bluenose_72 198 Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 as you all are aware the champions league gets underway once again tomorrow. keep this thread going for the whole season with match updates, scores, predictions, news etc..... heres the fixtures for macthday 1. Tuesday, 18 September 2007 AC Milan v Benfica, D, 19:45 Chelsea v Rosenborg, B, 19:45 FC Porto v Liverpool, A, 19:45 Marseille v Besiktas, A, 19:45 Olympiacos v Lazio, C, 19:45 Real Madrid v Werder Bremen, C, 19:45 Schalke 04 v Valencia, B, 19:45 Shakhtar Donetsk v Celtic, D, 19:45 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, 19 September 2007 Arsenal v Sevilla, H, 19:45 Barcelona v Lyon, E, 19:45 Fenerbahce v Inter Milan, G, 19:45 PSV v CSKA Moscow, G, 19:45 Rangers v VfB Stuttgart, E, 19:45 Roma v Dynamo Kiev, F, 19:45 Slavia Prague v Steaua Bucuresti, H, 19:45 Sporting v Man Utd, F, 19:45 who is everyones pick for the tournament? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Brown Brogue Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 Usual suspects, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Barca, Chelsea. Dark horses would be Arsenal. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
port_bear 86 Posted September 18, 2007 Share Posted September 18, 2007 TBH I can't see past Real Madrid, a great bet at 14/1.... I just hope the 4 English teams go out sooner rather than later, was getting sooo sick of the whole "we have 3 teams in the semi's" p. ish that we had to listen to all last season !! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart_RFC 41 Posted September 18, 2007 Share Posted September 18, 2007 Thought i might predict the scores Tuesday, 18 September 2007 AC Milan v Benfica, D, 19:45 - 2-0 Chelsea v Rosenborg, B, 19:45 1-0 FC Porto v Liverpool, A, 19:45 0-3 Marseille v Besiktas, A, 19:45 1-1 Olympiacos v Lazio, C, 19:45 1-2 Real Madrid v Werder Bremen, C, 19:45 3-1 Schalke 04 v Valencia, B, 19:45 2-2 Shakhtar Donetsk v Celtic, D, 19:45 3-1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, 19 September 20 07 Arsenal v Sevilla, H, 19:45 1-2 Barcelona v Lyon, E, 19:45 2-0 Fenerbahce v Inter Milan, G, 19:45 1-2 PSV v CSKA Moscow, G, 19:45 2-2 Rangers v VfB Stuttgart, E, 19:45 2-2 Roma v Dynamo Kiev, F, 19:45 4-1 Slavia Prague v Steaua Bucuresti, H, 19:45 1-0 Sporting v Man Utd, F, 19:45 1-3 I think Milan will win the tournement Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenose_72 198 Posted September 18, 2007 Author Share Posted September 18, 2007 Thought i might predict the scores Tuesday, 18 September 2007 AC Milan v Benfica, D, 19:45 - 2-0 Chelsea v Rosenborg, B, 19:45 1-0 FC Porto v Liverpool, A, 19:45 0-3 Marseille v Besiktas, A, 19:45 1-1 Olympiacos v Lazio, C, 19:45 1-2 Real Madrid v Werder Bremen, C, 19:45 3-1 Schalke 04 v Valencia, B, 19:45 2-2 Shakhtar Donetsk v Celtic, D, 19:45 3-1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, 19 September 20 07 Arsenal v Sevilla, H, 19:45 1-2 Barcelona v Lyon, E, 19:45 2-0 Fenerbahce v Inter Milan, G, 19:45 1-2 PSV v CSKA Moscow, G, 19:45 2-2 Rangers v VfB Stuttgart, E, 19:45 2-2 Roma v Dynamo Kiev, F, 19:45 4-1 Slavia Prague v Steaua Bucuresti, H, 19:45 1-0 Sporting v Man Utd, F, 19:45 1-3 I think Milan will win the tournement 4 semi finals in 5 years, 3 finals in 5 years and 2 time winners in 5 years......even though the team are a year older you cant look past milan with the experience in the team and once ronaldo is back he will add that fire power up front which was missing from milan last season. so aswell as real madrid milan also look a very good bet. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
excoriate 0 Posted September 18, 2007 Share Posted September 18, 2007 Liverpool for me I reckon. Match of the round (apart from ours!) is either Porto v Liverpool, or Barca v Lyon. Still have to pinch myself that we're actually in amongst these sides, amazing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenose_72 198 Posted September 18, 2007 Author Share Posted September 18, 2007 Liverpool for me I reckon. Match of the round (apart from ours!) is either Porto v Liverpool, or Barca v Lyon. Still have to pinch myself that we're actually in amongst these sides, amazing. id add real v werder bremen to that list aswell. real are looking impressive this season and bremen still have some good players despite losing klose and losing 3-0 to dortmund at the weekend. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poetry_In_Blue 1,043 Posted September 18, 2007 Share Posted September 18, 2007 It is going to be interesting this season, and I'm going to go for Barca to win (beating Rangers in the final ). No harm in dreaming, having an orgasmic dream is having Rangers beat Barca!! :bouncy: :bouncy: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
