PSG were elimintated on the away goals rule following a good counter-attacking display.
Tito Vilanova named Lionel Messi on the bench, with Cesc Fabregas deployed upfront after his weekend hattrick. Adriano played alongside Gerard Pique at the back.
Carlo Ancelotti was without the suspended Blaise Matudi, so used Marco Verratti alongside Thiago Motta, with David Beckham...
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Real pressed effectively in the first half, but Barcelona exerted their dominance after the break.
With various absences, Jose Mourinho was forced to name a makeshift backline – Ricardo Carvalho played alongside Rafael Varane, Alvaro Arbeloa had to play left-back, so Michael Essien deputised on the right. New signing Diego Lopez started in goal, Jose...
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Barcelona constantly attacked into an inside-left position in their comfortable victory over Benfica.
Jorge Jesus chose 4-1-4-1ish system with Nemanja Matic sitting deep in midfield and Bruno Rodrigo having most license to get forward. Oscar Cardozo wasn’t fit, so Lima started alone upfront.
Tito Vilanova brought back Carles Puyol into defence, while Cesc Fabregas played in...
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ZM’s team of Euro 2012…
Iker Casillas, Spain
This wasn’t a tournament of particularly fine individual goalkeeping displays, but the best two goalkeepers of the tournament – and of the century – met as captains in the final. Until the, there was nothing to separate Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon, but after Casillas made a fine...
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Spain played an extremely cautious game, but won after Croatia pushed forward.
Vicente Del Bosque kept the same starting XI, meaning Fernando Torres again spearheaded the attack.
Slaven Bilic made various changes, effectively using a version of the 4-2-3-1 system he finished the Italy game with. Domagoj Vida started at right-back, pushing Darijo Srna forward to...
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