I realise that the Defending Champions of the Champions League will NOT make it past 2nd round... since the 2004/05 season.
2004/05... FC Porto the defending champions... minus Jose Mourinho and the likes of Deco and Maniche... fallen to Inter Milan in the round of 16.
2005/06... Liverpool... shockingly lost out to Benfica in both legs of the same round.
2006/07... FC Barcelona... knocked out 2-1 on aggregate despite winning at Anfield over Liverpool in the 2nd round.
2007/08... AC Milan... They expected to run over Arsenal after a lucky 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium, with Kaka back in the team. This morning however, they were given sucker punches by Cesc Fabregas and Adebayor in the final 6 minutes of the game. While the Gunners is the first English team to win at San Siro.
As the commentators commented it is the end of an era for Milan, I feel that the team needs a makeover for the new season. Most players are ageing... Nesta is 32, same goes to Seedorf, Gattuso is 30 this year, Pippo is 35, sames goes to other over 30 players such as Cafu, Ambrosini and Dida, while another 32 years old Ronaldo(The plump one, not the handsome Benglish one) is fighting a career threatening injury can may leave the team this season. Well if I am the manager, I will build a young team around Kaka and Pato.
Meanwhile for Punters, can consider to bet the opponents of the defending champions to win in the 2nd round of the Champions League.
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