2011/2012 Uefa - Champions League & Europa League

[joew2005]

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Guardiola looks to strike Milan hard

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola believes it is crucial his 4ward line is on song against AC Milan as he fully expects the Serie A leaders 2 score @ the Camp Nou in their Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg clash on Tuesday.

The defending champions cruised thru the last round with a 7-1 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen in the 2nd leg @ home with Lionel Messi scoring a record 5 goals in the process, but tis tie is evenly balanced aft a 0-0 draw @ the San Siro last week.

Milan defended solidly & were able 2 break up Barcelona's quick passing thru the midfield. They now know tat a score draw will see them thru 2 the semi-finals.

Guardiola realises tat the onus is on his players 2 break down the Italian side's solid defence.

"I'm pretty sure tat they r going 2 get a goal & so it is down 2 us 2 try & find the way 2 create chances becos if they hv 2 defend with 8 players in the penalty then they will do," said Guardiola.

"We r now in the latter stages of the competition & tis is a key match which we hv 2 win. We need 2 find a way 2 score goals & so we will hv 2 with strong rhythm, press forward & move the ball quickly.

"There is no question of underestimating Milan.

"We know tat they r a team tat can knock us out as they create chances, defend well & r strong on the counter-attack.

"We r not a side which can hold out 4 very long defensively & so if Milan dominate the possession then there is something tat we r doing wrong."

Defensive talisman Carles Puyol was rested in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao but is expected 2 return 2 the starting lineup against Milan.

It could again be @ left-back like in the 1st leg with 1st choice Eric Abidal waiting 4 a liver transplant.

Puyol said Barcelona will adopt their typical attacking approach.

"Our plan is the same as normal, 2 go out to try & win & play our football while @ the same time aware tat we r up against an excellent side.

"I'm sure tat they r going 2 be tight @ the back & wait 2 counter-attack us.

"Tis is the most important match so far tis season 4 us & while it is always important not 2 concede, tis time it is more so than ever.

"I m ready 2 play wherever the coach decides & I'm just happy 2 help the team. Playing on the left is not my ideal position but that is the way it is and we are playing one of the top sides in Europe so you have to go out and enjoy it."

It will also be a big night for former Barca player Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who returns after a disappointing spell in Spain.

"He is one of the best strikers in the world, difficult to defend one-on-one and he can shoot from distance and so we will try and make sure he gets the ball as little as possible," said Puyol.

[joew2005]

2011/2012 Champions League

Quarter-finals - 2nd leg
Bayern Munich 2-0 Marseille (Bayern Munich won 4-0 over 2 legs)
Barcelona 3-1 AC Milan (Barca won 3-1 over 2 legs)
4th April - Real vs APOEL (Real won 1st leg 3-0)
4th April - Chelsea vs Benfica (Chelsea won 1st leg 1-0)


Semi-finals
1st leg on 17/18 April, & 2nd leg on 24/25 April
Bayern Munich vs APOEL/Real
Benfica/Chelsea vs Barcelona


Final
19 May 2012 @ Allianz Arena, Munich in Germany.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2...ampions_League

[joew2005]

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Record-breaking Messi sends Barca into semis

Lionel Messi scored 2 1st-half penalties in a 3-1 win over AC Milan @ the Nou Camp Tuesday 2 propel holders Barcelona 2 a 5th successive Champions League semi-final.

Messi's brace in the quarter-final 2nd leg took him to 51 Champions League goals - @ 24 the youngest player 2 achieve the half century landmark - & a record total tis season of 14, bettering the previous mark held by himself & Ruud van Nistelrooy of 12.

Andres Iniesta's well-taken goal early in the 2nd-half wrapped up the match & they will face wither Chelsea or Benfica in the semi-finals as they bid 2 become the 1st team 2 retain the trophy since it became the Champions League in the 1992/93 season.

Antonio Nocerino had pulled a goal back 4 Milan 2 level briefly in the 1st-half but in the end there was no stopping Barcelona emulating the great Real Madrid side of the 1950's in reaching 5 successive semi-finals.

