UCL RESULTS – MATCHDAY 7

CHELSEA 1 – 2 BARCELONA

"MESSI THE MENACE" AS HIS THEATRICS HELP IN THE SENDING OFF OF DEL HORNO

On Wednesday night StamfordBridge witnessed of the most action packed matches it has ever seen. Chelsea welcomed Spanish Champions Barcelona for the 1^st leg of the Knock – out stage. Both the teams wanted to prove a point to each other and the game began. As expected Chelsea started the match aggressively and created the bulk of the chances but Barca were not far behind as both teams battled it out. The Catalans had 66% of the possession at one stage and they were passing the ball meaningfully around. Petr Cech denied the visitors the opening goal as he saved Ronaldinho’s shot. A few minutes later Lionel Messi hit the cross bar. Chelsea were looking vulnerable and Barca were looking as though they were back to their very best. Just then something happened that changed the whole course of the game. Lionel Messi found his way past Robben and went down the right flank and just then Asier Del Horno tackled him with a foolish mistimed tackle. Messi clearly made a big deal out of it as he rolled over and acted as if he was in agonizing pain. The result Del Horno was shown a red card and Chelsea were down to ten men just before the half way mark. A rather harsh decision and Chelsea fans will be talking about this one for many years. Joe Cole was sacrificed as Mourinho brought on Geremi who had to play as Right back. At half time it was still goalless but it was just a matter of time before the Catalans took the lead.

Chelsea brought on Didier Drogba for some extra pace and it seemed to have had its effect. Drogba was brought down just outside the penalty box and a meaningless free kick was awarded to Chelsea. Lampard took the free kick and Motta made a meal of it as the ball hit his thigh and went for an own goal. Full credit to John Terry as he forced the deflection. Though a man less Chelsea were now in the lead. But like they say “What goes around comes around” and the same situation happened for Barcelona. Ronaldinho’s pin point free kick was headed in by John Terry and the Catalans were back in it. Substitute Henrik Larsson had a few opportunities but the winner eventually came from African player of the year Samuel Eto’o as he headed home the winner. Heart break for Chelsea fans as nothing went right for them. Chelsea will have to score at least 3 goals at the Nou Camp if they want to advance to the next round.

For Barcelona a repeat of last season’s result as they win 2 – 1. Strange was the fact that even last season a Chelsea player was sent off and Chelsea took the lead and Barca came back to win the match. Only difference was that it was at the Nou Camp. Barcelona will feel extremely happy with this result. Jose Mourinho was furious with the referee’s decision of sending Del Horno off the pitch. But there is still hope as Chelsea try to do what they did last season.

But as of now it’s FIRST BLOOD FOR THE CATALANS.   

UCL RESULTS – MATCHDAY 7

BAYERN MUNICH 1 - 1 AC MILAN

HONORS EVEN AT THE ALLIANZ ARENA

Bayern Munich have won their last 15 games at the Allianz Arena as they welcome Italian giants AC Milan. This match was a classic as both the teams playing with totally different styles. AC Milan were without Cafu and Maldini and so they had to start with Nesta and Kaka Kaladze at the back. Bayern definitely started more strongly since they had their best squad of players. Only captain Oliver Kahn was missing and young Micheal Rensing was given a start. Bayern dominated the first half as Demichelis and Ballack were deadly. A superb volley by Ballack gave the Bavarians the well deserved lead at the 27^th minute. Minutes later Roy Makaay could have made it 2 – 0 but his shot went off target. At half time Munich were 1 goal to the good but no one could right off AC Milan.

In the second half Milan showed why they are such a strong team as they made some sweet moves thanks to incredible passing and skill from Pirlo and Kaka. But Lucio and Ismael were looking solid. But at the hour mark Milan were awarded a penalty. The decision looked quite harsh as Ismael was adjudged of handling the ball in the penalty box. Shevchenko scored his 6^th goal of the competition and gave Milan the priceless away goal. The Germans were furious on giving away the goal and the match ended the same way. AC Milan keeper Dida had to be carried off in a stretcher as he landed awkwardly on the ground when he went to collect a corner. Dida will miss the 2^nd leg of the match.

