A Common Fan’s Sports Diary

Time to look at all the sup-plots from the 2009 Champions League final

It’s a little late to be doing this and it hurts as I remember the match but I needed to write this. So let’s quickly get this over with.

The White Jerseys

I am not implying that United lost because they played in white and not in their traditional red. But I can’t remember United winning a major final playing in white. There had been a lot of talk of United never having lost a major final but someone forgot to mention that they had actually dressed as the ‘Red’ Devils for all those finals they won. I didn’t have a good feeling as I saw them come out of the tunnel in white. I think it’s unfair to let only one side wear their home colours. If the jerseys clash then ask both to wear some other colour.

Memories of the 1994 Final

Barcelona were missing most of their defensive stalwarts and were expected to be vulnerable at the back. And then when United started in whirlwind fashion it looked as if a repeat of the 1994 final was on the cards. That was when another Barcelona side dubbed the ‘Dream Team’ had been played off the park 4-0 by AC Milan. Suddenly, the white jerseys looked like a good omen –Milan had also played in white ‘away’ jerseys on that night in 1994. Sadly, all such hopes vanished when Eto’o scored.

Memories of the 1999 Final

Even the commentators kept mentioning this. First there was an early goal like in 1999. Then United failed to mount a strong comeback finding no rhythm whatsoever. Van Der Saar, like Schmeichel in 1999, kept his side in the game preventing Barca from scoring again. And then it looked eerily similar when Xavi hit the post, just like Mehmet Scholl had done ten years ago. Then Messi scored to ensure that there were no more similarities.

A story of two tackles

United’s defensive lapse in the first goal has received less attention than it should have. First they allowed Iniesta to go on a long surging run with no one making an attempt to close him down or tackle him. The diminutive midfielder managed to thread the perfect pass to Eto’o who easily beat Vidic’s wild tackle and scored. A little while earlier, having been beaten by Ronaldo, Pique body checked the Portuguese to stop him from entering the Barca box unattended. United were supposedly the stronger defensive side but on this night Barca made the more important tackle.

Pique – from not good enough to too damn good

Unable to give him regular first team football, United let Gerard Pique go to Barcelona for almost nothing. The Catalan has since established himself as the defensive mainstay of Barca. And on this night he marshalled the makeshift defence superbly and single-handedly outshone the pair of Vidic and Ferdinand. Apart from the body check, he made a crucial block and was there to snuffle out every single one of United’s attacks. When United loan out players, they stipulate that the player cannot play against the Red Devils. If only they had made a similar agrrement then they let Pique go to Barcelona

What about Cristiano Ronaldo

How does this performance affect his plans to go to Madrid? He conclusively lost his ‘best player in the world’ battle with Messi. Going to Real Madrid gives him two guaranteed shots at renewing the rivalry every year. He might not get a chance to do that United in the near future. On the other hand, United have a good young nucleus which will return to many more finals and Ronaldo will always be the centre of their attack and of media attention. He is the crown prince of premiership football. He will have to challenge Messi for that title in Spain. And with Raul still around, he will not even be the numero uno star at Real Madrid. Alex Ferguson always learns from his defeats and will do everything possible to ensure that Ronaldo and United are not humiliated like this again. There is a very good case for him to stay back at Old Trafford

A depressing night for United

United have been embarrassed in Europe before, most recently by AC Milan in the second leg of the2007 semi-final. But this was worse. This was the biggest stage of them all – the final between two champion sides – two sides who take pride in playing attacking football of the highest quality. Other than losing the title of European Champions, United were also embarrassingly rendered as toothless and impotent as they failed to even make a match out of it.

And as Red Devils, who have been feed on a diet of beautiful one touch passing, you couldn’t even hate Barcelona for displaying something that you have long admired. And that made the experience even more frustrating – you couldn’t even vent your disappointment at your opponent. Hats off to Barcelona for having managed to do that

What were United missing?

