Normally all topics to do with a game are moved into the match thread, but f**k it today, you can never have too many topics on a game like last night. History making stuff.

Anyway, I read that people are gutted that Rami and Ivan are suspended for the final and how well Bosi done stepping in.

But.. lets also give credit to Meireles. He got the strops over the AVB thing and has taken a lot of sh*t on the forum over the months (some quite warranted) but over the last few weeks it seems RDM got him back on track again. He was exceptional last night, got in front of everything and proud to wear the shirt. He pulled Frank away and had a word over the Cesc spat, obviously not wanting him to pick up any cards, and just felt that it was another player that gave everything, but is somehow getting overlooked here.

Let's spare a thought on how gutted he will be about missing the final, but like the others, without him, we wouldn't even be there!

Really felt for him, pleading with the referee not to book him, Great performance

I thought Mary Ellis was superb last night , as they all were. When he was trying to get the ref to not book him , my heart went out to him , cause he must have known the tackle was going to earn him that. The ref done well last night , shame he couldn't have maybe used a bit more than common sense when he booked him.

Not been his biggest fan, but the two games he really stepped it up and took one for the team so gutted for him, Still get a medal though!!!

Totally agree, I said this last night. Did the ref really need to book him in the 89th min? common sense should have prevailed but hey this is UEFA so are we surprised. Raul isn't the most talented player we have but he has really put a shift in over the two legs. UEFA end this farce , a showcase final is no use without the best available teams playing, only players sent off in the two legs should be banned.

Spot on Mod, so many players here get stick over mediocre performances but they have all done their bit and Raul has done well in both Barca games as well as scoring a scorcher in the last round.

I'd also give some credit to Kalou for his Job yesterday, he started the move where he appeared to check his run thinking he was offside but defended well and was a good Sub from RDM when I fully expected Torres to come on for Mata, he got it spot on and Kalou defended well with Torres getting on with fresh legs at the exact right time.

Lets hail all the unsung heroes and be thankful they've done their best which is often good enough.

Well said, and the plaudits for him are well deserved given the flack he has gotten this year. He barely put a foot wrong all game. He did that in the first leg and I never thought he could play so flawlessly again, but he did.

Really felt for him, pleading with the referee not to book him, Great performance

Agreed. That was a gutting moment.

Well played Raul, shame you cant play in the final. We need a great replacement now.

Can I make one of these with Mikel as well, or is that inappropriate?

Meireles is one of the legends of the match.

Agreed. Was really impressed with him

Is it callous to ask why he can't play with that commitment, passion and intelligence all the time

Hilarious picture of Meireles here:

I've been far from his biggest fan, but everybody gave it all last night including Meireles, fair play to the lad.

The more the game went on the more impressive he became. Not my favourite player, not the best on the ball, but he was heroic last night, he ran more than anyone else, he was disciplined and committed. Was really gutted for him. He took one for the team. Take a bow Raul.

Every chance he would have started the final, but unlike Brana, JT and Rami it is not certain he would if fit.

At the moment 2 of the midfeild 3 are certain to start the big games, Mikel and Lamps. Meireles has, of late, made the spot 3 his own. However if Romeu or Essien come in to a run of form either could have taken the spot.

Every player out there, besides JT for his moment of madness, deserves great credit for the result in Camp Nou.

probably been his biggest critic on here...great effort last night for sure in rearguard action and deserves credit...still can't pass the ball and I still don't rate him...he actually gave it away (again) just before the second goal, which is why I get so frustrated with him

Excellent thread mod, and bang on in sentiment. Meireles may not be everyones cup of tea but he brings pace to our midfield which we desperately lack at times, and on tuesday he tackled everything that moved. That he was willing to forego a place in the final squad to get us there speaks volumes for him as a team player.

Well said, he really did put in a shift, the whole team did.

Mikel needs a shout out as well as he has been so much better in recent matches.

Its so refreshing to see the team play with so much desire!

He actually lost possession which led to their second goal but apart from that I think he was great in both semi final legs. He was disciplined and took one for the team with his booking. Thought the ref was heartless in booking him and also Rameres and Ivan for dissent which meant they all missed the final. They did not deserve that.

Credit to all the team once again.

Hilarious picture of Meireles here:

Yes, that's a bit of a gay run when normally he wouldn't look out of place on a Pirate ship. I thought he was awesome over both legs!

Edit: Frank v Fabregas only one winner... :-)

Edited April 26, 201214 yr by Fast Eddie

Yes I coated him over this season, but he has been much better since RDM came in.

Edit: Frank v Fabregas only one winner... :-)

Agree, Fabregas's arms are like pipe cleaners

It was heartbreaking to see him pleading with the ref at the end not to book him. I felt so sorry for him. 180 minutes of the toughest football of his life and right at the end this inexperienced and harsh referee rewards him by ruling him out of what should have been the biggest night of his career.

The ref refused to acknowledge common sense and booked him for a challenge that had the slightest of contact and impact on the game, and which now has the most devastating of consequences for the poor guy. Furthermore he had barely committed a foul all night.

Thanks Cuneyt Cakir! (just kidding, you're a twat, and your name is ridiculous)

i thought the yellow was justified and raul can have no complaints

Didnt kick fibreglass hard enough, horrible little scrote.

I've ripped him to pieces but fair play to him, utterly selfless performances and put himself on the line to the point where he won't be in the final, seems a nice guy off the pitch as well.