Kaka
Real Madrid vs APOEL Nicosia

Champions League draw - Quarter-finals

APOEL Nicosia	v	Real Madrid
Marseille	v	Bayern Munich
Benfica	v	Chelsea
AC Milan	v	Barcelona

Champions League draw - Semi-finals

Marseille or Bayern Munich	v	APOEL or Real Madrid
Benfica or Chelsea	v	Milan or Barcelona

Kevin Prince Boateng
aka Kevin King Boateng
AC Milan vs Barcelona

• by Andrew McCarten, writing from Miami

Given the recent run of results for Arsene Wenger’s men, a 1-1 draw in their first Champions League match away to German champions Borussia Dortmund is unfortunately one of the more creditable performances this season. And while the Gunners showed fight, team spirit, and resolve in abundance up until Ivan Perisic’s 88th minute wonder strike earned the Bundesliga side a point at their home ground, their failure to close the deal showcases why this Arsenal side cannot consider themselves a genuine Premier League and European contender. The prolonged departure sagas of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri demoralized the squad, and even a last day spending spree from Arsene Wenger still sees Arsenal with a more threadbare and youthful, inexperienced side than ever under Wenger, one unable to challenge for top honors like in the past.

While undoubtedly of great potential, the simple reality is that the likes of Emmanuel Frimpong, Johan Djorou, Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs, and recently departed players like Denilson and Nicklas Bendtner wouldn’t feature nearly as much at Old Trafford, the San Siro, or the Bernabeu as they have at the Emirates. Ferguson and Villas-Boas have the likes of Berbatov and Anelka, or Carrick and Malouda, to call on, not Marouane Chamakh and Francis Coquelin. Even more worrying is the fact that the side so outplayed by Dortmund, who tallied 23 shots and 57% of possession, is perhaps the strongest one possible for the club in the near future given that Thomas Vermaelen and Jack Wilshere remain injured.

Yossi Benayoun and Mikel Arteta add crucial experience and skill in the midfield, and Per Mertesacker should help to shore up a defence that has been criminal at times in recent years. Brazilian fullback Andre Santos will also provide competition for relatively untested Kieran Gibbs at left back. Wojciech Szczesny has solidified his place as the number one goalkeeper and will surely hold his position between the sticks for a long time, with the Polish stopper showing confidence far beyond his 21 years. But it seems the hallmark of champions is the ability to grind out results despite a lacklustre performance a la Inter’s heroic defeat of Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals in 2010, or Manchester United’s unlikely comeback win over West Brom in Gary Neville’s last match, subpar performances that still yielded the needed result.

Arsenal finally looked a side capable of doing the business even on an off day, with Robin Van Persie’s strike a potential stepping stone to confidence and belief after a rough start to the campaign, with questions surrounding the team’s ability to finish in the top four and the manager’s grasp of the plot. But the disappointment of yet another late equalizer to throw away all three points has become a hallmark of the side in recent years, and it seems to suggest that Golden Generation Wenger has promised so long is simply not up to it, if not haunted, by the pressure of delivering trophies. Blow after blow to the collective psyche- the Carling Cup heartbreak, the Barcelona eliminations, the 4-4 draw with Newcastle, and the most recent thrashing at the hands of Sir Alex’s squad are the main highlights of a horror reel that seems to have put the attitude beyond repair. When it begins to go bad against Arsenal, it seems anything that can go wrong, will, and the players panic. The new additions will do their part to settle the side, and the youth injection may unearth future leaders in the way Wilshere and Szczesny have been able to contribute significantly immediately. But Wenger’s reluctance to address key issues in the past few seasons has weakened the squad to the point that the title returning to North London seems an outlandish dream, and the Champions League group stages even looked suspect at one point.

Progress from the group stages is surely possible, and only four matches into the season it is impossible to say that Arsenal will not have the quality to qualify for the Champions League for another consecutive year. But what once seemed an string of unlucky coincidences has transformed into a clear pattern of failures when it matters most, with no end in sight.