Milan have featured in 2 Champions league finals in the last 3 years. At the San Siro the whole of Italy will be behind their side and Bayern Munich have a daunting task ahead of them. As of now it is advantage Milan but the Bavarians are not done. Last year they crashed out in the quarter final stage. Bayern last reached a final in 1999 when Manchester united beat them thanks to a late goal from Solskjaer. If Milan maintain a clean sheet at home then Bayern’s dreams of Champions League glory will be over.     

UCL RESULTS – MATCHDAY 7

PSV  0  -  1  LYON

PSV DOMINATE LYON BUT JUNINHO FREE KICK SETTLES THE GAME

Both these teams had the hunger to go through to the last 8 of the competition. A repeat of last year’s Quarter final saw PSV taking on Lyon. Last time out PSV edged the French side with a win in the penalty shootout. As expected the home side had the best of the chances early on as Jan Vennegoor created the first chance for PSV but was denied acrobatically by Gregory Coupet. 14 minutes into the first half and Alex’s free kick hit the bar. PSV had complete control over Lyon in the first half. Lyon started with only one attacker in the from of John Carew. Lyon’s best chance of the half was a shot from Juninho 40 meters away from the goal.

Manager Gerrad Houlier made one substitution at half time as he brought on Sylvain Wiltord and he removed defender Cris. Now Lyon were on the attack and Wiltord was brought down at the edge of the box and a free kick was awarded to Lyon. Juninho converted this free kick but he should consider himself lucky as it should have been an easy save from goalie Gomes. His Goal keeping blunder cost PSV the match.  

Lyon had to play the last ten minutes of the match with just 10 men as Sidney Govou was sent off for pulling back Philippe Cocu. This was his second yellow, resulting a red card. But Lyon hung on and by doing so they won the match. A priceless victory for the French side. PSV will now have to score against at Lyon but they can’t be ruled out of this match. This is PSV Eindhoven’s first home defeat in the Champions league since September 2003.  

UCL RESULTS – MATCHDAY 7

REIGNING CHAMPIONS HARD DONE BY AS THEY GO DOWN TO BENFICA
 

Defending champions Liverpool concede their first goal in Champions league football since September thanks to a rather ordinary perfomance by the REDS. The Reds lost to Benfica at Lisbon thanks to a late goal from Brazilian defender Luisao. Rafa Benitez surprised everyone by leaving out Steven Gerrard and Didi Hamann. Rafa went with the strike partnership of Fowler and Morientes.

Liverpool clearly made the better start as Robbie Fowler was involved in two decent chances. But the Benfica defence were alert and denied Liverpool the goal. Just 26 minutes into the game and Liverpool suffered their first setback as mid fielder Beto rashly tackled Sissoko in the eye. The African was to be carried off in a stretcher and the injury was looking very serious. Hamann was the substitute. The first half ended with both teams still not properly settled in the game. The second half saw a more attacking approach from the home side as they kept most of the possession and drew many fouls from Liverpool. Benfica were very good with dead ball situations and Simao and Petit both had their opportunities as their free kicks sailed over the bar.

Rafa was running out of options so he brought on Cisse and Captain Stevie G but even they couldn’t do much as Benfica were solid at the back. A rather boring match then sprung into action in the last 10 minutes as Benfica were really taking the match by the throat. The goal came from a set piece as Petit’s free kick was headed in by defender Luisao. The goal came in the 84^th minute of the match. Some poor defending by Sami Hyypia as he failed to check Luisao’s run. Liverpool then pressed for the away goal but were fruitless as Benfica got the priceless victory.

Liverpool giving away too many set pieces as Benfica took the win. The defending champions will now have to raise their game at Anfield and not concede so that they can advance in this competition. The second leg will take place at Anfield in 15 days’ time and Liverpool will be looking to set their game straight. Benfica will have to play their natural game and just try for the away goal.

UCL RESULTS – MATCHDAY 7

GUNNERS GUN DOWN THE GALACTICO’S THANKS TO A SCINTILLATING GOAL FROM SKIPPER THIERRY HENRY.

