The Experts Say... Day 8

"I thought Roma looked the stronger side, Spartak Moscow were unlucky to lose a player in the fifty first minute and once that happened, Roma were so much stronger with a man advantage that it was going to be a very difficult task for Spartiak to get back into the game. Well done AS Roma, they look very strong, and I know the MVP went to Bove, but I would have given the man of the match to Tomassini, the Roma defender who literally negated Mutaliev, the Spartak Moscow playmaker, so much so that he played him out of the game, or as they say in football, he had him in his pocket. Mutaliev has been such a dangerous player all tournament, and this time around we didn’t see him because of the incredible work of Tomassini."

Rhodri Williams, Al Kass Analyst


"I don’t think we were surprised about Kashiwa Reysol beating Real Madrid because we have seen them do it before. They have been quiet in the tournament up until now and just went about their business. They began with a draw with PSG in a repeat of the last year’s final and I can see they
have always used this tournament to learn and develop their football as a club. Therefore, we know every year that they will be a tough team to beat. A lot of people were expecting Real Madrid to win. They have got amazing stamina and they pass the ball really well, making it really difficult to get the ball off them. But I think they got a bit frustrated and, in the end, the better team won."

Rhodri Williams, Al Kass Analyst