2009 Barca the best ever?

[Mr Majik]

So ah watching mih beloved Barcelona on de weekend when de commentator make a remark that he feel this current Barca team is the best ever club side put together in football. He said they were better than the 1982 Brazil team.
His sidekick, the colour commentator, expanded that to include all teams, club or national, and said he felt this year's Barca was even better than the 1970 Pele-led Brazilian national Team.

In their defence, they included the full teams, including those who typically start matches on the bench and those who often sit in the stands for games.

I agree that Barca's bench strength could be a starting side elsewhere. With fellas like Éric Abidal, Andrés Iniesta, Bojan Krki?, Seydou Keita, Eider Gudjohnsen, Sylvinho and Touré Yaya typically sitting as substitutes, or scratched from match lineups, one can see how strong and deep this club is.

But better than Brazil '70 or '82?

I not so sure...

What say you?

[Mr Majik]

PS...as I write this Barca just went up 4 goals to none against Sevilla early in the second half.
This is in addition to several matches this season that have ended with Barca scoring 4 or more goals, including a couple of 6 goal games.
They also set the Spanish record for total points at the halfway point of the season, with 50 points.

[mammadon]

for me the best club side ever is the Real Madrid teams of the 1950's.

Puskas and Di Stefano are two all time greats, IMO.

[thatguy]

for me the best club side ever is the Real Madrid teams of the 1950's.

Puskas and Di Stefano are two all time greats, IMO.

u mean when franco buy them the titles???

Only time will tell how good this barca side it. The dream team won 4 titles in a row

[Acid]

Majik, if you basing 4 goal games as a criteria then Liverpool is the #1 team.

Bassa ever gone a season unbeaten?

[thatguy]

Majik, if you basing 4 goal games as a criteria then Liverpool is the #1 team.

Bassa ever gone a season unbeaten?

arsenal ever win d champions league??

[Mr Majik]

Majik, if you basing 4 goal games as a criteria then Liverpool is the #1 team.

Bassa ever gone a season unbeaten?
I not basing anything on anything. Ah simply saying that the match results for this season are truly remarkable.
Not only are they scoring 4, 5 and even 6 goals in some matches, they are rarely letting in more than 1 goal, if any at all.

Remember, I did say,

But better than Brazil '70 or '82?

I not so sure...

What say you?

[Mr Majik]

Barca lost their first match of the season, then 2 more in January (Rounds 24 & 25). Otherwise they are unbeaten.

Compared with the Premiereship, They are 7 points ahead of ManUre after 32, and have a goal differential of 68 vs Liverpool's (best in Premiereship) 38. In fact, that is superior to the Scouser's 63 total goals! (Barca is @ 92 for and 24 away).

In fact, #2 Real Madrid has better numbers than the best of England.

[Acid]

Does that mean the competition in La Liga isn't as strong as England?

I am not denying that Barça is a good team - they are very good. Their main competition is Real Madrid - a team which Liverpool demolished in the Champions League.

The Brazil 1982 team played well when they were not under pressure but they choked on the big stage against Italy to not even make the knock out round. It means that you could be the best team but not win anything.

I like the late 80s/early 90s Milan team with Baresi, Gullit, Rijkaard, Van Basten, Maldini, Costacurta, Tassotti, Donadoni.

This is what that team won in the 1987-1996 decade:

1987-88 - Serie A
1988-89 - Champions League
1989-90 - Champions League
1991-92 - Serie A
1992-93 - Serie A
1993-94 - Serie A, Champions League
1995-96 - Serie A

During that time, the Italian league was the "Big" league.

[broadsword]

Good post Acid but I don't believe that a team can be 'the best' without winning trophies. If you are to be considered the best, you must have had some measure of success in terms of silverware IMO. I'm too young to remember those Brazil teams but if they ('82 team) were unable to win the cup, I don't think one can say they were the best. Mind you, they may have played the best football but strategic planning and developing a winning formula can be just as good considering that it produces the results.

The perfect example of this at present is Arsenal. For me they play the most attractive and entertaining football in England yet they haven't won a trophy in such a long time. A team like Chelsea have been able to achieve relative success in recent years playing in the opposite manner, more physical and direct but it brought the results for them and you can't argue that they weren't the best team in England for 2 years under Mourinho.

My criteria for judging the best team would be trophies won. In time we will be able to properly judge this Barca team but I have to say they are doing all the right things at the moment and they seem to have La Liga wrapped up.

The Champions League is the real test IMO, they have a very inexperienced manager in Guardiola but he has a strong philosophy of attacking football. In addition of course, they have yet to face English opposition :wink: (we'll see what happens next week)

[Mr Majik]

Broadsword, your post was good also, but I have my reservationson a definitive defintion of 'best.'

As some may know, I coached girls from 1999- 2007. Except for the first season, every other season resulted in my team winning the League or the Cup or both.
One season we went undefeated and met a team in the Cup final that we had previously beaten twice by several goals versus none. We lost the final 1-0, but here is how it happened...

The opponent's single goal came when their striker had stayed near our penalty area after we broke up a rush and sent play back to their end. Their keeper kicked the ball downfield and the only 2 people in our defensive end were our keeper and the aforementioned striker, who had remained upfield to tie her laces. She received the ball and scored without challenge by our keeper who saw it as a clear offside.

One of my girls was given a red card for cursing the referee for such a blatant bad call. Then another was ejected for calling the ref 'stupid' on the same call. So now we're down to 9.