An animation by Richard Swarbrick @RikkiLeaks. Music by Richard Swarbrick.
http://www.hotspurandargyle.com/

[photo by Mick Baker]

• by Hiten Mandalia, writing from West London

The 2011 Champions League final proves to be a mouth-watering prospect to the world! Two of the greatest and most entertaining clubs go head to head at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 28th May 2011. It’s Barcelona v.s Manchester United!

Manchester United have been regarded as the underdogs as the current Barcelona team are arguably regarded as one of the best clubs teams of all time. Both teams go into the final in good form, as both have won their respective leagues and both teams are injury free.

Manchester United have a solid goalkeeper in Van Der Sar in what proves to be his last professional game before he retires. They also have two of the best centre backs in the world in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Man United have a good defence, arguably better then Barcelona’s, but Barcelona have a better midefield and the likes of Messi, Villa and Pedro in what proves to be a devastating front three.

Compare that to United, with Rooney, Berbatov and Hernandez, who has impressed in his debut season for the Red Devils. However, this is where the real test lies for Man United. The biggest club competition in the world, and against arguably, the greatest team in the world. They know they’ll be playing without the ball for large amounts of the game, so discipline will prove to an important factor.

The battle where the match could be won and lost is in midfield. Barcelona possess top quality players in the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets, while Man United have Fletcher and Anderson who like the physical battles, Valenica has the pace, Giggs has the ability to tun past players, but I think the most important player for the Red Devils will be Ji-Sung Park. He will run for 90 minutes and his work ethic is second to none. Alex Ferguson know that he will get the best out of Park, and Barcelona may find it difficult to cope with him.

It will be difficult for both teams to contain one another as they both play football the right way. Barcelona dominate possession and timely build up a team goal or sometimes, an individual moment of brilliance. On the other hand, Man United are known for there devastating counter attacking football, and they may do that against Barcelona. They may consume all the pressure from Barcelona, before breaking on a counter attack, which may leave the Barcelona defence vunlerable.

Ferguson has said that they won’t be going into the game looking for revenge after their 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in the 2009 final in Rome. He admitted he knew where he went wrong and they’re better prepared this time round. Ferdinand said that the wound from the defeat two years ago is still fresh, but he is focused on winning the trophy, and not getting revenge.

All the pre match build has been pleasant, with players and managers praising there opponents. There has been no signs of nerves or pressure in any of the camps, as it feels both teams are looking forward to Saturday evening.

Both sets of supporters from around the world are waiting anxiously for this match. For neutrals, it’ll be a match they’ll savour. A match that they can sit back and enjoy, and hope for a good show.

The Catalan giants against the Red Devils, the La Liga Champions against the Premier League Champions, Guardiola taking on Ferguson, Messi versus Rooney. The final has all the ingredients to make it a classic.

The stage is set. On May 28th, 2011 The Greatest Team in The World will face The Greatest Manager in The World. This is a rematch of the 2009 Champions League Final that took place almost exactly two years ago (May 27th, 2009). Barcelona defeated Man Utd in the Final that year with a final score of 2-0 (Samuel Eto'o 10', Lionel Messi 70') and became the first club in Spain to win the treble consisting (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League). That same year, Barça also became the first football club ever to win six out of six competitions in a single year, the sextuple, comprising the aforementioned treble and the Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Instead of playing in the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Manchester United will be playing just 200 miles away from Old Trafford in front of 90,000. The location? Wembley Stadium, The Venue of Legends. Will this rematch result in the same result? or will Manchester United emerge as Champion of Europe for the first time since 2008? We will find out on May 28th.

[photo by Oscar Gomez]

• by Hiten Mandalia, writing from West London

When Real Madrid and Barcelona both won their quarter final ties in the Champions League, we were all rewarded with four ‘El Clásicos’ in eighteen days. A league match, the Copa Del Rey Final and the two legs of the Champions League Semi-Final.

With world class players in both teams, ‘El Clásicos’ never fail to disappoint. The games between the two always produces goals and both teams have an assest of two of the best players in the world at this present time.

