CNN TV
SCHEDULE ANCHORS REPORTERS CONTACT US
World Sport Goalmouth
April 20, 2010
Posted: 2056 GMT

The clash between Italian title holders Inter Milan and Spanish champions Barcelona in the semifinals of the European Champions League has been a mouthwatering match up, as two giants of the world game vie over 180 minutes of football to earn the privilege of an appearance in the lucrative final.

Can Jose Mourinho emerge as victor over Barca coach Pep Guardiola?
Can Jose Mourinho emerge as victor over Barca coach Pep Guardiola?

On the face of it, reigning champions Barcelona were favorites to progress. Prior to the first-leg semi, the Catalans boasted a fifteen game unbeaten streak and in star player Lionel Messi, had one of the world's best players performing at the top of his game. The manner of the Spanish side's recent victories – bar a 0-0 draw with city rivals Espanyol – had been awesome in their attacking verve and domination of possession.

In Pep Guardiola, Barcelona also have a coach who is one of the brightest rising stars in soccer. In his debut season in charge the 39-year-old captured a grand total of six trophies, three of which completed an unprecedented treble for the Camp Nou based side, when the La Liga title, the Copa Del Rey and the European Champions League title were secured in the same campaign.

The former Barca midfielder has seemingly proved to be the perfect choice to lead one of the biggest clubs in the world, his tactical outlook matching the ethos of a side traditionally famed for its attacking and aesthetically-pleasing brand of football.

As well as proving tactically astute, adept in his dealings with the media and an able motivator of men, Guardiola has not shied away from making big decisions. The move to let leading goalscorer Samuel Eto'o leave his squad as a bargaining chip in the transfer of Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Inter, baffled many around the world – why would you give the lethal Cameroonian to a potential rival?

But Guardiola's belief was that, to maintain the momentum of the glories of last season, the head of a major figure had to roll; a demonstration that no one player was too big to sacrifice for the cause of communal progress. So far he has not been proved wrong in his thinking.

Maybe fate then had a large part to play in Barca's 3-1 defeat in the Giuseppe Meazza stadium – with the fallout from the recent volcano eruption forcing the side to travel to northern Italy by energy-sapping road rather than air – or maybe it was something else, namely a vintage performance by the master coach Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho is the chalk to Guardiola's cheese. A former winner of the Champions League with Porto, the coach who guided Inter to the Serie A title last season has been no less successful, having previously guided English Premier League side Chelsea to back-to-back titles.

Where Guardiola is open with the press Mourinho is, at times, positively hostile and notoriously provocative, displaying a Machiavellian approach to gaining any psychological edge possible over his opponents. Pep has made his name with a pressing, goal-hungry style of football which promotes creative freedom; Jose prefers prosaic defending and organized authority first from his machine-like teams. Inter maybe Italy's top-scoring side but the foundations of the team are built on not conceding.

Before being drawn together in the semis of 2010, the sides had met four times previously in European competition. Inter – aiming to make their first European Cup final in 38 years – had never scored a goal against the Spaniards let alone won a game. Despite this Mourinho masterminded a superb 3-1 victory in front of the Nerazzurri home crowd.

The tie hangs in the balance with Inter having to defend a two-goal advantage against one of the best attacking sides there is – so who will prevail Guardiola the great or Mourinho the master? Either way, the mental chess game that will be played out by two of the most intriguing coaches in the game will prove fascinating.

Posted by: ,
Filed under: Football


Share this on:
Shaphat   April 20th, 2010 9:42 pm ET

What sighn are we looking for again?the heavens are behind him.Mourinho is the master chase player and am sure he is the man for the moment.Guardiola is good but the choosen one/special one is 'three' much!

Ibrahim Boris   April 20th, 2010 10:38 pm ET

Emotionally,I would love to see Jose triumphed over Barca.
But,realistically you cannot dismiss Barcelona.They have the talent and the sqaud to achieve the turn around.

Nasiib   April 20th, 2010 10:46 pm ET

I bleive my self that barcel0na wil bounce back in the sec0nd leg of the champions league sami-final on the 28th of april. If my heart not telling me a lie barcelona and baryer munich will be final..

Size2010   April 21st, 2010 3:57 am ET

Although Pep has proved to the world 2be a good coach but I strongly believe Mourinho is taking this one home.he's just shown that even billionaires make mistakes

martphilux   April 21st, 2010 5:28 am ET

Hi! Mourinho sure will overcome gudiola i know what the itallian side defence are made of with almighty
God on their side i know they'll surely overcome gudiola and that messsi

Fola Atoloye   April 21st, 2010 6:46 am ET

Inter will win.

Harry Anthony   April 21st, 2010 7:53 am ET

With what had happened yesterday, i wanna say with a loud void that Mourhino has an edge over barca at the moment because if inter follows barca to their homesite, all they would need is to draw so barca will be knocked out.

david   April 21st, 2010 8:45 am ET

Barcelona will be eliminated because of not being forceful in the final third. Their attacking midfielders were very direct against a very strong Inter defense of Lucio and Walter. In the return match, Barca will play very attractive football but will not go anywhere. I don't see Inter defense being broken. It is Mourinho's title to loose.

zeze   April 21st, 2010 8:55 am ET

One measures skill by the tools at hand and if Mourinho did it with Porto (without star players or money but purely & simply – heart and excellent play by the Portuguese), who by comparison are small and so much poorer than the greats of Europe – that is skill – pure and simple! Just pure simple ingredients given to a great chef... He should be able to do it again, but then the beautiful game is full of surprises......

George Senator   April 21st, 2010 9:23 am ET

The Special One will knock barca out of Champions League, on the 28th of April.... Sure.

brendon   April 21st, 2010 9:37 am ET

could this once great coach of chelsea plz return back home plz

Brume   April 21st, 2010 9:49 am ET

Barca will win in the next leg.