the goal machine 7,989 Posted September 18, 2007 Share Posted September 18, 2007 Tuesday, 18 September 2007 AC Milan v Benfica, D, 19:45 Chelsea v Rosenborg, B, 19:45 FC Porto v Liverpool, A, 19:45 Marseille v Besiktas, A, 19:45 Olympiacos v Lazio, C, 19:45 Real Madrid v Werder Bremen, C, 19:45 Schalke 04 v Valencia, B, 19:45 Shakhtar Donetsk v Celtic, D, 19:45 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, 19 September 2007 Winners in bold I fancy Chelsea to win the whole tournament. Arsenal v Sevilla, H, 19:45 Barcelona v Lyon, E, 19:45 Fenerbahce v Inter Milan, G, 19:45 PSV v CSKA Moscow, G, 19:45 Rangers v VfB Stuttgart, E, 19:45 Roma v Dynamo Kiev, F, 19:45 Slavia Prague v Steaua Bucuresti, H, 19:45 Sporting v Man Utd, F, 19:45 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginnes90 0 Posted September 18, 2007 Share Posted September 18, 2007 Arsenal or Real Madrid. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenose_72 198 Posted September 18, 2007 Author Share Posted September 18, 2007 Arsenal or Real Madrid. i think arsenal are going to surprise people this season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted September 19, 2007 Share Posted September 19, 2007 AC Milan 2 v 0 Benfica Chelsea 2 v 0 Rosenborg FC Porto 1 v 1 Liverpool Marseille 2 v 0 Besiktas Olympiacos 2 v 2 Lazio Real Madrid 3 v 1 Bremen Schalke 04 1 v 2 Valencia Shakhtar Donetsk 2 v 0 Celtic Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted October 3, 2007 Share Posted October 3, 2007 Tonights Fixtures Group E Lyon 20:45 Rangers Stuttgart 20:45 Barcelona Group F Man. United 20:45 Roma Dynamo Kyiv 20:45 Sporting Group G CSKA Moskva 18:30 Fenerbahçe Internazionale 20:45 PSV Group H Steaua 20:45 Arsenal Sevilla 20:45 Slavia Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted October 3, 2007 Share Posted October 3, 2007 Match Preview:Lyon V Rangers Barcelona blow Lyon are yet to find their customary swagger this season following a summer of change, and a 3-0 reverse at Camp Nou on Matchday 1 was hardly the start Perrin had wanted in Group E. The result and display contrasted vividly with the club's stylish opening-day victories against Real Madrid CF in their previous two campaigns, prompting Perrin to demand a swift improvement. "When you have only six games it's very important to secure points early," the former Olympique de Marseille trainer said. Scotland comparison "We wanted to get a point in Barcelona but failed, so we must now beat Rangers to boost confidence and improve our position." Perrin remains on his guard, however, pointing to France's surprise UEFA EURO 2008â„¢ qualifying defeat by Scotland last month as an example of what might happen if his men are below par. "This match will be very similar to France-Scotland," Perrin predicted, adding: "Only the result will be different. 'Organised and committed' "I was at the Parc des Princes and was already wondering how we might break Rangers down," he continued. "They'll be well-organised and committed just like Scotland and we'll need to match their determination. But if we do that and play at a high tempo, using our speed on the flanks, we have a good chance." Benzema threat Kader Keita and Sidney Govou will be asked to provide that width, with in-form striker Karim Benzema leading the attack. Benzema's ninth goal of the season helped Lyon beat RC Lens 3-0 to go top of Ligue 1 on Saturday, with Perrin describing the game as an ideal rehearsal for Rangers: "Lens were organised and defended in numbers yet we succeeded in breaking through. Rangers will be even tougher but we'll try our best to find cracks in their armour." 