Chelsea-Barcelona semifinal thoughts

So I decide to stay up tonight and watch the 2nd half of Chelsea-Barcelona. WOW.

For the record, I predicted a 1-0 win by Chelsea despite a dominating game by Barcelona.


Messi needs to go to the Anelka/Drogba school of flops
1. Get slightly ahead of opponent
2. Click heels together
3. Flail arms and shake head
4. Fall flat and spin
5. Raise hands in amazement of the no call or quietly get up if call comes.



Barcelona offensively was a mess. They couldn't pass, and their whole game of give and gos was not working. I thought their lack of being able to change tactics would have ended their chances. Messi relies on opponents to watch the ball and lose focus on him to move into attacking positions. Chelsea had none of it, so credit to him on shutting Messi down for 2 games.

Chelsea goal - Sweet volley from Essien
The red card - this was a phantom. The ref must have thought the defender clipped Anelka's legs.
Pique handball - the no call here was a makeup call for the weak red card.
Barcelona goal - Iniesta took Barcelona's only chance of the game. nice shot at 92 minutes.

Chelsea's behavior at the end was pathetic. Take a loss like a man, and don't whine to the refs. That red card gave them a huge advantage and was a terrible call. The no handball late was not a penalty, and they can only blame themselves for not defending better in injury time.


A 1-1 tie saw Barcelona advance on away goals. Incredible