Barcelona should feel lucky

Barcelona should feel lucky with the result drawing last 16 of the Champions League. Compared to the other contestants, the defending champions get a relatively lightweight opponents. Namely, VfB Stuttgart are currently ranked ninth in the Bundesliga. Well, early day, Barcelona's first leg lead with a visit to the stable Stuttgart (RCTI live broadcast at 02.10 GMT).

Indeed, after finishing in third place last season, Stuttgart achievements this season sag. Until the end of November, the team was nicknamed Die roten still entrenched in the relegation zone. However, no guarantee that they could be easily defeated.

In contrast, Barca must be careful. Therefore, conditions are far different from Stuttgart, with three months ago. Pavel et al Progebnyak experienced many improvements. That's evidenced by the success they sped into the middle board.

Stuttgart recovery could not be separated from the role of Christian Gross, the club's brand-new coach. Since taking over the seat of Mark's coaching Babylon Stuttgart in December last, he successfully brought major changes. Of a total of nine action led, Stuttgart recorded a seventh victory.

"We are very excited and impatient against one of the best teams in the world," said Gross told Reuters. "In this phase, there is great prestige and prestige at stake. Barca have a greater pressure to maintain the champions, while we were in fact nothing to lose. It's more profitable we are," he continued.

But, konfidensi is not enough to put a halt to Barca. The storm inflicted injury Catalan club had gradually passed. The two pillars that had absent, Xavi and Dani Alves, was recovered and participate in training sessions to practice Monday (22 / 2) morning. Two names in the squad prepared Barca coach Josep Guardiola to Stuttgart.

However, Barca are still missing striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic who relapsed ankle injury. But, without the presence of the Swedish striker was, Barca can still win big. They membekuk Racing Santander 4-0 (20 / 2).

"Injuries are already problematic Ibrahomovic. I do not know if I can take him or not. We have to wait until the last developments," said Josep Guardiola, Barca coach.

Guardiola did not underestimate the host. Although the two meeting in the Champions League group phase 2007/2008 edition and Barca always win. However, Gross painted record in the last three months indicates that Stuttgart is much better.

But, Barca also have the capital. Victory over Racing strengthen the conviction among penggawa Barca. "The victory over Racing gives us confidence Tuesday welcomed the action tomorrow (early days, Red)," said Andres Iniesta, Barca midfielder, told Soccernet.

"We look efficient, dominant, and able to score a goal since the early minutes. Maybe we still lack a bit of determination, but we focus improve in preparation against Stuttgart," he explained.

As defending champion, continued Iniesta, Barca have a stronger motivation than the other teams. They were determined to be the champion two successive times. "Champions League is our favorite tournament. It encourages us to always record good results," stated the best attacking midfielders Primera Liga season was 2009. (na / ca)

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Estimated Players

VfB Stuttgart (4-4-2): 1-Lehmann (g); 27-Celozzi, 5-Tasci, Delpierre-17, 2-Molinaro; 13-Gebhart, 35-Traesch, 32-Kuzmanovic, 23-Hleb; 18 -Cacau, 29-Pogrebnyak

Coach: Christian Gross

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Barcelona (4-3-3): 1-Valdes (g); 5-Puyol, 4-Marquez, 3-Pique, 19-Maxwell; 16-Busquets, 24-Yaya Toure, 8-Iniesta; 10-Messi, 14 -Henry, 17-Pedro

Coach: Josep Guardiola

Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Arena, Stuttgart

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Head to Head

13/12/07 Barcelona v Stuttgart 3-1

03/10/07 Stuttgart v Barcelona 0-2

Bayern Munchen

Bayern Munich opened up opportunities to escape into the Champions League quarter-finals. That 2-1 victory over Bayern learned over Fiorentina yesterday morning. This is his 13th victory in succession Bavaria since December last.