Arsene Wenger so hoping for a spectacular performance from his captain Henry and he got just that. Arsenal who were totally written off in this match to even score did the unthinkable as they beat the 9 time European champs 1 – 0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Arsenal made the better start, putting together some sweet passing moves and they could have taken the lead in the very 1^st minute but Casillias saved Reyes’ shot. The first half clearly belonged to Arsenal but both the teams failed to score. Real suffered an early set back as full back Jonathan Woodgate pulled his hamstring and couldn’t play any further part in the match. He was substituted by Mejia a young, inexperienced full back. The Real back four weren’t able to keep Henry quiet as Arsenal got chance after chance in the 1^st half. Thierry Henry got the half’s best chance as his header just missed the right post. Jens Lehmann was just a spectator in the first half as he hardly had to do anything in the match. Arsenal should have taken the lead in the first half itself but at half time the Gunners were still on the hunt for the opener. Real Madrid were playing some really ordinary football as they gave the ball away to Arsenal cheaply in countless occasions.

But 90 seconds into the second half and Real find themselves 1 – 0 down thanks to a superb solo effort from Thierry Henry. He cut past 4 Madrid players and slotted the ball home with the coolest of finishes. Henry’s 4^th goal in the Champions league and none could have been more important than this one. Real manager Juan Lopez Caro was furious with his side’s performance and immediately brought on Raul who replaced Robinho. Many questions were asked about this move as Robinho was clearly playing better than Brazilian teammate Ronaldo but Ronaldo was still given the full 90 minutes. From then on Arsenal just played for time and were totally on the defensive mode. Madrid definitely looked the weaker team and they were against an Arsenal side who were playing the best football they have played in the whole season. Arsene Wenger’s side had done their homework and capitalized on Real’s mistakes. They were very dangerous on the break and they deservingly took home the victory. Late in the second Robert Pires had a nice chance but the angle proving to be too tight as Casillias made an easy save. Out of desperation Real Madrid put in some harsh tackles but even then they had to go back empty handed. Full time and Arsenal getting a priceless away victory. The win puts Arsenal in the driving seat as the two sides meet again in 15 days at Highbury.

Though Arsenal won the game one would have thought they should have won it more convincingly but nevertheless they got what they wanted and now they are looking good to advance to the Quarter-final stage of the competition. Real Madrid have to now score at Highbury if they want to advance to the next round.  

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE KNOCKOUT STAGE – PREVIEW

Chelsea v/s Barcelona       

Venue: StamfordBridge

A repeat of last season’s fixture as the English champions welcome the Spanish champions. There is immense rivalry between the two sides as they go into this fixture. When the two teams met here last season Chelsea walked away with a controversial 4 – 2 win. This being the first leg of the match and this time it is played at England first. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has had his own worries as the strong Chelsea defence hasn’t quite lived up to its reputation. In 2006 Chelsea have conceded 7 goals in 6 premiership matches, the latest of them being a 3 – 0 humiliation at the hands of Middlesborough. Clearly their build up to this match hasn’t quite been good. But in the last 7 home games Chelsea have only conceded 3 goals. Mourinho will look forward to the lead in the 1^st leg as Barcelona are not an easy side to beat at the Nou Camp.  

On the other Barcelona have made it clear that they would want revenge for last season’s controversial defeat. They also suffered a slight set back as they lost 2 matches in a row but they bounced back with and amazing 5 – 1 victory against Real Betis, a side that has already beaten Chelsea once in the Champions League. The return of play maker Ronaldinho and teenage prodigy Lionel Messi will boost their confidence. Frank Rijkaard’s men were very disappointed with the playing conditions and Chelsea have reacted in their usual fashion. Will the pitch prove to be the decisive factor as these 2 sides meet? Since it is the first leg and it is an away leg Barcelona would definitely have a more defensive mentality than Chelsea and they would look to watch out for Chelsea’s deadly counter – attacks.

