"They're the better side on paper, but it's not played on paper it's played on grass".
Years ago I remember a non-league (or lower league) manager being interviewed about a Cup tie with a first division team. He said (after coming out with something like the cliche above): "They're men the...
Don't hear the phrase "over the moon" much any more. Back in the day "I'm over the moon, Brian" was like the 1980s equivalent of "Unbelievable Jeff!"
EDIT: It's not one of my favourite phrases by any means, so probably not the answer you wanted.