Typically, the number 13 synonymous with bad luck or bad luck. But, in fact, Bayern victory achieved yesterday (18 / 2) too much overcome by luck. Decision of referee Tom Henning Ovrebo are very often sided with the host.

''All the people expect us to win easily. But, it is not. They are very strong in defense and very dangerous when attacking,''said Arjen Robben, Bayern winger, told the Associated Press. ''We have full concentration until the end. We are winning, but not the easy way,''he continued.

Yes, while down as underdogs, nicknamed La Viola Fiorentina, just slapped on the beginning of the game. Effective way for the visitors to stem the attacks appear host confidently. It was not until the end of the first half Bayern scored via a penalty execution Robben.

It begins with a penalty offense committed Fiorentina defender Cesare Natali for Franck Ribery. Wild ball since the incident struck Bayern striker Mario Gomez and break down the goal of La Viola. However, the referee annul these goals and give a gift to the host penalties.

Five minutes after intermission, Fiorentina scored an equalizer through sontekan Per Krøldrup fruit. Well, since that's a lot Ovrebo make profitable decisions Bavaria.

In minute 73, the court was expelled from Norway Fiorentina defender Massimo Gobbi with a direct red card for elbowing Robben. Ovrebo controversy peak occurred a minute ahead of the long whistle.

Starting from long-distance kick the ditepis Robben Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastian Frey, the ball floating in front of Ivica Olic. Croatian striker's header from a ball in the direction of Miroslav Klose in front of the goal mouth. Klose live bait went into the left side of Frey. Goal!

The problem, Klose offside position about 6 yards (5.4 meters) when receiving the ball from Olic. However, Ovrebo who stood at a distance from the mouth of the goal endorsed the goal. Fiorentina players immediately protested, but the referee's decision can not be contested.

Not only stronghold guest, Bayern own penggawa assume these goals should not be legalized. "I was going offside. Indeed, I do not see the replay on television, but I have my instinct offside position," Klose said after the game reported.

Of course, Viola's wrath penggawa heavy Ovrebo leadership. Riccardo Montolivo, Fiorentina captain, openly says that his team was robbed of the referee.

"We played a game in the level we want. But, sad to see such things happen in the high phase of the Champions League," said Montolivo told Rai Sport. "In fact, I could see Klose offside off the bench. We feel frustrated because of the referee robbed like this," she complained.

On the other hand, the stronghold Klose Bayern take cases as part of football. "We won, we were happy, and we will go to Florence with high optimism the next two weeks," said Bayern president KRL-Heinz Rummenigge. "It was Klose offside and we benefit from that goal. But, I think we deserved to win," he added.

AC Milan 3-2 in First Leg of the Champions League 16

Manchester United's first victory at home to AC Milan. -A nickname Red Devils United-show strength with a beat Milan 3-2 in the first leg of last 16 of the Champions League at the San Siro yesterday morning (17 / 2). In two previous trips, United always lose and do not score.

San Siro is no longer a scary place for the guests Milan this season, especially in the Champions League. In the three-phase action in a group home, the nickname Rossoneri Milan-Shining-appear. Club owned Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was defeated by FC Zurich and only drew with Real Madrid and Olympique Marseille.

The defeat yesterday was not yet closed the opportunity to drive to Milan quarter-finals. But, Massimo et al have to work Ambrossini on ekstrakeras second leg at home to United later March 10. Milan need a win with a margin of two goals. Rossoneri could have escaped with a one goal margin, provided with a score of 4-3, 5-4, 6-5, and so on.

"We have not run out. We can win 2-0 at Manchester and the score was not something impossible," said Leonardo, allenatore (coach) Milan, the Italian Football.

At the beginning of the game, Milan did not show signs of going to lose. Especially after Ronaldinho beat United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar in the third minute. However, the visitors replied through Paul Scholes scored in the 36th minute.

"The first round should have ended with the score 3-0 to us. But, we just missed. The results of the gap effect on psychological and physical players. We failed to find the same rhythm in the second half," said Leonardo.