We had 2 clear scoring chances. 1 was actually a goal called back by the ref, who waved off his assistant's attempts to correct the call. That goal was a shot from about 40 yards out by my own daughter which sailed clear into the net untouched. The ref called it offside due to one of my girls being in an offside position, albeit at the sideline drinking water (temps that day were about 33C).

The other chance we had was a shot from the top of the penalty area which was stopped by an opponent's defender raising her hands to stop the goal. The referee's assistant called it a hand ball and it should have resulted in a penalty shot and an ejection, but in his wisdom, and to everybody's (including the opponent's) the referee called the handball against us and awarded the other team a free kick. His assistant flew into a rage and walked off, later telling us that the ref had a grudge against my coaching partner and had mentioned previous to the game that he was going to "show him who is boss."

No amount of complaints would change the result although that ref was never used by our League again.

The general consensus was that our team was the best in the League, and the result was unfair.

So Broadsword, did not winning the Cup cause us not to be the best?

PS---That same referee, a skinny 20something wimp was eventually beaten badly during a Men's League match between Toronto Croatia and Hamilton Serbia. I guess he didn't realise how the flames of passion could burn so fiercely.

[broadsword]

Bad referee decisions are inevitable due to human error but the events which you described really beggars belief :shock:. You have a point, the 'best' team may not always win the trophy. Take for example also Euro 2004 where I thought Portugal were the best team in the tournament only to be beaten in the final by a dogged, defensively determined Greece.

The question is whether you can consider that sort of performance by Greece as being one of the qualities of the 'best' or a 'great' team. It won them the cup after all. Depends really on what your definition of 'best' is.

The same conundrum exist when people try to assess 'the best player in the world'. Do you go by awards or do you go by technical ability and entertainment value? The only way to objectively argue this is by saying that since he won the world player of the year, Ronaldo is the best player in the world. Many may disagree and say Messi is the best.

[Lumbergh]

So ah watching mih beloved Barcelona on de weekend when de commentator make a remark that he feel this current Barca team is the best ever club side put together in football.

http://futbolint.blogspot.es/img/maldini5.jpg

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/04_04/ManUtdCup_468x312.jpg

http://www.znanje.org/i/i22/02iv02/02iv0226/sampioni95.jpg

http://eduardotrindade.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/manchester-united-2008.jpg

http://www.iffhs-media.de/9-b/9-CWR-1996-3.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9gcceJohlAk/RZuUN11uxqI/AAAAAAAAAPg/CK4ynbkU5S8/s320/bar1992-dream.jpg

[Mr Majik]

Bad referee decisions are inevitable due to human error but the events which you described really beggars belief :shock:.
It was personal, and purposeful. The following year we refused to take the field for the Cup final when he showed up to ref. The Club's President and Referee-in-Chief both decided to replace him when reminded of the previous year's incident, which was backed up by the 2 assistant referees.

The question is whether you can consider that sort of performance by Greece as being one of the qualities of the 'best' or a 'great' team. It won them the cup after all. Depends really on what your definition of 'best' is.

The same conundrum exist when people try to assess 'the best player in the world'. Do you go by awards or do you go by technical ability and entertainment value? The only way to objectively argue this is by saying that since he won the world player of the year, Ronaldo is the best player in the world. Many may disagree and say Messi is the best.
I believe it is far easier to select a best player than a team.
It is simple, as long as the alleged best player misses a few games or sits on the bench at times. Just see how the team fares without him.
Does he make a marked difference in the team's performance?
Does he make very few mistakes on the pitch?
Does his presence lead to teammates performing better?

Now that I think of it, dat eh too easy at all!

The only sportsman I can unquestionably argue as the "best" player in the game is Michael Jordan of the NBA's Chicago Bulls.
The team's performance took a definite hit when MJ "temporarily retired."
Upon his return, it was business as usual; some say the Bulls' best ever season.

But as for teams...I think Barca can field any 11 of their full squad and still come out on top most of the time.

[Wayne]

On the 28 April 09,Barcelona headed by Thierry Henry,Lionel Messi and Sam Eto' will meet Chelsea who
has Didier Drogba,Michael Essien and Michael Ballack.........I like Chelsea for that match.....the
reason is,I don't think Barcelona's defense can stop Drogba and Essien....Cech,the goal keeper
for Chelsea,is a much better goalie than Arribas for Barcelona....(that is my opinion)....any one
like to comment?

[thatguy]

1. Chech has conceeded 8 goals in his last 4 matches.
2. Valdes has conceeded 2 goals in his last 8 matches.
3. Both teams have scored 6 in there last 3 matches.
4. Iniesta is on red hot form for barca having scored one and set up 3 in his last match (while playing out of position)
5. Stamford Bridge is no longer a fortress ..FACT
6. Camp Nou still is, teams just don't go there to win.
7. A certain man called Leo Messi, this is just the kind of stage for him to claim the mantle of the world's best.

I figure a solid 3-1 to Barca at the Camp Nou and a draw at the Bridge. Simply put, Barca have too many proven world class players in there ranks for the Russian machine to stop. This isn't Liverpool were you know where the attacking threat is coming from, this is a team that has anyone of 10 players capable of scoring.

[Wayne]

Ok my son,and ah have 3 dat older than you........Chelsea 2 Barcelona 1.........final answer,

[Mr Majik]

Wayne...if I may call you that...
Barca's weak point, if any, is in goalkeeping, not defense. Valdes can be bad occasionally but is top notch most of the time.