Last year, I did an analysis of United’s European defeats and they showed some common traits, most notably an absence of mid-field toughness and lack of leadership on the pitch. The currently injured Owen Hargreaves had been signed to give steel to the mid-field and protect the back four. Anderson has been a suitable replacement on most occasions but on this night his inexperience clearly showed. As for their leader, Rio Ferdinand, he wasn’t even a patch on the likes of Roy Keane and Gary Neville.

And finally

The defeat takes nothing away from the fact that United had another fantastic European campaign with some memorable wins and have the side to be back in many more finals. Alex Ferguson has built a wonderful side which on most nights can compete with any side in Europe. Thanks to Fergie and his men for giving us another season full of great European nights.

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What match-up do you want to see in the Champions League final

This year's final is bound to have a mouth watering match-up

The Draw for the Champions League Semis; Chelsea- Barcelona and Man United – Arsenal, while mouth-watering in itself, sets up the possibility of a very interesting finals match-up. Each of the four possibilities is extremely fascinating; both in terms of the action on and off the field, the history between the two sides and the other associated story lines.

The football fans are really spoilt for choice here.

So let’s look at each of the 4 potential show downs and identify the reasons why we would want to see a final featuring these two sides.

Chelsea – Man United – These two sides gave us 120 minutes of attacking football in last year’s final – a rarity in ECL finals and therefore, this match-up would be the first choice for those who are bored of the safety first defensive approaches which are the staple of such occasions. This would also pit two of the greatest managers of the last 20 years, Guus Hiddink and Alex Ferguson, and that would be a real battle of wits. And finally, there is the revenge and redemption angle as well, a chance for John Terry to exorcise his worst nightmare. Man United’s successes over Chelsea in the last two Premier league races, in the last ECL final and in their last encounter has resulted in the sacking of Mourinho, Avram Grant and Phil Scolari respectively. Another triumph could bust all the euphoria over Hiddink and herald the arrival of yet another new manager at Stamford Bridge.

The battle Royale

Man United –Barcelona – This final would determine a lot of things. The battle between two of the most dominant and attack-minded teams in Europe would settle the debate, about who are the real Kings of the continent. As the leaders of their respective leagues, this clash will also be billed as the showdown between the Primera Liga and the Premier League. The two best players in world football, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would come together for a long –awaited duel which will give one set of supporters the bragging rights as the fans of the best player in football. In addition, hostilities will be resumed between United and their old foe, Thierry Henry.

This final could prove one man right

Barcelona – Arsenal – As the rematch of another final, the 2006 one, this match will also re-kindle passions of revenge and deliverance. A much greater twist will be added by the presence of Thierry Henry. Losing the 2006 final forced Henry to leave Arsenal in pursuit of trophies. A win would justify his decision, although it will be ironic to see one of the greatest Gunners ever, denying the club, their long awaited place in the annals of the European greats. A loss would make the Frenchman a massive loser – the only person to end up on the losing side in both Barcelona – Arsenal finals. An Arsenal win will be doubly sweet for Arsene Wenger as the triumph will vindicate his decision to let Henry leave rather than compromise on his youth policy. It will shut up his critics once and for all.

Arsenal – Chelsea – Thanks to their lack of European pedigree, these two clubs are the second class citizens of the Premiership Big 4. After this final, there will be only one set of supporters suffering from an inferiority complex. It will also be a contest of two contrasting philosophies – the most frugal big name club in Europe with an unwavering belief in the power of youth and the biggest spenders in the history of the game with a penchant to throw obscene money at established superstars. Liverpool and United have foiled Abramovich’s European ambitions in the past and Arsenal could become the third English club to do so, also becoming the third Premiership side to win the title, the Russian craves the most, since the time he heralded the Russian revolution at Chelsea. It could well be the final straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Personally, I want to see United play Barcelona. You tell us which final match-up you want to watch.

