A replay fo the 2006 champions league final match looks uncertain after AC Milan clinched top spot to play Arsenal ahead of FC Barcelona.


The likelihood of an FC Barcelona - Arsenal FC clash was high, but in the end, it did not materialize...at least, just yet...perhaps. If Arsenal can overcome the gigantic battle against defending champions AC Milan, there could still be a chance for the Blaugrana to square up against the Gooners, that is going by the assumption that Barca will trample over the warlords of Celtic.


A lot rests on how Arsenal can curtail the effective experience AC Milan often springs up against such big teams and at such stages in the championship. Two key players shall be Kaka of AC Milan, the current European and World Player of The Year and on the otherside, ex-Barca star, Cesc Fabregas. With Fabregas looking at the likelihood of shinning infront of his home fans at Catalonia, this inspiration could see Arsenal through and set up another likelihood of the mcuh awaited FC Barcelona - Arsenal grudge match!

Although FC Barcelona clearly dominated the match against Rangers, Coach Walter Smith believes his boys gave out their best.



Sometimes, one's best may not be good enough. The men from Scotland fought bravely but could not sustain the fire-power from the attack- conscious Barca squad. Glasgow Rangers crashed 2-0 in Camp Nou last night and Walter Smith, the coach of the Scottish side, rues the loss but does not regret the performance of his players. Smith praises the Rangers squad and also rejoices in the fact that he believes his team are through to the Champions League next round along with the league leaders Barca, even though Rangers are just a point behind third placed Olympique Lyon in Group E:

We had a little bit of a bad start, giving away the early goal, and after that it was always going to be difficult. It was a tough night for us, I can't fault my players because they all tried very hard. As I said, you look first and foremost at yourself, and we did not defend well. I can't criticize my players because we worked very hard, as we have throughout in this competition. Tonight we were playing against one of the favourites to win the trophy itself, and I have no complaints.

Glasgow Rangers and Lyon will play the final match of the group at Ibrox, Rangers home ground. Before then, Lyon have a home match against FC Barcelona while Rangers travel away to face VfB Stuttgart.


Rangers are still second, a point ahead of Lyon, whom they will face on the final day in what will be a key clash.

Other than just Rangers' negative football, Rijkaard has other worries.


The Dutchman expressed sadness not only at the game Rangers played, but at the fact the Barca didn't score as was clearly deserved. Rijkaard however saw an improved Barcelona squad from the performance against Villarreal, and also had some nice words for Eidur Gudjohnsen:


Coach Frank Rijkaard Regrets Rangers Match.

Barca's midfield creativo, Andres Iniesta is bracing up for tough times in Scotland.


FC Barcelona's Andres Iniesta has admitted that the Champions League match against Rangers will be a tough one for the Blaugrana, and says that Barca must play with intensity if it hopes to win the match. Iniesta, who has been a key player for Barca last season and this season, believes FC Barcelona are ready for the Scottish challenge and relies on Barca's superior technical skills and experience to see them through. Iniesta said:

It is a crucial match, because we both have six points and the winner of the match will take a huge step towards the next round of the competition. If we don’t play with lots of intensity, we will be in for a very bad match. We have to make the difference with other things. It will be a very intense and complicated match, because these types of teams play with lots of intensity.