'Difficult game' A draw would leave Rangers well-placed given the Scottish side's victory against VfB Stuttgart a fortnight ago, and their manager Walter Smith hopes to capitalise on any lingering uncertainty in the home camp. "Lyon made one or two changes in the summer, including the arrival of a new coach," said Smith, who masterminded the first of Scotland's two EURO successes over Les Bleus last October. "It takes time for new players to settle, but we're still expecting a difficult match. Darcheville doubt "All European away games represent big tests for us in terms of defending well and launching attacks from defensive positions. We'll just try to get as good a result as possible." Smith must choose between Daniel Cousin and Kris Boyd for the lone striker's role after Jean-Claude Darcheville sustained a hamstring injury in Saturday's 1-1 stalemate at Motherwell FC. Darcheville has travelled with the squad but is rated as "really doubtful" to feature against Lyon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted October 3, 2007 Share Posted October 3, 2007 Match Preview:Manchester United V AS Roma Focus needed Roma's visit to Manchester United FC for the sides' Group F encounter offers an early opportunity to exorcise the ghosts of last April's 7-1 UEFA Champions League quarter-final humbling. Yet while Spalletti spoke of a determination to "show that it was just a blip in our development and draw a line under it", he also said it was vital not to get carried away by a desire to make amends. 'Remember what we suffered' "If we talk about a vendetta, this could mean a lack of calm and balance in our play and at this level, it is not something we can do. We have to remember what we suffered last time, where we went wrong and go out in the kind of condition that will enable us to play against a team as strong as Manchester United." Elusive form United manager Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledged that the reunion represented "a big occasion" for Roma and was quick to rule out a repeat performance from his team. "It was a one-off, it won't happen again – European football is just not that way nowadays. It was an exceptional performance on the night." A reprise seems particularly far-fetched given United's present struggle for goals, Sir Alex himself remarking in his programme notes how Roma's return was a "reminder of the elusive form that we are still searching for". The English champions may sit second in the Premier League but only bottom club Derby County FC have scored fewer than their seven goals in eight outings. Defensive doubts Sir Alex, who will likely persist with Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tévez in attack, said he was confident his forwards would come good. "We are using Wayne as the more advanced player and Carlos dropping in. They've got a bit of understanding," he said, adding: "They're good players and the ability they've got will soon gel." Yet given United's present dependence on their defence – Saturday's victory at Birmingham City FC was their sixth 1-0 in eight games – it will concern the United manager that two of his back four, Nemanja Vidić and Wes Brown, are "doubts" having missed training on the eve of the match because of knocks. The loss of the in-form Vidić would be a notable setback, particularly with goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar already sidelined by a damaged toe, opening the door for a first European start for Tomasz Kuszczak. Reaction Roma landed in Manchester without Christian Panucci, who has a back problem, and with Spalletti expected to recall the fit-again Alberto Aquilani in midfield in place of David Pizarro. Like United, Roma collected three points on Matchday 1 but they have not won in three outings since and endured a first loss of the campaign on Saturday, 4-1 at home to FC Internazionale Milano. "We have to put these results behind us and react," said Spalletti. It is their reaction to another result that holds the real fascination. