View Full Version : Barcelona -vs- AC Milan (ALL comments)
Matchday 4 is in six days. No doubt the most attractive match will be that between Barca and Milan, currently two of the best European teams.
We won the first match 1-0, even though many say they deserved a draw (I can't say myself since I didn't watch that match). We all know Milan plays to win everywhere, so I am expecting a very open game in Spain. Hopefully we can win 3 points that will assure us, once again, an early first place qualification....we can do it and we will do, 'cause we are Milan.
Barca, beware, we are coming! :firedev:
please post all your comments here....and Haroon, I hope you will delight us once again with your usual preview :cool:
4 clean sheets in a row, we got our confidence back. Bring on the spectacle. :clap:
Well, we rested Cafu, Rui and Kaladze against Samp, while Pirlo and Sheva played only some minutes in the second half....so I expect all these 5 to start against Barca.
Barca is having troubles with the injuries. For that reason their 'stars' like Eto'o and Ronaldinho don't have a single day for rest. They will be tired soon and that means a better probability to at least achieve a draw :bright:
Quivering
30-10-2004, 16:41
I just saw them play vs Bilbao and we'll roll over them if they play like that on Tuesday.
we will roll over them. 2-0 for us. sheva and crespo, if he plays.
zlatanov
30-10-2004, 17:59
If, and this is a big if, we consider this to be an important game and are determined to win it, I just don't see how Barca would stop us from doing it. The home game at the San Siro was a much trickier one from tactical point of view. I believe that being visitors will make our task easier btu again - only if we want it for I guess, at this stage, Serie A should be our primary goal for Milan must not let Juve get too far away.
UEFA Champions League
FC Barcelona Vs. AC Milan
Estadio Camp Nou, Barcelona - ESPAŇA
---Matchday 4 - Group F---
-> Tuesday (November 2, 2004)
-> Kick-off -> 19:45 (UK Time): Sky Sports Xtra
PREVIEW
======
The conclusion of the BIG ONE takes place in the gigantic mammoth stadium that is the CAMP NOU in Barcelona! The "five star" stadium that is one of most recognized stadia in the world and an icon of football stadia along with the San Siro, Maracana & Wembley will host AC Milan for the return leg. The same AC Milan that has the upper hand over Barcelona in competitive games for a long period and the same Milan that once again conjured up a win on Matchday 3 against the odds. The last time FC Barcelona defeated AC Milan in a competitive game was in 1959 :eekani: FC Barcelona faces the one club which has been a living nightmare for it throughout its history. Barcelona will be aiming to defy history and turn a new page in a bid to defeat their nemesis . It is a burden of history on the shoulders of Barcelona as the Italian outfit has somehow always ended up with the smile whenever these sides meet.
The Blaugrana will be hoping that Rijkaard's assembled offensive machine can get the job done this time and reduce on the mistakes that cost them the match at the San Siro! Two of Europe's biggest are at it again in Europe's largest arena in the Match of the Round to finish what they started a fortnight ago!
B A R C E L O N A
This time Barcelona has the home advantage and it is safe to say that the Nou Camp will be packed to the rafters with a capacity crowd of 98,000 to create one of the most awesome atmospheres that is seen in football. It comes from the passion of the people of Catalunya which is expressed in the colourful Nou Camp for big nights as this. The Devil is coming to Town and a fiery reception is in order.
Barcelona will try to utilize their full pitch which is one of the biggest ones in world football to try and spread out the Rossoneri outfit and thereby create space for their adventurous cavalier play. Rijkaard's first plan of action will be to reduce Milan's compactness to enable his players to make room for their play. Second move will be to improve on the crossing which was horrendous for large parts of the first encounter and thirdly will be to make the most of the chances and finish off the game. Barcelona will rue their missed chances in the first leg that could've given a different complexion to the result. In such games a team has to make the most of whatever chance it gets
M I L A N
The team has been steadily improving and started to keep clean sheets again which is an ominous sign for Barcelona. However I don't think that Milan will keep a clean sheet in this game. Milan will have to play out of their skins to keep a clean sheet in the Nou Camp and shut out shop against Barcelona for two games in a row :eek: It is highly unlikely and the absence of Stam who was a monster in the first episode will be a blow.
Milan has fond memories of this mammoth stadium where 90,000 Milan fans turned up to see Milan beat Steaua Bucharest in the European Champions Cup final in 1989. A mesmeric evening for every Milanista and a memorable evening for the spectators. :shades:
Milan has to be up on its toes to come out of this game with points in the bag. A blinder is required by someone to step up and become an obsessed man to turn the game on its head.
Milan's record in Spain has been pretty good upto the last two visits. It used to be Milan's favourite destination for scalps but the last two visits to Spain have resulted in a 3-1 and 4-0 loss to Real Madrid CF and RC Deportivo La Coruna. Hence a country where Milan has traditionally enjoyed and thrived on playing games is in danger of becoming a not so pleasant place to visit. Time will tell whether the signs of the good old times are returning or a new trend of bad performances in Spain is coming to the fore.
Probable Starting Line-Up(s)
=====================
-------------------
---> Barcelona <---
-------------------
------------------------Valdes ----------------------
--
--Belletti---------Puyol-------Oleguer-----Van Bronckhorst--
--
----------------Xavi----------Marquez---------------
--
------------------------Deco------------------------
---------Giuly-----------------------Ronaldinho-------
--
------------------------Eto'o------------------------
1. The most notable return would be that of Ludovic Giuly who was absent through injury for the first encounter. However the Brasilian right back Belletti might not be fit enough to start giving newcomer Damia a chance to start AGAIN for Barcelona. If Belletti is 50-50 right now then I would tend to think that he will start in this big game. He has a point to prove after his poor first game.
2. Larsson will move to the bench in the event of Giuly starting leaving Eto'o as the lone striker up front. Deco and Eto'o didn't have a good game first time around so will be raring to go to stamp their authority on this game for a Barcelona win.
3. Ronaldinho has not hit top gear as yet in any game. He has shown flashes of his brilliant self but still not his explosive self throughout the game which is always a dangerous sign for the opposition. :skull: Maybe it is better if he saves it for the Real game coming up in November. ;) He is going to shift into top gear in any one of these games and then all hell will break loose! It is difficult to control Jello when it has two feet and moves fast! :D
4. The injury situation has really limited Rijkaard to play the same players more or less in every game which would surely be burning them as time wears on. This is not a good thing as the seasons are very long and demanding. He can't be blamed as he is still making the best of the grim situation!
---------------
---> Milan <---
---------------
--------------------Dida---------------------
--
--Cafu-------Nesta------Maldini-----Pancaro--
--
-------------------Pirlo----------------------
-----Gattuso-----------------Seedorf--------
--
--------------Rui------Kaka-----------------
--
--------------Shevchenko-------------------
1. The situation is custom built for Ancelotti to field the 4-3-2-1 formation instead of his usual 4-1-2-1-2 rhombus midfield with two strikers up front. Stam may be out till December with Inzaghi out till February. Milan has caught the Barcelona injury virus. I hope we brush it off quickly as Stam was a very authoritative figure in the first game. Better to have these injuries now than in the latter part of the season which can be a killer.
2. Milan's two other strikers Tomasson and Crespo are not their usual self with regards to goals. They are doing ok but leave a lot to be desired. Thus leaving the offensive weapon for goals to be the Stealth Bomber from Ukraine. Rui Costa has played well when given the chance. He might get the nod for this important clash.
3. The 4-3-2-1 is the ideal formation for Milan to hit Barcelona on the counter and try to control the tempo of the match and pace of it. It is also advisable to play 5 men in the midfield to compete with Barcelona's 5 man midfield.
4. If Ancelotti has learnt his lesson from the last trip to Spain (which I think he has) AND Berlusconi doesn't have a problem with ONE striker then this is the way to go without a doubt. Milan can control the match this way and has lost only once in Turin with this formation vs. big opposition.
Tactics
======
----------------------------------
--- Rijkaard ---
----------------------------------
Rijkaard being Sacchi's student accepted the defeat as it was not blaming bad luck or any other factor. :cool: When he walked out to the San Siro his facial expression gave it away as he knew what type of tough opponent his side was up against. After all he has been a part of the 'experience' himself.
This time he can use the home field advantage to really push home the advantage and take Milan by the scruff of their neck just like Deportivo did earlier this year.
He needs his offence to fire on all cylinders. It can be argued that it was Barcelona's offence that came up short due to no goals scored be it down to mistakes or not enough penetrative play. That needs to be improved.
A) Improved finishing
B) Fast momentum and increased workrate
C) Cautious of the counter attack
Barcelona needs to keep a high pace in the game and hope that an early goal rattles Milan and doesn't let the Rossoneri settle. If Milan is given time to relax and settle into the game then it will become difficult for Barcelona. For this very reason the first 25 mins of the game will be crucial for both sides to not make any mistakes and not outdo themselves because the quality on both sides is simply too much to take advantage of mistakes.
