CL Stage 2 Group C: Madrid, Milan, Borussia, Lokomotiv

[Looney]

Ok this is the official Milan ECL thread. We can follow Milan's progress here, recording il rosserneri's unstoppable march towards the their 6th European Cup.

[doz]

No problems, this thread will be closed before Christmas anyway.:D

[Skualo]

LOL

[Looney]

Better than the Inter one, closed before September!

[Looney]

Ok, back to business. Our qualifying opponents are Slovan Liberec, not exactly Real Madrid or even Sparta Prague, um..... anyone know who these blokes are? We don't want another Tel Aviv...

[Roberto Abrego]

they r from Czech Republic I think ???

[Roberto Abrego]

If Inter couldnt pass Helsinsborg


what will happen with Sporting????


are they gonna trash Inter???

[Looney]

Oh but I wanted to beat them in a derby! :(

[Roberto Abrego]

we will but only 2 times this season we cant abuse that much :(

[Looney]

I want to whomp them 6-0 six times! Twice in Serie A, twice in Copa Italia and twice in the ECL!

[doz]

The official AC Milan song should be "Dreamer" by Ozzy Osbourne.

[Roberto Abrego]

sorry

but that have been Inter´s song for the last 14 years :( :silly:

[Looney]

Inter's other song is "Loser" by Beck....

[Roberto Abrego]

:silly:

[Looney]

Slovan Liberec draws closer..... what does everyone think the score will be? I'm not saying 'cause I'm jinxed and anytime I say a scoreline the opposite happens...

[Roberto Abrego]

AC Milan-Slova Liberec 3:0
Slovan Liberec-AC Milan 0:2

[Looney]

I can see Milan conceding some goals tho.....

[Roberto Abrego]

no I think Slovan liberec are not a good test for our defence...

[Looney]

Maybe, but I reckon it'll be something like 4-1....

[Elvis Pressley]

Milan struggled to earn a slender first leg lead over Slovan Liberec in the Champions' League qualifier thanks to Pippo Inzaghi and an inspirational Manuel Rui Costa.
The Rossoneri had the first opportunity after just 2 minutes when Massimo Ambrosini's free header skimmed just wide of the near post.

Without new buy Rivaldo, the team lined up with Manuel Rui Costa behind Andriy Shevchenko and Filippo Inzaghi.

However, the Rossoneri were incredibly fortunate to survive soon after when Netzmar's shot was deflected off Roque Junior before ricocheting off the post and into the grateful arms of Christian Abbiati. A Cosmin Contra error risked causing another upset at the back, but the opposing striker overhit his chip.

The already debilitated defence was further hit when Roque Junior was substituted due to a shoulder injury. The World Cup winner fell heavily on his left shoulder early on and was replaced by Martin Laursen.

The difference in training schedules was all too clear as Milan looked tired and slow, while Slovan - whose season started three weeks ago - were in better condition.

There was another injury for Abbiati, seen holding his hip, and Brazilian Dida started the second half in goal.

Milan had the first chance of the second period but after a fine Rui Costa run, Serginho ballooned it over the bar. The Brazilian winger was particularly disappointing and his misplaced passes ruined several chances. He was soon replaced by Clarence Seedorf.

At the other end the defence remained distracted as Langer merely scuffed the ball with only the 'keeper to beat.

The presence of Seedorf and Rui Costa on sparkling form boosted the Rossoneri in the final half-hour. The Dutchman brought a save out of the goalkeeper with a fierce effort from the edge of the box.

The pressure was building and on 67 minutes a curling Seedorf cross was tapped in by Pippo Inzaghi following a disastrous error from goalkeeper Hauzr.

Superpippo had another chance moments later, but the shot-stopper bravely dived onto his feet.

On 77 minutes the former Juventus man sprung the offside trap and chested the ball past the 'keeper, but it was cleared off the line by a defender.

Shevchenko was quiet overall, but in the final minute the Ukrainian dribbled past several players only to see his dipping drive rattle the crossbar.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Milan: Abbiati (Dida 46); Contra, Roque Junior (Laursen 25), Maldini, Kaladze; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Rui Costa, Serginho (Seedorf 60); Inzaghi, Shevchenko

Slovan Liberec: Hauzr; Janu, Holenek, Johana, Pilny, Capek (Papousek 69), Langer, Zboncak, Hodur, Slepicka (Ancic 93), Nezmar (Blaha 83)

Ref: Plautz (Aus)

[FANTA]

more proof inzaghi is the best player at milan.

but where's pirlo ?????????????????????????? :eek: :confused: :eek:

[Slavenik]

Pirlo? Poor him, he will just warm the bench.

[Looney]

Man where did you get that report? The ones I've read aren't nearly half that biased!

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by Elvis Pressley
Milan struggled to earn a slender first leg lead over Slovan Liberec in the Champions' League qualifier thanks to Pippo Inzaghi and an inspirational Manuel Rui Costa.
The Rossoneri had the first opportunity after just 2 minutes when Massimo Ambrosini's free header skimmed just wide of the near post.

Without new buy Rivaldo, the team lined up with Manuel Rui Costa behind Andriy Shevchenko and Filippo Inzaghi.

However, the Rossoneri were incredibly fortunate to survive soon after when Netzmar's shot was deflected off Roque Junior before ricocheting off the post and into the grateful arms of Christian Abbiati. A Cosmin Contra error risked causing another upset at the back, but the opposing striker overhit his chip.

The already debilitated defence was further hit when Roque Junior was substituted due to a shoulder injury. The World Cup winner fell heavily on his left shoulder early on and was replaced by Martin Laursen.

The difference in training schedules was all too clear as Milan looked tired and slow, while Slovan - whose season started three weeks ago - were in better condition.

There was another injury for Abbiati, seen holding his hip, and Brazilian Dida started the second half in goal.

Milan had the first chance of the second period but after a fine Rui Costa run, Serginho ballooned it over the bar. The Brazilian winger was particularly disappointing and his misplaced passes ruined several chances. He was soon replaced by Clarence Seedorf.

At the other end the defence remained distracted as Langer merely scuffed the ball with only the 'keeper to beat.

The presence of Seedorf and Rui Costa on sparkling form boosted the Rossoneri in the final half-hour. The Dutchman brought a save out of the goalkeeper with a fierce effort from the edge of the box.

The pressure was building and on 67 minutes a curling Seedorf cross was tapped in by Pippo Inzaghi following a disastrous error from goalkeeper Hauzr.

Superpippo had another chance moments later, but the shot-stopper bravely dived onto his feet.

On 77 minutes the former Juventus man sprung the offside trap and chested the ball past the 'keeper, but it was cleared off the line by a defender.

Shevchenko was quiet overall, but in the final minute the Ukrainian dribbled past several players only to see his dipping drive rattle the crossbar.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Milan: Abbiati (Dida 46); Contra, Roque Junior (Laursen 25), Maldini, Kaladze; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Rui Costa, Serginho (Seedorf 60); Inzaghi, Shevchenko

Slovan Liberec: Hauzr; Janu, Holenek, Johana, Pilny, Capek (Papousek 69), Langer, Zboncak, Hodur, Slepicka (Ancic 93), Nezmar (Blaha 83)

Ref: Plautz (Aus)


at least we win our game


we didnt DRaw...

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by FANTA
more proof inzaghi is the best player at milan.

but where's pirlo ?????????????????????????? :eek: :confused: :eek:


what proof?


Sheva played better than him,also Rui Costa...

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by Slavenik
Pirlo? Poor him, he will just warm the bench.

I agree :(

[Looney]

Pirlo'll get his chance again, and he'll shine again.

[Looney]

Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf wants to see his side rubbing shoulder's with Europe's elite clubs this season.

The general feeling is that for too long now the Rossoneri have sat back and watched the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester United dominate Europe's Premier club competition.

