Milan set up rematch while torching United

Milan 3 - 0 Manchester United

So the final of Europe's premier club competition is now in place. Liverpool will take on Milan in Athens in a repeat of the classic final from 2005.

It has been said before and I have said it as well, Milan were found guilty of match fixing domestically, and therefore, should not have been allowed to play in Europe this year. Fine. I do not dispute that. But from a footballing perspective and taking their performances on the pitch into concern, they have done remarkably well so far. Having been entered into the tournament, albeit at the qualifying stage, Milan fully deserves their place in the final. Of that there can be no doubt. I wonder how many people would cry hoarse about Milan's involvement if United had gone on to beat them. As a team Milan has played well and should not be grudged their progression.

Several times this season we have seen United come under pressure against teams that either run at them or pass well. There's no denying that United have had a great season and are a very good team. Yet once teams start attacking them (as opposed to sitting back and attempting damage control - like Bolton), United do come under pressure. Any team that can string together several good passes and move around their midfield - like Arsenal, will have an advantage. Due to United's overpowering consistency this has often been overlooked. However this flaw remains. Milan exploited it ruthlessly.

In addition, most teams fail to close down on the space afforded to United and either allow them to run with the ball or shoot from distance. Milan's Rino Gattuso ensured that United got to do neither. Coupled with Milan's seamless movement and balletic passing, they comprehensively dismantled United's dreams of a second Champions' League win under Alex Ferguson. A day after Chelsea's delusional quest for a quadruple came crashing down, United's hopes of a second treble were similarly rubbished. United have been outplayed several times this season but have managed to paper over the cracks with some fortuitous goals - most recently at Everton on the weekend, Fulham before that, Liverpool at Anfield. This time there was no respite, as, in addition to Milan playing very well, both of United's matchwinners in Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney had an off day and were closed down and suffocated. Gattuso ensured that Milan had a counterfoil to their natural attacking instincts.

Milan always seemed to have an extra player on the pitch and their movement while playing the ball diagonally wide and then back in to the middle with someone running in at pace was a joy to behold. Kaka confirmed that he is the heir apparent to Ronaldinho in the long list of Brazilian footballing phenoms - even Alberto Gilardino got a goal. Whenever there was a 50-50 ball, Gattuso or Ambrosini came away with it. Whenever Ronaldo or Scholes got the ball, Gattuso or Ambrosini came away with it. Their passing in little triangles was oddly reminiscent of Arsenal's at Old Trafford in September. However in addition to their passing game, Milan had two defensive anchors, runners on thw wings and an all-round style that stretched United every which way. Alessandro Nesta, rejuvenated since his return from injury played a solid game at the back, his long-ball delivery to Kaka leading to the opener. Clarence Seedorf's shot, after finding himself with the ball, on the edge of the area found the corner and you sensed Milan could score a goal almost at any time from anywhere. Kaka tormented the backline throughout - his early run and cross across the six-yard box almost leading to the opener.

Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher tried to stem the tide but were no match for their counterparts in Milan. Throw in some comical defending from Gabriele Heinze and a suprisingly static display from Nemanja Vidic and United were in for a real battering. One wondes if Vidic was quite ready for the game, seeing as he seemed to prevaricate over every ball. His feerlessness was absent, his fluid enthusiasm for danger while defending replaced by a form of stiffness. United fans may point to the absence of Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Patrice Evra but on this display there is little United's first choice defense could have done. The sight of Massimo Oddo galloping down the right flank and firing in some composed crosses while namesake Ambrosini was an able foil to Gatusso gave an indication of how deep and how well drilled this Milan team was. This was, quite possibly, their best performance of their season. They played a fantastic game from back to front - end to end. And their talismanic evergreen captain Paolo Maldini was absent.

United's away form has been pedestrian in Europe for a while. Their well taken, but lucky, win over a determined Lille was followed by a loss at Roma and now this. Add to that their losses to Celtic and FC Kobenhavn (albeit with a weakened team) in the group stage and the verdict is clear. United have not been great in Europe this season - and generally awful away from home. Strong home form can only take you so far. Like I mentioned in the last round, Carrick's shots from distance won't go in all the time, the space at the front of the box will rarely be sighted again. United's luck has run out - their flaws have derailed an otherwise excellent season.

From what's left, Milan seem to be the best team left and from an attacking standpoint have the edge over Liverpool. After having watched the dour snorefest that was the other semi-final, most neutrals will root for a Milan victory. However I wonder if they can reproduce their form in the final. I doubt Rafa Benitez will let Kaka and Seedorf run wild like they did. Overall Milan are less spectacular but deeper than United, but their 3-0 win here was like United's 7-1 win the round before - amazing but hard to repeat. The final should be a real classic. The last time Liverpool played Milan in the final we all know what happened. The last time Milan played the final in Athens they won 4-0.

Champions' League semi-finals - I

Manchester United - Milan

Looking at the upcoming semi-finals of the UEFA Champions' League, it's easy to think it's just another round of the Premiership. With 3 teams hailing from there, there is a definitive English club feel to the round.

Limping into the final stretch of the season, with defenders seemingly falling by the wayside every game, Manchester United have had to rely on outstanding performances from the rest of their playing corps to stay in contention for another possible treble. A generous slice of luck by way of refereeing decisions has helped as well. Whereas Michael Carrick's step up from quiet midfield maestro to goalscoring hero has been timely, the lack of penalties awarded to the opposition in their last 2 premiership outings is every bit as significant. The decision (to not award a penalty) at Sheffield United when Gabriel Heinze took out Luton Shelton may have had no outcome on the game but Darren Fletcher's upending of Dong Lee in their latest game against Middlesborough should have denied them even a point. Contrast those two games with their elimination of said same opponents over two legs in the FA Cup. Whereas the penalty given for Jonathan Woodgate's challenge on Ronaldo in the second leg was arguable, the spot-kick awarded for George Boateng's handball in the first leg was farcical. Make no mistake, as good as United have been this season, their treble charge should really have been contention for a league and Champions' League double.

Still, United have shown that their resilience and mental strength is second to none. At this late stage of the season, the machine that Ferguson has had running smoothly all season is well oiled and gelling fantastically. His two biggest matchwinners in Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo are fit and everyone on the team knows how to compensate for the lack of key personnel. They might be missing three of their first choice back four but they are still favourites over their opponents Milan.

