April 25th, 2012
Champions League Results: Welcome To The Club
If you thought madness abounded at the Nou Camp last night, you should have been in the Kickette Mayhem & Fruit Beverages Suite.
Let’s trawl through the debris together shall we? See if we can figure out what the hell happened.
Unrealistic Expectations
Image: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images.
As we awaited kick-off, we got the impression that other commentators weren’t entirely convinced of Chelsea’s ability to hang on to their slender lead.
No matter. The snacks were ready, the bartender had been chastised for inefficiency and John Terry was romancing Alexis Sanchez. What could’ve possibly gone wrong?
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The Selfless Hero
Image: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images.
Ah. After going 1-0 down and losing Gary Cahill to a thigh injury, the Chelsea captain calmly assessed the situation and figured his team would be in pole position to beat Barca with ten men and no central defenders.
He immediately cast aside any personal desires he held for a Champs League final appearance and bravely stood tall with his knee in the air (it’s called the Half-Crane. Seriously, have you guys never seen the Karate Kid?) until Alexis Sanchez helpfully darted onto it/into it.
Give this sacrificial lamb a slow clap, Kickettes.
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This was the scene that unfolded in the last five minutes before halftime: WE RAN OUT OF VODKA!
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The Unbearable Tightness Of Being: Lionel Messi’s Underpants
Image: REUTERS/Albert Gea.
Lionel Messi missed a penalty. The war on VPL waged on.
Then, a glimmer of hope for the neutrals: beers arrived! Wooh!
Also, Fernando came on for Drogba.
Wait, did he? We’re weren’t sure.
Damn bartender.
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The Goal
Image: AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIANO.
It WAS him!
Garnier’s highlights hero found himself unmarked in the Barca half, with only Victor Valdes standing between him and zero compromise, easy foam glory. Gary Neville in the Sky Sports studio provided an on the spot reaction.
Altogether now, eeeuuuuwwww…
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That’s it people. Chelsea go through to the Champions League final, and while we watched live pictures from Madrid, where news of Barcalona’s defeat had just broken, a thought was spared for Pep Guardiola. When asked, “What would you say to a kid who cried for the first time because of Barca?” the broken boss replied, “Welcome to the club.”
He then added: “Now take off your clothes**”
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**That’s downright false.
That Torres goal was amazing. I jumped up and down, screamed and just kept repeating "oh my god" over and over! My teams are Manchester United and Real Madrid but my favorite player is FERNANDO TORRES! Finally! Hope he's back! LOVE HIM! Wish him the best now and always…Hala Madrid.
Dear David Luiz, the loss still hurts.
But you looking so good in that suit makes it a tiny bit better. Thanks for wearing it. P.S. And get well soon. The back line needs you.
Gladys, I don't know if I say it before, you are one of favs over here
! Hard luck for Liga!
Thanks, Sarah! Same to you. And I'm sorry about RM's loss. I guess at least we'll be a little less stressed watching the final.
that's what I keep telling my self, it is better than reaching final and losing it..for you2 hard luck!
Thanks, Sarah. Now it's time to think good thoughts for Soldado, Canales, Rami, and the gang. Fingers crossed.
He's a sweetheart. The way Bayern played last night he will definitely be needed in the back-line. I have no idea which team to cheer for, but I'm happy I'm gonna be able to watch without chest pains.
I take that back, I'm gonna be cheering for Bayern. They are so awesome.
Oh, Kristina. Now we'll be rivals! I'll try not to talk to much trash before May 19.
Whatever the outcome, it's going to be a fun game to watch.
In the meantime, I'm going to cheer on Valencia today. I really hope they advance. (They gave away 45,000 free tix for the semi with Atleti…how I wish I lived close enough to go.)
Oh, yeah! Can you believe I forgot about that game?! It's been such a crazy week. More football! Perfect!
I have a soft spot for Mata, Torres and David Luiz. It's hard.
I have the same soft spot…especially Mata, who may be my favorite player in all the leagues (it's hard for me to feel completely bad about anything good that happens for him). And also lovely Oriol!!! I think with all those defenders out he may get a chance to play. 20 years old and from Barca B to the CL final in less than a year.