Speaking ahead of his side's vital Champions League qualifying second-leg match with Slovan Liberec, Seedorf says it's time Milan returned to where they belong.

"We are ready to get back among the big sides of Europe," he told Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published on the club's official site.

"We are calm because we don't take into account the possibility of being out of the Champions League. We expect to face the likes of Bayern and Real, but before that we have to defeat Slovan Liberec through an attacking style of football."

[Looney]

Rivaldo will play in Milan's Champions' League showdown with Slovan Liberec, it was confirmed.

Carlo Ancelotti assured fans and press that the Brazilian would give his contribution to securing their spot in Europe this season.

“I don’t know whether he will start the match,” explained the Coach, “but Rivaldo will certainly play.”

The Rossoneri must build on a slender 1-0 first leg lead in their trip to the Czech Republic tonight, aware that Slovan Liberec are several weeks ahead in terms of fitness preparation.

“We are in much better condition than we were two weeks ago,” assured the tactician when reminded of their disappointing performance at the San Siro.

“Those 15 days of training are extremely important at this stage of the campaign. We realise that this is a crucial encounter.”

The club has waited until after the Champions’ League spot has been booked to snap up their much-needed reinforcement in defence.

Failing to qualify for this competition would be damaging to their prestige, but above all represent a financial loss of £10m.

“This squad was constructed at great expense for the Champions’ League and we cannot miss out.”

Captain Paolo Maldini was also keen to point out the importance of the next 90 minutes of football.

“We all know this is a fundamental moment in our season,” the defender told Milan Channel, “and that we are stronger overall than a fortnight ago. Rivaldo’s introduction could be extremely useful.”

The Brazilian will be particularly welcome as Andriy Shevchenko is out of action for two months with a knee injury.

Nonetheless, Ancelotti seems inclined to attack Slovan Liberec from all angles with the new tactic successfully employed in the Trofeo Berlusconi win against Juventus.

“Some important changes have taken place in the last few weeks,” revealed the tactician, “and they allow the team to be attacking and at the same time maintain balance. I am optimistic.”

The secret ingredient is the introduction of Andrea Pirlo as a playmaker just in front of the back four, giving space to creative midfielders Manuel Rui Costa and Clarence Seedorf behind the front pairing of Filippo Inzaghi and Jon Dahl Tomasson.

It’s likely that Rivaldo will start from the bench and come on for the second half.

“Our biggest advantage this time,” warned Ancelotti, “is that Slovan must try to score instead of sitting behind the ball. That will give us more freedom to move.”


Probable line-ups:

Slovan Liberec: 30 Hauzr; 22 Pilny, 14 Johana, 11 Holenak, 17 T.Janu; 2 Capek, 25 Langer, 10 Hodur, 6 Zboncak; 8 Slepick, 7 Nezmar

Milan: 12 Dida; 14 Simic, 24 Laursen, 3 Maldini, 4 Kaladze; 8 Gattuso, 21 Pirlo, 10 Rui Costa, 20 Seedorf; 15 Tomasson, 9 Inzaghi

Ref: Duaden Ibanez (Spa)

[Juan]

If Milan goes through to the group stage, and that seem to be quite difficult, they will be drawn in the 3rd seeding level for the groups.

That can´t be good for Milan, as they will have at least another top-class team to play against. One thing´s for sure, Milan´s group will surely be one of the toughest and more interesting.

[Roberto Abrego]

Of course we wnt throught and ready to beat anyone ;)

[psh03]

Or at least maintain a superior away goals record! Not a very convincing result was it? I didn't see the match but whats the story? Were they outplayed in the second half and lucky to progress or did Milan take its foot off the accelerator when they looked secure? They need to be more clinical in defeating teams if they hope to go far in the Champios League. We will be up against quality opposition.

[Roberto Abrego]

we just slow down we were winning 1-0,we loose wany chances in Pippo and Tomasson too...Rivaldo didnt start...We shouldnt care much about this game we didnt play well,lets concentrate on the group stage and on Sheva and Redondo getting fit :)

[Looney]

Scorers: Inzaghi 20 (M), Slepicka 46 (S), Langer 88 (S)

Pippo Inzaghi netted in both legs to see Milan safely through to the Champions' League on away goals, 2-2 on aggregate, but a late siege from the Czechs proved perilous.

Slovan Liberec had to win in order to cause an upset and immediately proved aggressive, bringing a good save out of Dida with Hodur's fierce drive on five minutes.

For only the second time Andrea Pirlo - playing in his new position in front of the defence - started in the same line-up as Manuel Rui Costa, but Rivaldo was left on the bench.

Milan youth team Coach - and former fan favourite - Mauro Tassotti was on the bench as Carlo Ancelotti's assistant manager for the first time.

The first chance for the Rossoneri arrived on 14 minutes when Filippo Inzaghi fell under pressure, but was still able to bring a reaction save out of Kinsky.

Soon after Jon Dahl Tomasson could have finalised a good counter-attack, but defender Pilny bravely cleared off the line with his 'keeper beaten.

The Rossoneri eventually broke the deadlock with the man who had sealed the 1-0 first leg win - Pippo Inzaghi.

The Italian international picked up a Rui Costa through ball and drilled it under the goalkeeper.

Tomasson wasted yet another opportunity on the half-hour mark. Following some good build-up play from Rui Costa and Clarence Seedorf, the Dane fired straight at the goalkeeper.

Milan perhaps relaxed a little too much into their lead as 30 seconds into the second half Slepicka caught the defence napping to bring the Czechs new hope.

Slovan continued to push and notch up a succession of corner kicks, so Ancelotti introduced holding midfielder Massimo Ambrosini in place of Tomasson.

The home side went close with a Papousek free kick that shaved the crossbar with Dida - filling in for the injured Christian Abbiati - well beaten.

Rivaldo made his official debut for the Rossoneri in the final 20 minutes, partnering Inzaghi upfront rather than acting as a Trequartista.

Former Chelsea star Sam Dalla Bona also made his Champions' League debut with the red and black shirt.

The defence was again at fault when two minutes from time David Langer was left completely unmarked to nod in a Papousek free kick.

Slovan needed one more goal to qualify and stoppage time was a siege on Dida's goal. A respite came when goalscorer Langer picked up his second yellow card for dissent.

Controversially, the referee blew the final whistle one minute early and end the Rossoneri's misery.

Slovan Liberec: Kinsky; Pilny, Johana, Holenak, Janu; Papousek, Hodur (Blaha 76), Langer, Sboncak (Ancic 65); Slepicka, Nezmar (Gyan 46)

Milan: Dida; Simic, Laursen, Maldini, Kaladze; Gattuso, Pirlo (Dalla Bona 81), Seedorf; Rui Costa (Rivaldo 70); Tomasson (Ambrosini 60), Inzaghi

Ref: Duaden Ibanez (Spa)

Sent off: Langer 92 (S)

A little embarrassing, then again we're the first 4th placed Italian team ever to qualify, so it's sort of an improvment... and have we ever won a match with Dida as gk?

[psh03]

It seems to be a developing habit where our close victories are exaggerated as triumphs. The Berlusconi win was on penalties wasn't it? and it was heralded as proof that Ancelotti's system works. Now a win on away goals and Ancellotti leaves praising Inzaghi rather than concerned that with a goal lead and a first leg victory going into the final half, our defense was pushed up to the final whistle. Lets hope that when the season gets underway and Sheva is back we will find our rhythm and really start to put some teams to the sword like a team of this callibre should.

[psh03]

"08/29/2002. The draw for the first phase of the Champions League has thrown up some fascinating groups, notably Group G, destined to be the proverbial `Group of Death`

UEFA's computer, combined with their plastic balls, have matched German outfit Bayern Munich up with Deportivo from Spain and Serie A giants Milan. Luckless Freench side Lens make up the remarkable quartet.

Elsewhere, current European champions Real Madrid
are in the same group as Italian side Roma for the second year in a row. Both will fancy their chances though with AEK and Genk completing Group C.