Barcelona's 3-1 win saw them comfortably thru 2 the semis aft a 0-0 draw in the 1st leg in Italy.

The Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri & players hit out @ the referee over the penalty decisions but Barca coach Pep Guardiola claimed tat they were clear cut.

"They were 2 penalties, if u pull some1 in the area then tat is wat happens," said Guardiola.

"We deserved 2 go thru & I was very happy with the performance 4 the way tat we were able 2 control the game especially aft the 3rd goal.

"2 hv reached the semi-final 4 the 5th time is something special & shows the strength of the club. 2 achieve it for 1 or 2 years is excellent but 2 do it 4 5 is really amazing.

"I feel the same abt my players whether they had qualified 4 the next round or not becos they hv already achieved so much they do not need 2 do more 2 prove themselves 2 me.

"We were against a team with alot of experience & prestige so it was never going 2 be easy & there were always going 2 be talking points but they were 2 penalties & we did not complain abt the 1s tat weren't given in the 1st leg."

However Allegri felt tat his side were unlucky.

"The penalties were decisive & the 2nd which was very debatable. It is never easy 2 play against Barca but overall they deserved 2 win," he said.

A fired up Messi, who has been the top scorer in the Champions League 4 the past 3 seasons but had only scored 1s b4 against Italian opposition, had 3 chances inside the 1st 10 mins.

The 3-time world footballer of the year shot straight @ the keeper fr the edge of the area & then side footed wide aft a delightful link up with Cesc Fabregas.

At the San Siro, Milan had looked composed & managed 2 disrupt Barca's usual passing game but now they were looking edgy especially @ the back.

1 error aft another led 2 Barca's opening goal.

Massimo Ambrosini was dispossessed in midfield by Messi who tore in2 the area & then appeared 2 make the wrong decision in playing the ball back 2 Xavi.

Full-back Luca Antonini dispossessed the Spain international but then went thru the back of Messi & the referee awarded the penalty which the Argentine despatched into the corner.

Milan eventually began 2 settle & scored with their 1st real chance.

Robinho went on a jinking run & found Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the edge of the area, who picked out Nocerino & he calmly slid the ball past keeper Victor Valdes.

Milan had got themselves back into the game but then found themselves chasing the game again b4 the break, aft another penalty was signalled 4 a shirt tug by Alessandro Nesta on Sergio Busquets as a corner was being delivered.

Messi stepped up & sent the keeper the wrong way fr 12 yards.

Still Milan knew tat a goal would put them thru 2 the next round but their task was made a lot tougher aft 53 mins when Iniesta put Barca further ahead.

Messi was again involved with his shot blocked by Philippe Mexes & the rebound unluckily 4 the defender ran 2 Iniesta who slotted home clinically fr close range.

[joew2005]

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Di Matteo wary of Benfica threat

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has warned his side against complacency when they face Benfica in a Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg @ Stamford Bridge here on Wednesday.

Chelsea r 1-0 up following their victory in Portugal last week & will be strongly fancied 2 reach their 6th semi-final in 9 years.

But Di Matteo has urged his team not 2 get ahead of themselves as they contemplate a possible semi-final with reigning champions Barcelona.

"It is a danger," said the Italian. "Tis is half-time & we're leading 1-0. But a 1-0 lead is basically nothing.

"Our players r aware of tis, & we'll hv 2 go in2 tis game with the right attitude.

"Nothing has been done yet. We're aware of tat. We need 2 go & qualify 4 the next round."

Di Matteo added: "Tis tie is far fr over. They (Benfica) hv scored in every away game of their Champions League season, so it's a difficult task 2morrow night."

Benfica boss Jorge Jesus insisted Chelsea were "lucky" 2 be ahead in the tie, saying: "Chelsea obviously hv the upper hand, but we r going 2 approach tis game in the same manner as we would hv if we had won the 1st game.

"Chelsea had quite a lot of luck in the 1st match, considering we dominated the match.