Puyol and Marquez ain't letting any and everybody through the lines, and Dani Alves has to be the best defender in football today. Just a few months ago, after Euro 2008, I agreed with those who said carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos were the best 1-2 defensive pair in all football. But Alves, who plays a similar style to Ramos, has impressed me as a better right back than Ramos.

As thatguy said, Andres Iniesta has been really hot lately, although he has always been a thoroughbred in the midfield. Toure YaYa is quietly efficient in the holding midfield, yet exhibits flashes of brilliance when least expected.

And, to add to what thatguy said, the following players are all genuine scoring threats with Barca:
Eto'o, Henry, Messi, Keita, Gudjohnsen, Xavi, Iniesta, Alves, Krkic, Hleb and Pique.

I'll go along with his predictions to a goal.

[broadsword]

I figure a solid 3-1 to Barca at the Camp Nou and a draw at the Bridge. Simply put, Barca have too many proven world class players in there ranks for the Russian machine to stop. This isn't Liverpool were you know where the attacking threat is coming from, this is a team that has anyone of 10 players capable of scoring.

And Chesea don't? Lampard, Ballack, Essien, Drogba. I think Chelsea have by far the most experienced squad remaining in the competition, they've all been there before. I don't think this will be a walk in the park for Barca as many are suggesting. You just do not underestimate teams in knock out cup competitions..

[shotta]

You are underestimating one man. His name is Guus.

[sacky]

majik best team ever,you having a laugh :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Falcon]

Chelsea goin to the final....talk done.

[Lumbergh]

Chelsea goin to the final....talk done.

The FA Cup final.

[thatguy]

I figure a solid 3-1 to Barca at the Camp Nou and a draw at the Bridge. Simply put, Barca have too many proven world class players in there ranks for the Russian machine to stop. This isn't Liverpool were you know where the attacking threat is coming from, this is a team that has anyone of 10 players capable of scoring.

And Chesea don't? Lampard, Ballack, Essien, Drogba. I think Chelsea have by far the most experienced squad remaining in the competition, they've all been there before. I don't think this will be a walk in the park for Barca as many are suggesting. You just do not underestimate teams in knock out cup competitions..

Essien is used as a holding midfielder; he isn't a goal threat; maybe an effective destroyer but not a creator.
Ballack is on his last legs and does not have the freedom to roam and score goals anymore. That task is left to Lampard, who is having a torrid time in his personal life right now. I don't see him at his best.

Drogba while good, isn't really that good. He might score but he requires adequate service. Stifle that he he is as good as out the game. Messi, Henry, Iniesta and Xavi can create and finish there own plays, all this game would need is a bit of individual magic from anyone of these guys and it's a win.

As far as being a cup competition it is rather easy to see Chelsea's strategy; try to grind out a result at the Camp Nou (typical boring style) and then attempt a 1 nil at the bridge via some counter attacking through essien and the wingers???

[broadsword]

Essien is used as a holding midfielder; he isn't a goal threat; maybe an effective destroyer but not a creator.
Ballack is on his last legs and does not have the freedom to roam and score goals anymore. That task is left to Lampard, who is having a torrid time in his personal life right now. I don't see him at his best.

Drogba while good, isn't really that good. He might score but he requires adequate service. Stifle that he he is as good as out the game. Messi, Henry, Iniesta and Xavi can create and finish there own plays, all this game would need is a bit of individual magic from anyone of these guys and it's a win.

As far as being a cup competition it is rather easy to see Chelsea's strategy; try to grind out a result at the Camp Nou (typical boring style) and then attempt a 1 nil at the bridge via some counter attacking through essien and the wingers???

Well that's Essien's role exactly, destroying the opponent's play which is what allows Lampard to make forward runs into the box. If you watched the quarterfinal first leg at Anfield you would recognize that Essien marked Gerrard out of the game completely, stifling Liverpool's goal threat. I am hoping he can perform a similar task on Xavi who I think is the main man for Barca, his distribution is excellent and it brings players like Henry and Messi into the game. Mind, like you say, the quality of these players is such that they can get themselves involved and create the plays which is what I think will be Chelsea's main problem.

With regard to strategy, what you described would fall into the bracket of a Mourinho Chelsea. That was his trademark Chelsea and he perfected it as such. But again going back to the Liverpool QF 1st Leg, Hiddink came out and said before the game that he would set his team up to attack and try to find away goals. That worked out well so I don't see why he wouldn't adopt the same style at the Camp Nou.

I just watched Valencia V Barca in La Liga. It ended in a 2-2 draw which at least gives the assurance that a result against Barca is far from out of reach. Valencia played a very physical game, similar to the way Chelsea play which gives some encouragement for Hiddink's men. Either way this is going to be a savory tie between two of the top teams in Europe. Really looking forward to it.

[sacky]

falco dora is still alive i see :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Lumbergh]

That task is left to Lampard, who is having a torrid time in his personal life right now. I don't see him at his best.

He's having one of his best seasons since Mourinho left, to be fair.


As far as being a cup competition it is rather easy to see Chelsea's strategy; try to grind out a result at the Camp Nou (typical boring style) and then attempt a 1 nil at the bridge via some counter attacking through essien and the wingers???

Actually (and I hate to say this), they've looked pretty good under Hiddink. If they can sort out their recent defensive problems, then I think Barca will be in for a harder ride than expected. I'm a little surprised that Hiddink is being dismissed so quickly, this is a man who won the European Cup with PSV and too South Korea to the World Cup semi finals...