English champions Arsenal face a tricky task to overcome Dortmund, PSV and Auxerre, whilst Manchester United will not be displeased at a draw which sees them up against Leverkusen, Olympiakos and outsiders Maccabi Haifa.

The matches begin on 17/18 September. We'll have details of the schedule in due course.

Confirmed first phase groups:

Group A: Arsenal, Borrusia Dortmund, PSV, Auxerre

Group B: Valencia, Liverpool, Spartak Moscow, Basel

Group C: Real Madrid, Roma, AEK Athens, Genk

Group D: Inter, Lyon, Ajax, Rosenberg

Group E: Juventus, Feyenoord, Dynamo Kiev, Newcastle

Group F: Manchester United, Leverkusen, Olympiakos, Maccabi Haifa

Group G: Bayern Munich, Deportivo, Milan, Lens

Group H: Barcelona, Galatasaray, Lokomotiv Moscow, Bruges"

[psh03]

That is a really tough draw. Bayern have added both Diesler and Ballack to last years squad which means they will be a real force in the champions league. Depor are no mugs themselves and arguably the best of the second ranked teams. I know nothing about Lens but we will certainly have our work cut out for us to make the second round.

You'll be glad with Newcastle's draw Looney. They are a real chance to make it through.

[Red Devil]

I opened this thread to discuss performance of Real Madrid and other teams of the Group C UEFA Champions League. Feel free to discuss.

Red Devil

[Juan]

So, Madrid and Roma meet again. And this time it´s even more interesting, given that Guardiola now plays with Capello´s side.

There should be few problems for these two teams to go through to the next stage. Genk might cause some scares, but nothing too bad for such strong teams, and I think they might finish third and continue on the UEFA cup.

[lili]

REAL will beat them all, like they did last season. Forza REAL!!
:smoking:

[Red Devil]

It is Madrid, not REAL. If you say Real in Spain everybody will think that you are talking about Real Sociedad from San Sebastian. "Forza" is italian, we do not use forza with Madrid. You can say "Hala Madrid!"

It is similar with ManUtd. People usually say United, not Manchester.

Red Devil

P.S. I hope you won't take amiss.:)

[Looney]

We're in the group of death..... again..... tho I doubt we'd do as well against Deportivo as we did against Barca, tho a Rivaldo hat trick at the San Siro wouldn't be a bad thing.

I see Bayern topping the group and Depor and us fighting for the 2nd spot, but if we play to our potential we're not afraid of anyone.

[Roberto Abrego]

I think we can top the group,we are better than Depor...We beat the 4-2(0n aggregate last time)We can beat Bayern too...I think Lens will be a hard team but we can handle them ;)

[psh03]

Depor is a quality team. They have Tristan and new signing Luque upfront and Valeron in the hole. That is a quality forward lineup. We will have to shut Valeron down if we want to progress. And also put away our chances in front of goal. All preseason the story has been our forwards being wasteful infront of goal.

[lili]

well, read the treads title, we all know, that we are writing about Real Madrid, while Real Sociedad has absolutely no Chance to play the CL. Maybe u use to say Madrid, for me its Real (I'm not from Spain) and I'm a "realista", not a "madridista".
And Forza was just to provocate a little the Roma fans!:D, :D

[Red Devil]

Originally posted by lili
well, read the treads title, we all know, that we are writing about Real Madrid, while Real Sociedad has absolutely no Chance to play the CL. Maybe u use to say Madrid, for me its Real (I'm not from Spain) and I'm a "realista", not a "madridista".
And Forza was just to provocate a little the Roma fans!:D, :D

I see. Well it is geting on my nerves a little, when I keep hearing "Real". It is simply wrong. Fans of Madrid should know how to call the club. Real means royal (slov. kraljevski) and half of the Primera Division clubs is called Real (Madrid, Oviedo, Mallorca, Sociedad, Betis, Valladolid, Racing Santander, Villarreal...).

I understand the "forza" stuff. ;)

Regards,
Red Devil

P.S. So, you are a "realista"? :D

[lili]

veš kaj!
da ne muèiva muko na dolgo in široko: tvoje alergije me prav malo brigajo. Jaz sem realista v obeh pomenih besede!:evil:
Sicer pa ne vem, kaj je pri tem slabega.
Razen neke relativne razlike v letih, imava vsaj eno skupno toèko:
tudi jaz rada gledam otoški nogomet, èeprav mi je še bolj kot MU
všeè Liverpool. Okusi so paè okusi.
By the way, si bil kdaj na Old Traffordu?:)

[Red Devil]

Originally posted by lili
By the way, si bil kdaj na Old Traffordu?:)

Yes, but unfortunatelly just once. I would like to go again soon.

Red Devil

[lili]

no, :evil:
vkolikor nam bo še letos uspelo (gremo oktobra v Pariz), gremo raèunam tam enkrat decembra z letalom iz Ronch (letališèe Trst). Tam so dokaj ugodne let. vozovnice.
Èe imaš kje možnost pogledat, poglej za razpored angl. prvenstva, jaz bi šla na MU :Liverpool, Arsenal, Leeds ali kaj podobnega. :smoking:

[byzantium21]

i think that real have the most chances of finishing first- while roma will likely take second- although they looked good against real in new york, even without totti- so first is not out of the question.


Juan, you underestimate AEK so much that you give Genk more chances of going to the uefa cup?

AEK will be difficult to beat in Athens, although i'm sure Real Madrid is more than capable of coming away with a win in both matches.

[Roberto Abrego]

our offense is much better ;)

[Red Devil]

Madrid is going to be first without a doubt. Roma second, while AEK and Genk will decide who is going to UEFA Cup. I think AEK has more chances.

Red Devil

P.S. Lili: Spurs 21.9., Villa 26.10., Newcastle 23.11., Arsenal 7.12.

[Looney]

as is our defense now. ;)

[Sheva]

Originally posted by Looney
as is our defense now. ;)

;) ;)

[Looney]

Six Rossoneri stars are included in the official Champions’ League Dream Team.

To mark the tenth year of the competition, UEFA have compiled a squad of eleven players who made the most impact on the continent during this decade.

These include Paolo Maldini, the only member of this team to still wear the Rossoneri shirt, Franco Baresi, Mauro Tassotti and star striker Marco Van Basten.

Former Juventus man Zinedine Zidane is also included in the UEFA line-up.

Champions’ League Dream Team: Schmeichel; Tassotti, Desailly, Baresi, Maldini; Beckham, Rijkaard, Zidane, Giggs; Van Basten, Raul

[INTER FAN/BG/]

VERY EASY GROUP FOR REAL MADRID AND ROMA!

FORZA LEVSKI SOFIA AND BULGARIA!

[INTER FAN/BG/]

BAYERN MUNICH AND MILAN WILL QUALIFY FOR THE NEXT STAGE I THINK!

[Azerkid]

I have to differ and say Bayern and Deportivo will go on

[INTER FAN/BG/]

YEA BUT MILAN'S PLAYERS ARE MUCH BETTER THAN THOSE FROM DEPORTIVO!

[Massimo]

Originally posted by INTER FAN/BG/
YEA BUT MILAN'S PLAYERS ARE MUCH BETTER THAN THOSE FROM DEPORTIVO!
INTER FAN.....why the hek are you all the time writing with capital letters?????????:confused: :dazed: :D
anyway....i just wanted to say that MILAN are in deep SH*T....:smoking:

[Azerkid]

Originally posted by INTER FAN/BG/
YEA BUT MILAN'S PLAYERS ARE MUCH BETTER THAN THOSE FROM DEPORTIVO!

We saw how good they were against Slovan, and last year in Uefa :rolleyes:

[Sheva]

Originally posted by Azerkid


We saw how good they were against Slovan, and last year in Uefa :rolleyes:

mmmm.......
Last year we were without Nesta, Seedorf, Rivaldo.......
not enough?
Sheva played half season.....
Rui Costa the same........
It's enough?