I hope we give him some time and he's able to get back into form a bit in the coming games! He started really well, and people expected a bit too much form him after some stellar performances. Then injuries and Mikel's surge happened
I like our little Oriol… please don't make us give him back!
Congrats to all the Chelsea fans!!! What an intense game!!!!! My poor baby Pique suffers a concussion, Messi misses a penalty, goal posts are hit, and TORRES scores a goal!!! Even though I'm a Barca girl forever, I jumped up and down out of happiness that Fern scored. He's waited so long to hit the back of the net, and there's no better place to do it than at the largest stadium in Europe!
Again, wonderful job to Chelsea and good luck in the final!!!
Totally agree with you! I'm sad about the loss but there are so many Chelsea players that I like (as well as Di Matteo), that I can't help but feel happy for them. It's going to be a fun final.
Is Pique okay? I hadn't seen/heard updates after their check up in the hospital. That was a very scary collision. I was shocked they had him continue!
Congrats to Chelsea, mostly because it would have been very boring to see Barça one again in the final.
When it comes to RM….buaaaaaaahhh!!! *cries* I feel so sad! :'(
Same here Agnes. Still gutted over Madrid's loss and particularly the way they lost. It just goes to show that the football God's can be cruel sometimes.
I am a Barca fan but I am truly happy that Fernando scored that second goal for Chelsea. And he is such a gracious winner. Did you see how he hugged Xavi after the game?
In a way, it is fortunate that there is no Clasico CL final. Good for the Euros. We can't have the Barca and Madrid boys fighting again only a month and a half before the tournament.
I am hoping and praying that Nando scores again at Munich.
Right there with you! Excellent point about the Euros coming up.. hadn't occurred to me, and as a fan of the Spain NT, it will be nice to have them rested and without so much tension.
Oh my god! What a game. WHAT. A. GAME. I'm still in shock, to be honest. I had real belief in my team, in my players, but somehow I'm still pinching myself. Cahill injured, Captain JT sent off, Bosingwa at centre-back!!! Down to 10 men, 2 goals down against Barcelona. BARCELONA!! The best team in the world by just about anyone's estimation. I'm sure most of the world wrote us off then and there. But my boys still believed, still fought on, and they f*cking did it. They DID it! Jesus. I wept buckets. That's the kind of fight and spirit and determination that made me a Chelsea fan years ago, and I was reminded during this match that that's what Chelsea are all about. Aside from JT's moment of madness it's absolutely one of the best moments I've ever experienced as a Chelsea fan. Thanks to the players, Roberto DiMatteo, the entire club, and full respect to Barcelona. If they weren't the team that they are, beating them wouldn't be such an achievement. On to Munich and Champions League glory!!!
I'm a Barca fan, but congrats to Chelsea and to you and all the other fans. And best of luck to them in the final.
Ditto what FloraJane said.
My heart sunk with the injuries and then Terry pulling that utterly stupid move and getting sent off. But these guys NEVER gave up giving 110%, believing that they could win it and then doing it.
I am a Barça fan, but congrats to Chelsea and Nando. BUT OMG IM SOOO HAPPY BAYERN WON AND MADRID GOT ELIMINATED.
OMG I'M ECSTATIC THAT BAYERN WON AND THOSE UGLY MIDGETS AT BARCA GOT ELIMINATED!
Ikr! Lol
Wait wait wait. Barça?? Lol. I guess, yess they are midgets :/
TROLOL! TROLL GOT TROLLED!
ROFL! @ LIly
i think my heart exploded when Sergio BLASTED that penalty! :'( knucks to Schweini though, I'm trying to hate him, but I can't :'(
the ball is still seen flying around Madrid xD! If I can't laugh about it I will cry tbh, I don't want cry!! Proud of this team, proud of Cristano, Kaka and Ramos. After Cristano miss, Bernabeu were still singing for him, what an incredible scene.
I know people will laugh at us, but I really don't care, as I will say well played Bayern, they really wanted it more than we did, fully deserved. SAN IKER! he is the best goal keeper in history for me, but what can one man do!
Classy from Jose for congratulate Bayern team in their locker room, what an amazing game for neutral as well, so proud of this team really, nothing would make me less proud.