Real Madrid possess the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has pace, strength, blessed with unique skills and his ability to go pass players and score every type of goal possible. He has had his most prolific season as a player. Barcelona, on the other hand, have a genius in their team. He goes by the name of Lionel Messi. He’s quick, has amazing trickery, the ball’s glued to his feet and he’s scored some of the best goals ever. He has become the first ever player to score 50 goals in one season in the Spanish League. He has the world at his feet and you can only sit and admire at what he does on a football pitch. You could go as far as saying that he’s the Maradonna of today, and some could argue, maybe greater.

Despite Ronaldo and Messi being the best players in the world, both teams have players blessed with quality. Madrid have the likes of Casillias, Ramos, Kaka, Benzema and Higuain to name a few, while the Catalan giants have the likes of Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta and Villa to suggest a few. Both teams have their respective ways of playing and that’s down to the great managers both teams have.

Jose Mourinho, the manager of Real Madrid, has won many trophies with the likes of Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and now at Real Madrid. On the other hand, Guardiola is in his third season of managing Barcelona, and won the treble in his first. He has developed a philosphy at Barcelona and arguably, has created the best club team ever. I certainly know that the current Barcelona team are the best ever team I’ve witnessed since I’m been watching football.

[photo by Oscar Gomez]

The great rivalries between the two use to take place twice a season, with both playing each other in the league, and occasionaly in a cup competition. However, by the end of this season, they would have played each other five times, with the last four meetings coming within the space of 18 days.

The first game was at the Camp Nou where Barcelona convincingly thrashed Madrid 5-0. However, since that defeat, Madrid have grown stronger as a team and Mourinho may have figured out a way to stop Barcelona playing. The word aggressive may come to mind. In the second league game of the season, Mourinho was criticized for negative tactics. The result was 1-1, with Messi and Ronaldo both breaking their ducks. It was both of their first goals in El Clásico. It could be argued that the league game was the least important out of the four, as Barcelona were eight points clear of Madrid, and the title look destined to head to Barcelona.

However, the Copa Del Rey Final did have it’s moments of flowing football and it was a nervy occasion which left the crowd on the edge of their seats. The match went to extra time, with the score being 0-0 after 90 minutes, but a well worked Madrid set up allowed Ronaldo to score a header in the 102 minute. Throughout the game, Mourinho used aggresive tactis to get at Barcelona and that proved effective. Real Madrid and Mourinho had mastered a victory over Barcelona and it was Mourinho’s first trophy at Madrid, but the real question remains, can Madrid produce the same result in the Champions League, when it matters most, or was this victoy a one off?

The Champions League Semi Final between the two Spanish giants will be a test of character to players and the managers of both teams. This is the trophy both teams really want to win, especially Real Madrid, who last won it in 2002; the era of the ‘Galaticos’. The real test will be what team will be able to handle the pressure, who can handle the occasion mentally, and who will be more hungry to reach the final in Wembley. Despite the last two games between the two not being the greatest, rest assured, the semi final will be of a different class. Both teams will surely go out and attack and want this more then ever.

This will be the last chapter of ‘El Clásico’ this season and it’s one not to be missed. Two of the biggest clubs in world football, battling it out for a place in the final at Wembley in Europe’s most prestigious club competition – the Champions League.

[photo by "AtilaTheHun"]

• by Hiten Mandalia, writing from West London

Goals fom Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung allowed Man Utd to progress into the semi-finals of the Champions League for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

Manchester United took a slender 1 – 0 lead coming into the second leg, but the vital away goal they scored at Stamford Bridge was an important goal. The stage was set at Old Trafford for both Man Utd and Chelsea.

Chelsea came into the game knowing they had to win, so therefore, Ancelotti stuck to Chelsea’s favoured 4-3-3 formation and went out to attack right from the word go. Manchester United knew they couldn’t sit back all game because they don’t operate in that sense, especally when playing at Old Trafford. Ferguson stuck to his 4-4-2 formation with many determined and energetic players in the team.

