Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Toppa on December 05, 2011, 12:34:43 PM
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Since Disgruntled rel sticking... :bs:
Saturday 10th December
4pm EST
El Santiago Bernabeu
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/155519_980135254032_10127346_52139957_4984146_n.jpg)
A power shift in La Liga?
It’s a little premature to suggest there is a shift in power from Catalonia to Madrid, but for the first time in Pep Guardiola’s reign as manager of Barcelona, are Real Madrid looking the favourites ahead of the first Clasico of the league campaign?
To suggest Barcelona are going through a ‘mini-crisis’ would be wide of the mark, they are still the premier footballing side in Europe. But there could be a few doubts creeping in and we’re seeing the side’s weaknesses come a little more to the fore than in previous years.
It seems to be that the ‘lesser’ teams in Spain have cracked the code in how to repel Barcelona’s wave after wave of attacking threat. Getafe last weekend were not the first team to frustrate Guardiola’s men this season, with Sevilla picking up a much-deserved draw at the Nou Camp thanks to the heroics of Javi Varas, and Athletico Bilbao taking advantage of horrendous playing conditions to also grab a point from the reigning champions.
Teams have become more compact against Barcelona’s style of play, that being the patient, meticulous break-down of their opponents. We’re not accustomed to seeing goals scored from whipped in crosses from the flanks, nor do Barcelona’s frontline use the width of the pitch to great effect, rather relying on the marauding Dani Alves to provide options from wide positions.
On the other hand, Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid are looking unstoppable, and it may be for one very obvious reason: the burden of goal scoring is not placed on one player. Cristiano Ronaldo may be first in line for spot-kicks and all free-kicks within range, but Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema have been in sensational goal scoring form so far this season.
Instead of having the tip of the spear pulling defenders out of position and unsettling the nerves of those at the back as Lionel Messi so effortlessly does, Madrid possess a far more lethal sledgehammer of an attack in which to pick up the win.
It’s not that we should detract from the effect Ronaldo has on this Madrid side, it just appears to be that he can have a night off and Mourinho could still call upon surrounding members of the cast to provide equally devastating, counter-attacking football.
However, take Messi out of the equation at Barcelona and we’re looking at a forward line of an out-of-form David Villa who, despite scoring last week against Rayo Vallecano and Zaragoza a few weeks earlier, has not looked the predatory striker that arrived from Valencia. Playing from the left of the attacking trident will of course harm his numbers in front of goal, but his first season at the Nou Camp saw Spain’s all-time leading goal scorer rack up 23 goals in all competitions. Other areas of the Barcelona attack also seem to be going through a similarly dry spell but the return from injury of Alexis Sanchez is welcome and gives Guardiola another option at the Nou Camp.
At this stage of the season Real Madrid are looking more like their bitter rivals both on and off the pitch. We’re yet to hear of a controversial Mourinho moment since he ‘offended’ the Catalan press following their game against Espanyol and his side are displaying a new-found desire in especially troublesome games, as was the case against Valencia a few weeks ago where Ronaldo’s winning goal late in the game was celebrated by Mourinho jumping on Jose Callejon’s back. The Madrid manager stated that Valencia should not be offended by his actions but rather accept it as a “compliment” that his side were able to overcome such a difficult opponent in Unai Emery’s side.
Barcelona’s formula of playing is not something that has all of a sudden broken, they still play wonderful, attacking football that is easy on the eye and they will continue to win by playing this way. But it’s the poor recent form by their standards which sets them up as second favourites in this tie. Their heads drop now when they go behind, they struggle to find the net when they should be getting a score of five or six and, most importantly, they lack the consistent goal scoring of more than one individual, something which may prove to be a problem over the course of the season.
http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/12/football-blogs/a-power-shift-in-la-liga
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Cannot see Barca winning this game, with their present defense and the present form of Real Madrid.
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Cannot see Barca winning this game, with their present defense and the present form of Real Madrid.
:wavetowel:
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Iz a classico, current form has no bearing, both teams will step it up.
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Ok, now that the CL distractions are over,,,on to the main event!
Counter kings Real versus lords of possession Barca
MADRID, Dec 8 (Reuters) - The most dangerous team without the ball, counter-attack kings Real Madrid, host lords of possession Barcelona on Saturday (2100 GMT) in a titanic clash of footballing philosophies.
