[2012/2013] UEFA Champions League Matches

[zudomiriku]

The referee was right to give a penalty... and show Demichelis a red card

Barcelona’s penalty was rightly awarded. Perhaps referee Jonas Eriksson missed a foul by Sergio Busquets on Jesus Navas before the Barca attack, but these things happen in football.

What cannot be disputed is that Martin Demichelis fouled Lionel Messi fully in the knowledge that the Argentine was through and would most likely have scored. It was a clear red card.

There was a question over the exact position of the foul. I was taught that experienced defenders make last ditch tackles knowing they are just outside the area.

However, in my opinion contact continued until at least the line marking the penalty area and further, meaning awarding a penalty was a correct decision.

If there is doubt then a referee should give it outside. You can’t guess a penalty. Eriksson must have been sure and if you look at the foul from the assistant referee’s position, he will have seen contact had occurred inside.

Talking point: Martin Demichelis' tackle was adjudged to have been inside the box


Marching orders: Demichelis is shown a red card by referee Jonas Eriksson


Hard done by? Replays show contact was first made outside of the area


Taking a tumble: Messi goes down in the box


Spot on: Messi makes no mistake from 12 yards


The drought is over: Messi scores his first goal on a Premier League ground

To further support the referee’s decision there was a second touch, this time from Demichelis’s trailing leg, and that was definitely inside the penalty area.

City may feel aggrieved but they were lucky not to go three down. Gerard Pique’s goal was adjudged to be offside, but Gael Clichy played him onside.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2562462/GRAHAM-POLL-The-referee-right-penalty-clear-red-card.html

akhirnya Messi berhasil mencetak gol pertamanya dikandang klub Inggris dengan sepatu barunya, walaupun lewat penalti

[Aso Chrisjefta]

Originally Posted by mayarararocks

Iya troy. SAF berani ambil resiko dan pemain siap ngasih penampilan terbaik kalau ditunjuk. Sekarang masa dan keadaannya berbeda. Makanya gak bisa anggap remeh Olympiakos juga

Semoga aja sih penampilan-penampilan bagus di penyisihan grup kemaren konsisten sampe selesai. Amin. Amin. Amin..

(Sekarang jamannya fans United banyak berdoa )

Bukan cuma jamannya berdoa, tapi pas habis musim fans" United harus periksa kesehatan jantung, soalnya detak jantung gak seperti tahun" kemarin kalo nonton United main. hahahah

[zudomiriku]

We were robbed! Wenger accuses Robben of diving... and did Dutchman spit at Sagna? Or is it just sweat falling from his chin?

Arsene Wenger accused Arjen Robben of diving to get Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny sent off, which led to a 2-0 defeat by Bayern Munich.

The Arsenal manager was seen making a diving gesture following the incident and did not mince his words after the clash, also claiming that other Bayern players had deceived referee Nicola Rizzoli.

He said: ‘The keeper touched him, but I told Robben he made more of it and it changed the game.

‘It doesn’t just change the game, it kills the game. It was a top quality game and in the second half it was one-way traffic.’

Diver? Arsene Wenger thinks so - and he tells Arjen Robben so during a delay in play


Eyes on the ball: Robben collects a high ball in the Gunners box as Szczesny stands his ground


Crunch time: The duo collide on the pitch, with referee Nicola Rizzoli awarding a penalty and sending the Pole off


There may be trouble ahead: Robben cries out upon hitting the plush Emirates turf


Early bath: The Italian official moved swiftly to send Szczesny off

Robben went down under a challenge from the Polish keeper, who received a straight red card. Wenger gestured with his hands to imply that Robben went down on purpose to win the penalty. David Alaba missed the spot kick but 10-man Arsenal were unable to hold out and went down to second-half goals from Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller.

Mesut Ozil also missed with a penalty for the Gunners.

To make metters worse on a miserable night for Arsenal, Szczesny is facing a UEFA probe after making a rude gesture following his sending-off.

Wenger added: ‘Robben has enough experience to make more of it. They made the most of every contact and we are not used to it. We are not used to it in England. We are not used to that in the Premier League.

‘But we have to get used to it and accept it.

‘I am not a good referee, the regret I have is that it is a decision that he made.

‘Wojciech misjudged the situation and there was no clear opportunity. You sit there and you cannot bring anyone on. I feel frustrated a bit as it was a great football game until half time. After there was no game.’