Even the talismen of Liverpool will find it difficult to overcome this crushing debacle

A high-flying side chasing multiple titles takes on a hated adversary in a high-profile clash at home. Gets an early goal and it looks as if they will coast to victory. Their opponents slowly claw back into the game and then literally blow them away, tearing their defence to smithereens. A historic win for the opposition and a morale crushing defeat for the high-flyers – one which brings them crashing down to earth.

Liverpool did this to Man Utd last month and look what’s happened to the Champions ever since – there is no confidence in the side, no rhythm in attack and tentative is a euphemism for their defence.
Liverpool were dealt an almost identical blow last night by their hated ECL rivals, Chelsea. The Old Trafford triumph gave a massive boost to the Merseysiders and turned the EPL title race back into a two horse one. Chelsea will get a similar lift from their conquest of Liverpool and the possibility of the race turning into a three –way chase cannot be ruled out.

Crash-landings like these are crushing and it is difficult to see Liverpool escaping without any scars.

Finally Roman could have found his man

The Legend of Guus

Another chapter was added to the storied career of Guus Hiddink. The same Chelsea side were beaten by both Man Utd and Liverpool, not too long ago. And look what they have done now. It was easily the most convincing performance by either side in the five year history of Liverpool-Chelsea clashes in the Champions League. The English FA were undecided on whether to hire the Dutchman when he was available and their dithering and indecisiveness pissed him off. Luckily for them, they managed to hire Capello. What are odds of Hiddink signing a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge?

Another European night at Old Trafford where United's defense collapsed against an unfancied opponent

Déjà Vu for United

While Liverpool were getting a taste of their own medicine, Man Utd relived the horrors of one of their worst European nights. And I am not talking of the defeat to Porto in 2004. I am referring instead to the 2-2 draw they suffered at Old Trafford against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League semis in 2002. That year also, Utd had got the luck of the draw, facing an unfancied Bayer side in the semis.

Unfortunately for them, the Germans passed the ball around beautifully and almost played United off the park. United were horrible in defence and had no answers to the trio of Ballack, Basturk and Bernd Schneider, just about escaping with a draw. And if they need any more bad tidings, they drew 1-1 in the return leg and crashed out of the competition, after conceding another late goal.

A silver lining in the dark cloud

Liverpool have a near impossible task of overturning the first leg deficit. They have a far better chance of challenging for the League title. One can argue that the return leg clash is now less important than the remaining premiership fixtures. So how about resting their big guns and saving them for the more important games instead. I am sure the Anfield faithful will not mind as long as it improves their chances of winning the league. Man Utd on the other hand have a realistic chance of making the semis and cannot afford their players any such luxury. The premiership race could come down to how much hunger and energy the players of the two teams have in the final stretch. Thanks to the defeat Liverpool are actually better placed on that front than United. The crushing defeat could well be a blessing in disguise.

So who are the favourites?

As we have seen, form in the ECL can change from one round to the other. So it is still too early to predict the champion. But which was the most impressive side in the first leg games?

Barcelona enhanced their reputation as favourites with a brilliant attacking display at the Nou Camp. But in spite of that virtuoso performance, the laurel of the best side rests with Chelsea; for the sheer tenacity and mental fortitude that they displayed. Anfield is an intimidating fortress on European nights and it requires supreme self belief for a visiting side to not just recover from an early but totally impose their dominance on the game. Attacking firepower is great to have but it is the self belief and mental strength which will count for more in the final reckoning. And that is why Chelsea look best equipped to go all the way

Pizarro and Sheva - the Blue of Chelsea didn't suit them

Claudio Pizarro scored a vital equalizer for Werder Bremen on the same night and the very next day another Chelsea flop Andriy Shevchenko scored the winner for AC Milan in the UEFA Cup.

Talk of a club having bad karma

I hope Roman Abramovich got the message.

