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16 March 2016 - 9:36pm

The Champions League thread

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We've got a premier league one so how about a Champion's League thread?

I was just about to post "what a goal Suarez" but just now who else but Thomas Muller has popped up 6 yards out to head in an equaliser for Bayern against Juventus. Juve decided to park the bus after a good first half and they have paid the price. It is hard to see Bayern not going on and winning this tie in extra time now.

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2 May 2018 - 1:16pm
#241

I can't believe they make it again...another Madrid night - another criminal ref 😂
Good luck to Liverpool tonight and let's hope they will punish Real Madrid on the final cause they really don't deserve to get the Champions League...

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2 May 2018 - 1:21pm
#242

Didn't saw the last night's game but pretty sure I wasn't right about it...but anyway maybe not much of a difference if Real still managed to win it...they were obviously very close couple of times to left the tournament so hopefully they will not have that much of a luck in the final.

Yeah I'm not worry about Liverpool scoring mate, they will score, the issue is how many they will concede...but let's see...

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2 May 2018 - 1:26pm
#243
Stime1994 wrote:

I can't believe they make it again...another Madrid night - another criminal ref 😂
Good luck to Liverpool tonight and let's hope they will punish Real Madrid on the final cause they really don't deserve to get the Champions League...

Yeah that was exactly what I've tried to say above, sooner or later all that ref decisions and even the other situations depending on luck should change direction..at least hope so..and if it's happen on the final that would be the ultimate punishment for Real.
They were really lucky over the years in this tournament and maybe even more so this season...enough already..

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3 May 2018 - 12:11am
#244

Well Liverpool made it, more deservedly than the scored suggested I think. They were good in the first half but awful in the second. Alexander-Arnold had a poor game at right back and Roma targeted him effectively. The refereeing was "curious" shall we say, ignoring clear shouts for penalties for both sides, then awarding a ridiculous one at the end for handball by Klavan.

Both Liverpool and Real are going to feel confident going into this final. Madrid were ordinary in both their semi matches but somehow scraped through and Liverpool will think they can take their defence apart, but Madrid will be licking their lips after seeing how badly Liverpool defended in the 2nd half against Roma. I certainly hope the "first leg" Liverpool shows up to the final!

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3 May 2018 - 4:54pm
#245

Don't want to underestimate the Liverpool success but think that Roma played another disastrous game in defence, otherwise they could of been closer, too much time and space for Mane.

I believe Liverpool have all the weapons to beat Real and honestly think the Spanish side could lost it, I will cheer for Liverpool in the final, watch out Ed I hope this is the last time I'm saying that 🙂

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4 May 2018 - 12:07pm
#246

Didn't saw the Atletico - Arsenal game but obviously a sad end of the Wenger era for him and Arsenal, the end result could of been expected after what happened in the first game I think.

Both finalists will have their chances to lift the cup I believe.

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4 May 2018 - 2:24pm
#247

I truly believe Liverpool have enough to defeat Real, since they were overplayed by Juve and Bayern and let's hope that the final wouldn't include the same stuff like quarters and semis.

In Europa League it was great season very good matches and very good teams, I liked it much more than this year's CL : )

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7 May 2018 - 4:14pm
#248

Yeah let's hope you're right mate nobody want's the ref to be a factor in such a game like the final.

And yeah I agree about Liverpool, they would have to try to score cause I think they are vulnerable at the back and probably would concede once or twice so think if they score 3 that would be fine 🙂

And about EL I think the final should be close, seems like Marseile team could be a match for the favourites Atletico but I still fancy the Spanish side to win it, they've been quite unlucky in the CL in recent years so probably should be their moment now.

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27 May 2018 - 1:39pm
#249

Well, the best Real player on the final was...the Liverpool gk

They could end up loosing anyway but Karius never give them a chance, the loss could of been expected though after they lost Salah so early in the game and never looked too much of a threat after that.