Barcelona has to maintain a balance and not get lost in trying to overpower Milan because Milan is well capable of hitting them on the counter so far as to get an incredible away win. It has been done in the past. :devil:
---------------------------
--- Ancelotti [M I L A N] ---
---------------------------
Ancelotti rested his key players in the game vs. Sampdoria. It gives a clear indication that he doesn't want to take things lightly and try to achieve qualification asap. There are issues he has to take into account as well
A) Make sure that the side doesn't take this game casually
B) Maintains discipline and eradication of errors
C) Better coverage of the flanks to minimize the Barcelona threat from flanks
Ancelotti's major concern will be to make sure that the side is not in a casual mode knowing that 9pts have been achieved already from the first three encounters. It is a good sign that he rested the key men for this game that indicated that he wants to go for the KILL in this encounter.
A repeat of La Coruna will also be heavy on the minds of the player and coach so the team has to remain calm and disciplined and play simple football and do the basic things correctly.
Barcelona had lots of space on the right flank but hardly utilized those opportunities in Part 1. Since Maldini will play in the centre he will go with the experience of Pancaro to cover that flank and prevent giving the Barça players to have a field day on that side!
KEY BATTLES
==========
Giuly vs. Seedorf
Deco vs. Pirlo
Ronaldinho vs. Nesta
Marquez vs. Kaka
Puyol vs. Shevchenko
Xavi vs. Rui Costa
KEY MEN
=======
Ronaldinho
----------
[B] The Freak Show has a point to prove this time as his side needs him to get the win against Milan that the club craves for decades. He had a moments of sheer quality and breathless play but didnot get the job done. He has a personal vendetta to prove that he can perform to his best against the continent's best. He didn't do it by his standards in the away game but this is his home and he is King here.
Kaka
-----
His Brasilian counterpart has began to show signs of his brilliant first season. Taking on the Inter team in the derby was a sight resulting in 4 yellow cards for the Inter players on 20m+ runs by the Kid. If the above formation is played then he is a good bet to have a pretty good game if the team remains composed at the back.
Prediction
It is a long long time since Barcelona have tasted victory against Milan. It is also a long time since Barcelona had such a good side. Spain has not been kind to Milan in the recent past but has been a nice place over a longer period. Barcelona's aim will be to get an early goal while Milan has to try to keep things under check for the first 25 mins or so. An early goal will affect the team mentally and give flashbacks of the La Coruna episode that will not be good. The other side is that if Barcelona scores a very early goal then as it happens commonly in football the equaliser will come at some point so Barcelona needs to try and kill off the game in such a situation which is easier said than done.
Milan is usually better in away encounters compared to home games but the leakage of goals in the Spanish visits and the recent streak of clean sheets is a worrying point because Barcelona will score surely.
The Camp Nou is synonymous with exciting games in the UCL btw big opponents with late goals somehow playing a part in the encounters at this fantastic venue. The encounter will have more goals than the San Siro encounter for sure and I think Barcelona will nick it with a goal or two depending on what happens in the first 25 mins which are crucial for the overall result of the game.
i think were going for a draw probably 1-1
Milanista ID
30-10-2004, 22:45
1st half
-------------Sheva
-----------Rui---Kaka'
----Ambro---Pirlo---Gattuso
Kaladze---Maldini---Nesta---Cafu'
---------------Dida
2nd half (if it's still draw) when Barca's players are tired, and then "Il concorde" will make an impact, a super sub ;)
------------Sheva
Serginho----Kaka'
----Ambro---Pirlo---Gattuso
Kaladze---Maldini---Nesta---Cafu'
---------------Dida
rossoneroid
30-10-2004, 22:49
I hope Milan took the 3 points with 2-0 winners. Ronnie-Etoo-Giuly is so deadly and I'm make sure that Barca is very keen to stop us.
I hope Milan took the 3 points with 2-0 winners. Ronnie-Etoo-Giuly is so deadly and I'm make sure that Barca is very keen to stop us.
And we are very keen to keep them down too.
This Game Is Very Important To Us To Win And Get 3 Piont
To Asure We Are Through .i Think Milan Will Win
1-0 Or 2-1 And I Can't Wait To See This Game
But One Thing Is Very Clear And Milan Player Need To
Be Aware Of It This Thing Is The Game Will Be Difficult
So We Need Patient And Not To Think We Will Score Easly
So Proud Of Ac Milan
So Proud Of All Our Player Espacialy Maldini- Sheva
Man they're not going to show the Barca - Milan match live on thsn this time :(.Going to get to watch Panathanaikos - Arsenal instead :irritate: :groan: :1ang: :angf: :scream: :mad: :doh: :wallbang: :v46:
Man they're not going to show the Barca - Milan match live on thsn this time :(.Going to get to watch Panathanaikos - Arsenal instead :irritate: :groan: :1ang: :angf: :scream: :mad: :doh: :wallbang: :v46::eekani: :D
do you mean that you'll watch a 2nd-grade game? :D
Great preview as usual Haroon. I would like to see the 4-3-2-1, but don't think we will. If that formation was chosen, I would bench Pirlo and play Gattuso, Ambrosini, Seedorf behind Kaka and Rui Costa. Having 3 PMs on the field is a bit excessive.
IMO it's gonna be a tight scoreline.. could be 0-0 or 0-1.
I concern more to Barca's speed, especially their wingers. but in the other side, their defense is not so good. Sheva and Kaka' will destroy them. ;)
:3band:
great preview Haroon, didnt realise we had such a good record against barca all the way back to the 1950's. i think it will be a draw which should pretty much guarantee qualification. looking forward to watching it
ACMILAN1983
31-10-2004, 11:11
As always great preview Haroon. A draw or win is all I want.
FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
brilliant preview Haroon...agree with almost everything, especially the 4-3-2-1 tactic option, I would definitely go for it....the only thing I don't agree with is your prediction ;) ...I don't see us getting anything less than a draw (not a 0-0 though) ....but I wouldn't write off a Milan victory, we were born for these kind of matches.
RossoneriRio
01-11-2004, 02:39
Hello evry1.. I m a new member of milanmania. I might be new to join but i have been checking out this site for almost an year. I guess i was lazy not to sign up before.
Anyways the game against Barca comin up. A win or a draw wud ensure our place in the 2nd round. Hope my arrival doesnt bring any bad luk to Milan. Anyways forza milan.
btw i know most of u. i mean i have been reading ur posts fer along time. but now i joined. ok.... enuf sed on the first post.
later evry1
BaggioForever
01-11-2004, 02:49
welcome to MM RossoneriRio!!!~~ ..hope u have a gr8 time here...n do provide us with some comments :u56: ...
ps: your arrival wudnt spoil our streak lah.. :D *i hope* :w200:
I'm sure Milan will win 1-0, 2-1 or 3-1.
Sheva will again celebrate his goal for Jordan!!!
Oldman
Giovanni
01-11-2004, 14:39
Barca's deficit is estimated in 163 millions €..that's why we will sign Ronaldinho sooner or later in the next years
This is not related with the match but i posted it here because this will be read by the most number of users.. remember the Ronaldinho thread? mark my words, they will have to set him free sooner or later
Barca's deficit is estimated in 163 millions €..that's why we will sign Ronaldinho sooner or later in the next years
This is not related with the match but i posted it here because this will be read by the most number of users.. remember the Ronaldinho thread? mark my words, they will have to set him free sooner or laterSheva in front of Ronaldino and Kaka would be something.
On Barca's deficit: Can someone explain the ownership structure of the club. Who is supporting the deficit? We have Berlusconi to support ours, who do they have?
ACMILAN1983
01-11-2004, 18:26
Welcome RossoneriRio!
Feel free to introduce yourself in the presentations section if you haven't already done so :)
People are extremely optimistic around here considering that we were lucky to win the home game. Yes, this time we play away and may defend and counterattack, but that’s what we did at home too (after Sheva scored in the 30 something minute).
I think we should be very happy with a draw. 1-1 is my prediction.
By the way, channel4.com writes today that Milan is going for Ronaldinho in January!
Kaka – Ronaldinho behind Sheva would be pretty strong.
Peachtot
02-11-2004, 08:54
:eekani: :D
do you mean that you'll watch a 2nd-grade game? :D
:haha: :haha:
What can I say.
That tv channel so english centris.
Like Star Sports.
I hate that tv channel!!
Better to watch rcti or sctv.
The best football channel in tha world I think !
Know why?
Because the matches totally FREE !!
ginoformaggino
02-11-2004, 09:00
Serginho, our key for tonight.
:dcool: MILAN :1ole:
Serginho, our key for tonight.
:dcool: MILAN :1ole:
This is really surprising! Perhaps a defensive proneness in Barcelona's right defender?
Paddy De Nagan
02-11-2004, 11:33
We won the first match 1-0, even though many say they deserved a draw (I can't say myself since I didn't watch that match).:
I only saw extended highlights, and from what I saw, Milan were extremely lucky to win or would have been lucky to even draw. Barca were on top.
