The Shakedown - a lot to digest….

By: Nathan | March 8th, 2007

By now everyone has seen the scores and gone through their emotional highs or lows…but as we wait for tomorrow’s draw in Athens let’s take a closer look at how the winners won and discuss fall-out for the losers. Keep going down as we can all debate the ALL XI team.

Roma over Lyon
For many the shock of the round along with Barca. What was more surprising than Roma’s excellent performance was the complete egg Lyon layed at home. Anyone who followed Serie A last season knew of the potential the team posseses. Their 11 game win streak last year against a full strength (and actually cheating) league was more impressive than this year’s record set by Inter. Totti and Mancini, when on, are potent beyond flammable, and that’s exactly what hit Lyon. With that said how could Lyon have such a laissez-faire attitude from the onset? Houllier and company were most wretchedly out worked. As for the late game crap by Fred and co. - straight bush league. Long summer ahead, Houllier is out whether forced or choosing to leave for other options. Unheralded performance by Pizarro in the middle, too bad he followed it up with a bonehead yellow that will make him miss the next match.

Winner - All of Roma- first time in the Quarterfinals - bravissimo - one more time
Wreckage - the end of the Houllier era in Lyon…can’t see him lasting or wanting to stay - Sven anyone?

Liverpool over Barca
Well I don’t want to say I told you so, but……anyway you cut it props to Liverpool for making it happen. Rijkaard’s lineup Tuesday wreaked of panic, a rarity from the nobleman. Personally I get angry every time he doesn’t play Zambrotta, but that’s my blue blood talkin. No matter, they will be back - but with who? As for the ‘Pool the 2 goal outburst in Barca was memorable. For all the dreary football they can produce they actually have one of the best trio of attackers left in the CL. With that defense and the potential for scoring, a good draw could see them make another run.

Winner - Bellamy- has anyone ever had such a 2 week period of outcast to glory? - worth another look…special mention to Rafa - the man has coaching convictions, stays with them, and often they pay-off.
Wreckage - Hard to say a single person, Barca was lackluster all around, they found out the hard way talent alone gets you to…the knockout phase.

Chelsea over Porto
Jose and the pussycats come through by the skin of their billion $ teeth. At least the new parts paid dividends. Sheva’s goal in game 1 was a flashback to his Milan days and Ballack pushed them over the edge Tuesday. That defense is a damn broken mess though. In theory they should have a full D by the quarters, Terry will be back and worse case I would hope Jose would simply put Bridge out there with Cole in the back. Essien amazes more each game, he is truly a victim of his own talen (Gerard is the other) his versatility has given him few games at his preferred position in the middle. Although with 4 starting central midfielders in Chelsea’s line-up I guess that is a subjective statement. As for Porto, they simply field intelligent and skilled players who can stick to a system. A novel approach. Quaresma is otherworldly, the wings of the Portugese National team is set for another 10 years with him and ‘Naldo. Other than that they provided a very workmanlike effort without much pop up front. As with Liverpool I am intrigued by Chelsea’s attacking options moving forward. It will all come down to the health of their backline.

Winner - Quaresma has made it known since he returned to Portugal that he wants another big club move. His display against Chelsea (his next team?) didn’t hurt that notion.
Wreckage - The poor donkey coach of Porto…seriously though everyone gave a good account on both sides considering the stakes and the health of those involved.

Valencia TKO Inter
Game 1 was a cracker and Game 2 was a dud - so I hear…no TV for me on that one. Much like Juve last year, Inter had the paper line-up to do anything. But when your lynchpin is Viera you tend to ebb and flow with his weary legs. He was sorely missed during these 2 matches, and no Adriano this week was back breaking (was he pouting over the bench in Game 1?). The Ibra era is officially over for me. His tantalizing footwork and talent has not produced enough since coming to Italy (and even before at Ajax). Not scoring more goals in game 1 doomed Inter, while all credit to Valencia for scraping back in Italy. David Villa is impressive and then some. It will be interesting to see the state of their injury riddled roster come the quarterfinals. Another balanced team with goals at their disposal.