The goalkeeper crisis continue for years in Liverpool and I think this time Klopp should really go after a decent keeper, but it's already too late for that.

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30 May 2018 - 2:02am
#250

Yeah what a disappointing way to lose a final. I feel sorry for the poor guy. That is going to haunt him for the rest of his life probably. It's one thing to make a mistake or two, we all do it, but at least when we do it we're not in a stadium full of people and being watched by a billion or so others around the world. I'd be pretty surprised if they don't go out and buy a new keeper now.

As for the game I thought Liverpool started really well and were on top until Salah had to go off. After that there was only going to be one winner. Ramos did his dirty thing and got away with again, first time on Salah and then diving to get Mane a yellow card in the second half. There's nothing you can do about Bale's first goal, it was simply too good. It's such a shame they gave away the other two though!

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30 May 2018 - 12:58pm
#251

Yeah I think Ramos did that on purpose to Salah, by the time they both hit the ground he was still holding the Egyptian's arm and fall over him, not saying he meant it to harm him in this particular situation but he's been really rude intentionally and got lucky.

I think Klopp has a fault himself for the keepers crisis, first of all he should of seek for a keeper long time ago but anyway, he rotated his both keepers for a long period of time and that's just a killer for their confidence, no need to say this is not right but also the last man in your team you want to struggle about confidence is your gk.
OK, he stick to Karious lately but I always thought Mignolet is the better one (OK the less worst) but you cant wait to the CL final to understand your keeper is just no good - when the whole world told you that for the last couple of years.

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31 May 2018 - 3:32pm
#252

So Zidane shocked many with the decision to leave Real after 3 straight CL cups won, kind of weird...looking for new challenges?!?

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5 June 2018 - 1:53am
#253

Zidane is a smart man. He can see that his team needs some injection of young talent and maybe someone has to step up and tell the older guys with big egos that their time is up. Sure they won the cup but they had a poor season in the league. He's probably thought that he can leave now while he's on top and leave the hard decisions to someone else. I reckon he might pop up as manager of France after the world cup perhaps.

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5 June 2018 - 9:48am
#254

I'm willing to agree with you Ed, about Zidane - Real situation although I'm not too well informed about it.

That's an interesting idea that he could be the next France coach, I think Zidane showed that he's really good leading his team in a particular tournament like the CL(not so good in the league) so it could be a great appointment for France to hire him.
We know the relatively short tournaments including eliminating phase like the World Cup and the Eu.Ch. are the most important for the national sides and I think Zidane proved he's brilliant in that so it could be a more than great appointment for them really.

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6 June 2018 - 2:03am
#255

I'm thinking it might happen because they are being talked up as chances of winning this tournament, some respected people are even tipping them to do it. So they win then Deschamps might want to retire and if they don't he might get the sack?

Though I just looked it up and Deschamps is contracted until 2020 so maybe I don't have a clue! 😂

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6 June 2018 - 3:42pm
#256

Ha-ha, you fired the man whatever happens despite his contract mate,
I'm starting to think you've put a stake on Zidane being next France coach 😉 ...are you 😜

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17 September 2018 - 6:13pm
#257
Quote:

I can't believe it is champions league time again already.

A transaction from the PL thread here 😉

Yeah, it's time already Ed, a few interesting fixtures ahead, I think the Liverpool -PSG clash should be the main attraction but there's a couple of others that will get the attention too...

Real M - Roma and Valencia - Juventus should be a good spectacles and why not even City - Lyon..who knows.

Any expectations before all getting started ED?

I think enough is enough for Real M...they've been somewhat lucky in any of their three straight cups..so definitely it's time for a change....hopefully that doesn't mean it's City's turn.

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19 September 2018 - 3:08pm
#258

Just saw the last few minutes of the Liverpool game,Firmino scored a classy goal for the win.

I guess Liverpool deserved it after they were 2 up...tough game Ed?

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2 October 2018 - 9:47pm
#259

Another game, another disastrous performance by United...no wonder really!

