Full Version: 18/09/07 - UCL - AC Milan vs. Benfica
As defending champions this will be a tuff match, especially cause Benfica is a serious team. This will also be, I suppose, a match full of emotions, primary because of Rui Costa's return to San Siro. Also let's remember our first european title in 1963 against Benfica. My prediction would be the same result, that means 2-1 for us,...
I think we'll start on a high... 2-0 for Milan!! Kaka and... Kaka!!
I can't wait to see Rui Costa at the San Siro again!!!
I can't wait to see Rui Costa at the San Siro again!!!
QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 15 2007, 05:10 PM)
Also let's remember our first european title in 1963 against Benfica. 
And 4th in the 1990
Will be great to see Rui at San Siro. Benfica is even weaker than last year, and I don't think it will be too hard of a task to beat them. 2:0.
Let's hope we start our defence of the cup with big ears on a high.
Benfica, as mishale said have gotten weaker from last year since they basically sold their best players.
The only fixtures I am worried about in the group stage are the ties against Celtic, they gave us a real hard time last season. So we need to take all the points from Benfica and Shakthar. Bu hopefully we'll start well and win the group before the last match day
Benfica, as mishale said have gotten weaker from last year since they basically sold their best players.
The only fixtures I am worried about in the group stage are the ties against Celtic, they gave us a real hard time last season. So we need to take all the points from Benfica and Shakthar. Bu hopefully we'll start well and win the group before the last match day
QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 15 2007, 04:10 PM)
Let's hope we start our defence of the cup with big ears on a high.
Benfica, as mishale said have gotten weaker from last year since they basically sold their best players.
The only fixtures I am worried about in the group stage are the ties against Celtic, they gave us a real hard time last season. So we need to take all the points from Benfica and Shakthar. Bu hopefully we'll start well and win the group before the last match day
Benfica, as mishale said have gotten weaker from last year since they basically sold their best players.
The only fixtures I am worried about in the group stage are the ties against Celtic, they gave us a real hard time last season. So we need to take all the points from Benfica and Shakthar. Bu hopefully we'll start well and win the group before the last match day
Shakhtar isn't a joke also, but, we are 100% favorietes,..
QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 15 2007, 03:39 PM)
Shakhtar isn't a joke also, but, we are 100% favorietes,..
Ok Shakthar away will be tough but if we play well we will win
I don't see any reason for us to worry ... We'll top the group IMO 
And Benfica are a tricky side, but at the San Siro it's a whole different ball game
And Benfica are a tricky side, but at the San Siro it's a whole different ball game
Today Benfica won 3-0 at home vs. Naval. Confortable win. It was 3 but it could be 4 or 5 easily.
» Rui Costa, Rodriguez and Nuno Gomes scored. Petit injuried and Cardozo (their #1 striker) was rested.
We'll see who's available for the San Siro trip, although Petit would be a BIG miss (he's like their Gattuso).
They've also the CB problem: Luisao + David Luiz + Zoro are out so they had to play the last matches with Katsouranis in that place.
I hope we'll get a glimpse at Freddy Adu...Also, I'm very interested in Maximiliano Pereira, he had some good Copa America minutes I think.
In all, I'm excited to see Benfica play. I really do expect from them to be 2nd, infront of Celtic.
In all, I'm excited to see Benfica play. I really do expect from them to be 2nd, infront of Celtic.
QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 15 2007, 11:14 PM)
I hope we'll get a glimpse at Freddy Adu...Also, I'm very interested in Maximiliano Pereira, he had some good Copa America minutes I think.
In all, I'm excited to see Benfica play. I really do expect from them to be 2nd, infront of Celtic.
In all, I'm excited to see Benfica play. I really do expect from them to be 2nd, infront of Celtic.
Adu? I don't think he's ready to face a top European match right now. The new Benfica coach Camacho will give him time to settle. At least I doubt.
Max Pereira? He seemed an average player to me. In the other hand Rodriguez impressed me.
Hum... it will be difficult for Benfica. They've a lot of injuries, and personally I think they had a better squad 2 years ago and specially last year.
But this new-Benfica need time too.
QUOTE (Porty @ Sep 15 2007, 11:32 PM)
Adu? I don't think he's ready to face a top European match right now. The new Benfica coach Camacho will give him time to settle. At least I doubt.
Max Pereira? He seemed an average player to me. In the other hand Rodriguez impressed me.
Hum... it will be difficult for Benfica. They've a lot of injuries, and personally I think they had a better squad 2 years ago and specially last year.
But this new-Benfica need time too.
Max Pereira? He seemed an average player to me. In the other hand Rodriguez impressed me.