The world's two richest clubs by income will lock horns for an eighth time since Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho took the helm at the Bernabeu a year and a half ago and they could be forgiven for being sick of the sight of each other.
European champions Barca, who continue to be considered the benchmark in world soccer, are chasing a club record-equalling fourth consecutive La Liga title and under coach Pep Guardiola have held an almost hypnotic hold over their arch rivals.
Guardiola has won seven out of 11 'Clasicos' since 2008 and after former Barca assistant coach Mourinho arrived at Real in 2010, when the intensity of the rivalry soared, he has notched three wins, three draws and only one defeat.
Mourinho's one success came in last April's King's Cup final, but by the Spanish Super Cup double-header in August Madrid could claim to have at least matched Barca on the pitch as they fell 5-4 on aggregate.
Saturday's match at Real's Bernabeu stadium is unlikely to stray from the standard script of Barca seeking to control possession, with Real applying asphyxiating pressure and then breaking quickly when they steal the ball.
"Barca are going to dominate the 'Clasico' but I believe this is exactly what Madrid want," Ajax coach and former Barca player Frank de Boer told Spanish daily El Pais on Wednesday.
"Madrid are more dangerous when they don't have the ball because they have so many quality players who can make things happen, letting you have possession and pouncing on your mistakes."
UPPER HAND
One big difference this time round is that Real hold the upper hand just over three months into the season.
They top the standings by three points with a game in hand and are on a run of 15 straight wins in all competitions. The pressure is on Barca to come looking for a victory.
Real have suffered six red cards to Barca's one in the last seven 'Clasicos', and that has in part been due to the anxiety and frustration they have felt as they have tried to overhaul their bitter rivals.
"Madrid are euphoric and physically strong at the moment, all their players seem to be in top form," former Real director general Jorge Valdano told Spanish radio this week.
"Barca have looked weaker on the road this season and because of this Madrid start as favourites. This has not happened for a long time.
"(The points difference means) it is inevitable there will be some anxiety and this is a terrible enemy for Barca. Madrid suffered from it before."
The main question for Mourinho will be whether he sticks with the 4-2-3-1 formation which has served them so well of late.
The alternative, which caused Barca problems last season when Pepe stepped up into midfield, is a 4-3-3 line-up with two holding players alongside creative fulcrum Xabi Alonso.
Sami Khedira and Lassana Diarra could provide lung-busting running while a more creative midfielder such as Mesut Ozil would be sacrificed.
Top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, La Liga's leading assists provider Angel Di Maria and strikers Karim Benzema or Gonzalo Higuain would then provide the quick-breaking forward threat.
MESSI RELIANCE
Barca have struggled on their travels in La Liga this year scraping only two 1-0 wins, drawing three and losing 1-0 at Getafe just over a week ago. They have appeared jaded and over-reliant on top scorer Lionel Messi at times.
Guardiola has been experimenting with a three-man backline but will probably revert to his tried and tested 4-3-3.
The arrival of Cesc Fabregas has given him greater tactical flexibility, with a player who can help control possession in midfield alongside his Spain team mates Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets as well as score goals.
A key question for Guardiola is whether to pair David Villa with Messi up front, or employ the pace of Pedro or Alexis Sanchez.
Barca's ability to control possession is their key defensive and offensive weapon and when all else fails it is Messi's insatiable appetite for goals against his favourite victim that has seen them through.
The Argentine World Player of the Year has bagged 13 goals in 15 'Clasico' appearances and stopping him has proved almost impossible for Real in recent years.
(Editing by Patrick Johnston; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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Will this game be showing on local cable? What channel?
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Ah know allyuh Real fans likin' allyuh self these days eh.......but allyuh due fuh a cutarse, remember dat!
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Barca is still the team to beat IMO.
This is the closest Madrid seem to be to them since the Pep era, but the precision of Barca's approach play and their unpredictability once Messi picks up the ball is still on another level. Observer's point about their defensive vulnerability is valid, but that's mostly on set plays...we'll see if we can capitalize there.
I not getting carried away with Madrid's form because this match is not really about form (and especially for fear of goat mouth ;D)
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Ah know allyuh Real fans likin' allyuh self these days eh.......but allyuh due fuh a cutarse, remember dat!
Not from allyuh!!
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Barca is still the team to beat IMO.
This is the closest Madrid seem to be to them since the Pep era, but the precision of Barca's approach play and their unpredictability once Messi picks up the ball is still on another level. Observer's point about their defensive vulnerability is valid, but that's mostly on set plays...we'll see if we can capitalize there.