If UEFA were stronger they would have prevented Milan from contesting this year's Champions' League. Having been found guilty of cheating domestically and docked points, it beggars belief that they were allowed to compete in Europe. Money, not merit, runs the modern game. One can only hope the dark influence of the G-14 is quelled somewhat by the new maverick that is Michel Platini.

On the football field, away from the politics, Milan have done well. They've never been overpowering and all conquering but have been quiet and steady. Benefiting from not being one the favourites for the title has played into their hands as they have gone about their business with quiet efficiency. A moderate, if tricky, opening group stage was dealt with minimum fuss. in the round of 16, Celtic were edged in true Milanese fashion. This Milan team under Carlo Ancellotti, has a history of doing just enough to progress in the knockout stages in Europe and they did just that against the Scottish team who ran them very close. Since Ancelotti took them to the top prize in 2003, Milan have been the Champions' League's most consistent team. This is their 3rd straight semifinal appearance and their 4th in 5 years. If it weren't for a spectacular comeback from Deportivo in 2004, Milan would have made 5 consecutive semis.

Their previously injured central defensive rock Alessandro Nesta is back and their 2 attacking aces Kaka and Andrea Pirlo are both fit. With Ronaldo chipping in with crucial goals of late and Rino Gattusso still his imperious midfield self, Milan's prospects, despite being underdogs, seem good. If they let United come on to them, Milan's lack of pace at the back will be telling, but if they attack United from the off and create havoc amongst United's makeshift rearguard, the tie will be interestingly poised. United are favorites, but Milan have a few tricks up their sleeves.

Semifinals First Leg Roundup

Milan 2 - 2 Bayern

Daniel Van Buyten has had an interesting season so far. Marked more by leaden footedness at the heart of Bayern Munich's often schizophrenic defence, than his normal air of authority, it would be one he would not look back too fondly on. However, with Bayern mounting a furious late charge for honours, Van Buyten served up a timely reminder of his worth in the Champions' League Quarterfinal first leg at Milan. Not only did he salvage a precious draw, but his late brace allowed Bayern to come from behind and go back to Bavaria in the driving seat knowing that Milan have to do all the attacking on the road. With two pricless away goals, the advantage i very much in the German team's favour.

Milan arguably deserved to win this game as they had dominated the proceedings till Van Buyten pulled one back. They were probably hard done by when the big Belgian's last minute strike ensured a late share of the spoils. However, for all their domination Milan wasted several chances and were lucky to go ahead the second time when a very spurious penalty was given when Lucio cleared the ball from Kaka's feet. Footballing Karma is circular and in this case it was paid in full as Milan were pegged back at the very end.

The recurring theme to Milan's season has been a plethora of chances despite their often dysfunctional playing style. As careless as they have been at the back, at the front they continue to possess two attacking gems of the very highest quality. In the Champions' League Kaka and Andrea Pirlo have been at the forefront of all things good. Here they continued to singlehandedly ensure Milan go as far as they can despite having an underwhelming season. Despite their sloppiness, they have been able to come this far with a mixture of individual brilliance, a plucky midfield and a slice of luck. One wonders, however, if they have used up all footballing fortune. Furthermore, how many more games can Kaka and Pirlo win for them.

Bayern showed once again that you can never count them out. Seemingly out of the domestic title race, they served a timely reminder of their class on the weekend with a defeat of leaders Schalke. In the earlier round in the Champions' League, they went behind to Real but hung in with 2 late goals before ensuring they progressed on away goals with a tight but composed in the home-leg. Oddly, and for Milan, worrying parallels with this tie as well. Never count the Germans out.

PSV 0 - 3 Liverpool

Liverpool produced a solid, efficient and classy performance to emphatically beat PSV in Eindohoven. PSV's anemic display will cause embarrassment and anger in equal measure across parts of North London, as they folded in juvenile fashion against a rampant Liverpool team. This was definitely a big game for Liverpool and they ensured they put one leg in the semi-final by crushing their opponents on the night. Overall a good week for Liverpool so far. How coincidental that PSV's victims in the earlier round were also the side Liverpool beat one game earlier.

Rafa Benitez''s claim that Liverpool are better this year than they were in 2005 would seem true as they are better placed domestically and have been more consistent on the road. They are still unbeaten in Europe and are coming together nicely. Surely they were never this well placed during their victorious campaign in 2005. How fitting would it be for their new American owners if they are crowned champions of Europe again. Rafa Benitez's policy of rotation is loudly mocked after an away loss but there is clearly a method to his madness.

Sadly for PSV, their season seems to be coming apart. Despite playing as a good solid unit for the better part of the season, it seems the loss of talismanic central defender Alex, has reduced them to a motley crew of journeymen footballers. Are they really a one man team with their strength coming from the back ? It's hard to argue for that notion but the sad truth is that they have been a different side since his injury. This defeat followed a crushing 5-1 defeat domestically to rivals Ajax. Have the wind finally gone out of PSV's sails ? Did they peak too early in that tight win over Arsenal ? The fact of the matter is that Liverpool play a simple direct style and ensure they put their chances away. Clearly they are incapable of mounting a consistent challenge in the Premiership, but since the ascension of their Spanish coach, have become something of Champions' League specialists.

It's hard to see PSV coming back from this - there were simply no positives. Liverpool should be proud. PSV should be ashamed.

Roma 2 - 1 Manchester United

Italian hacks will no doubt play up this win. Roma dominated from start to finish and their win was a small reward for their thoroughly efficient performance. But the away goal will rankle. United fans will point to the lucky deflection for Roma's second goal but deep inside they know that it was every much Roma deserved. And given that United's season have been littered with the odd lucky goal and penalty decision, it would be hard for them to complain. Cue United fans writing in to dispute that claim.

Still they cannot feel too hard done by. Their loss was minimal, given that they played the better part of the game with 10 men. And Wayne Rooney's goal ensured they have an away goal to take back to Old Trafford. As predicted by many United missed Gary Neville and Nemanja Vidic at the back. Roma's convoluted midfield, meanwhile, posed a hydra like threat that was never quite nullified by the Premiership leader's defence. Roma's formation and tactics play off their lead man in Francesco Totti and in Rodrigo Taddei and Mancini, have two players capable of unsettling almost any defence on their day. United's star, Cristiano Ronaldo, was conspicuous by his absence, both during the game and from the deck.