Damola   April 21st, 2010 9:54 am ET

I strongly believe in Jose Mourinho and his boys.
Inter all the way to Santiago Bernebeu.

Eze Ndukwe   April 21st, 2010 10:08 am ET

Before anything,jose shuld be given a tactical award then the C. league trophy. Up Gunners anyway.

Joe   April 21st, 2010 10:09 am ET

With what happened yesterday one will only have to but agree that when it comes to tactical flare in football mourinho is master that can take on any team and come out succesfull!

Joe   April 21st, 2010 10:09 am ET

With what happened yesterday one will only have to but agree that when it comes to tactical flare in football mourinho is a master that can take on any team and come out succesfull!

Ashlin September ( SOUTH AFRICA)   April 21st, 2010 10:15 am ET

MESSI HAVE MERCY ON INTER

Luqing   April 21st, 2010 10:15 am ET

I am the supporter of Barcelona.I strongly believe that they will win

Jacob kenny   April 21st, 2010 10:18 am ET

I hate the saying know barca know football now is in another way round. All barca fans are mouthless. Kudos to Inter though am an Arsenal fans.

Dogara,D   April 21st, 2010 10:18 am ET

I want to send my kudos to the greatest coach of the moment ,with the level of mourhino approch on barca i don't think he will be eleminated for in the championship, cos i'm a chelsea i know what he can do

C . Menns   April 21st, 2010 10:23 am ET

Congrats Inter, go to win the second leg,there is nothing to fear it's your time now ,do not disgrace Inter,Mourinho and Italy . Barca is no magic team , Eto, this is the time to prove you are as good as Messi, drop any emotional feelings and be your best afterall you are wearing Inter's jersey.

Ernest elem   April 21st, 2010 10:37 am ET

Barcelona is a great team but intermilan will show them pepper this time around. i luv morinho

onovo   April 21st, 2010 10:37 am ET

inter must defeat barca.

Dammy adex   April 21st, 2010 10:38 am ET

Pep time is over ..it's jose time to reign.up morinho bcos he is going to do it once more

zao   April 21st, 2010 10:39 am ET

hell mighty samuel eto'o back in nou camp ... wait and see. madrid could testify for that ...

Nester   April 21st, 2010 10:47 am ET

jose is a man barca has fallen.

Levi   April 21st, 2010 10:51 am ET

The special-one is indeed 2 much.pep is a very good coarch but jose is d best. I ,m convince he will prevail

Satenaw   April 21st, 2010 10:52 am ET

Jose is the master of football. He knows how to play with attacking team like Barcelona. His philosophy of football is exceptional. Mesi is one of the greatest footballers but he couldn’t break the inter defence. Jose’s strategy of marking Mesi was fruitful.

Oriaku   April 21st, 2010 10:54 am ET

We need to follow the history properly before conclusion. Inter since the knockout stage, they have not lost any match – they beat chelsea home and away, csk home & away. Though barca is good but the best they can get come next week is draw.

Just relax and see the master marshall out strategies to cage them.

Rocio   April 21st, 2010 10:58 am ET

I strongly belieave that barcelona will win intermilan because life is ful of suprices.

Morad   April 21st, 2010 11:02 am ET

Plain and simple. Barca was pretty flat yesterday...they lacked play making in the mid-field and I think moving Messi to center was a bad idea. Everyone knows that Messi performs better attacking from right side inwards. The defense was horrible at best, I have always thought this would catch up with Barca at some point. They need defense and I think Puyol and that tall blonde dude (forgot his name) don't cut it anymore especially when you have fast attacking players like Snider, Eto, others... I say Inter goes through to final. I also think that Inter will win the return leg. As far as comparing these 2 coaches, I think today they are number 1 and number 2 in the world, you pick the order...

Rachelle   April 21st, 2010 11:05 am ET

GOOOOOOOOOOOO Mourinho:) I like Barca but Mourinho is a genius:)

Taiwo   April 21st, 2010 11:09 am ET

The great mouriho. Pls, go for gold.

Akilu yunusa   April 21st, 2010 11:13 am ET

Hmm, i am a barca fans and i know how barca play football. Inter will shed blood to eliminate barcelona at camp nou

Nilton   April 21st, 2010 11:20 am ET

Last night match was terribly for Barcelona we also have to see who is on the other side. Morinho is great soccer coach but Guardiola i have better team which will win on the next match at campno

Dr. Cajetan Coelho   April 21st, 2010 11:21 am ET

Inter and Barça have played positive football in the ongoing CL. Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola are successful team builders. The two dynamic managers have given us some fine moments. May they continue serving Jogo Bonito with dedication and distinction. It was a good first leg semi last evening. Best wishes for the second.

lindelani   April 21st, 2010 11:22 am ET

Murohno is great tactically – his side is very disciplined. While Barca are really good: i dont see them scoring twice not even at the New Camp. How I wish Barca could win...

Terry uche   April 21st, 2010 11:22 am ET

Pep is great , the special one is greater. I wish him luck. I wish he could come back home to chelsea

Isah   April 21st, 2010 11:23 am ET

There re three coaches in the world of futbal; jose mourinho, sir alex ferg and others.futbal is nt about who plays beautifuly but the final 90 minute result. Jose is an empire builder who knws when to go front and back.

christian   April 21st, 2010 11:25 am ET

I am sure that Inter,milan under this coach will surely overcome barcelona. Jose M. should now preper his team without this untrained and uncultured Mario Baloteli as he is not yet ready to learn from history. Congratulation Inter. You have my surport all the time.

Dike ifeanyi Charles   April 21st, 2010 11:28 am ET

Inter shows wht life is all abut.football is not measured by players but wht d coach can do.infact,MOURIOH is d mater of football.kudos 4 inter.aboveall,up GUNNERS.

