Thought it might be handy to have a thread for anyone with an interest in the other leagues outside of the Premier League.
La Liga,Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 etc etc.
Paris St Germain got lucky tonight,Ibrahimovic scoring a peno in the last minute to earn a draw.
Not the start the wanted after the money they have spent.
Quote from: laoislad on August 11, 2012, 10:19:15 PM
Paris St Germain got lucky tonight,Ibrahimovic scoring a peno in the last minute to earn a draw.
Not the start the wanted after the money they have spent.
Bit like sevco plc!
As entertaining a match as I've watched in any league for a long time, the big Swede is a class act
Good idea for a thread.
Only seeing this nonsense now. Premier league is the only league on the planet anyone should care about, it's the best. Sky Sports News said so. So there.
QuoteParis St Germain got lucky tonight,Ibrahimovic scoring a peno in the last minute to earn a draw.
Not the start the wanted after the money they have spent.
If PSG don't walk Ligue-1 this year it will be the biggest shock of all time, I'd have thought.
Quote from: Billys Boots on August 17, 2012, 10:12:34 AM
QuoteParis St Germain got lucky tonight,Ibrahimovic scoring a peno in the last minute to earn a draw.
Not the start the wanted after the money they have spent.
If PSG don't walk Ligue-1 this year it will be the biggest shock of all time, I'd have thought.
The pressue is on PSG this season after the money they have spent. I think they have spent the most money by any European club this summer. Their last league title was in 94, so they have to deliver this season or Ancelotti will be told Au Revoir.
Excellent thread laoislad
Does this include the IFA and FAI leagues?
Quote from: ziggysego on August 18, 2012, 02:37:30 AM
Does this include the IFA and FAI leagues?
no, a "Mickey Mouse Football" thread will be started shortly - will inlude the scottish league this year too
Bilbao. 0-3 down. Back to 3-3. Lost 3-5. No Llorente.
Decent enough game tonight in Spain's version of the Charity Shield
Some game this. 3-2 now.Is there two legs or only the one game?
Two legs.
Reus, who looked very good for Germany in Euros when he came on, scored on his debut for Dortmund tonight against Bremen. Was at the club as young player but let go as they thought he wouldn't make it. Spent 18m euro buying him back to replace Kagawa... Somebody fecked up at Dortmund all right!!! In the continuing sad absence of St Pauli in the Bundesliga top flight, my new favourite team is newly promoted Greuther Furth, who not only play in green and white hoops, but their badge is a shamrock!!!!
some game alright
Classic Messi free kick.
Really good game tonight - think both teams will be coming away happy. Real were fantastic in the first half and game should have been long over by the time Messi scored. Barca very good in second half. Nice little cameo for them from Song, lovely pass for the final Messi chance.
Barca have a deeper squad than previous years and with the likes of Alves, Villa and Cesc missing tonight they'll be very difficult to stop again. Real still top of the pile though, be interesting to see what they're like with targets on their backs. They'd been poor to date in the league, maybe this will kickstart their season.
Can't find a Champions League thread,is there one?
Anyway looking forward to tonights game,best team in England v best team in Spain.
Quote from: laoislad on September 18, 2012, 09:14:17 PM
City 1 up v Madrid
Great finish from Dzeko
That goal was all about Yaya Touré 1-1 now fine finish.
Best team won Joe Hart should have saved that last goal.
Quote from: laoislad on September 18, 2012, 09:36:53 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 18, 2012, 09:35:29 PM
Best team won Joe Hart should have saved that last goal.
Don't agree.
If anything he kept them in the game with some great saves.
Agree, Kompany ducked, he was to blame, cracking game.
Quote from: hardstation on September 18, 2012, 09:36:09 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 18, 2012, 09:35:29 PM
Best team won Joe Hart should have saved that last goal.
Defender stitched him up.
There may have been a slight deflection?
That was a fantastic final 20 minutes of foot ball. Its a good thing I didn't give up after 70 minutes of goalless footy Di Maria was superb at times, the best I have seen from him.
Roy Keane on ITV thinks Joe Hart should have saved the last two goals. In fairness he was having a fine game before those goals.
Quote from: laoislad on September 18, 2012, 10:00:39 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 18, 2012, 09:47:17 PM
Roy Keane on ITV thinks Joe Hart should have saved the last two goals.
Ah well sure that's that them.
King Keano knows all....
He sure knows all about goalkeeping, exhibit one Mr Craig Gordon.
From BBC
GOAL- Real Madrid 3-2 Man City - Cristiano Ronaldo
Unbelievable! Utterly unbelievable! They were staring defeat fimrly in the face but now Real Madrid lead. Cristiano Ronaldo cuts in from the left and fires a shot that dips and beats Joe Hart, despite the keeper getting a touch. Hart has been great in this game, but he could possibly have done better with that. Jose Mourinho responds to the goal by sliding on to the ground on his knees like a young lad at a wedding. Unconfined joy for Real but only pain for City.
(http://imgon.net/di-RPD8.gif)
Did anyone else notice when after the game they were discussing the 2nd goal and Keane was ranting about how Harte should have saved it,they cut to a wide shot of the fellas standing pitch side.
I could have swore I saw Southgate throwing his eyes up to heaven as Keane was lambasting Harte saying he should have stopped the 2nd goal.
Two late goals wins it for Barcelona.
Only for Joe Hart Manchester City would be losing this game by three or four goals.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 03, 2012, 09:11:01 PM
Only for Joe Hart Manchester City would be losing this game by three or four goals.
he has been outstanding indeed
Late lucky penalty rescues a point for Manchester City.
Quote from: laoislad on October 20, 2012, 10:39:09 PM
Deportivo 4 Barca 5
Some game!
Barca wearing the worst kit I have ever seen.
Barca were 3-0 up after 18 mins
Quote from: laoislad on October 20, 2012, 10:39:09 PM
Deportivo 4 Barca 5
Some game!
Barca wearing the worst kit I have ever seen.
Is this it? Cat malodeon. It looks like an orange that's just ripening nicely.
(http://www.footy-boots.com/files/2012/05/barcelona-away-shirt-2012-2013.jpg)
Another Champions league defeat for Manchester City, they look out of their depth in this competition. Arsenal also beaten, in fairness they are always punching above their weight and may yet reach the next round.
Bayern 9-1 up against Hamburg, still 10 minutes left.
Tito Velanova stepped down as Coach of Barca due to the recurrence of the cancer illness.
http://t.co/ZW9xymnCNp
Tito replaced by a Newell old boy?
Bit of bit*hing behind the scenes I'd think. Think they can certainly continue on from here but wish it had been kept Catala.
A better watch than the 2012 Champions league final. Bayern Munich weren't going to lose that penalty shoot out after last minute goal were they?
Bad slip up by Chelsea near the end, showed enough against bayern to show they could be a force in Europe again this yr
Cech is some keeper. He must have saved 6 certain goals.
Unlucky in the end.
Maureen wasn't looking too cool during extra time. He looked almost human.
Great start from Bilbao although Madrid @ 11 tomorrow morning.
Anyone watching Hoffenheim v Bayer Leverkeusen tonight?! Seriously strange "goal" scored.
Ball clearly hit the side-netting but went through a hole in the net into the goal and the ref gave it! :o
Mad stuff.
Roma - 8 wins from 8.
Quote from: laoislad on October 18, 2013, 10:54:00 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 18, 2013, 09:15:41 PM
Anyone watching Hoffenheim v Bayer Leverkeusen tonight?! Seriously strange "goal" scored.
Ball clearly hit the side-netting but went through a hole in the net into the goal and the ref gave it! :o
Yer man that scored must have been a f**king Biffo...They have previous.
Kerry did it against Tipperary IIRC.
Quote from: muppet on October 18, 2013, 11:17:17 PM
Quote from: laoislad on October 18, 2013, 10:54:00 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 18, 2013, 09:15:41 PM
Anyone watching Hoffenheim v Bayer Leverkeusen tonight?! Seriously strange "goal" scored.
Ball clearly hit the side-netting but went through a hole in the net into the goal and the ref gave it! :o
Yer man that scored must have been a f**king Biffo...They have previous.
Kerry did it against Tipperary IIRC.
HISTORY often hangs on fickle twists of fate. Go all the way back to 1981 when Offaly and Laois were usually neck and neck in their Leinster hurling championship clashes.
A thrilling and controversial match between the midland rivals ended in a 3-20 to 6-10 win for the Faithful men on their way to the All-Ireland title and the counties have experienced starkly contrasting fortunes since then.Could it have been different? Offaly's Padraig Horan bagged a controversial 'goal' that day -- which he later admitted was wide -- and in September of that year, Liam McCarthy took up residence in Offaly."The game was very tight and I remember cutting inside and having a bullet of a shot that went just the wrong side of the post," he recalls."I remember being absolutely disgusted with myself and then I heard Johnny Flaherty (Offaly corner forward) shouting and looking to claim a goal. The umpire had ducked and the shot went through the side netting so when he looked up it was in the back of the net so he gave the goal.""Anyone who has asked me about it since I have told them the true story."According to Horan, that game "made Offaly." After conceding six goals, it prompted management to change their 'keeper.Christy King made way for Damien Martin, who had won the county's first hurling All-Star 10 years earlier in 1971. That switch would have extraordinary repercussions as Martin made a stunning save to deny Galway late in the All-Ireland final. It seemed as if it had been all written in the stars for Offaly.On Sunday the teams meet again. Offaly are looking for their 14th consecutive championship win over the O'Moore side and, should they achieve that, their reward is a date with All-Ireland champions Kilkenny."I suppose in some ways you are on a hiding to nothing (playing Kilkenny). But it goes in swings and roundabouts. I would fear that hurling has gone back a little bit. Okay, you have the likes of Cork, Kilkenny and a few others who are still playing well, but the rest are a long way off," affirms Horan."You have to be careful with the likes of Laois and Offaly or all the work that has been done will be undone. I was at a meeting recently and we were told that more people than ever are playing hurling. That may be the case but the skill levels seemed to have dropped."Horan's son, Diarmuid, will line out for Offaly at the weekend, while another son, Cathal, withdrew from the panel to concentrate on his final exams. Offaly hurling is at a low ebb at the moment. They lost all of their Division 1B matches including a defeat at the hands of Laois.The experienced players from their 1998 All-Ireland success have all but gone. Gary Hanniffy, the last link to the victorious 1998 starting side, hung up his hurley for the last time after Birr's club final defeat earlier this year. In fact, only Ger Oakley, a sub in '98, remains. So, a clean slate on Sunday for both sides then. History changed because of Padraig Horan and the width of a post.Another fickle twist of fate could change things again.
To make things worse it was my uncle who was the Laois goalkeeper that day.
Tidy finish from Ibrahimovic today
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpqR7JDtqaU&sns=em
Quote from: Minder on October 19, 2013, 07:52:05 PM
Tidy finish from Ibrahimovic today
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpqR7JDtqaU&sns=em
Like myself he has a great touch for a big man.
Quote from: Minder on October 19, 2013, 07:52:05 PM
Tidy finish from Ibrahimovic today
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpqR7JDtqaU&sns=em
Saw that earlier, some finish. This is even tidier.
http://www.breakingnews.ie/discover/you-need-to-see-this-goal-from-stephanie-roche-of-peamount-utd-610716.html
Interesting stuff there Laoislad. Laois really weren't far off in the early 80's. A good few very narrow defeats to teams that went on win the All-Ireland.
(http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/e6HBzOL91FF8sebzKnxCsA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NQ--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-GB/blogs/pitchside-europe/european-match-of-the-weeke.jpg)
5.30pm Saturday Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich
(http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/CnX42c5VQozTD0dNndkdOw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NQ--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-GB/blogs/pitchside-europe/baydorth2h.jpg)
Hummels,Subotic, Marcel Schmelzer, Lukasz Piszczek all out through injury so that's 1st choice back 4 gone and Ilkay Guendogan gone too means that Dortmund will be up against it. Dortmund are 4 points behind at the moment.
Ribery who cracked a rib for France and Schweinsteiger are out for Munich.
Barca beaten at home tonight. Doesn't happen that often!
Quote from: laoislad on February 01, 2014, 08:16:33 PM
Barca beaten at home tonight. Doesn't happen that often!
1st time since april 2012 when real Madrid beat them. 25 consecutive wins at the nou camp since then.
Straight red for Ronaldo in A Bilbao v R Madrid, this evening, play acting had been escalating with gay abandon for a while.
But considering Ronaldo's chronic history of play acting to getting opposing players sent off, it's more a case of chickens coming home to roost.
"It's been a fabulous game all along" Gerry Armstrong.
Atletico Madrid lead La Liga outright for the first time since 1995-96 after an impressive win over Real Sociedad: http://bbc.in/1blcg4E
Cant find a champions league thread so will use this one.
Massive match tonight between 2 teams with 14 European Cup between them
Good article here from Graham Hunter on the battle of wills between Pep and Bayerns hierarchy
If you didn't put a common-sense filter on some of the nonsense spoken after Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich 1-0 in last Wednesday's Champions League semi-final, you'd be left wondering: 'Did Barcelona really win 15 trophies under Pep Guardiola and have Spain definitely won the last two European Championships plus the World Cup in between?'
L'Equipe splashed their front page with a picture of 'their' scorer, France international Karim Benzema and the headline: 'Real Politik', going on to suggest that Madrid had given Bayern a base lesson in effectiveness and realism.
Franz Beckenbauer, for the second time in the Champions League knockout stages, chided Pep Guardiola's gameplan, stating post-match: 'Possession means nothing when your rival has all the chances to score. We can be thankful that we go back to Munich only 1-0 down.'
Sky television experts continued to chew over this idea that if a team has dramatic possession figures, but doesn't score, then the gameplan is at fault - the manager doesn't understand the concept of 'sterile' possession. Really. Honestly.
It all seemed as if some in football have been waiting for the Guardiola/Spain football brand to falter, for just an instant, in order to yell: 'See! Told you that defending and counter-attacking was the way all along...!' What none of this post-match tosh took into account was the stark fact that, despite Madrid winning by a goal, Bayern's gameplan yielded everything except that equaliser.
Setting aside possession (something in which Guardiola puts biblical faith anyway but was especially keen to dominate in order to prevent Madrid counter-attacking more often and scoring more), Bayern had more shots at the target than Madrid and considerably more efforts on target, too.
Statistics are no more than a guide, not the be-all-and-end-all, but in light of the short-sighted attacks on his tactics Guardiola must have been grinding his teeth furiously in the knowledge that compared to Madrid's nine attempts at goal Bayern had 16, compared to Madrid's seven on target efforts Bayern had 11... and what's more the Germans had six efforts on goal blocked, too.
Arjen Robben: 'It's a shame we've not scored. Centimetres make the difference, as we saw with Mario Götze's chance in the second half. If one of our chances goes in we'd say we've had a good result.' Bayern's possession was never 'sterile', they just lacked a cutting edge.
Few took into account that Madrid had won their previous four home matches with Bayern, regularly scoring two or three goals, or that Carlo Ancelotti's side hit Schalke and Borussia Dortmund for a total of six goals at the Bernabéu in the last few months.
NB: That's the Dortmund side who have twice defeated Bayern this season.
Guardiola opting for 'control' of possession was reasonable on the night, based on the idea that if Madrid couldn't get the ball then their lightning counter attacks might be fewer in number. What the German champions lacked was the killer touch in front of goal. Guardiola's fault?
Whether or not you answer 'yes' to that question - bear this in mind.
Pre-match, Guardiola explained: 'We won our league a little while ago and that' s caused us to drop the intensity of our rhythm a little. We aren't facing this Madrid match in our best moment. We've had to play some league matches with nothing at stake and that cuts away at your competitiveness. Madrid are fighting for the league and they just won the Copa. 'Compared to them we'll really have to raise our level.'
He was right on the money. Add his reading of the situation to the tactics via which his team controlled the ball and the fact that they had significantly more chances on goal than Madrid and there's a case to suggest that Guardiola and Co didn't actually do all that badly.
But there's something more fundamental at stake here.
Of the four semi-finalists last week only Bayern played outright attacking football, front-foot stuff with an attacking lineup and an offensive mentality.
So it's incredible that it offended so many people.
Chelsea, understandably in the circumstances, parked the bus and took a commendable draw back to Stamford Bridge. Should they go through to their fourth UEFA final in six years then there'll be few who complain about such tactics.
Diego Simeone's Atlético press, harass and are defensively terrifically well organised.
But their style is not to flow forward, to play on the front foot or to ensure that there is aesthetic entertainment for the paying fan or neutral viewer. That's not their concern. Winning is.
As for Madrid, their goalscorer admits: 'We played very "tactically" and we surprised them on the counter. We were super conscious that Bayern is a team which likes to have the ball. So we had to defend as a group, stay really organised and be rapid in the counter attack.'
Nine times European champions, seeking La Decima, yet both praised and preening for winning off the back of 36 per cent possession at home.
Their former manager, Mourinho, must be green with envy. Had he tried this the likelihood is he'd have been hung, drawn and quartered in the media analysis, by fans and certainly by those above him in the boardroom.
Thomas Müller pointed out: 'Imagine! Real Madrid pull everyone back to within 40 yards of their own goal - at home! That showed us massive respect.'
Yet it's Guardiola whose team lost, who is being criticised around Europe and who appears to be far less far down the line of changing from Jupp Heynckes' direct, aggressive, high-pressure, winger-driven football to the emblematic positional play and fast-flowing passing game which appeared to gain him, Barcelona and Spain to some extent such affection from 2008 onwards.
The Catalan admits: 'I'm aware that I'm attempting something counter-cultural here in Germany. Here they like the way Real Madrid played against us, the counter-attacking football of Borussia Dortmund. But Bayern hired me, my style of football.'
One gets the unavoidable impression that there's more than just a place in the Lisbon final at play in Munich's AllianzArena on Tuesday.
A football philosophy is under the most unrelenting and unforgiving scrutiny.
Thanks for the article Rossie11.
Defending Champions league winners on the way out. Good night Ramos and Real Madrid.
Great break away goal 0-3. :o
The Madrid boys will be enjoying showing up Pep. ;D
I just can't warm to Munich. I think it's Ribery and more likely, robben. I can't stand the sight of the humpy hoor.
Masterclass by Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti over the two legs will he now face his former club in the final? likewise for Jose.
Madrid are a brilliant outfit, devastating on the counter attack.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 29, 2014, 09:32:43 PM
I just can't warm to Munich. I think it's Ribery and more likely, robben. I can't stand the sight of the humpy hoor.
Not a fan of either of them myself - Ribery especially, think robbed used be worse than now. That said would take them any day over Madrid. Ancelloti is a lot more likeable than Mourinho but find it difficult to warm to a team with Ronaldo and Ramos in it.
Quote from: CiKe on April 30, 2014, 08:15:46 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 29, 2014, 09:32:43 PM
I just can't warm to Munich. I think it's Ribery and more likely, robben. I can't stand the sight of the humpy hoor.
Not a fan of either of them myself - Ribery especially, think robbed used be worse than now. That said would take them any day over Madrid. Ancelloti is a lot more likeable than Mourinho but find it difficult to warm to a team with Ronaldo and Ramos in it.
There's always been something arrogant about Bayern - apart from what he does (occasionally) himself, I can't see the point of Robben (in a team sport); at least Ribery is creative for others.
Real are some threat at the moment; their speed in attack is amazing - I think Mourinho would probably have a plan for that, and Atletico have already beaten them twice this year. Interesting times.
Adventurous from Mourinho?? hazard starts..
Hang on.. so do 6 defenders..
Champions league hangover for Atletico today losing 2-0 to Levante.
If Athletico go £300M into the red can they expect the City council to bail them out like Real a few years back to prevent them going bankrupt??
Forget about the EPL the real drama is in Spain. Madrid draw and drop 5 pts in 4 days and are now complete outsiders for the title.
Barca after been written off Saturday night can now win the title with 2 wins.
By written off I mean they hit 1000/1 on Saturday... They are now 11/10..
Incredible collapse in odds
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 07, 2014, 10:08:19 PM
By written off I mean they hit 1000/1 on Saturday... They are now 11/10..
Incredible collapse in odds
Did you put anything on them at 1000/1
Quote from: laoislad on May 07, 2014, 10:11:06 PM
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 07, 2014, 10:08:19 PM
By written off I mean they hit 1000/1 on Saturday... They are now 11/10..
Incredible collapse in odds
Did you put anything on them at 1000/1
I wish.. The 90/1 Atletico for champs league is enough this season :-)
Utterly insane stuff going on as they all try to chuck it away. Given their collapse in 2014, how Barca still have their destiny in their own hands is incredible. Of course, so too do Atletí.
Whatever about Atletí on the final day, I would trust them to beat Elche away this weekend given how shaky they are at the minute. Makes it all the more fascinating. If they were to draw that game, Madrid could nip in and steal it all. Football, eh?
2 pts from 2 games will definitely win the league for Atletico.. However 3pts could mean they lose it.. (beat Malaga and lose to Barca!!) Madness..
Should Barca beat Elche (not guaranteed by any means) I think they have to be favourites to pip Atletico.
The pressure will be off and they will be safe in the knowledge that no matter what the result in the Nou camp Real cannot win the league.
The players would not begrudge Atletico the title but no way would they want to deny them and hand it to Real..
Atletico 1-1 Malaga
Elche 0-0 Barca
All down to last game..
Real gone after losing today. Sky will be delighted, all down to the last game between the top 2!
Those top 3 have fairly jittered recently.
Would be some achievement if Atletico win it, a wage bill similar to Stoke City.
Could end up runners-up in both competitions. In fact, I think they will.
Its mad how much of a shambles Barca have been this season yet they can still win the league. Even if they do win, it will still be considered a failure of a season. They have a lot of shite to sort out this summer
Manager probably goin to get the chop for a start. New defenders needed to replace Puyol and maybe Mascherano. Cesc may decide to leave. Could they sell Messi to Citeh?
Atletico only denied by a fingertip save in injury time. So so close.
Quote from: mouview on May 12, 2014, 09:54:39 AM
Manager probably goin to get the chop for a start. New defenders needed to replace Puyol and maybe Mascherano. Cesc may decide to leave. Could they sell Messi to Citeh?
Atletico only denied by a fingertip save in injury time. So so close.
Absolutely brilliant save by Willy to deny them the league.
That could be as close as they get to the title as you feel Barca will have 1 big game in them when needed
Luis Enrique will be in next season and will bring urgency and aggression back to the side. Cant see Cesc leaving.
Xavi is on his last legs at that level so Cesc, Busquets and Iniesta should be their midfield for the next few years
Cesc 27 Busquets 25 and Iniesta 30 is still a fairly young trio
Defense is where the surgery is needed. Alves will more than likely be gone to PSG. I can see them buying David Luiz. There is no guarantee their defense will improve next year
but if they get the work rate back across the team they may not need to do much to be challenging next April for everything.
Quote from: ONeill on May 11, 2014, 10:44:47 PM
Could end up runners-up in both competitions. In fact, I think they will.
Hope that doesn't happen. Have a feeling Real are destined for the "decima" but on recent form Athletico really should manage at least a point against Barca.
Quote from: magpie seanie on May 12, 2014, 01:55:59 PM
Quote from: ONeill on May 11, 2014, 10:44:47 PM
Could end up runners-up in both competitions. In fact, I think they will.
Hope that doesn't happen. Have a feeling Real are destined for the "decima" but on recent form Athletico really should manage at least a point against Barca.
If Atletico won the league last night I would have made them favourites for the Champs league as they could have had some much needed rest. Now they have 2 finals in a week.
They have been brilliant all season but its a huge ask for them to peak for both games
5pm Barca V Atletico La Liga decider
7pm Bayern V Dortmund German Cup final
Cracking evening..
After ten years of Barcelona,Real Madrid finally a different Spanish league winner. Well done Atlético Madrid.
Delighted for Ath Madrid.
Brilliant stuff, great sportsmanship from the Barcs fans too
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 17, 2014, 06:54:03 PM
After ten years of Barcelona,Real Madrid finally a different Spanish league winner. Well done Atlético Madrid.
[/quote
Fair play Atletico, hope they go on to win the double now.
A coaching performance for the ages from Simeone this season.
Diego Costa set to miss Champions League Final with hamstring injury.
Atletico were 66/1 at the start of the season to win La Liga.
Quote from: Minder on May 17, 2014, 10:16:31 PM
Atletico were 66/1 at the start of the season to win La Liga.
Their wage bill is around €25 million a year less than Queens Park Rangers!
Quote from: laoislad on May 17, 2014, 10:32:41 PM
Quote from: Minder on May 17, 2014, 10:16:31 PM
Atletico were 66/1 at the start of the season to win La Liga.
Their wage bill is around €25 million a year less than Queens Park Rangers!
And their revenue is less than Newcastle's.
No one could begrudge them they were the best team over the course of the season. I hope now the Spanish FA sort out the TV rights and give the other clubs a better deal (Barca and Real currently get 52% of the cake)..
Fair play to Barca fans staying in the stadium and applauding Atletico at FT. They get a lot of bad press as been bad losers stemming back from the Jose days but they showed their class yesterday.
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 18, 2014, 09:27:56 AM
Quote from: laoislad on May 17, 2014, 10:32:41 PM
Quote from: Minder on May 17, 2014, 10:16:31 PM
Atletico were 66/1 at the start of the season to win La Liga.
Their wage bill is around €25 million a year less than Queens Park Rangers!
And their revenue is less than Newcastle's.
No one could begrudge them they were the best team over the course of the season. I hope now the Spanish FA sort out the TV rights and give the other clubs a better deal (Barca and Real currently get 52% of the cake)..
Fair play to Barca fans staying in the stadium and applauding Atletico at FT. They get a lot of bad press as been bad losers stemming back from the Jose days but they showed their class yesterday.
The way it works in Spain it's not the Reef's call. Clubs negotiate directly with networks. Hence the big two dominating.
Looking forward to tonight. I'm guessing all neutrals will be hoping for an Athletico win?
So who are we all backing?
I definitely think Madrid will win.
Quote from: laoislad on May 24, 2014, 07:25:53 PM
So who are we all backing?
I definitely think Madrid will win.
Put the house on it.
Anyone watching Itv coverage?Gerrards face when Keane said England would struggle!
;D ;D ;D
3/1 is a good price for Atleti.
Lots of people put the house on the celtic tiger.
Anyone shed light on the treatment Costa got in Belgrade?
Heard it involved horse placenta.
Since we have every sort of expert on the board, I'm sure we will get an education on the process before Monday.
It's lively.
Quote from: Ball Hopper on May 24, 2014, 08:01:02 PM
Anyone shed light on the treatment Costa got in Belgrade?
Heard it involved horse placenta.
Since we have every sort of expert on the board, I'm sure we will get an education on the process before Monday.
well, it doesn't seem to have worked
This game is dull. Bale just missed the only good chance of the game so far after half an hour.
Get that bus parked.
Madrid one up the Madrid goalkeeper could have done better on that goal.
Ray Houghton never stops moaning.
The game badly needed that goal. It should get lively now.
Casilas was badly at fault for that goal.
Roscommon bus looks nicer than the two Madrid buses that pulled in before the game.Would have been some crack if the Rossies bus pulled in between them.
Quote from: Collie Brolly on May 24, 2014, 07:33:00 PM
Anyone watching Itv coverage?Gerrards face when Keane said England would struggle!
;D ;D ;D
Gerrard should tell Keane what it's actually like to play in and win a Champions League Final...
Quote from: laoislad on May 24, 2014, 08:47:48 PM
Quote from: Collie Brolly on May 24, 2014, 07:33:00 PM
Anyone watching Itv coverage?Gerrards face when Keane said England would struggle!
;D ;D ;D
Gerrard should tell Keane what it's actually like to play in and win a Champions League Final...
Keane should and I'm sure has told Gerrard what it's like to deliver the big performances for your team when the Premier League reaches it's climax and you want your leaders to lead you :-D
Black card for Mirandha.
Atleti are as organised as syfin talks up ros to be.
About time someone told them he's welsh.
Atleti are doing the catenaccio . I hope they can keep it up for the next 9 minutes.
Real out to 33/1 now.
Heartbreak for Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid the likely winners now.
Real deserved that draw just about.Atletico will take the penos now.They look wrecked.They caved with 15 minutes to go.Eerily similar to Bayern 99.Simeone has made a fool of himself berating the ref.They should be down to 10 now.
Bale with the champions league winner?
The victory was well deserved by Real, not the margin though, Marcelo outstanding for Real when he came on.
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 07, 2014, 10:17:10 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 07, 2014, 10:11:06 PM
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 07, 2014, 10:08:19 PM
By written off I mean they hit 1000/1 on Saturday... They are now 11/10..
Incredible collapse in odds
Did you put anything on them at 1000/1
I wish.. The 90/1 Atletico for champs league is enough this season :-)
So close.......
From Arseblog (http://arseblog.com/), pretty much sums up my reaction to the last goal.
This allowed Ronaldo to do what he does best – make it all about himself.
His celebration was, frankly, execrable. A repugnant display of self-promotion and narcissistic conceit. He tore off his shirt, and flexed his muscles like some kind of special needs Hulk impersonator, as if he was the one who had scored the goal that had won the trophy for his team.
He ignored completely the two goals that had come before it that had actually done just that because, I'm sure, he simply refused to accept their worth. It was the equivalent of cold-clocking a child and dancing around as if you've just out-punched Mike Tyson over 12 rounds.
The world had to see his pecs and obliques, and those grotesque, bulging trapezius that, no matter how buff he makes them, singularly fail to hide the fact that his tiny head makes him look like something from a carnival freak show and not the sculpted Adonis he seems to think he is.
"Come see the monster. A body like Atlas but the head of a flea! Roll up, roll up!"
After a game during which he'd done the square root of f**k all, divided by infinity, to behave like that after scoring a penalty which meant nothing to the overall story of the game summed him perfectly. I'm sure he'll have the moment framed and mounted on the ceiling of his personal fap room – a lair plastered with so many pictures of himself that even Brendan Rodgers would look in awe and wonder.
The rest of us just have to look at the ludicrousness of what he did and even if you admire his footballing talent, his total lack of anything approaching basic decency would be hilarious if it wasn't just so utterly odious.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on May 25, 2014, 10:03:44 AM
From Arseblog (http://arseblog.com/), pretty much sums up my reaction to the last goal.
This allowed Ronaldo to do what he does best – make it all about himself.
His celebration was, frankly, execrable. A repugnant display of self-promotion and narcissistic conceit. He tore off his shirt, and flexed his muscles like some kind of special needs Hulk impersonator, as if he was the one who had scored the goal that had won the trophy for his team.
He ignored completely the two goals that had come before it that had actually done just that because, I'm sure, he simply refused to accept their worth. It was the equivalent of cold-clocking a child and dancing around as if you've just out-punched Mike Tyson over 12 rounds.
The world had to see his pecs and obliques, and those grotesque, bulging trapezius that, no matter how buff he makes them, singularly fail to hide the fact that his tiny head makes him look like something from a carnival freak show and not the sculpted Adonis he seems to think he is.
"Come see the monster. A body like Atlas but the head of a flea! Roll up, roll up!"
After a game during which he'd done the square root of f**k all, divided by infinity, to behave like that after scoring a penalty which meant nothing to the overall story of the game summed him perfectly. I'm sure he'll have the moment framed and mounted on the ceiling of his personal fap room – a lair plastered with so many pictures of himself that even Brendan Rodgers would look in awe and wonder.
The rest of us just have to look at the ludicrousness of what he did and even if you admire his footballing talent, his total lack of anything approaching basic decency would be hilarious if it wasn't just so utterly odious.
He really is odious.
That screaming into the camera was appalling.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on May 25, 2014, 10:03:44 AM
From Arseblog (http://arseblog.com/), pretty much sums up my reaction to the last goal.
This allowed Ronaldo to do what he does best – make it all about himself.
His celebration was, frankly, execrable. A repugnant display of self-promotion and narcissistic conceit. He tore off his shirt, and flexed his muscles like some kind of special needs Hulk impersonator, as if he was the one who had scored the goal that had won the trophy for his team.
He ignored completely the two goals that had come before it that had actually done just that because, I'm sure, he simply refused to accept their worth. It was the equivalent of cold-clocking a child and dancing around as if you've just out-punched Mike Tyson over 12 rounds.
The world had to see his pecs and obliques, and those grotesque, bulging trapezius that, no matter how buff he makes them, singularly fail to hide the fact that his tiny head makes him look like something from a carnival freak show and not the sculpted Adonis he seems to think he is.
"Come see the monster. A body like Atlas but the head of a flea! Roll up, roll up!"
After a game during which he'd done the square root of f**k all, divided by infinity, to behave like that after scoring a penalty which meant nothing to the overall story of the game summed him perfectly. I'm sure he'll have the moment framed and mounted on the ceiling of his personal fap room – a lair plastered with so many pictures of himself that even Brendan Rodgers would look in awe and wonder.
The rest of us just have to look at the ludicrousness of what he did and even if you admire his footballing talent, his total lack of anything approaching basic decency would be hilarious if it wasn't just so utterly odious.
That's a bit harsh. By all accounts he's a fairly decent fella in terms of how he spends his money, and his time. Of course he absolutely loves himself. Good job he's not made of chocolate. In all fairness though, he is a top class player, and has worked bloody hard to get there. Compare and contrast with Wayne Rooney. Who's made the most of his talent?
I'd be inclined to agree with AZ; I never 'liked' him, but he's certainly not as bad as he used to be (maturity??). I think the decima had been so hyped in Madrid, the club, the city and the media that the whole thing had been blown out of all proportion - cue the reaction. Might also have been a reaction to the fact that they'd been outplayed a bit in the 90 mins and were 90 seconds from being branded (by an unforgiving club, city and media) as 'failures'.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on May 25, 2014, 10:03:44 AM
From Arseblog (http://arseblog.com/), pretty much sums up my reaction to the last goal.
This allowed Ronaldo to do what he does best – make it all about himself.
His celebration was, frankly, execrable. A repugnant display of self-promotion and narcissistic conceit. He tore off his shirt, and flexed his muscles like some kind of special needs Hulk impersonator, as if he was the one who had scored the goal that had won the trophy for his team.
He ignored completely the two goals that had come before it that had actually done just that because, I'm sure, he simply refused to accept their worth. It was the equivalent of cold-clocking a child and dancing around as if you've just out-punched Mike Tyson over 12 rounds.
The world had to see his pecs and obliques, and those grotesque, bulging trapezius that, no matter how buff he makes them, singularly fail to hide the fact that his tiny head makes him look like something from a carnival freak show and not the sculpted Adonis he seems to think he is.
"Come see the monster. A body like Atlas but the head of a flea! Roll up, roll up!"
After a game during which he'd done the square root of f**k all, divided by infinity, to behave like that after scoring a penalty which meant nothing to the overall story of the game summed him perfectly. I'm sure he'll have the moment framed and mounted on the ceiling of his personal fap room – a lair plastered with so many pictures of himself that even Brendan Rodgers would look in awe and wonder.
The rest of us just have to look at the ludicrousness of what he did and even if you admire his footballing talent, his total lack of anything approaching basic decency would be hilarious if it wasn't just so utterly odious.
Was actually thinking the same with the celebration. Also, over the past while I have been keen to see if he celebrates with Bale when Bale scores and on most occassions he is not one of the first 4 or 5 over to him, sort of smacks of him being annoyed that someone else (and his only rival goal/ability wise in the Madrid team) has scored and not him.
Quote from: laoislad on May 24, 2014, 10:28:47 PM
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 07, 2014, 10:17:10 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 07, 2014, 10:11:06 PM
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 07, 2014, 10:08:19 PM
By written off I mean they hit 1000/1 on Saturday... They are now 11/10..
Incredible collapse in odds
Did you put anything on them at 1000/1
I wish.. The 90/1 Atletico for champs league is enough this season :-)
So close.......
The cash out feature on betfair is a gift..
Sky Sports is launching a new channel dedicated to European football for next season - Sky Sports 5.
The Telegraph can reveal the broadcaster has expanded its empire of channels to seven following the swathe of new rights it has acquired in recent months.
Despite losing Champions League football to its arch-rival BT Sport from the season after next, Sky Sports will show more matches than ever in the coming seasons.
Next term, 600 of those will be European games, and will include fixtures from the Dutch Eredivisie after it signed a four-year deal to broadcast the competition.
Sky Sports 5, free to existing Sky Sports subscribers, will also be the home of qualifying matches for the European Championship, Spain's Primera Liga and the Copa del Rey among others.
The channel will launch on Aug 12 but can be activated by viewers from Thursday and will feature a nationwide marketing campaign starring Sky Sports ambassador David Beckham.
Sky Sports' managing director, Barney Francis, said: "Sky Sports 5 takes our unrivalled live football coverage to the next level offering more European football than ever before. There's never been a better time to be a Sky Sports customer."
Sky Sports 5 is only the second new channel to be launched by the broadcaster since 1999, the other being Sky Sports F1 two years ago.
This year has seen Sky Sports bounce back strongly from BT Sport's shock £897 million capture of the exclusive rights to European club football from next summer.
Quote from: laoislad on June 10, 2014, 12:09:26 PM
Next term, 600 of those will be European games, and will include fixtures from the Dutch Eredivisie after it signed a four-year deal to broadcast the competition.
You have to love Sky.
In that context an Oulart the Ballagh versus The Fighting Cocks fixture would be considered European football.
Sky not showing the first 15mins of tonight's El Clasico. WTF?
Quote from: laoislad on October 25, 2014, 10:29:18 AM
Sky not showing the first 15mins of tonight's El Clasico. WTF?
they're not allowed to show any live football on a Saturday from 2.45pm to 5.15pm. some law that is supposed to protect attendances at lower league games.
Barca 1 up already. Sky Sports missed it.
Cracking game! End to end stuff but Messi missed an absolute sitter and the penalty was nailed on. Suarez hasn't done much but he only needs a half chance.
Hope it goes on like this!!
Lovely move for Madrid's 3rd goal
Barca are so slow on the counter attack it's unreal!! Real attack with much more purpose when they turn over the ball!!
Super Cup game is a cracker.
Barca 4 Sevilla 3 at the moment.
4-4 now ;D
Most sides would give up when 4-1 down against Barcelona. Fair play to Sevilla I hope they go on and win it in extra time now.
Sideline microphones best be turned down in the future methinks.
Lewandowski brought off the bench and scored five goals in nine minutes for Bayern Munich tonight.
Roll on Nov 21st
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/real-madrid/11947292/El-Clasico-corruption-storm-as-linesman-told-to-favour-Real-Madrid-by-referee-in-La-Liga-clash-with-Barcelona.html
Quote from: Rossie11 on October 22, 2015, 01:14:23 PM
Roll on Nov 21st
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/real-madrid/11947292/El-Clasico-corruption-storm-as-linesman-told-to-favour-Real-Madrid-by-referee-in-La-Liga-clash-with-Barcelona.html
The linesman is heavy on sensation and a bit tight on evidence. But if, as he hopes, another linesman comes forward the proverbial will hit the fan.
Juventus - 15 wins in a row.
Quote from: ONeill on February 13, 2016, 10:50:12 PM
Juventus - 15 wins in a row.
Says it all about the Italian League!
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 13, 2016, 11:18:08 PM
Quote from: ONeill on February 13, 2016, 10:50:12 PM
Juventus - 15 wins in a row.
Says it all about the Italian League!
Considering how they opened the season, it says a lot about Juventus too though. They're better than last year with Khedira, Cuadrado and Dybala in particular all proving excellent signings.
Quote from: ONeill on February 13, 2016, 10:50:12 PM
Juventus - 15 wins in a row.
The spaghetti and minced meat men just put an end to that by holding the Shrouders to a draw.
The Napper Tandys can go back on top if they win on Monday night.
Looks like Barca are on the way out of the Champions League. Its been a great game.
Godin is some player.
Great night for Atlético Madrid fair play to them. I hope they go on to win the champions league now.
Great game. Some atmosphere. Would love to see them win it.
Atletí and Simeone are some outfit. Their player turnover is quite high each year (look at Jackson Martinez) yet they still manage to play the same way. Griezmann could light up the Euros and Filipe Luis was exceptional. Makes you wonder again why he was never given a fair shake at Chelsea.
Barca are fully in crisis.
As Louis Van Gaal celebrates qualifying for the FA Cup semi final, a team that probably cost half as much is celebrating qualification for the champions league semi final. I thought city had no chance in the semis but if they draw athletico they're in with a shout.
Quote from: An Watcher on April 13, 2016, 09:57:46 PM
As Louis Van Gaal celebrates qualifying for the FA Cup semi final, a team that probably cost half as much is celebrating qualification for the champions league semi final. I thought city had no chance in the semis but if they draw athletico they're in with a shout.
I'd say Athletico are thinking the same! I'd fancy Athletico v Man City! I could not see City cope with their hunger.
Quote from: An Watcher on April 13, 2016, 09:57:46 PM
As Louis Van Gaal celebrates qualifying for the FA Cup semi final, a team that probably cost half as much is celebrating qualification for the champions league semi final. I thought city had no chance in the semis but if they draw athletico they're in with a shout.
I remember when they won La Liga two seasons ago their team cost about £50m.
Quote from: An Watcher on April 13, 2016, 09:57:46 PM
As Louis Van Gaal celebrates qualifying for the FA Cup semi final, a team that probably cost half as much is celebrating qualification for the champions league semi final. I thought city had no chance in the semis but if they draw athletico they're in with a shout.
I think Manchester City have a better chance of reaching the champions league final by avoiding Athletico in Fridays draw. Bayern Munich the best draw for them against their manager to be.
Quote from: Minder on April 13, 2016, 10:03:48 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on April 13, 2016, 09:57:46 PM
As Louis Van Gaal celebrates qualifying for the FA Cup semi final, a team that probably cost half as much is celebrating qualification for the champions league semi final. I thought city had no chance in the semis but if they draw athletico they're in with a shout.
I remember when they won La Liga two seasons ago their team cost about £50m.
Bit like Leicester then...
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 13, 2016, 09:42:03 PM
Great game. Some atmosphere. Would love to see them win it.
Simeone has done a great job to get them to the final stages twice in the past couple of seasons but I hope they are well beaten the next day. I agree with Liam Brady, utterly cynical and schooled in the dark arts. See JuanFran's sly rake of studs on Neymar's instep on the touchline, Godin manhandling Roberto to the ground to stop another attack, continuous blatant fouling to break up the play over both legs. Just don't want to see that type of behaviour being rewarded.
Quote from: mouview on April 13, 2016, 11:31:21 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 13, 2016, 09:42:03 PM
Great game. Some atmosphere. Would love to see them win it.
Simeone has done a great job to get them to the final stages twice in the past couple of seasons but I hope they are well beaten the next day. I agree with Liam Brady, utterly cynical and schooled in the dark arts. See JuanFran's sly rake of studs on Neymar's instep on the touchline, Godin manhandling Roberto to the ground to stop another attack, continuous blatant fouling to break up the play over both legs. Just don't want to see that type of behaviour being rewarded.
That's all fair enough. That Barca team is one of the best I have seen, but I have never seen a team dive around, badger the referee and get as many "lucky" decisions from the referee. Surprised they didn't get the penalty at the end, but Iniesta should have seen red before it for the deliberate handball. I thought that was clear as day, don't know what Stevie Mac was on about!. I was glad they were beat
Quote from: HiMucker on April 14, 2016, 09:23:03 AM
Quote from: mouview on April 13, 2016, 11:31:21 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 13, 2016, 09:42:03 PM
Great game. Some atmosphere. Would love to see them win it.
Simeone has done a great job to get them to the final stages twice in the past couple of seasons but I hope they are well beaten the next day. I agree with Liam Brady, utterly cynical and schooled in the dark arts. See JuanFran's sly rake of studs on Neymar's instep on the touchline, Godin manhandling Roberto to the ground to stop another attack, continuous blatant fouling to break up the play over both legs. Just don't want to see that type of behaviour being rewarded.
That's all fair enough. That Barca team is one of the best I have seen, but I have never seen a team dive around, badger the referee and get as many "lucky" decisions from the referee. Surprised they didn't get the penalty at the end, but Iniesta should have seen red before it for the deliberate handball. I thought that was clear as day, don't know what Stevie Mac was on about!. I was glad they were beat
that wee tube who plays full back for Barca, shaved head, from Brazil I think, sweet jesus he would anger you with his diving
Karim Benzema is not in the French squad for the Euros. Big call by Deschamps
Quote from: seafoid on April 15, 2016, 06:08:18 AM
Karim Benzema is not in the French squad for the Euros. Big call by Deschamps
There was no way they could bring him in fairness! France have had enough difficulties over the last few tournaments with squad harmony.
Quote from: gallsman on April 15, 2016, 09:17:47 AM
Quote from: seafoid on April 15, 2016, 06:08:18 AM
Karim Benzema is not in the French squad for the Euros. Big call by Deschamps
There was no way they could bring him in fairness! France have had enough difficulties over the last few tournaments with squad harmony.
Yeah but imagine Monaghan dropping McManus
Quote from: seafoid on April 15, 2016, 11:00:31 AM
Quote from: gallsman on April 15, 2016, 09:17:47 AM
Quote from: seafoid on April 15, 2016, 06:08:18 AM
Karim Benzema is not in the French squad for the Euros. Big call by Deschamps
There was no way they could bring him in fairness! France have had enough difficulties over the last few tournaments with squad harmony.
Yeah but imagine Monaghan dropping McManus
France have plenty of options though. Teams win tournaments, not individuals.
Quote from: shark on April 15, 2016, 11:50:33 AM
Quote from: seafoid on April 15, 2016, 11:00:31 AM
Quote from: gallsman on April 15, 2016, 09:17:47 AM
Quote from: seafoid on April 15, 2016, 06:08:18 AM
Karim Benzema is not in the French squad for the Euros. Big call by Deschamps
There was no way they could bring him in fairness! France have had enough difficulties over the last few tournaments with squad harmony.
Yeah but imagine Monaghan dropping McManus
France have plenty of options though. Teams win tournaments, not individuals.
Goalpoachers win matches for tournament teams. Benzema is lethal. Cavani, for example is not.
Doesn't Greizman play for France? Cavani is Uruguayan, so he wouldn't be the answer anyway :)
I would think an easy call by Deschamps as the call was made at blazer level .
Quote from: seafoid on April 15, 2016, 11:00:31 AM
Quote from: gallsman on April 15, 2016, 09:17:47 AM
Quote from: seafoid on April 15, 2016, 06:08:18 AM
Karim Benzema is not in the French squad for the Euros. Big call by Deschamps
There was no way they could bring him in fairness! France have had enough difficulties over the last few tournaments with squad harmony.
Yeah but imagine Monaghan dropping McManus
Not quite a fair analogy. Don't think McManus tried to blackmail any of his teammates? If he had, you can bet he'd be dropped.
France's squad this year is going to be absolutely outrageous.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 15, 2016, 12:07:42 PM
Doesn't Greizman play for France? Cavani is Uruguayan, so he wouldn't be the answer anyway :)
Martial... Giroud... Gignac
I think they'll be OK
France dark horses in the summer perhaps? good squad!
Quote from: Ethan Tremblay on April 15, 2016, 12:34:24 PM
France dark horses in the summer perhaps? good squad!
Are they not favorites or second favorites? Hardly dark horses, they have a serious squad and are at home.
Nothing dark about that horse at all. They could field two teams who'd be up there with the best in the tournament. Home advantage too so considering them as anything other than one of the favourites would be madness.
Probably not the best way to put that!
I would have taken Germany to be outright favourites closely followed by Spain/Belgium/N. Ireland?
Manchester City got the result they played for tonight. If Ronaldo played Real Madrid would have won.
Bale showing yet again his essential technical ordinariness.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 26, 2016, 09:41:31 PM
Manchester City got the result they played for tonight. If Ronaldo played Real Madrid would have won.
I always thought a nl nil draw away from home in the first leg was a bad result?
It was at home. 0-0 at home in the first leg is fine.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 02:24:03 PM
It was at home. 0-0 at home in the first leg is fine.
Much better than 1-1
I was at the 3rd division playoff between Man City and Gillingham in 99? and the city fans were singing "the only football team to come from Manchester" .
Quote from: seafoid on April 27, 2016, 02:30:16 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 02:24:03 PM
It was at home. 0-0 at home in the first leg is fine.
Much better than 1-1
I was at the 3rd division playoff between Man City and Gillingham in 99? and the city fans were singing "the only football team to come from Manchester" .
And?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2016, 03:14:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 27, 2016, 02:30:16 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 02:24:03 PM
It was at home. 0-0 at home in the first leg is fine.
Much better than 1-1
I was at the 3rd division playoff between Man City and Gillingham in 99? and the city fans were singing "the only football team to come from Manchester" .
And now they are in the CL semi and Utd have the Glazers. A funny old world
And?
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 02:24:03 PM
It was at home. 0-0 at home in the first leg is fine.
Ah sorry I miss read that. I thought he said Madrid got the result they played for. Yeah I would always thought a 0-0 at home first leg was a good result.
Quote from: HiMucker on April 27, 2016, 03:29:46 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 02:24:03 PM
It was at home. 0-0 at home in the first leg is fine.
Ah sorry I miss read that. I thought he said Madrid got the result they played for. Yeah I would always thought a 0-0 at home first leg was a good result.
0-0 away from home in first leg is also a decent result?
Quote from: seafoid on April 27, 2016, 03:25:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2016, 03:14:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 27, 2016, 02:30:16 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 02:24:03 PM
It was at home. 0-0 at home in the first leg is fine.
Much better than 1-1
I was at the 3rd division playoff between Man City and Gillingham in 99? and the city fans were singing "the only football team to come from Manchester" .
And now they are in the CL semi and Utd have the Glazers. A funny old world
And?
Their first semi......
Quote from: Boycey on April 27, 2016, 03:50:44 PM
Quote from: HiMucker on April 27, 2016, 03:29:46 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 02:24:03 PM
It was at home. 0-0 at home in the first leg is fine.
Ah sorry I miss read that. I thought he said Madrid got the result they played for. Yeah I would always thought a 0-0 at home first leg was a good result.
0-0 away from home in first leg is also a decent result?
I actually question that. It's obviously a decent result in that you weren't beaten, and the tie is alive, but the fact that you didn't score away from home always puts you under a little more pressure. 1-1 is obviously way better than 0-0 for the away team.
There was an interesting piece of research in the Guardian recently about whether it was time for the 'away goals rule' to be scrapped. Must look for it.
Yeah I despise the away goal rule. The nil nil draw away from home first leg is particularly bad result, if it goes to extra time in the second leg. I think that is an unfair punishment. The away team has additional 30mins to score the away goal. I always thought if it went to extra time the away goal should be scrapped.
It was first brought it in to make teams more adventurous playing away from home. But is has had the opposite effect of making the home side more reserved.
Quote from: HiMucker on April 28, 2016, 09:28:04 AM
Yeah I despise the away goal rule. The nil nil draw away from home first leg is particularly bad result, if it goes to extra time in the second leg. I think that is an unfair punishment. The away team has additional 30mins to score the away goal. I always thought if it went to extra time the away goal should be scrapped.
It was first brought it in to make teams more adventurous playing away from home. But is has had the opposite effect of making the home side more reserved.
The should follow the GAA and change the rules frequently and without warning or logic.
Any ideas?
If you don't fall down when a player tackles you should get some sort of bonus time in possession, maybe the next player isn't allow to tackle you for 4 steps?
Here's the article - unlike as Elmo says, the GAA approach, it's a scientific analysis.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/feb/28/arsene-wenger-away-goals-rule (http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/feb/28/arsene-wenger-away-goals-rule)
Quote from: HiMucker on April 28, 2016, 09:28:04 AM
Yeah I despise the away goal rule. The nil nil draw away from home first leg is particularly bad result, if it goes to extra time in the second leg. I think that is an unfair punishment. The away team has additional 30mins to score the away goal. I always thought if it went to extra time the away goal should be scrapped.
It was first brought it in to make teams more adventurous playing away from home. But is has had the opposite effect of making the home side more reserved.
I agree about scrapping away goals rule if the 2nd leg goes into extra time. I've always thought it was unfair on the home team.
I'd be delighted if the away goal was done away, can't think of the top of my head if United have ever benefited from it but definitely remember going out because of it.
While we're at it what kind of logic is behind Real & City getting 2 days extra rest then Bayern & Atletico. Its ridiculous and gives Bayern an advantage considering they've a huge lead over 2nd place and can rest players whilst Atletico can't afford to rest too many given their level at the top.
Liverpool are shorter price to win whole competition (13/8 favs) than they are tonight.... 2/1 is a good price, they've scored away from home in most games, and dominated possession
All to play for in the final twelve minutes of tonight's champions league tie.
Enjoyed that. Great entertainment.
Simeone is a mad man.
Well done Atletico .
Hope they win it now . They are beating all the behemoths. Would be great if they beat the gruesome twosome.
Just an observation but why is it 'great to see' when Athletico play park the bus, counterattacking, diving, yellow card whingeing, time wasting football yet Mourinho is the anti christ for doing the same????
Guardiola didn't win the CL with Bayern so.
Find them hard to watch myself, not exactly minnows either, they've 10 La Ligas to their name & same again with Copa Del Reys.
Can't stand guardiola for some reason, glad to see atletico go through. Would love to see them win it.
Quote from: screenexile on May 03, 2016, 09:49:22 PM
Just an observation but why is it 'great to see' when Athletico play park the bus, counterattacking, diving, yellow card whingeing, time wasting football yet Mourinho is the anti christ for doing the same????
It's hipster
Quote from: screenexile on May 03, 2016, 09:49:22 PM
Just an observation but why is it 'great to see' when Athletico play park the bus, counterattacking, diving, yellow card whingeing, time wasting football yet Mourinho is the anti christ for doing the same????
Cos they beat teams with more money in a sport dominated by money I like to see this . If Mourinho wins on these conditions well done to him . They beat two massive behemoth clubs in last two rounds.
I would love to see Diego Simeone and Davy Fitz on the same sideline !!
Quote from: ashman on May 03, 2016, 10:02:16 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 03, 2016, 09:49:22 PM
Just an observation but why is it 'great to see' when Athletico play park the bus, counterattacking, diving, yellow card whingeing, time wasting football yet Mourinho is the anti christ for doing the same????
Cos they beat teams with more money in a sport dominated by money I like to see this . If Mourinho wins on these conditions well done to him . They beat two massive behemoth clubs in last two rounds.
I would love to see Diego Simeone and Davy Fitz on the same sideline !!
Porto!
Wait until Simeone goes to a bigger club he will be hated exactly like Mourinho when he started winning at Chelsea.
The only reason we got a head start on hating him is because Porto did an Athletico against Celtic in the Europa League final!
I was cheering for Porto v Celtic. I always liked Portugeese people and soccer . And then they turned over Man United the following year . Beating those two clubs made me like Jose .
Quote from: seafoid on May 03, 2016, 09:57:37 PM
Guardiola didn't win the CL with Bayern so.
He might have done if he had Xavi,Iniesta and Messi at their peak at Bayern.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 03, 2016, 11:57:52 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 03, 2016, 09:57:37 PM
Guardiola didn't win the CL with Bayern so.
He might have done if he had Xavi,Iniesta and Messi at their peak at Bayern.
Simon Kuper in the FT reckons he is past his peak.
Simeone's team are far more negative than Mourinho's but how can you blame him given the players he has, he plays a way that gets the best out of his players and gives his team the best chance of success. He's done some job at Atletico, his team in 2014 was taken apart and to get back to the final with a vastly different squad is a phenomenal achievement.
As for Pep not getting that Bayern team to a CL final is a failure given the circumstances, he inherited the European Champions and has added Alonso, Vidal, Goetze, Thaigo, Lewandowski, Costa, Coman to a team that already had 6 or 7 world class players. Bayern were hammered in 2014 & 2015 and they might have been a bit unlucky last night but everytime Atletico put 2 passes together they were nearly in on goal. City will be his biggest test as he's not inheriting anything like the squad he's had at Barca & Bayern.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 04, 2016, 11:43:11 AM
Simeone's team are far more negative than Mourinho's but how can you blame him given the players he has, he plays a way that gets the best out of his players and gives his team the best chance of success. He's done some job at Atletico, his team in 2014 was taken apart and to get back to the final with a vastly different squad is a phenomenal achievement.
As for Pep not getting that Bayern team to a CL final is a failure given the circumstances, he inherited the European Champions and has added Alonso, Vidal, Goetze, Thaigo, Lewandowski, Costa, Coman to a team that already had 6 or 7 world class players. Bayern were hammered in 2014 & 2015 and they might have been a bit unlucky last night but everytime Atletico put 2 passes together they were nearly in on goal. City will be his biggest test as he's not inheriting anything like the squad he's had at Barca & Bayern.
Agree re Pep. He didn't do much for Bayern considering how easy it is to win the Bundesliga
Quote from: seafoid on May 04, 2016, 12:18:16 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 04, 2016, 11:43:11 AM
Simeone's team are far more negative than Mourinho's but how can you blame him given the players he has, he plays a way that gets the best out of his players and gives his team the best chance of success. He's done some job at Atletico, his team in 2014 was taken apart and to get back to the final with a vastly different squad is a phenomenal achievement.
As for Pep not getting that Bayern team to a CL final is a failure given the circumstances, he inherited the European Champions and has added Alonso, Vidal, Goetze, Thaigo, Lewandowski, Costa, Coman to a team that already had 6 or 7 world class players. Bayern were hammered in 2014 & 2015 and they might have been a bit unlucky last night but everytime Atletico put 2 passes together they were nearly in on goal. City will be his biggest test as he's not inheriting anything like the squad he's had at Barca & Bayern.
Agree re Pep. He didn't do much for Bayern considering how easy it is to win the Bundesliga
He was unlucky last night. Muller scores the peno and they qualify comfortably in my book.
Whatever about not improving Bayern, Germany give him a lot of credit for the improvement in the national team.
Still that will be no consolation to him
Pep's problem is that he constructs teams to attack and defence is an afterthought. With Barca he had the players to get away with it, not so with Bayern and as with Barca this year if you can't defend then a team set up in the way Athleti are have always a chance of getting a result. That said Simeone has had a little luck, with the penalty not given in the Barca match and Oblak performing heroics. I'd love to see them beat Real 1-0 in the final (assuming City don't knock them out tonight).
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 04, 2016, 01:39:56 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 04, 2016, 12:18:16 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 04, 2016, 11:43:11 AM
Simeone's team are far more negative than Mourinho's but how can you blame him given the players he has, he plays a way that gets the best out of his players and gives his team the best chance of success. He's done some job at Atletico, his team in 2014 was taken apart and to get back to the final with a vastly different squad is a phenomenal achievement.
As for Pep not getting that Bayern team to a CL final is a failure given the circumstances, he inherited the European Champions and has added Alonso, Vidal, Goetze, Thaigo, Lewandowski, Costa, Coman to a team that already had 6 or 7 world class players. Bayern were hammered in 2014 & 2015 and they might have been a bit unlucky last night but everytime Atletico put 2 passes together they were nearly in on goal. City will be his biggest test as he's not inheriting anything like the squad he's had at Barca & Bayern.
Agree re Pep. He didn't do much for Bayern considering how easy it is to win the Bundesliga
He was unlucky last night. Muller scores the peno and they qualify comfortably in my book.
Whatever about not improving Bayern, Germany give him a lot of credit for the improvement in the national team.
Still that will be no consolation to him
I'm not sure, Atletico were always going to score a goal so Bayern always needed 3 as far as I'm concerned and Bayern had a bit of luck with the deflected free kick. He joined Bayern in 2013 and Germany won the world cup a year later, I really don't know how much of an affect Pep had on their national team.
Quote from: ashman on May 03, 2016, 11:33:49 PM
I was cheering for Porto v Celtic. I always liked Portugeese people and soccer . And then they turned over Man United the following year . Beating those two clubs made me like Jose .
how could anyone who has, even a passing interest in soccer, (and who isn't directly associated with Porto) have been cheering them on that night? I wouldn't cross the road to watch Celtic, but Porto were an absolute disgrace that night. Diving, cheating, feigning injury for 90+ mins, an absolutely disgusting performance imo
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 04, 2016, 02:17:02 PM
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 04, 2016, 01:39:56 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 04, 2016, 12:18:16 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 04, 2016, 11:43:11 AM
Simeone's team are far more negative than Mourinho's but how can you blame him given the players he has, he plays a way that gets the best out of his players and gives his team the best chance of success. He's done some job at Atletico, his team in 2014 was taken apart and to get back to the final with a vastly different squad is a phenomenal achievement.
As for Pep not getting that Bayern team to a CL final is a failure given the circumstances, he inherited the European Champions and has added Alonso, Vidal, Goetze, Thaigo, Lewandowski, Costa, Coman to a team that already had 6 or 7 world class players. Bayern were hammered in 2014 & 2015 and they might have been a bit unlucky last night but everytime Atletico put 2 passes together they were nearly in on goal. City will be his biggest test as he's not inheriting anything like the squad he's had at Barca & Bayern.
Agree re Pep. He didn't do much for Bayern considering how easy it is to win the Bundesliga
He was unlucky last night. Muller scores the peno and they qualify comfortably in my book.
Whatever about not improving Bayern, Germany give him a lot of credit for the improvement in the national team.
Still that will be no consolation to him
I'm not sure, Atletico were always going to score a goal so Bayern always needed 3 as far as I'm concerned and Bayern had a bit of luck with the deflected free kick. He joined Bayern in 2013 and Germany won the world cup a year later, I really don't know how much of an affect Pep had on their national team.
Agree with this. Germany overhauled their playing style at national level long before Pep came along. That great U21 side which included 4-5 starters in the WC final all were technically very astute.
Quote from: JoG2 on May 04, 2016, 02:23:01 PM
Quote from: ashman on May 03, 2016, 11:33:49 PM
I was cheering for Porto v Celtic. I always liked Portugeese people and soccer . And then they turned over Man United the following year . Beating those two clubs made me like Jose .
how could anyone who has, even a passing interest in soccer, (and who isn't directly associated with Porto) have been cheering them on that night? I wouldn't cross the road to watch Celtic, but Porto were an absolute disgrace that night. Diving, cheating, feigning injury for 90+ mins, an absolutely disgusting performance imo
That is typical of the sour grapes from British teams when they lose of technically superior teams. Call them cheats , divers etc .... No one else buys that .
Quote from: ashman on May 04, 2016, 02:41:13 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on May 04, 2016, 02:23:01 PM
Quote from: ashman on May 03, 2016, 11:33:49 PM
I was cheering for Porto v Celtic. I always liked Portugeese people and soccer . And then they turned over Man United the following year . Beating those two clubs made me like Jose .
how could anyone who has, even a passing interest in soccer, (and who isn't directly associated with Porto) have been cheering them on that night? I wouldn't cross the road to watch Celtic, but Porto were an absolute disgrace that night. Diving, cheating, feigning injury for 90+ mins, an absolutely disgusting performance imo
That is typical of the sour grapes from British teams when they lose of technically superior teams. Call them cheats , divers etc .... No one else buys that .
oh, didn't realise you were looking some virtual attention. I'll bow out now so
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 04, 2016, 02:25:39 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 04, 2016, 02:17:02 PM
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 04, 2016, 01:39:56 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 04, 2016, 12:18:16 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 04, 2016, 11:43:11 AM
Simeone's team are far more negative than Mourinho's but how can you blame him given the players he has, he plays a way that gets the best out of his players and gives his team the best chance of success. He's done some job at Atletico, his team in 2014 was taken apart and to get back to the final with a vastly different squad is a phenomenal achievement.
As for Pep not getting that Bayern team to a CL final is a failure given the circumstances, he inherited the European Champions and has added Alonso, Vidal, Goetze, Thaigo, Lewandowski, Costa, Coman to a team that already had 6 or 7 world class players. Bayern were hammered in 2014 & 2015 and they might have been a bit unlucky last night but everytime Atletico put 2 passes together they were nearly in on goal. City will be his biggest test as he's not inheriting anything like the squad he's had at Barca & Bayern.
Agree re Pep. He didn't do much for Bayern considering how easy it is to win the Bundesliga
He was unlucky last night. Muller scores the peno and they qualify comfortably in my book.
Whatever about not improving Bayern, Germany give him a lot of credit for the improvement in the national team.
Still that will be no consolation to him
I'm not sure, Atletico were always going to score a goal so Bayern always needed 3 as far as I'm concerned and Bayern had a bit of luck with the deflected free kick. He joined Bayern in 2013 and Germany won the world cup a year later, I really don't know how much of an affect Pep had on their national team.
Agree with this. Germany overhauled their playing style at national level long before Pep came along. That great U21 side which included 4-5 starters in the WC final all were technically very astute.
Not saying I agree with it but have read it on numerous sites previously with comments from Germans
Found one again today... they do say partially which is probable fair enough
http://www.squawka.com/news/why-germany-can-partially-credit-their-success-to-pep-guardiola/143859
Who owns Fernando Torres??
He joined atletico on loan from milan a day after he signed but what i read indicated milan contract ran out last summer??
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 04, 2016, 06:46:40 PM
He joined atletico on loan from milan a day after he signed but what i read indicated milan contract ran out last summer??
He had been on loan to Milan before that. They might of had a pre contract to buy him they couldn't get out of and loaning him out made sense.
This tie is building towards Manchester City grabbing away goal with their first shot on target.
Man City were an embarrassment .
Only caught the last couple of minutes. Enough for to see Kevin De Bruyne have a go at the near post from a free. WTF!!!!!
I'd say the oul airfares from Madrid to Milan have spiked upwards.
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 04, 2016, 10:17:10 PM
Only caught the last couple of minutes. Enough for to see Kevin De Bruyne have a go at the near post from a free. WTF!!!!!
He gave an embarrassing lazy arsed performance, I was shouting at the tv, like a shy U10 playing with big fellas, shit the bed.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 04, 2016, 10:28:51 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 04, 2016, 10:17:10 PM
Only caught the last couple of minutes. Enough for to see Kevin De Bruyne have a go at the near post from a free. WTF!!!!!
He gave an embarrassing lazy arsed performance, I was shouting at the tv, like a shy U10 playing with big fellas, shit the bed.
Absolutely. Totally agree. Shit the bed. Only Sterling had half a go
Nail biting excitement in the Dutch Eredivisie as Frank the Bore's Ajax got pipped at the post By PSV.
I think it was deserved by PSV who only slipped up once, a few days after they returned from their epic tie against Atletico Madrid in the CL.
Ken Early: Guardiola failed in his main task at Bayern
Bayern's idea was to dominate the Champions League as Guardiola's Barcelona had
about 6 hours ago
Ken Early
0
Pep Guardiola: let's not pretend what happened at Bayern was anything other than a bitter disappointment for everyone involved. Photo: Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images
'I've done my best here," said Pep Guardiola after losing his third and last Champions League semi-final with FC Bayern. "But if you say that I had to win the Champions League, then I've failed. Go ahead and write that I have failed."
Actually, the verdicts have been rather restrained. Last week, when Atlético Madrid knocked Bayern out, the crowd in Munich didn't boo. They had too much respect for the effort they had seen from their team. But the fact that Guardiola and Bayern tried doesn't mean they haven't failed.
Guardiola's Bayern dominated the Bundesliga so thoroughly that the three leagues they won under him rank among the least exciting title races in German history. But Bayern did not hire him to win the Bundesliga. They have 80 per cent more money than their closest rivals, Borussia Dortmund, and keep buying their best players.
As Felix Magath pointed out: "In these circumstances it would have been more surprising if he had not won the league."
No, Bayern's idea was to dominate the Champions League as Guardiola's Barcelona had done. They wanted to stamp the name of Bayern indelibly on the era. Instead, 2013-16 will go down as an age of Spanish dominance unprecedented since the start of the 1960s.
Too perfect
Catalan writer Sònia Gelmà suggests that Guardiola's problem is that he is simply "too perfect". "Too educated, too elegant, too neat, too successful." She argues that Guardiola's extreme accomplishment aroused suspicion and resentment. She advises those who would judge Guardiola a failure: do so by all means, but at least be consistent. "Judge yourself by the same standards, and then try not to kill yourself."
Guardiola is certainly one of those guys who seems to have it all, and when such a figure suffers a setback there is often more schadenfreude than sympathy. And Guardiola has had an incredible career; the charge that he is "a failure" is absurd.
But the charge that he has failed at Bayern is not. And the notion that any criticism of the maestro must be rooted in envy of his perfection is laughable. Guardiola was good at Bayern, but he was far from perfect.
For a start, a perfect coach would not have been so quick to point the finger at others when things went wrong.
Marti Perarnau's book Pep Confidential records that Guardiola spent the night of Bayern's 4-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the 2014 semi-final cursing himself – not for having lost 4-0, but for having allowed his players to talk him into an excessively-attacking approach. This, he reckoned, had been the biggest mistake of his career. Ostensibly taking all the blame, he found a subtle way to share it with the players.
In 2015, it was the doctors' turn to let Guardiola down. There had been rumours of discord between Guardiola and Bayern's medical department for weeks by the time of the match at Bayer Leverkusen in April, when the coach reacted to Mehdi Benatia's injury by turning around to his bench and ostentatiously showering the medics with sarcastic applause. A few days later, the medical department quit en masse, saying they were no longer prepared to put up with Guardiola blaming them for bad results.
Their replacements have fared little better. Guardiola seems unwilling to accept that injuries are part of the game. Last week, Bild reported that he had again lost his temper with Bayern's doctors, demanding to know why they couldn't get Arjen Robben fit when Atletico Madrid's doctors had got Diego Godín back in action after barely a week out injured.
The coach reacted to that report by blaming a mole who, he claimed, had blabbed dressing room secrets "in order to hit me". Disagreements in football are normal, he said, but usually they stay in the dressing room. A pity that last year he couldn't remember his own rule about disagreements staying in-house, instead of publicly humiliating his medical team in a packed stadium.
These lapses could have been forgiven if Guardiola's football genius had made the difference in more of the key moments.
"They say you defend well if you have 11 men in the box, like Bayern had with Trapattoni and Hitzfeld," Guardiola said. "But my idea is completely different. I like to defend by playing the game 40 metres away from our goal."
Bayern would play this way against mediocre German sides, winning easily and barely conceding a shot. But the defining international image of Guardiola's Bayern will be of a superstar of world football – Ronaldo, or Bale, or Messi, or Neymar, or Suarez, or Griezmann – eluding through a high Bayern line and bearing down on Manuel Neuer. In the big matches, that 40 metres of space always seemed to work against Bayern.
There was one sure way for Guardiola to avoid the charge of failure. It was to stick around at Bayern until he had finished the job he had been hired to do. Instead, he joined Manchester City, who offered him more money and more control. At City he will face very different problems from the ones he faced at Bayern, and he can prove new dimensions of his greatness.
But let's not pretend what happened at Bayern was anything other than a bitter disappointment for everyone involved.
German league sucks with Bayern just buying their nearest rivals best players all the time.
Be interesting to see if Hummels is selected for the cup final against his future team
Totally in control so far.... Bit boring
How did Ramos not get a black card there!!!!
What channel is this on? Not on Sky, BBC or ITV, is it BT sports?
Quote from: Zulu on May 28, 2016, 09:58:44 PM
What channel is this on? Not on Sky, BBC or ITV, is it BT sports?
Yeah BT Sport
It's on RTE 2
Sergio Ramos n Pepe must be the most hateful pairing in world football.
They're fit these soccer boys.
Second half of extra time spent sorting out cramp while the ref plays two minutes added.
Great set of penos, who at BT decided Owen Hargreaves would be a good co-commentator..
Poor champions league final and disappointing to see Atlético Madrid come up short.
Sickening result for neutrals proving that football is unfair sometimes. Real have 2 or 3 absolute shit houses though ZZ is a classy fella. Athletico seem destined not to win this trophy with so many near misses.
Real Madrid's penalties have to be the best 5 ever taken in a major competition. Keeper may as well not have been there for all 5.
Quote from: under the bar on May 28, 2016, 11:27:44 PM
Real Madrid's penalties have to be the best 5 ever taken in a major competition. Keeper may as well not have been there for all 5.
Unless he dived in their direction.
Chris Kerr would have saved 3/5
One bunch of horrible cheats beat another bunch of horrible cheats .
Who give a fook .
11 titles.... Best CL team and with ZZ looking after them they may also win La Liga again.....
A reminder of what a terrible sport soccer is.
Quote from: ashman on May 29, 2016, 12:25:25 AM
One bunch of horrible cheats beat another bunch of horrible cheats .
Who give a fook .
That's how I would feel after a Tyrone v Armagh game.
Dundalk one tie away from the Champions League - fair play to them.
Quote from: Billys Boots on July 21, 2016, 09:21:01 AM
Dundalk one tie away from the Champions League - fair play to them.
No they have the 3rd round and then there is a knock out round which if your not seeded will almost certainly draw a team like Man City, Porto, Villarreal, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Roma etc
Quote from: illdecide on July 21, 2016, 09:29:26 AM
Quote from: Billys Boots on July 21, 2016, 09:21:01 AM
Dundalk one tie away from the Champions League - fair play to them.
No they have the 3rd round and then there is a knock out round which if your not seeded will almost certainly draw a team like Man City, Porto, Villarreal, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Roma etc
No separate draw in the knock out round for league winners and teams who didn't win their league. So City Porto Villareal Roma etc will draw each other. Whereas if Dundalk got that far they would face a team who actually won their league, Celtic, FC Copenhagen and teams like that.
I think the situation is if they win the 3rd round tie, they are guaranteed Europa League Group football. So even if they lose the knockout round 4 tie, they will still benefit from Europa League.
It would be great for them, but from a league perspective, would it kill the league? If one team gets 10 million euro, realistically have the rest any hope of catching them?
TBH i wouldn't bet my wages on it but from following Celtic over the years the only thing that guaranteed them from avoiding the big guns in the last round was being seeded, other than that i'm not 100% sure. I doubt very much Dundalk would be seeded and that's why if they were successful (hopefully are) then they'd be drawn against some of the big guns but again i'm not certain
Quote from: illdecide on July 21, 2016, 10:07:07 AM
TBH i wouldn't bet my wages on it but from following Celtic over the years the only thing that guaranteed them from avoiding the big guns in the last round was being seeded, other than that i'm not 100% sure. I doubt very much Dundalk would be seeded and that's why if they were successful (hopefully are) then they'd be drawn against some of the big guns but again i'm not certain
There is now a Champions and a non champions side to the draw. Dundalk now play BATE Borisov and if they win (unlikely) they would play a winner from these other ties
Olympiacos (GRE) v Hapoel Beer-Sheva (ISR)
Astra Giurgiu (ROU) v FC København (DEN)
Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL) v Crvena zvezda (SRB)
Rosenborg (NOR) v APOEL (CYP)
Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO)
BATE Borisov (BLR) v Dundalk (IRL)
Partizani (ALB) v FC Salzburg (AUT)
Trenčín (SVK) v Legia Warszawa (POL)
Astana (KAZ) v Celtic (SCO)
Viktoria Plzeň (CZE) v Qarabağ (AZE)
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 21, 2016, 10:03:17 AM
I think the situation is if they win the 3rd round tie, they are guaranteed Europa League Group football. So even if they lose the knockout round 4 tie, they will still benefit from Europa League.
It would be great for them, but from a league perspective, would it kill the league? If one team gets 10 million euro, realistically have the rest any hope of catching them?
I hear that if Pat's and Cork win their ties tonight, they are both guaranteed €120k, which is a greater financial prize than winning the League. I think Dundalk are already guaranteed greater than €1m for their achievement last night.
Quote from: Billys Boots on July 21, 2016, 09:21:01 AM
Dundalk one tie away from the Champions League - fair play to them.
I hope they'll finally qualify this time!
I hope I'm wrong, but can't see Dundalk beating BATE. BATE should really be winning both legs IMO.
And Cork progress to the next round as well, overcoming Swedish side BK Hacken 2-1 on aggregate. Facing Genk FC of Belgium in the next round.
Respectable 1-0 loss tonight for Dundalk in the away leg, it gives them hope for the return leg at Oriel Park.
Quote from: Boycey on July 26, 2016, 09:00:32 PM
Respectable 1-0 loss tonight for Dundalk in the away leg, it gives them hope for the return leg at Oriel Park.
A good result but Dundalk were totally outplayed . BATE will score in Tallaght I think based on tonight.
Hope I am wrong .
Dundalk go down 2-0. First goal was never a peno imo. To concede then in injury time is a killer.
A bridge too far for Dundalk . Legia a bit to strong .
Great start by Dundalk .
Quote from: ashman on August 23, 2016, 08:17:21 PM
Great start by Dundalk .
great goal, lovely volley by Benson.
The longer it remains at 1: 0 the home crowd and players will grow more anxious .
Warsaw done to 10 men !!
Quote from: ashman on August 23, 2016, 08:55:09 PM
The longer it remains at 1: 0 the home crowd and players will grow more anxious .
Dundalk now have the extra man for the final twenty minutes. Makes things very interesting.
Fair play to Dundalk, great effort over 2 legs. Some atmosphere in Warsaw.
Not to be. The second goal in aviva was a killer.
At least they still have the Europa League.
I saw the second half last night - Legia looked the better side, but Dundalk were certainly not overawed, or out of their depth. In fact, they looked very dangerous occasionally when they managed to get some control in the middle third. Looks like they could do quite well in the Europa League.
Tough enough Draw for Dundalk, and no real 'superstar' names to attract massive crowds. Pity.
Zenit(RUS)
AZ(NED)
M. Tel-Aviv(ISR)
Dundalk(IRL)
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 26, 2016, 12:52:17 PM
Tough enough Draw for Dundalk, and no real 'superstar' names to attract massive crowds. Pity.
Zenit(RUS)
AZ(NED)
M. Tel-Aviv(ISR)
Dundalk(IRL)
I'll probably still go and watch if I have time.
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 26, 2016, 12:52:17 PM
Tough enough Draw for Dundalk, and no real 'superstar' names to attract massive crowds. Pity.
Zenit(RUS)
AZ(NED)
M. Tel-Aviv(ISR)
Dundalk(IRL)
Tallaghtfornia !!!
Where will their home games be played?
They have already earned €6 m. Not bad
The Maccabi Tel Aviv match is sure to feature loads of Palestinian flags.