The fact of the matter is that this result, though deserved, cannot be read into too much. United have had a stellar season. Consistent, strong and balanced. Everyone has a bad game or a game in which they are thoroughly outplayed by their opponents. It happens. There is still too much momentum on the United juggernaut for them to be derailed yet. Even a steady 1 - 0 win in the return leg will see them through on away goals. Luciano Spaletti knows this and will guard against complacency from his players. Still, Roma having the lead and United having to attack them on home turf will pose an enticing matchup that the neutrals will be salivating at.

For Roma a job well done. For United a (potentially) minor hiccup. Watch for more mind games from Alex Ferguson as he seeks to unsettle Totti and Roma some more.

Having talked about the result there are two minor points that must be touched upon.

Firstly, this was the second game in which visiting United fans were heckled and engaged. With finger pointing to start and the anti-English backlash being readied by the Italian press, one wonders just how easy it is to rile United supporters. At Lille they protested their innocence and high-handed treatment by the French Police. If there is, indeed, an agenda against traveling United fans, one would have expected them to not get provoked easily. Sometimes actions speak louder than words, in this case stoic silence (as impossible as it would seem), for as long as possible would serve to add ballast to their claims. On this evidence however, they are no better or worse than any other set of ultras.

Secondly, watching Paul Scholes getting dismissed so early for two terrible stone cast fouls, the case of English players getting preferential treatment at home is once again highlighted. It is quite possible that Scholes, and other English players, have escaped similar censure in the premiership where such challenges are often glossed over, especially when the offender is local. With such a nurturing atmosphere of domestic double standards small wonder that the English national team performs so poorly abroad.

Chelsea 1 – 1 Valencia

Ever since Jose Mourinho took over the reins at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have become this inevitable unstoppable force. A machine that, more often than not, just keeps on rolling. Whereas the performance have remained mechanical, this season Chelsea have been lucky to be home to a certain Didier Drogba maturing into Europe’s most complete forward. On the other hand, Valencia have made workmanlike performances into an art form. They are a very well drilled unit, balanced, experienced, tactically aware and garnished with the world class skill of David Villa up front.

This match had tactical draw written all over it. And it contained a goal of truly sumptuous quality from David Silva. His strike from the left channel, a good distance outside the box while running with the ball, was truly spectacular. Yet somehow you sensed that inexorably Chelsea would score. That Drogba, their player of the year and marquee star, hit the equalizer, was only fitting.

However, other than those 2 goals though you sensed a certain stalemate brewing. The 2 teams canceled each other out with Valencia’s reactive style matching Chelsea’s safety first approach.

Valencia have been odd this season, equally capable of scaling giddy heights as of plumbing dark depths. They play excellently against top billing but sometimes get caught out and tied up by the lesser lights. However in this, the late stages of Europe’s premier contest, they should have no problem finding top teams to beat. With a precious away goal and masters of away goal progression, Valencia will be heading back to the Mestella feeling pretty confident.

Chelsea have seemed more fallible this season than any other in their short time in the sun under Mourinho. Yet, they seem better placed and more imperious in the Champions’ League this time than ever before. If Jose does leave at the end of the season, this may present Chelsea’s best chance of winning the Champions’ League. Whereas Abramovich’s billions may attract the best managerial talent from across the globe, the poisoned chalice that is his obsession with Europe’s top prize may keep them away. And if Chelsea do fall here, unable to force a favourable result in Spain, Chelsea’s fall back to the mediocrity whence they came may be as meteoric as their rise.

Round of 16 Wrap Up

Then there were 8.

Aggregate Scores:
Valencia 2 - 2 Inter (away goals)
Liverpool 2 - 2 Barcelona (away goals)
Bayern 4 - 4 Real (away goals)
Man U 2 - 0 Lille
Arsenal 1 - 2 PSV
Lyon 0 - 2 Roma
Chelsea 2 - 1 Porto
Milan 1 - 0 Celtic

Revisiting predictions is often a very humbling experience as it reveals how wrong or how badly off you were about something. Picking over the deadwood following last night's second legs, one wonders if the cream of the crop has been knocked out, replaced instead by gritty veterans, savvy of the perils of the knockout stage.

After the streetwise Valencia knocked out the arguably more talented Inter in a stranglehold in the second leg, Liverpool, Europe's most enigmatic team, produced a throughly dominant performance to knockout defending champions Barcelona. Both ties were decided on away goals. Both winners performed better at home but got the result that mattered in the away leg.

Valencia's game with Inter finished scoreless but the Spanish team had more chances and could have put the tie away. Their late goals in Milan ensured progression but it was no less than they deserved. The only blemish on a thoroughly absorbing tie was the disgusting violence that broke out at the end. UEFA should ensure David Navarro gets banned for a ridiculous piece of on field thuggery. Nicolas Burdisso must be feeling doubly sore - the pain from a broken nose adding to the disappointment of getting knocked out. Europe will be poorer with Inter's absence - although predictably their exit will be greeted with jeers in Italy who regard this as proof that Inter are getting a free run in Serie A.

Liverpool outclassed Barcelona at Anfield with ample chances to bury their visitors early. Sadly, for the second time in a week, Liverpool ended up losing despite dominating an opponent at home. Good thing that they had beaten Barcelona in Spain as they too advanced on away goals. The 2-1 away win priceless for Benitez and his men. Liverpool may still be off the pace domestically, but they have developed an impressive pedigree in Europe. Barcelona, like Inter, haven't sparkled in Europe and their start stop performances have never really convinced.

Lyon, on a slide since the start of the year, ensured they tripped when presented with their best chance of going deep in the draw. After stuttering in Rome they were clinically beaten at home by Roma. Luciano Spaletti got his tactics spot on as he ensured Lyon paid for their defensive mistakes with some efficient finishing from decent chances - Arsenal are you watching yet ? Notoriously inconsistent, Roma ensured they held firm at a crucial stage of their season. Being off form is one thing but questions must be asked of Gerrard Houllier who has taken a championship outfit and made them distinctly midtable. If talismanic midfielder Juninho and attacking presence Florent Malouda leave over the summer, Lyon's era of dominance may be truly over.

Lille out-muscled Manchester United again in a good performance on the field that doesn't deserve their childish behavior off of it. United, though have ensured this season that they take points from games despite their performance on it. They deserved their win in the tie but were run very close by Lille. The benefit of experience in your side is the presence of mind they bring when the going gets tough. Witness Giggs' smartly taken free kick in the first leg and Larsson's composed strike here. Lille have done themselves proud on the field but have let themselves down off of it. United, on the other hand, have shown that grinding out wins is not below them if the situation demands it.

