CL SF Second Leg Post Match Reaction

[JB@Norwich]

CL SF Second Leg Post Match Reaction

[Steve@Chelsea]

Barcelona 3 - 1 Real Madrid (3-2 Agg)

I won't take anything back tactically that we did here as I feel we came with a solid strategy. Barca deserved the win on the day although we are bitterly disapointed to not make the final after taking the lead. Best of luck to both Barca and PSG in the final. Well done Graeme.

[Ed@PSG]

Arsenal 2 - 2 PSG (PSG win on pens)
Carbon copy of the first leg which saw Arsenal race into a 2 goal lead and roll out the D, which we pegged back and got the draw. Astute opening tactics by Arsenal which saw them get an early goal. However, i was a little surprised to see them get a 2nd at E v A. We switched to A and huffed and puffed. Seemed to be one way traffic but everything was either wide or saved. Wasnt looking promising at all, but we managed to get 2 goals in the last 15 to take the tie to extra time. Arsenal continued with the D and we reverted back to Counter attack, and extra time was a non event. Fortunately our higher shooting stats were the difference in the penalty shootout. We brought on 21-18 ESR to be 5th pen taker, but he wasnt needed.
Stats suggest that we were dominant ands its good to know that we can pull goals back against a strong D. Hopefully we can have a full squad for the final. Our record in cup comps is very poor, so i am not expecting much against one of our bogey teams.
Good game, and unlucky Darren

[Livi@Liverpool]

Barcelona 3 Real Madrid 1 (4-3 on agg)

Really wasn't sure how to set up in this one, but started with a counter attacking approach looking to keep things tight with a view to throwing the kitchen sink at things later on if needs be. As it is we went a goal down almost immediately and so after 5 mins we were 2-0 down on aggregate and facing the dreaded D.

We switched things up formation wise and changed to attacking and Mahrez made it 1-1 on the night. Real changed back to a counter attacking approach but shortly before HT we got ourselves 2-1 ahead and switched to a passing style. Jesus then made it 3-1 straight after HT and Real went all out attack and whilst we endured a few nervy moments we managed to see the game out and progress to the club's 3rd Champions League final in my time here which is obviously very satisfying. Hopefully we can maintain our 100% record in the final and lift the trophy again.

Ben White picked up a nasty injury which will see him miss the next 3 games (inc the final) so we are going to have to look at the transfer market and be very careful with our next couple of team selections to ensure we try and have as strong a team as possible for the final.

Unlucky Steve, cheers for the PM. All the best to you and your team moving forward.

[Darren]

Arsenal 2 - 2 PSG ( PSG win on penalties )

Gutted to get knocked out of the Champions League on penalties but we can hold our heads high at the way we performed over the two legs. PSG are a class side and to take a two goal lead in both legs shows we can match the better sides of the game. Our decision to hit D and not revert back is something I need to look into but to concede so late in the game when it was in our hands is disappointing from our point of view.

PSG are a very good side, being able to buy a 100m player a few days before the games shows the size of the club and on paper, are head and shoulders above us but they didn't smash us all over, another day it could well have been a different story.

No doubt PSG were helped by the fact we played the majority of the game with an 11 rater in defence due to Locatelli but we still kept strong and the side come out with a great deal of credit for the performance over the two legs.

Very best of luck to Ed and Livi in the final, gutted we wont be playing in it but it will be a great game to look at.

Played Ed, a good battle of the two games mate.