Tottenham vs. Real Madrid - today
TheHun
Posts: 1,690
Game started at breakneck pace ... but Milan has played a stronger than expected match. Pavelechenko and Bale may be needed for Spurs. Milan bench looks sparse.
Tottenham should buy an American keeper ... Gomes is scary.
Tottenham should buy an American keeper ... Gomes is scary.
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AC Milan have fallen in stature from losing Beckham, Ronaldinho and the aging World Cup veterans. But having said that, they still are on top of the Italian League table.
The one thing they have in common with Spurs - a shoddy goalkeeper !
Poop.
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eyebone
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<< <i>Spurs through. Arsenal on the verge of crashing out of a third competition in two weeks.
Poop. >>
I actually like their chances vs. the Red Devils on Saturday.
Edit to add: That's assuming Webb isn't the assigned referee. If Howie does get the assignment then it's 2-0 MU at the half after a couple of phantom penalties. Then Sagna gets sent off for staring at Rooney real mean-like.
<< <i>Spurs better hope to be drawn against Schalke or Shaktar. I don't think they can beat Real Madrid, Barcelona or the winner of Bayern/Inter. >>
At this point I think Bayern is almost a given (though stranger things have indeed happened). There's no doubt in my mind that Spurs can hang with Hollywood. They haven't looked terribly impressive in the Bundesliga this year. And they can definitely hang with Inter, though it's true that Inter has been playing better since they fired that head case Rafa.
As far as Real/Barca goes, I completely agree. Those two teams are the class of the field, even with a gimpy Kaka.
MU vs. Chelsea
Spurs vs. Real
Shaktar vs. Barca
Inter vs. Shalke
Spurs/Real has the potential to produce some very watchable soccer. I'm also looking forward to watching a surprisingly game Shaktar team take on Barca, although I suspect the Catalonians will (as usual) be too much to handle. I'm less excited for the other two matchups, though I'm sure I'll still watch them.
spurs-real does have the the potential for some terrific soccer.
remember, mls starts this week.
eyebone
I love the Spurs/Real matchup. Aside from Shakhtar, that may have been the best pure style matchup for them.
The interesting thing for Chelsea/United is that the winner probably plays Inter, and both have great records against them. Essentially I think the winner of the English Quarter goes through to the Final. I can't even fathom a Classico in the Semis of the Champions League. I like Spurs a lot but I'm rooting for Barca/Real. Holy cow!
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<< <i>I don't love my Blues chances against United. Too many bad memories from the 08 Final - though they did beat them at the Bridge on March 1.
I love the Spurs/Real matchup. Aside from Shakhtar, that may have been the best pure style matchup for them.
The interesting thing for Chelsea/United is that the winner probably plays Inter, and both have great records against them. Essentially I think the winner of the English Quarter goes through to the Final. I can't even fathom a Classico in the Semis of the Champions League. I like Spurs a lot but I'm rooting for Barca/Real. Holy cow! >>
I feel the same way. My heart pulls for Spurs, but I can't help but long for a Barca/Real semi. If it happens that would put FOUR Barca/Real games on the schedule for the next month and change: The second game in league play, the Copa Del Ray semi, and then the two CL games.
Like you, I don't think Inter matches up well with either MU or Chelsea. Hopefully Chelsea can kick the Red Devils to the curb!
"It's a great draw, of course you'd have loved to play Schalke, but it's Real Madrid," Redknapp told Sky Sports News.
"Madrid are not in the same league as Barcelona, in my opinion, and this is a genuine opportunity for Tottenham. And no no-one wants to play against Gareth Bale; they fear him. He has become a monster and can destroy anybody. Whoever Real Madrid pick at right-back will have his hands full."
I admire his chutzpah, but that's a really bad idea. Real may not be in the same league as Barca, but they're still the second best team in the world. If I were Harry I would have taken this one Belichick-style; field the questions, say something unspeakably bland and noncontroversial, and then haul ass into the film room. Setting up your young star for failure like this seems surprisingly ill-advised for a manager who's been around this long.