Yes, the appearance of the drop Milan Wayne Rooney successfully exploited. Red Devils bomber who was on fire had scored two goals in the 66th minute and 74th. Milan minimize position in the 85th minute goal by Clarence Seedorf.

Goal Seedorf disappointing United coach Sir Alex Ferguson. "The second goal was a natural mistake of the players behind us. Unlike Milan's first goal because it is difficult to anticipate the deflection," he told MUTV Online.

Ferguson admitted that the victory at San Siro was a great surprise. In early action does not imagine he would win. Especially when the goal United had collapse at the third minute.

"Start very difficult game for us. Everything had changed after we scored a reply," said United coach who brought 16 undefeated in the last away in the Champions League.

Red Devils just need a series of second leg at Old Trafford. But Ferguson will not want to take risks. "We finish with a good job in the cage opposite. We must do the same thing at home," he said to Sky Sports.

United would have lost midfielder Michael Carrick in the second leg up because of red cards. Carrick referee Olegario Benquerenca expelled from Portugal after bagging a second yellow card.

Champions League RCTI live broadcast at 02.30 GMT).

Champions League stage phase of life to death. A total of 16 best clubs in Europe would fight to get tickets to the next phase. Including, exciting duel between the giant Italian club AC Milan great English counter-Manchester United at San Siro Stadium, Milan, early day (RCTI live broadcast at 02.30 GMT).

Talk about performance and consistency this season, United are better than Milan. -A nickname Red Devils United-have a complete squad and was productive. On the other hand, Milan remained loyal to the hobby of collecting the players geeks.

Not to mention the coach factor. United dealt a rich experience of coach Sir Alex Ferguson, while Milan Leonardo dibesut debutant coach status.

"It is time for us to go to Milan. They just played this weekend (against Udinese, Red). They no longer have Kaka and there is a row of injured players," said Ferguson was quoted as saying UKPA.

Milan had lost several key players. Call it Gianluca Zambrotta, Massimo Oddo, Thiago Silva, and Marco Borriello. But United can not be separated from similar problems. Ryan Giggs, John O'Shea, Owen Hargreaves, Anderson, and Nemanja Vidic is still clamped injury.

According to Ferguson, Milan till now still busy adapting along with Kaka's departure to Real Madrid. They no longer use the 4-3-1-2 scheme. They switch to compounded Leonardo 4-3-3 pattern.

"They lost Kaka. But, you can see that they do not lose the skills and experience. We still need to be alert. Moreover, based on experience in the San Siro three years ago, they dominated the fight," said the coach was from Scotland.

On May 3, 2007, United's 3-2 victory equipped for Milan in the semi-final first leg was eventually eliminated after beating three goals without reply at the San Siro. -A nickname Rossoneri Milan-drove to the finals, and then appear as a champion.

Milan had never lost by United at the San Siro since 52 years ago. In four clash at the San Siro, Milan always win and never conceded.

"That would be a great fight. Some people say that Milan are currently not in the best performance. But, I think, it is less precise. In the Champions League, everything changed. No one favorite, it was a fifty-fifty," said Dimitar Berbatov , United striker from Bulgaria, as reported by the Telegraph.

Milan will not be realized easily deal with United, especially when the Red Devils striker Wayne Rooney on fire. Menceploskan He has 27 goals this season. Rooney obviously would be a threat to the Milan defense.

"I think we do have to watch all the United players. But, Rooney is a very powerful striker. He can play well at all positions, also in the wings. He is now in a positive period," said Daniele Bonera, Milan defender, was quoted as saying Goal

AS Roma

Roma positive trend continues. They returned nudged into second position of the Italian League Serie A following a 4-1 victory over Palermo at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome, yesterday morning (14 / 2). The results were positive while keeping a record of Rome.

