Weekend Watch Recap: Taking It Lying Down

By: chris | December 17th, 2007

The recap and highlights, where available, of the weekend watch.

Saturday

Valencia v Barcelona:

Barca looked like sex on the pitch, got an easy 3 goal victory over Valencia and had a vintage performance from Samuel Eto’o, but it likely isn’t enough to lift the gray cloud over the heads of the Barcelona faithful. Lionel Messi went down, had to limp off the pitch and will be unavailable for the clasico next weekend, a fixture which could go a long way in deciding who hoists that trophy next season. Barcelona has depth and quality which would make any club in the world jealous, but quite simply: there is no replacement for Messidona.

Rangers v Hearts:

Lee McCulloch gave Rangers a lift of spirits by bagging a “brace” in a 2-1 win over Scotland’s Lithuanian contingent, but that was only half the story. Old Firm rivals Celtic lost a two goal lead to minnows Caley Thistle and were handed an embarrassing 3-2 loss to bring the gap to within 2 at the top of the Scottish table, while Ranger still has 2 games in hand. Suffice it to say it doesn’t make up for last week, but I can’t imagine the weekend could’ve gone much better for Rangers and its fans.

The highlights are a must watch, especially the moment of absolute genius Charlie Adam had which knocked the woodwork (one of the best non-goals you’ll see this year) and Hearts keeper Kuskis’ juggling act which sealed their demise.

Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen:

Highlights on Ivan Klasnic Day here.

Sunday

Boca Juniors v Milan:

Milan took home their umpteenth trophy with a 4-2 trophy and now can consider themselves “campioni del mondo” in the club world as Pippo Inzaghi continued his run as the luckiest son of a bitch in the history of time. Also, Kaka is pretty good and he belongs to Jesus. Is there a more deadly combination in the world? I think not. Now if only Milan could play like this inside Italy they might actually make next year’s Champions League…

Wrap Up & Liveblog.:

Recap: Italy Offside
Liveblog: Milan Offside

Ajax v PSV:

The game was postponed because the police went on strike. Probably the responsible thing, but nobody wants that, right?

Liverpool v ManYoo:

Second loss in a row for the Reds, the dagger put in by Rafa man crush Carlos Teves, who set up his barcalounger around the 6 yard box and poked in a shotpass from the Roonster. Made all the worse by the fact that it came directly in front of the legendary Kop. This allows Manchester to keep pace with Arsenal up at the top while Liverpool, who didn’t lose a game until January, dropped behind Citeh and are now in 5th place. I suppose those Rafa “crunch talks” with the owners were all butterflies and unicorns this morning, yeah?

101 Great Goals has the highlights for both Prem matches.

Arsenal v Chelsea:

And Arsenal reigns over London once again. In what was a polite and courteous affair lined with lots of man hugs and pleasant greetings, William Gallas stuck it to his old club with the only goal, while the man who went the other way in the transfer, Cashley Cole, shamed his by punchslapping Cesc in the face (and making rude gestures). An action which might see him get some time to reflect on his actions from the stands. Don’t suppose Chelsea wants a do-oover on that deal. John Terry is out…again…with a triple break of The Dreaded Metatarsal. An injury which has gone from a curse of England strikers to a curse of just plain old England. So Arsenal goes top after looking dreamy. If Barcelona is sex on a pitch, then Arsenal is at least 3rd base. Also, that Almunia guy? He can play a bit – just don’t tell Jens.