Quote from: seafoid on August 26, 2016, 03:01:39 PM
The Maccabi Tel Aviv match is sure to feature loads of Palestinian flags.
Why?
Quote from: Owenmoresider on August 26, 2016, 05:44:14 PM
Quote from: seafoid on August 26, 2016, 03:01:39 PM
The Maccabi Tel Aviv match is sure to feature loads of Palestinian flags.
Why?
Cos the celtic beer sheba match did and people are sick of Israel
Quote from: seafoid on August 26, 2016, 07:53:33 PM
Quote from: Owenmoresider on August 26, 2016, 05:44:14 PM
Quote from: seafoid on August 26, 2016, 03:01:39 PM
The Maccabi Tel Aviv match is sure to feature loads of Palestinian flags.
Why?
Cos the celtic beer sheba match did and people are sick of Israel
So a bunch of barstool shinners will be using to cover of a football match to engage in petty political nonsense. Seen one of those morons in Thurles at the hurling semi final replay the other week too. The lot of them would crap themselves if they had to confront the IDF.
There are only 6 Eastern European teams in the CL group stage. Shows where the money is
Quote from: seafoid on August 27, 2016, 07:31:26 AM
There are only 6 Eastern European teams in the CL group stage. Shows where the money is
3 had automatically qualified of those 6?
Outstanding stuff from PSG tonight doing to Barcelona what Barcelona have done to so many before in the champions league.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 14, 2017, 09:34:27 PM
Outstanding stuff from PSG tonight doing to Barcelona what Barcelona have done to so many before in the champions league.
psg were unreal and could have won by more. Never seen barcelona being completely outplayed like that before.
Quote from: SHEEDY on February 14, 2017, 10:00:39 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 14, 2017, 09:34:27 PM
Outstanding stuff from PSG tonight doing to Barcelona what Barcelona have done to so many before in the champions league.
psg were unreal and could have won by more. Never seen barcelona being completely outplayed like that before.
Did Bayern not hammer them in the semi a few years ago?
I was wondering how many French players PSG have
From the starting XI you have Kurzawa, Kimpembe, Rabiot and Matuidi that started.
Also Nkunku came off the bench who is also French. So 5 out of the 14 used are French. Probably above average these days for home grown players.
Really poor from Barca, how Gomes stayed on the pitch for so long is a mystery. So many players not interested, I suspect Lucho has lost the dressing room.
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/soccer-predictions/champions-league/
Pep showing his class there.
Comedy goalkeeping display tonight
John stones is a mile out of his depth. What a finish by falcao.
far too hyped up by english media. Hasn't been cutting it at all.
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 21, 2017, 09:04:49 PM
John stones is a mile out of his depth. What a finish by falcao.
Falcao and Di Maria, the 2 Man Utd rejects, are not too shabby at all
Sterling still remembers the Stevie G dying swan collapse as soon as he enters the box.
Pep is like Babs Keating with Offaly. It's not going anwhere
Quote from: seafoid on February 21, 2017, 09:07:44 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 21, 2017, 09:04:49 PM
John stones is a mile out of his depth. What a finish by falcao.
Falcao and Di Maria, the 2 Man Utd rejects, are not too shabby at all
Good to see them both doing well at bigger clubs.
That John Stones is a great player.
The defending for most of these goals has been shocking ;D
The beautiful game.
''Twas a great game to watch in all fairness!
Great to watch however some very suspect defending and goalkeeping by both Manchester City and Monaco tonight. Hard to see either of those sides winning the champions league this season.
Quote from: laoislad on February 21, 2017, 09:16:49 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 21, 2017, 09:07:44 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 21, 2017, 09:04:49 PM
John stones is a mile out of his depth. What a finish by falcao.
Falcao and Di Maria, the 2 Man Utd rejects, are not too shabby at all
Good to see them both doing well at bigger clubs.
Could add Sterling in that
Sterling isn't doing well though. He's rubbish. Best bit of business Liverpool ever did getting 50 million for him.
Never really rated Sterling until tonight. Monaco couldn't handle him at times. Gets caught offside too often but a great bit of business by City.
Quote from: ONeill on February 21, 2017, 10:23:20 PM
Never really rated Sterling until tonight. Monaco couldn't handle him at times. Gets caught offside too often but a great bit of business by City.
If you consider £50M for a handful of good performances good business then yes!?
Quote from: The Stallion on February 21, 2017, 10:12:58 PM
Sterling isn't doing well though. He's rubbish. Best bit of business Liverpool ever did getting 50 million for him.
He's in champions league scoring goals..... as the above players mentioned have been doing since leaving lowly clubs
Quote from: laoislad on February 21, 2017, 09:20:49 PM
The defending for most of these goals has been shocking ;D
Aye, a good old fashioned 0-0 would have been much better
Quote from: maldini on February 21, 2017, 11:41:45 PM
Quote from: laoislad on February 21, 2017, 09:20:49 PM
The defending for most of these goals has been shocking ;D
Aye, a good old fashioned 0-0 would have been much better
Aye,because that's exactly what I meant. ::)
As an Everton fan, I laughed last night when somebody tweeted into TV3 that is was like watching Everton with more skill or something to that effect, referring to how we used to defend and lose games 4-3.
It's amazing how much influence a manager can have on a players career.
Compare how John Stones has developed under Martinez and now Pep to say Moses under Conte.
A few years ago Stones was telling the fans to calm down after he had been messing about with the ball inside his own box and they were roaring at him to just clear it.
City are great entertainment as a neutral but must be a nightmare to watch as a fan. They've conceded more goals than Middlesboro in the league and Pep hasn't sorted out their defence or goalkeeping situation yet they are only 8 points behind Chelsea. I'd say they are relieved that their big game v Utd is off this weekend.
The defence simply isnt good enough and neither the CL or PL will be won.
Pep has the team playing exciting football but seems to have forgotten how to defend - Stones is a shambles even with the goal.
Now there are 2 calamitous keepers ::)
Aguero when not injured is the best out and out striker in the world.
Even Sterling is beginning to look like he is worth half of his transfer value
I initially thought Sterlings transfer fee was ridiculous. But you see the likes of Snodgrass going for £14 mil, and Ross McCormick in the championship going to Villa for £14mil! Then the Sterling transfer even if not playing well, and blowing hot and cold is probably about right. The money involved now is just mental.
It was a great game last night involving 2 teams who haven't a hope of winning the trophy. Monaco were the better team for most of the game but had a crazy 15 minute spell which has probably cost them the tie. As for Sterling it was a very open game which suited him, Pep has far bigger problems than Sterling though mainly a back 4 which are very poor.
You'd have to think Pep will have to get proper cover in for Kompany as well as a decent left back/right back and defensive midfielder for next season... if he gets that they have all the tools to become a big European force because their attack can be electric!
KDB hits a quality dead ball.
Strange to see 50k attendees leaving their seats on the 80th min mark to go home, at Spurs v Gent.
How did Spurs lose to that team? I hadn't even heard of Gent before, never mind recognise any of their players ::)
Big Vic though is a player apart on that Spurs team, I think he'd be ideal for Liverpool, a seamless shoe in.
Barcelona half way there to staging incredible comeback.
Jesus Barca are diving bastards
:o
I think something greater than amazing,
never ever been done before.
PSG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy0sIqHqVgs
PSG outbottled Arsenal.
Brings back memories of United in that same stadium.
Ah Ffs I turned it off with five mins to go..Raging.
I have just watched the best ever comeback in a game of football. Barcelona have to go on and win the champions league now after that win. PSG....how they are feeling after losing like that!
Suaraz dive hidden in the result.
Don't watch soccer anymore but I'm gutted I missed that tonight.
I thought that game had settled into a 3-1.
No one ever expects the Spanish inquisition!
Quote from: winghalfun on March 08, 2017, 09:54:01 PM
Suaraz dive hidden in the result.
This time, the result was greater than that blatant dive.
Exciting match decided by the best divers.
Incredible finish. 3 goals required from 87th minute on. Neymar free kick, his penalty take from a dodgy decision and a perfect ball from him again into no man's land for Roberto to finish.
Di Maria fluffing his opportunity when straight through on Ter Stegen really poor as he seemed to be too indecisive and of course dived then to look to apportion blame elsewhere.
Some match. Suarez a horrible diving hoor when things not going his way.
Overall the ref did well, i think the 2nd peno was about the only time he was fooled.
But it has to be said that the defender did everything to simulate striking Suarez.
Neymar is a mighty ladeen.
That was Coco United like from Barcelona https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=laTTUGzwgD4
Quote from: Main Street on March 08, 2017, 10:30:14 PM
Overall the ref did well, i think the 2nd peno was about the only time he was fooled.
But it has to be said that the defender did everything to simulate striking Suarez.
I agree....like why did the defender put his forearm up into the back of Suarez neck?? Idiot!
A victory for cheating and diving
What a team.
Have to take your hat of to them. PSG completely lost the plot.
The referee did very well considering the pressure he was under from the baying mob - fantastic atmosphere mind you.
Quote from: PW Nally on March 08, 2017, 10:06:49 PM
Incredible finish. 3 goals required from 87th minute on. Neymar free kick, his penalty take from a dodgy decision and a perfect ball from him again into no man's land for Roberto to finish.
Di Maria fluffing his opportunity when straight through on Ter Stegen really poor as he seemed to be too indecisive and of course dived then to look to apportion blame elsewhere.
Some match. Suarez a horrible diving hoor when things not going his way.
Thought Mascerano caught Di Maria on the heel, didn't see any replays though to confirm that though.
It will take PSG a long time to get over that, they threw it away. They were the better team over 2 legs as shown when they went 3-0 down last night and they created 4 great chances scoring one. YOu have to give Barca credit for the way they kept going given they scored 6 times without Messi & Suarez playing that well. If PSG had been 2-0 coming into that game last night I'd have expected them to go through, they approached the game in the wrong ways and its cost them.
As for Barca its hard to take to them, Suarez, Neymar & Busqets are 3 of the biggest cheats that have ever played the game, thought Neymar and Suarez took it too new levels last night. The cheats prospered last night, must be nearly 10 years since Eduardo was banned after diving against Celtic yet I can't remember it happening to a player since.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 09, 2017, 09:39:33 AM
It will take PSG a long time to get over that, they threw it away. They were the better team over 2 legs as shown when they went 3-0 down last night and they created 4 great chances scoring one. YOu have to give Barca credit for the way they kept going given they scored 6 times without Messi & Suarez playing that well. If PSG had been 2-0 coming into that game last night I'd have expected them to go through, they approached the game in the wrong ways and its cost them.
As for Barca its hard to take to them, Suarez, Neymar & Busqets are 3 of the biggest cheats that have ever played the game, thought Neymar and Suarez took it too new levels last night. The cheats prospered last night, must be nearly 10 years since Eduardo was banned after diving against Celtic yet I can't remember it happening to a player since.
it was overturned though, and therein lies the problem...these hooers are allowed to get away with it time and time again !!
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 09, 2017, 09:39:33 AM
It will take PSG a long time to get over that, they threw it away. They were the better team over 2 legs as shown when they went 3-0 down last night and they created 4 great chances scoring one. YOu have to give Barca credit for the way they kept going given they scored 6 times without Messi & Suarez playing that well. If PSG had been 2-0 coming into that game last night I'd have expected them to go through, they approached the game in the wrong ways and its cost them.
As for Barca its hard to take to them, Suarez, Neymar & Busqets are 3 of the biggest cheats that have ever played the game, thought Neymar and Suarez took it too new levels last night. The cheats prospered last night, must be nearly 10 years since Eduardo was banned after diving against Celtic yet I can't remember it happening to a player since.
If they played the game like Messi they would be easy to admire. I never saw him dive but I'm open to correction :-)
As impressive as the comeback was, no PSG player would have been still on the pitch had he persistently dived as Neymar and particularly Suarez did. How can the ref decide to keep his card in his pocket when they did it time and time again. Disgraceful and belittles the achievement completely.
Did Michael Owen forget he played for Real Madrid, I doubt there's a club he played for where he's liked.
The ref was a disgrace last night, I find it odd how he got a great view of the first Barca pen but only gave it when the official behind the goal intervened; The same official didn't bother intervening when Suarez dived for the 2nd pen. I wouldn't have given the first one either, the PSG player's momentum carried him forward and he didn't change direction or deliberately try to bring down the Barca player. Then there's the obvious foul on Di Maria which would have been a pen and a red card.
It reminds of the CL semi in 2009 when Chelsea were robbed by the ref when Barca went through to the final.
Watched it last night and had the mehhh ! feeling afterwards when I should have been in awe of the game.
Both penalties given imo were nonsense decisions. Diving all over the place with one team way more at it than the other.
Some amount of nonsense about the last pass in to the square for the goal at the end. Imo just a dink into the box with the PSG playing a shambolic offside line. Nice pass but not the sublime pass it was made out to be . Imo of course.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 09, 2017, 09:39:33 AM
It will take PSG a long time to get over that, they threw it away. They were the better team over 2 legs as shown when they went 3-0 down last night and they created 4 great chances scoring one. YOu have to give Barca credit for the way they kept going given they scored 6 times without Messi & Suarez playing that well. If PSG had been 2-0 coming into that game last night I'd have expected them to go through, they approached the game in the wrong ways and its cost them.
As for Barca its hard to take to them, Suarez, Neymar & Busqets are 3 of the biggest cheats that have ever played the game, thought Neymar and Suarez took it too new levels last night. The cheats prospered last night, must be nearly 10 years since Eduardo was banned after diving against Celtic yet I can't remember it happening to a player since.
PSG were far from the best over the two legs. Even a team getting annihilated can get a few goal chances. Barca pressed them high up the field and they totally lost any sembelence of composure for 75 minutes of that match.
Very easy to like Barca too. What a wonderful footballing side. They may have won plenty but most would have been rooting for them over the oil men. There might be no better atmosphere in world sport than the Nou Camp at full tilt.
Quote from: Syferus on March 09, 2017, 10:23:29 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 09, 2017, 09:39:33 AM
It will take PSG a long time to get over that, they threw it away. They were the better team over 2 legs as shown when they went 3-0 down last night and they created 4 great chances scoring one. YOu have to give Barca credit for the way they kept going given they scored 6 times without Messi & Suarez playing that well. If PSG had been 2-0 coming into that game last night I'd have expected them to go through, they approached the game in the wrong ways and its cost them.
As for Barca its hard to take to them, Suarez, Neymar & Busqets are 3 of the biggest cheats that have ever played the game, thought Neymar and Suarez took it too new levels last night. The cheats prospered last night, must be nearly 10 years since Eduardo was banned after diving against Celtic yet I can't remember it happening to a player since.
PSG were far from the best over the two legs. Even a team getting annihilated can get a few goal chances. Barca pressed them high up the field and they totally lost any sembelence of composure for 75 minutes of that match.
Very easy to like Barca too. What a wonderful footballing side. They may have won plenty but most would have been rooting for them over the oil men. There might be no better atmosphere in world sport than the Nou Camp at full tilt.
Who is sponsoring Barcelona ??
Quote from: Canalman on March 09, 2017, 10:16:44 AM
Watched it last night and had the mehhh ! feeling afterwards when I should have been in awe of the game.
Both penalties given imo were nonsense decisions. Diving all over the place with one team way more at it than the other.
Some amount of nonsense about the last pass in to the square for the goal at the end. Imo just a dink into the box with the PSG playing a shambolic offside line. Nice pass but not the sublime pass it was made out to be . Imo of course.
Agreed, according to Gerrard we're not football lovers for not jumping off the sofa when Barca got the 6th.
Diving in football ?? Never. There isn't a team that doesent do it so don't be holding your noses when your watching it
Quote from: Minder on March 09, 2017, 10:43:33 AM
Diving in football ?? Never. There isn't a team that doesent do it so don't be holding your noses when your watching it
so that's it, it's part of the game, accept it, don't mention it and move on?
Quote from: johnneycool on March 09, 2017, 09:25:19 AM
Quote from: PW Nally on March 08, 2017, 10:06:49 PM
Incredible finish. 3 goals required from 87th minute on. Neymar free kick, his penalty take from a dodgy decision and a perfect ball from him again into no man's land for Roberto to finish.
Di Maria fluffing his opportunity when straight through on Ter Stegen really poor as he seemed to be too indecisive and of course dived then to look to apportion blame elsewhere.
Some match. Suarez a horrible diving hoor when things not going his way.
Thought Mascerano caught Di Maria on the heel, didn't see any replays though to confirm that though.
He admitted himself he fouled DiMaria to prevent a goal. And someone earlier accused DiMaria of diving.
Quote from: JoG2 on March 09, 2017, 10:46:36 AM
Quote from: Minder on March 09, 2017, 10:43:33 AM
Diving in football ?? Never. There isn't a team that doesent do it so don't be holding your noses when your watching it
so that's it, it's part of the game, accept it, don't mention it and move on?
Well there is no appetite for doing anything about it, it's been going on forever & yet people still seem surprised.
Quote from: Minder on March 09, 2017, 10:43:33 AM
Diving in football ?? Never. There isn't a team that doesent do it so don't be holding your noses when your watching it
Teams don't dive, individuals do. There were more instances last night than you would see at some football grounds in an entire season. It spoils it for me, as a neutral who just wants to see an entertaining but fair sporting contest.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 09, 2017, 10:07:44 AM
Did Michael Owen forget he played for Real Madrid, I doubt there's a club he played for where he's liked.
The ref was a disgrace last night, I find it odd how he got a great view of the first Barca pen but only gave it when the official behind the goal intervened; The same official didn't bother intervening when Suarez dived for the 2nd pen. I wouldn't have given the first one either, the PSG player's momentum carried him forward and he didn't change direction or deliberately try to bring down the Barca player. Then there's the obvious foul on Di Maria which would have been a pen and a red card.
Why would playing for Madrid prevent him from enjoying Barcelona's comeback last night?
I have yet to see conclusive footage showing Di Maria was fouled, anyone got a link which shows this?
Quote from: JoG2 on March 09, 2017, 10:46:36 AM
Quote from: Minder on March 09, 2017, 10:43:33 AM
Diving in football ?? Never. There isn't a team that doesent do it so don't be holding your noses when your watching it
so that's it, it's part of the game, accept it, don't mention it and move on?
Most Liverpool supporters are only too happy to pretend Gerrard didn't dive in the 2005 Champions League final, and in many other games too.
Quote from: Canalman on March 09, 2017, 10:16:44 AM
Watched it last night and had the mehhh ! feeling afterwards when I should have been in awe of the game.
Both penalties given imo were nonsense decisions. Diving all over the place with one team way more at it than the other.
Some amount of nonsense about the last pass in to the square for the goal at the end. Imo just a dink into the box with the PSG playing a shambolic offside line. Nice pass but not the sublime pass it was made out to be . Imo of course.
Couldn't agree more.
Quote from: Esmarelda on March 09, 2017, 11:44:41 AM
Quote from: Canalman on March 09, 2017, 10:16:44 AM
Watched it last night and had the mehhh ! feeling afterwards when I should have been in awe of the game.
Both penalties given imo were nonsense decisions. Diving all over the place with one team way more at it than the other.
Some amount of nonsense about the last pass in to the square for the goal at the end. Imo just a dink into the box with the PSG playing a shambolic offside line. Nice pass but not the sublime pass it was made out to be . Imo of course.
Couldn't agree more.
Hard to argue with any of that, instead of being blown away by the scale of the come back it left a bitter taste in that the cheaters won out in the end.
Suarez throwing himself to the ground at every chance along with Neymar shockingly bad. Actually had the ref been doing his job properly he booked suarez for simulation and then after that he committed three or more fouls on the count up alone he should have seen red.
But anyway, goes to show that with all the crap that will be written about the game that it was, it was a hollow victory devoid of all the morality that would have made it a Glorious triumph.
Quote from: The Stallion on March 09, 2017, 10:59:29 AM
Why would playing for Madrid prevent him from enjoying Barcelona's comeback last night?
Because MM has some weird idea that rather than comment on the game as paid to do, he should behave like a petty child and be raging with Barca for having the temerity to win a game of football, purely as a result of the fact he once played for their rivals.
Enjoy the lads to to Rostov tonight MM.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 09, 2017, 09:39:33 AM
As for Barca its hard to take to them, Suarez, Neymar & Busqets are 3 of the biggest cheats that have ever played the game, thought Neymar and Suarez took it too new levels last night. The cheats prospered last night, must be nearly 10 years since Eduardo was banned after diving against Celtic yet I can't remember it happening to a player since.
Not disagreeing with you, but Cavani is no angel either. Was karma for Barce' after what happened v Atletico in the semi' second leg last year; now there was cheating, gamesmanship, time-wasting etc.
par excellence.
Has anyone been to the Nou Camp for one of the top European games or for a Athletico/Madrid game?
The atmosphere last night seemed to be unreal akin to one of those crazy S Amercan club teams
I think if video evidence was allowed to be used after games to suspend players who very obviously dive or cheat should get bans. If players knew they would be punished afterwards there would be a lot less of it going on.
I tuned in last night just before the second penalty and I couldn't believe that was given. Maybe I was distracted by Suarez's total overreaction to see if the defender did actually touch his arm off his neck or chest but when I saw the first one then later I was totally amazed.
It was a great exciting match and I was disappointed for PSG but I suppose that's what makes sport exciting and it's much better than the defensive games we've all come to know so much lately.
Quote from: Fuzzman on March 09, 2017, 02:34:45 PM
I think if video evidence was allowed to be used after games to suspend players who very obviously dive or cheat should get bans. If players knew they would be punished afterwards there would be a lot less of it going on.
I tuned in last night just before the second penalty and I couldn't believe that was given. Maybe I was distracted by Suarez's total overreaction to see if the defender did actually touch his arm off his neck or chest but when I saw the first one then later I was totally amazed.
It was a great exciting match and I was disappointed for PSG but I suppose that's what makes sport exciting and it's much better than the defensive games we've all come to know so much lately.
Just checked and it was 2009 when Eduardo was initially banned for his dive against Celtic, I don't recalled UEFA or the FA banning anyone since. Its such a big part of the game and players are allowed to get away with it.
It's pretty bizarre that Eduardo was banned and nobody since. How can that be? UEFA decided to look at one incident? Who brought the Eduardo incident to their attention or what is the protocol for such retrospective action.
Oh and Maroon Manc, my comments above don't mean that I'm an ABanything. ;D
Think it was the Sunday Game who told UEFA ;D
Probably Ciaran Whelan.
Quote from: Taylor on March 09, 2017, 02:28:45 PM
Has anyone been to the Nou Camp for one of the top European games or for a Athletico/Madrid game?
The atmosphere last night seemed to be unreal akin to one of those crazy S Amercan club teams
Have been to 7-8 of them all in knock outs. If Barca had won the 1st leg the 2nd leg was usually a duck shoot so atmosphere was tame enough
Few of them were good. Chelsea in 2006 even though Barca had won the 1st leg, Jose was involved and there was needle from the 1st leg made for a great atmosphere.
PSG in 2013 were ahead in the tie at one stage so that made it a nervy finish.
Heard from a hungover Catalan season ticket holder this morn and he said they had never seen anything like it. It topped the 4-0 comeback V Milan a few years ago and the 5-0 V Madrid in 2010.
Normally the stadium would empty in 20mins but last night nobody wanted to leave.
I think the fans know that this team is coming to an end and it gave them one more special night to appreciate them.
Speaking of Barcelona I read this in the telegraph yesterday.
QuoteSince the Second World War, only two Barcelona managers have ever made it past four seasons. Frank Rijkaard did five, and ended up a hollow, haunted husk of a man, his managerial career destroyed. Johan Cruyff did eight, and had a heart attack.
The most pressurised job in world football, you can even see it Enrique's eyes.
Full article here - a good read
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/03/08/madridification-barcelona-barca-went-mes-que-un-club-just-another/ (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/03/08/madridification-barcelona-barca-went-mes-que-un-club-just-another/)
Eduardo got off on appeal, afair, the appeal was based on this arbitrary use of the diving charge.
Since then though Arsenal have been truly cursed in the champions league (post group stage), a curse of Gypsy Lee proportions. Realistically Celtic only had pride to play for in that 2nd leg but that Eduardo cnt took away that chance that honest effort could allow Celtic to salvage some pride from the tie.
That Eduardo incident brought about the extra goal line official in uefa competition in both club and country, supposed only to advise on penalty incidents.
The ref last night copped onto much of the diving and I don't believe the onus should be the ref to dish out a yellow card unless he is absolutely 100% sure, I'd leave charges for diving for a post game video court.
There were 3 tv angles of the Suarez dive.
It looked a blatant penalty from the first live angle, Suarez got chopped down with forearm smash, no question it was a penalty.
The second and third angle show that only the slightest contact was made, not enough for a penalty award
But the defender in a moment of nerve assisted panic, brought his armed right across Suarez, who theatrically dived as soon as felt the hair on his neck being touched. Therefore imo hard to prove beyond doubt with video evidence that he dived, the defender did not leave enough doubt in live viewing, both for the ref and the fella behingd the goal, that it was not a foul.
Afaic, the ref did well and the game was one enthralling football spectacle from the beginning (yes we can), to the end.
Quote from: Taylor on March 09, 2017, 02:28:45 PM
Has anyone been to the Nou Camp for one of the top European games or for a Athletico/Madrid game?
The atmosphere last night seemed to be unreal akin to one of those crazy S Amercan club teams
I was at it for a La Liga game a few years ago v Sevilla. Fantastic atmosphere.
Quote from: Main Street on March 08, 2017, 09:58:43 PM
Quote from: winghalfun on March 08, 2017, 09:54:01 PM
Suaraz dive hidden in the result.
This time, the result was greater than that blatant dive.
No doubt that Suarez bought the peno, but Messi was pulled to the ground previously, swings etc...
Quote from: ashman on March 09, 2017, 10:27:08 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 09, 2017, 10:23:29 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 09, 2017, 09:39:33 AM
It will take PSG a long time to get over that, they threw it away. They were the better team over 2 legs as shown when they went 3-0 down last night and they created 4 great chances scoring one. YOu have to give Barca credit for the way they kept going given they scored 6 times without Messi & Suarez playing that well. If PSG had been 2-0 coming into that game last night I'd have expected them to go through, they approached the game in the wrong ways and its cost them.
As for Barca its hard to take to them, Suarez, Neymar & Busqets are 3 of the biggest cheats that have ever played the game, thought Neymar and Suarez took it too new levels last night. The cheats prospered last night, must be nearly 10 years since Eduardo was banned after diving against Celtic yet I can't remember it happening to a player since.
PSG were far from the best over the two legs. Even a team getting annihilated can get a few goal chances. Barca pressed them high up the field and they totally lost any sembelence of composure for 75 minutes of that match.
Very easy to like Barca too. What a wonderful footballing side. They may have won plenty but most would have been rooting for them over the oil men. There might be no better atmosphere in world sport than the Nou Camp at full tilt.
Who is sponsoring Barcelona ??
For many years Barca paid UNICEF to use their logo on their jersies. They're a big commercial operation of course but they do things differently both on and off the field to most clubs. Their academy is legendary in a way that makes the Class of '92 nonsense in Manchester look like a pale imitation. It's hard not to appreciate players as good as Messi, Neymar, Iniesta and even Suarez. Would not begrudge them another European Cup, certainly more than their Classico rivals or Man City.
Barse would remind you of Kilkenny. They know how to grind out a win they don't deserve, playing on the mental weakness of their opponents
Quote from: Taylor on March 09, 2017, 02:28:45 PM
Has anyone been to the Nou Camp for one of the top European games or for a Athletico/Madrid game?
The atmosphere last night seemed to be unreal akin to one of those crazy S Amercan club teams
Never for a European game, but for league games. Spend a good bit of time in Madrid. Was at Real v Las Palmas last Wednesday and Atletico v Valencia on Sunday. There is no comparison between the atmosphere at the two. Going to a game at Vincente Calderon is amazing. On another level to anything I've experienced at English grounds. Obviously a larger crowd at Real but they are much quieter and turn on their team in an instant. About 20% of the crowd had left last week while they were 3-1 down. The boos and hisses started once they went 2-1 down. They drew 3-3 in the end.
Been at the Nou Camp for a couple of League games and the atmosphere was pretty low key, also was at the Barca-United Champions league semi in 2008 and the atmosphere was nothing to write home about that night either. Although it was a pretty tense 0-0 1st leg..
Quote from: Syferus on March 09, 2017, 05:02:48 PM
Quote from: ashman on March 09, 2017, 10:27:08 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 09, 2017, 10:23:29 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 09, 2017, 09:39:33 AM
It will take PSG a long time to get over that, they threw it away. They were the better team over 2 legs as shown when they went 3-0 down last night and they created 4 great chances scoring one. YOu have to give Barca credit for the way they kept going given they scored 6 times without Messi & Suarez playing that well. If PSG had been 2-0 coming into that game last night I'd have expected them to go through, they approached the game in the wrong ways and its cost them.
As for Barca its hard to take to them, Suarez, Neymar & Busqets are 3 of the biggest cheats that have ever played the game, thought Neymar and Suarez took it too new levels last night. The cheats prospered last night, must be nearly 10 years since Eduardo was banned after diving against Celtic yet I can't remember it happening to a player since.
PSG were far from the best over the two legs. Even a team getting annihilated can get a few goal chances. Barca pressed them high up the field and they totally lost any sembelence of composure for 75 minutes of that match.
Very easy to like Barca too. What a wonderful footballing side. They may have won plenty but most would have been rooting for them over the oil men. There might be no better atmosphere in world sport than the Nou Camp at full tilt.
Who is sponsoring Barcelona ??
For many years Barca paid UNICEF to use their logo on their jersies. They're a big commercial operation of course but they do things differently both on and off the field to most clubs. Their academy is legendary in a way that makes the Class of '92 nonsense in Manchester look like a pale imitation. It's hard not to appreciate players as good as Messi, Neymar, Iniesta and even Suarez. Would not begrudge them another European Cup, certainly more than their Classico rivals or Man City.
Paid UNICEF? Wore their jerseys yes, the more cynical in the world reckoned they were the ethical bridge from going from a 'we will never have sponsors on our jerseys' (as it wasn't their way) to Qatari Airways.
Quote from: bennydorano on March 09, 2017, 06:19:39 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 09, 2017, 05:02:48 PM
Quote from: ashman on March 09, 2017, 10:27:08 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 09, 2017, 10:23:29 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 09, 2017, 09:39:33 AM
It will take PSG a long time to get over that, they threw it away. They were the better team over 2 legs as shown when they went 3-0 down last night and they created 4 great chances scoring one. YOu have to give Barca credit for the way they kept going given they scored 6 times without Messi & Suarez playing that well. If PSG had been 2-0 coming into that game last night I'd have expected them to go through, they approached the game in the wrong ways and its cost them.
As for Barca its hard to take to them, Suarez, Neymar & Busqets are 3 of the biggest cheats that have ever played the game, thought Neymar and Suarez took it too new levels last night. The cheats prospered last night, must be nearly 10 years since Eduardo was banned after diving against Celtic yet I can't remember it happening to a player since.
PSG were far from the best over the two legs. Even a team getting annihilated can get a few goal chances. Barca pressed them high up the field and they totally lost any sembelence of composure for 75 minutes of that match.
Very easy to like Barca too. What a wonderful footballing side. They may have won plenty but most would have been rooting for them over the oil men. There might be no better atmosphere in world sport than the Nou Camp at full tilt.
Who is sponsoring Barcelona ??
For many years Barca paid UNICEF to use their logo on their jersies. They're a big commercial operation of course but they do things differently both on and off the field to most clubs. Their academy is legendary in a way that makes the Class of '92 nonsense in Manchester look like a pale imitation. It's hard not to appreciate players as good as Messi, Neymar, Iniesta and even Suarez. Would not begrudge them another European Cup, certainly more than their Classico rivals or Man City.
Paid UNICEF? Wore their jerseys yes, the more cynical in the world reckoned they were the ethical bridge from going from a 'we will never have sponsors on our jerseys' (as it wasn't their way) to Qatari Airways.
Well they did pay UNICEF, about €7m a year. But as you say that didn't last long. The presidency changed hands and so did the vision and ethos. They went to Qatari Foundation before going with Qatar Airways.
I doubt the change of Presidency was the critical factor tbh. I can remember reading the papers at the time and the tone was ' it's only a matter of time to it's a proper sponsor' UNICEF were the bridge.
Quote from: bennydorano on March 09, 2017, 06:19:39 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 09, 2017, 05:02:48 PM
Quote from: ashman on March 09, 2017, 10:27:08 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 09, 2017, 10:23:29 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 09, 2017, 09:39:33 AM
It will take PSG a long time to get over that, they threw it away. They were the better team over 2 legs as shown when they went 3-0 down last night and they created 4 great chances scoring one. YOu have to give Barca credit for the way they kept going given they scored 6 times without Messi & Suarez playing that well. If PSG had been 2-0 coming into that game last night I'd have expected them to go through, they approached the game in the wrong ways and its cost them.
As for Barca its hard to take to them, Suarez, Neymar & Busqets are 3 of the biggest cheats that have ever played the game, thought Neymar and Suarez took it too new levels last night. The cheats prospered last night, must be nearly 10 years since Eduardo was banned after diving against Celtic yet I can't remember it happening to a player since.
PSG were far from the best over the two legs. Even a team getting annihilated can get a few goal chances. Barca pressed them high up the field and they totally lost any sembelence of composure for 75 minutes of that match.
Very easy to like Barca too. What a wonderful footballing side. They may have won plenty but most would have been rooting for them over the oil men. There might be no better atmosphere in world sport than the Nou Camp at full tilt.
Who is sponsoring Barcelona ??
For many years Barca paid UNICEF to use their logo on their jersies. They're a big commercial operation of course but they do things differently both on and off the field to most clubs. Their academy is legendary in a way that makes the Class of '92 nonsense in Manchester look like a pale imitation. It's hard not to appreciate players as good as Messi, Neymar, Iniesta and even Suarez. Would not begrudge them another European Cup, certainly more than their Classico rivals or Man City.
Paid UNICEF? Wore their jerseys yes, the more cynical in the world reckoned they were the ethical bridge from going from a 'we will never have sponsors on our jerseys' (as it wasn't their way) to Qatari Airways.
Ah. The attitude that when any organisation does something good there must be a way to make it seem shady. Conspiracy theories seem to be a favourite of this board's.
And yes, they paid UNICEF for the privilege of being advertising boards for them. I suppose some mythical paper has floated the idea that was a tax avoidance scheme..
Quote from: bennydorano on March 09, 2017, 06:42:00 PM
I doubt the change of Presidency was the critical factor tbh. I can remember reading the papers at the time and the tone was ' it's only a matter of time to it's a proper sponsor' UNICEF were the bridge.
Ah but it was. There is no way under Laporta that they would have gone down the jersey sponsorship route, for example. Cruyff was his main advisor and as we know he was the personification of their ethos for a long time. They guy who replaced Laporta in 2010 (name escapes me) had been a top executive at Nike and was commercially driven. Sponsorship appeared on their jerseys, and they started spending Real Madrid level of money (Neymar, Suarez) rather than promoting youth from La Masia.
Of course, I understand your point, and there certainly was the feeling of how long can this last. But it took Laporta leaving for it to actually happen.
Quote from: shark on March 09, 2017, 07:01:37 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 09, 2017, 06:42:00 PM
I doubt the change of Presidency was the critical factor tbh. I can remember reading the papers at the time and the tone was ' it's only a matter of time to it's a proper sponsor' UNICEF were the bridge.
Ah but it was. There is no way under Laporta that they would have gone down the jersey sponsorship route, for example. Cruyff was his main advisor and as we know he was the personification of their ethos for a long time. They guy who replaced Laporta in 2010 (name escapes me) had been a top executive at Nike and was commercially driven. Sponsorship appeared on their jerseys, and they started spending Real Madrid level of money (Neymar, Suarez) rather than promoting youth from La Masia.
Of course, I understand your point, and there certainly was the feeling of how long can this last. But it took Laporta leaving for it to actually happen.
Think Sandro Rosell followed Laporta
Quote from: Minder on March 09, 2017, 07:14:07 PM
Quote from: shark on March 09, 2017, 07:01:37 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 09, 2017, 06:42:00 PM
I doubt the change of Presidency was the critical factor tbh. I can remember reading the papers at the time and the tone was ' it's only a matter of time to it's a proper sponsor' UNICEF were the bridge.
Ah but it was. There is no way under Laporta that they would have gone down the jersey sponsorship route, for example. Cruyff was his main advisor and as we know he was the personification of their ethos for a long time. They guy who replaced Laporta in 2010 (name escapes me) had been a top executive at Nike and was commercially driven. Sponsorship appeared on their jerseys, and they started spending Real Madrid level of money (Neymar, Suarez) rather than promoting youth from La Masia.
Of course, I understand your point, and there certainly was the feeling of how long can this last. But it took Laporta leaving for it to actually happen.
Think Sandro Rosell followed Laporta
That's the one!!
Barcelona 6-1 winners on Wednesday night followed by a 2-1 defeat to Deportivo today who were 17th in the La Liga table. Football bloody hell.
All the diving mustn't have paid off today..
United fans complaining about other teams diving ;D
Reminds me of a certain Alanis Morrisette song..
Sergio ramos to real madrid's rescue again. A late goal in a 2-1 win over betis moves them 2 points ahead of barca.
Quote from: SHEEDY on March 12, 2017, 09:41:19 PM
Sergio ramos to real madrid's rescue again. A late goal in a 2-1 win over betis moves them 2 points ahead of barca.
I saw that for his last 23 goals, 19 of them have been when Madrid have been behind or level - some ammo to have in the locker.
Heard Mark Lawrenson on Today FM on Sat talking about the Barca game. Interviewer asked him did he not think the diving took a bit of the gloss off the victory, "no". You've an big old fashioned 'AVE IT!' centre half turned analyst declaring it's fine to win by diving / cheating.
Given how many goals Ramos scores you'd think he'd get a bit more attention in the box.
Ramos is a complete liability defensively, and if he wasn't allowed to get away with things the way he does, he'd have at least double the red cards he has accumulated. Massively overrated player.
Stallion, you seem to think all players are crap, who would you pick for your best 11?
Let's do your Premiership 11
European 11
Best ever 11.
Quote from: The Stallion on March 13, 2017, 11:36:29 AM
Ramos is a complete liability defensively, and if he wasn't allowed to get away with things the way he does, he'd have at least double the red cards he has accumulated. Massively overrated player.
...said as he single handedly won Real three or four matches in the last month and a half.
Quote from: Denn Forever on March 13, 2017, 12:17:41 PM
Stallion, you seem to think all players are crap, who would you pick for your best 11?
Let's do your Premiership 11
European 11
Best ever 11.
I don't think all players are crap. Just the crap ones. Happy to set you straight on that point.
I don't have time to give this proper consideration, but in terms of a current Premier League Xi, off the top of my head I would definitely include:
De Gea
Hazard
Aguero
Best ever 11:
I can't realistically include players I didnt see play much like Pele, Beckenbauer etc, but definite starters would include:
Schmeichel
Iniesta
Maradona
Brazilian Ronaldo
What about you Denn? Name your side if you have time.
Anyone who would put Fat Ronaldo in ahead of Real Ronaldo needs a new pair of glasses.
He was a vastly superior footballer to the Portuguese Ronaldo. Injuries curtailed his career but at his peak he was an all time great in my opinion.
Quote from: JoG2 on March 13, 2017, 10:57:22 AM
Heard Mark Lawrenson on Today FM on Sat talking about the Barca game. Interviewer asked him did he not think the diving took a bit of the gloss off the victory, "no". You've an big old fashioned 'AVE IT!' centre half turned analyst declaring it's fine to win by diving / cheating.
Lawrenson was anything but that type of defender chap; youd be doin well to name a more cultured centre half partnership than him and Hansen
Agreed, Lawrenson was no agricultural centre half.
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 13, 2017, 05:39:07 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 13, 2017, 10:57:22 AM
Heard Mark Lawrenson on Today FM on Sat talking about the Barca game. Interviewer asked him did he not think the diving took a bit of the gloss off the victory, "no". You've an big old fashioned 'AVE IT!' centre half turned analyst declaring it's fine to win by diving / cheating.
Lawrenson was anything but that type of defender chap; youd be doin well to name a more cultured centre half partnership than him and Hansen
Agreed, what I was more getting at was he wouldn't have entertained a forward cheating him.
Do you feel Liverpool's 2005 Champions League win is tainted by Gerrard's pathetic dive to win a penalty JoG2?
Quote from: JoG2 on March 13, 2017, 06:10:21 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 13, 2017, 05:39:07 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 13, 2017, 10:57:22 AM
Heard Mark Lawrenson on Today FM on Sat talking about the Barca game. Interviewer asked him did he not think the diving took a bit of the gloss off the victory, "no". You've an big old fashioned 'AVE IT!' centre half turned analyst declaring it's fine to win by diving / cheating.
Lawrenson was anything but that type of defender chap; youd be doin well to name a more cultured centre half partnership than him and Hansen
Agreed, what I was more getting at was he wouldn't have entertained a forward cheating him.
True. Great footballer. As an analyst the jurys still out ;D
Interesting to note some posters are very reluctant to reply to simple questions. Very telling.
Quote from: The Stallion on March 13, 2017, 11:36:29 AM
Ramos is a complete liability defensively, and if he wasn't allowed to get away with things the way he does, he'd have at least double the red cards he has accumulated. Massively overrated player.
He's scored more career goals than Iniesta which I find pretty amazing.
Quote from: The Stallion on March 13, 2017, 06:08:40 PM
Agreed, Lawrenson was no agricultural centre half.
Pound for pound Lawrenson was the best footballer ever to play for ROI .
Quote from: angermanagement on March 14, 2017, 12:48:24 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 13, 2017, 11:36:29 AM
Ramos is a complete liability defensively, and if he wasn't allowed to get away with things the way he does, he'd have at least double the red cards he has accumulated. Massively overrated player.
He's scored more career goals than Iniesta which I find pretty amazing.
Iniesta is one of the greatest players of all time. Ramos is a hallion who can't defend very well and scores some goals.
Quote from: The Stallion on March 14, 2017, 01:48:05 PM
Quote from: angermanagement on March 14, 2017, 12:48:24 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 13, 2017, 11:36:29 AM
Ramos is a complete liability defensively, and if he wasn't allowed to get away with things the way he does, he'd have at least double the red cards he has accumulated. Massively overrated player.
He's scored more career goals than Iniesta which I find pretty amazing.
Iniesta is one of the greatest players of all time. Ramos is a hallion who can't defend very well and scores some goals.
So Ramos sucks, Real Ronaldo is worse than the guy whose nickname reflects his inability to be bothered enough to stay in shape simply because you have a fanciful notion he had more talent and Barcelona is some sort of ponzi scheme.
Anything else wild you want throw out there for effect?
" Barcelona is some sort of ponzi scheme"
Not sure why you're attempting my to put words in my mouth here, I haven't suggested or insinuated anything like this.
It's not a fanciful notion by the way, it's my honestly held opinion. Your obsession with Ronaldo's nickname has.no bearing on that opinion. Before injuries curtailed his career he was an outstanding footballer who I would have in my team ahead of his namesake every time.
Quote from: ashman on March 14, 2017, 01:00:27 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 13, 2017, 06:08:40 PM
Agreed, Lawrenson was no agricultural centre half.
Pound for pound Lawrenson was the best footballer ever to play for ROI .
[/quote,
Got to disagree, for me it's Paul McGrath. And that from Birmingham fan.
Quote from: ashman on March 14, 2017, 01:00:27 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 13, 2017, 06:08:40 PM
Agreed, Lawrenson was no agricultural centre half.
Pound for pound Lawrenson was the best footballer ever to play for ROI .
seriously?? paul mcgrath, liam brady, roy keane for me are well ahead of lawrenson.
The Liamer for me too, pity he turned into such a poisonous pundit though..
Quote from: Boycey on March 14, 2017, 07:41:56 PM
The Liamer for me too, pity he turned into such a poisonous pundit though..
Eh? Brady's always been the white bread to encase Gilesy's cranky old man and Dunphy's pub pundit routines. Don't know where fake Pep Guarola fits into the equation. Way more entertaining that the stuff the UK stations pass off as analysis anyways.
Always amazes me that Duff's name never comes up in these debates. He's easily the best creative player Ireland have had over the last 20 years, and was one of the outstanding players in World Cup 2002, including the best player on the pitch against Spain.
I would say he was top ten in world in 2002. Did he get on team of the tournament?
Leicester city on the verge of reaching the last eight of the champions league!
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 14, 2017, 08:22:10 PM
I would say he was top ten in world in 2002. Did he get on team of the tournament?
No but he made the UEFA team of the year in 2002 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Team_of_the_Year#Team_of_the_Year_2002
Nasri is some idiot.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on March 14, 2017, 09:16:52 PM
Nasri is some idiot.
Vardy is worse. That was disgraceful.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on March 14, 2017, 09:16:52 PM
Nasri is some idiot.
Vardy is some shite bag too though. He knew what he was doing. I never bought the romantic story with him. He's a sack.
March 14th 2015
http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2014-2015/table/2015-03-14
20 Leicester City 28 4 7 17 24 44 2 5 6 13 17 2 2 11 11 27 -20 19
19 points from 28 games, bottom of the Premier division
Quote from: Syferus on March 13, 2017, 03:13:04 PM
Anyone who would put Fat Ronaldo in ahead of Real Ronaldo needs a new pair of glasses.
Without doubt the most brainless comment ever on this forum.
The real Ronaldo was the Brazilian Ronaldo and he was the greatest footballer the world has ever seen.
After his knees went at Inter, he was probably 60-70% of the player he was before that and still the best in the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S84vy_Zz2O0
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 14, 2017, 10:01:11 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 13, 2017, 03:13:04 PM
Anyone who would put Fat Ronaldo in ahead of Real Ronaldo needs a new pair of glasses.
Without doubt the most brainless comment ever on this forum.
The real Ronaldo was the Brazilian Ronaldo and he was the greatest footballer the world has ever seen.
After his knees went at Inter, he was probably 60-70% of the player he was before that and still the best in the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S84vy_Zz2O0
Steady on. You could argue he was the best in the world at that time but there were better before him and certainly better since. He wasn't even the best Brazilian ever ffs.
Brazilian Ronaldo is one of the greatest players ever, and far far better than his Portuguese namesake. I have never seen a better Brazilian footballer.
Another who doesn't get the credit he deserves is Ronaldinho. He is too often dismissed as a show pony, but at his peak he was arguably the best player in the world, and some of the football he played is up there with any player ever. Another who was finished at quite a young age, but that shouldn't detract from his brilliance.
Quote from: StGallsGAA on March 14, 2017, 10:19:37 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 14, 2017, 10:01:11 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 13, 2017, 03:13:04 PM
Anyone who would put Fat Ronaldo in ahead of Real Ronaldo needs a new pair of glasses.
Without doubt the most brainless comment ever on this forum.
The real Ronaldo was the Brazilian Ronaldo and he was the greatest footballer the world has ever seen.
After his knees went at Inter, he was probably 60-70% of the player he was before that and still the best in the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S84vy_Zz2O0
Steady on. You could argue he was the best in the world at that time but there were better before him and certainly better since. He wasn't even the best Brazilian ever ffs.
There certainly has not been anyone even near in his ballpark since. Maybe some people are too young or too ignorant to appreciate Ronaldo but I've never seen an era in football when one player was just so far ahead of everyone else and that era was the mid 90s with Ronaldo - it was a good generation of footballers too.
The only player that I've seen that was on his level was Maradona. Everyone else before and after was under it, he was a phenomenon, the only way to stop him was to kick him.
One particular performance that sticks out with me was the 98 UEFA Cup final with Lazio. Nesta was the best defender in the world at that time, he got ripped apart. Nesta was a very clean defender too, positionally perfect, precise tackler, pace - he just resorted to kicking Ronaldo that night, it's all he could do with him. A few years ago in his mid 30s and struggling with injuries, Nesta put Messi in his back pocket in a Champions League match.
I'd have Maradona ahead of Ronaldo but it's absurd to suggest the Portuguese Ronaldo is anywhere near their level.
Zidane was the best imo.
Quote from: The Stallion on March 14, 2017, 10:50:43 PM
I'd have Maradona ahead of Ronaldo but it's absurd to suggest the Portuguese Ronaldo is anywhere near their level.
Nobody has came close to leaving an imprint on a major international tournament like Ronaldo did in France 98 and Japan/Korea 02 (to a lesser extent) since.
That's the pinnacle for me. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have struggled to impact major international tournaments like greats such as Maradona, Baggio and Ronaldo have
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 14, 2017, 11:30:39 PM
Zidane was the best imo.
Zidance was a flitting genius, he was capable of genius at any moment in time but for long parts of the game was completely dormant.
He was not constant like Ronaldo, where it was a case of get the ball to him at every opportunity when he was at his peak.
It's funny the way the narrative of tournaments can be rewritten. Zidane misses the majority of the tournament after getting sent off in the group stages and heroics by Thuram get France to a World Cup final. Zidane scores a couple of headers from two corners in the final and it's suddenly his tournament.
While a great player who had huge moments in his career, Zidane was always one of those style over substance players for me.
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 14, 2017, 09:19:39 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on March 14, 2017, 09:16:52 PM
Nasri is some idiot.
Vardy is some shite bag too though. He knew what he was doing. I never bought the romantic story with him. He's a sack.
Chat Shít Get Banged is a mantra more than a few GAABoard members live by, though..
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 14, 2017, 11:37:43 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 14, 2017, 11:30:39 PM
Zidane was the best imo.
Zidance was a flitting genius, he was capable of genius at any moment in time but for long parts of the game was completely dormant.
He was not constant like Ronaldo, where it was a case of get the ball to him at every opportunity when he was at his peak.
It's funny the way the narrative of tournaments can be rewritten. Zidane misses the majority of the tournament after getting sent off in the group stages and heroics by Thuram get France to a World Cup final. Zidane scores a couple of headers from two corners in the final and it's suddenly his tournament.
While a great player who had huge moments in his career, Zidane was always one of those style over substance players for me.
I disagree.
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 14, 2017, 11:32:58 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 14, 2017, 10:50:43 PM
I'd have Maradona ahead of Ronaldo but it's absurd to suggest the Portuguese Ronaldo is anywhere near their level.
Nobody has came close to leaving an imprint on a major international tournament like Ronaldo did in France 98 and Japan/Korea 02 (to a lesser extent) since.
That's the pinnacle for me. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have struggled to impact major international tournaments like greats such as Maradona, Baggio and Ronaldo have
Zidane 2006
Quote from: Mike Tyson on March 15, 2017, 08:22:09 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 14, 2017, 11:32:58 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 14, 2017, 10:50:43 PM
I'd have Maradona ahead of Ronaldo but it's absurd to suggest the Portuguese Ronaldo is anywhere near their level.
Nobody has came close to leaving an imprint on a major international tournament like Ronaldo did in France 98 and Japan/Korea 02 (to a lesser extent) since.
That's the pinnacle for me. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have struggled to impact major international tournaments like greats such as Maradona, Baggio and Ronaldo have
Zidane 2006
Gary Green 2002
Just to point out, Zidane was booked in each of France's opening 2006 group games as they failed to beat Switzerland and South Korea. They only got out of the group stages by beating Togo in a game Zidane was suspended for.
He wasn't awarded man of the match in any game at that World Cup, and while he was decent in a couple of games, he was nowhere near as good as Ronaldo in 1998 or 2002.
This is not to denigrate Zidane's career, i think he was a wonderful footballer, but not on the same level as Ronaldo.
Zidane is also a great manager
Ronald McDonald is the best of the Ronaldos
Stop clowning around
Juventus don't want to meet Leicester in the ECL according to Buffon.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39274973
Quote from: The Stallion on March 15, 2017, 10:24:06 AM
Just to point out, Zidane was booked in each of France's opening 2006 group games as they failed to beat Switzerland and South Korea. They only got out of the group stages by beating Togo in a game Zidane was suspended for.
He wasn't awarded man of the match in any game at that World Cup, and while he was decent in a couple of games, he was nowhere near as good as Ronaldo in 1998 or 2002.
This is not to denigrate Zidane's career, i think he was a wonderful footballer, but not on the same level as Ronaldo.
He was in the quarter final against Brazil and also won player of the tournament. The rest of the players must have been pure muck if he won it having only been decent in a few games.
Apologies, you're quite right, he did get man of the match in one game. Overall he had a decent enough World Cup but he certainly wasn't outstanding by any means. He was well past his best by the time of that World Cup.
France weren't great at that World Cup.
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 14, 2017, 11:32:58 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 14, 2017, 10:50:43 PM
I'd have Maradona ahead of Ronaldo but it's absurd to suggest the Portuguese Ronaldo is anywhere near their level.
Nobody has came close to leaving an imprint on a major international tournament like Ronaldo did in France 98 and Japan/Korea 02 (to a lesser extent) since.
That's the pinnacle for me. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have struggled to impact major international tournaments like greats such as Maradona, Baggio and Ronaldo have
Djimi Traore has more champs league/european cup medals than those 3 put together... legend
Quote from: Mike Tyson on March 15, 2017, 11:11:18 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 15, 2017, 10:24:06 AM
Just to point out, Zidane was booked in each of France's opening 2006 group games as they failed to beat Switzerland and South Korea. They only got out of the group stages by beating Togo in a game Zidane was suspended for.
He wasn't awarded man of the match in any game at that World Cup, and while he was decent in a couple of games, he was nowhere near as good as Ronaldo in 1998 or 2002.
This is not to denigrate Zidane's career, i think he was a wonderful footballer, but not on the same level as Ronaldo.
He was in the quarter final against Brazil and also won player of the tournament. The rest of the players must have been pure muck if he won it having only been decent in a few games.
Once again it's the subjective narrative that follows sport. If you're citing player of the tournament awards as a barometer forget it, anyone who knows anything about football knows Cannavaro was the best player at the 2006 World Cup, by a landslide distance. Zidane much like France 98 had a pretty mediocre tournament with the odd flash of magic. The best tournament Zidane ever played (by some distance) was Euro 2000 where he was consistently good and decisive for France, even then I would say it was upstaged by Totti at that tournament.
Look at Messi winning the best player at the last World Cup, he was anonymous in the knockout stage. Argentina scored 2 goals in 450 minutes of knockout football, Messi contributed an assist in it and was somehow deemed the best player at the tournament? Ridiculous. You had James Rodriguez who was consistently super for Colombia overlooked, the referee allowed Brazil to kick him off the pitch in that game.
Player of the tournaments are very often political choices.
Ronaldo much like Maradona and to a lesser extent Baggio has the performances to stand up to the scrutiny when it comes to major tournaments.
I would disagree regarding Messi. He has been very good at both of the laat World Cups albeit not scoring goals for fun.
Agree on 2000 being Zidane's best tournament though.
Defences are much tighter these days.
Quote from: seafoid on March 15, 2017, 08:29:42 PM
Defences are much tighter these days.
Not many tight defences on show in the Barcelona v PSG and Monaco v Man City games.
Quote from: The Stallion on March 15, 2017, 07:41:42 PM
I would disagree regarding Messi. He has been very good at both of the laat World Cups albeit not scoring goals for fun.
Agree on 2000 being Zidane's best tournament though.
He hasn't been good at World Cups, he's been very disappointing, particularly for a guy who is meant to be the best in the world.
It was the likes of Mascherano and Di Maria who were leading the charge for Argentina in 2014. Messi looks a completely different player outside the Barcelona, possession obsessed give and go football. I don't think he's half the player when the side isn't built around him, I'd be very interested to see how he would get should he ever leave his comfort zone.
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 15, 2017, 07:01:31 PM
Quote from: Mike Tyson on March 15, 2017, 11:11:18 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 15, 2017, 10:24:06 AM
Just to point out, Zidane was booked in each of France's opening 2006 group games as they failed to beat Switzerland and South Korea. They only got out of the group stages by beating Togo in a game Zidane was suspended for.
He wasn't awarded man of the match in any game at that World Cup, and while he was decent in a couple of games, he was nowhere near as good as Ronaldo in 1998 or 2002.
This is not to denigrate Zidane's career, i think he was a wonderful footballer, but not on the same level as Ronaldo.
He was in the quarter final against Brazil and also won player of the tournament. The rest of the players must have been pure muck if he won it having only been decent in a few games.
Once again it's the subjective narrative that follows sport. If you're citing player of the tournament awards as a barometer forget it, anyone who knows anything about football knows Cannavaro was the best player at the 2006 World Cup, by a landslide distance. Zidane much like France 98 had a pretty mediocre tournament with the odd flash of magic. The best tournament Zidane ever played (by some distance) was Euro 2000 where he was consistently good and decisive for France, even then I would say it was upstaged by Totti at that tournament.
Look at Messi winning the best player at the last World Cup, he was anonymous in the knockout stage. Argentina scored 2 goals in 450 minutes of knockout football, Messi contributed an assist in it and was somehow deemed the best player at the tournament? Ridiculous. You had James Rodriguez who was consistently super for Colombia overlooked, the referee allowed Brazil to kick him off the pitch in that game.
Player of the tournaments are very often political choices.
Ronaldo much like Maradona and to a lesser extent Baggio has the performances to stand up to the scrutiny when it comes to major tournaments.
Whose scrutiny? I think that the best player I have seen in action is Zidane. Is that ok?
It is ok.
There is no real heart in that man city team. So much money and really not that much effort.
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 15, 2017, 09:36:53 PM
There is no real heart in that man city team. So much money and really not that much effort.
Was just about to say the same thing. They had a bit of a go after half time, and Monaco were cat. Then as soon as they scored, they took the foot off the gas, and when Monaco scored again, they capitulated with 20 minutes left. That Sané lad seems a bit of a jennet.
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 15, 2017, 08:46:05 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 15, 2017, 07:01:31 PM
Quote from: Mike Tyson on March 15, 2017, 11:11:18 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 15, 2017, 10:24:06 AM
Just to point out, Zidane was booked in each of France's opening 2006 group games as they failed to beat Switzerland and South Korea. They only got out of the group stages by beating Togo in a game Zidane was suspended for.
He wasn't awarded man of the match in any game at that World Cup, and while he was decent in a couple of games, he was nowhere near as good as Ronaldo in 1998 or 2002.
This is not to denigrate Zidane's career, i think he was a wonderful footballer, but not on the same level as Ronaldo.
He was in the quarter final against Brazil and also won player of the tournament. The rest of the players must have been pure muck if he won it having only been decent in a few games.
Once again it's the subjective narrative that follows sport. If you're citing player of the tournament awards as a barometer forget it, anyone who knows anything about football knows Cannavaro was the best player at the 2006 World Cup, by a landslide distance. Zidane much like France 98 had a pretty mediocre tournament with the odd flash of magic. The best tournament Zidane ever played (by some distance) was Euro 2000 where he was consistently good and decisive for France, even then I would say it was upstaged by Totti at that tournament.
Look at Messi winning the best player at the last World Cup, he was anonymous in the knockout stage. Argentina scored 2 goals in 450 minutes of knockout football, Messi contributed an assist in it and was somehow deemed the best player at the tournament? Ridiculous. You had James Rodriguez who was consistently super for Colombia overlooked, the referee allowed Brazil to kick him off the pitch in that game.
Player of the tournaments are very often political choices.
Ronaldo much like Maradona and to a lesser extent Baggio has the performances to stand up to the scrutiny when it comes to major tournaments.
Whose scrutiny? I think that the best player I have seen in action is Zidane. Is that ok?
Proper analysis.
Monaco have a healthy habit for knocking English sides out of the champions league.
You would have got wild long odds on Leicester being the last English team standing in the Champions League..
Maybe the fawning press will now get on Peps case too??
Main question to ask after that Man City defeat... Is Pep Guardiola a busted flush as a manager ;)
Stallion will start being a Man City fan.
No I won't.
Man City are the football equivalent of Dublin GAA. Success founded simply on having the most money. Good for everyone else to see them gone.
Quote from: StGallsGAA on March 16, 2017, 12:03:45 AM
Man City are the football equivalent of Dublin GAA. Success founded simply on having the most money. Good for everyone else to see them gone.
And what are Real Madrid ?
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 15, 2017, 09:38:59 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 15, 2017, 08:46:05 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 15, 2017, 07:01:31 PM
Quote from: Mike Tyson on March 15, 2017, 11:11:18 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 15, 2017, 10:24:06 AM
Just to point out, Zidane was booked in each of France's opening 2006 group games as they failed to beat Switzerland and South Korea. They only got out of the group stages by beating Togo in a game Zidane was suspended for.
He wasn't awarded man of the match in any game at that World Cup, and while he was decent in a couple of games, he was nowhere near as good as Ronaldo in 1998 or 2002.
This is not to denigrate Zidane's career, i think he was a wonderful footballer, but not on the same level as Ronaldo.
He was in the quarter final against Brazil and also won player of the tournament. The rest of the players must have been pure muck if he won it having only been decent in a few games.
Once again it's the subjective narrative that follows sport. If you're citing player of the tournament awards as a barometer forget it, anyone who knows anything about football knows Cannavaro was the best player at the 2006 World Cup, by a landslide distance. Zidane much like France 98 had a pretty mediocre tournament with the odd flash of magic. The best tournament Zidane ever played (by some distance) was Euro 2000 where he was consistently good and decisive for France, even then I would say it was upstaged by Totti at that tournament.
Look at Messi winning the best player at the last World Cup, he was anonymous in the knockout stage. Argentina scored 2 goals in 450 minutes of knockout football, Messi contributed an assist in it and was somehow deemed the best player at the tournament? Ridiculous. You had James Rodriguez who was consistently super for Colombia overlooked, the referee allowed Brazil to kick him off the pitch in that game.
Player of the tournaments are very often political choices.
Ronaldo much like Maradona and to a lesser extent Baggio has the performances to stand up to the scrutiny when it comes to major tournaments.
Whose scrutiny? I think that the best player I have seen in action is Zidane. Is that ok?
Proper analysis.
Yeah, in your world. Stating something strongly does not make it fact or proper analysis.
Will Atletico ever win the Champions League?
Quote from: seafoid on March 16, 2017, 08:09:18 AM
Will Atletico ever win the Champions League?
This year may be this current crops last chance. Only so long they can go with losing their best players. And they are no longer operating at the level of 1-3 years ago. Mainly from a defensive aspect where they are actually conceding a 'normal' amount of goals. Last season they only conceded 18 league goals.
Monaco better team over 2 legs and it would have been a more comfortable win apart from a crazy ten minutes in the first leg where they conceded 3 goals. Then there was the massive error from the Monaco keeper and Falcao's missed pen.
People forget Pep spent £170m last summer to add to a team that had the so called best squad in the league. He'll spend at least that again this summer.
Monaco are very impressive going forward but they can only play one way, once they retreated in the 2nd half they were picked off very easily. If they could keep that bunch of players together they'd be a better team next season but that won't happen. United have been linked with both central midfielders for a while, Fabinho certainly had the better game last night. The left back was brilliant too.
The big guns are playing each other
Real vs Bayern
Juve v Barca
Leicester v Atletico
Dortmund v Monaco
Quote from: StGallsGAA on March 16, 2017, 12:03:45 AM
Man City are the football equivalent of Dublin GAA. Success founded simply on having the most money. Good for everyone else to see them gone.
Except they haven't retained anything.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/04/12/nuri-sahins-emotional-powerful-post-match-interview-puts-uefa/
Some awful officiating in this Real Madrid Bayern Munich game tonight. Madrid extremely luck not to be down to 10 men then moments later Vidal gets sent off for what looked like a good tackle. Second Madrid goal was clearly offside and question marks over their 3rd goal also.
It was an excellent game until the tissue of erroneous refereeing decisions tipped the scale towards Madrid.
The game was also notable for an actual legit penalty won by Robben.
Thought Bayern were well shafted tonight. The Vidal sending off was ridiculous.
Ronaldo will be rightly pissed off that the young lad didn't pass to him for the 4th goal.
He will be however what more can be said about Cristiano Ronaldo? the first player to score 100 Champions league goals. His 41st hat trick for Real Madrid tonight. Six goals Real Madrid scored over two games against Bayern Munich where five scored by Ronaldo and before this tie was played Eamon Dunphy said Ronaldo was finished.
He's some pup alright. He's still behind Messi, Van Nistlerooy, Di Stefano, Eusebio, Puskas, Muller and Papin in terms of goals per game in that competition but deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as most of them.
Quote from: clarshack on April 18, 2017, 10:30:09 PM
Thought Bayern were well shafted tonight. The Vidal sending off was ridiculous.
Bayern must feel aggrieved. Until video refs are brought into the ECL, undeserving results by poor ref decisions like Liverpool in 05 will continue to blight the record.
Quote from: StGallsGAA on April 18, 2017, 10:52:36 PM
Quote from: clarshack on April 18, 2017, 10:30:09 PM
Thought Bayern were well shafted tonight. The Vidal sending off was ridiculous.
Bayern must feel aggrieved. Until video refs are brought into the ECL, undeserving results by poor ref decisions like Liverpool in 05 will continue to blight the record.
1,2,3,4,5😂
Quote from: ONeill on April 18, 2017, 10:40:37 PM
Ronaldo will be rightly pissed off that the young lad didn't pass to him for the 4th goal.
Feel the seethe .
Why anyone would think Ronaldo isn't a great footballer is beyond me.... his record alone on goal scoring is outstanding plus whatever else he brings to the table is huge...
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2017, 11:31:46 PM
Why anyone would think Ronaldo isn't a great footballer is beyond me.... his record alone on goal scoring is outstanding plus whatever else he brings to the table is huge...
Ronaldo is so fit and strong I can see him aging like Ibrah has. Messi is obviously fit too but he doesn't have the sheer power to make up for losing the yard of pace like Ronaldo does. If he wants it he can be a 20+ goal a season player in the top leagues into his mid to late 30s.
If Messi was to fade away and Ronaldo pulls a Ibrah the GoAT debate between him and Messi swings Ronaldo's way imho.
The older Messi gets, he just moves more into an Iniesta role. His vision and passing is never mentioned as much as his control and goal scoring but it's absolutely exceptional. He's plenty strong enough with low centre of gravity to play that role too.
The sending off of Vidal was ludicrous, particularly in context of the ref's apparent refusal to send Casemiro off. Cracking game though.
Ronaldo isn't even in the mix for the title of greatest of all time in my opinion. Messi is a vastly superior player.
Quote from: The Stallion on April 19, 2017, 07:11:01 AM
Ronaldo isn't even in the mix for the title of greatest of all time in my opinion. Messi is a vastly superior player.
He's not in terms of ECL wins or international achievements. With Argentina Messi has been nothing short of a flop so cannot be afforded the same status as Maradona or Pele. Time is running out for him. Ronaldo on the other hand captained Portugal to the Euros.
Portugal's best performance in the Euros was the final which Ronaldo contributed nothing to apart from crying for himself. One could argue he was holding Portugal back with his selfish and lazy displays.
Messi was arguably Argentina's best player in taking them to the World Cup final. Not sure why Ronaldo is given credit for a trophy where he did nothing in the most important game while Messi is not given credit for getting to the final of a bigger tournament.
Regardless of the obvious flaws in your argument, trophies won has no bearing when judging how good a player was. Phil Neville has a cabinet full of medals yet was a shite player.
"With Argentina Messi has been nothing short of a flop "
Lol at this by the way. One of the most idiotic things I've read on here in a while which is saying something.
Averaging about a goal every other game, playing well in getting a limited side to a World Cup final, U-20 World Cup winner, Olympic gold medallist, named best player of the tournament at a World Cup and Copa America, most assists and man of the match awards in Copa America history etc etc.
Flop though apparently lol.
Messi is an absolute genius - no other player can control a game the way he can. Even when double & triple marked he can do the business.
Ronaldo on the other hand has moments of genius but goes missing in many many games. Put a man marker on Ronaldo and he becomes annonymous ala Cashley Cole.
Ronaldo shows up but can definitely go missing, and tends to lose the head when he does. He was anonymous last night until extra time and Madrid had the extra man. Of course, it could be argued that that was when they needed him most.
He was similarly awful in the two Champions League finals against Atléti.
Quote from: Taylor on April 19, 2017, 09:54:24 AM
Messi is an absolute genius - no other player can control a game the way he can. Even when double & triple marked he can do the business.
Ronaldo on the other hand has moments of genius but goes missing in many many games. Put a man marker on Ronaldo and he becomes annonymous ala Cashley Cole.
Messi has faded significantly the last 12 months. Neymar was the one who drove the miracle against PSG it should be remembered. In fact if you were taking a player for the future rather than for simply the now from Barca it'd probably be him and not Messi.
Quote from: Syferus on April 19, 2017, 10:54:28 AM
Quote from: Taylor on April 19, 2017, 09:54:24 AM
Messi is an absolute genius - no other player can control a game the way he can. Even when double & triple marked he can do the business.
Ronaldo on the other hand has moments of genius but goes missing in many many games. Put a man marker on Ronaldo and he becomes annonymous ala Cashley Cole.
Messi has faded significantly the last 12 months. Neymar was the one who drove the miracle against PSG it should be remembered. In fact if you were taking a player for the future rather than for simply the now from Barca it'd probably be him and not Messi.
Faded significantly? He's comfortably the leading scorer in both la liga and the Champions league. As usual, you're talking absolute garbage.
Quote from: Syferus on April 19, 2017, 10:54:28 AM
Quote from: Taylor on April 19, 2017, 09:54:24 AM
Messi is an absolute genius - no other player can control a game the way he can. Even when double & triple marked he can do the business.
Ronaldo on the other hand has moments of genius but goes missing in many many games. Put a man marker on Ronaldo and he becomes annonymous ala Cashley Cole.
Messi has faded significantly the last 12 months. Neymar was the one who drove the miracle against PSG it should be remembered. In fact if you were taking a player for the future rather than for simply the now from Barca it'd probably be him and not Messi.
Bullshit he has carried Barca in La Liga with Neymar only showing periodically what he can do. It was Messi who took the fight to Juve only for Suarez to miss.
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2017, 12:05:46 PM
Quote from: Syferus on April 19, 2017, 10:54:28 AM
Quote from: Taylor on April 19, 2017, 09:54:24 AM
Messi is an absolute genius - no other player can control a game the way he can. Even when double & triple marked he can do the business.
Ronaldo on the other hand has moments of genius but goes missing in many many games. Put a man marker on Ronaldo and he becomes annonymous ala Cashley Cole.
Messi has faded significantly the last 12 months. Neymar was the one who drove the miracle against PSG it should be remembered. In fact if you were taking a player for the future rather than for simply the now from Barca it'd probably be him and not Messi.
Faded significantly? He's comfortably the leading scorer in both la liga and the Champions league. As usual, you're talking absolute garbage.
As usual, you try to warp the facts to suit the opinion you want to state. To make it clear how marginal what you've said is, according to WhoScored.com Messi has 47 goals for the season in all competitions while Ronaldo has 43. Strange stat to try to make your stand on, to say the least.
Real sit three points clear at the top of La Liga with a game in hand, chasing a double and with a chance to become the only team to defend the European Cup in the CL era. Barca are likely to be eliminated from that competition tonight, in case you've missed it. Ronaldo was also was a huge part of Portugal's first major tournament win last summer.
Both have faded somewhat in recent years but it's Ronaldo who's got it done on the big stage the last 12 months. People remember hat tricks with it all on the line against Bayern Munich - less so against Pep's Man City swiss cheese defense on a rainy day in October.
Barca are looking like Roscommon at the moment.
Quote from: seafoid on April 19, 2017, 09:15:11 PM
Barca are looking like Roscommon at the moment.
They looked like Roscommon when they were scoring and conceding a lot. They look like Ulsterball Galway atm.
Quote from: Syferus on April 19, 2017, 09:30:14 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 19, 2017, 09:15:11 PM
Barca are looking like Roscommon at the moment.
They looked like Roscommon when they were scoring and conceding a lot. They look like Ulsterball Galway atm.
Superstars not performing reminded me of Ros
So the Barse are out. Manager will probably go too. Maybe McGeeney could give it a lash.
Quote from: seafoid on April 19, 2017, 09:43:56 PM
So the Barse are out. Manager will probably go too. Maybe McGeeney could give it a lash.
Enrique said he's stepping down at the end of the season weeks ago.
Not a pile of difference between Arsenal and Barcelona. Arsenal just get hammered in both legs.
Quote from: ONeill on April 19, 2017, 09:54:15 PM
Not a pile of difference between Arsenal and Barcelona. Arsenal just get hammered in both legs.
I'd love to see Arsene managing Barca. Match made in heaven.
Quote from: Syferus on April 19, 2017, 09:58:04 PM
Quote from: ONeill on April 19, 2017, 09:54:15 PM
Not a pile of difference between Arsenal and Barcelona. Arsenal just get hammered in both legs.
I'd love to see Arsene managing Barca. Match made in heaven.
He'd create an even bigger defensive mess. Barca need a defensive guru right now.
Quote from: ONeill on April 19, 2017, 10:02:19 PM
Quote from: Syferus on April 19, 2017, 09:58:04 PM
Quote from: ONeill on April 19, 2017, 09:54:15 PM
Not a pile of difference between Arsenal and Barcelona. Arsenal just get hammered in both legs.
I'd love to see Arsene managing Barca. Match made in heaven.
He'd create an even bigger defensive mess. Barca need a defensive guru right now.
Just buy in the Spainish version of Doni Buckleyon to coach the defence. It's not like any top level manager has the time to micro-manage every piece of a team anyways.
Disappointed by the lack of drama in the Champions league tonight. It's now looks like that Barcelona incredible comeback win was more to do with almighty collapse by PSG than the Barcelona of old returning.
Real Madrid the favourites of final four however most neutrals will be hoping anyone but them win this years Champions league. I don't care myself who wins it so long as the semi finals and final are enjoyable games to watch.
Juventus havent conceded a goal in open play in this seasons champions league. 10 games so far. Unbelievable stat. They would be my favourites to win it. Only trophy buffon hasnt won.
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 19, 2017, 11:30:31 PM
Juventus havent conceded a goal in open play in this seasons champions league. 10 games so far. Unbelievable stat. They would be my favourites to win it. Only trophy buffon hasnt won.
Would love to see then win it. There was no way Barca were gonna bang in 3+ tonight no matter how much effort BT Sports spent trying to hype it up.
All this talk of Messi fading is bullshit. I watch Barca week in week out and at times he and Pique have carried the team. Barca need a right back, probably 2, the need decent cover for Alba on the other side. They need cover for Busquets and help for Messi as he assumes the Xavi role. Unfortunately the buys of last summer are not working, Roberto is wasted covering right back. I'd not be surprised to see two of Thiago, Bellerin and Coutinho if not all thee join in the summer.
Quote from: Applesisapples on April 20, 2017, 05:04:27 PM
All this talk of Messi fading is bullshit. I watch Barca week in week out and at times he and Pique have carried the team. Barca need a right back, probably 2, the need decent cover for Alba on the other side. They need cover for Busquets and help for Messi as he assumes the Xavi role. Unfortunately the buys of last summer are not working, Roberto is wasted covering right back. I'd not be surprised to see two of Thiago, Bellerin and Coutinho if not all thee join in the summer.
Going to a hell of a lot easier for Ronaldo to win the Balon D'Or if Messi starts playing as a CM..
Anderlecht looking dangerous goal here or two for them if they take their chances
3/4 EL ties went into extra time. That was some game in Turkey, Besiktas v Lyon, with the jelly and ice cream provided by the penalty shoot out.
More drama at Schalke where Ajax down to 10, went behind in ET and scored 2 to nail the tie.
I'd like to see that final, Ajax v Lyon, I hope they're kept apart in sf draw.
Great, Real vs Atletico in the semi finals. Two games of spiteful, petty horribleness instead of one :o
Champions League semi-finals draw
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid
Monaco v Juventus
The matches will be played on 2 & 3 May and 9 & 10 May.
Europa League semi-finals draw
Ajax v Lyon
Celta Vigo v Manchester United
Quote from: Boycey on April 21, 2017, 11:44:15 AM
Great, Real vs Atletico in the semi finals. Two games of spiteful, petty horribleness instead of one :o
Looking forward to it already! ;D
i'd go for real madrid v juventus and lyon v man utd in the finals
The CL really gets interesting from the QFs forward. So much arsing about to get to the good stuff, though.
Might watch the EL final this year too, watching Liverpool face-plant last year was good craic. Since they added the CL spot to that game it's become much more meaningful.
In the EL 1/4 finals, 3 of the teams (lower ranked) drawn at home first, won through.
I think Man U got the easier draw against Celta V but that doesn't mean that much, mid table La Liga is probably a better outfit than mid table EPL, despite the economic disparity and Celta V can focus mainly on this competition.
I was happy enough with Ajax beating Schalke, for my taste the Dutch can never rub the Germans' noses into it enough, however Ajax's goalie performs like that last kid picked from the line for a game after school, usually the fat kid that got bunged into goals,
http://www.espnfc.us/report?gameId=476522 (http://www.espnfc.us/report?gameId=476522)
slow, late and butterfingered, perhaps I'm too cruel on him?
Quote from: Main Street on April 21, 2017, 01:14:00 PM
In the EL 1/4 finals, 3 of the teams (lower ranked) drawn at home first, won through.
I think Man U got the easier draw against Celta V but that doesn't mean that much, mid table La Liga is probably a better outfit than mid table EPL, despite the economic disparity and Celta V can focus mainly on this competition.
I was happy enough with Ajax beating Schalke, for my taste the Dutch can never rub the Germans' noses into it enough, however Ajax's goalie performs like that last kid picked from the line for a game after school, usually the fat kid that got bunged into goals,
http://www.espnfc.us/report?gameId=476522 (http://www.espnfc.us/report?gameId=476522)
slow, late and butterfingered, perhaps I'm too cruel on him?
Eh? There's an awful amount of dross in La Liga after the big three and maybe Sevilla (beaten by Leicester..). And they don't have the money mid-table premier league teams do either.. Mour is clearly fixated on the EL too given his starting line-up for the Chelsea game so that's not even an advantage for the Spanish club.
Quote from: Syferus on April 21, 2017, 04:11:28 PM
Quote from: Main Street on April 21, 2017, 01:14:00 PM
In the EL 1/4 finals, 3 of the teams (lower ranked) drawn at home first, won through.
