal) - it would just be unfair! :P

Actually I wouldn't mind if Barca bought Henry 'cos he is too similar a player to Eto'o for them to complement each other well. What I would hate is if our idiot of a President gets the idea of buying him instead :|

[bricktop712]

I honestly don't believe that Henry will leave - at least not before we make the move into Ashburton Grove.

Unless the fucker wants out badly.
...because we flop this season.
If he does go, Barca (or whomever) should be prepared to dig extremely deep into their coffers.

[cruisysloth]

Henry is the best striker in the world, fullstop.

If he goes, it should be a world record setting transfer fee

[h0rf]

fuck you liverpool. fuck you chelsea. fuck you referee's assistant! fuck you tommy smythe!

[Anselm]

fuck you liverpool. fuck you chelsea. fuck you referee's assistant! fuck you tommy smythe!
Man I hate Tommy Smyth with a Y

The Guardian tagline for the Liverpool v Cheski game was:

"Liverpool finish top of Group G after one of the least exciting games in the history of the competition."

Not that I care. We be top bitches

[SoLaCeLL]

TOP DAWGS of Group G

Thats Gangsta.........

[cruisysloth]

Chelsea will still go further than you

Anyone watch the game? Reading reports, seems Essien went in with studs up on Hamman and got away with it.


Who was the better team? Or was it a defensive boring draw? Liverpool play 11 men behind the ball and play for a draw?

[Anselm]

Chelsea will still go further than you

Anyone watch the game? Reading reports, seems Essien went in with studs up on Hamman and got away with it.


Who was the better team? Or was it a defensive boring draw? Liverpool play 11 men behind the ball and play for a draw?
Just like last year?

Reports suggesting that Liverpool was the better of the 2 sides and Chelsea never looked like breaking them down. Having said that, they weren't complimentary to etiher side

[bricktop712]

the scum utd game is the only one that i'm interested in - should it be a case of scum-crumble then is it good-byes to their supposed january transfer splash?

[SoLaCeLL]

Yo sloth in all honesty it was a defensive boring draw........

[Anselm]

The Guardian called it one of the least exciting matches in the history of the competition.

In all honesty, it makes no difference. Chelsea finished 1st in their group last year and had to play Barcelona next round.

[DooF_DooF]

i felt sorry for the Chelsea supporters, paying $100 to go see your team not even trying to finish first in their group.

liverpool had morientes, kewell and sinama come on so they were giving a bit more than chelseas 10%


essien the fucking dog what a disgrace by the ref to not even book him! gerrard has the ball and he has a go at hamman the fuckwit.

[paulV]

Henry is the best striker in the world, fullstop.

If he goes, it should be a world record setting transfer fee

First comment - you've got to be kidding.

Second comment, of course. He's marketable as anyone so any team buying him gets that edge too.

Not the best striker in the world, def in england though.

[cruisysloth]

First comment - you've got to be kidding.

Second comment, of course. He's marketable as anyone so any team buying him gets that edge too.

Not the best striker in the world, def in england though.

Whose the best striker in the world then????

For all round game, he stands alone. Pace, power, clinical finishing. And his distrubtion is top shelf, he assists just as many as he scores, which is a lot!!

He's been top scorer in EPL what for like 5 years or something?

[dadonkey]

Whose the best striker in the world then????

For all round game, he stands alone. Pace, power, clinical finishing. And his distrubtion is top shelf, he assists just as many as he scores, which is a lot!!

He's been top scorer in EPL what for like 5 years or something?

The Arse mould their play around him therefore he gets the praise. Nothing wrong with it when you have a player like Henry though but notice he doesn't do as well when playing for France.

Shevchenko would give him a run for his money as would Eto'o but Henry is the complete package minus his lack of heading prowess.

[spiKe]

Chelsea will still go further than you

Anyone watch the game? Reading reports, seems Essien went in with studs up on Hamman and got away with it.


Who was the better team? Or was it a defensive boring draw? Liverpool play 11 men behind the ball and play for a draw?
You're such a happy happy person aren't you mate? Did Liverpool come and kick you as a baby or something?

[topitov]

Whose the best striker in the world then????



Shevchenko.

Henry is great,probably in the top 3 or 5.

[paulV]

Whose the best striker in the world then????

For all round game, he stands alone. Pace, power, clinical finishing. And his distrubtion is top shelf, he assists just as many as he scores, which is a lot!!

He's been top scorer in EPL what for like 5 years or something?

Umm Ronaldinho ????
Then on current form Shevchenko + Toni.

Henry would be up there, i'd say best in EPL.

[dadonkey]

Ronaldinho isn't a striker per se.He's definately the best player in the world atm

[Rusty_OHara]

Whose the best striker in the world then????
Sheva.

Henry is top 5... maybe. Seems to forget about France and Europa sometimes. ;)

[boz-e]

MAN U OUT!!!!!!!

brilliant

[Anselm]

At the end of the day, if I had to pick a striker to play for my life, I would pick Henry. Therefore, in my mind he's the best striker in the world.