I not getting carried away with Madrid's form because this match is not really about form (and especially for fear of goat mouth ;D)
Steupssss
You always like to play Diplomat-in-Chief eh!
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:rotfl: kicker eh play he smart nah, wha school yuh went to? ;D
Anyway, RM is the team to beat IMO, on form alone + they playing at home. Barca form hasn't been the best this season, but last two games have looked solid, with the potential B team players looking really impressive (Thiago, his bro, Cuenca etc). Should be nice, have meh tomato/baigan choka and coco water ready, jus leh de game unfold
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Edit: match starting 4pm est eh.
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ah backing Real again , fork Barca
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http://www.youtube.com/v/JpTyvMiN3Xs
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http://www.youtube.com/v/JpTyvMiN3Xs
:rotfl:
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:)
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Game on! Benzema on 0:22!
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:)
Allyuh cutarse still comin'!
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:)
Allyuh cutarse still comin'!
Not from barca...
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:)
Allyuh cutarse still comin'!
Not from barca...
We go see, Miss Lady. :D
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:cursing:
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@ Toppa Well, well, well..... ;D
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Barca have dem reeling. Too much pretty knock in tight spaces. Messi did really well to stay on his feet and thread the ball to Sanchez for the first.
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Barca have dem reeling. Too much pretty knock in tight spaces. Messi did really well to stay on his feet and thread the ball to Sanchez for the first.
that knock is from another planet sah...if u see me shadowing.
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Barca have dem reeling. Too much pretty knock in tight spaces. Messi did really well to stay on his feet and thread the ball to Sanchez for the first.
Real was knockin' d ball nice, too, on the counter....but that was early in the game when they had the eneergy to press Barca and win the ball.....Barca found their rhythm and it not so easy any more.
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Barca are very good defensively. We just overlook it because of their pretty, attacking football, but they press high at times, and swarm you when they lose the ball.
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puyol mom for me...that man defend as if his life depended on it
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Good game...not too much play-acting, just good end-to-end action. Real had their chances too, but need to be more clinical in front of goal. All in all, the better team won. Real have closed the gap, but they still can't stanch that free flowing football of Barca.
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Cronaldo fail when it was needed the most. Had clear chances to make it 2-0 and also 2-2 only for barca to go up de road and score.
Iniesta is de difference maker for me.
Messi is garbage ;-) (had to get that parting shot in)
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My MOM is Andres Iniesta
Best player for Real Madrid IMO? - Angel DiMaria
CR7 didn't exactly go missing today as he is prone to in big games, but that missed header late in the 2nd half is indicative of just how below par he was.
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Barca are very good defensively. We just overlook it because of their pretty, attacking football, but they press high at times, and swarm you when they lose the ball.
I eh think we does really overlook it nuh....man talk 'bout it enough time but they really is sumting else when they have the ball......between that tenacious pressing and their passing/possession game, they does jes wear teams down boy.
Cronaldo fail when it was needed the most. Had clear chances to make it 2-0 and also 2-2 only for barca to go up de road and score.
Iniesta is de difference maker for me.
Messi is garbage ;-) (had to get that parting shot in)
:rotfl:
As much as he did fail, and Real did have their chances, Casillas really save tem, too and DiMaria was rel dangerous....
....hard luck dey, Toppa, ah know how yuh feelin'.
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Real was the better side in the 1st 45... outshot and outworked Barca, but once Barca found the rhythm it got difficult, Madrid legs got a lil heavy and started to depend on individual efforts instead of team play...was a tough game because it coulda swung either way up until the 3rd goal....Ronaldo missed two sitters that he woulda scored on any other day.
Iniesta was flawless and Khedira is a f*cking goat.
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khedira collect a cap down by the corner...lawdddd
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Ronaldo missed two sitters that he woulda scored on any other day.
I remember the free header. What else?
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Ronaldo missed two sitters that he woulda scored on any other day.
I remember the free header. What else?
De one he kick way wide from in d box in d first half.
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DAMN...watchin de post game press conference.
THE TRANSLATOR say Pep say he thought it would have been more difficult to get the ball to Messi. I'm not saying it wasn't difficult because it was, but not as difficult as we thought it would be. Once we got our first goal we settled.
