Posted on 04-07-2009 under Previews

Here we are the day before the epic showdown at the Camp Nou in Barcelona. Pretty exciting, no? Over here at the Tigerblog we’re having fits of epileptic joy, so don’t be surprised if you see passages that lo.,fsag;lkdk jsdlkf awjfmcoiaevj fpo!!!!!!


Also American viewers, thanks to the contemptible behavior of our ESPN footy overlords you’ll need to watch the game on ESPN Deportes if you can find it. I’d recommend Latino bars and restaurants. I’ve got one in Baltimore I’m planning to go to (Carlos O’Charlies on Eastern Ave, a great joint) and I’ll sure be drinking some refreshing and delectable micheladas. But you’re not here for restaurant tips, so enough about that.


Predictions


This game will probably start a bit slowly. We’ll probably see possession bogged down in midfield and our share of back-passes as the teams feel each other out and start looking for the soft underbelly of the respective defenses. After 20 minutes, we’ll start seeing some real chances, and at the 34th minute Xavi, Messi, and Eto’o will combine on a goal to push Barca in front.


A few minutes later, Van Bommel will pick up a yellow card.


Just before half, Bayern’s left back Lahm will go forward and pick out a cross the ball will settle nicely for old hand Ze Roberto who will smash it past Victor Valdes to tie the score right before the teams enter the dressing room for halftime.


Shortly after half Barca will find another goal, this time coming from the other side and combination play from Iniesta and Henry.


Around the 60-65th, Bayern will remove Van Bommel to protect him from more bookings, and bring on Tim Borowski, and Barca will take off Rafa Marquez for Gerard Piqué.


After a half mostly filled with end-to-end play, around the 75th minute Barca will get another goal, this time afer their own left back Dani Alves gets involved going forward and working with Xavi and Messi.


At this point, Barca will remove Iniesta for Sergio Busquets


As the game reaches it’s conclusion, Bayern will earn a corner and get players forward. I predict Bayern to score the game’s final goal on a set piece, and then the match will conclude. Two end of half goals to save Bayern’s bacon heading back for the second leg, and good flowing attack from Barca. A man can dream the impossible dream, yes?


Final score of game 1: 3-2 to the boys from Barcelona.


I can’t wait for tomorrow. It should be some terrific and compelling ball. Feel free to look back over the Ultimate preview using the links below, and of course you can disagree/call me a jackass in the comments should you want to raise some hell, and I’ll see you back here for wrap-up after the game’s all over!