I think Man U got the easier draw against Celta V but that doesn't mean that much, mid table La Liga is probably a better outfit than mid table EPL, despite the economic disparity and Celta V can focus mainly on this competition.
I was happy enough with Ajax beating Schalke, for my taste the Dutch can never rub the Germans' noses into it enough, however Ajax's goalie performs like that last kid picked from the line for a game after school, usually the fat kid that got bunged into goals,
http://www.espnfc.us/report?gameId=476522 (http://www.espnfc.us/report?gameId=476522)
slow, late and butterfingered, perhaps I'm too cruel on him?
Eh? There's an awful amount of dross in La Liga after the big three and maybe Sevilla (beaten by Leicester..).
And they don't have the money mid-table premier league teams do either.. Mour is clearly fixated on the EL too given his starting line-up for the Chelsea game so that's not even an advantage for the Spanish club.
Drawing linear form lines like that are very unreliable indicators.
Celta finished well ahead of a mid table Sevilla last season. In the EL last season, Sevilla struggled to get by Bilbao, Sevilla then outplayed Liverpool in the final, a team who had dispatched Man U in the QF. Mid table Spanish team ruled the EL in the final stages, EPL super rich clubs came a cropper. All those results do not prove or disprove anything.
However La Liga teams that last the pace in the EL usually do very well, an average La Liga team like Celta will give Man U a good competitive game.
In europe this season, Man U have struggled to beat a modest team like Anderlecht from an average league outside the top 10. Celta have already knocked out a top seeded team in Shaktar.
El Clasico time hopefully its a good watch.
Looks like Macron v Le Pen in the French Cup
They're cutting lumps outta Messi
Another good El Clasico game with some good goals,good saves and sitters missed. Ramos can have no complaints on that sending off a very poor tackle. Messi not slowing up yet and his late winner could be a turning point in the La Liga title race.
Still one of the best in the world. Incredible finish by Messi. What an ending to the game. Sergio Roberto's break up the field was fantastic too.
Best rivalry game in soccer. Would love to go some day.
That was incredible. Messi is on a different planet. To me there isn't even a debate.
Sergio Ramos.......
Brilliant game, even accounting for Messi's deterioration.
Ramos loves a red.
What a finish.
Quote from: gallsman on April 23, 2017, 09:45:27 PM
Brilliant game, even accounting for Messi's deterioration.
Ramos loves a red.
Deterioration? Just the 47 goals this season.
That was a classic el clasico.
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 23, 2017, 09:49:20 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 23, 2017, 09:45:27 PM
Brilliant game, even accounting for Messi's deterioration.
Ramos loves a red.
Deterioration? Just the 47 goals this season.
Read the previous few pages and you'll understand that it was tongue in cheek.
How in feck did Marcelo not take a yellow and kill the game. 2-2 and the league is over. Let Roberto run across him with 30sec left.
Idiotic.
Messi is unreal when in that form
Quote from: tyroneman on April 23, 2017, 10:08:12 PM
How in feck did Marcelo not take a yellow and kill the game. 2-2 and the league is over. Let Roberto run across him with 30sec left.
Idiotic.
He's heard of a specific Irish pundit who calls your manhood into question if you even contemplate such a cowardly act.
Quote from: OgraAnDun on April 23, 2017, 10:26:46 PM
Quote from: tyroneman on April 23, 2017, 10:08:12 PM
How in feck did Marcelo not take a yellow and kill the game. 2-2 and the league is over. Let Roberto run across him with 30sec left.
Idiotic.
He's heard of a specific Irish pundit who calls your manhood into question if you even contemplate such a cowardly act.
If yr being paid £100,000+ per week to win a league - you make that foul......
Quote from: tyroneman on April 23, 2017, 10:28:29 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on April 23, 2017, 10:26:46 PM
Quote from: tyroneman on April 23, 2017, 10:08:12 PM
How in feck did Marcelo not take a yellow and kill the game. 2-2 and the league is over. Let Roberto run across him with 30sec left.
Idiotic.
He's heard of a specific Irish pundit who calls your manhood into question if you even contemplate such a cowardly act.
If yr being paid £100,000+ per week to win a league - you make that foul......
Typical Tyrone imbecilic angst ;D
Quote from: Syferus on April 19, 2017, 10:54:28 AM
Messi has faded significantly the last 12 months. Neymar was the one who drove the miracle against PSG it should be remembered.
:o
Quote from: DuffleKing on April 23, 2017, 11:03:51 PM
Quote from: Syferus on April 19, 2017, 10:54:28 AM
Messi has faded significantly the last 12 months. Neymar was the one who drove the miracle against PSG it should be remembered.
:o
The 26 county Stallion
Quote from: Main Street on April 23, 2017, 10:03:18 PM
That was a classic el clasico.
and classic celebration on that last minute winner.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-IRW9gXsAIbmxS.jpg)
Cameras got a great shot of yet another ronaldo tantrum at the end too.
Quote from: Main Street on April 23, 2017, 10:31:15 PM
Quote from: tyroneman on April 23, 2017, 10:28:29 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on April 23, 2017, 10:26:46 PM
Quote from: tyroneman on April 23, 2017, 10:08:12 PM
How in feck did Marcelo not take a yellow and kill the game. 2-2 and the league is over. Let Roberto run across him with 30sec left.
Idiotic.
He's heard of a specific Irish pundit who calls your manhood into question if you even contemplate such a cowardly act.
If yr being paid £100,000+ per week to win a league - you make that foul......
Typical Tyrone imbecilic angst ;D
Still can't get over the McManus / Cavanagh thing then.... ::)
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 23, 2017, 11:48:00 PM
Quote from: Main Street on April 23, 2017, 10:03:18 PM
That was a classic el clasico.
and classic celebration on that last minute winner.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-IRW9gXsAIbmxS.jpg)
That's a great photo capturing a classic iconic sporting image of the ages, as if to say we came here a once great team team in supposed decline. We have shipped a load of arrows over the past months including the recent devastating defeats to Juve, our league challenge is tottering. We came here, we had to win and we conquered this great Real Madrid team. We were brilliant, we were defiant to the end. I scored one of the finest goals that only the truly gifted footballers can score and to cap it all, I also scored a glorious winner in the last second and in the heat of this goal celebration it is all dedicated to this great club.
It's as iconic as O'Neill's show of defiance with Neil Lennon after the fiery Glasgow derby defeat at Ibrox in 2004 and in the context of years of legitimised bigot abuse directed at Lennon.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/11/19/01CFF87A0000044D-2841516-image-58_1416434957879.jpg)
Really enjoyable El Classico alright. Messi is a genius
Quote from: Declan on April 24, 2017, 08:37:00 AM
Really enjoyable El Classico alright. Messi is a genius
It was a weekend of really good football all round, capped by el clasico - that Chelsea-Spurs tie was a cracker.
Quote from: Billys Boots on April 24, 2017, 08:47:05 AM
Quote from: Declan on April 24, 2017, 08:37:00 AM
Really enjoyable El Classico alright. Messi is a genius
It was a weekend of really good football all round, capped by el clasico - that Chelsea-Spurs tie was a cracker.
Superb stuff. I thought Barca had missed the boat but the great man came up trumps at the end. There was much more effort off the ball from Messi last night, tracking back that we used to see in the Guradiola era but which we don't always see any more.
Ramos really is the panto villain. Did I hear 22 sendings off now? And complaining about it.
One black mark on the game was Gerry Armstrong's commentary. Surely it's time to put Gerry somewhere peaceful.
Five reds against Barca alone for Ramos.
As good and all as the sporting fare was on offer this weekend, there was an empty space, I did miss GAA football, hurling doesn't do it for me. I would even have relished a modest Ulster championship prelim.
Quote from: Esmarelda on April 24, 2017, 09:41:52 AM
Quote from: Billys Boots on April 24, 2017, 08:47:05 AM
Quote from: Declan on April 24, 2017, 08:37:00 AM
Really enjoyable El Classico alright. Messi is a genius
It was a weekend of really good football all round, capped by el clasico - that Chelsea-Spurs tie was a cracker.
Superb stuff. I thought Barca had missed the boat but the great man came up trumps at the end. There was much more effort off the ball from Messi last night, tracking back that we used to see in the Guradiola era but which we don't always see any more.
Ramos really is the panto villain. Did I hear 22 sendings off now? And complaining about it.
One black mark on the game was Gerry Armstrong's commentary. Surely it's time to put Gerry somewhere peaceful.
I had some laugh at Ray Hudson on beIN Sports
Ah, Ray Hudson is a bollocks. You think the first one is funny and then realise he doesn't f**k up for the full 90 mins. One in twenty of his utterances is amusing or witty. The rest is just gibberish.
oh he talks complete shite and it will no doubt begin to irritate very quickly.
Ray Hudson's legend, a real walk on the wild side,
'Messi -- born in the crossfire hurricane and he's jumpin' jack flash, right here - amazing football' :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oR-6jLpXsc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oR-6jLpXsc)
The Sky Sports would have you bored stone dead, with mogadon drone T Henry in the studio and Gerry
"oh my goodness .....unbelievable!!" Armstrong as co commentator.
A selection of Messi moments of genius from the game and the systematic assaults to stop him.
https://youtu.be/F2X6vwgqV7M?t=11 (https://youtu.be/F2X6vwgqV7M?t=11)
Quote from: Main Street on April 24, 2017, 03:34:12 PM
A selection of Messi moments of genius from the game and the systematic assaults to stop him.
https://youtu.be/F2X6vwgqV7M?t=11 (https://youtu.be/F2X6vwgqV7M?t=11)
Anyone think there's a chance that Marcelo's elbow was intentional?
Quote from: Esmarelda on April 24, 2017, 05:08:54 PM
Quote from: Main Street on April 24, 2017, 03:34:12 PM
A selection of Messi moments of genius from the game and the systematic assaults to stop him.
https://youtu.be/F2X6vwgqV7M?t=11 (https://youtu.be/F2X6vwgqV7M?t=11)
Anyone think there's a chance that Marcelo's elbow was intentional?
100%
He even had glance over at linesman to see if he spotted him.
I think there's a good chance that it was intentional considering the systematic heavy contact fouling of Messi throughout the game.
From the live angle, Messi had pulled to towards the side, away from the direct line of contact, it could be interpreted that Marcello lifts his elbow higher than what was entailed for protection and made bloody contact. Just it's difficult to tell just how much intent was there.
Messi certainly got the bit between his teeth after that and was chomping on it.
Quote from: Main Street on April 24, 2017, 05:54:35 PM
I think there's a good chance that it was intentional considering the systematic heavy contact fouling of Messi throughout the game.
From the live angle, Messi had pulled to towards the side, away from the direct line of contact, it could be interpreted that Marcello lifts his elbow higher than what was entailed for protection and made bloody contact. Just it's difficult to tell just how much intent was there.
Messi certainly got the bit between his teeth after that and was chomping on it.
Ironic then, given the state of the game, that Marcello decided not to take Roberto out en route to setting up the winner.
Quote from: Esmarelda on April 24, 2017, 06:31:26 PM
Quote from: Main Street on April 24, 2017, 05:54:35 PM
I think there's a good chance that it was intentional considering the systematic heavy contact fouling of Messi throughout the game.
From the live angle, Messi had pulled to towards the side, away from the direct line of contact, it could be interpreted that Marcello lifts his elbow higher than what was entailed for protection and made bloody contact. Just it's difficult to tell just how much intent was there.
Messi certainly got the bit between his teeth after that and was chomping on it.
Ironic then, given the state of the game, that Marcello decided not to take Roberto out en route to setting up the winner.
If only Marcelo had a few drops of Tyrone dna in his system he wouldn't have hesitated to chop Roberto down in that blink of an eye moment ;D you can see he tried to rectify that but couldn't get close to the player with the ball
https://youtu.be/QR89ORtynTo?t=364 (https://youtu.be/QR89ORtynTo?t=364)
Quote from: lurganblue on April 24, 2017, 12:49:18 PM
Quote from: Esmarelda on April 24, 2017, 09:41:52 AM
Quote from: Billys Boots on April 24, 2017, 08:47:05 AM
Quote from: Declan on April 24, 2017, 08:37:00 AM
Really enjoyable El Classico alright. Messi is a genius
It was a weekend of really good football all round, capped by el clasico - that Chelsea-Spurs tie was a cracker.
Superb stuff. I thought Barca had missed the boat but the great man came up trumps at the end. There was much more effort off the ball from Messi last night, tracking back that we used to see in the Guradiola era but which we don't always see any more.
Ramos really is the panto villain. Did I hear 22 sendings off now? And complaining about it.
One black mark on the game was Gerry Armstrong's commentary. Surely it's time to put Gerry somewhere peaceful.
I had some laugh at Ray Hudson on beIN Sports
Hudson just squealed at the last 2 goals. Like a pig being slaughtered. Good laugh though.
Quote from: ONeill on April 24, 2017, 09:09:26 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on April 24, 2017, 12:49:18 PM
Quote from: Esmarelda on April 24, 2017, 09:41:52 AM
Quote from: Billys Boots on April 24, 2017, 08:47:05 AM
Quote from: Declan on April 24, 2017, 08:37:00 AM
Really enjoyable El Classico alright. Messi is a genius
It was a weekend of really good football all round, capped by el clasico - that Chelsea-Spurs tie was a cracker.
Superb stuff. I thought Barca had missed the boat but the great man came up trumps at the end. There was much more effort off the ball from Messi last night, tracking back that we used to see in the Guradiola era but which we don't always see any more.
Ramos really is the panto villain. Did I hear 22 sendings off now? And complaining about it.
One black mark on the game was Gerry Armstrong's commentary. Surely it's time to put Gerry somewhere peaceful.
I had some laugh at Ray Hudson on beIN Sports
Hudson just squealed at the last 2 goals. Like a pig being slaughtered. Good laugh though.
Yet another Tyrone fckwit with his simile obscenity.
Good laugh though.
With 13 mins to play its Ronaldo 2 Atletico Madrid 0 in this fiesty semi final 1st leg.
Ronaldo finished .... never does it at the top level.... :o
That Ronaldo buck will never amount to anything.
Ronaldo 3 Atletico Madrid 0. Tie over after the 1st leg?
Pure machine.
Ajax on course to reaching their first European final for over twenty years.
A long way to go in it yet. Why's it on tonight incidentally?
Quote from: Boycey on May 03, 2017, 06:40:29 PM
A long way to go in it yet. Why's it on tonight incidentally?
Brought forward so it didn't clash with Remembrance day in the Netherlands. 3-0 lead now.
Juv should beat Madrid in final... great to see them back competing for CL titles
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 03, 2017, 09:19:15 PM
Juv should beat Madrid in final... great to see them back competing for CL titles
Will be intriguing final Juve so difficult to score against in this years champions league and so good on the counter attack but if one man can breach them then Ronaldo certainly can.
Did anyone on here get tickets for the Cardiff final? I applied for a few tickets and sadly I got word back I wasn't succesful in the ballot.
The best bit of this match so far has been the A-team theme music being played over the tannoy at half time.
Juve are a dirty shower. Their cynicism wouldn't be out of place in some proper football matches you see these days!
I've a complicated question about qualifying for the Europa league next year.
If Man Utd should go on to win the Europa league this year then they qualify for the play-off round of the champions league as well as the 4th team in the league and so there will then be 5 teams from England in the CL draw.
However, my question is about Everton who will probably finish 7th now. I know for sure that 6th & 7th will now qualify for the Europa league but I'm wondering do the 7th team have to go into the qualifying round like West Ham did last year or will they go straight into the group stage as there will only be 2 teams from England not 3 in the Europa league.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016%E2%80%9317_UEFA_Europa_League
If you look at the example of Sevilla last year. They qualified for the champions league this year as they won the Europa cup in 2016, although they finished 7th in their league. Ath Bilbao and Celta Vigo were 5th & 6th and so they went straight into the Europa league group stages.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Premier_League
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_La_Liga
Juve in cruise control against Man Citys conquerors Monaco.
There's gonna be some histrionics over the next 90 mins ;D
The quality on show last couple nights is lightyears ahead of EPL.
Some start to this 2nd leg. Atletico Madrid back in the tie!
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 10, 2017, 08:03:32 PM
Some start to this 2nd leg. Atletico Madrid back in the tie!
Great spirit
Plenty of needle in this game. Your man godin is a dirty hallion.
Still hard to see real lose this. I think they will sneak one.
Before that went in, I'd have bet the house on another Ramos sending off.
There looked like quite a few red card candidates at that stage. Calmed down now.
Great game between Lyon and Ajax.
Ajax go through. The last 10mins was absolutely fantastic end to end football, loads of missed chances and a sending off.
Would be great to see Ajax win it now.
Could have scored that myself. Dunno what he was at.
Ex Celt Guidetta missed 3 gilt edged sitters for Celta. That has to be the worst Man U team in decades, once they go ahead the tactic is kill the game, dross to watch.
That was some game in Lyon. Ajax have to be real contenders for the cup.
Ajax favourites now considering their attacking flow and how they dispatched a decent Lyon
Quote from: hardstation on May 11, 2017, 10:11:17 PM
Quote from: Main Street on May 11, 2017, 10:07:27 PM
Ex Celt Guidetta missed 3 gilt edged sitters for Celta. That has to be the worst Man U team in decades, once they go ahead the tactic is kill the game, dross to watch.
That was some game in Lyon. Ajax have to be real contenders for the cup.
I wouldn't say they're real contenders at this very early stage.....
Then I'll hazard a wild guess, you would pick Man U?
;D
The last two contenders standing and both vying for the real contender tag.
Quote from: Main Street on May 12, 2017, 02:42:10 PM
Quote from: hardstation on May 11, 2017, 10:11:17 PM
Quote from: Main Street on May 11, 2017, 10:07:27 PM
Ex Celt Guidetta missed 3 gilt edged sitters for Celta. That has to be the worst Man U team in decades, once they go ahead the tactic is kill the game, dross to watch.
That was some game in Lyon. Ajax have to be real contenders for the cup.
I wouldn't say they're real contenders at this very early stage.....
Then I'll hazard a wild guess, you would pick Man U?
;D
The last two contenders standing and both vying for the real contender tag.
He was pointing out the daftness of your ""...have to be real contenders for the cup" comment. They're in the final, of course they're f**king contenders!
Quote from: gallsman on May 12, 2017, 06:05:59 PM
Quote from: Main Street on May 12, 2017, 02:42:10 PM
Quote from: hardstation on May 11, 2017, 10:11:17 PM
Quote from: Main Street on May 11, 2017, 10:07:27 PM
Ex Celt Guidetta missed 3 gilt edged sitters for Celta. That has to be the worst Man U team in decades, once they go ahead the tactic is kill the game, dross to watch.
That was some game in Lyon. Ajax have to be real contenders for the cup.
I wouldn't say they're real contenders at this very early stage.....
Then I'll hazard a wild guess, you would pick Man U?
;D
The last two contenders standing and both vying for the real contender tag.
He was pointing out the daftness of your ""...have to be real contenders for the cup" comment. They're in the final, of course they're f**king contenders!
Lol! Wooossshh!! ;D
Some match on here.
Some goal by mandzukic. That ronaldo fecker is good.
Ramos for red.
Two deflected goals for Real Madrid their luck is in tonight by the looks of it.
Ronaldo again 3-1 game over?
Sure he only scores against the shite teams. That hat trick streak could continue against the best defense in the world.
Quote from: Syferus on June 03, 2017, 09:11:07 PM
Sure he only scores against the shite teams. That hat trick streak could continue against the best defense in the world.
The man is a machine. Without doubt the best to ever play the game.
"Without doubt"? Big statement.
Quote from: GJL on June 03, 2017, 09:17:37 PM
Quote from: Syferus on June 03, 2017, 09:11:07 PM
Sure he only scores against the shite teams. That hat trick streak could continue against the best defense in the world.
The man is a machine. Without doubt one of the best to ever play the game.
Corrected that for you.
Juve have been very poor second half. No support at all for higuan if the ball gets there.
That's Ronaldo's Messi-equalling fifth Ballon D'Or as good as confirmed.
The 2019 Ballon d'Or is going to be very interesting now.
Outstanding second half performance from Real Madrid. Hard to believe it's 27 years since a side retained the European cup feels like only yesterday when I watched a great AC Milan side achieve that.
Ronaldo never produces in the big games...... I couldn't be arsed looking for the clowns that said that but feck!!!
https://twitter.com/janaagefjortoft/status/871118224636731393
Delighted for Ronaldo, an absolute superb pro
#onetrickpony
powerful image produced by legia warsaw fans tonight.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DGP--VEXkAI2gHA.jpg:large
Quote from: SHEEDY on August 02, 2017, 09:59:04 PM
powerful image produced by legia warsaw fans tonight.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DGP--VEXkAI2gHA.jpg:large
Class. They had a tifo a few years ago of a masked Ultra which I think got them in trouble.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 02, 2017, 10:11:59 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on August 02, 2017, 09:59:04 PM
powerful image produced by legia warsaw fans tonight.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DGP--VEXkAI2gHA.jpg:large
Class. They had a tifo a few years ago of a masked Ultra which I think got them in trouble.
On one level I quite like that on another it's just wrong..
Draw on Friday 4 Aug: The top 5 seeds from the Champions route are drawn against the bottom 5, ditto for League route. Rankings are based on club coefficient, which is the number after each clubs name.
The ten winners go to Champions League group stage, ten losers go to Europa League.
Champions route:
Olympiacos (GRE) 64.580
Celtic (SCO) 42.785
København (DEN) 37.800
APOEL (CYP) 26.210
Maribor (SVN) 21.125
*****************
Qarabağ (AZE) 18.050
Astana (KAZ) 16.800
Rijeka (CRO) 15.550
Hapoel Beer-Sheva (ISR) 10.875
Slavia Praha (CZE) 8.135
League route:
Sevilla (ESP) 112.999
Napoli (ITA) 88.666
Liverpool (ENG) 56.192
CSKA Moskva (RUS) 39.606
Sporting CP (POR) 36.866
******************
FCSB (ROU) 35.370
Young Boys (SUI) 28.915
Hoffenheim (GER) 15.899
Nice (FRA) 16.833
İstanbul Başakşehir (TUR) 10.340
And it's done. Now, to see how Barca can manage to blow the windfall on a load of shite hawks.
The market is absolutely crazy at the minute.
Quote from: GJL on June 03, 2017, 09:17:37 PM
Quote from: Syferus on June 03, 2017, 09:11:07 PM
Sure he only scores against the shite teams. That hat trick streak could continue against the best defense in the world.
The man is a machine. Without doubt the best to ever play the game.
Ridiculous statement
Ronaldo with a fairly hefty push on the ref after getting red carded. I wonder is the Spanish FA as ruthless as the GAA in thes sort of incidents.
Some match this evening. Two unreal goals from Ronaldo and Asensio.
Five game minimum you'd imagine for the push.
Barca look to be in trouble. They have to spend, and quickly.
Quote from: gallsman on August 13, 2017, 11:08:04 PM
Some match this evening. Two unreal goals from Ronaldo and Asensio.
Five game minimum you'd imagine for the push.
Barca look to be in trouble. They have to spend, and quickly.
Spending isn't the issue, though it would help, they have good enough players, they need a manager who can enforce a defensive strategy. Although the fans won't like that.
The Champions League draw should throw up some immensely competitive groupings. Real and Bayern aside Pot 2 has stronger teams than Pot 1, while Pot 3 has a fair few big hitters as well. Some in Pot 4 will fancy their chances of the knock out stages if they get the right draw.
Group A: Benfica, Manchester United, Basel, CSKA Moscow
Group B: Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain, Anderlecht, Celtic
Group C: Chelsea, Atlético Madrid, Roma, Qarabag
Group D: Juventus, Barcelona, Olympiakos, Sporting Clube de Portugal
Group E: Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, Liverpool, Maribor
Group F: Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester City, Napoli, Feyenoord
Group G: Monaco, Porto, Besiktas, Leipzig
Group H: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham, Apoel Nicosia
All the English teams apart from Spurs should be qualifying for the second round.
Utd, City and Liverpool got easy draws. Chelsea could have a bit of trouble with Roma.
Spurs will do well to win more than two games, while Celtic have every chance of losing all six.
I think ye are overstating the case for Dortmund a little??
Of the British clubs Man United,Liverpool,Man City should finish in the top two in their groups. Chelsea,Tottenham have a battle on their hands with Roma,Dortmund in their groups while Celtic might finish 3rd in their group.
Happy enough for Unite and as a pot 3 team I doubt if Liverpool could've hand picked a handier group. Stinker for Celtic.
Quote from: Boycey on August 24, 2017, 06:04:14 PM
I think ye are overstating the case for Dortmund a little??
Dortmund are a seasoned CL team. Spurs have done feck all in the CL besides lose, and have managed to weaken their squad in this transfer window. Dortmund will finish above them.
Dates of fixtures. http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/competitions/Draws/02/49/56/25/2495625_DOWNLOAD.pdf
United and Liverpool in Moscow in the same week would be a worry to police I'd say and more importantly two loads of mad Russians in the North West of England in the same week will defo worry English police.
If any of them start any trouble in moscow they'll be very sorry boys. The moscow police wouldn't take any prisoners.
Celtic in big diffs again but realistically in pot 4 no draw was going to be favourable. They must try and do well and get in pot 3.
Quote from: Boycey on August 24, 2017, 08:46:19 PM
United and Liverpool in Moscow in the same week would be a worry to police I'd say and more importantly two loads of mad Russians in the North West of England in the same week will defo worry English police.
Maybe they'll join forces like the Welsh and the English did in France for the Euro's
Utd and Liverpool have not been in this cup for a while! Some lads thinking they are already in the last 16!! Going to be a lot of posts brought back to embarrass some experts..
Where's Qarabag?
Quote from: ziggy90 on August 25, 2017, 09:38:23 AM
Where's Qarabag?
http://www.letmegooglethat.com/?q=where+is+qarabag
What a wonderful person you are laoislad.
Madrid beaten at home tonight by Betis via a 94th minute winner. First time in 74 games Madrid haven't scored. Ronaldo was terrible.
Was a decent game and Betis deserved their win, eggs in all in one basket now for Madrid
https://www.balls.ie/football/hertha-berlin-take-a-knee-375690
A bit fecking unnecessary if you ask me..
Quote from: Boycey on October 14, 2017, 08:32:05 PM
https://www.balls.ie/football/hertha-berlin-take-a-knee-375690
A bit fecking unnecessary if you ask me..
Disagree completely. Absolutely necessary.
Quote from: gallsman on October 14, 2017, 09:50:25 PM
Quote from: Boycey on October 14, 2017, 08:32:05 PM
https://www.balls.ie/football/hertha-berlin-take-a-knee-375690
A bit fecking unnecessary if you ask me..
Disagree completely. Absolutely necessary.
Germans putting themselves to the forefront of racial equality. Those in glass houses comes to mind.
Quote from: trileacman on October 16, 2017, 05:08:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 14, 2017, 09:50:25 PM
Quote from: Boycey on October 14, 2017, 08:32:05 PM
https://www.balls.ie/football/hertha-berlin-take-a-knee-375690
A bit fecking unnecessary if you ask me..
Disagree completely. Absolutely necessary.
Germans putting themselves to the forefront of racial equality. Those in glass houses comes to mind.
Vomit inducing PC stunt.
The whole premise of this taking a knee is due to a few drug dealers and criminals being lamented in the states.
Can't wait for this in GAA.
Madrid beaten in Girona, where Carles Puigdemont used to be mayor. Perfect narrative for the Catalans.
Igor Akinfeev kept his first Champions League clean sheet tonight since 1st November 2006 against Arsenal ending a run of 43 games without one.
Great scenes in Seria A. Benevento got their 1st ever point in the top league with a last minute equaliser against ac milan, it was scored by their goalkeeper from a header. After 14 consecutive defeats they're finally off the mark.
Quote from: SHEEDY on December 03, 2017, 01:35:54 PM
Great scenes in Seria A. Benevento got their 1st ever point in the top league with a last minute equaliser against ac milan, it was scored by their goalkeeper from a header. After 14 consecutive defeats they're finally off the mark.
https://twitter.com/seanwaiker/status/937312675494813697
Quote from: trileacman on October 16, 2017, 05:08:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 14, 2017, 09:50:25 PM
Quote from: Boycey on October 14, 2017, 08:32:05 PM
https://www.balls.ie/football/hertha-berlin-take-a-knee-375690
A bit fecking unnecessary if you ask me..
Disagree completely. Absolutely necessary.
Germans putting themselves to the forefront of racial equality. Those in glass houses comes to mind.
The fûck? I hate to break the news to you, but not every German was a Nazi nor are many now.
I can only imagine the reaction here if a German thought people in NI couldn't comment on terrorism because they thought they were mostly IRA and UDA types.
Chelsea playing Atletico Madrid tonight and TV3 in their wisdom are showing Man United v CSKA ::)
Even the Celtic game would have been a better watch.
Quote from: laoislad on December 05, 2017, 04:39:18 PM
Chelsea playing Atletico Madrid tonight and TV3 in their wisdom are showing Man United v CSKA ::)
Even the Celtic game would have been a better watch.
You have forgotten the first rule of broadcasting - nothing is as important as selling advertising.
TV station in showing what their customers want shocker :o
Do the CL groups get decided on just normal league format or if two teams are equal does it come down to head to head?
Quote from: gawa316 on December 05, 2017, 08:13:26 PM
Do the CL groups get decided on just normal league format or if two teams are equal does it come down to head to head?
Head to head, mini league with the results between the 3 teams involved taken into account in the case 3 teams finishing tied which may happen in Uniteds group
Comfortable in the end for Barca. 14 ahead of Madrid. Zidane might be in trouble after that. Am genuinely shocked Ramos didn't lose the head and get sent off.
Poor game really. Barca miles better than Real.
Quote from: gallsman on December 23, 2017, 01:53:37 PM
Comfortable in the end for Barca. 14 ahead of Madrid. Zidane might be in trouble after that. Am genuinely shocked Ramos didn't lose the head and get sent off.
Ramos is a clampit! Should have been red! Ronaldo was very poor
It's mad that a few months ago Real were considered an unbeatable dynasty while Barca looked to be a shambles, losing Neymar and lying about Messi signing a new contract.
I think Barca are still a bit of a shambles to be honest, it's just that Madrid are even worse. Aleix Vidal scoring against them is the height of indignity.
Success in the Champions league might save Zidanes job then again the club sacked their manager before after winning the champions league.
Valverde has brought some organisation to Barca, they don't concede as many goals now. They are not quite there on the scoring front with both Messi and Suarez out of sorts for them I thought Iniesta and Roberto were excellent yesterday. Ramos and Marcello got away with a lot. Ronaldo is a first class player but unfortunately he is also a first class w@@ker.
Bale looked far more likely to cause trouble after he came on than Ronaldo did all day. Ronaldo also had a few shots from ridiculous positions that he had no business taking. They badly needed Isco, He's the one that's been making them tick for the last eighteen months or so.
I'd say there are very few in Barcelona who imagined that Dembele would be returning to an undefeated team nine clear at the top of the league when he went down.
another loss for real madrid today, 1-0 at home to villarreal. they now sit 4th, 16 points behind barcelona. zidane will do well to see the season out at this rate.
Cracking breakaway goal with a beautiful finish that beat them too. First time they've ever won in Madrid.
Tottenham have got off to the worst possible start tonight.
Manchester City bringing their Premier league form into the knock out stages of the Champions league.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 13, 2018, 08:06:25 PM
Manchester City bringing their Premier league form into the knock out stages of the Champions league.
Not just the game but the tie over after 20 mins. Spurs back in the other tie Kane who else..
Missed penalty on the stroke of half time it could be Spurs night yet.
Aurier is header on and off the field.
2-2 Buffon of old would have saved that.
Spurs were excellent tonight, dominated after they went 2 down early.
On their day spurs are superb. Not consistent enough though. Could still lose this very easily.
Quote from: imtommygunn on February 13, 2018, 09:52:53 PM
On their day spurs are superb. Not consistent enough though. Could still lose this very easily.
On the button. If Juve (Higuain) had took those two golden chances in the first half the tie would be over. Having said that, Spurs did look the more cohesive side but there's still all to play for?
Rony delivering again when it matters most. Not bad got a show-pony.
PSG would remind you of Kildare. ESo much potential but every year they run into an immovable object
Quote from: seafoid on February 15, 2018, 06:45:44 AM
PSG would remind you of Kildare. ESo much potential but every year they run into an immovable object
I wouldn't call Westmeath immovable!
A case of if you don't succeed try try again for Willian tonight.
First Messi goal v Chelsea. Poor defending.
The old lady Juventus are on the way out of the Champions league. Lucky enough Tottenham goal and could have been a very different game if Juventus were given that clear penalty. Andrea Barzagli lucky to avoid red.
Bit quick on the trigger, it's only half time.
Would prefer Juve to win and keep Buffon in the hunt for the one trophy that has eluded him. Class act of a footballer.
Lifeline for Juve out of nothing really.
Two Juventus goals from two shots on target and they find themselves in front on the night and in the tie unbelievable Jeff!
Never seen that comming.
That's serious! Was looking at the price to qualify at 1-0 for Spurs. And juventus were 20/1!
A lot of the energy is gone out of Spurs play, up to Kane to deliver another important late goal...
The old lady lives to fight another day. Big warriors in that Juventus side however Tottenham had the tie won and lost because they are still a bit naive.
Enjoyed that, a proper game of knockout European cup football.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 07, 2018, 09:15:06 PM
That's serious! Was looking at the price to qualify at 1-0 for Spurs. And juventus were 20/1!
Tell us you threw a tenner on it at least?
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 07, 2018, 08:44:08 PM
The old lady Juventus are on the way out of the Champions league. Lucky enough Tottenham goal and could have been a very different game if Juventus were given that clear penalty. Andrea Barzagli lucky to avoid red.
Not your best call!
Experience nearly always tells in Europe, as we've seen the last two nights highlight. Despite all the noise around the likes of PSG, Spurs and Liverpool, who is betting against two of Barca, Bayern, Real or Juve playing the final again this year?
Quote from: Syferus on March 07, 2018, 09:48:19 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 07, 2018, 08:44:08 PM
The old lady Juventus are on the way out of the Champions league. Lucky enough Tottenham goal and could have been a very different game if Juventus were given that clear penalty. Andrea Barzagli lucky to avoid red.
Not your best call!
Experience nearly always tells in Europe, as we've seen the last two nights highlight. Despite all the noise around the likes of PSG, Spurs and Liverpool, who is betting against two of Barca, Bayern, Real or Juve playing the final again this year?
A call? stating a fact that they were on the way out at half time. Tottenham were never going to reach the final while Liverpool with their tradition always have a chance.
Quote from: StGallsGAA on March 07, 2018, 09:47:37 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 07, 2018, 09:15:06 PM
That's serious! Was looking at the price to qualify at 1-0 for Spurs. And juventus were 20/1!
Tell us you threw a tenner on it at least?
Never touched it as Spurs had all the play, 6 shot on targets while Juve has no shots! I doubt very much anyone touched it, besides I wouldn't have a tenner
Spurs lack a killer instinct and I'd put that down to the manager and the way he looks down on the domestic cups. Spurs have managed to blow every high pressure game they've been in the last 3 years, I've touted him as a potential United manager but having second thoughts although that can change if he starts winning trophies over the next few years.
If Chelsea and Arsenal finish outside the top 4 but win the champions league and Europa league respectively. Will England have 6 teams in next years champions league?
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 08, 2018, 09:20:56 AM
Spurs lack a killer instinct and I'd put that down to the manager and the way he looks down on the domestic cups. Spurs have managed to blow every high pressure game they've been in the last 3 years, I've touted him as a potential United manager but having second thoughts although that can change if he starts winning trophies over the next few years.
Spurs big problem is that a good few of their players are not CL level. Dier, trippier, Davies are sold mid table EPL players , Sanchez looks a bit iffy , Dele] Alli is slow as a funeral and the subs looked average . Lamela didn't show bravery at the end . Last night they lost to a side who were in 2 of the last 3 CL finals albeit a team in decline .
Spurs are not paying top dollar and truth told are currently overachieving . The notion last night's defeat is down to the manager being supposedly dismissive of domestic cups in wrong .
Quote from: BennyHarp on March 08, 2018, 10:10:33 PM
If Chelsea and Arsenal finish outside the top 4 but win the champions league and Europa league respectively. Will England have 6 teams in next years champions league?
No. 4th place team would lose out.
Quote from: shark on March 08, 2018, 10:54:25 PM
Quote from: BennyHarp on March 08, 2018, 10:10:33 PM
If Chelsea and Arsenal finish outside the top 4 but win the champions league and Europa league respectively. Will England have 6 teams in next years champions league?
No. 4th place team would lose out.
Ok cheers! Highly unlikely but Arsenal fans would enjoy that if Spurs finished 4th.
Good goals from Arsenal. Milan were poor. Liverpool happy enough to have off loaded thon winger after that performance and Utd must be wondering about letting their lad go !
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 08, 2018, 11:11:30 PM
Good goals from Arsenal. Milan were poor. Liverpool happy enough to have off loaded thon winger after that performance and Utd must be wondering about letting their lad go !
If Arsenal get as many important Europa league goals out of Mkhitaryan as United did last year they will be more than happy.
Quote from: BennyHarp on March 08, 2018, 10:56:04 PM
Quote from: shark on March 08, 2018, 10:54:25 PM
Quote from: BennyHarp on March 08, 2018, 10:10:33 PM
If Chelsea and Arsenal finish outside the top 4 but win the champions league and Europa league respectively. Will England have 6 teams in next years champions league?
No. 4th place team would lose out.
Ok cheers! Highly unlikely but Arsenal fans would enjoy that if Spurs finished 4th.
If only one of Chelsea/Arsenal win their competition and end outside the top 4, then all 5 will be in Champions League next season.
4th place will lose out only if both Chelsea and Arsenal win this season's competitions, as competition rules say 5 teams from any association is the max allowed.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43555381
New rules; allowing players to play for new team in Europe
Demolition in the first half of Bayern vs Dortmund :o :o :o
5-0
It didn't take Ronaldo long to put his mark on tonights tie.
You wouldn't normally see juve ship a goal so easily.
The best showpony who has ever played the game.
Entertaining game this. Poor conditions but lots of chances going on.
Ripe for a real counter attack goal i suspect.
Another Ronaldo goal outstanding goal!
How high was that ball?? It wasn't that far off 6 foot in the air!
A bicycle kick goal that was applauded by the home fans!
The old lady on life support now. 3-0 down at home. The Real Madrid group results v Tottenham who weren't good enough to beat Juventus are a distance memory now.
But sure he couldn't do it in the big games..... :D
Juve would remind you of Mayo. A couple of finals . So close. And Gianluigi Moran at his age deserves the medal.
All 4 ties in champions league look to be over after 1st leg. Should be top class semi finals and at the minute its hard to pick between real madrid, bayern or barca but with liverpools attack they cant be ruled out either. Real madrid for me though.
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 04, 2018, 11:28:00 PM
All 4 ties in champions league look to be over after 1st leg. Should be top class semi finals and at the minute its hard to pick between real madrid, bayern or barca but with liverpools attack they cant be ruled out either. Real madrid for me though.
Sevilla a goal down is hardly a tie that's over.
Two away goals and a lead for Bayern going home? It's over.
Lads anyone who thinks the Liverpool tie is over hasn't been paying attention the past couple of years. There was even a Moreno sighting last night for chrissakes.
Real Madrid my favourite to win it, they've the best players who appear to have come into form at the right time and have a great bench to make an impact too.
Barcelona going out as it stands, unreal scenes in rome.
The best in England and Spain knocked out in one night. Results like that makes cup competitions great.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 10, 2018, 09:35:28 PM
The best in England and Spain knocked out in one night. Results like that makes cup competitions great.
Real are the best in Europe, though.
Man City flopped last year as well
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/15/manchester-city-toothless-strike-force-misread-pep-guardiola-blueprint-champions-league-Monaco
5 players played in both CL exits
Manchester City 2018 (possible 3-1-3-3) Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Laporte; Fernandinho; B Silva, De Bruyne, D Silva; Sterling, Jesus, .
Substitutes: Bravo, Kompany, Gundogan, Aguero, Delph, Zinchenko, Foden.
Manchester City 2017 Caballero, Sagna, Stones, Clichy, Kolarov, Sane, Fernandinho, David Silva, De Bruyne, Aguero, Sterling.
Subs: Bravo, Zabaleta, Jesus Navas, Delph, Otamendi, Toure, Iheanacho
There will probably be another clearout
Quote from: Syferus on April 10, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 10, 2018, 09:35:28 PM
The best in England and Spain knocked out in one night. Results like that makes cup competitions great.
Real are the best in Europe, though.
The defending champions and favourites however that is no guarantee they will retain the title again.
Did anyone have a bet on Roma? Only the World Cup left for Messi.
Whats up with Barca? Thats the 3rd time in 2 years they've got a serious hiding away from home. I've only seen them a few times this season and haven't been that impressed so have no idea how their unbeaten in La Liga.
Liverpool have a great chance unfortunately, just hope they get Real in the semi's.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 11, 2018, 02:07:52 PM
Whats up with Barca? Thats the 3rd time in 2 years they've got a serious hiding away from home. I've only seen them a few times this season and haven't been that impressed so have no idea how their unbeaten in La Liga.
Liverpool have a great chance unfortunately, just hope they get Real in the semi's.
Barca are the new Kilkenny.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 11, 2018, 02:07:52 PM
Whats up with Barca? Thats the 3rd time in 2 years they've got a serious hiding away from home. I've only seen them a few times this season and haven't been that impressed so have no idea how their unbeaten in La Liga.
Liverpool have a great chance unfortunately, just hope they get Real in the semi's.
Xavi retired and iniesta past his best, those two along with a younger Messi made Barca near untouchable.
Another European Cup and a good WC and Ronaldo will be well set up to get ahead of Messi in the all-time Ballon d'Or table. He's making a strong case for being the GoAT at the moment.
Juventus 2-0 up
Juve not going down without a fight. 2-0 ahead on the night 3-2 behind on AGG
Unbelievable Jeff.
Any streams?
Juve are Mayo
I tucking hate Real.
High drama lucky Real Madrid. Great performance on the night by Juve sad end what could be Buffons last Champions league game.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on April 11, 2018, 09:41:46 PM
I tucking hate Real.
+1
No surprise they were Franco''s team
Ronaldo sorts it
Zidanes job as Real Madrid manager saved for another day. They looked far from the best in Europe tonight. The old lady was carried out on their shields.
Its looking like Liverpools Champions league to lose now!
Definite penalty and deserved red card IMO
Quote from: hardstation on April 11, 2018, 09:48:44 PM
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on April 11, 2018, 09:46:51 PM
Definite penalty and deserved red card IMO
The boy who gave the penalty away (as last man) should have got the road too.
Not with the new rules he shouldn't but I wonder why he wasn't booked
Very stupid from Buffon getting himself sent off when the team needed him most. Every chance he would've saved the penalty the form he was in. If he didn't save it and the game been was lost *then* go to the ref and tell him his mother is from Laois or whatever.
Liverpool most impressive of the four teams remaining. They won't chicken-out in the Kiev final.
I think that in a one off game v Madrid, Liverpool have every chance. Not so sure about a two legged affair though
Quote from: Aaron Boone on April 11, 2018, 10:12:36 PM
Liverpool most impressive of the four teams remaining. They won't chicken-out in the Kiev final.
Really?
Will they brick the bus next time?
Stupidity from Buffon getting himself sent off. Ronaldo probably still would have scored but it's a hell of a bigger task with the imposing Buffon in goal.
We've all played enough and seen enough sport over the years to know that the referees not going to change his mind. Don't know why players continue to protest with referees.
Quote from: An Watcher on April 11, 2018, 10:15:39 PM
I think that in a one off game v Madrid, Liverpool have every chance. Not so sure about a two legged affair though
Same thing was probably said before the City game..
But yeah I probably agree with you. I don't believe Liverpool will win it this year. I think it may be a season or two to early for them.
Whatever happens though things are going in the right direction under Klopp. A big summer transfer window coming up and getting to the semi final and the way they are playing can only help but attract top talent.
Ironic moments for Zidane and Buffon - yes/ no?
Quote from: Rich Ricci on April 11, 2018, 10:24:41 PM
Stupidity from Buffon getting himself sent off. Ronaldo probably still would have scored but it's a hell of a bigger task with the imposing Buffon in goal.
We've all played enough and seen enough sport over the years to know that the referees not going to change his mind. Don't know why players continue to protest with referees.
Buffon is only 6'2 and change, while Szczęsny is about 6'5 - in terms of imposing presences for a penalty it was a significant improvement for Juvetus.
Buffon is one of my favourite players of all-time and will go down as probably the greatest keeper of his generation.
Quote from: Rich Ricci on April 11, 2018, 10:24:41 PM
Stupidity from Buffon getting himself sent off. Ronaldo probably still would have scored but it's a hell of a bigger task with the imposing Buffon in goal.
We've all played enough and seen enough sport over the years to know that the referees not going to change his mind. Don't know why players continue to protest with referees.
I saw it happen in a serie A match a few years ago. Google referee changed his mind, you'll see there are a few cases of it happening. I'd link it myself, but it's a pain on the phone.
Quote from: Syferus on April 11, 2018, 11:19:30 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on April 11, 2018, 10:24:41 PM
Stupidity from Buffon getting himself sent off. Ronaldo probably still would have scored but it's a hell of a bigger task with the imposing Buffon in goal.
We've all played enough and seen enough sport over the years to know that the referees not going to change his mind. Don't know why players continue to protest with referees.
Buffon is only 6'2 and change, while Szczęsny is about 6'5 - in terms of imposing presences for a penalty it was a significant improvement for Juvetus.
Buffon is one of my favourite players of all-time and will go down as probably the greatest keeper of his generation.
Wasn't really talking about physical stature, it's more about the personna of Buffon. Szczeny a fine goalkeeper but I'd much rather be taking a last gasp penalty against him in the 95th min opposed to one against the legend that is Buffon.
Buffon our Szcesny not going to matter a damn to Ronaldo. Unreal penalty.
At least Harry Kane didn't claim it too.
Well I missed the game of the year after not missing a champions league game all year. I took myself off to the cinema thinking Real Madrid would win easily.
Was it a penalty? Well you can't tell because the Madrid man clearly dived. The Juventus player is entitled to go for the ball.
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 12, 2018, 12:43:06 AM
Was it a penalty? Well you can't tell because the Madrid man clearly dived. The Juventus player is entitled to go for the ball.
Yes you can't go through a player like that, theres a clear push just before he swings his leg round
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 12, 2018, 12:36:34 AM
Well I missed the game of the year after not missing a champions league game all year. I took myself off to the cinema thinking Real Madrid would win easily.
It would only be game of the year if Juve won.
If that happened outside the box then it would have been a foul, so a penalty was the right choice but certainly soft, for a penalty you are always looking it to be a good one...
The one that gets me is the shirt pulling at corners, if you were shirt pulling on the pitch (outside of the box) like they do at corners would the referee blow his whistle? yeah everytime i think
Micheal Oliver has the rule book on his side for sure but soft enough. If the defender would have got the ball which he was genuinely going for then it would have been a bad call. Oliver got it right but it was tough on Juventus after that performance.
Real going for their 7th European Cup since 98 but have only won 6 La Liga's in that time. Its some record, reckon last year was the only one of those 6 wins where they were actually the best team in Europe. They've made their own luck during that time but they've certainly had a lot of it too.
Real are favs but they looked very poor yesterday. They looked like a late stage great team that lost their mojo. Roma are a nice price at 12/1.
Was said on BT sports last night its the first time that the last 4 of the CL has had one team from England,Spain,Italy and Germany. You have to go back to 1981 for the last time that happened in the European cup and back then Liverpool beat Bayern Munich in the semi final and Real Madrid in the final and i think that was Madrids last final defeat? the omens are all stacking in Liverpools favour.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 12:02:45 PM
Was said on BT sports last night its the first time that the last 4 of the CL has had one team from England,Spain,Italy and Germany. You have to go back to 1981 for the last time that happened in the European cup and back then Liverpool beat Bayern Munich in the semi final and Real Madrid in the final and i think that was Madrids last final defeat? the omens are all stacking in Liverpools favour.
Yeah. Unfortunately Hansen, Dalglish, Rush, Souness and the great Alan Kennedy are not playing for Liverpool, and Ronaldo is playing for Madrid :)
If Ronaldo plays like he did last night, and history shows that's how he usually plays in the really big matches, Liverpool have little to fear from Real Madrid.
Quote from: sid waddell on April 12, 2018, 12:09:11 PM
If Ronaldo plays like he did last night, and history shows that's how he usually plays in the really big matches, Liverpool have little to fear from Real Madrid.
Liverpool wouldn't be a big match for Madrid though
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 12:02:45 PM
Was said on BT sports last night its the first time that the last 4 of the CL has had one team from England,Spain,Italy and Germany. You have to go back to 1981 for the last time that happened in the European cup and back then Liverpool beat Bayern Munich in the semi final and Real Madrid in the final and i think that was Madrids last final defeat? the omens are all stacking in Liverpools favour.
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bizarre-omen-suggests-liverpool-make-14377725
Well there's a Royal wedding on the cards and the Eurovision stars have aligned. They might as well give us the trophy now!
Quote from: sid waddell on April 12, 2018, 12:09:11 PM
If Ronaldo plays like he did last night, and history shows that's how he usually plays in the really big matches, Liverpool have little to fear from Real Madrid.
They have more to fear from their own players e.g. Lovern
Quote from: TabClear on April 12, 2018, 12:32:37 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 12:02:45 PM
Was said on BT sports last night its the first time that the last 4 of the CL has had one team from England,Spain,Italy and Germany. You have to go back to 1981 for the last time that happened in the European cup and back then Liverpool beat Bayern Munich in the semi final and Real Madrid in the final and i think that was Madrids last final defeat? the omens are all stacking in Liverpools favour.
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bizarre-omen-suggests-liverpool-make-14377725
Well there's a Royal wedding on the cards and the Eurovision stars have aligned. They might as well give us the trophy now!
Liverpool supporters need to embrace the reality that a 6th European cup is a high possibility this May and its basically Liverpool's trophy to lose now!
Ha ha ha. Liverpool's to lose :)
The last time Liverpool won 5-1 on aggregate in a European Cup quarter final was in 1984. They beat Roma in the final that year...just saying...
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 12, 2018, 01:09:53 PM
Ha ha ha. Liverpool's to lose :)
Jesus, ya gotta be in it to win it! Last 4 and nothing to lose, win a trophy and Klopp will have at least achieved something, good run in the champions league and a possible 4th place in EPL would amount to another poor year.. coming 2nd in the league and winning the CL would be a huge achievement.
Can Liverpool be caught in the league? how many points are required to stay top 4? and should they now take stock (if safe) to rest players during the final games of the league to give them every chance of securing a fantastic 6th title ?
Did I hear right that Coutinho gets a champions league medal if Liverpool win?
Quote from: Denn Forever on April 12, 2018, 01:24:25 PM
Did I hear right that Coutinho gets a champions league medal if Liverpool win?
Why not? if Liverpool win the league, he would also be able to get a medal
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 12, 2018, 01:26:51 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on April 12, 2018, 01:24:25 PM
Did I hear right that Coutinho gets a champions league medal if Liverpool win?
Why not? if Liverpool win the league, he would also be able to get a medal
Harry Kane too, he touched his shoulder one time
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 12, 2018, 01:20:57 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 12, 2018, 01:09:53 PM
Ha ha ha. Liverpool's to lose :)
Jesus, ya gotta be in it to win it! Last 4 and nothing to lose, win a trophy and Klopp will have at least achieved something, good run in the champions league and a possible 4th place in EPL would amount to another poor year.. coming 2nd in the league and winning the CL would be a huge achievement.
Can Liverpool be caught in the league? how many points are required to stay top 4? and should they now take stock (if safe) to rest players during the final games of the league to give them every chance of securing a fantastic 6th title ?
Of course they are in it to win it. But that's a long way from saying it's there's to lose :)
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 12, 2018, 01:20:57 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 12, 2018, 01:09:53 PM
Ha ha ha. Liverpool's to lose :)
Jesus, ya gotta be in it to win it! Last 4 and nothing to lose, win a trophy and Klopp will have at least achieved something, good run in the champions league and a possible 4th place in EPL would amount to another poor year.. coming 2nd in the league and winning the CL would be a huge achievement.
Can Liverpool be caught in the league? how many points are required to stay top 4? and should they now take stock (if safe) to rest players during the final games of the league to give them every chance of securing a fantastic 6th title ?
I'm still nervous about securing at least 4th. I know Chelsea are 10 points back but we still have to play them and they have a game in hand so it could be 4 points in reality. There are a couple of tricky ties in the remaining fixtures to teams battling for survival (Stoke/Brigton). I am hoping that WBA are relegated before we play them and Brighton are safe by the final fixture because if Liverpool players start saving themselves for CL Chelsea could have a chance.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 12, 2018, 01:20:57 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 12, 2018, 01:09:53 PM
Ha ha ha. Liverpool's to lose :)
Jesus, ya gotta be in it to win it! Last 4 and nothing to lose, win a trophy and Klopp will have at least achieved something, good run in the champions league and a possible 4th place in EPL would amount to another poor year.. coming 2nd in the league and winning the CL would be a huge achievement.
Can Liverpool be caught in the league? how many points are required to stay top 4? and should they now take stock (if safe) to rest players during the final games of the league to give them every chance of securing a fantastic 6th title ?
That's not true. Successive CL qualification and a good run in this years CL is progress. You have to be realistic of the starting point. Liverpool haven't challenged for the league in years. I'll be honest a cup would have been nice, but you can fluke a cup even when there isn't progress so I don't see it as a major barometer of success. CL last 4 is progression, as is Liverpool's league performance this year.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 12, 2018, 12:04:45 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 12:02:45 PM
Was said on BT sports last night its the first time that the last 4 of the CL has had one team from England,Spain,Italy and Germany. You have to go back to 1981 for the last time that happened in the European cup and back then Liverpool beat Bayern Munich in the semi final and Real Madrid in the final and i think that was Madrids last final defeat? the omens are all stacking in Liverpools favour.
Yeah. Unfortunately Hansen, Dalglish, Rush, Souness and the great Alan Kennedy are not playing for Liverpool, and Ronaldo is playing for Madrid :)
13 years since Liverpools last win lucky for some? And if average manager in Rafa with players such as Finnan,Traore, Kewell,Smicer,Baros,Cisse and Biscan can win it then surely a better manager in Klopp with a free scoring forward line and one of the worlds most expensive defenders can win this European cup also.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 02:27:36 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 12, 2018, 12:04:45 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 12:02:45 PM
Was said on BT sports last night its the first time that the last 4 of the CL has had one team from England,Spain,Italy and Germany. You have to go back to 1981 for the last time that happened in the European cup and back then Liverpool beat Bayern Munich in the semi final and Real Madrid in the final and i think that was Madrids last final defeat? the omens are all stacking in Liverpools favour.
Yeah. Unfortunately Hansen, Dalglish, Rush, Souness and the great Alan Kennedy are not playing for Liverpool, and Ronaldo is playing for Madrid :)
13 years since Liverpools last win lucky for some? And if average manager in Rafa with players such as Finnan,Traore, Kewell,Smicer,Baros,Cisse and Biscan can win it then surely a better manager in Klopp with a free scoring forward line and one of the worlds most expensive defenders can win this European cup also.
That's the first time I've heard Rafa called average.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 02:27:36 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 12, 2018, 12:04:45 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 12:02:45 PM
Was said on BT sports last night its the first time that the last 4 of the CL has had one team from England,Spain,Italy and Germany. You have to go back to 1981 for the last time that happened in the European cup and back then Liverpool beat Bayern Munich in the semi final and Real Madrid in the final and i think that was Madrids last final defeat? the omens are all stacking in Liverpools favour.
Yeah. Unfortunately Hansen, Dalglish, Rush, Souness and the great Alan Kennedy are not playing for Liverpool, and Ronaldo is playing for Madrid :)
13 years since Liverpools last win lucky for some? And if average manager in Rafa with players such as Finnan,Traore, Kewell,Smicer,Baros,Cisse and Biscan can win it then surely a better manager in Klopp with a free scoring forward line and one of the worlds most expensive defenders can win this European cup also.
Finnan was an excellent defender ffs,probably the best right back Liverpool have had in recent years, he would have no problem getting onto the current team. Smicer and Cisse were also decent players and Baros wasn't bad either.
Quote from: laoislad on April 12, 2018, 02:37:54 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 02:27:36 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 12, 2018, 12:04:45 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 12:02:45 PM
Was said on BT sports last night its the first time that the last 4 of the CL has had one team from England,Spain,Italy and Germany. You have to go back to 1981 for the last time that happened in the European cup and back then Liverpool beat Bayern Munich in the semi final and Real Madrid in the final and i think that was Madrids last final defeat? the omens are all stacking in Liverpools favour.
Yeah. Unfortunately Hansen, Dalglish, Rush, Souness and the great Alan Kennedy are not playing for Liverpool, and Ronaldo is playing for Madrid :)
13 years since Liverpools last win lucky for some? And if average manager in Rafa with players such as Finnan,Traore, Kewell,Smicer,Baros,Cisse and Biscan can win it then surely a better manager in Klopp with a free scoring forward line and one of the worlds most expensive defenders can win this European cup also.
Finnan was an excellent defender ffs,probably the best right back Liverpool have had in recent years, he would have no problem getting onto the current team. Smicer and Cisse were also decent players and Baros wasn't bad either.
And Biscan for all his faults was outstanding in that Champions League run. Traore is the only one you look at and wonder how he ever got a runout, never mind a champions league medal.
Although....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObZVcMYxWXQ
Quote from: DuffleKing on April 12, 2018, 12:14:14 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on April 12, 2018, 12:09:11 PM
If Ronaldo plays like he did last night, and history shows that's how he usually plays in the really big matches, Liverpool have little to fear from Real Madrid.
Liverpool wouldn't be a big match for Madrid though
Liverpool have never lost a knockout European Cup/Champions League tie to a La Liga team.
Liverpool's knockout European Cup record against Real Madrid is:
Played: 3
Won: 3
Goals for: 6
Goals against: 0
Not much of a match, there, alright.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 02:27:36 PM
13 years since Liverpools last win lucky for some? And if average manager in Rafa with players such as Finnan,Traore, Kewell,Smicer,Baros,Cisse and Biscan can win it then surely a better manager in Klopp with a free scoring forward line and one of the worlds most expensive defenders can win this European cup also.
What sort of logic is that? If that's the case why can't Pep and Mourinho with 2 of the most expensively assembled squads in the history of football win it?
History has shown Ronaldo is a big game payer, not the opposite. His goal tallies in the knockout stages in recent years has been nothing short of ridiculous. And this season he's dragging a team short on confidence and cut adrift in La Liga back to the the big game. Liverpool can't stop him, and probably no one can on these European nights. It would depend on what happens at the other end then.
Quote from: Syferus on April 12, 2018, 03:21:49 PM
History has shown Ronaldo is a big game payer, not the opposite. His goal tallies in the knockout stages in recent years has been nothing short of ridiculous. And this season he's dragging a team short on confidence and cut adrift in La Liga back to the the big game. Liverpool can't stop him, and probably no one can on these European nights. It would depend on what happens at the other end then.
In fairness Juve stopped him last night and only for a moment of stupidity from A defender I reckon Juve would have gone through. That is not to say that Ronaldo is not dangerous through and I would prefer to not play Madrid and hopefully make the final. That would be real bonus territory stuff!
Quote from: laoislad on April 12, 2018, 02:37:54 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 02:27:36 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 12, 2018, 12:04:45 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 12:02:45 PM
Was said on BT sports last night its the first time that the last 4 of the CL has had one team from England,Spain,Italy and Germany. You have to go back to 1981 for the last time that happened in the European cup and back then Liverpool beat Bayern Munich in the semi final and Real Madrid in the final and i think that was Madrids last final defeat? the omens are all stacking in Liverpools favour.
Yeah. Unfortunately Hansen, Dalglish, Rush, Souness and the great Alan Kennedy are not playing for Liverpool, and Ronaldo is playing for Madrid :)
13 years since Liverpools last win lucky for some? And if average manager in Rafa with players such as Finnan,Traore, Kewell,Smicer,Baros,Cisse and Biscan can win it then surely a better manager in Klopp with a free scoring forward line and one of the worlds most expensive defenders can win this European cup also.
Finnan was an excellent defender ffs,probably the best right back Liverpool have had in recent years, he would have no problem getting onto the current team. Smicer and Cisse were also decent players and Baros wasn't bad either.
My point was Liverpool have a better manager and squad of players now than 2005 and of the teams left you have Real Madrid struggling for form all year,Roma happy to have gotten this far and Bayern Munich who were less than convincing over legs against Sevilla.
why would Liverpool not be classed the same as Roma, relatively piss poor in their own league and happy to have overachieved by reaching CL semi finals
Quote from: Orchard park on April 12, 2018, 03:39:59 PM
why would Liverpool not be classed the same as Roma, relatively piss poor in their own league and happy to have overachieved by reaching CL semi finals
'relatively piss poor'? Sheesh, that's a harsh scale of relativity. At the moment they are third.
Quote from: sid waddell on April 12, 2018, 02:54:01 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on April 12, 2018, 12:14:14 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on April 12, 2018, 12:09:11 PM
If Ronaldo plays like he did last night, and history shows that's how he usually plays in the really big matches, Liverpool have little to fear from Real Madrid.
Liverpool wouldn't be a big match for Madrid though
Liverpool have never lost a knockout European Cup/Champions League tie to a La Liga team.
Liverpool's knockout European Cup record against Real Madrid is:
Played: 3
Won: 3
Goals for: 6
Goals against: 0
Not much of a match, there, alright.
First time for everything...
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 12, 2018, 03:42:32 PM
Quote from: Orchard park on April 12, 2018, 03:39:59 PM
why would Liverpool not be classed the same as Roma, relatively piss poor in their own league and happy to have overachieved by reaching CL semi finals
'relatively piss poor'? Sheesh, that's a harsh scale of relativity. At the moment they are third.
17 points off the leaders with a game less played is relatively piss poor in my terms in a league in which only 6 normally challenge to be top 4. Suppose depends if you use the leaders or Arsenal as ones benchmark
Harsh scale of relativity, as I said. In your world, Liverpool would have to be within what, 3 or 4 points of City not to be 'piss poor'? I would say that to be relatively piss poor in your league, you would have to be in the bottom half at least. Unless your graduations go from 'excellent', straight to 'poor' and then 'piss poor'. what's below piss poor?
Don't like the look of the Olympic Stadium in Kiev as a venue for the final. Has a running track which is always a buzzkill and then a path outside that about half the width of the track again. The seating is very gradually inclined and those in the upper deck, especially behind the goals will need binoculars as they'll be a couple of hundred metres away.
given that at least 12 of the 20 teams have as close to zero chance of making the top 6 as is sportingly or mathematically possible, it was zero until Leicester thankfully toppled the cart, then being 17 points off top and having no chance of winning the league with a quarter of the games left is piss poor in my books.......
but if one celebrates coming 4th then I suppose being in 3rd currently is a great season...
I feel Man City, Burnley, leicester, Bournemouth and Brighton have had excellent seasons
Quote from: Orchard park on April 12, 2018, 04:02:09 PM
given that at least 12 of the 20 teams have as close to zero chance of making the top 6 as is sportingly or mathematically possible, it was zero until Leicester thankfully toppled the cart, then being 17 points off top and having no chance of winning the league with a quarter of the games left is piss poor in my books.......
but if one celebrates coming 4th then I suppose being in 3rd currently is a great season...
You are some man for jumping to extremes. I don't think 3rd is a 'great' season, I just don't think it's piss poor. And I think by any objective measure, you are just being hyperbolic for effect. So carry on.
I think finishing in the top 4, while addressing at least some of the obvious issues, and reaching a CL semi final is a very acceptable season, and is a step forward.
If they had done that, and won a cup, or if they somehow won the CL, then it would become a very good season.
It will only be a great season when they win the league.
It becomes 'piss poor' when they finish outside the top 6, do nothing in Europe and win nothing at home. There have been a few piss poor seasons, and this is not one of them.
That fella has a few issues - he's still annoyed that he didn't get an autograph from a 15 year old Rory McIlroy ;D ;D ;D ;D
RELATIVELY piss poor was the term used originally.
i still contend not having any chance of winning the league with a quarter of the season to go is minimal "progress"
Quote from: Orchard park on April 12, 2018, 04:16:01 PM
RELATIVELY piss poor was the term used originally.
i still contend not having any chance of winning the league with a quarter of the season to go is minimal "progress"
Fair enough.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 12, 2018, 03:42:32 PM
Quote from: Orchard park on April 12, 2018, 03:39:59 PM
why would Liverpool not be classed the same as Roma, relatively piss poor in their own league and happy to have overachieved by reaching CL semi finals
'relatively piss poor'? Sheesh, that's a harsh scale of relativity. At the moment they are third.
Ha we're 2nd and shite beyond all belief... apparently :)
Quote from: Boycey on April 12, 2018, 04:21:38 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 12, 2018, 03:42:32 PM
Quote from: Orchard park on April 12, 2018, 03:39:59 PM
why would Liverpool not be classed the same as Roma, relatively piss poor in their own league and happy to have overachieved by reaching CL semi finals
'relatively piss poor'? Sheesh, that's a harsh scale of relativity. At the moment they are third.
Ha we're 2nd and shite beyond all belief... apparently :)
I've never got that either :)
Quote from: Asal Mor on April 12, 2018, 04:00:00 PM
Don't like the look of the Olympic Stadium in Kiev as a venue for the final. Has a running track which is always a buzzkill and then a path outside that about half the width of the track again. The seating is very gradually inclined and those in the upper deck, especially behind the goals will need binoculars as they'll be a couple of hundred metres away.
I would be delighted to have a reason to care! ;) ;)
Quote from: Orchard park on April 12, 2018, 03:39:59 PM
why would Liverpool not be classed the same as Roma, relatively piss poor in their own league and happy to have overachieved by reaching CL semi finals
Tradition. Roma would be like Wexford in 2008 happy to have overachieved. Liverpool more like Galway, once they reach a semi final they would fancy their chances to win the cup as much as any team remaining.
Quote from: TabClear on April 12, 2018, 04:23:27 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on April 12, 2018, 04:00:00 PM
Don't like the look of the Olympic Stadium in Kiev as a venue for the final. Has a running track which is always a buzzkill and then a path outside that about half the width of the track again. The seating is very gradually inclined and those in the upper deck, especially behind the goals will need binoculars as they'll be a couple of hundred metres away.
I would be delighted to have a reason to care! ;) ;)
I saw United play Kiev in it about 10 years ago, before it was renovated I don't remember it being too bad. The city and country itself was 'interesting' to say the least.. you can get a taxi driver to take you to Chernobyl if you like
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 12, 2018, 04:27:21 PM
Quote from: Orchard park on April 12, 2018, 03:39:59 PM
why would Liverpool not be classed the same as Roma, relatively piss poor in their own league and happy to have overachieved by reaching CL semi finals
Tradition. Roma would be like Wexford in 2008 happy to have overachieved. Liverpool more like Galway, once they reach a semi final they would fancy their chances to win the cup as much as any team remaining.
Roma have been knocking around the top of the Seria A and getting to European Cup knockout stages very regularly in recent years. In Nainggolan and De Rossi they have two of the finest box-to-box midfielders in the game, something Liverpool for example have sorely lacked in recent years.
am i right Roma have never made it this far before in champions league and Liverpool have only once ?????
to me both are in pretty unchartered territories then and neither should be settling for this alone especially Roma after beating the favourites
Quote from: Orchard park on April 12, 2018, 04:42:31 PM
am i right Roma have never made it this far before in champions league and Liverpool have only once ?????
to me both are in pretty unchartered territories then and neither should be settling for this alone especially Roma after beating the favourites
Off the top of my head Liverpool reach 2007 Champions league final and semi final in 2008. Roma last year were in the Europa league and were knocked out by Lyon in the round of 16.
Quote from: Orchard park on April 12, 2018, 04:42:31 PM
am i right Roma have never made it this far before in champions league and Liverpool have only once ?????
to me both are in pretty unchartered territories then and neither should be settling for this alone especially Roma after beating the favourites
Liverpool were finalists in 2005 and 2007. Semi in 2008. I'm pretty sure they were the Number 1 ranked team in Europe for a year going by the Uefa Coeefficient rankings
Quote from: Boycey on April 12, 2018, 04:29:07 PM
Quote from: TabClear on April 12, 2018, 04:23:27 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on April 12, 2018, 04:00:00 PM
Don't like the look of the Olympic Stadium in Kiev as a venue for the final. Has a running track which is always a buzzkill and then a path outside that about half the width of the track again. The seating is very gradually inclined and those in the upper deck, especially behind the goals will need binoculars as they'll be a couple of hundred metres away.
I would be delighted to have a reason to care! ;) ;)
I saw United play Kiev in it about 10 years ago, before it was renovated I don't remember it being too bad. The city and country itself was 'interesting' to say the least.. you can get a taxi driver to take you to Chernobyl if you like
Many do make the trip apparently and it sounds fascinating. A cold war era ghost town being gradually reclaimed by the Eastern European forest with wolves,brown bears and lynx returning to the area now that it's free of humans. Seems radioactive waste is much better for nature than man.
You do not need a visa to visit Ukraine as long as you stay under 90 days.
Flight time UK to Kiev for the final 3hrs 15 mins.
Quote from: Asal Mor on April 12, 2018, 04:00:00 PM
Don't like the look of the Olympic Stadium in Kiev as a venue for the final. Has a running track which is always a buzzkill and then a path outside that about half the width of the track again. The seating is very gradually inclined and those in the upper deck, especially behind the goals will need binoculars as they'll be a couple of hundred metres away.
It'll do very nicely.
Four of Liverpool's five European Cup victories have come in stadiums with tracks around the pitch.
Even the sole exception, the Parc Des Princes in 1981, has a much extended area behind the goal compared to most stadiums.
The 2 finals they lost were in stadiums that had running tracks too Sid. It's the same for both teams but Liverpool would be well used to and comfortable with a more claustrophobic, noisier setting.
Running tracks sterilise the atmosphere. We won't see anything like say, the first leg against Man City at Anfield. Tracks are a large part of the decline of the Serie A League. People won't pay to be looking at one and it looks unappealing on tv compared to tight, packed Premier League grounds with the crowd on top of the players.
So the final is on tonight, hard to separate these two, both to score possibly a score draw!
Navas was poor on that Bayern Munich goal. Two key and experience players lost to injury in Robben and Boateng.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 25, 2018, 08:24:05 PM
Navas was poor on that Bayern Munich goal. Two key and experience players lost to injury in Robben and Boateng.
Real seemed comfortable up on till the goal, Bayern bossing it now
1-1 fine strike by Marcelo. Goal against the run of play.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 25, 2018, 08:31:20 PM
1-1 fine strike by Marcelo. Goal against the run of play.
Not as frenetic as last nights game, be hard to work out who'd Liverpool would prefer after the first 45
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 08:36:27 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 25, 2018, 08:31:20 PM
1-1 fine strike by Marcelo. Goal against the run of play.
Not as frenetic as last nights game, be hard to work out who'd Liverpool would prefer after the first 45
If its Real Madrid and they defend like they have done tonight in the final Liverpools forward line will make hay.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 25, 2018, 08:48:25 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 08:36:27 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 25, 2018, 08:31:20 PM
1-1 fine strike by Marcelo. Goal against the run of play.
Not as frenetic as last nights game, be hard to work out who'd Liverpool would prefer after the first 45
If its Real Madrid and they defend like they have done tonight in the final Liverpools forward line will make hay.
Lord help Lovren and Van Dijk if they're trying to stop Ronaldo at the other end.
Quote from: Syferus on April 25, 2018, 09:00:02 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 25, 2018, 08:48:25 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 08:36:27 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 25, 2018, 08:31:20 PM
1-1 fine strike by Marcelo. Goal against the run of play.
Not as frenetic as last nights game, be hard to work out who'd Liverpool would prefer after the first 45
If its Real Madrid and they defend like they have done tonight in the final Liverpools forward line will make hay.
Lord help Lovren and Van Dijk if they're trying to stop Ronaldo at the other end.
It might end 9-8
Game over...
What were Bayern at there in midfield?
Watching it on sky sports Germany! Giovane Elber commentating in German!
Score draw I have, think there is another goal here.. Ronaldo hasnt been involved
Bayern have done some fairly suspect things for such a top team.
Have to agree with the lads on BT sports, a semi final that isn't of a high quality and littered with mistakes. Liverpool don't have a lot to fear watching this game tonight.
Liverpool aren't in the Final yet.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 25, 2018, 09:23:59 PM
Have to agree with the lads on BT sports, a semi final that isn't of a high quality and littered with mistakes. Liverpool don't have a lot to fear watching this game tonight.
Because the evidence of 70 minutes and not decades of European success is what Liverpool should be judging if they should be afraid by. Real are on course for a three-in-row.. no other team has even done two-in-a-row in the CL era.
If Real go through then you'd wonder have they enough hunger to win another?
Good result for Real Madrid however they were very lucky they didn't concede about four goals tonight and have to take into account that was against an injury hit Bayern Munich side that didn't even play well and still created so many chances.
Liverpool are the form team and deserving favourites to win this years Champions league.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
If Real go through then you'd wonder have they enough hunger to win another?
The motivation to do 3 in a row!
Aye right enough I'm sure they'll get to the final and say feck it I can't be arsed with this..
Quote from: GJL on April 25, 2018, 09:42:58 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
If Real go through then you'd wonder have they enough hunger to win another?
The motivation to do 3 in a row!
Aging team, great team but certainly beatable
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
If Real go through then you'd wonder have they enough hunger to win another?
It looks like Real are in Fergie/Cody time.
Which would mean we don't see them again for a good while after this year or next year
Which wouldn't be unbearable
Quote from: seafoid on April 25, 2018, 10:43:57 PM
It looks like Real are in Fergie/Cody time.
Which would mean we don't see them again for a good while after this year or next year
Which wouldn't be unbearable
Cody ain't finished yet
Quote from: laoislad on April 25, 2018, 10:52:02 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 25, 2018, 10:43:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
If Real go through then you'd wonder have they enough hunger to win another?
It looks like Real are in Fergie/Cody time.
Which would mean we don't see them again for a good while after this year or next year
Which wouldn't be unbearable
Cody ain't finished yet..
He doesn't have a settled backline. They don't really know each other yet.
And the new championship setup is a scenario for guaranteed injuries
And KK can't afford to lose any key men
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8mUMSi5M8g
Quote from: seafoid on April 25, 2018, 10:43:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
If Real go through then you'd wonder have they enough hunger to win another?
It looks like Real are in Fergie/Cody time.
Which would mean we don't see them again for a good while after this year or next year
Which wouldn't be unbearable
You're off your rocker if you think Real fûcking Madrid won't be there or thereabouts every year.
Quote from: Syferus on April 25, 2018, 11:18:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 25, 2018, 10:43:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
If Real go through then you'd wonder have they enough hunger to win another?
It looks like Real are in Fergie/Cody time.
Which would mean we don't see them again for a good while after this year or next year
Which wouldn't be unbearable
You're off your rocker if you think Real fûcking Madrid won't be there or thereabouts every year.
Empires can quickly come to an end.
Where are AC Milan now? What happened to Serie A's empire?
England has already hoovered up Europe's best coaches.
When Messi and Ronaldo go, and that's not far away, it mightn't be long until the world's best players all decide to make England their destination of choice rather than Spain.
England already has six clubs who are world brands and mostly 50k plus stadiums filled every week. In a few years' time that will be seven or eight clubs with 60k plus stadiums filled every week.
La Liga will continue to be a duopoly.
Quote from: sid waddell on April 26, 2018, 12:23:41 AM
Quote from: Syferus on April 25, 2018, 11:18:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 25, 2018, 10:43:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
If Real go through then you'd wonder have they enough hunger to win another?
It looks like Real are in Fergie/Cody time.
Which would mean we don't see them again for a good while after this year or next year
Which wouldn't be unbearable
You're off your rocker if you think Real fûcking Madrid won't be there or thereabouts every year.
Empires can quickly come to an end.
Where are AC Milan now? What happened to Serie A's empire?
England has already hoovered up Europe's best coaches.
When Messi and Ronaldo go, and that's not far away, it mightn't be long until the world's best players all decide to make England their destination of choice rather than Spain.
England already has six clubs who are world brands and mostly 50k plus stadiums filled every week. In a few years' time that will be seven or eight clubs with 60k plus stadiums filled every week.
La Liga will continue to be a duopoly.
Real are the biggest brand in the world of soccer. And they will just buy whoever is the best player in the world when they stop winning. Salah and/or Neymar are the most obvious purchases right now that regard but they'll just get the hot hand in when the time comes. They've been doing it for decades and there's little reason why they'd stop now.
Quote from: sid waddell on April 26, 2018, 12:23:41 AM
Quote from: Syferus on April 25, 2018, 11:18:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 25, 2018, 10:43:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
If Real go through then you'd wonder have they enough hunger to win another?
It looks like Real are in Fergie/Cody time.
Which would mean we don't see them again for a good while after this year or next year
Which wouldn't be unbearable
You're off your rocker if you think Real fûcking Madrid won't be there or thereabouts every year.
Empires can quickly come to an end.
Where are AC Milan now? What happened to Serie A's empire?
Serie A went bankrupt FFS. That's hardly going to happen to Real.
Real Madrid didn't win a European Cup between 1966 and 1998 and reached one final in those 32 years.
It took them another 12 years to get back to a final after 2002. They tend to make hay when they're good but more often than not they haven't been that great at European level and Spain's production line of players could easily dry up. It's not even a decade since Liverpool completely demolished them over two legs in the last 16 of the Champions League. Dortmund were demolishing them more recently than that again.
Serie A hoovered up the world's best players for over 20 years and AC Milan hoovered up the world's best players for over a decade. Not anymore.
Things don't stay still forever and the dominance they and Barcelona have enjoyed at European level is likely to end sooner rather than later - Barcelona's period at the top of European football already looks over.
