Wow, another sensational Champions League game, what a game!

So, what can we learn from this game?

Firstly we can learn that soccer is the greatest sport in the World…..well, we already knew that didn’t we???

Secondly, we can see that the game can hinge upon any number of factors such as bad calls from the referee, missed chances, lapses in concentration and of course individual brilliance.

I only saw the second half of this game, so I can only let you know what I learned from the 45 minutes plus 7 minutes of stoppage time.

I learned that forwards need to take their chances, Drogba had a great chance to put the game to bed and make it 2-0, he did all the hard work and then side footed his shot on the ground and the keeper saved it with his foot. If Drogba had have put that one away, that was game over and no need for his disgraceful behavior after the final whistle.

I learned that once a quality ball is served into the box, the pressure really is on the defending team. The right back for Barcelona was having a horrible time with his crosses and then finally he put one in that was worth it, as he served it in I said to myself “Uh oh, this looks dangerous” The Chelsea defender Alex headed up in the air, Michael Essien failed to clear and then there was the Barcelona player lurking just outside the “D” to blast the shot into the back of the net and the game was over.

So, from Chelsea’s point of view, they were 1-0 up, playing at home, playing against a team who was down a man and they failed to kill the team off. As the game entered the final 5 minutes I said to my wife, “It is now very dangerous for Chelsea, if Barcelona score now there will not be enough time for Chelsea to score another goal and Barcelona will go through.” Chelsea should have the experience to close down a game for the final few minutes, but they simply couldn’t.

From Barcelona’s point of view they did the right thing. They pressured Chelsea, they were positive and they knew that as time was running out the game was moving in their direction. In this kind of situation, you take risks, throw everything at the other team. If it pays off, you win, if you get caught on the break and lose 2-0, well that’s the risk you take.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Maybe when Hiddink took Drogba off he should have left Anelka up front and brought on a more defensive minded player to plug the hole in front of the back four. I am sure he is mulling over this today.

So, the next time your team is 1-0 with 5 minutes to go, what will you do tactically?

Conversely, the next time you are trailing 1-0 with 5 minutes to go, what will you do tactically?

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