"We hv the quality 2 win tis game, obviously, & I'm sure tat -- tis time round -- we can turn the tables on Chelsea & do the same as they did in Lisbon."

Jesus added: "They (Chelsea) came out 2 play 4 a 0-0 draw & ended up getting a win."

Chelsea r in the midst of a tough schedule of matches, & should they reach the semi-finals will end up playing 11 times in just 40 days.

They had been hoping 2 persuade the Football Association 2 bring forward the kick-off time of their FA Cup semi-final against London rivals Tottenham @ Wembley on April 15 fr 6pm local time (1700GMT) in a bid 2 give them more time 2 prepare 4 a possible Champions League semi-final.

But the FA r unlikely 2 change the kick-off time & Di Matteo, brought in as interim boss aft Andre Villas-Boas was sacked, tried 2 put a positive slant on Chelsea's packed programme.

"I think there r alot of clubs tat would like 2 hv so many games, 2 be involved in all these competitions.

"It's very demanding 4 the players, but we're in a good place. All the players r available, so tat will help us."

He added: "It might become an issue @ some point. I don't know.

"Fortunately, we hv a fully fit squad, which will help us in the run-in, 2 be able 2 play every player we hv & give everybody a chance."

Didier Drogba (foot), David Luiz (ankle), & Raul Meireles (knee) all trained Tuesday & r expected 2 be available 4 Wednesday's match.

[joew2005]

2011/2012 Champions League

Quarter-finals
Bayern Munich 2-0 Marseille (Bayern Munich won 4-0 over 2 legs)
Barcelona 3-1 AC Milan (Barca won 3-1 over 2 legs)
Real 5-2 APOEL (Real won 8-2 over 2 legs)
Chelsea 2-1 Benfica (Chelsea won 3-1 over 2 legs)


Semi-finals
1st leg on 17 April - Bayern Munich vs Real
1st leg on 18 April - Chelsea vs Barcelona


Final
19 May 2012 @ Allianz Arena, Munich in Germany.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2...ampions_League

[joew2005]

2011/2012 Europa League

Quarter-finals
Atletico Madrid 2-1 Hanover (Atletico Madrid won 4-2)
AZ Alkmaar 0-4 Valencia (Valencia won 5-2 over 2 legs)
Metalist Kharkiv 1-1 Sporting (Sporting won 3-2 over 2 legs)
Schalke 2-2 Athletic Bilbao (Athletic Bilbao won 6-2 over 2 legs)


Semi-finals - 1st leg on 19 April & 2nd leg on 26 April
Atletico Madrid vs Valencia
Sporting vs Athletic Bilbao.


Final
9 May 2012 @ National Stadium, Bucharest.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2..._Europa_League

[joew2005]

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Barca boon ahead of Blues clash
April 9, 2012

Barcelona's El Clasico with Real Madrid @ the Nou Camp has been brought 4ward 2 April 21, giving the Blaugrana more time 2 prepare 4 their Champions League semi-final with Chelsea.

The high-profile Primera Liga clash, which takes place betw the 2 legs of the European semi-finals, has been moved fr Sunday 2 Saturday by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

Barcelona travel 2 Stamford Bridge 2 face Chelsea in the 1st leg of their Champions League meeting 3 days earlier on Wednesday April 18, with the return fixture on Tuesday April 24.

The rescheduling of El Clasico 2 the Saturday by the RFEF has given defending European champions Barca an extra day 2 recover.

Chelsea will also play on the Saturday b4 the 2nd leg, but the English team's efforts 2 rearrange their FA Cup semi-final with Tottenham on the Sunday prior 2 the 1st leg fell on deaf ears.

Blues boss Roberto di Matteo said: "I'm very disappointed tat common sense hasn't prevailed in tis. Obviously, they [the FA] didn't take into consideration anything tat we said.

"Barca will hv 1 more day 2 recover than us & it might give them a little advantage."

Meanwhile, Madrid face Bayern Munich in the other semi-final on April 17 & 25.

A statement on Madrid's website read: "Real Madrid will face Barcelona @ the Nou Camp on Saturday, April 21 at 2000 in the 35th round of the season."