[Roberto Abrego]

He is an Inter fan dont discuss with him Sheva....

We r superior than Depor and Bayern...




great start on La Liga for Depor they lost 4-1 to greal Real Betis :silly:

[Sheva]

Originally posted by Roberto Abrego
He is an Inter fan dont discuss with him Sheva....

We r superior than Depor and Bayern...




great start on La Liga for Depor they lost 4-1 to greal Real Betis :silly:

Depor lost 4-2 hehehe :)

[INTER FAN/BG/]

He we are talking only about Bayern,Milan and Deportivo but don't forget Lens they are also a very good team!

[Sheva]

Originally posted by INTER FAN/BG/
He we are talking only about Bayern,Milan and Deportivo but don't forget Lens they are also a very good team!

THey've the great Diouf

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by Sheva


Depor lost 4-2 hehehe :)


ohh sorry I didnt saw the game just the result that was shown in the Barca game but still is not a great season opener for Depor...

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by Sheva


THey've the great Diouf

Diouf is in Liverpool jeje ;)

[Sheva]

Originally posted by Roberto Abrego


Diouf is in Liverpool jeje ;)

mmmmm.......I'm sorry too........Diop :)

[Looney]

It's not that hard..... just 4 points against Depor and do the double over Lens...... we can do that!

[Sheva]

Originally posted by Looney
It's not that hard..... just 4 points against Depor and do the double over Lens...... we can do that!

I think:
4 points against Bayern
2 points against Depor
4 points against Lens

So First place. Second Bayern

[Roberto Abrego]

I think we can get 14 pts

4 pts against Depor
4 pts against Bayern
6 pts against Lens

[DRUMan]

Roma will win this group easilly!We will humiliate that ***kin Madrid!!!FORZA GIALLOROSA!!!

[Looney]

If we were in charge tho, we'd win all 19 matches!

[INTER FAN/BG/]

Ronaldo sucks!

[grodriguez]

This has to be one of the most anticpated games.

The game will be played in Rome but the home team will be without Totti and Batistuta. I expect another big game from Figo and think that Real will walk away with 3 points

[ItalianBoy]

FOOOORZA ROMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[grodriguez]

Soccer-Del Bosque wants Real to win again in style

By Simon Evans

ROME (Reuters) - Real Madrid coach Vincente Del Bosque says the European champions are ready to defend their Champions League crown but they want to do so in style.

Speaking to reporters before training ahead of Tuesday's opening group C game against AS Roma, Del Bosque said Real's expensively-assembled squad was taking nothing for granted but was aiming for their tenth European Cup win.

"We are the champions but we can't look back. We must look ahead to playing on this great stage which is the Champions League and we need to fight to get the results and not worry about the opposition," said Del Bosque.

"Real always want to win but this team was made to also produce entertaining football and that is what we aim to do," added the Real coach. "In this competition it is important to produce a spectacle for the fans."

Real added Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldo to their squad during the close-season but the twice former World Player of the Year has not travelled with the team to Italy as he continues to work towards full fitness.

But with the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Raul at his disposal, Del Bosque, whose team met the Pope earlier on Monday, clearly has the quality available to repeat last season's success when his team beat Germany's Bayer Leverkusen in the final.

ROMA SMARTING

Roma on the other hand must go into Tuesday's match smarting from Saturday's opening Serie A 2-1 defeat to Bologna and without two of their key players -- Italy playmaker Francesco Totti and Argentine striker Gabriel Batistuta.

But Del Bosque does not believe the Bologna loss or the absence of suspended Totti and Batistuta will make a huge impact on the match.

"They play in one of the strongest championships in Europe and the fact that they lost on Saturday I consider a minor episode. One of the qualities of Real Madrid is humility and we have a lot of respect for our opponents.

"They have other players who will come into the side, players like (Antonio) Cassano and (Vincenzo) Montella and other strong players. I don't think their absentees will be an important factor," said the Real coach.

Figo was also unwilling to read too much into Roma's form and suspensions.

"We played them twice last season in this competition and the reality is that neither squad has changed much since then. Roma don't have fear of us and I don't think they have altered their style of play much," said the Portuguese winger.

"They will play with the same system, looking to score and looking to hit us on the counter attack. We are talking about two of the most complete squads in Europe. I think it is going to be a high quality match."

[grodriguez]

Champions League Preview: Roma-Real Madrid


Roma-Real Madrid, one year later. Exactly like twelve months ago, Giallorossi and Merengues will face each other at the Olimpico stadium in the opening match of the 2002 Champions League, but fortunately the mood will be totally different, as that meeting took place a few hours after the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Against the reigning European champions, Roma will try to bounce back from the first huge disappointment of their season. Last Saturday, at the end of a quite disappointing performance, the Giallorossi suffered a shocking 1-2 defeat at the hands of Bologna in the first round of the Serie A. Capello's men appeared totally out of shape, and fell in front of a supposedly weaker but certainly more healthy and focused opponent.

More concerning was Roma's lack of composure on and off the pitch. It all started with Franco Sensi's criticism of Fabio Capello for his downbeat comments on Roma's season prospects. According to Don Fabio, the Giallorossi cannot hope for more than an anonymous fourth place in Serie A. Then Capello blasted himself referee Rosetti for his questionable decisions in Bologna-Roma, which in turn spurred Sensi's threat to withdraw the team from Serie A if any act of poor refereeing happened again. You never get bored in the Eternal City...

Meanwhile Real Madrid also had their lapses of attention this weekend in Seville before being saved by a divine intervention which took the shape of a floodlight failure. Betis were eating the Merengues alive thanks to a Capi goal before finding themselves in the dark. Some socios said the Pope –whom the squad met on Monday – was the one who switched the lights off.

Florentino Perez' men travelled to Rome without Ronaldo. The Nike homme-sandwich should make his debut with Real before at least two weeks. His absence gives Vicente Del Bosque more time to address internal problems at the club. Even if chairman Perez says there is no rift in the team, there are clear signs showing Ronaldo was not totally accepted in the dressing room.

After celebrating a great ninth success in Europe's top tournament, Real are hoping to make it again this term as their century year was not as flabbergasting as they hoped. They will have to justify Ronaldo's audacious investment by competing on all fronts but a certain lack of squad depth might harm their plans.


TEAM NEWS

Against Real, Roma coach Fabio Capello will miss two fundamental players like Totti and Batistuta. Along with Brazilian midfielder Lima, the Italy international and the Argentinean striker will serve a suspension caused by last season's brawl at the end of the match against Galatasaray. Most likely, Capello will field a 3-5-2 line-up, with Cassano and Montella on the
offensive line and Spanish playmaker Guardiola in the middle.

We've already mentioned Ronaldo's absence. He is Vicente Del Bosque's only concern with the rest of the first team available for selection. Even though Real are kicking off their campaign on away soil, they are not going to change their tactics and will seek a second win in a row in the Olimpico after last season's blitz on September 11. Esteban Cambiasso and Zinedine Zidane will be Real's most noticeable novelties on Tuesday night, whereas Flavio Conceiçao and Oscar Minambres are both out injured.


PROBABLE LINEUPS

Roma (3-5-2): Antonioli; Zebina, Samuel, Panucci; Cafù, Emerson, Guardiola, Tommasi, Candela; Cassano, Batistuta

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Míchel Salgado, Hierro, Helguera, Roberto Carlos; Makelele, Cambiasso; Figo, Zidane, Raúl; Morientes.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Roma: Josep Guardiola. I'm pretty sure that "Pep" will play a great match. First of all, Real Madrid cannot be considered as a "normal" opponent for a man who spent almost all of his career with the Barcelona jersey. Furthermore, this will be his first high-level match in a long time, which he spent partly recovering from his knee problems and partly fighting for the save with Brescia.