Quote from: Over the Bar on April 26, 2018, 12:40:03 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on April 26, 2018, 12:23:41 AM
Quote from: Syferus on April 25, 2018, 11:18:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 25, 2018, 10:43:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
If Real go through then you'd wonder have they enough hunger to win another?
It looks like Real are in Fergie/Cody time.
Which would mean we don't see them again for a good while after this year or next year
Which wouldn't be unbearable
You're off your rocker if you think Real fûcking Madrid won't be there or thereabouts every year.
Empires can quickly come to an end.
Where are AC Milan now? What happened to Serie A's empire?
Serie A went bankrupt FFS. That's hardly going to happen to Real.
The decline of Serie A should be a warning to La Liga as to what can happen. The Premier League in general is a much more attractive product than La Liga, which is almost totally about the Madrid-Barcelona rivalry, and since 2009 about the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry. It also happened to coincide with Spain having their greatest ever team at international level, with Xavi, Iniesta, Pique and Busquets being on the opposite side to Ramos, Casillas, Alonso etc in derbies.
Serie A had the Maradona v Gullit/Van Basten/Rijkaard v Matthaus/Klinsmann/Brehme narrative in the late 80s and early 90s which made it compelling. The other backdrop was Italy having a brilliant national team at the time with players like Baresi, Maldini, Baggio and Vialli, and hosting the World Cup. Once that narrative went, it wasn't as attractive.
The Messi v Ronaldo rivalry will soon be gone and the 2010 Spain players are either gone or near the end. The compelling nature of the Barcelona v Madrid rivalry is likely to decline with it, at least as far as the rest of the world is concerned.
Quote from: sid waddell on April 26, 2018, 01:08:28 AM
Quote from: Over the Bar on April 26, 2018, 12:40:03 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on April 26, 2018, 12:23:41 AM
Quote from: Syferus on April 25, 2018, 11:18:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 25, 2018, 10:43:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
If Real go through then you'd wonder have they enough hunger to win another?
It looks like Real are in Fergie/Cody time.
Which would mean we don't see them again for a good while after this year or next year
Which wouldn't be unbearable
You're off your rocker if you think Real fûcking Madrid won't be there or thereabouts every year.
Empires can quickly come to an end.
Where are AC Milan now? What happened to Serie A's empire?
Serie A went bankrupt FFS. That's hardly going to happen to Real.
The decline of Serie A should be a warning to La Liga as to what can happen. The Premier League in general is a much more attractive product than La Liga, which is almost totally about the Madrid-Barcelona rivalry, and since 2009 about the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry. It also happened to coincide with Spain having their greatest ever team at international level, with Xavi, Iniesta, Pique and Busquets being on the opposite side to Ramos, Casillas, Alonso etc in derbies.
Serie A had the Maradona v Gullit/Van Basten/Rijkaard v Matthaus/Klinsmann/Brehme narrative in the late 80s and early 90s which made it compelling. The other backdrop was Italy having a brilliant national team at the time with players like Baresi, Maldini, Baggio and Vialli, and hosting the World Cup. Once that narrative went, it wasn't as attractive.
The Messi v Ronaldo rivalry will soon be gone and the 2010 Spain players are either gone or near the end. The compelling nature of the Barcelona v Madrid rivalry is likely to decline with it, at least as far as the rest of the world is concerned.
ReAl, Barca and the EPL are funded by cheap money. ReaL and Barca have loads of debt The EPL is funded by very expensive TV packages and debt Ordinary punters are not getting payrises. It may work early doors but it is not sustainable.
The UK economy is a mess . So is the Spanish economy.
The banks are afraid of Real so risk man age mentioned isn't ideal.
Maybe Ronaldo is worth x million but there are an awful lot of make weights in the game. And legions of spivs and parasites feeding off them.
Quote from: seafoid on April 26, 2018, 06:04:17 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on April 26, 2018, 01:08:28 AM
Quote from: Over the Bar on April 26, 2018, 12:40:03 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on April 26, 2018, 12:23:41 AM
Quote from: Syferus on April 25, 2018, 11:18:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 25, 2018, 10:43:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
If Real go through then you'd wonder have they enough hunger to win another?
It looks like Real are in Fergie/Cody time.
Which would mean we don't see them again for a good while after this year or next year
Which wouldn't be unbearable
You're off your rocker if you think Real fûcking Madrid won't be there or thereabouts every year.
Empires can quickly come to an end.
Where are AC Milan now? What happened to Serie A's empire?
Serie A went bankrupt FFS. That's hardly going to happen to Real.
The decline of Serie A should be a warning to La Liga as to what can happen. The Premier League in general is a much more attractive product than La Liga, which is almost totally about the Madrid-Barcelona rivalry, and since 2009 about the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry. It also happened to coincide with Spain having their greatest ever team at international level, with Xavi, Iniesta, Pique and Busquets being on the opposite side to Ramos, Casillas, Alonso etc in derbies.
Serie A had the Maradona v Gullit/Van Basten/Rijkaard v Matthaus/Klinsmann/Brehme narrative in the late 80s and early 90s which made it compelling. The other backdrop was Italy having a brilliant national team at the time with players like Baresi, Maldini, Baggio and Vialli, and hosting the World Cup. Once that narrative went, it wasn't as attractive.
The Messi v Ronaldo rivalry will soon be gone and the 2010 Spain players are either gone or near the end. The compelling nature of the Barcelona v Madrid rivalry is likely to decline with it, at least as far as the rest of the world is concerned.
ReAl, Barca and the EPL are funded by cheap money. ReaL and Barca have loads of debt The EPL is funded by very expensive TV packages and debt Ordinary punters are not getting payrises. It may work early doors but it is not sustainable.
The UK economy is a mess . So is the Spanish economy.
The banks are afraid of Real so risk man age mentioned isn't ideal.
Maybe Ronaldo is worth x million but there are an awful lot of make weights in the game. And legions of spivs and parasites feeding off them.
Why does everything you say have to end up as a nonsensical rant against captitalism?
Quote from: Syferus on April 26, 2018, 03:44:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 26, 2018, 06:04:17 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on April 26, 2018, 01:08:28 AM
Quote from: Over the Bar on April 26, 2018, 12:40:03 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on April 26, 2018, 12:23:41 AM
Quote from: Syferus on April 25, 2018, 11:18:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 25, 2018, 10:43:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 25, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
If Real go through then you'd wonder have they enough hunger to win another?
It looks like Real are in Fergie/Cody time.
Which would mean we don't see them again for a good while after this year or next year
Which wouldn't be unbearable
You're off your rocker if you think Real fûcking Madrid won't be there or thereabouts every year.
Empires can quickly come to an end.
Where are AC Milan now? What happened to Serie A's empire?
Serie A went bankrupt FFS. That's hardly going to happen to Real.
The decline of Serie A should be a warning to La Liga as to what can happen. The Premier League in general is a much more attractive product than La Liga, which is almost totally about the Madrid-Barcelona rivalry, and since 2009 about the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry. It also happened to coincide with Spain having their greatest ever team at international level, with Xavi, Iniesta, Pique and Busquets being on the opposite side to Ramos, Casillas, Alonso etc in derbies.
Serie A had the Maradona v Gullit/Van Basten/Rijkaard v Matthaus/Klinsmann/Brehme narrative in the late 80s and early 90s which made it compelling. The other backdrop was Italy having a brilliant national team at the time with players like Baresi, Maldini, Baggio and Vialli, and hosting the World Cup. Once that narrative went, it wasn't as attractive.
The Messi v Ronaldo rivalry will soon be gone and the 2010 Spain players are either gone or near the end. The compelling nature of the Barcelona v Madrid rivalry is likely to decline with it, at least as far as the rest of the world is concerned.
ReAl, Barca and the EPL are funded by cheap money. ReaL and Barca have loads of debt The EPL is funded by very expensive TV packages and debt Ordinary punters are not getting payrises. It may work early doors but it is not sustainable.
The UK economy is a mess . So is the Spanish economy.
The banks are afraid of Real so risk man age mentioned isn't ideal.
Maybe Ronaldo is worth x million but there are an awful lot of make weights in the game. And legions of spivs and parasites feeding off them.
Why does everything you say have to end up as a nonsensical rant against captitalism?
Syf, if Barca and Real aren't funded by mountains of debt please give us a link.
Maybe it is like the banks, both are too big to fail.
Quote from: Denn Forever on April 26, 2018, 04:57:14 PM
Maybe it is like the banks, both are too big to fail.
Or maybe it's because Real is taking in over $800 million dollars in revenue and generating profits:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bobbymcmahon/2017/09/17/real-madrid-announces-record-revenues-of-800m-but-success-also-brings-additional-costs/
Quote from: Syferus on April 26, 2018, 05:15:16 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on April 26, 2018, 04:57:14 PM
Maybe it is like the banks, both are too big to fail.
Or maybe it's because Real is taking in over $800 million dollars in revenue and generating profits:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bobbymcmahon/2017/09/17/real-madrid-announces-record-revenues-of-800m-but-success-also-brings-additional-costs/
How much profit, Syf? Now get a calculator and tell me how many years of profit it would take to buy a player for 250m.
Next question is how do Real spend 320m in a season on players. I will give you a clue. The answer has 4 letters and starts with d.
Revenues are not profits. Ask anyone in Castlerea Mart.
Real Madrid aren't far off break even on transfer the last 6 seasons, thats very good going although thats got to change considering Ronaldo is 33, Modric 32, Benzema 30, Bale 29 in a few months and Ramos is 32. The era of Barca & Real's dominance is coming to an end.
Quote from: seafoid on April 26, 2018, 05:36:20 PM
Quote from: Syferus on April 26, 2018, 05:15:16 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on April 26, 2018, 04:57:14 PM
Maybe it is like the banks, both are too big to fail.
Or maybe it's because Real is taking in over $800 million dollars in revenue and generating profits:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bobbymcmahon/2017/09/17/real-madrid-announces-record-revenues-of-800m-but-success-also-brings-additional-costs/
How much profit, Syf? Now get a calculator and tell me how many years of profit it would take to buy a player for 250m.
Next question is how do Real spend 320m in a season on players. I will give you a clue. The answer has 4 letters and starts with d.
Revenues are not profits. Ask anyone in Castlerea Mart.
I think you need to go back to school if you think Real aren't in good financial shape.
Real Madrid still in control of this tie but not looking convincing especially in defence. At least Cristiano Ronaldo is more involved tonight than he was last week.
That 2nd Real Madrid goal WTF!
Bayern Munich not out of this tie yet. Hard to believe how average in defence these two experienced sides are.
Both teams will get hammered by Liverpool. Defenders are at sixes and sevens
Wouldn't say that. Liverpool not good defensively and it's not like either attack shabby here either.
Besides they still have tomorrow to get through...
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2018, 09:17:02 PM
Both teams will get hammered by Liverpool. Defenders are at sixes and sevens
Teams Liverpool struggle against are ones that are well organized in defence. The good news for Liverpool is the winner of this semi final are far from organized.
If Muller has finished that last chance it would have been the best ending to a soccer match maybe ever.
Liverpool dodged a bullet tonight ! Bayern were outstanding tonight.. that's a few games I've seen Ronaldo lately and he's tired looking lacking sharpness...
Liverpool by 2
Liverpool are far from through.
Quote from: CumminsCiderLarry on May 01, 2018, 09:24:56 PM
Lewanaski is overrated. Cant wait for Pool/Madrid final
Lewandowski is brilliant. Shite over the two legs though, as was Ronaldo.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2018, 09:43:27 PM
Liverpool dodged a bullet tonight ! Bayern were outstanding tonight.. that's a few games I've seen Ronaldo lately and he's tired looking lacking sharpness...
Liverpool by 2
Real beat that 'great' Bayern team at home and didn't even lose to them tonight. Not bad for a tired team.. Real will win the final.
If on form Liverpool should score at least three goals against that Real Madrid defence. Over the two legs Bayern Munich had 40 shots on goal and 15 shots on target how wasteful can one team be? Maybe they would have won tonight if Neuer,Vidal,Boateng,Robben had played even without them they should have reached the final.
3rd title in a row for Madrid wrapped up tonight. They'll beat Roma handy enough in the Final.
Quote from: CumminsCiderLarry on May 01, 2018, 09:24:56 PM
Lewanaski is overrated. Cant wait for Pool/Madrid final
+1. Thought he went into hiding tonight.
Quote from: laoislad on May 01, 2018, 09:54:48 PM
3rd title in a row for Madrid wrapped up tonight. They'll beat Roma handy enough in the Final.
Here's hoping, but I think Madrid are done! Though they are in the final
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2018, 09:43:27 PM
Liverpool dodged a bullet tonight ! Bayern were outstanding tonight.. that’s a few games I’ve seen Ronaldo lately and he’s tired looking lacking sharpness...
Liverpool by 2
Too many goal scoring chances not taken tonight to be considered outstanding and have to take into account that Real Madrid were poor in both legs as they were in the 2nd leg v Juve. A repeat performance in the final wouldn't be good enough to win it.
Liverpool i think are the last team to beat Real Madrid in a European cup final that was 1-0 win a repeat looks likely now but a 3-2 or 4-3 scoreline this time.
Gutted for Bayern.
Gareth Bale with a couple in the final. Pool unhappy.
Would be gutted if Liverpool don't get through tomorrow night.
Real Madrid have used all their luck to get there and don't look as good as previous years
Could Liverpool beat them "absolutely"
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on May 01, 2018, 10:29:21 PM
Would be gutted if Liverpool don't get through tomorrow night.
Real Madrid have used all their luck to get there and don't look as good as previous years
Could Liverpool beat them "absolutely"
Hi Brendan :)
Everyone going on about Madrid's luck but Liverpool have had it lucky too. Porto, Man City and Roma to reach a Champions league final. Now that's quite a favourable draw.
Also thought Levondowski was rotten tonight.
Quote from: clarshack on May 01, 2018, 11:01:21 PM
Everyone going on about Madrid's luck but Liverpool have had it lucky too. Porto, Man City and Roma to reach a Champions league final. Now that's quite a favourable draw.
don't forget the easiest group of all time
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on May 02, 2018, 08:04:16 AM
Quote from: clarshack on May 01, 2018, 11:01:21 PM
Everyone going on about Madrid's luck but Liverpool have had it lucky too. Porto, Man City and Roma to reach a Champions league final. Now that's quite a favourable draw.
don't forget the easiest group of all time
Everton would still have finished bottom of it.
Real a pale shadow of last years team, I've given up any hope of them stopping Liverpool. Real's record is something else in Europe these last 5 years, going for their 4th win when I wouldn't consider them one of the best teams I've seen the last 30 years as they've only won one league title during that time.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 02, 2018, 09:34:58 AM
Real a pale shadow of last years team, I've given up any hope of them stopping Liverpool. Real's record is something else in Europe these last 5 years, going for their 4th win when I wouldn't consider them one of the best teams I've seen the last 30 years as they've only won one league title during that time.
Hasnt stopped Liverpool, they havent won a league in over 20 years but have managed to blow teams away this year in the CL, granted Madrid wont be lying down but I wouldnt have them favourites for the final, the defending was pure school boy stuff, never held their lines the fullbacks never tracked their men, stayed up front and only last ditch defending enabled them to get to the final!
I've never seen a Madrid team give the ball away so much, unless they were playing Barca
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 02, 2018, 10:30:21 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 02, 2018, 09:34:58 AM
Real a pale shadow of last years team, I've given up any hope of them stopping Liverpool. Real's record is something else in Europe these last 5 years, going for their 4th win when I wouldn't consider them one of the best teams I've seen the last 30 years as they've only won one league title during that time.
Hasnt stopped Liverpool, they havent won a league in over 20 years but have managed to blow teams away this year in the CL, granted Madrid wont be lying down but I wouldnt have them favourites for the final, the defending was pure school boy stuff, never held their lines the fullbacks never tracked their men, stayed up front and only last ditch defending enabled them to get to the final!
I've never seen a Madrid team give the ball away so much, unless they were playing Barca
28 years ;)
You have to give Liverpool credit, to reach 3 CL finals since 2005 is a great achievement considering they've not have great teams.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 02, 2018, 11:42:12 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 02, 2018, 10:30:21 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 02, 2018, 09:34:58 AM
Real a pale shadow of last years team, I've given up any hope of them stopping Liverpool. Real's record is something else in Europe these last 5 years, going for their 4th win when I wouldn't consider them one of the best teams I've seen the last 30 years as they've only won one league title during that time.
Hasnt stopped Liverpool, they havent won a league in over 20 years but have managed to blow teams away this year in the CL, granted Madrid wont be lying down but I wouldnt have them favourites for the final, the defending was pure school boy stuff, never held their lines the fullbacks never tracked their men, stayed up front and only last ditch defending enabled them to get to the final!
I've never seen a Madrid team give the ball away so much, unless they were playing Barca
28 years ;)
You have to give Liverpool credit, to reach 3 CL finals since 2005 is a great achievement considering they've not have great teams.
What 3 finals?
Quote from: AZOffaly on May 02, 2018, 11:50:30 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 02, 2018, 11:42:12 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 02, 2018, 10:30:21 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 02, 2018, 09:34:58 AM
Real a pale shadow of last years team, I've given up any hope of them stopping Liverpool. Real's record is something else in Europe these last 5 years, going for their 4th win when I wouldn't consider them one of the best teams I've seen the last 30 years as they've only won one league title during that time.
Hasnt stopped Liverpool, they havent won a league in over 20 years but have managed to blow teams away this year in the CL, granted Madrid wont be lying down but I wouldnt have them favourites for the final, the defending was pure school boy stuff, never held their lines the fullbacks never tracked their men, stayed up front and only last ditch defending enabled them to get to the final!
I've never seen a Madrid team give the ball away so much, unless they were playing Barca
28 years ;)
You have to give Liverpool credit, to reach 3 CL finals since 2005 is a great achievement considering they've not have great teams.
What 3 finals?
05,07 and the one you'll make tonight.
Ha!
Think Maroon Manc should be banned for this behaviour
Madrid will make hay against that defence all right but Liverpool will also score. Should be a goal fest.
Quote from: GJL on May 02, 2018, 09:40:02 PM
Madrid will make hay against that defence all right but Liverpool will also score. Should be a goal fest.
4-3 Liverpool win in the final i reckon.
Avoided the game last night apart from watching 10 minutes when Roma equalised then Liverpool went 2-1 up.
I've a little hope now but expecting the worst, to go 5-0 up during the first leg then be hanging on near the end shows what Liverpool are about, still think their a fair bit of winning a league title thankfully.,
As I was watching it, I was thinking "Would you ever see a Mourinho team concede 6 goals in a situation like that?". Then I thought "Would you ever see a Mourinho team score 7 goals to be 7-4 up on aggregate after 170 odd minutes of a two leg tie?"
A machine that could combine Mourinho and Klopp would produce some manager.
Jurgen and rafa 😉
Quote from: AZOffaly on May 03, 2018, 09:52:46 AM
As I was watching it, I was thinking "Would you ever see a Mourinho team concede 6 goals in a situation like that?". Then I thought "Would you ever see a Mourinho team score 7 goals to be 7-4 up on aggregate after 170 odd minutes of a two leg tie?"
A machine that could combine Mourinho and Klopp would produce some manager.
He was called Fergie
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 09:58:16 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on May 03, 2018, 09:52:46 AM
As I was watching it, I was thinking "Would you ever see a Mourinho team concede 6 goals in a situation like that?". Then I thought "Would you ever see a Mourinho team score 7 goals to be 7-4 up on aggregate after 170 odd minutes of a two leg tie?"
A machine that could combine Mourinho and Klopp would produce some manager.
He was called Fergie
Different times though. For the majority of Ferguson's tenure he was the richest kid in the playground. He had to compete with arsenal on a regular basis and the occasional good Liverpool/ Newcastle etc team but very little else until Abramovich appeared on the scene. City appeared towards the end of his reign. The tide had turned before he quit, his last title was one of his best achievements in my book.
What I admired about his teams was the "go for the jugular" approach where they generally tried to kill teams off. You very rarely saw them sitting back the way Liverpool did last night or Mourinho does every game.
Quote from: TabClear on May 03, 2018, 10:29:08 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 09:58:16 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on May 03, 2018, 09:52:46 AM
As I was watching it, I was thinking "Would you ever see a Mourinho team concede 6 goals in a situation like that?". Then I thought "Would you ever see a Mourinho team score 7 goals to be 7-4 up on aggregate after 170 odd minutes of a two leg tie?"
A machine that could combine Mourinho and Klopp would produce some manager.
He was called Fergie
Different times though. For the majority of Ferguson's tenure he was the richest kid in the playground. He had to compete with arsenal on a regular basis and the occasional good Liverpool/ Newcastle etc team but very little else until Abramovich appeared on the scene. City appeared towards the end of his reign. The tide had turned before he quit, his last title was one of his best achievements in my book.
What I admired about his teams was the "go for the jugular" approach where they generally tried to kill teams off. You very rarely saw them sitting back the way Liverpool did last night or Mourinho does every game.
He had money but mostly spent it wisely but so often had to balance the books especially in the summer of 95 and then again when the Glazers arrived. There isn't a great deal between what United spent from the late 80's for the next 20 years and what Liverpool spent, the difference was they wasted it. I wanted rid of Fergie in 05, thought he'd lost it and was spending too much time away from club/changing ground, then performed miracles in the transfer market bringing in Van Der Sar, Vidic & Evra for very little; Within 18 months United had become the best team in Europe, it was a turnaround I didn't see coming.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 10:47:55 AM
Quote from: TabClear on May 03, 2018, 10:29:08 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 09:58:16 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on May 03, 2018, 09:52:46 AM
As I was watching it, I was thinking "Would you ever see a Mourinho team concede 6 goals in a situation like that?". Then I thought "Would you ever see a Mourinho team score 7 goals to be 7-4 up on aggregate after 170 odd minutes of a two leg tie?"
A machine that could combine Mourinho and Klopp would produce some manager.
He was called Fergie
Different times though. For the majority of Ferguson's tenure he was the richest kid in the playground. He had to compete with arsenal on a regular basis and the occasional good Liverpool/ Newcastle etc team but very ::)little else until Abramovich appeared on the scene. City appeared towards the end of his reign. The tide had turned before he quit, his last title was one of his best achievements in my book.
What I admired about his teams was the "go for the jugular" approach where they generally tried to kill teams off. You very rarely saw them sitting back the way Liverpool did last night or Mourinho does every game.
He had money but mostly spent it wisely but so often had to balance the books especially in the summer of 95 and then again when the Glazers arrived. There isn't a great deal between what United spent from the late 80's for the next 20 years and what Liverpool spent, the difference was they wasted it. I wanted rid of Fergie in 05, thought he'd lost it and was spending too much time away from club/changing ground, then performed miracles in the transfer market bringing in Van Der Sar, Vidic & Evra for very little; Within 18 months United had become the best team in Europe, it was a turnaround I didn't see coming.
::) ;D Jesus Ive heard it all!
There was plenty amongst United's match going support who thought his time was up, United were miles behind Chelsea and he was missing training sessions to go and watch his horses train. United had gone out in the group stage in the CL in late 05 and add in the Glazers had taken over and their wasn't much money to spend it looked very glum going forward. The football had become very mundane too.
Keane gave him the rocket up his arse he needed, he didn't look back after that.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 09:45:37 AM
Avoided the game last night apart from watching 10 minutes when Roma equalised then Liverpool went 2-1 up.
I've a little hope now but expecting the worst, to go 5-0 up during the first leg then be hanging on near the end shows what Liverpool are about, still think their a fair bit of winning a league title thankfully.,
They will always ship goals because of Klopp's instinct to push them forward. Losing big leads has been a trend with this team but it's slowly being addressed. Van Dijk's arrival has already seen a big improvement at the back and a lot less goals conceded. A few quality additions in the summer will help further. Last night showed again that Klarius and Lovren are not to be trusted in the bigger games. A bit more nous in game management and cynicism at times to break play up when a team has a run on them would help too.
Quote from: Armamike on May 03, 2018, 12:26:31 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 09:45:37 AM
Avoided the game last night apart from watching 10 minutes when Roma equalised then Liverpool went 2-1 up.
I've a little hope now but expecting the worst, to go 5-0 up during the first leg then be hanging on near the end shows what Liverpool are about, still think their a fair bit of winning a league title thankfully.,
They will always ship goals because of Klopp's instinct to push them forward. Losing big leads has been a trend with this team but it's slowly being addressed. Van Dijk's arrival has already seen a big improvement at the back and a lot less goals conceded. A few quality additions in the summer will help further. Last night showed again that Klarius and Lovren are not to be trusted in the bigger games. A bit more nous in game management and cynicism at times to break play up when a team has a run on them would help too.
They've certainly improved but to win a title he's going to have find some quality players mainly a goalie, a centre half and and a real quality attacking player to push the front 3. I don't know how many points they've dropped at home but appears they've a real problem with teams who come to defend at Anfield.
Klopp worked wonders in the transfer market the past 12 months, it won't be easy to replicate it especially when their won't be huge sums available.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 12:50:50 PM
Quote from: Armamike on May 03, 2018, 12:26:31 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 09:45:37 AM
Avoided the game last night apart from watching 10 minutes when Roma equalised then Liverpool went 2-1 up.
I've a little hope now but expecting the worst, to go 5-0 up during the first leg then be hanging on near the end shows what Liverpool are about, still think their a fair bit of winning a league title thankfully.,
They will always ship goals because of Klopp's instinct to push them forward. Losing big leads has been a trend with this team but it's slowly being addressed. Van Dijk's arrival has already seen a big improvement at the back and a lot less goals conceded. A few quality additions in the summer will help further. Last night showed again that Klarius and Lovren are not to be trusted in the bigger games. A bit more nous in game management and cynicism at times to break play up when a team has a run on them would help too.
They've certainly improved but to win a title he's going to have find some quality players mainly a goalie, a centre half and and a real quality attacking player to push the front 3. I don't know how many points they've dropped at home but appears they've a real problem with teams who come to defend at Anfield.
Klopp worked wonders in the transfer market the past 12 months, it won't be easy to replicate it especially when their won't be huge sums available.
What?
They've made $100 million alone for making the CL final and a top four finish in the EPL is a massive windfall too. They have plenty of money to spend. They are the eighth biggest club on Earth in market value.
Unfortunately I fear that Real are now a shoo in and that pri**k Ronaldo will get the Ballon D'Or.
Quote from: Applesisapples on May 03, 2018, 03:00:06 PM
Unfortunately I fear that Real are now a shoo in and that pri**k Ronaldo will get the Ballon D'Or.
Dunno, Real's defence isn't up to much, they're struggling at right back, Varane can be inconsistent and Ramos looks maybe past his best. I think Liverpool are in with a great chance though Real may take heart from the fact that L'pool conceded 2 goals in the final 10 mins of each game in the semi.
Quote from: AQMP on May 03, 2018, 04:17:01 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on May 03, 2018, 03:00:06 PM
Unfortunately I fear that Real are now a shoo in and that pri**k Ronaldo will get the Ballon D'Or.
Dunno, Real's defence isn't up to much, they're struggling at right back, Varane can be inconsistent and Ramos looks maybe past his best. I think Liverpool are in with a great chance though Real may take heart from the fact that L'pool conceded 2 goals in the final 10 mins of each game in the semi.
2 of which were penalties that shouldn't have been given!
Quote from: laoislad on May 03, 2018, 04:32:43 PM
Quote from: AQMP on May 03, 2018, 04:17:01 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on May 03, 2018, 03:00:06 PM
Unfortunately I fear that Real are now a shoo in and that pri**k Ronaldo will get the Ballon D'Or.
Dunno, Real's defence isn't up to much, they're struggling at right back, Varane can be inconsistent and Ramos looks maybe past his best. I think Liverpool are in with a great chance though Real may take heart from the fact that L'pool conceded 2 goals in the final 10 mins of each game in the semi.
2 of which were penalties that shouldn't have been given!
Well heres hoping
Quote from: Syferus on May 03, 2018, 02:52:00 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 12:50:50 PM
Quote from: Armamike on May 03, 2018, 12:26:31 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 09:45:37 AM
Avoided the game last night apart from watching 10 minutes when Roma equalised then Liverpool went 2-1 up.
I've a little hope now but expecting the worst, to go 5-0 up during the first leg then be hanging on near the end shows what Liverpool are about, still think their a fair bit of winning a league title thankfully.,
They will always ship goals because of Klopp's instinct to push them forward. Losing big leads has been a trend with this team but it's slowly being addressed. Van Dijk's arrival has already seen a big improvement at the back and a lot less goals conceded. A few quality additions in the summer will help further. Last night showed again that Klarius and Lovren are not to be trusted in the bigger games. A bit more nous in game management and cynicism at times to break play up when a team has a run on them would help too.
They've certainly improved but to win a title he's going to have find some quality players mainly a goalie, a centre half and and a real quality attacking player to push the front 3. I don't know how many points they've dropped at home but appears they've a real problem with teams who come to defend at Anfield.
Klopp worked wonders in the transfer market the past 12 months, it won't be easy to replicate it especially when their won't be huge sums available.
What?
They've made $100 million alone for making the CL final and a top four finish in the EPL is a massive windfall too. They have plenty of money to spend. They are the eighth biggest club on Earth in market value.
Little bit more complex than that.
Compare United & Liverpool's EBITDA and then a quick look at both clubs cash position. Liverpool are already committed to spending about £50m on Keita this summer too and I think he's got rid of most of the player he doesn't want that would command big transfer fee's. Klopp is going to have to work wonders this summer to get a squad capable of winning the title.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 05:06:15 PM
Quote from: Syferus on May 03, 2018, 02:52:00 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 12:50:50 PM
Quote from: Armamike on May 03, 2018, 12:26:31 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 09:45:37 AM
Avoided the game last night apart from watching 10 minutes when Roma equalised then Liverpool went 2-1 up.
I've a little hope now but expecting the worst, to go 5-0 up during the first leg then be hanging on near the end shows what Liverpool are about, still think their a fair bit of winning a league title thankfully.,
They will always ship goals because of Klopp's instinct to push them forward. Losing big leads has been a trend with this team but it's slowly being addressed. Van Dijk's arrival has already seen a big improvement at the back and a lot less goals conceded. A few quality additions in the summer will help further. Last night showed again that Klarius and Lovren are not to be trusted in the bigger games. A bit more nous in game management and cynicism at times to break play up when a team has a run on them would help too.
They've certainly improved but to win a title he's going to have find some quality players mainly a goalie, a centre half and and a real quality attacking player to push the front 3. I don't know how many points they've dropped at home but appears they've a real problem with teams who come to defend at Anfield.
Klopp worked wonders in the transfer market the past 12 months, it won't be easy to replicate it especially when their won't be huge sums available.
What?
They've made $100 million alone for making the CL final and a top four finish in the EPL is a massive windfall too. They have plenty of money to spend. They are the eighth biggest club on Earth in market value.
Little bit more complex than that.
Compare United & Liverpool's EBITDA and then a quick look at both clubs cash position. Liverpool are already committed to spending about £50m on Keita this summer too and I think he's got rid of most of the player he doesn't want that would command big transfer fee's. Klopp is going to have to work wonders this summer to get a squad capable of winning the title.
Wouldn't the Coutiniho sale cover both the VVD and Keita outlays by itself?
Klopp's problem is that he can't build a defence more than it is lack of money. His system isn't very supportive of it, just like Pep's isn't but he has better players overall up front (Salah excluded none of the Liverpool forwards or attacking players would make the first choice City team). So if he's going to build the ultimate expression of his system he needs better players than Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlin, Lalanna, Milner servicing the forwards, and there needs to be cover for the front three to boot. Keita might solve those problems somewhat.
And even with that said, Lovren is obviously a donkey and needs to go so they do need a CB to partner VVD.
Quote from: Syferus on May 03, 2018, 05:09:10 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 05:06:15 PM
Quote from: Syferus on May 03, 2018, 02:52:00 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 12:50:50 PM
Quote from: Armamike on May 03, 2018, 12:26:31 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 09:45:37 AM
Avoided the game last night apart from watching 10 minutes when Roma equalised then Liverpool went 2-1 up.
I've a little hope now but expecting the worst, to go 5-0 up during the first leg then be hanging on near the end shows what Liverpool are about, still think their a fair bit of winning a league title thankfully.,
They will always ship goals because of Klopp's instinct to push them forward. Losing big leads has been a trend with this team but it's slowly being addressed. Van Dijk's arrival has already seen a big improvement at the back and a lot less goals conceded. A few quality additions in the summer will help further. Last night showed again that Klarius and Lovren are not to be trusted in the bigger games. A bit more nous in game management and cynicism at times to break play up when a team has a run on them would help too.
They've certainly improved but to win a title he's going to have find some quality players mainly a goalie, a centre half and and a real quality attacking player to push the front 3. I don't know how many points they've dropped at home but appears they've a real problem with teams who come to defend at Anfield.
Klopp worked wonders in the transfer market the past 12 months, it won't be easy to replicate it especially when their won't be huge sums available.
What?
They've made $100 million alone for making the CL final and a top four finish in the EPL is a massive windfall too. They have plenty of money to spend. They are the eighth biggest club on Earth in market value.
Little bit more complex than that.
Compare United & Liverpool's EBITDA and then a quick look at both clubs cash position. Liverpool are already committed to spending about £50m on Keita this summer too and I think he's got rid of most of the player he doesn't want that would command big transfer fee's. Klopp is going to have to work wonders this summer to get a squad capable of winning the title.
Wouldn't the Coutiniho sale cover both the VVD and Keita outlays by itself?
Klopp's problem is that he can't build a defence more than it is lack of money. His system isn't very supportive of it, just like Pep's isn't but he has better players overall up front (Salah excluded none of the Liverpool forwards or attacking players would make the first choice City team). So if he's going to build the ultimate expression of his system he needs better players than Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlin, Lalanna, Milner servicing the forwards, and there needs to be cover for the front three to boot. Keita might solve those problems somewhat.
And even with that said, Lovren is obviously a donkey and needs to go so they do need a CB to partner VVD.
Selling Coutinho obviously helps but Liverpool's owners like the Glazers run a tight ship, I don't see them committing to huge spending on the back of selling one player. They've handed out some huge contracts to Van Dijk and Firminho too and I'm sure a new contract for Salah isn't far away either. In the last accounts Liverpool had £4m in cash compared to United's £290m.
Rough looking for Kosceilney! Season and World Cup over before it's begun. What's most surprising is that Diego Costa wasn't responsible! :D
Awful time for Arsenal to concede a goal.
No happy ending for Wenger with Arsenal.
Quote from: Syferus on May 03, 2018, 05:09:10 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 05:06:15 PM
Quote from: Syferus on May 03, 2018, 02:52:00 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 12:50:50 PM
Quote from: Armamike on May 03, 2018, 12:26:31 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 03, 2018, 09:45:37 AM
Avoided the game last night apart from watching 10 minutes when Roma equalised then Liverpool went 2-1 up.
I've a little hope now but expecting the worst, to go 5-0 up during the first leg then be hanging on near the end shows what Liverpool are about, still think their a fair bit of winning a league title thankfully.,
They will always ship goals because of Klopp's instinct to push them forward. Losing big leads has been a trend with this team but it's slowly being addressed. Van Dijk's arrival has already seen a big improvement at the back and a lot less goals conceded. A few quality additions in the summer will help further. Last night showed again that Klarius and Lovren are not to be trusted in the bigger games. A bit more nous in game management and cynicism at times to break play up when a team has a run on them would help too.
They've certainly improved but to win a title he's going to have find some quality players mainly a goalie, a centre half and and a real quality attacking player to push the front 3. I don't know how many points they've dropped at home but appears they've a real problem with teams who come to defend at Anfield.
Klopp worked wonders in the transfer market the past 12 months, it won't be easy to replicate it especially when their won't be huge sums available.
What?
They've made $100 million alone for making the CL final and a top four finish in the EPL is a massive windfall too. They have plenty of money to spend. They are the eighth biggest club on Earth in market value.
Little bit more complex than that.
Compare United & Liverpool's EBITDA and then a quick look at both clubs cash position. Liverpool are already committed to spending about £50m on Keita this summer too and I think he's got rid of most of the player he doesn't want that would command big transfer fee's. Klopp is going to have to work wonders this summer to get a squad capable of winning the title.
Wouldn't the Coutiniho sale cover both the VVD and Keita outlays by itself?
Klopp's problem is that he can't build a defence more than it is lack of money. His system isn't very supportive of it, just like Pep's isn't but he has better players overall up front (Salah excluded none of the Liverpool forwards or attacking players would make the first choice City team). So if he's going to build the ultimate expression of his system he needs better players than Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlin, Lalanna, Milner servicing the forwards, and there needs to be cover for the front three to boot. Keita might solve those problems somewhat.
And even with that said, Lovren is obviously a donkey and needs to go so they do need a CB to partner VVD.
Firmino would walk onto any team in europe right now.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 03, 2018, 10:00:55 PM
No happy ending for Wenger with Arsenal.
[/quote
That would be more Rooney's area
Liverpool 2/1 is a cracking bet
Barcelona's bid for an invincible season looks under real threat, currently 5-1 down against levante :o
Quote from: SHEEDY on May 13, 2018, 09:04:27 PM
Barcelona's bid for an invincible season looks under real threat, currently 5-1 down against levante :o
5-3 now, they couldn't could they?
Some fella called Coutinho has scored a hat trick
Edit - 5-4
5-4 now. You just know they're gonna go on to win it now.
Some match. 9 goals, 12 bookings and barcelona lose their unbeaten record. No one saw that coming.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/05/16/sporting-lisbon-players-staff-attacked-intruders-clubs-training/
Europa League Final on tonight. Atletico Madrid 2nd in La Liga priced at 4/9 while Marseille 4th in the french ligue are 9/4.
Spanish sides have won 5 of the last 8 Europa leagues while a French team has never won this cup.
2-0 Atletico both goals from Griezmann.
3-0 very much a routine win. Hard to believe that Atletico Madrid can be so well organised in defence while their more famous and wealthy neighbours up the road Real Madrid are the very opposite.
Arsenal should break the bank to get Simeone
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 16, 2018, 07:11:48 PM
Europa League Final on tonight. Atletico Madrid 2nd in La Liga priced at 4/9 while Marseille 4th in the french ligue are 9/4.
Spanish sides have won 5 of the last 8 Europa leagues while a French team has never won this cup.
Atletico were evens to win in 90. Always underrated by bookies
Quote from: Insane Bolt on May 16, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
Arsenal should break the bank to get Simeone
Great manager but would he fit the arsenal way? Bit like Jose at Utd
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 16, 2018, 09:33:54 PM
3-0 very much a routine win. Hard to believe that Atletico Madrid can be so well organised in defence while their more famous and wealthy neighbours up the road Real Madrid are the very opposite.
In case you missed it, it's because you don't build the biggest brand in soccer off the back of boring, defensive football. See: Man United, Barcelona, Bayern, even Man City now.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 16, 2018, 09:33:54 PM
3-0 very much a routine win. Hard to believe that Atletico Madrid can be so well organised in defence while their more famous and wealthy neighbours up the road Real Madrid are the very opposite.
The win is either very good news for Lyon or very good news for Marseille.
Saturday night will now be interesting.
Lyon v The Biscuits who also need a win or draw and Marseille v Earl of Aldborough/Baron Baltinglass/The Train Station. (a lot of interest in this because of the Irish connection)
Lyon with a one point advantage going into the last.
Quote from: Syferus on May 16, 2018, 09:53:35 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 16, 2018, 09:33:54 PM
3-0 very much a routine win. Hard to believe that Atletico Madrid can be so well organised in defence while their more famous and wealthy neighbours up the road Real Madrid are the very opposite.
In case you missed it, its becauze you dont build the biggest brand in soccer off the back of boring, defensive football. See: Man United, Barcelona, Bayern, even Man City now.
Manchester City suffered an early Champions league exit because they left themselves wide open defensively against Liverpool. The good Barcelona,Bayern Munich and Manchester United sides that were winning European cups were also good in defence the current Real Madrid side are not and they are ideal opponents for a free scoring Liverpool side to play in the final.
Great finish to German Cup Final there, big underdogs Frankfurt beating Bayern 3-1. Video ref denied Bayern a penalty to equalize in injury time which could have been given. Frankfurt break up the field and walk into an empty net for 3-1. Chaos
Bizarre game in Italy with Inter beating Lazio to pip them to Champions League place. Lazio were 2 1 up when they gave away a penalty. The player in question is joining Inter next season.
Decided against watching that game because I thought GD was the tiebreaker; didn't realize it was head to head.
Iniesta played his last ever game for Barca last night. Incredible career and one of the few players who seems to be genuinely respected and admired by fans of rival clubs.
One of the all time greats. The midfield partnership he and Xavi had for over a decade with Messi in front was a joy to watch.
Quote from: TabClear on May 21, 2018, 09:14:34 AM
Iniesta played his last ever game for Barca last night. Incredible career and one of the few players who seems to be genuinely respected and admired by fans of rival clubs.
One of the all time greats. The midfield partnership he and Xavi had for over a decade with Messi in front was a joy to watch.
This photo says it all
http://www.footballticketsbarcelona.com/fc-barcelona-news/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/tumblr_m5uyqzmh371rquh4lo1_1280.jpg
Zidane gone!
Mad stuff altogether Ted!
Quote from: GJL on May 31, 2018, 12:15:26 PM
Zidane gone!
Mad stuff altogether Ted!
Fair play to him, leaves on his own terms and on a high, few Real Madrid managers have done that over the years.
For some reason Zidane doesn't seem that well regarded as a manager, a bit like his Madrid team aren't rated amongst the best ever despite winning 4 of the last 5 European Cups. His next move will be interesting, I don't see an obvious one for him.
Get out before Ronaldo or he'll spend the next lot of years trying to replace the irreplaceable
It probably increases the chances of Bale staying..
Quote from: Boycey on May 31, 2018, 12:31:54 PM
For some reason Zidane doesn't seem that well regarded as a manager, a bit like his Madrid team aren't rated amongst the best ever despite winning 4 of the last 5 European Cups. His next move will be interesting, I don't see an obvious one for him.
It seems in Spain managers are rated higher for winning league titles than cups. You need a fair bit of luck to win any cup and they had their fair share of it in the Champions league this season. Will be interesting to see where he goes next didn't he say he would never manage PSG? maybe he will replace Conte at Chelsea.
Yeah first club I thought of that he might go to was Chelsea also.
Zidane is Marseille isnt he, so will never manage PSG.
Is Sarri not nailed on for Chelsea??
Wenger to Madrid ;D or some people saying Poch!!
Could possibly go to Liverpool, might be that extra edge to get over the line in finals ;)
How many years has Klopp got ?
http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/real-madrid/86/blog/post/3514258/why-zinedine-zidane-really-left-real-madrid
Good piece from Gabriele Marcotti on Zidanes tenure and Madrid's future..
Ronaldo to Juventus is done - 100m yo-yos
https://twitter.com/guardian_sport/status/1016705411427323905
Sure Man United fans didn't want him anyway....
Good move for all concerned plus obviously we don't have to buy him now 8)
VivaRonaldo
United fans would have taken him back in a heartbeat, as would any other team in the PL.
But when you look at the figures it doesnt make a whole lot of sense even with his ability to generate income. With the images rights all tied up very little of that comes the way of the club.
It would have been more nostalgia than a choice for the future. Plus the chances of the two big egos working would be next to nil.
Also I dont think there has ever been any real or true sense that the player himself would have returned regardless.
Will be really interesting to see how he goes with Juve and if he can get them over the line in the CL. As well as the merry-go-round of players being lined up to replace him at RM.
I reckon he'll bag 30+ goals a season no problem and I wouldn't rule out 40+. If he stays 3 years he'll score well over 100 goals. The man is a freak and he's not done yet.
Utd should have bought him. Paid out £150m and give him £50m a year. f**k it, it's not like Utd or any other team are spending our money.
Juventus could win the champions league now.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 11, 2018, 10:04:27 AM
Juventus could win the champions league now.
Emre Can could be the final piece of the jigsaw alright....
Quote from: trailer on July 11, 2018, 10:00:16 AM
I reckon he'll bag 30+ goals a season no problem and I wouldn't rule out 40+. If he stays 3 years he'll score well over 100 goals. The man is a freak and he's not done yet.
Utd should have bought him. Paid out £150m and give him £50m a year. f**k it, it's not like Utd or any other team are spending our money.
30+ goals in Serie A has been done twice in the last 60 years. Not a chance he scores 40+.
Quote from: NAG1 on July 11, 2018, 09:45:56 AM
United fans would have taken him back in a heartbeat, as would any other team in the PL.
But when you look at the figures it doesnt make a whole lot of sense even with his ability to generate income. With the images rights all tied up very little of that comes the way of the club.
It would have been more nostalgia than a choice for the future. Plus the chances of the two big egos working would be next to nil.
Also I dont think there has ever been any real or true sense that the player himself would have returned regardless.
Will be really interesting to see how he goes with Juve and if he can get them over the line in the CL. As well as the merry-go-round of players being lined up to replace him at RM.
[/b]
This will be interesting. Salah would be on the list you would imagine but signed a new 5 year deal a couple of weeks ago, whatever that is worth these days. Neymar and Mbappe would be the two most likely I would imagine with potentially Dybala going the other way. Harry Kane's agent might be getting a call as well.
Quote from: TabClear on July 11, 2018, 10:21:01 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on July 11, 2018, 09:45:56 AM
United fans would have taken him back in a heartbeat, as would any other team in the PL.
But when you look at the figures it doesnt make a whole lot of sense even with his ability to generate income. With the images rights all tied up very little of that comes the way of the club.
It would have been more nostalgia than a choice for the future. Plus the chances of the two big egos working would be next to nil.
Also I dont think there has ever been any real or true sense that the player himself would have returned regardless.
Will be really interesting to see how he goes with Juve and if he can get them over the line in the CL. As well as the merry-go-round of players being lined up to replace him at RM.
[/b]
This will be interesting. Salah would be on the list you would imagine but signed a new 5 year deal a couple of weeks ago, whatever that is worth these days. Neymar and Mbappe would be the two most likely I would imagine with potentially Dybala going the other way. Harry Kane's agent might be getting a call as well.
Yeah thats true for all of those actually, most have signed up recently to long term contracts so could be a massive move for any of them Lots of chat about Coutinhnio to PSG as well. It does free up serious money in terms of contracts for RM.
Be interesting to see if they test Liverpool with a bid or if they wait to see if Salah can back up his form of last season.
Quote from: gallsman on July 11, 2018, 10:19:37 AM
Quote from: trailer on July 11, 2018, 10:00:16 AM
I reckon he'll bag 30+ goals a season no problem and I wouldn't rule out 40+. If he stays 3 years he'll score well over 100 goals. The man is a freak and he's not done yet.
Utd should have bought him. Paid out £150m and give him £50m a year. f**k it, it's not like Utd or any other team are spending our money.
30+ goals in Serie A has been done twice in the last 60 years. Not a chance he scores 40+.
This isn't Luca Toni we are talking about. It's Ronaldo.
Quote from: trailer on July 11, 2018, 11:11:44 AM
Quote from: gallsman on July 11, 2018, 10:19:37 AM
Quote from: trailer on July 11, 2018, 10:00:16 AM
I reckon he'll bag 30+ goals a season no problem and I wouldn't rule out 40+. If he stays 3 years he'll score well over 100 goals. The man is a freak and he's not done yet.
Utd should have bought him. Paid out £150m and give him £50m a year. f**k it, it's not like Utd or any other team are spending our money.
30+ goals in Serie A has been done twice in the last 60 years. Not a chance he scores 40+.
This isn't Luca Toni we are talking about. It's Ronaldo.
I repeat. Not a chance he'll get 40+.
They got 86 league goals last season plus whatever they did in Europe/Cup competitions so 30 or even 40 goals would hardly be beyond him?
The diverging paths of Ronaldo and Rooney are something else. And Wazza was the bigger star at one point.
He'll earn almost 73k per day at Juve.
Quote from: Boycey on July 11, 2018, 12:15:10 PM
They got 86 league goals last season plus whatever they did in Europe/Cup competitions so 30 or even 40 goals would hardly be beyond him?
We're talking about Serie A. At least I am.
Quote from: Jeepers Creepers on July 11, 2018, 12:49:04 PM
He'll earn almost 73k per day at Juve.
Not far off an Electricians daily rate. 8)
Quote from: Syferus on July 11, 2018, 12:45:13 PM
The diverging paths of Ronaldo and Rooney are something else. And Wazza was the bigger star at one point.
Whatever people think about Ronaldo he has kept himself in unbelievable shape. Rooney was/is a serious athlete but I doubt he was as disciplined as CR7 when it came to "lifestyle" choices. Tom Brady in the NFL would be something similar, hence the longevity.
Quote from: TabClear on July 11, 2018, 01:13:31 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 11, 2018, 12:45:13 PM
The diverging paths of Ronaldo and Rooney are something else. And Wazza was the bigger star at one point.
Whatever people think about Ronaldo he has kept himself in unbelievable shape. Rooney was/is a serious athlete but I doubt he was as disciplined as CR7 when it came to "lifestyle" choices. Tom Brady in the NFL would be something similar, hence the longevity.
I don't think you could ever classify Rooney as a serious/great "athlete". Always felt he could have worked a bit harder to get himself into better shape, whilst acknowledging that footballers don't necessarily need to look like bodybuilders like Ronaldo.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 11, 2018, 10:04:27 AM
Juventus could win the champions league now.
Could easily have won it this year remember it took a late penalty for Real Madrid to scrape over the line against them. Good signing for Juve 2 or 3 good seasons left in him while massive boots for Real Madrid to fill.
Quote from: gallsman on July 11, 2018, 12:56:00 PM
Quote from: Boycey on July 11, 2018, 12:15:10 PM
They got 86 league goals last season plus whatever they did in Europe/Cup competitions so 30 or even 40 goals would hardly be beyond him?
.
We're talking about Serie A. At least I am.
OK, well Higuaín got 36 goals in Serie A a few years back so maybe Ronnie getting 40+ isn't that outlandish. Juve are in danger or rather the League is in danger of them leaving everyone behind..
Elevensports have Spanish & Italian football for 2018/19. f**k that
Ronaldo just after been sent off.
2 nil Pogba and Ron gets sent off so he can't play against his old team and City are dung tonight!
Quote from: laoislad on September 19, 2018, 08:32:57 PM
Ronaldo just after been sent off.
very soft red card. Can juve appeal??
Red card should stand for his petulance after getting card. Said it all about him. He may have been a great player at times but he was always an unlikeable tit.
City have lost 2-1 at home against Lyon.
Quote from: Carmen Stateside on September 19, 2018, 09:28:36 PM
Red card should stand for his petulance after getting card. Said it all about him. He may have been a great player at times but he was always an unlikeable tit.
Have a word with urself ;D
Also unless UEFA have changed their rules recently there is no room for appeal..
Quote from: Carmen Stateside on September 19, 2018, 09:28:36 PM
Red card should stand for his petulance after getting card. Said it all about him. He may have been a great player at times but he was always an unlikeable tit.
I like how you're talking about the odds on favourite to win this year's Ballon d'Or in the past tense. Salty like seawater.
;D ;D
That Memphis fella look good for Lyon tonight. Man United should try and sign him...
Quote from: laoislad on September 19, 2018, 10:21:14 PM
That Memphis fella look good for Lyon tonight. Man United should try and sign him...
They have a buy back clause so can if they want
Some amount of football on this new Virgin Media Sport.
I currently have access to 7 Europa League games and there will be 7 more live on tonight. Had every Champions League game on live on various Virgin Sport channels the last two nights.
Bit OTT maybe having all the Europa League games, Vidi v Bate Borisov isn't exactly as watchable as say Juve v Valencia. Bate are 1 up if anyone is interested :)
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on September 19, 2018, 08:55:57 PM
2 nil Pogba and Ron gets sent off so he can't play against his old team and City are dung tonight!
One game automatic ban in Europe with it going to a panel for potential extra games...him acting like a child afterwards and not getting off the pitch might add to the suspension
Quote from: gawa316 on September 20, 2018, 07:06:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on September 19, 2018, 08:55:57 PM
2 nil Pogba and Ron gets sent off so he can't play against his old team and City are dung tonight!
One game automatic ban in Europe with it going to a panel for potential extra games...him acting like a child afterwards and not getting off the pitch might add to the suspension
It's a funny old game! You can give a keeper concussion and rip someone's shoulder out of its socket and not get a foul against you in the same game, but the minute you rustle someone's hair you'll get 3 match ban!
Not sure which one is more funny though
Leganes who was bottom of the La Liga table beat Barcelona tonight.
Shambolic stuff. Saw the first half hour and they looked great.
Sevilla 3 Real Madrid 0 at half time. A strange night in La Liga.
Just the one game ban for Ronaldo
Quote from: gawa316 on September 27, 2018, 02:00:24 PM
Just the one game ban for Ronaldo
As expected was nothing in that sending off.
Spain 0 England 3 at half time. England's last away win in Spain came in 1987.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on October 15, 2018, 08:46:58 PM
Spain 0 England 3 at half time. England's last away win in Spain came in 1987.
Suppose it's coming home again then?
In fairness they were very good particularly in the 1st half, although unsurprisingly Sky did lose the run of themselves a bit post match.
El Clasico on today, it doesn't feel the same with no Ronaldo and Messi playing.
Barcelona top after a 5-1 win. The champions of Europe Real Madrid way down in 9th place.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on October 28, 2018, 05:12:51 PM
Barcelona top after a 5-1 win. The champions of Europe Real Madrid way down in 9th place.
surely has to be the end for madrid manager after that result. Conte waiting in the wings.
He's gone
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45935137
Not European I know but did anyone else watch the Copa Libertadores Final 1st leg tonight between Boca Juniors and River Plate?
Some atmosphere,decent enough game also.
Quote from: laoislad on November 11, 2018, 10:41:50 PM
Not European I know but did anyone else watch the Copa Libertadores Final 1st leg tonight between Boca Juniors and River Plate?
Some atmosphere,decent enough game also.
Was it as good as the Turin game?
Quote from: laoislad on November 11, 2018, 10:41:50 PM
Not European I know but did anyone else watch the Copa Libertadores Final 1st leg tonight between Boca Juniors and River Plate?
Some atmosphere,decent enough game also.
Missed it, when is the next game?
Dortmund v Bayern was a cracker, Sancho looks like a real talent. Won't be long out in Germany.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on November 14, 2018, 01:39:44 PM
Quote from: laoislad on November 11, 2018, 10:41:50 PM
Not European I know but did anyone else watch the Copa Libertadores Final 1st leg tonight between Boca Juniors and River Plate?
Some atmosphere,decent enough game also.
Missed it, when is the next game?
Dortmund v Bayern was a cracker, Sancho looks like a real talent. Won't be long out in Germany.
Illustrates the problems that young english talent have in the PL at the big clubs to get an opportunity. At Man City for example, Sancho/Foden i think will both be stars in future years but if you are behind the likes of David Silva/KDB in the pecking order how are you ever going to get a chance? Sancho had to leave and Foden is getting limited game time.
Quote from: TabClear on November 14, 2018, 03:24:58 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on November 14, 2018, 01:39:44 PM
Quote from: laoislad on November 11, 2018, 10:41:50 PM
Not European I know but did anyone else watch the Copa Libertadores Final 1st leg tonight between Boca Juniors and River Plate?
Some atmosphere,decent enough game also.
Missed it, when is the next game?
Dortmund v Bayern was a cracker, Sancho looks like a real talent. Won't be long out in Germany.
Illustrates the problems that young english talent have in the PL at the big clubs to get an opportunity. At Man City for example, Sancho/Foden i think will both be stars in future years but if you are behind the likes of David Silva/KDB in the pecking order how are you ever going to get a chance? Sancho had to leave and Foden is getting limited game time.
You'd have to be as good as Messi, Ronaldo, Rooney or Mbappe were at 18 to be getting in the City starting team, thinking about it Ronaldo at 18 wouldn't have been good enough.
Even if City loaned Foden out I don't think he'd start in any other premier league team just yet. He's too small, this time next year will be different.
I've seen so many top class English youngsters aged 17/18/19 that I'd consider very special; There going to have another Golden generation with Gomes & Greenwood at United, Foden, Sancho, Gibbs-White, Reiss Nelson, Sessegnon & Hudson-Odoi. That England team that won the u17 world cup is the best youth team I've ever seen.
Greenwood is progressing very quickly at United, he's just turned 17. In terms of how good Giggs was at 17 I don't think he's too far off that.
2nd leg of the Copa tonight at 8pm, should be mental.
Real madrid beaten 3-0 by eibar :o
Quote from: Boycey on November 24, 2018, 01:16:09 PM
2nd leg of the Copa tonight at 8pm, should be mental.
See it's on Freesports on the Sky platform- Ch422.
Boca bus attacked on way to the ground, match is either delayed or postponed altogether depending on which reports you believe. Also reports that FIFA have told Boca they'll be disqualified if they dont field.
Crazy fcukers
Quote from: Boycey on November 24, 2018, 09:49:12 PM
Boca bus attacked on way to the ground, match is either delayed or postponed altogether depending on which reports you believe. Also reports that FIFA have told Boca they'll be disqualified if they dont field.
Crazy fcukers
been postponed until tomorrow night, 8pm kick off. No way it could've been played this evening, crazy scenes.
No game tonight either..
Boca/ river plate called off again.
https://twitter.com/rightbankwarsaw/status/1068267487500951552
lyon striker ada hegerberg wins the 1st womens ballon d'or, when shes getting her award the presenter asks her if she knows how to twerk, good to see some good old fashioned sexism is alive and well.
luca modric won the mens award. messi only came 5th behind modric, ronaldo, griezmann amd mbappe.
Quote from: SHEEDY on December 03, 2018, 10:16:19 PM
lyon striker ada hegerberg wins the 1st womens ballon d'or, when shes getting her award the presenter asks her if she knows how to twerk, good to see some good old fashioned sexism is alive and well.
luca modric won the mens award. messi only came 5th behind modric, ronaldo, griezmann amd mbappe.
5th the mighty has fallen. Since 2008 the Ballon d'Or award has been won by either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, some dominance there.
Quote from: SHEEDY on December 03, 2018, 10:16:19 PM
lyon striker ada hegerberg wins the 1st womens ballon d'or, when shes getting her award the presenter asks her if she knows how to twerk, good to see some good old fashioned sexism is alive and well.
Can she though?
Can Modric?
Bit of a joke to see Messi at 5th, plus De Gea not even on the list is a disgrace.
Just looking there - David Beckham was runner up for the prize in 1999!
Beckam was hardly in the top 5 players at United in 1999!
(https://e00-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2018/12/03/15438743844509.jpg)
River Plate and Boca going to have another try tonight in Madrid, I wonder what madness awaits us tonight?
1-1 with 5 mins left, 3-3 on aggregate. No away goals, has to end tonight.
Quote from: Boycey on December 09, 2018, 09:14:06 PM
1-1 with 5 mins left, 3-3 on aggregate. No away goals, has to end tonight.
Looking like penalties. Be interesting to know how many supporters travelled from Argentina for this game.
Some strike there.
CSKA bet Real Madrid 3-0 in Bernabeu tonight and that result still doesn't stop them from finishing last in the group and out of Europe.
A brilliant contest between Ajax and Bayern for top spot.
Ajax will be the team to avoid for the table toppers in the last 16 draw.
Round of 16 Champions league Qualifiers
Group winners
Dortmund
Barcelona
PSG
Porto
Bayern Munich
Man City
Real Madrid
Juventus
Group runners up
Atletico Madrid
Tottenham
Liverpool
Schalke
Man United
Ajax
Lyon
Roma
Draw on Monday
Dortmund and Porto are the only teams Utd would have a hope of getting past. The rest will duff them
Liverpool to draw Dortmund
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:00:58 PM
Dortmund and Porto are the only teams Utd would have a hope of getting past. The rest will duff them
Liverpool to draw Dortmund
It would take someone who hasn't even checked the form Dortmund are in to suggest they could lose to United.
Well done.
Quote from: Syferus on December 12, 2018, 11:40:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:00:58 PM
Dortmund and Porto are the only teams Utd would have a hope of getting past. The rest will duff them
Liverpool to draw Dortmund
It would take someone who hasn't even checked the form Dortmund are in to suggest they could lose to United.
Well done.
Ok, I bow to your superior knowledge of European football! Dortmund being the big hitters on the CL stage, they'd be the ones with the history of winning it.. it's a cup competition at this stage, games won't be played till after the new year..
No one will want Madrid and their form is the worst. Though it shows you how they were a one man team for a few seasons
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:48:59 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 12, 2018, 11:40:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:00:58 PM
Dortmund and Porto are the only teams Utd would have a hope of getting past. The rest will duff them
Liverpool to draw Dortmund
It would take someone who hasn't even checked the form Dortmund are in to suggest they could lose to United.
Well done.
Ok, I bow to your superior knowledge of European football! Dortmund being the big hitters on the CL stage, they'd be the ones with the history of winning it.. it's a cup competition at this stage, games won't be played till after the new year..
No one will want Madrid and their form is the worst. Though it shows you how they were a one man team for a few seasons
You'd have to miss the barn door with a banjo to write something so dumb that makes Sy look an expert ;D
In all likliehood, Dortmund would wánk over Man U in a last 16 tie.
Present form means nothing for games to be played in February. Injuries, drop in form, January acquisitions, so many factors before the next round.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on December 13, 2018, 07:02:20 AM
Present form means nothing for games to be played in February. Injuries, drop in form, January acquisitions, so many factors before the next round.
I wrote, in all likelihood, a probability. And present form does count in the scheme of things. Some teams would need a miracle to happen in order for their chances of progress to improve from their present state.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on December 13, 2018, 07:02:20 AM
Present form means nothing for games to be played in February. Injuries, drop in form, January acquisitions, so many factors before the next round.
Exactly, Madrid have routinely been off the pace in Spain at this time of the year. Come February they are a different proposition.
Although I suspect the loss of Ronaldo and his influence might not see them as feared this year.
Quote from: Main Street on December 13, 2018, 12:18:39 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:48:59 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 12, 2018, 11:40:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:00:58 PM
Dortmund and Porto are the only teams Utd would have a hope of getting past. The rest will duff them
Liverpool to draw Dortmund
It would take someone who hasn't even checked the form Dortmund are in to suggest they could lose to United.
Well done.
Ok, I bow to your superior knowledge of European football! Dortmund being the big hitters on the CL stage, they'd be the ones with the history of winning it.. it's a cup competition at this stage, games won't be played till after the new year..
No one will want Madrid and their form is the worst. Though it shows you how they were a one man team for a few seasons
You'd have to miss the barn door with a banjo to write something so dumb that makes Sy look an expert ;D
In all likliehood, Dortmund would wánk over Man U in a last 16 tie.
The bit in Bold you didnt read, or Sy for that matter
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 13, 2018, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: Main Street on December 13, 2018, 12:18:39 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:48:59 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 12, 2018, 11:40:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:00:58 PM
Dortmund and Porto are the only teams Utd would have a hope of getting past. The rest will duff them
Liverpool to draw Dortmund
It would take someone who hasn't even checked the form Dortmund are in to suggest they could lose to United.
Well done.
Ok, I bow to your superior knowledge of European football! Dortmund being the big hitters on the CL stage, they'd be the ones with the history of winning it.. it's a cup competition at this stage, games won't be played till after the new year..
No one will want Madrid and their form is the worst. Though it shows you how they were a one man team for a few seasons
You'd have to miss the barn door with a banjo to write something so dumb that makes Sy look an expert ;D
In all likliehood, Dortmund would wánk over Man U in a last 16 tie.
The bit in Bold you didnt read, or Sy for that matter
Thanks, understood better now.
Hope springs eternal.
Borussia Dortmund's first league defeat of the season tonight against Fortuna one of the worst teams in the Bundesliga.
Syferus should be on to tell you that you're full of shit
Real down to 10 and losing at home, Jose be back at work in no time .
Quote from: Main Street on December 13, 2018, 01:36:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 13, 2018, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: Main Street on December 13, 2018, 12:18:39 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:48:59 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 12, 2018, 11:40:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:00:58 PM
Dortmund and Porto are the only teams Utd would have a hope of getting past. The rest will duff them
Liverpool to draw Dortmund
It would take someone who hasn't even checked the form Dortmund are in to suggest they could lose to United.
Well done.
Ok, I bow to your superior knowledge of European football! Dortmund being the big hitters on the CL stage, they'd be the ones with the history of winning it.. it's a cup competition at this stage, games won't be played till after the new year..
No one will want Madrid and their form is the worst. Though it shows you how they were a one man team for a few seasons
You'd have to miss the barn door with a banjo to write something so dumb that makes Sy look an expert ;D
In all likliehood, Dortmund would wánk over Man U in a last 16 tie.
The bit in Bold you didnt read, or Sy for that matter
Thanks, understood better now.
Hope springs eternal.
Dortmund clearly struggled against a team without their main man, but hey what would I know !
After last night double bore fest, can we expect goals?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 20, 2019, 07:31:39 PM
After last night double bore fest, can we expect goals?
The goal keepers were a little under worked last night. City should be too strong for a 14th placed German team. Juve v Atletico is arguably the tie of the round, hopefully it's a good watch.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on February 20, 2019, 07:49:52 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 20, 2019, 07:31:39 PM
After last night double bore fest, can we expect goals?
The goal keepers were a little under worked last night. City should be too strong for a 14th placed German team. Juve v Atletico is arguably the tie of the round, hopefully it's a good watch.
As an interest I went for over 3 goals and 9 or more corners!
Nearly paid out by half time!!
I've said it on the Premier League thread and I'll add it here VAR my hole...
Watched Atletico v Juve last night. No doubt that Atletico deserved the win and Godin is a legend, but they are one horrible team. Juve not far behind them in that regard. Diving, cheating, playacting, etc. Hard to stomach.
I know the English teams are no angels, but it's generally the odd individual, whereas it just seems systemic in Europe. You wouldn't want to watch too much of it or you'd be supporting all the English teams in the European competitions!
Quote from: Hound on February 21, 2019, 06:37:47 AM
Watched Atletico v Juve last night. No doubt that Atletico deserved the win and Godin is a legend, but they are one horrible team. Juve not far behind them in that regard. Diving, cheating, playacting, etc. Hard to stomach.
I know the English teams are no angels, but it's generally the odd individual, whereas it just seems systemic in Europe. You wouldn't want to watch too much of it or you'd be supporting all the English teams in the European competitions!
They play in the image of their manager and his reaction to the first goal said it all. https://streamable.com/n8xud
To be fair to him he has a very impressive record at Atletico and if they knock out Juve their tails will be up and be a match for any team in the next round.
Spanish football on ITV for rest of season including El Classico.
Quote from: mrdeeds on February 23, 2019, 12:11:51 AM
Spanish football on ITV for rest of season including El Classico.
Doesn't include the Clásico
Messi scored a hat-trick in a 4-2 win today for Barcelona his 50th hat-trick of his career.
Ramos just can't help himself. Beats Messi to the ball, comfortably has it and is away from him but just can't resist having a swipe.
That's El Classico, the football quality and rivalry is pure spectacle.
The new way to celebrate goals or only for Mario? https://twitter.com/MundialMag/status/1102307893859282946
Plenty of egg on Ramos' face right now.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 20, 2019, 07:31:39 PM
Quote from: Main Street on December 13, 2018, 01:36:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 13, 2018, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: Main Street on December 13, 2018, 12:18:39 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:48:59 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 12, 2018, 11:40:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:00:58 PM
Dortmund and Porto are the only teams Utd would have a hope of getting past. The rest will duff them
Liverpool to draw Dortmund
It would take someone who hasn't even checked the form Dortmund are in to suggest they could lose to United.
Well done.
Ok, I bow to your superior knowledge of European football! Dortmund being the big hitters on the CL stage, they'd be the ones with the history of winning it.. it's a cup competition at this stage, games won't be played till after the new year..
No one will want Madrid and their form is the worst. Though it shows you how they were a one man team for a few seasons
You'd have to miss the barn door with a banjo to write something so dumb that makes Sy look an expert ;D
In all likliehood, Dortmund would wánk over Man U in a last 16 tie.
The bit in Bold you didnt read, or Sy for that matter
Thanks, understood better now.
Hope springs eternal.
Dortmund clearly struggled against a team without their main man, but hey what would I know !
After last night double bore fest, can we expect goals?
Main Street hows it going in this match?
Quote from: Main Street on March 05, 2019, 08:23:17 PM
Plenty of egg on Ramos' face right now.
3-0 now to Ajax. Real Madrid have completely lost their aura since Ronaldo and Zidane left.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 05, 2019, 09:19:09 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 20, 2019, 07:31:39 PM
Quote from: Main Street on December 13, 2018, 01:36:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 13, 2018, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: Main Street on December 13, 2018, 12:18:39 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:48:59 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 12, 2018, 11:40:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:00:58 PM
Dortmund and Porto are the only teams Utd would have a hope of getting past. The rest will duff them
Liverpool to draw Dortmund
It would take someone who hasn't even checked the form Dortmund are in to suggest they could lose to United.
Well done.
Ok, I bow to your superior knowledge of European football! Dortmund being the big hitters on the CL stage, they'd be the ones with the history of winning it.. it's a cup competition at this stage, games won't be played till after the new year..
No one will want Madrid and their form is the worst. Though it shows you how they were a one man team for a few seasons
You'd have to miss the barn door with a banjo to write something so dumb that makes Sy look an expert ;D
In all likliehood, Dortmund would wánk over Man U in a last 16 tie.
The bit in Bold you didnt read, or Sy for that matter
Thanks, understood better now.
Hope springs eternal.
Dortmund clearly struggled against a team without their main man, but hey what would I know !
After last night double bore fest, can we expect goals?
Main Street hows it going in this match?
Obviously Spurs are are in another dimension than that overrated Manchester outfit:)
I like this incarnation of Spurs.
I'm watching Ajax, 'awesome' game.
Who wrote "No one will want Madrid"?
83rd min, Madrid couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo
followed by miss of the millennium by Ajax, truly astonishing.
I guess the Madrid fans were so confident that they didn't think to bring their white hankies.
Incredible stuff. Madrid have now lost 4 home games in a row. Conceded 10 against 2 scored. Dumped out of 3 competitions in 6 days.
Mourinho in.
Quote from: gallsman on March 05, 2019, 09:57:53 PM
Incredible stuff. Madrid have now lost 4 home games in a row. Conceded 10 against 2 scored. Dumped out of 3 competitions in 6 days.
Mourinho in.
It's that bad, eh?
Quote from: Main Street on March 05, 2019, 09:39:28 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 05, 2019, 09:19:09 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 20, 2019, 07:31:39 PM
Quote from: Main Street on December 13, 2018, 01:36:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 13, 2018, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: Main Street on December 13, 2018, 12:18:39 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:48:59 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 12, 2018, 11:40:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:00:58 PM
Dortmund and Porto are the only teams Utd would have a hope of getting past. The rest will duff them
Liverpool to draw Dortmund
It would take someone who hasn't even checked the form Dortmund are in to suggest they could lose to United.
Well done.
Ok, I bow to your superior knowledge of European football! Dortmund being the big hitters on the CL stage, they'd be the ones with the history of winning it.. it's a cup competition at this stage, games won't be played till after the new year..
No one will want Madrid and their form is the worst. Though it shows you how they were a one man team for a few seasons
You'd have to miss the barn door with a banjo to write something so dumb that makes Sy look an expert ;D
In all likliehood, Dortmund would wánk over Man U in a last 16 tie.
The bit in Bold you didnt read, or Sy for that matter
Thanks, understood better now.
Hope springs eternal.
Dortmund clearly struggled against a team without their main man, but hey what would I know !
After last night double bore fest, can we expect goals?
Main Street hows it going in this match?
Obviously Spurs are are in another dimension than that overrated Manchester outfit:)
I like this incarnation of Spurs.
I'm watching Ajax, 'awesome' game.
Who wrote "No one will want Madrid"?
Madrid aren't the same without the ex Utd lad, forget his name ;)
But Dortumund are brilliant! Spurs be lucky to finish top four, see a post by some ejjit claiming Celtic are on a level with Ajax ;D
Quote from: Main Street on March 05, 2019, 10:00:17 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 05, 2019, 09:57:53 PM
Incredible stuff. Madrid have now lost 4 home games in a row. Conceded 10 against 2 scored. Dumped out of 3 competitions in 6 days.
Mourinho in.
It's that bad, eh?
It's a cast iron certainty they go back to him.
Quote from: gallsman on March 05, 2019, 10:10:25 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 05, 2019, 10:00:17 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 05, 2019, 09:57:53 PM
Incredible stuff. Madrid have now lost 4 home games in a row. Conceded 10 against 2 scored. Dumped out of 3 competitions in 6 days.
Mourinho in.
It's that bad, eh?
It's a cast iron certainty they go back to him.
Seriously? That would be disastrous for them Imo
Quote from: HiMucker on March 05, 2019, 10:33:34 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 05, 2019, 10:10:25 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 05, 2019, 10:00:17 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 05, 2019, 09:57:53 PM
Incredible stuff. Madrid have now lost 4 home games in a row. Conceded 10 against 2 scored. Dumped out of 3 competitions in 6 days.
Mourinho in.
It's that bad, eh?
It's a cast iron certainty they go back to him.
Seriously? That would be disastrous for them Imo
Of course it is, but Perez has routinely made disastrous decisions over the years.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 05, 2019, 10:03:17 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 05, 2019, 09:39:28 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 05, 2019, 09:19:09 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 20, 2019, 07:31:39 PM
Quote from: Main Street on December 13, 2018, 01:36:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 13, 2018, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: Main Street on December 13, 2018, 12:18:39 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:48:59 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 12, 2018, 11:40:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 12, 2018, 11:00:58 PM
Dortmund and Porto are the only teams Utd would have a hope of getting past. The rest will duff them
Liverpool to draw Dortmund
It would take someone who hasn't even checked the form Dortmund are in to suggest they could lose to United.
Well done.
Ok, I bow to your superior knowledge of European football! Dortmund being the big hitters on the CL stage, they'd be the ones with the history of winning it.. it's a cup competition at this stage, games won't be played till after the new year..
No one will want Madrid and their form is the worst. Though it shows you how they were a one man team for a few seasons
You'd have to miss the barn door with a banjo to write something so dumb that makes Sy look an expert ;D
In all likliehood, Dortmund would wánk over Man U in a last 16 tie.
The bit in Bold you didnt read, or Sy for that matter
Thanks, understood better now.
Hope springs eternal.
Dortmund clearly struggled against a team without their main man, but hey what would I know !
After last night double bore fest, can we expect goals?
Main Street hows it going in this match?
Obviously Spurs are are in another dimension than that overrated Manchester outfit:)
I like this incarnation of Spurs.
I'm watching Ajax, 'awesome' game.
Who wrote "No one will want Madrid"?
Madrid aren't the same without the ex Utd lad, forget his name ;)
But Dortumund are brilliant! Spurs be lucky to finish top four, see a post by some ejjit claiming Celtic are on a level with Ajax ;D
Dortumund ?? :D
Well, if you could understand english with a few morsels of accuracy, at least you'd see that ejit you refer to is not me who said that Celtic were on a par with Ajax. But comprehension is a stretch for a guy with a record like yourself on this board ;D
I'm not worried about spelling the word right Main Street. And I never said you said Celtic where on a par with Ajax, but knock yourself out.
Oh the irony of Irish people correcting people on their English grammar
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 06, 2019, 08:58:03 AM
I'm not worried about spelling the word right Main Street. And I never said you said Celtic where on a par with Ajax, but knock yourself out.
Oh the irony of Irish people correcting people on their English grammar
Grammer matters!!
The irony is Irish people salivating over financially doped english clubs.
So does grammar.
Quote from: playwiththewind1st on March 06, 2019, 12:04:27 PM
So does grammar.
A bit on the slow side are you? For all intensive purposes, usage of the word grammer in that context was a most obvious malapropism.
Is it likely that Klopp will get on his bike to Real Madrid at season's end?
Quote from: Main Street on March 07, 2019, 04:49:13 PM
Is it likely that Klopp will get on his bike to Real Madrid at season's end?
Would seem that way with Brendan heading back to Anfield for unfinished business. No slip ups this time
Quote from: Main Street on March 07, 2019, 04:47:45 PM
Quote from: playwiththewind1st on March 06, 2019, 12:04:27 PM
So does grammar.
A bit on the slow side are you? For all intensive purposes, usage of the word grammer in that context was a most obvious malapropism.
Not sure if you are joking again or serious ;D
Quote from: HiMucker on March 07, 2019, 05:29:34 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 07, 2019, 04:47:45 PM
Quote from: playwiththewind1st on March 06, 2019, 12:04:27 PM
So does grammar.
A bit on the slow side are you? For all intensive purposes, usage of the word grammer in that context was a most obvious malapropism.
Not sure if you are joking again or serious ;D
If in doubt, call a friend.
Keep digging :-[
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 07, 2019, 07:36:13 PM
Keep digging :-[
You wouldn't know a malapropism from a hole in the wall.
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with an amusing effect (e.g. 'dance a flamingo ' instead of flamenco ).
grammer / grammar doesn't fit this description
Quote from: Aristo 60 on March 08, 2019, 04:39:04 PM
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with an amusing effect (e.g. 'dance a flamingo ' instead of flamenco ).
grammer / grammar doesn't fit this description
No, Main Street knows his shit/pooh/crap/turd I'll bow to his knowledge of the queens English
Zidane back at Madrid signing a contract until 2022.
Dunno if anybody saw that coming.
Quote from: gallsman on March 11, 2019, 07:40:00 PM
Zidane back at Madrid signing a contract until 2022.
Dunno if anybody saw that coming.
A bit odd that he would return so soon but i suppose the money in that contract was too much to refuse and Perez has probably promised him a number of marquee signings this summer.
VAR strikes again.
Great goal from Ronaldo.
He's getting soft in his old age he just let someone else take a free kick ;D
That Ronaldo fella is still a big game player.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 12, 2019, 09:08:30 PM
That Ronaldo fella is still a big game player.
He's a cod..
Would never have been given without the goal line technology. Great game.