I think Milan shouldn't try too hard tonight. Both teams have qualified really. They should rest players, I think. Top spot in the group is not important, as all teams who qualify for knock-outs are tough as each other.
I watch the entire game and allthough Milan were lucky to escape two balls hitting the woodwork, we too had very good chanses. Barca fans will argue that they controlled the game, but tent to forget that Milan only started to play more conservatively after scoring.
Barca will likely have most of the ball possesion tonight and Milan will counter attack, a strategy that suits us well on a large pitch like Nou Camp and against a team who attacks with 6+ players.
humanTORCH
02-11-2004, 11:47
If sheva perform well today.....the Golden Ball will be his. Millions of viewers will be watching this match.
Forza Sheva!
Forza Milan!
If sheva perform well today.....the Golden Ball will be his. Millions of viewers will be watching this match.
Forza Sheva!
Forza Milan!
Unfortunately that will also be true for Ronaldinho. Sheva has the advantage though, he scored in the first game and has scored against Barca at Nou Camp before. And Ronnie will have Rino's teeth around his ankles all night ;)
I always ask this same question, but where could I watch this match on internet? I'd like see this match, but here in Finland they don't show us Tuesday matches.
I also think that Serginho is the tonight's keyplayer. He has played good lately(or I am just confused, because I watched 0-6 derby yesterday :D )
Forza Milan!!!!
I great match, i just hope we can at least get a draw, wiriting my last exam 2omro, wont be watching, will be with you guys in sprirt.
Oh boys, yesterday I saw the famous Milan - Barcelona game on Eurosport.
Ten years ago in Athene, do you remember ?
Milan just "killed" them - 4:0
All those guys from then....Boban, Savicevic, George Weah, Desailly.......
wonderful to see them again - I wish I could turn back time !
But I'm a firm believer that Milan can do it again!
I believe that they are gonna win tonight !!!!
acmilan.com
"GAZZETTA DELLO SPORT: BARCELONA-MILAN PROBABLE LINEUPS
02 November 2004 10:26
MILAN: Dida; Cafu, Nesta, Maldini, Kaladze; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Serginho, Kaka; Shevchenko.
BARCELONA: Valdes; Belletti, Puyol, Oleguer, Van Bronckhorst; Deco, Marquez, Xavi; Giuly, Eto’o, Ronaldinho."
Interesting lineup, so Kaka will play with Sheva upfront with Pirlo behind them?
--------- Sheva - Kaka --------------
------------- Pirlo ------------
Serginho - Ambrosini - Gattuso
or will it be a simple 4-4-2?
Man they're not going to show the Barca - Milan match live on thsn this time :(.Going to get to watch Panathanaikos - Arsenal instead :irritate: :groan: :1ang: :angf: :scream: :mad: :doh: :wallbang: :v46:
Just noticed that too, until last week I am pretty sure they had our game listed though. Seems they will show it on tape delay at midnight or something,TSN :rolleyes:
About the game itself, wide defensive cover will be key, smart midfield possession as in every game.
Straight 4-4-2 is my guess, with Pirlo slightly behind the other midfielders and Kaka slightly behind Sheva. Interesting game to try a new formation in. I don't like it much.
ACMILAN1983
02-11-2004, 14:31
Could be a 5 man midfield in this match or the 4-4-2. Personally, I would expect the 5 man midfield to harass the Barca midfield in the match.
Anyway I gotta go to Wing Chun so I'll miss the match, so lets hope I'll have a good result to get back to!!
FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will anyone be using the irc chat room while the game is on ? Otherwise it's pretty pointless Rezag and pjc going to all that trouble to put it on there :googly:
FORA MILAN!
OMG I actually get the game live here today woah! I'll try to keep you gusy posted as much as I can :)
Stezagud
02-11-2004, 15:29
no need for a match thread today?
I suppose this is one match almost everyone can watch :D
Goalllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!! Sheva!!!!
CuoreRossoNero
02-11-2004, 15:39
Thatta boy SHEVA!!!!!!! Anyone have any updates on how Milans playing?
Thatta boy SHEVA!!!!!!! Anyone have any updates on how Milans playing?
some really nice football. we put a lot of men behind the ball and got swift counterattack thru serginho. barca keep pressuring but they can't get past our defense.
Stezagud
02-11-2004, 15:48
we could have hit them for a few more on the break :cool:
Stezagud
02-11-2004, 15:55
:(
Barca equalise but Cafu was injured just before it :mad:
these idiots in canada wud rather show arsenal then milan
CuoreRossoNero
02-11-2004, 15:56
Crap..... 1-1 :mad:
CuoreRossoNero
02-11-2004, 15:57
these idiots in canada wud rather show arsenal then milan
I know I set my VCR thinking they would show it for sure. Now I have to wait until midnight for the replay. :mad:
Stezagud
02-11-2004, 15:57
bad, bad goal :mad:
Cafu is still off the pitch and the ref runs right over to call him back on, which no doubt distracted the remaining defenders :mad:
Just watched the first half. greta pass by Pirlo and great finish by Sheva.
Other than that they are all over us!!!!!!!!!
Its such a damn negative formation there no body who is capable of passing the ball apart from Pirlo and Kaka. They cant do it all them selves. kaka needs to get involved and maldini really needs to stop diving in. Sheva is completely isolated. Can someone tell me why Kaladze is playing when we have Pancaro, why Serghino is playing when we have Seedorf and why Ambro is playing when we have Rui and crespo. Ambro and Kaladze have offered jack sh!t going forward and have looked so dodgy at defending. Whats going on, whats with these new tactics?????????????
Is it juss me...or is da startin 11 line up really gay?
I knew that thiings would be different in Camp Nou..and without Stam.
Anywayz even if it ends like this-as long as we don't lose..we'll still have da points :)
FORZA MILAN!
Stezagud
02-11-2004, 16:34
they are stepping up the pressure even more now :eek: if things dont change its only a matter of time before they break through...
CuoreRossoNero
02-11-2004, 16:45
they are stepping up the pressure even more now :eek: if things dont change its only a matter of time before they break through...
This is what I was afraid of. Come on Carletto make some agressive subs. You can't sit back with a team like Barca.
Stezagud
02-11-2004, 16:47
fortunately Barca are awful at set pieces at the moment, and their shot selection has been bad too... we've attacked a bit more in the pasy 10 mins or so, we had a good break that we should have made more of and Cafu had a stinging shot tipped wide...
Stezagud
02-11-2004, 16:49
Seedorf in, Serginho out...
Stezagud
02-11-2004, 16:52
Rui in, Kaka out..
should make us solid enough to hold out here
CuoreRossoNero
02-11-2004, 16:55
Come on Rui. Now's the time to make your presence felt. :evil:
Stezagud
02-11-2004, 16:57
they just brought on Larsson for Marquez, very attacking change
CuoreRossoNero
02-11-2004, 17:01
How's the game going/ Are we just sitting back or are we trying to create some chances?
Stezagud
02-11-2004, 17:04
Goal Ronaldinho :(
Stezagud
02-11-2004, 17:06
we took Sheva off for JDT but were coping ok, they were limited to long range shots and set pieces.
The goal was unbelievable though, he tricked half the defence and set up the shot all in one move, before blasting it into the top left corner from about 20 yards :eek: :(
This is the most cowardly team selection I have ever seen Carlo make at Milan and it has resulted in a cowardly performance. If berlusconi ever needed to give his opinios on a formations it was today!!!!!!!!!! :hammer:
damnnnnn. we just dont look like world beaters at the moment. they've had 25 shots to our 6. not a terrible result but if we want to win this tournament we have to improve.
Stezagud
02-11-2004, 17:09
yeah, we have invited this by giving them so much possesion. Game Over :(
So Barca and Milan both have 9 points, and 2 games left?!
:irritate:
Never, should any team have Pirlo, Gatusso and Ambro in it all at the same time. What was this midfield ever going to produce other than mistimed tackles. Theres no telling what this defeat could do to the players mentally.
Disgraceful Milan. YOu can't expect to get anything when Your supposed offensive midfielders (Kaka and Serginho) is so deep that Barcelona can just collect the ball every time we won it. I would believe our passing percent have been less than 20%, 10% from Pirlo and the other 10% from Shevchenko. After they scored their first goal we began our rot and our defense was not even organised. And said, when we won the ball we just lobbed it to Marquez or made a short pass to Xavi.
The old Ancelotti is back and it was not pretty. Letting in that goal was no more than we deserved. I will no go around being pissed off for a couple of days.
K77SH C. Pirlo created the goal and our best chance apart from the Kaka one.
Playing like CRAP ALL THE MATCH it's the only result that Milan will challenge today.
Are you happy Ancelotti with this team? Where is Dhorasoo?
Milan in January needs fresh legs on the midfield...
Barcelona will win the Liga and probably the CL
i dont think it will affect the players too much. barca are a great team, especially at the nou camp. its just frustrating when we play so defensively and let teams walk all over us, especially when they've got ronnie! we'll beat celtic and qualify next game.