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Getting shirty: Robben celebrates victory in front oif Bayern's travelling fans


Livid: Wenger fumes immediately after Szczesny's sending off

The penalty was just one of a several flash points during the encounter - both on and off the field.

The world of Twitter erupted after videos of Robben emerged with the Bayern Munich winger appearing to spit in Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna's hair.
But was it just sweat falling from Robben's chin during the Champions League last 16 match at the Emirates?

As Sagna lies face down on the grass, the former Chelsea player hovers around the floored full back and seems to show concern for his opponent, tapping him on the back twice and helping him to his feet.

Concern: Arjen Robben taps Bacary Sagna on the back


Falling down: The unidentified liquid leaves Robben and heads in Sagna's general direction


Missile: Moisture falls from Robben onto Sagna but shots reveal it was sweat and not saliva

Yet a globule of liquid falls from Robben's face and seems to land in Sagna's hair.

Originally, the camera angle is inconclusive. Yet further footage suggests that it is in fact perspiration which falls onto Sagna.

With no history of spitting, it would be out of character for a player who is popular among his peers.

Also, Ozil and Mathieu Flamini were involved in a heated row on the pitch, with the Frenchman seemingly upset at the £42million man’s lack of tracking back.

Wenger admitted that the penalty miss affected the German, saying: ‘Ozil’s head dropped. He wanted to do so well tonight.

‘Five or 10 minutes later on the pitch he was still shaking his head. Our usual penalty takers were not not on the pitch, it was down to Ozil, Cazorla and Sagna and Cazorla had missed recently.

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Off the mark: Mesut Ozil saw his penalty saved by Manuel Neuer


Wide of the mark: David Alaba failed to hit the target from 12 yards

‘Ozil has also missed so you think, he has missed one but won’t again. It can happen to everyone, you cannot reproach that.

‘You are always concerned about the confidence of your players. That is the petrol in the team, it gives them desire to go and play. It is our job to deal with that.’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2563335/Did-Robben-spit-Sagna-Or-sweat-coming-chin-Twitter-erupts-Bayern-Munich-winger.html

senasib nih ama City, sama2 dapat kartu merah + penalti, kalo City yg kena kartu beknya, Arsenal yg kena kartu sang kipernya, bedanya penaltinya gagal masuk walaupun Munchen menang juga. akankah Arsenal bisa bangkit di 2nd leg & menang di kandang Munchen seperti musim lalu walaupun gagal lolos juga

[zudomiriku]

Why Juan Mata Should Be Allowed to Play for Man United in Champions League



The Champions League has a certain resonance at Manchester United. Of course, the competition means a lot to every team that contests it, but for England's most successful team, there's an added romance. And in the last few months that romance has turned into crippling pressure. It could be David Moyes' only chance of making an impression this season.

However, as United resume their European campaign against Olympiacos on Tuesday night, one of their most important players will be sidelined. Juan Mata will not miss out through suspension or injury, but because he has already played for another team in the Champions League this season. He's "cup tied," as they put it.

And he's not the only one who will miss out as the second round of knockout games kick off this week. Nemanja Matic, who played in the group stages for Benfica, is also cup tied as Chelsea take on Galatasaray in the competition's last 16.

But what purpose does this rule serve? By forbidding players that have switched teams mid-season to play in the second half of the Champions League, what is UEFA achieving? And what are they trying to imply?

Introduced decades ago, the fundamental point of the rule is to prevent wealthy teams from gaining an advantage by signing players who have been knocked out in the earlier rounds of European competition.

European football's governing body is trying to stop skullduggery before it even becomes a possibility. The principle intent is laudable, but in practice it just doesn't work like that.

Supporters want to see the best players in the best games, something that they are being denied with the banishment of Mata and Matic from the rest of this season's Champions League.

Why is Mata allowed to play for United in the Premier League, having turned out for Chelsea earlier in the season, but not in the Champions League? Sure, the Spaniard will not face Chelsea as an opponent in the league this season, but there's no rule that says he couldn't have played against his former team.

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
If the mid-season exchange of players makes UEFA feel uneasy, how can they justify the permitted fielding of loan players? Thibaut Courtois has played six games for Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this season and he's not even their player!