Goodluck   April 21st, 2010 11:29 am ET

The great Mourinho big up to you. surely this troph is for INTER not for Bacelona. Goodluck to you.

batsa   April 21st, 2010 11:30 am ET

I think Gadiola can,t stop morinho he knows the work more than gadiola

S.T.DIPLOO   April 21st, 2010 11:31 am ET

IT WAS INTERS DAY.BARCA LOST CONCENTRATION IN THE DEFENCE.AT CAMP NOU IT WLD BE A DIFFERENT BALL GAME.ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!

Akilu yunusa   April 21st, 2010 11:32 am ET

Inter will be in hot soup at camp nou

Excel   April 21st, 2010 11:34 am ET

Before the game, all eyes were on barcelona, but now, i am sure they will rethink, up inter mastered by the master JOSÉ MASTINHO

carmew   April 21st, 2010 11:34 am ET

Wow...I see so many people cheering for Mou...I really think they forget what Guardiola has accomplished with only one year of coaching a 1st league team...6 titles the first year! how many years has Mou been coaching? Did he win 6titles his first year? I also think people forget the referee that we had last night .....penalties, off side goal... The kind of soccer Barça plays with Guardiola is beautiful...the one that Inter plays.....
Barça will beat Inter next week!

desy   April 21st, 2010 11:34 am ET

Mourinho is the best . What mourinho did is what I expected asenal to do. This is to show you that there are coach and there are masters. Mourinho can you please coach Nigeria team please.

Heyooh   April 21st, 2010 11:37 am ET

Pls n pls people should not judge others ability by one sided perfection.That Barca lost their first leg away match to Inter those not mean that mourinho or inter as a team is better than pep guardiola or barca team because they inter have not escaped the power of football provocation which they caused for Barca fc.

Ezenwa J.I   April 21st, 2010 11:38 am ET

Who is not afraid of the man Jose. Speak or forever remain silent. Inter for real!

JC   April 21st, 2010 11:40 am ET

As long as he brings the ref with him , he should be fine.....

Villa   April 21st, 2010 11:43 am ET

Barça will win the last match and Mourinho will watch the Champion´s League Final on television. He was very lucky with the portuguese referee. FCB only needs a 2-0 victory at Nou Camp.

lekan samson   April 21st, 2010 11:44 am ET

I no dt 2nd leg of d game inter will be difted.

Bright   April 21st, 2010 11:45 am ET

Come next week wednesday de catalans will kick intamil out whetha they like or yes. Barca all de way.

Wolex   April 21st, 2010 11:46 am ET

Football is a game of 50-50 chance. So anythin can hapen at any time,but eventualy boys will be separeted from men

Mustapha,4rm NIGERIA   April 21st, 2010 11:46 am ET

For me inter is still d best,and i think is over 4 barca

john oludhe   April 21st, 2010 11:56 am ET

Mourinho tactfully wit he's formation system a coach any professional team would go for. without doubt inter will sail through.

Ugonna Etoh   April 21st, 2010 12:00 pm ET

surley barcas shall overcome the interlians, in Jesus name Amen.

Alia   April 21st, 2010 12:02 pm ET

Barcelona players was surely tired, they had to travel around 15 hours to go to Milan in bus because they cannot go in plane because of the ashes cloud. In Barcelona I'm so sure the things will be change.

Alia   April 21st, 2010 12:02 pm ET

Barcelona players were surely tired, they had to travel around 15 hours to go to Milan in bus because they cannot go in plane because of the ashes cloud. In Barcelona I'm so sure the things will be change.

BCN   April 21st, 2010 12:03 pm ET

Lets just see. Lets just see.. Mou is not quite the genius you think. There were a number of factors outside of his control which gave inter full advantage ... 14 hour bus journey, one off side goal, at least one penalty to Barca... It is unheard of for Barca to have more fouls than their opponent.. The ref was very very ordinairy. Full credit to Inter though. They took advantage of everything that was given to them.

Stanley   April 21st, 2010 12:04 pm ET

Barca will bounce back

gerar   April 21st, 2010 12:06 pm ET

that has been only a match, must wait for the other in bcn.

Kenneth EKere   April 21st, 2010 12:06 pm ET

BArca will win inter. Wat goes around comes around.

Murphy humphrey   April 21st, 2010 12:06 pm ET

Inter is a gang of rejected outlaws .morinho by chelsea,eto by barca,julio by bayern munich.who can stop them!may be uefa.

Kenneth EKere   April 21st, 2010 12:08 pm ET

BArca will win inter.

Elvis Kennedy   April 21st, 2010 12:11 pm ET

Jose is the best coach ever and he is the special one in world football...Gooooooooooo Jose Goooooo and i cant wait to see you hold the CUP at Santiago de Banabouy at Spain..You are my mentor

Chidoxky   April 21st, 2010 12:26 pm ET

Kudos 2 Jose the master... Guten abend

Ugonna Etoh   April 21st, 2010 12:30 pm ET

Inter will surley loss to Barcas.

chen hs   April 21st, 2010 12:30 pm ET

Mourinho is today, but Guardiola is tomorrow.

adeyinka   April 21st, 2010 12:39 pm ET

mourinho is the best manger in the world i see him winning the champions the second leg and the cup. But football is not mathematics

Ocheja   April 21st, 2010 12:45 pm ET

One revelation of last night match is that Messi can be caged. Nigerian national football coach take note. Get him and Tevez caged on June 12 and you will have 3 points in your kitty at your first match at the world cup. Good luck.

Nnamdi   April 21st, 2010 12:46 pm ET

I was delight about intermilan peformace bcos i can't imagine how barca can carry d trophe back-to-back murinho is the grand master and he will still win them during d return leg at d camp nou

Onyishi solomon k   April 21st, 2010 12:47 pm ET

To Gadiola and all barca fans it seems to be a dream but reality. Barca has talented players almost than inter but yesterdays match is not all about players talent rather is about coach technical ideology which jose is the best in that vision.that gave them victory yesterday and will continue to make way for them as long as jose is in charge. Good luck to inter for there 2 nd leg.

luszon   April 21st, 2010 12:48 pm ET

amazing game

pips   April 21st, 2010 12:49 pm ET

Did it b4,do it again.3-0.BArca win.Watch this space!!!