Beautiful Sarah! I too was SOOO proud, not just of the team, but fans and the players exhausting efforts! This PK shoot out was nerve racking! Can we now call SAN IKER dios IKER because honestly he's absolute SALVATION! I concur, let people laugh, but I know good and damn well that they couldn't have made me ANY prouder!
I agree with both of you girls. sure, i hated Sergio for about 0.1879072 seconds, but then i realized how horrible he must feel :'( my heart broke! I'm proud of my team, I'm proud of Cristiano especially. those who were taunting him and poking fun on twitter and such, be damned. it was his goals and his assists which kept us in the game for that long. i am so grateful to have a player like him at Madrid. HALA CRISTIANO. Oh, and HALA SAN IKER. both he and Manu were on fire tonight. both teams couldn't have asked for better in the net. Iker especially, i can't imagine the pressure after knowing that your team's first 2 penalties were denied. if we had made it through we would have him thank infinitely. i have nothing but love and respect for him. anyway, fear not, we'll be back next year, bitches! HALA MADRID!
I really don't think you can think less of Ramos – but as for Kaka and CR9 – well…………I know it's high pressure, blah, blah, blah BUT for 150 Euros I do think a penality is not asking the world!!!
Cristano never since he scored the first PK for the night, the guy after 120 looks emotionally exhausted, I really can't fault Cris, about Kaka I rather show my support than criticize him, I know these players feel worse than we do, so I refuse to criticize and only show support, that the kind of fan I am!
I get your point – Messi missed as well but I think RM need to ask some of their players if they are getting ebough bang for their Buck!
Cristano never he paid every cent since he came to RM, he just scored a goal that could win Liga for RM in Camp Nou, scored goal for last CDR, has been nothing less than brilliant a missed penalty won't change my mind about him and how amazing he is been throughout the season.
About Kaka, injuries, I only can say injuries, I don't want call him flop, I really can't, I just don't want fault him.
I think Ronaldo is worth every penny. he scored a penalty, and Neuer saved one. it happens. Messi missed his penalty, I wouldn't want him to throw in the towel and quit football. these things happen, we're not going to succeed as a team if we as fans doubt and down our best players for being human. i think Kaka made a strategic mistake, thinking Neuer would dive the wrong way…but Sergio wasn't even on target. considering he was what…10 yards from the net? that is quite concerning to me…
Yeah, the poor guy looked beat. After all the effort he put in for the Barca game, helping on defense in both games AND playing such a big part offensively, I will not fault him AT ALL.
Ladies (Sarah, Bri & Winnie), once again I'm late to the party but I couldn't agree with your posts more!
OMFG. Emotional rollercoster! An amazing performance from an amazing set of players!
Im just so thrilled for Nando too, he totally deserved that bit of glory!
I am so happy!
Yes Kickette, Pep is the man! Gentleman, sexy man, humble man, best coach…man. I'm happy that we will see some more tiki taka this summer. Because, honestly, Spain is basically Barca. Or very much anyway.
Kickette should post a picture of the Nando butt shot during his goal celebration! The camera was on it for a good minute last night and I'm sure it was because the cameraman was drooling
http://fuckyeahfernando-torres.tumblr.com/post/21…
I think you're going for this? http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m307dcyiJO1r3p0…
Haha yeah that's the one! I didn't realize my link wasn't working.
Did no one get a photo of Nando's panties during the post-goal celebration?!! They appeared to be light blue and crawling up a bit on his right cheek. Not that I was replaying and pausing or stalking or anything like that.
Gray
They're sort of like the standard issued brief for Chelsea, or something. Not like I stalk pictures and videos to know this information or anything like that…
And yes. Where are these photos?!?!