Chelsea, on the other hand are the epitome of grinding out wins. Of all people, passenger of the year, Michael Ballack scored the winner after Arjen Robben drew Chelsea level. Ricardo Quaresma had scored the opener to give Porto an early lead both in the game and tie. Chelsea have come back strongly and their resilience in the Champions' League is to be admired. Jose Mourinho may claim that he is unperturbed by events on the pitch vis-a-vis his future but make no mistake - he wants to leave with Europe's top prize his, once again.

Celtic took 2003 winners Milan all the way before Kaka finally made sure one of Milan's astonishing 38 shots finally went in. Throughout the match Milan thrust but Celtic parried. Having played better in the home leg, Celtic were always up against it in Milan but they kept their more illustrious opponents at bay for almost 120 minutes. In the end it was only a moment of brilliance from one of Milan's stars that separated the two sides. That's all.

I was extremely skeptical of the fare that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich would serve up but they proved me wrong as they ensured their tie was the most absorbing. Real won the first leg 3-2 but then Bayern triumphed 2-1 in the second to go though on away goals - the third team to do so in the round. 8 goals all round with even a scuffle thrown in. Bayern's favorite midfield nuisance Mark Van Bommel tussling with Real's new nuisance - Mahamaddou Diarra. Both promptly got sent off.

Finally, Arsenal ensured that once again, they would end their Champions' League campaign earlier than it should have with a classic combination of defensive lapses and offensive impotency. Few teams in the last decade would have lost this tie to PSV having created the number of chances Arsenal did. Results have rarely mirrored performance for Arsenal and this season that discrepancy has reached an all time gap. PSV, soldiered on without doing anything special, 3 real shots on goal in 120 minutes and they go into the draw for the last eight.

Stat Wrap Up.
There are no representatives from Group G (Porto, Arsenal) and Group E (Real, Lyon) left while Group C (Liverpool, PSV) and Group D (Valencia, Roma) still have both their representatives going strong. In the 16 games, 3 were scoreless, a further 5 were 1-0 affairs and only 2 games featured more than 3 goals. Chelsea, Bayern and PSV are the only domestic champions left. 3 ties were decided on away goals. Milan, Roma and Manchester United did not concede a goal. Meanwhile Lille, Lyon and Arsenal didn't have a single goalscorer in their ranks this round. Inter went out despite not losing. 29 goals were scored in 16 games - less than 2 a game - 8 of them came in the Real-Bayern tie. Arsenal and Lyon are the only group winners who didn't make it.

Goal of the round:
Mancini's 'step'over Lyon.

Team of the round over both legs:
4-4-1-1
Gomes; Riise, Albiol, Lucio, Carragher; Silva, Deco, Cambiasso, Robben; Totti; Raul

Gracious Loser: Gerrard Houllier - he knows when he's truly beaten.

Stupid Comment: Jamie "Best night in Europe" Carragher. What about that win over Milan 2 years ago ? Stick to letting your football do the talking Carra.

Moron Award: David Navarro

Special mention for consistent Dejavu: Arsenal. Stick. ball. in. net.

Do-nothing-but-still-notch-2-goals award: Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Scrappy to the very end.

Celtic and Milan Bore, Man U spill Lille

Round of 16 - First legs III

Much Oddo about nothing
Celtic 0 - 0 Milan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lille may have a point but have acted like novices.

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

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

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

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

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

Champions League Final Memories '03 - '06

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

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

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

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

2004 - Porto 3 - 0 Monaco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2006 - Barcelona 2 - 1 Arsenal

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

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

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

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

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

Round of 16 beckons II

The Calm before the Storm - Part 2 of 2.

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

A little wobbly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wheels coming off ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Champions League Final Memories '95 - '98

1995 - Ajax 1 - 0 Milan

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


1997 - Borussia Dortmund 3 - 1 Juventus

Quite simply Dortmund outclassed Juventus.

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

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

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


1998 - Real Madrid 1 - 0 Juventus

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

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

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

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

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

Champions League Final Memories '91 - '94

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

This was my first ever European Cup final.

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

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


1992 - Barcelona 1 - 0 Sampdoria

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

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

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


1993 - Marseille 1 - 0 Milan

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

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

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


1994 - Milan 4 - 0 Barcelona

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

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

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

Serie A Interview with Gabriele Porri

Welcome everyone.

Today we have an Interview with Gabriele Porri, Serie A fan and expert. Gabriele is a regular contributor to www.oleole.com.
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How are you Gabriele? Especially knowing that Inter and Milan are now alleged to have engaged in illegal bookkeeping? Juventus leading the probe then? ;-)

It’s just the result of many and many years of bad administration of Italian football. We knew the facts: Inter and Milan exchanged some young players, overrating their value so that the incomes were put in the balance sheet of the current year, while the payments were spread over many years (and it was possible according to a law done by Government Berlusconi). Anyway, also Juventus (so they cannot leave the probe), AS Roma, Lazio, Genoa and Sampdoria are alleged. The problem is there are no enough rules in Italian sport law against this malpractice, and the same persons that sent away commissioner Rossi (the man who would have made new rules), now would like to see those teams punished.

What do you make of the season so far?

Well, the “problem” is that Inter is dominating, but I don’t think is due to Juventus’ absence. I think that 20 teams are too much for main League in Italy. Anyway, we could see in first half some good matches and good goals.

Biggest Surprise ? Team and Player.

Team is Catania, newcomer and fourth, player is Cristiano Doni of Atalanta: I didn’t expect he would have been back to Italy at the age of 33, playing so good as he did in 2002

Biggest Disappointment ? Team and Player.

AC Milan, without penalty they would be 20 points behind Inter, player Oliveira, compared to 20 million Euros Milan spent for him.

Will Inter hold on and win the Scudetto? Can they go unbeaten? If they take the Coppa Italia seriously can they win the Treble ?

I think Inter will win the Scudetto at the end, but it’s difficult they go unbeaten for 38 games. For sure Mancini takes seriously the Coppa Italia as he won it many times both as a player and a coach, but the Treble is very difficult. In Europe there’s a tough competition, I’d say Inter has 15% probability.