I do love the 'whoever they pick at right back' bit, though, since we know one thing: The man that The Special One puts back there for these games isn't going to be that little weenie Ramos.
Chances of an all English final at Wembley is tasty. Barca yes, Real no.
<< <i>Spurs could be Euro Kings ...
Chances of an all English final at Wembley is tasty. Barca yes, Real no. >>
How about an all LONDON final in London!!!!! (Spurs/Chelsea). Now that would be spectacular...but will never happen.
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<< <i>
<< <i>Spurs could be Euro Kings ...
Chances of an all English final at Wembley is tasty. Barca yes, Real no. >>
How about an all LONDON final in London!!!!! (Spurs/Chelsea). Now that would be spectacular...but will never happen. >>
It could happen ... but not likely. I see a better chance of Spurs beating Madrid than Chelsea taking on the Manc. Not that Chelsea have been terrible - good enough to stay in the top 3 - but the jinx of Ray Wilkins will haunt them.
Besides, I need Manchester to do well as I have all my investments in Manchester United rookies - (if you think I'm serious, I also sell bridges)
Any luck has to be better than Arsenal's fate - a good team that was knocked out of 3 competitions in two weeks !
Anyway, my Liverpool crashed out of Europe - playing so bad that they made MLS look like world beaters. Although Real Salt Lake played some pretty football against the Rican side Saprissa in the Concacaf Champions League.
<< <i>
Anyway, my Liverpool crashed out of Europe - playing so bad that they made MLS look like world beaters. Although Real Salt Lake played some pretty football against the Rican side Saprissa in the Concacaf Champions League. >>
I watch a lot of football but man, if you're watching North American Champions League Football...that's hard core. I just can't do it. It's tough enough following MLB, NFL, NBA, NCAAF, NCAAB, PGA, Tennis, Boxing, EPL and UEFA for my podcast. My wife may actually murder me if I got into North American club football.
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There are only a handful of MLS teams I watch ... but then again I'm not going out of my way to watch West Bromwich Albion or Wigan Athletic, any Italian club in less than 10th place or any Spanish club other than Barca or two Madrids either ... I will watch just about any German club for their power and speed.
Come to think of it ... I will not watch NHL clubs from Florida, San Jose, Dallas, Nashville or Atlanta (what a load a crud)
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Spurs could be Euro Kings ...
Chances of an all English final at Wembley is tasty. Barca yes, Real no. >>
How about an all LONDON final in London!!!!! (Spurs/Chelsea). Now that would be spectacular...but will never happen. >>
It could happen ... but not likely. I see a better chance of Spurs beating Madrid than Chelsea taking on the Manc. Not that Chelsea have been terrible - good enough to stay in the top 3 - but the jinx of Ray Wilkins will haunt them.
Besides, I need Manchester to do well as I have all my investments in Manchester United rookies - (if you think I'm serious, I also sell bridges)
Any luck has to be better than Arsenal's fate - a good team that was knocked out of 3 competitions in two weeks !
Anyway, my Liverpool crashed out of Europe - playing so bad that they made MLS look like world beaters. Although Real Salt Lake played some pretty football against the Rican side Saprissa in the Concacaf Champions League. >>
FWIW, I think you're really underestimating Real. I can't stand that team, but they're just positively loaded. In addition to having probably the best keeper on the planet (apologies to Pepe Reina, who I adore) they have a midfield that's only rivaled by Barca. Give me DiMaria, Xabi, Ozil (maybe the best player on the team), CR7, an in-form Benzema, and I'll take my chances against anyone in the world. Oh- and they also have the best manager. Like 'em or hate 'em (I chose the latter), they are a monstrous side. Chelsea/MU, by contrast, is almost a coin flip, particularly with Ferdinand out.
Terrible thing with The Reds this week against Braga, but it's easier to digest when we recognize they were without Agger, Stevie G and of course Suarez. Hopefully they can pull it together and sneak back into European competition next year. If not, then all we have to focus on is the EPL in 2011-12, and I'll be looking for us to win that next May!