This is the most cowardly team selection I have ever seen Carlo make at Milan and it has resulted in a cowardly performance. If berlusconi ever needed to give his opinios on a formations it was today!!!!!!!!!! :hammer:
it is NOT the selection that is cowardly, it is the way we play. We surerly only played up to their goal as the formation was supposed to be, after that, awful.
Barcelona will win the Liga and probably the CL
They will not win UCL, they are their prime now. If you want to win UCL you have to be at your prime in spring.
Ancelloti is friggin stupid! I cannot belive we lost-actually I can..I was expecting it. Eh what ever,same number of points. :(
K77SH C. Pirlo created the goal and our best chance apart from the Kaka one.
Yeah, I wasnt disagreeing with Pirlo being in the team as hes one of my favourites and like you said did create the goal. I just meant that he should have not been accompanied by another two DMs. Im just thankful Carlo didnt play Brocchi instead of Serginhio. Im really disgusted with that performance. I wouldnt have minded if we played our normal game and lost, but that was just disgraceful. I dread to think that Carlo may actually feel he was wrong for making his attacking substitutions. What does the season hold for us with tactics like todays?!?! :w212:
Guess Ronaldinho won the pallone d'oro there :(
Our luck ran out, the plan was obvious from the first minute: 1 point's what we came there for and look how close we were to get it.
If you choose to practice that kind of football, you'll be harshly criticized if you lose.
it is NOT the selection that is cowardly, it is the way we play. We surerly only played up to their goal as the formation was supposed to be, after that, awful.
Well the selection made it impossible. We all know why Ambro and Gatusso are in the squad. Its not for their "on the ball play" and where the hell did Sergihnio pop out of, why play a guy who hasnt performed for God knows how many years. Seedorf actually looked good when he came on. Is it just me, but does anybody else have a heart attack when kaladze gets the ball.
One word SHAME! We play anti-football. I am disappointed, We play ugly football. Carlo=Defense!!! This is not a Milan 2003/04-ofensive model this is a new Milan 2004/05-defensive model.
Max(can he pass the ball?) and Serginho were horable.
Kaka(holds the ball too long) played also bad game, Pirlo and Sheva play good.
Ronaldinho :v408:
I wonder if a match report is even needed of this game. All you need is the possesion percentage :yuck:
OmG...Im ashamed. 63% - 37%
I didnt realise we had even that much :p146:
First off, a tip of the cap to Ronaldinho. Un-friggin-believable. :clap:
Having the honor to witness both games, I have to admit Barca's got it goin' on right now. They've just got the right players with the right manager lining them up. And with no recent titles they are just hungrier and more willing to risk it all to win. Over the two games they were active, more skilled, and better managed. I'm not gonna get into our performance because it's already been said many times, but all I have to say is you've gotta play to win, not play to lose like I saw today. It's cowardly and it's disrespecting the game. So what if there's the possibility you lose big, at least go out there and fight fire with fire, play like it's your last game on earth for crying out loud. One thing is certain, we're advancing to the knockout rounds anyway so at least open the game up, break away from that ugly Italian tradition from the 60's and 70's.
Sorry to be so bitingly critical, but I'm just calling it as I see it.
I think we need a new striker...I dunno who tho.
And plus I want Nedved in midfield...I always wanted Nedved on my team. I love him.
Lancelot
02-11-2004, 19:02
Is a shame...we must wake up soon...I didnt like this milan today, neither u as i read.
Kaka is not the kaka we know...i dont know the reason..we only take good results, because of great Sheva...I cant talk more right now, i am very very dissapointed...
Ps
Also i have to say my congrats to Ronaldinio...the player is unbelievable...i would be glad to have him :swars:
IMHO, this thread must be kept. It is going to be another classic one.
I just had to sign to this forum, been here for a long time, cos u guys always write good stuff about games and players... hello :)
Dissapointed about the game, they were sitting and waiting for clock to run out. Almost made it though, but it wasn't fun to watch. Im not that sad since we won in milan (i got there from slovenia to see the match from 12. row) and since we'll surely qualify for the next phase (and barca is damn hot at the moment)
Anyone thought they just wanted for this game to finish, because the'll have roma in a few days? That game will be much more important for us, I hope they get rested enough...
acmilan89
02-11-2004, 20:22
The first 20 minutes were quite exciting and I really loved the crunching tackles made by the Milan defence and Barcelona's superb short-passes. And then, it was mostly in Milan's half with about 60% of the ball possession belonged to the Catalans! Our passes were just terrible, with exception to Pirlo.
I hate to say this but as the game dragged on longer, our defenders seemed to be dreaming every time the ball is passed under their nose. Nesta letting Eto'o cut inside and scored the goal? Ouch! But Ambrosini should have cut out Xavi (?) before he passed the ball to Eto'o. Ronaldinho's goal - magnificent, made our center halves look like dummies. It was obvious throughout the match that our defenders had difficulties to contain technically gifted players like Ronaldinho and Eto'o. Not to mention Xavi had all the time in the world to orchestrate his passes. Giuly made a rewarding return and created some havoc on Kaladze's side. Enough said, Barcelona played with determination and on the night, they were the best team.
As for our beloved Milan: why did we start with Serginho? He was good on the counter attacks but towards the second half of the game, he seemed to be out of it. Kaka was trying with his ball control and passes but this was just not his night. Pirlo, if he had all the support, would have played much better but although he made some fine passes, he was closed down immediately. Ambrosini? Why oh why? Kaladze - was he trying to be a defender, winger, wing-back, etc. all at once? He needed at least two or three of his team mates to be within the radius of three meters before he can do something with the ball.
Yes, I was disappointed because we did not play as well as we could have. But at the same time, I am not too overly disappointed by losing to last night's Barcelona. They played well, good football.
Pirlos first half performance was mediocre, second half good. But this was Atalanta for God's sake. He is relatively good vs. all smaller teams, but name me ONE big game where he played top class?
And these kind of long passes (1-0) only work against mediocre opponents, not vs. Real, Barca, Juve.
And here is Kris's reply for me:
Pirlo created the goal (against Barca, yes it's Barca)
It's not so much about the players; its more about Ancelotti's negative approach to the game. We had better players like Rui Costa and Seedorf on the bench, it was Ancelotti who chose not to play them. Ancelotti was never really interested in getting Milan to play good football in this match.
Even when Rui Costa came in too late, it wasn't for the mediocre Ambrosini, but for Kaka; senseless tactics. Gattuso isnt anything special at passing but he helps Milan with his hardwork. But you can only use one bad passer. If you combine Gattuso, with crappy passers like Ambrosini and Serginho, you have a midfield that can't even hold the ball and that just passes it to the opposing team.
Why Ancelotti kept Ambrosini on for the whole match, and Serginho for most of the match is bewildering.........Real Madrid loses a lot but at least they dont use these kinds of disgusting negative tactics. Our tactics were: stay in our own half, pass the ball to Barca players and foul Ronaldinho. It was the tactics a team from the bottom of the Brazilian league might tryto employ against a top European team.
When Ronaldinho scored it was like the triumph of beautiful football over ugly negativity. The goal of someone trying to create against players not interested in playing but in fouling
BaggioForever
02-11-2004, 21:25
okok...lets start your criticism / flaming / fingers-pointing in this thread..just because we lost doesnt mean we dun practice our usual procedure? :hammer:
Milan i must say played an ultra defensive football on matchday 4 against a highly-motivated and suprmeme (for now) side where passing were pin-point, jabbing runs down the flank were threatening and beautiful pieces of skills were illustrated..all the while @ our own half!!!
OmG...Im ashamed. 63% - 37%
Milan were soaking the relentless attacks of the Catalans as tho they were soaking the sun :beach: ..but they were too naive...to be defending for almost the whole of 90 mins will bound to make a vital mistake that would just finish us off. (take a look @ Italy @ Euro 2000 Finals)...n tts exactly what happened. E'to (the anoymonous in San Siro) took advantage of our 1 man down (cafu) and punished us. Dinho then gave the final blow which even
Nesta have no answer to. :wallbang:
Pirlo did well to set up Shev on a fast break who clinically finished off Valdes in fashion. Kaka also missed out a gr8 chance when a cross by serginho was tapped too lightly and too easy for the keeper to get hold. Cafu also missed a gr8 chance on the right where his thunderous shot near the post was parried out for a corner. Besides these chances...milan was simply losing possession, soaking pressure, losing possession again and soaking pressure thruout the game.
However like what Ancelotti said...to score a goal @ Nou Camp against this fabulous side(@ the moment :D) is a consolation to us....but this defeat will def b firmly rooted @ the back of every milan player's mind tt the 1 way to defeat Barca is def not by just sitting back and defend the whole nite long!~ :angf:
Lets look forward to our next match and put this defeat as a valuable lesson to make us grow into a more wholesome and more formidable force to be reckon with.