Hum... it will be difficult for Benfica. They've a lot of injuries, and personally I think they had a better squad 2 years ago and specially last year.
But this new-Benfica need time too.
Simao + Anderson (big players who left) < Camacho+Rodriguez+Cardozo+Butt
But that's only theoretically,...In fact Simaos departure is the biggest problem, and also this team needs time to blend.
I think we will definitely get the 3 points. We always do better in the CL. Hopefully we won't win with a big margin so the team won't get cocky and the management don't start with their usual "we don't need anyone" talk.
ahhh good ol' CL... i'll be watching it on TV
QUOTE
Rui Costa eager for Milan reunion
Manuel Rui Costa has rediscovered his form at Benfica and is looking forward to Tuesday’s reunion with old club Milan.
“At San Siro I will find myself facing the team with which I became European champion and where many of my friends still work ,†he told the official Benfica website.
“This is why it will be a very special occasion for me. But I will give my all for Benfica.â€
The Portuguese veteran is still Milan’s biggest ever signing at £27m from Fiorentina in 2001, but was criticised for his performances despite helping them to the Champions League trophy, European Super Cup and Coppa Italia.
Benfica open their Champions League campaign at San Siro on Tuesday evening and are confident going into the match.
Rui Costa was one of the scorers in their 3-0 win over Naval this weekend along with Cristian Rodriguez and former Fiorentina striker Nuno Gomes.
Milan’s other Group D opponents were also victorious in their domestic fixtures, as Shakhtar Donetsk won 2-1 away to Chernomorets Odessa with Cristiano Lucarelli converting a penalty.
Celtic comfortably hammered Inverness Caledonian Thistle 5-0 thanks to a Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink brace, Phil McGuire own goal and strikes from ex-Milan man Massimo Donati and former Reggina star Shunsuke Nakamura.
Manuel Rui Costa has rediscovered his form at Benfica and is looking forward to Tuesday’s reunion with old club Milan.
“At San Siro I will find myself facing the team with which I became European champion and where many of my friends still work
,†he told the official Benfica website.“This is why it will be a very special occasion for me. But I will give my all for Benfica.â€
The Portuguese veteran is still Milan’s biggest ever signing at £27m from Fiorentina in 2001, but was criticised for his performances despite helping them to the Champions League trophy, European Super Cup and Coppa Italia.
Benfica open their Champions League campaign at San Siro on Tuesday evening and are confident going into the match.
Rui Costa was one of the scorers in their 3-0 win over Naval this weekend along with Cristian Rodriguez and former Fiorentina striker Nuno Gomes.
Milan’s other Group D opponents were also victorious in their domestic fixtures, as Shakhtar Donetsk won 2-1 away to Chernomorets Odessa with Cristiano Lucarelli converting a penalty.
Celtic comfortably hammered Inverness Caledonian Thistle 5-0 thanks to a Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink brace, Phil McGuire own goal and strikes from ex-Milan man Massimo Donati and former Reggina star Shunsuke Nakamura.
Football Italia
I predict a great performance, and a nice scoreline. 3-0 Milan. Kaka' (2) and Pippo.
If we win all of our home games, I think we'll win the group, because I don't see us losing many away games, maybe draws.
If we win all of our home games, I think we'll win the group, because I don't see us losing many away games, maybe draws.
Can't wait to see Rui at the San Siro again 
@kurt, agreed that if we maintain a 100% record at home then we will win the group. I'm expecting us to beat at least Shakthar away and maybe draw or lose to Celtic away and draw against Benfica, this would be enough for us to win it
@kurt, agreed that if we maintain a 100% record at home then we will win the group. I'm expecting us to beat at least Shakthar away and maybe draw or lose to Celtic away and draw against Benfica, this would be enough for us to win it
Mike Riley from England will referee this match.
Opinions on him from those who watch the English league?
Opinions on him from those who watch the English league?
First game of champions league so its either going to be a 1-0 or 0-1
Rui is playing really good at Benfica, if seen him score lots of goals lately. If Benfica score its going to be him who does it.
we all know who is gunna score INZAGHI !! he was the last person to score for us in the champions league and this year the first in champions league
QUOTE (Tennie @ Sep 16 2007, 08:08 PM)
Mike Riley from England will referee this match.
Opinions on him from those who watch the English league?
Opinions on him from those who watch the English league?
Get ready for crap decisions, he's one of the worst, and that's saying something.
He's the idiot that refereed Pompey-Liverpool this wekeend and gave Portsmouth a penalty for nothing at all.
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Sep 16 2007, 11:08 PM)
Get ready for crap decisions, he's one of the worst, and that's saying something.
