Champions League 11/12 Preview - Group C

Group C

Manchester United FC

Last season:

1st Premiership

Champions League runners-up

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

Key Man: Wayne Rooney

Stadium: Old Trafford, Capacity 75,975



Manchester United continued their domination of English football by winning their 19th league title, and progressing to their third Champions League final in four years. Sir Alex Ferguson finally has his United challenging for major European honours on a yearly basis, with nothing less expected than reaching the latter stages of the Champions League.

Man United have replaced outgoing experienced, established stars, with energetic, exciting and enthusiastic youth. De Gea has replaced Van Der Sar in goal, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in defence, Tom Cleverly and Ashley Young in midfield, and Danny Welbeck with Javier Hernandez up front.

Expected United to be challenging once again.

Best Starting XI:



FC Basel 1893

Last season:

1st Swiss Super League

Europa League, round of 32

Uhren Cup

Manager: Thorsten Fink

Key Man: Yann Sommer

Stadium: St. Jacob Park, Capacity 38,500



The 14 times Swiss Super League winners make their return to the Champions’ League group stages after gaining automatic qualification thanks to their Super League title. This Basel side boast five full Swiss national first team players (more than any other club), as well of two of the most promising players in Europe; midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri and goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Also keep an eye on Swiss legend and goal machine Alexander Frei, who has 46 goals in 61 appearances for the club.

Best Starting XI:



FC Otelul Galati

Last season:

1st Romanian Liga I

Supercupa Romaniei

Manager: Dorinel Munteanu

Key Man: Sergiu Costin

Stadium: Otelul, 13,500



Champions League new boys, Galati is a town on the west coast of Romania, Otelul is the main football club and last year’s Romanian league champions (the first time in their history). Similar to many other football fans, I don’t know too much about the Romanian side, but there are two web pages with have a little more details on the obscurely known club.

Best Starting XI:



SL Benfica

Last season:

2nd Primeira Liga

League Cup

Champions League, Group stage

Europa League, Semi-finals

Manager: Jorge Jesus

Key Man: Oscar Cardozo

Stadium: Estadio de Luiz, Capacity 65,647



Benfica had a frustrating season last year, falling short on both the domestic and European front. They finished miles behind Andres Villas-Boas’ Porto side in the league and they lost to eventual Europa League finalists SC Braga in the semi-finals last season, beating Paris Saint Germain, PSV and Stuttgart en route.

They’ve lost one of their best players in Fabio Coentrao to Real Madrid, but signed midfielder Axel Witsel, left backs Emerson and Joan Capdevila, centre-back Ezequiel Garay and winger Enzo Perez to add to a very good squad. Benfica beat FC Twente 5-3 on aggregate in the Champions League play-offs.

Best Starting XI:

Arthur – Emerson, Luisao, Garay, Maxi Pereira – Javi Garcia, Witsel, Aimar – Gaita, Nolito, Cardozo

Barclays Premier League 2011/12 Preview - Manchester United

Manchester United

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

Captain: Nemanja Vidic

Last Season: 1st

In:

David De Gea – Athletico Madrid – £17.6 million
Phil Jones – Blackburn – £17.6 million
Ashley Young – Aston Villa - £15.8 million

Out:

John O’Shea – Sunderland – £4 million
Wes Brown – Sunderland – £1.3 million
Bébé – Besiktas – £880,000
Paul Scholes – Retirement
Edwin Van Der Sar – Retirement
Owen Hargreaves – Free



This Season:

Manchester United was “weaker” last season, and it wasn’t one of Sir Alex Ferguson's “strongest sides” but they still won that coverted 19th league title, knocking Liverpool “off their perch”. That side who was led by the talismanic Wayne Rooney, who was abject before Christmas, but transformed his form at the turn of the year scoring vital times against noisy neighbours, as well as that elegant hat trick against West Ham were the stand out moment of his season. Defensive rock Nemanja Vidic also led the list of plaudits, and the vastly improving Nani, who hit 10 goals and got 15 assists last season, as well as the brilliant Edwin Van Der Sar all contributed to Manchester United claiming that symbolic 19th league title.