Real Madrid: Fernando Morientes. No Ronaldo in sight, I'm afraid. Not so long ago the Spain marksman was the club's undisputed striker. Now he is demoted to the "not-wanted-at-the-club-any-longer" list and has been linked with a move to Inter in January. Quite a radical change for Morientes who cannot concentrate on his football like a true Real & Spain number 9 should. Real Madrid's Spanish clan stood by Morientes, but this has caused a rift within the dressing room as Ronaldo seems to be the Casa Blanca's new black sheep.

[DRUMan]

DAJE ROMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Red Devil]

I suggest you to go to "European Club Competitions" forum. We have a thread for each CL group there.

Red Devil

[Hose]

I voted for a win but I wouldnt be unhappy if we came away with a draw. A repeat of last season's performance would be PEREFECT. I wont comment on a loss. ;)

The late start of the Italian league will mean that Roma as well as the other calcio team wont be completely up to speed playing wise, surely an advantage. Coem on boys!

HALA MADRID!!!

[grodriguez]

Originally posted by Hose
I voted for a win but I wouldnt be unhappy if we came away with a draw. A repeat of last season's performance would be PEREFECT. I wont comment on a loss. ;)

The late start of the Italian league will mean that Roma as well as the other calcio team wont be completely up to speed playing wise, surely an advantage. Coem on boys!

HALA MADRID!!!

Is that you hoseman?!?!?!

it's me Che!

or now I go by grodriguez

[Super Croat]

Anyone else watching the Roma/Real game live on the telly right now?

Real just seems to be a class or two better than Roma in this one. Panucci looks to be Roma's best player going forward but he really looked like an ameteur when Guti "undressed" him on the goal.

Well, the second half is about to start....

[Super Croat]

Real really did make this game look easy. 0-3 for the Spaniards. Italian football just isn't what it used to be with AC Milan and Juve of the 90's. Guti was man of the match, especially on his second goal where he basically walked through 4 Roma defenders and slotted it into the corner. World Class.

Inter drew 2-2 with Rossenburg which is a good result away from home, I guess?

[ItalianBoy]

Have you guys een the game? it sucked! Roma coudl have won and should have won, if the ref woudl have gave them some PKS! that were clearly there!
But I agree, both teams especially Roma were down. Plsu Roma had no Totti or Bati. It meand that Real might win thr group and Roma will go to second place.

[ItalianBoy]

Well IMO I saw the game and Real didnt seem to be this great team. Roma didnt have Totti or Bati and we deserved a pk! Still I have to admit, Roma just played badly. We had so many chances. Real goals where not that great. Guti world class? COME ON!

[ammado]

I see bayern will top this group,its not because bayern has a better team than milan but just because bayern knows exactly how to deal with champions league

[grodriguez]

football is not about...

could of
should of
would of.

it's a simple game just put the ball in the back of the net.

did you see at the towards the end of the game the roma fans gave an applause to the Real madrid players!

[Roberto Abrego]

I disagree...

I think that AC Milan can bring Italy some pride and some hapiness back!

[Sheva]

Probably tonight:

Milan (4-3-1-2): 18 Abbiati, 14 Simic, 13 Nesta, 3 Maldini, 4 Kaladze, 8 Gattuso, 21 Pirlo, 23 Ambrosini, 10 Rui Costa, 11 Rivaldo, 9 F.Inzaghi (12 Dida, 19 Costacurta, 24 Laursen, 20 Seedorf, 28 Dalla Bona, 15 Tomasson, 30 Borriello)
All.: Ancelotti
Lens (4-4-2): 1 Warmuz, 3 Song, 4 Coulibaly, 14 Coly, 6 Bak, Blanchard, 7 Sibierski, 10 Moreira, 19 Diop, 21 Utaka, 28 Bakari (16 Chabbert, 2 Sikora, 17 Lachor, 8 Keita, 29 Coridon, 15 Sarr, 11 Pedron)
All: Muller
Arbitro: Kyros Vassaras (Grecia)

[Looney]

And you're saying Milan doesn't know to deal with the Champion's League? What with Maldini, Nesta, Rivaldo, Shevchenko, Inzaghi, Redondo and all...... not too much Champion's League experience there!

[ultras79]

Today Milan will start his road to win Champion's League!!I se Real and Milan as possible winners.Nesta,Maldini,Rui Costa,Rivaldo,Shevcenko,Inzaghi...this names says everything!!

[Sheva]

Originally posted by ultras79
Today Milan will start his road to win Champion's League!!I se Real and Milan as possible winners.Nesta,Maldini,Rui Costa,Rivaldo,Shevcenko,Inzaghi...this names says everything!!

Well.......
I'm touching my nuts ;)

[lili]

Originally posted by ItalianBoy
Well IMO I saw the game and Real didnt seem to be this great team. Roma didnt have Totti or Bati and we deserved a pk! Still I have to admit, Roma just played badly. We had so many chances. Real goals where not that great. Guti world class? COME ON!

Guti scored two top goals. And the way he double-crossed Panucci, was the same Sebastian Cimerotiè did on the match
Italy-Slovenia.
However, how many chances does a team need to be great?
10, like Roma yesterday?
And if you mention Totti and Bati, did you forget Ronnie on REAL's
side? ;)

[ItalianBoy]

Guti's goals where IMo not top, Zidane final goal last year was top! I liked the second one though. And I agree, Panucci sucks!
Yet I would take Totti or Bati anytime over Ronaldo. HE hasent played in Real yet so you cant judge him. Plus like the comentators said: why fix something when its not Broken?"
Real was already good without Ronnie, and IMO Ronaldo will destroy the team. And plus Zidane is a player you can miss, not Ronaldo!
Anyway, there are still many games to go.

[Juan]

Well, neither team played at full force, and Real ended with a wide win. Roma fans should be worried about their team´s form.

[ItalianBoy]

Dont be a smartass, I know man. All I am saying is that Real was not this great and that if Roma woudl have played well in all the chances they had, the score woudl have been different. Plus Roma fans did not applaude Real, they just left cuz they knoew that Roma coudl have played better.
You won fairly not like last time at least.

[byzantium21]

next round AEK- Roma in Athens- bith teams want and need teh victory very badly- it'll be a tough battle- i hope we make our first ever win in the CL.

[ammado]

hahahaha bayern lost at home ,i think thats how to deal with the champions league

[grodriguez]

it's not about being great Ital-boy!
it about winning games when your not on your top game or winning in style.

greatness comes from winning and often.

3 UEFA CL in 5 years

that sound great to me!

[Roberto Abrego]

We beat the crap out of Lens 2-1


only Italian team that got 3 pts on the 1st week!

[INTER FAN/BG/]

Roma will have many problems with AEK in the next game.My prediction is:

AEK-Roma-2:1

[ammado]

what do u think of the milan deportivo match,i think it will be a very tough match,i hope bayern win in lens to keep its hope alive

[Sheva]

SEEDORF, INZAGHI, INZAGHI, INZAGHI :cool:


4-0

[BLAUGRANA]

Even though Depor are a bit depleted at the moment (Valeron, Manuel Pablo and to an extent Tristan), it's not easy going into the Riazor and smashing them 4-0. Congrats Looney and Roberto. Milan look all set to cruise to first place in the group. Hopefully for you lot Bayern doesn't get it's act together before you play them. You'll still give them a run for it either way.

So Looney, are you gonna start a campaign to make Ancelotti Milan's manager for life? :D

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by AZULGRANA
Even though Depor are a bit depleted at the moment (Valeron, Manuel Pablo and to an extent Tristan), it's not easy going into the Riazor and smashing them 4-0. Congrats Looney and Roberto. Milan look all set to cruise to first place in the group. Hopefully for you lot Bayern doesn't get it's act together before you play them. You'll still give them a run for it either way.

So Looney, are you gonna start a campaign to make Ancelotti Milan's manager for life? :D

Thanx Azulgrana!

