Lakenheath Old Boys

We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

The Champions League Knock-out Stage Wraps Up

The long road of the Champions League group stage reaches its end today with the last slate of group matches. I'll be watching the one that holds the most promise for drama - the head to head match up between Roma and Citeh, who will both be hoping for that second slot in Group E behind Bayern. Join me as always on the LOB for a cuppa and a natter.

109 Comments:

Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'm sampling the fantastic atmosphere in the Olympic stadium ahead of the Roma v. Citeh match. Fans having a bit of a sing-song right now as the sides gather in the tunnel.

2:39 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Starting line-ups for the two teams:

Roma - De Sanctis, Maicon, Manolas, Yanga-Mbiwa, Holebas, Ljajic, Nainggolan, Keita, Gervinho, Pjanic, Totti.

Citeh - Hart, Zaba, Demichelis, Mangala, Clichy, Navas, Fernandinho, Fernando, Milner, Nasri, Dzeko.

2:42 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Looks like Pelligrini is setting out a defensive line-up to contain the Roma attacking threat. Risky business.

2:42 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

In Group F, the top two are sorted already - PSG and Barca. They play at the Camp Neu for top spot.

2:43 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

In Group G, Chelski have secured top spot already. Sporting has the pole position for second in the group with Schalke with an outside chance if Sporting slip up against Chelski.

2:44 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Finally, in Group H, Porto have taken top spot and Shakhtar are comfortably in second. The only thing to be sorted is who between Bilbao and BATE gets the Europa League slot and who gets dumped out of the Europe altogether.

2:46 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Roma get us underway. Citeh must win here if they're to have any chance and then they need some help from Bayern with CSKA.

2:47 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Gervinho wins an early corner.

2:48 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Citeh really on the rack. Hart bails them out from Pjanic. And then again from Totti.

2:51 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Citeh are in grave danger of being overrun here early doors.

2:52 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Milner got behind Maicon there but couldn't find the right ball. But promising.

2:53 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Dzeko had a chance there but should have done better to hold up his run. Offside.

2:57 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Good afternoon, Bob. Citeh have to win or join Pool in your favorite competition.

3:02 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

When in Rome Citeh must do as the Romans do not do.

3:03 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Hart did well to turn around the post then caught the corner from Totti

3:07 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The save was from an effort from Gooner's beloved Gervinho

3:09 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Jerko headed wide with a free header from a great cross. He should have scored.

3:15 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Back after a quick conference with a student and I see that Bayern are doing the job for Citeh. They're 1-0 up through a penalty by Muller.

3:21 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Hiya, MUR - great to have you on board.

3:22 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

It's the Zlatan and Messi show at the Camp Nou. 1-1 between Barca and PSG there.

3:23 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Chelski are confirming their power in the CL this season; they're 2-0 up over Sporting through a penalty from Fabregas and a goal from "Don't Call Me" Schurrle.

3:24 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Gervinho got the wrong side of Clichy there but couldn't finish the chance.

3:25 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Milner was through on goal there from Navas but the keeper stayed big.

3:25 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ta, Bob. I think Citeh are in the EL as things stand , unless they win in Rome.

3:26 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That's right, MUR - they need a goal.

3:26 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

About five minutes until halftime and still 0-0.

3:26 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

My students just finished a test and my conference period is about to start. I will have my stream on mute until they leave.

3:28 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Take care, mate - keep those students going.

3:28 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A solo run by your brother's favorite ex Gunner , but he ran into a cul-de-sac

3:29 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Class just ended

3:29 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Neymar has put Barca 2-1 up vs PSG.

3:29 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

When in Rome, Citeh must score.

3:30 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

How are your holiday plans shaping up?

3:31 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That's half-time and I'm headed downstairs to get a wee snack.

3:32 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ex Citeh player, Maicon , not pleased about being called for a foul against his old mates. No stoppage and it's 0-0 at the half. Citeh still need a goal

3:32 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I am looking forward to some R&R during the holidays and watching Prem footie. How about you?

3:33 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I hope it's a high energy snack to help get you through the second half.

3:33 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Zlatan scored against his former club while Meymar scored a spectacular goal. Great strike from Schurrle Temple.

3:39 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The second half is underway in what is basically a Cup Final for both teams.,

3:47 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Jerko wins a corner.

3:48 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

As things stand, Roma are ahead of Citeh on head to head on the away goals rule,

3:48 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

De Sanctis punched away the corner.

3:48 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The announcer said that Bayern leading CSKA doesn't change things for Citeh. it does a little as Citeh are currently heading to the EL and if Bayern were drawing then Citeh would be heading completely out of Europe.

3:50 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

High and wide by Milner from a difficult angle. That sounds a lot like the shoot on sight policy taught at the LUFC Academy.

3:51 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Back for the second half and Citeh are still chasing that elusive goal.

3:51 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Fernando called for a rugby tackle on Vergalen, the Mohawk Boy.

3:52 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Maicon wins a corner off of Clichy.

3:52 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Welcome back, Bob. I hope you had a high energy snack

3:52 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Neymar's goal has given Barca the edge in that match and that group. 2-1 there.

3:54 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Silva pulls one back for Sporting Lisbon at the Bridge as they now trail 2-1. Sporting still on track for a spot in the knockout stage ahead of RDM's Schalke.

3:54 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

That goal from Neymar was something that he learned from Messi.

3:56 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Free kick to Citeh from about 35 yards out.