Javier Hernandez was another stand out name who had a fantastic season last year, and now with the addition of winger Ashley Young, who has already shown he's hungry for success, and United’s future defensive pairing of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling (the latter who has been filling in at right back and doing a great job) along with the returning Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverly from successful loan spells, not only do Manchester United have quality new additions, but have strength in depth to add to the abundance of youth at the club. De Gea, and Welbeck, 20, Smalling, Cleverly, Fabio and Rafael, all 21, Anderson, Hernandez, both 23, and Nani, aged just 24 shows that the future certainly is bright for Manchester United.

That blend of experience and youth, pace, power and ability will lead Manchester United to the front of the pack, leaving the others in their wake. A strong Champions League challenge has become the norm, while I’m sure Sir Alex Ferguson would like to get his hands on the FA Cup trophy. They are Real Talk Football’s favourites for the title, but will have a long tough season ahead.

Prediction: 1st

Best Starting XI



One to watch this season: Tom Cleverly

Is it more of the season for Manchester United this season? How will they fair against the new City challenge? Leave a comment below

UEFA Champions League Final - London 2011

Well... Where do I start? What a fantastic game of football. Definitely one of the best matches I've seen, let alone one of the best finals ever. Am I over exaggerating? Not one bit in my honest opinion.

I found the final captivating, and couldn't take my eyes of the Television for one minute. Both teams wanted to win so much, and both managers pledged before the game that both their respective sides would stick their own particular styles of play, their attacking mentalities and their football philosophy.

The result, we were treated to an open, expansive attacking match, between undoubtedly the two best football sides in the world, and the two best managers in the modern game. Sir Alex Ferguson; an established great, and Pep Guardiola; a future great in the game.

Barcelona, as some expected, were clear favourites, although not many people would’ve begrudge Manchester United victory. Barca did however, somewhat unexpectedly, lined up with Javier Mascherano pairing Gerard Pique at centre-back, Dani Alves (who missed the 2009 final due to suspension) playing right-back, and Eric Abidal was lining up a left-back. We all know his inspirational story in the lead up to this final. The rest of the Barcelona side picked themselves.

Manchester United lined up in a 4-4-2/4-4-1-1 formation, with Fabio given the nod at right-back as part of a familiar Manchester United back five, Antonio Valencia on the right side on midfield, Park Ji-Sung on the left, ahead of Nani, and Ryan Giggs pairing Michael Carrick in centre midfield. Darren Fletcher wasn’t deemed fit enough to start, and only made the bench, while Javier Hernandez was giving a starting berth up front with Wayne Rooney.

Manchester United started the game, and came flying out of the blocks, but were unable to really test Victor Valdes. It was a case of having all the possession, but failing to really make any real use of it. As what happened in 2009, Barcelona started nervously, but managed to finally get a grip of the game and managed to put considerable pressure on Man United.

The breakthrough for Barca came 27 minutes, whereby Xavi managed to break through the United midfield, and with the defence backing off the midfield maestro (something that was set to be the tone for the rest of the match) Xavi picked out a lovely diagonal pass into Pedro, who calmly side-footed the ball past Edwin Van Der Sar to give the Catalan side the lead.


After taking the lead, Barca released their foot off the pedal, and allowed Manchester United to come back into the game. After 34 mins, capitalising on a Barcelona throw it, Englishman Wayne Rooney picked up the ball mid way through the Barcelona half, played a one-two with Carrick, then a one-two with Giggs, and hit a rasping curling shot into the back of the Barcelona back. A great goal to finish off a great United move.