Barca win I am very happy for that also...


about depor being depleted...we r also missing Sheva,and Redondo!

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Roberto Abrego


Thanx Azulgrana!

Barca win I am very happy for that also...


about depor being depleted...we r also missing Sheva,and Redondo!

I wasn't trying to take anything away from the win. It was well deserved.

Missing Sheva and Redondo doesn't hurt you lot as much though cause you have a much deeper squad. Besides, if I were a Milan fan I wouldn't even mention missing Redondo.

[Roberto Abrego]

but he is part of the squad and he was a very expensive player....

I think he still can return to his old form when he played for Real Madrid...

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Roberto Abrego
but he is part of the squad and he was a very expensive player....

I think he still can return to his old form when he played for Real Madrid...

My point was that he's always missing and IMO he almost doesn't count. I mean seriously, is the guy even alive?

[Sebi]

Oh my good are the german teams bad at the moment. But i think Bayern will pass the first round. Maybe as 2.

I`m so unhappy that the tickets for the game against Milan are so expensive. I love Milan, and my Wish was to see a game of them, but it looks bad. 23 € For a very bad place is not the prize i want to pay.

[Sheva]

Originally posted by AZULGRANA
Congrats Looney and Roberto.

Does they played? :eek: ;)

[Sheva]

Originally posted by Roberto Abrego


we r also missing Sheva

No, I'm here :D

Anyway Sheva yesterday began running.
It needs to wait 2 weeks to see him in a match

[Severus]

juve have been minus trezeguet up to now and milan are missing shevchenko. 2 critical players for their respective sides yet you can't even tell they are missing.

[Roberto Abrego]

jajajaja

yes beacuse we still abuse teams without them.....

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by Sheva


No, I'm here :D

Anyway Sheva yesterday began running.
It needs to wait 2 weeks to see him in a match

:D nice to see u back when r u going to play????
we need u!!!!!beacuse our goal will be to beat Inter 20-0 I think that with u it will be a reasonable score....


ohhh nice avatar :)

[Fair One]

Poor Bayern Munich!!
I`m sooooooo sorry for them.

[Sebi]

Originally posted by Fair One
Poor Bayern Munich!!
I`m sooooooo sorry for them.

Don`t worry, we will beat Milan :D

With my (direct) Support Bayern has never lost a game in the cl. And I`ll be there ;)

[ammado]

Bayern should take at least 4 points from Milan ,i think its so hard specially with Milans current form,bayern should give huge performances like they did when they beat real in 200 4-2 and 4-1 in one week

[Looney]

Originally posted by Sheva


Does they played? :eek: ;)

Of course we did! Didn't you see us? We whooped Depor good didn't we Roberto? ;)

[Sheva]

Originally posted by Roberto Abrego


we love u!!!!!


I know you're crazy for me.........
But I've a girlfriend :D

[piyush]

roma will get deir ass wipped

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by Looney


Of course we did! Didn't you see us? We whooped Depor good didn't we Roberto? ;)
yeah we didnt threat them so bad....:D

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by Sheva


I know you're crazy for me.........
But I've a girlfriend :D



:(

jajajaja :D

[Looney]

Dammit I reckon if I changed my nickname to "San Paolo" or "Ambro" everyone would say they luv me too! Instead I'm stuck poor unattractive Looney..... :(

[Sheva]

Bayern - Milan 1-2
Depor - Lens 3-1

Now for Bayern it's very hard pass the turn........

Milan 9
Depor 6
Lens 1
Bayern 1

Come on Rossoneri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bier]

Hard to believ but Bayern look like making the UEFA-cup spot. :D :star:

[Roberto Abrego]

and we r going to get 1st place

and Pippo is going to get a goal record!

[BLAUGRANA]

Milan really deserve credit for the marvellous job they've done so far. Crushing Depor at home and then beating Bayern at home. Great results. They look set for the next round. The question is can they do the same after the group stages?

[Red Devil]

I think so. Milan has a good team this year. I am surpised at Bayern's performances. Is there still any hope for Bayern this season in the CL?

Red Devil

[Bier]

I hope not. ;) :D

[Sheva]

Originally posted by Red Devil
Is there still any hope for Bayern this season in the CL?



Don't think so.....
Will pass the turn milan and depor......

This year, I think best football is playing by Valencia and Man Utd....

[byzantium21]

AEK-Madrid 3-3
roma-genk 1-0


aek was ahead 3-1 and conceded two goals for the tie
and roma got their first win

[Red Devil]

Byzantium, how do you feel after the draw with the best team in the world?

Red Devil

[byzantium21]

mixed feelings.

good because we played against the best team in the world, and we scored three goals against them, and got a point. something that roma and genk did not do.

i feel bad because if we were more careful, we could have won- when the score was 3-2 we missed a monumental chance to make it 4-2. and when it was 3-3, we missed another incredible chance to make it 4-3. but you must be careful against real.

we have few chances of advancing now that roma won. we must beat genk in athens, and then we must give our souls to win in ROMA. not easy.

[Juan]

AEK drawed again, Roma won... this group is getting tricky.

[Roberto Abrego]

congrats to AEK i will love too see them qualify not Roma...

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by Sheva



Don't think so.....
Will pass the turn milan and depor......

This year, I think best football is playing by Valencia and Man Utd....




Sheva dont be so modest :D

[Juan]

Not a far fetched proposition considering...

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Juan
Not a far fetched proposition considering...

Agreed, but I'd have to give Roma the nod.

[INTER FAN/BG/]

Originally posted by Roberto Abrego
congrats to AEK i will love too see them qualify not Roma...

Me too!

[byzantium21]

guys if all results until teh last matchday come as natural- then second place will be decided last macth day in the Roma-AEK game!

it will be very difficult for us, playing in Rome, but we will have nothing to lose. and when aek has nothing to lose, we play games like the 3-3 against real.

anything can happen, but the upper hand will be for roma.


but anyway, there are 3 matches left...

[INTER FAN/BG/]

I am very happy about aek but I am also very dissapointed cause Milen Petkov is injured and he will be out of play for 2 weeks!And he won't play in the qualifying game BULGARIA-Croatia!

[Juan]

Roma - AEK saved for last. What an amazing prospect.

[Roberto Abrego]

I hope AEK can beat Roma...

[Juan]

Me too, but it´s gonna be hard. Roma will likely be playing for their lives there.

[byzantium21]

thanks gus i hope we can beat them too. if we do it will be a massive success!! its gonna be war!!

[Juan]

Madrid 2-2 AEK
Genk 0-0 Roma (?)

Damn. Madrid was up 2-0 at the end of the first half, but they relaxed and let AEK get the draw. At least Roma and Genk drew also (not sure about that one), and that doesn´t put much pressure on the Merengues.

[lili]

Don't be worried, Juan. Even the great ones can have a bad moment. ;)

[funky6]

Even the great ones can have a bad moment

Yes but this was the second in a row.:D

It would be great if AEK makes it to the second round and leave Roma out of the tournament.

By winning Genk in Athens which is not the most difficult thing i guess you'll have to go to Olympico and a draw would be enough!!!!!!Ofcourse it will be a difficut game but it's spmething you can do.

[INTER FAN/BG/]

I rhink that from this group AEK is the best team until now

[lili]

No, it's REALM. :D ;)
But AEK is the second best.....and should play further. ROMA and Genk doesn't deserve it. They played really bad till now.:dontcare: ;)

[byzantium21]

2-2 in bernabeu againt the best team in the world is a wonderful result. now that roma and genk tied our chances a greater.

but... we MUST beat Genk at home, we have to be careful. and i hope Madrid do their job and defeat Roma.

if we do

then the last game will be all important. we need at least 1 point againt roma. we will give it our all with 5,000 greeks in the stands.

this has turned out to be an interesting group

[lili]

Yes, indeed.