[joew2005]

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Robben: We'll give our maximum
April 17, 2012

Arjen Robben believes Bayern Munich will hv 2 play "the perfect game" 2 overcome Real Madrid in their Champions League semi-final @ the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night.

Bayern r fully focused on winning a 5th European crown on home soil aft losing 2 Bundesliga-leaders Borussia Dortmund last week & effectively writing off the German title 2 rest key players in the 0-0 draw with Mainz @ the weekend.

Robben says Bayern r now ready 2 take on 1 of Europe's best teams & told Marca: "We will give everything. You will see a great Bayern, I'm sure. We hv no doubt tat 2 eliminate Madrid, we will hv 2 be @ 120%, @ our maximum, & play the perfect game."

The Dutchman played under Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho during his time @ Chelsea & despite all the stars Los Blancos can put on the pitch, Robben believes it is the man in the dugout tat gives the Spanish side their swagger.

"They hv incredible quality in attack," Robben said. "There r no secrets abt Madrid. But the most important things is tat they hv the best coach, who always knows hw 2 play these games."

Robben not only has an insight in2 Mourinho's approach, but also knows Real well, having played 4 the club for 2 seasons until 2009. However, the Netherlands international insists he is not thinking abt his past, only the job in hand.

"I had some very good years @ Madrid. It's a great club, & it's obviously special 2 face my old team-mates, but I hv been @ Bayern 4 a while now & I m happy here," he said. "I m thinking abv all abt getting 2 the final, whoever the opponents r."

Meanwhile, Bayern's influential midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is still easing himself back 2 full fitness aft an ankle injury, believes his team's only hope is 2 go on the attack.

"It's all or nothing. We hv 2 go 2 the limits & beyond but we can do it with our fans behind us," Schweinsteiger said. "It won't be easy & it comes down 2 mental strength. I hope we can show the mentality which marks Bayern out."




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Alves: Chelsea 'lack courage'
April 17, 2012

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has turned up the heat ahead of Wednesday's Champions League semi-final with Chelsea, claiming the Premier League side play with fear & lack courage.

Alves opened old wounds & claimed it wasn't the 4 plausible penalty appeals turned down by Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo tat denied Chelsea victory when the 2 sides met @ tis stage of Europe's flagship competition in 2009, but the Blues unwillingness 2 attack despite being 1-0 up against 10-man.

Chelsea's then-boss Guus Hiddink claimed Ovrebo's performance in tat semi-final 2nd leg @ Stamford Bridge was "the worst I hv ever seen'' by a referee, & Didier Drogba & Jose Bosingwa were both sanctioned 4 protesting @ the final whistle.

Andres Iniesta's stoppage-time strike earned Barcelona a 1-1 draw 2 send them thru on away goals & Alves told The Guardian: "There is no doubt tat was the hardest game we hv played, with everything tat was @ stake, the moment & everything that happened.

"People say Chelsea could hv won but 4 the referee but tat is not our problem. We do not control the referees. We r there 2 play football, 2 compete & 2 try 2 reach the final. What can we do abt the referee?

"Chelsea did not reach the final becos of fear. The team tat has got a man more, is playing @ home & winning should hv attacked us more. But of course, if u don't hv tat [attacking] concept of football tat Barcelona hv, u stay back & u get knocked out.

"You hv 2 go forward. Stay back: losers. Go forward: winners. I think Chelsea lacked the courage 2 take a step forward & attack us. They paid 4 it."

Barcelona midfielder Iniesta is anticipating another tough night against Chelsea, but is hoping 4 a similar outcome 2 their last visit 2 Stamford Bridge.

The Spain international said: "It's painful 2 be knocked out so close 2 the final. Now we r facing each other again & undoubtedly their desire 2 beat us & be in the Champions League final will be significant.

"We hope tat things will turn out well 4 us again tis time.

"We r going there with the intention of winning, 2 hv a good game & commit as few mistakes as possible, as in the Champions League they r very costly. We always go out 2 win. We know tat it is a knock-out tie & there is a return game, but our only intention is 2 win.