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted October 3, 2007 Share Posted October 3, 2007 Group E Lyon 1-1 Rangers Stuttgart 1-3 Barcelona Group F Man. United 2-2 Roma Dynamo Kyiv 0-1 Sporting Group G CSKA Moskva 1-2 Fenerbahçe Internazionale 2-0 PSV Group H Steaua 1-2 Arsenal Sevilla 3-1 Slavia Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Roma V Sporting Lisbon In Group F of the UEFA Champions league this week, Roma host Sporting Lisbon in a crunch contest, with both side’s level on points and both in search of a much needed victory to edge closer to qualification. It has been well noted on numerous occasions just how good Roma’s start was to the season. However, after being hailed as a Scudetto favorites and as serious contenders for the Champions League, they have dropped off the pace in all competitions. They've already found themselves five points behind leaders Inter Milan in the Serie A. After such a positive start, they have conceded an astounding twelve goals in their past five fixtures, and have won just one game in their past six. Although they have had a tough run, this is no excuse for a team that was hailed as title favorites under one month ago. An intriguing contest awaits them this week in Europe as they face an extremely talented Sporting Lisbon side. Although Sporting don’t have the best of records against Italian opposition, they did manage to defeat reigning Italian champions Inter Milan 1-0 at home in last season's Champions League. Following an entertaining, yet extremely disappointing 4-4 draw with Serie A newcomers Napoli in their most recent contest, Roma will be hoping to bounce back and take all three points in their crucial fixture at the Olimpico this Tuesday. Sporting will be a difficult side to overcome for the Giallorossi but, as a trip to Portugal awaits the Italian giants in two week's time, three points are essential in this fixture. That should be enough motivation to get the home side over the line. A talented Sporting Lisbon squad has been assembled and is traveling to Rome full of confidence of taking something from their upcoming contest with Italian giants Roma. Following a 3-0 defeat of an ever-improving Guimarães in their most recent league fixture, Sporting are in good form, form that must be repeated to give them any chance of managing a point or three from this match. As stated earlier, they do not have the best of records against Italian opposition. In fact, from their past twelve meetings with Italian clubs, they have won only the one match. However, it was defeat Inter Milan, so they may well have the ability to overcome this poor record against the Giallorossi. Their impressive 2-1 defeat away to Dynamo Kiev in match day two of this competition, has put them in a decent position, but a lack of match practice since then - just that win at Guimaraes - may hinder as well as help. A loss in Rome won’t be the end of the world. Managing to attain at least a point will be a huge step forward to qualification, especially if they can defeat Roma at home in a fortnight’s time. FORM GUIDE Roma October 20 v Napoli (H) DREW 4-4 October 7 v Parma (A) WON 3-0 October 2 v Man United (A) LOSS 0-1 (Champions League) September 29 v Inter (H) LOSS 1-4 September 26 v Fiorentina (A) DREW 2-2 Sporting Lisbon October 7 v Guimaraes (H) WON 3-0 October 2 v Dynamo Kyiv (A) WON 2-1 (Champions League) September 30 v Benfica (A) DREW 0-0 September 23 v Vitoria Setubal (H) DREW 2-2 September 16 v Estrela de Amadora (A) WON 2-0 TEAM NEWS Roma The news on the injury front for Roma remains the same. Aquilani is still out with a long-term thigh injury, whilst Taddei has failed to recover from a calf strain in time for this match. Once again, Pizarro will ably replace Aquilani in the defensive midfield alongside De Rossi, whilst Giuly-Mancini-Perrotta will form the trio of attacking midfielders playing in behind Totti. With the exception of those two injured players mentioned, Spalletti has a full strength squad to choose from. Sporting Lisbon With no major injuries or suspensions to their name, Sporting coach Bento had a full strength squad at his disposal. However, he has chosen to leave at first choice goalkeeper Vladimir Stojković out of the squad, due to the keeper’s late return from international duty for Serbia last week. Veteran stopper Tiago is expected to take his position between the sticks. In better news for Sporting, defender Anderson Polga and midfielder Simon Vukčević have both been delcared fit to play in Rome. Bento has also named a new face in his squad, under-19 international Adrien Silva, who will be looking to impress if given the opportunity. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 BARCELONA V RANGERS FC Barcelona will have to shake off determined opponents in Rangers FC, and buck a curious trend against Scottish teams, if they are to win on Matchday 4 and move clear at the top of Group E. Strange record Following a 0-0 draw in Glasgow a fortnight ago, Barcelona's record against sides from Scotland reads only one victory in six meetings, plus the even more remarkable statistic of one defeat and two draws against Scottish opposition at Camp Nou. But with goal difference alone keeping Barça ahead of Wednesday's visitors at the section summit, Frank Rijkaard has the advantage of a 3-0 weekend win against Real Betis Balompié, and an unbreached defence in Europe this season, fuelling his team's self-belief. Positive attitude The Dutchman says confidence and attitude will be as important factors as quality for his side. "I think I know how to explain Barça's general record against Scottish clubs: when Scots play against the great names of world football they always produce extra pride, extra motivation," he said. "They have a terrific mentality in such matches and they always want to defend the honour of their club and country in front of loyal, sporting fans." Footballing values Rijkaard understands the way in which Lionel Messi's disappointment at Rangers' defensive approach at Ibrox has been interpreted in Scotland, but is quite content for the Light Blues to come and play the game which they believe will succeed for them. "Walter Smith's record is impressive in general and he's achieved great things for Rangers," said Rijkaard. "Messi used the expression 'anti-football' but it's one I don't like because football has many facets and I absolutely accept any team's right to chose the tactics which best suit them. Our need is to score early and open the game up, because I view Rangers as difficult, dangerous opponents." Italian FIFA World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta misses the match with an ankle knock but Gabriel Milito returns to the squad after resting against Betis. Suspended star Smith, who is without the suspended Kevin Thomson but can welcome back Charlie Adam after a virus, acknowledges that Rangers face a difficult test, but argues that if they get their tactics right then a valuable draw is within their grasp. "Barcelona don't drop many points at the Camp Nou either in domestic or Champions League football so it's a tough challenge," he said. "But if we put on the same performance as we managed at Ibrox then the same result is feasible." Sound defence The former Scotland manager is also happy to identify what he thinks will be the two key factors: "My team has defended well in pressure situations this season and that will again be vital. And while it's easy to identify Barça's strikers as world-class players, I think that teams who come here and want a result have to ensure that Xavi [Hernández] and [Andrés] Iniesta don't have easy possession with which to supply the goalscorers." Victory would earn either side a place in the last 16 if Olympique Lyonnais lose at home to VfB Stuttgart. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 LYON V STUTTGART Olympique Lyonnais coach Alain Perrin has called for a controlled performance against VfB Stuttgart as the French club bid to recapture their formidable home form in the UEFA Champions League. Home defeats Stade de Gerland has been a fortress in recent seasons, with Lyon unbeaten there in European competition for four and a half years prior to the visit of AS Roma in March. Rangers FC inflicted a second consecutive home defeat last month, stunning the Lyon faithful with a 3-0 success that left Perrin's men pointless after two Group E outings and dispelled any lingering sense of invincibility. Rangers lesson While a 2-0 win in Stuttgart last time out has kick-started Lyon's campaign, Perrin knows they cannot afford another slip in front of their own fans if they are to reach the knockout phase for a fifth year running. "We need to produce a big performance for our supporters and for our future in the competition," said the former Olympique de Marseille boss. "The Rangers