[Vadaar]

i felt sorry for the Chelsea supporters, paying $100 to go see your team not even trying to finish first in their group.

liverpool had morientes, kewell and sinama come on so they were giving a bit more than chelseas 10%


essien the fucking dog what a disgrace by the ref to not even book him! gerrard has the ball and he has a go at hamman the fuckwit.

DID YOU WATCH THE GAME???

Chelsea started with their full team and unfortunately missed about 5 shots, they should have won however the ball didn't want to go in.

And this thing with Essien, if you watched the game you would have seen Liverpool players committing ankle breaking tackles though the anti Chelsea media don’t like reporting that!

[nickko]

Well we sucked all year in Europe anyway. At least now we can concentrate on the premiership. I still think Glazier's gonna give us 50m euros to play with in January too.

[cruisysloth]

:lol: to Man USA not getting through in UCL

Hacks.

[Anselm]

DID YOU WATCH THE GAME???

Chelsea started with their full team and unfortunately missed about 5 shots, they should have won however the ball didn't want to go in.

And this thing with Essien, if you watched the game you would have seen Liverpool players committing ankle breaking tackles though the anti Chelsea media don’t like reporting that!
Mate you are kidding yourself. I saw that tackle and it was terrible. Hamann called it the worst tackle he's seen in his career. That from a 34 year old defensive midfielder with a few World Cups and numerous champs league campaigns to his name.

Also, the English papers all disagree with your assessment on Chelsea being the better side. Most reviews so it was an honourable draw with Liverpool's defence dominating.

Liverpool have now gone 834 minutes without conceding a goal. ;D

[Anselm]

Well we sucked all year in Europe anyway. At least now we can concentrate on the premiership. I still think Glazier's gonna give us 50m euros to play with in January too.
But are you still going to get that with the Champs money gone? Not to mention the UEFA Cup money.

Oh well, at least you can concentrate on the League Cup

[nickko]

Oh well, at least you can concentrate on the League Cup

:lol: Get fucked.

[Portal]

Viva Benfica!

[Vadaar]

Mate you are kidding yourself. I saw that tackle and it was terrible. Hamann called it the worst tackle he's seen in his career. That from a 34 year old defensive midfielder with a few World Cups and numerous champs league campaigns to his name.

Didi Hamman also said today - 'I thought they were trying to stop things like that happening in the game , you certainly don't want to see things like that and a few of the lads were pretty angry '

http://img302.imageshack.us/img302/8137/040930francis7xn3ws.jpg


OMG look at that!

I think thats the pot calling the kettle black, or at least stomping on the black kettle!!

[BENFICA]

Even with a 2nd string team we still won the game after being down 1-0 , thats gold ...im so happy for BENFICA even i didnt think they could do it ...well done lads ....even with the ref on there side in the 2nd half....FORZA BENFICA....NG PARA O BENFICA OHHHWWEEEEOOO
DIABOS 1982

[Spitchen]

MAN U OUT!!!!!!!

brilliant

Its funny. I'm not as excited as I should be that Man U are out. I think its because they aren't the force they once were and its been like that for a while now.

Its a bit like "oh, an average side just came bottom of their group and are out... ho hum"

[boz-e]

yeah I know what you mean spith - I dont hate them quite as much now I dont see them as a threat

[Anselm]

Didi Hamman also said today - 'I thought they were trying to stop things like that happening in the game , you certainly don't want to see things like that and a few of the lads were pretty angry '

http://img302.imageshack.us/img302/8137/040930francis7xn3ws.jpg


OMG look at that!

I think thats the pot calling the kettle black, or at least stomping on the black kettle!!
Well, that only shows how bad Essiens tackle was, considering Hamann would of seen the above tackle and considered it better
:P

[boz-e]

ok so the qualifiers are

Juve ----------- Bayern
Arse ----------- Ajax
Barca ---------- Werder
Villareal-------- Benfica
AC ------------- PSV
Lyon ----------- Real
Liverpool ------ Chelsea
Inter ----------- Rangers

out of the 7 possible teams for the next round I'm hoping liverpool get Rangers

[Anselm]

Werder, Benefica and Rangers are the ones to get

[midian]

Whose the best striker in the world then????

For all round game, he stands alone. Pace, power, clinical finishing. And his distrubtion is top shelf, he assists just as many as he scores, which is a lot!!

He's been top scorer in EPL what for like 5 years or something?

Henry is overrated. Period. And I don't think he's been the winner for the past 5 years, Ruud won it in 2003 and I think he may have won it in 2002 as well. There's no secret here of what I think of Henry - he's great against shit teams and shit against great teams.

So who's the best striker in the world? At the moment I really don't think you can go past Eto'o.

MAN U OUT!!!!!!!

brilliant

HAHAHHAHAHAHHAH ;D

I wonder if this will be the end of old Jock McRedface?

[cruisysloth]

midian did you see his two goals against (cant remember team) in the UCL in his comeback game. the one step volley curved around the keeper was world class.

