Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Champions League Match Day Four(part 1)

Given the results in the Champions League, it appears most players were focused on the elections in America(If you don't know that today is election day in the USA, you must be Amish). Liverpool found their magic, Chelsea sputtered, and Barcelona bored.

Group A got a lot tighter when Roma defeated Chelsea 3-1. Panucci started off the scoring, and Vucinic added a brace. John Terry struck back(with his hand), but Chelsea seemed toothless. They definitely need Drogba to get match fit, and Deco continued his slump in form when he received a second yellow for taking a free kick too early. Bordeaux defeated Cluj 2-1, as the Transylvanians have gone from first to worst in two games. Gourcuff and Wendel scored for the visitors, with Dani netting for the bloodsuckers. Chelsea are now only a point ahead of Roma and Bordeaux, and suddenly have a lot more work to win the group.

Anorthosis Famagusta tied Inter Milan 3-3, as the Cypriots were denied the victory by a late goal from Julio Cruz. Inter has not looked dominant, but still top the group, while Famagusta is in second. Panthanaikos shocked Werder 3-0 in Germany. The Greek side scored all their goals in the second half, and Werder is now at the bottom of the table with three points. It has been a horror year for the German side, and they have a tough battle just to qualify for the UEFA Cup.

Barcelona tied FC Basel 1-1 in a moral victory for the Swiss side. It was Basel's second goal and first points of the Champions League, and means that there are no more perfect teams in the Champions League. Barcelona have looked like the best team in Europe at times, but if they lack consistency and one could see them blowing one leg of a knockout match. Sporting Lisbon defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 to put a stranglehold on second place in Group C. Derlei's 73rd minutes puts them six points up on the Ukrainians, and within striking distance of Barcelona.

Liverpool tied Atletico Madrid 1-1 on Steven Gerrard penalty in injury time. The penalty was softer than fresh towels, and a number of Madrid players were booked for their protestations. Atletico remain in first place on goal differential, but a win would have made it difficult for Liverpool to catch up. Marseille defeated PSV Eindhoven 3-0 in the battle for third place in Group D. Both teams are sitting on three points, and will have tough games with Liverpool and Atletico ahead. Marseille do have the lead in goal differential, and that may be enough to get them into the UEFA Cup. PSV have only scored three goals so far, and their back line has been giving up goals by the handful.

One Liners
  • Scolari says Chelsea deserved to lose, he also said yes he deserves to die and I hope he burns in hell
  • Maradona officially takes over as Argentina head coach, team drops 14 spots in FIFA rankings immediately
  • Keane charged with improper conduct, sounds like something lewd happened in the tunnel, which also sounds lewd
  • Wenger calls Stoke cowards and says they fouled intentionally, Pulis says "And...."?
  • Barton will not face FA charge for slapping at Agbonlahor, FA shows how wise they are again