Team News

Chelsea

Petr Cech, Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Joe Cole and Arjen Robben look to be sure shot starters. Paulo Ferriera also looks set to make his champions League debut. The only spot of bother for Mourinho would be the left back position. With Gallas not fully fit will he gamble with Del Horno or would he give the nod to Gallas. Del Horno is much slower than Gallas and against the pace and flair of Ronaldinho and Co. one would feel that Mourinho would prefer Gallas. Another interesting position would be that of the 3^rd midfielder as Micheal Essien is unavailable thanks to the two – match ban he received. So will Mourinho stick to a more defensive option by playing Maniche or would he give Gudjohnsen a start who is more of an attacking player. With Drogba not at his best Mourinho would most probably go with Crespo upfront. If either Maniche or Gudjohnsen start it would be interesting to see how Chelsea copes with Barcelona’s attacks.

Predicted 11

Petr Cech                                                    

John Terry

Ricardo Carvalho

Paulo Ferriera

William Gallas

Frank Lampard

Nuno Maniche

Claude Makelele

Arjen Robben

Joe Cole

Hernan Crespo

Barcelona

Ronaldinho, Deco, Samuel Eto’o, Lionel Messi, Marquez, Carles Puyol and Edmilson are looking good to start. Tracking down Lampard would be Barca’s main worry and so the position of Thiago Motta would be extremely important. Looks like Motta will be given the nod ahead of Van Bommel and Guily as Motta is the most defensive of the three. If Edmilson were to control Lampard and Maniche alone then he would have a tough time so Barca would definitely need a defensive midfielder. Another major worry would be the positions of left and right back. Will Rijkaard go with the slower experienced players or will he prefer the faster combination of Silvinho and Belletti or will go with the slower Gio and Oleguer. Against Cole and Robben it would be safer for Rijkaard to opt with Belletti and Silvinho and ask them to stay at the back and just focus on defending.  

All – in - all this match is going to be one hell of a match as both teams go at it hammer and tongs. With the bad pitch conditions and home Advantage one would say Chelsea would have the upper hand but Barcelona would be hungry for revenge. Can Barcelona resist the Blue – wave or will it be yet another caliber performance by Mourinho’s men.

Predicted 11

Victor Valdes

Rafael Marquez

Carles Puyol

Silvinho

Belletti

Motta

Edmilson

Deco

Messi

Ronaldinho

Samuel Eto’o

           How Chelsea can beat Barcelona?

-         Firstly they will have to play their natural game. Just think it is “just another game” and Chelsea will do fine.

-         Secondly Chelsea will have to buck up their defence. Conceding away goals could be a decisive in the outcome of this fixture. Chelsea have the attacking flair but they can be a little vulnerable at the back so Mourinho’s men will have to get that straight before the match.

-         Joe Cole and Arjen Robben will play a vital role as their super jinxing runs down the flank can give Chelsea the goals. It would be interesting to see how Barcelona keep up to Cole and Robben.

-         Also Chelsea must finish the game before half time. The first 20 minutes of the match would be vital and Chelsea would want an early goal. Once they have a 2 goal cushion they can sit back and defend.

-         Last time out, long balls where the key as Chelsea beat Barca. The quality of passing from Lampard, Robben and Cole should be top class so that Ronaldinho and Messi can be kept quiet.  

           How Barcelona can beat Chelsea?

-         The first 20 minutes of the match are very important. Barcelona would be tested immediately and the team that makes the better start will be the better team.

-         Possession is also very important. Barca must keep the ball and frustrate Chelsea and then try and catch Chelsea off guard with the counter attack.

-         In last year’s first leg Chelsea troubled Barca with the long ball from the defenders. Puyol and Marquez must be alert at all times.

-         Samuel Eto’o would the difference between the two teams. His natural ability to score goals could set the tone for Barcelona.

-         Set – pieces will be vital as Ronaldinho is deadly when it comes to dead ball opportunities. So Barcelona should draw the fouls from Chelsea and play to their strengths. 