Asked if today's result will affect Real's chances of winning the title - No. They'll go on vacation and come back for the rest of the matches. They're professionals just like we are. Nobody has ever won the title in December. We're focusing on lifting that trophy in May and I'm sure they are too.
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Ronaldo missed two sitters that he woulda scored on any other day.
I remember the free header. What else?
De one he kick way wide from in d box in d first half.
To me that wasn't so much a trow way as poor judgement. He had DiMaria free as a bird on his right. He SHOULD have passed the ball. That wasn't any sitter in my opinion.
Had DiMaria gotten the pass....he would have been in a much better position for a sitter
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Ronaldo missed two sitters that he woulda scored on any other day.
I remember the free header. What else?
De one he kick way wide from in d box in d first half.
To me that wasn't so much a trow way as poor judgement. He had DiMaria free as a bird on his right. He SHOULD have passed the ball. That wasn't any sitter in my opinion.
Had DiMaria gotten the pass....he would have been in a much better position for a sitter
dize true, but even so, yuh could argue that he was in just as good a position to score as DiMaria was. He was wide open and had time space and opportunity (and SHOULD have the ability) to at least put the ball on target and force the 'keeper to make a save or render him helpless.
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What has happened to Kaka? my god
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Mourinho turn
Again...this is from the translator
The dressing room is calm and also disappointed. We'll focus on our next match against Sevilla
Asked about Villanova - I wished him the best. What we had was small compared to what he has been going through.
I thought Messi should have been sent off. The ref was closer than I was so he saw better than me. I don't want to comment.
In every single game there is a winner and a loser. There are little things that make the difference in making a winner and a loser. When we were 1-0 up we were good. But Cristiano had chances that he missed that he would normally put in the back of the net.
They were able to psychologically beat us at first. When they got to 3-1 they were also able to move the ball around they way they're acustomed to doing. After 3-1 they were able to calm down and slow the game down.
It's not fear of our opponent, it's luck. I thought Cristiano's header had gone in. Kaka's shot...I don't know how it didn't go in. Without taking any credit away from our rivals luck is what determined the outcome of this game.
I decided to play with 2 holding midfielders instead of 3 because that's how we've played all season. We have the quality of players to go at them, and that's what we did.
Told that both teams are considered to be the two best in Europe and that they might meet in the CL final - I hope so.
We lost too many of the 50/50 battles and that really made the difference. Made our marking more difficult to endure. There's also a fear that our players have based on the precedent of previous matches. MAybe they were defending a little bit with fear and that's a big battle that we did lose. We started out much better than they did but we're missing something. We weren't able to get to balls that we needed to get tpo and that too made a difference.
Is Madrid unlucky against Barca? - You have to be pragmatic and look at things objectively. You have to try and go forward and continue to try to win.
Your opinon of Messi? - Ask Guardiola. He's not my player.
Why do you think the team didn't respond to Barca? - That's your opinion. The team reacted, we just didn't have the appropriate result.
Would you agree the key to the game is Barca's superiority in midfield? - No. We had no problems in midfield.
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Cronaldo fail when it was needed the most. Had clear chances to make it 2-0 and also 2-2 only for barca to go up de road and score.
Iniesta is de difference maker for me.
Messi is garbage ;-) (had to get that parting shot in)
Its all mental!
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By CR standards that first one was a sitter. He had time, space, and the goal was directly in front of him, keeper on his line, no angle to overcome. A player of his standard opens up his body like he does supposed to hit the net...and if he unluckily mis-execute he mighta put it too close to the keeper....but to completely miss the open goal from there that hadda go down as a proper chanced missed.
I doh blame him for not passing to Di Maria - was pretty much the same chance IMO, and with Abidal racing back Di Maria might have been under pressure once the ball got to him... I think he did the right thing as a big player by taking the responsibility himself, but he shat the bed.
A key play in the game was no one taking one for the team and fouling Messi before he released to Sanchez on the first goal - that goal settled Barca when we had them against the ropes... After he beat one, ok...but after he beat two, the next man supposed to pull his shirt and take the yellow... That's what yuh call a smart foul...Yuh don't give a guy like Messi a full uninterrupted view of the forward channel with a head of steam if yuh could help it.
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Cannot see Barca winning this game, with their present defense and the present form of Real Madrid.
:rotfl:Iz a classico, current form has no bearing, both teams will step it up.