Luis   April 21st, 2010 12:52 pm ET

Inter should be able to win the next match because they do have a strong defense game.Nevertheless, barca has turned around several games, like the one against Chealsea, scoring a goal in the last few minutes. oh well, that's why we all must watch the match next week!

Olatunji aliu   April 21st, 2010 12:53 pm ET

I think moriho is more capable dan gajiola?4 me inter we defite barca @ nou cap

Mubarak umar   April 21st, 2010 12:57 pm ET

This is football, i can not say anything till 28 cos anything could happen. Anyway jose has tried.

meles mengesha   April 21st, 2010 12:59 pm ET

i really admire both managers. Pep for overcoming the long journey and prepare the team for this tough game. Jose for his terrific formation of the team.

Supastar   April 21st, 2010 1:07 pm ET

Lets be realistic, barca did well but inter was better in everything both in striking, scoring and defending. But barcas defense was found wanting. well, who knows wot 2 expect, any thing can happen. Mourinho is a wonderful coach, he proved himself worthy. I wish all of them the best............................

JACK ESENOWO   April 21st, 2010 1:20 pm ET

Mourinho is the factor,Barcelona can forget champions league this season.
Go on Mourinho you are a great coach.

JACK ESENOWO   April 21st, 2010 1:21 pm ET

Let the cup go round.

B. Tosan   April 21st, 2010 1:22 pm ET

Pep is a great coach, a world-class manager, an achiever, who's fortunate to have inherited the world's best footballers in Messi, Xavi, Iniester, Alves, name it. Jose is a master of tactics, who knows how to inspire an average team to greatness. He did it with Porto, he did with Chelsea. And now, having beaten the best team in the world, he's doing with Inter - and I know he's destined 4 a historic glory with the Italian champions. No doubt, Jose Mourinho is truly the man of the moment.

Richie   April 21st, 2010 1:24 pm ET

Even if Barca can win on the second leg,they will be out for the final.Once again,Mourinho proved that he is a genius in football tactics

Olusesi   April 21st, 2010 1:28 pm ET

Kudos to inter performance.they have shown barca pepper.but let wait and see the outcome of the return leg

Olurinde Adewale, Samuel   April 21st, 2010 1:28 pm ET

Am highly happy for Jose winning Barca.

Adesunkanmi Suker   April 21st, 2010 1:28 pm ET

And by now, the world should conclude that, Jose is the best for this world as a coach. As messi to players so father to a family, then Mourinho to the managers

X-boyz   April 21st, 2010 1:28 pm ET

What is d conditio of barcelona in this semi-final. Do u think their can still make it

Onah rotechukwu   April 21st, 2010 1:30 pm ET

The master has done it again

Olurinde Adewale, Samuel   April 21st, 2010 1:32 pm ET

Hope Lyon will also perform magic against Bayern today.

fidel   April 21st, 2010 1:37 pm ET

Barca at the moment has no striker to match Inter ,it shows the coach made a mistake by selling E'to and not finding someone to replace a great underrated player

kumlachew asmare   April 21st, 2010 1:40 pm ET

I am a Barcelona fan and believe our boys will do whatever it takes to eliminate inter. The team is still world's greatest regardless of the final outcome. I hate Morinho because he is not just descent and respectful. Football is full of surprises. Perhaps it is his day. That is all. No further explanation!

Hussain   April 21st, 2010 1:42 pm ET

Take care morinho next time.

otegbulu N   April 21st, 2010 1:51 pm ET

the special one has done it again. the great mathmatican.

dwise   April 21st, 2010 1:51 pm ET

i luv this; some thought no one could stop barca..well barca will loose even the return match;this is no time for messi's academy football; they needed eto'9 for matches like this; pep has met pepper..mourino is a genius

damena   April 21st, 2010 1:51 pm ET

i think both teams do have equal chance of 50-50, though Milan seems to benefit from yesterday's result.

Leofromrussia   April 21st, 2010 1:55 pm ET

Wait! Inter gas won only the first game. The second is coming. I'm sure, Barsa will show'em hell!

daci   April 21st, 2010 1:56 pm ET

Having watched Inter Milan's previous two matches that got them this far, all I can say about their win against Barca in Milan was but sheer luck. Milan should thank the authorities for the 'air embargo' imposed upon the continent that made Barca travel the 15- hour long journey, that eventually robbed them of their usual 'master class performance' . It is no doubt, that the second deciding leg in Camp Nou will be a mouth watering match as Barca would try to turn the tables to outwit their opponents. Indeed a 2-o win at home is not an impossible feat for Barca to achieve. Go Barca, Go!

Damian   April 21st, 2010 2:02 pm ET

Mourinho Is better than Guardiola in what they do. Inter will get rid of Barca.

Zahradeen Abubakar   April 21st, 2010 2:03 pm ET

before, i used to think that football is a game of luck, but now i came to believe that good technical adviser mean alot to the teem succes.

Evans (Kenya)   April 21st, 2010 2:08 pm ET

Games are not only worn by flare foot work but mental strength and solid strategies. Let Barca plan for next seaon since Inter will not let this go.

Ajekigbe   April 21st, 2010 2:12 pm ET

All i cn say is dt, Barca is a good team bt Mourinho is a great coach... I cn c Mourinho liftn d trouphy wt Inter ds season. Up chelsea.

Chidera   April 21st, 2010 2:13 pm ET

Inter will surely make it to the final of this competition

Malaysia   April 21st, 2010 2:15 pm ET

Barca will at nou camp.. For Sure!