Chelsea, a team Atletico could face in the latter stages of the tournament, own him. And seeing as it can't be stipulated in a loan deal between European clubs, Courtois could even play against his parent team!

It is an outdated rule, and its application is muddled. In England, it applies to the FA Cup but not the Capital One Cup. Why? Nobody seems to really know.

With the introduction of transfer windows and squad restrictions, clubs can no longer buy players for certain games or stockpile them throughout the season. The central purpose of the rule has been undermined by the progression of the sport. Its relevancy has long since worn out.

Furthermore, the rule actually causes more manipulation than it prevents. How can clubs put off potential suitors for their best players? By cup-tying them, of course.

It can even have the opposite effect, with clubs preserving the value of a certain player by holding them back from playing in Europe early in the season, therefore increasing his appeal to a potential buyer. For instance, Michael Owen was benched for Liverpool's 2004 Champions League qualifiers ahead of his move to Real Madrid (who were ironically knocked out in the first round).

There have been a number of high-profile cases when it comes to the cup-tying of players. Brazilian striker Ronaldo was refused the chance to play for AC Milan in the Champions League the year the Serie A club went on to win the competition, having played for Real Madrid earlier in the season.

Andrei Arshavin had to wait until the 2009/10 season to make his Champions League debut for Arsenal, despite joining the Gunners in January 2009. He'd played for Zenit St Petersburg in the group stages.

"If you ask me would I like Arshavin to be with us, then I would say yes," commented Arsene Wenger before a European game against Villarreal, as per Arsenal.com. "But when I bought him I knew he would not be available, so I cannot complain about that."

Mata will take his place in the stands, perhaps alongside the emperor himself—Sir Alex Ferguson—for Tuesday's game. He will likely be only a few seats from the attending UEFA delegate.

The Spanish midfielder should ask why he's not allowed to play for his new team. And then pass on the explanation to the rest of us.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1971863-why-juan-mata-should-be-allowed-to-play-for-man-united-in-champions-league

[zudomiriku]

Bayern, Real and Barca are favourites, but Chelsea can repeat 2012 heroics... My lowdown of the eight giants and the star men who will decide the destiny of the Champions League

* Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid are the favourites, but you can’t rule anyone out
* I do think that Chelsea have a chance to recreate the glory of 2012
* Barcelona are not the side of three years ago and have serious defensive worries
* Real Madrid have Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo and are finding their rhythm at the right time
* Bayern Munich are a team full of stars and I think they can retain their title

What a quarter-final draw this will be. Every tie should be a brilliant contest. Of course the big three — Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid — are the favourites, and it’s hard to look beyond one of them, but you can’t rule anyone out.

Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid might seem the easier teams on paper, but Dortmund reached the final last year and Atletico are second in La Liga. PSG are so strong and United, for all their issues, can still cause sides problems.

I do think, though, that Chelsea have a chance to recreate the glory of 2012. They rode their luck that year, but the memories are still fresh and under Jose Mourinho they look fitter and stronger. He knows how to win big matches and nobody will fancy testing themselves against him.

Chelsea

I think Chelsea could win it this season, I really do. Under Jose Mourinho they are aggressive, they press the ball and Jose loves being an underdog. He won’t want to play a team like Atletico because it will be a similar match, but against the bigger sides he knows what it takes to win.

They are defensively sound and with a good draw they could do it. You look at what they did in 2012 and you still can’t quite believe it. They are in better physical condition and the only thing that will hold them back is the lack of a top-class goalscorer.

STAR MAN: EDEN HAZARD
He has matured into an outstanding player this season and he has everything. When you look at his performances, it’s easy to forget just how young he still is.

Manchester United

It's amazing to think Manchester United are rank outsiders in this competition. Most teams would be happy to draw them, but nobody would want a second leg at Old Trafford.

It was a good display on Wednesday and if they get a result against City next week, their price might just change.

They are not a terrible team, it’s more of a confidence issue. A few more performances like the one against Olympiacos and they can restore some belief that has been lacking.

The quarter-final and clash with City will go a long way to deciding if David Moyes is still there next season.

STAR MAN: ROBIN VAN PERSIE
He’s been disappointing and will have been stung by criticism, but top players always produce, as he did on Wednesday night.

Atletico Madrid

Atletico have a real aggressive nature to their team this season.

