Barça v United

[Joe King]

I'm going to a BBQ, out in the countryside in like an hour. I'm in a car with two mancs and a fellow Red

Should be an interesting trip

[Guest]

I just wished I ain't on the receiving end of such provocation in the future though. Things tend to hit back in cycles.

[Joe King]

Eto'o in HD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WixuNyCQI6g

Messi in HD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWW21...eature=channel

[wiw]

The pc I have at work is so **** that those HD vids appear in slow motion The defending for the Messi one is absolutely woeful. Watch Puyol after Messi scores, he just puts his head in his hands like he can't believe it

[dww]

Man Utd simply didn't turn up. At their best they are a match for Barca. The first ten minutes was like the spell they had against Spurs, fantastic football. But they conceded and Barca regained their composure. In the opening exchanges Barca couldn't string two passes together. For the rest of the Ninety Man Utd did the same.

To be honest I think that start was the worst thing that could have happened to the team United put out. After that they forgot the plan to be compact and look to counter hard and fast and left to many open spaces for Xavi and Iniesta to exploit. Anderson was completely hopeless - stuck in no mans land and never closing people down - the game completely bypassed him. You would have never thought it two years ago but they really missed Fletcher more than Barca missed any of their absentees.

All season long Man Utd at their peak has been few and far between. They played much better last year. Luckily for them they had an easy route to the Champions League final, yet still nearly ****ed up v Porto. I think tiredness has really effected them throughout the season. You can thank LFC they had to keep going to the end.

Agree with that to a large degree.

[wiw]

Do people think Lucas would've been as bad as the great Anderson?

[RoadEnd]

***** News flash *****

The Met Office have issued a weather warning for flash floods... as there are a million scousers pissing themselves laughing.

[RoadEnd]

[Craig_H]

To be honest I think that start was the worst thing that could have happened to the team United put out. After that they forgot the plan to be compact and look to counter hard and fast and left to many open spaces for Xavi and Iniesta to exploit. Anderson was completely hopeless - stuck in no mans land and never closing people down - the game completely bypassed him. You would have never thought it two years ago but they really missed Fletcher more than Barca missed any of their absentees.

The early goal for Barca was absolutely key. That's the only thing that can turn a game in their favour, if the opposition is looking to put men behind the ball and spoil. Once the early goal goes in, the negative containment game goes out the window.

[Guest]

The early goal for Barca was absolutely key. That's the only thing that can turn a game in their favour, if the opposition is looking to put men behind the ball and spoil. Once the early goal goes in, the negative containment game goes out the window.

I think 'negative containment' is a bit harsh. Even if they looked to counter attack against Barca that wouldn't mean they would be negative. How many times did we do that in Europe? All good teams play on the counter, especially if you have a gifted team opposite you.

[BFG]

What a great game that was. I think we can all say that football was the real winner last night.

[Guest]

By the way, anyone has got a link to a saved copy of this match? Mr.M?

[Craig_H]

I think 'negative containment' is a bit harsh. Even if they looked to counter attack against Barca that wouldn't mean they would be negative. How many times did we do that in Europe? All good teams play on the counter, especially if you have a gifted team opposite you.

I think negative containment is spot on. It's what Chelsea did, with the plan to stop Barca playing, and catch them on the counter. It obviously requires full concentration and defensive discipline, but it's the most effective way of beating Barca, if you get it right. Especially if you've got quality strikers, who can make the most of the few chances you get.

As for us doing it in europe - we've done it plenty of times. Where's the problem? I've not said it's a bad thing, or criticised anyone for doing it.

[MrsB]

What a great game that was. I think we can all say that football was the real winner last night.

Did the better team win? Yes.

[Imy]

The early goal for Barca was absolutely key. That's the only thing that can turn a game in their favour, if the opposition is looking to put men behind the ball and spoil. Once the early goal goes in, the negative containment game goes out the window.

The early goal for Barca was really against the run of play, Utd started really quick and strong, playing their 'normal' attacking football, i think had they played the negative football (like Chelsea) they would have had a better chance.

For me what Fergie (tactical genius my arse) got wrong was he didn't try and nullify the threat of Xavi and Iniesta, as soon as Anderson went off (even though he was having a poor game) you just knew it was game over as the change would lead to even more Barca possession.