AEK has the best chances to beat Genk and REAL will give ROMA a lection as in Rome. So?
Don't worry, be happy.........:D ;)

[Sheva]

Well done!!

MILAN - BAYERN: 2-1

Bayern out :cool:

[funky6]

Bayern out :cool:

I wouldn't be that sure if i were you mate,though i really want it.:D

Two wins and they are in the second round.Ofcourse it's not easy to win in Riazor but those krauts are really hard to die...

[Sebi]

Originally posted by Sheva
Well done!!

MILAN - BAYERN: 2-1

Bayern out :cool:

What a shame :D

But look at Inzaghi. I couldn`t stop laughing when he was angry (3 times pro bayern/ he thought it was foul) of the referee :D

We aren`t out. There`s always hope :D
We will beat Lens and you HAVE TO BEAT Depor. (My Italian Friends :D :D :D ;))
Than we beat Depor. and everything is allright.

[Sebi]

Originally posted by funky6


krauts


sweet

[INTER FAN/BG/]

i don't think that Bayern will make it

[Juan]

It´s not easy for them. They have to win their final two matches and hope Depor blows them. Or else they will become the favorites for UEFA Cup success.

[ammado]

for bayern to qualify one of these results should happen

first case

bayern beat deportivo by two goals difference
bayern beat lens by any result
milan draw with depor
milan and lens can have any result

second case
bayern beat depor by any result
bayern beat lens by any result
milan beat depor
milan and lens can have any result

third case
bayern beat depor by any result
bayern beat lens by any result
lens beat milan
milan draw with depor

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by INTER FAN/BG/
i don't think that Bayern will make it

me neither we were to much ;)

[Roberto Abrego]

I hope AEK qualify but Roma have all at their favour they have their last game against AEK at Olimpico d Roma....but I think AEK can get the draw there and beat Genk 1st....beacuse Roma are not the same ones anymore...

[Juan]

To Bayern to go through would take nothing less of a miracle. Not only are they losing, they aren´t playing well.

[Looney]

aye, I don't Bayern will make it now. Lens' victory might actually make it worse for them, they may not even get UEFA......

[Red Devil]

Nice win for Depor - Bayern is out. I wonder what Milan was doing in France? :confused:

Red Devil

[Sebi]

:´( we`re out!

Damn, and that with that team! Next year, we`ll come again ....

This year we have to win the german Meisterschaft!

[Looney]

As they sing in Sound of Music.......

So long, farewell.........

[Red Devil]

Disgrace at Santiago Bernabeu. AEK and Genk played a draw. Madrid is through though.

Red Devil

[funky6]

:shocked::shocked:

Still not able to come back to reality.Who will stop this fabulous five dream team?The European football community is still shocked.God!Saves us from Real Madrid!Rounaldou,Roubertou Carlos,Figo,Zizou,Raul....i think i'm gonna faint....

[Juan]

AAARRRRRGHHHHH

That defense will give me a heart attack if they keep it that way. Totti´s goal shouldn´t have gone through a well organized D. Madrid needs to beef up the back and I don´t think splashing up money will help, they need better training and strategy.

[Juan]

Not even UEFA for Bayern. The kind of stuff manager nightmares are made of.

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by Juan
Not even UEFA for Bayern. The kind of stuff manager nightmares are made of.


poor Bayern :(

good luck at Bundesliga :)

[Looney]

They'll be back. Don't worry about that.

[Juan]

In fact, I have a certain feeling about them retaking the Bundesliga this season...

[Roberto Abrego]

in some way yes beacusenow that they dont have the pressure of CL....


but they have the pressure beacuse fans will want them to achieve something,and considering they have new adquisitions in Ballack and ZE Roberto their is allot of pressure...

[Sebi]

Originally posted by Roberto Abrego
in some way yes beacusenow that they dont have the pressure of CL....


but they have the pressure beacuse fans will want them to achieve something,and considering they have new adquisitions in Ballack and ZE Roberto their is allot of pressure...

[Juan]

That is correct. They need major silverware to keep heads from rolling, and the Bundesliga is the only choice.

[Juan]

The moment of truth has come. We go away to Belgium to get first place in the group. We need to defeat Genk to accomplish this.

However, many important players will be rested, not counting Raul, recovering from sickness, and Zidane, still nursing Saturday´s injury.

[INTER FAN/BG/]

Today AEK must beat Roma and qualify for the next round because they deserve it and because they are the best Greek team now!

[Juan]

1-0 we won! :D

Not as wide as wanted, though. Anyone knows any details about this game?

[Roberto Abrego]

u r wrong Wesley Sonck cancelled Real Madrid's opener ;)

so the score ended in a 1-1 draw....

and AEK and Roma draw 1-1 but Roma went throw...but AEK finish the tournament unbeaten with 6 draws :D

[Juan]

Damn TV. They were playing the Inter - Ajax game and just reporting the others (with a delay of quite a few minutes). And they didn´t report Sonck´s late equalizer.

[Roberto Abrego]

I saw the game it was very exiting Genk did play really well....they deserve the goal they miss allot of chances....


Real Madrid played well also but they werent playing with the 1st squad...

[Roberto Abrego]

Milan 1
Depor 2

I didnt saw the game :(...how diud we played???

[Juan]

I know Bayern´s failure is sure being celebrated by Italians. The Bundesliga is/was about to surpass Serie A on the European leagues rating, and slipping down to fourth would have costed them a CL spot.

[Juan]

What was Madrid´s formation. I know Tote scored, so we might have been playing with the Copa Del Rey squad.

[lili]

Originally posted by Juan
Damn TV. They were playing the Inter - Ajax game and just reporting the others (with a delay of quite a few minutes). And they didn´t report Sonck´s late equalizer.

Juan, try this www.livescore.com/ (http://www.livescore.com/)

[Roberto Abrego]

but still iBundeslBut still german teams didnt plñayed bad at CL,they struggle a beat but 2 out of 3 went to the second stage...

[Juan]

Sticky these threads already!

Well, we could have done worse. Surely the Madrid-Milan games will be classics, and I look forward to them. Madrid will have their work cut out for them to get back to 100% for the game in San Siro, which will open the group. It can be good to play the toughest game right away though, specially when the two following are at home.

Madrid´s calendar
Matchday 1: at Milan
Matchday 2: vs Lokomotiv
Matchday 3: vs Dortmund
Matchday 4: at Dortmund
Matchday 5: vs Milan
Matchday 6: at Lokomotiv

[Sebi]

Originally posted by Roberto Abrego
but still iBundeslBut still german teams didnt plñayed bad at CL,they struggle a beat but 2 out of 3 went to the second stage...

but the wrong ones ;)

It`s ok! I hope Lev. will complete the 2 round!
Dortmund suxx, but they are allowed to pass the second round :D

[Juan]

What the hell? why did they merge all these threads?

[Sheva]

probably formations:

Milan:
Dida;
Simic (or Chamot), Costacurta, Maldini, Kaladze;
Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Rui Costa,
Rivaldo;
Shevchenko.

Real Madridi:
Casillas;
Michel Salgado, Helguera, Pavon, Roberto Carlos;
Cambiasso, Conceicao; Figo, Solari, Zidane;
Raul

[Juan]

Milan formation: Dida; Simic, Costacurta, Maldini, Kaladze; Gattuso, Seedorf, Ambrosini; Rui Costa, Rivaldo; Shevchenko

Real Madrid formation: Casillas; Michel, Pavon, Helguera, Roberto Carlos; Cambiasso, Celades; Figo, Raul, Zidane; Morientes

A quite entertaining match, with free flow from one end of the pitch to another. Milan managed to keep their perfect record hosting Madrid at San Siro.

Both teams played attacking football, but Milan did it better, as they seemed to outrun the Merengues, who suffered from the lack of punch of recent dates, and also met a very solid Dida at the back.