The team was nicknamed Giallorossi unbeaten in the last 20 action. Romans also recorded nine consecutive victories. Most importantly, the victory over Rome near Palermo brings standings leader Inter Milan. Both teams are now within six points (47-53). However, the new Inter melakoni fight against Napoli early this morning.

Roman victory star was Matteo Brighi. The midfielder scored twice, respectively in minute-to-33 and 62. Meanwhile, two other goals in print host Julio Baptista (53 ') and John Arne Riise (83').

In the meantime, the only goal Palermo created by Fabrizio Miccoli in the 80th minute from the penalty spot following a violation committed by Roma midfielder Rodrigo Taddei to the Palermo player Javier Pastore.

Positive results catapulted penggawa confidence of Rome. "This is a great squad and is currently located at the right mentality," said Baptista, who had scored a goal this season premiere as quoted LaRoma24.

Despite winning a landslide, Rome reached through hard struggle. Statistics recorded the game, instead of Palermo who control the game. "This evening (yesterday morning, Red) is very difficult and we were forced to work hard. However, we won," said Brighi as quoted by AP.

Claudio Ranieri Rome Allenatore provide an opportunity to play the captain Francesco Totti. In fact, the condition of Totti not 100 percent fit. He only played for 45 minutes, then replaced by Baptista.

"He (Totti, Red) better than against Fiorentina. It is important that he continue to improve the appearance and began to practice regularly. In 45 minutes against Fiorentina and 45 minutes now, he can improve the physical," said Ranieri.

The victory was a positive provision for Roma who will play at the stage Europa League. Giallorossi will fight in the first leg of the round of 32 against Greek club Panathinaikos on Friday morning (19 / 2) in Athens.

On the other hand, the defeat by the Romans which creates a small ripple in the internal Palermo. President Maurizio Zamparini's decision to blame the coach Delio Rossi is not playing Javier Pastore and Abel Hernandez as a starter. In fact, Hernandez was not given a chance to appear.

"I felt, it was embarrassing football. I judge a wrong decision taken by the coach. I want him to be responsible," explained Zamparini.

The number one in Palermo is forced Rossi Pastore and Hernandez played in subsequent matches. Therefore, both the players prepared to be a major figure Palermo next season.

"Palermo lost because of arrogance. Now, enough talk about the Champions League. I just saw the Romans who played in the field and very absurd to see we conceded so many goals," said Zamparini

Manchester City into the Premier League

Manchester City continue to rush into the Premier League big four. 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers at the City of Manchester yesterday morning (10 / 2) take City up to fifth place with 44 points in 24 action.

City match points rank fourth acquisition Liverpool. Despite losing in the affairs of goal difference, The Citizens-called City-Liverpool is likely to displace because it has one match remaining.

Duel against Liverpool two weeks (21 / 2) becomes crucial moment for the City. Before challenging Liverpool, City serving Stoke City next week (16 / 2). Stoke is the same opponent for the Citizens in the last 16 of the FA Cup next Saturday (13 / 2).

Back chance to penetrate the four major stronghold City enthusiastically welcomed. Understandably, the City had penggawa shaky after swallowing two defeats in three previous action. Including, when dipecundangi team 1-2 by the board under the Hull City (6 / 2).

"I was furious after we beat Hull. It is quite normal considering our bad performance. But now we are very confident capable of reaching the Champions League place next season," said Roberto Mancini, the coach City, as reported by the Daily Telegraph.

"If we delay action to win, the gap with Arsenal (third place, Red) is only two points. We, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and will compete for the remaining two places in the Champions League until the end of the season," said trainer Italy is familiarly called Mancio it.

City victory against Bolton penalty execution begins from Carlos Tevez on 31 minutes. Gift-kick was given to 12 fit host for breach of left back Paul Robinson to Bolton newer players City, Adam Johnson. Tevez managed to perform the task as well as the executioner scored his 13th this season.

The Citizens have to wait until the 73rd minute to double the advantage through Emmanuel Adebayor. Togo striker's goals created through somersault kick after he got feedback from Patrick Viera.

