Barcelona – European Conquerors No More?

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Scott Jenkins assesses Barcelona’s European prospects in the wake of their midweek defeat in Milan…

On Wednesday night AC Milan defeated Barcelona in the first leg of the super 16 stage of the Champions League. They take a 2 nil advantage going into the reverse fixture at the Camp Nou and there can be no mistaking that it is deservedly so.

The Rossoneri were the better team on the night. They defended well to reduce space and angles for Barca to offer many meaningful interchanges in and around their penalty area to threaten their goal. And when the opportunity presented itself, they stole possession and burst forward to attack with a bravery rarely seen against Barcelona. Continue reading

European Heavyweights Set to Spar – AC Milan v Barcelona

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Kyle Hulme previews the Champions League clash between two heavyweights of the European game…

The San Siro has hosted some of the greatest European football nights the world has ever seen, yet perhaps none where the home team is as unfancied as Milan are on Tuesday.

Despite both teams finishing second in their leagues last season, Milan and Barcelona couldn’t have had more contrasting starts to this one. Continue reading

TFN Meets Steve Graves

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Continuing The False Nine’s look back at 2012, we spoke to Steve Graves of The Anfield Wrap…

Favourite moment

For drama, Sergio Aguero’s winner to seal the Premier League title. For football and society as a whole, the announcement that the hugely flawed Hillsborough inquest verdicts would be quashed surpassed anything to happen on the pitch.

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El Retorno del Clásico – Una Edad Nueva

Excitement across the footballing world mounts as El Clásico looms; False Nine editor James Dutton examines a new era of this intense rivalry…

Ushering in a new era – Mourinho and Vilanova on friendlier terms

Six rounds into the Spanish league season and its most defining fixture is upon us already. Despite the 2012-13 La Liga season being in its formative stage, its importance has escalated in the face of the polarising league form of the two combatants – Barcelona and Real Madrid. Continue reading