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The panel talks about the Champions League final, Valencia’s free fall , a selfish Ronaldo ,what Wenger needs to learn from the ladies and more. Listen to all the arguments here

Manchester United are back in the semi-finals of the Champions league with their commanding win over Roma and this has set up a mouth watering clash between United and Barcelona – two of the finest attacking sides in Europe. United have been impressive in the competition so far, topping the group phase with ease and dispatching Lyon without too much of fuss in the second round. Their performance in the Stadio Olimpico; the site of Roma’s wins over United last year and Real Madrid this year was indicative of a side at the peak of its prowess and in control of its destiny. But will we be seeing United lift the title in Moscow? For all their exploits so far, their historical big-game record is uninspiring. This competition has seen umpteen seasons of early brilliance and heart-breaking collapses from the Red Devils. They have been extremely consistent in dominating the early rounds and then faltering a round or two before the finals.

Doing a semi-final prediction based on the squad strengths and current form of United and Barcelona will only make partial sense. The Red Devils need to be compared to themselves. Does this side have that extra bit to be different from the sides which suffered from stage fright in the later knock-out rounds? Is it as well equipped- both physically and mentally to match the 1998-99 team which went all the way? Has there been a common pattern to these disappointments and is there something Alex Ferguson needs to especially watch out for? The answers to all these questions lie in United’s Champions League past.

Season – 1996-97

Exit – Semi-final to Borussia Dortmund
Great Expectations – A 4-0 victory over Porto in the quarters had raised expectations for the United faithful. Borussia were not expected to be too much of a challenge.
Heartbreak – United lost both legs to Borussia Dortmund by the identical margin of 0-1. They had a million opportunities to score in the return leg at Old Trafford but the pressure got to them and they failed miserably.

Key Factoids

• Man United had been poor away from home losing to both Juventus and Fenerbahce in the group stages. They continued the trend by losing tamely in the first leg. As a result they were always playing catch up.
• To add to the pressure, they conceded an early home goal and then for all their attacking play, crumbled under the pressure.
  United needed leadership in Old Trafford and Eric Cantona failed to inspire them. He wasn’t equipped to do it in the first place. A fact well known to his national coach Aime Jacquet who dropped him from the French side.

Season – 1999-2000

Exit – Quarter- final to Real Madrid
Great Expectations – United had topped both their group stages, whereas Real just about managed to finish group runner-up on goal difference. The Spaniards were considered to be there for the taking based on their poor form.
Heartbreak – After a goalless draw in the Bernabeau, United needed to win at Old Trafford. They conceded an early goal and faced with the target of scoring two goals; went on an all-out attack. The defense was left exposed and Real took them to the cleaners.

Key Factoids

• Another United side who were bad travellers having lost away games to the likes of Fiorentina and Marseille. A goal in Madrid could have gone a long way in building confidence for the return leg. In spite of the draw in the first leg, the pressure to score was on United.
• The opening goal in Old Trafford was an own-goal – a killer blow to the psyche of the Red Devils.

Season – 2001-02

Exit – Semi – final to Bayer Leverkusen
Great Expectations – This was supposed to be a cakewalk. United had topped both their group stages. They had won both the home and away legs against quarter-final opponents, Deportivo La Coruna. Bayer made it into the quarters with a last day victory. Bayer were a bunch of unknown players.
Heartbreak – Both legs were drawn and Bayer progressed on the away goals rule. United led in both legs but couldn’t close out for a win.

Key Factoids

• For once, United started with a home tie and couldn’t make it count. They took the lead twice in the first tie at home and couldn’t protect it. A team which concedes twice in a home opener is generally not expected to progress.
• The Bayer duo of Ballack and Basturk dominated the midfield; even in the first tie at Old Trafford. United were missing David Beckham. A wicked tackle by Aldo Duscher long after the United- Depor tie was settled kept Becks out. Sadly, United lacked a suitable replacement for him.