Did you know.. Barca players travel more than 1000 km by bus... for the game.. Sure they are tired..
But in nou camp.. Evrything will be change! Final: Barca vs BayernM

Doryn   April 21st, 2010 2:17 pm ET

Yesterdays game was between great footballers and a tactician. i'm proud of you Jose Mourhino and Salute you. you are the best.

Franco   April 21st, 2010 2:18 pm ET

You'd never know the Best until you see the Rest.
Everything is subject to change. No one is certain of what the next minute holds within.
I've not seen much of Inter fans' write up on this blog. It's all Arsenal & Chelsea. Well it's not good enough to ask why it is so. Bcos JEALOUSY is a such a strong force and stronger when you just can't help but look. That's the case here. Lets not be sentimental. These players are humans not machines. who cld hav taken a 15-hr ride and yet be expected to deliver...?
This whole blog is not so different from those that came after Bayern vs Man U's first leg, even for Barca vs Arsenal first leg. What later happened? Inter will never make for all d teams Barca faced on their way to the 6 trophies. I can only say lets wait till d 90th minute whistle in Camp Nou.

Nash   April 21st, 2010 2:19 pm ET

I believe the Special One will triumph over Barca. And little disappointed in Xavi about his comment on the referee. He shouldn't forget what the referee did to Chelsea last year before Barca marching to win the title. He should give praise where it due.

Abdul (Dorodo)   April 21st, 2010 2:21 pm ET

Both Inter and Barca played good soccer. But i think inter were lucky to win the game.

Franco   April 21st, 2010 2:23 pm ET

You can say Mourinho is better tha Guardiola in what they do, but Mourinho cannot go into d pitch to play. You seem to forget Barca (coach + players ) in a flash.

gister   April 21st, 2010 2:23 pm ET

the master coach of football..mourinho is the best..i lovvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee him...i love barca..but i c inter winning this cup..chelsea lost a good coach..and his so cute..his wife must be lucky to have a focused and very confident man

Madukaife ifeanyi   April 21st, 2010 2:33 pm ET

I knew that mon was a dangerous man

kingsley   April 21st, 2010 2:46 pm ET

"The Special One" will deliver a special gift to Pep during the second leg. Watch out! It's coming soon.

godfrey .I   April 21st, 2010 2:50 pm ET

One man can not be a king always,infact I thank Inter for the force of wining the first part of the match over barca,I will count them the best when they overcome the next round.

Godfrey irmiya   April 21st, 2010 2:51 pm ET

In a game like this, when two ELEPHANT are fighting it is the ground that surfer. So pep and jose are fighting we the watchmen are surfering of who will win. In the game of football anything can happened, barca have a very little chance 2 the final while inter an opened chance. I still like barca they try because they are among the last FOUR.

Elliot E.Ebutu.   April 21st, 2010 2:56 pm ET

Barca is a good side,they are the best team in the world for now, but is a clash of two elephant.the grass go suffer. In every game there must be a winer, mourinho has prove to the world that he is a tactician and wardy of been called a prof.

Dabels   April 21st, 2010 3:01 pm ET

Up. . .. mourinho, you have prove that you are one of the best coaches in the world. Go beat barca at home.

Turbo D'Afrique   April 21st, 2010 3:10 pm ET

When d special one started writing with d pitch as his table, i knew d worst was about to happen. When he gave a 5 pages lecture by merely beating of his palms, i knew he was ready for d kill. B cos it is an insalt for barca to first score. It was like alerting d bees from its hive. D special one, pls forgive d Roman bilionaire and come back to chelsea.

naco4life   April 21st, 2010 3:12 pm ET

Guys stop lamenting the man Jose morinho is going the cup not win barc bcos barc has already being defeated chief Jose .

naco4life   April 21st, 2010 3:14 pm ET

morinho is still the best and can do more cos he never belive lost

Turbo D'Afrique   April 21st, 2010 3:24 pm ET

D special one, pls forgive d Russian billionaire and come back to chelsea fc

man.utd.4.eva   April 21st, 2010 3:40 pm ET

I'd prefer Inter to win the UCL... first, bcos Barca beat Man Utd last year, and second, bcos Bayern knocked us out this year... Go Inter.

umar   April 21st, 2010 3:50 pm ET

The issue isn't just winning but qualifying,sorry barca!

Ademola 'kunbi   April 21st, 2010 4:03 pm ET

Mind games mercurial display with fearless approach proved to be superior in yesterday's contest (this was arsenal lacked!) hope to see how barca will respond nxt week?
No team is invincible! That point has been proved.

ernest   April 21st, 2010 4:06 pm ET

how could madrid release a player like wesley sneider & Robben???? for who? grenero or who? how i wish they could relegate to the secound div maybe it would help them to make up there mind if they want to win trophy's or sell shirts.
jose, is a great coach..... he made players like lampard superstar even the drogba .... his doing it with inter players... Guardiola inherited a good team and showed his not a very good coach when he exchanged eto for zlatan. barca need a striker that moves around n create space for the attacking midfieders not a striker that stands at a particuler place n makes the job very easy for opponent defence.
let the best team win on the 28th..

Abiokwe   April 21st, 2010 4:07 pm ET

Up 4 the special one & the Inter group as a club, I 'm delighted yesterday night seeing Coach Pep Guardiola & Jose Mourinho, in a crucial & tactically motion of Champions League Semi Final. Meanwhile, i praise Jose 4 his tremendous & tactically inspiration in the world of football we love u carry on wit the good job, we hope to see u in Final Champions league u're a great coach in the world.

andrea   April 21st, 2010 4:07 pm ET

JOSE MOURIIIINHOOOO LALALALAAAAA JOSEMOURINHOOOOO LALALALA.............THE SPECIAL ONE

Scarface   April 21st, 2010 4:08 pm ET

Jose...when you win "This" Champions League Trophy with Inter, can you please come home to Chelsea. Just say it and the Billionaire will have no choice because the fans will revolt. I know you want to go Spain next, but, we miss you so much....Trophy or no Trophy at Chelsea. We miss everything Mourinho. The press conference, the mental game, the coats, the controversy, the Mourinho, and the Mourinho. We miss everything.