The game started with a high tempo, which was signs of things to come. The first real chance of the first half came when Malouda ran through three to four Man Utd players and laid a pass to Lampard, who struck a weak shot. It was a simple save for Van Der Sar but Lampard should have done better. With tackles flying in from Chelsea players and with a few yellow cards being shown to the players in blue, it was alwalys likely that someone was going to get sent off in this game.

At 40, Van Der Sar still shows that he’s still got that magic touch. Taking a risky decision by coming out of his area and going for the ball, he had to get it right in order to avoid being sent off. His slide to get the ball off Anelka was pin point perfect, which resulted in a big applause all around Old Trafford. Had he got that wrong, he could have seen red, or at the very least, a yellow.

[photo by "AtilaTheHun"]

Hernandez got the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside. However, Hernandez would soon get his goal. Great build up play from Man Utd led to a corner. It resulted in Giggs passing it to O’Shea, who then reversed it back to Giggs, who was in acres of space by the byline and crossed it in, allowing Hernandez to get his boot to the ball. That was just before half time, which relieved some of the pressure. Utd were 1-0 up at half time and Chelsea had to score twice, at the very least

Tonight’s game further emphasised Giggs’ determiantion, passion and desire for the game. Despite coming to an age where he is consdering to hang up his boots, he still plays to the best of his ability. His first touch, his control, his crosses, his skill; Giggs has still got the potential to play at the highest level, despite playing for 21 years. This was emphasised throght the game, providing assists to both goals. His desire and motivation to win every game and his hunger to win trophies is still fresh, despite winning all the possible club competitions with Man Utd.

Ancelotti was forced to make a change at the start of the second half, with Drogba replacing the ever failing Torres. Minimal contribution again from the World Cup winner, which is starting to get frustrating to everyone associated with Chelsea Football Club. The second half started the way the forst half started, and both teams had their chances.

With the scoreline being 1-0 on the night and 2-0 on aggregate to Manchester United, Ramires made a challenge which earnt him his second yellow card of the game, which resulted him being sent off. Chelsea down to ten men and losing on aggregate, surely that was the end of Chelsea’s season.

However, six minuted later, Essien made an inch perfect pass to Drogba, before slotting the ball past Van Der Sar.

That was Chelsea’s away goal and a lifeline to get back in the game. As they say, you’re at your most vulnerable just after you scored and that proved to be the case in this scenario. 21 seconds later., Ji-Sung Park scored for the Red Devils after some nice build up play. 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate to Utd. That put the game to bed.

Manchester United fully deserved to go through to the semi-final of the Champions League as they were better then Chelsea over the two legs. They know how to live up to pressure and they’ve been in this scenario many times.

[photo by "AtilaTheHun"]

However, Ancelotti must be regretting his team selection. His decision to play Torres from the start backfired, as he was poor yet again. Torres was bought for these games and these occasions, but he doesn’t look like his former self. If Torres’ £50m was a flop, then Man Utd’s £6m signing of Hernandez has to be one of the best signings in recent years. Bargain, one must say.

This was Man Utd’s night to remember as they still look to win an historic treble for the second time, while Chelsea have to go back to the drawing board as their season looks as good as over.

[photo via manutd.com]

After a 0-0 draw at Marseille, Manchester United was pretty confident they would move on to the next round in the UEFA Champions League. The scoring stared early, five minutes in Wayne Rooney connected with Chicharito to put United up 1-0. Marseille however had a Golden opportunity to equalize a few minutes later when Gignac found himself one on one with the keeper. Luckily for United, Gignac rushed the shot and the ball sailed safely over the net.

United's defense had a few casualties, first John O'Shea, then his replacement Rafael. Both O'Shea and Rafael suffered hamstring injuries. Rafael's twin brother Fabio replaced him. SAF did all United fans a favor in the 61' when Valencia came on for Nani. The past few weeks Nani seems to just cause turnover after turnover. Valencia, however, made an impact in the 75' when his pass was sent forward to Giggs, who then found Chicharito once again inside the 6 yard box.

It looked like smooth sailing for the final 10 minutes, then Wes Brown headed the ball into his own net. The scoreline was now 2-1, Marseille needing one more goal to eliminate United. Manchester United was able to hold of Marseilles attack for the final 8 minutes and the 4 minutes of added time.