He's the idiot that refereed Pompey-Liverpool this wekeend and gave Portsmouth a penalty for nothing at all.
How to forget such an idiot?? He's the one who refereed the match Petr Cech got his injurie. It was Chelsea-Reading, if I'm not entirely wrong. Oh, he's brilliant, really,..
QUOTE
GK - Quim e Butt;
DF - LuÃs Filipe, Edcarlos, Léo, Miguel VÃtor e Nélson;
MF - Gilles, Katsouranis, Fábio Coentrão, Maxi Pereira, Di MarÃa, Cristian Rodriguez, Romeu Ribeiro, Nuno Assis e Rui Costa;
FW - Cardozo, Bergessio e Nuno Gomes.
DF - LuÃs Filipe, Edcarlos, Léo, Miguel VÃtor e Nélson;
MF - Gilles, Katsouranis, Fábio Coentrão, Maxi Pereira, Di MarÃa, Cristian Rodriguez, Romeu Ribeiro, Nuno Assis e Rui Costa;
FW - Cardozo, Bergessio e Nuno Gomes.
Benfica squad for Tuesday.
Yikes. The Benfica defense is...awfully thin. And no Petit either.
Sad to see as I rather like Benfica.
Sad to see as I rather like Benfica.
QUOTE (Tennie @ Sep 17 2007, 01:47 AM)
Yikes. The Benfica defense is...awfully thin. And no Petit either.
Sad to see as I rather like Benfica.
Sad to see as I rather like Benfica.
They don't stand a chance at the San Siro, though I'd love to see Rui score one of his long range shots, from the corner of the 18 yard box
(just one )
This is hearsay, but I thought I'd pass it along.
I've just chatted with some friends (in Portugal) who are Benfica fans. They're a little nervous about the game and the following things emerged:
1. The fact that Milan rested Kaka and Pirlo (and are 'taking Benfica seriously') scares them.
2. Benfica rested Cardozo but Rui Costa played yesterday and scored that great goal. Petit could've been taken off to be rested - he's their best DM - but he wasn't and got hurt late in the game. They're not happy about that.
3. They're worried about the state of Benfica's defense and aren't sure who'll start as the CBs. They're not too confident in the new defenders. They think Katsouranis might deputise as a CB- or he might slot in the DM spot in Petit's place.
I've just chatted with some friends (in Portugal) who are Benfica fans. They're a little nervous about the game and the following things emerged:
1. The fact that Milan rested Kaka and Pirlo (and are 'taking Benfica seriously') scares them.
2. Benfica rested Cardozo but Rui Costa played yesterday and scored that great goal. Petit could've been taken off to be rested - he's their best DM - but he wasn't and got hurt late in the game. They're not happy about that.
3. They're worried about the state of Benfica's defense and aren't sure who'll start as the CBs. They're not too confident in the new defenders. They think Katsouranis might deputise as a CB- or he might slot in the DM spot in Petit's place.
They have a good reason to be worried. We are gonna play with our strongest line up (except Paolo) ,and with all thier problems, a darw will be a great achievement for them.
QUOTE
Another important exception will be given to Milan after winning the last tournament: the Rossoneri will have the privilege of taking to the pitch with Adidas Athens Final, the ball that was used during the 23 May final against Liverpool.
This is from the official site ... It says that Milan will play with the Adidas ball of the Athena final
And I believe in omens
i think we're gonna spank them 3-0. we all know how decicated our team is serie a so i'm expecting everyone to give 100% to kick start the campaign well
so i'm expecting everyone to give 100% to kick start the campaign well
Dida-oddo-nesta-kaladze-janku-gattuso-pirlo-ambro-kaka-seedorf-inzaghi(gila) not sure what carlo might do with the forewards.
Predictions. 3-1.
Predictions. 3-1.
QUOTE (Bluesummers @ Sep 17 2007, 05:52 AM)
Dida-oddo-nesta-kaladze-janku-gattuso-pirlo-ambro-kaka-seedorf-inzaghi(gila) not sure what carlo might do with the forwards.
100% Pippo
QUOTE (mishale @ Sep 16 2007, 10:47 PM)
100% Pippo
Nope, that's 2118341785481564868164986125862801568016%.
A blind, intoxicated, crippled and retarded Pippo will still be picked ahead of Gila in European games.
QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Sep 17 2007, 07:33 AM)
Nope, that's 2118341785481564868164986125862801568016%.
A blind, intoxicated, crippled and retarded Pippo will still be picked ahead of Gila in European games.
A blind, intoxicated, crippled and retarded Pippo will still be picked ahead of Gila in European games.
True
CL means something special to this side and whether we like it or not, it's still our first priority. hopefully we'll have a good start.