The strange thing for me is what so strange happened in the last couple of games that now everybody wants the Mourinho's head, just in the match before last the fans still chanted his name(??) and now all they booing?!?

So what's changed in the last couple of games?
Am I missing something here or what..the team playing that way every since the Mourinho's appointment but certainly the whole of last season was a disaster too in terms of style despite 2nd place in the PL.

Even in the Mourinho first season when they won a couple of trophies the picture have been quite similar, in fact the only trophy they won deservedly was the UEFA League (in not a great competition to say the least) because in the FA Cup final United were completely outplayed by Southampton and I still wonder how they manage to win that anyway.

So it's about time for Mourinho to go ( a couple of seasons too late if you ask me) but what changed the fans view...?! They should be either blind or stupid..or both!

Supporting your manager is generally a good thing but not in this case because it was obvious that United has no future (or any perspectives playing decent football) under Mourionho but I have the slight feeling that even he's about to be dismissed the next appointment won't be too far in terms of vision for the future if you will..but that's not the managers problem really.

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9 October 2018 - 1:13am
#260

I feel your pain sharpe, I've been there plenty of times before as a frustrated Liverpool supporter.

I think its highly likely that Mourinho will be gone, if not mid season, then at the end. The fact the owners didn't give him any money to spend showed that they drew a line in the sand and said enough was enough, do the best with what you have. After all he has already spent a fortune. But he has not dealt with that very well based on his continual moaning in the media. So something has to give and owners almost always win these fights.

That said, United have 4 points from 2 games now so its not exactly a bad start to the champions league. So its not all doom and gloom, things could be worse.

Liverpool turned out their worst performance of the season against Napoli, didn't even have a shot on target all games, and they deservedly lost in the end. That makes their group very tight.

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9 October 2018 - 1:01pm
#261

Thanks Ed, nobody knows more for the pain than the current generation of Liverpool supporters (I mean those who're not old enough to remember the glory days), I'm not making fun of that, really.

I hope you're right about Mourinho and my feeling is quite similar, I think he'd gone at the latest in the end of the season.
But maybe they spoke the same way about Alex Ferguson back then?!?
No..those two men can't be compared.

United could easily miss the knockout stage in the CL if they keep playing like this despite sitting second in the table right now but for me not the results but how you get them is the most important thing despite of course that most of the supporters (and even some of the club's staff) doesn't care too much as long as the results are there, but success is an inconsistent dimension and those who not build a style are more likely to hardly keep it.

Didn't saw the Liverpool game but yeah..they didn't made themselves any favors loosing that one, Napoli already drew a game with Red Star so at paper this is when Liverpool should get an advantage..I think they'll be OK in that group in the end.

Do you think Klopp should turn back to the CL and concentrating mainly on the PL this season(that's not my thought but I kind of supporting that theory), especially for a club not won the title in the past 28 years,or you believe they could be successful at both fronts?

Do they have the long enough bench to that?
Even Barcelona or Real aren't successful on both fronts in the past years and we know they certainly have a largest squads in terms of quality players than Liverpool.

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10 October 2018 - 1:45am
#262

It's a good question. Liverpool's bench is quite a bit stronger now when everyone is fit. You have guys like Sturridge, Matip, Lovren, Shaqiri, Fabinho, Moreno etc. Many of those were regular starters in the past few seasons so the squad does look a lot stronger now. If it was me I would prioritise the league and just see what happens in the cups. You always need a bit of luck on the cups even if you have a really strong squad, I think focusing purely on them is much more of a gamble especially if you risk missing out on the top four in the league by doing so.

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10 October 2018 - 4:24pm
#263

Yeah, you're right there's a bit of experience and class on the Liverpool bench now compared to the previous seasons, the question is how much exactly Klopp would trust those players and rotate the squad, otherwise I'm agree that they shuold be be concentrated on the league in full, especially this particular club.