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCHDAY 7

BAYERN MUNICH V/S AC MILAN

Two European giants. 10 European Trophies between them. What more does one need? When these two teams meet tonight, irrespective of what happens we’ll have a winner. FOOTBALL will surely win. Milan are looking for their 7^th UCL win, whereas Munich are looking for their 5^th title. Milan are going to be looking to make amends for last year’s heartbreak. Both teams won their last respective cups on penalties. Milan beating Juventus while Munich beat Valencia.

Both teams have their worries though. Milan hasn’t really been themselves after losing to Liverpool in Istanbul. Mediocre performances in the Seria A and they barely managed to squeeze themselves into the knockout stages of this year’s competition after qualifying on the last day. But then even Liverpool and Porto won the competition after barely managing to go through to the knockout stages.

Team News

For Munich, captain Oliver Kahn will be missing. Just as he began to get back into the form he used to be in the injury has seriously dented Munich’s hopes.

But then do stats and form mean anything once the game starts? Liverpool showed that last year, beating Juventus, Chelsea and then Milan themselves. Other than that Bayern have their strongest possible team!!

AC Milan have worries in the back. With Cafu and Maldini unavailable Milan could be exploited at the back. Sheva’s return would mean bad news for Munich as he is the leading goal scorer.    

Will it be Milan magic or Bavarian bravado?

Whatever it is, this match is going to be a real cracker.

How can Milan beat Munich?

       -     Firstly, attack them from the start. If Munich are allowed to play their game they can be devastating.  

-         With a weakened defense, the midfield must hold out Munich’s attacks.

-         Gilardinio and Sheva must be at their best if they can get anything out of Lucio and Ismael.

-         Clever little balls will me more effective than over the top balls as Lucio is a brilliant header of the ball.

How can Munich beat Milan?

-         Expose the absence of Cafu and Maldini. Stam will be playing on the right where he is least effective.

-         Get Ballack n Demichelis involved. Both are in stunning form and could quite be the difference.

-         Deisler and Ze Roberto must run at Stam and Serginho who don’t look to confident. Stam particularly doesn’t look to confident at the wingback role and Roberto will look to expose that.

-         Bastian Schweistiger (the hidden weapon). Bring him on if nothing’s happening and the young German will make things happen and could give Serginho/Stam a real run around.

Milan (Predicted XI)

Dida

Stam

Kaladze

Serginho

Guttuso

Pirlo

Seedorf

Kaka

Shevchenko

Gilardinho

Munich (Predicted XI)

Rensing

Sagnol

Lucio

Ismael

Lizarazu

Diesler

Ballack

Demichelis

Ze Roberto

Makaay

Pizzaro

Players to watch:

Milan: Nesta, Kaka, Gilardinio

Munich: Deisler, Ballack, Lucio and Schweinstiger(maybe from the bench)

Benfica v/s Liverpool

Playing against Benfica may seem like an easy tie but may turn out to be a disguise. They knocked Man Utd out of the UCL and really played well and proved the punters wrong. If Liverpool are not too disrupted by injuries, they may take this game. Liverpool are looking to make it 3 wins in just 11 days. They face a Benfica side that’s not been in the best of form lately as they have lost 3 of their previous 5 matches. This is going to be the 7^th meeting between the two sides and Liverpool are clearly the better side as they hav won 5 out of the previous 6 meetings.   

Team News

The return of goal keeper Jose Reina gives Liverpool a boost. The back four will be unchanged from the one that beat Man Utd on Saturday. Xabi Alonso makes his return after he was sidelined thanks to a thigh strain. Robbie Fowler looks set to make his champions league debut in Liverpool colors as he and Morientes is Benitez’s preferred front line. Peter Crouch, despite scoring against Man Utd will start from the bench.

Liverpool XI (Possible)

Reina

Carragher

Finnan

Riise

Hyypia

Alonso

Kewell

Sissoko

Gerrard

Fowler

Morientes

Subs: Dudek, Crouch, Garcia, Warnock, Agger

Team News

Benfica will be without influential Brazilian playmaker Geovanni and Italy striker Fabrizio Miccoli, but former Newcastle winger Laurent Robert has shaken off a thigh strain and could feature.

