Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Went to the kitchen and then I heard the net ripple. Feared the worst.
The TT Football Club
- Thread starter Ross K
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Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Mctominay looking like the 50 million signing while Fred is looking like he is on loan from Exeter.
TheAssassin
Legend
1-2 at Camp Nou then, no? 
Federer and Del Potro
Bionic Poster
1 0 not horrible but Barcelona don’t choke like psg do so it’ll take something special in leg 2
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
''Street wise United.''
Not the worst rubbish game I've watched. Quite interesting. Barcelona didn't look too hot and United couldn't get anything going in the final third.
Let's pray.
Not the worst rubbish game I've watched. Quite interesting. Barcelona didn't look too hot and United couldn't get anything going in the final third.
1-2 at Camp Nou then, no?
Let's pray.
TheAssassin
Legend
Messi to score two beauties, but a poor backpass punished by Slug, Pique own goal and a 95th minute penalty converted by slow-run-up Pogba will see us progress.
D
Deleted member 763657
Guest
Fascinating that even the best sides find it hard to beat United convincingly. This tie isn't over.
Ajax should have won their game.
Ajax should have won their game.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
You're done, Barcelona. You're just plain old Owen Kravecki now.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
McTominay getting the hero worship right now.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
''Wasteful would be an understatement. He squandered possession 30 times - twice as many as any other United player. 4/10''
Guess who.
Guess who.
T
Tiki-Taka
Guest
Half a page for a Champions League quarterfinal evening? Aren't these the stages that offer by far the best football imaginable (*booo WC*), or is it just that wins for the Red Devils are always necessary for this place to be a bit more lively?
First win in a Champions League knockout away game in three years. After beating Arsenal at the Emirates in the last 16 stage of 2016, Barca suffered a lot, losing 2-0 to Atletico and surrendering the European throne, 4-0 to PSG, 3-0 to Juventus, then a 1-1 draw against Chelsea, followed by a 3-0 catastrophic collapse in Rome, and most recently a goalless draw in Lyon couple of months ago. At last that poor streak is over.
Felt like both sides could have played better. It wasn't a pretty game, especially for Barca's and Manchester's standards. But the entire Theatre of Dreams experience was top quality. So were the football museums, all the art in the city, the Castlefield, the Cathedral, Alexandra and especially Heaton Park, the magnificent Midland hotel... And I just have to mention that seeing an actual "Catalan Square" and bar "Barca" in Manchester really warmed this soon to be 50 year old man's heart.
As conservative as the team has been due to the manager, they have done well in the "big" games this season. Three wins over Real Madrid, which included a 5-1 domination in the league, then beating them twice at the Bernabeu in four days. Rescuing a late point against Atletico away and beating them late at home last weekend. League double over Sevilla. Three comebacks to reach another Copa del Rey final. The only team without a loss in this season's Champions League so far. It's a good position to be in and most of us have to be satisfied with that.
Also, first win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in FC Barcelona's history. They will have to do the same in order to progress - beat Barca at Camp Nou for the first time. Since they did worse against PSG at home but knocked them out in Paris, we have been warned. I hope the team will play better at Camp Nou though, because what we saw at Old Trafford is not the best our guys have to offer. On a less important note, I hope Leo shows his best football against Smalling next time.
Travelling to last placed Huesca tomorrow for the next La Liga game. A lot of rotation in that one, as Suarez and Pique are suspended, Messi and Busquets are rested, Rakitic is out with a fever and Roberto has muscle problem. 10 points in the last 7 games will guarantee La Liga title, and regardless of what happens in the upcoming match and the 2nd leg with Manchester, the team is learning from last season's mistakes. That's easily one of the biggest positives so far.
First win in a Champions League knockout away game in three years. After beating Arsenal at the Emirates in the last 16 stage of 2016, Barca suffered a lot, losing 2-0 to Atletico and surrendering the European throne, 4-0 to PSG, 3-0 to Juventus, then a 1-1 draw against Chelsea, followed by a 3-0 catastrophic collapse in Rome, and most recently a goalless draw in Lyon couple of months ago. At last that poor streak is over.
Felt like both sides could have played better. It wasn't a pretty game, especially for Barca's and Manchester's standards. But the entire Theatre of Dreams experience was top quality. So were the football museums, all the art in the city, the Castlefield, the Cathedral, Alexandra and especially Heaton Park, the magnificent Midland hotel... And I just have to mention that seeing an actual "Catalan Square" and bar "Barca" in Manchester really warmed this soon to be 50 year old man's heart.