Level at 1-1, with Barcelona pressing, and around a minute to go before half time, one of the most interesting things I’ve ever seen, was Sir Alex Ferguson giving no less than can be described as a “bollocking” to striker Wayne Rooney on the sideline. He had been fuming at Rooney for dropping so deep. Naturally Rooney drops deep, and wants to be involved all the time. That’s how Rooney has grown in to one of the best forwards in the game today, but Ferguson was clearly frustrated.


At half-time, Barcelona had 67% total possession, with 8 attempts on goal, compared to Manchester United two.

The story of the game so far, was Xavi was getting too much space in midfield, Lionel Messi was dropping off the Manchester United defenders and finding space and having a huge influence on the game. Gerard Pique was dominating defensively, while Javier Hernandez was possibly offside more times than he actually touched the ball. Positively for United, Wayne Rooney looked like he could win the game single handily, as he was so amped up for the game. Fifteen minutes for us all to gather our breaths.

The second half kicked off, and unfortunately for Manchester United, it had looked like a long season had finally taken it’s toll. A fatigued looking United side were no more match for the Barcelona side who had just seemingly notched it up to another gear and began to dominate in every area of the pitch. And it due course, nine minutes after half time, Lionel Messi’s growing influence finally took charge, powering home a left footed shot past Edwin Van Der Sar. Barcelona ecstatic, Man United; deflated.


Not for resting on their laurels, Barca poured forward and continued to pummel United. With a brief moment of respite, Ferguson made his move, bringing on Nani for Fabio, with the terribly anonymous Antonio Valencia dropping into the right back position. It’s was to prove a poor move, as immediately coming on, and clearly no switched on, the dazzling feet of Lionel Messi zoomed past the Portuguese winger, and broke down the right hand side, and laid the ball to Busquets who cut it to David Villa, a man who had been criticised for his lack of goals and sloppy performances recently, picked an absolute beauty of finish, bending the ball into the top corner. A sensational finish, and the final nail in the coffin.


The final twenty minutes saw Barcelona do what they do best; keep possession. Manchester United’s only real shout of getting back into the game being a hand ball claim by Ryan Giggs against David Villa, but referee Viktor Kassai wasn’t interested.

After three minutes added time, the ref blew the whistle for full time, and brought down the curtain on one of the best Champions League finals in recent memory. Barcelona players were overjoyed, with every trophy win as important as the last, while Sir Alex Ferguson managed a wry smile on his face, as he clearly felt that Barca was the better side and that his Manchester United side had done him proud. They were indeed, just beaten by the better side.


The full time stats were as follows:

Barcelona 68% possession to Manchester United's 32%
Barcelona had 12 attempts on target, 4 off target, to Man United's 1 on target, with 2 off
Manchester United had 0 corners, compared to 6 by Barcelona
Manchester United committed 16 fouls to Barcelona's 5





Manchester United attempted 350 passes, completing 280. That's 80% completion rate
Barcelona attempted 773 passes, completing 692. That's 89% completion rate

The average age of the Manchester United squad was 29.6 years old
The average age of the Barcelona squad was 27.2 years old

The individual stats are as follows:

Lionel Messi had 5 attempts on goal, with 3 on target, scoring 1 goal
Wayne Rooney had 2 attempts on goal, with 1 on target, scoring 1 goal

The passing stats are in the photo below


Below is how both teams individual's influence in different area's of the pitch



Xavi was the best passed on the pitch, completing 141 of an attempted 148 passes. That's an astonishing 95.3% completion rate. If it wasn't for Messi's influence over the match, he would of been my man of the match. Below is a graphic of all his passes.


All stats courtesy the TotalFootball iPhone App

The reason this game was such high-quality, in my opinion not only because of calibre of players on show, but the way in which both sides conducted themselves. There was no play acting. No long ball tactics. No persistent fouling, no red cards and no surrounding of the referee debating every decision. The latter we saw creeping more and more into Barcelona's methods, evident in previous games in this Champions League campaign, that of which I lost a little bit of respect for them for. However in this game, there was a great degree of sportsmanship from both sides, and this is something that has not been publicised as much as the media, as sometimes it's just too easy to highlight poor behaviour on a football field.

