UEFA Champions League - Quarter Final Predictions

In my post back in February before the opening kick of the knockout phases, I predicted the following 8 teams would advance: AC Milan, Valencia, Shaktar Donetsk, Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich. Of the 8, I got 5 right. Which really isn't saying much as those 5 were fairly easy to pick. My AC Milan, Valencia, and Bayern Munich picks all proved to be wrong... I think I was picking more with my heart than my brain in each of those. The quarters have been set and so has the bracket for how this thing will play out. UEFA rigged it in a way that says "hey, look, we don't rig these things". With the final being in Wembley, you would think they would slide the 2 big English teams on opposite sides of the bracket so as to have the potential of an epic all English final in front of the English fans. Instead, the "random draw" put the two big remaining English teams, Manchester United and Chelsea, against each other in the quarters. This is the obvious big match-up, with the rest having an obvious favorite. The only other draw that really appeals to me is the Madrid vs Spurs match-up. I think that one is still very one-sided, but who knows.

Here is how I see this round going:

Real Madrid vs Tottenham Hotspurs - This series will be much like the Milan v Spurs match-up in the previous round: Spurs holding on for dear life and praying for a counter. With the first leg in Madrid, you have to think that Spurs will simply try to keep the scoring low and get one late, exactly like they did in Milan. I doubt this works for them. The attach heavy style of Madrid will be too much, even if Ronaldo can't play, and the visitors will be put into a hole. On the return home they will put up a good fight. However, opening play against Madrid is a very dangerous thing to do.

- First leg: Madrid 2 - Spurs 0

- Second leg: Madrid 1 - Spurs 1

Mardid Advances to the semis

Inter vs Schalke

- This series is very interesting, though should go in favor of the Italian side rather easily. Schalke just sacked their manager not too long ago and is struggling to get points in the German league. A success in this tournament could really save the season for the club, but I just don't see it happening. Inter is finding their stride lately and really has the edge in this thing. The first leg in Milan will be very telling. If Schalke can keep it close, they might have a chance... I just don't see that happening.

- First leg: Inter 3 - Schalke 0

- Second leg: Inter 1 - Schalke 2

Inter Advances to the semis

Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk

- If there was one series I would wager a large amount of money on, it would be this one. Barca is simply the much better side and should be able to dominate this series. I think Shakhtar is going to give them a run for their money, especially considering they have nothing to lose. At the end of the day, though, Barca has just too much talent to not win this series. The one interesting aspect of this series is that the first leg is in Barcelona. If Shakhtar can get an away goal and keep it close, that return leg will be a really open game and fun to watch.

- First leg: Barca 2 - Shakhtar 1

- Second leg: Barca 2 - Shakhtar 2

Barca Advances to the semis in a thriller

Manchester United vs Chelsea

- This one is really going to be fun to watch. With so many different story lines and such on the line, the match-up of these two squads is bound to be a thriller. United has struggled a bit lately, but so has Chelsea. Neither team is playing at their top form, but this presents a perfect opportunity to spring board the rest of the season off of. The first leg at Stamford Bridge should be fascinating to watch. Chelsea has quite the edge on their home pitch, but United has proven they can get results anywhere if they play their best. I think this series is bound for extra time back at Old Trafford, honestly. I may be hoping more than anything that it goes to penalties, as well, as that would just be too good of a story.

- First leg: Chelsea 2 - United 1

- Second leg: Chelsea 1 - United 2

United Advances to the semis after winning 4-3 in penalties. Giggs with the winning pk

Thus, here is how I see the semis stacking up:

Madrid vs Inter

and

Barca vs United

- I think we would see a Madrid v United final that would, again, be rich in story lines and such.

Cheers,

15 to 32

FORZA MILAN

FORZA REAL

Post RSL v LA Galaxy

What a game...RSL showed just how dominant they can be in the first 45 minutes. Scratch that, they showed how dominant they could be in the first 2 minutes. LA hadn't even really gained control of the ball and they were digging it out of the back of their net. This game was proof, to many, of just how important it is to build a team rather than have a couple "superstars" with pretty bad role players around them. Both teams were missing two starters but you would have thought LA was fielding their youth team with how badly RSL was running circles around them. Beautiful match from the good guys in red. Here is a break down of each half, player rankings for RSL, the man of the match award, and last and certainly least the wanker of the match award.