[Wayne]

Barcelona will play Real Madrid next week and Raul scored a hat-trick today for Real Madrid vs
Servilla.....Real Madrid have the momentum......Barcelona will face Chelsea this Tuesday......I have always liked the work ethic of Thierry Henry,but he is slowing down after all his years with
France.........As I've said before I like Chelsea in the game against Barcelona.......just because of
Didier Drogba..........It was a "great run" for Barcelona but now they are tired and Lionel Messi
cannot handle the game by himself..........I am not a good football analyst like the rest of the
Forum members.......but I think Barcelona be nearing the "end of the road".

[Mr Majik]

Barcelona will play Real Madrid next week and Raul scored a hat-trick today for Real Madrid vs
Servilla.....Real Madrid have the momentum......Barcelona will face Chelsea this Tuesday......I have always liked the work ethic of Thierry Henry,but he is slowing down after all his years with
France.........As I've said before I like Chelsea in the game against Barcelona.......just because of
Didier Drogba..........It was a "great run" for Barcelona but now they are tired and Lionel Messi
cannot handle the game by himself..........I am not a good football analyst like the rest of the
Forum members.......but I think Barcelona be nearing the "end of the road".
Barca had a bad day.
Drogba can't compare with Eto'o.
Messi only now getting started.
Henry eh slow...he getting more tactical.
Barca ain't tired at all.

I still behind thatguy

[Wayne]

We will see on Tuesday 28 April 09.I will be watching the match live starting at 2.30pm.Chelsea
will beat Barcelona...........ent?

[Lumbergh]

Barcelona will play Real Madrid next week and Raul scored a hat-trick today for Real Madrid vs
Servilla.....Real Madrid have the momentum......Barcelona will face Chelsea this Tuesday......I have always liked the work ethic of Thierry Henry,but he is slowing down after all his years with
France.........As I've said before I like Chelsea in the game against Barcelona.......just because of
Didier Drogba..........It was a "great run" for Barcelona but now they are tired and Lionel Messi
cannot handle the game by himself..........I am not a good football analyst like the rest of the
Forum members.......but I think Barcelona be nearing the "end of the road".
Barca had a bad day.
Drogba can't compare with Eto'o.
Messi only now getting started.
Henry eh slow...he getting more tactical.
Barca ain't tired at all.

I still behind thatguy

Comparisons are usually irrelevant.

Each team has its own strengths and weaknesses. Barcelona can't handle high balls into the box, thats been proven time and time again and Chelsea will exploit that. Saying that you'll win regardless simply because you have better players is a lazy comment to make.

If that were the case, they would have beaten Valencia on Sunday.

I'd wait until the first leg is over and then form an analysis from there.

[Wayne]

Barcelona vs Valencia 2-2.........And somebody say that Barcelona is the best ever?.....Bet that
they can't play that way against Chelsea today.............Then again Barcelona are playing at
HOME and the 12th man ,the referee........could give the edge.......as I have said before Thierry
Henry saved Barcelona from defeat against Valencia(a less inferior team),in the 86th minute...We
will see..........."the End of the Road" for Barcelona?.....However,if they defeat Chelsea,next
Sunday they play Real Madrid..........I don't like Barcelona.......only because this thread was started asking or stating that they are "the BEST ever"?........Nah..............ent?

[Wayne]

As we all saw the match between chelsea and barcelona played to a draw 0-0.......Defense and
Extraordinary Goal Keeping by Cech of Chelsea.......If Chelsea had the offense of Barcelona,I don't think that Barcelona's goal keeper Valdes could have performed as good as Cech.....Ok so
let us move on to this Sunday's match of Real Madrid vs Barcelona.....If Barcelona plays as they
did today,they might just defeat Real Madrid.........But they did not beat my Chelsea team.....
then again a London team (like Chelsea) has never won an UEFA championship;I checked....ent?

[Lumbergh]

Todays result just backs up what I said in my previous post.

[Falcon]

Barca were taken down by a coach :lol:

[Mr Majik]

In case anyone hasn't read my posts before I will remind you that I am a Chelsea fan, as well as Barcelona, Arsenal and AC Milan.
If the final has Chelsea I will be behind them 100% as I was last year. In fact, I will love to see the Gunners turn it around on ManUre. If the final proves to be a Chelsea/Arsenal tie, then I will just sit back and enjoy the match without calling a favourite.

I am simply saying that I believe Barcelona to be the best in Europe this year. The "best ever" came from game commentators, and all I did was ask what you all thought of that.

I'm not concerned about yesterday's draw or Sunday's with Valencia. As I said, Barca had a bad day.
Remember barnsley over Liverpool last year.
Or some of the topsy turvy Premiereship results this year.
Any team can lose at any time.
I just believe barca is going to do a lot less losing than any other team this year.

I'm calling the return leg at Stamford Bridge a 1-1 draw; Barca advances on the away goal.

[Lumbergh]

In fact, I will love to see the Gunners turn it around on ManUre. If the final proves to be a Chelsea/Arsenal tie, then I will just sit back and enjoy the match without calling a favourite.

So you're basically neutral.

[sacky]

sorry falco,barca is in the driving seat here,have we forgotten about something called the mighty away goal. :)

[Falcon]

we have, since it was nil-nil.
New game next week, and this time no 100% defence strategy...should be interesting to see how Chelsea decides to go forward.