3:56 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Somne head tennis off a cross from Nasri that ends up in the arms of De Sanctis off a short free kick from Navas,

3:57 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Big chance for Citeh wasted with a silly training pitch routine between Nasri and Navas.

3:57 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Gervinho is down off a tackle from Fernandinho. The Gooner will know all about his frailties.

3:58 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Rather silly, indeed! Taught by Arsene.

3:58 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Gervinho does well to get past Mangala, but a poor pass, like many at the EM.

3:59 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Great save by Hart from Pijanic that keeps Citeh's CL dream alive.

4:00 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Jerko fouled after Totti uncharacteristically coughed up possession.

4:01 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

GOAL!!!!!!

Nasri with something from nothing! That could be huge for Citeh!

4:02 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! NASRI GIVES CITEH THE LEAD WITH A SPECTACULAR LONG RANGE EFFORT OFF THE INSIDE OF THE POST. NO CHANCE FOR DE SANCTIS.

4:02 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

It was a goal out of the blue as NAsri cut inside and shot a screamer off the inside of the post. As things stand, Citeh are headed to the knockout stages of the CL.

4:03 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

It's Pjanic Stations for Roma now.

4:03 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Cometh the hour, cometh what may be a really crucial goal.

4:04 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

BOOM BOOM!!!

4:04 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Will the fans throw the famous Roma tomatoes? They are grown in our area?

4:05 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Mayer gives RDM's Schalke the lead at Maribor and as things stand, RDM will join his former club in the knockout stages.

4:06 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Hart tips over a long range effort from Mohawk Boy. Zaba heads away the corner.

4:07 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

David Silva on for compatriot , Navas.

4:09 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Citeh play on and are booed as Pjanic is down, but is he in Pjanic.

4:10 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Destro on for Totti , who is pissed off about it.

4:12 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The first Roma player subbed slammed down a water bottle as there is discontent in the Roman Empire.

4:13 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

OH!!!! Mnaolas heads a free kick against the post as Roma nearly tied it up then off the line by DI Michelis as Hart horribly misjudged a corner.

4:14 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Useless by Silva on a Citeh break.

4:15 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Thanks mate, that's high praise coming from a Pun-meister like you. I've been saving up that line.

4:15 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

We're a mere 15 minutes away from those famous Roma tomatoes raining down on Totti and co.

4:16 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Nasri has been booked.

4:16 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

What would Nero think?

4:17 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I think Roma need two goals.

4:17 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Chelski now 3-1 up over Sporting. Obi Wan added a third.

4:18 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Schalke look destined for the second spot in Group G.

4:19 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I guess the force is with Jose.

4:19 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

They are managed by former Chelsea boss and player, RDM

4:19 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Jerko taking his time coming off as he is replaced by fellow striker, Jovetic. The home fans are not pleased about the time wasting.

4:20 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Gervinho had a big chance there with a free header but he misstimed his header and was offside anyway. What a shambles.

4:21 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A definite foul by Floirenzi on Hart. I guess the locals think that the rules don't apply to their team.

4:21 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Typical Gervinho.

4:21 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

No tantrums by Maicon as he was subbed. No more subs left for the home team. Their final roll of the dice.

4:22 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

With Chelski as a top seed and two potential second seeds, we could easily see an all-England knock-out match, either Chelski-Citeh or Chelski-Arse.

4:22 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Naughty by Mapou on Jovetic.

4:22 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I think UEFA keeps teams from the same league apart in the Round of sixteen

4:23 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Bayern two up vs CSKA , who are seeing their season in Europe come to an abrupt halt.

4:26 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Bayern have taken a 2-0 lead now, so barring a Roma goal, Citeh are surely through to the next round.

4:27 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Five minutes plus stoppage time for Citeh to hold on.

4:27 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL !!! CITEH GO TWO UP AS ZABA SCORES OFF A PASS FROM NASRI

4:28 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

GOAL! Zaba puts the nail in!

4:28 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Surely, Citeh are through as they have all but completed the Italian Job.

4:29 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

what a time for Zaba to score his first ever CL goal and he looked like a striker with that finish.

4:30 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Kolorov on for NAsri as Citeh aim to shut up shop.

4:30 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Into stoppage time.

4:32 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

All told here are the totals per country of knock-out round survivors:

Germany - four
Spain - three
England - three
Italy - one
France - one
Portugal - one
Switzerland - one
Ukraine - one

When you look at that, Serie A are the real losers when it comes to this tournament, with Roma crashing out tonight.

4:33 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Milner tackled for a corner as Citeh should run time off the clock. Taken short and that's what Citeh do.

4:33 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A silly foul by Keita runs more time off the clock.

4:34 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ta, Bob. The usual top three leagues have the moist teams advancing

4:34 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

It's over as Citeh win 0-2 in Rome and advance to the knockout stages. Roma are resigned to the Europa League.

4:35 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Full-time - that's a fantastic 0-2 win in the Olympic Stadium for Citeh tonight. Probably their best win of the season. The Blues are through to the knock-out stages.

4:36 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That's it for me tonight, mate. Thanks for keeping me company. See you at the weekend!

4:36 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Bayern have defeated CSKA 3-0
BArca defeat PSG 3-1 and win that group as both teams were already through

4:37 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Cheers mate. It was great chatting. I look forward to chatting with you again this weekend.

CHEERS MATE!

4:38 PM  

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