"It will be a tough 90 mins. Chelsea r more experienced now, inevitably, & they hv also changed some players. They hv Fernando (Torres), (Juan) Mata & some other young players. Chelsea were very strong tat year & the will be this year as well.

"They r very dangerous, very intense, & tat will by multiplied in their stadium due 2 the atmosphere. We r expecting a very tough tie.''

Iniesta also warned of the threat posed by some of Chelsea elder statesmen, such as Didier Drogba & Frank Lampard.

"They r dangerous 4 who they r, not becos they r older or tat it could be their last opportunity 2 win the Champions League,'' he said.

"You hv 2 respect them becos they r great players & right now r in a very good moment. I think it's going 2 be a very nice tie.''

[joew2005]

2011/2012 Champions League

Semi-finals
1st leg : Bayern Munich 2-1 Real
1st leg : Chelsea vs Barcelona

2nd leg : Real vs Bayern Munich (25 April)
2nd leg : Barcelona vs Chelsea (24 April)


Final
19 May 2012 @ Allianz Arena, Munich in Germany.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2...ampions_League

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=340834&cc=4716

Late Gomez goal gives Bayern slender lead

Mario Gomez struck a 90th-minute winner 2 move Bayern Munich a step closer 2 appearing in the Champions League final in their own stadium with a narrow 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Allianz Arena.

Franck Ribery gave Bayern the lead in the 17th min of the semi-final 1st leg, but Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil levelled early in the 2nd half.

Bayern dominated 4 large parts of the game & found a deserved winner in the last minute thru the prolific Gomez, giving them a slender advantage 2 take 2 Spain next week.

Madrid had the better of the 1st 10 mins, but all they could produce was a shot fr Karim Benzema which Manuel Neuer tipped over the crossbar aft Bastian Schweinsteiger uncharacteristically gave away possession in midfield.

Bayern responded & took the game 2 their visitors.

Franck Ribery felt he should hv had a penalty when he went 2 ground under a challenge fr Sergio Ramos inside the area, but referee Howard Webb waved play on.

But the France winger was soon celebrating as he rifled Bayern in front with a shot fr 10 yards, which only just avoided Luiz Gustavo in an offside position.

The hosts were looking dangerous every time they came forward, & those attacks were becoming increasingly frequent, with Arjen Robben marauding down the right & Ribery causing confusion in the Madrid defence down the Bayern left.

But they failed 2 make their pressure count with Gomez's shot turned behind by Iker Casillas just b4 the break. And Madrid levelled on the counter-attack 8 mins aft the break.

Cristiano Ronaldo looked 2 hv wasted the chance when his tame effort, 1-on-1 with the keeper, was saved by Neuer. But Karim Benzema picked up the rebound & took the ball back in2 the area, playing it across goal 2 Ronaldo, whose clever pull-back gave Ozil a tap-in fr a yard out.

Madrid enjoyed their best spell of the game with Bayern & many of the 66,000 fans in the Allianz Arena becoming increasingly anxious. The Bavarians regrouped & soon got back on top of the game, though.

Gomez spurned an excellent chance 2 put them back in front in the 71st minute when he lifted the ball over the bar fr close range aft being teed up unwittingly by Sergio Ramos. Gomez headed straight @ Casillas as the hosts continued 2 be frustrated in their attempts 2 find another goal.

2 hopeful penalty claims were waved away by referee Webb as Bayern kept on pressing & their pressure finally paid off in the 90th minute. Philipp Lahm got 2 the byline down the right & fired a ball in which Gomez, sliding in, bundled over the line at the near post.

[joew2005]

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Mourinho: We'll be back for final
April 17, 2012

Jose Mourinho is confident Real Madrid will be back in Munich 4 the Champions League final in May aft his side were beaten 2-1 by Bayern in their semi-final 1st leg.

A late goal fr Mario Gomez @ the Allianz Arena consigned Real 2 their 1st defeat in the competition tis season, aft Mesut Ozil had cancelled out Franck Ribery's opener.