Since lot of people already made post-game comments in the game thread I will merge this one there too so we have all post-game comments in one place
I just had to sign to this forum, been here for a long time, cos u guys always write good stuff about games and players... hello :)
hey peters, welcome to MilanMania!
as for the game, I didn't see it yet, so I can't comment on the team's display. The result itself wasn't terrible, although I did expect better. Now we are better positioned than Barca to get the group's first place (thanks to our away goal which will allow us to qualify first if we tie at points at the end with Barca)
For what I read in Uefa's minute-by-minute report of the match, DIDA was our hero! he saved almost everything....great for him!....but of course this also means we let them get to us way too many times. I also read our defense was pretty much ok, so I thought our problem today was in midfield....after reading the post-game comments here I can see that's indeed the case....it was a weird lineup, I was expecting to see a 5 man midfield yes, but not the ones we saw, but rather Pirlo, Rino, Seedorf, Kaka and Rui.....anyway, no point in talking about shoulds and woulds...so lets hope we don't repeat this kind of display, whether it was Carlo's or the player's "fault" (or both)......bring on ROMA :firedev:
BaggioForever
02-11-2004, 22:10
thanx for merging it..din know what to do..too confusing seeing only the pre-game comments...
anyway DIDA was gr8 (i 4got to mention)...go n look @ the match n he should deservingly win the MOM...
We will be using this defeat to make Roma suffer!! :devf:
An absolute disgrace by Milan... Nuff said!
It's hard being the coach of one of Europe's biggest football clubs... You get crucified for playing a gung-ho offensive style but your team self-destructed. You also get stabbed for playing ultra defensive man behind ball tactics, though you may get results in your favor.
The 4-0 drubbing by Depor last season must be still fresh in the mind of Ancelotti, and I still believe if we played with a team of midfield destroyers against Depor in Spain, we would have gotten the result to send us though. :grinser:
Clinical finishing by Sheva gave us the lead, though it has to be said the goal came from a counter attack. A laser-perfect lançamento (Haroon called it "grenade launching" but I prefer to use "lançamento" after having learnt my football education from a young age in Brasil :devf: . Besides, "grenade launching" is like a "launch and hope" ball, while precision is fundamental in a lançamento) by Pirlo sent Sheva on his way and he powered past Oleguer before side footing the ball into the net.
You can smell that a goal from Barca is on the cards by the way they were dominating in possession (the stats on the screen showed 63 - 37 in Barca's favor but it seemed more like 75-25 to me :v46: ) Eto'o duly equalised when he was played in beautifully by Xavi.
Milan were content to play for the draw in the 2nd half and shots rained in on Dida from all angles. A draw is very much on the script with 5 minutes left and one might think that a match like this will be decided on a moment of magic. What a magical moment it was too from possibly the best ever player in the world today.
Ronaldinho received a pass from Eto'o outside the right of Milan's penalty area sandwiched between Nesta and Gattuso. With a flick of his right boot, Ronnie sent the ball rolling to his left and a quick change of accerleration took him past Nesta and he ripped in a stunning left foot rocket into Dida's top right corner, all these in less than 2 seconds! :eekani: Golazo!! Magnifico!! Absolutely no chance for Dida... The speed of Ronnie is simply unbelievable, his movements looked superfast to me even on slow-mo replay :eekani:
The better team won and there is no need to press the panic button yet, though a similar performance again against Europe's top guns in the knockout stages will be suicidal.
A disappointing way to celebrate my 2nd anniversary at MM, though I'm glad I witnessed one of best ever goals scored in CL history, the kind of goals which will make fans pay and watch at the stadiums.
Some interesting observations from the game:
It seems to me that the Culés (Barça fans) speak italian.
When Dida went to ground holding his wrist showing signs of pain after being stomped accidentally by Eto'o, the culés, thinking that Dida was playacting, chanted:
"DIDA, DIDA, VAFFANCULO!!!... DIDA, DIDA, VAFFANCULO!!!... DIDA,
DIDA, VAFFANCULO!!!... " :devf:
No, I think thats about everything they know. I heard them chanting that in milano too. But instead of dida there was just Milan. And yesterday you could clearly hear them chanting stuffs like that over the tv.
When Ronaldinho scored it was like the triumph of beautiful football over ugly negativity. The goal of someone trying to create against players not interested in playing but in fouling
So true, this was a day we deserved a 4-0 drubbing for the sake of football. By the way why have we become the symbol of ugly negativity this season. Isnt this supposed to be the attacking Milan side that showed the way t the Italians. Whats changed?!?
I know Nesta could be blaimed for both goals, but honestly he was our best player. If it wasnt for him, it would have been a cricket score. The fact that Barca got past him twice carrys no shame especially when we had no midfield or attack to take the prerssure off him. You cant even compare Puyol to Nesta, but Puyol made it look easy, why-because we hardly put them under pressure while Nesta and Maldini were living on a knife edge for the entire 90 minutes.
No, I think thats about everything they know. I heard them chanting that in milano too. But instead of dida there was just Milan. And yesterday you could clearly hear them chanting stuffs like that over the tv.
It's ok, I'll return them the favor next May in Istanbul, if they can reach there that is. :grinser:
And I'll have 6 months to learn Català equilvalent too. :devf:
hitmannq8
03-11-2004, 01:26
I really had a very terrible day, but actually not quite so terrible. It was terrible because I saw the best team in europe sit back, and defend for almost every minute of the game.
We all know how good this Milan is, but we are all waiting for the day Milan "find their form" as all the players say. Since the first day of the season, all the players have been saying "we are improving", and yet, i've noticed no improvement at all (maybe in defence only).
This Milan side has the capabilities of winning any game, no matter where they play. This milan side is certainly capable of beating this magnificent Barca if they played their own game, but still, Ancelotti opted to start with SERGINHO and AMBROSINI! Seedorf is one of the key players in the Milan possession-keeping system, he keeps the ball and passes it so well, and he always acts well when under pressure. But still, Ancelotti opted for a ball-winning midfielder like Ambro who apparently doesn't know how to pass a ball! and Serginho! he might have speed and skill, but if he assisted and scored in the last 2 games doesnt mean hes gonna score a hatrick today! it doesnt mean hes going play brilliantly today! Since last season Serginho hasn't been able to do anything good, and all of sudden in 2 games he does 2 good things, and now Ancelotti opts to start him instead players like Rui, Crespo and JDT! Ancelotti is thinking of Serginho the same way an english person thinking of Rooney!
We just let Barca attack us all the time, and when we had the ball once or twice at their half, we just simply returned the ball back to Barca cuz we felt like we're doing something wrong! That's just ridiculous! Barca absolutely RAPED us! Thats what bothers me, a Milan side so ambitious as this, being SLAUGHTED by Barca. Even if Barca are in top form and Milan are not, the way we played can never be a way a champions team can play. If Milan were to win this Champs League (which I started doubting from today), everyone would recall this game and say how Barca raped Milan.
The good thing is that, even thought this Barca is on hot form, Milan did actually beat this Barca side at San Siro, but Barca still were the better side in San Siro as well :(. Well at least losing 2-1 is better than losing 1-0. Now if we draw with Barca with points, we get to be first place as we have a better head-to-head record (not sure, some1 plz confirm this).
This Milan still needs to improve (as all the players have been saying they will since the start of the season, and yet, nothing). I hope they start doing it as soon as possible. And I hope Ancelotti doesn't put in any more defensive formations like both the ones against Barca.
Forever and always, Forza Rossoneri!
The good thing is that, even thought this Barca is on hot form, Milan did actually beat this Barca side at San Siro, but Barca still were the better side in San Siro as well :(. Well at least losing 2-1 is better than losing 1-0. Now if we draw with Barca with points, we get to be first place as we have a better head-to-head record (not sure, some1 plz confirm this).
Yup. Head-to-head results will determine who tops the group if Milan & Barca finish level on points after 6 games in the group stages. If that happens, Milan will finish top by virtue of an away goal scored.
hitmannq8
03-11-2004, 02:04
I just checked.. Milan will qualify if Barca and Milan are tied on points.
realy feel disapointed today when you lose to barca 2-1 it is not
result who I'm anger but the performs we playd so poorly and this
the first time I said it is we deserve lose. I realy disapointed on
gattuso .nesta diden't do any thing but kick barca plyers. sergino
playd so bad altho he is goodplayer. kaka played as if it is the first time
he playd soccer!! pirlo didn't do well except when he pass the ball
to sheva when he scord.kaldza was sleeping in the game . Maldini
played good but did some mistake.sheva didn't do much but the goal
but I never blamed him since he was alone. altho rui costa
came to the game late .he even didn't touch the ball. cafu playd good but
also some mistake so is dida
what was the hell ancelotti was thinking when he put this line up
and when he was watching milan playing in this game . when I watch
today game I thought milan was playing with just 3 players which
is Maldini- cafu and dida. hope for ancelotti to correct other wise
Roma will beat us alltho they are bad this season but playing like that
in roma game we lose for sure which is never I want it .I missed
inzaghi in this game and I miss his goals and I'm sure if inzaghi was
not injured and was playing with us in this game we would won
sorry for writing long and being hard on milan players but I do
that since I love them alot and I was so angery and want to share
it with my friend in forum like you
:broken: :broken: :mad:
Grande-Milan-DK
03-11-2004, 04:06
At San-Siro we attacked and also deserved the luck - At Neu Camp Milan did not deserve any luck at was punished. I would still have liked to see a normal 4-3-1-2 formation in the first half .. Barcelona had problems when Milan attacked .. but we had 3 chances during the whole match.. this is not enough.