"When we complete squad, there is no reason for us to not be able to penetrate the big four at the end of the season. I know the City has spent a large budget to buy players and everyone wants to see results," said Mancini.

If the City happy to return to compete in the Champions League zone, Bolton actually had to fight to avoid relegation. The Bolton Trotters-nickname-suspended in ranked 17th. Owen Coyle's farm team that was only one point with West Ham in the 18th position.

"I'm still optimistic with a chance we (escape from relegation). We were just unlucky defeat at Manchester City. As a squad numbered more than 200 million pounds (nearly USD 3 trillion), the City did not appear despite winning special," Coyle said the new very dedicate victory since the handle Bolton on 8 January.

Chelsea Beat Arsenal at Stamford Bridge Stadium

The fate of Arsenal in the Premier League title chase this season on the horns. The Gunners, Arsenal title-once again lost three points after a 0-2 defeat at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge Stadium yesterday morning.

The defeat was made Cesc Fabregas et al behind nine points from Chelsea who returned memuncaki standings (58-49). Conditions forced Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger thinks realistically. He stated, Arsenal won the title chances this season is running low. "Our current position is not good. But we do not give up," said Wenger, as quoted by the Associated Press.

"We were not lucky, like against Manchester United (lost 1-3, Red). If a team loses, psychologically it is very influential on the next game. That is our misfortune," continued the man nicknamed The Professor's.

Arsenal actually appear dominant. In the first half, they created several chances by Andrei Arshavin, Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott. However, tough defense as the Blues-Chelsea-Arsenal squad making the attack failed.

In contrast, Chelsea successfully stealing two goals through quick counter-attack. Born first goal kick at close range by Didier Drogba in the eighth minute. He is using John Terry heading the right leads to Manuel Almunia's goal.

Well, 15 minutes later, the same counter attack goal back for fruiting host. Frank Lampard dribel starting from the middle of the field, he went on the ball to Drogba. After swindle two Arsenal defenders, the Ivory Coast striker fired hard into the left side of Almunia's goal.

The results are repeated as the first round of meetings ago. At that time, the Emirates, Chelsea 3-1 Arsenal humiliate. Two goals The Blues is the creation of Drogba.

Wenger has a lot of reasons about his team's defeat this time. He accused the Chelsea playing negative football. Proven, besutan team coach Carlo Ancelotti was rarely take the initiative to attack. Wenger also mentions the Chelsea defender to stop the rough play Arsenal attack.

"We controlled the ball throughout the game, about 70 percent. We were always pressing their defense," said Wenger, as reported by the Independent.

"They are very experienced in the last. They dare to violate. But, they do so gently to avoid a yellow card. Experienced players are very good at making dirty tricks," continued the French trainer.

Ancelotti insists that his team is winning thanks to excellent defense. "We have a high motivation for wanting to win the crown of the Premier League and other trophies. That is the only key to our victory, not the other," said the Italian man told AFP.

"Our defense was fantastic. We try to print more scores, but sometimes the defense is more important," he continued.

Ancelotti praises Chelsea captain John Terry who look good. "John (Terry) showed the positive attitude that is very helpful when we had to face a dangerous attack Arsenal. Football is not just attacking. Football is a combination of attack, defense, and the final result. Viewed from the three sectors, we deserve to win, "exclaimed the former AC Milan coach was

Liverpool opportunity breakthrough Board Top

Had stumbled on board the Premier League, Liverpool are now starting step consistent. Slowly but surely, they approached the four major zones. Opportunities that would more if the Reds - Liverpool nickname - successfully pick three points in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield Stadium tonight (ESPN Live at 19:45 GMT).

Currently Liverpool only one point adrift of Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth position with 42 points. With continued consistent performance, Steven Gerrard et al have a great chance to break boards.

In fact, Liverpool could penetrate four major this week if the win over Everton in the fight while others Tottenham failed to win over Aston Villa.

