So Lyon it is then, and I for one am pretty content with the draw. The 3 other teams left in the hat were: Roma, Inter Milan and Lyon, and the only one I wanted to avoid, if I could was Inter. Yes I beat them at the San Siro, but the knockout rounds are a completely different ball game whereby all the elite teams come out of first gear and compete for that trophy. Lyon, were one of those. Overlooked by some, but they have a tendancy to surprise people, and they are very strong in the world of Football Manager as you all know.. So this was no easy feat for me at all.
Saying that, my first win to an ‘elite’ side was against Lyon back when I first came into the Champions League group stages 8 or so seasons ago. Was only a 1-0 win, but that has helped project the team where it is today and now they stand between us and a European trophy that I have wanted since the start of the save, more than 16 seasons ago.
Away first then, as has been the trend throughout the competition so far. My first game stats were not looking good, with all but one win away from home. Still, there is always a time to prove people wrong right?
Bummer, we took a hit. Lyon were very strong at home and it showed, after only 20 minutes they were 1-0 up and looking to expand that through their two deadly front-men. Luckily we only came in on the half with a one goal deficit, which was a valuable time to get my team talks in. Unfortunately, it didn’t really pay off, as Lyon took a 2-0 goal lead before Belyakov managed to score a valuable consolation goal that meant we would only need one goal to go through in the home leg.
Highlights of the game: Here
In all fairness we knew what was going to happen in the first leg, and it is the second that our BOIS really come into their element. After looking at the pre-match news, I knew that my lads would give it the best they had. But was it enough?
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!! Oh you cheeky *[Censored]*! Get in. Cmon! :D
We had done it, the impossible, the incredible. After the frustrations of the draw, we had finally made it. Finally conquered the best, demolished the elites of the game. We might not have played the best football, in fact I think that was probably the worst I had seen us play in a knock-out round, but it was enough. We deserve to be here, not through skill and class, but through grit and determination. The games we have played up until this point have been fantastic to manage, with tasting the highs and lows throughout our adventure this year and I just hope my lads can show the same attitude when they go out on that final stage.
About the game though, and blimey it had its ups and downs. If I had a pacemaker.. It wouldn’t work now put it that way ;). The game got off to a belting start when Adam Lecomte ran from the half way line, through the defence and slide the ball under the hapless keeper. Despair then followed as Lecomte turned from ‘Hero’ to ‘Zero’ in a matter of minutes when he got sent off for a needless lunge on the Lyon left back. Luckily we went into half time one up, but straight after the restart, Lyon pulled one back. Ramadhani rounded the keeper and it looked as though Luciano was there to save the day! Unfortunately, his slide tackle was too strong and he scored an own goal for his attempt at a heroic last ditch attempt, much to the disappointment of the home fans.
Still, it was our day to saviour, and Belyakov restored our lead. The now lone front-man jinxing inside from the left, and curling a beautiful shot into the far corner of the net. Bastos completed the fightback after some great work found himself one on one with the keeper. He was sliced down, meaning he was there to stick home the spot kick. Get in :). From there on in it was a tense affair, which seemed to resemble the film 300 more than anything else as a player from either side was sent off before the full time whistle.
Highlights of the game: Here
And the draw for the final would see us face..
Gah. Knew it…
Story continues on the next page..
Stromson
1 июня, 2011 at 02:28
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! I’ve been waiting all night for this post (ever since you told me you’d be updating), and I’m not the slightest bit disappointed! I don’t really even know what to say or where to begin. Those were some ammmaaaaaaaazzzinngggg results, and it’s hard to believe that after all these years, you’ve finally booked yourself a spot in the CL final! I can’t wait for the next post now. :) Again, incredible results, way to go. :)
Excessive
1 июня, 2011 at 12:42
Arrrrrrrrrrrr!! I told you, you wouldnt be :D
Thanks bud, I’m still shocked that we have managed to get through some of these games.. But I couldn’t be happier. (well I could if we won it.. ;))
To my favourite supporter, this is for you :)
CsAtlantis
1 июня, 2011 at 04:50
You know, as much as SI tries to draw some big teams for you, they at least let you play away first so you can come back to your home ground knowing what result you need, great stuff knocking out barca, arsenal, and now lyon
Just one team left then, Inter Milan, oh yeah, where is the final going to be played?
Good luck :D
Excessive
1 июня, 2011 at 12:46
Haha yeah I guess, the stadium is our fortress :)
Game will be played in Florence I think, just hope it’s filled with those fans that supply our players with so much energy at home!