CO-SIGNNNNN
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What has happened to Kaka? my god
ENTTTT
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A key play in the game was no one taking one for the team and fouling Messi before he released to Sanchez on the first goal - that goal settled Barca when we had them against the ropes... After he beat one, ok...but after he beat two, the next man supposed to pull his shirt and take the yellow... That's what yuh call a smart foul...Yuh don't give a guy like Messi a full uninterrupted view of the forward channel with a head of steam if yuh could help it.
Like yuh didn't see how hard dey try or wha?
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Like yuh didn't see how hard dey try or wha?
I'll hadda watch again. To me they kinda tip-toed around him (relatively speaking)... We all know Madrid doh find difficulty bringing down Barca players to interrup the rhythm... but I'll have to watch it again and maybe take that back.
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Yet another Classico has come and gone . The much anticipated match up has gone the way of the world champions . What is notable is the fact that the Barca's victory came after the fastest goal ever scored in the classico was registered against them courtesy " el loco " Valdez. What is even more compelling is the fact that the victory was achieved in the house of Real Madrid !
I really prefer to avoid Messi vs Ronaldo's discussions ...that goes along with Palos saying Messi " eh go win nothing ! " sometime ago. I am sure some epsom salts would have purged that thought from him long ago as I see he is a bit mote balanced now. Good job Palos ...keep taking those salts ;D.
The discussion I would love to contribute to is the MOM ... ..Xavi stole the show for me today. When the team was down Xavi kept the supply up and the fluidity of the team eventually returned. While Iniesta then came into his own in the second half, Xavi was the team motivator today. anbody who has used a four wheel suitcase will understand if i describe his movement as such.
Messi gots lots of attention today but Xavi could not be contained..he was here there and everywhere . I would love to read what the experts have to say about his performance today.
As usual Morinho has got it wrong again vs Barca ..I notice he gets praise when he gets it right but some feel afraid ti comment when he gets it wrong. I guess we are from different schools of football. I much prefer the strengthen the middle when you need goals with your best poacher expected to do the trick. Morinho. like Maradona for Argentina is of the view that more attackers will do the job. It has not worked and will not work against Barca... a team which depends on a functioning midfield to keep their front players supplied and to cut off the opposing forwards from their suppliers.
Now my theory may not have worked against Barca gut it is yet to be tried so I would wait and see. I predict that unless a team swamps its middle it will perish against Barca's possession football...cut off the blood supply and the body dies is my philosophy and Real has the players to do just that. They have players with lungs but refuse to give them a go .....today you had Benzema , Higuain and Ronaldo waiting up front for sporadic supply as the coach had taken off their suppliers .... the team was virtually asking the other 7 outfield players to play against the 10 of Barca all of whom were involved in the second half . eg. Marcelo was under so much pressure he could not play his usual attacking game ... while alves could !
So for me Morinho got his pieces in the wrong place on this puzzle ...while Pep, as usual, with so many options and great players, got his right.
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Yet another Classico has come and gone . The much anticipated match up has gone the way of the world champions . What is notable is the fact that the Barca's victory came after the fastest goal ever scored in the classico was registered against them courtesy " el loco " Valdez.
As much as ah love V. Valdes, over the years he has done that many a time. Like he does jes ketch a vapse or sumting.....and yuh see he geh way wit it in d second half, too, I thought it was SURE goal again!.....ah guess he wanted some balance. :D...but he half redeem he self wit a fine save off Kaka's shot.
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As usual Morinho has got it wrong again vs Barca ..I notice he gets praise when he gets it right but some feel afraid ti comment when he gets it wrong. I guess we are from different schools of football. I much prefer the strengthen the middle when you need goals with your best poacher expected to do the trick. Morinho. like Maradona for Argentina is of the view that more attackers will do the job. It has not worked and will not work against Barca... a team which depends on a functioning midfield to keep their front players supplied and to cut off the opposing forwards from their suppliers.
Now my theory may not have worked against Barca gut it is yet to be tried so I would wait and see. I predict that unless a team swamps its middle it will perish against Barca's possession football...cut off the blood supply and the body dies is my philosophy and Real has the players to do just that. They have players with lungs but refuse to give them a go .....today you had Benzema , Higuain and Ronaldo waiting up front for sporadic supply as the coach had taken off their suppliers .... the team was virtually asking the other 7 outfield players to play against the 10 of Barca all of whom were involved in the second half . eg. Marcelo was under so much pressure he could not play his usual attacking game ... while alves could !
