"Half Time" Question...

[Needles]

I was watching the game last night and thinking about the last time we played Barcelona in 2001. I remember being terrified of the 2001 side but not necessarily of the 2006 side. I remember thinking that Rivaldo would tear us apart but I don't get that feeling from Ronaldinho. Is that because we have got better or the 2006 side isn't as good as the 2001 side?

So the question I want to pose at "half-time" in our tie is which Barcelona side was better/scared you more - 2001 or 2006?

[Shaggy]

I was watching the game last night and thinking about the last time we played Barcelona in 2001. I remember being terrified of the 2001 side but necessarily of the 2006 side. Is that because we have got better or the 2006 side isn't as good as the 2001 side?

So the question I want to pose at "half-time" in our tie is which Barcelona side was better/scared you more - 2001 or 2006?

This one, no question. As it happens, the 2001 model really turned it on against us at Anfield that night. They were majestic and it was a privilege to be there, but generally that side underachieved badly and really they weren't a patch on the current model.

[anfieldanfield]

I think people are paying the milkman before he's delivered with this one.

Barcelona are still a hugely, hugely talented side and are more than capable of putting two or three past us at Anfield.

[darkknight]

Being European Champions and Winners of the La Liga the past two years gives them a big reputation for mine.

[Needles]

I think people are paying the milkman before he's delivered with this one.

Barcelona are still a hugely, hugely talented side and are more than capable of putting two or three past us at Anfield.

That's true but the question is not asked from the standpoint of arrogance or the belief that we are going to get through.

[Sir Bob]

The current side is a better side for me. The truth is that they are going through a really sticky patch at the moment. we played really well last night but it has to be said it was a good time to play them.

[anfieldpurch]

I feared the 2001 Barca more due to me believing that we were better equipped to deal with the 2007 Barca and Rivaldo could almost kill us everytime he got the ball. I just remember Westerveld saving a shot destined for the net and thinking that it was our year

[disco]

Great question

I think the current side are phenomenal - the 2001 side didn't even qualify for CL in 02.

However, we're miles better also

[jonesie]

2006 they were unstoppable, 2007 they are not.

This side is better than the one I saw rip us apart at Anfield in the Champions League in 2001, even though they gave probably the best performance I've seen from an away side at Anfield.

But despite that, we've shown we can cause them problems, and to beat them in their own back yard is phenomenal.

Guillem Balague said the other day that we are beginning to see the end of Barca as we knew them. They were the best side in Europe for the last 2 or 3years, but with changes going on at the club (Rijkaard, Laporta leaving, Eto'o sulking, Ronaldinho underperforming) they are starting to lose their crown.

If we do the job at Anfield then that might be it for them...

[MrMichael]

The current team is better. Although they dominated us at Anfield in 2001, the previous season they failed to score twice against us in the UEFA cup with the same side, and really weren't that great. Rivaldo was one hell of a player but the rest of the team were very selfish, kept shooting from distance rather than passing, and Kluivert especially was very over-rated.

The current side has a collection of awesome attacking talent who (mostly) do actually play as part of a team;, Ronaldinho, Messi, Deco, Iniesta etc etc, i reckon they are considerably stronger than the previous vintage, even if they are not quite firing on full cylinders at the moment.

[sambirken]

think its got more to do with our side. i was scared of most teams back then but think that we are alot more composed and have better quality all round. so not really 'scared' of playing anyone now

[Darth Marty]

overall i'd have to say that the current Barca team is the stronger....but i cant help but think that night in anfield was the best any away team has ever played there, as shaggy said earlier they were immense and it was a privelage to be there, we clapped them off that night and even i, who normally sulks like a 5yr old after we lose, couldnt help but think "wow" no need to be down about this loss.
Still think the next leg has some excitement though....im thinking we will win 3-2 because we will hit them on the break all night!
will be a great night for sure!

[Redlife]

think its got more to do with our side. i was scared of most teams back then but think that we are alot more composed and have better quality all round. so not really 'scared' of playing anyone now

This Barca team is clearly better, but then we're far more prepared to take them on these days.