game taught us a lot. We started very offensively but got caught out. It's vital not to concede first and I hope we've learned our lesson." Ben Arfa boost Perrin's cautious words are likely to be reflected in his selection, with Karim Benzema poised to start as a lone attacker despite the availability of Fred following a three-match suspension. Jérémy Toulalan (knee) and Milan Baroš (groin) join an injury list that includes long-term absentees Grégory Coupet, Cris and Patrick Müller, though Hatem Ben Arfa should return after missing Saturday's 2-0 victory over Valenciennes FC with an ankle knock. Stern test Lyon's ninth win in their last ten Ligue 1 outings took them four points clear at the top, but Perrin expects a sterner examination on Wednesday, saying: "We can't allow Stuttgart as many chances as Valenciennes had. They're a typical German side that love to attack and they're fighting to stay in the competition. With forwards like [Mario] Gómez, Cacau and [Yıldıray] Baştürk around, we'll need to be on our guard." Returning trio Stuttgart's hopes of reaching the last 16 may be hanging by a thread after three straight losses, yet the return of three key defenders – Fernando Meira, Matthieu Delpierre and Andreas Beck – has given the Bundesliga champions a timely fillip. "We have some key men back and that's great news, even if they're not yet 100 per cent fit," said coach Armin Veh. "Our chances of qualifying are slim but we'll make life as difficult as possible for Lyon. We owe it to ourselves, our fans and to German football to fight hard and give a good account of our club." Midfield role With Roberto Hilbert (ankle) and Arthur Boka (knee) being Stuttgart's only absentees, Veh has plenty of options, particularly at centre-half where Meira, Delpierre and Serdar Tasci are competing for two places. The 46-year-old hinted that he would not alter the team that beat 1. FC Nürnberg 1-0 on Saturday thanks to Gómez's fifth goal of the campaign, saying: "Our captain [Meira] has shown he can play in defensive midfield and unless I have a last-minute change of heart, that's where he will play." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted November 28, 2007 Share Posted November 28, 2007 28 November 2007 GROUP A BeÅŸiktaÅŸ 20:45 Marseille Liverpool 20:45 Porto GROUP B Rosenborg 20:45 Chelsea Valencia 20:45 Schalke GROUP C Bremen 20:45 Real Madrid Lazio 20:45 Olympiacos GROUP D Benfica 20:45 Milan Celtic 20:45 Shakhtar Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted November 28, 2007 Share Posted November 28, 2007 PREVIEW Liverpool V Porto Previous Match 1-1 Group Standings -----------P W D L Pts Porto ----4 2 2 0 8 Marseille 4 2 1 1 7 Liverpool 4 1 1 2 4 BeÅŸiktaÅŸ 4 1 0 3 3 'Must not lose' The game has been billed as must-win for Liverpool, but BenÃtez was keen to stress that even a point against Porto might be enough to eventually see the five-time champions through to the last 16. "We must not lose," he said. "This may be something that people have not considered, but if we draw and then beat [Olympique de] Marseille and BeÅŸiktaÅŸ [JK] also beat Marseille [on Wednesday], maybe we can also qualify. It's really important to win but it's more important not to make mistakes." 'No distractions' BenÃtez has seen his position as manager become the subject of media speculation following an alleged fall-out with the club's American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, concerning his ability to sign new players. However, the Spaniard neatly sidestepped every question regarding his future as he kept his focus on tackling the Portuguese Liga leaders. "I am sure we will win and we will play well," he said. "There have been no distractions ... we have only been thinking about Porto and nothing else. The most important thing for my club and our supporters is the game." 