So for me Morinho got his pieces in the wrong place on this puzzle ...while Pep, as usual, with so many options and great players, got his right.
So last year when Madrid played Pepe in midfield alongside Khedira and Xabi Alonso with their express purpose being to kick down anything that moved in a barca shirt and STILL colleck 5 in dey pweffen, that wasn't what your "stifling the midfield and choke the supply" theory was about?
Or do you propose playing 4 holding midfielders...Pepe, Khedira, Lass Diarra, & Alonso...plus Ronaldo? Maybe they might get 10.
As meh padnah tell meh, he felt that Mourinho biggest shock was to see Alexis Sanchez starting. And he wouldn't be surprised if Mourinho didn't plan for that. Sanchez was a serious thorn in Madrid defence side. Neither Pepe nor Ramos could stay with him. I doh like how he does carry on...but he is pressha.
Also......Fabergas played a kind of decoy role. He hardly got the goal whole 1st half and then jump out like a jumbie and bawl BOO to score de goal in de 2nd half.
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As usual Morinho has got it wrong again vs Barca ..I notice he gets praise when he gets it right but some feel afraid ti comment when he gets it wrong. I guess we are from different schools of football. I much prefer the strengthen the middle when you need goals with your best poacher expected to do the trick. Morinho. like Maradona for Argentina is of the view that more attackers will do the job. It has not worked and will not work against Barca... a team which depends on a functioning midfield to keep their front players supplied and to cut off the opposing forwards from their suppliers.
Now my theory may not have worked against Barca gut it is yet to be tried so I would wait and see. I predict that unless a team swamps its middle it will perish against Barca's possession football...cut off the blood supply and the body dies is my philosophy and Real has the players to do just that. They have players with lungs but refuse to give them a go .....today you had Benzema , Higuain and Ronaldo waiting up front for sporadic supply as the coach had taken off their suppliers .... the team was virtually asking the other 7 outfield players to play against the 10 of Barca all of whom were involved in the second half . eg. Marcelo was under so much pressure he could not play his usual attacking game ... while alves could !
So for me Morinho got his pieces in the wrong place on this puzzle ...while Pep, as usual, with so many options and great players, got his right.
So last year when Madrid played Pepe in midfield alongside Khedira and Xabi Alonso with their express purpose being to kick down anything that moved in a barca shirt and STILL colleck 5 in dey pweffen, that wasn't what your "stifling the midfield and choke the supply" theory was about?
Or do you propose playing 4 holding midfielders...Pepe, Khedira, Lass Diarra, & Alonso...plus Ronaldo? Maybe they might get 10.
As meh padnah tell meh, he felt that Mourinho biggest shock was to see Alexis Sanchez starting. And he wouldn't be surprised if Mourinho didn't plan for that. Sanchez was a serious thorn in Madrid defence side. Neither Pepe nor Ramos could stay with him. I doh like how he does carry on...but he is pressha.
Also......Fabergas played a kind of decoy role. He hardly got the goal whole 1st half and then jump out like a jumbie and bawl BOO to score de goal in de 2nd half.
Palos I dont propose playing a 4 man middle in fact i propose 5 , so a 4 5 1 formation with dem two germans Osil and khedira and Alonso in the middle Di maria and Ronaldo on the flamks. A 5 man midfield was common in football not too long ago ...many english tesam played that even teams in T&T ..I believe it was Vranes who brought it in to the national system. It is the only way I see to stifle the barca middlemen...pack the middle with players of your own ...good ball winners . Then you leave it up to your up front man to deliver along with your wing men coming forward. As I said there is no guarantee it would work but has it been tried ?? Lets wait and see. It is a frustrating style that could disrupt Barca's flowing football.
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It is as if barca sent Fabregas to learn to head the ball in England then to return to make the team complete. Notice how many crosses Alves made into the box ...a rarity when Fabregas is not playing ... few spanish players head the ball ...fabregas is among the best with yet another explosive header...reminds me of no teeth joe Jordan.
Even Goalkeepers had some trouble with him with crosses...
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Yet another Classico has come and gone . The much anticipated match up has gone the way of the world champions . What is notable is the fact that the Barca's victory came after the fastest goal ever scored in the classico was registered against them courtesy " el loco " Valdez. What is even more compelling is the fact that the victory was achieved in the house of Real Madrid !