[cruisysloth]

My Predictions
Group A
FC Bayern München (GER)
Juventus FC (ITA) 2/2

Group B
Arsenal FC (ENG)
AFC Ajax (NED) 2/2

Group C
FC Barcelona (ESP)
Udinese Calcio (ITA) 1/2

Group D
Manchester United FC (ENG)
Villarreal CF (ESP) 1/2

Group E (GROUP OF DEATH!)
AC Milan (ITA)
PSV Eindhoven (NED) 2/2

Group F
Real Madrid CF (ESP)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) 2/2

Group G
Chelsea FC (ENG)
Real Betis Balompié (ESP) 1/2

Group H
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)
FC Porto (POR) 1/2



12 out of 16 ain't too bad. How'd everyone else go?

Could've been 13 as Udinese and Bremem were on the same points.

[BENFICA]

Werder, Benefica and Rangers are the ones to get

im hoping we got pool as well as clearly there the worst of the first place teams.

[midian]

On behalf of all the Manchester City fans, I'd like to dedicate this picture of Ronaldo to Manchester United's 2005/06 Champions League campaign.

http://images.thesun.co.uk/picture/0,,2005561240,00.jpg

Suck shit!

[Anselm]

im hoping we got pool as well as clearly there the worst of the first place teams.
Sorry are you talking about the defending Champions? Who haven't conceded a goal in the last 834 of football? And who beat one of the tournament favourites into second place?

[nickko]

On behalf of all the Manchester City fans, I'd like to dedicate this picture of Ronaldo to Manchester United's 2005/06 Champions League campaign.

Suck shit!

I was gonna post something about league positions, then realised you were only six points behind us. {:-(

[BENFICA]

Sorry are you talking about the defending Champions? Who haven't conceded a goal in the last 834 of football? And who beat one of the tournament favourites into second place?
mate i dont care if u say we won last year and we beat chelsea..blar blar blar.....other then villareal on u cant tell me pool is better the barca, juve,both milans, arsenal and lyon...
BTW im not at all saying that benfica r better then anyone else .... but if i had to pick a team to play it would be pool.

[nickko]

Better than Arsenal.

[Anselm]

mate i dont care if u say we won last year and we beat chelsea..blar blar blar.....other then villareal on u cant tell me pool is better the barca, juve,both milans, arsenal and lyon...
BTW im not at all saying that benfica r better then anyone else .... but if i had to pick a team to play it would be pool.
You obviously haven't been watching much champions league this year.

Pool have been playing better than Arsenal, Villareal and Inter Inter. I'd also put them on par with Lyon and Juve.

You got to look past paper teams and reputation and have a look at what is going on the pitch.

[cruisysloth]

Better than Arsenal.


Arsenal in europe this year has been far far far more impressive that liverpool. They got the most points out of any team in the pool stage, 16 from 6 games. Undefeated.

Arsenal's had a terrible run with injuries, they'll go further in both EPL and UCL to liverpool this year.

[Anselm]

Arsenal in europe this year has been far far far more impressive that liverpool. They got the most points out of any team in the pool stage, 16 from 6 games. Undefeated.

Arsenal's had a terrible run with injuries, they'll go further in both EPL and UCL to liverpool this year.
:lol:

You've said that about everyone. Including Chelsi last year, and Real Betis this year.

[nickko]

Arsenal in europe this year has been far far far more impressive that liverpool. They got the most points out of any team in the pool stage, 16 from 6 games. Undefeated.

In a group with Ajax (who suck now), Thun and Sparta Prague. Fucking Sunderland could have picked up sixteen points in that group!

[bricktop712]

we shall see. i was none too enthused about our play during this morning's match - quite a hoarse performance in an otherwise upbeat and entertaining game. that said, we had just three regulars start out on the pitch.

we can't be considered as contenders despite our relative ease of passge into the next stage - as has been said, group b was proabably the weakest in the comp. on a whole - some games we've performed ok, a couple were frustratingly horrible (though have claimed maxium pts under quite dubious circumstances no less) - none have set any stadium alight - thus, any talk of silver-wear contention is a media beat-up i have to say.

i do think that we are capable of making some noise - henry will want to prove his status as a big-game player and we have van persie who's been killing it lately. of course there are many lingering doubts and unanswered questions, some of which are wholly justified. but i'm quietly confident - low expectations suits us just fine.

[spiKe]

Arsenal in europe this year has been far far far more impressive that liverpool. They got the most points out of any team in the pool stage, 16 from 6 games. Undefeated.

Arsenal's had a terrible run with injuries, they'll go further in both EPL and UCL to liverpool this year.
Serious get over the whole anti liverpool thing. Did Kenny Dalglish or Shankley fiddle with you as a kid or something mate? It must have been something because you have some serious issues with Liverpool

[spiKe]

:lol:

You've said that about everyone. Including Chelsi last year, and Real Betis this year.
Don't complain about it mate. Liverpool has never a lost a match when cruisysloth has predicted that they would lose. Keep predicting losses mate

[cruisysloth]

Liverpool will win their next UCL games.

:lol:

[spiKe]

Liverpool will win their next UCL games.

:lol:
:haha: ok well now I'm rather worried.
To be honest I think we'll be very lucky to make the quarters, however I do think Liverpool are quite possibly the second best team in England at the moment