SAF thoughts on Chicharito's performance:

"We thought he was a young lad who was going to progress and maybe have to get used to our training and English football, but he's been an absolute star and a real bonus for us," SAF told MUTV.

"His movement is fantastic, he's always on the move, and his timing of runs is terrific. He's always on the last defender."

The victory gives United their 11th Champions League quarter-final appearance. Next round's draw takes place on Friday.

The good ol' Italian Bulldog, Gennaro Gattuso, is at it again. First choking then head-butting Tottenham coach Joe Jordan after the 1st leg of their Champions League tie with Tottenham. This is Classic Gattuso if you ask me! Was it wrong and immature? yes, but I personally love this guy. Man enough to get in someone's face, and then man enough to admit he was wrong.

"I lost my head and I'm taking responsibility because I did something I shouldn't have done," Gattuso said. "Jordan was breaking my balls throughout the second half but that doesn't justify my reaction."

"We were both speaking Scottish given that I played in his country in Glasgow but I'm not going to say what was said. I made a mistake doing what I did to an older person, and that's it. I'll wait and see what (UEFA) decides."

Gennaro might not say what was said but his agent Claudio Pasqualin is. Pasqualin told Napoli's Radio Kiss Kiss that he believed Gattuso "was strongly provoked by Joe Jordan". He went on to explain how the Italian Bulldog was prvoked:

"Jordan, after having continuously heckled him, insulted him with truly low phrase, saying 'F**king Italian bastard'. For one like Rino, who has a strong sense of his Italian identity, I think this is the most disgusting and unjustifiable of insults."

UEFA will investigate incident which could result in a lengthy suspension for Gattuso. The decision will be announced next Monday. He is already ruled out of the 2nd leg after picking up a yellow card during to match.

Here is some more of the Bulldog in action:

First Legs February 15 & 16 and 22 & 23

Second Legs March 8 & 9 and 15 & 16

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AS Roma	v	Shakhtar Donetsk
AC Milan	v	Tottenham Hotspur
Valencia	v	FC Schalke
Inter Milan	v	Bayern Munich
Lyon	v	Real Madrid
Arsenal	v	Barcelona
Marseille	v	Manchester United
Copenhagen	v	Chelsea

• by Sabrina Blanks, writing from Charlotte, NC

Champions League, by his own admission more exciting to Sir Alex Ferguson than the Premier League, started off with the draw for the group stage matchups in Monaco on August 26, 2010. Manchester United, as an automatic qualifier due to their standing in the previous season of the English Premier League, drew into Group C, along with the Scottish Premier League's Rangers, La Liga Primera's Valencia, and the Turkish Super League's Bursaspor.

• by Kevin Curtis, writing from Orlando

One of the most anticipated games of the Champions League this week between two of the most decorated teams almost ends in disaster for Real Madrid.

AC Milan, the seven-time winner of the European cup, and Real Madrid faced off in an intense match of fearlessness and determination. Real Madrid came into the game undefeated in the Champions League and having already beaten AC Milan victory seemed certain. Supporters dressed in Red and Black piled into the San Siro and energy and excitement grew as they awaited the start of the match.

In the first half, Real Madrid started out strong. They had complete control of the ball and had a high time of possession. Milan’s frustration became evident through late tackles by Prince Boateng, Ibrahimovic, and Abate, which consequently received yellow cards. Cristiano Ronaldo shinned, much like every other game, creating space and opportunities for Madrid. However Madrid could not capitalize on great opportunities. They seemed to have everything clicking for them but could not put the ball in the back of the net. This is thanks to a goal line stand by Pirlo, and a solid defensive effort by Gattuso. Overall however Milan’s defense struggled. Ronaldhino and Pato were very disappointing offensively. Milan had one notable scoring chance but Ibrahimovic was unable to take advantage of a poor decision by Casillas. Real Madrid went into the locker room relieved after scoring the Higuain goal in the 44th minute. Milan would go into the locker room frustrated.