Ronaldinho`s goal was great, but maybe it would have been better if Gattuso had make this freekick instead of let him run .. but still .. It is not a shame to lose 2-1 in Barcelona .. and would It have been in the semi`s Milan would have gone in the final bc of the away goal :D
Milanista ID
03-11-2004, 04:36
We deserved to lose ! :groan: :( Barca's players were always moves, find empty space, looking for the ball, and always gave us high pressing, that made our players confuse and lost the ball easily :groan: :( what a crap day ! :wallbang: we must bounce back ! Forza Milan !!!
Ronaldinho`s goal was great, but maybe it would have been better if Gattuso had make this freekick instead of let him run .. but still .. It is not a shame to lose 2-1 in Barcelona .. and would It have been in the semi`s Milan would have gone in the final bc of the away goal :D
Spot on! That would be "intelligent fouling". :devf: Sacrificing for the sake of the team, even at the expense of a booking. :grinser: But it's always easy for one to say "what if" after things had happened.
It only took Ronnie approximately 2 seconds to free himself from the human sandwich with a quick change of pace and then pulling the trigger. To be honest, I don't think Sandro or Rino were quick enough to foul Ronnie.
I think it was a pretty shamefull defeat :( Not the score, or even the goals (3 wonderful goals from great champions!), but the way Milan played. After the first 20 minutes we had absolutely nothing and defended as if we were Brescia or Atalanta. I do understand a counter-attack strategy, but the counter-attacks never came. Passing was poor so say the least.
I partly blame the introduction of a new formation and new players on the way we played the game. It just didn't look fluid.
Milan lost to Barca and Kerry lost to Bush, I guess I will remember October 2nd for a while....
Milan lost to Barca and Kerry lost to Bush, I guess I will remember October 2nd for a while....
Are you too depressed till you got the date wrong?
You mean 2nd November don't you? :devf:
the better team won we should have played our normal formation as we always play better in the big matches this way. one postive is that if milan barca finish level on points we will go through as first thanks to sheva's 'away' goal
Are you too depressed till you got the date wrong?
You mean 2nd November don't you? :devf:
Kind of proves the state I am in, doesn't it :cry:
Ease everybody! :2dri:
I didn't care about the result of the match, though stupid Barca fans cursed Rossoneri in Italian loudly. Barca were not at good time while Milan were almost in the next stage. The result of this one wouldn't stop any to qualify, but a positive Barca will upset Real in la liga. Don't tell me you believe we'll face Barca again in the Final! :sagrin:
I was very disapointed!!! I hoped that we can win either draw but we loose................ :crybaby: :argue: :hmmm: :sob: :sob: :pr78: Barca beat us because we didn`t do any attack.
Well Barca outclassed us either, mind you at away and home matches, and almost beat us at San Siro. Anyhow our display we lost typical Milan characteristic as we've been thus do far, exhausted weekend cost it all, weren't nothing to lose, played clumsily facing frontal attacking football by Azulgrana side, and we did nothing to cover up empty space which it was easy gap by Ronaldinho' strike to taking the lead. Eto'o goal leveled up everything.
No need time for me to bashing everything comes around. Still time to manage and move on.
Warro Bantan
03-11-2004, 13:22
Going into the Lion's den and pushing your head into his mouth and hoping he doenst bite it off is really what Ancelotti went into the Nou Camp doing when he selected Ambro, Gattuso and Serghino to start.
Counter-attacking only works when you are able to pass out of the midfield under pressure, and make accurate long passes to breaking attacking players.
Ancelotti's negative tactics and team selection are to blame for this loss, and I hope Berlu really sticks it to him, publicly and privately, so that mayb he will get it into his thick skull that AC Milan do not play negative football!
I am embarrassed and ashamed of our performance, now we need to win vs Celtic, and Shaktar both, so as to be sure to leave the group as winners, as opposed to 2nd place, which could result in us playing a tougher opponent than we have to in the knock out round.
The team must now refocus for the coming match vs Roma, and this loss will not help settle the team...maybe Ancelotti will realise his mistakes, and field an attacking line up this time around.
:angf: Our lineup was awful. Carlo should have realized his strategy was dangerous and destined to fail - this was obvious during the second half where even a blind man could have recognized that we would eventually end up conceding a goal. Quite frankly, we're lucky they didn't score more goals. By the way, our coaching staff looked like clowns. What the hell was our management thinking letting Dolce & Gabbana give us those hideous clothes? :yuck: Give us some normal clothes. Next thing you know, Carlo will be wearing leather pants.
Giovanni
03-11-2004, 15:38
take the positive side of the situation: at least there won't be the annoying advices of Renault's tickets for the match at 500 euros anymore :D
hopefully :D
just want to quote a neutral observer": If it had been the knockout stages Milan would be going through. Losing 2-1 in Barcelona is by no means a bad result regardless of the performance and to me shows that Milan will be there or thereabouts come May "
Roy
just want to quote a neutral observer": If it had been the knockout stages Milan would be going through. Losing 2-1 in Barcelona is by no means a bad result regardless of the performance and to me shows that Milan will be there or thereabouts come May "
Roy
THanks! This definitely need ssome maturity to see.
Guess Ronaldinho won the pallone d'oro there :(
Our luck ran out, the plan was obvious from the first minute: 1 point's what we came there for and look how close we were to get it.
If you choose to practice that kind of football, you'll be harshly criticized if you lose.
So just let me know what counts. The Result or the criticism?
Look at Bush. How many criticism does he recieve? And yet why he wins it?
Not Being Criticized but not getting result is, to be down-to-earth, useless. Go ahead with your attractive football, and win it with fame when you do. But when you get trashed by counter attack, boy where will the praise have gone?
:angf: Our lineup was awful. Carlo should have realized his strategy was dangerous and destined to fail - this was obvious during the second half where even a blind man could have recognized that we would eventually end up conceding a goal. Quite frankly, we're lucky they didn't score more goals. By the way, our coaching staff looked like clowns. What the hell was our management thinking letting Dolce & Gabbana give us those hideous clothes? :yuck: Give us some normal clothes. Next thing you know, Carlo will be wearing leather pants.
Not funny either.
And can you please take a look, it's Sheva who scores first. I don't see any tactical error in the beginning. The idea is OK. And how do you see that we would eventually end up conceding a goal. I don't see how Barca can score actually until Ronaldinho's flash of glory, and can't you see that Barca just CAN"T do it in the second half. They may have plenty of chances but it's not LUCK that they didn't score more goal. After all, Dida saves us a number of occasions and you called Dida's save as luck?
Be realistic. Reggina may well play like Milan against Barca and lost 6-0.
Giovanni
03-11-2004, 16:46
frankly i like the D&G gangster clothes mafia like...we are more similar to Lucky Luciano Moggi and Anthony Giraudo though :D
ACMILAN1983
03-11-2004, 17:16
wow, some of the responses are way over the top here. Now, the result is bad as was the performance, however, this match was one match where I would accept a loss, as we could afford to lose and still be in a VERY strong position and we lost to a great side. Lets not forget that before the match, the side have been doing very well recently and improving consistently every game.
I'm glad things here aren't as bad as Xtratime though, where I see "Kaka is overrated" threads as well as "Carlo should be axed".
I'm not trying to make excuses, but I'm being realistic here. Milan at the moment is one of Europe's elite clubs (even though were far from our best) and one loss (irrespective of how badly we played) doesn't change that. Personally, at this point I don't expect more than whats necessary from us to keep up with the pace of the other big guns in Europe (as we need to preserve the players energy) and then in the second half of the season, we can expect to see the "true Milan". Don't worry about the opposition at this point either as teams like Barca and juve are playing at their best, which will take its toll later (Milan learnt this in 2002/03), when we will be looking at peak performance.
FORZA SHEVA!
FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
fallawati
03-11-2004, 18:19
I did not read all the comments in this post, but i scanned through them quickly. Many negatives one and few positive ones.
i must admit that barca deserved to win. They played game of their lives. I must also admit that Ronaldhino's goal was wooooow.
i asked myself, should i be upset about the performance or about the result?
well, as of the perofrmance. Many factors contributed to this. First, Were we as desperat as barac about the 3 points? Second, was this match a knockoff stage? Third, We still have 2 more games and we can qualify.
About the results, I was upset the fact we actually were up, we could have dictated the game with our style, but i must be honst that barac were up to the challange and they raised to the occation.