This game of course is a demonstration that at my age, this Barcelona side is the best side I’ve ever seen. The way they attack, press opponents, and the way they just implement their own philosophy on the football field is a joy to marvel at.

Also, let’s not take away from the English side in this final. It’s testament to Manchester United, who played their part, and gave it a real go. Sir Alex Ferguson could have easily packed the midfield with five midfielders, sat deep and waited till the last 20 minutes to throw on both Nani and Hernandez and take an educated risk. In the beginning, he took a small risk playing two forwards, and it unfortunately didn’t pay off.

Barcelona had too much space in midfield, and the United defence were too deep for my liking. When Arsenal beat Barcelona this season, they pressed really high up the pitch, squeezed the midfield, and took risky sharp short passing in order to surpass the Barcelona pressure, and eventually hit them on the counter attack. Ferguson had his own game plan and it just wasn’t the right one on this occasion.



What next for both clubs?

Well this Barcelona team could definitely regain the Champions League trophy, and be the first to do so since it’s reformatting in the early 90’s. There is a mix of youth, experience and match winners in their squad, as well as an outstanding football philosophy and a hungry talented manager in charge. I would be happy to see them dominate over the next few years, because if you love football, then you must appreciate how fantastic this Barcelona team play, and just sit back and take it some the things they do on the pitch.

As for United, Ferguson is not done. He says he still feels good, and isn’t going anywhere. The club have been successful this season, and this defeat is only a small set back. They will surely need to rebuild, as some of the most senior players are reaching the end of their careers. Paul Scholes will probably retire this summer, Ryan Giggs probably has one year remaining at the top, goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar is now retired, along with Gary Neville. Considerable areas of the pitch, which require some considerable investment.

No matter what happens this summer, and next season, both teams can look back on this game with a proud sense of achievement, both of how far they came, and at participating in an incredible game of football. Would we take the same final again next season? I know I could definitely sit down and enjoy a third instalment of these two heavyweights in years to come.


Real Talk Football

UEFA Champions League Final 2011

The line-up for the Champions League final has been confirmed for the past two weeks, and Wembley stadium is all set to host the two biggest clubs in the world, for the most coveted prize in football.

On the 28th May Manchester United will take on FC Barcelona in North London, both teams vying for their fourth European Cup.

There are lots of exciting match ups all over the pitch, including: Xavi and Iniesta vs. Manchester United’s two or three man midfield. Ferdinand and Vidic vs. Messi, Villa and Pedro. Seeing how pantomime villain Segio Busquets handles the movement and creativeness of Wayne Rooney. Even in form striker Javier Hernandez against Barcelona icon Charles Puyol.

It’s intriguing, and the list could go on forever. No one is doubting that this is the best final available, and the two top teams in the world, with one of the greatest managers of all time against a steady rising manager, who is on his own path to etching his name into Football folk law as one of the greatest of all time already.


The main protagonist for Barcelona this season, as usual, has been the World Player of the Year Lionel Messi. His goal scoring record in the Champions League tells only half the story of his influence on this Barcelona side. He has hit 11 goals in 11 Champions League appearances, but his all round performances have driven this Barcelona side forward.

The 23 year old has 49 goals in all competitions this season, coming from 51 appearances. The man who joined Barcelona aged just 13 years old from Argentinean side Newell’s Old Boys, after Barcelona had taken the youngster from the poverty ridden streets of Rosario, took him to Europe, and paid all his expensive medical bills (due to him being diagnosed growth hormone deficiency and threatened to halt his career) in order for him to sign with the club.

He was seen as one of the brightest talents in World football, and he has repaid Barcelona back in kind, with him not only considered as the best in the world, but he's establishing himself as one of the best players of all time.

Already with 5 La Liga titles, 4 Spanish Super Cups, 2 UEFA Champions League medals, a UEFA Super Cup, a Copa Del Rey and a FIFA Club World Cup under his belt, not to mention over 40 individual accolades, Messi is could undoubtedly be the difference maker on the grandest stage.