You're too modest Ed, I don't think there's a realistic chance Liverpool to miss out on the top 4 spot this season.

Clearly five teams would compete for that, not 6 as usual so the chances are even higher, except that Spurs doesn't don't look so good early on and despite Arsenal great form they would still have to prove themselves against the top opponents, so Liverpool would have to do really poor in a long run to miss out there I think.

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23 October 2018 - 8:27am
#264

Anyone betteing against Man united upsetting Juventus?

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23 October 2018 - 8:32am
#265

I think Liverpool have pretty much declared their top 3 intentions already. Chelsea too. Man city are poised to win the league this season, unless they prioritize the ucl. same thing with Liverpool.

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23 October 2018 - 5:10pm
#266
Antom1943 wrote:

Anyone betteing against Man united upsetting Juventus?

Yeah, that's funny but that's exactly what I thought, United could upset Juventus tonight and certainly the game is more important to them than for the Italians, who could afford a draw and even to loose that one.
But is also certain that United have to be on the top of their game to do that.

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23 October 2018 - 5:24pm
#267
Antom1943 wrote:

I think Liverpool have pretty much declared their top 3 intentions already. Chelsea too. Man city are poised to win the league this season, unless they prioritize the ucl. same thing with Liverpool.

This is for the PL topic but since you have posted it here I will respond here as well.

For me Liverpool are not only a top 3 contender but I'm expecting they'll push City for the title till the very end(probably), for me that are the top teams in terms of performance right now and despite Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs being so close in the standings I'm expecting those three to fight for the last two places in top 4.
I'll even predict Spurs would stay outside, Man United, no chance for me to be even near.

And City fancying the CL? - I think they never done that..at least not so obvious but even if they do it there's no guaranties for success in Europe and in the same time they could loose the league.
With all my respect to City, they're the England embarrassment in the CL (for a top team they pretend to be of course) played what.. one semi for all these years?

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24 October 2018 - 6:22pm
#268

Yeah, I couldn't been more off the mark with that 🙂
Juventus could of won that with 3 or 4, that's why I don't like the pre-match guesses, you need at least 5-10 mins to sort it out what's going on there.

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25 October 2018 - 6:43am
#269

Man United are still sitting second though, and with the other match being a draw they are still 2 points ahead of third which isn't so bad.

Barca beat Inter away and for once I think I saw something I've never seen before on a football field. Suarez was taking a free kick and the Inter players in the wall all jumped. But to cover them one of their teammates lay down on the ground behind the wall. He hit it low and the ball went under the jumping wall but then it hit the guy on the ground and went over the crossbar for a corner. It would have been a goal otherwise. Very clever!

I'm a happy Liverpool supporter. They had a relatively easy win though the first penalty they got was unbelievably soft. Still they won 4-0 and should have scored a couple more, plus all the forwards scored. Shaqiri looks like a cube on legs, but gee he has played well the past few games.

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25 October 2018 - 1:51pm
#270

Didn't even knew the results from yesterday, just checking those now..

Quote:

Shaqiri looks like a cube on legs

😂 😂 ...exactly..but he's very experienced already and still has the pace and mobility so I think he's an useful addition to the Liverpool's squad..generally I think Klopp transfer dealing has been wise...not overspending and didn't look for quantity but quality.

Just one remark Ed, Barca have played at home...

Quote:

Suarez was taking a free kick and the Inter players in the wall all jumped. But to cover them one of their teammates lay down on the ground behind the wall. He hit it low and the ball went under the jumping wall but then it hit the guy on the ground and went over the crossbar for a corner.

Yeah.. I've seen such situation once already (don't remember in which game) and I didn't even understood what the player laying on the ground trying to do at first..then I got it..but the free kick was taken high anyway..finally there won't be more controversy if the wall have to jump or not...unless some coaches think that's another body that they'd need in the penalty area covering an opponent...but I think that would become a popular approach now defending a free kicks.