So we lost... end of world????????
What did we gain? Little extra session for Dida and the defense, i guess.
All thing will show up later on the season. I was watching the game and said to myself " I will take a loose today and a win against Juve in seira A in December"
We really need to focus on the Seria A ( based on our comfortable current position in CL). juve on a roll with Cappello, 5 points lead is way too much. Need to catch up before it slipps away just like 2 yrs ago when juve went on and no one could've stopped them.
FORZA MILAN. :evil:
take the positive side of the situation
Pirlo - controls the passing side of the game like few players on earth, the low cross to Cafu and of course the goal assist were at the highest level!
Sheva :star: most effective player around at the moment; what's new.
Negative: Kaka', much depends on whether he'll be back to his best.
i have been very busy recently, so i haven't had time commenting on this match. but i did squeeze two hours watch it on espn2. seriously, it would be crazy if i didn't watch it. it was the first chance for me to watch milan on the screen this season. in case you don't know, i am in united states, the crazy soccer desert.
i am a little down after the game, but i am not at all humiliated. i don't understand why some fans claim that it was a forgettable and humiliating game for milan fans. i want to point out that you don't have to be humiliated. if you are really a milan supporter, you won't feel it that way. if you feel that, probably you are not yet a true milanista, at least in my opinion.
back to this game. i was a little surprised to see serginho and ambrosini. but i think that was some good bet. Nou camp has a wide pitch, so serginho could be very useful for his pace. well, he didn't look very energetic, and that compromised the tactics. with serginho, denifitely we needed more protection from the midfield, ambrosini was a good choice for this consideration. and he fought all the game, as always. we played fantastic in the first half. we controlled the game, barca only had spontaneous chances, like deco's header shaving the post. i was not at all worried. i know goal will come sooner or later. when i saw kaka wasting one chance after after, i was not concerned still. but after their equalising (lucky bastard!!), their morale was high, and yet we still lacked the motivations to press forward (the worst scenario we don't want to see was celtic losing again, and that's not what was happening, so i guess ancelotti and co adjusted their attitude immediately. that's not to blame.). that's the reason that we lost, as simple as that. we didn't have to win, and we didn't win. so there's nothing to be regretting about. if we win when we don't have to, that's a gift. but we don't, accept it, that's not big deal at all. ronaldinho showed his talents, and i hope that he could be with us, but if not, we have other good enough guys to use. so i won't be drooling and dreaming out him anyway. it is not my money.
sheva was fantastic. he didn't have many chances, but he was cool enough to convert one, extending his perfect record against barcelona.
kaka was awful. seriously, he was awful. he lost balls easily. he lost his speed. he lost his sharpness. he lost his composure in front of goals. 2 golden chances. (especially the second one, brought me some bad memory: i remember the goal we conceded in the toyota cup 1994, the first one, damn it, was very similar to it. that bastard asad was cool enough to swing the goal in. well, off topic). i think that's not all his fault. he has been played too often. that's ancelotti's fault. in this game that we didn't want to go all out for a win, kaka should be rested, or at least benched for the collision with roma.
serginho wasn't shining. the cross to kaka was nice, but other than, i didn't see much of him. he should be used as a sub, when everybody is tired, his pace kills.
pirlo was fine in my opinion. that long ball was brilliant finding sheva up front, and which could turn out crucial if we managed to hold on to that score. and he was active defending too. i don't understand why he received some low ratings. but who cares.
ambrosini and gattuso were as usual, and each of them received a yellow. i always like them, so maybe my comments will be biased. so i won't make any.
kaladze was more visible. he was improving game by game, i wish he could come back to his peak as soon as possible, we know that pancaro is reliable but he is not young any more.
nesta and maldini, what can i say? i don't understand why they received some low ratings either, i think they may not have the best days, but they were almost impassible in the first half. as for the second half, there was a good excuse. ronaldinho was some talent that you don't expect to mark him tightly every minute. he's got to shine some time, so he better score against us right now, so that we can get our revenge later, say in the final.
i was surprised to see the fumble made by dida, although his second reaction was impeccable, but still.
all in all, i wished we could have won, but i am contented with the result. at least we still stay top. that's important. the negative side is that now we can't rest our major stars for the coming two games, if we still eye on qualifying as group winner. simic and dorahsoo will have one or two less to play, but that's all. we will win big games, and i am not worried about that. and i am proud of being a milanista.
AC-GIOFFRE
03-11-2004, 20:39
Milan did not look good indeed. Milan should not defend. They are an attacking team not a defensive one. Remember last years CL quarter Final agaist deportivo. We lost a 4-1 lead because we tried to defend it while we are an attacking team.
ACMILAN1983
03-11-2004, 20:47
Milan did not look good indeed. Milan should not defend. They are an attacking team not a defensive one. Remember last years CL quarter Final agaist deportivo. We lost a 4-1 lead because we tried to defend it while we are an attacking team.
Milan are capable of defending leads, but our key is that we must control the match. The best way to do this is keep possession as much as possible rather than giving it away cheaply and inviting the opposition onto us, which puts us under ridiculous amounts of pressure where teams as good as Barca will capitalise.
This is something we really need to work on in my opinion, we do give the ball away too easily, which goes against our style of play.
Milan did not look good indeed. Milan should not defend. They are an attacking team not a defensive one. Remember last years CL quarter Final agaist deportivo. We lost a 4-1 lead because we tried to defend it while we are an attacking team.
i don't agree. the deportivo episode was simply a disaster which happens once in maybe 2 or 3 years. we didn't want to simply defend in that game, we had one or two decent chances by tomasson and kaka, but as soon as we conceded one goal, we looked scared. morale was the main reason. and it happened that gattuso had a bad day ( i read it somewhere that he had some off-pitch problem around that day ), so we lost one man that can single-handedly boost the game. to be honest, who would have expected that in one single game, maldini, nesta, dida all had a bad day??? that was a great chance we let go, that could have been our 7th CL trophy. but i don't agree that the reason that we lost that round was because that we wanted to defend, it was because of ridiculously bad luck and extremely low morale.
Grande-Milan-DK
04-11-2004, 03:38
Isn`t any1 who can post the hightlights of the game?
Milan did not look good indeed. Milan should not defend. They are an attacking team not a defensive one. Remember last years CL quarter Final agaist deportivo. We lost a 4-1 lead because we tried to defend it while we are an attacking team.
How ironic, Carletto has been blamed so often for playing the usual offensive lineup at the Riazor
Cafu-Nesta-Paolo-Pancaro
--Gattuso-Pirlo-Seedorf
---------Kaka'
------JDT---Sheva
Instead of perhaps Simic, who's more defensive than Cafu, and another midfielder for JDT.
How ironic, Carletto has been blamed so often for playing the usual offensive lineup at the Riazor
Cafu-Nesta-Paolo-Pancaro
--Gattuso-Pirlo-Seedorf
---------Kaka'
------JDT---Sheva
Instead of perhaps Simic, who's more defensive than Cafu, and another midfielder for JDT.
It is not so much who he played as how Milan played. My primary complaint is still that it was wrong to try out a new formation against a team of Barcelonas calibre.
CuoreRossoNero
04-11-2004, 09:02
A lot of you just need to relax a little. We are still 1st place in the group so it's not the end of the world. Yes Milan did not play well but this was a game that they could afford a sub par performance, the more important game is against Roma on Sunday. I would much rather beat Roma and lose to Barca then the other way around. I think it's funny that a lot of you are saying things like "kaka is not in form yet." It was just 2 weeks ago that he single handedly tore apart the Inter defense and forced them into 3 ugly fouls which led to 3 yellow cards. Give the guy a break he's 21 years old and it's expected that he can't play exceptional every single game. Let Juve and Barca enjoy their success now because as far as I know no championships have ever been won in November.
Warro Bantan
04-11-2004, 10:15
So said, so done....IMO, we cannot play defensive vs the likes of Barca...worse in their own stadium...what do we think we are, Juve?
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/nov3j.html
Ancelotti blamed for Barca setback Wednesday 3 November, 2004
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Milan’s defeat at the Nou Camp has brought back the criticism of their tactics from President Silvio Berlusconi and Andriy Shevchenko, while Jaap Stam requires surgery.
The Rossoneri were leading 1-0 through Shevchenko’s strike, but Barcelona pushed back and eventually won with a last-minute Ronaldinho goal. Some say the key was Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to field Kaka and Serginho in support of the lone centre-forward.
“President Berlusconi was watching the game on television and said it was unacceptable that Milan were playing with only one striker,” a close aide was quoted as saying in the press.
The patron – who is also Prime Minister of Italy and a multi-millionaire businessman – had already publicly ordered Ancelotti to field two forwards at all times over the last couple of years.
Ancelotti’s decision against Barca was dictated mainly by fitness worries, as Hernan Crespo and Jon Dahl Tomasson are struggling with injury, while Pippo Inzaghi did not even make the trip.
