Barca v Real

[LookMumImOnMCF.net]

Great stuff. Always feel disappointed when I watch these two and there isn't at least 22 men stood within half an inch of each other at some point.

[Ted Hughes]

As I said last season; Mourinho is close to formulating an antidote to Barcelona. He's taken Bob's pressing plan, as used v rags at Wembley, to another level, having 4-5 players sometimes in Barca's half closing them down. Brilliant. Unfortunately for him, there is no antidote to Lionel Messi, so he told his players to kick him off the fucking park. Disgraceful tactics from Mourinho 2nd half.

Still didn't stop him.

[DoomMerchant]

As I said last season; Mourinho is close to formulating an antidote to Barcelona. He's taken Bob's pressing plan, as used v rags at Wembley, to another level, having 4-5 players sometimes in Barca's half closing them down. Brilliant. Unfortunately for him, there is no antidote to Lionel Messi, so he told his players to kick him off the fucking park. Disgraceful tactics from Mourinho 2nd half.

Still didn't stop him.

i dunno if i find it disgraceful tbh...these matches are epic and he wants to win so bad that he's emptying the cupboard. I hope this lasts for a few more years...last season was really fun and if this is any indication it's going to be fantastic again.

[halnone]

it's a shame that you can't have an EL Clasico without the handbags flying out.
I wouldn't have it any other way though tbh.

[DoomMerchant]

it's a shame that you can't have an EL Clasico without the handbags flying out.
I wouldn't have it any other way though tbh.

yr making it sound like an Old Firm derby...it's nothing close to that.

[phips]

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has accused Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho of "wrecking Spanish football" following the European champions' stormy Spanish Super Cup win.

Lionel Messi scored a late volley to seal a 5-4 aggregate victory over Real in a pulsating encounter that saw red cards shown to three players after tempers boiled over at the end resulting in a mass brawl.
"Mourinho is wrecking Spanish football," Pique said. "People are looking for culprits but they are in Madrid. Someone needs to get the video, analyze it and say who is to blame."
A bad-tempered run of five 'clasicos' last season has seen the heated rivalry between the clubs grew ever more acrimonious.
Mourinho, who was punished by UEFA following his actions after the Champions League semi-final against Barca, accused Barcelona of play-acting to influence referees while their arch-rivals countered that Real were overly aggressive.
"We hope that on Thursday everyone will be talking about a great game of football and not the melee," added Pique, a World Cup winner with Spain.
"It isn't the first time this has happened ... it is always the same people. Someone needs to sort this out."
Real defender Marcelo's lunging tackle on substitute Cesc Fabregas in the final minute of the game had players and both benches jostling and arguing.
Marcelo and Real team mate Mesut Ozil were sent off, as was Barca's David Villa.
In the post-match news conference, Mourinho accused Barca players of going to ground easily.
"Marcelo got a red card because we all know what happens after tackles in certain areas of the pitch," the Portuguese said.
"It was a spectacular game from the first to last minute. But from the first minute of the second half, and I don't criticise it because I know people do it, the ballboys hid the balls. (Barca were winning 2-1 at this point).
"It happens with small teams when they find themselves in difficulties."
During the melee of players and management staff, television pictures appeared to show Mourinho sneak up behind Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova and poke him in the eye.
When asked about the incident, Mourinho replied: "I have been polite and played like a man and not fallen to the ground at the first touch. I don't know who Vilanova is."
Barca coach Pep Guardiola said: "The images will speak for themselves. This is going to end up badly if it isn't stopped soon."
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18082011/ ... -game.html

i can see Mourinho getting increasingly pissed over losing to Barca and coming back to the prem in the next few seasons.

[DoomMerchant]

i love it.

did marcelo deserve the card? yes. Did Fabs make a meal of it? yes. Did Jose tweak some guy he claims not to know by poking his face? uh-huh. Was it a fucking cracking game from start to finish? absolutely.

ruining football my ass. this is the only thing that can make their league the best in the world again, and frankly it's fascinating stuff. Riveting even. Can't wait for the next one. Wish they could do it every month on pay per view. I'd buy it.

cheers

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

11pm kick off... crazy.

I got it on tape but that's simply not on for me. When you take into account the time difference, it was 1 am here. Not cool. Hope this is not the shape of things to come.

[Lev Bronstein]

Hell of a game, just a totally different level. I know Jose has had a lot of stick for his tactics, and let's say they are "questionable", but it's allied to some fine, sharp football.

At least we can't get them both in the group stage.

Oh, and what happened to Tranny in the second half. Messi seems to step it up when needed to a greater extent.