Quote from: Aristo 60 on March 08, 2019, 04:39:04 PM
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with an amusing effect (e.g. 'dance a flamingo ' instead of flamenco ).
grammer / grammar doesn't fit this description
Okay
How about calling it a spoonerism, an intentional malapropism for humourous effect.
Albeit a wasted effort, it must be said.
Quote from: laoislad on March 12, 2019, 09:11:10 PM
Would never have been given without the goal line technology. Great game.
That's where it works brilliantly, simple yes no scenarios, on subjective things not so much..
https://www.marca.com/en/football/spanish-football/2019/03/12/5c87f8f1ca4741b2718b45e9.html
The first leg of Atletico Madrid and Juventus' Champions League tie was not a good night for Cristiano Ronaldo, as his team lost 2-0 and as he was insulted and jeered by the fans at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.
Now, the Portuguese wants revenge in the second leg and has been repeatedly telling his close family and friends that Juventus will progress and that he'll score a hat-trick.
Quote from: Main Street on March 12, 2019, 09:12:08 PM
Quote from: Aristo 60 on March 08, 2019, 04:39:04 PM
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with an amusing effect (e.g. 'dance a flamingo ' instead of flamenco ).
grammer / grammar doesn't fit this description
Okay
How about calling it a spoonerism, an intentional malapropism for humourous effect.
Albeit a wasted effort, it must be said.
How about, f**king up ;D
Liverpool favourites to qualify and Bayern favourites to win game
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 13, 2019, 06:04:49 PM
Liverpool favourites to qualify and Bayern favourites to win game
Em?
Quote from: dec on March 13, 2019, 06:20:17 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 13, 2019, 06:17:26 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 13, 2019, 06:04:49 PM
Liverpool favourites to qualify and Bayern favourites to win game
Em?
Score draw puts Liverpool through
I know that but Bayern are 5/4 tonight and Liverpool are 12/5 over 90 minutes
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 13, 2019, 06:22:45 PM
Quote from: dec on March 13, 2019, 06:20:17 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 13, 2019, 06:17:26 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 13, 2019, 06:04:49 PM
Liverpool favourites to qualify and Bayern favourites to win game
Em?
Score draw puts Liverpool through
I know that but Bayern are 5/4 tonight and Liverpool are 12/5 over 90 minutes
I know you know that.
I was explaining why Bayern could be favourites to win the game but Liverpool could be favourites to go through.
Went for Bayern and Barca halftime full time
Liverpool should step up here. Bayern are poor. Mane goal was great, though what the goalkeeper was doing I'll never know
German teams used to be good. what has happened?
Guardiola should be be happy enough!
Quote from: Over the Bar on March 13, 2019, 09:51:38 PM
Guardiola should be be happy enough!
You still haven't told us what those 8 pubs were?
Bayern should be back, hands on knees begging forgiveness from Heynckes.
Brilliant from Messi tonight, some laugh out loud genius football talent. But there's still a huge gap to be filled, left by Iniesta and Xavi.
Quote from: laoislad on March 13, 2019, 10:01:51 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on March 13, 2019, 09:51:38 PM
Guardiola should be be happy enough!
You still haven't told us what those 8 pubs were?
How many threads need to be clogged with this childish sh!te. It's been 2 weeks ffs, let it go.
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on March 13, 2019, 11:29:45 PM
Quote from: laoislad on March 13, 2019, 10:01:51 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on March 13, 2019, 09:51:38 PM
Guardiola should be be happy enough!
You still haven't told us what those 8 pubs were?
How many threads need to be clogged with this childish sh!te. It's been 2 weeks ffs, let it go.
No keep it going, it shows up how much of a Cnut people can be
Ballot for Champions League Final tickets opens today and remains open for a week for anyone interested.
Cat 1 tickets are an eye-watering €600 down to €70 for Cat 4, I've had success 4 years out of 6/7 years applying.
how much are you normally making out of it Boycey? Or do you actually go?
Quote from: general on March 14, 2019, 03:21:57 PM
how much are you normally making out of it Boycey? Or do you actually go?
Making out of it?! Tout ****.
Went to 3, Juve/Milan, Utd/Chelsea and Barca/Utd gave the others away as a trade for Ryder Cup tickets... Wouldn't be for making money out of them.
I was looking at Madrid flights there, they are mental it's June Bank Holiday weekend but Spain is very accessible.
Messi on fire tonight. His hat trick goal was just ridiculous.
Quote from: laoislad on March 17, 2019, 10:23:55 PM
Messi on fire tonight. His hat trick goal was just ridiculous.
The free kick was probably the "worst" of the four Barca goals.
Quote from: gallsman on March 18, 2019, 10:48:54 AM
Quote from: laoislad on March 17, 2019, 10:23:55 PM
Messi on fire tonight. His hat trick goal was just ridiculous.
The free kick was probably the "worst" of the four Barca goals.
Fantastic article here on Messi. And his latest hat-trick.
Check out @BumperGraham's Tweet: https://twitter.com/BumperGraham/status/1108260449009786880?s=09
Quote from: ziggy90 on March 20, 2019, 07:01:07 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 18, 2019, 10:48:54 AM
Quote from: laoislad on March 17, 2019, 10:23:55 PM
Messi on fire tonight. His hat trick goal was just ridiculous.
The free kick was probably the "worst" of the four Barca goals.
Fantastic article here on Messi. And his latest hat-trick.
Check out @BumperGraham's Tweet: https://twitter.com/BumperGraham/status/1108260449009786880?s=09
I'm sure Klopp has a plan for Messi
Quote from: Boycey on March 14, 2019, 01:02:39 PM
Ballot for Champions League Final tickets opens today and remains open for a week for anyone interested.
Cat 1 tickets are an eye-watering €600 down to €70 for Cat 4, I've had success 4 years out of 6/7 years applying.
Did you get any tickets Boycey? Found out today I didn't get them.
Nah, got feck all...
Ajax are great to watch.
What's the story with Juve and Napoli changing their crest to Capital Letters?
Chelsea and Arsenal should be through now
Another great game between Juve and Ajax.
And there's the first goal from Ronaldo
1-1 What a game!
10/10 for simulation , an olympic standard, hop, step and jump into the penalty area by a Juve player. Juve are being too Italian now with their diving and complaining all over the pitch, Ajax have a great chance.
Arsenal goalkeepers become better when they become ex-Arsenal goalkeepers.
Thoroughly deserved by Ajax.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on April 16, 2019, 09:29:35 PM
Thoroughly deserved by Ajax.
Defo, they have been brilliant.
Enjoyable game. Should be up by more.
This is vintage Ajax, this would have Cruyff purring. If only Cruyff were out there to finish off the chances, Ajax would be 4 goals to the good.
Showing what can be achieved on a limited budget. Other teams in similar leagues should take note.
Should be winning by more. If this goal disallowed still think juve have a chance.
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 16, 2019, 09:41:38 PM
Should be winning by more. If this goal disallowed still think juve have a chance.
Brilliant goal, shame it was ruled out.
They are great to watch. Probably made better by watching Ronald spending his night gurning.
Ronaldo left sucking lemons.
Quote from: Main Street on April 16, 2019, 09:56:16 PM
Ronaldo left sucking lemons.
Aye, he's been hard done by during his career.
Putting Juventus out shows what you can do with a limited budget and a great academy
That's only twice I've had the pleasure of watching that Ajax team this season. They are a joy to watch. Unfortunately they will no doubt be torn apart by transfers this summer.
Quote from: lurganblue on April 17, 2019, 02:42:07 PM
That's only twice I've had the pleasure of watching that Ajax team this season. They are a joy to watch. Unfortunately they will no doubt be torn apart by transfers this summer.
Like Monaco who got to the semis 2 years ago and were flogged to the highest bidders shortly afterwards
Quote from: lurganblue on April 17, 2019, 02:42:07 PM
That's only twice I've had the pleasure of watching that Ajax team this season. They are a joy to watch. Unfortunately they will no doubt be torn apart by transfers this summer.
Frankie De Jong has signed pre contract for Barcelona, I think Matt De Ligt is to follow.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/04/17/love-letter-ajax-europes-exciting-team/
• Luke Edwards
17 April 2019 • 1:01pm
This is a love letter, a tribute to a team that has made me fall in love with football again and a club who have reminded us all that something pure remains unsullied in the beautiful game.
You may not fully appreciate how special Ajax are, not yet. You will probably be unaware of the journey this famous Dutch club has been on, the thinking behind the process that has brought them to the brink of a Champions League final for the first time in 23 years.
Ajax are amazing and I do not use those words lightly. They play with freedom of expression, they play like a team born in Amsterdam, that most artistic and rebellious of cities where you are allowed to indulge; where hedonism is a way of life and your creativity is nurtured and encouraged. If ever a football team symbolised its home city, it is Ajax.
It is an incredible team, not just a joy to behold, but remarkable because this is simply not supposed to happen in the modern game.
What makes them special, so unique, is that this Ajax team will not build a dynasty, they will not dominate. Ajax are like a butterfly, beautiful, bewitching, but already dying. Almost from the moment they spread their wings in Europe this season, long before they knocked out Real Madrid and Juventus in the knockout stage, they knew they were reaching the end of their time together.
They are a team to be cherished because these are already their final days. In the summer, this Ajax team will be broken up, their best players scattered around Europe's biggest clubs, spread all over the continent depending on who offers the most money to entice them away.
And consider this too – Ajax have produced more players, developed in their academy for three or more years, currently playing in Europe's top divisions than any other club in the world. This is not new, what is different, is that for once they have been allowed to grow and develop together. For the time being at least.
Speak to anyone connected with Ajax they will tell you it is inevitable the team will be torn apart. There is sadness, but it is fleeting because this team has made people proud.
It is a team designed to play to win, to never take a backward step, a team which intends to dominate, not merely to survive, even though that is what the club has been forced to do.
Watch Ajax play and you will see and you will, I'm sure, fall in love. The youngest side to reach the knockout stage of this year's Champions League has also been by far the best to watch.
The style of football has been likened to playing in the middle of whirlwind, such is the speed and power of those in Ajax shirts, they come at you with such unrelenting ferocity.
They pass and move with a speed not seen for years. Players with good technical ability, able to play in a variety of positions. They are the embodiment of the Total Football values that Dutch football has always prided itself on. They deserve their place alongside all the great Ajax sides of yesteryear, but they have done it in an era when it was supposed to be impossible for them to compete
Ajax have built this side from a mixture of homegrown talent and bargain buys. The most expensive players, Dusan Tadic, signed from Southampton for around £10m last summer and winger David Neres, signed for around the same amount from Sao Paulo two years ago, are a Premier League reject and a player who spent his first season in the development squad.
It is a team forged from the arrogance and swagger of youth, whether it is midfielder Frenkie de Jong – who has already signed for Barcelona for £75m and will leave in the summer – or centre back and captain, the 19-year-old Matthijs de Ligt, a target for every major club in Europe who scored the winning goal against Juventus, everywhere you look there is an Ajax youngster blossoming.
Ajax built this team from the bottom up. They did not poach the best players, they did not buy the established stars everyone wanted. They built a team with their own vision and hard work, mainly in their own academy. They constructed an awesome side because they believed in their ability to produce and nurture their own players
Ajax may be a famous old name, but they are paupers these days, a relic from a more egalitarian age when all the big clubs, from all the European leagues, could dream of conquering the continent.
Those days were supposed to be gone. We are now in the era of the Super Clubs, when oil-rich nation own football clubs and multi-billionaires jostle with each other for international prestige. We are, if you look across Europe, at a point where the same big teams win their domestic leagues year after year, in Germany, France, Scotland, Italy and beyond. Even in England, the richest club, Manchester City could win the quadruple.
Ajax had supposedly been left behind, but this is a club where supporters do not chant excitedly about one of their own wearing the red and white shirt, they expect it.
Ajax's wage bill last season was less than Aston Villa, Cardiff, Middlesbrough and Wolves when they were in the Championship last season. It was also beneath Celtic's – a club with an equally grand history and reputation. It has gone up a little this season, but it will still be lower than every Premier League team.
This time last year, Ajax feared the time had come for their best players to leave, but the club asked the likes of de Jong, de Ligt, Hakim Ziyech and Donny van de Beek to give them another season. Only striker Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick, did not listen, leaving for Roma where he has struggled for first team football.
The rest stayed put, promising the club that had launched their careers, one more year. One more season to win the Dutch league, to win silverware together and surely all of us most now hope it is the biggest prize of all that is paraded through the streets of Amsterdam in May.
Ajax, champions of Europe, would be an even better fairytale than Leicester City winning the Premier League.
Quote from: seafoid on April 17, 2019, 03:24:11 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on April 17, 2019, 02:42:07 PM
That's only twice I've had the pleasure of watching that Ajax team this season. They are a joy to watch. Unfortunately they will no doubt be torn apart by transfers this summer.
Like Monaco who got to the semis 2 years ago and were flogged to the highest bidders shortly afterwards
Bernardo Silva, Bakayoko, Mbappe, Fabinho, Thomas Lemar were in that 2017 team.
Underdog stories like Ajax reaching the Champions league semi final last night is what makes cup competitions great. Juventus seem to fall into the same trap as Real Madrid did of thinking they had tie as good as won after getting a result in Amsterdam. That Ajax feat is better than Monaco of two years ago as Monaco had better individual quality and they won the French league title that season by a bit to spare.
20 played in this Manchester City Tottenham game and five goals already :o
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 17, 2019, 08:22:53 PM
20 played in this Manchester City Tottenham game and five goals already :o
Breath of fresh air 2 teams going for it class stuff with plenty of mistakes thrown in!!
More goals than corners!!
Feck.
Jesus!!! What a match!
Best game I've ever seen.
Feck me what a finish
Some game that was. Tottenham through thanks to the VAR at both ends and both decisions probably correct. It all means its Liverpool's Champions league title to lose now.
A good game with a better ending ;D
Ajax v Spurs should be an excellent semi final tie.
What a game. Fair play to spuds.
Barcelona overwhelming favourites now to win it.
Liverpool 2/1 Barca 6/4, that's an overwhelming difference tbf
Reckon the Spurs goal should have stood? As Rio said, it definitely hit his arm first. Lineker needs his eyes tested.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 17, 2019, 10:19:09 PM
Liverpool 2/1 Barca 6/4, that's an overwhelming difference tbf
I wouldn't take that 2/1 against Liverpool, I'm sure better odds can be obtained.
I think so.it did slightly touch arm but no intent and didn't alter flight of ball or anything.
Having a debate on WhatsApp about it. Really could have went either way.
Just got home looks like i missed a classic in the Etihad. Well done to Spurs. City for all their quality on and off the field they continue to flatter to deceive in Europe.
Quote from: Main Street on April 17, 2019, 10:27:23 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 17, 2019, 10:19:09 PM
Liverpool 2/1 Barca 6/4, that's an overwhelming difference tbf
I wouldn't take that 2/1 against Liverpool, I'm sure better odds can be obtained.
Best price was 5/2 in fairness
That var review at the end was the party pooper of the century.
I loved the sadistic factor.
Quote from: michaelg on April 17, 2019, 10:23:20 PM
Reckon the Spurs goal should have stood? As Rio said, it definitely hit his arm first. Lineker needs his eyes tested.
I thought it was handball but I think the bigger issue is the problem the goal highlights with VAR. The VAR ref has watched that and must have thought it was handball and a clear and obvious error otherwise he simply tells the on pitch ref to get on with the game. The on field ref on the other hand clearly thought it wasn't handball. So had the two refs been swapped the goal wouldn't even have been referred down. So in no way is the consistency of decision making improved by the use of VAR.
Relatedly I would also have a problem with the VAR on the City goal if they were using the images BT Sport provided. The camera angle wasn't in line and no account seemed to be taken of that when drawing the line across the pitch. Spurs v Chelsea in the League Cup this year highlighted this perfectly. SKY cameras had been calibrated to take account of the fact they weren't in line and were able to adjust lines accordingly. From those lines it was clear to see Kane was onside for his goal. The camera Chelsea had installed for the game had not be so calibrated and on that Kane looked offside. Chelsea then tried to show the photographs taken from their camera to change the officials mind. I'm addittion the line drawn on the BT Sport image ignore the Spurs defenders elbow. When all that is taken into account I wouldn't be happy suggesting with any degree of certainty that Aguero was in fact offside. That said the officials may have had other cameras so this may all be moot.
The keyboard got a bashing after that Manchester City injury time goal was disallowed ;D
(https://i.ibb.co/jg3YxHk/firefox-b-LIe-FR1-S9-W.png)
It's funny when a goal is ruled out, after a player has gone mental celebrating.
Likewise, it's bizarre seeing players celebrate after maybe a two minute wait on whether the goal will stand.
Saturday lunchtime for more of City v Spurs. VAR not invited.
Want to see another big Spurs performance in the league. I think Aguero was marginally offside but very close and obviously very harsh on City.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 17, 2019, 11:24:58 PM
Want to see another big Spurs performance in the league. I think Aguero was marginally offside but very close and obviously very harsh on City.
Second season in a row in the CL they've been denied a key goal by a very marginal offside call.
Llorente's goal was more a clearcut infringement than MU's peno at PSG.
The fact that it slightly brushed Llorente's arm doesn't make it handball. Completely different to the PSG and Rose incidents.
Anyone who thinks the Llorente goal shouldn't have stood should go join Rio in the stupid corner.
Quote from: Hound on April 18, 2019, 07:22:45 AM
The fact that it slightly brushed Llorente's arm doesn't make it handball. Completely different to the PSG and Rose incidents.
Anyone who thinks the Llorente goal shouldn't have stood should go join Rio in the stupid corner.
I thought the ball came off the hip, goal was correct decision. Other pictures show the ball brushing Llorente's arm, if so then Rio is correct.
"As the green shorts leapt and danced it felt like the most fittingly shapeless of winning goals; decisive moment in a competition that refuses to bend to Guardiola's will but continues to remain thrillingly out of reach. "
– Guardian
Guardiola took on a huge job with Man City
It makes you wonder how good really is Guardiola? He hasn't won the CL since Barcelona were at their peak in 2011. That Barcelona team could have won those CL's with Big Sam in charge.
Its not a handball under the current law but under next seasons rule change it could be.
As for Pep his record in Europe is never questioned by the media, he gets a free ride from them. He inherited a brillaint Bayern side and never went close on winning it and then inherited a very good City side and then spent over £500m yet still hasn't got close to winning it. In all 3 years he's been knocked out by teams you wouldn't class as one of Europe's strongest. This was a brilliant chance to win it, with 3 of Europe's big 4 in transition, PSG out and Italy's best club looking like their finished at the top level too. That won't happen every season.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 18, 2019, 09:32:46 AM
Its not a handball under the current law but under next seasons rule change it could be.
That's fair enough, Llorente's goal was legit and that type of contact might still might be legit next season.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 18, 2019, 09:32:46 AM
Its not a handball under the current law but under next seasons rule change it could be.
Yep agreed. I did some reading on silhouette rule etc. Looks like a lot of changes next year. I dunno how referees keep up with all this stuff.
Enjoyed the suspense but felt like that offide for the City late goal was a load of bollocks, the City player tried to intercept the ball from Spurs player it hit him and ran into path of Augero, no way can that ricochet be considered a pass, but for their financial doping City can have it with bells on
Quote from: tiempo on April 18, 2019, 12:11:21 PM
Enjoyed the suspense but felt like that offide for the City late goal was a load of bollocks, the City player tried to intercept the ball from Spurs player it hit him and ran into path of Augero, no way can that ricochet be considered a pass, but for their financial doping City can have it with bells on
There is no provision for intent in the offside rule so whether it was a ricochet or not is irrelevant.
A player in an offside position at the moment the ball is played or touched* by a team-mate is only penalised on becoming involved in active play by..A city player had the last touch and when he did Aguero was in an offside position so he was offside.
The handball rule changes are going to cause chaos next year.
I thought the footage used by the VAR screen for Llorentes 'handball' at pitch side was far from the best angle that BT sports were showing.
Quote from: Jeepers Creepers on April 18, 2019, 12:50:10 PM
I thought the footage used by the VAR screen for Llorentes 'handball' at pitch side was far from the best angle that BT sports were showing.
There was an angle during the match itself that clearly shows the ball striking his elbow, changing direction and striking his hip and changing direction into the goal. They just flat out didn't look at it in the "analysis" afterwards. There's no question of it not hitting his arm to anyone who's not a spanner.
Not a handball though.
Quote from: seafoid on April 18, 2019, 09:02:36 AM
Guardiola took on a huge job with Man City
Not really. Taking over a club that has failed to make any headway in Europe with an unlimited budget to recruit whoever he likes, while naming his own salary to do so seems like a nice enough number for someone of Guardiola's standing. It's not like they're gonna sack him anytime soon. Much less stressful than the Barca or Real jobs since at City he is considered bigger than the club.
In respect of the 'handball' the question that should be asked is would a penalty have been awarded if it was on a defender? I think the answer is categorically no. The elbow was in a natural position and the ball was to his arm not the other way around. It was completely incidental and there was absolutely no way it was a handball under the current rules.
Still trying to fathom if it's a good result for us or a bad one? Will the emotional rollercoaster of up and down at the end destroy City? Will they react positively and push on and go unbeaten? The big game may not be Spurs as there's a real revenge element to that game. Big game could be United and if they can keep themselves up mentally. Next week will decide the PL.
Quote from: Over the Bar on April 18, 2019, 01:11:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 18, 2019, 09:02:36 AM
Guardiola took on a huge job with Man City
Not really. Taking over a club that has failed to make any headway in Europe with an unlimited budget to recruit whoever he likes, while naming his own salary to do so seems like a nice enough number for someone of Guardiola's standing. It's not like they're gonna sack him anytime soon. Much less stressful than the Barca or Real jobs since at City he is considered bigger than the club.
Changing the culture is harder than buying the players.
If it was GAA and he had unlimited resources it would be very hard to win an all Ireland with Laois or Fermanagh.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on April 18, 2019, 01:13:21 PM
In respect of the 'handball' the question that should be asked is would a penalty have been awarded if it was on a defender? I think the answer is categorically no. The elbow was in a natural position and the ball was to his arm not the other way around. It was completely incidental and there was absolutely no way it was a handball under the current rules.
Still trying to fathom if it's a good result for us or a bad one? Will the emotional rollercoaster of up and down at the end destroy City? Will they react positively and push on and go unbeaten? The big game may not be Spurs as there's a real revenge element to that game. Big game could be United and if they can keep themselves up mentally. Next week will decide the PL.
Ill start by agreeing that I don't think it's a handball but I don't think that's the question either particularly when trying to conclude intent. If it doesn't hit his arm it's likely to hit him further up than his hip. A softer part of his body. The attacker in that situation likely doesn't car what part of his body it hits provided it deflects and goes in coming off a hard part of the like an elbow makes that more likely so at the point he throws himself towards the ball his intent is merely to deflect that ball with any part of his body with a preference for the harder parts that give him the best chance of scoring. A defensive player wouldn't want it to hit any part of their body and merely deflect. They'd be trying to impart more control on the ball in order to ultimately clear it. So they would be more likely to be intending to hit the ball with specific parts of their body.
Similarly the penalty between handballs is so vastly different. The attacker can be indifferent to it in so far as if he intentionally handles the ball the worst that will happen is a free out for the defender the equivalent penalty is far more severe.
All that said the fact the handball is being debated just shows how poor an idea VAR is. VAR has added nothing in this instance but factual decisions it could be used for have been ignored by it.
Nonsense.
If it wasn't for VAR, Sterling's last minute effort would have stood.
Quote from: gallsman on April 18, 2019, 03:32:59 PM
Nonsense.
If it wasn't for VAR, Sterling's last minute effort would have stood.
Maybe it should have stood?
Quote from: Boycey on April 18, 2019, 03:36:34 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 18, 2019, 03:32:59 PM
Nonsense.
If it wasn't for VAR, Sterling's last minute effort would have stood.
Maybe it should have stood?
Why Boycey as Aguero was offside with no subjectivity involved? Offside is a matter of fact generally bar the interfering with play assessment which was not in dispute last night?
Quote from: Boycey on April 18, 2019, 03:36:34 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 18, 2019, 03:32:59 PM
Nonsense.
If it wasn't for VAR, Sterling's last minute effort would have stood.
Maybe it should have stood?
Why? He was offside.
Whether by a few inches or ten yards, he was, according to the laws of the game, offside.
The standard co commentator measurement of a marginal decision "he was half a yard offside"
Jez, Napoli are very average?
If only Benfica gave Bela Guttman a pay rise..
Quote from: gallsman on April 18, 2019, 04:42:33 PM
Quote from: Boycey on April 18, 2019, 03:36:34 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 18, 2019, 03:32:59 PM
Nonsense.
If it wasn't for VAR, Sterling's last minute effort would have stood.
Maybe it should have stood?
Why? He was offside.
Whether by a few inches or ten yards, he was, according to the laws of the game, offside.
Was he though? The footage BT sport showed made him look offside but also ignored the line they used wasn't correct clearly ignoring the defenders elbow. In addittion they didn't seem to have any correction for the fact their cameras weren't in line like have been seen in some games the last two seasons. I'm not suggesting he was onside and perhaps the VAR officials had better coverage and lines but on the basis of what I've seen I'm not convinced one way or other.
Barcelona won the La Liga title tonight. Messi introduced at half time and scored the only goal of the game v Levante.
Spurs missing Song and Kane, they'll find it tough against Ajax on their form.. The real final is tomorrow
Vertonghen is in bad shape there.
Spurs looking poor.
That was absolutely disgraceful behaviour from the Spurs medical staff, it was clear that Vertonghen was in no condition to continue. The ref was absolutely correct to question their decision to let him back on. Soccer clearly still has a lot to learn when it comes to head injuries.
He was in bad shape there. Just about managed not to collapse. I haven't been to a premier league in a few years but last one was spurs who's medical staff let loris back in similar scenario.
Spurs a wee bit disappointing. Moura very greedy. Ali too lazy.
Medical staff handled that Vertonghen incident very poorly.
Ajax just need a draw at home for this underdog story to continue into the final. Tottenham's quarter final win over Manchester City will count for little if they are knocked out by Ajax, tonight playing at home they were poor. Just 1 shot on target all night and lucky they didn't ship a bigger defeat.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on April 30, 2019, 09:30:11 PM
That was absolutely disgraceful behaviour from the Spurs medical staff, it was clear that Vertonghen was in no condition to continue. The ref was absolutely correct to question their decision to let him back on. Soccer clearly still has a lot to learn when it comes to head injuries.
Liverpool had a similar scenario the other week with Fabinho and thankfully learned the lesson from Karius from last years CL final and removed him from the game straight away. Medical staff in soccer could maybe get some peer learning from their rugby counterparts.
Apparently Iker Casillas had a Heart attack today at training.
Quote from: laoislad on May 01, 2019, 04:20:23 PM
Apparently Iker Casillas had a Heart attack today at training.
Holy frig. Hope he's alright.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 01, 2019, 10:06:09 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on April 30, 2019, 09:30:11 PM
That was absolutely disgraceful behaviour from the Spurs medical staff, it was clear that Vertonghen was in no condition to continue. The ref was absolutely correct to question their decision to let him back on. Soccer clearly still has a lot to learn when it comes to head injuries.
Liverpool had a similar scenario the other week with Fabinho and thankfully learned the lesson from Karius from last years CL final and removed him from the game straight away. Medical staff in soccer could maybe get some peer learning from their rugby counterparts.
Spurs medical staff have had a right bashing today mostly from people with little or no medical knowledge. I'd sooner wait and see what protocols they did/didn't use. Where soccer currently is at a disadvantage to rugby and the GAA for that matter it that there is no mechanism for a temporary replacement while someone is monitored.
Quote from: Boycey on May 01, 2019, 05:04:58 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 01, 2019, 10:06:09 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on April 30, 2019, 09:30:11 PM
That was absolutely disgraceful behaviour from the Spurs medical staff, it was clear that Vertonghen was in no condition to continue. The ref was absolutely correct to question their decision to let him back on. Soccer clearly still has a lot to learn when it comes to head injuries.
Liverpool had a similar scenario the other week with Fabinho and thankfully learned the lesson from Karius from last years CL final and removed him from the game straight away. Medical staff in soccer could maybe get some peer learning from their rugby counterparts.
Spurs medical staff have had a right bashing today mostly from people with little or no medical knowledge. I'd sooner wait and see what protocols they did/didn't use. Where soccer currently is at a disadvantage to rugby and the GAA for that matter it that there is no mechanism for a temporary replacement while someone is monitored.
[/b]
This is a major issue in the rules. As you say, nearly all other contact sports provide for this (AFl/NFL as well) without "penalising" the injured team which inevitably leads to greater risks to player well being
600 goals for the little magician Messi. Luis Suarez with his first Champions League goal of the season, Van Dijk could have possibly done better for that goal and nice assist for the 2nd goal. Barcelona contained that Liverpool purple patch after half time very well and take a healthy lead into the 2nd leg. Could have been 4 or 5-0 with those two late counter attacking chances.
Tie far from over yet. Last year Barcelona beat Roma 4-1 in the 1st leg and still got knocked out. How did Salah miss that chance?
Farr from over me hole.
Kudos to liverpool who at least tried to play Barca at their game.
Lovely game to watch , a contrast to yesterday's hyper energetic encounter. I hope Ajax make it through, then it will be a final between the two best teams.
4-0 would have been a better result for Liverpool. Then they could have forgotten about next week and concentrated on getting 6 points from the last two league games in the hope City slip up. Now Klopp's head will be fried, they'll run themselves ragged next Wed night and probably drop league points for a tie that's already lost. Such a shame when they looked like winning a trophy for once!
Only 3-1 to Arsenal against their nemesis at the business end in European cup competition.
A few years ago, Valencia came from 3-0 down in the first leg to beat Basel 5-0 in the home leg.
The start to this game that Liverpool wanted. Barcelona making errors and their defence looks all over the place. Since the goal Alisson has made some fine saves to keep Liverpool in this tie.
3-0 some comeback by Liverpool. Anfield rocking. Roma revisited for Barcelona?
Barca must be thinking that, they've been on the back foot for a lot of the second half.. amazing
4-0. Barcelona totally asleep on that corner.
Quote from: Main Street on May 01, 2019, 10:10:14 PM
Farr from over me hole.
You were saying?
Pure team performance from Liverpool right down to Keeper with some important saves.
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 01, 2019, 10:19:30 PM
4-0 would have been a better result for Liverpool. Then they could have forgotten about next week and concentrated on getting 6 points from the last two league games in the hope City slip up. Now Klopp's head will be fried, they'll run themselves ragged next Wed night and probably drop league points for a tie that's already lost. Such a shame when they looked like winning a trophy for once!
4-0 was the proper result....
Credit where due for Liverpool. Barcelona absolutely capitulated. That 4th goal brilliant instinct! Liverpool Ajax final surely..
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 01, 2019, 10:19:30 PM
4-0 would have been a better result for Liverpool. Then they could have forgotten about next week and concentrated on getting 6 points from the last two league games in the hope City slip up. Now Klopp's head will be fried, they'll run themselves ragged next Wed night and probably drop league points for a tie that's already lost. Such a shame when they looked like winning a trophy for once!
;D
He peaked too soon after staying quiet for so long.
Also now he will be conflicted if / when city win the league as if he slags liverpool fans he'll have egg on his face if they win the cl ;D
Of course he'll crawl out from his rock if they win nothing.
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 07, 2019, 10:45:52 PM
He peaked too soon after staying quiet for so long.
Probably drowning sorrows in those 8 pubs
Quote from: laoislad on May 07, 2019, 10:30:18 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 01, 2019, 10:19:30 PM
4-0 would have been a better result for Liverpool. Then they could have forgotten about next week and concentrated on getting 6 points from the last two league games in the hope City slip up. Now Klopp's head will be fried, they'll run themselves ragged next Wed night and probably drop league points for a tie that's already lost. Such a shame when they looked like winning a trophy for once!
;D
;D ;D ;D
Great start for Ajax. Uphill task for Tottenham now.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2019, 08:07:37 PM
Great start for Ajax. Uphill task for Tottenham now.
Really had to score two to win. Or win 1 nil and extra time penalties
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 08:09:50 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2019, 08:07:37 PM
Great start for Ajax. Uphill task for Tottenham now.
Really had to score two to win. Or win 1 nil and extra time penalties
Yep, next goal is key.
Quote from: Hound on May 08, 2019, 08:35:30 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 08:09:50 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2019, 08:07:37 PM
Great start for Ajax. Uphill task for Tottenham now.
Really had to score two to win. Or win 1 nil and extra time penalties
Yep, next goal is key.
Uphill task now lads?
Tottenham's recent form has been very poor. The stadium took precedence over the squad.
Getting to the semifinal and top 4 on a shoestring was an achievement.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2019, 08:40:37 PM
Quote from: Hound on May 08, 2019, 08:35:30 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 08:09:50 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2019, 08:07:37 PM
Great start for Ajax. Uphill task for Tottenham now.
Really had to score two to win. Or win 1 nil and extra time penalties
Yep, next goal is key.
Uphill task now lads?
Yep, you can go with that now!
Trippier very poor over both legs.
Looks good for England but generally poor enough or spurs.
Goal for Tottenham. Another comeback on?
Ajax are fit in form and young.. goals in them! The final will be 6-6 Liverpool to win on penalties
2-2. :o
Game on
The white Origi has made a massive difference!
Ajax missing some big chances, keeping Tottenham in the tie.
Unreal!
Tottenham win it in the 5th minute of injury time unbelievable Jeff. Heart break for Ajax who have been the story of this seasons Champions league.
Holy Fcuk.
Something else. I thought Spurs had blew it when Vertonghen missed that late chance. Poch in tears.
Jesus best two nights football ever
I'd say Liverpool would be happier playing Spurs. And Spurs glad to be in a final!
Mental stuff.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2019, 09:59:51 PM
Tottenham win it in the 5th minute of injury time unbelievable Jeff. Heart break for Ajax who have been the story of this seasons Champions league.
Spurs were older and cuter
Sad that Ajax will be flogged off
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 10:02:37 PM
I'd say Liverpool would be happier playing Spurs. And Spurs glad to be in a final!
If Liverpool lose to Spurs they will never live it down. Eternal shame ;D
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 08, 2019, 10:05:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 10:02:37 PM
I'd say Liverpool would be happier playing Spurs. And Spurs glad to be in a final!
If Liverpool lose to Spurs they will never live it down. Eternal shame ;D
Whoever wins it you'll still be a twat
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 08, 2019, 10:05:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 10:02:37 PM
I'd say Liverpool would be happier playing Spurs. And Spurs glad to be in a final!
If Liverpool lose to Spurs they will never live it down. Eternal shame ;D
Was your internet not working last night?
Quote from: seafoid on May 08, 2019, 10:03:21 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2019, 09:59:51 PM
Tottenham win it in the 5th minute of injury time unbelievable Jeff. Heart break for Ajax who have been the story of this seasons Champions league.
Spurs were older and cuter
Sad that Ajax will be flogged off
Ajax had their chances to finish off that tie. To put some type of context on that Ajax underdog story. Last season they were knocked out of Europe by Rosenborg in the Europa League play off round and were beaten home and away.
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 08, 2019, 10:09:59 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 08, 2019, 10:05:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 10:02:37 PM
I'd say Liverpool would be happier playing Spurs. And Spurs glad to be in a final!
If Liverpool lose to Spurs they will never live it down. Eternal shame ;D
Was your internet not working last night?
Researching the names of pubs in Liverpool.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on May 08, 2019, 10:06:55 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 08, 2019, 10:05:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 10:02:37 PM
I'd say Liverpool would be happier playing Spurs. And Spurs glad to be in a final!
If Liverpool lose to Spurs they will never live it down. Eternal shame ;D
However wins it you'll still be a twat
...and you'll still be illiterate! ;D ;)
Will hat trick hero Moura be dropped for the final now if Kane is back?
If the Ajax goalkeeper and defender hadn't got in each others way for the second Spurs goal Ajax would probably have cruised home.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 08, 2019, 10:12:31 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 08, 2019, 10:09:59 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 08, 2019, 10:05:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 10:02:37 PM
I'd say Liverpool would be happier playing Spurs. And Spurs glad to be in a final!
If Liverpool lose to Spurs they will never live it down. Eternal shame ;D
Was your internet not working last night?
Researching the names of pubs in Liverpool.
Hope he enjoys watching Thursday night football next year in places like Kazakhstan....
You can understand why he's jittery. Chance of City winning the league and Liverpool the CL. Couldn't be a much worse year for him. Poor lad.
Quote from: laoislad on May 08, 2019, 10:16:54 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 08, 2019, 10:12:31 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 08, 2019, 10:09:59 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 08, 2019, 10:05:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 10:02:37 PM
I'd say Liverpool would be happier playing Spurs. And Spurs glad to be in a final!
If Liverpool lose to Spurs they will never live it down. Eternal shame ;D
Was your internet not working last night?
Researching the names of pubs in Liverpool.
Hope he enjoys watching Thursday night football next year in places like Kazakhstan....
Some turnaround in form from Tadic from not being good enough for Mark Hughes at Southampton. Regardless of result some player! It'll make for a great final. Hopefully Harry Kane gets back fully fit and make a good game of it!
Quote from: laoislad on May 08, 2019, 10:16:54 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 08, 2019, 10:12:31 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 08, 2019, 10:09:59 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 08, 2019, 10:05:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 10:02:37 PM
I'd say Liverpool would be happier playing Spurs. And Spurs glad to be in a final!
If Liverpool lose to Spurs they will never live it down. Eternal shame ;D
Was your internet not working last night?
Researching the names of pubs in Liverpool.
Hope he enjoys watching Thursday night football next year in places like Kazakhstan....
Football's a funny old game. The Champions League final being contested by 2 teams without a teapot won between them. Guinness book of records will be there to film the end to one of the longest trophy droughts in Europe! ;D ;D
You even edited that and it was the funniest thing you could come up with ;D
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 08, 2019, 10:24:17 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 08, 2019, 10:16:54 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 08, 2019, 10:12:31 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 08, 2019, 10:09:59 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 08, 2019, 10:05:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 10:02:37 PM
I'd say Liverpool would be happier playing Spurs. And Spurs glad to be in a final!
If Liverpool lose to Spurs they will never live it down. Eternal shame ;D
Was your internet not working last night?
Researching the names of pubs in Liverpool.
Hope he enjoys watching Thursday night football next year in places like Kazakhstan....
Football's a funny old game. The Champions League final bring contested by 2 teams without a teapot won between them. Guinness book of records will be there to film the end to one of the longest trophy droughts in Europe! ;D ;D
Thanks for coming on and making a comment. I'd forgotten how miserable you must feel at the moment.
Quote from: Helix. on May 08, 2019, 10:24:00 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 08, 2019, 10:16:54 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 08, 2019, 10:12:31 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 08, 2019, 10:09:59 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 08, 2019, 10:05:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 10:02:37 PM
I'd say Liverpool would be happier playing Spurs. And Spurs glad to be in a final!
If Liverpool lose to Spurs they will never live it down. Eternal shame ;D
Was your internet not working last night?
Researching the names of pubs in Liverpool.
Hope he enjoys watching Thursday night football next year in places like Kazakhstan....
Some turnaround in form from Tadic from not being good enough for Mark Hughes at Southampton. Regardless of result some player! It'll make for a great final. Hopefully Harry Kane gets back fully fit and make a good game of it!
Spurs are a better team without Kane.
Quote from: BennyCake on May 08, 2019, 10:35:43 PM
Quote from: Helix. on May 08, 2019, 10:24:00 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 08, 2019, 10:16:54 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 08, 2019, 10:12:31 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 08, 2019, 10:09:59 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 08, 2019, 10:05:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 10:02:37 PM
I'd say Liverpool would be happier playing Spurs. And Spurs glad to be in a final!
If Liverpool lose to Spurs they will never live it down. Eternal shame ;D
Was your internet not working last night?
Researching the names of pubs in Liverpool.
Hope he enjoys watching Thursday night football next year in places like Kazakhstan....
Some turnaround in form from Tadic from not being good enough for Mark Hughes at Southampton. Regardless of result some player! It'll make for a great final. Hopefully Harry Kane gets back fully fit and make a good game of it!
Spurs are a better team without Kane.
I've watched every single Spurs game this season and I can promise you hand on heart that this is complete bollocks. Spurs counter attack better with him as the focal point. Spurs hold the ball up and spread the ball better when he plays as a 10. Spurs are genuinely twice as cutting in front of goal when he plays. Spurs concede fewer from corners when he plays. And up until this evening Spurs have always shown more bottle when he is in the field as he leads from the front.
Absolute bollocks internet rumour shitfuckery.
Calm down dude. Don't be throwing a wobbler ;)
Dembele surely kicking himself for missing that sitter with the final kick in the first leg v. Pool. How fates hinge on such things.
A lot of talk a European League is now inevitable with English club's dominance.
Quote from: mrdeeds on May 09, 2019, 08:35:55 AM
A lot of talk a European League is now inevitable with English club's dominance.
Only dominance if you win and this year is the first in a while since a English club will have won it, Chelsea being the last team to win back in 2012.. dominance wouldnt be a word I'd use.
If Arsenal and Chelsea get through to their final will that be the first time both finals will have been contested by teams from one country?
I was referring to this year's dominance. European clubs were already scared of English financial dominance so this may speed up process. Talk of introducing relegation and promotion to protect the top 20 clubs.
Quote from: mrdeeds on May 09, 2019, 09:21:07 AM
I was referring to this year's dominance. European clubs were already scared of English financial dominance so this may speed up process. Talk of introducing relegation and promotion to protect the top 20 clubs.
England have 8/20 of the richest clubs because of the TV deal
Over time this should mean more English wins
Only watching back the spurs game now. That Ajax keeper was ropy. How did he not grab the ball for that second goal? The only person near him was his own player.
Great win for spurs though. I think Liverpool will have more bother with them than they would have had with Ajax. Hard game to call.
Quote from: mrdeeds on May 09, 2019, 08:35:55 AM
A lot of talk a European League is now inevitable with English club's dominance.
Its one season and both clubs really rode their luck to get to the final.
4 of the Spurs squad were bought from Ajax and Ajax didn't have the experience to hold on to their lead . Cruel
At the same time it wasn't a very Spurs reaction at 3 nil down to go and win the thing
Quote from: seafoid on May 09, 2019, 10:21:03 AM
4 of the Spurs squad were bought from Ajax and Ajax didn't have the experience to hold on to their lead . Cruel
At the same time it wasn't a very Spurs reaction at 3 nil down to go and win the thing
So its a Ajax and Southampton CL FINAL
Quote from: seafoid on May 09, 2019, 10:21:03 AM
4 of the Spurs squad were bought from Ajax and Ajax didn't have the experience to hold on to their lead . Cruel
At the same time it wasn't a very Spurs reaction at 3 nil down to go and win the thing
It's actually been pretty typical of Spurs in the CL this year. Came back from a terrible opening 3 group matches to qualify, came back against City, and now against Ajax. If I believed in that sort of thing, I'd be inclined to say their name was on the cup.
Shameful Champions League proposals backed by Barcelona are rife with self-interest and would stifle evolution
By
Sam Wallace
Chief Football Writer
Follow
Sam Wallace
9 May 2019
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/05/09/shameful-champions-league-proposals-backed-barcelona-rife-self/
Lionel Messi can only carry Barcelona for so long
Whatever pain was inflicted on Barcelona on Tuesday night, whatever fin de siècle mood hung over that grim flight home in the early hours, it will not have changed what the club's president – and the club itself - think about the proposed changes post-2024 to Champions League.
A week earlier, in the reflected glory of that 3-0, first-leg win, Josep Bartomeu had announced his support for the proposals that would rip the heart out of what will be by then a once-great competition.
"We're going to change it for the better," he said, and by that he meant an end to the old principle of annual qualification, and more certainties for the old aristocratic clubs of Europe. More of those pre-season tour-style heritage games of one stupendously rich club against another, from here to eternity.
Clubs like Barcelona think they need this new Champions League more than ever. This closed-shop, de facto European super league by the back door; this made-for-television, new-markets conquering, big football, big greed, destruction of the last vestiges of a beautiful, original idea.
That idea being that it would be wonderful to watch the champions of Europe play one another to see who prevailed. To experience new styles of playing, develop new tastes, a feisty Barolo after a crisp glass of Meursault.
Barcelona are getting old. The team that lost 4-0 to Liverpool is on the slow descent from a high peak, and one that has given the club many trophies. It is not a crisis, certainly not domestically where they are one final from a second consecutive league and cup double, but in Europe you get the feeling they have relied on the same great players for too long. Six who started at Anfield are 30-something, 100-plus cap internationals - heroes all of them but that is a lot for one team.
How do you replace Messi, 32 next month, in possession of 129 caps and an undeniable genius? The answer is that you cannot. Then you look down the list and remember you soon have to find a new Gerard Pique (32, 102 caps), Luis Suarez (32/106), Sergio Busquets (30/112), Ivan Rakitic (31/104) and even Artur Vidal (31/105). Bartomeu has to try. But if he supports Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli's post-2024 Champions League bonfire then that says the president of Barcelona is not prepared to adhere to the oft-stated principles of his more-than-a-club club.
All great teams fall eventually. More often they fade, as this Barcelona have done in recent years in Europe; a gradual falling short in the games that matter. But in the modern era, when clubs are run like global corporations, it is not possible for the great commercial beasts of the age to accept this immutable law of the game. What's more, there is nothing they will not tear up to try to preserve their status.
Barcelona do not have as much money as they would like. They do, however, have the highest annual wage bill in European football, at €639 million. They have an agreement to sign Frenkie De Jong, one of the standout talents of this season's Champions League. Like Real Madrid, short on cash, committed on wages, Barcelona prefer deals which spread the cost of the transfer fee over a number of years, and Ajax are the kind of club who do this.
Last July, Barcelona extended a credit line of €140m to pay their wage bill. There is a new stadium project to finance. The executive failed in an attempt to change the club's constitution that limits long-term borrowing to 10 per cent of revenue – currently €914m.
When Bartomeu says the Champions League is going to change for the better after 2024, what he really means is that the likes of Juventus, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and his own club cannot afford not to change it.
The wealth gap to the Premier League has become so great that they are running out of options to close it. Their own domestic leagues have been coerced and corralled into giving up a greater share to the elite and now it is time to look elsewhere.
It is hard for any club to replace the greatest player in their history. Thanks to Messi's adaptation, and his enduring brilliance, Barcelona do not have to just yet.
But that day is coming and there has already been around €300m staked on Philippe Coutinho, ineffective in the second leg against Liverpool, and Ousmane Dembele. The latter was injured at the weekend, and seems to have trouble living the way a professional athlete should. There are penalties built into the deal with Borussia Dortmund should Dembele be sold early.
Barcelona reacted to Neymar's departure the only way they knew: by taking other top clubs' best players. Yet the Liverpool team that won on Tuesday night included players signed for much less from clubs like Hull City, Lille, Schalke and Southampton. Some in Barcelona's position would take a long, hard look at their recruitment. But men like Bartomeu and Agnelli think it is the Champions League that must change and not them.
Barcelona first competed in the European Cup in 1960 and did not win it until 32 years later. Madrid once went 32 years without a European Cup between 1966 and 1998. Bayern Munich went 25 years. Juventus have lost seven finals. Clubs rise and clubs fall. Change for the better after 2024? No. It is change to maintain a status quo in a competition that does not need one and has thrived for most of its 64-year history without one.
For the last five years the Cristiano Ronaldo- Lionel Messi axis has dominated the Champions League, one of the two having won it every season - but not this season.
Perhaps one, or both, is still due a last triumph but either way they cannot indefinitely stop others emerging to challenge.
We do not need nights like Tuesday to tell us that.
I'm pretty sure all the big teams will be squarely behind the proposals not just Barcelona
The start to this 2nd leg that Arsenal didn't want.
1-1 against the run of play. An old fashion route one goal the type of goal Jack Charlton's Irish team would score.
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on May 09, 2019, 01:33:38 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 09, 2019, 10:21:03 AM
4 of the Spurs squad were bought from Ajax and Ajax didn't have the experience to hold on to their lead . Cruel
At the same time it wasn't a very Spurs reaction at 3 nil down to go and win the thing
It's actually been pretty typical of Spurs in the CL this year. Came back from a terrible opening 3 group matches to qualify, came back against City, and now against Ajax. If I believed in that sort of thing, I'd be inclined to say their name was on the cup.
Pochettino has changed them but he needs to be allowed to buy more players in the summer
Yes, no doubt he needs to buy players. The collapse in league form the last 6 weeks or so shows that clearly.
Arsenal 2-1 ahead on the night and 5-2 on AGG good skill and finish on that goal. Other game 2-2 on AGG at the moment.
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on May 09, 2019, 08:34:10 PM
Yes, no doubt he needs to buy players. The collapse in league form the last 6 weeks or so shows that clearly.
One of the papers said the match was between a team that sells its best players and one that doesn't buy players
Arsenal stroll into the Europa league final. 7 goals over two legs impressive. Chelsea semi final gone to extra time, Sarri will be sacked if they don't reach the final.
All 4 finalists from the PL. Pretty neat, has it happened before?
So 2 of the Top 6 will play in the Champions League final, another 2 will play in the Europa League Final, the other 2 will be at home in Manchester watching...
Quote from: Puckoon on May 09, 2019, 10:50:00 PM
All 4 finalists from the PL. Pretty neat, has it happened before?
Never happened before according to BT Sports. Kepa keeps Chelsea's Europa league hopes alive. A German team losing a penalty shootout is a rare sight.
Flight time London to Baku for Europa League Final 5hrs 30mins.
Quote from: Aaron Boone on May 09, 2019, 10:55:13 PM
Flight time London to Baku for Europa League Final 5hrs 30mins.
And the final will start at 11pm local time.
This talk of 4 English clubs in the finals. It's not, it's 4 Premier League teams.
And Liverpool and Tottenham fans heading to Madrid is mad, but Arsenal and Chelsea going to Baku is mental. Can they not see who's in the final, then decide on a venue?
Surely CL final in Old Trafford and Europa at Wembley makes perfect sense?
Quote from: laoislad on May 09, 2019, 10:53:34 PM
So 2 of the Top 6 will play in the Champions League final, another 2 will play in the Europa League Final, the other 2 will be at home in Manchester watching...
Love island and one will be polishing their EPL trophy!
Look in fairness you'd have got better odds for Brighton getting a draw against City and Liverpool beating Wolves, than Liverpool overturning the 3 nil loss at Baca
Play both finals in Croke Park, on consecutive Saturdays.
Quote from: laoislad on May 09, 2019, 10:53:34 PM
So 2 of the Top 6 will play in the Champions League final, another 2 will play in the Europa League Final, the other 2 will be at home in Manchester watching...
I told them to do as I do.
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on May 09, 2019, 11:39:48 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 09, 2019, 11:19:54 PM
This talk of 4 English clubs in the finals. It's not, it's 4 Premier League teams.
And Liverpool and Tottenham fans heading to Madrid is mad, but Arsenal and Chelsea going to Baku is mental. Can they not see who's in the final, then decide on a venue?
Surely CL final in Old Trafford and Europa at Wembley makes perfect sense?
Been the case for decades that cities compete to host the finals of the European Cup/Champions League while in the past it was the same with the Cup Winners Cup. The old UEFA Cup that has morphed into the Europa League used to have two-legged finals home & away up to 1997, now finals have a one-off game at a neutral venue though this can be unintentionally compromised (as in the European Cup final in 1984 which was scheduled to be held in Rome, with Roma qualifying for the final).
Announcing a venue for either final with only about three weeks to the game isn't practical given the occasion and profile.
They could announce it at the semi stage. So the CL final could take place in Paris, handier for the last 4. That'd be 6 weeks in advance. World Cup play offs are arranged in less time.
Quote from: BennyCake on May 10, 2019, 09:59:58 AM
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on May 09, 2019, 11:39:48 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 09, 2019, 11:19:54 PM
This talk of 4 English clubs in the finals. It's not, it's 4 Premier League teams.
And Liverpool and Tottenham fans heading to Madrid is mad, but Arsenal and Chelsea going to Baku is mental. Can they not see who's in the final, then decide on a venue?
Surely CL final in Old Trafford and Europa at Wembley makes perfect sense?
Been the case for decades that cities compete to host the finals of the European Cup/Champions League while in the past it was the same with the Cup Winners Cup. The old UEFA Cup that has morphed into the Europa League used to have two-legged finals home & away up to 1997, now finals have a one-off game at a neutral venue though this can be unintentionally compromised (as in the European Cup final in 1984 which was scheduled to be held in Rome, with Roma qualifying for the final).
Announcing a venue for either final with only about three weeks to the game isn't practical given the occasion and profile.
They could announce it at the semi stage. So the CL final could take place in Paris, handier for the last 4. That'd be 6 weeks in advance. World Cup play offs are arranged in less time.
It takes a lot longer than that to wash brown envelopes.
The Super Cup in August in Istanbul is another big trek for the English teams.
But listen,cities bid well in advance to host these matches and they are prestigious things to be awarded. Dublin had two Portuguese teams for the 2011 Europa League final.
Quote from: Aaron Boone on May 10, 2019, 12:58:33 PM
The Super Cup in August in Istanbul is another big trek for the English teams.
But listen,cities bid well in advance to host these matches and they are prestigious things to be awarded. Dublin had two Portuguese teams for the 2011 Europa League final.
Yes, and my club got 100 FREE tickets, as did several other clubs I know. I'd say there were 10,000 people from Portugal there, maximum - probably an over-estimation.
Quote from: Billys Boots on May 10, 2019, 01:49:11 PM
Quote from: Aaron Boone on May 10, 2019, 12:58:33 PM
The Super Cup in August in Istanbul is another big trek for the English teams.
But listen,cities bid well in advance to host these matches and they are prestigious things to be awarded. Dublin had two Portuguese teams for the 2011 Europa League final.
Yes, and my club got 100 FREE tickets, as did several other clubs I know. I'd say there were 10,000 people from Portugal there, maximum - probably an over-estimation.
And the other 40,000 from Dungannon, presumably?
Quote from: BennyCake on May 10, 2019, 09:59:58 AM
They could announce it at the semi stage. So the CL final could take place in Paris, handier for the last 4. That'd be 6 weeks in advance. World Cup play offs are arranged in less time.
The vast majority of CL semi-finalists are from England/Spain/Italy/Germany which means if you pick the host venue based on convenience for the teams then all the finals will be in western Europe.
Jesus! If you're a club supporter and you want to watch your team in a club final, you'll go! Anything else is bullshit
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/13/sports/manchester-city-champions-league-uefa.html
They'll concentrate more on the league if that happens!
Quote from: laoislad on May 13, 2019, 07:26:32 PM
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/13/sports/manchester-city-champions-league-uefa.html
They were found guilty of an FFP breach previously, widely accepted as one of, if not the richest club in the world. They were fined.
Get the house of them being found guilty here and being asked to take part in the UCL qualification stages.
I guess Bale is leaving Real Madrid - Zidane today said he wouldn't play Bale even if they were allowed 4 subs - this after a 2-0 home defeat! Brutal & pretty nasty.
As much as I love Zidane I think he'll not be as successful 2nd time round.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 19, 2019, 10:35:25 PM
I guess Bale is leaving Real Madrid - Zidane today said he wouldn't play Bale even if they were allowed 4 subs - this after a 2-0 home defeat! Brutal & pretty nasty.
As much as I love Zidane I think he'll not be as successful 2nd time round.
Bale probably does not fit his vision or style. Some times you have to be nasty to force players to leave. There are not many players who want to leave Real. You leave Real you are taking a step down. You see players all the time who won't leave big clubs.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 19, 2019, 10:35:25 PM
I guess Bale is leaving Real Madrid - Zidane today said he wouldn't play Bale even if they were allowed 4 subs - this after a 2-0 home defeat! Brutal & pretty nasty.
As much as I love Zidane I think he'll not be as successful 2nd time round.
Although this is being reported everywhere, Zidane actually said that regardless of who he brought on, the same question (why not player X) would have been asked of him.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 19, 2019, 10:35:25 PM
I guess Bale is leaving Real Madrid - Zidane today said he wouldn't play Bale even if they were allowed 4 subs - this after a 2-0 home defeat! Brutal & pretty nasty.
As much as I love Zidane I think he'll not be as successful 2nd time round.
Don't believe everything the Brit press report. Pure BS translation
God the Camera angle of the Europa League final nearly shows the whole pitch. Are the pictures coming direct from a satellite?
Pedro should play for Liverpool such is his diving and whining! ;D
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 29, 2019, 09:15:07 PM
Pedro should play for Liverpool such is his diving and whining! ;D
Scores like a Liverpool player as well!
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 29, 2019, 09:15:07 PM
Pedro should play for Liverpool such is his diving and whining! ;D
Scrub that comment. Looks like he's actually going to win a medal so wouldn't fit in at Loserpool! ;D
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2019, 09:12:14 PM
God the Camera angle of the Europa League final nearly shows the whole pitch. Are the pictures coming direct from a satellite?
Strange atmosphere at it also, has the feel of a pre season friendly rather than a European Final.
Arsenal have been absolutely horrific no bite to them at all Chelsea have been switched on from the start and deserve the lead!!
Some collapse by Arsenal in this second half.
How will Chelsea find someone as good as Hazard?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 29, 2019, 09:33:20 PM
How will Chelsea find someone as good as Hazard?
They won't. Got lucky signing him on back of a fluke CL win under Di Matteo.
The couple of hundred Chelsea fans who made the Journey are happy anyway! No wonder they had the camera angled the way it was they did not want to show the empty seats!
At least Arsenal's week cannot get any worse than this.
Quote from: Owenmoresider on May 29, 2019, 10:15:03 PM
At least Arsenal's week cannot get any worse than this.
;D 8)
Hopefully tomorrows match doesnt end up like Wed nights game, poor atmosphere and one team running riot at the end!
Would love Klopp to win and I'm being totally genuine as the man is infectious and his passion plays out for all to see, I just don't want the liverpool fans to win. ;D
Spurs are ok but I'd have much preferred City Liverpool final, the intensity would have been immense from the start
Kane to start. Not sure that's a good idea.
Watching in US on TNT channel. Nice touch having ex-Phoenix Suns player, Steve Nash (lifelong Spurs fan) interview Poch.
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on June 01, 2019, 07:18:29 PM
Kane to start. Not sure that's a good idea.
Watching in US on TNT channel. Nice touch having ex-Phoenix Suns player, Steve Nash (lifelong Spurs fan) interview Poch.
A bit daft to drop Lucas Moura after scoring a hat trick in the semi final.
TNT channel will "take you into Liverpool's dressing room" after the break. Which is literally what they did, with footage of an empty room filmed last week!
Liverpool have too much classes. Expecting a 2/3 nil. Cant believe spurs in final. Well deserved first trophy for Klopp.
Went for 3-1 Liverpool with Mane or Mo to score first
Leaving aside that Salah has just scored, I do not like this new handball interpretation. Very harsh IMO.
Quote from: J70 on June 01, 2019, 08:06:54 PM
Leaving aside that Salah has just scored, I do not like this new handball interpretation. Very harsh IMO.
It's hand ball for everyone, harsh but a penalty, Spurs playing the better football but it's a crap match
It was a Penalty! A harsh penalty on a club only 27 seconds into their first final! But still a Penalty!
Low quality error ridden CL final thus far and that includes the goal.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on June 01, 2019, 08:54:11 PM
Low quality error ridden CL final thus far and that includes the goal.
+1
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 29, 2019, 09:20:08 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 29, 2019, 09:15:07 PM
Pedro should play for Liverpool such is his diving and whining! ;D
Scrub that comment. Looks like he's actually going to win a medal so wouldn't fit in at Loserpool! ;D
Loserpool indeed.. w**ker.
Two poor teams with little quality. Liverpool and can count themselves lucky.
Quote from: trailer on June 01, 2019, 10:17:22 PM
Two poor teams with little quality. Liverpool and can count themselves lucky.
Deserved for the season as a whole. Been a delight to watch this season. Pushed a brilliant City team all the way. Who the feck cares bout the performance in the final. All about the winning.
Who got MOTM?
Sissoko?
Van Dijk got man of the match according to UEFA.
Strange game! While unfortunate it was definitely a handball.
Liverpool just about shaded it Origi with the only real bit of quality in front of goal. Would be interesting to see what others think about the lack of quality from 2 teams who have bags of it.
Fatigue after a long season? The occasion? Lack of games disrupting the rhythm? Both managers tactics nullifying each other?
Personally think it's a combination of the long season and few weeks without a game but still hard to understand how 2 teams who are clearly very good can struggle so badly in the biggest game of the year!!
I wonder how the night would have gone for Liverpool had it been Ajax in the final who were more deserving of the honour than Spurs?
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 01, 2019, 11:30:09 PM
I wonder how the night would have gone for Liverpool had it been Ajax in the final who were more deserving of the honour than Spurs?
I'd say the younger Ajax would have won 3-0. They in no way would have been bullied by Liverpool.
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 01, 2019, 11:44:19 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 01, 2019, 11:30:09 PM
I wonder how the night would have gone for Liverpool had it been Ajax in the final who were more deserving of the honour than Spurs?
I'd say the younger Ajax would have won 3-0. They in no way would have been bullied by Liverpool.
In fairness Liverpool didn't bully anyone tonight
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 01, 2019, 11:54:12 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 01, 2019, 11:44:19 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 01, 2019, 11:30:09 PM
I wonder how the night would have gone for Liverpool had it been Ajax in the final who were more deserving of the honour than Spurs?
I'd say the younger Ajax would have won 3-0. They in no way would have been bullied by Liverpool.
In fairness Liverpool didn't bully anyone tonight
Did I say they bullied Spurs?
Poor game alright. Barcelona must be really kicking themselves watching it. But it's good lesson for them not showing up.
Quote from: thejuice on June 02, 2019, 09:59:35 PM
Poor game alright. Barcelona must be really kicking themselves watching it. But it's good lesson for them not showing up.
Is this the same Barcelona that lost the Cupa del Rey to Valencia last week?
Barca were rubbish. Serious lack of back bone, brilliant on the front foot, not one player ready to roll his sleeves up when it gets tough
Anyone watching this England v Holland Nations league semi final? 2nd and 3rd goals conceded by England was really stupid play by Stones and Barkley
Quote from: Cunny Funt on June 06, 2019, 10:20:55 PM
Anyone watching this England v Holland Nations league semi final? 2nd and 3rd goals conceded by England was really stupid play by Stones and Barkley
Comedy of errors, no sympathy for Barkley as he tried to get a player sent off earlier.
The worst thing of all for England is they have to hang around now for a dead rubber 3rd place game on Sunday! The last thing they need!
https://www.the42.ie/san-siro-4695207-Jun2019/ Sad to see the end of another famous stadium.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on June 24, 2019, 03:14:17 PM
https://www.the42.ie/san-siro-4695207-Jun2019/ Sad to see the end of another famous stadium.
More serious issues for Milan. Banned from Europe for a year for FFP violations.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48801681
There will be a few clubs looking on nervously at this. Federations seem to be starting to implement meaningful punishment. AC would be considered one of the old European giants albeit they have struggled in recent times so it is not an insignificant move,
PSG and Madrid both wearing Away kits is a bit bizarre, don't see the need for it.
A brilliant goal by scored by Bale, ignored by most all of his teammates, was eventually disallowed by VAR, quite correctly for a foul hand ball.. The BT commentator seemed to think that such a handball is only a foul under the new rules, what an idiot, it would have been a foul in any year had the ref noticed it.
Quote from: laoislad on September 18, 2019, 08:39:23 PM
PSG and Madrid both wearing Away kits is a bit bizarre, don't see the need for it.
Agreed. Took me a minute there to figure out what was going on.
Quote from: imtommygunn on September 18, 2019, 09:43:26 PM
Quote from: laoislad on September 18, 2019, 08:39:23 PM
PSG and Madrid both wearing Away kits is a bit bizarre, don't see the need for it.
Agreed. Took me a minute there to figure out what was going on.
Same as that.
Been watching second half of Ath Madrid and Juventus. Great game. Madrid just equalised in last minute after being 2 down.
Lukaku scored his 9th league of the season to take Inter top of their league. He continues his excellent scoring rate and has worked out as a very good purchase for them.
Chelsea getting a lesson at the minute
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 05, 2019, 08:37:09 PM
Chelsea getting a lesson at the minute
Two awful goals conceded on set pieces.
Ref bails them out
Glad I tuned into that mad match. Ajax are something else, let a 4-1 lead slip and still created a number of chances with 9 men. The Chelsea 2nd penalty and disallowed goal the main talking points. Did Veltman get a 2nd yellow for the hand ball or dissent?
Quote from: under the bar on November 05, 2019, 09:35:21 PM
Ref bails them out
They were 4-1 down against a team that had 2 shots on goal at that point.
Ref also gave 4 mins of injury time when it was at least double that, considering subs, goals, red cards and VAR.
Was a great game, Ajax with 9 men still went for the winner and nearly got it.
Champions League round of 16 draw in full
Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain
Real Madrid vs Man City
Atalanta vs Valencia
Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool
Chelsea vs Bayern Munich
Lyon vs Juventus
Tottenham vs RB Leipzig
Napoli vs Barcelona
Tough draws. Spurs would be happiest.
Daniel Maldini - son of Paolo and grandson of Cesare - made his AC Milan debut this past weekend.
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on February 03, 2020, 04:42:06 PM
Daniel Maldini - son of Paolo and grandson of Cesare - made his AC Milan debut this past weekend.
No pressure lad.
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on February 03, 2020, 04:42:06 PM
Daniel Maldini - son of Paolo and grandson of Cesare - made his AC Milan debut this past weekend.
Heard once, Jersey worn by Paolo Maldini, the No. 3 at AC Milan was retired to honour his legacy and would only come out of retirement if his son played for the club.
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 03, 2020, 05:18:03 PM
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on February 03, 2020, 04:42:06 PM
Daniel Maldini - son of Paolo and grandson of Cesare - made his AC Milan debut this past weekend.
Heard once, Jersey worn by Paolo Maldini, the No. 3 at AC Milan was retired to honour his legacy and would only come out of retirement if his son played for the club.
Daniel is an attacking midfielder though, shouldn't be wearing 3.
Quote from: Under Lights on February 03, 2020, 05:19:49 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 03, 2020, 05:18:03 PM
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on February 03, 2020, 04:42:06 PM
Daniel Maldini - son of Paolo and grandson of Cesare - made his AC Milan debut this past weekend.
Heard once, Jersey worn by Paolo Maldini, the No. 3 at AC Milan was retired to honour his legacy and would only come out of retirement if his son played for the club.
Daniel is an attacking midfielder though, shouldn't be wearing 3.
Roy Keane wore 16! Where does that fit in?
Daniel is wearing 98
Citeh getting their comeuppance today.
They need to learn to play for the sheer love of it
Witness the fitness
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2pTTA8qiPh8
Quote from: LCohen on February 14, 2020, 08:00:38 PM
Citeh getting their comeuppance today.
They need to learn to play for the sheer love of it
Witness the fitness
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2pTTA8qiPh8
If they do get banned Pep will go, and some players may go also, it's a big massive if though..
Liverpool are a great bet to win it again this year
FT
Manchester City has been banned from the Champions League, Europe's most prestigious club football competition, for the next two seasons, in a crushing blow to the ambitions of the Premier League champions. Uefa, European football's governing body, announced on Friday that the club had been found to have committed "serious breaches" of its so-called financial fair play regulations designed to prevent overspending on players in the pursuit of success. A Uefa adjudicatory panel decided that the club should be banned from the Champions League, the continent's top competition where more than €2bn is distributed among participating clubs, for the next two seasons and pay a fine of €30m. Manchester City said it was "disappointed but not surprised" by Uefa's decision and said it would appeal against the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a body considered the ultimate arbiter of global sports disputes. The appeal means there remains a possibility that the club could escape a ban. Uefa investigators began a probe last year following the publication of leaked documents that suggested that the club had artificially inflated the value of sponsorship deals with undeclared additional funding from its Abu Dhabi-based owner, among a number of measures allegedly used to deceive the sport's investigators.
The dark arts! If that's mentioned one more time on radio 5 live!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
City currently winning and Ramos will miss next game, so that'll be at least Liverpool and City through to next round
Really poor Madrid team.
Quote from: imtommygunn on February 26, 2020, 09:52:33 PM
Really poor Madrid team.
Average at best. Could see tonight why Ajax beat them 4-1 last season. This Champions league títle is Liverpools to lose.
The front line of Vinicius, Benzema and Isco wouldn't scare anyone. City are favourites for the European cup now.
7/1 for Liverpool! Great price
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 26, 2020, 10:43:09 PM
7/1 for Liverpool! Great price
Great price if Man City were out of the competition and there is still the issue of getting past Athletico!
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 26, 2020, 11:01:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 26, 2020, 10:43:09 PM
7/1 for Liverpool! Great price
Great price if Man City were out of the competition and there is still the issue of getting past Athletico!
It's not a great start but if Liverpool get the first goal it'll drop that price significantly. It's worth 40
Quote from: imtommygunn on February 26, 2020, 09:52:33 PM
Really poor Madrid team.
Did ok tonight, well worth their win over Barca.
Juventus defender Daniele Rugani has been found POSITIVE to Coronavirus
PSG got the better of Borussia Dortmund tonight 2-0 on the night 3-2 on aggregate. The diving of players was hard to take especially PSG. Neymar did a big dive without being touched and nearly dislocated his shoulder. He needed medical assistance and held the game up.
He also got Can sent off with his antics. Can fouled him and Neymar got up and picked a fight with him. Can pushed him over and got 2 yellow cards. Sickening to see.
Euro 2020 has been postponed by one year until 2021. Champions and Europa leagues could become mini-tournaments if they get the chance to re-start this year.
How about this...
Finish this season by end Oct, or go into Nov if necessary.
The next two seasons will start Jan 1 and run to Sept/Oct.
Euro 2021 in Nov/Dec 2021, World Cup in Qatar Nov/Dec 2022
Reset some way if necessary in 2023
Just scrap it. Was a poor season anyways ;D
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 17, 2020, 10:53:02 PM
Just scrap it. Was a poor season anyways ;D
It was just getting interesting.
That Donegal lad jinxed Liverpool and United were just getting into a bit of form.
The German leagues are very determined to finish out the season, clubs have been in restricted group training in preparation for the last 9 rounds, probably the tv money Eur300m was one big incentive as quite a few clubs are with their tongues hanging out.
Dutch league null and void. No title winners and no relegation.
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 24, 2020, 06:00:49 PM
Dutch league null and void. No title winners and no relegation.
Dutch government has banned all gatherings until September so their hand was forced.
Quote from: RedHand88 on April 24, 2020, 10:31:12 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 24, 2020, 06:00:49 PM
Dutch league null and void. No title winners and no relegation.
Dutch government has banned all gatherings until September so their hand was forced.
So you expect the uk to have gatherings before September?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 24, 2020, 11:40:30 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on April 24, 2020, 10:31:12 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 24, 2020, 06:00:49 PM
Dutch league null and void. No title winners and no relegation.
Dutch government has banned all gatherings until September so their hand was forced.
So you expect the uk to have gatherings before September?
I would say so yes. The premier league will be back in June, probably without a crowd.
Quote from: RedHand88 on April 25, 2020, 12:58:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 24, 2020, 11:40:30 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on April 24, 2020, 10:31:12 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 24, 2020, 06:00:49 PM
Dutch league null and void. No title winners and no relegation.
Dutch government has banned all gatherings until September so their hand was forced.
So you expect the uk to have gatherings before September?
I would say so yes. The premier league will be back in June, probably without a crowd.
So social distancing will be finished by June, no restrictions on the 2 meters rule in place? Hope so
I'd be amazed if premier league is back in June, players and staff all will tested and if this is done while NHS and care workers are crying out for tests there'll be uproar. Social distancing will be still be in effect in June and while matches are on fans will congregate outside the stadium.
Be lucky to see Premier league back by September /October.
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 24, 2020, 06:00:49 PM
Dutch league null and void. No title winners and no relegation.
Technically not null and void. They just ended the season where the teams stood but the finishing positions and records still stand. No promotion or relegation and they didn't name champions as only goal difference separated the two teams at the top.
Polish league football due to restart at the end of May behind closed doors.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on April 25, 2020, 02:07:15 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 24, 2020, 06:00:49 PM
Dutch league null and void. No title winners and no relegation.
Technically not null and void. They just ended the season where the teams stood but the finishing positions and records still stand. No promotion or relegation and they didn't name champions as only goal difference separated the two teams at the top.
Polish league football due to restart at the end of May behind closed doors.
so null and void then in all but name. No title winners, no relegation.
QuotePrime minister Giuseppe Conte as a result is looking to slowly relax restrictive measures, with football one of the areas that will enjoy greater freedom.
"From May 4 onwards, professional athletes and those of national interest will be able to train while following social distancing rules behind closed doors," Conte signalled to a press conference held on Sunday.
This initial phase of individual training is expected to last two weeks, with group training sessions planned to begin from May 18.
As of yet, there is no confirmation as to when the Serie A will be able to resume competitive action, although May 31 has been mentioned as a possible return date.
French league voided.
I have to say I think it's getting less likely there will be football anywhere at this stage until a new season starts whenever that might be!
Quote from: Boycey on April 28, 2020, 04:46:55 PM
I have to say I think it's getting less likely there will be football anywhere at this stage until a new season starts whenever that might be!
Looks that way alright.
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on April 28, 2020, 05:18:17 PM
Quote from: Boycey on April 28, 2020, 04:46:55 PM
I have to say I think it's getting less likely there will be football anywhere at this stage until a new season starts whenever that might be!
Looks that way alright.
The only chance the Pl has is seeing how Germany get on. If they can make it work there is a chance that it goes ahead in a compressed timeline. However, Germany are way ahead of the UK in testing, preparation etc so even if the Bundesliga managed to make it work, I would not be confident the PL would be able to replicate.
I would not be surprised if the league officials just wanted to get a few rounds played, give Liverpool the chance to get the 2 wins they need, get all clubs on the same number of games played and then call it a day if any issues crop up with Liverpool declared champs, placings at the top decided on standings and no relegation. WBA/Leeds promoted and a 22 game season next year with no league cup, more midweek games etc.
Not ideal and there will always be the risk of legal challenge on the borderline cases on European qualification etc but it would address the UEFA directive to determine positions on sporting merit (albeit that requirements looks to be disappearing fast).
Not sure if this was posted here already and it is concerned with US sport but the principle is similar. The logistics just seem too difficult to me
https://www.si.com/mlb/2020/04/10/sports-arent-coming-back-soon
As I said on the premier league thread last week, they're literally going to have to sequester everyone involved for two months to finish the English league. Along with all the regular testing.
Maybe the league will partner privately with some lab, but I'm skeptical its going to happen.
If it were up to me, I'd say f**k it until August, hope that things are settled down, then run it off before the second wave hits in the autumn.
But, it appears they'll be forced to cancel and hope, vainly IMO, to start the new season in September.
Finish the league with the current standings, job done, whoever is in promotion places are promoted and whoever is in relegation places is relegated.
Pointless trying to keep everyone happy, whether there is leg room within the rules to initiate that is the crux
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52462233
Its going more and more towards a cancelled season as each day.
All eyes will be on Germany who start the weekend after next.
The issue the PL has is the government in Germany have done an infinitely better job of handling this pandemic than the idiots in London - if there was a priority of players/playing staff getting PPE equipment, given how things currently are in the UK, there would be uproar (and rightly so).
Liverpool fans will be rightly disappointed
The Germans are very usually very decisive in their actions and there was talk yesterday of the virus reproduction rate creeping back towards 1. Add to that the FIFA doctor's comments yesterday it would hardly be a surprise to see it pull back from restarting..
Quote from: Taylor on April 29, 2020, 08:06:47 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52462233
Its going more and more towards a cancelled season as each day.
All eyes will be on Germany who start the weekend after next.
The issue the PL has is the government in Germany have done an infinitely better job of handling this pandemic than the idiots in London - if there was a priority of players/playing staff getting PPE equipment, given how things currently are in the UK, there would be uproar (and rightly so).
Liverpool fans will be rightly disappointed
Seriously doubt if they'll just void it though.
Whether they choose ppg or whatever, Liverpool will still most likely be EPL champions.
And deservedly so.
Quote from: J70 on April 29, 2020, 12:41:16 PM
Quote from: Taylor on April 29, 2020, 08:06:47 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52462233
Its going more and more towards a cancelled season as each day.
All eyes will be on Germany who start the weekend after next.
The issue the PL has is the government in Germany have done an infinitely better job of handling this pandemic than the idiots in London - if there was a priority of players/playing staff getting PPE equipment, given how things currently are in the UK, there would be uproar (and rightly so).
Liverpool fans will be rightly disappointed
Seriously doubt if they'll just void it though.
Whether they choose ppg or whatever, Liverpool will still most likely be EPL champions.
And deservedly so.
It be like the kids that didn't get to go their exams, predicted grades, they've just got that question mark
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 29, 2020, 12:44:32 PM
Quote from: J70 on April 29, 2020, 12:41:16 PM
Quote from: Taylor on April 29, 2020, 08:06:47 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52462233
Its going more and more towards a cancelled season as each day.
All eyes will be on Germany who start the weekend after next.
The issue the PL has is the government in Germany have done an infinitely better job of handling this pandemic than the idiots in London - if there was a priority of players/playing staff getting PPE equipment, given how things currently are in the UK, there would be uproar (and rightly so).
Liverpool fans will be rightly disappointed
Seriously doubt if they'll just void it though.
Whether they choose ppg or whatever, Liverpool will still most likely be EPL champions.
And deservedly so.
It be like the kids that didn't get to go their exams, predicted grades, they've just got that question mark
In the case of Liverpool winning the league, the question mark or asterisk would be fairly meaningless for any honest person, even if we'd all obviously much prefer that the season was played out.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/52443197
QuoteLa Liga is working towards its clubs returning to training as soon as possible after being given the green light by the Spanish government.
PSG crowned champions in France.
Whatever about resuming the league in England, it'll be an awful spectacle. Liverpool if they win 2 games they're champions, are they gonna keep playing their best side? Keep trying? Same for mid table clubs with nothing to play for. It'll be terrible. Crown Liverpool champs and just scrap the rest of the games.
