John Harkes going to Sheffield, Wednesday.
New York Post
 
        
 
 


Viva Espagne - Spanish football  shines in Champions League

   
Last week the Champion's League began in earnest, and the three Spanish giants came out to play. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Spanish champions Deportivo La Coruna laid down their markers. Although there is a lot of football to be played, these three are amongst the favourites to lift the trophy next May. Claims that the Premiership is Europe's top league have the same hollow ring as last year. If anything, the Spanish league, already the strongest, is getting stronger.

Certainly those who watched Liverpool and Arsenal against Barca and Deportivo, respectively, will not be inclined to argue. On Tuesday, having worried Barca for an hour or so, Liverpool were put to the sword with such style that it would have been churlish had the Kop not applauded the victors from the field. Although Liverpool fans might point to a Heskey effort cleared off the line at 1-0, Owen's glaring miss at 1-1, and some questionable off side decisions, the reality was that the visitors were in no way flattered by their win.

For the last half-hour, they cruelly exposed the frailties in a Liverpool side clearly not designed to chase a game. At times as the Catalans maintained possession effortlessly, it was embarrassing for Liverpool fans to watch. After all on current form, the Reds are the best that England can offer. Liverpool were outplayed in every department, as Rexach's team showed how to master Liverpool's powerful defence and counter attacking style. Perhaps the key to the game was the Barca coach's decision to allow both Kluivert and Rivaldo drop deep into midfield - at once leaving Henchoz and Hyppia confused as to who to pick up and how far to follow their adversaries. At the same time, the tactic allowed Barca to outnumber Liverpool in midfield. By the end of the game, Liverpool were reeling like a punch dunk boxer. If there was any consolation, it was that they were beaten by a very talented side that seems to have shored up its defensive frailties and could well lift the cup itself.

It's hard to see what consolation Arsenal can take from Wednesday's awful capitulation against Deportivo. Again the Premiership side were beaten with embarrassing ease. Right from the off, they were on the back foot and failed to really pressurise Deportivo's ageing lynch pins - Donato and Mauro Silva. Roy Makaay and Diego Tristan gave Richard Wright's defence a torrid opening half. The second half was a non-event with Deportivo easily holding the Gunners at arms length.

In a quality group, three home wins - possibly the best the Arsenal can hope for - will not see them progress through this round. Wenger's perseverance with Wiltord as Henry's partner continues to misfire. Vieira looks increasingly unhappy with his midfield partners - Gio van Bronckhurst drew many a withering look from the big Frenchman on Wednesday and clearly does not look like the quality of team mate that would make Vieira turn his back on Europe's big clubs.

On a brighter note, Arsenal's mysterious Brazilian midfielder Edu made a good impression when unleashed in the second half and Matt Upson continued to build on his early promise as a youngster.

As for Real Madrid, it was business as usual, negotiating a potentially tricky trip to tidy Sparta Prague. In Europe this season they continue to demonstrate their ability to go up a gear when threatened. With their wonderful array of talents, they remain among the favourites to pick up the trophy. But as in previous years, a shaky defence could yet again be their undoing.

One thing is clear to this reporter, however - Liverpool and Arsenal fans will not be celebrating a European Cup victory next May. However, one senses that fans living in one of three Spanish cities have will have a major reason to celebrate at the end of this season.