Tuga Macau   April 21st, 2010 4:08 pm ET

The portugusee coach shows why the PORTUGUESE ruled the world 400 years ago: with determination and courage!
A small country with a big desire: to be world champions in South Africa

Fernando Moreira (Portugal)   April 21st, 2010 4:10 pm ET

Mourinho will win the European Champions League. No doubt about it!

Jolomi   April 21st, 2010 4:14 pm ET

Inter Milian put on a very briliant performance yesterday and I'm happy about Barcas defeat. Anyone who says Barca will qualify for the final is only dreaming a dream that will not come through. Thanks to Mourinho the special one.

Herolegend 4rm fedpoly oko   April 21st, 2010 4:21 pm ET

How come people didnt believe that messi can be caged. Chelsea did it in both legs and jose took a leaf from that.
Well,i like barca as a team but have a special love for the special man and his special team...INTER go 4 gold!

Jolomi Amiwero   April 21st, 2010 4:21 pm ET

Inter Milian put on a very briliant performance yesterday and I'm happy about Barcas defeat. Anyone who says Barca will qualify for the final is only dreaming a dream that will never come through. Thanks to Mourinho the special one.

Dayo   April 21st, 2010 4:22 pm ET

Sure mourinho has already won d cup

Richard Jones   April 21st, 2010 4:22 pm ET

Pep is good but he is new in this buisness and has to make mistakes and learn. The selling of Eto & buying of the OVER RATED Ibrahimovich is on of those mistakes. He lost 40m and got a player who according to many anaysist should not be playing in such an ambitious team. Jose is quite expierence and has learn alot over the years. He has also totally discourage the defensive midfield giant – Toure buy constantly using he as a sub.
If they are given the same conditions, Jose will be far better.

Dayo   April 21st, 2010 4:26 pm ET

Mourinho's 3-1 victory over guadiola establishes dat mourinho is already playing d final in madrid

Alayande mayowa   April 21st, 2010 4:29 pm ET

I am in support of inter milan infact i wnt dem 2 lift d trophy

Ceejay   April 21st, 2010 4:42 pm ET

Jose is the best in the world.l luv u.pls come back to chelsea

destiny   April 21st, 2010 4:45 pm ET

I think barca should learn their lesson 4rm yesterdays defecencive blunder.But all thesame kudos to murinho

Abey   April 21st, 2010 4:51 pm ET

D team barca is grt meanwhile nev 4gt d special one wn he was stil in chelsea he n sir alex were pulling dground,he was respected in england n also sir alex give his own respect,anythn special one does he did it 2 prove himself out also pep +barca work with one spirit,a team with respect,honor n leadership spirit let all wait till next match 4 d second leg 4 judging.kudos 2 d tacticain,kudos pep,kudos 2 d players both side. Up chelsea.

Abdullahi   April 21st, 2010 4:52 pm ET

Inter will definetely overcome barca at spain.

Amoo olukunle samuel   April 21st, 2010 5:03 pm ET

Baca need just 2 goals and i believe they'll get it or even 4-1.

Kwame Sam   April 21st, 2010 5:03 pm ET

Inter Manager the best among all.

Atiku   April 21st, 2010 5:07 pm ET

Mourinho the master actually did a welcome job by outsmarting barca,though i'm manutd fan but i hails inter milan.

Julius Kunweleyil   April 21st, 2010 5:08 pm ET

Inter has definately proven that it is a coequal to Barca. However, the last 20 or so minutes was heavily dominated by barca and one would ask: can Inter remain resolute for the next 90 minutes at Camp Nu?

Ademola w.j   April 21st, 2010 5:21 pm ET

There is nothing new under heaven,it is started as you can see.up mourigho.

Hugo Vaz   April 21st, 2010 5:27 pm ET

Mourinho is the Master, then Capello and then Hiddink, i Hope Mou wins the C.L. and then gets transfered as Real Madrid coach... This would be my Soccer dream fulfilled (Perez, Mourinho & CR9) no one will stop then...

FRANCIS KWEKU DADZIE   April 21st, 2010 5:29 pm ET

i think inter did very well of winning 3-1 at home,thet are going to eliminate barca,

Abhinandan Reddy   April 21st, 2010 5:32 pm ET

The translator decoded the new boss, and is on his way to Manchester in 2011.

real football analyst   April 21st, 2010 5:42 pm ET

ok...1..mourino is tactically greater coach compared to guardoila..
2.the tie is very much open with inter nidin @ list a goal to go thru..
3..no 1 expctd messi 2 perform as he was bound to b shackeld by mo dan 1 defenda.
4.inta witout doubt had d home advantage which barca wil av nxt
5.d ref was preetty fair
6.two unreplied goals shud do d trick

P_xektor   April 21st, 2010 5:49 pm ET

Take it easy,dunno barca can make it @ camp nou

BATULA YUSUF IBIKUNLE   April 21st, 2010 6:04 pm ET

Mourinho is the man of the season

Ogbe inhim Bright   April 21st, 2010 6:12 pm ET

It is really unfortunate dat barca lose. But I stil blive barca can bounce back. It so painful cos core barca fan.

Sayo   April 21st, 2010 6:26 pm ET

Let's wait for d next match

Dell   April 21st, 2010 6:29 pm ET

Hey Barca, Inter'l is not academy-Arsenal, when you talk about football it's all about men's not kids play...History always repeat its self . Mourinho is the best

beny   April 21st, 2010 6:32 pm ET

Many people forget that its only the second year of Guardiola in a high level , How many Mou has ? ....,
The second leg will be in any case a dramatic end for both ,
Come on Barca.

