Barca can't seem to score, now Hleb with a chance to waste...

FT Shame Barca couldn't capitlise on their dominance. I really can't stand to see another all English final (IMG:style_emoticons/default/puke.gif)

What a dull and boring game, so much for the pace of the prem (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

I just hope Barca can destroy them next week.

So maybe it's more a case of 'watch the hockey game instead, at least THERE you'll see fights'? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

ah someone is becoming a hockey fan (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

actually there arent many actual fights in the playoffs, just lots of extra curricular activity after the ref stops play (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Chelsea made the game kinda boring. but they won't be able to continue the same approach next week. they will have to attack and leave space behind and that's all Barca need.

I think Barca are still favorites to reach the final.

The game was chess and not checkers, and in this instance Hiddink's men have played a very very tactically disciplined game. They closed all the doors in Barca's face, not Messi, not Etoo, not Xavi none of their players could untangle the knot that Hiddink tied both in midfield and at the back .. Sure it wasn't an all glamorous game, but I never expected it to be considering Barca could be lethal if Chelsea opened up.

I am in awe with the organization of Chelsea in this game in particular and all the praise has to be put on Guus Hiddink. As he knows Barca have a tough fixture with Valencia, then today's game, then Madrid next weekend (a championship clash) and upon their arrival in London, they will be without Puyol and probably Marquez (as its suspected he picked up a knock).

Hence Barca will arrive in London next week being disadvantaged physically and mentally (considering Madrid beat them at the weekend) .. I doubt Barca would go through, not with the way Chelsea is playing.


p.s. Despite this, Barca had a penalty overlooked at close the 70 min mark in which Henry was pulled down with his back to the goal and with a very dangerous chance.

This post has been edited by Rossoneri7: Apr 28 2009, 10:31 PM

good thing hiddinks first name isnt jose (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

That was boring. Both teams could have scored neither did. I think the second half will be much better!

Dull game. Main problem is both teams will be happy with that result, so had no incentive to open up the game to try and score. 2nd leg should be better. Another United-Chelsea final please, for no reason other than to annoy that French **** at UEFA.

Huh good point (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) when it's Hiddink it master tactics, organization, praiseworthy football. when it's Jose it's overrated ugly defensive football. **** the fact that Jose's Chelsea never played so defensively. espeially against Barca (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Sometime I hate the bias in this forum (IMG:style_emoticons/default/puke.gif)

You've misunderstood. No one would blame Jose for playing this way against Barca. I would say with the team and players Chelsea got, they have to play to their strengths which is being physical and organised. Yes, they are technical but not AS technical as Barca. So it's sensible. But Jose plays this way against any team. Whether it's <insert random low positioned EPL team> or Barca. Go 1-0 up, stop the other team from playing, hit on the counter, rinse repeat.

There was no way, Hiddink could have done anything else. The kind of form Barca are in (all their attacking players are in good nick...all 5 of them!!!) it would have been suicidal to open up in a 4-4-2, with one DM. Maybe if Drogba had scored the one-on-one things would have changed, with Barca pushing up, Chelsea would have hit more on the counter, maybe even played a bit more offensive.

Considering their quality, Chelsea played a terrible game in my opinion.

I don't think they have the kind of quality to compete with Barca at Camp Nou and beat Barca at their own game. They've excellent players, but Barca's attack is a lot better than Chelsea's. While Chelsea's defence is a lot better than Barca's.

So Chelsea defended and Barca attacked. Both teams played to their strengths and cancelled each other out.

Chelsea did not defend very well and surely they can do much more in attack than that without taking risks.