Barca Battered

[all_funkt_up]

Well, what a game.

I dont want to get over excited, but this campaign for me has all the hallmarks of 2005. I think the early exit from the FA Cup has benefited Liverpool no end. Less games and less fixture congestion in my opinion aids clarity in approach. They are focused on one competition and can prepare for each match with no distraction.

I think the break they have just had has also done them the world of good too. While clubs like Arsenal have been battling the likes of Bolton and Blackburn and have a replay to come, our players have been sunning it in Portugal. No doubt they have been having the odd round of golf, twatting each other and practicing that formation we saw last night.

Lets be honest, when the team sheet was announced; who knew what the formation or tactics were? I certainly didnt. And I bet Riijkard didnt have a scooby doo either.

Nice professional job in 12 day's time. Onwards to Athens and number Six

[Grga]

Nice job by Liverpool.I expected tough game but that was briliant play by Liverpool.Just enough to beat the migty Barca.

[all_funkt_up]

I was pleasantly suprised Grga - I honestly thought we'd do them 3-1.

[crowie]

Great result for Liverpool.

Apart from the opening 20 mins when Barca looked like they were up for a game, Liverpool looked quite comfortable. A couple of minor scares in the last 5 when Barca were having to go for that but for the majority of the game I thought Liverpool had their measure and knew exactly how to deal with them.

I think this is the most open CL in a long time. There is no outstanding team, or rather there is no clear favourite to win it. I would expect any of the last 8 to have a decent chance of winning it.

[rcgills]

Was a good performance and an excellent result for Liverpool, but Barcelona were poor. At full-strength they're a world class side, but take away some of their stars and they struggle. They've been struggling domestically too, but Real Madrid's comedy ineptness has been drawing the attention away from Barcelona. Saviola and Gudjohnsen are no replacement for Eto'o up front, and Eto'o's doing his best to fall out with half of his teammates anyway, Messi is struggling for form following his comeback from injury, and Ronaldinho went missing last night, as he has so often this season. Trouble is for Barcelona, their defence has never been much good, it just normally goes relatively unnoticed because of the quality of their attackers. Both goals last night were absolute gifts, the first from Valdes (Spain's very own comedy keeper) and the second from Marquez (I think). Only player for Barca that impressed me was Deco, even if he is still a cheating diving little shit, he's still a damn good player when he puts his mind to it.

Despite all that, I don't think you can write Barca off just yet - was reading today that last night was Benitez's 4th game without defeat at the Camp Nou, following 3 with Valencia. However, in that time Valencia were also beaten twice at home by Barcelona.

Edit - Should say I don't mean for that to detract from Liverpool's performance, they did play very well, just pointing out that Barca aren't quite the monster these days that they have the reputation for being.

[WeegieDave]

Anyone else hear that before the game you could have got 100-1 for Craig Bellamy to score and celebrate by doing a golf swing?

Good result for Liverpool and like mentioned before, Barca aren't the same team just now that they have been in the past, so you should fancy Liverpool to finish the job at Anfield.

[all_funkt_up]

It was a funny old game wasnt it. I saw Barca in the pub on Sunday night and they looked really disjointed. I was genuinely confident (deluded ?) in my belief that Liverpool would beat them. They arent the Barca of old and even in La Liga, they are no where near formidable. This tie is ours for the taking.

Since making his 'Eto-Dinho' comments, Samuel has been very much out of favour. Whether or not he is carrying some sort of injury: you would assume he would play some part. He is by far and away their most clinical player.

[Computer Guy]

Originally Posted by all_funkt_up

I saw Barca in the pub on Sunday night and they looked really disjointed.

what was Messi drinking?

[mrmuzeman]

Since making his 'Eto-Dinho' comments, Samuel has been very much out of favour. Whether or not he is carrying some sort of injury: you would assume he would play some part. He is by far and away their most clinical player.

I heard that hes scared about reinjuring himself.

[crowie]

Originally Posted by WeegieDave

Anyone else hear that before the game you could have got 100-1 for Craig Bellamy to score and celebrate by doing a golf swing?

Good result for Liverpool and like mentioned before, Barca aren't the same team just now that they have been in the past, so you should fancy Liverpool to finish the job at Anfield.

From the Racing Post

Hills had offered a huge 100-1 on Bellamy bagging in Barcelona and then mocking a golf swing and the cocky Welshman did exactly that to the delight of punters who had lumped on the special.

Hills spokesman Rupert Adams said: “It went from 100-1 and was backed at all rates down to 33-1. We are still counting the cost, but I’d be chuffed to bits if the eventual payout is less than £50,000.”

Bet Direct were not quite as devastated as Hills, but they also reported interest on their 20-1 for Bellamy to assist a John Arne Riise goal and the forward teed-up the Norwegian with 14 minutes remaining to give Rafa Benitez’s side a clear advantage for the second leg.

[rcgills]

Originally Posted by all_funkt_up

Since making his 'Eto-Dinho' comments, Samuel has been very much out of favour. Whether or not he is carrying some sort of injury: you would assume he would play some part. He is by far and away their most clinical player.

He's just back from about 4 months out. Played 5 minutes against Osasuna a few weeks back, then the following weekend Rijkaard wanted him to come on as sub against Racing Santander for the last 5 minutes or so. Eto'o refused, spitting the dummy because he claimed Rijkaard had promised him longer than that (which is what started the "Eto-Dinho" comments). Since then he's not played at all, he was left out of the squad for the Valencia game, but it was claimed that was his decision, as Muze says he reckons he's not up to playing yet (strange he didn't think that against Osasuna or Racing Santander) and doesn't want to push it. He'll be back for the 2nd leg, almost certainly, but he's bound to be rusty still after so long out - he's in a similar situation to Messi, and look how he played last night.

Rumours in the Spanish press are that one of Ronaldinho or Eto'o will be leaving at the end of the season. Not necessarily just because of this incident, although it's not helped. They reckon they'll use the money to get Cristiano Ronaldo.

[Computer Guy]

im not convinced he'll play in the 2nd leg as the last i heard was that he is still in pain and came back too soon.

[rcgills]

All I've seen in the press over here is that he just doesn't think he's 100% fit, and he doesn't want to be selected until he is. Longer he's out the better as far as I'm concerned, Barca have missed him, and I've got money on either Sevilla or Valencia to win the league.

[cains]

Originally Posted by WeegieDave

Anyone else hear that before the game you could have got 100-1 for Craig Bellamy to score and celebrate by doing a golf swing?

Good result for Liverpool and like mentioned before, Barca aren't the same team just now that they have been in the past, so you should fancy Liverpool to finish the job at Anfield.

Here is the clip: GOLF PRO BELLAMY

[andeeeee]

now i know why i f00ked sky off