I really prefer to avoid Messi vs Ronaldo's discussions ...that goes along with Palos saying Messi " eh go win nothing ! " sometime ago. I am sure some epsom salts would have purged that thought from him long ago as I see he is a bit mote balanced now. Good job Palos ...keep taking those salts ;D.
The discussion I would love to contribute to is the MOM ... ..Xavi stole the show for me today. When the team was down Xavi kept the supply up and the fluidity of the team eventually returned. While Iniesta then came into his own in the second half, Xavi was the team motivator today. anbody who has used a four wheel suitcase will understand if i describe his movement as such.
Messi gots lots of attention today but Xavi could not be contained..he was here there and everywhere . I would love to read what the experts have to say about his performance today.
As usual Morinho has got it wrong again vs Barca ..I notice he gets praise when he gets it right but some feel afraid ti comment when he gets it wrong. I guess we are from different schools of football. I much prefer the strengthen the middle when you need goals with your best poacher expected to do the trick. Morinho. like Maradona for Argentina is of the view that more attackers will do the job. It has not worked and will not work against Barca... a team which depends on a functioning midfield to keep their front players supplied and to cut off the opposing forwards from their suppliers.
Now my theory may not have worked against Barca gut it is yet to be tried so I would wait and see. I predict that unless a team swamps its middle it will perish against Barca's possession football...cut off the blood supply and the body dies is my philosophy and Real has the players to do just that. They have players with lungs but refuse to give them a go .....today you had Benzema , Higuain and Ronaldo waiting up front for sporadic supply as the coach had taken off their suppliers .... the team was virtually asking the other 7 outfield players to play against the 10 of Barca all of whom were involved in the second half . eg. Marcelo was under so much pressure he could not play his usual attacking game ... while alves could !
So for me Morinho got his pieces in the wrong place on this puzzle ...while Pep, as usual, with so many options and great players, got his right.
I don't think Mourinho got things so wrong tho..the fact is they had the chances to hang Barca today and they didn't take them. People are getting carried away at how easy Barca made it seem towards the end of the game, but Mou was right..the luck went with Barca at they took the opportunities when it mattered..tha's all.
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Mourinho eh feed the buck enough.
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Real Madrid gave the game to Barca easier than they should have. I was a bit disappointed on how naive they went about the game from around the 20 minute.
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(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll314/Chunkycj/378964_2561430767768_1614032729_2450238_73067273_n.jpg)
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To beat Barca one has to pressure them for 90 minutes . Real Madrid did it for twenty minutes. Then you must double mark Messi. I was amazed at how calm Barca was after going down a goal.
Payol was a boss in the defence and Xavi was the general in the middle.
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To beat Barca one has to pressure them for 90 minutes .
Not physically possible. The pressure for 90 minutes part that is
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I surprised nobody talk about the Diarra sub. Lass was having a monster of a game, and I find Mourinho move too hasty to take him off after he got the yellow.
In his post match Mourinho talked about his players probably playing with a bit of fear based on precedent, but it is that same fear of precedent that make him hurry to take off Diarra for fear of him getting a red. The very next play, Khedira had a good opportunity to put in a strong tackle on his man (think was Xavi), and let the ball get out wide to Dani Alves, who then cross for Fabregas to score. If was Lass i sure that wasn't gonna happen so easy.
Ronaldo cause them to lose this game. As one of the supposed best players in the world, when you in a big game and chances come at a premium, yuh supposed to take them. No ifs, ands or buts. From the header he shoulda put away, they take the ball up the next end to score.
I think this was a golden opportunity Real Madrid had to beat Barcelona because i didn't find Barcelona were at their peak. Before his goal, Sanchez was frigging up the brand and the knock wasn't typical Barca. Its like they were missing Villa and Pedro, but little things end up determining the game. It could have easily gone a different way if Madrid too their chances early in the match.
I believe allyuh say everything else to be said, but lastly i just have to talk about Iniesta first touch dread. Laaawd, just immaculate. My absolute favorite player to watch on that Barcelona team.
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I surprised nobody talk about the Diarra sub. Lass was having a monster of a game, and I find Mourinho move too hasty to take him off after he got the yellow.
Yeah he move real cautious there because Lass was living on the edge - IMO the ref give Lass real rope tuh hang himself - that yellow coulda come alot earlier, and Mourinho knew that with 10 men they stood absolutely no chance.... It's a pity because Lass was really having a big big game, but his style of play against a team like Barca very risky - Xavi and Iniesta touches so quick and elusive they could bait anybody into a yellow card offense... Losing Lass to that sub was a turning point because in my opinion, Khedira is not half the player that Lass is...