However, Mourinho was satisfied with the performance of his side, who face rivals Barcelona in El Clasico on Saturday.

"We don't need any crazy result in the return leg - we can win with a normal result & go thru,'' he said @ the post-match press conference. "I think my team can respond 2 tis game, with our fans behind us.''

Ozil, who brought Real level early in the 2nd half, shares his coach's optimism tat the tie is still wide open. "I think tat we will win the return leg,'' he said. "We r a touch stronger @ home.

"We believe in our strength & I m convinced tat we will go thru. We will be coming back 2 Munich again.''

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes says his side did exactly wat he had asked of them. Heynckes wanted 2 see a reaction fr his side aft they effectively lost the Bundesliga title in their last 2 games, & he believes he got it as Bayern ensured a slender advantage 2 take 2 Spain.

"My players showed wat I had demanded fr them yesterday: lust & hunger 4 success,'' he told Sky television. "I think we more than deserved the win becos we played cleverly & intelligently.''

The result was disappointing 4 Real, but Mourinho did not 1 2 dwell on Bayern's 1st goal, which could hv been ruled out 4 offside as Luiz Gustavo, clearly ahead of the last defender, appeared 2 obscure Iker Casillas' view of Ribery's powerful shot.

"I don't 1 2 criticise the referee,'' he said. "I will just accept his decision, even if it (the goal) should hv been ruled out.''

Heynckes also admitted tat "similar goals hv been ruled out in the past'', while chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "It was an emotional game & Real showed tat they r a great side. Fortunately, we had luck on our side in the end.''

[joew2005]

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Fabregas taunts long-ball Chelsea
April 18, 2012

4mer Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has delivered a backhanded compliment 2 new Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo ahead of the Blues' Champions League clash with Barcelona @ Stamford Bridge.

Fabregas, who joined the reigning European champions fr the Gunners last summer, believes Chelsea now play more "long balls" under Di Matteo than under previous manager Andre Villas-Boas. However, the Spaniard concedes the Premier League outfit will prove a tricky opponent in the semi-final tie.

"I follow the Premier League every weekend," said Fabregas. "They hv changed radically.

"Wat happened with Villas-Boas was they played more fr the back, trying 2 keep possession & take the initiative in the game. But they've gone back 2 the type of Chelsea tat was more successful a few years ago - playing on the counter, trying 2 hit the targetman, long balls, sitting back & using tat No 9 as a reference point.

"The game will be difficult. In recent games against Chelsea when I was @ Arsenal & now with Barca, even though we kept possession it's hard 2 play against them. They counter very easily & Didier Drogba can score against u. So u hv 2 be careful & aware of the threat they pose on the counter-attack."

Fabregas revealed he has no regrets abt leaving English football 4 life in La Liga, having already claimed the Spanish Supercopa, UEFA Super Cup & FIFA Club World Cup trophies with the Catalan giants.

"It's much better than I expected & I hv played much more than I expected," he said.

"I came here 2 learn, 2 get better as a player & a person & also 2 experience weeks like tis - Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Champions League, then Real Madrid in a game which, if we win, we r back in the title race, followed by Chelsea again.

"I've learned a lot tactically. I now know my position on the pitch. I feel more mature as a player.

"It's a pleasure 2 be playing in tis team. It's the most important week of the season & 2 be able 2 experience something like tis is a dream 4 me.

"Winning the Champions League is a challenge tat I hv set myself. I was very close a few years ago & I still hv a thorn in my side so, 4 me, it is great dream and I would love it to be fulfilled in my first year at Barcelona."

[joew2005]

2011/2012 Champions League

Semi-finals
1st leg : Bayern Munich 2-1 Real / Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona

2nd leg : Real vs Bayern Munich (25 April) / Barcelona vs Chelsea (24 April)


Final
19 May 2012 @ Allianz Arena, Munich in Germany.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2...ampions_League

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=340832&cc=4716

Drogba hits winner in crucial Chelsea win

Chelsea produced the kind of "perfect'' performance Roberto Di Matteo had demanded 2 inflict Barcelona's 1st Champions League defeat of the season & give themselves real hope of reaching the final.