As conservative as the team has been due to the manager, they have done well in the "big" games this season. Three wins over Real Madrid, which included a 5-1 domination in the league, then beating them twice at the Bernabeu in four days. Rescuing a late point against Atletico away and beating them late at home last weekend. League double over Sevilla. Three comebacks to reach another Copa del Rey final. The only team without a loss in this season's Champions League so far. It's a good position to be in and most of us have to be satisfied with that.
Also, first win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in FC Barcelona's history.
They will have to do the same in order to progress - beat Barca at Camp Nou for the first time. Since they did worse against PSG at home but knocked them out in Paris, we have been warned. I hope the team will play better at Camp Nou though, because what we saw at Old Trafford is not the best our guys have to offer. On a less important note, I hope Leo shows his best football against Smalling next time. Travelling to last placed Huesca tomorrow for the next La Liga game. A lot of rotation in that one, as Suarez and Pique are suspended, Messi and Busquets are rested, Rakitic is out with a fever and Roberto has muscle problem. 10 points in the last 7 games will guarantee La Liga title, and regardless of what happens in the upcoming match and the 2nd leg with Manchester, the team is learning from last season's mistakes. That's easily one of the biggest positives so far.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
I tried to keep the thread going.
Was talking about Ashley Young once more.
Sounds like a great time.
Was talking about Ashley Young once more.
Sounds like a great time.
Federer and Del Potro
Bionic Poster
Half a page for a Champions League quarterfinal evening? Aren't these the stages that offer by far the best football imaginable (*booo WC*), or is it just that wins for the Red Devils are always necessary for this place to be a bit more lively?
Well @TheAssassin is transitioning away from the site for a while, @Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil already left for a bit. I actually missed the entire game. Worked over night and slept through my alarm to watch the game. Woke up figuring it'd be ugly, surprised it was only 1-0. I watched the full game on DVR later.
@Poisoned Slice held down the fort as usual.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Can remember the draw against the dream team at home 2-2 then getting smashed away 4-0 in the group stages. Romario was god back then. Then the super matches in 1999. 2008 was all tense. Kept thinking you would score the away goal.
Highly unlikely that United can come back but they are still in at least.
Highly unlikely that United can come back but they are still in at least.
Federer and Del Potro
Bionic Poster
Good news is I missed P$G first leg too. Let's see if the Fedpo buff is in effect again.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
IT BETTER BE.
Federer and Del Potro
Bionic Poster
T
Tiki-Taka
Guest
Go to bed before the 2nd leg, Fedpo. Get some good sleep.
It will have to be the hard way again but Manchester United are still in the tie. They had way too many dramatic wins and comebacks over the years, both domestically and in Europe, for me to ever write them off. Even with our Camp Nou not witnessing a Champions League defeat in the last 30 games.
It will have to be the hard way again but Manchester United are still in the tie. They had way too many dramatic wins and comebacks over the years, both domestically and in Europe, for me to ever write them off. Even with our Camp Nou not witnessing a Champions League defeat in the last 30 games.
Was just teasing, no need to explain. There can be plenty of possible distractions or higher priorities at any time.
Federer and Del Potro
Bionic Poster
Was bummed I missed it. Actually set 2 different alarms and was out cold enough to sleep through both.
DSH
Talk Tennis Guru
What a mediocre team Manchester United has!
It is incredible (and a pity) that PSG has missed an unbeatable opportunity to play the quarterfinals against Barcelona.
We would have seen a high-level confrontation, unlike this grotesque.
Anyway, I still believe that Liverpool will knock Barca down in the semifinals.
It is incredible (and a pity) that PSG has missed an unbeatable opportunity to play the quarterfinals against Barcelona.
We would have seen a high-level confrontation, unlike this grotesque.
Anyway, I still believe that Liverpool will knock Barca down in the semifinals.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Let's pray for a win against West Ham first.
Federer and Del Potro
Bionic Poster
TheAssassin
Legend
You have to be better than mediocre to be in the CL quarters, especially if you were forced to win in Turin and Paris to get there.
I am really interested in seeing how Liverpool will do in the last month and a half. They were great in the first half, slowed down recently though still getting some important wins, but if my memory is any good, they have played with a very similar line-up most of the time. Will that lack of rotation cost them eventually?