'Pretty football' A tournament-record 8-0 victory against BeÅŸiktaÅŸ on Matchday 4 enhanced Liverpool's qualification prospects and started a sequence of three successive wins which culminated in Saturday's 3-0 triumph at Newcastle United FC which left the Reds in fifth place in England. "We are unbeaten [in the Premier League] and in the last game we played really well. We were passing the ball and playing pretty football, so everything is much better now and we will try to keep the momentum going," said BenÃtez, who will be without defender Daniel Agger and midfielders Jermaine Pennant and Xabi Alonso due to injury. Porto poised Group A leaders Porto will qualify for the knockout stage if they win, although a point against Liverpool could also suffice provided Marseille avoid defeat at BeÅŸiktaÅŸ. Porto moved to the summit by overcoming Marseille 2-1 in their last European outing and they are also unbeaten in the Liga. A 2-0 home victory over Vitória FC on Sunday kept them four points clear of SL Benfica at the top, and coach Jesualdo Ferreira is in positive mood. "It's true that a draw could serve Porto's interests but we are not thinking like that, that was never the idea," he said. "If we play at the highest levels we are capable of, then we will know if a draw is enough to get us through." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted November 28, 2007 Share Posted November 28, 2007 Preview Celtic V Shakhtar Previous Match 0-2 Group Standings ----------Pld W D L Pts Milan -----4 3 0 1 9 Shakhtar 4 2 0 2 6 Celtic ---- 4 2 0 2 6 Benfica --- 4 1 0 3 3 Back in contention After going down 2-0 to the Ukrainian club in their opening fixture, the Scottish title-holders have clawed their way back into Group D contention with home victories against holders AC Milan and SL Benfica either side of a late loss in Lisbon. But it is clear the manager remains troubled by the manner of that reverse on Matchday 1, when two defensive errors inside the first eight minutes prevented Celtic from making a positive start in the section. 'Lucky' Celtic "You listen and learn," said Strachan. "You hope not to lose an early goal, play common sense football and try not to give the other team an advantage right away. That's what we'll try to do and we'll let the game flow after that. I'm sure it will be an exciting game." Strachan confirmed he is hopeful goalkeeper Artur Boruc and midfielder Paul Hartley will be available after the pair missed Saturday's 3-0 stroll against Aberdeen FC with respective toe and virus complaints. However, he was less forthcoming on counterpart Mircea Lucescu's assertion that Celtic are "lucky" to be still vying for a place in the knockout rounds. Shakhtar praise "You must be confusing me with someone who's bothered," was Strachan's withering response, while he in turn was unstinting in his praise of the team the Romanian has built. "Shakhtar are a fantastic side," he continued. "They're all good players and have a number of individuals who are capable of turning a game with one flash of brilliance along with a few others who are happy to do the hard work." Capacity crowd Though respectful of the threat posed by the opposition, Strachan is comforted by Celtic's enviable home record – just one defeat in 15 UEFA Champions League fixtures – and by the return of first-choice striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink after successive ankle and hamstring injuries. "We're positive because we're playing well," the manager said. "We're scoring goals and looking like a threat most of the time, so that's where the positivity comes from." 'Strong at home' "We played very well and were unlucky to lose that match," said Lucescu. "But I have other experiences of Glasgow when Galatasaray [AS] drew 0-0 with Rangers [FC in 2000] and I also remember playing with Romania when we drew 1-1 at Hampden Park in 1981. Celtic are very strong at home with the crowd behind them, yet we hope to have opportunities on the counterattack to get the result we want." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted November 28, 2007 Share Posted November 28, 2007 Preview Benfica V AC Milan Previous Match 1-2 Group Standings Group Standings ----------Pld W D L Pts Milan -----4 3 0 1 9 Shakhtar 4 2 0 2 6 Celtic ---- 4 2 0 2 6 Benfica --- 4 1 0 3 3 Success essential "We're going out to win, and we'll do the same in the next match," insisted the Spaniard. After three defeats in their opening four games, Benfica could certainly do with a victory to maintain their hopes of bettering last season's exit at this stage. They trail both third-placed Celtic FC and FC Shakhtar Donetsk, in second, by three points, and depending on