Champions League - Matchday 1
We're off and away on the Champions League trail tonight with the opening match of the group stage. Spurs and ManYoo are up tonight against Werder Bremen and Rangers respectively. If you're watching, join me for all the action!
posted by The Blue Devil @ 1:50 PM
195 Comments:
The team news is in for this evening's match at Old Trafford and its a bit interesting:
Man Utd: Kuszczak, Brown, Ferdinand, Smalling, Fabio Da Silva, Valencia, Fletcher, Gibson, Park, Rooney, Hernandez Subs: Van der Sar, Owen, Anderson, Giggs, O'Shea, Jonathan Evans, Macheda
Rangers: McGregor, Broadfoot, Weir, Bougherra, Papac, Whittaker, Davis, McCulloch, Edu, Naismith, Miller Subs: Alexander, Lafferty, Foster, Beattie, Weiss, Little, Hutton
The big news is, of course, that - as promised by Sir Alex on Saturday - Rooney returns to the side. Apparently Fergie thinks that Rangers fans will be tolerant of Scouse philanderers than are the Merseyside clan.
But the most interesting thing about the side is that there are ten - count them - changes from the side that squandered a 1-3 lead at Goodison. Wow!
There is also a full slate of Championship matches today, highlighted - at least in my mind - by my Leeds boys' journey to Barnsley in search of three more insurance points. After five matches, we have ten vital point - another forty and we'll be safe this season.
I've got a fantastic BBC stream up through this site:
http://www.vipcanals.org/ch1.html
This should be Man U's game by a walk and would be were it not for the 'auld enemy element.
Still, I watched some under-21 England games and I was struck by how insecure Smalling was in defense. There was ever so much hand-wringing on the Arsenal blogs when we lost out on his move from Fulham and having seen those games, I'm quite sure that all we lost out on was a bet that he'd develop into something nearer a first team player.
Still, there just couldn't be much to worry about against Rangers. They just have a fundamental lack of quality 1 through 11. 3-0 United is my bet.
Gary Lineker hosting a panel with Stevie Mac, Ray Clemence and Trevor Francis. Interesting choice there - no former United pros represented; two Liverpool and one Forest player with a Leicester/Spurs man presiding.
One of the rare times I will ever root for Rangers :)
Have to admit, Man. U's second team is still powerful and should win rather easily.
I'm at work, following online.
Afternoon, Gooner! Are you watching or taping to watch later?
Welcome, Someone. I'm surprised by your loyalties this afternoon. Is that fealty to the SPL or hatred for the Mancs?
I'm rooting for the underdog, and would be pleased as heck if a Scottish side showed up in a Champions League matchup for a change.
I choose to get my football news today from the LOB... the most trusted name in sports.
It's a busy week for Leeds United. After our late heroics against Swansea at Elland Road on Saturday, we've got two away matches - today at Barnsley and on Friday away to Doncaster Rovers. Interestingly, Grayson is putting out a side with only one change from Saturday - Max Gradel back in instead of Sanchez Watt. Davide Somma is back on the bench and I'd like to see him get a run out at some point in the second half.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Free the N6 1!!
Hear, hear, Gooner!
My hunch is that Sanchez will get a few minutes today and will start again on Friday.
Festive looking crowd at Old Trafford; 3,000 Rangers fans in attendance.
The question of how the Old Firm sides would fare in the Premiership and the panel agrees that they would struggle to avoid relegation. I disagree - I think they'd be mid-table. Surely Rangers is a better side than the likes of Blackburn, Wigan and Stoke.
The teams are in the tunnel at Old Trafford now, Rio leading the Red Devils out again.
Blimey - I didn't realize that David Weir is at the heart of the Rangers defense. How bloody old is that guy? Is there any chance that he can keep up with Chicharito?
If the Old Firm moves to the EPL, and I hope it never does, obviously the SPL would be more of a mess that it is now. But something also has to be done to stop the constant 1-2 of the Glasgow teams for the league as a whole to improve and I do not have an solution for that.
Any Rangers fans arrested yet ;)
Lovely - Martin Tyler and Andy Gray on the commentary. That's odd. I associate those boys with Sky and yet Lineker is a BBC man. Is there some association between the two companies now?
I agree with you, Someone. I wouldn't want to see Celtic and Rangers move to the EPL because it would destroy the SPL. However, if they did, I think they'd compete.
The issue of the big 1-2 in the SPL is the same issue of the "Big Four" in England. Money rules.
United get us underway then....