I still don't comprehend how John Terry's brain functions, and I'm not sure I want to…i mean REALLY TERRY!?!? I know Sanchez is an annoying twat, but REALLY!?! -_- if Chelsea hadn't made it through, it would be Terry's head. anyways, i'm surprised no one's mentioned how instrumental Drogba was in Chelsea's victory yesterday. yes, Cech was a beast in net, yes Ramires' goal (not Torres' if you really think about it) put them through, yes Barcelona was "unlucky". but Drogba was an absolute god-send for Chelsea. he pretty much replaced Terry on D and was still the only player who actually wanted to attack during the second half. i couldn't get enough of him. anyways, it figures that the same fans who cried bloody murder when Drogba dived have nothing to say about Alexis' theatrics *side eye*
Why would they? What do you say about Di Maria? Jeez, don't be of double standards.
i HATE di Maria. i critique him every chance i get lol, and i've said it here many a time–it's not a secret. but i could've sworn it was Chelsea and Barca who played yesterday, or am i mistaken? anyway, you of all people shouldn't be talking about double-standards here, my dear.
LOL you def picked the wrong player to bring up for that one bud.
Why?
because as i said, it's well known here that i hate di Maria. making your "double standard" comment a bit ineffective.
The only reason fans "cried bloody murder" when Drogba dived its because during the first game it was calculated that he was on the ground for 6 minutes and 30 seconds. That is huge and annoying. Sure Alexis can dive to but not every time someone touched him. So your reasoning there is a tad flawed. I don't want to start an internet argument I just wanted to tell you why they reacted in such a manor.
Sanchez (and Busquets more than anyone) dives for cards and send-offs (not that JT didn't deserve his). Drogba dives to waste time (which gets added in stoppage, but ruins the opposition's flow of the game). I don't like diving in any capacity, but if I had to choose a type… (I'd actually like to choose none).
That's a lot of parenthesis!
I agree, April! replying to you both, i thought Drogba gave players like Alexis and Busquets, etc, a taste of their own medicine. not only do those two dive incessantly, they also have to beg for the foul, beg for the card, beg for the penalty, free kick, goal-kick, corner–it never ends! just anything to hinder or disadvantage the other team! you don't roll for 50 frickin yards, get someone who barely SCRAPED BY YOU, a yellow card, and then get up and jog away once they've been booked. it's ridiculous, lacking sportsmanship, and purely malicious! i'd rather have a time waster any day!
All this talk about diving makes me seasick. I think that what you are saying is that you prefer the kind of diving that gives you an advantage, and gives the team that you hate a disadvantage. It's pretty clear to me. It's obvious that what you are saying in the above can easily be attributed to say Di Maria or Pepe or CR. Or any other teams frequent divers. I don't know how you get the strength talk about it. I've said it time and time again, it's pointless to talk about diving. Everybody does it. They just use different techniques, and some of them are pretty amusing. No need to sound so bitter about it.
nope, not really. i hate diving period, no matter who does it. i hate it when Pepe does it, i hate it when di Maria (especially because it reminds me of Busquets), i hate it when Ronaldo does it. it pisses me off no matter what. Granero's dive in the box today? despicable. i'm glad he got booked. i don't get you saying that i like diving that gives me team an advantage over the other team though…isn't that what always happens? what pisses me off the most about ALEXIS is that whether he rolls around on the ground, wasting time seemingly legitimately hurt (medics come out, the whole shebang!) or he curses out the referee demanding a card for a non-existent foul. i understand that unfortunately, diving has become a part of the game. but everything that Alexis (and recently Cesc) does after the fact, is just plain unabashed cheating and takes so much away from his talent (like Ronaldo in the past, and is also why i hate that i can't appreciate di Maria's talent for the simple fact that he is a CHEATER). that's all.
Granero didn't dive, he didn;t he was pulled by his shirt!! I hated that he got booked for diving, I really didn't care if it was a PK or not, but he was pulled end of story, it hurted to see him to be booked for a dive
i think he dived…he was held and it happens, but he wasn't pushed, he threw himself to the ground
He was trying to win the ball, neuer pulled him by the shirt, how is this a dive Winnie! A shirt pull is a foul, IMO!
In outfield player won't fall, in penalty area well he will to win a pk, wouldn't you do that to win a penalty, let's pretend there was no contact, this dive term has been overused tbh!
LOL okay, perhaps not "dive" but he definitely embellished after the contact
You said that you'd rather have a time waster. That pretty much says that you prefer a time waster. I get it that you're saying that you don't like any of it though. For me, until the football community (the clubs, the different legislative associations, the referees) comes up with a clever way to put a stop to this cheating, I'm not gonna let it bother me (but it does anyway) and I'm gonna try to laugh about it. Or to just treat it like one of those things you have to endure. Because it's everywhere and I can't single out a team or a club or a player and be particularly angry about them.