Last year Jurgen Klopp was the unknown man but this year it’s Diego Simeone. He has his team very well organised and is always barking orders on the touchline. I’ve been impressed with Arda Turan and Koke, and Diego Costa is a real star striker.

STAR MAN: DIEGO COSTA
So strong and if anybody looks like a Mourinho player, it’s Costa.

Barcelona

Barcelona are always in the frame but you can’t help but think of last year’s 7-0 aggregate defeat by Bayern.

They missed Lionel Messi in that tie but the result will still be on their minds. They are not the side of three years ago and have defensive worries. Javier Mascherano is not a good enough defender.

STAR MAN: LIONEL MESSI
Not at the same level as 2010 but a genius who can destroy anybody.

Bayern Munich

I said last year they’d win it and I still think they will be the first team to retain it.

They are a team full of stars and they all know their jobs. If any side can trouble them it’s Chelsea. The memory of the 2012 final is there and with Jose and Pep Guardiola in charge, the mind games will begin.

STAR MAN: FRANCK RIBERY
It’s very hard to pick one main man, but Ribery has everything: pace, skill and real star quality.

Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund were so thrilling to watch last year but are not at the same level. They have suffered injuries and lost Mario Gotze to Bayern. But they got to the final last year so have pedigree.

STAR MAN: ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
The Pole is a beautiful footballer but with a move in the summer you question his drive.

Paris Saint Germain

The dark horses this year. PSG have two of the world’s best strikers in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani, but they are strong in midfield too and Thiago Silva is one of the best defenders around. They were unlucky to lose to Barcelona last year and nobody will want to draw them.

STAR MAN: EDINSON CAVANI
It’s easy to pick out Ibrahimovic, but Cavani is an unsung hero. He has quality and works hard.

Real Madrid

They are finding their rhythm at the right time. They have two heavyweights in Bale and Ronaldo but Luka Modric has been an unsung hero. Despite all his trophies, I’ve always felt Sergio Ramos is a bit of a liability at the back. But with those attackers, they are capable of anything.

STAR MAN: CRISTIANO RONALDO
He is a game changer and the one man you wouldn’t want to come up against as an opponent.

LATEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ODDS WITH CORAL

Bayern Munich 15/8
Barcelona 7/2
Real Madrid 4/1
Chelsea 10/1
PSG 10/1
Atletico Madrid 12/1
Borussia Dortmund 14/1
Man Utd 20/1

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2585713/JAMIE-REDKNAPP-Bayern-Real-Barca-favourites-Chelsea-repeat-2012-heroics-My-lowdown-eight-giants-fighting-Euro-kings.html

[troy andreas]

[zudomiriku]

Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane share loving embrace after Real Madrid thrash Bayern Munich in Champions League semi

Roy Keane has lavished praise on Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese showed exactly why he was voted the best player in European football this season.

The two former Manchester United heroes were pictured hugging each other after Real Madrid picked Bayern Munich to pieces to book their place in the Champions League final.

Ronaldo was instrumental in the 4-0 win - scoring twice, including a stunning late free-kick - and looked every bit a Ballon d'Or winner.


All smiles: Cristiano Ronaldo went over to hug Roy Keane after Real Madrid thumped Bayern Munich


Loving embrace: Keane labelled Ronaldo 'cheap' at £80m after he starred in the Allianz Arena

Keane used to kick the 29-year-old all over Carrington in his first season in England to stamp out what senior professionals believed to be needless diving.

Now though, Ronaldo has blossomed into the only man capable of rivalling Lionel Messi as a sole matchwinner.

'This boy with that much talent, £80million looks cheap for him,' Keane said after the semi-final at the Allianz Arena.

Ronaldo made Champions League history by notching his 15th and 16th goals of the season in the competition - beating Messi's previous record.

Gareth Bale was equally gushing in his assessment of the 49-goal man.

'That's why he's the world's best player. It's an honour to play with him, to learn off him,' he said. 'But we've got one match to go and hopefully he can score a few more goals.'


Stand and deliver! Rinaldo capped off a fine individual performance by scoring another in the dying moments


Just too good: The 29-year-old bamboozled the Bayern wall to score his side's fourth on the night

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2616312/Cristiano-Ronaldo-Roy-Keane-share-loving-embrace-Real-Madrid-thrash-Bayern-Munich-Champions-League-semi.html