Benfica XI (Possible)

Moretto

Nelson

Luisao

Anderson

Leo

Laurent Robert

M. Fernandes

Petit

Simao

Marcel

Nuno Gomez

The department that Benfica surpass Liverpool is the Striker department as Marcel and Nuno Gomez have scored 22 goals in all competitions between each other which surpass the Liverpool striker mark. However, with Gerrard in midfield, Liverpool looked to dominate the game and create chances, which the upfront men must convert it to take the 1st leg.

How Liverpool can beat Benfica?
- Hyypia and Carragher should be marking their men, Marcel and Nuno, tightly as they are very prolific goal scorers. Marking them effectively would mean no goals conceded.
- Our strikers should be scoring if not winning at the Estadio da Luz in order to have an advantage at Anfield on away goal.
- Perhaps man marking would be more efficient that zonal. You agree?
- Their midfielder, Simao, is also known for spot on crosses and a winger specialist and will be playing head to head to Steven Gerrard. If Sissoko and Gerrard could compliment each other well, Simao won't have chance.
- Finish off the game early because Liverpool always dominate the early 30 mins or half time but usually manage to kill off the game and were made to pay like the Birmingham game.

How can Benfica beat Liverpool?

-Instead of playing long balls to Gomez and Marcel they should try playing the ball at the attackers’ feet. Hyypia and Carragher are very good in the air. Hyypia has been deceptive when the ball is played towards the attackers’ feet.  

- Simao must take not be daunted by the task of facing Stevie G. He should take him on and go to the byline to try and get in decent crosses.

- Most importantly they should believe that they can beat the current UCL Champs.

Players to watch:

Benfica: Simao Sebrosa, Nuno Gomez and Geovanni

Liverpool: Gerrard, Kewell, Morientes  

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE KNOCKOUT STAGE

Real Madrid v/s Arsenal                 Venue: Santiago Bernabeu

What a mouth watering fixture this is going to be as the 9 time European champions entertain the Gunners at the Bernabeu. When the draw was announced in December both teams weren’t doing so well in their Domestic leagues. Arsenal have had a purple patch in recent weeks as they were knocked out of the FA Cup and the Carling Cup within the space of 4 days. But on their day Arsenal could be a lethal force. Real Midfielder David Beckham, who has played against Arsenal many times stated that, “They are a good team with a good set of players, and we would hope that their purple patch doesn’t end against us”. Apart from their 6 – 1 humiliation against Real Zaragoza in the Copa Del Rey Real Madrid haven’t lost a match in 2006. Madrid haven't conceded in their last 3 home games in the La Liga. 

For Arsenal, well this has been one of the worst seasons for them and they are currently in 5^th position outside a Champions league position. They have had a dismal away record. Just 6 wins from their past 11 games is not a good record. Since it is an away tie the Gunners would definitely be on the defensive side and they would play just for the away goal. The Champions League is Arsenal’s only chance of Silverware and they have never gone past the Quarter final stage in this competition. Arsenal have had 3 defeats and a draw in their last five games with just one win against BirminghamCity.

Team News:

Real Madrid

The return of Raul will boost Real’s confidence but it is most unlikely that he gets a start. Jonathan Woodgate would partner along side Sergio Ramos as Ivan Helguera is unavailable. Zinedine Zidane will be back after missing out the game against Alaves. Otherwise the midfield of Guti and Beckham and will be unchanged. Thomas Gravesen will sit back and play the role of a Defensive Midfielder. Up front Robinho has been in scintillating form off late and he is a sure shot starter. Ronaldo will also be given a start despite the fact that he wants to leave the club next season. He said that the fans never really liked him and he is still unsettled at the club. Will the abuse from the fans on Ronaldo affect the rest of the side?