I'm actually a referees daughter. My father was a footballer, then he was a referee and later a coach. When we watch football together (which is very seldom) he reacts to the diving and the theater very matter-of-factly and with some amusement. He's like "hahaha look at that guy! What is he trying to do?" He doesn't get so angry with the player, more with the ref for not noticing. I guess it's because he's been both. Anyway, maybe that's why I react like I do.
yes, time wasting…doesn't always have to involved diving. but if you're going to do it, i'd rather you not add to it by trying to have a man who did nothing wrong sent off. does that make sense? it's not so much the diving itself (because it's commonplace now -_-), but his actions AFTER the fact.
Well my bad on that internet argument…
But I am a soccer ref myself and all diving is stupid. I hope that clubs or federations make a rule that if a player dives (reviewed after the game) then they get a fine or penalty. Sure Buckets (its Busquets but I call him Buckets) is always on the ground and he should be fined probably. Its aggravating that this is even a discussion cause it shouldn't exist in the first place. Time-wasting is just annoying to me. Imagine if Drogba hadn't have dove all over the place. The game might have ended differently. Maybe the same with RM. I don't know. But we should all agree it needs to stop ASAP.
Ha! I love the fact that I want to choose no type of diving and get thumbs downed. People are so sensitive. Can't even take a fair criticism about a player.
Anyhow, interesting thing when I was getting my ref certification back in the day, diving wasn't even a concept. Never mentioned. Sure I'm in the States and we're probably all "behind the times" or whatever… but if that's the case, I prefer staying behind. Don't care for any of the diving from any player, whether I like them or not.
Well deserved Chelsea, but my poor baby Messi
poor Leo…I hope he doesn't beat himself up too much for missing the penalty. Yes, he could've led Barca to win the game, but it's a team sport, and Messi shouldn't be individually blamed. And the team really did try, you could see the urgency in both teams. Chelsea just came out on top and credit to them for staving off Barca on their home turf and with one man down – that was inspirational. But Messi, brush it off and move forward, his fans aren't going to love him any less for one missed penalty (true fans, at least) cause he's helped Barca win in so many other occasions. Gutted to see him look so sad..:(.
Even though I was cheering for Chelsea, I felt bad for Messi too. You could tell he felt the entire responsibility for winning rested on his shoulders. He didn't have the best of games but I do have say that a lot of that was due to the dogged defending of Chelsea.
Messi, love, it's a team sport. Your teammates need to step up to the plate (sorry, wrong sport :p ) when you are being so closely guarded.
I'm not really a fan of Chelsea, but full props go to them. They played amazingly under all that pressure. It was amazing soccer-from both sides. I did feel bad for Messi in the end…I hate seeing him look so defeated. And Fer- who knew?!! I'm sure most ppl were not expecting him to make that fantastic goal last night.
Hopefully I'll get to see Real Madrid face off Chelsea.
I am glowing today.
. I almost cried at work when Nando scored!!
Me too. Me. too.
Is it just me or is Didier enjoying that nipple stroke a little too much in the first pic?
http://www.footballbubble.blogspot.com
I am a little bit sad, but a very, very proud Cule today.
First of all congrats to Chelsea, and all their fans!
Secondly, must most important, I'm happy that I'm supporting a team of players that don't back down from their ideals, that wants to give the audience a performance and a coach that does not search for others to blame. Thank you! The tiki-taka will be back! Cheers y'all!
Without taking anything away from Chelsea, I think it's fair to say that Barca were really unlucky again tonight. It almost felt like they were jinxed.
Was Xavi crying after the game?
* last night of course!
I had that feeling too. When Pique got that terrible blow I thought it was a bad omen. Sometimes the difference between winning and loosing is just millimeters. That goes for all teams, and now that luck (or bad luck) has come to Barca. The team is tired too, you could just see it in their eyes. 3 years of winning practically everything…Goes without saying.