1st Half

Before the opening kick, the atmosphere kept growing more and more at the RioT. The amazing videos that RSL put together really helped. The fans wanted blood. David Beckham and this "amazing" LA team that everyone had heard of were really starting to get on people's nerves. This team was the best in the league, supposedly, so lets see what they can do in the RioT. They weren't ready for what hit them.

RSL came flying out of the gates. Having struggled to get goals against LA in the past, you could tell the guys knew an early goal would really change things. Instantly we were down on the south end of the pitch, forcing the issue. Next thing you know, Paulo Junior is slotting a pass to Espy, who misses, but Andy is right there to bury it into the far post. 1-0 good guys and most people hadn't even found their seats yet. The RioT was on fire. Confetti and streamers filled the air, the place was electric. Then the turning point of the game came. LA was awarded a really weak free kick just outside the 18 on the right side (Nicky's left). Golden Balls, no matter how crappy of a game he is having, can step up and bend one in. The tension was rising. RSL didn't want to lose its early lead just a few minutes after it had gained it. Beckham hit what looked to be a fairly decent shot, going for the right post (again, Nicky's left) but then it struck Andy Williams in the back and made a dip towards the opposite post. In what can only be described as amazing luck, the ball rang off the post, hit Olave in the thigh, and went directly into Rimando's hands. It was proof the soccer gods do in fact look down on the RioT.

From there, RSL pushed the issue again. Just moments later, Espindola played a wonderful chip into the box for Paulo Junior who tried to get around Saunders by heading it. Saunders did his best linebacker impersonation and took Paulo to the ground. Penalty for RSL. It became apparent, though, that RSL wasnt exactly sure who was going to take the penalty. Saborio normally takes them, but he was with Costa Rica. Will Johnson has taken them as well, but he was with Canada. Findley took them last year at times, but he isn't with the team. So who would it be? and how fitting that the penalty was against LA's backup keeper Saunders. Javi took charge and grabbed the ball. A slight hesitation in his approach, and he slotted it home easily. RSL was up 2-0 and the game was only 10 minutes in.

After that things settled down, though only a bit. RSL was still the much better side. They were stringing 20+ passes together and I was starting to wonder if LA had missed their flight. You couldn't write the script for the third goal any better. Chris Wingert goes to throw the ball in on the east side after LA failed to clear the ball properly. Jimmer Fredette is then shown on the jumbo tron with a sign reading "thank you Jimmer" below his name. People turned their attention to Jimmer. As this happened, and people began to give the kid the ovation he deserves, Wingert found a streaking Javi with a sublime throw-in. Javi let it roll across the 18 before unleashing a beautiful strike that picked out the top corner. I would wager nearly 3/4ths of the people in the stadium didn't see the goal live, which is a shame, but just too funny at the same time. LA just got Jimmered. With a ridiculous shot from distance, Javi put the game away. No way was LA going to score 3 goals against RSL at the RioT. It just simply won't happen. Thus, the first half came to an end shortly after. RSL up 3-0 and people were starting to say to one another "is this another New England game?!?"

2nd Half

Sadly, it wasn't to be another 5+ goal night at the RioT. I think we are saving that one for the 4th of July when New England comes to town. RSL came out of the half, surprisingly, with more energy than LA. You would think being down 3-0 that LA would be pissed and want to at least make a point and not let the bleeding continue. This didn't seem to be the case, though, early on in the second half. RSL was, again, the better side for the first 10-15 minutes. Pushing the game forward, just unlucky to not find the back of the net. After that 10-15 minutes, though, the game settled back down a bit. RSL was still the better side, it just wasn't so utterly obvious as before. LA then pulled what I will label a "Key-Stone Cops" moment as the CB and LB for them collided and let a through ball to Espy between them. Espy showed his composure and unselfishness as he found a streaking Paulo Junior with a ridiculous cross that left Saunders scrabbling and the recovering defenders for LA chasing. It was a perfect cross, truly.

