bwin Sportsblog - Football - So much for my big 6

Can you really work out Real Madrid? After spending hundreds upon hundreds of millions over the past six years, all they can show for it in Europe is six consecutive last 16 finishes. Although a succession of managers hardly helps them in that situation. They are matching Barcelona in the league who for me are the best team in the world at the moment so that is a great achievement. I did say yesterday that trying to overcome a 1-0 first leg deficit was awkward but Real Madrid manufactured their own downfall. They simply missed too many chances in the first half. Drawing 1-1 at home to a top class side like Lyon is not a disastrous result especially when things are going so well in the league. No doubt though the Real fans will not be happy but I hope for their sake that they continue with the manager. Manchester United were very strong last night, I watched the game and Milan were nothing but a shadow by comparison. No doubt Leonardo will be under pressure after losing 7-2 on aggregate but the truth is that Serie A is behind the Premier League and only Inter in my opinion can match our top clubs. David Beckham's return last night was emotional and things only started to happen for Milan after he came on as a substitute with 30 mins to go. It was all too late by then and Milan were already losing 3-0 on the night. Milan are one of those teams that look good when they dictate but the work ethic of some of their star players leaves a lot to be desired and that cannot be allowed to happen at this level. That lack of ethic would get exposed by both Chelsea and Manchester United and I slightly regret placing them in my big six of candidates to win the trophy. Milan are clearly a shadow of the team that lost to Liverpool in 2005 and won it in 2007. So when either Chelsea or Inter Milan get knocked out next week then my "big six" will become only three. Would be really funny if none of them won it :-)