Champions League: Man Utd vs Barcelona First leg surprised us all. While whole planet was expecting offensive play and many goals from both sides , one of the most boring Champions League matches took place at Camp Nou. Ferguson opted for catenaccio; Ronaldo missed a penalty on the very start and after that seemed absentminded, while Barcelona’s futile initiative failed to even produce chances. In the end a goalless draw postponed the final decision about the finalist.
Will United finally attack?
The big question is: what is happening to Manchester United? In the last couple of weeks their play doesn't look like the one that crushed rivals during the season. The problem is not so much the form of the players as much Ferguson’s defensive tactics. Since the first match against Roma, won thanks to precisely that kind of tactics, United play in 4-5-1 formation, with too many defensive tasks, relying on counterattacks. With such formation, the most important thing is the precision of passing the ball and technical skill of the attack. In United’s case, counterattack depends too much on Cristian Ronaldo, so when he has a bad day, like in Barcelona, or when he doesn't even show up on the pitch, as against Chelsea, the tactics simply falls apart. However, in the returning leg against Barcelona, United will have to get back to the play that was their trademark this season. Rooney and Vidic should recover till Tuesday, so besides Saha who has spent whole season out of the team, Ferguson won't have problems with the line-up. Scholes, Ronaldo, Tevez and Euros missed the match in London so they will be rested against Barcelona. United’s great advantage lies in the fact that the returning leg will take place on their ground, not only because of the atmosphere but also because of the fact that smaller pitches don't suit Barcelona’s style.
Barcelona’s most important match
Whole season can come down to this single match for Barcelona. Rijkaard’s destiny as well as the destiny of several players will be decided at Old Trafford. Primera is lost, Copa Del Rey wasn’t important for them, so the only thing left to hope for is the Champions League. However, the big question is if Barcelona will be able to leave behind all the troubles they had in the last year and go out of their way at Old Trafford.
The biggest problem for Barcelona this season are the relations inside the squad. They made the same mistake Real have been making for years getting together too many stars which brought problems already after first weak results. Henry wasn’t satisfied with his position in the team and he failed to adjust Spanish conditions, just like in Juventus, Italy so he already announced leaving. Messi has just recovered from his injury and he is far from good shape. Ronaldinho is long absent form Rijkaard’s plans. Etoo is also planning to leave as well as Deco. So, Barcelona's squad have practically come down to Xavi and Iniesta, as well as young Krkic who, although talented, is not yet ready to earn the title on his own.
Good news for Barca fans is certainly Puyol’s return who will replace Marquez in the back line. Although they were defeated in La Coruna this weekend, Barcelona rested the players before the trip to England. They marked only four away wins in Primera which puts them somewhere in the midtable considering only away games. They have marked somewhat better results in the Champions League, but we must admit that they were quite fortunate against Schalke.
Betting Verdict
Everyone expects this to be a completely different match from the one at Camp Nou. Still, we should not expect too much. Barcelona must try to score, since it is hard to expect that Manchester won’t score at home. On the other hand, besides worrying about the attack, United will have to make sure not to concede first, since it would bring them problems for 1:1 won’t suit them at all. After the match in London, Manchester players seem ready to vent their fury in a quality game, while on the other hand if things go wrong inside Barcelona’s squad, their game could fall apart. This is, still only one of the possible outcomes, so be careful with your stake.
Our tip: Bet 5 on Home win
Odds 1.9 at
Bookmaker: Gamebookers
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