Village Idiot

So weird that Real Madrid basically gave up on the wings when it was obvious it was ManU's main weakness (they scored from a cross afterall), but with Marcelo out they have lost a lot of width. Why Cristiano went through the middle when Rafael had been poor and was on a yellow I also don't understand. A good result for ManU, although Real Madrid did look the better team; let's see if OT is all what's cracked up to be...

The really frustrating part is when you finish fourth and the team behind the team behind you spawn their way to the CL. And then spends 80 million during the summer. On all the players you wanted to buy. Sorry for that, our fault

I'm off to watch this at a madridista friend's house. I know I'll be in a minority around here tonight, but... http://www.bloomberg.com/image/iGl1D9ABf_nU.jpg GO Red Devils!!!!

Or Khedira-Modric, which would make more sense, but Mou hasn't used it much.

Marca hinting that Alonso will be out, which is a massive blow for them.

why not? Real Madrid certainly aren't unbeatable, got beat off Granada a couple weeks back didn't they? Real Madrid don't give a fuck about La Liga anymore, particularly away games. They will give a fuck tonight. Can't see past them, ManU's defence has been just too fragile this season, and they don't have the midfield to make up for it to try and run the game.

Valencia have improved with Canales/Valdez in the pitch, why Jonas is a starter for them I'll never understand. Such an ineffectual footballer.

Brushing aside? Terrible tactics with one objective only, counter with their fast guys. The typical Ancelotti team. Whatever you may think of it, Valencia are looking pretty hopeless. And I would say PSG are controlling the game, not just countering. Are you even watching the game? Controlling what way, especially since you're a Barcelona fan you should know. Valencia are pushing on and Paris are countering. Had to check the stats to see if I'm crazy and I wasn't suprised that ball possesion is 63 v 37 in favour of Valencia. I know it is weird coming from a Barça fan, but possession doesn't necessarily equal control. But Valencia are better this second half, I'll admit that.

Celtic fans have always been great when they have travelled over here; but I reckon this is not England.

Brushing aside? Terrible tactics with one objective only, counter with their fast guys. The typical Ancelotti team. Whatever you may think of it, Valencia are looking pretty hopeless. And I would say PSG are controlling the game, not just countering.

Celtic fans I met when they came over here claimed they were the first to sing it. Claimed.

PSG casually brushing Valencia aside. Gotta say I'm impressed. They haven't been too great in Ligue 1, have they? (given the players they have).

When I lived in NY I tried as hard as I could to support the NYRB. It was just impossible, like trying to kiss the ugliest chick at the party, who's also mean and likes to tell racist jokes. The Cosmos I could have got behind....

Put him in the 90s thread, but he'll also be eligible for the 2010's one when it gets opened. Absolute legend. http://www.aupadeportivo.com/media/galeria/36/2/2/0/0/n_valeron_juan_carlos_valeron_santana-22.jpg

Cronaldo's one is €1000m IIRC, but that one would easily be stricken down in court. Ultimately, if the footballer wants to leave, a deal will get done nevertheless what's in the contract.

Fabio Rochemback, Barça's midfield maestro alongside Thiago Motta in the early 2000s

The €16m is pretty real, he was reportedly on €14m before that. I would be very surprised if footballers paid full tax, though, they probably exploit every loophole available. So the 30m+ a year before tax is more doubtful.

Bale has been linked incessantly with a transfer to Real Madrid for ages now, if it comes to fruition we will be able to compare them side by side.

Milan AC linked with the doping scandal currently on trial in Spain "Operación Puerto". The "evidence" is tenuous at best at this point, tbf, the guy selling the medicals wrote down "MILAN" as the destination of some Growth Hormone he trafficked with. Milan have obviously come quickly to deny any relationship.

I always mix that one up myself. Clubs are singular in Spanish too.

WWE US Champion material, imho.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballon_d%27Or_2001 Robbery of the century, although I'm glad Raúl didn't win it or we would still be hearing about it from the Real Madrid media

France-Germany man, look at all those NUFC players I enjoy games between European and SA sides a lot more, they can only meet in the WC. I can wait until the weekend to see the France NT play against Spurs.

I'll join the "I don't give f*** about friendlies" chorus. That said, I'll eat up any football put on display, and the Spanish telly is broadcasting England-Brazil which is by far the tastiest tonight.

Cycling squads, which mobilize a fraction of the people and scrutiny that a top level football squad does.