2008/2009 UEFA Champions League - Group H Preview
September 17th 2008 02:37
The group of death has fans and analysts alike foaming at the mouth with excitement. Real Madrid, Juventus, and new sensation Zenit St. Petersburg all bundled together. Could you ask for more?
Real Madrid
After all their fanfare about getting Cristiano Ronaldo to sign with them, it was the Meringues who lost out when Robinho decided to leave and sign for Manchester City, leaving them a bit naked on the wings (pray that Robben won't get injured). The absence of Sneijder hasn't been very noticeable with Van der Vaart's arrival but it does have a subtle impact in the way they play. Without Sneijder, Madrid's attack has looked lost sometimes, often displaying a lack of purpose and direction. It's as if everyone on the team is expecting someone to do something when it all goes wrong. Sneijder's commanding presence has been missing in that aspect. Madrid's Dutch contingent will be happy to face the Russians though, it will be a little revenge for the Euro 2008. That is, if they win.
Zenit St. Petersburg
They came out of nowhere last year, winning the UEFA Cup, and defeating Manchester United for the UEFA Super Cup in the beginning of the 08-09 season. They share the same style as Russia's national team under Guus Hiddink – a fast-paced attack with overlapping fullbacks. They are especially deadly on the break which should keep their opponents on their toes.
BATE Borisov
Umm... yeah. Good luck.
Juventus
Italy's Old Lady is back on the European stage after their purgatory in Serie B, and another year of getting everything back on track. Unfortunately, their aging squad doesn't have very much left on the tank to keep up in two competitions. During the summer they got a striker, a midfielder, and a couple of defenders in order to bring some depth to the team. It'll be interesting to see how their experienced midfield will react to Zenit's style of play. I wouldn't count them out. I've got the feeling that this will be a tight group where the number of goals scored (even on the losing side, like 2-1 in a away match) will matter in the end.
Real Madrid
After all their fanfare about getting Cristiano Ronaldo to sign with them, it was the Meringues who lost out when Robinho decided to leave and sign for Manchester City, leaving them a bit naked on the wings (pray that Robben won't get injured). The absence of Sneijder hasn't been very noticeable with Van der Vaart's arrival but it does have a subtle impact in the way they play. Without Sneijder, Madrid's attack has looked lost sometimes, often displaying a lack of purpose and direction. It's as if everyone on the team is expecting someone to do something when it all goes wrong. Sneijder's commanding presence has been missing in that aspect. Madrid's Dutch contingent will be happy to face the Russians though, it will be a little revenge for the Euro 2008. That is, if they win.
Zenit St. Petersburg
They came out of nowhere last year, winning the UEFA Cup, and defeating Manchester United for the UEFA Super Cup in the beginning of the 08-09 season. They share the same style as Russia's national team under Guus Hiddink – a fast-paced attack with overlapping fullbacks. They are especially deadly on the break which should keep their opponents on their toes.
BATE Borisov
Umm... yeah. Good luck.
Juventus
Italy's Old Lady is back on the European stage after their purgatory in Serie B, and another year of getting everything back on track. Unfortunately, their aging squad doesn't have very much left on the tank to keep up in two competitions. During the summer they got a striker, a midfielder, and a couple of defenders in order to bring some depth to the team. It'll be interesting to see how their experienced midfield will react to Zenit's style of play. I wouldn't count them out. I've got the feeling that this will be a tight group where the number of goals scored (even on the losing side, like 2-1 in a away match) will matter in the end.
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