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I think Alexis getting to much props. Aside from the goal, he was a big part of Barca starting so slowly, and had CR any balls, by the time Barca found their footing the game should have been somewhat out of their reach. Messi was very frustrated with Alexis as he kept getting in the way, his runs were poor for a Barca player and he could not operate like Pedro attacking outside in.
There was even one point where Xavi I think it was and Messi were both yelling at him cause he was messing up the rhythm of them trying to establish their possession game.
After the equaliser, RM never reset their strategy, which they should have. Barca was just more disciplined than RM.
Also, no one mentioned the worsts of the best GKs on display yesterday. :o
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Cannot see Barca winning this game, with their present defense and the present form of Real Madrid.
:rotfl:Iz a classico, current form has no bearing, both teams will step it up.
CO-SIGNNNNN
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I agree ;D never anticipated that barca back line would be back to full strength.
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If it were easy to shut down Barca more teams would do it. I though RM played them well and on another day might have come away with a more favourable result. Can't blame Ronaldo, but both of his misses were crucial. Barca haven't built their reputation on a house of cards. They withstood the pressure, built some up of their own and were able to take the chances when they came. You can't bank on Ronaldo missing either chance like that or Kaka's chance bouncing off of Valdez on that side of the post. Look how Barca's second came... it was lucky. I thought the better team won it, but there wasn't as much in it as we've seen in the past.
The result has set things up for an interesting 2012 plus they are both playing well in UCL also.
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Barca are just too good.
Dani Alves still acting like a diva for every damn call. I real hate he now.
The first Barca goal was in some tight spaces, I eh know how Messi get that ball through.
Real Madrid end up lookin like novices once again.
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Also, no one mentioned the worsts of the best GKs on display yesterday. :o
Yeah, man, Jai John mention it. Casillas had a flawless game so is only (mad man) Valdes yuh could be talkin' 'bout. ;D
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Real Madrid didn't show up... That Benzema goal was EXTREMELY lucky since they got it on the 3rd try - Di Maria should have squared it straight to him on the first attempt... As for CR7, he got off the first backheel and suddenly everything he tried was a fancy pass that didn't work.. He should have put it away and made the game 2-0 when he had the chance... But I can't say he's a choker since he was the star of the Copa del Rey final... He was just very absent this time...
As was expected, Iniesta and Xavi were simply a cut above the rest... Credit to the referee too since this meeting was much less hostile than the other 6 for the year.
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C. Ronaldo also wasted at least 2 free kicks that I can remember. For those close free kicks yuh need a man to finesse the ball around/over the wall. That was stupid on the team's part. They should have a plan for every kind of free kick.
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Real Madrid didn't show up... That Benzema goal was EXTREMELY lucky since they got it on the 3rd try - Di Maria should have squared it straight to him on the first attempt... As for CR7, he got off the first backheel and suddenly everything he tried was a fancy pass that didn't work.. He should have put it away and made the game 2-0 when he had the chance... But I can't say he's a choker since he was the star of the Copa del Rey final... He was just very absent this time...
As was expected, Iniesta and Xavi were simply a cut above the rest... Credit to the referee too since this meeting was much less hostile than the other 6 for the year.
That Copa del Rey Final is the only "big game" he's played in and made himself present. all others, he's been notably absent.....but for the header he scored against Chelsea in the CL Final.
C. Ronaldo also wasted at least 2 free kicks that I can remember. For those close free kicks yuh need a man to finesse the ball around/over the wall. That was stupid on the team's part. They should have a plan for every kind of free kick.
He is the plan. And, he won't have it any other way.
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How come nobody aint mention Ozil and his continued inabilty to hold his own in games against Barca?
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How come nobody aint mention Ozil and his continued inabilty to hold his own in games against Barca?
This is the best I've seen him play against Barca. He was decent in the supercopa too... Last season he was not impressive in the clasico though, especially his first one.
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Real Madrid played a massive game but were let down by CR7. That was the worst game I have seen him play in the last 2 years. The 2 sitters he missed would have changed the game entirely. He was also poor in possession most times. Real have found the formula, but just need everyone to play their best game at the same time in order to beat Barca.
Benzema is d truth.
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Real Madrid didn't show up...
Madness. We couldn't have watched the same game