Euro Bite Review No.3: Getting All Defensive

By Kate Partridge

The Champions League group stage has reached its halfway point, with Chelsea leading the English charge in Europe. But what does it take to make a champion? Kate Partridge goes on the defensive.

Sir Alex Ferguson once said: “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.” He should know. The legendary manager won 49 pieces of silverware.

The conclusion of Match Week Three sees a halfway point in Europe. Three out of six group games have now been played, or all of a team’s opponents, giving a clearer idea of whether a side will progress to the knock-out stage. And it’s at this point that Sir Alex’s motto becomes a Litmus test for success.

Champions League sides who have won all three of their opening group games have never failed to progress to the next round. This means holders Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are odds on to make the cut. And defensively, these three have conceded just three goals between them, and Dortmund not at all.

Three more teams are also unbeaten: Paris St. Germain, Porto and Chelsea. Jose Mourinho’s side have conceded just once, in their surprise 1-1 opening draw with Schalke. Since that minor blip, the undefeated Blues have been indomitable, domestically and in Europe. Tuesday’s 6-0 thrashing of Maribor was their tenth victory from 12 games altogether this season – and done without star striker Diego Costa.

With their almost ever-present back four of Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry and Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea lead Group G by two points.

But for the rest of England’s teams in the tournament, progressing is much less certain – and defence is again the key. Misfortune and UEFA’s seeding system initially placed Manchester City in the tricky Group E. Their recent inability to defend a 2-0 lead has since seen them slip to third – and seven points adrift of leaders Bayern.

In a chilly, almost empty Khimki Arena, CSKA rallied to snatch a point with a second-half strike and a dubious late penalty. City, still winless, have now conceded in 10 straight Champions League matches – 18 goals in all – and have not won since beating Bayern in Munich last December.

The English champions’ prospects of going through are touch-and-go, though psychologically they appear fragile. Despite the inspirational presence of skipper and centre-half Vincent Kompany, post-match moans ranging from Moscow’s cold weather, the chanting of UEFA’s guests, and the absence of City fans don’t suggest a team overburdened with confidence. It does seem as though Manuel Pellegrini needs to boost his squad’s mental as well as their physical defences.

Five-time champions Liverpool had to rely on minnows Ludogorets grabbing a shock stoppage-time winner at Basel to boost their hopes of progressing. Wednesday’s visit of defending champions Real Madrid cruelly exposed the Reds’ much-publicised defensive frailties in addition to much-missed injured striker Daniel Sturridge.

Last term, the Reds were porous in defence, but finished second in the Premier League due in large part to the supreme attacking prowess and derring-do of Luis Suarez. Among others, the Uruguayan’s summer sale to Barcelona provided for the purchase of defender Dejan Lovren and striker Mario Balotelli.

The resulting stats aren’t kind to the newcomers. In 12 games in all competitions, Liverpool have conceded 19 goals – seven of them from set pieces. And while 17 have been scored, Brendan Rodgers’ decision to acquire a poacher like Balotelli to replace a workhorse like Suarez has so far borne only one fruit – against Ludogorets.

With Real Madrid almost out of sight at the top of Group B, the battle is on between the Reds, Basel and the Bulgarian champions – all on three points – to go through. Hardly the scenario expected by fans who can proudly recall five European triumphs.

Arsenal’s chances are higher, though only after a last-gasp fight-back against a team that hasn’t won in the Champions League for nearly two years. Arsene Wenger’s 65^th birthday on the touchlines at Anderlecht had been going as well as a milk float in a drag race. Worse, after 71 turgid minutes, Honduras winger Andy Najar headed the hosts ahead.

Perhaps memories of another milestone, his 1,000^th match in charge of the Gunners and the 6-0 loss at Chelsea, swam into view. But, with a minute on the clock, Arsenal roused themselves from their torpor. Kieran Gibbs’ far-post volley pulled them level. And Lukas Podolski swiftly smashed in close-range winner stunned the home crowd, the global media and the watching millions, to ensure Arsenal stayed second to Dortmund in Group D.

That late, late show means promise in Europe, but cannot mask the overall issues. Of 12 matches this campaign, Arsene Wenger’s side have drawn half – often unable to provide the killer touch in the final third, and unable to prevent the killing touch at the other. Centre-half Per Mertesacker has come under particular scrutiny, and has admitted to a lack of confidence and form.

In the Europa League, it’s better news for the British boys, with all unbeaten three topping their groups – but it’s tight. It was White Hot at the Lane in Tottenham’s 5-1 thrashing of Asteras. In a dramatic tie, Harry Kane doubled up as a hat-trick hero and stand-in ‘keeper, along with an outrageous rabona goal from Erik Lamela. It also meant five points from three games, and joint-top of Group C with Besiktas.

Ten thousand travelling Toffees somehow managed to watch Everton claw out a 0-0 draw at French side Lille to stay a point clear – also on five – in Group H. While Celtic’s 2-1 home win over Romanian outfitAstra Giurgiu resulted in seven points in Group D, the same as Red Bull Salzburg, who beat Dinamo Zagreb, 4-2.

However, as in the Champions League, there are three teams with 100 per cent records: Dynamo Moscow, who have conceded twice, plus Legia Warsaw and Fiorentina, who have conceded none. The Italian side has also netted a tournament second-best seven.

Using Sir Alex’s formula, it’s la Viola, who so far have the best shot at the title. Apply the same principle to the Champions League, and we are currently looking at a Spanish v German final. Everyone else, it’s time to marshal those mental and physical defences.

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