I don't think Barca have improved since 2009.
We are certainly worse.
We are certainly worse.
Champions League Quarter-finals (second leg)
- Thread starter Vato
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
-Their midfield have improved(Iniesta & Busquets better + Thiago and Fabregas)
-Their defensive tactics have improved considerably, they give away way less chances these days.
-Attack regressed slightly, but overshadowed by the improvements in the other areas stated.
-Perhaps most importantly, Pep has Improved considerably in the tactics department and is a far cry away from the fairly naive coach in his first 2 seasons.
I'd say they've Improved.
Chelsea still have 90mins to play with a 1-0 advantage.
I looked at the CFC lineup in that infamous Ovrebo debacle and it hasn't changed much since.
We replaced Alex with D.Luiz, Ballack with Ramires and Anelka with Sturridge, the rest of the lineup is still there. Obviously, they got three years older and are in the middle of their worst season in years but I'd imagine Drogba and Co would love a last chance to redeem themselves and it doesn't get any better than facing an old foe at the same stage of the CL.
You just know Chelsea will be up for it like no other match this season.
Barca may not have but Messi has.
Meh, he won't be able to do much from inside Mikels pocket.
They don't have it though, Drogba isn't the same Drogba, Lampard is older, slower, Essien who scored THE wondergoal is nowhere near to recapturing his best... It goes on and on. They can be up for it but if they just dont have the players they wont have much of a chance.
Peter beat me to it.
Messi's goals and assists have improved since 08/09 bar his current assists 22 where he only needs another 3 to beat last years.
I'm sure their possession stats are a lot better. I don't have those figures but they must be ranging between 65-70%?
Messi's goals and assists have improved since 08/09 bar his current assists 22 where he only needs another 3 to beat last years.
I'm sure their possession stats are a lot better. I don't have those figures but they must be ranging between 65-70%?
Chelsea are a lot worse than a few years ago and Barca are more or less the same team.It is insane though to think that Messi improved so much from that season where he ended scoring 30+ goals and won the ballon d'Or
Benfica has their 4 CB's injured. They'll be playing with Javi Garcia (DM) and Emerson (LB, and a terrible one) on the centre of defence. Should be fun.
Who are you hoping goes though? National pride or dislike of Benfica?
I'm a Chelsea fan since I was little
Nice, I always thought you were a good poster. Now I know why!
I was joking, I'm a fan of whoever's playing against Benfica.
If Benfica scores the first goal then i'm sure they're going through.
I love how some people are just completely writing off Benfica. It's just been said on SSN that it would be unthinkable for them to progress tonight. I'll agree that it's unlikely, but it wouldn't be all that big a shock if it did happen.
It's going to be your typical "Benfica-are-a-very-decent-side-and-a-real-danger-but-Chelsea-will-go-through-regardless" story tonight.
Maybe I'm just cynical...
Maybe I'm just cynical...
Those fecking flags get me every time 
How come we are not discussing APOEL's chances tonight?
Benfica have started postively.
But can APOEL at least get a draw?
No.
Hey, 12 minutes up, 78 to go!
Benfica are attacking always with 5-6 players........that's great to see.
thought Mata had scored.
offside flag went up.
offside flag went up.
You don't say
Talking about APOEL. I thought Real would score inside 10 minutes, but they've held up so far.
Benfica's centre-back pairing is a holding midfielder and a left-back.
Penalty for Chelsea.
penalty to chelsea
Soft pen
that¡s not a penalty
What was defender doing?
Lampard, 1-0 Chelsea (2-0 Chelsea on agg).
Fat Frank scores 1-0
Should save that.