My Champions League game preview on The Offside:
December 18, 2009 was the day. Champions’ league draw destined Barcelona to play against VFB Stuttgart in the first knockout round. Barcelona fans were celebrating, Stuttgart fans were (quoting): “praying to God for some Russia-esque type weather for that first leg in Stuttgart”, how is your faith Pete? And ehh…as predicted, Madrid fans were pointing out “The fact” that Barcelona always get an easy draw. As usual, being more focused on Barcelona than their own team made another fact pass unnoticed: Real Madrid were drew against the same team Barcelona played last season in the same round, Lyon. And based on their league performance, this Lyon is weaker than the 2009’s Version. Anyways…
My initial reaction was the same as I feel now, a mixed of comfort and caution. The comfort that comes from the quality of Barcelona squad, and the concern is the consequence of playing against a team that may not have the hype that increases the Barcelona players’ sense of danger, but a team that have the quality to cause an upset in a good day. Starting from my comment that day in the Champion’s league draw post (Read More on The offside page).
chris809 Said,
If Alves will receive the medical green light then this could be a rare opportunity to try something new, something we won't see when most of the players are available.
This weekend we saw a midfield with Iniesta, Toure and Busquets and there were promising signs (though I expected Toure and Busquets to change places more often during the game which didn't happen).
Now we can add to the mix two attacking fullbacks.
It would be interesting to see a lineup like that.
/And Ramzi, if you post at totalbarca, would you post here a link to that article? I would appreciate it./
Posted on February 23, 2010 at 9:25 AM
Football Tips UK, Wayne Said,
The strength of Barcelona and Stuttgart are too wide in the gap. If Barcelona put all in this game, Stuttgart can be easily destroyed.
Barcelona are with an away goal advanatge so Stuttgart must attack today. Hence the back-line is open for top form Messi and I expect Barce to big win here.
Posted on March 17, 2010 at 8:12 AM