[Mr Majik]

In fact, I will love to see the Gunners turn it around on ManUre. If the final proves to be a Chelsea/Arsenal tie, then I will just sit back and enjoy the match without calling a favourite.

So you're basically neutral.
Good question...

Without reservation, Barcelona is my favourite football team, and has been for quite some time.

Here, in the Toronto, Canada area, it was not easy watching European football, except the odd Saturday premiereship match or two. As I was growing up and playing I became aware of United and Manchester City's rivalry from teammates, most of whom had immigrated from England.
Seeing that most were United fans I supported City, true to my nature of being contrary. (Plus, I like blue over red)

But when I began to receive regular Premiereship matches I was drawn to Chelsea and Arsenal (and even Crystal Palace, which was in the top flight at the time). My reasoning was fairly simple, yet not football related: Chelsea and Crystal Palace seemed to have the most black players, while Arsenal's name simply appealed to me, and none of them was named Manchester United. (I only supported United while Dwight was there)

As for Italy, I only became seriously interested about a year and a half ago, when I got expanded digital coverage which showed Serie A matches in ENGLISH! Previously, only our multicultural station would show Serie A, although in Italian, which was not suitable since, as you can tell, I like to hear the commentary.
I started tuning in just in time to see AC Milan, featuring Kaka, win the Club World Cup. Having the wonder kid, Pato, and then later signing Ronaldhino, sealed the deal for me.

[Mr Majik]

we have, since it was nil-nil.
New game next week, and this time no 100% defence strategy...should be interesting to see how Chelsea decides to go forward.
I would like to see Chelsea attack more, since Barca is brilliant on the counter...
:fro:

[broadsword]

Whatever inkling of respect I had for Barcelona's coach Pep Guardiola and players like Xavi, Iniesta and Dani Alves has gone out the window having read there comments following the first leg (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=641981&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=3888) at the Camp Nou.

While I respect them as players I find that their comments and constant criticisms of Chelsea's tactics as well as the officials unwarranted and very unprofessional. Each team has it's own tactics and game plan and it is not up to you as a player to denounce another team's tactics simply because you didn't have the game played 'your way'.

I would've thought that a manager would act as a calming influence and tell his players to put that behind them and concentrate on moving forward and devise strategies to do what they were unable to do at the Camp Nou. Instead Guardiola followed suit openly criticizing the referee, who said that even UEFA President Michel Platini was satisfied with his performance. Barcelona players seem to be the only ones feeling aggrieved by the referee's performance.

They should just get on with the game.

[Mr Majik]

Barca fans- Relax. Barca is the best team in the world. We have the best offense, the best players Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Etoo, etc. The best always wins. Here's what's going to happen:

1. Barca will score in the first 15 minutes, which will force Chelsea to have to score two goals.
2. Chelsea, after being brainwashed that guarding their goal for 210 minutes would give them an opportunity in penalties to defeat Barcelona, are incapable of mounting any resemblance of an attack.
3. Barcelona scores once more and wins 2-0
4. Chelsea fans on this blog complain about refs, fouls, etc ad nauseam. Begin to spout about how ManU will kill Barca, stop Messi.
5. The end

I liked this quote from the site broadsword just listed.

[Lumbergh]

Barca fans- Relax. Barca is the best team in the world. We have the best offense, the best players Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Etoo, etc. The best always wins. Here's what's going to happen:

1. Barca will score in the first 15 minutes, which will force Chelsea to have to score two goals.
2. Chelsea, after being brainwashed that guarding their goal for 210 minutes would give them an opportunity in penalties to defeat Barcelona, are incapable of mounting any resemblance of an attack.
3. Barcelona scores once more and wins 2-0
4. Chelsea fans on this blog complain about refs, fouls, etc ad nauseam. Begin to spout about how ManU will kill Barca, stop Messi.
5. The end

I liked this quote from the site broadsword just listed.

I wouldn't mind betting that the person in question was saying the same thing before the first leg...

[Lumbergh]

While I respect them as players I find that their comments and constant criticisms of Chelsea's tactics as well as the officials unwarranted and very unprofessional.

Rijkaard did the same thing last season after United's game at the Nou Camp.

He accused United of parking ten men behind the ball and making no attempt to go forward and then went on about how he expected them to come to Spain and 'play football' as if playing defensively is against the rules.

He then bizarrely went on to spit the same rhetoric after the second leg which United won...

[thatguy]

^^but they did lummy, u admitted it before. Barca dominated possession at OT; just couldnt get by the Utd defense. all in all it worked well. I am a barca fanboy and I have no problem wit SAF using superior tactics. He got his goal earl and settled to contain the barca offense last season. He did what he had to do and won fairly.
What I do have a problem with is how chelsea play; reminds me more of a wrestling match than a football match half the time. I know in England its more about physicality, but in other leagues (yes there is football outside of england) things don't work that way. Frankly, Ballacks FOUL on iniesta was a professional foul and deserving a card.

In any event this thread is about barca and their season sooooo 6-2 ..beautiful way to spend a saturday afternoon :-).
Most goals ever scored at the Bernabeau

[Mr Majik]

And ah tell dem lass week was a off day fuh Barca....

Unless dey feel Valencia superior to Real...

[thatguy]

for any fans of the beautiful game.

[youtube:vgpas1g3]CKMOMQo035M[/youtube:vgpas1g3]

[Lumbergh]

He got his goal earl and settled to contain the barca offense last season. He did what he had to do and won fairly.