“Even if the tactical system was a different shape,” added Vice-President Adriano Galliani, “we were still playing with three attack-minded men upfront. I think that on Sunday against Roma we’ll go back to the more traditional two strikers.”
Shevchenko gave his analysis of the match after scoring his second in as many games against Barcelona.
“It’s a shame we were unable to win,” said the Balon d’Or candidate, “but in the second half Barca played great football and deserved this result. We could have done so much better, as after a while it became clear Barca didn’t know what else to do. We should have taken advantage at the time, but our mistake was thinking we could win it 1-0. You can’t try to defend against this side, but a few more piercing counter-attacks would have sunk them.”
Ancelotti himself revealed the reasoning behind this switch back to the 4-3-2-1, a system that had proved very successful in the early stages of Milan’s Champions’ League winning campaign of 2003.
“I had Serginho play slightly wider in order to stop Belletti bombing forward on that flank,” he explained. “It worked well for the first 30 minutes, but we weren’t aggressive enough in midfield and that’s where the game was lost.”
Nonetheless, the Rossoneri need just one point from their remaining two matches against Shakhtar Donetsk and Celtic to be sure of qualifying for the knockout stage after winning their first three encounters.
Meanwhile, there was more bad news for Milan, as this evening specialists have told Jaap Stam he could require surgery for a recurring tendon problem in his left ankle.
It is not so much who he played as how Milan played. My primary complaint is still that it was wrong to try out a new formation against a team of Barcelonas calibre.
- and I do not disagree with you, Henrik, as such.
Nor do I disagree with Jeff's philosophy lesson on the whole, btw. :D
ginoformaggino
04-11-2004, 12:36
Milan in January needs fresh legs on the midfield...
Barcelona will win the Liga and probably the CL
Ok, Barca is a good team, we know.
What has won Barca?
A game, a single game.
BUT, i want to recall that the result of the 2 matches put out Barca,
if it played with direct elimination.
1 to no at San Siro
1 to 2 at Nou Camp.
Barca would be out.
Yes, Milan played not at the best: now, imo, we suffer the lack of Inzaghi and Stam.
Superpippo is the last touch man, beside Sheva.
The concentration of the dutch rock for our last line.
Anyway, we have had a clear ball to finish the game with Kakà.
It was a ball absolutely to score, just because we was playing against a "real" Barca's football substance.
Serginho played only for 45 minutes, Carlo changed him too late.
But no process 4 Carlo, now.
We are in the middle of the season: will we improve our play or not?
I think, better, I'm sure: YES :sagrin:
MILAN
acmilan89
04-11-2004, 22:17
Not funny either.
And can you please take a look, it's Sheva who scores first. I don't see any tactical error in the beginning. The idea is OK. And how do you see that we would eventually end up conceding a goal. I don't see how Barca can score actually until Ronaldinho's flash of glory, and can't you see that Barca just CAN"T do it in the second half. They may have plenty of chances but it's not LUCK that they didn't score more goal. After all, Dida saves us a number of occasions and you called Dida's save as luck?
I partly agree with your comments on the "tactical error" although the choice of players can be questioned if they were to (and did!) play for more than 70 minutes. Ambrosini and Serginho as opposed to Seerdof and Tomasson or Rui Costa? Maybe Ancellotti did not really want to win this game as how he said he did?
As for Barcelona's scoring opportunities, I had that awful feeling that it would come sooner or later, and even more than the two they had. After 20 minutes, Milan seemed to be okay with the idea of absorbing Barcelona's attacks. But Giuly, Xavi, Deco, Ronaldinho and Eto'o was running at them non-stop, and so I thought, if this goes on for the next 70 minutes, Milan will lose the game. And they did. Ronaldinho's goal wasn't luck, it was just waiting to arrive. Personally, I believe his goal was the epitome of their victory over a non-playing Milan side.
As for Barcelona's scoring opportunities, I had that awful feeling that it would come sooner or later, and even more than the two they had. After 20 minutes, Milan seemed to be okay with the idea of absorbing Barcelona's attacks. But Giuly, Xavi, Deco, Ronaldinho and Eto'o was running at them non-stop, and so I thought, if this goes on for the next 70 minutes, Milan will lose the game. And they did. Ronaldinho's goal wasn't luck, it was just waiting to arrive. Personally, I believe his goal was the epitome of their victory over a non-playing Milan side.
But putting that in such a wording is just another way of expressing the fact that Milan would definitely lose.
I am not saying tht Ronaldinho's goal is luck. Of course it's not. It's a magic. But the thing I concern is: if you say, 'if this goes on for the next 70minutes, milan will lose the game' is far too general. At what time will Milan lost the game, and this is crucial, because you (and not just u, of course) sound like Milan is heading for a 4-1 lose or something. The fact is, Milan drew it (yes, they defended like crazy BUT) all the way until this moment.
Yes, milan played bad, no doubt about that, but is just that some people here are expecting too much. This is always the difference. When you play CM, u lose, u can always load. When, in real life, you don't expect to win always. Barca don't expect to win always too.
You are right though... the midfield are running at our midfield non-stop, and that's probably why we lost the ball possession so easily. I see an intimidated Milan side, and it's Barca's sheer determination that wins the game.
And talking about determinaton. Do you think Milan will be as determined as Barca to win the game? This is one that remained to be answered.
zlatanov
04-11-2004, 23:58
After games like this one I always have the feeling that Milan's next coach is among us. :p157: :wow:
Of course we cannot be happy that we lost after we tried to mostly defend and wait for Barca to attack, however we must not forget that Milan had very little insentive to give their best given our group position i.e. that was a game we could afford losing. As for Barca they didn't have that luxury. I believe that right now Milan is concentrating on the Serie A for we cannot let a team like Juve (and Capello as its coach) to run away by more than the 5 points advantage they have right now.
The game vs Roma is a must win one while that at the Camp Nou was far from that. After all, we played for a draw and came very close to getting it and only a moment of brilliance from Ronaldinho spoiled it for us.
BaggioForever
05-11-2004, 03:27
moreover..Barca is @ the top of their League..no1 to chase..nothing to fear (so far)...unlike us..we still have Juve to catch up..soo its not too bad..Milan did gr8 defending for the whole 80 plus mins...considering the fact tt Barca's attack was very viscious( prone to scoring) and relentless...our defence held out very well...soo :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
so let this rest n head towards the showdown with the Roman Badboys!! :grinser:
Peachtot
06-11-2004, 03:16
However, that night milan's totally undercontol of barca.
Ancelloti decision for 1 striker is so unproductive. Like contemplating suicide.
There's no pressing to Barca's defender. They could build the offence from defender. puyol played the ball from back area, so did marquez in defence midfield. Xavi and Deco had posession well then dinho n giuly destroy backside of Milan. Eto'o ? Damn... too fast for maldini (1st goal) !!
Sexy footaball from Barca.
But That's not the real MILAN !!
No Stam (much stronger in 1st clash), another striker for sheva's partner n without enough order from coach to grab 3 pts at all !
I suppose that Milan will face BArca in Final in neutral place !!
The best team will get the trophy and The best team will get the best player!! (dinho) :haha:
zlatanov
06-11-2004, 22:32
Barca will play the final unless they meet Juve or Chelsea in the later stages - their football is too sexy and they don't have the ballance and sturdiness of Milan, Juve, Chelsea. You and many others speak of how Barca outplayed Milan but you just seem to always forget that game for Milan had little significance - it was a game we could afford to lose, we tried and PLAYED to get a draw and were seconds away from it but it was not to be. A game we MUST win is the one with Roma and we cannot afford to even draw it - now, if we lose on Sunday then I will be worried. As for the game with Barca, for us, it was a game we had to get out of the way, for them - a must win one. We just didn't have a major reason to give and show our best AT THE MOMENT as for our best at all - Barca would have been blown away, here or there, simply doesn't matter when we have a determined Milan.
Barca will play the final unless they meet Juve or Chelsea in the later stages - their football is too sexy and they don't have the ballance and sturdiness of Milan, Juve, Chelsea. You and many others speak of how Barca outplayed Milan but you just seem to always forget that game for Milan had little significance - it was a game we could afford to lose, we tried and PLAYED to get a draw and were seconds away from it but it was not to be. A game we MUST win is the one with Roma and we cannot afford to even draw it - now, if we lose on Sunday then I will be worried. As for the game with Barca, for us, it was a game we had to get out of the way, for them - a must win one. We just didn't have a major reason to give and show our best AT THE MOMENT as for our best at all - Barca would have been blown away, here or there, simply doesn't matter when we have a determined Milan.
More than agree.
We need better central midfielders.
Starting a full Italian central midfield is suicide as shown that day.
Ambro is nowhere near Milan class....
yes i think we should get rid of ambro try and get a few bob for him, he is awful!!!!!
zlatanov
07-11-2004, 16:01
Or better yet - we should get rid of you two.
FCS, some people never seem to adapt their way of thinking. One and the same BS all the way, no matter what.
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