Up 4-0 the game kind of went into cruise control. The typical fire that is seen in a LA v RSL game was long gone, no thanks to the visitors not even showing up. LA did get one back on a heads up play by Beckham. He quickly took a set piece and found Angel on the far post. Olave and Rimando had bad communication and let the ball fall all the way to Angel's feet as he finished from 3 yards out. The clean sheet was ruined, and you could tell it bugged a few players on the squad, most of all Rimando. Lets just hope this error got out of his system here, and not in a tight match. RSL closed out the night making some rather interesting subs. After the 4th RSL goal, Andy Williams got a curtain call and Collen Warner made his first 2011 MLS appearance. Tony Beltran came on for Robbie Russel, a sub I still don't quite understand. The only explanation I can think of is Russell picked up an injury. Lastly, a moment I had really been waiting for, Luis Gil made his MLS debut and came on late for Paulo Junior. The kid is still a bit raw, but you can see the talent. He is only 17, after all. It really was just a superb night at the RioT. Though the full 90 wasn't electric, the first 45 more than made up for it.

RSL Player Rankings:

Nick Rimando: B+

- Besides the obvious error, it was obvious Nicky felt some pain in the second half which killed his goal kicks. Not a bad night, but not exactly one he should feel confident about.

Nat Borchers: A-

- Nat was solid as a rock back there. The lone LA goal had nothing to do with him. Angel was marked up, it was just poor communication.

Jamison Olave: B+

- The goal wasn't his fault, but I have to slight him a bit for it regardless. Still a tremendous night from the verb. He is truly a special player out there. His speed is amazing.

Chris Wingert: A-

- His "assist" via throw-in was sublime. Great night from out best outside back

Robbie Russell: B+

- No major mistakes, but nothing to write home about. Probably a good thing as an outside back

Tony Beltran: B

- Tony seemed a bit rusty when he first came on, but got right into the flow of things. Nice to have 3 outside backs that could start on any team in the league.

Kyle Beckerman: A

- I was tempted to give Kyle the man of the match award for his work on Juninho. The "play maker" for LA was non-existent in this match largely due to the work of KB

Andy Williams: A-

- Like a fine wine, Andy continues to get better. Clinical finish for the first goal, great composure for the rest of the match.

Ned Grabavoy: B+

- In my pre-game post I said Ned would be an X-factor. LA didn't exactly show up so Ned's involvement didn't matter that much. Regardless, Ned worked very hard off the ball and had a decent night

Collen Warner: B

- Collen did his job as a sub pretty well. He isn't Andy, so its hard to come on to replace him. However, he did well enough.

Paulo Junior: A

- This kid is something special. I think of him as a hybrid between Yura (who we had before) and Javi. Great technical skill and a tremendous work rate. This kid is a joy to watch

Fabian Espindola: A

- Knowing PJ was pushing for his spot with his play, Fabian has stepped it up. His work rate has improved and his unselfishness is key to how this team plays. Wonderful match and assist.

Luis Gil: B-

- Didn't really do anything bad, but you could tell the speed of play was a bit much for him initially. After a minute or two, though, he settled into the game nicely.

Man of the Match: Javier Morales (A+)

Calm as you like on the pk, rocket of a shot on the third, and an overall superb match gives Javi the man of the match award. When this guy is on, RSL is seemingly impossible to beat. Best AM in the league? Quite possibly.

Wanker of the Match: David Beckham

Golden Balls reminded me of a frustrated high school player for large stretches of the game. He would get pissy with the ref, yell at him, then his fellow team-mates, then use up a ton of energy chasing the ball out of frustration. This played right into RSL's hands as they essentially made him look like a moving cone in a passing drill. Beckham can be a classy guy, but he lost his head for portions of this game. The RioT and RSL got to him a bit, you could tell.

Well, that's it for now. RSL is now on a break as they don't play again until April 5th @ Saprissa in one of the most important matches in club history. I will do a pre-game post on that one later this week or this weekend. It is sure to be a great game as Saprissa has to come out attacking and RSL could really do some damage with an away goal.

