***The *ALL NEW* "NEW" 2011-2012 EPL / LA LIGA / SERIE A FOOTIE THREAD***

[DeezleWildcats]

Balotelli now fighting with teammates about taking a free kick

[DeezleWildcats]

city with 2 goals in a minute... wow

[SCCat]

Just a dagger of a goal right before the end of the half for chelsea!

2-1 barca. Second half should be a burner.

[gato salvaje]

Barcerrote!

[77HoyaCat4Ever]

Originally Posted by SCCat

Just a dagger of a goal right before the end of the half for chelsea!

2-1 barca. Second half should be a burner.

Unfortunately ball control and possession don't make up for major defensive lapses and failure to capitalize on good opportunities. A recurring problem for Barca this season.

They need to shore up their defense and could use another finisher.

Chelsea must have fought hard a man down. They deserve to go through (I only saw highlights and will watch DVR of match when I get done in the office).

I hope Bayern has some magic in them tomorrow.

[gato salvaje]

3 tough emotional games in 6 days didn't help matters. A recipe for disaster really. No way Chelsea even comes close to Barsa under regular circumstances. But the ball just wasn't finding the goal yesterday despite everything. It happens, and usually at the wrong time. Couldn't believe Messi hit the crossbar on that penalty kick. WTF?

Barcelona essentially lost two championship games in one week. At home no less. That's a tough pill to swallow for a team and fans so used to success.
There will probably need to be some for of major change up for next season just to keep things interesting and dynamic. As with super successful teams in other sports, once you get so used to winning, it's tough to stay hungry and focused. It's a strong club though, and I have more than enough faith that they will figure it out.

Anyway, hoping for a better outcome today for the Merengues. iiHala Madrid!!

[T-Bone]

Chelsea's lineup of matches over the past six days was pretty much as difficult at Barcelona's. The two head-to-head matches aside, Chelsea's fight to get into CL next year potentially means more to the club monetarily than another La Liga title for Barcelona.

Further, aside from a few odd subs from Guardiola, Barcelona got to play their style. The difference is that 80% possession and 23 shots will surely result in a win in La Liga where defense isn't prioritized but the same doesn't go internationally.

[Katzenfreund]

Bayern!

[gato salvaje]

Great game. Bayern played a tough tough match. Much respect.

[gato salvaje]

Guardiola resigns at Barcelona. Apparently he will take a year off to rest and recharge. I didn't see that one coming. Wow.

[Reydituto]

Originally Posted by gato salvaje

Guardiola resigns at Barcelona. Apparently he will take a year off to rest and recharge. I didn't see that one coming. Wow.

Doesn't surprise me one bit, they've had to talk him into returning the last two seasons, and right now Barça is about Titles or Bust, and this season it's Bust.

What's curious to me is where does he emerge after his hiatus? Espanyol? Valencia? Italy? Liverpool? Chelsea? He doesn't seem like a coach who's there for the long haul like a Sir Alex or Wenger. Then again, who is nowadays?

[T-Bone]

This sh*t cray:

[Sidewinder]

Wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow

[77HoyaCat4Ever]

Man City finish was one of the most exciting matches I have ever seen. Watching the fan reactions was more than 1/2 the fun.

[77HoyaCat4Ever]

Originally Posted by 77HoyaCat4Ever

Aguero can play. He will light up the EPL.

The game winner today, and first EPL title for MC 44 years