<< <i>Vito - I got no problem with that - I only watch one kind of football (where they use the feet) and hockey ... so the screen is usually on Fox Soccer Channel, GOLTV or ESPN (for soccer) ... and NHLTV when there is a lull.
There are only a handful of MLS teams I watch ... but then again I'm not going out of my way to watch West Bromwich Albion or Wigan Athletic, any Italian club in less than 10th place or any Spanish club other than Barca or two Madrids either ... I will watch just about any German club for their power and speed.
Come to think of it ... I will not watch NHL clubs from Florida, San Jose, Dallas, Nashville or Atlanta (what a load a crud) >>
Mid-tier La Liga is (in my opinion) much more watchable than mid-tier English football. I'll take an Espanyol/Bilbao matchup over something like Stoke/Bolton any day of the week.I couldn't agree more with your assessment of Serie A. I'll watch Roma, Inter, Milan, and occasionally Juve. But something like Bari/Brescia is just about unbearable.
A bit OT: I don't know if you caught the Sevilla/Barca game this weekend, but that might have been the best game in ANY league played this year.
I just cannot stomach Spanish League - I'll take Stoke and Bolton - especially with its American connections.
Did you see Bayern and Dortmund ? That was epic. How good is the Bundesliga ? Schalke fired their manager AFTER they advanced in Europa League ! The Germans have the highest attendance average in the world (around 40,000).
With Barca and Real its just like Italy - they are much better to watch in Euro competitions than in their leagues. While I think that C.Ronaldo and Messi are both excellent technical players, I'm not sure if they can do as well in EPL. But thats what the CL is played for ... the Euro Kingdom.
Tomorrow will be all day footy ... got to rest my eyes.
<< <i>Actually, I really like Jose Mourino - a football genius and a very nice guy. (I've met him a few times).
I just cannot stomach Spanish League - I'll take Stoke and Bolton - especially with its American connections.
Did you see Bayern and Dortmund ? That was epic. How good is the Bundesliga ? Schalke fired their manager AFTER they advanced in Europa League ! The Germans have the highest attendance average in the world (around 40,000).
With Barca and Real its just like Italy - they are much better to watch in Euro competitions than in their leagues. While I think that C.Ronaldo and Messi are both excellent technical players, I'm not sure if they can do as well in EPL. But thats what the CL is played for ... the Euro Kingdom.
Tomorrow will be all day footy ... got to rest my eyes. >>
Man, I missed Dortmund/Hollywood, which is really strange because I've watched God-knows how many Mainz 05/ Leverkusen/Frankfurt/Hannover type games this year. I am in lockstep with you on the Bundesliga; great soccer, absolutely amazing fans, and diving is at a minimum (are you listening, Portugal?). I'm delighted that they finally beat out Serie A in the UEFA coefficients.
<< <i>Is any team in the Premiere League more boring to watch than City when they're away? >>
Agree, but David Luiz is a crazy good pickup for Chelsea
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<< <i>
<< <i>Is any team in the Premiere League more boring to watch than City when they're away? >>
Agree, but David Luiz is a crazy good pickup for Chelsea >>
Man, isn't that the truth. He was a FANTASTIC pick-up; almost makes up for that disastrous FT9 signing (har har har)
Say what one will about Chelsea, but that team can flat-out defend. Although they seem kind of dysfunctional it wouldn't surprise me at all to see them playing in Wembley this May.
rangers 2 celtic 1 (extra-time) in scotland's league cup final at hampden park this morning.
that is all. eyebone
<< <i>hate to break up this epl chat fellas, but in really big news......
rangers 2 celtic 1 (extra-time) in scotland's league cup final at hampden park this morning.
that is all. eyebone >>
And in other news, approximately 37% of the adult men in Glasgow are now in the emergency room nursing injuries, a result of the traditional melee that immediately proceeded the game.
<< <i>hate to break up this epl chat fellas, but in really big news......
rangers 2 celtic 1 (extra-time) in scotland's league cup final at hampden park this morning.
that is all. eyebone >>
I like SPL except it's a two team league. I have no interest in watching games like Celtic/Hearts. At least EPL is a 5 team league. Yes La Liga is essentially a 2 team league too but the 3-8 teams are all usually pretty darn watchable. I need to watch more Bundesliga.
