Post Match Reactions - CL SF Leg One

[JB@Norwich]

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[Steve@ManUtd]

MANCHESTER UNITED 1-4 Real Madrid

We came into the tie missing our main forward meant we had to change things up a bit, and we came up against what some label the man 7 defence. Added to that, the classic kryptonite tactic of C came into full effect against us, which is pretty normal. We trailed 2-1 at the break, still in with a chance on paper, but to add toa miserable the game one of our best performers this season gets sent off meaning we played the second half with 10 men. As you'd expect chasing the game and a man down, we didn't offer too much more. It may seem a bit flattery of a scoreline but sometimes they happen and its a mammoth task to turn the tie around.

But, as is the way we go again, we've got a week in between, hopefully we'll have more options for the second leg.

[AB@Juventus]

PSG 3 - 1 Juventus

A demoralising defeat away from home in the first leg. We were without our second DM so we had to switch from 52003C to 51202C and PSG came with almost the same formation but they surprisingly played L, mixed with P and A as they usually do.

We took the lead with the first action of the game but quickly gave up the lead within 5 minutes and PSG switched to A.

Both teams had actions moving forwards, PSG's mainly their tactics changes but on 24 minutes their decision to switch to P paid off for them as the went ahead in the game.

PSG were the better team for the rest of the half and went in at the break a goal to the good.

We weren't prepared to chase this game and in the second half the hosts were 2 goals ahead within 10 minutes of the restart and we feared a battering could be on the way but we steadied the ship and managed to keep PSG out but we failed to add a 2nd ourselves and ran out 3-1 losers on the night.

Statistically it was an even game other than shots totals so 3-1 feels harsh but considering the gulf in class between the two squads it probably shouldn't be a surprise.

Lots to do in the second leg, a game that we have to take to PSG to try to overcome a 2 goal deficit

[Steve@Chelsea]

Manchester United 1 - 4 Real Madrid

Big game against a team that I think could hold their own in EFL1. The Galacticos delivered an outstanding performance, securing a three-goal lead heading into the second leg. Although Utd was without Fati, their recent acquisition ASM from Inter, who is only slightly less potent than Fati by 2 seconds, mitigated the impact of his absence. Utd boasts a formidable squad with ample depth, offering numerous options in personnel and tactics so I didn't feel this weakened them in any way significantly.

At halftime, with a 2-1 lead, we felt in command. However, Utd suffered a setback as Porro, once a Madrid target in the pre season auction, was sent off for a second reckless challenge. While it's always regrettable to see a red card in such a pivotal match, Los Blancos maintained control and capitalised on United's vulnerability, adding two more goals. Frankly, it's frustrating that we couldn't secure a fifth goal to potentially seal the tie. Nevertheless, we're not counting our chickens yet; the tie remains open, and anything can happen before the conclusion. GG, SteveO.

[Ed@PSG]

PSG 3 - 1 Juventus

Playing Juventus is like playing a bot team. so predictable with their 5122C against stronger teams. Decided to start with 10 minutes of L just to see if i could catch them out early on, but backfired when we conceded from their first attack. However, we managed to pull back level before the scheduled switch on 10 minutes. We were happy to concede tactical advantage, playing our usual combo of A and P and managed to take a deserved lead on 24 minutes. We continued to switch things around and led at the break. We carried on where we left off, and managed to double our lead shortly after the break. At this point we were cruising and decided to open up a little and brought on a Forward for a DM. We were controlling the game, and even managed to get some important minutes for two squaddies. Our visitors never changed from the Counter attack approach and were clearly happy to take a 2 goal defeat back to their ground.

The tie is far from over, and we remember the semi final in Season 1 when we took a 2 goal lead to Manchester United and found ourselves on the end of a 3 goal defeat, despite playing a strong C. Can lightning strike twice? What will be interesting is to see whether Juventus stick with their predictable C, or whether they actually try something different. We managed to recently withstand a strong Real Madrid attack for 87 minutes, and conceded only once. This one ought to be much easier. However, lady luck can be cruel, so i wouldnt be too surprised to see us throw it away.