No I didn't see Xavi crying. That would have been too much to bear
Well, they can hold their heads up high. They played fantastic football throughout the tournament.
I'm sure I saw Xavi wiping his eyes last night. Felt so sorry for him.
Oh I forgot, as much as I have suffered for Torres I'm happy that him scoring was one of the few good things that came out from yesterdays game. IMO.
Not a fan of either teams, but felt such a sense of pride last night. Congrats Chelsea, well deserved. Even if they don't win in the finals, they should be incredibly proud of themselves. Reminds me of when Arsenal played with 10 men at Nou last year. Sigh.
Congrats to all you Chelsea fans!! Good luck in Munich. And now, more than ever, VISCA BARCA!!!
Does some one now the name of the really really hot man in Chelseas staff? I think he was a player before or maybe he is injured…. He was on the Camp Nou yesterday.
Happy for Chelsea lets hope Madrid win tonight. Hala Madrid!!!
I think you might mean Paulo Ferriera. He's a portuguese defender that was wearing a black suit last night.
Yes its him! Thank you soooo much. Time for some image googleing.
Description? Hair color, style, attire? They have some physios and subs and players that attended that were not on the subs bench.
CONGRATULATIONS CHELSEA! What a great game, I’m really excited about you going forward to the finals. Can’t wait to see which team you’ll be playing against!
Petr Cech was truly the star of both games, he was superb, and so gratifying considering all the pundits who were saying a few months ago that he was past it and too timid after his head injury blah, blah, blah, I love it when the critics are proved wrong.
Cech was just awesome. Really stepped up his game recently, as he'd had a nervy middle-of-the-season. He's a great keeper so it is good to see him performing his best again. I'd also give a big shout to Ramires for star player. He'll be missed in the final, for certain!
It's great that Torres scored the goal but I am sad because he is the talk of the papers and media today, when really
it's Ramires and Cech that deserve so much praise for getting Chelsea through. Yeah Ramires and Cech aren't the golden boy that Torres is but to not even mention them is ridiculous.
David always smiling he twists a lot for Fernando Torres and always support him in the most difficult moments, he is a true friend! Congratulations Chelsea for the claw, will and team spirit and fight to the finish!
WHAT a game. That is all.
What a game! Congrats to Chelsea and esp. to my pretty boy Nando, who scored maybe the most important goal of the season for Chelsea! Proud!
Congratulations on scoring Nando! Not going to lie, I shed a little tear when you did, thinking back about all the times you scored in a red shirt, but I am truly happy for you. Hope you make it to the Euros! It wouldn't be the same without you.
Poor Ivanovich, I'm not a Chelsea fan but that was properly harsh from Shreeves. He looked like he was going to burst into tears. What a horrible person he is. Even Ashley comes out well in that video and coming from me thats a serious compliment.
Agreed- there was no need to bring up that on television. It was confirmed he got the card over the air, so Geoff just wanted to do something cruel, I guess.
my heart broke for him, he looked dumbfounded
So mean, there was no need to bring it up at that moment…party wrecker Geoff!
I'm sure he would be happy to hear that.
I'm not even a Chelsea or Barca fan but I jumped up and down so hard during the run-up to Torres' goal that my pants actually literally fell down. Granted, they were baggy sweatpants, but still, they usually don't just fall down.
I can see the headlines now…
"Torres scores. Girls everywhere lose their pants."
I like it!
Ha! I just realized the double-meaning I have in there. Wish I could say it was intentional!
LOL this comment killed me!
I don't remember who I told this too, but I said that Torres always score against Chelsea, so I expected him to do so, should have placed a bet xD
Congrats Chelsea, one of most dramatic semi I saw!! Congrats to the men in white
oh sorry against Barcelona*
I am sooooo excited for Torres! That goal is going to be HUGE for his self esteem! I think it is only a matter of time before he is a force to be reckoned with again like a few years back. Just in time for the EUROS! Thank goodness! Go Torres Go! And unbelievable win for Chelsea! I am so glad they beat Barcelona!
I agree! How fitting that he wanted to move to Chelsea to win titles and then he's the one who sends them thru in spite of such a horrid time he's had scoring this past year or so.
I couldn't be more happier for him.