The main men for Manchester United have been Goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar and Centre-back Nemanja Vidic. These two have played 8 of the 12 possible Champions League, helping them achieve the best defensive record in the tournament, only conceding 3 goals. In those eight games, Manchester United have kept six away clean sheets, making them the first ever team to do so, and subsequently Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have not conceded away from home all competition.

Van Der Sar has previous in this competition, winning the title in 1995 with Ajax, and was a runner-up a year later with the Dutch club. He of course won it in 08’ with Manchester United, saving Nicolas Anelka’s penalty in the shoot out and collecting his second Champions League title. A year later, he was between the posts for the 2009 final 2-0 defeat to Barcelona.

Two time winner, two time runner up. Will is be third time lucky, or unlucky?

Club captain; Nemanja Vidic has been a focal point of the Man United back four for the past four years. He is widely considered as one of the best Centre-backs in the world, and will be playing in his third Champions League final with the Red Devils.

Vidic plied his trade in Russia with Spartak Moscow after establishing himself through the Serbian Red Star Belgrade youth system, turning him into a no nonsense one man wall who takes no prisoners on the football pitch. By any means necessary, Nemanja Vidic gets the job done. Sir Alex Ferguson lamented defensive mistakes as the clubs downfall in their last Champions League final, and he will need to be at the top of his game if he is to stop this free flowing Barcelona attacking side.


The Line-up

Now, there are three major questions regarding the two line ups on this game.

Firstly, whether Darren Fletcher is fit enough for this game. The news today was that he trained away from the main group of players, with the likes of Bebe and Obertan, so there is real talk of him being on the bench for this game. So my pick would be Giggs, Carrick and Park as a three in midfield, with Valenica on the right, Rooney dropping from the forward position to play slightly left, and the explosive Hernandez up front. Fabio gets my shout at right back ahead of O’Shea.

The second question is whether Rooney and Hernandez will partner each other up front as a pair, or with Rooney playing off the Mexican, and moving to the left, or with Rooney playing as the sole striker and/or Nani playing left wing, or Anderson playing in the centre midfield. So many decisions, I asked four Manchester United fans, and none of them came up with the same staring XI.


The final question mark over this game is regarding Eric Abidal. If Pep Guardiola deems him not ready for this huge game, Puyol will play left back, just as he did so well against Real Madrid. Mascherano has been playing centre back recently, and according to Revista de La Liga, he is expected to partner Gerard Pique, with Busquets’s playing in his more familiar midfield role.


The Stats

Manchester United won their first European Cup in 1968, at Wembley Stadium.

FC Barcelona won their first European Cup in 1992, also at Wembley Stadium. A 21 year old Pep Guardiola, featured in the win. He of course, is now Barcelona manager.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking to win his third Champions League title, putting him level with fellow football managing great, Bob Paisley.

Lionel Messi has 11 goals in the Champions League this season; he needs just one more equal Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s record for most scored in a single campaign.

Edwin Van Der Sar will be the oldest winner of the Champions League should Manchester United be successful this Saturday, surpassing AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini.

Carlos Puyol will make his 101st Champions League appearances, playing in the final this Saturday.

Whoever wins this game, will win their fourth Champions League title, taking them level with AFC Ajax and FC Bayern Munich.

This is the third straight final featuring two domestic champions. Barcelona won La Liga and Manchester United won the Premiership respectively.

All stats via Goal.com, ESPN.com and others online sources.

This is Manchester United’s third Champions League final in the last four years, and Barcelona’s third in the last six years. Football biggest competition, is taking place on the biggest stage, Wembley; the home of football, and one of these two brilliant with leave London as the champions of Europe.


Who do you think will win the Champions League Final? Cast your vote in our poll, and leave your predictions below.