Winner - Valenicia’s 2 Davids - they just keeps scoring.
Wreckage - Mancini having to listen to the Italian media talk about his job for the rest of the year.

Milan over Celtic
Once again let’s look back at the comments of yours truly, “A passioned atmoshpere may have to do with a single goal on the day….and it’s hard to imagine it doesn’t come from Kaka…” (so rarely this happens!). Milan seems to be running on Kaka’s fumes, with nothing coming from upfront. They will need some divine inspiration to continue to the semi’s. Celtic is a hard nut to crack. Look at the results in the group stage, they have given everyone hell and produced goals, yet don’t have enough to get over the hump. Impressive run by Strachan and his international line-up.

Winner - Kaka and the San Siro - though even with Celtic’s help the joint was only 70% full - better than the alternative of late!
Wreckage - the San Siro…having to watch their heroes age in dog years….they need some infusion of new blood and quick - Quaresma anyone?

PSV over Arsenal
Alex, Alex, Alex - the man gave me visions of Lazio era Nesta! As usual the debate rages over Arsenal’s beautiful game vs. its results. I don’t know why they couldn’t finish against PSV - oddly the person I kept wanting more than Henry this week was Rosicky - his pace in the midfield was the missing component to me. Denilson over Diaby was another random choice by Wenger - I keep hearing accolades for his Carling Cup performance, but to me Denilson was the only youngster who looked a little out of his depth (keep in mind I love the kid and he is a gem). But so it goes. Toure is a tireless soldier ANYWHERE in the back. As for PSV, Farfan looked dangerous on occassion, but not sure where their goals will come from moving forward. They will look better next round though Koeman will have them ready.

Winners - Alex and Koeman - the coach owns England! Knocked out Man. U and Liverpool last year, Arsenal in 07. OH! and China, welcome to the CL.
Wreckage - Arsenal - not a damn thing to play for during the rest of the season. More Beast and the kids please!

Manchester United over Lille
What a way for Larsson to bow out of the Champions League, as it was actually quite nervy until the goal, it proved valuable and memorable. Lille looked out of sorts with Keita coming back, but have put together 2 decent runs in the CL for a smaller club. Makoun is a star - he’d look good anchoring Juve next season don’t you think? If Lille can hold the squad together, they could take a run at Lyon next year domestically and a repeat performance in the CL. Man U. is in trouble - Rooney is their only healthy forward and the man hasn’t scored in over 2 YEARS in the CL. That’s a problem.

Winners - Makoun and Larsson - see above.
Wreckage - Man. U as they take Larsson to the airport….

Bayern Munich over Real Madrid
I questioned Ottmar’s criticism of Cannavaro, and then he got hurt. I then verbally slapped Lucio, and god’s favorite defender scored the game winner…who knew. A throwback game for the German giants. They will need more scoring from Podolski moving forward, but not much seperates them from the field after this win. As for Madrid…I don’t know, Capello is nuts - no Robinho, no Guti to start, Emerson off after 30 minutes, S. American’s who have worn the jersey ~ 2 months..the line-up just missed any vision. Off topic - what I love about the Arsenal youngsters this year is they have given us all a tangible measuring stick for everyones youngboys. I wonder about a lot of the buys for Madrid, even the golden boy Gago…time will tell.

Winners - Lucio - 2 goals and more crazy faces and Ottmar - what a feeling that must be to come back and take out Madrid!
Wreckage - Capello and Madrid…not sure what is on the horizon, but not too many trophies for now.

Well if you made it this far kudos - but here is where the fun comes in. The All XI - playing tridente formation.

G - Doni - shutout a more potent offense than Van Der Sar
LD - Clichy - when Ljundberg got out of his way he was hell on wheels
D - Alex
D - Lucio - 2 goals gets him in
RD - Toure - since he showed he can play here too, impressive
DM - Makoun
LM - Quaresma
RM - Ronaldino
F - Totti
F- Kaka
F - David Villa

I would worry about defending, but with Toure and Alex even this team should be fine…see you tomorrow for the draw in Athens!