Actually, they sat back and hit on the counter sporadically at OT. Their attacks were economical but effective. After Scholes scored, Park had an effort which just shaved the post, Nani missed a point-blank header after a beautiful cross was put into the box and Valdez had to tip another effort away in the second half. It was not the 'backs to the wall' job that everyone made it out to be. I could sort of understand Rijkaard moaning about the first leg, but the second leg?

Barcelona had chances, but none of them were exceptional, except for Henry heading straight at Edwin late on. Messi was restricted into running into blind alleys, putting in one good cross which Edwin cleared...

This current Barca side is pretty good, but Cruyff's team circa '92-94 would have battered this Chelsea side.

[Wayne]

As you all saw the referee Tom Ovrebo,a norwegian.....cheat for barcelona......he must have
been well paid.Drogba get "kick up",Pique of barcelona "hands" the ball in the penalty area....it
was waved off by the referee,then Eto "hands" the ball in the penalty area......it was waved off.
Instead Ballack get a yellow card for "cussing out" the referee.......Drogba get a yellow card and
he was "on the bench" for injury.Drogba tells the referee "after" the game over "this game is a
F***king disgrace and for that UEFA says Drogba may be fined.....Barcelona may be "the best ever for paying off a referee"..............ent?

[Mr Majik]

^^^steups@he...
Ah shoulda say any 10 men Barca send could win!! hahaha...dais win...de rule say so!
:D

[thatguy]

As you all saw the referee Tom Ovrebo,a norwegian.....cheat for barcelona......he must have
been well paid.Drogba get "kick up",Pique of barcelona "hands" the ball in the penalty area....it
was waved off by the referee,then Eto "hands" the ball in the penalty area......it was waved off.
Instead Ballack get a yellow card for "cussing out" the referee.......Drogba get a yellow card and
he was "on the bench" for injury.Drogba tells the referee "after" the game over "this game is a
F***king disgrace and for that UEFA says Drogba may be fined.....Barcelona may be "the best ever for paying off a referee"..............ent?

i agree certain decisions didnt go chelsea's way but the reaction from the chelsea players was out of line.
He cheat for barca yet send off Abidal ...rightt
Drogba get kick out, whatever happeneed to the 'most powerful striker in the game??' and if i remember properly, chelsea did the same at camp nou and all you chelsea fans condoned it. hide ur hypocracy next time.
Ballack should not have been playing in this tie. He deserved a second yellow at camp nou after that professional foul.
Are you seriously defending Drogba???? *** you want to send the message that 'cussing' officials and bitching and moaning is ok???
And ppl does wonder why tnt is the way it is now.

From a neutrals perspective, this is the best possible final. 2 teams capable and willing to play wide open expansive attacking football the way it was meant to be. This final ensures that the beautiful game wins!!!

[shotta]

As you all saw the referee Tom Ovrebo,a norwegian.....cheat for barcelona......he must have
been well paid.Drogba get "kick up",Pique of barcelona "hands" the ball in the penalty area....it
was waved off by the referee,then Eto "hands" the ball in the penalty area......it was waved off.
Instead Ballack get a yellow card for "cussing out" the referee.......Drogba get a yellow card and
he was "on the bench" for injury.Drogba tells the referee "after" the game over "this game is a
F***king disgrace and for that UEFA says Drogba may be fined.....Barcelona may be "the best ever for paying off a referee"..............ent?

i agree certain decisions didnt go chelsea's way but the reaction from the chelsea players was out of line.
He cheat for barca yet send off Abidal ...rightt
Drogba get kick out, whatever happeneed to the 'most powerful striker in the game??' and if i remember properly, chelsea did the same at camp nou and all you chelsea fans condoned it. hide ur hypocracy next time.
Ballack should not have been playing in this tie. He deserved a second yellow at camp nou after that professional foul.
Are you seriously defending Drogba???? *** you want to send the message that 'cussing' officials and bitching and moaning is ok???
And ppl does wonder why tnt is the way it is now.

From a neutrals perspective, this is the best possible final. 2 teams capable and willing to play wide open expansive attacking football the way it was meant to be. This final ensures that the beautiful game wins!!!

Easy easy, I watched this game at work. I also watched the first leg which there were no problems, you argue that Ballack should be suspended? What about Dani Alves? Barcalona should be down to 9 men last time I checked. Yaya pulled down Drogba, there was contact, he was the last man, he was pulling his shirt. So many many calls, Chelsea with any non cheating ref should of won this game by atleast 3 goals. The ref in the second leg def. cheated in Barcalona favor. You are full of *beep* by thinking Barcalona is the superior team here. Chelsea was way better and it took a lucky goal and a cheating ref for them to be in the final which don't matter because UNITED is going to take them apart AGAIN.

I think the ref sent of Abidal to justify not calling so many LEGIT penalty calls, plain and simple.

Now we have to watch a second rated team in the final, Chelsea have every reason to feel robbed. Even in the dying minutes there was a hand ball call that should of been called.
Chelsea deserved atleast a 2-1 win yesterday.
There is no team in the world that can beat UNITED at the moment.

[Mr Majik]

I agree that Barca got away with a few calls. I do not agree that YaYa should have got the call on the Drogba play. CL refereeing has always allowed a lot more contact than regular league matches. They also know the players, and Drogba is one who falls too easily. And I say that as a Chelsea fan! Abidal got sent off because Drogba (or was it Essien) tripped on the grass. The replay shows a gap between them. There was no contact.

