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24.11.2009
(Cashman) | Champions League Reaction
Thumbs Up -
Barcelona
Barcelona started their vital match against Inter Milan robbed of the attacking talents of the mercurial Messi and Ibrahimovic. 26 minutes in, the game as a contest was all but over. Barcelona went on to dominate against Italy's best without two of their most influential players. And all this with more than an eye on the upcoming El Clįsico. The gulf in class was far more than the scoreline suggested, and provides us with as much an insight into Inter Milan and the current state of Italian football as it does of Barcelona and Spanish football.
Thumbs Down -
Liverpool & Rafa
And so no miracle came to pass. Liverpool kept up their side of the bargain, unfortunately for them Lyon could not do likewise. Their one nil reverse in Italy ensured that Liverpool's route forward in the Champions League was blocked, their alternate course taking them into the Europa League. This is a sad reflection on a club rich in European football history. No longer allowed to play with the aristocrats of European football in the Champions League, they must now feed off the meagre offerings of its poor relation.
While the dreaded run of 1 win in 10 games may now at least be consigned to memory, Benitez now faces the daunting task of raising his players morale to compete in the domestic league, and even there, the league title is probably beyond his team. This will not sit well with Gerrard, or more worryingly Fernando Torres (incidentally if he had been fit against Debrecen, the result would have been beyond doubt long before the final whistle). In fairness, a derby against Everton may well be the best game to get the players focused and fired up again - just remember who they beat for that 1-in-10 victory. Time will tell, but the very least expected of Benitez and Liverpool now must be to cement fourth place, and positive runs in the two cup competitions in which they remain.
Scottish Football
Another setback for Rangers, Scottish football, and the Old Firm in general. A lack of funds (answering to the banks according to their manager), an average team, and horrible performances have seen Rangers crash out of Europe altogether, with not even the poisoned chalice of the Europa League for comfort. Home form is normally what the Old Firm clings to for any chance of progression in Europe - they have lost all their home games with a goal difference of -8.
Italian Football
The best team in Italy against the best team in Spain. Inter Milan barely mustered a chance and in general were led a merry dance by a team devoid of the talents of Messi and Ibrahimovic. Italian football has been in the doldrums long enough already, a performance and a result like this does little to suggest it will emerge any time soon. |
| Date | Comments | |
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24.11.2009
(Cashman) | Arsenal should also have been included in the above - a comfortable win, a clean sheet, and qualification with a game to spare. One point was required but all three were wrapped up before half time. Job done for Arsenal and a chance for Wenger to give some of his talented youngsters a Champions League run out in the final game. |