You'd figure one of the Edinburgh teams could sneak in there once in awhile, but no.
The league is poor, in funding and quality. There's a charm to it though.
Andy Gray is complaining about the gear that the linesman are wearing, with track pants rather than the typical shorts. He seems to find this a bit girly.
Rooney takes a tumble early on but the Portuguese ref is having none of it. All United possession so far, with Rangers dropping deep.
I am surprised that Hibs and Hearts (maybe even one of the Dundee clubs as well) can't occasionally break the Glasgow dominance.
Watford have taken an early lead at Bristol City.
YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!
Our skipper - Jonny Howson - has scored an early goal at Barnsley.
0-1 Leeds!
My sense of how Celtic and Rangers would compete is that they would struggle in the Premiership, simply because they're both skint and have ideas of grandeur based on history. Celtic especially so because of their Lions generation. I don't get where Ranger's fans get their self belief from just beating up the likes of Partick, Airdrie, and Hamilton 4 times a year. There's nothing about either club now that says they wouldn't fall into a spiral like Newcastle did a few years ago and at least one of them fall down a division.
The population of Scotland can't produce enough Scottish players so that the other clubs can compete, to say nothing of the sheer lack of funding. If you could get coverage of a Sterling Falkirk match, it would look like a Wednesday night MLS attendence.
Rangers have been broke for at least two straight seasons and have won the league in those years. What does that tell you?
They sold Boyd, have offered Miller a contract extension disguised as a paycut.
Then you have Strachan at Middlesborough stocking his team with former SPL players and they're floundering mid-table.
I hear that, Gooner, but I also think that there might be a "Fortress Ibrox" or "Fortress Celtic Park" dynamic. Judging from the CL form of the sides, they can't complete in the group stage but most sides don't like going to Scotland either. That sounds a bit like some of the middling EPL sides to me.
Oh excellent! Good start Bob.
To be fair, I've never fancied Strachan as a manager. Wee Gordon was sa great player for us and United, but I don't think he has the ken.
Cheers, Gooner. That goal has us on 13 points in third! Gulp!
Valencia is fouled out wide right and will have a chance to swing a free kick in now. No - Fletch has stepped up to take it.
The spuds have scored an away goal. C'mon Bremen. Pull your lederhosens up and sort them out.
Mad scramble in the box from the free kick but it's eventually cleared.
Good to see Mo Edu getting some valuable CL experience tonight.
Looks like an own goal that's benefited Spurs. Some bloke named Pasanen with the ball in his own net.
I don't believe it. When Arsenal, and United in recent years has played the Scottish teams in Scotland, the terraces have been heaving, and it hasn't made a bit of difference.
Mind, I wouldn't want to travel there in February. Bolton, Blackburn, Stoke, they're all bad enough on those cold Monday nights.
Scotland's a small country, true. So is Liechtenstein and look what they almost did last week.
Why isn't ESPN3 streaming this?
And of course, Twente have already conceded to Maureen's minions. Sneijder.
Dunno, Someone, but I'm plenty happy with the stream that I've got with the Lineker panel in the studio and Martin and Andy on the mic. That's good quality, that is.
Surely you mean "Maureen's former minions." I'm having a good laugh at how Real fans are already complaining about the side not playing enough attacking football for their liking. Too many 1-nillers. What did they expect from Jose?
Doncaster - our Friday opponents - have opened the scoring against Norwich.
Wow. Spurs up 2-0!
That shows where Rooney is at the moment. Instead of driving into the box there, he tried to dink it across to Chicharito. Weir was able to clear.
I'm never trying to make the point that the Scottish teams wouldn't win a game or provide a challenge. But can you really see Chelsea for instance dropping a point in 4 matches a year? Or more than a few points every ten games against Hibernian opposition?
The money is a no-brainer for the Old Firm. I think both of them would jump to the English prem in a heartbeat if 1, the English would have 'em, and 2, if they thought they'd do better than mid-table. The jocks know they'd have to make a huge improvement to compete. That's why you always hear these plans for them to join some Atlantic league with the top Danish, Dutch, and Belgian clubs. They know their level in their hearts.
Crouchie with Spurs' second. Unbelievable!
No - I definitely see your point, Gooner, and those made by Someone. I would never argue that Celtic or Rangers would challenge for any trophies. What we're talking about is whether they could get around 50 points in the EPL. I think they could.
I agree the Old Firm would jump to the EPL, but would the EPL let them in? There's a big fan base in Glasgow with a lot of money. Are we talking about money vs. increased market share here? How much more exposure would that be for the EPL is the Old Firm joined them?
