UEFA Champions League: Quarter Finals (1st Leg)

I don't think Puyol is better than Gallas at all. Maxwell is very average also. I'd say Pique is better than Puyol.

First time I've had a chance to say anything since I got back from the game last night. What an epic *bleep*ing match. The atmosphere beforehand was quality and you could just sense around the stadium it was going to be a special game.

The first 20 minutes was unbelievable. I have NEVER, in all my times of having a season ticket at Highbury/Emirates, seen a team come to the stadium and play as at our game. They didn't just do that, but they played it better than we could even dream of. I was thrilled to go in 0-0 at half time, it was the most entertaining half of goaless football I've ever seen.

After we went 2-0 down I thought it was all over. Almunia made a right mess for the first goal, but he was amazing in the first half so I think I'll let him off for that one. Shame that moody Swede got them both too, he looked absolutely shit in the first half. How we came back I don't think I will ever know. Walcott was absolutely electric. I know he's had a pretty poor season, but he HAS to start at the Nou Camp. Barca's defence really couldn't cope with has pace, his introduction really did change the game. Special praise to Nasri, who put in another good performance, Bedntner, who although should have had a goal himself, played a big part in both our goals and Denilson who I thought looked very composed when he came on. Arshavin was poor for the short time he was on, I thought Diaby had a bad game too.

Fabregas is a hero. I thought the ref was harsh to us all evening, the booking he gave Cesc for what was a great tackle was an absolute joke, had that booking been the only factor keeping him out of the second leg I'd be absolutely fuming. I don't think anyone should complain about the penalty being giving, considering some of the bollocks that the ref had blown up for earlier in the match. I actually thought he might miss, he had to wait so long to take it, and that wanker Alves was in his ear. Fair play to Fab for smashing it in, and if he has broke his leg, its amazing to think he hobbled around for the rest of the game.

Was nice to see Henry take his time to walk around the pitch and applaud the fans, he got a really good reception so it was nice he thanked the fans for it. On the pitch he did look a shadow of his former self though.

Second leg will obviously be an uphill battle. Looks like we've got Van Persie, Fabregas, Gallas and Arshavin all out. Wenger said Clichy went over on his ankle too, but heres hoping he'll be fit for the game. We can take hope in the fact Puyol and Pique are suspended. I'm guessing Barca will play two of Toure, Marquez and Militio?

Here's how I reckon we'll line up:



So no-one's going to give us a chance of progressing, but you never know in football.

Will Arshavin be fit for the game Ed? I was expecting us to line up something like this:



If Arshavin's fit I'm guessing Nasri will drop into Cesc's role and one of Denilson or Diaby will be on the bench. I reckon we'll go with Campbell though, and I think that'll be for the best.

Pfft. No chance he'll score. Theres been lots of rumours he's off to the MLS soon to finish his career. He's a shadow of his former self.

*Please don't score and make me look silly Thierry