Real Talk Football

Champions League Quarter-Finals 1st Leg: What We've Learnt

After all four first legs in the Champions League quarter-finals were completed yesterday; Real Talk Football looks at what we have learnt from four ties, who were the stand out performers, who underachieved and what we can expect from an exciting round of matches.

Real Madrid v. Tottenham – 4-0

Tottenham fans got their wish of facing one of the tougher sides left in the competition, and ended facing up to the harsh consequences. A mystery illness to Aaron Lennon before the game as well as an early red card from Peter Crouch already meant the North London faced an uphill battle.

Emmanuel Adebayor put in a class performance, reminiscing of his best years at Arsenal, and he scored two goals on the night taking his tally to 11 goals in 10 appearances against Tottenham.


Angel Di Maria scored a wonder goal, while Cristiano Ronaldo added the fourth; finally getting on the score sheet after having 14 attempts on goal during the game.

There aren’t too many positives for Tottenham to take to the second leg, Real Madrid are yet to concede at home in the Champions League, and only have only conceded 3 goals altogether. All Spurs can do is go all out attack, and hope for the best.


Inter Milan v. Schalke 04 – 2-5

Inter Milan cannot defend. This is their biggest hindrance in this shaky defence (no pun intended) of their Champions League title. If you look at Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United’s defensive records so far in this campaign, you understand why they are all clear favourites ahead of the Nerazzurri.

Inter are missing their experienced and solid central defensive partnership of Lucio and Walter Samuel, upon which they built their Champions League win last season. During that victorious campaign, they only conceded 9 goals in 13 matches, where as this season they have already shipped 19 goals in just 9 games. They also have the worst defensive record of the last eight teams in the Champions League, conceding an average of 2 goals per game.

In a finaly note on Inter, Dejan Stankovic's unbelievable volley opened the scoring, and is too good to leave out of this review.


Schalke were seen as dark horses to make it into the latter stages of the competition, and thanks to the pacey powerful performance from Jefferson Farfan, the clinical finishing from Striker Edu, along with the fantastic attacking prowess shown by legendary striker Raul all led to thrashing Inter.

The final high point for Schalke, apart from the five away goals, was the performance of 19 year old centre back Joel Matip; who has played in all but one of Schalke’s Champions League game. His composed and confident performance, at such a young age against the likes of Samuel Eto’o and Diego Milito, was a joy to behold for the Schalke fans.

Inter need a big turnaround if they are to progress.


Chelsea v. Manchester United – 0-1

Manchester United has been labelled lucky this season, but I believe it’s time for this label to be relinquished. They have this never give up attitude and winning mentality, and now look favourites to progress after beating Premiership rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. As well as giving themselves that desired away goal advantage.

Despite the critics, Michael Carrick had his best appearance in a Manchester United shirt last night, making seven interceptions against Chelsea, at least three more the any other in the game.

Also Ecuadorian international Antonio Valencia had to fill in at right back during the second half and was excellent throughout the match. He created more goal scoring chances than any other player during the match.

Finally Manchester United’s evergreen goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was also in great form, making two brilliant saves in the game. It’s noted that he has the best saves-to-shots percentage in the Champions League this season with 93%, followed by Petr Cech, 90%.


Chelsea are not completely out of the tie, but it seems older players like Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, who were instrumental in Chelsea performances last year, seem to no longer be the match winners they once were, with Chelsea distinctly lacking in the final third of the pitch.

The £50 million striker Fernando Torres, who’s price tag will not be shaken off until he starts putting the ball in the net, played okay, but just like this Chelsea side were just not clinical enough. Torres linked up well once the full backs (Bosingwa and Cole) got forward and got the ball into the opposition box. His partnership with Didier Drogba however, is somewhat non-existent.

Heading up to Old Trafford, Chelsea will need to take the game to Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, while there are murmurs that the Champions League is Carlo Ancelotti’s last lifeline. This is the closest remaining tie left in the Champions League, and should be another tightly contested game.