The goals are suddenly flying in.
Twente have equalized through Janssen.
Valencia are 901 up at Bursapor, wherever that is.
Luisao has scored for Benfica against Hapoel
And another o.g. has given Lyon the advantage over Schalke
Half way through the first half and you'd have to say that Rangers are looking fairly comfortable. Sure - they aren't creating anything but they'd surely be happy with a point out of this match.
First sloppy bit of Rangers defending nearly lets Valencia in there. Poor final ball.
Oh right. Sorry, blinded by hatred. Back to not caring about Inter. Hate Real though.
Two quick goals in the Nou Camp have Barca level with Panathinaikos at 1-1. Sydney Govou with the opener for Pana and Messi with the equalizer.
Rangers have a 40 year old centerback in David Weir holding the line. How long can he last against the youth and speed of Man. U?
Cardiff have taken the lead at Leicester and jump to the top of the Championship again. QPR are locked with Ipswich 0-0.
That's a good question, Someone. I knew that Weir was old but that is ancient for this level. Rangers seem to be playing five across the back, though, and then have Edu mopping up in front. To be fair, even Kenny Miller isn't advancing into the United half.
There's also the factor that Platini and the rest of the European clubs are getting increasingly tired of the British status of 4 entrants plus the Republic of Ireland in Euro and WC competition. I think the Premiership have been quietly warned that they should desist from showing as much leg to the Scots as they would like, lest they lose that preferred status.
The last thing the English or Scottish FAs want is to give any oxygen to the idea that the Brits should field a combined national team.
There's plenty to hate in both Inter and Real Madrid.
So a combined UK team for, say, world cup puropses is a bad, bad idea? Or FIFA would be in an uproar?
I think Smith would love to come out of Old Trafford 0-0.
I think that the idea of a unified United Kingdom side has gone by the wayside. Can you imagine any of the Scots, Welsh or N. Irish getting into the first team? Giggs in his prime would have. Now?
A lot less to hate at Inter, and a lot more to hate at Real.
I could see a 0-0 at this stage, Someone. UWS and MUR would not be happy with this display, if they were around. Good thing they're stuck in the classroom today.
Now a Diego Milito own goal has given McLaren's boys Twente a shock lead against Inter. Wow!
Palace have scored early against Pompey who are now rooted to the bottom of the Championship on two points. How far with Portsmouth drop?
QPR have scored at Portman Road and reclaim the top spot in the Championship.
David Villa has scored for Barca now - 2-1 there at the Nou Camp.
Rooney still looking really out of sorts. I think that dropping him to the reserves and letting him play himself back into form would be a best policy.
I am here for a bit. I am off to the boys' games soon.
Not happy so far. It is on my TV on MSG Plus. What is the FSC game?
What about Spurs??
Welcome, UWS! How are you, mate?
United... TEN changes from Saturday!!!
We do have Liverpool on Sunday but....
I'm stuck in the office watching on-line, Dave, so I'm not sure what the FSC match is. Here's what I'm watching:
http://www.vipcanals.org/ch1.html
I thought you might react that way. Ten changes!
FC Twente beating Rafa's lot... lovely jubbly
Now Rooney's got a problem with his ankle again. He's hobbling a bit. Might have to go off.
Bloody hell... Rooney just hurt his ankle again!!
Is it the same ankle!
Free kick chance for Gibson....
Useless freekick from Gibson
Bugger... Inter have tied it up
I thought it was the right ankle that he did before the World Cup but I might be wrong. Why does he keep rolling the ankle? Is it a boot issue?
Werder Bremen have a goal back 1-2
Samuel Eto'o with Inter's equalizer.
Spurs still holding strong with a 0-2 lead at Bremen.
Valencia double their lead in United's group
Dave Kitson has equalized for Pompey. Leicester now on the bottom. Play up, Pompey!
Roon looks okay
Valencia.. the forgotten man.... with a hopeless cross!
Yellow card for the keeper
The Rangers goalie McGregor has been booked for time wasting...in the first half!!!
Gooner will be cheering - Bremen have got one back against Spurs - Hugo Almeida with the goal.
The Inter match is on FSC
Do you have a second channel at home for CL matches. I bet you do
Yeah - probably MSG as you do. But I'm never at home for the CL matches. Always at work.
Half time... just as unhappy as at Goodison!
Half-time at OT - frustration for United.
Back to the Lineker panel with Stevie Mac, Clemence and Trev Francis.
