Champions League 2012-13: The week of derbies

The major matches of the week:

This was one of the biggest week-ends of the season, where fans have difficulties in choosing the right match to watch.

Let’s start with El Classico. There was a 7 point difference between the teams, while Barcelona had all its matches won so far. The starting line-ups didn't include any surprise decisions. Barca had Mascherano and Adriano in the central defense, due to Puyol's injury and Pique's disqualification. Despite the rumors, Oezil was on in Real’s starting eleven.

Champions League 2012-13: FC Porto and Malaga CF

FC Porto, Portugal

UEFA Ranking: 8

Champions League participations: 17 (missed only 1994-95, 2002-03, 2010-11) - - best result – Champions (2003-04)

Total transfer amount of all players: 173,8 mln €

The most expensive players: Joao Moutinho

TOP 10 BOOKS ON TACTICS

1. Football and Chess: Tactics Strategy Beauty

Why are football and chess 'beautiful games'? Do top football coaches read the pitch as a chess player reads the board? What is the connection between Jose Mourinho's defensive cunning and Grandmaster Wilhelm Steinitz's 'principles of defence'? The global popularity of football and chess remains unmatched by any other game. In this book, Adam Wells argues that stereotypical views of the games have concealed a deep connection between them. The first study of its kind, this book explores a rich world of tactics, psychology and aesthetics. Structural principles are analysed using real life examples to show how these connections play out on the board and in the field. This book is accessible to fans of either game, including football fans with no previous knowledge of chess. Readers will see how chess can be a pulsating, dynamic game, whilst appreciating that football shares much of the mystery and structural beauty of the world's greatest board game.

2.  FC Barcelona - A Tactical Analysis: Attacking

Champions League 2012-13: The week-end after Champions League Day 2

We enjoyed Champions League matches during the week, but let’s look back and see what happened in Europe in the week-end preceding the Champions League matchday 2. And there was a lot to watch! 

Champions League will be discussed right before the 3^rd matchday, and before this we will have a chance to watch closely the only two teams that not only won their two first matches, but also kept clean sheets. These two teams are Porto and Malaga.

Let’s start with Eredivisie.

Champions League 2012-13: The first matchday

It is always fascinating to watch the first round of Champions League group stage. It is especially interesting in the prospective of challengers and underdogs, who get only 6 chances to justify their presence in the tournament. Some of them have already achieved something tangible, something they will be proud of even if they do not build up on the successful start.

Let’s look at the 16 incredible matches closely.

Group A

PSG-Dynamo 4-1

Champions League 2012-13: The week-end before Champions League Day 2

While Wayne Rooney is still missing due to his injury, Alex Ferguson’s team has shown yet another pale performance, though took three points from Merseyside. Liverpool, struggling to get their first win in the season, controlled the game during all 90 minutes, even after being reduced to 10 men in the first half. Manchester United had to recover after an early goal in the second half. The ball appeared in Liverpool’s net twice - after a beautiful shot by Rafael and a controversial penalty converted by Robin van Persie – the Premier League topscorer with now 5 goals.

Champions League 2012-13: BATE Borisov and CFR Cluj

BATE Borisov, Belarus

UEFA Ranking: 55

Champions League participations: 2 (2008-09, 2011-12) - - best result - 3 points (2008-09)

Total transfer amount of all players: 20,2 mln €

The most expensive players:

Champions League 2012-13: The week-end after Champions League Day 1

There is a chance for us to talk about Champions League matches, but let’s wait with this until we are closer to the second matchday. Before that we’ll make the traditional week-end round-ups and talk about the two big surprising teams at the Champions League – BATE Borisov and CFR Cluj. So don’t miss the next-week post about Belorussian and Romanian champions. 

In the week preceding the Champions League group stage kick-off Arsenal

Champions League 2012-13: The last week-end before the group stage kick-off

In the week preceding the World Cup qualification matches, there was, as always, plenty of interesting action going on in the European pitches.

In the first clash involving two Champions League participants