But, if that play is a penalty, then there were 2 uncalled penalties against Messi, and another against another Barca player, which I can't remember now but think was Keita.

The game is over. The result is in stone. I was vex that Ferdinand got away with 2 obvious cred offences in the area last year, but I got over it after venting here, and looked forward to this year.

I would have been happy with a Chelsea win, albeit less happy than now. I just want someone to knock ManU, especially Ronaldo, off their pedestal they've built for themselves.

[Mr Majik]

Shotta...if Barca is second rate then Chelsea is to. If you can't score a goal in the other team's stadium but you allow them to score in yours, how does that make you a better team?

[Mr Majik]

One must also consider Barca played without their best defenders, Marquez and Puyol, and a large portion of the game a man short. That should translate as a win for a so-called "better team." Getting a late goal scored on you by an inferior team playing a man down is reprehensible.
Ergo, I do not see Chelsea as superior to Barcelona.

I do admit, however, concern about Barca's lineup for the final, especially in the defence corps.

[shotta]

Yes it's true that Chelsea conceded an away goal and didn't score in Camp Nou, I think this was a tactical move.
Chelsea is a defensive minded team, it works well for them, and, Barca the opposite.

Abidal got sent of for a tackle on Anelka but in my opinion he should of been of the field long before it. Dani, Kieta and Pisque should of been sent of as well. Pisque handled the ball clearly intentional and lied about it in the media. You might argue it was ball to hand but in that situation with hands outstretch you have to award the penalty. Dying minutes, eto turns his back with hands outstretched... you have to award that.

For me yes Drogba made the most of the challenge but THERE WAS CONTACT, twice. Barcalona didn't look pretty on both legs, Chelsea made them look very normal. Chelsea looked more dangerous going forward, had better chances and completely outplayed them despite having the lions share of possession.

But you have to say luck favored the away team in this game and it must be said that Barcalona getting that all important goal was coming, I could of seen it but in my opinion his game should of been over at half time in Chelsea favor.

It's my opinion, I watched the game over and over. I was not a Chelsea fan but now I am.

Watch this and tell me how you feel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwoAggvJBz8

[shotta]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxK5ul9I_yw

[Mr Majik]

Interestingly, neither of those 2 videos show the controversial calls against Messi, nor the so-called handball of Eto'o.
In the Eto'o situation it is clear, upon replay, that the ball struck him on the back of his rotator cuffs, not his arm. Even the Chelsea favouring commentator remarked that it was not a foul.

I've already conceded Barca got away with a couple, but where is the fairness and balance in showing Chelsea got away with some too?

[Mr Majik]

Why would I want to hear the opinion of the English media?
Are they not the same lot who called Crouch's goal against WE a "brilliant conversion of a beckham free kick?" I'm sure they didn't say T&T was robbed.

[shotta]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-mhTvJhAxg

[Mr Majik]

And what does that prove? More English slanted commentary.
There is not a single mention of any missed calls against Barca. At the 1:00 minute mark, Poll even wonders if Drogba didn't get the call because of his propensity for going down easy and says, "maybe he'll learn a lesson from that."

I must say I am disgusted with Drogba's and Ballack's actions. There is absolutely no excuse for attacking a referee like that. I'm sure they've had times when they received a favourable call that they shouldn't have gotten. Did they high five the referee at those times?

Notice if you will, that aside from Dani Alves, a hot headed Brasilian, Barca didn't gripe when they felt the referee missed calls in their favour, including 2 potential penalties against Messi and 1 against Keita (again, I think it was Keita but could be wrong.

[broadsword]

Barca didn't gripe when they felt the referee missed calls in their favour, including 2 potential penalties against Messi and 1 against Keita (again, I think it was Keita but could be wrong.

Not sure what you're talking about here. The only penalty shout Barca had over the two legs was one on Henry in the first leg at the Camp Nou and that was in no way clear.

This talk about the referee is getting old now, yes the referee had a bad game, the red card decision was atrocious and at least 2 penalties should have been awarded to Chelsea but they had enough chances in open play to kill off Barca. Hiddink said it himself in the interview, they should have taken their chances and killed the game off against 10 men. When you fail to finish off a team like Barca and they score in the final minute, you've only yourselves to blame.

I didn't think that this was Barca at their best and they rarely uplift themselves to their true ability when playing English teams which is also why I think Man Utd will win the Champions League. The overall performance from Barca was poor, only Iniesta out of their truly awesome front line showed up for the occasion. Messi and Eto'o were invisible. Over the two legs I thought Chelsea were the better team and it was a cruel way to go out but that's football for you and that's why we love this game so much. Barca deserves the plaudits for staying in the game and fighting to the very end.

It is always easy to shift blame to the officials to hide your shortcomings. Chelsea should have finished the game. It is really only in hindsight that the ref was called into question, had Iniesta not scored not many would have bemoaned the referee's decisions as we are seeing now.

Drogba and Ballack remained true to form with their childish and listless appeals after the game. The club should accept whatever disciplinary action taken and try not to condone this behaviour. I can understand emotion coming to bear on such a big occasion but that was disgraceful and unprofessional and it in no way improves the already dim outlook of people on Chelsea and their players. I will continue to support Chelsea but I'm not sure they would have gained many admirers after that display.

