Match Analysis

Matches

Chelsea 2-1 Benfica: Chelsea outplayed in the first half, but improve after the break

May 16, 2013
Chelsea 2-1 Benfica: Chelsea outplayed in the first half, but improve after the break

Chelsea won the Europa League thanks to Branislav Ivanovic’s stoppage time header. From the side that lost to Porto at the weekend, Jorge Jesus left out Lima and Ola John, bringing back Oscar Cardozo and Rodrigo to the starting line-up. Lorenzo Malgarejo replaced for the suspended Maxi Pereira, with Andre Almeida switching flanks. Rafael Benitez was...
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Posted in Europa League | 42 Comments »

Porto 2-1 Benfica: late Kelvin winner puts Porto on the verge of the title

May 14, 2013
Porto 2-1 Benfica: late Kelvin winner puts Porto on the verge of the title

A draw would have kept Benfica at the top – but a dramatic goal from substitute Kelvin means Porto go into the final day as favourites for the title. Vitor Pereira used his expected starting XI, although midfielders Joao Moutinho and Lucho Gonzalez often played the other way around to their normal format. Jorge Jesus used...
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Posted in Portugal | 62 Comments »

Wigan 1-0 Manchester City: Wigan stifle City and attack with tremendous width

May 13, 2013
Wigan 1-0 Manchester City: Wigan stifle City and attack with tremendous width

Ben Watson headed a stoppage time winner as Wigan lifted the FA Cup for the first time. Roberto Martinez was able to call upon Antolin Alcaraz in the centre of his three-man defence, and he used James McArthur as a right-wing-back and Jordi Gomez in central midfield. Roberto Mancini picked Joe Hart despite having used Costel...
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Posted in England | 101 Comments »

Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham: Villas-Boas uses subs well, Benitez doesn’t react decisively

May 9, 2013
Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham: Villas-Boas uses subs well, Benitez doesn’t react decisively

Tottenham twice came back from behind in an exciting, open game at Stamford Bridge. Rafael Benitez selected Fernando Torres upfront, and David Luiz as a deep-lying midfielder, so Branislav Ivanovic partnered Gary Cahill in the centre. Andre Villas-Boas was without Mousa Dembele, so Scott Parker played alongside Tom Huddlestone. Upfront, Emmanuel Adebayor got the nod over...
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Posted in England | 16 Comments »

Barcelona 0-3 Bayern: Bayern untroubled at the back & consistently dangerous down the flanks

May 1, 2013
Barcelona 0-3 Bayern: Bayern untroubled at the back & consistently dangerous down the flanks

Bayern produced another highly impressive performance to qualify for the Champions League final with ease. Tito Vilanova decided not to risk the half-fit Lionel Messi, so Cesc Fabregas played as the false nine. David Villa replaced Alexis Sanchez, while Alex Song was in for the injured Sergio Busquets, and Adriano for the suspended Jordi Alba. Jupp...
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Posted in Champions League | 132 Comments »