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i am hoping that someday the old firm (along with the likes of aberdeen, hearts and hibs) will become part of some larger british arrangement. similar proposals pop up from time-to-time but thus far nothing has ever come of them. maybe nothing ever will.
all that said, the old firm is still fantastic (not always the soccer, but always the atmosphere). hey, it is all we scots have. might as well enjoy days like this.
follow, follow. eyebone
guy.....was there fighting prior to kick-off that caused injury or are you just surmising? after their most recent very heated league match the glasgow police warned that the future of such fixtures may be in jeopardy as the cost of deploying extra officers both in and out of the stadium is becoming to burdensome. hope there was no crowd trouble, but i have been to the old firm before and have never had another sporting experience that can compare.....absolutely electric. one has to experience it to understand.
eyebone
Too many unskilled imports have spoiled the SPL. the English Premier League is only english in that they play in English stadiums. Sponsorship, ownership and players are foreign dominated.
But that is why it is probably the most watched league in the world.
1975 mini's
1954 Wilson Franks
That 1-0 bs defeat in December to AC is going to haunt Inter I think.
Just learning about this sport so I really have no idea about the Premier league.
Question, Do these leagues play a world type series? Or is that the World Cup?
Steve
<< <i>Meanwhile in Italy it has become a 3 team race, 3 pts. separate AC, Inter and Napoli.
That 1-0 bs defeat in December to AC is going to haunt Inter I think.
Just learning about this sport so I really have no idea about the Premier league.
Question, Do these leagues play a world type series? Or is that the World Cup?
Steve >>
Hi Steve,
The Champions League draws the best club teams from Europe from the previous year, so that's kind of like a world-type series. The leagues themselves, however, don't have a playoff system. Whoever finished at the top at the end of the regular season is the league winner.
the world cup is a competiton among national teams (italy, brazil, usa, england, etc) that is held every four years. only the 32 nations that survive a qualifying process get to compete.
conversely, europe's best club teams (based on their exploits of the previous season) compete annually in two separate, though identical, competitions: the champions league and the europa league. the former is more prestigious and typically includes all europe's elite club teams (barcelona, manchester united, inter milan, etc). the europa also includes european club teams, but typically includes those that are a notch below the aforementioned clubs.
hope this helps. eyebone
<< <i>^^^^just to add to my friend boo's explanation.....
the world cup is a competiton among national teams (italy, brazil, usa, england, etc) that is held every four years. only the 32 nations that survive a qualifying process get to compete.
conversely, europe's best club teams (based on their exploits of the previous season) compete annually in two separate, though identical, competitions: the champions league and the europa league. the former is more prestigious and typically includes all europe's elite club teams (barcelona, manchester united, inter milan, etc). the europa also includes european club teams, but typically includes those that are a notch below the aforementioned clubs.
hope this helps. eyebone >>
Excellent points. Think of the Champions League as the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Europa as the NIT.
Thanks for the replies.
Steve
<< <i>FWIW, the Champions League final (which will be in late May) is must-see TV. I believe it recently passed the Super Bowl as the most-watched annual TV event. >>
Agree. It's the best futbol on the planet too. If you watch one soccer game all year, watch that one.
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In all likelyhood, it will be Man. Utd. v Schalke and Real playing their Spanish rival Barcelona.
On a seperate note - if you want to see how your modern player cards are faring, here is the latest on EPL signings. Top investment: Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez (2010 Panini World Cup - rookie). Next best might be Luis Suarez (Panini Voetbal - Holland) Topps Match Attax will release their EPL update set that will include these players.
There were at least seven more expensive strikers signed by English Premier League clubs this season, but none has proved to be more valuable than Mexican Javier Hernandez, whose first-half goal helped Manchester United beat Chelsea, 2-1, and move into the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. The output by "Chicharito" is almost double any other player on the list. His form is in sharp contrast to that of Chelsea's $84 million signing Fernando Torres, who remained scoreless.