What do you make of Javier Zanetti's resurgence and Dejan Stankovic in general?

I think Javier Zanetti’s great season is also due to his very good physical condition, which is necessary for him to do well. Stankovic has always been one of my favourite midfielders, has a great shot, now he can also play in the position he likes more, and he is only 29. I think Inter has a super midfielder for 5 years more.

Can Palermo cement its place in the top 4/5 (6th in '05, 5th in 06 and now 3rd) or will it's lack of financial muscle cause it drop down into mid-table security/obscurity?

Palermo is a toy in its chairman’s hands. It’s up to Zamparini if Palermo will stay in top 4-5 for the next years or not. Well, I think Palermo fans are happy about choosing between these two options: in the recent past they knew bankruptcies and a lot of seasons in Serie C (Third Division)!

What do you make of Ronaldo coming to Milan?

In my opinion, AC Milan will have a good striker, but also a 30 years old overweight man. Maybe he will bring them to 4th place, but he’s not the same player we saw in black and blue jersey in 1997-98.

Do you think Ricardo Oliveira is a bust or just needs more time to settle?

Do you know what AC Milan fans and some media said when he came to Milan? That signing Oliveira, whose agent was Ronaldinho’s brother, would have been the key to sign the Brazilian star next year. Today, Ronaldinho’s brother isn’t his agent anymore. Don’t know if Oliveira is a bust (let’s give him a choice in the second half), surely he’s not a star.

Best player pickup in the off-season? Was it Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Inter?

I think so, Ibra has the potential to become one of the 2-3 top European players. He has very good technical and athletic skills, it’s incredible what he can do with his enormous feet!

Will Parma get relegated and then sell off even more of its players?

Parma is one of the main candidates to be relegated, and it’s a pity how this glorious team fell-in. Don’t know what’s going on with its public sale, anyway their hope is the big number of young players.

Can Roma ever get consistent enough to mount a serious challenge again? Do you think Francesco Totti will end his career there?

I think it’s easier that the pope leaves Rome rather than Totti!

AS Roma has just a problem: their starting 11 is one of the best, but the other players cannot replace them the same way.

Udinese this season, are they underachieving or just really mid-table material? Will Antonio Di Natale and the 2 Ghanaians - Gyan Asamoah and Sulley Muntari - move onto to greener pastures in the off-season?

I think Udinese could qualify to UEFA Cup, but they did wrong sacking Galeone. Iaquinta is the Udinese player the other teams seek most, let’s wait and see. Maybe Muntari will leave, but he’s not so good in this season, too nervous and already sent off three times!

Messina were top 2 of Serie A briefly and now are one spot above the trapdoor - how come? Will they drop down?

It will be difficult for them to avoid relegation, especially now that Storari and Di Napoli have been sold.

Who has the best Youth Development System in Serie A - Empoli? Atalanta? Roma?

Empoli, Roma but also Juventus in last years.

Who is better this season - Sampdoria's Cristiano Zenoni or Udinese's Damiano Zenoni? Who do you think has had a better career so far?

This year Damiano is doing better, but Cristian in his career has won 2 Scudetti when he was in Juventus, so I think he had a better career

Is Mancini the best attacking right winger/wingback in Serie A - what about Serginho?

Mancini is one of the best, Serginho prefers to play in the left side and this year is injured.

Can Emiliano Bonazzoli at Sampdoria go on to become a top forward? What about Francesco Flachi?

Bonazzoli is one of those eternal hopes that never become top players, but he is 27 and hasn’t missed the last train yet. Flachi isn’t a star, but really a good Serie A player

Similarly, who do you think is a better striker - Milan's Alberto Gilardino or Fiorentina's Luca Toni?

I do prefer Toni, but you must consider that Gilardino is 24 and Toni when he was 24 used to play in a small club like Vicenza, and was at his very first year in Serie A

In Serie A which young player do you tip for greatness? Ricardo Montolivo? Alberto Aquilani?

I’d say Aquilani has better skills than Montolivo, in this half season I have been impressed by Alessanro Rosina of Torino and Fabio Quagliarella of Sampdoria

Roughly between 1997 and 2001 Serie A had become a little stale, too defensive, not enough flair players being successful, too many fouls. Since Roma won in 2001 things have changed it seems, with the final product on the pitch being more entertaining - would you agree?

Well, I do not agree completely, between 1997 and 2001 you could see players as Ronaldo, Roberto Baggio, Del Piero, Weah: in those seasons (until 2002) clubs used to win the Scudetto at the very last step. Maybe now it is more entertaining, but less interesting

Finally, what would you like to see changed for the better in Serie A in the future?

Less teams, 16 or 18, comfortable stadiums with many services, more and more rigid rules on the administration side, new people on the top of our Football Association (Carraro isn’t anymore at FIGC, and who they are thinking about? Antonio Matarrese who is 67 and became president for the first time 20 years ago), more attention to young players and Youth Development.

Group Winners II - Lyon, Manchester United, Arsenal, Milan

Group Winners II - Lyon, Manchester United, Arsenal, Milan
Strengths and weaknesses of the Champions' League clubs in the round of 16.

LYON
Weaknesses
Lack solid defensive midfielders who can lock a game down:
With Essien and Mahamadou Diarra gone in successive seasons, and Alou Diarra and Toulalan a bit green in that regard, the Lyonnais seem a little threadbare in the defensive-hachetman category.
Lack of depth up front:
Outside Wiltord, Fred is injured, Carew is injured, Govou is a converted right winger and Benzema is a young whipper snapper.
Strengths
Balance:
Like Valencia, they have quality all over the pitch, and haven't spent a fortune acquiring them.
Wingers:
Malouda, Govou, heck even Eric Abidal can all tear down the sideline and cross the ball or turn on the burners and cut into the box. Ominous and deadly.
Juninho:
Best dead ball specialist in Europe. One of the best passers, can dribble and shoot from distance. Give him the ball and expect magic.
Experience of Houllier:
Monsieur Gerard took Liverpool to the UEFA Cup and dreamt of the Champions' League. He may very well realize that dream with Lyon. Very experienced when it comes to knockout ties.