Quote from: trailer on April 30, 2020, 11:48:19 AM
Whatever about resuming the league in England, it'll be an awful spectacle. Liverpool if they win 2 games they're champions, are they gonna keep playing their best side? Keep trying? Same for mid table clubs with nothing to play for. It'll be terrible. Crown Liverpool champs and just scrap the rest of the games.
Liverpool are the Champions, I don't think anyone is going to argue that. It's everything else that follows is the problem. Liverpool fans go bananas and take to streets in and around Anfield once confirmed - which you would imagine they will, it'll be hard after whatever amount of years for them to restrain obviously it'll be social media led and nothing official.
Then you've the European spots to decide....So is the top 4, the top 4? Realistically....could anyone argue if that was kept? United were in a bit of form before the virus cancelled everything but I don't think they had been in top 4 at any point in season and they'd probably accept that knowing they are next in line should City actually get banned next year (I think it'll be frozen personally).
There is a European Spot at stake in the FA Cup which won't be finished, so that will appease the next in line, is that Wolves or Sheff Utd, not entirely sure.
Those in the middle....probably could be bought off, I understand each place in the EPL is worth X million...but surely that wouldn't be a problem for the majority of 8 to 14th.
The major problem is 20 to 15. That's a mess. I don't know how you could relegate any of them to be honest - Might be the better option for sake of bloodspill and long, long legal battles to bring up 3 and relegate 6 the next year then regulate as appropriate down?
PSG being crowned champions in France after their season was cancelled whilst other major European leagues about to be given the go-ahead to resume. Looking like Liverpool will be crowned Champions either way. Sparing a thought for the Null and Void brigade today, they must be hurting ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 30, 2020, 12:12:04 PM
Quote from: trailer on April 30, 2020, 11:48:19 AM
Whatever about resuming the league in England, it'll be an awful spectacle. Liverpool if they win 2 games they're champions, are they gonna keep playing their best side? Keep trying? Same for mid table clubs with nothing to play for. It'll be terrible. Crown Liverpool champs and just scrap the rest of the games.
Liverpool are the Champions, I don't think anyone is going to argue that. It's everything else that follows is the problem. Liverpool fans go bananas and take to streets in and around Anfield once confirmed - which you would imagine they will, it'll be hard after whatever amount of years for them to restrain obviously it'll be social media led and nothing official.
Then you've the European spots to decide....So is the top 4, the top 4? Realistically....could anyone argue if that was kept? United were in a bit of form before the virus cancelled everything but I don't think they had been in top 4 at any point in season and they'd probably accept that knowing they are next in line should City actually get banned next year (I think it'll be frozen personally).
There is a European Spot at stake in the FA Cup which won't be finished, so that will appease the next in line, is that Wolves or Sheff Utd, not entirely sure.
Those in the middle....probably could be bought off, I understand each place in the EPL is worth X million...but surely that wouldn't be a problem for the majority of 8 to 14th.
The major problem is 20 to 15. That's a mess. I don't know how you could relegate any of them to be honest - Might be the better option for sake of bloodspill and long, long legal battles to bring up 3 and relegate 6 the next year then regulate as appropriate down?
That's all grand... until someone gets sick. Anyway I'd doubt a lot of the players actually care enough to really play the games with any sort of conviction. No matter if games are played or not, the season is a write off.
Quote from: trailer on April 30, 2020, 12:23:33 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 30, 2020, 12:12:04 PM
Quote from: trailer on April 30, 2020, 11:48:19 AM
Whatever about resuming the league in England, it'll be an awful spectacle. Liverpool if they win 2 games they're champions, are they gonna keep playing their best side? Keep trying? Same for mid table clubs with nothing to play for. It'll be terrible. Crown Liverpool champs and just scrap the rest of the games.
Liverpool are the Champions, I don't think anyone is going to argue that. It's everything else that follows is the problem. Liverpool fans go bananas and take to streets in and around Anfield once confirmed - which you would imagine they will, it'll be hard after whatever amount of years for them to restrain obviously it'll be social media led and nothing official.
Then you've the European spots to decide....So is the top 4, the top 4? Realistically....could anyone argue if that was kept? United were in a bit of form before the virus cancelled everything but I don't think they had been in top 4 at any point in season and they'd probably accept that knowing they are next in line should City actually get banned next year (I think it'll be frozen personally).
There is a European Spot at stake in the FA Cup which won't be finished, so that will appease the next in line, is that Wolves or Sheff Utd, not entirely sure.
Those in the middle....probably could be bought off, I understand each place in the EPL is worth X million...but surely that wouldn't be a problem for the majority of 8 to 14th.
The major problem is 20 to 15. That's a mess. I don't know how you could relegate any of them to be honest - Might be the better option for sake of bloodspill and long, long legal battles to bring up 3 and relegate 6 the next year then regulate as appropriate down?
That's all grand... until someone gets sick. Anyway I'd doubt a lot of the players actually care enough to really play the games with any sort of conviction. No matter if games are played or not, the season is a write off.
The cynic in me imagines they'll get a Pogba like hamstring strain at that stage and sit out a few months.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on April 30, 2020, 12:17:53 PM
PSG being crowned champions in France after their season was cancelled whilst other major European leagues about to be given the go-ahead to resume. Looking like Liverpool will be crowned Champions either way. Sparing a thought for the Null and Void brigade today, they must be hurting ;D ;D ;D
Should Liverpool be declared champions Twittersphere will explode with City, United and Everton fans...particularly the Everton ones!
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on April 30, 2020, 12:34:54 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on April 30, 2020, 12:17:53 PM
PSG being crowned champions in France after their season was cancelled whilst other major European leagues about to be given the go-ahead to resume. Looking like Liverpool will be crowned Champions either way. Sparing a thought for the Null and Void brigade today, they must be hurting ;D ;D ;D
Should Liverpool be declared champions Twittersphere will explode with City, United and Everton fans...particularly the Everton ones!
No one wants to win it in a boardroom. If it's safe to play then play it, I'd like to see Liverpool win but I'd also like to see Leeds go up, they deserve it as much as Liverpool and so on through the leagues, problems being how will the players react to the inactivity the threat of catching the virus and possibly passing it on to someone in their family.
If it's deemed that they can play. so in effect back to work, I take it we'll all be back to work, the non essential workers?
Hardly, Pubs, restaurants, gyms are none essential. They won't be opening anytime soon. Can't be comparing going back to work because the English want the league season complete. Even if does go ahead the players will be isolating.
And will be behind closed doors for a long time.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 30, 2020, 12:12:04 PM
Quote from: trailer on April 30, 2020, 11:48:19 AM
Whatever about resuming the league in England, it'll be an awful spectacle. Liverpool if they win 2 games they're champions, are they gonna keep playing their best side? Keep trying? Same for mid table clubs with nothing to play for. It'll be terrible. Crown Liverpool champs and just scrap the rest of the games.
Liverpool are the Champions, I don't think anyone is going to argue that. It's everything else that follows is the problem. Liverpool fans go bananas and take to streets in and around Anfield once confirmed - which you would imagine they will, it'll be hard after whatever amount of years for them to restrain obviously it'll be social media led and nothing official.
Then you've the European spots to decide....So is the top 4, the top 4? Realistically....could anyone argue if that was kept? United were in a bit of form before the virus cancelled everything but I don't think they had been in top 4 at any point in season and they'd probably accept that knowing they are next in line should City actually get banned next year (I think it'll be frozen personally).
There is a European Spot at stake in the FA Cup which won't be finished, so that will appease the next in line, is that Wolves or Sheff Utd, not entirely sure.
Those in the middle....probably could be bought off, I understand each place in the EPL is worth X million...but surely that wouldn't be a problem for the majority of 8 to 14th.
The major problem is 20 to 15. That's a mess. I don't know how you could relegate any of them to be honest - Might be the better option for sake of bloodspill and long, long legal battles to bring up 3 and relegate 6 the next year then regulate as appropriate down?
Which 3 go up? Minefield that too. Leeds were 2nd this time last year and didn't go up. 30 odd points to play for in the championship I believe. Impossible to predict that. As harsh as it is, I don't think you can promote any of them and I don't think any of the 3 can be relegated from the PL.
Quote from: lurganblue on April 30, 2020, 01:31:18 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 30, 2020, 12:12:04 PM
Quote from: trailer on April 30, 2020, 11:48:19 AM
Whatever about resuming the league in England, it'll be an awful spectacle. Liverpool if they win 2 games they're champions, are they gonna keep playing their best side? Keep trying? Same for mid table clubs with nothing to play for. It'll be terrible. Crown Liverpool champs and just scrap the rest of the games.
Liverpool are the Champions, I don't think anyone is going to argue that. It's everything else that follows is the problem. Liverpool fans go bananas and take to streets in and around Anfield once confirmed - which you would imagine they will, it'll be hard after whatever amount of years for them to restrain obviously it'll be social media led and nothing official.
Then you've the European spots to decide....So is the top 4, the top 4? Realistically....could anyone argue if that was kept? United were in a bit of form before the virus cancelled everything but I don't think they had been in top 4 at any point in season and they'd probably accept that knowing they are next in line should City actually get banned next year (I think it'll be frozen personally).
There is a European Spot at stake in the FA Cup which won't be finished, so that will appease the next in line, is that Wolves or Sheff Utd, not entirely sure.
Those in the middle....probably could be bought off, I understand each place in the EPL is worth X million...but surely that wouldn't be a problem for the majority of 8 to 14th.
The major problem is 20 to 15. That's a mess. I don't know how you could relegate any of them to be honest - Might be the better option for sake of bloodspill and long, long legal battles to bring up 3 and relegate 6 the next year then regulate as appropriate down?
Which 3 go up? Minefield that too. Leeds were 2nd this time last year and didn't go up. 30 odd points to play for in the championship I believe. Impossible to predict that. As harsh as it is, I don't think you can promote any of them and I don't think any of the 3 can be relegated from the PL.
Hahaha, do you support a team in the bottom 3 by any chance?
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on April 30, 2020, 01:35:26 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on April 30, 2020, 01:31:18 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 30, 2020, 12:12:04 PM
Quote from: trailer on April 30, 2020, 11:48:19 AM
Whatever about resuming the league in England, it'll be an awful spectacle. Liverpool if they win 2 games they're champions, are they gonna keep playing their best side? Keep trying? Same for mid table clubs with nothing to play for. It'll be terrible. Crown Liverpool champs and just scrap the rest of the games.
Liverpool are the Champions, I don't think anyone is going to argue that. It's everything else that follows is the problem. Liverpool fans go bananas and take to streets in and around Anfield once confirmed - which you would imagine they will, it'll be hard after whatever amount of years for them to restrain obviously it'll be social media led and nothing official.
Then you've the European spots to decide....So is the top 4, the top 4? Realistically....could anyone argue if that was kept? United were in a bit of form before the virus cancelled everything but I don't think they had been in top 4 at any point in season and they'd probably accept that knowing they are next in line should City actually get banned next year (I think it'll be frozen personally).
There is a European Spot at stake in the FA Cup which won't be finished, so that will appease the next in line, is that Wolves or Sheff Utd, not entirely sure.
Those in the middle....probably could be bought off, I understand each place in the EPL is worth X million...but surely that wouldn't be a problem for the majority of 8 to 14th.
The major problem is 20 to 15. That's a mess. I don't know how you could relegate any of them to be honest - Might be the better option for sake of bloodspill and long, long legal battles to bring up 3 and relegate 6 the next year then regulate as appropriate down?
Which 3 go up? Minefield that too. Leeds were 2nd this time last year and didn't go up. 30 odd points to play for in the championship I believe. Impossible to predict that. As harsh as it is, I don't think you can promote any of them and I don't think any of the 3 can be relegated from the PL.
Hahaha, do you support a team in the bottom 3 by any chance?
could you tell :D
Honestly cannot see football coming back before the autumn. Logistics of it are ridiculous. Many of these players are young family men. I'm sure many have vulnerable parents and in-laws depending on them also. How can they possibly be asked to seal themselves off for the 10-12 weeks it will take to run this off in the summer? And if a single player or staff member comes down with it?
To me, this looks like a "we're exhausting every last option" ploy before they give in to the inevitable and come up with a non-playing solution.
Gary Neville tweeting June the 8th restart...
Quote from: J70 on April 30, 2020, 01:45:19 PM
Honestly cannot see football coming back before the autumn. Logistics of it are ridiculous. Many of these players are young family men. I'm sure many have vulnerable parents and in-laws depending on them also. How can they possibly be asked to seal themselves off for the 10-12 weeks it will take to run this off in the summer? And if a single player or staff member comes down with it?
To me, this looks like a "we're exhausting every last option" ploy before they give in to the inevitable and come up with a non-playing solution.
The way I see it is this season is the 2019/20 season, while it's still 2020 then this season should be finished before next one starts.
If it is safe enough to start next season in 2020 then it will be safe enough to finish this one first.
Quote from: laoislad on April 30, 2020, 01:58:34 PM
Quote from: J70 on April 30, 2020, 01:45:19 PM
Honestly cannot see football coming back before the autumn. Logistics of it are ridiculous. Many of these players are young family men. I'm sure many have vulnerable parents and in-laws depending on them also. How can they possibly be asked to seal themselves off for the 10-12 weeks it will take to run this off in the summer? And if a single player or staff member comes down with it?
To me, this looks like a "we're exhausting every last option" ploy before they give in to the inevitable and come up with a non-playing solution.
The way I see it is this season is the 2019/20 season, while it's still 2020 then this season should be finished before next one starts.
If it is safe enough to start next season in 2020 then it will be safe enough to finish this one first.
That would be my view also. Finish it in the early autumn. Take a break, then start the next season and proceed as the second wave, if any, allows.
Unfortunately, most people seem to be leaning towards what is likely to be two broken seasons.
Quote from: rodney trotter on April 30, 2020, 01:00:45 PM
Hardly, Pubs, restaurants, gyms are none essential. They won't be opening anytime soon. Can't be comparing going back to work because the English want the league season complete. Even if does go ahead the players will be isolating.
And will be behind closed doors for a long time.
I'd put football as non essential so I can't see it starting and other non essential jobs not starting
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on April 30, 2020, 12:34:54 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on April 30, 2020, 12:17:53 PM
PSG being crowned champions in France after their season was cancelled whilst other major European leagues about to be given the go-ahead to resume. Looking like Liverpool will be crowned Champions either way. Sparing a thought for the Null and Void brigade today, they must be hurting ;D ;D ;D
Should Liverpool be declared champions Twittersphere will explode with City, United and Everton fans...particularly the Everton ones!
U think so? I honestly don't think people are that arsed. Barring a bit of milage in telling Liverpool ones they didn't "really" win it and the gloating, deservedly so, of Liverpool fans it'll be a tame enough affair.
I think they'll finish the league or they'll certainly attempt to restart it anyway.
PSG awarded French title.
Quote from: marty34 on April 30, 2020, 05:44:17 PM
PSG awarded French title.
they will win it for the next 5 years anyway
Crowds would probaly still gather outside the ground, especially with Liverpool almost over the line. How would they prevent social distancing there.?A risk that would probaly cause a second wave.
Quote from: rodney trotter on April 30, 2020, 08:05:01 PM
Crowds would probaly still gather outside the ground, especially with Liverpool almost over the line. How would they prevent social distancing there.?A risk that would probaly cause a second wave.
Hopefully not encouraging people to "never walk alone" unless 2 meters apart
I've couple mates ready to get the ferry across other ones had booked flights ages ago, but that's not going to happen now
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 30, 2020, 08:21:17 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on April 30, 2020, 08:05:01 PM
Crowds would probaly still gather outside the ground, especially with Liverpool almost over the line. How would they prevent social distancing there.?A risk that would probaly cause a second wave.
Hopefully not encouraging people to "never walk alone" unless 2 meters apart
I've couple mates ready to get the ferry across other ones had booked flights ages ago, but that's not going to happen now
I presume your mates are mature and sensible enough to follow the public health guidelines though?
I see talk of legal challenge in France already..
I haven't seen too much coverage of it but no matter about supporters etc. the players are coming out and saying they don't want to play!
I see Aguero saying he doesn't really want to play. Who else doesn't want to play.
anyone with a family and a brain presumably
Footballers to be tested twice a week... some kick in the stones for NHS and essential workers who've been on the front line and struggled to get tests when needed!!!
Honestly can't see how this works safely!
Quote from: screenexile on May 01, 2020, 01:11:08 AM
Footballers to be tested twice a week... some kick in the stones for NHS and essential workers who've been on the front line and struggled to get tests when needed!!!
Honestly can't see how this works safely!
Hopefully they have a plan if one of the footballers test positive.
Quote from: screenexile on May 01, 2020, 01:11:08 AM
Footballers to be tested twice a week... some kick in the stones for NHS and essential workers who've been on the front line and struggled to get tests when needed!!!
Honestly can't see how this works safely!
That is ridiculous. Maybe the government thinks that by mid June testing availability will be "caught up" for the NHS etc and if that is the case fair enough but while I am all for the football starting again there is no way it should be diverting testing from the frontline.
Quote from: screenexile on May 01, 2020, 01:11:08 AM
Footballers to be tested twice a week... some kick in the stones for NHS and essential workers who've been on the front line and struggled to get tests when needed!!!
Honestly can't see how this works safely!
They are getting a clap every Thursday at 8 though. Can't put a price on that.
Quote from: TabClear on May 01, 2020, 09:01:20 AM
Quote from: screenexile on May 01, 2020, 01:11:08 AM
Footballers to be tested twice a week... some kick in the stones for NHS and essential workers who've been on the front line and struggled to get tests when needed!!!
Honestly can't see how this works safely!
That is ridiculous. Maybe the government thinks that by mid June testing availability will be "caught up" for the NHS etc and if that is the case fair enough but while I am all for the football starting again there is no way it should be diverting testing from the frontline.
Football clubs will be paying a lot more per testing kit than the NHS will be, its not like there taking tests of the NHS unless you're suggesting football clubs should be funding testing kits for the NHS?
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 01, 2020, 11:23:14 AM
Quote from: TabClear on May 01, 2020, 09:01:20 AM
Quote from: screenexile on May 01, 2020, 01:11:08 AM
Footballers to be tested twice a week... some kick in the stones for NHS and essential workers who've been on the front line and struggled to get tests when needed!!!
Honestly can't see how this works safely!
That is ridiculous. Maybe the government thinks that by mid June testing availability will be "caught up" for the NHS etc and if that is the case fair enough but while I am all for the football starting again there is no way it should be diverting testing from the frontline.
Football clubs will be paying a lot more per testing kit than the NHS will be, its not like there taking tests of the NHS unless you're suggesting football clubs should be funding testing kits for the NHS?
I don't think its the cost that would bother anyone, its the fact that they will be getting tests and other key workers, not just NHS are key workers, their employer wont be able to afford these tests you talk about.
all for our enjoyment!?
How will the players get to these grounds if self isolating? Team bus would be daft, staying in hotels also not advised, Newcastle playing Southampton, would that be a flight or do they take the train?
Who gives the players their rubs before the game and after training, so many things just to play behind closed doors to playoff the season, seems extreme.
Is anyone actually missing it?
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 01, 2020, 11:23:14 AM
Quote from: TabClear on May 01, 2020, 09:01:20 AM
Quote from: screenexile on May 01, 2020, 01:11:08 AM
Footballers to be tested twice a week... some kick in the stones for NHS and essential workers who've been on the front line and struggled to get tests when needed!!!
Honestly can't see how this works safely!
That is ridiculous. Maybe the government thinks that by mid June testing availability will be "caught up" for the NHS etc and if that is the case fair enough but while I am all for the football starting again there is no way it should be diverting testing from the frontline.
Football clubs will be paying a lot more per testing kit than the NHS will be, its not like there taking tests of the NHS unless you're suggesting football clubs should be funding testing kits for the NHS?
Which lab will carry out the test? That's one of the issues with testing, not enough lab capacity.
Seen this on another site.
Premier league is back in June. I have a lead from someone who works for a sport travel agency that manages logistics for some top teams (spurs, city, wolves, newcastle, rangers to name a few). The company has been tasked to arrange hotels and travel for 8 weeks starting mid may.
All premier league teams will play their remaining games at st georges park behind closed doors and for TV only. The complex will host 2/3 games a day that will be streamed live.
The players will go into isolation mid may at select hotels in the vicinity of st georges and will train at local clubs grounds. They will not be able to see family and friends during the period of games. Each player will be tested regulary to ensure safety and hotels will be locked down for players only.
Looks like we are going to have a world cup style June with loads of games to watch.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 12:09:53 PM
How will the players get to these grounds if self isolating? Team bus would be daft, staying in hotels also not advised, Newcastle playing Southampton, would that be a flight or do they take the train?
Who gives the players their rubs before the game and after training, so many things just to play behind closed doors to playoff the season, seems extreme.
Is anyone actually missing it?
The whole squad and back room teams will be isolated in hotels for the duration of the rest of the games, similar to what they would do at a World Cup. They would only mix with those within this group and travel to and from games together. I also read somewhere that journalists and other press, cameramen would also face the same situation.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 01, 2020, 11:23:14 AM
Quote from: TabClear on May 01, 2020, 09:01:20 AM
Quote from: screenexile on May 01, 2020, 01:11:08 AM
Footballers to be tested twice a week... some kick in the stones for NHS and essential workers who've been on the front line and struggled to get tests when needed!!!
Honestly can't see how this works safely!
That is ridiculous. Maybe the government thinks that by mid June testing availability will be "caught up" for the NHS etc and if that is the case fair enough but while I am all for the football starting again there is no way it should be diverting testing from the frontline.
Football clubs will be paying a lot more per testing kit than the NHS will be, its not like there taking tests of the NHS unless you're suggesting football clubs should be funding testing kits for the NHS?
NO of course not. I just think its a pretty poor message to put out "we cant get enough kits to test our nurses but there are some available for footballers because they can afford to pay more". Its a slightly strange one because I would generally be pretty capitalist in my views and generally have no issue in people who can afford it doing what they like with their money but this just feels different.
If that happens like that then brilliant that should be interesting, so non league through to PL will be run off same way I suppose ? Or is it purely elitist?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 02:05:06 PM
If that happens like that then brilliant that should be interesting, so non league through to PL will be run off same way I suppose ? Or is it purely elitist?
Apparently the EFL players have been told that their season is over, so yeah it looks like it is purely elitist. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1275913/EFL-players-season-likely-over-coronavirus-tests-Leeds-West-Brom-latest-news
Quote from: BennyHarp on May 01, 2020, 02:22:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 02:05:06 PM
If that happens like that then brilliant that should be interesting, so non league through to PL will be run off same way I suppose ? Or is it purely elitist?
Apparently the EFL players have been told that their season is over, so yeah it looks like it is purely elitist. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1275913/EFL-players-season-likely-over-coronavirus-tests-Leeds-West-Brom-latest-news
Unreal, so what is the point of this? Is it just to give Liverpool the title? They have won it and won it well, well they were winning it even slowing up. So no relegation or promotion for the likes of West Brom or Leeds?
Quote from: TabClear on May 01, 2020, 01:05:33 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 01, 2020, 11:23:14 AM
Quote from: TabClear on May 01, 2020, 09:01:20 AM
Quote from: screenexile on May 01, 2020, 01:11:08 AM
Footballers to be tested twice a week... some kick in the stones for NHS and essential workers who've been on the front line and struggled to get tests when needed!!!
Honestly can't see how this works safely!
That is ridiculous. Maybe the government thinks that by mid June testing availability will be "caught up" for the NHS etc and if that is the case fair enough but while I am all for the football starting again there is no way it should be diverting testing from the frontline.
Football clubs will be paying a lot more per testing kit than the NHS will be, its not like there taking tests of the NHS unless you're suggesting football clubs should be funding testing kits for the NHS?
NO of course not. I just think its a pretty poor message to put out "we cant get enough kits to test our nurses but there are some available for footballers because they can afford to pay more". Its a slightly strange one because I would generally be pretty capitalist in my views and generally have no issue in people who can afford it doing what they like with their money but this just feels different.
There not a million miles away from testing 100,000 people a day, there's no excuse for anyone in the front line having access to a test by early June when the league may potentially start again.
A question that I haven't seen answered... is there any point in playing these games? Like who really cares? Like really really cares? The players? The Fans? The clubs? I'd say very few have any interest. Especially players who'll put in half arsed performances at best.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 01, 2020, 02:40:04 PM
Quote from: TabClear on May 01, 2020, 01:05:33 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 01, 2020, 11:23:14 AM
Quote from: TabClear on May 01, 2020, 09:01:20 AM
Quote from: screenexile on May 01, 2020, 01:11:08 AM
Footballers to be tested twice a week... some kick in the stones for NHS and essential workers who've been on the front line and struggled to get tests when needed!!!
Honestly can't see how this works safely!
That is ridiculous. Maybe the government thinks that by mid June testing availability will be "caught up" for the NHS etc and if that is the case fair enough but while I am all for the football starting again there is no way it should be diverting testing from the frontline.
Football clubs will be paying a lot more per testing kit than the NHS will be, its not like there taking tests of the NHS unless you're suggesting football clubs should be funding testing kits for the NHS?
NO of course not. I just think its a pretty poor message to put out "we cant get enough kits to test our nurses but there are some available for footballers because they can afford to pay more". Its a slightly strange one because I would generally be pretty capitalist in my views and generally have no issue in people who can afford it doing what they like with their money but this just feels different.
There not a million miles away from testing 100,000 people a day, there's no excuse for anyone in the front line having access to a test by early June when the league may potentially start again.
doing 100000 tests and testing 100000 people is two different things.They're doing around 85000 tests now on around 50000 people, so still a long way to go.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 02:26:59 PM
Quote from: BennyHarp on May 01, 2020, 02:22:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 02:05:06 PM
If that happens like that then brilliant that should be interesting, so non league through to PL will be run off same way I suppose ? Or is it purely elitist?
Apparently the EFL players have been told that their season is over, so yeah it looks like it is purely elitist. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1275913/EFL-players-season-likely-over-coronavirus-tests-Leeds-West-Brom-latest-news
Unreal, so what is the point of this? Is it just to give Liverpool the title? They have won it and won it well, well they were winning it even slowing up. So no relegation or promotion for the likes of West Brom or Leeds?
Money that's why. The Pl lose a lot from sponsorship if doesn't go ahead.
It was predicted last week UK will be worst hit by end of coronavirus, yet they are still foaming over resuming the PL.
They should take the hint from hint from France and cancel season. No Relegation, promote Leeds and West Brom and work out the fixture mess for next season, and relegate 5 teams for 2021 season
Quote from: rodney trotter on May 01, 2020, 03:17:24 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 02:26:59 PM
Quote from: BennyHarp on May 01, 2020, 02:22:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 02:05:06 PM
If that happens like that then brilliant that should be interesting, so non league through to PL will be run off same way I suppose ? Or is it purely elitist?
Apparently the EFL players have been told that their season is over, so yeah it looks like it is purely elitist. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1275913/EFL-players-season-likely-over-coronavirus-tests-Leeds-West-Brom-latest-news
Unreal, so what is the point of this? Is it just to give Liverpool the title? They have won it and won it well, well they were winning it even slowing up. So no relegation or promotion for the likes of West Brom or Leeds?
Money that's why. The Pl lose a lot from sponsorship if doesn't go ahead.
It was predicted last week UK will be worst hit by end of coronavirus, yet they are still foaming over resuming the PL.
They should take the hint from hint from France and cancel season. No Relegation, promote Leeds and West Brom and work out the fixture mess for next season, and relegate 5 teams for 2021 season
Yeah, I'd say the contract with Sky, BT and internationally will be the driving factor behind getting these games played. Also, I suppose the financial cost of clubs isolating whole squads and back room teams for a month or so would also mean that its only really feasible for the premier league clubs.
Quote from: trailer on May 01, 2020, 03:09:48 PM
A question that I haven't seen answered... is there any point in playing these games? Like who really cares? Like really really cares? The players? The Fans? The clubs? I'd say very few have any interest. Especially players who'll put in half arsed performances at best.
I'd imagine anyone who follows football would be very interested. I know I am.
The question is if it can be done in the manner they're suggesting.
Doesn't look likely to me, as much as I'm dying to see Liverpool win it on the field of play. Even if the testing is sorted out with no impact on others in need, you're cutting everyone off from their families for two months. And what happens when someone tests positive?
Money...money...money that is all this is about. This will be like watching a pre season tournament with even less people in attendance ie, no one.
Talk in the papers of CGI crowds and all that, FFS!
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11981791/coronavirus-government-stepping-up-plans-for-return-of-sport-says-culture-secretary
https://www.premierleague.com/news/1663603
Sparing a thought again today for the Null and Void brigade ;D ;D ;D
LFC Champions again olé olé
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 01, 2020, 04:25:31 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11981791/coronavirus-government-stepping-up-plans-for-return-of-sport-says-culture-secretary
https://www.premierleague.com/news/1663603
Sparing a thought again today for the Null and Void brigade ;D ;D ;D
LFC Champions again olé olé
So from that no decisions were taken?
Is there anyone on here who thinks Liverpool shouldn't be handed the title? I have heard that.
That's a good one of having Leeds and West Brom promoted and have 5 go down the following season
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 04:51:52 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 01, 2020, 04:25:31 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11981791/coronavirus-government-stepping-up-plans-for-return-of-sport-says-culture-secretary
https://www.premierleague.com/news/1663603
Sparing a thought again today for the Null and Void brigade ;D ;D ;D
LFC Champions again olé olé
So from that no decisions were taken?
Is there anyone on here who thinks Liverpool shouldn't be handed the title? I have heard that.
That's a good one of having Leeds and West Brom promoted and have 5 go down the following season
If that was the case the teams in 3rd to 6th place would have a field day
Quote from: Taylor on May 01, 2020, 04:54:04 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 04:51:52 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 01, 2020, 04:25:31 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11981791/coronavirus-government-stepping-up-plans-for-return-of-sport-says-culture-secretary
https://www.premierleague.com/news/1663603
Sparing a thought again today for the Null and Void brigade ;D ;D ;D
LFC Champions again olé olé
So from that no decisions were taken?
Is there anyone on here who thinks Liverpool shouldn't be handed the title? I have heard that.
That's a good one of having Leeds and West Brom promoted and have 5 go down the following season
If that was the case the teams in 3rd to 6th place would have a field day
Obviously clubs would have to agree and palms would need to be sweetened to help them through this
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 04:51:52 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 01, 2020, 04:25:31 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11981791/coronavirus-government-stepping-up-plans-for-return-of-sport-says-culture-secretary
https://www.premierleague.com/news/1663603
Sparing a thought again today for the Null and Void brigade ;D ;D ;D
LFC Champions again olé olé
So from that no decisions were taken?
Is there anyone on here who thinks Liverpool shouldn't be handed the title? I have heard that.
That's a good one of having Leeds and West Brom promoted and have 5 go down the following season
That's whats been reported. The play off trying to be played at a later date if possible.
You must not listen to any news or read newspapers. Always seen to be unaware of everything.
Quote from: rodney trotter on May 01, 2020, 05:19:15 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 04:51:52 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 01, 2020, 04:25:31 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11981791/coronavirus-government-stepping-up-plans-for-return-of-sport-says-culture-secretary
https://www.premierleague.com/news/1663603
Sparing a thought again today for the Null and Void brigade ;D ;D ;D
LFC Champions again olé olé
So from that no decisions were taken?
Is there anyone on here who thinks Liverpool shouldn't be handed the title? I have heard that.
That's a good one of having Leeds and West Brom promoted and have 5 go down the following season
That's whats been reported. The play off trying to be played at a later date if possible.
You must not listen to any news or read newspapers. Always seen to be unaware of everything.
Very rarely watch the news, get my news here from the experts
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 05:25:25 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on May 01, 2020, 05:19:15 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 04:51:52 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 01, 2020, 04:25:31 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11981791/coronavirus-government-stepping-up-plans-for-return-of-sport-says-culture-secretary
https://www.premierleague.com/news/1663603
Sparing a thought again today for the Null and Void brigade ;D ;D ;D
LFC Champions again olé olé
So from that no decisions were taken?
Is there anyone on here who thinks Liverpool shouldn't be handed the title? I have heard that.
That's a good one of having Leeds and West Brom promoted and have 5 go down the following season
That's whats been reported. The play off trying to be played at a later date if possible.
You must not listen to any news or read newspapers. Always seen to be unaware of everything.
Very rarely watch the news, get my news here from the experts
Sometimes even assumes the expert persona.
Quote from: Main Street on May 04, 2020, 12:16:50 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 05:25:25 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on May 01, 2020, 05:19:15 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 04:51:52 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 01, 2020, 04:25:31 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11981791/coronavirus-government-stepping-up-plans-for-return-of-sport-says-culture-secretary
https://www.premierleague.com/news/1663603
Sparing a thought again today for the Null and Void brigade ;D ;D ;D
LFC Champions again olé olé
So from that no decisions were taken?
Is there anyone on here who thinks Liverpool shouldn't be handed the title? I have heard that.
That's a good one of having Leeds and West Brom promoted and have 5 go down the following season
That's whats been reported. The play off trying to be played at a later date if possible.
You must not listen to any news or read newspapers. Always seen to be unaware of everything.
Very rarely watch the news, get my news here from the experts
Sometimes even assumes the expert persona.
That extra 3 km allowance must be killing you now
Bundesliga slated to return May 15th - https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1257491530073415680
Some blasts from the past in this - Good article
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/4087601/ranking-the-50-worst-premier-league-transfers-of-all-time
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on May 05, 2020, 01:42:53 PM
Some blasts from the past in this - Good article
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/4087601/ranking-the-50-worst-premier-league-transfers-of-all-time
Ali Dia.
Legend! ;D
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 04, 2020, 01:00:58 AM
Quote from: Main Street on May 04, 2020, 12:16:50 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 05:25:25 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on May 01, 2020, 05:19:15 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 04:51:52 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 01, 2020, 04:25:31 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11981791/coronavirus-government-stepping-up-plans-for-return-of-sport-says-culture-secretary
https://www.premierleague.com/news/1663603
Sparing a thought again today for the Null and Void brigade ;D ;D ;D
LFC Champions again olé olé
So from that no decisions were taken?
Is there anyone on here who thinks Liverpool shouldn't be handed the title? I have heard that.
That's a good one of having Leeds and West Brom promoted and have 5 go down the following season
That's whats been reported. The play off trying to be played at a later date if possible.
You must not listen to any news or read newspapers. Always seen to be unaware of everything.
Very rarely watch the news, get my news here from the experts
Sometimes even assumes the expert persona.
That extra 3 km allowance must be killing you now
Why so? it doesn't apply to Nordies. The entitled partitionist nordie daytripper didn't respect the 2km de facto limit on a cross border journey in the first place, why should an added 3km make any difference?
No doubt the sincere unitied irelander from the North has no bother complying with any essential regulations in the south, should they journey in that direction.
Quote from: Main Street on May 05, 2020, 11:34:07 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 04, 2020, 01:00:58 AM
Quote from: Main Street on May 04, 2020, 12:16:50 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 05:25:25 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on May 01, 2020, 05:19:15 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 01, 2020, 04:51:52 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 01, 2020, 04:25:31 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11981791/coronavirus-government-stepping-up-plans-for-return-of-sport-says-culture-secretary
https://www.premierleague.com/news/1663603
Sparing a thought again today for the Null and Void brigade ;D ;D ;D
LFC Champions again olé olé
So from that no decisions were taken?
Is there anyone on here who thinks Liverpool shouldn't be handed the title? I have heard that.
That's a good one of having Leeds and West Brom promoted and have 5 go down the following season
That's whats been reported. The play off trying to be played at a later date if possible.
You must not listen to any news or read newspapers. Always seen to be unaware of everything.
Very rarely watch the news, get my news here from the experts
Sometimes even assumes the expert persona.
That extra 3 km allowance must be killing you now
Why so? it doesn't apply to Nordies. The entitled partitionist nordie daytripper didn't respect the 2km de facto limit on a cross border journey in the first place, why should an added 3km make any difference?
No doubt the sincere unitied irelander from the North has no bother complying with any essential regulations in the south, should they journey in that direction.
How far did that lad and his cronies go to Ardoyne on a shooting spree? He was a freestater
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EXktogNXgAA9DnK?format=jpg&name=small)
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 09, 2020, 03:42:46 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EXktogNXgAA9DnK?format=jpg&name=small)
Love this. Looks like Gladbach for me!!
Who is excited about the German football starting today.... Yawn!
I'll take it at this stage. Any of it on TV?
Quote from: An Watcher on May 16, 2020, 12:43:12 PM
I'll take it at this stage. Any of it on TV?
On BT Sport. I'm delighted to have some live football back.
Quote from: Boycey on May 16, 2020, 12:16:39 PM
Who is excited about the German football starting today.... Yawn!
I've got my Lederhosen on and ready to go ! Expect plenty of goals we'll that's my bet anyway, first in 9 weeks
Can be a lot more entertaining than overrated, overhyped Premier League shite. Bundesliga 2 very enjoyable for end to end football. Just be really weird without a crowd, like watching Derry at Celtic Park.
There's always one ...
I enjoyed the Dortmund game. Football without fans is much better nothing at all.
Couple of very good goals. Schalke keeper was very poor.
Looks like eight in a row league titles for Bayern Munich after their 0-1 win against Dortmund this evening. That sends them seven points clear with six games to play.
Was a very good game I thought.
By far the best Bundesliga game so far. The pace and intensity in the 1st half was brilliant. Shame that the title race is over now.
Davies, the left back for Bayern, looks like a superstar in the making.
Euro 2020 was get under way tonight, Italy v Turkey in Rome.
This season's Champions League and Europa League competitions will be completed in August with 'final eight' tournaments in Lisbon, Portugal and in cities across Germany.
(https://i.ibb.co/cDx1dD3/Screenshot-20200617-180023-2.png) (https://ibb.co/wMYR1Mg)
(https://i.ibb.co/6PG2gNR/Screenshot-20200617-180033-2.png) (https://ibb.co/58CdB2W)
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 17, 2020, 06:03:44 PM
This season's Champions League and Europa League competitions will be completed in August with 'final eight' tournaments in Lisbon, Portugal and in cities across Germany.
(https://i.ibb.co/cDx1dD3/Screenshot-20200617-180023-2.png) (https://ibb.co/wMYR1Mg)
(https://i.ibb.co/6PG2gNR/Screenshot-20200617-180033-2.png) (https://ibb.co/58CdB2W)
Should just null and void both.
Champions league draw.
1) Real Madrid or Manchester City v Lyon or Juventus
2) RB Leipzig v Atletico Madrid
3) Napoli or Barcelona v Chelsea or Bayern Munich
4) Atalanta v Paris St-Germain
Last-16 ties to finish (first-leg score): Bayern Munich v Chelsea (3-0); Barcelona v Napoli (1-1); Manchester City v Real Madrid (2-1); Juventus v Lyon (0-1)
Semi-final draw - ties to take place 18-19 August.
Winner of quarter-final one v winner of quarter-final three
Winner of quarter-final two v winner of quarter-final four
I'd fancy a Bayern Munich v Atletico Madrid final.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on July 10, 2020, 02:32:49 PM
Champions league draw.
1) Real Madrid or Manchester City v Lyon or Juventus
2) RB Leipzig v Atletico Madrid
3) Napoli or Barcelona v Chelsea or Bayern Munich
4) Atalanta v Paris St-Germain
Last-16 ties to finish (first-leg score): Bayern Munich v Chelsea (3-0); Barcelona v Napoli (1-1); Manchester City v Real Madrid (2-1); Juventus v Lyon (0-1)
Semi-final draw - ties to take place 18-19 August.
Winner of quarter-final one v winner of quarter-final three
Winner of quarter-final two v winner of quarter-final four
I'd fancy a Bayern Munich v Atletico Madrid final.
Fairly lopsided draw there
Easy draw on Liverpool's side. Should've been a 3rd straight final and a 7th European cup.
Is the Europa League been played in Portugal or somewhere? Thought I heard it was to be like a World Cup tournament
Quote from: BennyCake on July 10, 2020, 05:57:12 PM
Is the Europa League been played in Portugal or somewhere? Thought I heard it was to be like a World Cup tournament
I reckon you're not really a football fan at all ;)
Quote from: BennyCake on July 10, 2020, 05:57:12 PM
Is the Europa League been played in Portugal or somewhere? Thought I heard it was to be like a World Cup tournament
Should just null and void both of them. Changing the format mid tournament..meh, massive asterisk beside the winners of both competitions.
Quote from: laoislad on July 10, 2020, 07:27:10 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 10, 2020, 05:57:12 PM
Is the Europa League been played in Portugal or somewhere? Thought I heard it was to be like a World Cup tournament
Should just null and void both of them. Changing the format mid tournament..meh, massive asterisk beside the winners of both competitions.
One legged ties, water breaks and 5 subs???
Tainted title, wouldn't be my club.
That shock exit (home and away defeats to Atletico Madrid) won't really kick in for many Liverpool supporters until this competition re-starts.
Away from a club no longer involved it will interesting to see can the sugar daddy clubs Manchester City, PSG deliver in this new format?
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 10, 2020, 07:45:12 PM
That shock exit (home and away defeats to Atletico Madrid) won't really kick in for many Liverpool supporters until this competition re-starts.
Away from a club no longer involved it will interesting to see can the sugar daddy clubs Manchester City, PSG deliver in this new format?
Shock to who?
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 11, 2020, 12:46:04 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 10, 2020, 07:45:12 PM
That shock exit (home and away defeats to Atletico Madrid) won't really kick in for many Liverpool supporters until this competition re-starts.
Away from a club no longer involved it will interesting to see can the sugar daddy clubs Manchester City, PSG deliver in this new format?
Shock to who?
To most people. It was the defending European champions and favourites to retain that title against a side that was 6th in the La Liga at the time.
Real Madrid currently playing City in the Etihad. What happened to all travellers from Spain being subject to a two week quarantine? Feels like something that should be being talked about more
Quote from: gallsman on August 07, 2020, 08:44:27 PM
Real Madrid currently playing City in the Etihad. What happened to all travellers from Spain being subject to a two week quarantine? Feels like something that should be being talked about more
Supporters or staff?
Quote from: gallsman on August 07, 2020, 08:44:27 PM
Real Madrid currently playing City in the Etihad. What happened to all travellers from Spain being subject to a two week quarantine? Feels like something that should be being talked about more
Professional players and staff are regularly tested
Has Varane money on Manchester City going through to the next round?
Juventus knocked out by Lyon a good night all round for Manchester City.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 07, 2020, 09:00:38 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 07, 2020, 08:44:27 PM
Real Madrid currently playing City in the Etihad. What happened to all travellers from Spain being subject to a two week quarantine? Feels like something that should be being talked about more
Supporters or staff?
What?
Quote from: Nanderson on August 07, 2020, 09:11:19 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 07, 2020, 08:44:27 PM
Real Madrid currently playing City in the Etihad. What happened to all travellers from Spain being subject to a two week quarantine? Feels like something that should be being talked about more
Professional players and staff are regularly tested
So? Was there something in the regulations that exempts people getting tested? My wife is due to give birth in a Barcelona hospital next month. We'll both be tested several times. Assuming tests are negative, does that mean we can go home to Belfast and not have to quarantine?
PSG and Juve seem to find it tough having lorded it year after year in their own league.
Same as Linfield 77-87.
Linfield actually start their Champs League campaign tomorrow while this years is still going. Worlds couped. Ive finally all the evidence i need
Martin 'Buckets' McGaughey was up there with Rush and Lineker in the 80s.
Golden boot i believe. Europes best striker. Better moustache than Rush too.
Once Martin McGaughey left was he replaced by a Martin McCaghey or have i made that up.
Away and find out im fur bed
Finished 2nd in golden boot, the year after Rush came to Curleys. Would have won it only suffered a cruciate 3 games to go.
Sarri sacked a day after being knocked out of the CL by Lyon. Surely winning the Serie A title in his first season with the club was enough to keep him on?
Yeah, because winning Serie A is such a challenge for Juve. They were dreadful this year, especially after the restart and played awful football to boot.
They lost the Super Coppa, the Coppa Italia and allowed the other teams in Italy to get much closer to them than they should have been.
He absolutely deserved to go.
Messi still has it.
Messi had a goal struck out for a handball that I couldn't see even on replay.
Robbed Frenkie de Jong of an absolutely majestic assist too.
Varane last night and Koulibaly tonight.
Quote from: Capt Pat on August 08, 2020, 08:41:27 PM
Messi had a goal struck out for a handball that I couldn't see even on replay.
Thought that was bizarre. Surely we saw all the angles they did.
Bayern Munich just 7-1 winners against Chelsea. Barcelona up next.
Fat Frank showing what real football is tonight
Chelsea are so lucky to have got rid of the Europa League and Scudetto-winning Maurizio Sarri
Frank will surely go with a fly goalie next season, or maybe just go the whole hog and play without one altogether, it's not as if it would make much difference given the amount of goals Chelsea concede
The other Premier League big guns will be quaking in their boots with the Brain of Britain bossing the Blues
Though to be fair, the seasoned Wenger lost 10-2 in his last battle with Bayern.
Quote from: sid waddell on August 08, 2020, 10:09:10 PM
Fat Frank showing what real football is tonight
Chelsea are so lucky to have got rid of the Europa League and Scudetto-winning Maurizio Sarri
Frank will surely go with a fly goalie next season, or maybe just go the whole hog and play without one altogether, it's not as if it would make much difference given the amount of goals Chelsea concede
The other Premier League big guns will be quaking in their boots with the Brain of Britain bossing the Blues
They lost to the better team. Calm down.
English football just isn't very good at the moment.
Quote from: sid waddell on August 08, 2020, 10:09:10 PM
Fat Frank showing what real football is tonight
Chelsea are so lucky to have got rid of the Europa League and Scudetto-winning Maurizio Sarri
Frank will surely go with a fly goalie next season, or maybe just go the whole hog and play without one altogether, it's not as if it would make much difference given the amount of goals Chelsea concede
The other Premier League big guns will be quaking in their boots with the Brain of Britain bossing the Blues
You sound like you are 12 years old.
An upset could be on the cards in the PSG Atalanta tie. Atalanta lead 1-0 into the second half. It could be Citys year.
A lucky goal for PSG.
Late late show from PSG, heartbreak for Atalanta*
*stupid predictive text
PSG could easily make the final now.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 12, 2020, 09:50:56 PM
Late late show from PSG, heartbreak for Atlanta.
Braves game hasn't started yet but Yankees will be tough...
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 12, 2020, 09:45:13 PM
A lucky goal for PSG.
What was lucky about either goal ffs?!
Judging by the reaction of the manager Tuchel to the 2 goals his job must have been on the line. It is easy to win the French league but the ownership surely want the big one.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 12, 2020, 10:40:06 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 12, 2020, 10:28:04 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 12, 2020, 09:45:13 PM
A lucky goal for PSG.
What was lucky about either goal ffs?!
1st goal deflected off a defender into the net.
What you mean is the defender on the line failed to prevent the ball going in. Nothing lucky about it.
Quote from: gallsman on August 12, 2020, 10:49:01 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 12, 2020, 10:40:06 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 12, 2020, 10:28:04 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 12, 2020, 09:45:13 PM
A lucky goal for PSG.
What was lucky about either goal ffs?!
1st goal deflected off a defender into the net.
What you mean is the defender on the line failed to prevent the ball going in. Nothing lucky about it.
Defender knew little about it. A deflection like that could easily have gone out for a corner than into the net.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 12, 2020, 10:57:05 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 12, 2020, 10:49:01 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 12, 2020, 10:40:06 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 12, 2020, 10:28:04 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 12, 2020, 09:45:13 PM
A lucky goal for PSG.
What was lucky about either goal ffs?!
1st goal deflected off a defender into the net.
What you mean is the defender on the line failed to prevent the ball going in. Nothing lucky about it.
Defender knew little about it. A deflection like that could easily have gone out for a corner than into the net.
Yes I guess I should wise up and accept that lucky goals are defined as "on target shots from six yards that aren't deflected out for a corner".
::) ::) ::)
Quote from: gallsman on August 12, 2020, 11:09:46 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 12, 2020, 10:57:05 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 12, 2020, 10:49:01 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 12, 2020, 10:40:06 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 12, 2020, 10:28:04 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 12, 2020, 09:45:13 PM
A lucky goal for PSG.
What was lucky about either goal ffs?!
1st goal deflected off a defender into the net.
What you mean is the defender on the line failed to prevent the ball going in. Nothing lucky about it.
Defender knew little about it. A deflection like that could easily have gone out for a corner than into the net.
Yes I guess I should wise up and accept that lucky goals are defined as "on target shots from six yards that aren't deflected out for a corner".
::) ::) ::)
You can guess what you want. We'll agree to disagree
Athletico Madrid used up all their good luck against Liverpool. Knocked out by a deflected goal tonight.
Quote from: Capt Pat on August 13, 2020, 10:43:16 PM
Athletico Madrid used up all their good luck against Liverpool. Knocked out by a deflected goal tonight.
They won both legs against Liverpool, there was no luck in that surely?
Having two players test positive for covid had to upset Madrids preparation for that quarter final.
It's already some story for Leipzig even more so if go on to reach the final, only formed in 2009 and their first Bundesliga season was 2016–17. Just a shame their best forward jumped ship before this competition was over.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 14, 2020, 12:21:55 AM
Having two players test positive for covid had to upset Madrids preparation for that quarter final.
It's already some story for Leipzig even more so if go on to reach the final, only formed in 2009 and their first Bundesliga season was 2016–17. Just a shame their best forward jumped ship before this competition was over.
Do Leipzig not represent a lot of what's wrong with football though, formed in 2009 as you say but heavily backed by a corporation rather than by fans. Basically just a corporate entity
Quote from: macdanger2 on August 14, 2020, 12:49:55 AM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 14, 2020, 12:21:55 AM
Having two players test positive for covid had to upset Madrids preparation for that quarter final.
It's already some story for Leipzig even more so if go on to reach the final, only formed in 2009 and their first Bundesliga season was 2016–17. Just a shame their best forward jumped ship before this competition was over.
Do Leipzig not represent a lot of what's wrong with football though, formed in 2009 as you say but heavily backed by a corporation rather than by fans. Basically just a corporate entity
It does but sadly that's the way the sport has gone.
My advice would be to not give it much thought about who owns football clubs. The CL knockouts are the most enjoyable entertainment every single year. Just strap yourself in and enjoy the football.
This year won't be the best as there aren't enough English clubs who always guarantee the most entertainment. Athleti beating Liverpool was a bad result for the entertainment value.
I just want to see the English clubs plus Barca because they have the best player in the world, PSG because they have the second best player in the world and Juve because they have the third best player in the world. It's also nice when an exciting team like Ajax, Monaco or RB emerges.
Athleti are boring. Napoli are pointless because they lose in the round of 16 every year.
Quote from: caprea on August 14, 2020, 02:10:51 AM
My advice would be to not give it much thought about who owns football clubs. The CL knockouts are the most enjoyable entertainment every single year. Just strap yourself in and enjoy the football.
This year won't be the best as there aren't enough English clubs who always guarantee the most entertainment. Athleti beating Liverpool was a bad result for the entertainment value.
I just want to see the English clubs plus Barca because they have the best player in the world, PSG because they have the second best player in the world and Juve because they have the third best player in the world. It's also nice when an exciting team like Ajax, Monaco or RB emerges.
Athleti are boring. Napoli are pointless because they lose in the round of 16 every year.
On paper maybe, that is until you watch 10 mins of a PSG, any Spanish or Portuguese club and the play acting, diving, cheating, feigning injury etc . Would drive you up the wall, grown men / contact sport ffs
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 13, 2020, 11:22:45 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on August 13, 2020, 10:43:16 PM
Athletico Madrid used up all their good luck against Liverpool. Knocked out by a deflected goal tonight.
They won both legs against Liverpool, there was no luck in that surely?
They were gifted 2 goals by Liverpool errors and would have been knocked out only for those errors. Liverpool won the second 90 minute match. It was in extra time that Athletico took advantage of a goalkeeping error to win the second leg.
Quote from: JoG2 on August 14, 2020, 10:33:18 AM
Quote from: caprea on August 14, 2020, 02:10:51 AM
My advice would be to not give it much thought about who owns football clubs. The CL knockouts are the most enjoyable entertainment every single year. Just strap yourself in and enjoy the football.
This year won't be the best as there aren't enough English clubs who always guarantee the most entertainment. Athleti beating Liverpool was a bad result for the entertainment value.
I just want to see the English clubs plus Barca because they have the best player in the world, PSG because they have the second best player in the world and Juve because they have the third best player in the world. It's also nice when an exciting team like Ajax, Monaco or RB emerges.
Athleti are boring. Napoli are pointless because they lose in the round of 16 every year.
On paper maybe, that is until you watch 10 mins of a PSG, any Spanish or Portuguese club and the play acting, diving, cheating, feigning injury etc . Would drive you up the wall, grown men / contact sport ffs
As opposed to all the lads at City, United, Liverpool etc who just fall over by accident all the time?
Quote from: Capt Pat on August 14, 2020, 11:03:28 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 13, 2020, 11:22:45 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on August 13, 2020, 10:43:16 PM
Athletico Madrid used up all their good luck against Liverpool. Knocked out by a deflected goal tonight.
They won both legs against Liverpool, there was no luck in that surely?
They were gifted 2 goals by Liverpool errors and would have been knocked out only for those errors. Liverpool won the second 90 minute match. It was in extra time that Athletico took advantage of a goalkeeping error to win the second leg.
Gifted or not, the game was won over 2 legs, personally I'm not a fan of AM style of play, everyone knows how it will go, but a lot of teams still get sucked in and AM are successful enough.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 14, 2020, 01:48:53 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on August 14, 2020, 12:49:55 AM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 14, 2020, 12:21:55 AM
Having two players test positive for covid had to upset Madrids preparation for that quarter final.
It's already some story for Leipzig even more so if go on to reach the final, only formed in 2009 and their first Bundesliga season was 2016–17. Just a shame their best forward jumped ship before this competition was over.
Do Leipzig not represent a lot of what's wrong with football though, formed in 2009 as you say but heavily backed by a corporation rather than by fans. Basically just a corporate entity
It does but sadly that's the way the sport has gone.
Not in Germany which is why they are so hated
It's possible to be simultaneously both highly critical of the nature of the origin of Leipzig and admiring of their achievements to date. Really, Red Bull buying them is no worse than petro states buying PSG or City. Probably less worse given I don't think Red Bull are reviled for human rights abuses.
The football they is impressive, and a lot of that is down to Nagelsmann. Great story for him.
Quote from: gallsman on August 14, 2020, 11:23:08 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on August 14, 2020, 10:33:18 AM
Quote from: caprea on August 14, 2020, 02:10:51 AM
My advice would be to not give it much thought about who owns football clubs. The CL knockouts are the most enjoyable entertainment every single year. Just strap yourself in and enjoy the football.
This year won't be the best as there aren't enough English clubs who always guarantee the most entertainment. Athleti beating Liverpool was a bad result for the entertainment value.
I just want to see the English clubs plus Barca because they have the best player in the world, PSG because they have the second best player in the world and Juve because they have the third best player in the world. It's also nice when an exciting team like Ajax, Monaco or RB emerges.
Athleti are boring. Napoli are pointless because they lose in the round of 16 every year.
On paper maybe, that is until you watch 10 mins of a PSG, any Spanish or Portuguese club and the play acting, diving, cheating, feigning injury etc . Would drive you up the wall, grown men / contact sport ffs
As opposed to all the lads at City, United, Liverpool etc who just fall over by accident all the time?
There's divers in all teams, I'd call any out on it, but the ones listed above are on a completely different level and imo makes the games completely unwatchable
Neymar pretty much makes his games unwatchable for me.
English football bad for it but the continent still a lot worse imo
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on August 14, 2020, 04:01:39 PM
Neymar pretty much makes his games unwatchable for me.
English football bad for it but the continent still a lot worse imo
They have a different attitude to it though, and don't see it as a real problem. A guy I once worked with was a referee in Serbia at amateur level. I had this discussion with him and he just couldn't see my perspective that diving was cheating and a blight on the game.
4 goals for Bayern in 30 minutes! Barcelona struggling badly with the high press/pressure game of Bayern.
This could end up any score.
Its like the Germany Brazil world Cup semi final
Some destruction of Barcelona, 8 goals for Bayern and they could easily have scored 12 or more goals tonight.
Quote from: laoislad on August 14, 2020, 08:32:44 PM
This could end up any score.
Its like the Germany Brazil world Cup semi final
Thats exactly what it was like...Barca were atrocious and they are done now
Barca need an overhaul of the scale of the one that brought Pep in. American style rebuild, even if it means ceding ground to Madrid for a few years.
Pique, Alba, Busquets, Vidal, Realistic, Suarez all to go.
Messi should go too? Not much point in rebuilding around a 33 year old
Quote from: gawa316 on August 14, 2020, 09:52:24 PM
Quote from: laoislad on August 14, 2020, 08:32:44 PM
This could end up any score.
Its like the Germany Brazil world Cup semi final
Thats exactly what it was like...Barca were atrocious and they are done now
Liverpool's Thiago played well ;)
Quote from: Boycey on August 14, 2020, 10:01:39 PM
Messi should go too? Not much point in rebuilding around a 33 year old
A 33 year old who's still the best footballer in the world?
There's every chance Messi will go but it'll be his decision, not theirs.
Good interview from Pique. Says it's a disaster, an embarrassment and the club needs structural changes from top to bottom. Nobody is untouchable (perhaps directed at Messi, more likely Bartomeu) and says he'll offer himself up as the first one to go if needs be.
A hammering for Barcelona the last 4 years as they exit the Champions league.
2017 - 3-0 to Juventus
2018 - 3-0 to Roma
2019 - 4-0 to Liverpool
2020 - 8-2 to Bayern Munich
Little learnt on previous exits and have got worse.
Quote from: gallsman on August 14, 2020, 10:09:20 PM
Quote from: Boycey on August 14, 2020, 10:01:39 PM
Messi should go too? Not much point in rebuilding around a 33 year old
A 33 year old who's still the best footballer in the world?
There's every chance Messi will go but it'll be his decision, not theirs.
Whether he's best player in the world or not is irrelevant....
Quote from: Boycey on August 14, 2020, 10:30:26 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 14, 2020, 10:09:20 PM
Quote from: Boycey on August 14, 2020, 10:01:39 PM
Messi should go too? Not much point in rebuilding around a 33 year old
A 33 year old who's still the best footballer in the world?
There's every chance Messi will go but it'll be his decision, not theirs.
Whether he's best player in the world or not is irrelevant....
It's really not. If he's the best player in the world and you think he has 3/4 years left you absolutely build around him, whilst preparing for his departure.
You can't build around somebody AND prepare for their departure.....
Quote from: Boycey on August 14, 2020, 11:05:46 PM
You can't build around somebody AND prepare for their departure.....
Of course you can ffs, if you've the right players. The next man up only gets experience through playing like.
Barca should look to swap Messi with man utd and take mason greenwood plus martial.
No other strategy works as barca have no money to rebuild right now.
Barca spent nearly 400m on Griezmann, Dembele and Coutinho. Griezmann came on as a sub, Dembele didn't play and Coutinho on Loan at Bayern scored 2.
Quote from: rodney trotter on August 15, 2020, 12:11:41 PM
Barca spent nearly 400m on Griezmann, Dembele and Coutinho. Griezmann came on as a sub, Dembele didn't play and Coutinho on Loan at Bayern scored 2.
All to replace neymar and no one came close, whoever inserted that release clause in neymars last barca contract should be shot
If you're starting to build a team around 1 player you're going nowhere. Never understood this concept. It's a team game.
Quote from: Armamike on August 15, 2020, 12:47:09 PM
If you're starting to build a team around 1 player you're going nowhere. Never understood this concept. It's a team game.
That is the line you tell a player you want to sign or a player you want to hold onto who is thinking about leaving. It's called stroking their ego.
Quote from: rodney trotter on August 15, 2020, 12:11:41 PM
Barca spent nearly 400m on Griezmann, Dembele and Coutinho. Griezmann came on as a sub, Dembele didn't play and Coutinho on Loan at Bayern scored 2.
Has any big money move to Barcelona worked out since Suarez? Coutinho coming off the bench to score twice and assist another summed up their embarrassing night.
How did Sterling miss that!!!
Jaysus
Shafted by var but what a miss.
Quote from: Capt Pat on August 12, 2020, 09:10:35 PM
An upset could be on the cards in the PSG Atalanta tie. Atalanta lead 1-0 into the second half. It could be Citys year.
Its not.
Man City continues to flatter to deceive in the Champions league, makes little sense why they are made favourites each year. No fluke for Lyon either who had no fear of City after getting two results against them last season including a win in the Etihad Stadium.
I thought so but then I also thought offside... Still only themselves to blame. Shite formation and a miss like that.
I think it's fair to say Pep is overrated. Those two CL titles with Barcelona was all down to that unique group of players. He hasn't come near it since despite being bankrolled by billionaires.
His job should be on the line after that defeat
Failure is in city's dna. Take away the billionaire backers and they would be bottom half strugglers.
I would stick with Pep. If Sterling had put that chance away the game would still be on.
Quote from: rodney trotter on August 15, 2020, 10:04:13 PM
His job should be on the line after that defeat
Imagine so, Sarri was mainly sacked from Juventus for getting knocked out of the Champions league by Lyon.
Quote from: Capt Pat on August 15, 2020, 10:09:12 PM
I would stick with Pep. If Sterling had put that chance away the game would still be on.
Well he didn't and here we are. I really hope City persevere with this fraud of a manager.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 15, 2020, 10:10:28 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on August 15, 2020, 10:04:13 PM
His job should be on the line after that defeat
Imagine so, Sarri was mainly sacked from Juventus for getting knocked out of the Champions league by Lyon.
Poor season from city alright with just the league cup to show for it, but who else would you get in as a manager? Very few world class managers about at the minute
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 15, 2020, 10:10:28 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on August 15, 2020, 10:04:13 PM
His job should be on the line after that defeat
Imagine so, Sarri was mainly sacked from Juventus for getting knocked out of the Champions league by Lyon.
Yes and Sarri was only with Juve 1 season. City with the money spent have underwhelmed in the CL with Pep. Beaten by Monaco and Spurs in previous years.
Haven't got past the Quarter finals
Quote from: gawa316 on August 15, 2020, 10:11:53 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 15, 2020, 10:10:28 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on August 15, 2020, 10:04:13 PM
His job should be on the line after that defeat
Imagine so, Sarri was mainly sacked from Juventus for getting knocked out of the Champions league by Lyon.
Poor season from city alright with just the league cup to show for it, but who else would you get in as a manager? Very few world class managers about at the minute
Maybe they will go with a young up incoming manager such as Nagelsmann whom be a good fit for their style of play. The new trend is to appoint former players can't think of any former City greats to take over?
Fraudiola found out again. Cheque book manager who relied on since in a generation team and the best player ever to create his 'reputation'. He'll invest another shit load of money but they are just a poor mans PSG. At least one of the Euro Royalty in Bayern will win Big Ears and not a Johnny Come Lately.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 15, 2020, 10:25:54 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 15, 2020, 10:11:53 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 15, 2020, 10:10:28 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on August 15, 2020, 10:04:13 PM
His job should be on the line after that defeat
Imagine so, Sarri was mainly sacked from Juventus for getting knocked out of the Champions league by Lyon.
Poor season from city alright with just the league cup to show for it, but who else would you get in as a manager? Very few world class managers about at the minute
Maybe they will go with a young up incoming manager such as Nagelsmann whom be a good fit for their style of play. The new trend is to appoint former players can't think of any former City greats to take over?
The Goat?!!
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 15, 2020, 10:25:54 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 15, 2020, 10:11:53 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 15, 2020, 10:10:28 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on August 15, 2020, 10:04:13 PM
His job should be on the line after that defeat
Imagine so, Sarri was mainly sacked from Juventus for getting knocked out of the Champions league by Lyon.
Poor season from city alright with just the league cup to show for it, but who else would you get in as a manager? Very few world class managers about at the minute
Maybe they will go with a young up incoming manager such as Nagelsmann whom be a good fit for their style of play. The new trend is to appoint former players can't think of any former City greats to take over?
Maybe they could poach Frank Lampard and bring their annual humiliation forward a round, or perhaps to the group stage
Or else they could get Guardiola to go and buy the whole of Stoke City's 2017/18 squad
Be guaranteed to reach a semi-final that way
Quote from: sid waddell on August 15, 2020, 11:49:57 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 15, 2020, 10:25:54 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 15, 2020, 10:11:53 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 15, 2020, 10:10:28 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on August 15, 2020, 10:04:13 PM
His job should be on the line after that defeat
Imagine so, Sarri was mainly sacked from Juventus for getting knocked out of the Champions league by Lyon.
Poor season from city alright with just the league cup to show for it, but who else would you get in as a manager? Very few world class managers about at the minute
Maybe they will go with a young up incoming manager such as Nagelsmann whom be a good fit for their style of play. The new trend is to appoint former players can't think of any former City greats to take over?
Maybe they could poach Frank Lampard and bring their annual humiliation forward a round, or perhaps to the group stage
Or else they could get Guardiola to go and buy the whole of Stoke City's 2017/18 squad
Be guaranteed to reach a semi-final that way
According to Pep after the game they have to try to break this habit of Quarter final exits, some journalist should have reminded him that Pellegrini brought City to the CL semi finals before he arrived.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 15, 2020, 10:25:54 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 15, 2020, 10:11:53 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 15, 2020, 10:10:28 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on August 15, 2020, 10:04:13 PM
His job should be on the line after that defeat
Imagine so, Sarri was mainly sacked from Juventus for getting knocked out of the Champions league by Lyon.
Poor season from city alright with just the league cup to show for it, but who else would you get in as a manager? Very few world class managers about at the minute
Maybe they will go with a young up incoming manager such as Nagelsmann whom be a good fit for their style of play. The new trend is to appoint former players can't think of any former City greats to take over?
I'm sure City fans are gutted they've no Solskjaer to take over
Shaun Goater and Georgi Kinklazde . Citeh legends
Quote from: rodney trotter on August 16, 2020, 09:43:56 AM
Shaun Goater and Georgi Kinklazde . Citeh legends
Feed the Goat!!!!
Which theory is likely true?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at4CN8suQRU
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 16, 2020, 04:52:21 PM
Which theory is likely true?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at4CN8suQRU
I wouldn't be surprised to see him back at Barcelona. I thought during the season that this will be Pep's last year at City.
Quote from: BennyCake on August 16, 2020, 05:35:31 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 16, 2020, 04:52:21 PM
Which theory is likely true?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at4CN8suQRU
I wouldn't be surprised to see him back at Barcelona. I thought during the season that this will be Pep's last year at City.
Barca might go for Klopp
Couple days ago they was talkin bout the Super Cup bein held in Manchester should both teams win their cups......thats that cleared up then 😊
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on August 16, 2020, 11:13:01 PM
Couple days ago they was talkin bout the Super Cup bein held in Manchester should both teams win their cups......thats that cleared up then 😊
Who, Robbie Savage?
Not many managers rated in here by you men.
So who is considered a decent manager?
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on August 17, 2020, 09:57:12 AM
Not many managers rated in here by you men.
So who is considered a decent manager?
"Klopp is a clown. Imagine playing Caulker up front"
As the saying goes, opinions are like assholes...
Ronald Koeman going to be new Barcelona manager it seems.
Further proof alongside Martinez that the only way is down after managing the Everton 😃
PSG are one nil up on the German team with only one German starting.
Think PSG only have the two French and one German. And the Germans have no Germans and three French.
What's the world coming til.
Looking like a Champions league final between the German and French league champions.
What was that defender at ? No one near him so he falls over and claims a foul which he doesn't get so ends up playing the guy onside for the goal. What an eejit.
2-2 at half time in the Europa League final. Sevilla clearly the better side however if Inter Milan continue to score with each effort on target they will be hard to beat.
Sevilla certainly love the Europa league. Fully deserved the win however the winner was a lucky goal as Lukaku unfortunately diverted it into the net.
Sevilla really do have a 'decent' record in this competition
Quote from: gawa316 on August 21, 2020, 10:26:40 PM
Sevilla really do have a 'decent' record in this competition
They're like a hyper version of Laois winning a load of minor All-Irelands yet never getting within an ass's roar of a senior title
Quote from: sid waddell on August 21, 2020, 10:35:58 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 21, 2020, 10:26:40 PM
Sevilla really do have a 'decent' record in this competition
They're like a hyper version of Laois winning a load of minor All-Irelands yet never getting within an ass's roar of a senior title
Like Dublin are a Hyper version of Real Madrid, winning loads of titles and heavily financed by the government!
Madrid are financed by the government? Really?
Predictions?
I'll go Munich 2 PSG 2 and pens
Munich 3 Paris 2
4-1 Bayern
Is it on tv?
It is on virgin media one in the republic. I am watching it on virgin media player on the interweb.
The presence of Neuer making PSG snatch at things.
Terrible tackle on Neymar.
Oh wait he made a complete meal of it ... agaim >:(
I can't believe they are taking Coman off he was winning the game single handedly for Bayern.
Best team in this years Champions league won the competition.
Hendersons lift was better.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 23, 2020, 09:57:53 PM
Best team in this years Champions league won the competition.
Neuer in top form tonight. First time in 34 games PSG haven't scored in Europe. Lewandowski finally getting winners medal. Liverpool will get €5 million for Coutinho winning champions league.
Glad to PSG beat.
The first ever team win to every game in Champions league/European Cup en route to lifting the trophy. Smart move by Flick to start Coman. PSG gave a decent account of themselves but faced Neuer at his best.
Lifting the cup in the middle of the field without supporters looks as shite as those recent All Ireland final celebrations in Croke Park.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 23, 2020, 10:34:41 PM
The first ever team win to every game in Champions league/European Cup en route to lifting the trophy. Smart move by Flick to start Coman. PSG gave a decent account of themselves but faced Neuer at his best.
Lifting the cup in the middle of the field without supporters looks as shite as those recent All Ireland final celebrations in Croke Park.
All those recent All Ireland final celebrations look shite to us because we lost them all! :-\
I wonder if PSG didn't exist would anyone give a flying fcuk about Qatar and their human rights record
Quote from: caprea on August 23, 2020, 11:24:21 PM
I wonder if PSG didn't exist would anyone give a flying fcuk about Qatar and their human rights record
The WC is happening there in two years time and loads of immigrant workers have died building their stadiums so I'm gonna have a guess and say...yes.
Quote from: gallsman on August 23, 2020, 11:52:49 PM
Quote from: caprea on August 23, 2020, 11:24:21 PM
I wonder if PSG didn't exist would anyone give a flying fcuk about Qatar and their human rights record
The WC is happening there in two years time and lies3 of immigrant workers have died building their stadiums so I'm gonna have a guess and say...yes.
Fair point. I wonder if PSG didn't exist and Qatar didn't win the right to host the 2022 World Cup would anyone give a .......
I would guarantee loads of construction workers on every olympics and world cups are exploited and fucked over. That's why those countries are chosen in the first place. Those behind FIFA and the Olympic crowd aren't exactly honest and trustworthy. They're all a bunch of greedy corrupt nut bars.
Quote from: BennyCake on August 24, 2020, 12:20:05 AM
I would guarantee loads of construction workers on every olympics and world cups are exploited and fucked over. That's why those countries are chosen in the first place. Those behind FIFA and the Olympic crowd aren't exactly honest and trustworthy. They're all a bunch of greedy corrupt nut bars.
Not every Olympics or World Cup, some countries have decent health and safety, Qatar is a disgrace but is something of an outlier.
Bayern's starting team last night cost less than £100mill :o
I see supporters will be attending the Super Cup in September in Budapest with 30% capacity to be allowed to attend.
Apparently Messi has handed in a transfer request. :o
Quote from: GJL on August 25, 2020, 08:36:15 PM
Apparently Messi has handed in a transfer request. :o
Not quite a transfer request. A letter informing them that he's rescinding his contract and leaving. His contact has a clause that he can leave for free supposedly but he has to inform them by the end of May each year if he wants to exercise it. Looks like Messi's lawyers will argue the extension of the season moves that date to the end of August.
Hard to see anyway back for him now without the entire board resigning.
Psg marseille ends in brawl, 5 sent off including neymar. 1st time since 1984 psg lose first 2 games.
Soccer "brawls" are always so disappointing unless they're in South America. Tonight's was handbags at ten paces.
Shamrock Rovers doing alright in that 1st half and had a few decent chances to score. AC Milan scored with their only shot on target, a lad aged near 40 with the goal.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 17, 2020, 07:48:56 PM
Shamrock Rovers doing alright in that 1st half and had a few decent chances to score. AC Milan scored with their only shot on target, a lad aged near 40 with the goal.
Odd this is in European football but Rovers did very well against a serious Milan unit. Jack Byrne didn't look out of place
Coleraine Motherwell in extra time. 2-2
90th minute penalty.
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 17, 2020, 09:14:34 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 17, 2020, 07:48:56 PM
Shamrock Rovers doing alright in that 1st half and had a few decent chances to score. AC Milan scored with their only shot on target, a lad aged near 40 with the goal.
Odd this is in European football but Rovers did very well against a serious Milan unit. Jack Byrne didn't look out of place
What's odd about it? It was a Europa League qualifying game. AC Milan are a long way from the serious side they once were.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 17, 2020, 10:20:26 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 17, 2020, 09:14:34 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 17, 2020, 07:48:56 PM
Shamrock Rovers doing alright in that 1st half and had a few decent chances to score. AC Milan scored with their only shot on target, a lad aged near 40 with the goal.
Odd this is in European football but Rovers did very well against a serious Milan unit. Jack Byrne didn't look out of place
What's odd about it? It was a Europa League qualifying game. AC Milan are a long way from the serious side they once were.
Who were they playing?
Ha! Dundalk FM playing 'I Shot the Sheriff' after the penalty shoot out finish.
Quote from: SHEEDY on December 03, 2017, 01:35:54 PM
Great scenes in Seria A. Benevento got their 1st ever point in the top league with a last minute equaliser against ac milan, it was scored by their goalkeeper from a header. After 14 consecutive defeats they're finally off the mark.
Back again and managed to come back from 2 - 0 down early on to win first match 2 - 3 away from home.
Rapidly back down to earth after half an hour at home v Inter Milan at the moment. 0 - 3
2 - 5 at the finish.
7 shots on goal v 12 shots on goal. Plenty of potential so far.
Champions league group draw.
Group A: Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Salzburg, Lokomotiv Moscow
Group B: Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter Milan, Borussia Monchengladbach
Group C: Porto, Manchester City, Olympiakos, Marseille
Group D: Liverpool, Ajax, Atalanta, Midtjylland
Group E: Sevilla, Chelsea, FK Krasnodar, Rennes
Group F: Zenit St Petersburg, Borussia Dortmund, Lazio, Bruges
Group G: Juventus, Barcelona, Dynamo Kyiv, Ferencvaros
Group H: Paris St-Germain, Manchester United, RB Leipzig, Istanbul Basaksehir
Following Thursday's draw it was announced that fans could make a partial return to Uefa matches for the first time since March - where local laws permit.
Starting during the October international break, fans will be capped at 30% of a stadium's capacity but away supporters will not be able to attend.
Social distancing will be mandatory and additional precautionary measures such as mask wearing must be implemented in accordance with local rules.
England and Wales players murdering their respective national anthems with no crowd. Lolz (those that knew the words anyway)
Summer transfer window 2020: Top ten biggest-spending leagues
from football365
1) Premier League – £1.26billion
Most expensive purchases: Kai Havertz (£72m, Chelsea), Ruben Dias (£61.2m, Manchester City), Timo Werner (£47.7m, Chelsea)
Despite spending almost double the amount on players than any other league in Europe, the Premier League's £1.26million outlay was the lowest of any summer since 2015. Indeed, this year's spend is down £350million compared to last summer. But it was still around equal to Ligue 1, La Liga, Bundesliga, Liga NOS and Russian Premier Liga combined.
2) Serie A – £686.47million
Most expensive purchases: Arthur (£64.8m, Juventus), Victor Osimhen (£63m, Napoli), Achraf Hakimi (£36m, Inter Milan)
Spending in Italy dropped by almost half a billion pounds, though some of the fees still look extremely generous. Juve and Barcelona concocted a part-exchange deal which valued Arthur at around £65million, which is more of an indication of some creative accounting rather than insightful scouting. The same can be said of Napoli's purchase of Osimhen for, on the face of it, an extortionate amount but the accountants have used their imagination here too.
3) Ligue 1 – £385.67million
Most expensive purchases: Mauro Icardi (£45m, PSG), Kevin Volland (£13.95m, Monaco), Jonathan David (£24.3m, Lille)
Clubs in France also cut their spending roughly in half compared to last summer, with even PSG feeling the pinch. However, transfer income among Ligue 1 clubs was down even further, putting them £47million in red, compared to a £75million collective profit last summer.
4) La Liga – £365.94million
Most expensive purchases: Miralem Pjanic (£54m, Barcelona), Alvaro Morata (£50.4m, Atletico), Trincao (£27.9m)
Spanish clubs collectively turned a profit in the transfer window thanks largely to a huge reduction in spending. According to investment company Carteret Analytics, quoted by the BBC, spending in La Liga was down 46 per cent on the five-year average. Real Madrid failed to spend in the summer market for the first time in 40 years.
5) Bundesliga – £290.43million
Most expensive purchases: Leroy Sane (£40.5m, Bayern Munich), Patrick Schick £23.85m, Bayer Leverkusen), Emre Can (£22.5m, Borussia Dortmund)
Top-tier clubs in Germany lived within their means this summer, even turning a small profit, the equivalent of £10,000 per club.
6) Portuguese Liga NOS – £131.61million
Most expensive purchases: Darwin Nunez (£21.6m, Benfica), Everton (£18m, Benfica), Pedrinho (£16.2m, Benfica)
You have to go down to the 13th most expensive transaction to find one that did not involve a Portuguese club not named Benfica. Indeed, the five most expensive signings were all made by Jorge Jesus's team. Collectively, Liga NOS clubs made a profit of almost £96million – the biggest of any top-tier competition.