Cheers,

15 to 32

FORZA REAL!!!

Pre RSL vs LA Galaxy

It's an MLS Cup 2009 rematch...It looks like the weather will be just as cold, so bring your warm gear and outside voices. With it being an international date (damn you MLS for not taking these off) multiple players will be missing from both sides. Also, the injury bug has struck. Neither team will be able to field their regular XI, which is a shame considering these are probably two of the best teams (if not the 2 best teams) in the league. For LA: Landon Donovan will be out on international duty with the Yanks (GO USA!!!) and Donovan Ricketts is still out with an injury. Other than that, though, LA looks to have most their starters. Omar Gonzalez is listed as probable, but he fully participated in practice on Thursday with the Gals so I would expect him to be out there. The starting XI will probably be something like this, for LA:

(4-4-2)

GK: Saunders

LB: Dunivant

CB: De La Garza

CB: Gonzalez

RB: Franklin

LM: Stephens

CAM: Juninho

CDM: Birchall

RM: Beckham

FW: Barrett

FW: Angel

For RSL, the personnel situation is much worse. Alvaro Saborio, Will Johnson, and Arturo Alvarez are all out on international duty (congrats and good luck to each of them). On top of that, Jamison Olave looks doubtful, Nick Rimando is questionable, and Chris Wingert is also doubtful. RSL is, thus, going to have to prove its depth in its first home game of the 2011 MLS regular season. I have worries about the chemistry of the squad, especially with Will and Sabo out, but I think we are deep enough to pull it off. The starting XI for RSL I would expect:

(4-4-2)

GK: Rimando

- Doubt the bone spur keeps him out if it is as reported

LB: Beltran

- Will have huge responsibility on Beckham

CB: Schuler

- LA will be whipping the ball into JPA, a lot

CB: Borchers

- Has to be sound for us to be successful

RB: Russell

- Can't get beat easily as he has in the past

LM: Grabavoy

- Needs to help Beltran make Beckham go left

CAM: Morales

- Need him to step up like he did last year against LA at the RioT

CDM: Beckerman

- Our Becks has to be better

RM: Williams

- We need both Andy and Javi on with their passing

FW: Espindola

- Would love to see that same work rate he showed against Saprissa

FW: Paulo Junior

- Replacing Sabo is a huge task. Just keep it simple

This game will be, as most games are, won in the midfield. The attacking power of each team is fairly similar, with the possible edge going to LA (the JPA addition is huge, I think). I think we have a slight edge defensively just because of size and chemistry. The middle of the park is a battle of two similar yet different styles. I think LA will really look to spread us out and use an aerial attack supplied by Golden Balls himself. This match up is the key to the match.

Key player to watch for LA: David BeckhamWith Donovan gone, Beckham will be given (at least according to reports) the captain's armband. His history suggests he should be able to handle himself in this situation, but the RioT is a very unique place if you ask me. He will likely be, along with Juninho, the main focus of RSL's defense. If LA gets a goal, I would bet Beckham has something to do with it. Most likely a cross.

Key Player to watch for RSL: Ned Grabavoy

It would be rather easy to use one of the typical RSL key players, like Beckerman or Morales, for this one, but I think this game is going to take something a bit extra. Ned has a history of being a great role player and occasionally stepping up big (see home game vs Chivas last year). For RSL to be successful Ned has to work his tail off on both ends. he will be replacing the energizer bunny known as Will Johnson so the shoes are mighty big (and worn out). He is likely going to be put on the same side as Beckham (our left, their right) and thus will be pivotal in shutting down the initial LA attack. I have a good feeling Ned will step up for this one.

Prediction:
In the end, this game will be a great one to watch; even if the weather sucks. I have faith in the good guys in red, especially on our home field. The first 15 minutes will be very telling. I think RSL comes flying out the gate ready to win.

Score: RSL 3 - LA 2

- PJ with a brace, Javi with the winner.

- JPA and Beckham with the LA goals

Hope to see all of you out there freezing your balls off (or if you are a woman... your bums) with me.

Cheers,

15 to 32

FORZA REAL