The Blues 1s again proved the nemesis of the team feted by many as the greatest 2 play the game thanks 2 an amazing smash-&-grab display in the semi-final 1st leg @ a jubilant Stamford Bridge.

Interim boss Di Matteo's plan paid off spectacularly, Didier Drogba scoring the winner 2 go some way 2 burying the demons of the sides' last meeting 3 years ago.

As well as being magnificent 2 a man in carrying out the instructions of Di Matteo, Chelsea also enjoyed the kind of luck tat deserted them in 2009 & which they hv had in spades since the Italian took charge.

They may need plenty more @ Camp Nou on Tuesday 2 reach their 2nd final aft Barca missed a glut of chances aft dominating possession fr start 2 finish.

The pattern of the match was set the moment the visitors kicked off, Chelsea allowing them possession & Raul Meireles leading the pressure behind Drogba.

Fr a defensive point of view, it largely worked, although the visitors shld hv taken 1 of the chances 2 hv fallen their way.

Luck played a part in the 1st of them in the 9th minute, Alexis Sanchez chipping against the crossbar fr Andres Iniesta's perfectly-timed pass.

The other 2 both fell 2 Cesc Fabregas courtesy of Lionel Messi, who was otherwise restricted 2 a quiet half.

The 1st was a sitter, Fabregas failing 2 connect properly with his finish aft Messi's burst & pass had set up Andres Iniesta 4 a shot Petr Cech parried.

Messi finally had the chance 2 build up a real head of steam 2 mins b4 half-time, Fabregas tis time producing a delightful dink which was only kept out by Ashley Cole's clearance off the line.

Otherwise Chelsea had plenty 2 give them hope fr wat little ball they had.

The benefit of going long was quickly demonstrated when only a heavy touch prevented Drogba capitalising on Cech's clearance.

Drogba, who got away with overstepping the mark when he trod on Sergio Busquets' foot, also failed 2 make the most of a 1-on-1 with Carles Puyol.

Long throws predictably unsettled Barca, 2, & Gary Cahill almost took advantage of the 1st of them.

Chelsea did tread a fine line discipline-wise, with Meireles lucky not 2 pick up a booking tat would see him suspended 4 the 2nd leg.

"Same old Barca, always cheating,'' chanted the home fans whenever a Barca player went down.

They were in good spirits despite the deluge, which may hv played a part in Drogba scoring with the final kick of the 1st half.

Barca were caught upfield & Frank Lampard's ball over the top sent Ramires rampaging 4ward, the Brazilian's cross picking out Drogba.

Victor Valdes should hv saved the scuffed finish but could only help it in2 the net.

Barca were even more dominant aft the restart, Cech parrying Adriano's curler b4 Sanchez missed another gilt-edge chance when he stabbed Fabregas' scooped pass wide fr 6 yards.

Otherwise they were being kept @ bay by a world-class defensive display led by Cahill & John Terry, who were almost single-handedly keeping Messi quiet.

Pep Guardiola sent on Pedro 4 Sanchez with 24 mins remaining, with Barca becoming increasingly frustrated, not least with perceived play-acting fr Drogba, who got an earful fr Puyol.

There was finally a booking when Ramires tripped Messi in full flight, Pedro quickly following 4 a similar offence on Cole.

Busquets was also cautioned 4 scything down Ramires aft Juan Mata was withdrawn 4 Salomon Kalou.

Fabregas left the field 2 a chorus of boos 4 Thiago Alcantara as Chelsea began 2 drop deeper & deeper, as they had done 3 years earlier.

Barca laid siege 2 the Blues goal & Cech produced a magnificent save 3 mins' fr time when Puyol glanced Messi's free-kick 2wards the corner.

And, in stoppage-time, the visitors saved their worst finish until last, Busquets skying high over the crossbar aft Pedro's effort had hit the post.

[udunhafftaknow]

Atlético Madrid vs Valencia! who to win?