I didn't know there was a full slate of Championship matches
1-1 away... you'll get the win!
BUGGGGGGERRRRR!
Barnsley have equalized just before half time. 1-1 there. Back down to fifth.
I hope so...insurance points.
In the Championship, league leaders QPR are 0-2 at Portman Road.
Cardiff are 0-1 up at Walker Stadium.
Millwall in fourth are 0-0 with Reading.
Burnley 0-0 away to Boro.
Messi has scored another for Barca. 3-1 at the Nou Camp against Pana.
Where's my boy Nani? Not on the bench tonight.
Ipswich losing at home to QPR 0-2 in the battle of the two teams going up with Mighty Leeds
I think I have a soccer special on the computer.
It could be Skysports News
It is Soccer Special
Great header from Crouchie for Spurs' second goal.
You'd love to give us a pounding next season at Elland Road, wouldn't you, Dave? No thanks - we'll continue the rebuilding in the Championship for a few years.
Never thought I'd appreciate anything from the hairbanded thug Almeida. Get another because this is Young Boys all over again. Apart from Spuds leading at any point in the match. Call yourself Germans? GET IN!!!
Sammy McElroy in the studio!
What a belter from Costa for Valencia. Woof - pick that one out!
Which studio are you watching? In the one I'm watching, there isn't a whiff of United representation.
Rooney seems to be walking rather gingerly on his right ankle.
What studio Davy? I want to give Sam a quick bell and ask him how he felt when SUNDERLAND!!!!!! stuck that one in at the death.
Back underway at OT
COME ON UNITED
You know which one I'm talking about right, Davy?
Rangers get us started in the second half. I'm surprised that they don't play for the corner flag straight off.
We were in yellow, you in Red. Wembley Stadium
That wasn't called Gooner!!! What a way to open old wounds
Sam's not picking up the phone???
Oh - decent strike from Gibson there. No too far away with the volley. Best chance so far.
ooh, Gibson just over
I'd give myself a perm in tribute to Alan if I weren't such a bald git.
I agree - Davey doesn't need the needle right now when United are being frustrated by the Jocks. Steady on, Gooner.
Roon's ankle was the other
useless from Roon
Next thing I know you'll be mentioning the other "Sunderland:" Ian Porterfield and Bob Stokoe hugging each other at Wembley in 1973. Still gives me nightmares.
Does that mean that Roon's got two dodgy ankles now?
WB have tied it up
Come on, you Whites!!!!!!
Alright. Sorry. Still okay to make fun of the spuds?
That's put a smile on Gooner's face.
Swing away at the Spuds. No LOB representation at the moment.
Swansea all over Coventry
2-0
I've blocked that day from my memory. And Wembley '78. And Stockholm '81. And so, so, so many others.
Sadly, when I'm really stressed, a shirtless Giggs runs up and around me in my dreams.
Leeds almost retake the lead
Rangers starting to push forward a bit. Papac nearly on the end of that cross.
United haven't a clue at the moment
Hah! That wee Marin bloke has equalized against the spuds.
Oh Dear
Barnsley are 2-1 up
Oh Dear
Barnsley are 2-1 up
Balls!!
Leiceester tie it up against the Leaks
Without seeing it, it's hard to imagine what's going on at Old Trafford. Are Rangers just soaking it up? Fierce midfield pressing?
Out of the playoff spots now.
That's what they were doing in the first half but they're actually getting a bit more adventurous. I'm wondering if SAF suggested a rope a dope strategy by which United invite Rangers on to them in order to hit on the counter.
That's still the scariest thing about Ryan Giggs.
I am glad I am leaving... they look terrible!
Miller fires the ball uselessly into the box. The extent of their offense today.
Rangers content playing five on the ball defensively.
Hernandez surely would punish that kind of tactic from Rangers, no?
Giggs is one player that I do support getting a yellow card for taking his shirt off after scoring.
Oh dear - this doesn't look for Valencia. He went down in a heap and both sets of players immediately called for the stretcher.
Valencia looks really hurt!!
I am off... Please score! I don't care... a rebound of Wee Pea's wee bum
Take care
UWS
The broadcasters wisely have resisted the temptation to show the replay. Apparently it's a compound fracture right above the ankle. Broadfoot - the legbreaker - is walking about looking shocked.
Cheerio, Dave! I hope it's better for your lot...and for mine!
Dammit! These reducer tackles have to stop. My deepest sympathies Davy. I know this routine.
Missed the play. Clean tackle, or something worse?
hate to see anyone hurt.