IMO, the Man Of The Match was definitely Rui Costa. Not only did he hit a wonderful long pass to Sheva for the only goal, he created plenty of chances for himself and others, and gave a lot of good football to the rossoneri. Kaladze also performed great, holding Figo and joining attack often. Among our troopers, the best on the pitch I think was RC, with great sacrifice at both ends of the pitch. A vast improvement on Madrid´s game was also noted when Solari entered as a sub.

Well, Madrid´s cold streak in front of goal continues, worryingly. Let´s hope the trip to Tokyo improves matters.

[funky6]

What the hell? why did they merge all these threads?

I can't understand that too.I hate these huge threads.

Congrats to Milan;)

[Sheva]

Tonight S.Siro was amazing.......

Beautiful match, but milan played better, with more ball possession.

Great milan tonight.

Roberto Carlos said that milan-Real M is the real final match, and I agree with him.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Sheva

Roberto Carlos said that milan-Real M is the real final match, and I agree with him.

If it is the real final, then they'll both be there.

Nice win for Milan tonight. Rui Costa and Clarence Seedorf were particularly fiesty.

Real Madrid can still go through. Lokomotiv should be two wins for them. It'll all depend on Dortmund. They are a good side and if they find some consistency, they'll be dangerous. I think the key to the QF's for Real Madrid is Dortmund.

[Red Devil]

Yeah, Milan is a real destroyer again this season. I like that. But I don't think that the final will be Madrid - Milan. It is going to be played in Manchester at Old Trafford, the home of ManUtd, so I can only expect that ManUtd will be one of the teams to play in the final match.

Red Devil

[funky6]

I think the key to the QF's for Real Madrid is Dortmund

Agreed.They're really lucky C.l.restarts in February after the next games cause they remind me Barça's confidence problems at the time.Without any will to knock Madrid i think it's going to be a big battle between them and Borussia for the second place.The italians are superb when playing away so i'll think Milan will be the first at the end.

[Sheva]

Originally posted by Red Devil
Yeah, Milan is a real destroyer again this season. I like that. But I don't think that the final will be Madrid - Milan. It is going to be played in Manchester at Old Trafford, the home of ManUtd, so I can only expect that ManUtd will be one of the teams to play in the final match.

Red Devil

Infact my fear is Man Utd........
If they'll go in the final match..........I don't know.......but I think it will be very very hard to beat them.

I think at the moment there are 4 teams for the final match:
Real Madrid, Juventus, Milan and Man utd.
The outsider is Barcelona....

[Looney]

Would be interesting to see Milan-ManUtd sometime this season.

The Dortmund is the key to both Milan and Real's qualification. Milan must still be vary of the last time they went to Dortmund, regardless of how well they travel.

[FlyingFinn]

Nice game yesterday. Rui Costa continues his great season. Only thing that left bothering was that i betted for the result 2-0... So close.

Real was as harmless as I thought it would be. There was actually no imagination in their attacks. My guess is that real madrid gives us another big surprise with dropping at this early stage.
Milan & Borussia will go further.

EDIT:Grr... my bad english talking do not went good really

[funky6]

I think at the moment there are 4 teams for the final match:
Real Madrid, Juventus, Milan and Man utd.
The outsider is Barcelona....

I like that.Every time Barça were considered as favourites to win the trophy it was a big dissapointment.I think this can make only good in the squad.C'mon fight super teams.:D

See ya in Madchester:D

[Juan]

Agreed with guys above, whoever does the job against Dortmund goes through.

[Roberto Abrego]

:confused:

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Juan
Agreed with guys above, whoever does the job against Dortmund goes through.

I think Dortmund can go through. How on earth Real managed only a draw vs Lokomotiv at home i'll never understand! I'd consider that an embarassing result to say the least.

[Roberto Abrego]

I agree with u

[Juan]

Sh!t. We must go for all points agaisnt Dortmund.

[Juan]

In an interview, Florentino blames the bad result in the tireness of the players (not exactly an outrageous proposition, in the last week they flew all the way to Japan, played there, returned to Madrid, then flew to the Balear islands, played there too, then back to Madrid once again), and he remains optimistic of the team´s chances.

[INTER FAN/BG/]

I am sure that Real will win Dortmund.Guys I'm telling you that after the game Real-Valencia-4:1 Real will continue their winning way and will top the group!Trust me!

[INTER FAN/BG/]

I am sure that Real will win Dortmund.Guys I'm telling you that after the game Real-Valencia-4:1 Real will continue their winning way and will top the group!Trust me!

[nerazzuri]

Originally posted by INTER FAN/BG/
I am sure that Real will win Dortmund.Guys I'm telling you that after the game Real-Valencia-4:1 Real will continue their winning way and will top the group!Trust me!
top the group?.... unlikely, but they will qualify

[eurekas]

It is highly likely that AC Milan will win the group dont forget they have a five goal lead over real madrid. Real Madrid had to win all the rest of the games to be first in the group, but Dormund, Lokomotiv and AC Milan are not going to be walkovers for them.

[Roberto Abrego]

agree....

[Red Devil]

Well, another win by Milan. Amazing. Madrid finaly managed to get 3 points. They still have the chance to be the first in the group, you know!

Red Devil

[Looney]

One more (1-0) in Russia and we'll probably top the group.

[barça]

Originally posted by Red Devil
Well, another win by Milan. Amazing. Madrid finaly managed to get 3 points. They still have the chance to be the first in the group, you know!

Red Devil

Yes, they have a chance, but have very diffcult games coming up. In Germany and Moscow and hosting Milan. Difficult indeed.

[Juan]

RAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUL!!!!!

I´m honestly betting on second place, although top won´t be bad.

[nerazzuri]

http://www.uefa.com/Competitions/UCL/Standings/Round=1637/Group=1498.html
it was a damn important win for real
my prediction
Dortmund 1-2 Madrid
Madrid 1-0 Milan
Lokomotiv 1-2 Madrid

[Sheva]

My predictions:
Dortmund Madrid : 1-1
Lokomotiv Milan 0-2
Madrid Milan 1-1
Dortmund Lokomotiv 2-1
Milan Dortmund 1-1
Lokomotiv Madrid 0-2

Milan 14
R.Madrid 9
B.Dortmund 8
Lokomotiv 1

[Juan]

I think those predictions are a good conservative guideline. But w go for all wins! :evil:

[Juan]

Dortmumd 1-1 Madrid. Goals by Koller and.....
PORTILLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The yellow boys played a smart game. They took control of midfield and capitalized with Koller´s goal at 20 minutes. It wasn´t until the second half when Make and Flavio took control, and Madrid´s chances started to come, however, they met a wall in Dortmund´s defence and specially Lehman, until Zidane (who didn´t have a good game) made a great assist to recent substitute Porti....GOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!

MOTM? Jens Lehmann, definitely. He stopped many good chances. Also Metzelder and Koller did well for Dortmund. Ronaldo was the best of the men in white, being the best in opening the defence.

[Sheva]

Milan is classified in First place.
Great, the first team to be qualify :)

[nerazzuri]

RIVALDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[Sheva]

THE SQUAD LEAVING FOR MADRID

MILANELLO - Carlo Ancelotti has named the squad leaving for Madrid:

KEEPERS: Abbiati, Dida, Fiori

DEFENDERS: Aubameyang (shirt number 83), Costacurta, Helveg, Laursen, Maldini, Nesta, Simic

MIDFIELDERS:Brocchi, Dalla Bona, Pirlo, Redondo, Rivaldo, Rui Costa, Seedorf

FORWARDS: Leonardo, Shevchenko, Tomasson


Milan without:
ambrosini,gattuso,serginho,Kaladze,Roque Junior,inzaghi
:(

[Juan]

Hala Redondo!!!!!! Good luck (but not to your team)

[lili]

Raul 12':heart: :rolling:

Raul 55' :heart: :heart: :heart: :rolling:

Guti 85':heart: :D :rolling: :D :D :D

[nerazzuri]

i like the 3rd goal