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Wan LixinOpinion deputy editor of Shanghai Daily
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Spanish quartet in danger of Euro exit
Source: Agencies |
February 22, 2013, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
BARCELONA'S surprise 0-2 reverse at AC Milan on Wednesday has left all four La Liga Champions League representatives on the back foot ahead of next month's last 16, second legs and in danger of missing out on a place in the quarterfinals.
Should they all fail, it would mark the first time since 2005 that a Spanish side had not reached the last eight, when Barcelona and Real Madrid fell in the last 16 after Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna were eliminated in the group stage.
Barcelona is in the most precarious position after a superbly organized Milan successfully repelled wave after wave of attacks from the 2011 winner and stopped the free-scoring Lionel Messi from producing a single shot on target.
Barcelona's rival Real drew 1-1 at home to English Premier League leader Manchester United in their first leg last week, meaning it has to score at Old Trafford to keep its dream of a 10th European crown alive. Valencia lost 1-2 at home to Ligue 1 side Paris St Germain, while Malaga, making its debut in Europe's elite club event, was beaten 0-1 at Portuguese club Porto.
"Suspense for the Spanish Champions League teams", was the headline in Marca sports daily yesterday.
Barcelona was furious about Milan's opening goal 12 minutes after halftime at the San Siro after the ball appeared to strike Cristian Zapata's arm before Kevin-Prince Boateng swept it past Victor Valdes. However, it could have no complaints about Sulley Muntari's fine volleyed effort in the 81st minute and it has to score at least twice against the Italians at the Nou Camp on March 12.
There was a familiar pattern to Wednesday's game, with Barcelona stroking the ball around outside Milan's penalty area but lacking the decisive final ball.
Should they all fail, it would mark the first time since 2005 that a Spanish side had not reached the last eight, when Barcelona and Real Madrid fell in the last 16 after Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna were eliminated in the group stage.
Barcelona is in the most precarious position after a superbly organized Milan successfully repelled wave after wave of attacks from the 2011 winner and stopped the free-scoring Lionel Messi from producing a single shot on target.
Barcelona's rival Real drew 1-1 at home to English Premier League leader Manchester United in their first leg last week, meaning it has to score at Old Trafford to keep its dream of a 10th European crown alive. Valencia lost 1-2 at home to Ligue 1 side Paris St Germain, while Malaga, making its debut in Europe's elite club event, was beaten 0-1 at Portuguese club Porto.
"Suspense for the Spanish Champions League teams", was the headline in Marca sports daily yesterday.
Barcelona was furious about Milan's opening goal 12 minutes after halftime at the San Siro after the ball appeared to strike Cristian Zapata's arm before Kevin-Prince Boateng swept it past Victor Valdes. However, it could have no complaints about Sulley Muntari's fine volleyed effort in the 81st minute and it has to score at least twice against the Italians at the Nou Camp on March 12.
There was a familiar pattern to Wednesday's game, with Barcelona stroking the ball around outside Milan's penalty area but lacking the decisive final ball.
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