Sports/Futebol
May 29th, 2009 | 
Author: The aftermath of the Champions League blow out of Manchester United by Barcelona reveals a few of points that need to be made.
First Barcelona seized control of the match from the very outset. Barcelona dictated the tempo of the match. Yes, Manchester United had two golden opportunities to score but did not convert.
In my years of playing, broadcasting, writing, and coaching sports, the team that dictates tempo will win.
On this day, Barcelona had fresher legs. The grueling schedule that Manchester United had to play leading up to this match caught up with them. Manchester United played just about every week since December. On top of that, the wizards of smart at The EPL decided to play the final matches of the season on Sunday instead of Saturday. This gave the Red Devils only one day of rest instead of two. How can I say only one. Remember Tuesday is a travel day.
I can hear some of you screaming Barcelona had to play a tough schedule. True, but The Spanish league takes two to three weeks off during Christmas.
The EPL has no such break. And, Manchester United had to play in The FIFA World Club Championship in December.
The Red Devils had to play make up games that were scheduled mid-week from February until May.
Manchester United played like a tired team. They were.
Always remember this when you are the defending champ the other team always enters the game with a chip on their shoulder. They want to embarrass you. They want to make you look bad. They will bring their “A” game. You better be ready.
Barcelona played like a team possessed.
Prior, to the Champions League Final, all matches are always played in two stages. If stink the joint out one game you always have the second leg to right the ship.
Not the final. It’s one and done. It is just like the Super Bowl, and The NCAA Championship. There is no room for error. You can’t have a bad game. During the season, you have lots of room for error.
If both of these teams played ten times, I believe Manchester United would win five and Barcelona would win five. They are that evenly matched.
These are my thoughts.
We will talk Copa Libertadores another day.
Check out my buds Doctor Palau.
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Posted in De Futebol, Futebol, Soccer, Sports/Futebol | 
Tags: De Futebol, De Futebol Brasil, FIFA, FIFA World Club Championship, Futebol, Soccer, World Cup
Great points, I hadn’t really given the “games played” aspect much thought…it had to have played a part. I was also shocked at the tactical side of the game Fergie employed, putting Ronaldo up front as athe main striker totally curbed his flair and ability to impact the game from different parts of the pitch. With Barca’s make-shift backline I would have thought Ronaldo bursting up the flanks would have caused far more problems. If you’re going to pump long balls into the box (not a United trademark) why not have Berbabtov on the receiving end?