Juan Pablo (Bolivia)   April 21st, 2010 6:32 pm ET

I`m a Barca fan and obviously think that the squad has the skills, guts and football to overcome yesterdays defeat. Mourinho is a great coach but to make comparisons you should give Pep at least 8 years (mourinho is 47 and pep 39) so he can have the same age and just until then see who is the most capable coach and who achieved what. As for the match on the 29th I have no doubt: barca 3 inter nil.

Robb   April 21st, 2010 6:38 pm ET

Let just wait and see the second leg before we pass judgement, i know barca will try thier best to salvage the situation up barca

Ifeanyi   April 21st, 2010 6:47 pm ET

Vintage mourinho

Bello Precious   April 21st, 2010 6:54 pm ET

Mourinho ws d 'special one' in England,now he is proving to the world that he is the 'golden one' in Italy.Guadiola and others should follow suit cos it's not a big team that makes a great coach but a great coach dat makes a big team.

Abdol   April 21st, 2010 6:57 pm ET

Most people who speak against Barcelona are chelsea, man u and arsenal fans. Please let us wait for the return league and stop shouting

Fatima lagos   April 21st, 2010 7:02 pm ET

I pray 2 almighty GOD 4 inter success.i dont like barca at all,cos their fans make too much mouth,i want dem 2 knw dat everyday is not christmas.

Ryan Saliddin   April 21st, 2010 7:09 pm ET

Let us see, , , Barca has homeground advantage, they got away goals advantage as well, the defensive end must be fortified as strong as the offense in the upcoming leg. Im a Barca fan, I admire Pep's greatness in coaching, and ever since Pep was in charge there were lesser dissapointments in Barcelona's key games as the world has witnessed Barcelona lifting 6 trophies. That says it all. And so far this season he has been doing great too.

We would either lose badly or win dramatically in a magical way like that of the Arsenal game. But on the other hand, Jose Mourinho is truly a genius and is the "Special One" with a great squad who seemingly learned their lesson from the previous 2-0 Barca win in the early group stages. This is football anything can happen!

Visca La Barca!

Uchenna   April 21st, 2010 7:25 pm ET

Pep has a gud team but when d special one is involved anything can happen.i see inter going all the way 2d final and lifting d throphy

cris   April 21st, 2010 7:29 pm ET

Barca looked like a team that travelled 14 hours by bus to come play a high energy game. Looking at Inter was just like looking at Chelsea under both Mourinho and Hiddink. They played deep in their own half, defended feverishly and counter-attacked with long balls. It wasn't a great display by Inter just a surprising one and principally because Barca conceded to challenges too easily. I think Guardiola should have opted for Toure and Abidal as starters since Busquets doesn't have the muscle and Maxwell lacks the pace to cover Eto'o. Those two players would have improved Barca. Come next week in the Nou Camp Barca will demolish Inter who will defend and counter just the same way.

Mukhtar journalist   April 21st, 2010 7:32 pm ET

Yes Yes now with what had happen yesterday b/w inter and barce ,l love to see morinho deat barce again when the second leg is resume at camp nou in spain and that everybody should know morinho is the master of any coach all over world and accualy morinho can take any club in the world, like real madrid i know when he came to madrid any thing will going okay....

adam   April 21st, 2010 7:38 pm ET

forza inter,2nd leg will b tough sure but inter is progressing.mourinho is a great tactician.

AbdulLatif   April 21st, 2010 7:43 pm ET

barca will win belive me inter can't do any thing in the camp nou

jose 31   April 21st, 2010 7:48 pm ET

We knew at Chelsea that our loss was someones else's gain.
Mourinho is the Special one and if there is a Manager on the planet to get a draw or a defeat by just 1 goal or even win at the Neu Camp, that man is Jose Mourinho.
Roman you are an egotistical idiot of the highest order, look what you threw away you nutter!!!!!!!!! Some how I hope Mourinho returns to Chelsea

Chima stanley   April 21st, 2010 7:49 pm ET

thnks 2 moriho,he proved dat he is de spacial one, he must be spacial 2 wine barca. Spacial thnks 2de GUNNER'S fans, upupup GUNNERS 4REAL 4LIFE and 4EVER.

micholle   April 21st, 2010 8:22 pm ET

i'm a stonch arsenal fans. but i still believe on gadiola he is a man of home crowd. morinho will suffer at nou camp.

Chinedu   April 21st, 2010 8:26 pm ET

Muriho is good more greese to his elbow

Emmanuel opio   April 22nd, 2010 1:03 am ET

Mourinho is agangster so turns away no chance of blowing your brains off,i think Barca should just prepare their backup team otherwise things won't be easy..but remember nothing is obvious in Football

Ashogbon oluwaseyi   April 22nd, 2010 3:17 am ET

Mourinho you are wonderful.what a real man with a nice decision.you can do it again. Big up inter.

joe torru   April 22nd, 2010 7:49 am ET

from my own view i will like,to see inter,winning that game,and i also want them to lift the trophy.

Nwogbe   April 22nd, 2010 8:08 am ET

Mourihno is d best. Pls we want u back at stanfordbridge. Go win d trophy.

CH Amkhonoh   April 22nd, 2010 9:22 am ET

Watching Barca Play inter this week was real good game. But one must give credit to the special one , jose mourinho for changing the game so fast in favour of inter. I think very few coaches in the world can match the charisma and professionalism of jose Mourinho in football.

Belief me inter will beat barca at Nou Camp.

Agu melitus   April 22nd, 2010 12:32 pm ET

I acknowledge pep as of the tactiful coach but i abhor the fallacy from barca fans that they must retail their trophy. Jose bravo the trophy is urs.

chris   April 22nd, 2010 2:30 pm ET

Pep u'v done well but this time it has to go to Inter cos Mourinho is in charge.

Majeed Balogun   April 22nd, 2010 4:07 pm ET

In the build-up to the first leg, I said the 'Special One' would stun soccer lovers and pundits. This has come to pass but it is not yet over. Remember the Italian football is defensive and most of the Inter defenders/midfielders are either from Brazil or Argentina hence Messi was effectively caged. At home, Barca will win the second leg but qualification belongs to Inter.

