Post Match Reactions - CL Group Stage Game 5

[JB@Norwich]

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Post Match Reactions - CL Group Stage Game 5

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Error: Player R_Gravenberch is suspended
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Trying to go to 5 FWs

[Steve@ManUtd]

Bayern Munich 2-1 MANCHESTER UNITED

Abysmal, deserved to lose and go out. Lazy sheet and two key injuries sustained add insult to injury.

We get a free game last match but again, Europe has been shocking for us.

[Steve@Chelsea]

Inter Milan 2 - 0 Chelsea

I wouldn't change how we set up for this one, as I predicted a high chance of an attacking set up from Inter so to counter them with a C seemed the best choice. A draw even would have seen us still in with a good chance come the last round so I'm happy with the tactic and set up. We seemed to have edged the game on the stats, but the most important stat is goals scored and Inter got 2 plus had the luxuary of missing a penalty so no complaints from us about the loss. Well done Johnboy. Much deserved.

In the other game though Barca beat a Spurs team full of squaddies, which basically gifted Barca a win and now means we are out whatever the result of the Barca v Inter game in round 6. Personally I'm not a fan of playing squaddies when it can affect results elsewhere in the group, but not everybody has the same integrity, I get it.

[Marshy@Atletico]

Atletico Madrid 3 Leeds United 0

A big win that sees Atletico safely through to the last 8 of the tournament. Atletico swapped between passing and attacking tactics believing that Leeds would not counter given they needed the victory. Leeds still countered! An overall shot count of 10-4 with some clinical finishing against Leed's rather poor goalkeeper.

Juventus have also qualified for the last 8.

With the last games being dead rubbers it is likely Atletico will play their fringe players to retain their playing rights for next season.

Senior, Kalambayi, Bronico, Tanner, Kilkenny, Meier and Adopo are all likely to feature meaning it could be Atleticos weakest ever side named.
Southampton have their own player minute issues to resolve.

Manager Simon Marsh commented "Its a decent achievement to get out of the group stages because their are no weak sides or managers. It will certainly make sense for us to play a weakened side in the last game. Had there been any hope of Leeds or Soton qualifying we would have played full strength but this gives us an opportunity of almost resolving our entire minutes issues in one game".

[Livi@Liverpool]

Paris Saint Germain 2 Liverpool 2

Another eventful encounter for us against the team that many feel are the strongest in the game. Not quite the 4-4 we fought out at Anfield but action packed nonetheless.

We played a passing style throughout and having built a two goal lead maybe it was our failure to try and counter or shut up shop later on that cost us the win as PSG came roaring back - impressively so since they had Haaland sent off just after the hour mark. The ten men pulled one back in the 73rd minute but when Ramos saw red in the 89th to leave the hosts down to nine I thought that would be that - but with the final kick Doku broke away from our subbie defender and lobbed in the equaliser just as it looked like the French side would be joining their 'dominant' Dark Arts cousins in crashing out of the competition.

Liverpool manager Graeme Edwards had this to say after the final whistle 'I'm disappointed we let such a strong position slip late on not just to boost our own confidence but I'm not going to lie it would have been really sweet to have knocked PSG out. As it is they've been given a lifeline and it wouldn't be a surprise if they scrape through in the final game and go on and win the thing. You have to give them credit though for fighting back in such tough circumstances. As for us we knew going into the game we were already through but it still remains to be seen if we can finish top of the group'

[Freddie]

Arsenal 2-1 Real

With qualification confirmed we had to take the chance to play some squad players (with our league position being so poor). Got some minutes for Manaj and Watai and they gave a good account of themselves. Pretty even game that Arsenal just edged possession wise. Played Darren.
We travel to Manchester for our final match of the group and just need a point to confirm top spot. Expecting a difficult battle but one that we can win.

[Ant]

Made our job harder thanks lol

[Darren]

Champions League Group Game Five - Arsenal 1 - 0 Real Madrid

After the draw against Man Utd in the last game, this was a huge game for Arsenal against Real Madrid who had already booked their place in the next round but Arsenal certainly pulled a performance and result out the bag. It wont go down as a classic for sure but it was all about the three points that keeps the club in second place in group B going into the final group game against Bayern Munich. Another goal from Giminez secured the win in the game which saw just six shots on target between both sides which is not good enough but it was the result the Arsenal boss was delighted about as he said after the game ;

" This was make or break really for us in the competition. Thankfully we got a fantastic result that was far from an exciting game but to get the win was what we set out to do. The group has been up there with the hardest ones drawn and we go into the last game with a great chance of making it through so overall very pleasing ".