Season – 2002-03

Exit – Quarter- final to Real Madrid
Great Expectations – Another season when United topped both group stages and looked good for more. For once they had managed an impressive away win as well – over Juve in Turin.
Heartbreak – The first leg was in Madrid and the Galacticos kicked into top gear. Real won 3-1 and the tie was as good as over. United went all out in the return leg and left the barn door open for Ronaldo to score a hat trick. United won 4-3 but wasn’t quite enough

Key Factoids

• United were horrible in the first away leg. The Madrid players were running riot in the United half and the Red Devils could have lost by many more.
• At Old Trafford, Alex Ferguson kept Beckham on the bench till late in the game and the score at 2-3 in Real’s favour. Beckham came on and scored twice. A tactical mistake on the manager’s part??

Season – 2006-07

Exit – Semi- final to AC Milan
Great Expectations – United vanquished AS Roma 7-1 in the quarter-final return leg in an attacking master class. Their offense was expected to steam-roll over Milan’s ageing defense.
Heartbreak – United won the first leg 3-2 and in spite of the two away goals, were quite upbeat about their chances. They were in for a rude shock. Milan blew them away in the San Siro. The final score line, Milan 3 United 0.

Key Factoids

• AC Milan won the crucial midfield battle behind the classy Seedorf and the fiery Gattuso. While Kaka roamed free to torment the United defense, Gattuso marked Cristiano Ronaldo out of the game.
• The 7-1 score sheltered the 2-1 defeat United suffered in the first leg in Rome. This team was also a poor traveller and completely unravelled in the cauldron of the San Siro.
• United were thin on defensive resources and forced to play a half –fit Nemanja Vidic. The ramshackle defense conceded a total of 5 goals.

We have gathered enough pointers to explain Manchester United’s poor run in big European games. We will now juxtapose the current side and the title-winning side of 1998-99 under the microscope of these observations. This exercise will shed light on whether the class of 2007-08 can be as successful in breaking the pattern of big match chokers.

Away form

Manchester United have mostly been poor in away games; even in the early stages. The 1998-99 side was different as they never lost an away game. They drew with Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan and beat Juventus on their travels. The current side is just as good. They have an away victory and a draw against Roma and a draw against Lyon.

Depth of the Side

United have been frequently undone by lack of squad depth. In the 1998-99 final, United had the luxury of sending on Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as super substitutes. The current side is even better. Alex Ferguson has most of his spots well-covered. Unlike last year, he will not have to call upon an injured Vidic.

Midfield Energy

Roy Keane was at the peak of his prowess in 1998-99 and the driving force behind United’s run to the final. So much so, that he was the most sought after midfielder in Europe after that season. He was there to thwart the Edgar Davids and the Stefan Effenbergs of the world. United have never had another one like him. Well now they do. Fergie’s successful pursuit of Owen Hargreaves finally provides United an antidote to the likes of Gattuso and Makalele. In Anderson, they even have a double whammy.

Conceding goals at home

United know how to score for sure. But often concede one too many, especially at home. Except for Borussia Dortmund, they conceded at least 2 home goals in each of the aforementioned defeats. The 1998-99 side had a clean sheet against Inter in the quarters and let in one against Juve in the semis. The current United side has managed to keep clean sheets against Roma and Lyon at home. Moreover, they have just conceded a total of 7 goals in 17 premiership home games.

Leadership and Courage

When the going gets tough in Europe, United fold and roll over. It all comes down to lack of leadership and courage. The one glorious exception happened on an April night at the Della Alpi in 1999. Down by 2 goals within ten minutes of the start, United refused to give up. Roy Keane rallied his troops and led them to a great victory. Does the current side have similar heart and courage? The return of Gary Neville will provide a lot of strong-willed leadership. Winning records against Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool speaks of United’s big match intensity. They showed tremendous grit and character in their comeback victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford. Looks like they are totally up for it.

Alex Ferguson has endured numerous European setbacks over the years. His sides have often fallen short of what it takes for Champions League success. But he has learnt from his mistakes. He has identified his team’s shortcomings and worked diligently to overcome them. Bit by bit, he has managed to put together a side whose ability and character can match their manager’s ambitions. The Manchester United side of 2007-08 is ready for every Champions League challenge.