MANCHESTER UNITED
Weaknesses
Lack of depth:
Performance wise, one of the best starting XIs this year. But outside the first XI the likes of Kieran Richardson are poor substitutes - pun totally intended.
Weakness in midfield:
A bit like Liverpool - their midfield is weak; when Scholes is injured or out of form, it's decidedly wretched - a gaping hole.
Strengths
Saha's balanced attack play:
More than just the gunslinger he was initially purchased to be, Saha's muscular, selfless approach brings other players into the game and spreads the ball like Ruud never did. United's attack is reborn this year with the Frenchman playing as a forward playmaker.
Speedy wingers:
Ronaldo is on fire this year, replacing his profligacy with some deadly shooting while still being one of the fastest players on the right side of the park. On the other flank, Giggs is still around, mesmerising defenders with his pace and dribbling skills.
Vidic:
Quiet, unspoken and unperturbed, Vidic, more than Rio, Neville, Brown or Heinze is the reason for United's defensive solidity this year. The young Serb is immense at the back while knowing in some corners as well. Arguably, Man U's shrewdest buy in the last 18 months.


ARSENAL
Weaknesses
Cannot defend setpieces, rarely score off them:
No one is worse off defending setpieces than Arsenal. The marking is abysmal, the movement chaotic. Ironically, setpieces are often the only time opposing teams can get a shot at them. It doesn't get a lot better at the other end as Arsenal waste more set pieces than others.
Not direct enough when attacking:
Passing pretty patterns is fine while in the middle of the park to get around the logjam of bodies, but in the final third a more clinical, direct method of getting the ball into the box and to the foremost attacker is required.
Lack of tacklers:
Lots of artists, passing wizards and plenty of pace. Flamini and Toure aside, not enough players who can slide across the deck to dislodge the ball from an opponents grasp. In tight matches away from home, this is often crucial.
Strengths
Speed on the counterattack:
Less then 5 touches and the ball is often in the opposing net. As seemingly uncommited Arsenal's defending can be on occasion, it is a setup for the speed with which they will sting you on the return. Opposing defences who venture upfield, you have been warned.
Excellent passing game:
No one passes the ball as well as they do. Balletic in movement yet deadly in it's delivery, Arsenal's passing will convert a harmless situation into a goalscoring chance in a heartbeat - while involving half their team.
Fabregas:
The best emerging midfielder in the game. Arguably, the best passer of his generation. Look to him to unlock any team.


MILAN
Weaknesses
Defence is slow, old and prone to mistakes:
Nesta, while healthy, is a shadow of his imperious past, Maldini too feeble and prone to mistakes, Cafu is slow and sloppy, Janukolovski repeatedly flatters to deceive and Costacurta is - wait for it - 40 years old.
Attack is inconsistent:
Inzaghi has died a natural death as a goalscorer, his ugly tap-ins notoriously absent, Gilardino is too mercurial and unlucky when on song, Sheva is missed while Ricardo Oliveira is yet to settle.
Over reliance on Kaka and Pirlo:
Give them the ball and hope for the best. If they are closed off - so is Milan. Gattuso can win only so many balls - he needs someone to create with it.
Strengths
2 of the best attacking midfielders and dead ball specialists in the game:
Ironically, one of their greatest weaknesses is also their main strength. If you had Pirlo and Kaka in your side, you would also be totally reliant on them.
Deep Squad:
Lots of players, lots of experience, plenty of bodies to throw at fixtures.
Experience:
They won in 2003 with virtually the same core while other players have gotten close to the summit with other clubs. Gattuso and Ambrosini have notched up over 50 games in Europe. Old timers like Maldini and Costacurta have been around since the glory days in the late 80s and early 90s. That's a mother'load' of experience.

First thoughts on the Champions' League Draw for the knockout round

The cream has risen in Europe.

At the end of the group stages, demotions, pre-qualifying and ancillary qualifying, the knockout rounds have been set. 16 teams in the Champions' League and 32 in the UEFA cup will go head to head for the final chalice in their respective competitions. I for one, am glad the tedium is now finally over. While the knockout rounds are still over 2 months away and there is a transfer window in between, I'll try and sketch out my initial thoughts of the draw. This is always dodgy. I make no claims of being clairvoyant - not at this stage anyway.

At the end of Matchday 6 in the Champions' League, the only surprises for me was Inter failing to beat Bayern and Celtic losing to Kobenhavn. As a result both Inter and Celtic missed out on topping their groups. While Inter may well fancy their chances against Valencia, Celtic surely do not relish their tie against Milan.

The Rossoneri may have dropped their last game against Lille but it was a dead rubber. When it comes to navigating through knockout rounds, few do it better than Milan. Celtic have the speed to trouble Milan's aging backline but they have no hope of coping with the twin threats of Pirlo and Kaka, when on song. Form will have a large part to play in this game but Celtic may find that they are up against wily veterans who have campaigned for many springs in Europe. Milan are good for atleast another round in Europe this season - they've been lucky that their opponents are Celtic rather than someone more wily and experienced.

Inter are my dark horses and outside bets for the whole damn thing this year. They are balanced, poised and have lost their initial jitters. Valencia are excellent in Europe but seem to be slowly imploding with every passing week. However they have the personnel to be quietly confident going into this tie and if they can hold onto David Villa past January, they may well be fit to cause an upset. Their organization and experience are their chief threats but it will be Inter who will be looking forward to this tie more than Valencia. Expect a grinding contest decided by a Stankovic header or a Villa penalty.

Arsene Wenger's remarks at the end of the draw may have been taken out of context. When he said the draw was "not an easy one" he did not necessarily mean that they had drawn a tough opponent - step forward Liverpool, who have done just that - he meant that PSV cannot be considered easy pushovers and that there are no easy games at this stage at this level. This time round there were few bunnies, if any, sitting in the pot waiting to be drawn for the group winners - even LOSC Lille may well give United a run for their money - and as such, although PSV can be considered a non heavyweight; they are by no means an easy opponent. Still, Wenger can be safe in the knowledge that PSV are not as muscular in their approach as some of the other group runners-up could be and spend time playing the ball on the ground. I doubt he would have enjoyed going head to head with Inter or Porto, definitely not with Arsenal's unease at set pieces and aerial balls.

Liverpool, 2005 winners, drew the short straw and have the plum tie of Barcelona, themselves winners last year. No one would envy them the task of dethroning the current champions of Europe - however the two glimmers of hope that Kopites can cling to, is that Benitez is a shrewd operator in Europe (2 finals with Valencia, the title with them, a 4-1 upset win over Barcelona in the 1999-2000 season) and that even though Liverpool are inconsistent at times - so are Barca. But, If Iniesta and Deco can continue their heady form while sharing the workload with the ever brilliant Ronaldinho, Liverpool are in big trouble, Gerrard's long range missiles notwithstanding.