I am really interested in seeing how Liverpool will do in the last month and a half. They were great in the first half, slowed down recently though still getting some important wins, but if my memory is any good, they have played with a very similar line-up most of the time. Will that lack of rotation cost them eventually?
DSH
Talk Tennis Guru
of course not, but if you are a fan of red devils, it is inexcusable with all the budget you have, to see a "team" so fragile and without cohesion.
They do not play anything.
Technically, it looks like a half-table team.
In addition to lacking self-love.
They collapse as easy as a house of cards
The PSG was an accident that is not going to repeat.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
United are not properly propagated.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Pogba doing a normal run up for the penalty. Smashed it in.
As for the penalty being given. Yeah, looked harsh to me.
As for the penalty being given. Yeah, looked harsh to me.
Federer and Del Potro
Bionic Poster
Federer and Del Potro
Bionic Poster
TheAssassin
Legend
Shouldn't be struggling that much, but a win is a win.
Time to GOAT in Barcelona, no?
Time to GOAT in Barcelona, no?
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Yeah, not the greatest performance but it Keeps us in the fight for fourth place. Spurs seem to have got it together again, in their new house. Chelsea as well.
Was pleased to have Paul Scholes back on pundit duty. haha He wasn't too harsh . Getting warmed up again.
Was pleased to have Paul Scholes back on pundit duty. haha He wasn't too harsh . Getting warmed up again.
T
Tiki-Taka
Guest
Uneventful trip to El Alcoraz to be honest, but that's another La Liga ground added into the collection.
Goalless draw with last placed Huesca, and as weird as it sounds, I feel like both teams are ok with that. Huesca have now drawn their last three games and will have a relegation six pointer with the second-to-last Rayo Vallecano. Winning that would definitely give them a fighting chance to survive beyond their debut season.
As for Barcelona, there was so much rotating. Ter Stegen is the only player who started both at Old Trafford and El Alcoraz, and he captained the team as all our four captains weren't there. Among the bigger names, only Vidal played a full game. Dembele finally recovered from his injury he suffered against Lyon and looked lively, hopefully those issues are behind him now. Umtiti was accompanied by Todibo and Murillo in defense and they didn't have much to do. Malcom wasn't as good as he was in recent weeks and was unlucky not to score as his second half attempt hit the post. Our academy boy Puig showed some very good vision at times and hopefully will manage to break through here eventually, rather than seeking for minutes elsewhere like some of the recent talents. Boateng proving again that he is one of the oddest deals this club has ever done.
Atletico Madrid have beaten relegation threatened Celta at home 2-0 thanks to Griezmann's and Morata's goals and the gap is back to single digits - 9 points. And that's the exact number of points that Barcelona need in the remaining six games to guarantee retaining the title. Winning half of them will be enough.
But all of that is not important now, as evidenced by today's selection from Valverde. Game of the season so far is coming up next. Manchester United at Camp Nou on Tuesday. On the stage where Barcelona failed in the previous three seasons. The first goal was accomplished, as unlike in any of those three occasions, the team has won the away leg. But there is still a job to be done - not allowing the Red Devils the same thing Paris did. The reward for that would be big, getting one step closer to a final in Madrid. Making it there and winning has been the club's obsession ever since the summer, and these are the most vital moments to show if the players are worthy of such occasion. It's been a year since the darkest night in club's modern history, that disgrace in Rome, but now there is a chance to start the redemption.
Goalless draw with last placed Huesca, and as weird as it sounds, I feel like both teams are ok with that. Huesca have now drawn their last three games and will have a relegation six pointer with the second-to-last Rayo Vallecano. Winning that would definitely give them a fighting chance to survive beyond their debut season.
As for Barcelona, there was so much rotating. Ter Stegen is the only player who started both at Old Trafford and El Alcoraz, and he captained the team as all our four captains weren't there. Among the bigger names, only Vidal played a full game. Dembele finally recovered from his injury he suffered against Lyon and looked lively, hopefully those issues are behind him now. Umtiti was accompanied by Todibo and Murillo in defense and they didn't have much to do. Malcom wasn't as good as he was in recent weeks and was unlucky not to score as his second half attempt hit the post. Our academy boy Puig showed some very good vision at times and hopefully will manage to break through here eventually, rather than seeking for minutes elsewhere like some of the recent talents. Boateng proving again that he is one of the oddest deals this club has ever done.