[Mr Majik]

Barca didn't gripe when they felt the referee missed calls in their favour, including 2 potential penalties against Messi and 1 against Keita (again, I think it was Keita but could be wrong.

Not sure what you're talking about here. The only penalty shout Barca had over the two legs was one on Henry in the first leg at the Camp Nou and that was in no way clear.


I'm referring to Messi getting chopped down from behind twice in the last match, and, I believe it was Keita who suffered the same type of tackle.

They both did the traditional sitting on the ground with their hands slapping their heads in disbelief, but neither went after the referee for it. All three of those incidents were clear penalties to me.

[Mr Majik]

For the record, having seen replays of the controversial calls (or non calls) I will say Alves got away with one in the box, which was called just outside the box. Abidal should have gotten the card earlier for shirt tugging. And Pique strongly MAYBE moved hand to ball, rather than ball to hand.

See...I like to be fair. Why can't you English people be fair

[sacky]

man got sent off,chelsea brought on a defender,so who wanted to win. :o :o :o

[shotta]

Know what, NONE of us here were victims of INJUSTICE that night besides Chelsea, only they know how it felt. Barca should of been out of this game at half time.

Yes drogba and ballack etc were unprofessional considering the kids watching. When you work hard for 2 years to reach this far and not get the calls that would of changed the course of the game in Chelsea favor before half time then they have good reason to feel undone.

Chelsea and all of their fans stood behind the players and I totally understand the frustration.
In the heat of the moment *beep* happens and we are all human. Broadsword you write as those Chelsea players had no reason to appeal. Maybe it was extreme but this was an EXTREME situation.

You think Barca would of acted any differently if they lost the game under the circumstances? I think not.

[shotta]

That Norwegian referee should quit or UEFA should get rid of him. What a disgrace at this level.

A ugly none entertaining ordinary side is in the finals to play UNITED.

I am mad still.

[broadsword]

Chelsea and all of their fans stood behind the players and I totally understand the frustration.
In the heat of the moment *beep* happens and we are all human. Broadsword you write as those Chelsea players had no reason to appeal. Maybe it was extreme but this was an EXTREME situation.
.

They did have right to feel aggrieved but at that point nothing could have been done about it. It makes no sense to behave in such a manner after the game, if you had a problem with the officials take it up with the authorities afterwards and refrain from making an arse of yourself in front of millions of viewers worldwide. The referee is only human as well and as you said sheit happens. Such is life.

The ref's performance was horrid and I don't expect him to be selected for another match of this calibre and that's all Chelsea could ask at this point. Again, had they taken their chances in open play they would not have found themselves in this situation. Its a disappointment yes but they must move forward from here and take this as a learning experience.

[shotta]

Yeah Drogba went a little 2 far after the game, he was the last person I expect to do that.
Ballack one was understandable since the game was still in session, I have seen worse.

Don't let the Drogba incident take anything away from Chelsea, they are far from been sore losers.
They have all the reasons to hold their heads high, they may have lost the tie but they didn't lose the game. For the second time in two champions league season the team in blue lacked the luck needed sometimes and lost out in the final moments of the game. Second time Chelsea missed out without losing.

[sacky]

stop whinging and take licks in yr ass,poor lil rich chelsea,last yr terry slipped this year drogba flipped :lol: :lol: :lol:

[SeandSand]

I have read everone's comments........the referee was Abidal's replacement.

[SeandSand]

I am a Chelsea fan but I have to go with Manchester United on May 27th......These two
players are going to bring THUNDER on Barcelona.....

[SeandSand]

I meant that these three players from Manchester United will bring THUNDER on Barcelona on
May 27th......

[Mr Majik]

FOR SALE, RENT, TRADE, LOAN OR TAKEAWAY:

1 French National Defender.

Has experience in La Liga Primera and looks good in blau et grana.

Nice kid with propensity for giving up deciding penalties.

Free (unless responding to "For Sale") to a good home, preferably not in London.

Inquire within @ Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalan, Espana

[Lumbergh]

Why can't you English people be fair

"English people are not fair because they criticise my team waaah!"

Get over it. You're in the final, Chelsea should have had at least two penalties but they weren't given. The game was marred by some terrible refereeing but Chelsea used to get away with a lot of things under Mourinho, so all this is karma for them. Move along...

Iniesta is now a major doubt for the final, btw...he tore his thigh muscle yesterday evening.

Barcelona are losing players at a crucial time:

- Alves (Suspended for Champions League Final)
- Abidal (Suspended for Champions League Final)
- Henry (Major Doubt)
- Iniesta (Major Doubt)
- Marquez (Out for the season)

[Mr Majik]

"English people are not fair because they criticise my team waaah!"
Not quite...
To hear the Chelsea supporters and the anti-Barca people tell it, they would have everyone believe Chelsea were perfect angels during this match.
I've pointed out several occasions where Chelsea got away with something yet the responses only talk about how Chelsea was wrong.

2 penalties for Chelsea went uncalled. 3 for barca, as i've already noted.

I agree the refereeing was abysmal, but don't agree with those who suggest the ref favoured Barca.

I'm not whining about the match at all. I am merely asking for a little balance in the discussion.

[SeandSand]

Okay let us say that it was the decision of UEFA officials,by any means necessary;that the final
game would NOT have two English teams competeing......That goal by Essien "worked" on the
Barcelona team like a good dose of salts........I am a Chelsea fan,so good luck to Manchester
United............I am sure that Dwight Yorke wished that he was "still" [smilie=buba.gif] with them.......Ent?