Aside from troubles against Spanish nemesis Barcelona, Real Madrid is arguably in the greatest form of any club around the world. Jose Mourinho's men have not dropped points against a non-Barcelona team since Sept. 21, marking a span of 27 straight wins over non-Barcelona opposition.
Standing in their way of stretching that streak to 28 is CSKA Moscow, which is unbeaten all-time (3-0-2) against Spanish opposition and hosts the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie. Other than playing at its home stadium, though, the Russian side is at a heavy disadvantage. The club hasn't played a meaningful game since Dec. 7 because of its league's winter break, striker Vagner Love returned to his native Brazil and starting goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev is out with an injury.
In the day's second match, Napoli and its high-octane attack will look to deliver another blow to Chelsea and manager Andre Villas-Boas, who are in the midst of a troubling season by their lofty standards.
Here is the viewing schedule for the day's matches:
12 p.m. – Fox Soccer Channel – CSKA Moscow vs. Real Madrid
2:45 p.m. – Fox Soccer Channel – Napoli vs. Chelsea
If you will be watching any of Tuesday's UCL action, please feel free to share any thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below. Enjoy the games.
Actually, soccernet had Chelsea at 58% possession and skysports did too (might be the same source). The Blues had the ball, they just fell apart every time they lost it.
But Napoli had like 60 to 70% of the ball possession which is not bad for a counter-attacking team…
I think Chelsea only has one good player, the rest would be average Serie A squad players.
The top EPL sides look so weak this season – not only in Europe but also domestically. And hence I find it incredible that a commentator still believes in the supremacy of EPL teams.
Hamsik, Cavani and Lavezzi didn`t have a single shot on target against Bayern. And I wouldn`t describe Bayern`s defence as “world-class” – but the defensive skills of Chelsea and Arsenal are simply terrible.
Well I agree I could hit the mute button (and sometimes I do) but I’d argue that I pay darn good money to get the FULL experience; furthermore I’d argue that as a paying customer (and for the FSC package it isn’t cheapo cheap) I am entitled to keep my volume on and demand high quality commentary. So in hoping for change, I voice my displeasure. First step.
It was the same think last week with Milan vs Arsenal. I kept hearing the announcer say “this is a poor Milan side”. They just cant accept that this year the EPL is having a down year and their teams arent the best in the world.
Reasons why I won’t mind the premier league taking a dirt nap this year…the outrageous superiority complex.
Oh I totally get all that and I’m not saying I haven’t been annoyed by certain announcers in the past, but I finally learned to just hit the ole mute button and move on. I’ll take the good commentary all the other time… if anything it should please you that you know more about the game than a guy who is paid a lot to talk about it 😉
Y’all, how terrible was Napoli today? I mean honestly. Pretty bad, right?
On another note, Chelsea are clearly class. Their players stand above the rest.
Who knows about money, but he certainly lost his integrity.
Eh, he must’ve lost a bundle on that result. Can’t fault him for being bitter.
Heard* him
Neville can suck a fat Italian one after that bull.