Atletico Madrid have beaten relegation threatened Celta at home 2-0 thanks to Griezmann's and Morata's goals and the gap is back to single digits - 9 points. And that's the exact number of points that Barcelona need in the remaining six games to guarantee retaining the title. Winning half of them will be enough.
But all of that is not important now, as evidenced by today's selection from Valverde. Game of the season so far is coming up next. Manchester United at Camp Nou on Tuesday. On the stage where Barcelona failed in the previous three seasons. The first goal was accomplished, as unlike in any of those three occasions, the team has won the away leg. But there is still a job to be done - not allowing the Red Devils the same thing Paris did. The reward for that would be big, getting one step closer to a final in Madrid. Making it there and winning has been the club's obsession ever since the summer, and these are the most vital moments to show if the players are worthy of such occasion. It's been a year since the darkest night in club's modern history, that disgrace in Rome, but now there is a chance to start the redemption.
TheAssassin
Legend
Liverpool with a win against Chelsea, Salah with a great goal. Works for us, but now they will probably need a favor in the Manchester derby. This is getting very interesting...
This is getting very interesting...
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Liverpool with a win against Chelsea, Salah with a great goal. Works for us, but now they will probably need a favor in the Manchester derby.
It’s a shame one of City or Liverpool won’t be champions at the end of the season. They’re on a totally different level to everyone else. Chelsea played quite well today, but Liverpool are just at a different level.
T
Tiki-Taka
Guest
Didn't think City would be pushed all the way, now they will probably have to beat both Tottenham and Manchester United to win the league. Though they will obviously prefer this situation over the one in January when it wasn't in their hands.
Good title race. Very good...
Good title race. Very good...
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Liverpool definitely look on to something right now. Win the title or not. I did expect great things from them this season, but once they let the lead slip I thought City would have pulled away by now. But it's not happening.
I give slight edge to Liverpool. City have to go to theatre of dreams.
I give slight edge to Liverpool. City have to go to theatre of dreams.
anfield
Semi-Pro
Do it for us.
TheAssassin
Legend
I dislike them and have made fun of their drought just like everyone else, but I respect them as they are a great club. City are not that. Since there is CL spots to fight for as well, I wouldn't mind doing Liverpool a favor honestly.
As long as Barcelona don't wreck us badly tomorrow and damage the confidence for the remaining league games of the season.
As long as Barcelona don't wreck us badly tomorrow and damage the confidence for the remaining league games of the season.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
I dislike them and have made fun of their drought just like everyone else, but I respect them as they are a great club. City are not that. Since there is CL spots to fight for as well, I wouldn't mind doing Liverpool a favor honestly.
As long as Barcelona don't wreck us badly tomorrow and damage the confidence for the remaining league games of the season.
I like Liverpool for the Champions League, personally. Most of the teams left are good sides, but the intensity and pressure set them apart from the rest imo. Top English sides struggle to deal with their pace and intensity, not sure how Barcelona or Juventus would cope with it. Will be interesting to see if either City or Liverpool get distracted by Europe, one slip up in the League is probably the end of it for one of them.
TheAssassin
Legend
I am sure Barca and Juve have complete teams alongside the two best players to cope with whatever Liverpool and City show. Barcelona in particular have done very well against English teams in the last decade. The one time Chelsea knocked them out, I thinkbit wasn't really because of stunning pace and intensity.
Federer and Del Potro
Bionic Poster
Still want City to win the league
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Chelsea were famously kryptonite for Barcelona, they played 12 times over a short period. Chelsea actually knocked them out a fair few times, beat them in 04, on the way to winning it all in 2012, beat them in the group stages when they were drawn together and if it wasn't for that now infamous Tom Henning Ovrebo game where he turned down 4 penalties, it would be even worse.
The intensity, physicality and pace of the game were what Barcelona struggled with. Liverpool are the modern version of that, plus they have far more talented players than Chelsea did during that era. Those characteristics were all Chelsea had, this Liverpool side have skill and technique that the Chelsea side could only dream of.
Barcelona and Juventus are both top teams, but if Liverpool are on? I don't think they can cope, personally.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Bit off topic here but what about Tiger yesterday? That was some good television.
