Champions League
2006-12-05 - Barcelona F.C vs Werder Bremen
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Barcelona, the current defending Champions must win this match against Werder Bremen who are the current Bundesliga leaders or face the prospect of being the first ever defending Champions to fail to get through the group stage in the history of the Champions League. Even a 1-0 win would suffice here, but knowing Barca they would want to go all out and score a few goals here after the failure in their last home match against Chelsea have put them in this dire position they are in now.
Barcelona paid for focusing on this match so much in last weekend's encounter with Levante in their domestic league that they dropped two precious points in the 1-1 draw after taking a 1-0 lead. They rested Ronaldinho to make sure he would be fit and able to contribute for this match and was punished for it. The Catalan giants must make sure that they get the win here as no previous defending Champions have gone out at the first hurdle since the competition was revamped back in 1992. Barcelona have only managed to beat Levski Sofia who are winless and the basement boys in the group so the pressure is on Frank Rijkaard to get the win here and condemned Werder Bremen to the UEFA Cup spot.
In their last encounter at the Weser Stadium, Barcelona was leading by a goal up until defensive errors cost them the maximum points and they had tos ettle for a draw in the end. Now playing at the Nou Camp, the Catalan giants would fancy their chances of getting a win in this match win match.For the record, Barcelona did beat Werder Bremen 3-1 in the group stage last season but now they are missing leading striker Samul Eto'o and Argebntine Lionel Messi the goalscoring burden will shift towards Ronaldinho who should be fresh after being rested against Levante last weekend.
Werder Bremen on the other hand comes into this match managing a 3-1 win over Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga which was their third successive win in a row now. Though they lost to Chelsea in the opening match the German side did come back into contention after managing 10 points from their next four games including a 1-0 win over Chelsea t the Wester Stadion.
Although they are renowned for their attacking play, they have also beefed up their defence this season thanks to the partnership of Per Mertesacker's partnership with Brazilian Naldo at centre back. Miroslav Klose is also in top form having scored two goals against Hertha Berlin last Saturday. A draw would be enough for Werder Bremen to secure qualification and knock Barcelona out, but with home ground advantage and also being a must win game, Barcelona will be up for this match that is for sure.
Take Barcelona to win this match and expect a 2-0 or 3-1 scoreline here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Barcelona to win 2-0 or 3-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Barcelona to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Barcelona and give the 1 1/4 ball here.