OMG – what a game! It literally had me on the edge of my seat for the whole 93 minutes!
Congrats to Chelsea; they beat all the odds and credit where credit is due. John Terry is an absolute idiot though – surely no Chelsea fan can defend his actions. To top it all off he comes out with a cheap excuse of how he just meant to steady himself and Sanchez 'backed into his knee'…righto! Quickly changed his opinion though when presented with the footage. I think I would have respected him more if he had apologised straight away.
Ramires scored a brilliant goal though and then Fernando out of all people sealed the deal. I know Chelsea had already gone through anyway, but at that moment it still looked as though Barca would be able to snatch a last minute win. Had to laugh at Gary Neville – he sounded disgusting!
Watched the interview after the game and couldn't believe it when Geoff Shreeves told Ivanovich that he would miss the final. I don't think he knew and he looked devastated. Felt really sorry for him then. :-/
Bring on tonight's game!!!
Oh and has Messi EVER missed a penalty???
Oh and also – I think Pep Guardiola is a true gentleman, even in defeat.
I was really taken by how respectful Pep was at the end. True gentleman indeed.
You can't win them all – and this simply has not been Barca's season. We faced a knock in the semi's two years ago and in 2008 only to come back swinging and better than ever! We just need to get Pep to sign – or another manager in and carry on, plus we need UNICEF back on the front of our shirts!
Oh yes! UNICEF at the front! Now! And we need Pep. Some how I think it will be difficult for him to leave at this stage. Even if he wanted to, the poor guy. It would look too much like he was abandoning the team. I hope I'm right
.
Oh Yes He is!!Great man
Really, he said before the match they would beat Chealse 100%. Now that's arrogance and Fabregas and Xavi with their usual other teams don't play football excuses.
Really, "Really"?
he did say that to journalist who were criticizing him, that I will see you in the final! I don't think he meant as arrogance, but he did say it regardless, just stating a fact
I can actually fully say that I hate Cesc now with all certainty. he is moulding into Xavi 2.0.
I think Pep was confident in his players. Not arrogant. I also feel he's been generous in his statements about Chelsea as opposition (which is good, considering the outcome… would have lent an opportunity to poke fun if he slated Chelsea).
Cesc's comments are the same drivel that many of the players and some fans of that squad deliver whenever a loss or draw happens. It's unfortunate that they cannot just give credit where it is due sometimes, and recognize an area for improvement. Their fans deserve that much. Not even Barca are perfect when it comes to the game.
Well, Pep is generous. He knows how to behave in a sportmanlike manner. Some people are just so used to hate Barca that they can't tell pride from arrogance. And I guess they have programmed themselves to not read or listen to the praise that Xavi give others. It's evident.
Xavi gives others the "praise" after Barcelona has slapped them silly and have the scoreboard behind them to show it. never any praise to give concerning Real when they do the job, or any blame to accept when inefficient tactics cost them a game. he is a grown man, some humility wouldn't kill him. he should learn from his ever-gracious coach, Le Pep.
There is none so blind as the one who don't want to see. Or something like that. I've read lots of interviews where Xavi admire other teams and players.
Amen! THAT'S how you do it.
What a game!! I was screaming, cursing, gasping, crying…. through out whole 90min.
Against all the odds, I believed in my team and it was worth all the suffering that I've gone through!!
From JT's Reds, Rami's goal at the end of '45+, 10 man behind the ball, and beautiful run & shot by Torrest at 90+
It was more dramatic than any movie or soap opera out there. Well done BLUES!! I can't be more proud of my boys.
What she^^ said. As someone posted on Twitter, "So Roman Abramovich finally found a way to bribe God, then?!!"
Gutted for Ramires, Meireles & Ivanovic missing the final after being awesomeballs all the way through (Terry not so much – it reminds me of the "10 Brave Lions, 1 Stupid Boy" headlines after Becks' got sent off for stupidity at the WC'98). My head is looking at all the great players who'll be watching from the stands that night, and I can't help but feel tonight is the real CL final, but my heart says we can go all the way and win the cup, Liverpool '95-style. Y'know, to make up for being robbed by the ghost goal in THAT semi.
No, I'm not still bitter!
'05.
Obviously.