Just to make everyone a little nervous

[Figaro]

Barcelona came back from a first leg home defeat (0-1) to beat Zaragoza 1-2 and go into the semi-finals of the Kings Cup.

 

The team - Rijkaard going offensive:

 

3-4-3

 

Jorquera

 

Puyol Thuram Oleguer

 

Márquez Deco Iniesta Xavi

 

Messi Ronaldinho Giuly

 

Xavi and Iniesta scored.

 

Messi ran rings round the Zaragoza defence in the first half.

 

Will be interesting to see if he uses the same tean against Sevilla CF on Saturday night with the obvious exception of Valdes in for Jorquera.

Edited February 28, 2007 by Figaro

[Gilps]

That's a very odd line up. Obviously it worked but it still looks bloody odd. How exactly did they line up up front?

[psl]

I am feeling nervous about the home game. Could really do without them scoring the first goal.

Edited February 28, 2007 by psl

[Guest]

Messi in the middle with Ronaldinho a few metres behind on his right. Guily on the right flank but with freedom to switch to the left.

 

The midfield had orders to get the ball forward asap to Ronaldinho who then set up 1-2's with Messi and/or Xavi and Iniesta running through from midfield.

 

Zaragoza left themselves wide open at the back and Messi ran them ragged

[CarraLegend]

We're a totally different proposition to Zaragoza, fair play to Barca for winning and that but it means f*** all really.

[Leo No.8]

I'd be quite happy if he played that line up against us personally. Rijkaard packed his team with skilful, attacking midfielders and forwards in the second half against us in the first leg and it played right into our hands.

 

I'm as nervous as everyone else about the second leg, but with the hapless Oleguer leaving them with practically two at the back and no great pace I think we'd murder them on the counter. Bellamy would have a field day.

[Nebraska Red]

Zaragoza did not pose much of a threat in the box, they got at Barca down Barca's right side but rarely had bodies in the penalty area.

 

first goal was a complete screw up the defence and the 2nd was a result of a collision between the keeper and a defender.

 

Barca had tons of space and time on the ball. not likely to see that next week.

[Guest]

We're a totally different proposition to Zaragoza, fair play to Barca for winning and that but it means f*** all really.

 

 

It means Messi is back and Ronaldinho was sublime for the second game running.

 

I for one am not now so sure of it being an 'easy' game next Tuesday.

 

Mind you here's hoping Sevilla run them through the meat grinder first.

Edited February 28, 2007 by Figaro

[Leo No.8]

It means Messi is back and Ronaldinho was sublime for the second game running.

 

I for one am not now so sure of it being an 'easy' game next Tuesday.

 

I don't think anyone feels it'll be an easy game Fig, but we have to feel confident we have the players and the tactics to blunt them again in the second leg.

 

Anyone who thinks we're through is a complete fool because Barca have so many individuals who can win a game with one flash of genius, but they are going to have to be at their very best to beat us and we'll raise the roof getting behind the lads as well.

 

No Eto'o would be a big blow to them; I'd rather him out injured than either of Messi or Ronaldinho...

Edited February 28, 2007 by Leo No.8

[Nebraska Red]

in a way, alot of the pressure is off Barcelona for the game.

 

trailing 2-1 having given up 2 away goals, they will not be expected to win and can go out and throw everything at Liverpool.

 

if they lose, it will not be a surprise as they have to chase the game to get through.

[Guest]

in a way, alot of the pressure is off Barcelona for the game.

 

trailing 2-1 having given up 2 away goals, they will not be expected to win and can go out and throw everything at Liverpool.

 

if they lose, it will not be a surprise as they have to chase the game to get through.

 

True.

 

What worries me is that Ronaldinho has been playing (Bilbao and Zaragoza tonight) as though he has something to prove - obviously we and Sevilla before us are different propositions and will be much harder and tighter games.

[DJS]

True.

 

What worries me is that Ronaldinho has been playing (Bilbao and Zaragoza tonight) as though he has something to prove - obviously we and Sevilla before us are different propositions and will be much harder and tighter games.

 

Obviously we'd do well to exercise a level of caution, but as has been mentioned, Zaragoza and Bilbao arent LFC. Sevilla will be a much better barometer IMO.

[Nebraska Red]

the closer this game gets, the more concerned we will all become.

 

luckily we have an easy game at the weekend.!!

[stressederic]

In a sense, I'm a tad irritated we didn't manage to grab a third in the Nou Camp.

[DJS]

the closer this game gets, the more concerned we will all become.

 

luckily we have an easy game at the weekend.!!

 

I'm quite glad we've got the mancs, none of this piddly 15th placed side at home nonsense.

 

A tough game will get them in the right frame of mind for Barca, whereas an easy walk in the park might leave them overconfident and complacent.

 

Nowt wrong with getting them into a "must be at your best to succeed" mentality a couple of days before barca.

 

In a sense, I'm a tad irritated we didn't manage to grab a third in the Nou Camp.

[stressederic]

 

I know. it sounds ridiculously silly, but we did have some decent chances that night, and we know Barca were there for the taking because we... erm... took them. Just could have taken a bit more and put the tie to bed.

[DJS]

I know. it sounds ridiculously silly, but we did have some decent chances that night, and we know Barca were there for the taking because we... erm... took them. Just could have taken a bit more and put the tie to bed.

 

I agree, i was thinking the same on the night after we took the lead.

 

But looking at the bigger picture, i just grinned because in the big scheme of things, being annoyed at not getting a third is incredibly greedy I do get where you're coming from though.

[Guest anfieldanfield]

I know. it sounds ridiculously silly, but we did have some decent chances that night, and we know Barca were there for the taking because we... erm... took them. Just could have taken a bit more and put the tie to bed.

 

Be fair though, Barca had chances of their own.

[DJS]

Be fair though, Barca had chances of their own.

 

Clear cut? Not many.

 

Saviola's shot which Pepe saved, and the freekick which hit the bar - wasnt going for goal though IMO.

 

Considering they're Barca, they were at home, and we were leading...they provided us with far fewer squeaky bum moments in the latter stages than i would've expected.

[San Diego Red]

Good to know that Ronaldinho played crap . From what I've read, he lacked 'something' in the 2nd half.

 

On Eto'o: He was merely rested. However, I hope just magically breaks his ankles in training

Edited February 28, 2007 by KPatel

[jon_hall]

They have no choice but to attack us. I don't think their defence is up to much compared to ours.

 

If they leave gaps Bellamy if he plays will have a field day.

[CarraLegend]

 

 

On Eto'o: He was merely rested. However, I hope just magically breaks his ankles in training

 

A dodgy toe until late next week will do. We dont want him failing our medical in the Summer

[DJS]

I've just been watching delayed coverage of this cuptie vs Zaragoza.

 

Gudjohnsen's come on...good to see he's still the spit of a scandanavian albino gnome.

 

A dodgy toe until late next week will do. We dont want him failing our medical in the Summer

[San Diego Red]

A dodgy toe until late next week will do. We dont want him failing our medical in the Summer

 

Good point

[Guz]

Obviously the 2nd leg is gonna be tough, they're a f***ing brilliant team, it's to be expected. But it's anfield, we're liverpool and he have Rafa Benitez in charge of our side. The ground will be rocking all night and if we do the basic things right we'll be ok.