FC Barcelona v. Shaktar Donetsk – 5-1

First things first, you cannot give Barcelona an early goal. This alleviates any kind of pre-game nerves the Barca side would have had, and settled them quickly. Lionel Messi was phenomenal, as was Andres Iniesta. Sergio Busquets was solid at the back, while Adriano and Dani Alves were brilliant in the full-back positions, just as they were against Arsenal.

Shaktar had their chances throughout the game, as striker Luiz Adriano even hit the post and missed a one on one with Victor Valdes. But it was Barcelona who was potent in front of goal, and in all honesty always looking capable of exposing the Shaktar back four.

Iniesta, Alves, Pique and Xavi all took their chances in great team moves. The goal of the night came from Seydou Kieta who ran onto Lionel Messi’s pass and smashed the ball into the top corner and past Andriy Payatov. Barcelona showing they don’t need David Villa or Lionel Messi on the score sheet in order to put five past a side.
Shaktar’s record coming into this game was 39 wins in their last 44 games, so that gives you an idea of the quality of side Barcelona were taking on.


Finally: just a word on Barcelona full back Dani Alves. The Brazilian international, who recently signed a contract extension with the Catalan giants, if for me one of the best footballers in the world, but is overlooked for this acknowledgement for the simple fact he play’s a right back.

Last night apart from a few early wobbles in the first half he was vital in all of Barcelona’s attacking moves, and he was the first outlet for every single one of these Barcelona attacks. Also his no nonsense hard working style is something which also is really impressive, a hard worker, a team player and a great individual.


That wraps up the Real Talk Football’s views on what we learnt from the first round of matches, remember you can follow us on Twitter, www.twitter.com/realtalkfb to get all the latest football news, and remember to cast your vote on who you think will win the Champions League by voting in the poll on the right hand side.

Real Talk Football

Europe: Part 1 - Champions League Preview

Last Friday both the quarter-final draws were made for Europe’s elite club competitions, the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.

Real Talk Football takes a look at the draws of both competitions, and previews the last eight teams left in each competition. Today we start with part 1 which features the Champions League draw.

Champions League

The four ties in the quarter final draw are as follows:

Real Madrid v. Tottenham Hotspur

Tale of the tape

Tottenham’s European adventure saw them top Group A ahead of defending champions Inter Milan, Dutch champions FC Twente and German side Werder Bremen.

Spurs defeated seven time winners and European heavyweights AC Milan 1-0 over two legs in order to book their place in their first ever Champions League quarter final. With their full throttle attacking football, nobody has begrudged the North London side their spot in the last eight.

Serial big spenders Real Madrid have reached the quarter finals of the Champions League for the first time in the last seven years. The Spanish giants are undefeated in their campaign so far, overcoming AC Milan, AFC Ajax and AJ Auxerre in the group stage.

With star man Cristiano Ronaldo and two times Champions League winner Jose Mourinho in charge, Madrid will feel they can go all the way this season.

Key Players

Karim Benzema – the French forward came under scrutiny in the first half of the season with his lacklustre performances in La Liga, however the 23 year olds form has vastly improved, and he’s been Real’s top goal scorer in the Champions League with 6 goals in 7 appearances.

While striker Gonzalo Higuain out for the season and Manu Adebayor breathing down his neck for a 1st team position, he needs to continue his rich vein of form.



Luka Modric – The Croatian playmaker has been instrumental in Tottenham’s campaign this season, and his link up play with wingers Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon, have been the key weapons in Spurs Champions League challenge.


Probable Line-ups





Chelsea v. Manchester United

Tale of the tape

The two English powerhouses have been ever-present competitors in the last six seasons in this competition, and contested the 2008 Champions League final.

Chelsea, who has struggled to regain the domestic titles this year, sees the Champions League as their main target this season. They topped Group F with 15 points, winning five matches while their solitary defeat came away to Olympique de Marseille. Chelsea beat Danish side FC Copenhagen comfortably 2-0 over two legs in the second round.