Chelsea will meet Porto, winners in 2004. Even though Mourinho coached Porto to the summit 2 years ago, he will have his work cut out as Porot have moved on from then. Tricky winger Quaresma will terrorise Chelsea down the flanks - especially if they insist on playing a solid but narrow defensive midfield. Lucho will tease from distance, Postiga may well turn in a few close range tallies. Having said that, however, I cannot see Porto upsetting Chelski over 2 legs. There may well be some nervous moments on set pieces but Chelsea have too many tricks up their sleeves. They are far too established and settled a machine to come unstuck against Porto. If in the mood Drogba can singlehandedly bludgeon in a few goals against the Portugese leaders.

Man U seem to be on some sort of trail of redemption this season. They have mounted a furious pacesetting challenge domestically, belying their usual slow starts, they've conquered their nemesis from last season in the group stage, Benfica. Now, in Lille, they find themselves up against another one of the teams that ended their European campaign at the group stage last year. Revenge must surely be on their minds. Yes, I'll be honest, Man U are the favorites, but don't count out the plucky French outfit, Odemwingie will be a handful for the United backline, Tavlardis more than a match for Saha, their midfield capable of controlling United's gaping absence in the middle of the park. I guess we'll have to wait and see. If Man U do win, keeping with my theme of redemption, they might well be drawn against Milan next.

Real renew rivalries with Bayern. From 1998 to 2002, 4 of the 5 European Cups were won by these two clubs. So, recent pedigree and history should not be lacking when it comes to motivation. Both have fallen off the summit in recent years. More attacking, fresher upstarts in the German Bundesliga seem to be giving Bayern a run for the title while the heavyweight duopoly in La Liga has shifted back to Barcelona. Real were dressed by Arsenal last year and have stuttered this year. Bayern started very well but have slowed up a little in recent weeks. So expect this to be a stop start game depending on form and finishing. Bastian Schweinsteiger can turn the tie for Bayern along with Roy Makaay. At the same time watch for Ruud or Raul to bundle home some loose balls in the 6 yard box.

The best tie though, of the whole competition and perhaps in all of Europe this season, has to be Roma versus Lyon. Whereas Inter versus Valencia will be more tactical and at times more brutal in the sheer physicality of the tie, the aesthetic brilliance of Lyon versus Roma is hard to match. This will be a game of 2 teams commited to attacking - two teams who believe the only way to win is to score more goals than your opponent. They will go forward at every stage and send balls crossfield searching for ever more attacking options. Lyon should shade this though, if only in that they are more assured, settled and consistent than Roma. The Italians, however are more mercurial and can upset the applecart if De Rossi and Totti are in the mood. Watch for plenty of goals and some audacious shots from distance.

So, off the top of my head at first glance, these are my initial picks:

Chelsea over Porto
Milan over Celtic
Arsenal over PSV
Man U over Lille
Lyon over Roma
Barcelona over Liverpool
Bayern over Real
Inter over Valencia

Cheers.

Round 5 - Day One.

The Summit Nears.

Group E:

There was talk earlier this month of Mahamadou Diarra's contribution to Real Madrid. The exact question was "What exactly does he do?". Well, he was never brought in to liven up the proceedings with attacking guile and eye catching flair. He was brought in to do the dirty work. Tackle, win the ball, appear at all places at all times and be a thorn in the opposing midfield. Basically pi... the living daylights out of the enemy. Lyon were threatening to run away with this game, about to hand out a summary thrashing of sorts to the self proclaimed biggest team in the World, when their summer holdout, Diarra, hauled the Spanish team back into the game. Like his play, his goal was nothing attractive, just effective. After that Real showed some of the resilience that Capello has imbibed in them this season, fighting back into this tie to force a draw. The penalty Lyon conceded at the death was a bit harsh but Ruud van Nistelrooy promptly missed it to ensure the game finished fairly.

Lyon dominated this match uptil the second goal that Real scored. After that they were a little nervous but still they can hold their heads high. I've been salivating over this for weeks and though Lyon have taken their foot of the pedal a little in recent weeks, they were definitely up for this. A good solid performance from the French Champions. Now they have ensured they will top the group and few group runners-up will want to draw them in the next round. Real are still far from the finished article. It takes more than effective grinders in the backfield to be Champions' of Europe.

When Cernat scored off a rather comical free kick I feared that Steaua were about to undo all the hard work they have put into their European adventure this year. Luckily for them, and for footballing underdogs everywhere, they fought back and levelled things up midway through the second half. Not so long ago, Dynamo were the neutral's favorite, the charming Eastern European underdogs causing a flutter in the established arenas of Europe. How the pendulum has swung. If there is one word that can describe Kyiv's campaign this year - stale. There are smaller, more obscure teams stepping up to the plate. Along with the other 2 Bucresti clubs (Rapid and Dynamo) in the UEFA Cup, Steaua have made real waves this year. Having 3 teams in the final 32 of the UEFA cup will be a real bonus for Romanian football. And it will ensure that the Sorins, Dorins, Florins, Valentins and Constantins of Steaua will play in Europe past Christmas.

Group F:

As I have maintained all season, if you attack Manchester United right from the start and have a real go at them, they will crumble. They've been consistent this year, I do agree, but for all their blood and thunder, they are basically flat track bullies who push bodies upfield, pump balls into the box for Rooney or Saha or send it wide for Ronaldo to try and bend one in from range. The problem with that approach is that the dividends are often unsure. On one day and off another. The approach of bullying other teams may work in the premiership, where their reputation is phenomenal. But in Europe or against opposition less cowed by their attacking prowess, they can fall apart.

Celtic are no muppets. Gordon Strachan has taught them to fear no one - least of all Man U. They had a real go at them and came up trumps. I maintained right from the off that United were lucky to win the reverse fixture 3-2. This time Celtic held firm and rode their luck. Another magnificent performance embellished by Nakamura's gem of a free kick. Oh and Saha missed a penalty at the end - but one which probably would not have given had it been the other way around. So just desserts for an oft spoilt United outfit. When Ferguson told Saha pre season that he wanted him to emulate Ruud, I doubt he had this in mind. I'd be interested if Benfica were actually good enough to win at Old Trafford next round. In that instance, this game would have had real significance. It won't however as Benfica will lose at United. Still one can only hope.....