Liam101
1 июня, 2011 at 08:18
Excessive i love your posts. have followed this story from the beginning and i just love it. Keep it up hope you win
Excessive
1 июня, 2011 at 12:50
Thanks Liam, I know you have.. Just glad I can share something like this with everyone :)
Johnny Karp
1 июня, 2011 at 09:39
Wonderful post Jake, just great! The fightback against Arsenal was amazing, your team proved right there that it has what it takes to beat anybody! Now get that silverware, will you? :) Best of luck!
Excessive
1 июня, 2011 at 12:52
Cheers Johnny :D
I sure hope so, it will be tough but we have shown we have what it takes to beat Inter!
Sibo
1 июня, 2011 at 09:46
OMG! :O
Brilliant. Incredible. Fantastic! Well done, every round I was thinking «he can’t…can he?» Then I saw the first legs and I just thought «hmmmm, it’s gonna be tough…» but you seem to be able to do incredible things at home, well done mate, those results are honestly just incredible!
I really hope you beat Inter, it would be great to see the culmination of all those years at Varberg, and even though you have improved a lot it would still be pretty spectacular for a Swedish club to win the Champion’s League!
Good luck mate! :D
Excessive
1 июня, 2011 at 12:55
Haha, thanks Sibo I’m glad you enjoyed it ;)
It was a brilliant run by the BOIS, just hope that they can show the same spirit as they have throughout.
Martin
1 июня, 2011 at 11:55
hahaha nice post mate…congrats in getting to the champions league final…you deserve to win it after beating the likes of Barcelona, Arsenal and Lyon. All the best for the final…i can’t wait to see the out come :)
Excessive
1 июня, 2011 at 12:57
Cheers Martin :D!
Pawn_pt
1 июня, 2011 at 11:57
I wonder where you got that silly idea of simulating matches :D Great job till the Final! Very close matches but you did it!! :D KUTGW!
Excessive
1 июня, 2011 at 13:00
What a great idea! 100% in the league and only conceded once in 10 games. Cheers ;)
Darren Smith
1 июня, 2011 at 11:58
Absolutely fandabidozeylishess!!!!! Couldn’t think of a word to describe your feat. Varbergs BOIS have climbed from the depths of Swedish football to play in the CL final but also done it in style. You couldn’t have wished for a worse run IMO, so your boys deserve this. I can’t wait for the grand finale!!! Excellent work mate, ps. when will we celebrate the famous final? And when will we see the first games for FMS Patriots?
Excessive
1 июня, 2011 at 13:05
Absoluteibootilicious :D
Haha thanks Darren, SI gave all they could throw at us so I’m chuffed that we have been able to come through it.
I don’t know about celebrating, but the post will probably be tonight, with all the explanations of what I am going to do next ;)
vaibhavc
1 июня, 2011 at 11:58
Hey Excessive
Brilliant run in the Champions League, you are really doing well. You had a really tough run and you managed to beat them all. I wish you had put the the final up, I was so excited.
Excessive
1 июня, 2011 at 13:08
Thanks Vaibhav,
Trying to hold the suspense that’s all ;)
Sears
1 июня, 2011 at 14:54
Haa what a post, I’m guessing the final will be posted either tonight or tomorrow, yeh :-D?? God I can’t wait… Still pinching myself in disbelief that you actually made the final, with a Swedish club! Absolutely stunning… One question though: If you win, or if you have already won, will you be continuing this story or beginning a new one?
ps can you post up the download link to your tactic as well bud? Cheers
Excessive
1 июня, 2011 at 15:03
Thanks Sears :). It should be tonight with any luck, yeah :D.
If I go on to win the trophy, ill reveal all my intentions for the future of the save etc at the end of the post.
P.S I’m on patch 11.2, but I can send you them both when I get home if you want?
Sears
1 июня, 2011 at 15:10
Ahhh I see, but yeah that would be great thanks…
Darthbane999
1 июня, 2011 at 16:07
I am at a loss of words… ARRRRRrrrrhH how on Earth did you bloody do that??? I never expected this at all!!! Even with my Bayern it’s crazy enough to get to the final and yet your team has reached the final! All I’m saying is that you didn’t do a good job but a brilliantly crazy one (and some would say lucky but I don’t think so; it’s skill). Win the Champions League and you can go Copa, Liga i Champions! If you don’t get it never mind, it’s Crackovia.
Excessive
1 июня, 2011 at 17:53
Thanks DB! :)
You know, I have no idea. My lads did brilliantly and full credit goes to them for their outstanding performances, they might have been a little lucky (even I would say that) but thats the aim of the game at the end of the day and i’m so chuffed :)
Just hope they can pull off the same in the final…