Liverpool's task is not easy. Moreover, they lost some important players such as Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun, and Glen Johnson. However, Liverpool could get a good result and a record three clean sheets in successive action.

"I am very pleased that we passed through six games undefeated. Really good. We continue to grow. You can see all the hard work and we maintain this momentum," said Rafael Benitez, Liverpool architect, as quoted Sportbox.

Other disorders linked to rumors of Benitez to Juventus did not affect the team performance. The concentration of penggawa Liverpool stay on the field.

Only, it will not be easy for Liverpool to stifle Everton. If Liverpool recorded six games undefeated, Everton have not even beaten in the last nine games in the Premier League.

As with Liverpool, Everton also recorded three clean sheets in the last fight. However, the last time Everton were defeated by Liverpool in the first round derby this season. The Toffees - Everton nickname - surrendered 0-2 to the Reds on 29 November.

Derby late tonight, the penggawa Everton hope to offer a victory for coach David Moyes who will fight to melakoni-600. "We'll see what happens. Who knows?" Moyes said.

Throughout history the two teams meeting, Liverpool were more dominant. The Reds won 69 times. Meanwhile, Everton won the fight 56. Total, the two teams have clashed in a match in 181 Premier League stage.

"It's a big party and we realized we were playing at home and get great support from fans. Our target is to beat Everton," said Pepe Reina, Liverpool goalkeeper, as reported by the Telegraph.

"The situation we face today is different from last season while struggling title. We now just have to concentrate. You can say about improvisation and developed, but the important thing is to win at the end of the fight," said goalkeeper from Spain

1 Hull v Chelsea 1

Chelsea throw opportunities leading by four points over Manchester United at the top of the Premier League standings. Staying Digadang win, Chelsea drew 1-1 against Hull City at the Kingston Communications Stadium yesterday morning WIT (3 / 2).

As a result, Chelsea are now just two points ahead (55-53) on United. They both played 24 laga. The situation was made The Blues-Chelsea-wary as to meet this weekend. Therefore, United mengudeta chance Chelsea throne.

That scenario happens if Chelsea fail to beat Arsenal in the London derby at Stamford Bridge next Sunday (7 / 2). Chelsea had a 3-0 victory in the capital's first meeting this season at the Emirates (29/9/2009). But Arsenal will learn the experience. Moreover, the defeat could be a chance to bury champions Arsenal. Arsenal is currently in third place with 49 points in 24 action.

On the other hand, the United entertain Portsmouth caretaker team at Old Trafford next Saturday (6 / 2). On paper, Red Devils, the nickname of United-should not be hard to realize the three points. What if Chelsea versus Arsenal duel series? United must win at least three goals to be enthroned.

''There's nothing to worry about. Our position is still good. We know the performance of Manchester United is now rising. But, the competition was long and lasted until the end of the season, "said Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti as if to encourage his team as reported by AFP.

Ancelotti considered his team still had the upper hand, although the gap is only two points. ''However, two points of our happiness. It is impossible for every team always wins in every game, "said the Italian coach that Carletto is familiarly called.

Chelsea should be grateful to Didier Drogba yesterday. Ivory Coast bomber who had just returned from duty in the country's African Nations Cup scoring the equalizer. Drogba free-kick on 42 minutes to respond to Stephen Mouyokolo goals (30 ").

Gol Drogba added the collections in the Premier League to 15 goals. This means that only the difference Drogba scored five goals with a collection terbanyaknya goals on the season 2006-2007, that is 20 goals.

Return''Didier (Drogba) is very important in the current moment. I think he will undergo his best season after six years at the club. We also need all the players in good shape until the end of the season to achieve maximum results, "said Ancelotti.

For Hull, the result a draw against Chelsea provides a special motivation. Coach Phil Brown is confident his side can escape relegation from the second shell. Last season, nicknamed The Tigers, the status of Hull-promotion team to finish in top-17 or right on the lips of degradation.