Milan 1-0 Benfica
GOAL: Pirlo/Kaka
Milan 1-0 Benfica
GOAL: Pirlo/Kaka
Benfica Will Miss Petit For Milan Clash
Benfica midfielder Petit will be out of action for six weeks, missing the opening two matches of his team's Champions League group stage campaign - including the impending midweek match with AC Milan at the San Siro...
Benfica and Portugal midfielder Petit is out with a knee ligament injury, meaning that he will be unable to face AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night.
It's a bitter blow for the Portuguese side, who saw Petit pull up with injury against Naval, and means that he will miss at least two Champions League matches.
As well as the Milan clash, he'll miss the visit from Ukrainian runners-up Shakhtar Donetsk, although he may recover to face Celtic in Glasgow in the following game.
Petit has been with Benfica since arriving from Boavista in 2002. A boyhood fan of the club, he started his career with Gil Vicente in 1999.
He has 50 caps for Portugal, having scored four goals in the process.
Benfica midfielder Petit will be out of action for six weeks, missing the opening two matches of his team's Champions League group stage campaign - including the impending midweek match with AC Milan at the San Siro...
Benfica and Portugal midfielder Petit is out with a knee ligament injury, meaning that he will be unable to face AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night.
It's a bitter blow for the Portuguese side, who saw Petit pull up with injury against Naval, and means that he will miss at least two Champions League matches.
As well as the Milan clash, he'll miss the visit from Ukrainian runners-up Shakhtar Donetsk, although he may recover to face Celtic in Glasgow in the following game.
Petit has been with Benfica since arriving from Boavista in 2002. A boyhood fan of the club, he started his career with Gil Vicente in 1999.
He has 50 caps for Portugal, having scored four goals in the process.
Uhoh.
From Carletto's press conference today:
Riguardo alla condizione dei giocatori l'unico problema è legato alla condizione di Pirlo. Ieri non si è allenato e non so se potrà recuperare per domani dopo la botta al polpaccio che ha preso con la Nazionale. Gli altri stanno tutti bene. Se non dovesse giocare Pirlo ho comunque altre soluzioni come Emerson e Brocchi.
[Regarding the condition of our players the only problem is Pirlo's condition. Yesterday he didn't train and I don't know if he'll recover by tomorrow from the calf injury he picked up while playing for the national team. Everyone else is doing well. If Pirlo can't play, there are other solutions like Emerson and Brocchi.]
(NOOOOOOOO! If Pirlo can't play, put in Gourcuff!)
link
From Carletto's press conference today:
Riguardo alla condizione dei giocatori l'unico problema è legato alla condizione di Pirlo. Ieri non si è allenato e non so se potrà recuperare per domani dopo la botta al polpaccio che ha preso con la Nazionale. Gli altri stanno tutti bene. Se non dovesse giocare Pirlo ho comunque altre soluzioni come Emerson e Brocchi.
[Regarding the condition of our players the only problem is Pirlo's condition. Yesterday he didn't train and I don't know if he'll recover by tomorrow from the calf injury he picked up while playing for the national team. Everyone else is doing well. If Pirlo can't play, there are other solutions like Emerson and Brocchi.]
(NOOOOOOOO! If Pirlo can't play, put in Gourcuff!)
link
QUOTE (arivanjj @ Sep 17 2007, 05:04 AM)
Benfica Will Miss Petit For Milan Clash
Benfica midfielder Petit will be out of action for six weeks, missing the opening two matches of his team's Champions League group stage campaign - including the impending midweek match with AC Milan at the San Siro...
Benfica and Portugal midfielder Petit is out with a knee ligament injury, meaning that he will be unable to face AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night.
It's a bitter blow for the Portuguese side, who saw Petit pull up with injury against Naval, and means that he will miss at least two Champions League matches.
As well as the Milan clash, he'll miss the visit from Ukrainian runners-up Shakhtar Donetsk, although he may recover to face Celtic in Glasgow in the following game.
Petit has been with Benfica since arriving from Boavista in 2002. A boyhood fan of the club, he started his career with Gil Vicente in 1999.
He has 50 caps for Portugal, having scored four goals in the process.
Benfica midfielder Petit will be out of action for six weeks, missing the opening two matches of his team's Champions League group stage campaign - including the impending midweek match with AC Milan at the San Siro...
Benfica and Portugal midfielder Petit is out with a knee ligament injury, meaning that he will be unable to face AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night.
It's a bitter blow for the Portuguese side, who saw Petit pull up with injury against Naval, and means that he will miss at least two Champions League matches.