Most expensive EPL strikers (2010-11)
Games/Goals PLAYER (TRANSFER) FEE
11/0 *Fernando Torres (Liverpool to Chelsea) $84 million
6/2 *Andy Carroll (Newcastle to Liverpool) $58 million
15/4 *Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburg to Man. City) $46 million
10/5 *Darren Bent (Sunderland to Aston Villa) $40 million
23/10 Mario Balotelli (Inter Milan to Man. City) $40 million
7/2 *Luis Suarez (Ajax to Liverpool) $38 million
30/10 Asamoah Gyan (Rennes to Sunderland) $23 million
37/18 Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara to Man. United) $14 million
35/8 Kenwyne Jones (Sunderland to Stoke City) $14 million
25/4 Moussa Dembele (AZ to Fulham) $9 million
Note: GP/G are in all club competitions.
*January transfer.
<< <i>Hun am I to understand that Inter has to win 4-0 to advance? >>
Hi Steve,
Inter lost 5-2 in the first leg. Each one of these ties is a 'total goals' tie, which means the team that scores the most goals after two legs is the team that advances. In the case where each team has scored the same number of goals the team with the most away goals advances. If THAT'S also even then we go to PK's.
So, looking at the Inter case, if they score four goals and blank Shalke then they will win 6-5 on aggregate. Leonardo himself said that this was 'unrealistic', so it's hard to get too excited for Inter when their own coach thinks they're done, but the certainly have the talent to pull it off so who knows.
<< <i>After today's games - Tottenham-Real Madrid and Inter Schalke we will know the final four for the Champions League.
In all likelyhood, it will be Man. Utd. v Schalke and Real playing their Spanish rival Barcelona.
On a seperate note - if you want to see how your modern player cards are faring, here is the latest on EPL signings. Top investment: Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez (2010 Panini World Cup - rookie). Next best might be Luis Suarez (Panini Voetbal - Holland) Topps Match Attax will release their EPL update set that will include these players.
There were at least seven more expensive strikers signed by English Premier League clubs this season, but none has proved to be more valuable than Mexican Javier Hernandez, whose first-half goal helped Manchester United beat Chelsea, 2-1, and move into the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. The output by "Chicharito" is almost double any other player on the list. His form is in sharp contrast to that of Chelsea's $84 million signing Fernando Torres, who remained scoreless.
Most expensive EPL strikers (2010-11)
Games/Goals PLAYER (TRANSFER) FEE
11/0 *Fernando Torres (Liverpool to Chelsea) $84 million
6/2 *Andy Carroll (Newcastle to Liverpool) $58 million
15/4 *Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburg to Man. City) $46 million
10/5 *Darren Bent (Sunderland to Aston Villa) $40 million
23/10 Mario Balotelli (Inter Milan to Man. City) $40 million
7/2 *Luis Suarez (Ajax to Liverpool) $38 million
30/10 Asamoah Gyan (Rennes to Sunderland) $23 million
37/18 Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara to Man. United) $14 million
35/8 Kenwyne Jones (Sunderland to Stoke City) $14 million
25/4 Moussa Dembele (AZ to Fulham) $9 million
Note: GP/G are in all club competitions.
*January transfer. >>
I was at our local soccer shop last week buying some outdoor cleats. They have a bunch of replica jerseys for sale, and of course a bunch of 'Rooney 10''s are prominently displayed, so out of curiosity I asked him how those sell. He said they move a few Rooney shirts now and then (along with Giggs), but that far and away the biggest MU seller this year had been Chicharito.
Hey boo don't forget to cry yourself into a pool of tears about Crosby. But you can make yourself feel better by doing twenty Russian pushups, you don't have to do them all in a row.
Hey this is sports talk, you guys got the stuff er wut?
1) No Ramos, which I guess makes sense given that Bale would positively chew him up. Also, Pepe is suspended.
2) Adebayor gets the nod over Benzema or Higuian.
3) No DiMaria for Real either. This seems weird.
4) The Spurs lineup looks about how you would expect it to look, though I'm a little surprised Lennon isn't in there somewhere.
Boo, thanks for the explanation.