the result between those two clubs in Glasgow, a draw in Lisbon may also sustain Benfica aspirations of progress. Morale high In contrast to their Group D status, the Eagles are flying high domestically – the second-placed team are unbeaten in the Portuguese Liga for more than a year and have won their last five matches. "Morale is high at the moment," said Camacho. "We are on a good run." Although missing the suspended Augustin Binya, who was sent off in the Matchday 4 loss at Celtic FC, the coach will be able to call on David Luiz: the defender having made his return in Saturday's victory at A. Académica de Coimbra following three months out with a foot injury. Experience Whatever the personnel, Camacho expects a tough assignment against the European champions. He also believes his side's 2-1 reverse in Milan in September can be partially explained by their relative lack of experience. "Milan are a team of the moment," he stressed. "We are an improving team, a team of the future. There's a great difference between the sides. But we will try to play our best. We're not going out there with a negative mentality, thinking it's going to be difficult." Aim to win Camacho's counterpart Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, has been quick to move away from suggestions that the tie holds more importance for Benfica than for the visitors. Indeed, the Rossoneri know a win at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica will seal their passage to the knockout phase regardless of results elsewhere. "It's important for both teams. Of course we want to win in order to go through," he said. Finishing first in the pool is also on the Italian club's agenda: "So we have the second leg of the next round in Milan." No crisis Ancelotti, who played for Milan in the 1990 European Champion Clubs' Cup final when they beat Benfica 1-0, also refutes talk of a crisis caused by his charges' patchy domestic form – they are placed ninth in Serie A. "I don't think there is one. We've won our last two away games, in Donetsk and against Cagliari [Calcio]," he said. Nonetheless, the 48-year-old is anticipating an even tougher encounter than the Portuguese outfit helped to provide on Matchday 1. "Their team are very different from in that first game," he said, pointing out that the younger players in the Benfica ranks are turning them into a force to be reckoned with. "They have a very promising young squad," he stated. Stay positive According to the 35-year-old, Benfica's good form in the Portuguese Liga makes them ready to haul themselves back into Group D contention. "We need to play at the level we're reaching in the domestic championship," he said. Saturday's 3-1 win at A. Académica de Coimbra was the Lisbon club's fifth in a row in the Liga, and they have no intention of changing their approach against Milan. "We're not going to be negative," Rui Costa stressed. "It's a very high level of competition, but our sole objective is to win." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted November 28, 2007 Share Posted November 28, 2007 Top Goal scorers 5 Zlatan Ibrahimović = Internazionale 5 Cristiano Ronaldo = Man. United 4 Lionel Messi = Barcelona 3 Juninho Pernambucano = Lyon 3 Yossi Benayoun = Liverpool 3 Ruud van Nistelrooy = Real Madrid 3 Filippo Inzaghi = Milan 3 Mario Gómez = Stuttgart 3 Wayne Rooney = Man. United 3 Cesc Fabregas = Arsenal 3 Frédéric Kanouté = Sevilla 3 Luis Fabiano = Sevilla 3 Vágner Love = CSKA Moskva 2 Jô = CSKA Moskva 2 Renato Sevilla 2 Ismaël Bangoura = Dynamo Kyiv 2 Steffen Iversen = Rosenborg 2 Mamadou Niang = Marseille 2 Didier Drogba = Chelsea 2 Tommaso Rocchi = Lazio 2 Goran Pandev = Lazio 2 Deivid Fenerbahçe 2 Cristiano Lucarelli =Shakhtar 2 ZdenÄ›k Å enkeÅ™Ãk = Slavia 2 Carlos Tévez = Man. United 2 Raúl González = Real Madrid 2 Clarence Seedorf = Milan 2 Robinho = Real Madrid Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Juve 1 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 FIXTURES 12TH WED Rangers V Lyon Barcelona V Stuttgart Roma V Man. United Sporting V Dynamo Kyiv PSV V Internazionale Fenerbahçe V CSKA Moskva Arsenal V Steaua Slavia V Sevilla Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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