I'll get back on topic. Yes, Chelsea and Barcelona leave some memories. Had them to beat Barcelona that time when Ronaldinho scored that goal. Just the way Chelsea were in the premier league and premier league has al;ways been the greatest.
I have to be optimistic and hopeful that United are still the team for the champions league. That might change tomorrow. Even if Barcelona are not what they were, they could still come out and beat us 4-0 or something. But that won't change the thought that they are not quite as good. Of course, United are not exactly world beaters. I just don't have the same fear like I did years ago.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Bit off topic here but what about Tiger yesterday? That was some good television.
I'll get back on topic. Yes, Chelsea and Barcelona leave some memories. Had them to beat Barcelona that time when Ronaldinho scored that goal. Just the way Chelsea were in the premier league and premier league has al;ways been the greatest.
I have to be optimistic and hopeful that United are still the team for the champions league. That might change tomorrow. Even if Barcelona are not what they were, they could still come out and beat us 4-0 or something. But that won't change the thought that they are not quite as good. Of course, United are not exactly world beaters. I just don't have the same fear like I did years ago.
Was a great moment! Wasn’t the best Masters, where someone goes -7 on the back 9 to win from nowhere.. but Tiger winning is a great story, for sure.
Ha yes, that Ronaldinho goal was special. Wasn’t enough to win though
Messi didn’t score a single goal against Chelsea in those dozen games, which probably speaks to the problems they had. I think it was the intensity and work rate they couldn’t handle, Tiki will probably have a Barcelona view on why Chelsea were a bit of a bogey team for them.But yeah, the heavy metal stuff from Klopp is similar, just with more possession and skill. I think it’ll be tough for any European side who doesn’t play that every week to cope with. Even the likes of Wolves, Bournemouth, Watford etc.. play a similar way (just nowhere near as well). I see similarities to when the Premier League dominated Europe a decade or so ago. The English sides were not any more talented than their European rivals, but the style they developed in the Premier League was what set them apart.
As for United, I won’t rule them out. Barca weren’t that great in the first leg. I’m guessing they’ll turn it on at home and finish the job.. but if they don’t? You have a chance. Milan and Liverpool used to do well in Europe when they were out of the title race, maybe United can tap into that.
DSH
Talk Tennis Guru
The game of Barcelona suits Liverpool very well.
The defense of the Catalan team will be exhibited for the first time in a long time.
You'll see Klopp's plan to counteract the Barca game.
Unless there is a miracle of Manchester United (there will not be).
.
TheAssassin
Legend
Oh I remember those battles, Chelsea were definitely Barcelona's kryptonite. I was referring more about the 2010s, a bit more recent. In 2012 they just defended for most of the tie. Not that I complained, quite the opposite.
Other than that time, Barcelona always bettered Premier League teams. Man United, Arsenal and City a few times, and Chelsea and Tottenham recently. There is no doubt Liverpool have turned themselves into a strong team these last two seasons. But I will believe it when I see it regarding them beating both Barca and Juve. They have been very strong so far this season as well.
Anyway, should be quite a spectacle if City, Juve, Barca and Liverpool are the semifinal line-up. Head and shoulders above the rest in 2019, in my opinion.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Oh I remember those battles, Chelsea were definitely Barcelona's kryptonite. I was referring more about the 2010s, a bit more recent. In 2012 they just defended for most of the tie. Not that I complained, quite the opposite.
There is no doubt Liverpool have turned themselves into a strong team these last two seasons. But I will believe it when I see it regarding them beating both Barca and Juve. They have been very strong so far this season as well.
Anyway, should be quite a spectacle if City, Juve, Barca and Liverpool are the semifinal line-up. Head and shoulders above the rest in 2019, in my opinion.
To be fair, Chelsea were down to 10 men early on in 2012
backs are always against the wall when that happens.But yes, if Juventus, Barcelona, City and Liverpool are in the semi's, we'll be in for a treat. Hopefully the two English sides would avoid each other so we can test my theory about the English pace and all out intensity against Europe's best. I personally think the English sides would dominate, but we'll see in a few weeks
Having said that, as a neutral i'm kind of hoping for some upsets this week. Man Utd beating Barcelona at the Nou Camp, Ajax taking out Juventus etc.. Always fun to see upsets when you've got nothing on the line!
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Good luck to the mighty reds.
Let's pray.
Let's pray.
TheAssassin
Legend
'Monnn Red Devils! May Ole deliver another miracle in Barcelona.