Predicted 11

Casillias

Cicinho

Woodgate

Roberto Carlos

Sergio Ramos

Gravesen

Zidane

Beckham

Guti

Robinho

Ronaldo

Arsenal

Well Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as had a torrid time with injuries as his leading defenders Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole and Lauren are injured and unavailable for this game. So he would have to settle for the inexperienced combination of Senderos and Eboue. Kolo Toure would return to the side and Flamini would play as left back. Arsenal’s mid field will have to play a major part if Arsenal were to get anything out of this game. Pires and Ljungberg haven’t been at their best of form and what a time this would be to break their goal scoring draught. Gilberto will play the anchoring role in the midfield providing more support for the defenders. Cesc Fabregas will the man who provides the passes to the attack. The return of Jose Reyes will boost to Arsenal’s Confidence as Emmanuel Adebayor is cup tied. Captain Thierry Henry will lead from up front.

Predicted 11

Lehmann

Eboue

Toure

Senderos

Flamini

Pires

Ljungberg

Gilberto

Fabregas

Henry

Reyes

Though Arsenal haven’t been in the best of form domestically, they had a pretty good run in the Champions league winning 5 out of their 6 qualification matches and topping the table with 16 pts. Henry would have to give a superb performance if Arsenal would need to get anything out of this match. For Real Madrid, they shouldn’t get complacent and take Arsenal too lightly. They would just have to play their natural attack minded game and they would get the victory.

Can Arsenal get anything out of this game?

Things are not looking good for Arsenal, their recent form and injuries clearly give Madrid the upper hand. They would want to keep as much of the ball so that their inexperienced defence isn’t exploited and also they wouldn’t want to give Madrid most of the possession. Arsenal should be happy if they manage to score the all important away goal and take the tie to its climax at Highbury. 

Spanish Premira Liga

Barcelona v/s Real Betis

1^st place met 16^th place on Saturday as Barcelona cruised to yet another home victory as they thrashed Betis 5 – 1. Perfect start for the Catalans as Henrik Larsson gave Barcelona the lead in just the 17^th minute. A terrible night for Betis defender Juan Andreu Melli as he conceded 2 own goals in the space of 3 minutes. Full credit to Ronaldinho as it was his shot on both the occasions that resulted in the own goals. Ronaldinho was rewarded for his great playing 13 minutes into the second half as he scored Barcelona’s 4th goal of the evening as the Catalans took complete control of the match. Minutes later Barca were caught napping as Joaquin Sanchez beat Victor Valdes at the near post and scored of his free kick. But Barcelona had the last laugh as substitute Lionel Messi added Barca’s 5^th goal of the night giving the Catalans their 10^th home win of the season. Barcelona maintain their 6 point lead at the top.

Real Madrid v/s Deprotivo Alaves

9 time European champions Madrid started the game in great fashion as Guti scored the opener in just 6 minutes and scorer turned provider as Robinho netted home the second with just 11 minutes gone in the game. Madrid continued pressurizing their opposition as Baptista hit the upright and the game was sealed in the 77^th minute as substitute Cicinho scored to give Madrid an impressive 3 – 0 home victory. Real Madrid are now 7 pts behind league leaders Barcelona.

Villarreal v/s Espanyol

Espanyol’s awful away form continued as they went down 4 – 0 at the El Madrigal as Villarreal eased to a 4 – 0 win. Not such a good start for Villarreal as they were without captain Juan Riquelme but in the 24^th minute they got the all important breakthrough as former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi opened the scoring and he soon turned provider for winger Marcos Senna. Villarreal were 3 goals to the good thanks to their leading goal scorer Diego Forlan who scored his 11^th of the season. A late goal from substitute Hector Font gave Villarreal an emphatic win. This win is crucial as it is an immense boost ahead of their Champions League match against Rangers.

Valencia v/s Real Sociedad

3 points in this game would mean that Valencia would retain their 2^nd spot in the table and they did just that. But they were not of to the best of starts as the conceded a goal in the 3^rd minute, Morten Skoubo scored the goal. Valencia proved to be too strong for Sociedad as they were bombarded with shots from their opposition and the equalizer finally came from SuperSub Reguiro as he scored on the 70^th minute. Valencia eventually won the game as they scored their second on the 77^th minute, giving them all 3 points. Reguiro was the goal scorer again as he rounded the keeper off and slotted the ball home. This has been Real Sociedad’s 5^th defeat in 7 away games.       

La Liga Table

                                                                             Played                      Pts