7) Russian Premier Liga – £106.02million
Most expensive purchases: Wendel (£18.27m, Zenit), Dejan Lovren (£10.8m, Zenit), Chidera Ejuke (£10.35m, CSKA Moscow)
Beyond the Premier League, no top-tier competition in Europe had a bigger transfer deficit than Russia, with a £56million difference between their transfer outlay and revenue.
8) Eredivisie – £65.93million
Most expensive purchases: Anthony (£14.18m, Ajax), Davy Klaassen (£10.8m, Ajax), Ibrahim Sangare (£8.1m, PSV).
Dutch clubs reined in their recruitment, with their spending 58 per cent down on last year. Still, they made a tidy £75million profit, though even that figure is 72 per cent down on last summer.
9) Jupiler Pro League – £54.46million
Most expensive purchases: Nurio Fortuna (£5.4m, Gent), Daniel Munoz (£4.05m, Genk), Cyriel Dessers (£3.6m, Genk)
Gent and Genk account for the seven most expensive signings this summer, with Belgian clubs spending around £100million less compared to last summer.
10) Turkish Super Lig – £29.92million
Most expensive purchases: Marcel Tisserand (£3.6m, Fenerbahce), Vitor Hugo (£2.88m, Trabzonspor), Berkay Ozcan (£2.25m, Istanbul Basaksehir)
Spending in Turkey was 56 per cent down year-on-year, with Super Lig clubs spending £2.2million more than they made in the transfer market this summer.
Big enough crowd at the Zenith game tonight.
Quote from: laoislad on October 20, 2020, 07:55:22 PM
Big enough crowd at the Zenith game tonight.
Data Systems Cup?
Be some come back for Real, 3 nil down half time!
City to win and Liverpool should have more than enough firepower
Bayern won't get it easy
Atlanta surprise packet last year could get a result!
That's my fiver bet!
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 21, 2020, 06:59:19 PM
Be some come back for Real, 3 nil down half time!
VAR ruled out a 3-3 draw.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 21, 2020, 07:49:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 21, 2020, 06:59:19 PM
Be some come back for Real, 3 nil down half time!
VAR ruled out a 3-3 draw.
Seen that thank feck! I'd backed the other team at 2 nil at 5/4 !
Tight call
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 21, 2020, 07:57:11 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 21, 2020, 07:49:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 21, 2020, 06:59:19 PM
Be some come back for Real, 3 nil down half time!
VAR ruled out a 3-3 draw.
Seen that thank feck! I'd backed the other team at 2 nil at 5/4 !
Tight call
I thought it was a clear hindrance from an offside player and the ref didn't dawdle too long looking at the replays,
I think he must have missed it in real time therefore VAR asked him to look for himself.
Strange days for Madrid, though they did look lethal when they had their dander up, mixed with the lackadaisical.
a sticky situation in Holland today
https://twitter.com/ESPNnl/status/1355534216533069824
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on January 30, 2021, 06:05:53 PM
a sticky situation in Holland today
https://twitter.com/ESPNnl/status/1355534216533069824
What a name ;D
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 30, 2021, 06:29:00 PM
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on January 30, 2021, 06:05:53 PM
a sticky situation in Holland today
https://twitter.com/ESPNnl/status/1355534216533069824
What a name ;D
He really exploded on the scene
Quote from: gawa316 on January 31, 2021, 07:56:35 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 30, 2021, 06:29:00 PM
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on January 30, 2021, 06:05:53 PM
a sticky situation in Holland today
https://twitter.com/ESPNnl/status/1355534216533069824
What a name ;D
A lot of jizz for one afternoon ::)
He really exploded on the scene
Barcelona seem to be awakening from their slumber
Seven wins in a row in the league now
Some unfamiliar names on the team sheet these days but they seem to be playing much better as a unit
Taking on PSG this Tuesday which will be very interesting
Are they being under-written or is this a false dawn?
Quote from: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 10:33:38 PM
Barcelona seem to be awakening from their slumber
Seven wins in a row in the league now
Some unfamiliar names on the team sheet these days but they seem to be playing much better as a unit
Taking on PSG this Tuesday which will be very interesting
Are they being under-written or is this a false dawn?
Even without neymar, I still expect PSG to tear them apart. Seven in a row in the league and then unceremoniously dumped out of the Copa by Sevilla on Wednesday when they came up against a good team.
The future is still bright for Barca if they can afford to keep their kids. Koeman is useless but he's been very good at getting young players involved in the team. Pedro and Ansu Fati are some of the brightest young stars in Europe. Riqui Puig, Dest, Mingueza and Araujo are all quality too.
Watched the game last night, the score line flattered Barcelona.
Quote from: gallsman on February 14, 2021, 07:34:50 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 10:33:38 PM
Barcelona seem to be awakening from their slumber
Seven wins in a row in the league now
Some unfamiliar names on the team sheet these days but they seem to be playing much better as a unit
Taking on PSG this Tuesday which will be very interesting
Are they being under-written or is this a false dawn?
Even without neymar, I still expect PSG to tear them apart. Seven in a row in the league and then unceremoniously dumped out of the Copa by Sevilla on Wednesday when they came up against a good team.
The future is still bright for Barca if they can afford to keep their kids. Koeman is useless but he's been very good at getting young players involved in the team. Pedro and Ansu Fati are some of the brightest young stars in Europe. Riqui Puig, Dest, Mingueza and Araujo are all quality too.
Copa del rey semi finals is over 2 legs
Quote from: Nanderson on February 14, 2021, 10:20:54 AM
Quote from: gallsman on February 14, 2021, 07:34:50 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 10:33:38 PM
Barcelona seem to be awakening from their slumber
Seven wins in a row in the league now
Some unfamiliar names on the team sheet these days but they seem to be playing much better as a unit
Taking on PSG this Tuesday which will be very interesting
Are they being under-written or is this a false dawn?
Even without neymar, I still expect PSG to tear them apart. Seven in a row in the league and then unceremoniously dumped out of the Copa by Sevilla on Wednesday when they came up against a good team.
The future is still bright for Barca if they can afford to keep their kids. Koeman is useless but he's been very good at getting young players involved in the team. Pedro and Ansu Fati are some of the brightest young stars in Europe. Riqui Puig, Dest, Mingueza and Araujo are all quality too.
Copa del rey semi finals is over 2 legs
Sorry, you're right.
Quote from: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 10:33:38 PM
Barcelona seem to be awakening from their slumber
Seven wins in a row in the league now
Some unfamiliar names on the team sheet these days but they seem to be playing much better as a unit
Taking on PSG this Tuesday which will be very interesting
Are they being under-written or is this a false dawn?
A false dawn. An early exit from the Champions league for the sixth season in a row. Time for Messi to move elsewhere to see further success in this competition he was totally overshadowed by Mbappe tonight.
Could be a job for Frank Lampard or Neil Lennon at Juventus soon on the evidence of this
Absolute dogshit
Quote from: sid waddell on February 17, 2021, 08:34:37 PM
Could be a job for Frank Lampard or Neil Lennon at Juventus soon on the evidence of this
Absolute dogshit
That poor? Not watching but thought Juventus were a good thing along with City!
That's a fiver I'll not get back!!
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 17, 2021, 08:36:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 17, 2021, 08:34:37 PM
Could be a job for Frank Lampard or Neil Lennon at Juventus soon on the evidence of this
Absolute dogshit
That poor? Not watching but thought Juventus were a good thing along with City!
That's a fiver I'll not get back!!
I'd strongly fancy Porto to win this tie
Dortmund and Porto could be dark horses in this tournament, unlikely to win it out but they could take out a big gun or two
Chelsea are 18/1 to win it
They could be the real dark horses, especially given they now have a manager
PSG still there and one foot already in next round. City still in with a shout, and Liverpool already in next round after an impressive game last night.
A brilliant 1st half for Haaland there. 2 goals and an assist. I reckon him and Mbappe could turn into the Messi/Ronaldo of their generation.
Juventus conceded again 20 seconds into the second half
Pirlo hasn't a clue what he's doing
Quote from: sid waddell on February 17, 2021, 09:13:17 PM
Juventus conceded again 20 seconds into the second half
Pirlo hasn't a clue what he's doing
Porto gave Liverpool no problems on Liverpools way to the 2 champions league finals. What are Juventus playing at?
Quote from: MayoBuck on February 17, 2021, 09:00:32 PM
A brilliant 1st half for Haaland there. 2 goals and an assist. I reckon him and Mbappe could turn into the Messi/Ronaldo of their generation.
Will Haaland end up at United? Or have the Haaland family not yet forgiven Roy and united for ending Alfies career?
Replacing Sarri with a rookie manager made little sense.
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 17, 2021, 09:26:25 PM
Will Haaland end up at United?
Hopefully - Under Marcelo Bielsa they're an up and coming team and there are obvious family ties that could attract him to Elland Road
Some development from Haaland, hard to believe someone this good at 20 as so under the radar at 17.
Any club with any sort of ambitions just goes out and buys him. £200, £300m no matter what. Give him £500k a week. It's cheap in the long run. He's the next world class superstar.
It looks like the same final as last year in the champions league. Bayern are trouncing Lazio away from home. As long as the draw keeps PSG and Bayern apart that should be the final.
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 23, 2021, 09:13:14 PM
It looks like the same final as last year in the champions league. Bayern are trouncing Lazio away from home. As long as the draw keeps PSG and Bayern apart that should be the final.
Man City are still in the competition? Surely they'd be in with a shout?
Suarez still acting the maggot pinching rudiger's leg ;D. Good win for Chelsea.
Atletico Madrid had zero shots on target tonight and they are meant to be the best in Spain? La liga has regressed a lot.
Depending on the draw a good chance for two Premier league teams to reach the Champions league final again.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 23, 2021, 09:52:14 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 23, 2021, 09:13:14 PM
It looks like the same final as last year in the champions league. Bayern are trouncing Lazio away from home. As long as the draw keeps PSG and Bayern apart that should be the final.
Man City are still in the competition? Surely they'd be in with a shout?
You would think.
As long as Pep avoids f**king around with the team.
Nice to see the overhead kick executed with such perfection, regardless if it's the most hated team or not. Not hated being the least likely choice.
Though I can't say the same about Giroud's overgelled hair style.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 23, 2021, 10:05:29 PM
Atletico Madrid had zero shots on target tonight and they are meant to be the best in Spain? La liga has regressed a lot.
Depending on the draw a good chance for two Premier league teams to reach the Champions league final again.
Bayern are way out in front. No English team will lay a glove on them.
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on February 23, 2021, 10:29:05 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 23, 2021, 10:05:29 PM
Atletico Madrid had zero shots on target tonight and they are meant to be the best in Spain? La liga has regressed a lot.
Depending on the draw a good chance for two Premier league teams to reach the Champions league final again.
Bayern are way out in front. No English team will lay a glove on them.
Wouldn't be so sure about that
Quote from: sid waddell on February 23, 2021, 10:35:03 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on February 23, 2021, 10:29:05 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 23, 2021, 10:05:29 PM
Atletico Madrid had zero shots on target tonight and they are meant to be the best in Spain? La liga has regressed a lot.
Depending on the draw a good chance for two Premier league teams to reach the Champions league final again.
Bayern are way out in front. No English team will lay a glove on them.
Wouldn't be so sure about that
Same here. Bayern Munich aren't even way out in front in their own domestic league.
Incredible game, incredible performance from 10 man Porto to win that. Just kept going for it the whole night. Pepe, at 38, was utterly immense for a team that conceded 3 times.
Quote from: gallsman on March 09, 2021, 10:48:53 PM
Incredible game, incredible performance from 10 man Porto to win that. Just kept going for it the whole night. Pepe, at 38, was utterly immense for a team that conceded 3 times.
That wall though! FFS.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2021, 10:50:22 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 09, 2021, 10:48:53 PM
Incredible game, incredible performance from 10 man Porto to win that. Just kept going for it the whole night. Pepe, at 38, was utterly immense for a team that conceded 3 times.
That wall though! FFS.
Ronaldo turned his back.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2021, 10:50:22 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 09, 2021, 10:48:53 PM
Incredible game, incredible performance from 10 man Porto to win that. Just kept going for it the whole night. Pepe, at 38, was utterly immense for a team that conceded 3 times.
That wall though! FFS.
As bad as the wall was Szczesny should have done better.
Seen it time and time again but the pen Porto won should not be a pen, they shouldn't be given; Thought the ref was very poor all night.
Listening to 'Fletch' and 'Sav' was very painful. Thankfully the game made up for it.
Quote from: gallsman on March 09, 2021, 11:01:56 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2021, 10:50:22 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 09, 2021, 10:48:53 PM
Incredible game, incredible performance from 10 man Porto to win that. Just kept going for it the whole night. Pepe, at 38, was utterly immense for a team that conceded 3 times.
That wall though! FFS.
Ronaldo turned his back.
Went to bed when Juve "drew" in the second period of extra time, Porto were out on their feet.
I thought away goals didn't count in extra time but there you go.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 10, 2021, 08:50:43 AM
Seen it time and time again but the pen Porto won should not be a pen, they shouldn't be given; Thought the ref was very poor all night.
Listening to 'Fletch' and 'Sav' was very painful. Thankfully the game made up for it.
What about the one not given in extra time when Cuadrado handled it?
Looking at the Juventus line up, that's a poor team. Fair play to Porto, will probably get City, Bayern or PSG in the next round as their reward lol.
Pirlo bound to be under pressure now especially given their league position??
Quote from: Rich Ricci on March 10, 2021, 10:11:00 AM
Pirlo bound to be under pressure now especially given their league position??
That was the best game of soccer I have watched in quite a while. The pace and skill and commitment was outstanding and it makes the PL look like a second rate competition.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 10, 2021, 02:47:02 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on March 10, 2021, 10:11:00 AM
Pirlo bound to be under pressure now especially given their league position??
That was the best game of soccer I have watched in quite a while. The pace and skill and commitment was outstanding and it makes the PL look like a second rate competition.
Is the premier league not widely accepted as being behind the champions league in terms of quality? It stands to reason that the competition with all the best teams in Europe will be of higher quality than the competition with all the best teams in England.
The first half of the the game last night was crap lads, admittedly when Chiesa scored a game took place thereafter.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 10, 2021, 02:47:02 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on March 10, 2021, 10:11:00 AM
Pirlo bound to be under pressure now especially given their league position??
That was the best game of soccer I have watched in quite a while. The pace and skill and commitment was outstanding and it makes the PL look like a second rate competition.
Knockout stage of the CL is the best football about IMO. The groups I could take or leave.
Eventful night for Messi so far, from a wonder strike to a missed penalty.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 10, 2021, 02:47:02 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on March 10, 2021, 10:11:00 AM
Pirlo bound to be under pressure now especially given their league position??
That was the best game of soccer I have watched in quite a while. The pace and skill and commitment was outstanding and it makes the PL look like a second rate competition.
Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea will all likely knock Porto out if drawn against them in the Quarter finals.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 10, 2021, 08:52:33 PM
Eventful night for Messi so far, from a wonder strike to a missed penalty.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 10, 2021, 02:47:02 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on March 10, 2021, 10:11:00 AM
Pirlo bound to be under pressure now especially given their league position??
That was the best game of soccer I have watched in quite a while. The pace and skill and commitment was outstanding and it makes the PL look like a second rate competition.
Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea will all likely knock Porto out if drawn against them in the Quarter finals.
I'm sure Juventus thought all they had to do was turn up when paired with Porto.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2021, 09:57:57 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 10, 2021, 08:52:33 PM
Eventful night for Messi so far, from a wonder strike to a missed penalty.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 10, 2021, 02:47:02 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on March 10, 2021, 10:11:00 AM
Pirlo bound to be under pressure now especially given their league position??
That was the best game of soccer I have watched in quite a while. The pace and skill and commitment was outstanding and it makes the PL look like a second rate competition.
Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea will all likely knock Porto out if drawn against them in the Quarter finals.
I'm sure Juventus thought all they had to do was turn up when paired with Porto.
Under a rookie in Pirlo that's likely. Klopp, Guardiola, Tuchel will have their sides well tuned in.
Quote from: shark on March 10, 2021, 03:00:21 PM
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 10, 2021, 02:47:02 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on March 10, 2021, 10:11:00 AM
Pirlo bound to be under pressure now especially given their league position??
That was the best game of soccer I have watched in quite a while. The pace and skill and commitment was outstanding and it makes the PL look like a second rate competition.
Is the premier league not widely accepted as being behind the champions league in terms of quality? It stands to reason that the competition with all the best teams in Europe will be of higher quality than the competition with all the best teams in England.
PL is s..t to watch this year, ok I'm a LFC fan but the amount of teams I've watched this year dug in there own half and crowding out attacks is terrible viewing.
It's pragmatism gone mad and thank God for some CL football where most teams like to attack.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 11, 2021, 10:46:48 AM
Quote from: shark on March 10, 2021, 03:00:21 PM
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 10, 2021, 02:47:02 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on March 10, 2021, 10:11:00 AM
Pirlo bound to be under pressure now especially given their league position??
That was the best game of soccer I have watched in quite a while. The pace and skill and commitment was outstanding and it makes the PL look like a second rate competition.
Is the premier league not widely accepted as being behind the champions league in terms of quality? It stands to reason that the competition with all the best teams in Europe will be of higher quality than the competition with all the best teams in England.
PL is s..t to watch this year, ok I'm a LFC fan but the amount of teams I've watched this year dug in there own half and crowding out attacks is terrible viewing.
It's pragmatism gone mad and thank God for some CL football where most teams like to attack. Anyone dissing Scottish football and favor of PL is arguing about a Morris minor over an allegro. Even thinking back last year when we won the PL it is nothing like the nights you watch the CL games like the beating of Barcelona 4 nil that night or of course Istanbul. Maybe it's because the stands are empty but this years PL has been hard to watch who ever is playing.
Quote from: shark on March 10, 2021, 03:00:21 PM
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 10, 2021, 02:47:02 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on March 10, 2021, 10:11:00 AM
Pirlo bound to be under pressure now especially given their league position??
That was the best game of soccer I have watched in quite a while. The pace and skill and commitment was outstanding and it makes the PL look like a second rate competition.
Is the premier league not widely accepted as being behind the champions league in terms of quality? It stands to reason that the competition with all the best teams in Europe will be of higher quality than the competition with all the best teams in England.
I think his point is that the EPL is dogshit at the minute
Another golazo for Messi tonight and another win for Barcelona
Messi is in supreme form, nobody in the world is near him
Koeman after a shaky start is really getting things together - their performance against PSG last week was very good and merited a lot more than the 1-1 draw they got on the night
Barcelona are going to win the league
Atletico Madrid's prospects tonight have not been helped either by themselves or by the referee
Trashy behaviour from Rudiger. He's stooping to Salah levels of cheating. Rock bottom
Looked like a tough tie for Chelsea when drawn against them however Atletico Madrid was well beaten over two legs. Tuchel factor clearly the difference.
The strong possibility of another Premier league Champions league final is still there and more so if the 3 Premier league sides avoid each other in Fridays draw.
Quote from: StPatsAbu on March 17, 2021, 09:44:58 PM
Trashy behaviour from Rudiger. He's stooping to Salah levels of cheating. Rock bottom
Your posts are of a consistently high standard Pats. Look forward to reading more
Quote from: JoG2 on March 17, 2021, 10:11:04 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on March 17, 2021, 09:44:58 PM
Trashy behaviour from Rudiger. He's stooping to Salah levels of cheating. Rock bottom
Your posts are of a consistently high standard Pats. Look forward to reading more
Do you deny that Salah is a cheat then? ???
Quote from: StPatsAbu on March 17, 2021, 10:23:01 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 17, 2021, 10:11:04 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on March 17, 2021, 09:44:58 PM
Trashy behaviour from Rudiger. He's stooping to Salah levels of cheating. Rock bottom
Your posts are of a consistently high standard Pats. Look forward to reading more
Do you deny that Salah is a cheat then? ???
There's not a club on the planet that isn't infested with cheats, even the one/s you support. It's one of the reasons I've probably only sat through 1 full game in the last 10 years. So whilst you dig at 1 particular player / club to, I don't know, point score (?), the club you support will have players doing the same.
Quote from: JoG2 on March 17, 2021, 10:39:32 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on March 17, 2021, 10:23:01 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 17, 2021, 10:11:04 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on March 17, 2021, 09:44:58 PM
Trashy behaviour from Rudiger. He's stooping to Salah levels of cheating. Rock bottom
Your posts are of a consistently high standard Pats. Look forward to reading more
Do you deny that Salah is a cheat then? ???
There's not a club on the planet that isn't infested with cheats, even the one/s you support. It's one of the reasons I've probably only sat through 1 full game in the last 10 years. So whilst you dig at 1 particular player / club to, I don't know, point score (?), the club you support will have players doing the same.
Wrong. Salah is the biggest cheat in the EPL. No-one comes even close
Quote from: StPatsAbu on March 17, 2021, 09:44:58 PM
Trashy behaviour from Rudiger. He's stooping to Salah levels of cheating. Rock bottom
Rudiger shit housed the shit houses. Surprised Atletico fell into the trap they have regularly set for others. Chelsea outplayed them.
Suarez is finished at the top level.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 18, 2021, 09:36:06 AM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on March 17, 2021, 09:44:58 PM
Trashy behaviour from Rudiger. He's stooping to Salah levels of cheating. Rock bottom
Rudiger shit housed the shit houses. Surprised Atletico fell into the trap they have regularly set for others. Chelsea outplayed them.
Suarez is finished at the top level.
Only Messi has scored more goals in La Liga this season
That probably says it all as to where Spain is right now. He never got a touch last night.
Embarrassing exit from the Europa league for Jose Mourinho and his Tottenham team tonight.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 18, 2021, 08:30:26 PM
Embarrassing exit from the Europa league for Jose Mourinho and his Tottenham team tonight.
Zagreb were brillant, well worth the win. Shocking from spurs.
Surely Kane to Utd is a done deal now.
City would make more sense to me. He needs to win things, they need a replacement for Aguero.
Milan were a bit over the top during that game, decent win
Stevie G has changed his tune on racial abuse since he wore a t-shirt supporting Suarez after he was charged with racially abusing Evra.
Quote from: trailer on March 18, 2021, 08:58:28 PM
Surely Kane to Utd is a done deal now.
Haaland is the big prize this summer although Keane may have ruined Uniteds chances of landing Haaland forever.
Whoever gets Haaland and it will be one of the big teams will win multiple European cups as Haaland will have a similar impact to Messi and Ronaldo.
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 18, 2021, 11:44:02 PM
Quote from: trailer on March 18, 2021, 08:58:28 PM
Surely Kane to Utd is a done deal now.
Haaland is the big prize this summer although Keane may have ruined Uniteds chances of landing Haaland forever.
Whoever gets Haaland and it will be one of the big teams will win multiple European cups as Haaland will have a similar impact to Messi and Ronaldo.
Woodward, his chief negotiator Matt Judge and having to deal with Mino Raiola will ruin any chance of him joining Man United more than Keane.
This agent may be a Cnut but he certainly knows how to screw over clubs and squeeze out as much money for him and his clients. It's the clubs that are fuelling such contracts in the first place. So whatever club signs him will be part of keeping these agents in business.
Gutted for Athletic. Can't see them beating Barca in a fortnight.
Dembele scores a 90th minute winner for Barcelona against Valladolid
Atletico Madrid lost last night
Atletico 66
Barca 65
Scum 63
El Clasico is on Saturday at Real Madrid's new home venue - some park pitch beside a motorway
Quote from: sid waddell on April 05, 2021, 10:01:31 PM
Dembele scores a 90th minute winner for Barcelona against Valladolid
Atletico Madrid lost last night
Atletico 66
Barca 65
Scum 63
El Clasico is on Saturday at Real Madrid's new home venue - some park pitch beside a motorway
Valladolid shafted with that red card. Ridiculous decision.
Quote from: sid waddell on April 05, 2021, 10:01:31 PM
Dembele scores a 90th minute winner for Barcelona against Valladolid
Atletico Madrid lost last night
Atletico 66
Barca 65
Scum 63
El Clasico is on Saturday at Real Madrid's new home venue - some park pitch beside a motorway
Poor Jurgen not happy with the park beside the motorway last night either.
His white Englishness and association with Frank Lampard may have lulled people into assuming he was shit, but Mason Mount is very good
Quote from: sid waddell on April 07, 2021, 08:37:01 PM
His white Englishness and association with Frank Lampard may have lulled people into assuming he was shit, but Mason Mount is very good
I think I would have been guilty of that a little. England have no shortage of good talent in that area with himself, Foden, grealish and even James Maddison.
Quote from: Rich Ricci on April 07, 2021, 08:40:33 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on April 07, 2021, 08:37:01 PM
His white Englishness and association with Frank Lampard may have lulled people into assuming he was shit, but Mason Mount is very good
I think I would have been guilty of that a little. England have no shortage of good talent in that area with himself, Foden, grealish and even James Maddison.
Jude Bellingham might be the best of the lot
There's so much top young English talent coming through now that it's surely only a matter of time before the granny rule tap starts flowing Ireland's way again
Declan Rice will rue his decision to play for England because he'll be on the bench or out of the squad before long
Quote from: Rich Ricci on April 07, 2021, 08:40:33 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on April 07, 2021, 08:37:01 PM
His white Englishness and association with Frank Lampard may have lulled people into assuming he was shit, but Mason Mount is very good
I think I would have been guilty of that a little. England have no shortage of good talent in that area with himself, Foden, grealish and even James Maddison.
Thats a great midfield 4 on their own but they'll never be played at the one time
Although if anyone could do it Southgate would
Fairly clinical by PSG, Chelsea in the 1st half of tonights matches. 3 goals from 3 shots on goal.
You sort of sense an emerging changing of the guard in football tonight away from the Messi/Ronaldo era
The future is Manchester City v PSG, Haaland v Mbappe and Abu Dhabi v Qatar
31 attempts on goal for Bayern Munich, lucky for PSG that Lewandowski was out injured and will likely miss the 2nd leg also.
The Juventus champions league knock out to Porto looks even worse now. They will hardly give Pirlo a 2nd season?
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 07, 2021, 10:14:46 PM
31 attempts on goal for Bayern Munich, lucky for PSG that Lewandowski was out injured and will likely miss the 2nd leg also.
The Juventus champions league knock out to Porto looks even worse now. They will hardly give Pirlo a 2nd season?
I can think of somebody else with the initials AP who looked for a second season, didn't go well
Maybe Pirlo will tell Agnelli to "smell my cheese" when he gets sacked
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 07, 2021, 10:14:46 PM
31 attempts on goal for Bayern Munich, lucky for PSG that Lewandowski was out injured and will likely miss the 2nd leg also.
The Juventus champions league knock out to Porto looks even worse now. They will hardly give Pirlo a 2nd season?
A tale of 2 keepers mainly. Embarrassing opener for Neuer to let in while Navas kept PSG in it at times.
What a brilliant attempt that old Parisian club Red Star, nearly knocking out Lyon. Some noise coming out of the apartment block beside the pitch, shining lasers in the keeper's eyes during the shoot-out.
Quote from: sid waddell on April 05, 2021, 10:01:31 PM
Dembele scores a 90th minute winner for Barcelona against Valladolid
Atletico Madrid lost last night
Atletico 66
Barca 65
Scum 63
El Clasico is on Saturday at Real Madrid's new home venue - some park pitch beside a motorway
2-1 win for Real Madrid tonight. Barcelona had their chances to earn a draw including a late effort crashing off the crossbar.
Very tight title race.
(https://i.ibb.co/vwB4nvF/Screenshot-20210410-221254-2.png) (https://ibb.co/Qbcvwjg)
Defending Champions league winners out at the Quarter final stage. Left to rue those missed chances last week and will be wondering what if Lewandowski, Gnabry was available.
Tonight they won however were lucky they didn't concede a few goals on the counter attack.
Some winner for Porto too little to late for them though, Tuchel still on track for reaching back to back Champions league finals.
If Haaland clicks tonight city could be going out.
Liverpool fans attacking opposition players again outside the ground. Why is it always Liverpool and Rangers fans doing this shit?
https://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11669/12275559/real-madrid-team-bus-targeted-before-liverpool-clash-at-anfield-in-champions-league-quarter-final
Quote from: StPatsAbu on April 14, 2021, 08:43:57 PM
Liverpool fans attacking opposition players again outside the ground. Why is it always Liverpool and Rangers fans doing this shit?
https://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11669/12275559/real-madrid-team-bus-targeted-before-liverpool-clash-at-anfield-in-champions-league-quarter-final
Because they are absolute scum clubs?
Manchester City reach their first Champions league semi finals since 2016 under Manuel Pellegrini. Could still be another Premier League champions league final.
Semi finals
Manchester City v Paris Saint Germain
Chelsea v Real Madrid
The winner of the city psg semi will win the final too.
Madrid the least scummy option left.
Chelsea on league form are the worst team left
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 14, 2021, 10:19:56 PM
Madrid the least scummy option left.
I take it you're new to football.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2021, 10:22:03 PM
Chelsea on league form are the worst team left
Apart from PSG, who've lost 3 of their last 7 in a dung league.
Isn't Chelsea's form really, really good since Tuchel took over? Results are anyway, I haven't watched them.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on April 14, 2021, 10:25:36 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 14, 2021, 10:19:56 PM
Madrid the least scummy option left.
I take it you're new to football.
Hmm Chelsea funded by a dodgy Russian oligarch with a shower of racists for a fan base that would embarrass Rangers. PSG and City funded by 2 dodgy middle eastern countries who should be bottom half PL/average French side at best, vs Madrid. I know who I'm supporting.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2021, 10:22:03 PM
Chelsea on league form are the worst team left
Don't write them off. Usually when they sack a manager it works out very well for them.
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 14, 2021, 10:04:20 PM
The winner of the city psg semi will win the final too.
I think so too.
RM and Chelsea are a step below in standard IMO.
I can honestly see an all England final.
RM are poor enough, the draw has been kind to them.
Quote from: johnnycool on April 15, 2021, 10:15:24 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 14, 2021, 10:04:20 PM
The winner of the city psg semi will win the final too.
I think so too.
RM and Chelsea are a step below in standard IMO.
I can honestly see an all England final.
RM are poor enough, the draw has been kind to them.
They don't have the quality but whatever it is about them, they always have that doggedness, Madrid especially. Would definitely prefer Madrid out of any of the others.
Chelsea despite league form have a very high quality and expensive squad. By comparison Madrid's is fairly poor and I'd agree that they are the worst team left. Kinda hate how RM made the semi finals, papers over the obvious nadir spanish football is in.
Maybe Madrid will have Hazard back to give them some spark,but he has been very underwhelming since he joined Madrid. Injuries,poor form, and was overweight when he joined
4 teams left in champions league, who do people want to win? Who's the least worst option? Real Madrid for me.
The way I see it I would prefer to see someone other than Madrid winning again.
City going with no out and out striker or goal scorer. While PSG have Mbappe and Neymar. Only one winner tonight for me its PSG.
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 28, 2021, 08:02:13 PM
City going with no out and out striker or goal scorer. While PSG have Mbappe and Neymar. Only one winner tonight for me its PSG.
11/4 PSG, but City have done that a lot and come through
City second best here.
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 28, 2021, 08:31:14 PM
City second best here.
Pep Guardiola can be pleased it's only 1-0 at half time in this EL Cashico encounter.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 28, 2021, 08:46:34 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 28, 2021, 08:31:14 PM
City second best here.
Pep Guardiola can be pleased it's only 1-0 at half time in this EL Cashico encounter.
For all the billions City have spent they still get found out agains the big teams. United, Chelsea and now PSG have made them look poor lately.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 28, 2021, 09:02:07 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 28, 2021, 08:46:34 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 28, 2021, 08:31:14 PM
City second best here.
Pep Guardiola can be pleased it's only 1-0 at half time in this EL Cashico encounter.
For all the billions City have spent they still get found out agains the big teams. United, Chelsea and now PSG have made them look poor lately.
Touch of Mayo about them.
Liverpool won the CL when they got the chance 2 years ago.
It would help a lot if they played a striker.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 28, 2021, 09:02:07 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 28, 2021, 08:46:34 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 28, 2021, 08:31:14 PM
City second best here.
Pep Guardiola can be pleased it's only 1-0 at half time in this EL Cashico encounter.
For all the billions City have spent they still get found out agains the big teams. United, Chelsea and now PSG have made them look poor lately.
Manchester City have been knocked out of the Champions league by Monaco, Lyon and Tottenham under Guardiola how many of those teams are regarded as big teams?
Soft goal
Very poor by Navas. 1-1 and advantage City in this tie now.
PSG meltdown
2 fluke goals for City change the tie.
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 28, 2021, 09:33:54 PM
2 fluke goals for City change the tie.
PSG wall was a joke for the 2nd goal.
City were well on top in the second half but they may yet regret not getting the third goal and finishing the tie tonight.
You'd think those PSG backstards would have the decency to beat City, and then lose in the final.
City got away with persistent fouling all night. City Chelsea final now.
Quote from: seafoid on April 28, 2021, 09:07:37 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 28, 2021, 09:02:07 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 28, 2021, 08:46:34 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 28, 2021, 08:31:14 PM
City second best here.
Pep Guardiola can be pleased it's only 1-0 at half time in this EL Cashico encounter.
For all the billions City have spent they still get found out agains the big teams. United, Chelsea and now PSG have made them look poor lately.
Touch of Mayo about them.
Liverpool won the CL when they got the chance 2 years ago.
Oops. Lets hope PSG turn it around next week!
Quote from: macker15 on April 28, 2021, 10:09:52 PM
City got away with persistent fouling all night. City Chelsea final now.
Hmm, tough choice there. It's like trying to decide to either support Hitler or Stalin.
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 28, 2021, 09:33:54 PM
2 fluke goals for City change the tie.
Aye Mahrez's free kick was a fluke
He was trying to cross it
Ah come on. He hit it straight at the wall. If the wall hadn't decided to get out of his way after he hit it, it wasn't going anywhere.
Soft rather than flukes
Seems people are not happy that City will make the final. City soaked up some pressure that first 35 minutes, second half there was only one team.
While I would write off a team like PSG they have a serious lack of mental strength when it's put up to them.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 29, 2021, 07:33:47 AM
Seems people are not happy that City will make the final. City soaked up some pressure that first 35 minutes, second half there was only one team.
While I would write off a team like PSG they have a serious lack of mental strength when it's put up to them.
Good match, first goal was a bad bounce and ropey goalkeeping and the second the PSG wall wouldn't pass building control. Looking at Mbape and Neymar last night you what have to say they are way over priced.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on April 29, 2021, 09:53:37 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 29, 2021, 07:33:47 AM
Seems people are not happy that City will make the final. City soaked up some pressure that first 35 minutes, second half there was only one team.
While I would write off a team like PSG they have a serious lack of mental strength when it's put up to them.
Good match, first goal was a bad bounce and ropey goalkeeping and the second the PSG wall wouldn't pass building control. Looking at Mbape and Neymar last night you what have to say they are way over priced.
Walker and Diaz did a fantastic job on both attackers, quality defenders.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 29, 2021, 11:27:09 AM
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on April 29, 2021, 09:53:37 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 29, 2021, 07:33:47 AM
Seems people are not happy that City will make the final. City soaked up some pressure that first 35 minutes, second half there was only one team.
While I would write off a team like PSG they have a serious lack of mental strength when it’s put up to them.
Good match, first goal was a bad bounce and ropey goalkeeping and the second the PSG wall wouldn’t pass building control. Looking at Mbape and Neymar last night you what have to say they are way over priced.
Walker and Diaz did a fantastic job on both attackers, quality defenders.
Diaz signing will prove key if City go on to win this CL. He also more or less nullified Haaland in the last round, Stones alongside him has greatly improved this season as well.
As for PSG not for the first time they bottled a CL match they looked in control of. They remind me of Dublin senior footballers pre 2011. Not out of this tie yet as they beat Barcelona and Bayern Munich away but City seems strong enough defensively to progress to the final.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on April 29, 2021, 09:53:37 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 29, 2021, 07:33:47 AM
Seems people are not happy that City will make the final. City soaked up some pressure that first 35 minutes, second half there was only one team.
While I would write off a team like PSG they have a serious lack of mental strength when it's put up to them.
Good match, first goal was a bad bounce and ropey goalkeeping and the second the PSG wall wouldn't pass building control. Looking at Mbape and Neymar last night you what have to say they are way over priced.
I wouldn't be hard on the keeper for either goal. Probably every keeper out there has conceded from an inswinging cross which does get a touch. There is only so much you can do as you have to stay set to react to anyone getting something on it.
The Mahrez free was completely about the shit wall not doing their job and protecting that part of the goal. f**k all the keeper could do with that as he had no time to react. Maybe DeGea with his catlike reflexes might have got something on it, but he's a freak!
Utd are dung. Rome should win handy enough.
Quote from: J70 on April 29, 2021, 03:05:08 PM
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on April 29, 2021, 09:53:37 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 29, 2021, 07:33:47 AM
Seems people are not happy that City will make the final. City soaked up some pressure that first 35 minutes, second half there was only one team.
While I would write off a team like PSG they have a serious lack of mental strength when it's put up to them.
Good match, first goal was a bad bounce and ropey goalkeeping and the second the PSG wall wouldn't pass building control. Looking at Mbape and Neymar last night you what have to say they are way over priced.
I wouldn't be hard on the keeper for either goal. Probably every keeper out there has conceded from an inswinging cross which does get a touch. There is only so much you can do as you have to stay set to react to anyone getting something on it.
The Mahrez free was completely about the shit wall not doing their job and protecting that part of the goal. f**k all the keeper could do with that as he had no time to react. Maybe DeGea with his catlike reflexes might have got something on it, but he's a freak!
You must have missed the last 5 years.
Manchester looks like having both European cups in the city this summer.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 29, 2021, 09:24:27 PM
Quote from: J70 on April 29, 2021, 03:05:08 PM
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on April 29, 2021, 09:53:37 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 29, 2021, 07:33:47 AM
Seems people are not happy that City will make the final. City soaked up some pressure that first 35 minutes, second half there was only one team.
While I would write off a team like PSG they have a serious lack of mental strength when it's put up to them.
Good match, first goal was a bad bounce and ropey goalkeeping and the second the PSG wall wouldn't pass building control. Looking at Mbape and Neymar last night you what have to say they are way over priced.
I wouldn't be hard on the keeper for either goal. Probably every keeper out there has conceded from an inswinging cross which does get a touch. There is only so much you can do as you have to stay set to react to anyone getting something on it.
The Mahrez free was completely about the shit wall not doing their job and protecting that part of the goal. f**k all the keeper could do with that as he had no time to react. Maybe DeGea with his catlike reflexes might have got something on it, but he's a freak!
You must have missed the last 5 10 years.
Fixed that.
Quote from: macker15 on April 29, 2021, 09:06:52 PM
Utd are dung. Rome should win handy enough.
Yeah terrible goals to give away as Roma were dreadful, they looked seriously unfit
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 28, 2021, 09:11:29 PM
It would help a lot if they played a striker.
Their best results and performances this season have come when they haven't played a striker
Last night was the 18th away win in a row which has included Chelsea, Man Utd, Liverpool and Dortmund and they didn't start a recognized striker in any of those games
Good second half from Manchester United
Next goal will be important in this tie, if Manchester City get its game over. If PSG score game and tie on.
I see Jose is joining Roma next season. I'm baffled at the amount of big clubs willing to take him on. How many teams must he f**k up before people realise he is absolute poison?
Why is mbappe on the bench?
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 04, 2021, 09:09:07 PM
Why is mbappe on the bench?
Picked up a knock in a French league game.
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 04, 2021, 09:09:07 PM
Why is mbappe on the bench?
Cos Poch saw him in the first leg.
All too easy for Manchester City, would have been a more competitive semi final against a full strength Bayern Munich.
First Champions league final for Pep Guardiola in ten years and he rarely loses any finals.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 04, 2021, 09:51:28 PM
All too easy for Manchester City, would have been a more competitive semi final against a full strength Bayern Munich.
First Champions league final for Pep Guardiola in ten years and he rarely loses any finals.
Not much to fear on the other side of the draw.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 04, 2021, 09:51:28 PM
All too easy for Manchester City, would have been a more competitive semi final against a full strength Bayern Munich.
First Champions league final for Pep Guardiola in ten years and he rarely loses any finals.
Mbappe makes that a different game too though.
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 05, 2021, 07:29:25 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 04, 2021, 09:51:28 PM
All too easy for Manchester City, would have been a more competitive semi final against a full strength Bayern Munich.
First Champions league final for Pep Guardiola in ten years and he rarely loses any finals.
Mbappe makes that a different game too though.
Might have done though Mbappe played in the 1st leg and was marked out of the game.
He takes watching all the time though. Neymar got a bit of space once or twice last night but hadn't as much pace to make it count.
Diaz is some defender.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 04, 2021, 11:10:16 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 04, 2021, 09:51:28 PM
All too easy for Manchester City, would have been a more competitive semi final against a full strength Bayern Munich.
First Champions league final for Pep Guardiola in ten years and he rarely loses any finals.
Not much to fear on the other side of the draw.
Imagine the pressure though on City now, everything to lose and they have been anointed European Champions.
Good to see a new team at the top of the pile a real underdog club who've made it big I hope they go on and win it!
Quote from: screenexile on May 05, 2021, 09:51:15 AM
Good to see a new team at the top of the pile a real underdog club who've made it big I hope they go on and win it!
City and PSG are serious underdogs
Five different English clubs have won the European Cup/Champions League to date, with another three having been beaten finalists (one by one of the five). No other country has even come close to such a wide range.
And that's before City make it either six winners or four runners-up, possibly against Chelsea.
With Man U seeming certain to reach the EL final and Arsenal possibly joining them, you can see why clubs/leagues on the continent increasingly both hate and fear the PL.
Which in turn explains why it wasn't just the money and protection from relegations etc which attracted clubs like Juve and Real Madrid to a Super League - it would have eviscerated the PL at the same time.
Quote from: Evil Genius on May 05, 2021, 12:28:57 PM
Five different English clubs have won the European Cup/Champions League to date, with another three having been beaten finalists (one by one of the five). No other country has even come close to such a wide range.
And that's before City make it either six winners or four runners-up, possibly against Chelsea.
With Man U seeming certain to reach the EL final and Arsenal possibly joining them, you can see why clubs/leagues on the continent increasingly both hate and fear the PL.
Which in turn explains why it wasn't just the money and protection from relegations etc which attracted clubs like Juve and Real Madrid to a Super League - it would have eviscerated the PL at the same time.
Good point. The European Super League is the Premier League. Those continental teams want a bit of the ever-increasing PL pie
Chelsea 1-0 ahead at half time, even with a low amount possession they should exploited that Real Madrid defence more. Benzema Real Madrids best hope of getting back into this game and two good saves from Mendy
I actually think Chelsea would be more likely to beat City in the final, than Real.
I suppose those backstards winning the CL would be the breadth of a gnat's pubic hair better than City winning it.
Yeah if Chelsea hold on I think they might win it. I hope not tbh. They are playing like a team who could get sucker punched here though.
Quote from: BennyCake on May 05, 2021, 09:25:14 PM
I actually think Chelsea would be more likely to beat City in the final, than Real.
I suppose those backstards winning the CL would be the breadth of a gnat's pubic hair better than City winning it.
I think most neutrals will want Chelsea to win.
I called a Premier League Champion league final in February. Roman proved right to replace Lampard with Tuchel. PSG owners left to wonder why they sacked Tuchel at Christmas and replaced him with Pochettino.
Quote from: laoislad on May 05, 2021, 09:51:44 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 05, 2021, 09:25:14 PM
I actually think Chelsea would be more likely to beat City in the final, than Real.
I suppose those backstards winning the CL would be the breadth of a gnat's pubic hair better than City winning it.
I think most neutrals will want Chelsea to win.
Chelsea as the lesser of two evils. Bonkers
Amazed Liverpool bottled the semi final tie with Madrid, they were shocking.
Also bizarre why everyone seems to be up Chelsea's ass for the final, its almost as if they haven't been injected with billions worth of oil money ;D
As a Liverpool fan, I hope City win it, and the league too.
Purely because City are a small plastic club that won the lottery so I'm not arsed if they win a few trophies, theyre still well down the roll of honour.
Chelsea are too, make no mistake about it; but they've been around a wee bit longer. So out of the two, City are the "lesser" club so I'm more indifferent to them picking up their first european cup. I'm sure a lot of other fans of the top clubs would feel the same.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 06, 2021, 12:07:31 AM
Amazed Liverpool bottled the semi final tie with Madrid, they were shocking.
More amazing and shocking that Liverpool lost at home to Burnley, Brighton, Everton, Fulham and didn't score a goal in any of those games.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 06, 2021, 12:07:31 AM
Amazed Liverpool bottled the semi final tie with Madrid, they were shocking.
Also bizarre why everyone seems to be up Chelsea's ass for the final, its almost as if they haven't been injected with billions worth of oil money ;D
As a Liverpool fan, I hope City win it, and the league too.
Purely because City are a small plastic club that won the lottery so I'm not arsed if they win a few trophies, theyre still well down the roll of honour.
Chelsea are too, make no mistake about it; but they've been around a wee bit longer. So out of the two, City are the "lesser" club so I'm more indifferent to them picking up their first european cup. I'm sure a lot of other fans of the top clubs would feel the same.
I'm amazed Liverpool apparently made the semi finals, despite having lost a quarter final.
It was a late post, cut him some slack, the post drips of pure snobbery to be honest.
City might not admit it, but they would have been hoping Chelsea bottled that last night.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 06, 2021, 07:22:07 AM
It was a late post, cut him some slack, the post drips of pure snobbery to be honest.
Relax there MR2; a jokey way of highlighting a typo, nothing more.
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on May 06, 2021, 12:56:22 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 06, 2021, 07:22:07 AM
It was a late post, cut him some slack, the post drips of pure snobbery to be honest.
Relax there MR2; a jokey way of highlighting a typo, nothing more.
Smaller lesser plastic club was my post ;)
Ah.
You had me baffled there for about a half an hour.
Could have been a repeat of 2019 with four Premier League sides in the two European finals.
Arsenals owners should know tonight that Arteta was a downgrade replacement for Emery.
Thats a good Chelsea squad, probably got more strength in depth in midfield and attacking areas then City; Their first 11 isn't of the same quality but Lampard seriously under performed with that group.
Arteta another media darling, with the emergence of Saka & Smith Rowe who both look like really top talent that Arsenal squad doesn't look that bad; With no European football and if they can get reasonable fees for all those players they've got out in loan and bring a couple of players in then they've got a squad capable of challenging for top 4. All depends on Kroenke though as Arsenal probably stand to loose £100m this season.
With three games to play Juventus in danger of missing out on Champions league football. They were beaten at home by AC Milan 3-0 this evening.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 07, 2021, 09:39:25 AM
Thats a good Chelsea squad, probably got more strength in depth in midfield and attacking areas then City; Their first 11 isn't of the same quality but Lampard seriously under performed with that group.
Arteta another media darling, with the emergence of Saka & Smith Rowe who both look like really top talent that Arsenal squad doesn't look that bad; With no European football and if they can get reasonable fees for all those players they've got out in loan and bring a couple of players in then they've got a squad capable of challenging for top 4. All depends on Kroenke though as Arsenal probably stand to loose £100m this season.
Rowe is Walcott 2.0, he does not look like a top talent.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 09, 2021, 10:08:59 PM
With three games to play Juventus in danger of missing out on Champions league football. They were beaten at home by AC Milan 3-0 this evening.
What goes up, must come down. They'll feel some financial pinch from this if they don't get into the Champions League. They have to play Champions Inter Milan and Sassuolo chasing a European Spot in the last 3 games also. Napoli have 3 teams dead mid table on the beach. They need a bit of luck somewhere.
Quote from: trileacman on May 10, 2021, 07:47:16 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 07, 2021, 09:39:25 AM
Thats a good Chelsea squad, probably got more strength in depth in midfield and attacking areas then City; Their first 11 isn't of the same quality but Lampard seriously under performed with that group.
Arteta another media darling, with the emergence of Saka & Smith Rowe who both look like really top talent that Arsenal squad doesn't look that bad; With no European football and if they can get reasonable fees for all those players they've got out in loan and bring a couple of players in then they've got a squad capable of challenging for top 4. All depends on Kroenke though as Arsenal probably stand to loose £100m this season.
Rowe is Walcott 2.0, he does not look like a top talent.
Walcott was pure pace and very little control or finished product. Smith Rowe has a bit more about him than that, but he's still young and things could go either way for him.
If yis can drag urselves away from the excitement of the race for 4th for a minute, the finish to Spanish League is bonkers... Atleti doing their best to throw it away..
They've equalised since I started this post, all three title contenders games could swing any way in last few minutes
And it does.....
Suarez with the late 2 winner. A 2 pt lead going into the last game away to Real Valladolid.
Madrid at home to Villarreal,who will probably be saving themselves.
Atleti going for first title since 13/14 season. Simeone has done a great job there.
The French title race will be decided on the final day of the season next weekend.
(https://i.ibb.co/KqsHjqx/Screenshot-20210516-221207-2.png) (https://imgbb.com/)
Quote from: SHEEDY on December 03, 2017, 01:35:54 PM
Great scenes in Seria A. Benevento got their 1st ever point in the top league with a last minute equaliser against ac milan, it was scored by their goalkeeper from a header. After 14 consecutive defeats they're finally off the mark.
Torino got a draw away to Lazio there. Benevento back to Serie B again next season.
Quote from: rodney trotter on May 16, 2021, 08:39:42 PM
Suarez with the late 2 winner. A 2 pt lead going into the last game away to Real Valladolid.
Madrid at home to Villarreal,who will probably be saving themselves.
Atleti going for first title since 13/14 season. Simeone has done a great job there.
Secured with a 2-1 win this evening. Well done to them
Ronaldo dropped. Be good to see Juve 5th and PSG beaten too
Quote from: shark on May 23, 2021, 07:39:54 PM
Ronaldo dropped. Be good to see Juve 5th and PSG beaten too
Napoli messed up at home to allow Juventus sneek into a Champions league spot.
Story of the night is Lille winning the French league title a great underdog story. Poor by PSG and Pochettino to allow that happen.
How did Lille win that?
Quote from: ONeill on May 23, 2021, 10:29:11 PM
How did Lille win that?
This result in April went a long way towards it.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56625540
Napoli weren't long in giving Guttuso the road.
I see Ronaldo was dropped at the weekend.
In a must win game it seems strange.
Am sure plenty of clubs would be happy to have him for a year or two
The Ronaldo one was a shocker to be honest, never even got on in their biggest game of the season.
Lolz.
A crap EL final littered with poor attacking play but saved by an exciting ding dong penalty shoot out, the Villareal postage stamp penalties were brilliant.
Quote from: laoislad on May 26, 2021, 10:55:27 PM
Lolz.
Sure it was nice for them to get a wee run out in Europe on a Wednesday night.
Villarreal have gone from playing in the Europa Conference League next season to the Champions League with that win tonight.
Quote from: laoislad on May 26, 2021, 11:05:26 PM
Villarreal have gone from playing in the Europa Conference League next season to the Champions League with that win tonight.
Delighted for them and especially wee Alberto
Last 20 years Spanish teams have played non Spanish teams in 16 European finals winning all 16 thats some record in fairness.
Quote from: gawa316 on May 26, 2021, 11:06:38 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 26, 2021, 11:05:26 PM
Villarreal have gone from playing in the Europa Conference League next season to the Champions League with that win tonight.
Delighted for them and especially wee Alberto
https://twitter.com/watch_lfc/status/1397701820277985290?s=21
A bit of managerial merry go round going on by reports.
Allegri is going back to Juventus, Zidane leaving Real Madrid and strongly linked to PSG, Pochettino is in talks on a return Spurs and Conte who left Inter Milan is in talks with Real Madrid.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 26, 2021, 11:35:44 PM
Last 20 years Spanish teams have played non Spanish teams in 16 European finals winning all 16 thats some record in fairness.
Wow! That's impressive!
Thankfully not always the case in semis. 8)
Quote from: J70 on May 27, 2021, 03:48:21 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 26, 2021, 11:35:44 PM
Last 20 years Spanish teams have played non Spanish teams in 16 European finals winning all 16 thats some record in fairness.
Wow! That's impressive!
Thankfully not always the case in semis. 8)
2001 UEFA Cup Final Liverpool 5 - 4 Alavés must have been the last time then a Spanish team didn't win a European final against a non Spanish team.
Quote from: laoislad on May 27, 2021, 04:50:18 PM
Quote from: J70 on May 27, 2021, 03:48:21 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 26, 2021, 11:35:44 PM
Last 20 years Spanish teams have played non Spanish teams in 16 European finals winning all 16 thats some record in fairness.
Wow! That's impressive!
Thankfully not always the case in semis. 8)
2001 UEFA Cup Final Liverpool 5 - 4 Alavés must have been the last time then a Spanish team didn't win a European final against a non Spanish team.
Bayern Munich v Valencia also in 2001.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 27, 2021, 05:51:54 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 27, 2021, 04:50:18 PM
Quote from: J70 on May 27, 2021, 03:48:21 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 26, 2021, 11:35:44 PM
Last 20 years Spanish teams have played non Spanish teams in 16 European finals winning all 16 thats some record in fairness.
Wow! That's impressive!
Thankfully not always the case in semis. 8)
2001 UEFA Cup Final Liverpool 5 - 4 Alavés must have been the last time then a Spanish team didn't win a European final against a non Spanish team.
Bayern Munich v Valencia also in 2001.
I mean Milan beat Barca 4-0 in 1994, bit that wasn't in the last 20 years like the stat mentioned either.
Is Ronaldo the only player to have won League and Cup Medals in Spain, Italy and England?
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 28, 2021, 11:25:58 AM
Is Ronaldo the only player to have won League and Cup Medals in Spain, Italy and England?
Danilo never won the Copa Del Rey but he's won the rest.
Looks like the away goals rule is soon to be a thing of the past in European competitions.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 28, 2021, 11:59:15 PM
Looks like the away goals rule is soon to be a thing of the past in European competitions.
Ah Jez, So we are going to have two home ties of Park the Bus? :-\
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 28, 2021, 11:59:15 PM
Looks like the away goals rule is soon to be a thing of the past in European competitions.
Long overdue in my opinion
Quote from: BennyCake on May 29, 2021, 09:51:41 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 28, 2021, 11:59:15 PM
Looks like the away goals rule is soon to be a thing of the past in European competitions.
Long overdue in my opinion
Nah, the away goal meant very little this year because of no crowds and Covid. It is one of the best rules in knockout football.
The English League Cup semi-finals have not used away goals and the fixtures lack that desire of wanting to score in the away fixture.
It also cuts out on a plethora of games going to extra time and penalties.
City to win tonight despite Peps selection not because of it.
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
22 minutes in and no goals but it is a cracking game.
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2021, 07:51:43 PM
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
Liverpool hold have the distinction of being the only Club in England to win the League, European Cup and League Cup in a season. So for that reason alone I want Chelsea to win.
Is Raheem Sterling referee tonight? Another Harry Houdini performance from him in big game.
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2021, 08:58:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2021, 07:51:43 PM
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
Liverpool hold have the distinction of being the only Club in England to win the League, European Cup and League Cup in a season. So for that reason alone I want Chelsea to win.
But not THE treble. Only Celtic and United from these shores have managed the holy grail
Quote from: StPatsAbu on May 29, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2021, 08:58:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2021, 07:51:43 PM
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
Liverpool hold have the distinction of being the only Club in England to win the League, European Cup and League Cup in a season. So for that reason alone I want Chelsea to win.
But not THE treble. Only Celtic and United from these shores have managed the holy grail
Fair enough! Are you living over in GB these days?
Quote from: StPatsAbu on May 29, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2021, 08:58:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2021, 07:51:43 PM
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
Liverpool hold have the distinction of being the only Club in England to win the League, European Cup and League Cup in a season. So for that reason alone I want Chelsea to win.
But not THE treble. Only Celtic and United from these shores have managed the holy grail
Who says "THE" treble is the treble? United fans? ;D
Liverpool have won "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what is "THE" treble and what isn't.
Also, Pep the chequebook manager is fond of bottling his team selection in big games. Did it the past few years in the CL. Looking the same so far. Didn't select Rodri or Fernandinho to start. Fernandinho comes on and he's running the show straight away.
Wonder will pep get the criticism he deserves afterwards.
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2021, 09:35:05 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on May 29, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2021, 08:58:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2021, 07:51:43 PM
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
Liverpool hold have the distinction of being the only Club in England to win the League, European Cup and League Cup in a season. So for that reason alone I want Chelsea to win.
But not THE treble. Only Celtic and United from these shores have managed the holy grail
Fair enough! Are you living over in GB these days?
Hahahahah well spotted. "These shores". What a bad WUM.
Chelsea look to be finishing the game without a striker. I don't agree with that.
John Terry changing into the full kit as we speak...
Pep the choker.
Chelsea now have the same amount of European Cups as Nottingham Forest.
Football such a funny old game. Chelsea not good enough to beat Leicester in the FA Cup final and tonight they beat Manchester City in the Champions league final and restricting them to a mere one shot on target.
PSG owners will be feeling rather silly tonight.
Quote from: BennyCake on May 29, 2021, 09:58:40 PM
Pep the choker.
f**king around with his team backfires yet again in Europe.
I said it before, Big Sam could have won those 2 Champions League with Barcelona.
Pep's "greatness" diminishes by the year.
Only ever managed top teams with blank chequebooks.
Hopefully people will start coming to terms with the fraud that he is.
And when it comes to big moments when a good manager is needed, he comes up short time and again. The amount of times he has bottled team selections in big games is unreal.
Beating Chelsea in the Champions League Final isn't for everyone.
Quote from: GJL on May 29, 2021, 10:45:05 PM
Beating Chelsea in the Champions League Final isn't for everyone.
Bad week for Manchester
Quote from: gawa316 on May 29, 2021, 10:49:51 PM
Quote from: GJL on May 29, 2021, 10:45:05 PM
Beating Chelsea in the Champions League Final isn't for everyone.
Bad week for Manchester
Foden, Rashford and Sterling AWOL this week. Doesn't bode well for the Brits on the Euros.
Quote from: gawa316 on May 29, 2021, 10:49:51 PM
Quote from: GJL on May 29, 2021, 10:45:05 PM
Beating Chelsea in the Champions League Final isn't for everyone.
Bad week for Manchester
Ah, it was nice for both to get to the final.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 29, 2021, 09:36:15 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on May 29, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2021, 08:58:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2021, 07:51:43 PM
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
Liverpool hold have the distinction of being the only Club in England to win the League, European Cup and League Cup in a season. So for that reason alone I want Chelsea to win.
But not THE treble. Only Celtic and United from these shores have managed the holy grail
Who says "THE" treble is the treble? United fans? ;D
Liverpool have won "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what is "THE" treble and what isn't.
No. The football community decides. Lou Macari ended Liverpool's chances to win the treble 44 years ago. Did they win the league or UCL in 2001? Enough said.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 29, 2021, 10:11:09 PM
Only ever managed top teams with blank chequebooks.
Hopefully people will start coming to terms with the fraud that he is.
And when it comes to big moments when a good manager is needed, he comes up short time and again. The amount of times he has bottled team selections in big games is unreal.
Maybe hes not the greatest manager ever. Maybe tho hes not a fraud either.....maybe the truths somewhere in between....
Quote from: StPatsAbu on May 29, 2021, 11:25:26 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 29, 2021, 09:36:15 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on May 29, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2021, 08:58:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2021, 07:51:43 PM
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
Liverpool hold have the distinction of being the only Club in England to win the League, European Cup and League Cup in a season. So for that reason alone I want Chelsea to win.
But not THE treble. Only Celtic and United from these shores have managed the holy grail
Who says "THE" treble is the treble? United fans? ;D
Liverpool have won "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what is "THE" treble and what isn't.
No. The football community decides. Lou Macari ended Liverpool's chances to win the treble 44 years ago. Did they win the league or UCL in 2001? Enough said.
And I will refer to my initial question. Who decided that United won "THE" treble? United fans? That's not the "football community".
By your logic, I consider that we won "THE" treble in 2001, and, "THE" quintuple also.
Because after all, the "football community" decides.
Liverpool's five trophies in 2001 was won over 2 seasons, not all in the one season
Uniteds treble was the three most competitive trophies, so that takes precedence over Liverpool's treble, although it was also impressive.
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:08:37 AM
Liverpool's five trophies in 2001 was won over 2 seasons, not all in the one season
Uniteds treble was the three most competitive trophies, so that takes precedence over Liverpool's treble, although it was also impressive.
Wrong.
They were all won from the one season. One trophy win qualified then for the next one.
You are a United fan saying that YOUR treble was the most competitive, but that's not fact is it.
If anything ours was more "competitive" and ours takes precedence, cos we won 5.
Typical Mancs.
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on May 29, 2021, 11:27:14 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 29, 2021, 10:11:09 PM
Only ever managed top teams with blank chequebooks.
Hopefully people will start coming to terms with the fraud that he is.
And when it comes to big moments when a good manager is needed, he comes up short time and again. The amount of times he has bottled team selections in big games is unreal.
Maybe hes not the greatest manager ever. Maybe tho hes not a fraud either.....maybe the truths somewhere in between....
He's nowhere near the greatest manager ever, for one.
Regarding being a fraud, maybe a bit harsh, but maybe not. He's only ever been to clubs with blank chequebooks and the current top clubs in each country. Nothing special then winning the trophies that he's won. If anything it speaks volumes the amount of times he's bottled it, tonight being one.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:18:02 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:08:37 AM
Liverpool's five trophies in 2001 was won over 2 seasons, not all in the one season
Uniteds treble was the three most competitive trophies, so that takes precedence over Liverpool's treble, although it was also impressive.
Wrong.
They were all won from the one season. One trophy win qualified then for the next one.
You are a United fan saying that YOUR treble was the most competitive, but that's not fact is it.
If anything ours was more "competitive" and ours takes precedence, cos we won 5.
Typical Mancs.
Ach quit with your Manc crap. I'm not into this Love United hate Liverpool bollix.
The 2001 Charity shield and Euro Super Cup were played the following season, so I'd assume they're counted as part of the 2001/02 season.
The highest/toughest competitions to win for PL teams would be Chsmpions League, PL and FA cup. UEFA Cup would be lower than CL. And League cup lower than FA.
Anyway, I'm not trying to play the "we're better than you" bollix. That's just how I'd imagine it's seen in terms of value
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:31:54 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:18:02 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:08:37 AM
Liverpool's five trophies in 2001 was won over 2 seasons, not all in the one season
Uniteds treble was the three most competitive trophies, so that takes precedence over Liverpool's treble, although it was also impressive.
Wrong.
They were all won from the one season. One trophy win qualified then for the next one.
You are a United fan saying that YOUR treble was the most competitive, but that's not fact is it.
If anything ours was more "competitive" and ours takes precedence, cos we won 5.
Typical Mancs.
Ach quit with your Manc crap. I'm not into this Love United hate Liverpool bollix.
The 2001 Charity shield and Euro Super Cup were played the following season, so I'd assume they're counted as part of the 2001/02 season.
The highest/toughest competitions to win for PL teams would be Chsmpions League, PL and FA cup. UEFA Cup would be lower than CL. And League cup lower than FA.
Anyway, I'm not trying to play the "we're better than you" bollix. That's just how I'd imagine it's seen in terms of value
Well that's what you are, and what you're doing.
As I said, wrong. They were trophies won that were a direct following on from competitions that needed to be won in order to qualify for that next competition. The date they were played is irrelevant.
That's YOUR opinion that FA Cup ranks higher than league cup, you would say that, as a manc. And therefore that's the Mancs version of what is "THE" treble. But it's not entirely true is it. We won the "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what Is and what Isn't.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 29, 2021, 10:11:09 PM
Only ever managed top teams with blank chequebooks.
Hopefully people will start coming to terms with the fraud that he is.
And when it comes to big moments when a good manager is needed, he comes up short time and again. The amount of times he has bottled team selections in big games is unreal.
Messi, Iniesta, Xavi didn't cost Barce' a whole lot.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:38:06 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:31:54 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:18:02 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:08:37 AM
Liverpool's five trophies in 2001 was won over 2 seasons, not all in the one season
Uniteds treble was the three most competitive trophies, so that takes precedence over Liverpool's treble, although it was also impressive.
Wrong.
They were all won from the one season. One trophy win qualified then for the next one.
You are a United fan saying that YOUR treble was the most competitive, but that's not fact is it.
If anything ours was more "competitive" and ours takes precedence, cos we won 5.
Typical Mancs.
Ach quit with your Manc crap. I'm not into this Love United hate Liverpool bollix.
The 2001 Charity shield and Euro Super Cup were played the following season, so I'd assume they're counted as part of the 2001/02 season.
The highest/toughest competitions to win for PL teams would be Chsmpions League, PL and FA cup. UEFA Cup would be lower than CL. And League cup lower than FA.
Anyway, I'm not trying to play the "we're better than you" bollix. That's just how I'd imagine it's seen in terms of value
Well that's what you are, and what you're doing.
As I said, wrong. They were trophies won that were a direct following on from competitions that needed to be won in order to qualify for that next competition. The date they were played is irrelevant.
That's YOUR opinion that FA Cup ranks higher than league cup, you would say that, as a manc. And therefore that's the Mancs version of what is "THE" treble. But it's not entirely true is it. We won the "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what Is and what Isn't.
Jaysus man, you sure are insecure ;D
I'm a united fan, not a Manc. And unless you're from Liverpool, you're not a scouser neither.
I'm not even going to go there where one season ends and one begins. Fact is, Liverpool won 5 that year which I said. And admittedly it was a great run of success.
The FA grant a Europa League spot to FA cup winners. And from next season, the League cup winners get a UEFA Conference place. The Conference is LOWER than the Europa League. Not only that, but for a few years around the new millennium, League cup winners weren't granted s Euro place, whereas FA cup winners were. So, that says a lot about which is valued higher
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 01:03:25 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:38:06 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:31:54 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:18:02 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:08:37 AM
Liverpool's five trophies in 2001 was won over 2 seasons, not all in the one season
Uniteds treble was the three most competitive trophies, so that takes precedence over Liverpool's treble, although it was also impressive.
Wrong.
They were all won from the one season. One trophy win qualified then for the next one.
You are a United fan saying that YOUR treble was the most competitive, but that's not fact is it.
If anything ours was more "competitive" and ours takes precedence, cos we won 5.
Typical Mancs.
Ach quit with your Manc crap. I'm not into this Love United hate Liverpool bollix.
The 2001 Charity shield and Euro Super Cup were played the following season, so I'd assume they're counted as part of the 2001/02 season.
The highest/toughest competitions to win for PL teams would be Chsmpions League, PL and FA cup. UEFA Cup would be lower than CL. And League cup lower than FA.
Anyway, I'm not trying to play the "we're better than you" bollix. That's just how I'd imagine it's seen in terms of value
Well that's what you are, and what you're doing.
As I said, wrong. They were trophies won that were a direct following on from competitions that needed to be won in order to qualify for that next competition. The date they were played is irrelevant.
That's YOUR opinion that FA Cup ranks higher than league cup, you would say that, as a manc. And therefore that's the Mancs version of what is "THE" treble. But it's not entirely true is it. We won the "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what Is and what Isn't.
Jaysus man, you sure are insecure ;D
I'm a united fan, not a Manc. And unless you're from Liverpool, you're not a scouser neither.
I'm not even going to go there where one season ends and one begins. Fact is, Liverpool won 5 that year which I said. And admittedly it was a great run of success.
The FA grant a Europa League spot to FA cup winners. And from next season, the League cup winners get a UEFA Conference place. The Conference is LOWER than the Europa League. Not only that, but for a few years around the new millennium, League cup winners weren't granted s Euro place, whereas FA cup winners were. So, that says a lot about which is valued higher
Insecure? How?
Quit crying, you're a Manc.
Right, glad to see you backed out of that one. You're correct, Liverpool won 5 that season. Glad we cleared that up.
Wrong again. Up until last season, league cup winners qualified for Europe league as well. So yes, it does say a lot about was is valued (equally) as high.
Quote from: mouview on May 30, 2021, 12:56:00 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 29, 2021, 10:11:09 PM
Only ever managed top teams with blank chequebooks.
Hopefully people will start coming to terms with the fraud that he is.
And when it comes to big moments when a good manager is needed, he comes up short time and again. The amount of times he has bottled team selections in big games is unreal.
Messi, Iniesta, Xavi didn't cost Barce' a whole lot.
Refer to the part where I said he only ever managed the top teams, those players made Barcelona a top team. Good man.
He hasn't done what Klopp has done on a nothing budget for example, and bring sleeping giant clubs, or lower clubs, at the time, success.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 01:11:28 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 01:03:25 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:38:06 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:31:54 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:18:02 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:08:37 AM
Liverpool's five trophies in 2001 was won over 2 seasons, not all in the one season
Uniteds treble was the three most competitive trophies, so that takes precedence over Liverpool's treble, although it was also impressive.
Wrong.
They were all won from the one season. One trophy win qualified then for the next one.
You are a United fan saying that YOUR treble was the most competitive, but that's not fact is it.
If anything ours was more "competitive" and ours takes precedence, cos we won 5.
Typical Mancs.
Ach quit with your Manc crap. I'm not into this Love United hate Liverpool bollix.
The 2001 Charity shield and Euro Super Cup were played the following season, so I'd assume they're counted as part of the 2001/02 season.
The highest/toughest competitions to win for PL teams would be Chsmpions League, PL and FA cup. UEFA Cup would be lower than CL. And League cup lower than FA.
Anyway, I'm not trying to play the "we're better than you" bollix. That's just how I'd imagine it's seen in terms of value
Well that's what you are, and what you're doing.
As I said, wrong. They were trophies won that were a direct following on from competitions that needed to be won in order to qualify for that next competition. The date they were played is irrelevant.
That's YOUR opinion that FA Cup ranks higher than league cup, you would say that, as a manc. And therefore that's the Mancs version of what is "THE" treble. But it's not entirely true is it. We won the "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what Is and what Isn't.
Jaysus man, you sure are insecure ;D
I'm a united fan, not a Manc. And unless you're from Liverpool, you're not a scouser neither.
I'm not even going to go there where one season ends and one begins. Fact is, Liverpool won 5 that year which I said. And admittedly it was a great run of success.
The FA grant a Europa League spot to FA cup winners. And from next season, the League cup winners get a UEFA Conference place. The Conference is LOWER than the Europa League. Not only that, but for a few years around the new millennium, League cup winners weren't granted s Euro place, whereas FA cup winners were. So, that says a lot about which is valued higher
Insecure? How?
Quit crying, you're a Manc.
Right, glad to see you backed out of that one. You're correct, Liverpool won 5 that season. Glad we cleared that up.
Wrong again. Up until last season, league cup winners qualified for Europe league as well. So yes, it does say a lot about was is valued (equally) as high.
So if Man City win the Champions League next year, that gets added to their list of achievements this season??
They qualified for it by winning the Premier League this year
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on May 30, 2021, 01:45:34 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 01:11:28 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 01:03:25 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:38:06 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:31:54 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:18:02 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:08:37 AM
Liverpool's five trophies in 2001 was won over 2 seasons, not all in the one season
Uniteds treble was the three most competitive trophies, so that takes precedence over Liverpool's treble, although it was also impressive.
Wrong.
They were all won from the one season. One trophy win qualified then for the next one.
You are a United fan saying that YOUR treble was the most competitive, but that's not fact is it.
If anything ours was more "competitive" and ours takes precedence, cos we won 5.
Typical Mancs.
Ach quit with your Manc crap. I'm not into this Love United hate Liverpool bollix.
The 2001 Charity shield and Euro Super Cup were played the following season, so I'd assume they're counted as part of the 2001/02 season.
The highest/toughest competitions to win for PL teams would be Chsmpions League, PL and FA cup. UEFA Cup would be lower than CL. And League cup lower than FA.
Anyway, I'm not trying to play the "we're better than you" bollix. That's just how I'd imagine it's seen in terms of value
Well that's what you are, and what you're doing.
As I said, wrong. They were trophies won that were a direct following on from competitions that needed to be won in order to qualify for that next competition. The date they were played is irrelevant.
That's YOUR opinion that FA Cup ranks higher than league cup, you would say that, as a manc. And therefore that's the Mancs version of what is "THE" treble. But it's not entirely true is it. We won the "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what Is and what Isn't.
Jaysus man, you sure are insecure ;D
I'm a united fan, not a Manc. And unless you're from Liverpool, you're not a scouser neither.
I'm not even going to go there where one season ends and one begins. Fact is, Liverpool won 5 that year which I said. And admittedly it was a great run of success.
The FA grant a Europa League spot to FA cup winners. And from next season, the League cup winners get a UEFA Conference place. The Conference is LOWER than the Europa League. Not only that, but for a few years around the new millennium, League cup winners weren't granted s Euro place, whereas FA cup winners were. So, that says a lot about which is valued higher
Insecure? How?
Quit crying, you're a Manc.
Right, glad to see you backed out of that one. You're correct, Liverpool won 5 that season. Glad we cleared that up.
Wrong again. Up until last season, league cup winners qualified for Europe league as well. So yes, it does say a lot about was is valued (equally) as high.
So if Man City win the Champions League next year, that gets added to their list of achievements this season??
They qualified for it by winning the Premier League this year
No, don't be ridiculous.
The competition starts and is won next season and is a direct result of the league standing the season previous.
Whereas for example the super cup is a result of winning this seasons European cup. It's not difficult to understand.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 01:11:28 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 01:03:25 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:38:06 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:31:54 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:18:02 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:08:37 AM
Liverpool's five trophies in 2001 was won over 2 seasons, not all in the one season
Uniteds treble was the three most competitive trophies, so that takes precedence over Liverpool's treble, although it was also impressive.
Wrong.
They were all won from the one season. One trophy win qualified then for the next one.
You are a United fan saying that YOUR treble was the most competitive, but that's not fact is it.
If anything ours was more "competitive" and ours takes precedence, cos we won 5.
Typical Mancs.
Ach quit with your Manc crap. I'm not into this Love United hate Liverpool bollix.
The 2001 Charity shield and Euro Super Cup were played the following season, so I'd assume they're counted as part of the 2001/02 season.
The highest/toughest competitions to win for PL teams would be Chsmpions League, PL and FA cup. UEFA Cup would be lower than CL. And League cup lower than FA.
Anyway, I'm not trying to play the "we're better than you" bollix. That's just how I'd imagine it's seen in terms of value
Well that's what you are, and what you're doing.
As I said, wrong. They were trophies won that were a direct following on from competitions that needed to be won in order to qualify for that next competition. The date they were played is irrelevant.
That's YOUR opinion that FA Cup ranks higher than league cup, you would say that, as a manc. And therefore that's the Mancs version of what is "THE" treble. But it's not entirely true is it. We won the "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what Is and what Isn't.
Jaysus man, you sure are insecure ;D
I'm a united fan, not a Manc. And unless you're from Liverpool, you're not a scouser neither.
I'm not even going to go there where one season ends and one begins. Fact is, Liverpool won 5 that year which I said. And admittedly it was a great run of success.
The FA grant a Europa League spot to FA cup winners. And from next season, the League cup winners get a UEFA Conference place. The Conference is LOWER than the Europa League. Not only that, but for a few years around the new millennium, League cup winners weren't granted s Euro place, whereas FA cup winners were. So, that says a lot about which is valued higher
Insecure? How?
Quit crying, you're a Manc.
Right, glad to see you backed out of that one. You're correct, Liverpool won 5 that season. Glad we cleared that up.
Wrong again. Up until last season, league cup winners qualified for Europe league as well. So yes, it does say a lot about was is valued (equally) as high.
I didn't back out of it. I just didn't see the point going into it. If the 2001 CS/Super cups were still considered part of the 2000/01 season, great. If not, also great. (Btw, I said they won 5 that year, not season ;) )
United won the World cup in Dec 08. Is that still considered part of the 07/08 season even though they won it halfway through the 08/09 season? ( I don't really care. Im just asking.)
League cup was devalued in the past though, in terms of a Euro place, and it's being devalued from next season again. I could look up the prize money for each which might give an idea of their status, but I can't be arsed ;D
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 01:52:49 AM
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on May 30, 2021, 01:45:34 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 01:11:28 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 01:03:25 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:38:06 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:31:54 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 12:18:02 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 12:08:37 AM
Liverpool's five trophies in 2001 was won over 2 seasons, not all in the one season
Uniteds treble was the three most competitive trophies, so that takes precedence over Liverpool's treble, although it was also impressive.
Wrong.
They were all won from the one season. One trophy win qualified then for the next one.
You are a United fan saying that YOUR treble was the most competitive, but that's not fact is it.
If anything ours was more "competitive" and ours takes precedence, cos we won 5.
Typical Mancs.
Ach quit with your Manc crap. I'm not into this Love United hate Liverpool bollix.
The 2001 Charity shield and Euro Super Cup were played the following season, so I'd assume they're counted as part of the 2001/02 season.
The highest/toughest competitions to win for PL teams would be Chsmpions League, PL and FA cup. UEFA Cup would be lower than CL. And League cup lower than FA.
Anyway, I'm not trying to play the "we're better than you" bollix. That's just how I'd imagine it's seen in terms of value
Well that's what you are, and what you're doing.
As I said, wrong. They were trophies won that were a direct following on from competitions that needed to be won in order to qualify for that next competition. The date they were played is irrelevant.
That's YOUR opinion that FA Cup ranks higher than league cup, you would say that, as a manc. And therefore that's the Mancs version of what is "THE" treble. But it's not entirely true is it. We won the "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what Is and what Isn't.
Jaysus man, you sure are insecure ;D
I'm a united fan, not a Manc. And unless you're from Liverpool, you're not a scouser neither.
I'm not even going to go there where one season ends and one begins. Fact is, Liverpool won 5 that year which I said. And admittedly it was a great run of success.
The FA grant a Europa League spot to FA cup winners. And from next season, the League cup winners get a UEFA Conference place. The Conference is LOWER than the Europa League. Not only that, but for a few years around the new millennium, League cup winners weren't granted s Euro place, whereas FA cup winners were. So, that says a lot about which is valued higher
Insecure? How?
Quit crying, you're a Manc.
