After "disaster" in La Coruna we are playing CL match tonight. With this kind of form we have (especialy refering to defence) I will say there is a very difficoult match ahead of us. Against Greek teams we are not very good, three win and also three defeats. I hope Barca will win tonight to keep 100% record in CL. Also good for morale and self confidence in the team. Anyway, I hope Messi will start the game. Giuly is out due to an injury. No other problems as far as I know.
Some facts and history: Tonight's game between Barca Panathinaikòs is not the first time the two teams have met -indeed they've both forthout a European Final. Here's just some of the stats and facts surrounding the two clubs: - Panathinaikòs have participated in 5 of the last 6 editions of the Champions League, only missing out in the2002-3 season when they were eliminated in the qualifying round. This is the eighth time Barca have been involved in the Champions league. - The overall balance of the Greek teams performances in the Champions League is: 20 wins, 13 draws and 23 defeats, with 62 goals scored and 69 conceded. - The clubs best season has to be 1970-71 when they reached the European Cup Final at Wembley. There they came up against Cruyffs young Ajax team who beat them 2-0. In contrast, Barca have played in four finals winning just the one in 1992. - The Barca player with most Champions League games under his belt is Xavi, whos played in 55, whilst at the other end of the scale, Maxi has only figured in 2. Goumas is Panathinaikòs most experienced European player, having featured in 37 games. Mantzios for his part has only played in 1 game. - The last time the two teams met in European competition was in the 2001-2 Champions League quarter finals, when Barca won 3-2 on aggregate. - From that game, only Motta, Puyol, Xavi and Gabri are still at Barca and only Goumas, Saric and Olisadebe are still in the Greek squad. - Frank Rijkaard has called on 18 player sin the first two games of this seasons Champions League the same number as ha Alberto Malesani the Panathinaikos boss. - Panathinaikòs won their first home game of the competition, beating Werder Bremen 2-1 thanks to goals from dEzequiel González and Dimitrios Papadopoulos. - Barca have scored six goals in their first two Champions League games with Ronaldinho claiming four and deco the other two.
FR put out a solid line up of Veterans.....this looks real good...surprises are Van Bommel and Larsson. Looks like Oleguer is on the bench and Marquez is slotted back in the center of defense with Puyol.
the only negative out of this line up is Xavi is pushed more back into the defense and will not be able to create as much, less of a free roaming role. We will see how this will affected his game.
Barca's defense is looking very tentative. They almost mishandle another ball and then give it away again.
Offense is playing solid in the attacking build ups....they are filtering most of the attack through the right flank utilizing Larsson and Belletti. Defense looks solid, the pairing of Marquez and Puyol is solid, hopefully this is the look of the defense for the rest of the season.
Barcelona barely coming out of their own half right now. But Pana. is not really creating any good chances.l
Still a sporadic game, chances mostly in favor of Barca....this game is destined for a turning point cause neither team is backing down to the other.
1st half notes/report: barca's passing is sloppy. it needs to be crisp. larsson is continually open for diagonals, but he doesnt have the speed to take advantage. he is doing nothing and should be subbed. ronaldinho is doing nothing. 90% of his touches are close to the midfield and with his back at goal. he needs to see the ball in better positions. eto'o needs better support/supply of the ball. midfield needs to be more creative.