Bezai   April 22nd, 2010 10:52 pm ET

The Great one has to learn from the Master. He has ended Barca dreams. He is a good coach and that has earn him the champions league trophy. He's got the verve.

mindorenya   April 23rd, 2010 7:00 am ET

oftentimes, the Master lords over the Great.

marc   April 23rd, 2010 3:24 pm ET

Hmmm, do we have some real inter fans here or some imposters and fake fans, who belong to english teams knocked out by Barca? Mourinho is a very good coach, but with all the time he spent at chelsea he failed to win the champ league, ask yourselves that question first don't just shout he is a good coach, in these events luck also plays a very big part, maybe chelsea was not destined to win the champ league, you never know, if someone tells me that inter are more hungrier for the title, i would agree, since they've not won it for a long time, but they are not a team of the future, looking beyond i dont see them overcoming Man u next season, a great coach will be rewarded with a trophy, lets wait and see.

Michael   April 23rd, 2010 4:04 pm ET

Inter will still try to score but also shut down Barca, so Inter will have to use the exact same strategy (minus Balotelli) as it did at the San Siro. The only question is whether the home field advantage and a week of preparation will allow Barca a 2 or 3 goal advantage. The answer: probably yes. Barca has beaten Arsenal, Stuttgart and Internazionale itself, this year at home in the Champions league, all by scores (4-1, 4-0 and 2-0 respectively) that would get them to Madrid.

Engr. Nnodim   April 23rd, 2010 9:52 pm ET

In Nou camp Barça will discover dat Inter plays wit 7 goalkeepers.
Ceasear,Maicon, Walter, Zanetti, Matterazzi, Lucio, Cambiasso. Gudluck d special one

victorino   April 24th, 2010 4:03 am ET

Mourinho will outsmart Barcelona just like in the first leg! Barcelona will not be able to breakdown that Inter defence to score more than one goal!

FRANCIS   April 24th, 2010 11:55 am ET

IT'S OBVIOUS, NOT ON THIS EARTH WILL MORINHO LET GO , HEAVEN IS BEHIND HIM.

Peter   April 25th, 2010 7:42 pm ET

Morinho is the best coach of all time becos of his aggressiveness towards every game he is playing. He is the great one!

Pavol   April 26th, 2010 12:45 pm ET

Mourinho is Special One, no one can oppose that fact. If there is anybody who can produce exceptional strategy and motivate the team to reach the goal – it is Mourinho and no one else !

However, if you objectively compare the quality of the teams and concrete players on their positions, you must conclude that Barca has quite better team. Team that is abnormally full of talent, creativness and taste for success.

And you know, the trainer can prepare strategy but cannot go to stadium and play the fotball instead of players.

That is why I think Barca will win the semi and will play the final on Santiago Bernabeu Stadium – how sweet that will be for fans of Barca – play final on home stadium of their most important rival !

Bolanle Olukayode   April 26th, 2010 4:08 pm ET

I expect Lucio and his compatriots to share at least 2 red cards amongst themselves with their characteristics hard play. This tie is not over until after the next 90mins.

Azed   April 26th, 2010 8:46 pm ET

Expect d unexpected at camp nou cos barca d bst club in d universe.barca 4 life.

Adiel   April 26th, 2010 8:52 pm ET

Am sorry for Mourinhoz fan because the world club champions are about to make history by using him as a stepping stone. At Camp Nou, no mercy will be shown by MESSI

Kingsley   April 27th, 2010 6:58 am ET

It will be a tough match though, but I dont think Mourinho will loose this time around...He has gone too far...Judging by Inter defence and their tactics Barca will find it very difficult to make it to the final...They have their former guy Eto o to content with...The guy has been like a torn in their flesh in the last match...He is just everywhere...I see Eto o scoring tomorow...Anyway it will be and interesting match and I dont think am going to miss it..

fred   April 27th, 2010 2:18 pm ET

Against Chelsea he said he had palyed d away match but going home to stanford bridge was d home match.

against barca he said he had a surprise 4 dem and he left many gasping 4 air wat else can u expect SIR JOSE 4 d treble

Emmanuel   April 27th, 2010 6:29 pm ET

Inter should struggle to win the second leg bcs it it will be a g00d challange to barca

Hassan lasisi   April 28th, 2010 7:03 am ET

Mourinho you have don't it before,so go and do it again.i know we will pop up champaine after the end of 90mins.cheers

Shittu olakunle   April 28th, 2010 10:47 am ET

Barca is a goodside but inter has taken the lead in the first leg which has given inter the edge over barca.kudos to jose mourinho and his team up inter

Ron Eastman   April 28th, 2010 3:09 pm ET

i think jose is the best coach on the planet dont 4get the turnaround of my number club in world football Chelsea, dont 4get that

melvin alexander   April 28th, 2010 4:51 pm ET

barca will defeat inter milan 4-0 mark my words .

Natalia   April 29th, 2010 12:40 am ET

You were right luckily, now Barca will not be the champion in the Bernabeu.

Mac   May 19th, 2010 1:38 pm ET

Bill Clinton doesn't know anything about soccer. Yes, you do need a good defense, but you also need a good goalie, mid-fielders, and offense! If you only have good defenders than you will never get the ball in the net with bad offenders!

Leave Your Comment


 

Comments are moderated by CNN, in accordance with the CNN Comment Policy, and may not appear on this blog until they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting. Also, due to the volume of comments we receive, not all comments will be posted.


subscribe RSS Icon
World Sport Blog

World Sport provides an inside track to the major issues and stories making news in the world of sport with CNN's anchors, correspondents and journalists providing opinion and in-depth analysis as well as a left field look at all things competitive.

Categories
Contributors

Related Links
Powered by WordPress.com VIP