Similar to the one against Bobby Zamora on Saturday. Not a malicious one that could be punished with a card but the result of a manager telling his players to "get stuck in." I agree with Gooner - it's got to be stamped out of the game.
Leicester have equalized against Cardiff. QPR are now alone at the summit.
There was a really fascinating discussion on 606 on Saturday between host Mark Chapman and co-host Robbie Savage (along with callers). Savage quite refreshingly admitted that most British managers tell their players to go out and "stop teams like Arsenal, United and Chelsea" playing, even if it means fouling, tugging at shirts and so on. Disgusting sentiments but at least the bloke was honest about it.
Twenty minutes left. Leeds need a goal. Come on!
That's torn it - Barnsley now 3-1 up. Bugger!
Big shout for Rangers as Smalling goes in hard. Could have been given but the ref waves on.
Wee Mikey to come on soon. I'm not sure he's the one for a match like this.
Park off for Owen and Fabio off for Jonny Evans.
Pedro has added a fourth goal for Barca. 4-1 there.
Valencia are now 0-4 up at Bursapor, wherever that is.
Benfica now 2-0 up over Hapoel.
Kyle Lafferty on for Kenny Miller.
Inside the final ten minutes.
Palace now 3-1 up over the hapless Pompey.
QPR are 0-3 up at Portman Road.
Leicester have taken the lead against evil Cardiff.
Darren Gibson seems to be the only United player putting himself about tonight. Another shot just wide from him.
Bursaspor are the shock Turkish Champions from last season. Not surprisingly, they play in Bursa.
That makes sense - never heard of them.
Short corner from United. Dave wouldn't be happy with that.
Grayson has made all of his changes - Andy Hughes for Bessone, Ross McCormack for Lloyd Sam and David Somma on for Brad Johnson.
COME ON!
I don't see the point in those.
And not surprisingly, DC United attempt many of them.
BUGGGERRRR! Own goal by our boy Neill Collins. It's bloody 4-1 now. Chalk this one off. We're done.
Sorry about D.C. I suppose that you've given up the ghost on playoff hopes this season. Doesn't look on. Not sure the Revvies will get in either.
5-1 Barnsley!!!
WTF!
That does our goal difference no good at all.
Six minutes added time.
Really can't beleive no one has scored.
The Daves are not going to be happy at all about this draw as we inch into stoppage time. But - I'll remind - at least their side didn't get tonked 5-1 by bloody Barnsley today, did they?
Davide Somma! Consolation goal surely - in the 86th minute. Three more equalizing goals? I doubt it.
5-2 Barnsley.
Somma is now our top scorer with four goals in six matches. Nay bad.
ManYoo pouring it on now.
Giggsy has been booked - not sure what that's for - maybe dissent.
Deep into stoppage now....one more chance?
Whatever happens. Pleasure taking part in this today.
Out of here as soon as it's over.
Ed
Copenhagen have scored a late one to win against Rubin Kazan.
That's it! Rangers have gutted out a 0-0 draw. The press will be all over Fergie after his ten changes for this match. Should be some discussion about Broadfoot's tackle on Valencia as well.
Best score of the night - Scunthorpe have put four past the evil Blades.
Spurs have claimed a valuable point away in Bremen.
FC Twente have held Inter at home.
Benfica and Lyon have won in Group B
Valencia have finished at 0-4 in Group C.
Barca have finished at 5-1 in Group D
Copenhagen have won in Group D
Barnsley have finished at 5-2. I've already forgotten this match. We've got Doncaster away on Friday. It's all about survival points for us. We've got ten already from six matches and are sitting at 9th. That's okay but we can't be turned over like today.
I'm off home then. Over and out. Nice chatting with all of you today.
Cheers!
Hmmm, away goals count in the Group stages? I think that's just simply a point away for the spuds.
Sorry about the Leeds and to the Daves about United and especially Valencia. I hope that a manager of Ferguson's stature will join what has to be a movement to punish the reducing tackle. I'd go as far as saying that Broadfoot should be banned for 12 games. That's the starting point that he can appeal his punishment from. If a panel decides that it's just part of the contact nature of the sport, reduce the ban. But make them think twice before committing that kind of tackle.
Afternoon, chaps! It's another busy day in the Champions League today, with Arsenal and Chelsea kicking off their CL campaigns.
Unfortunately, it's a busy, busy day for me too, with two classes to teach and several meetings before I sleep, so I won't be able to join in. Please feel free to use this thread from yesterday to keep the conversation going. Enjoy the matches!
Post a Comment
<< Home