Champions League Matchday 1: Barcelona v. Sporting Preview
By: Greg | September 15th, 2008
2008/09 Champions League Group C Matchday 1
Barcelona v. Sporting
September 16, 2008 @ 2:45 PM Eastern
Nou Camp, Barcelona, Spain
Preview
Sporting open their 2008 Champions League campaign with an extremely tough test against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in the Nou Camp.
A point here would be phenomenal, as Sporting have done nothing to impress when heading across the Iberian Peninusla to face off against Spanish opposition. Drawing Barcelona away would do wonders for their confidence heading into matches against the other group opponents, FC Basel 2001 and Shaq D.
Possible Sporting Starting XI
Yannick Djaló – Hélder Postiga (but probably Derlei)
Izmailov – João Moutinho – Romagnoli – Rochemback
Caneira – Polga – Tonel – Abel
Rui Patrício
I’m not sure if Bento is ready to give Miguel Veloso his holding mid spot back just yet. Rochemback has been more than serviceable filling in for Miggy at that spot and given the fact that Veloso is not presently in great form, I think Rochemback gets the nod here. Yannick comes back from his first international call up, but unlike the two Portuguese WC2010 qualifiers, he should come out for the CL anthem with the rest of the XI.
Key Player
Fábio Rochemback, Midfielder – If he can disrupt the sometimes overwhelming Barcelona attack, Sporting will have a chance. His physical play may frustrate the fluid and flashy Spaniards. If it doesn’t, look out.
Tactics
First legs of group stage play in the Champions League are historically cagey (which is a polite way to say ‘boring’). I think Sporting could put a few passes together and threaten Barcelona on occasion, but will probably be on the back foot quite a bit throughout the contest. I hate when teams “play” for a draw or go out with low hopes, as these matches rarely turn out well for the obsessively defensive team. I hope Yannick is able to make his mark on this match but last year when he was thrown into the European fire, he practically disappeared.
Prediction
I can’t predict anything more than a draw without seeming as though I’ve lost my fucking mind. I still haven’t found it… Sporting 1 – 0 Barcelona
Viva O Sporting!!!
Category: Sporting Team News
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Comments
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I don’t understand why a point would be so valuable. Given Barcelona’s recent form I think they could even pull off a win. It would also motivate the ’smaller’ teams.
Posted from
United States
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James, I was considering Sporting’s past form in Spain and trying best as possible to temper my hopes so I’m not too fucked off when they get tuned up 3-0. Its also still Barcelona in the Camp Nou.
Posted from
Canada -
Yeah, you have a point. I hope this year is the year of the ‘underdogs’ though.
Posted from
United States -
Barcelona plays its poorest when they are against a side with a well organized defense, and Sporting don’t have this quality. They can’t close down players or tackle without fouling. Without this ability, the best thing Sporting can do is possess the ball and accurately pass, which they seem unable to do against Barca. Depressing viewing really.
Posted from
United States
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