As well as the Milan clash, he'll miss the visit from Ukrainian runners-up Shakhtar Donetsk, although he may recover to face Celtic in Glasgow in the following game.
Petit has been with Benfica since arriving from Boavista in 2002. A boyhood fan of the club, he started his career with Gil Vicente in 1999.
He has 50 caps for Portugal, having scored four goals in the process.
I would bet that Adu will start in his place...something that should not be looked over
Except that Freddy wasn't called up.
(See previous page for list of Benfica call-ups).
(See previous page for list of Benfica call-ups).
(From the club website)
MILAN-BENFICA: I CONVOCATI
17/09/2007
MILANELLO - Questa la lista dei 20 convocati da Carlo Ancelotti per la sfida di Champions League di domani sera contro il Benfica:
PORTIERI: Dida, Kalac;
DIFENSORI: Bonera, Cafu, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Nesta, Oddo, Simic;
CENTROCAMPISTI: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Emerson, Gourcuff, Kakà , Pirlo, Seedorf;
ATTACCANTI: Gilardino, Inzaghi.
MILAN-BENFICA: I CONVOCATI
17/09/2007
MILANELLO - Questa la lista dei 20 convocati da Carlo Ancelotti per la sfida di Champions League di domani sera contro il Benfica:
PORTIERI: Dida, Kalac;
DIFENSORI: Bonera, Cafu, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Nesta, Oddo, Simic;
CENTROCAMPISTI: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Emerson, Gourcuff, Kakà , Pirlo, Seedorf;
ATTACCANTI: Gilardino, Inzaghi.
Adu is an AM anyway right? while Petit is a DM
Portugal, am i right?
Portugal, am i right?
QUOTE (whoarethepatriots @ Sep 17 2007, 07:07 PM)
Adu is an AM anyway right? while Petit is a DM
Portugal, am i right?
Portugal, am i right?
As far as I know he can play as a forward as well,...
QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Sep 17 2007, 09:03 AM)
Nope, that's 2118341785481564868164986125862801568016%.
A blind, intoxicated, crippled and retarded Pippo will still be picked ahead of Gila in European games.
A blind, intoxicated, crippled and retarded Pippo will still be picked ahead of Gila in European games.
That's right... but what if Pippo pick up an injury?! that's not very uncommon tbh...
Baldy's face would be lovely to see in that case.
Hey, Pippo scored against Bayern (away leg) last year with...one working leg. He wasn't even close to match fit for that game.
Forza Pippo!
Forza Pippo!
QUOTE (zdrossoneri @ Sep 17 2007, 08:38 PM)
 That's right... but what if Pippo pick up an injury?! that's not very uncommon tbh...
Baldy's face would be lovely to see in that case.Â
This question is not only related to the Milan - Benfica clash, it is a question you can ask all the season long. I hope this thing won't be my Ceterum censeo for this season,...
Oh, Kojak has a poker-face, he'll slap us once more with that filled in all positions talk..
QUOTE (Tennie @ Sep 17 2007, 11:16 PM)
Hey, Pippo scored against Bayern (away leg) last year with...one working leg. He wasn't even close to match fit for that game.
Forza Pippo!
Forza Pippo!
Then what if he breaks a leg!?
...I meant a serious injury which completely rules him out for weeks or even months... our attack lacks both quality and quantity right now. we cannot afford to play in the CL with only one striker, who is not Maradona, Batistuta or Ronaldo, but mighty GILARDINO!
QUOTE (whoarethepatriots @ Sep 17 2007, 06:07 PM)
Adu is an AM anyway right? while Petit is a DM
Portugal, am i right?
Portugal, am i right?
Yep
Now, honestly, when will Ronaldo be back? Does anyone have a clue?
QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 17 2007, 11:35 PM)
This question is not only related to the Milan - Benfica clash, it is a question you can ask all the season long. I hope this thing won't be my Ceterum censeo for this season,...
I know... but right now Milan-Benfica matters a lot. it's one of our three home games and taking three points is a must. because we easily lose points in away matches.
What does that "Ceterum censeo" mean?!
in English please!
QUOTE (zdrossoneri @ Sep 17 2007, 09:16 PM)
What does that "Ceterum censeo" mean?! in English please!
in English please!It means "Moreover, I recommend (or it is my opinion)"; it is the belief that Cato began all his speeches in the roman senate with that phrase (in original - Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam) to emphasize the importance of this matter (in Cato's case it was the Carthagian danger to Rome)...
...now I bored you with history,..
Sh!t, this is less than 24 hours away, I had not realized that! The greatest competition in the continent (besides Eurovision! ) starts again!!
The greatest competition in the continent (besides Eurovision! ) starts again!!
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