Manchester United haven’t been at their best this season, but have still managed to grind out results and maintain their stay at the top of the Premier League, reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and of course, reach the latter stages of the Champions League. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side qualified top of their group, fending off competition from Bursaspor, Valencia and Glasgow Rangers.

In the second round, there 2-1 victory over Marseille was synonymous with many of their victories this season, a game where they had a lot of first team players missing, and still managed to grind out the result.

Key Players

Nemanja Vidic – The Serbian defender has been head and shoulders above the rest of the other centre backs in Europe, and has been the cornerstone of Manchester United’s solid defensive record, which has seen them only concede two goals in Europe this season.



Nicholas Anelka – the Frenchman has seven goals in his seven Champions League appearances this season, and has outshone fellow strikers Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres in Chelsea’s campaign.


Probable Line-ups





FC Barcelona v. Shaktar Donetsk

Tale of the tape

Shaktar Donetsk are favoured as the “Dark Horses” in this year’s competition, thanks to their immaculate home form (they are unbeaten at the Donbass Arena in almost two years, over 60 matches), as well as their array of talented imports such as attacking midfielders Douglas Costa and Willian, Striker Eduardo and Luiz Adriano, as well as established and experienced players including; Tomas Hubschmann, Razvan Rat, Darijo Srna and Dmytro Chygrynskiy.

They surpassed Roma comfortably 6-2 in the second round stage, beating the Italians both home and away. They recovered from a 5-1 thumping away to Arsenal to go on and win Group H ahead of the English side.

For Barcelona, progression into the latter stages is minimal of expectations for the Catalan club, and they progressed through as winners of Group D. On paper they were expected to dominate the group stage however it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Spanish giants as FC Copenhagen, Rubin Kazan and Panathinaikos all gave a great account of themselves.

In the second round, Barca overcame a first leg defeat by Arsenal to beat the Gunners 4-3 over two legs, in a fiery and intriguing contest.

Key Players

Xavi Hernandez – The Spaniard World Cup winner impressed with his sensational passing ability in the seven matches he’s played in. He is the heartbeat of the Barcelona side, while his experience and ball retention skills are valuable assets to the side.



Dmytro Chygrynskiy – the 24 year old is quite familiar with the Barcelona team having spent the 2009/10 season at the Camp Nou. He is a tall, no nonsense defender who was influential in both legs of the second round victory over Roma. His quality will be essential in dealing with Messi and co.



Probable Line-ups





FC Internazionale v. FC Schalke 04

Tale of the tape

Schalke have somewhat surpassed expectations by reaching the quarter finals, but with the experienced Raul and goal poacher Klass-Jan Huntelaar, plus an array of talented players, has helped the German side top a tough group that contained the likes of Lyon, SL Benfica and Hapoel Tel-Aviv. In the second round, they beat Spanish side Valencia in two competitive encounters, winning 4-2 on aggregate.

Defending champions Inter Milan reached the quarter finals by the skin of their teeth, after two fantastic matches against last year’s beaten finalist Bayern Munich. Only a late goal from Macedonian international Goran Pandev saw Leonardo’s team progress on away goals. During the group stage, they finished runners-up in Group A, behind Tottenham.

Key Players

Samuel Eto’o – The Cameroonian international has been in sensational form this season, returning to his favoured central striker role, after playing out of position for much of last year’s victorious Champions League challenge. This season, he is the joint top scorer in the competition with eight goals from eight games, with four assists.



Raúl – the legendary Real Madrid striker is the record highest goal scorer in Champions League history with 71 goals, if anyone can be the difference maker, he can. Despite being at the ripe old age of 33 he hasn’t missed a step on the European stage, and has chipped in with 3 goals in this campaign so far.



Probable Line-ups




All ties will be played on the 5/6th April, and the return legs played on 12/13th April

Who do you think will win the Champions League? Cast your vote on the right hand side and let us. Part 2 will be coming on Wednesday.

Real Talk Football