I'd like to write about Benfica beating Kobenhavn but I have little to say. Benfica are upper mid table in Portugal and off the pace in Europe. They are however good enough to beat Kobenhavn and unlike many teams (hint hint Man U) not cocky enough to take them lightly. Perhaps they are more unpretentious in that they treat every game with merit, mired as they are in domestic troubles. Porto and Sporting are leading Divisao 1 but Benfica have sadly fallen off the pace. This group would have been so much interesting otherwise. The Danes have gotten that one memorable result and have had trouble picking themselves up for the remaining games.

Group G:

There's something to be said about the ability to play well in scrappy match on a bouncy pitch. It harkens back to the schoolyard games of football we all played as kids, boots flying in from everywhere, the ball going every which way, no sense of formation or position once the ball neared a goalmouth, a mad scramble for a kick of the ball in midfield.

As beautifully orchestrated and, at times, mind numbingly boring, some of the tactics employed in the modern game are, we often lose sight of the what the game really is - 2 sets of 11 players trying to kick a ball into an opposing net. And that's what the game really boils down to.

Watching CSKA Moscow, recently crowned Russian Champions play Porto, it reminded of the after school scrapfests I was involved in as a 8 year old. There was much running, kicking, shoving and jostling, yet the game itself, apart from the 2 goals, had little to write home about. Much can be said about Porto's European performances, and indeed they have been very good at times, but this match was simply a case of which team was lucky enough to direct the ball into the net. There was little build up play or cohesion and despite Lucho Gonzales striking the ball sweetly enough, the goal he scored was flukey to say the least, the marking and coverage dismal. Lucho himself has gone from strength to strength in this season's champions' league and after watching Tevez and Mascherano fade more and more with each passing game for the Hammers, one wonders how long before Lucho's start in the Argentine midfield will occur.

I expected the Russians to play better than they did - but the sad matter is that Porto is less motivating than Arsenal and after having wrapped up the domestic league, CSKA were a pale shadow of their normal menacing steppe warrior selves. Aldonin and Zhirkov were a step too slow and while they may pride themselves on the prize scalp of Arsenal, they did themselves no favours with this rather dismal showing. Whereas they should have won this home fixture and cemented their chances of qualifying, they now simply have to beat Hamburg to ensure they progress.

Elsewhere in London, I got more than a little worried when I saw Arsenal trailing to an early Rafael van der Vaart goal. Hamburg may sport the same Fly Emirates logo as Arsenal, but, despite having some standout players, are definite class below. The thing about having standout players is that no matter how woeful a team's form (Hamburg are by all accounts truly so this season), they are capable of scoring the odd brilliant goal. So it was that Van der Vaart produced a peach of a shot to give Lehmann no chance and give the Germans a shock lead. Like Kieron Dyer, he won't score many more this season or many better ones in his career, and like Kieron Dyer on Saturday, he reserved one of his best for a game against Arsenal.

Normally, being 1-0 down in a critical fixture smacked of deja vu for the Gunners, notoriously poor mounters of fightbacks. But this team is different. Youthful zeal is often a poor replacement for veteran experience, but here it was the perfect tonic for a seemingly flagging European campaign. Shortly after the restart the drew even and kept chipping away with attacks. When the dust had settled, Arsenal were worthy 3-1 winners. Despite his important cameo on the weekend against Newcastle, Henry has been peripheral for most of this campaign. So it was that he sulked and shadowed himself in this game. The yellow card he picked up rules him out of the decider in Porto. On this form, both the team's and his, he won't be missed. 2 points of note - perhaps the size of the Ashburton Grove pitch allows teams that extra yard of space before they get closed down. That might explain the numerous goals conceded against the run of play by optimistic attacks if anything at all. It might be high time to move Eboue into the right side of midfield and out of defence.

Group H:

AEK showed everyone that aren't there to simply make up the numbers. While this win didn't completely ensure their progress to the next round, they did themselves no harm by beating a limp Milan side. Julio Cesar's free kick may not have made the headlines like Nakamura's thunderbolt for Celtic, but it was as important, as classy, as clinical. This AEK side have fight, they have gumption and they have the ability to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. Of course against a Milan side that is simply reeling from one defeat after another, this was easier than normally possible. But the fact remains that every time AEK have been counted out in this group, they have emerged with a fighting display to give themselves a chance of progression. Home form is central in a 6 game mini group. By ensuring they collected 2 wins and a draw from their allotment, they are in with a shouting chance.

Milan, oh Milan, how the mighty have fallen. They resemble a Lamborghini from the front but a Lada from the rear. As encouraging as Kaka's and Pirlo's artistry is, the defensive shambles that is Nesta, Maldini and Costacurta is fast becoming a libility. Gattuso's absence may explain much, but the sad truth is that for a team that contains so much talent, a defensive midfielder should not be their most important player. Perhaps, the underestimated their Greek opponents, starting Brocchi at right back and Gourcuff on the right. Perhaps they relaxed a but too much knowing that qualification had been ensured. Their is no denying however that their season is fast spiralling out of control. They will still top their group but I cannot see them progressing past the next round.

For Lille, read opportunity lost. They should have summarily thumped Anderlecht but instead let them crawl back to even things twice. Now they have to beat Milan away and hope AEK don't do the the same to Anderlecht in the final set of matches. For the neutral it will make fascinating viewing but Lille fans will be gnawing their teeth in anxiety. Twice now they have handed the advantage BACK to inferior opponents in games they should have won. That's 4 and perhaps even 5 dropped points - a win over AEK in Greece may be asking too much. Their defensive lapses have been their Achilles's heel and at crucial times this season and in this game, went missing. All in all this game was a true reflection of their European odyssey - so much potential, a brief display of class and then, sudden descent back into underachievement. They now have to win their toughest tie of the campaign and it still might not be enough.

For the Belgians, a win in their last game may still give them UEFA cup football past Christmas. They own the head to head versus Lille thanks to 2 precious away goals in this game. Their game has been tidy but they lack weapons to cause mayhem at this level. 3 points from 3 draws seem harsh but it is no less than they deserved. Anderlecht are the poor cousins of modern football's big clubs. Massive at home but a feeder club none the less. They would however supplement the UEFA cup well.. if they make it there.