Right, glad to see you backed out of that one. You're correct, Liverpool won 5 that season. Glad we cleared that up.
Wrong again. Up until last season, league cup winners qualified for Europe league as well. So yes, it does say a lot about was is valued (equally) as high.
So if Man City win the Champions League next year, that gets added to their list of achievements this season??
They qualified for it by winning the Premier League this year
No, don't be ridiculous.
The competition starts and is won next season and is a direct result of the league standing the season previous.
Whereas for example the super cup is a result of winning this seasons European cup. It's not difficult to understand.
But so is the charity shield, the Euro Super Cup, and the club World Cup. :o
Shooters is another solid addition to this forum, make ya wonder why you would bother with it sometimes.... The main stay of his argument is primary school stuff and when pulled on it he'll pull out his trump Scouse Vs Manc card :)
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 29, 2021, 09:36:15 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on May 29, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2021, 08:58:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2021, 07:51:43 PM
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
Liverpool hold have the distinction of being the only Club in England to win the League, European Cup and League Cup in a season. So for that reason alone I want Chelsea to win.
But not THE treble. Only Celtic and United from these shores have managed the holy grail
Who says "THE" treble is the treble? United fans? ;D
Liverpool have won "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what is "THE" treble and what isn't.
Intermediate championship
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 29, 2021, 09:36:15 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on May 29, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2021, 08:58:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2021, 07:51:43 PM
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
Liverpool hold have the distinction of being the only Club in England to win the League, European Cup and League Cup in a season. So for that reason alone I want Chelsea to win.
But not THE treble. Only Celtic and United from these shores have managed the holy grail
Who says "THE" treble is the treble? United fans? ;D
Liverpool have won "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what is "THE" treble and what isn't.
The treble includes the league. Otherwise its a cup treble.
Quote from: J70 on May 29, 2021, 10:08:33 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on May 29, 2021, 09:58:40 PM
Pep the choker.
f**king around with his team backfires yet again in Europe.
Over thinks things too much. Tuchel said after the match that he was very surprised that Pep opted to start with no CDM and with such attacking line up. He expected Fernandino to start and wasn't brought on until the 60th minute when the damage was already done.
Kante the clear best player on the pitch and Christensen filled in very well for Silva when he went off injured.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 29, 2021, 09:36:15 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on May 29, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2021, 08:58:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2021, 07:51:43 PM
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
Liverpool hold have the distinction of being the only Club in England to win the League, European Cup and League Cup in a season. So for that reason alone I want Chelsea to win.
But not THE treble. Only Celtic and United from these shores have managed the holy grail
Who says "THE" treble is the treble? United fans? ;D
Liverpool have won "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what is "THE" treble and what isn't.
United fans aren't allowed to say what THE treble is, yet you can decide what THE quintuple is? ;D
Liverpool fan here.
The treble for English teams is League Fa Cup and European cup/Champs League. Liverpool near done it in 77 but didnt. United have. Liverpool have won a treble so too have City but not the one most would class as the most desirable one.
Case closed i want no more chat about it 😉😂
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on May 30, 2021, 02:42:09 PM
Liverpool fan here.
The treble for English teams is League Fa Cup and European cup/Champs League. Liverpool near done it in 77 but didnt. United have. Liverpool have won a treble so too have City but not the one most would class as the most desirable one.
Case closed i want no more chat about it 😉😂
There you have it!
Let's hope so ;)
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 30, 2021, 11:21:06 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 29, 2021, 09:36:15 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on May 29, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2021, 08:58:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2021, 07:51:43 PM
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
Liverpool hold have the distinction of being the only Club in England to win the League, European Cup and League Cup in a season. So for that reason alone I want Chelsea to win.
But not THE treble. Only Celtic and United from these shores have managed the holy grail
Who says "THE" treble is the treble? United fans? ;D
Liverpool have won "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what is "THE" treble and what isn't.
Intermediate championship
You'd know all about the intermediate championship.
It's simple. Those trophies are a direct result of the preceding trophies won.
The following years super cup and World Cup is dependent on the next CL. It's not hard to understand. I'd need to draw a picture for you boys.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 09:51:14 PM
It's simple. Those trophies are a direct result of the preceding trophies won.
The following years super cup and World Cup is dependent on the next CL. It's not hard to understand. I'd need to draw a picture for you boys.
I think you'd need to draw yourself a picture ;D
A lot of childish posts here, which is rather unsurprising seeing as neither Utd nor Liverpool won a trophy this season.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 09:48:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 30, 2021, 11:21:06 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 29, 2021, 09:36:15 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on May 29, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2021, 08:58:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2021, 07:51:43 PM
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
Liverpool hold have the distinction of being the only Club in England to win the League, European Cup and League Cup in a season. So for that reason alone I want Chelsea to win.
But not THE treble. Only Celtic and United from these shores have managed the holy grail
Who says "THE" treble is the treble? United fans? ;D
Liverpool have won "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what is "THE" treble and what isn't.
Intermediate championship
You'd know all about the intermediate championship.
The league cup is the Junior championship
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 09:57:59 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 09:51:14 PM
It's simple. Those trophies are a direct result of the preceding trophies won.
The following years super cup and World Cup is dependent on the next CL. It's not hard to understand. I'd need to draw a picture for you boys.
I think you'd need to draw yourself a picture ;D
(http://img0.joyreactor.com/pics/post/gif-drawing-mario-games-4457938.gif)
Quote from: BennyCake on May 30, 2021, 09:57:59 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 09:51:14 PM
It's simple. Those trophies are a direct result of the preceding trophies won.
The following years super cup and World Cup is dependent on the next CL. It's not hard to understand. I'd need to draw a picture for you boys.
I think you'd need to draw yourself a picture ;D
You'd know more about a big loaf
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 30, 2021, 10:31:15 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 30, 2021, 09:48:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 30, 2021, 11:21:06 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on May 29, 2021, 09:36:15 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on May 29, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 29, 2021, 08:58:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2021, 07:51:43 PM
Dislike both clubs but would rather see Chelsea win it.
Liverpool hold have the distinction of being the only Club in England to win the League, European Cup and League Cup in a season. So for that reason alone I want Chelsea to win.
But not THE treble. Only Celtic and United from these shores have managed the holy grail
Who says "THE" treble is the treble? United fans? ;D
Liverpool have won "THE" quintuple in 2001. You don't get to decide what is "THE" treble and what isn't.
Intermediate championship
You'd know all about the intermediate championship.
The league cup is the Junior championship
You've nothing to back up that statement. But still. You'd know more about a junior championship
Probably junior b when I think about it. Or the beer belly league
Aguero has his new team
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E2ub862VUAgLKdA?format=jpg&name=large)
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on May 31, 2021, 04:43:43 PM
Aguero has his new team
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E2ub862VUAgLKdA?format=jpg&name=large)
They got rid of a 33 year old Luis Suárez because they thought he was too old and past his best. Now basically replace him with Aguero who is 33 in a few days.
Aguero is still an excellent player. Though it doesn't make sense when they let Suarez go.
They loaned Coutinho to Bayern and he was eligible to play against them in Cl ,scoring twice. Now looking to sell him on for 40m. Transfer strategy all over the place.
Brought in Braithwaite last year who was really poor at Middlesbrough
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 31, 2021, 08:10:47 PM
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on May 31, 2021, 04:43:43 PM
Aguero has his new team
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E2ub862VUAgLKdA?format=jpg&name=large)
They got rid of a 33 year old Luis Suárez because they thought he was too old and past his best. Now basically replace him with Aguero who is 33 in a few days.
They let Suarez go, correctly, because he was incredibly expensive and they realised the team couldn't afford to have another aging, slowing striker alongside Messi.
Aguero is coming in on probably something less than half of Suarez's wage as, primarily, a backup.
Quote from: gallsman on May 31, 2021, 08:47:36 PM
They let Suarez go, correctly, because he was incredibly expensive and they realised the team couldn't afford to have another aging, slowing striker alongside Messi.
Aguero is coming in on probably something less than half of Suarez's wage as, primarily, a backup.
His 24 goals involvements in 32 games proved key in Atlético Madrid title success and Luis remarks afterwards let Barcelona know they let him go too soon. Aguero left Manchester City because he wanted more starts and be less of a backup, if used correctly his goals can go a long way towards Barcelona regaining the La Liga title.
CL final, a big up to the referee who didn't blow for all and sundry. Did miss Rutiger taking out KDB but apart from that he let the tackles go and played on if someone was on the deck only for them to miraculously get up once they realised the game was going on anyway.
Chelsea clinical and I think we found out why TAA isn't first choice RB for England. Reece James is the real deal.
Wonder would Southgate push TAA into a more attacking role instead.
Quote from: johnnycool on June 01, 2021, 10:55:07 AM
CL final, a big up to the referee who didn't blow for all and sundry. Did miss Rutiger taking out KDB but apart from that he let the tackles go and played on if someone was on the deck only for them to miraculously get up once they realised the game was going on anyway.
Chelsea clinical and I think we found out why TAA isn't first choice RB for England. Reece James is the real deal.
Wonder would Southgate push TAA into a more attacking role instead.
Lampard must have been gutted to see the club he left in January win the holiest of holies.
He should have stayed with Derby a bit longer.
Quote from: seafoid on June 01, 2021, 02:09:05 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on June 01, 2021, 10:55:07 AM
CL final, a big up to the referee who didn't blow for all and sundry. Did miss Rutiger taking out KDB but apart from that he let the tackles go and played on if someone was on the deck only for them to miraculously get up once they realised the game was going on anyway.
Chelsea clinical and I think we found out why TAA isn't first choice RB for England. Reece James is the real deal.
Wonder would Southgate push TAA into a more attacking role instead.
Lampard must have been gutted to see the club he left in January win the holiest of holies.
He should have stayed with Derby a bit longer.
I'd say the management at PSG are kicking themselves also.
Ancelotti to take over at Real Madrid
Not based on what he done at Everton, as 10th place finish was poor with the money spent.
A rebuilding Job to do at real,lot of ageing players
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 31, 2021, 09:59:40 PM
Quote from: gallsman on May 31, 2021, 08:47:36 PM
They let Suarez go, correctly, because he was incredibly expensive and they realised the team couldn't afford to have another aging, slowing striker alongside Messi.
Aguero is coming in on probably something less than half of Suarez's wage as, primarily, a backup.
His 24 goals involvements in 32 games proved key in Atlético Madrid title success and Luis remarks afterwards let Barcelona know they let him go too soon. Aguero left Manchester City because he wanted more starts and be less of a backup, if used correctly his goals can go a long way towards Barcelona regaining the La Liga title.
Atleti are a completely different team to Barca playing a completely different style of football. Everyone else in the team can do all the hard work and running. At Barca, they already "have" to pander to Messi and work hard to allow him to be the player he is. You can't do that twice over which they'd have had to do with Suarez.
Barca scored 18 goals more than anyone else in the league this year. Scoring goals wasn't their problem. The fact that Suarez was a significant part of Atleti's win has no relevance to the decision of whether they were right to let him go or not. Nobody was under the impression that he wasn't/isn't still a top level footballer, capable of scoring.
Also, in case you haven't noticed, Barca are absolutely f**king skint and needed to get wages off their books. Suarez was one of the highest paid players in the world and they could survive without him. Anyone going "Suarez won the league with atleti, Barca should never have let him go" is, at best a bit simple, at worst a complete f**king idiot.
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 01, 2021, 02:31:26 PM
Ancelotti to take over at Real Madrid
Not based on what he done at Everton, as 10th place finish was poor with the money spent.
A rebuilding Job to do at real,lot of ageing players
Because he'll keep his mouth shut and not complain openly when Florentino doesn't open the chequebook and bring in 5 150m euro footballers in the next 18 months.
Quote from: gallsman on June 01, 2021, 02:56:37 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 31, 2021, 09:59:40 PM
Quote from: gallsman on May 31, 2021, 08:47:36 PM
They let Suarez go, correctly, because he was incredibly expensive and they realised the team couldn't afford to have another aging, slowing striker alongside Messi.
Aguero is coming in on probably something less than half of Suarez's wage as, primarily, a backup.
His 24 goals involvements in 32 games proved key in Atlético Madrid title success and Luis remarks afterwards let Barcelona know they let him go too soon. Aguero left Manchester City because he wanted more starts and be less of a backup, if used correctly his goals can go a long way towards Barcelona regaining the La Liga title.
Atleti are a completely different team to Barca playing a completely different style of football. Everyone else in the team can do all the hard work and running. At Barca, they already "have" to pander to Messi and work hard to allow him to be the player he is. You can't do that twice over which they'd have had to do with Suarez.
Barca scored 18 goals more than anyone else in the league this year. Scoring goals wasn't their problem. The fact that Suarez was a significant part of Atleti's win has no relevance to the decision of whether they were right to let him go or not. Nobody was under the impression that he wasn't/isn't still a top level footballer, capable of scoring.
Also, in case you haven't noticed, Barca are absolutely f**king skint and needed to get wages off their books. Suarez was one of the highest paid players in the world and they could survive without him. Anyone going "Suarez won the league with atleti, Barca should never have let him go" is, at best a bit simple, at worst a complete f**king idiot.
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 01, 2021, 02:31:26 PM
Ancelotti to take over at Real Madrid
Not based on what he done at Everton, as 10th place finish was poor with the money spent.
A rebuilding Job to do at real,lot of ageing players
Because he'll keep his mouth shut and not complain openly when Florentino doesn't open the chequebook and bring in 5 150m euro footballers in the next 18 months.
Luis Suárez himself thinks that and given his actions over the years he isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.
Luis Suarez thinks club should not have let go of Luis Suarez.
I am completely and utterly shocked. Shocked I tell you!
Quote from: gallsman on May 31, 2021, 08:47:36 PM
They let Suarez go, correctly, because he was incredibly expensive and they realised the team couldn't afford to have another aging, slowing striker alongside Messi.
Aguero is coming in on probably something less than half of Suarez's wage as, primarily, a backup.
In Suarez 6 seasons at Barca he consistently averaged over 30 goals a season and also provided multiple assists, whilst he became their all time third highest ever goalscorer in the process. He's clearly not as good as he once was after 2 knee operations but releasing him weakened them and strengthened one of their main rivals. It was one of the worst pieces of transfer business carried out in recent times.
Quote from: yellowcard on June 01, 2021, 03:44:49 PM
Quote from: gallsman on May 31, 2021, 08:47:36 PM
They let Suarez go, correctly, because he was incredibly expensive and they realised the team couldn't afford to have another aging, slowing striker alongside Messi.
Aguero is coming in on probably something less than half of Suarez's wage as, primarily, a backup.
In Suarez 6 seasons at Barca he consistently averaged over 30 goals a season and also provided multiple assists, whilst he became their all time third highest ever goalscorer in the process. He's clearly not as good as he once was after 2 knee operations but releasing him weakened them and strengthened one of their main rivals. It was one of the worst pieces of transfer business carried out in recent times.
The question isn't whether letting him go to Atleti (for nothing) was a bad move, but rather whether they should have kept him.
Even at that, getting rid of him off pales into insignificance beside some of the other atrocious transfer deals they've done in the last six years. It's not even close up being their worst, never mind football's worst.
Uefa getting rid of the away goals rule
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57599780
I don't think this is a good idea, it will just mean more ties getting settled with penalties.
Quote from: dec on June 24, 2021, 08:09:06 PM
Uefa getting rid of the away goals rule
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57599780
I don't think this is a good idea, it will just mean more ties getting settled with penalties.
I think they should have just scrapped it for extra time in the second leg, which was totally unfair.
Like you say, lots of games going to go to penalties now which is exciting for a neutral but always shit to be involved in.
Quote from: dec on June 24, 2021, 08:09:06 PM
Uefa getting rid of the away goals rule
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57599780
I don't think this is a good idea, it will just mean more ties getting settled with penalties.
Away goal encouraged the traveling team to have a go. It hugely added to the drama of a two legged tie. There will be more games going into extra time in the second leg, and more games decided by penalties.
There has been some amazing knockout games in the Champions League decided by away goals the last couple of seasons.
Always thought the away goal was great as it made games so strategic. Even a 2-1 away loss was a good result. Now that's gone and to be honest I think it's a shame.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 25, 2021, 12:12:49 PM
Always thought the away goal was great as it made games so strategic. Even a 2-1 away loss was a good result. Now that's gone and to be honest I think it's a shame.
They said it was done based on stats from previous years showing no benefits.. I wouldn't know much about it to be fair but I can't see them changing it for any other reason
Taking away the away goal rule decreases the chance of underdogs winning two leg ties. Not a good move in my view.
Champions league draw.
(https://i.ibb.co/sPNqq6z/Screenshot-20210826-181650-2.png) (https://ibb.co/SxMBBdG)
The highlight of that draw was Laura Wontorra
Handy draw all round for the English teams.
City look to have the hardest group but are the best team.
Liverpool have minimum second place wrapped up
Chelsea current champions, and super cup champions, will improve even further this season in the league
United could not have asked for a better draw, so expect them to need a last game win to qualify
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 25, 2021, 12:58:31 PM
Taking away the away goal rule decreases the chance of underdogs winning two leg ties. Not a good move in my view.
Agree.
Shamrock Rovers need to win by 3 tonight having lost 4-2 away
2 might be doable but 3 looks like a stretch.
PSG turned down 200 million euros for Mbappe who will now leave for free next year. It does leave PSG in a strong position in this years champions league I think but at what price.
Griezman away back to Atletico on loan. Feck how much did Barca spunk away in him, Dembele and Countinho? I realize I could Google this but couldn't be arsed
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 01, 2021, 12:05:42 AM
PSG turned down 200 million euros for Mbappe who will now leave for free next year. It does leave PSG in a strong position in this years champions league I think but at what price.
200 million
Quote from: gawa316 on September 01, 2021, 12:46:13 AM
Griezman away back to Atletico on loan. Feck how much did Barca spunk away in him, Dembele and Countinho? I realize I could Google this but couldn't be arsed
400mil? Im guessing, i couldnt be arsed either
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on September 01, 2021, 06:34:31 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 01, 2021, 12:05:42 AM
PSG turned down 200 million euros for Mbappe who will now leave for free next year. It does leave PSG in a strong position in this years champions league I think but at what price.
200 million
lol
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on September 01, 2021, 07:35:31 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on September 01, 2021, 12:46:13 AM
Griezman away back to Atletico on loan. Feck how much did Barca spunk away in him, Dembele and Countinho? I realize I could Google this but couldn't be arsed
400mil? Im guessing, i couldnt be arsed either
Greizmann £117m
Dembele £121.5m
Coutinho £121.5m
:o :o :o
The wages too... how not to run a business or football club.
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on September 01, 2021, 06:34:31 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 01, 2021, 12:05:42 AM
PSG turned down 200 million euros for Mbappe who will now leave for free next year. It does leave PSG in a strong position in this years champions league I think but at what price.
200 million
Pocket change #ffp
Quote from: toby47 on September 01, 2021, 08:27:05 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on September 01, 2021, 07:35:31 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on September 01, 2021, 12:46:13 AM
Griezman away back to Atletico on loan. Feck how much did Barca spunk away in him, Dembele and Countinho? I realize I could Google this but couldn't be arsed
400mil? Im guessing, i couldnt be arsed either
Greizmann £117m
Dembele £121.5m
Coutinho £121.5m
:o :o :o
Coutinho was £142.
Quote from: toby47 on September 01, 2021, 08:27:05 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on September 01, 2021, 07:35:31 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on September 01, 2021, 12:46:13 AM
Griezman away back to Atletico on loan. Feck how much did Barca spunk away in him, Dembele and Countinho? I realize I could Google this but couldn't be arsed
400mil? Im guessing, i couldnt be arsed either
Greizmann £117m
Dembele £121.5m
Coutinho £121.5m
:o :o :o
Complete lunacy, the kind of shit that makes me think behind the scenes football is just a form of evolved narcos and reckon a lot of this carry on is washing dirty money
Griezman was on over 800k a week too apparently.
Crazy stuff
Championship clubs in total spent 35mill on transfers this summer.
Footballs couped....
;D
Anyone on the move I see all the Champions League games are now available live streaming on the Livescore app.
Apologies if this titanic and I'm the only one that wasn't aware...
Thon Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen who bagged two goals last night is some spud..
Real Madrid lost at home to Fc Sheriff Tiraspol :o
Messi opened his account with a good goal for PSG against City. That gave City a 2-0 win.
Some result for Sheriff against Madrid, they now top the group.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 28, 2021, 10:16:17 PM
Real Madrid lost at home to Fc Sheriff Tiraspol :o
Barca and Real are very brónach these days.
PSG used to be like Monaghan but now they have Messi.
It's not hard to see why Poch said no to Spurs.
Quote from: seafoid on September 29, 2021, 07:10:55 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 28, 2021, 10:16:17 PM
Real Madrid lost at home to Fc Sheriff Tiraspol :o
Barca and Real are very brónach these days.
PSG used to be like Monaghan but now they have Messi.
It's not hard to see why Poch said no to Spurs.
Dundalk beat Sheriff easily last year. No matter how poor Spanish football is, they beat League of Ireland level clubs. The defending was shocking. They reckoned they just had to show up.
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 29, 2021, 09:26:28 AM
Quote from: seafoid on September 29, 2021, 07:10:55 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 28, 2021, 10:16:17 PM
Real Madrid lost at home to Fc Sheriff Tiraspol :o
Barca and Real are very brónach these days.
PSG used to be like Monaghan but now they have Messi.
It's not hard to see why Poch said no to Spurs.
Dundalk beat Sheriff easily last year. No matter how poor Spanish football is, they beat League of Ireland level clubs. The defending was shocking. They reckoned they just had to show up.
Agreed that Madrid probably thought they just had to show up but Sheriff also beat Shaktar in the first game and they would be seasoned enough euro campaigners as well. I'd say they will be very hard to beat at home and a win and a draw in the next 4 games will probably see them in the next round
Quote from: seafoid on September 29, 2021, 07:10:55 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 28, 2021, 10:16:17 PM
Real Madrid lost at home to Fc Sheriff Tiraspol :o
Barca and Real are very brónach these days.
PSG used to be like Monaghan but now they have Messi.
It's not hard to see why Poch said no to Spurs.
They are the first Moldavian team to reach the Champions League group stages in the history of this competition and Sheriff Tiraspol was priced at 18/1 to win last night no doubt one of the biggest shock results of the competition.
A penny for the thoughts of Florentino Pérez Rodriguez after that defeat.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 29, 2021, 03:21:14 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 29, 2021, 07:10:55 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 28, 2021, 10:16:17 PM
Real Madrid lost at home to Fc Sheriff Tiraspol :o
Barca and Real are very brónach these days.
PSG used to be like Monaghan but now they have Messi.
It's not hard to see why Poch said no to Spurs.
They are the first Moldavian team to reach the Champions League group stages in the history of this competition and Sheriff Tiraspol was priced at 18/1 to win last night no doubt one of the biggest shock results of the competition.
A penny for the thoughts of Florentino Pérez Rodriguez after that defeat.
And twopence for the thoughts of Zidane, did he just dodge the most humiliating of bullets?
Sheriff were not more that solid plodders in Europe, EL group stage 3rd or 4th.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 29, 2021, 03:21:14 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 29, 2021, 07:10:55 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 28, 2021, 10:16:17 PM
Real Madrid lost at home to Fc Sheriff Tiraspol :o
Barca and Real are very brónach these days.
PSG used to be like Monaghan but now they have Messi.
It's not hard to see why Poch said no to Spurs.
They are the first Moldavian team to reach the Champions League group stages in the history of this competition and Sheriff Tiraspol was priced at 18/1 to win last night no doubt one of the biggest shock results of the competition.
A penny for the thoughts of Florentino Pérez Rodriguez after that defeat.
Are they Moldovan?
I looked up Tiraspol on google, and it appears to be part of a self-proclaimed, , only partially recognized, breakaway "nation" called Transitria which lies on the banks of the Dniester river between Ukraine and Moldova.
I presume they're in the CL as a result of playing in Moldova though.
Quote from: J70 on September 29, 2021, 05:32:10 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 29, 2021, 03:21:14 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 29, 2021, 07:10:55 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 28, 2021, 10:16:17 PM
Real Madrid lost at home to Fc Sheriff Tiraspol :o
Barca and Real are very brónach these days.
PSG used to be like Monaghan but now they have Messi.
It's not hard to see why Poch said no to Spurs.
They are the first Moldavian team to reach the Champions League group stages in the history of this competition and Sheriff Tiraspol was priced at 18/1 to win last night no doubt one of the biggest shock results of the competition.
A penny for the thoughts of Florentino Pérez Rodriguez after that defeat.
Are they Moldovan?
I looked up Tiraspol on google, and it appears to be part of a self-proclaimed, , only partially recognized, breakaway "nation" called Transitria which lies on the banks of the Dniester river between Ukraine and Moldova.
I presume they're in the CL as a result of playing in Moldova though.
They play in the Moldovan league. But do not consider themselves Moldovan.
Interesting threads on both Transnistria and the club:
https://twitter.com/SlavaMalamud/status/1431245560099508226?s=08
https://twitter.com/SlavaMalamud/status/1430939451069509639?s=08
Ronald Koeman's days are surely numbered now with Barcelona after 2 defeats in a row in Champions League. 3-0 to benfica last night.
Quote from: Helix. on September 30, 2021, 07:29:08 AM
Ronald Koeman's days are surely numbered now with Barcelona after 2 defeats in a row in Champions League. 3-0 to benfica last night.
Has been a dead duck for some time now. Not sure they can afford to pay him off though.
Quote from: shark on September 30, 2021, 07:58:57 AM
Quote from: Helix. on September 30, 2021, 07:29:08 AM
Ronald Koeman's days are surely numbered now with Barcelona after 2 defeats in a row in Champions League. 3-0 to benfica last night.
Has been a dead duck for some time now. Not sure they can afford to pay him off though.
Where do they even go from here? Will those decent young lads they have even stay?
Quote from: Armagh18 on September 30, 2021, 08:23:23 AM
Quote from: shark on September 30, 2021, 07:58:57 AM
Quote from: Helix. on September 30, 2021, 07:29:08 AM
Ronald Koeman's days are surely numbered now with Barcelona after 2 defeats in a row in Champions League. 3-0 to benfica last night.
Has been a dead duck for some time now. Not sure they can afford to pay him off though.
Where do they even go from here? Will those decent young lads they have even stay?
A lot of their problems stem from a failure to accept that success comes in cycles. There is nothing wrong with lowering expectations for 3-5 years, and then aiming to come again with a new team. They will still be likely to get top 4 in La Liga each year and keep the Champs League money coming in. However at Barca, due to their structure, every president feels the need to win as much as possible while in situ. They only plan in political cycles. Failed short-term fixes have put them where they are now - in a financial mess. You'd imagine they'll have no problem holding on to the likes of Pedri, provided they can show them a vision for how things could look in a few years time.
Quote from: Helix. on September 30, 2021, 07:29:08 AM
Ronald Koeman's days are surely numbered now with Barcelona after 2 defeats in a row in Champions League. 3-0 to benfica last night.
They look a shambles. I think it's actually encouraging for the Spanish league and Europe that they seem to be on the way down. Real too. Freshens up the thing. For too long we've seen these two continually in CL semis and finals, buying up all the best talent. The only thing is, that means other teams like PSG will reap the benefits
Quote from: shark on September 30, 2021, 09:13:14 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on September 30, 2021, 08:23:23 AM
Quote from: shark on September 30, 2021, 07:58:57 AM
Quote from: Helix. on September 30, 2021, 07:29:08 AM
Ronald Koeman's days are surely numbered now with Barcelona after 2 defeats in a row in Champions League. 3-0 to benfica last night.
Has been a dead duck for some time now. Not sure they can afford to pay him off though.
Where do they even go from here? Will those decent young lads they have even stay?
A lot of their problems stem from a failure to accept that success comes in cycles. There is nothing wrong with lowering expectations for 3-5 years, and then aiming to come again with a new team. They will still be likely to get top 4 in La Liga each year and keep the Champs League money coming in. However at Barca, due to their structure, every president feels the need to win as much as possible while in situ. They only plan in political cycles. Failed short-term fixes have put them where they are now - in a financial mess. You'd imagine they'll have no problem holding on to the likes of Pedri, provided they can show them a vision for how things could look in a few years time.
They need to go back to what made them the best team in the world- playing the Barca way with homegrown talent, not blowing stacks of cash on expensive flops like Dembele, Couthino and Griezman.
Quote from: Armagh18 on September 30, 2021, 10:07:42 AM
Quote from: shark on September 30, 2021, 09:13:14 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on September 30, 2021, 08:23:23 AM
Quote from: shark on September 30, 2021, 07:58:57 AM
Quote from: Helix. on September 30, 2021, 07:29:08 AM
Ronald Koeman's days are surely numbered now with Barcelona after 2 defeats in a row in Champions League. 3-0 to benfica last night.
Has been a dead duck for some time now. Not sure they can afford to pay him off though.
Where do they even go from here? Will those decent young lads they have even stay?
A lot of their problems stem from a failure to accept that success comes in cycles. There is nothing wrong with lowering expectations for 3-5 years, and then aiming to come again with a new team. They will still be likely to get top 4 in La Liga each year and keep the Champs League money coming in. However at Barca, due to their structure, every president feels the need to win as much as possible while in situ. They only plan in political cycles. Failed short-term fixes have put them where they are now - in a financial mess. You'd imagine they'll have no problem holding on to the likes of Pedri, provided they can show them a vision for how things could look in a few years time.
They need to go back to what made them the best team in the world- playing the Barca way with homegrown talent, not blowing stacks of cash on expensive flops like Dembele, Couthino and Griezman.
What they need to do is find a balance, like they used to do. The pursuit of Eric Garcia was all down to the fact he was a La Masia product. Turns out there was a pretty simple reason Pep didn't play him and City didn't try to keep him - he's shite.
Real Madrid go through these cycles of glory to mediocrity
So do Milan.
So do Man Utd
Barca will have to.get with the programme
https://youtu.be/pu7AR0-FRro
Apparently Mbappe was considering quitting international football after missing that penalty at the euros. Says a lot about his mentality.
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 05, 2021, 09:44:38 PM
Apparently Mbappe was considering quitting international football after missing that penalty at the euros. Says a lot about his mentality.
He stepped up for a important penalty for France a few moments ago and scored.
What a game... 2-0 down at 20/1 to win game.. Belgium have a goal disallowed and France go down and score winner!
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 07, 2021, 09:13:26 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 05, 2021, 09:44:38 PM
Apparently Mbappe was considering quitting international football after missing that penalty at the euros. Says a lot about his mentality.
He stepped up for a important penalty for France a few moments ago and scored.
Glad to read that. He's a serious talent and I'd hope that one his poor Euro's is put behind him now.
He's a bit more than a talent! World cup winner and goalscorer in the final three years ago!
Was a great game last night. Both teams went at it from the start. Great character shown by France and the final against Spain will be a tasty affair too I'd say. Mbappe is some man for a boy!
France win the nations league. But how was that winner not offside from Mbappe?? Seems wrong that the defender attempting to cut out the ball plays him on somehow....
Was a clear offside but it's the McKenna cup of international tournaments so I can't imagine Spain will be that upset.
Quote from: timmyot501 on October 10, 2021, 10:01:50 PM
France win the nations league. But how was that winner not offside from Mbappe?? Seems wrong that the defender attempting to cut out the ball plays him on somehow....
Total joke. Working out this offside rule is like trying to work out which team qualifies in a three way tie in the Dublin SFC, and the team you think has qualified is the one that loses out.
By the laws of the game, it was onside, which shows you how much of a nonsense it all is at the minute.
It was a "deliberate" attempt to play the ball. Which makes it onside. The fact that he was trying to cut out the ball BECAUSE Mbappe was there apparently doesn't matter.
Letter of the law v spirit of the law.
So in future, do you just let it go and raise your arm like Tony Adams back in the day, hoping everyone stepped out in time?
Fk Bodo Glimt beat Jose Mourinhos Roma 6-1 in the Europa league tonight
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 21, 2021, 08:27:27 PM
Fk Bodo Glimt beat Jose Mourinhos Roma 6-1 in the Europa league tonight
Was he not in The Lord of the Rings?
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 21, 2021, 08:27:27 PM
Fk Bodo Glimt beat Jose Mourinhos Roma 6-1 in the Europa league tonight
Mourinho should retire
Juventus beaten at home by Sassuolo, Barca beaten by Rayo Valencano and Real Madrid draw 0-0 at home to Osasuna.
Super League though...🙄
Koeman sacked...wonder if utd will be sniffing around?
He's not very good so I wouldn't imagine so...
Quote from: imtommygunn on October 28, 2021, 07:11:21 AM
He's not very good so I wouldn't imagine so...
He'd be as bad as LVG
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 28, 2021, 09:02:44 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on October 28, 2021, 07:11:21 AM
He's not very good so I wouldn't imagine so...
He'd be as bad as LVG
I never paid him any notice when he was at Everton. At Barca he has been useless. Yes they lost good players, but he has managed to ruin what was left. He comes across as spiteful in his selections and stubborn, these are traits you only get away with if you are successful. he has managed to disprove a Barca team that most thought could only get better. He has thrown a succession of young players under the bus to take scrutiny away from his selection and tactical shortcomings.
Barca are playing much worse than the sum of their numbers. All the talk is about Xavi making his return to the club.
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
Stats don't lie...
Robert Lewandowski
54 games
64 goals
9 assists
Bundesliga and DFL Supercup winnerLionel Messi
56 games
41 goals
17 assists
Copa del Rey and Copa America winner
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
Shoulda been Lewandowski and not even a contest tbh.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
So you can put Messi's lack of goals down to Barca being shite but that then doesn't fly for Lewandowski and Poland? Messi won a tournament in a 2 horse race
Quote from: gawa316 on November 29, 2021, 10:48:15 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
So you can put Messi's lack of goals down to Barca being shite but that then doesn't fly for Lewandowski and Poland? Messi won a tournament in a 2 horse race
That's doesn't make sense.
You're comparing Messi's club goals down to Lewandowski's international career. I didn't make that comparison, you did.
Messi didn't win a tournament in a two horse race. Argentina weren't one of the horses you speak of, as they haven't won that competition since 1995. An incredible achievement. In fact, Lewandowski probably had more chance to win the euros than Messi has had to win copa America given the time since they last won it.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
Answered your own question there
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 29, 2021, 11:48:22 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
Answered your own question there
I didn't ask any questions.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:55:34 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 29, 2021, 10:48:15 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
So you can put Messi's lack of goals down to Barca being shite but that then doesn't fly for Lewandowski and Poland? Messi won a tournament in a 2 horse race
That's doesn't make sense.
You're comparing Messi's club goals down to Lewandowski's international career. I didn't make that comparison, you did.
Messi didn't win a tournament in a two horse race. Argentina weren't one of the horses you speak of, as they haven't won that competition since 1995. An incredible achievement. In fact, Lewandowski probably had more chance to win the euros than Messi has had to win copa America given the time since they last won it.
Poland have more chance of winning the Euros than Argentina have of winning Copa America?
Hope that's sarcasm. Poland are about as likely to win the Euro's as they are the Sam Maguire and 6 nations.
Poland were 75/1 for euro 2020/1 while argentina were 2/1 for the copa.
Jorghino 3rd - an damming indictment of a disappointing few years from a lot of young talent.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:55:34 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 29, 2021, 10:48:15 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
So you can put Messi's lack of goals down to Barca being shite but that then doesn't fly for Lewandowski and Poland? Messi won a tournament in a 2 horse race
That's doesn't make sense.
You're comparing Messi's club goals down to Lewandowski's international career. I didn't make that comparison, you did.
Messi didn't win a tournament in a two horse race. Argentina weren't one of the horses you speak of, as they haven't won that competition since 1995. An incredible achievement. In fact, Lewandowski probably had more chance to win the euros than Messi has had to win copa America given the time since they last won it.
Whao.....just whao
Surprised Messi won it, not surprised to find shooters here lecturing people on it....
Quote from: onefineday on November 30, 2021, 07:33:19 AM
Poland were 75/1 for euro 2020/1 while argentina were 2/1 for the copa.
Jorghino 3rd - an damming indictment of a disappointing few years from a lot of young talent.
When Haaland goes to a big club next summer he'll start to clean up. Him and Lewandowski are putting up Ronaldo and Messi like numbers and he's only what, 21?
thought this was a good read:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59307802
Quote from: Boycey on November 30, 2021, 08:40:15 AM
Surprised Messi won it, not surprised to find shooters here lecturing people on it....
Messi is doing rightly for someone so one dimensional :D
Quote from: clarshack on November 30, 2021, 10:15:00 AM
thought this was a good read:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59307802
Great story. May add that book to my list
Great but rough read. Put the book on my wishlist lol. I was watching a wee bit on the BBC recently about the Wolves player (Jiminez?) who got the fractured skull last year and Nuno was on saying he thought he was dead. It was a rough one too.
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
Their mothers had them in bed before the end of the ceremony so they'll be waking up to the news today.
Quote from: Armagh18 on November 30, 2021, 07:09:36 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:55:34 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 29, 2021, 10:48:15 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
So you can put Messi's lack of goals down to Barca being shite but that then doesn't fly for Lewandowski and Poland? Messi won a tournament in a 2 horse race
That's doesn't make sense.
You're comparing Messi's club goals down to Lewandowski's international career. I didn't make that comparison, you did.
Messi didn't win a tournament in a two horse race. Argentina weren't one of the horses you speak of, as they haven't won that competition since 1995. An incredible achievement. In fact, Lewandowski probably had more chance to win the euros than Messi has had to win copa America given the time since they last won it.
Poland have more chance of winning the Euros than Argentina have of winning Copa America?
Hope that's sarcasm. Poland are about as likely to win the Euro's as they are the Sam Maguire and 6 nations.
Just like Denmark and Greece then?
Argentina hadn't won it since early 90s, so yes they had just as much if not a better chance to win euros given that there was no standout team. An incredible achievement and Messi dragged them to it.
Quote from: Taylor on November 30, 2021, 08:22:46 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:55:34 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 29, 2021, 10:48:15 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
So you can put Messi's lack of goals down to Barca being shite but that then doesn't fly for Lewandowski and Poland? Messi won a tournament in a 2 horse race
That's doesn't make sense.
You're comparing Messi's club goals down to Lewandowski's international career. I didn't make that comparison, you did.
Messi didn't win a tournament in a two horse race. Argentina weren't one of the horses you speak of, as they haven't won that competition since 1995. An incredible achievement. In fact, Lewandowski probably had more chance to win the euros than Messi has had to win copa America given the time since they last won it.
Whao.....just whao
Whao? What are you Chinese?
Quote from: RedHand88 on November 30, 2021, 12:35:57 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
Their mothers had them in bed before the end of the ceremony so they'll be waking up to the news today.
They're still in bed crying
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 30, 2021, 02:14:57 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on November 30, 2021, 07:09:36 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:55:34 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 29, 2021, 10:48:15 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
So you can put Messi's lack of goals down to Barca being shite but that then doesn't fly for Lewandowski and Poland? Messi won a tournament in a 2 horse race
That's doesn't make sense.
You're comparing Messi's club goals down to Lewandowski's international career. I didn't make that comparison, you did.
Messi didn't win a tournament in a two horse race. Argentina weren't one of the horses you speak of, as they haven't won that competition since 1995. An incredible achievement. In fact, Lewandowski probably had more chance to win the euros than Messi has had to win copa America given the time since they last won it.
Poland have more chance of winning the Euros than Argentina have of winning Copa America?
Hope that's sarcasm. Poland are about as likely to win the Euro's as they are the Sam Maguire and 6 nations.
Just like Denmark and Greece then?
Argentina hadn't won it since early 90s, so yes they had just as much if not a better chance to win euros given that there was no standout team. An incredible achievement and Messi dragged them to it.
They won a 2 horse race against a team with Fred in it.
Quote from: Armagh18 on November 30, 2021, 02:56:04 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 30, 2021, 02:14:57 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on November 30, 2021, 07:09:36 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:55:34 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 29, 2021, 10:48:15 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
So you can put Messi's lack of goals down to Barca being shite but that then doesn't fly for Lewandowski and Poland? Messi won a tournament in a 2 horse race
That's doesn't make sense.
You're comparing Messi's club goals down to Lewandowski's international career. I didn't make that comparison, you did.
Messi didn't win a tournament in a two horse race. Argentina weren't one of the horses you speak of, as they haven't won that competition since 1995. An incredible achievement. In fact, Lewandowski probably had more chance to win the euros than Messi has had to win copa America given the time since they last won it.
Poland have more chance of winning the Euros than Argentina have of winning Copa America?
Hope that's sarcasm. Poland are about as likely to win the Euro's as they are the Sam Maguire and 6 nations.
Just like Denmark and Greece then?
Argentina hadn't won it since early 90s, so yes they had just as much if not a better chance to win euros given that there was no standout team. An incredible achievement and Messi dragged them to it.
They won a 2 horse race against a team with Fred in it.
Argentina weren't in that horse race.
Not many coming out in support of Messi
Quote from: gawa316 on November 30, 2021, 06:37:15 PM
Not many coming out in support of Messi
Jurgen Klopp on Lionel Messi after he won the 2021 Ballon d'Or, an excellent player, but struggled to see how anyone else could win the trophy if Robert Lewandowski didn't get it this time.
"I think you can always give it to Lionel Messi for the career that he's had, for the footballer he is. All these kinds of things but if you don't give it to Robert Lewandowski then it's quite tricky to get it at all."
Messi's victory wasn't the only position that concerned Klopp, however.
When asked about Mo Salah coming seventh in the Ballon d'Or, behind the likes of Chelsea duo Jorginho and N'Golo Kante. he admitted that he was surprised with the rankings, believing Salah should have received a higher spot. "About his position? I was surprised, to be honest, but it's not in my hands, I think I saw the vote somewhere... Almost definitely should have been higher up."
While Klopp would have made a few changes if he was putting the list together, he blamed the journalists asking the questions and appealed to them to influence their colleagues if they wanted a different result.
"I don't even know exactly. The Ballon d'Or, is it the journalists that vote? Yeah, then you don't have to ask me, it's your fault. That's how it is, you are the journalists.
"If you think he should be higher up then you will have to convince your colleagues. I'm really not sure about it, what it is, 100 per cent."
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 30, 2021, 02:16:58 PM
Quote from: Taylor on November 30, 2021, 08:22:46 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:55:34 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 29, 2021, 10:48:15 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
So you can put Messi's lack of goals down to Barca being shite but that then doesn't fly for Lewandowski and Poland? Messi won a tournament in a 2 horse race
That's doesn't make sense.
You're comparing Messi's club goals down to Lewandowski's international career. I didn't make that comparison, you did.
Messi didn't win a tournament in a two horse race. Argentina weren't one of the horses you speak of, as they haven't won that competition since 1995. An incredible achievement. In fact, Lewandowski probably had more chance to win the euros than Messi has had to win copa America given the time since they last won it.
Whao.....just whao
Whao? What are you Chinese?
You have said Poland had a better chance of winning the Euros than 2/1 shot Argentina.
Hardly matter what my nationality is - does it?
Quote from: Taylor on November 30, 2021, 09:37:00 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 30, 2021, 02:16:58 PM
Quote from: Taylor on November 30, 2021, 08:22:46 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:55:34 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 29, 2021, 10:48:15 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
So you can put Messi's lack of goals down to Barca being shite but that then doesn't fly for Lewandowski and Poland? Messi won a tournament in a 2 horse race
That's doesn't make sense.
You're comparing Messi's club goals down to Lewandowski's international career. I didn't make that comparison, you did.
Messi didn't win a tournament in a two horse race. Argentina weren't one of the horses you speak of, as they haven't won that competition since 1995. An incredible achievement. In fact, Lewandowski probably had more chance to win the euros than Messi has had to win copa America given the time since they last won it.
Whao.....just whao
Whao? What are you Chinese?
You have said Poland had a better chance of winning the Euros than 2/1 shot Argentina.
Hardly matter what my nationality is - does it?
Odds are irrelevant. Denmark and Greece can vouch for that.
Yea they probably did. Argentina hadn't won it in nearly 30 years.
Just funny you started writing Chinese there. It's usually "wow" to anybody else.
Messi had an outstanding year for club and country but Lewandowski in almost everybody's opinion would have won it last year and did enough this year, that if he had won the ballon d'or not many would've batted an eyelid.
Klopp is obviously biased but sometimes you can be both biased and correct, when he expressed surprise about Mo Salah's lowly top 10 finish. Is there even a Liverpool supporter who would swop Salah for the venerable Lewandowski?
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 30, 2021, 10:07:30 PM
Quote from: Taylor on November 30, 2021, 09:37:00 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 30, 2021, 02:16:58 PM
Quote from: Taylor on November 30, 2021, 08:22:46 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:55:34 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 29, 2021, 10:48:15 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
So you can put Messi's lack of goals down to Barca being shite but that then doesn't fly for Lewandowski and Poland? Messi won a tournament in a 2 horse race
That's doesn't make sense.
You're comparing Messi's club goals down to Lewandowski's international career. I didn't make that comparison, you did.
Messi didn't win a tournament in a two horse race. Argentina weren't one of the horses you speak of, as they haven't won that competition since 1995. An incredible achievement. In fact, Lewandowski probably had more chance to win the euros than Messi has had to win copa America given the time since they last won it.
Whao.....just whao
Whao? What are you Chinese?
You have said Poland had a better chance of winning the Euros than 2/1 shot Argentina.
Hardly matter what my nationality is - does it?
Odds are irrelevant. Denmark and Greece can vouch for that.
Yea they probably did. Argentina hadn't won it in nearly 30 years.
Just funny you started writing Chinese there. It's usually "wow" to anybody else.
But sure Poland have never won the Euros before so in line with your argument that puts them at even more of a disadvantage than Argentina in the Copa America
Quote from: Nanderson on December 01, 2021, 04:31:22 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 30, 2021, 10:07:30 PM
Quote from: Taylor on November 30, 2021, 09:37:00 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 30, 2021, 02:16:58 PM
Quote from: Taylor on November 30, 2021, 08:22:46 AM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:55:34 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 29, 2021, 10:48:15 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 10:40:10 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 29, 2021, 09:50:52 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 29, 2021, 09:42:43 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2021, 09:07:49 PM
Messi wins a 7th Ballon d'Or.
Ledwindowski looks pissed!
rightly so. lewandowski definitely should've got it.
No he shouldn't have. Last year maybe, not this year.
Ronaldo fans be fuming tonight.
last year and this year and it's not even a debate. Messi was embarrassed to win it.
Last year maybe but not this year. The only thing Lewandowski had over Messi was that he scored more goals, you can put that down to Barcelona being shit. Messi was superior in everything else. Then in international football captained Argentina to Cop America winning player of the tournament, most goals and most assists. Lewandowski did nothing for Poland.
Messi a clear winner.
So you can put Messi's lack of goals down to Barca being shite but that then doesn't fly for Lewandowski and Poland? Messi won a tournament in a 2 horse race
That's doesn't make sense.
You're comparing Messi's club goals down to Lewandowski's international career. I didn't make that comparison, you did.
Messi didn't win a tournament in a two horse race. Argentina weren't one of the horses you speak of, as they haven't won that competition since 1995. An incredible achievement. In fact, Lewandowski probably had more chance to win the euros than Messi has had to win copa America given the time since they last won it.
Whao.....just whao
Whao? What are you Chinese?
You have said Poland had a better chance of winning the Euros than 2/1 shot Argentina.
Hardly matter what my nationality is - does it?
Odds are irrelevant. Denmark and Greece can vouch for that.
Yea they probably did. Argentina hadn't won it in nearly 30 years.
Just funny you started writing Chinese there. It's usually "wow" to anybody else.
But sure Poland have never won the Euros before so in line with your argument that puts them at even more of a disadvantage than Argentina in the Copa America
Not really an "argument", as no one can say for sure, however neither had Denmark, Greece or Portugal until they won it. The fact is that Argentina haven't been good enough to win it in nearly 30 years. And Messi brought them to it.
Not quoting that again but look at the level of teams and players in Europe vs South america. Look at how many teams from Europe would be fancied to win a world cup vs the amount of SA ones.
Look at Poland vs Argentinas pedigrees in international tournaments and the players both have produced historically and recently.
Not sure what your point is there. Inferring that Argentina has better tournament pedigree but European teams are better? A whole lot of words to say nothing at all.
"Pedigree" doesn't win you titles. The best player in the world does.
On a different note, 'all or nothing' juventus is a good watch, good insight into training and behind the scenes with juventus last season.
Dortmund's Jude Bellingham view on the referee after their match against Bayern Munich tonight will likely get him sanctioned.
Looks like Group E was the real group of death in the Champions league with Barcelona on route to making their exit.
City h go it it tough tonight
Some goal by Mbappe.
Jaysus Mbappe is sharp.
Messi a shadow of his former self
Quote from: J70 on February 16, 2022, 12:56:34 PM
Some goal by Mbappe.
Indeed. It was a poor game overall I thought though.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2022, 09:57:50 PM
City h go it it tough tonight
Joke of a club, Sporting and other clubs operating within their means on an organic model deserve better, that said, nothing will change
Fine result for Rangers away to Dortmund. Barcelona in danger of getting knocked of the Europa league after their first tie.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FM7DRO_XwAI2x3-?format=jpg&name=small)
But honestly, we're not trying to bring that Euro superleague back or anything...
The plan to do something like this was in place prior to the super league attempted breakaway. The 'big' clubs wanted a guarantee that one bad league season wouldn't kick them out of the following year's CL.
And looking at the 4 extra slots, 2 of them have been saved for teams with the highest co-efficient ranking. They just must finish high enough to qualify for the the Europa League or Conference. So if a 'big' club like ManU or Barca finish 7th they'll still qualify for the CL, but West ham or Villerreal finishing 7th would see them in the Conference.
Despite a mixed/mediocre recent CL record, United are still ranked 9th in Europe. The importance of two recent Europa League finals probably underestimated at the time. Spurs are 13th, Arsenal 15th, so they could also benefit (along with the current top 3 English teams of course who are all ranked in top 5), whereas next best West Ham and Leicester are 75th and 76th.
So likely under the new format that 5 English clubs qualify for the CL, 4 automatic and whichever one of the 6 big clubs finish next highest.
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on March 04, 2022, 01:58:36 AM
But honestly, we're not trying to bring that Euro superleague back or anything...
Fundamentally different. The ESL was an attempt to break from UEFA by the clubs.
I know it's international woman's day but BT are going over board!!! ;)
Some game lads Jesus PSG are a serious bottle job!!!
Quote from: screenexile on March 09, 2022, 09:38:23 PM
Some game lads Jesus PSG are a serious bottle job!!!
Madness!
Quote from: screenexile on March 09, 2022, 09:38:23 PM
Some game lads Jesus PSG are a serious bottle job!!!
In fairness its a fine comeback by Real Madrid however that comeback was started by a howler from the PSG keeper.
One goal and it goes to extra time
Serious lack of cahones in psg.
Great game. No love for Real but what a ball by Modric for equalizer and what a finish by Benzema for winner. Class prevails with them two. Vinicius some baller too
Edit - good result for Man U Poch could well be on his way come summer
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 09, 2022, 10:00:41 PM
Serious lack of cahones in psg.
Great game. No love for Real but what a ball by Modric for equalizer and what a finish by Benzema for winner. Class prevails with them two. Vinicius some baller too
Edit - good result for Man U Poch could well be on his way come summer
Ya think ? A manager that can't get a turn out of over paid prima donnas going to Man United :o
When that first goal goes in there was only one team in the game... what the f**k happens in PSG??
Quote from: Kidder81 on March 09, 2022, 10:11:35 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 09, 2022, 10:00:41 PM
Serious lack of cahones in psg.
Great game. No love for Real but what a ball by Modric for equalizer and what a finish by Benzema for winner. Class prevails with them two. Vinicius some baller too
Edit - good result for Man U Poch could well be on his way come summer
Ya think ? A manager that can't get a turn out of over paid prima donnas going to Man United :o
Tuchel
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 09, 2022, 10:00:41 PM
good result for Man U Poch could well be on his way come summer
Error prone and collapsing when put under pressure ah yes his PSG side showed in that 2nd half he'd be a perfect fit for United.
Why PSG owners sacked Tuchel for Pochettino is a pure mystery to me.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on March 09, 2022, 10:12:48 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 09, 2022, 10:00:41 PM
good result for Man U Poch could well be on his way come summer
Error prone and collapsing when put under pressure ah yes his PSG side showed in that 2nd half he'd be a perfect fit for United.
Why PSG owners sacked Tuchel for Pochettino is a pure mystery to me.
Tuchel had the same problems in that he couldn't deal with the player power there!
Quote from: Kidder81 on March 09, 2022, 10:11:35 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 09, 2022, 10:00:41 PM
Serious lack of cahones in psg.
Great game. No love for Real but what a ball by Modric for equalizer and what a finish by Benzema for winner. Class prevails with them two. Vinicius some baller too
Edit - good result for Man U Poch could well be on his way come summer
Ya think ? A manager that can't get a turn out of over paid prima donnas going to Man United :o
Fair point haha i still think he does well at United. As the other boys say Tuchel couldnt do it at PSG either
Quote from: screenexile on March 09, 2022, 10:15:30 PM
Tuchel had the same problems in that he couldn't deal with the player power there!
He led PSG to the CL final losing it narrowly. Following season he led Chelsea to the final and won it.
Didn't Tuchel start to slag off the owners shortly before he got the chop?
Unpopular opinion I know but just because the keeper made a terrible decision for the first goal doesn't mean it wasn't a foul... it definitely was!
Quote from: screenexile on March 09, 2022, 11:47:10 PM
Unpopular opinion I know but just because the keeper made a terrible decision for the first goal doesn't mean it wasn't a foul... it definitely was!
And the foul directly caused the poor pass from the goalkeeper.
Quote from: Armamike on March 09, 2022, 10:43:28 PM
Didn't Tuchel start to slag off the owners shortly before he got the chop?
It wasnt the owners initially may be it was toward the end the problem in PSG is really Leonardo.
Successive managers unable to work with him including Tuchel.
PSG and Man City both moneybags owned by petrodollars who have repeatedly failed
Quote from: seafoid on March 10, 2022, 04:10:50 PM
PSG and Man City both moneybags owned by petrodollars who have repeatedly failed
Have they? Really?
Quote from: thebigfella on March 10, 2022, 04:21:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 10, 2022, 04:10:50 PM
PSG and Man City both moneybags owned by petrodollars who have repeatedly failed
Have they? Really?
In Europe they have
Quote from: thebigfella on March 10, 2022, 04:21:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 10, 2022, 04:10:50 PM
PSG and Man City both moneybags owned by petrodollars who have repeatedly failed
Have they? Really?
When did Man City win the Champions League ?
They have spent 10 years trying.
Liverpool can do it.
Quote from: thebigfella on March 10, 2022, 04:21:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 10, 2022, 04:10:50 PM
PSG and Man City both moneybags owned by petrodollars who have repeatedly failed
Have they? Really?
Kinda obvious I thought
Quote from: gawa316 on March 10, 2022, 05:10:13 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on March 10, 2022, 04:21:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 10, 2022, 04:10:50 PM
PSG and Man City both moneybags owned by petrodollars who have repeatedly failed
Have they? Really?
Kinda obvious I thought
Fair enough they haven't won the Champions League but they are arguably have been in the best 5 teams globally since Pep come in and unlike PSG when they start the tournament as one of the favourites you can see them going the whole way. City's brand is booming with structures in place for long term success; modern stadium and training facilities; great academy etc... If you judge their success by winning that one tournament, then they have failed but bit harsh IMO.
Once they win the Champions League, and they will at some point as they are too good and unlike PSG they are pushed domestically, will it be they are a failure because the should have won more?
Absolutely no guarantees that City win the CL. Other clubs have had money and big names and haven't done it. There's a knack to winning in Europe which Liverpool, Madrid, Bayern and a few others know. Sport is like that. History and tradition count for so much.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on March 10, 2022, 07:31:07 PM
Absolutely no guarantees that City win the CL. Other clubs have had money and big names and haven't done it. There's a knack to winning in Europe which Liverpool, Madrid, Bayern and a few others know. Sport is like that. History and tradition count for so much.
Liverpool's decent record has a lot to do with
'The European nights at Anfield'. Passionate home support like that will always give you a chance in any tie.
The Champions League is a cup competition, glorified now because of money. Porto won it, even Spurs and Arsenal reached the final.
The measure of a great team is winning their league repeatedly, especially in England, Spain, Germany and Italy.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on March 10, 2022, 07:31:07 PM
Absolutely no guarantees that City win the CL. Other clubs have had money and big names and haven't done it. There's a knack to winning in Europe which Liverpool, Madrid, Bayern and a few others know. Sport is like that. History and tradition count for so much.
That's absolute bollocks. Liverpool have won 3 in the last 40 years. None have any link to the other, bar tenuous. 2 were won on penalties. If you're a big club, like Liverpool and Madrid etc, then that's a decent return. But there's no knack unless you can define it.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on March 10, 2022, 07:31:07 PM
Absolutely no guarantees that City win the CL. Other clubs have had money and big names and haven't done it. There's a knack to winning in Europe which Liverpool, Madrid, Bayern and a few others know. Sport is like that. History and tradition count for so much.
If you look.at the win percentages it is the same in every sport.
Psychology wins a lot of the time.
Quote from: ONeill on March 10, 2022, 11:15:27 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on March 10, 2022, 07:31:07 PM
Absolutely no guarantees that City win the CL. Other clubs have had money and big names and haven't done it. There's a knack to winning in Europe which Liverpool, Madrid, Bayern and a few others know. Sport is like that. History and tradition count for so much.
That's absolute bollocks. Liverpool have won 3 in the last 40 years. None have any link to the other, bar tenuous. 2 were won on penalties. If you're a big club, like Liverpool and Madrid etc, then that's a decent return. But there's no knack unless you can define it.
It's not absolute bollocks. The teams that win it generally have won it before. The last 1 time winner was in 1997 with Dortmund. Chelsea are a recent phenomenon and won a 2nd last year. You mention Spurs and Arsenal and yes they have made the final once and didn't win it. Like all sports certain teams will always do well. The jersey, the tradition, the history, the home pitch, all of these play into the psychological advantage of winning. Madrid have it, Milan have it, Liverpool have it, United under Fergie had it but that was personality driven as opposed to club driven as is clear. Arsenal were the same under Wenger. They are developing nicely under Arteta but still a bit off. You're being obtuse if you refuse to see it.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on March 11, 2022, 09:44:58 AM
Quote from: ONeill on March 10, 2022, 11:15:27 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on March 10, 2022, 07:31:07 PM
Absolutely no guarantees that City win the CL. Other clubs have had money and big names and haven't done it. There's a knack to winning in Europe which Liverpool, Madrid, Bayern and a few others know. Sport is like that. History and tradition count for so much.
That's absolute bollocks. Liverpool have won 3 in the last 40 years. None have any link to the other, bar tenuous. 2 were won on penalties. If you're a big club, like Liverpool and Madrid etc, then that's a decent return. But there's no knack unless you can define it.
It's not absolute bollocks. The teams that win it generally have won it before. The last 1 time winner was in 1997 with Dortmund. Chelsea are a recent phenomenon and won a 2nd last year. You mention Spurs and Arsenal and yes they have made the final once and didn't win it. Like all sports certain teams will always do well. The jersey, the tradition, the history, the home pitch, all of these play into the psychological advantage of winning. Madrid have it, Milan have it, Liverpool have it, United under Fergie had it but that was personality driven as opposed to club driven as is clear. Arsenal were the same under Wenger. They are developing nicely under Arteta but still a bit off. You're being obtuse if you refuse to see it.
I'd agree with Madrid but the other two have won it the same amount as Chelsea have in the previous 20 years?
More than anything you need massive amounts of luck. How many winners in the last 20 years have actually been the best in Europe, 8 from 20 at a push?
How many were actually champions?
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on March 10, 2022, 07:31:07 PM
Absolutely no guarantees that City win the CL. Other clubs have had money and big names and haven't done it. There's a knack to winning in Europe which Liverpool, Madrid, Bayern and a few others know. Sport is like that. History and tradition count for so much.
You also have the issue of Pep bizarrely and repeatedly losing his marbles before big European games and inflicting very questionable tactics and line-ups on what is usually an extremely effective team.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on March 10, 2022, 07:31:07 PM
Absolutely no guarantees that City win the CL. Other clubs have had money and big names and haven't done it. There's a knack to winning in Europe which Liverpool, Madrid, Bayern and a few others know. Sport is like that. History and tradition count for so much.
And a big slice of luck.
Since the reconstruction of the CL in 1992 Madrid have obviously dominated it followed by the great Barca team. Juve have got to a lot of finals but won it only once. LFC and United among others have gotten to 4 finals and won 2. In the same period they also got to 2 Europa League finals winning and losing one a piece. If you just take it as a record from when football was invented in 1992 that's a decent record and better than most of getting to and winning finals.
The reality is though that this is only part of it. Prior to the invention of football in 1992 LFC had 5 European Cup 4 wins, bettered by Madrid who won the first 6 of them when it was very much in its infancy. Very telling the never won again for over 30 years and the Spanish government starting re-investing in the club. LFC were matched by the great Milan team of the late 80's in terms of number but no one else. Milan, and Italian football in general, regressed for years and is only now slowly rebuilding. If you can't see that LFC has the winning pedigree at Europe you are deliberately being blind by the fact that football has been skewed by the money drivers in the past few decades
Liverpool are a big club in a big league
Utd are a big club
Barca and Madrid are big clubs
Munich is a big club.
PSG and City are big clubs albeit recent and they'll start winning the CL.
There's no knack. It's the pull of the big club due to success before the CL arrived. The best players will want to play for those clubs.
Liverpool in 05 was an anomaly.
Quote from: ONeill on March 11, 2022, 10:53:27 PM
Liverpool are a big club in a big league
Utd are a big club
Barca and Madrid are big clubs
Munich is a big club.
PSG and City are big clubs albeit recent and they'll start winning the CL.
There's no knack. It's the pull of the big club due to success before the CL arrived. The best players will want to play for those clubs.
Liverpool in 05 was an anomaly.
Yes, but clubs like Liverpool expect! We have a history revered on the Kop. Paisley, Shankley, Dalgish etc are acknowledged! With history behind you, you will always have a better chance.
If that Liverpool side were lucky winning in 2005 and it was a one off, then how did virtually the same team get to the final in 2007?
1991–92 UEFA Cup QF
1992–93 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup R2
1995–96 UEFA Cup R2
1996–97 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup SF
1997–98 UEFA Cup R2
1998–99 UEFA Cup R3
2000–01 UEFA Cup Winners
2001–02 UEFA Champions League QF
2002–03 UEFA Champions League Grp
2002–03 UEFA Cup QF
2003–04 UEFA Cup R4
2004–05 UEFA Champions League Winners
2005–06 UEFA Champions League R16
2006–07 UEFA Champions League Runners-up
2007–08 UEFA Champions League SF
2008–09 UEFA Champions League QF
2009–10 UEFA Champions League Grp
2009–10 UEFA Europa League SF
2010–11 UEFA Europa League R16
2012–13 UEFA Europa League R32
2014–15 UEFA Champions League Grp
2014–15 UEFA Europa League R32
2015–16 UEFA Europa League Runners-up
2017–18 UEFA Champions League Runners-up
I just don't call that a knack.
Quote from: ONeill on March 11, 2022, 11:10:42 PM
1991–92 UEFA Cup QF
1992–93 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup R2
1995–96 UEFA Cup R2
1996–97 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup SF
1997–98 UEFA Cup R2
1998–99 UEFA Cup R3
2000–01 UEFA Cup Winners
2001–02 UEFA Champions League QF
2002–03 UEFA Champions League Grp
2002–03 UEFA Cup QF
2003–04 UEFA Cup R4
2004–05 UEFA Champions League Winners
2005–06 UEFA Champions League R16
2006–07 UEFA Champions League Runners-up
2007–08 UEFA Champions League SF
2008–09 UEFA Champions League QF
2009–10 UEFA Champions League Grp
2009–10 UEFA Europa League SF
2010–11 UEFA Europa League R16
2012–13 UEFA Europa League R32
2014–15 UEFA Champions League Grp
2014–15 UEFA Europa League R32
2015–16 UEFA Europa League Runners-up
2017–18 UEFA Champions League Runners-up
I just don't call that a knack.
Stick up Arsenal's record and you get an idea of how well Liverpool do in Europe. Once again Football seems to be only invented in 1992!
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 11, 2022, 11:05:54 PM
Quote from: ONeill on March 11, 2022, 10:53:27 PM
Liverpool are a big club in a big league
Utd are a big club
Barca and Madrid are big clubs
Munich is a big club.
PSG and City are big clubs albeit recent and they'll start winning the CL.
There's no knack. It's the pull of the big club due to success before the CL arrived. The best players will want to play for those clubs.
Liverpool in 05 was an anomaly.
Yes, but clubs like Liverpool expect! We have a history revered on the Kop. Paisley, Shankley, Dalgish etc are acknowledged! With history behind you, you will always have a better chance.
If that Liverpool side were lucky winning in 2005 and it was a one off, then how did virtually the same team get to the final in 2007?
Shankly and Dalglish
Quote from: ONeill on March 11, 2022, 11:14:14 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 11, 2022, 11:05:54 PM
Quote from: ONeill on March 11, 2022, 10:53:27 PM
Liverpool are a big club in a big league
Utd are a big club
Barca and Madrid are big clubs
Munich is a big club.
PSG and City are big clubs albeit recent and they'll start winning the CL.
There's no knack. It's the pull of the big club due to success before the CL arrived. The best players will want to play for those clubs.
Liverpool in 05 was an anomaly.
Yes, but clubs like Liverpool expect! We have a history revered on the Kop. Paisley, Shankley, Dalgish etc are acknowledged! With history behind you, you will always have a better chance.
If that Liverpool side were lucky winning in 2005 and it was a one off, then how did virtually the same team get to the final in 2007?
Shankly and Dalglish
Thanks Teacher! Now go and do your homework on Arsenal in Europe!
Arsenal are shit in Europe.
Also, if you want to revere your chosen club's greats, learn how to spell their names.
Quote from: ONeill on March 11, 2022, 11:22:05 PM
Arsenal are shit in Europe.
Also, if you want to revere your chosen club's greats, learn how to spell their names.
And there you have it ........ Some clubs have it when it comes to winning European titles, some don't.
Thanks for the Spelling lesson. ;)
Most unlike Oneill. Usually more sensible.
Maybe being in the running for 4th has gone to his head 😉😊
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 12, 2022, 12:49:22 AM
Most unlike Oneill. Usually more sensible.
Maybe being in the running for 4th has gone to his head 😉😊
He's full of shit as always.
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 12, 2022, 12:49:22 AM
Most unlike Oneill. Usually more sensible.
Maybe being in the running for 4th has gone to his head 😉😊
He's getting a few bites so keep her lit ;D
1992 :D
I don't know how Ajax managed to contrive that loss to Benfica with almost total domination in a rip roaring atmosphere at the JC stadium, i.e. apart from their píss poor finishing.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 12, 2022, 10:30:53 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 12, 2022, 12:49:22 AM
Most unlike Oneill. Usually more sensible.
Maybe being in the running for 4th has gone to his head 😉😊
He's getting a few bites so keep her lit ;D
1992 :D
'Twas a great year. 8)
(https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-lh6ie3XivTRcSJ0O-QUKKQA-t500x500.jpg)
A clean sweep for the yellow shirts this evening, Chelsea Villarreal and Liverpool.
Quote from: J70 on March 16, 2022, 03:41:18 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 12, 2022, 10:30:53 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 12, 2022, 12:49:22 AM
Most unlike Oneill. Usually more sensible.
Maybe being in the running for 4th has gone to his head 😉😊
He's getting a few bites so keep her lit ;D
1992 :D
'Twas a great year. 8)
(https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-lh6ie3XivTRcSJ0O-QUKKQA-t500x500.jpg)
Not forgetting Linda Martin.
And all four Champions league games this week were away wins and none of them won the 1st leg. So much for home advantage.
Quote from: ONeill on March 16, 2022, 11:16:43 PM
Quote from: J70 on March 16, 2022, 03:41:18 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 12, 2022, 10:30:53 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 12, 2022, 12:49:22 AM
Most unlike Oneill. Usually more sensible.
Maybe being in the running for 4th has gone to his head 😉😊
He's getting a few bites so keep her lit ;D
1992 :D
'Twas a great year. 8)
(https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-lh6ie3XivTRcSJ0O-QUKKQA-t500x500.jpg)
Not forgetting Linda Martin.
:D
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 16, 2022, 11:16:53 PM
And all four Champions league games this week were away wins and none of them won the 1st leg. So much for home advantage.
Did Chelsea not win their first leg at home?
Villareal would be the only REALLY surprising one, I would have thought, and that's partly going on respective reputations as opposed to the current strength of Villareal and Juve.
Benfica and Ajax, I would think, would have been well matched going into it, although I guess we'll get a chance to see how Benfica do against Liverpool.
Champions League quarter-final draw
Chelsea v Real Madrid
Manchester City v Atletico Madrid
Villarreal v Bayern Munich
Benfica v Liverpool
Champions League semi-final draw
Manchester City or Atletico Madrid v Chelsea or Real Madrid
Benfica or Liverpool v Villarreal or Bayern
Should be a Liverpool v Manchester City final from those draws. A few upsets would make the competition a bit more interesting.
Europa League quarter-final draw
RB Leipzig v Atalanta
Eintracht Frankfurt v Barcelona
West Ham v Lyon
Braga v Rangers
Europa League semi-final draw
RB Leipzig or Atalanta v Braga or Rangers
West Ham or Lyon v Eintracht Frankfurt or Barcelona
Harder to call and with their form in this competition i wouldn't rule out West Ham or Rangers from reaching the final however the Barcelona v RB Leipzig is the likely final pairing with the punters.
W Ham Rangers tie be tasty....
Liverpool v Ajax would have been of great interest, Benfica should be dispatched with some ease.
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 18, 2022, 02:24:12 PM
W Ham Rangers tie be tasty....
Highly unlikely that will be the final!
Great QF draw for Rangers, but hard to fancy them getting by the semi. Would love to see the Hammers win it.
El Classico is one way traffic
Barca are back baby!!
Quote from: dec on March 20, 2022, 09:07:02 PM
El Classico is one way traffic
That Real Madrid side could beat PSG 3-1 recently and then get hammered by Barcelona at home. I think that set of results night say more about PSG as they lost 3-0 to a mid table ligue 1 Monaco yesterday.
Gareth Bale on fire tonight. Two brilliant goals.
Brian Kerr suggesting that keeper should have done better for the first. FFS it went in the top corner off the upright!
Good win for Wales.
In other news Italy are out, losing 0-1 to North Macedonia!
No World Cup for the European champions Italy. Knocked out by North Macedonia :o
So this week Wales soccer team are better than their rugby team and Italys rugby team are better than their soccer team
There was always going to be a top team missing out.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 24, 2022, 09:55:02 PM
There was always going to be a top team missing out.
But yet again it's Italy. Sandwiched in between a Euro win. Its strange.
North Macedonia just knocked Italy out of the World Cup! Just got a text message!!!
Quote from: gerrykeegan on March 24, 2022, 09:06:36 PM
Brian Kerr suggesting that keeper should have done better for the first. FFS it went in the top corner off the upright!
Of course he could have done better seeing as he did nothing, Kerr was not say he should have saved the shot, it was a perfectly hit free kick.
His positioning and expectation was poor, it was obvious that Bale was going to strike the ball with his left foot. Then instead of making an effort to save the shot, the goalie stumbled and ended up on his knees.
Chelsea are in trouble against Real Madrid. 1-3 down at home in the first leg. That is 7 goals conceded and only 2 scored in their last 2 home games. I think they want the season to be over.
Real Madrid in trouble here in the second leg. 2 nil down and Chelsea just had a goal disallowed. 3-3 and this one could go to penalties.
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 12, 2022, 09:24:15 PM
Real Madrid in trouble here in the second leg. 2 nil down and Chelsea just had a goal disallowed. 3-3 and this one could go to penalties.
Real Madrid have collapsed in the same way that PSG did against Real Madrid in the last round.
Chelsea great tonight, been watching other game for parts and Bayern are not great, very ordinary and no pace whatsoever
Out of nothing a goal for Real Madrid, some ball and finish.
Goooooooooalllllll
Not over yet
Real Madrid made of sterner stuff than PSG. As the lads said on TV the fitness of the older Real Madrid players is incredible.
This competition sees the back of Chelsea and Bayern tonight. Both are better teams than Real Madrid and Villareal imho. This plays into the hands of Liverpool and City. Assuming Liverpool and City get through. There could yet be 3 Spanish teams in the semis.
That was a good night of football.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 12, 2022, 10:36:58 PM
Real Madrid made of sterner stuff than PSG. As the lads said on TV the fitness of the older Real Madrid players is incredible.
Modric was still motoring in the last few minutes. Class stuff.
A very minor and insignificant thing that still annoyed me last night was that the Blues chose to wear yellow against a team in white. Massive European Cup quarter-final - wear your own colours when there's no clash ffs! (I'm sure there's silly commercial rationale...)
What a pass by Modric for the Madrid first goal. Spectacular.
Quote from: Hound on April 13, 2022, 07:03:46 AM
A very minor and insignificant thing that still annoyed me last night was that the Blues chose to wear yellow against a team in white. Massive European Cup quarter-final - wear your own colours when there's no clash ffs! (I'm sure there's silly commercial rationale...)
What a pass by Modric for the Madrid first goal. Spectacular.
I think Chelseas blue jerseys were still in the wash from last week.
Modric is some player, always was even at spurs, Kroos can be no spring chicken either but still hard to work against, great game in all fairness.
Konate was poor by his own high standards and whilst Rutiger does some great things, he's also inclined to do some stupid things and his slips last night proved fatal in giving Benzema a free header right at the end. He'd a few others during the game, needed to get the long studs in last night.
City will have their work cut out tonight also in Madrid, they'll need to score there IMO.
Liverpool will romp home.
City should have been beat there Atletico battered them second half just couldn't finish. Atletico complaining about City's cynicism is pretty hilarious to be fair given they kicked Foden from start to finish.
Few injuries to Foden/De Bruyne/Walker that don't look like they'll clear up in time for the weekend.
Grealish with the hair pulled off him bound to be a doubt also 😂😂 Savic currently batin lumps outa him in the tunnel tho the police have been called 😂
Love a bit of needle in the game, not pretty football but it makes great viewing compared to a lot of the sanitised nonsense that passes for rivalry in professional sport.
Quote from: yellowcard on April 13, 2022, 10:20:50 PM
Love a bit of needle in the game, not pretty football but it makes great viewing compared to a lot of the sanitised nonsense that passes for rivalry in professional sport.
Of all the unsavoury scenes on the pitch and in the tunnel, there was an attempt to unsettle Jack Grealish hair. Fodens leg will recover but the physiological impact on the premierships biggest poser could be far reaching. Let's hope for Jacks sake Man City will provide a trauma therapist and hairdressers to limit the effects of this travesty. Disgusting
Quote from: yellowcard on April 13, 2022, 10:20:50 PM
Love a bit of needle in the game, not pretty football but it makes great viewing compared to a lot of the sanitised nonsense that passes for rivalry in professional sport.
I love it but only when my team is not involved it
Athletico play like a gaa team tbh. It's rare you see the needle you would get in championship games in soccer.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on April 13, 2022, 11:58:04 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on April 13, 2022, 10:20:50 PM
Love a bit of needle in the game, not pretty football but it makes great viewing compared to a lot of the sanitised nonsense that passes for rivalry in professional sport.
Of all the unsavoury scenes on the pitch and in the tunnel, there was an attempt to unsettle Jack Grealish hair. Fodens leg will recover but the physiological impact on the premierships biggest poser could be far reaching. Let's hope for Jacks sake Man City will provide a trauma therapist and hairdressers to limit the effects of this travesty. Disgusting
It's difficult to credit but a lad getting his hair pulled (such manliness from Savic) and then attacked in some way in the tunnel after the match (such bravery and discipline by Savic) ends up being the one some posters chose to have a pop at. The world is bucked
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 14, 2022, 07:58:02 AM
Athletico play like a gaa team tbh. It's rare you see the needle you would get in championship games in soccer.
Love to see a bit of bite. Only way you're gonna stop that City side is be a hateful shower of tramps!
I'm just enjoying Atletico having their own shithouse behaviour thrown right back at them. Turns out they don't like it one bit.
And the worst part is that they can actually play when they want to, as they showed in that second half.
f**k them and Simeone.
Quote from: smelmoth on April 14, 2022, 10:01:59 AM
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on April 13, 2022, 11:58:04 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on April 13, 2022, 10:20:50 PM
Love a bit of needle in the game, not pretty football but it makes great viewing compared to a lot of the sanitised nonsense that passes for rivalry in professional sport.
Of all the unsavoury scenes on the pitch and in the tunnel, there was an attempt to unsettle Jack Grealish hair. Fodens leg will recover but the physiological impact on the premierships biggest poser could be far reaching. Let's hope for Jacks sake Man City will provide a trauma therapist and hairdressers to limit the effects of this travesty. Disgusting
It's difficult to credit but a lad getting his hair pulled (such manliness from Savic) and then attacked in some way in the tunnel after the match (such bravery and discipline by Savic) ends up being the one some posters chose to have a pop at. The world is bucked
Not that i give a fiddlers but Grealish called yer man a c*nt (so got his hair pulled as young girls would do lolol) and the "attack" in the tunnel youd see worse in an u13 match. So yes the world is indeed bucked but not for the reasons you suggest 😃
Grealish never really gets any sympathy but he is a bit of a why's it always me character.
Quote from: smelmoth on April 14, 2022, 10:01:59 AM
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on April 13, 2022, 11:58:04 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on April 13, 2022, 10:20:50 PM
Love a bit of needle in the game, not pretty football but it makes great viewing compared to a lot of the sanitised nonsense that passes for rivalry in professional sport.
Of all the unsavoury scenes on the pitch and in the tunnel, there was an attempt to unsettle Jack Grealish hair. Fodens leg will recover but the physiological impact on the premierships biggest poser could be far reaching. Let's hope for Jacks sake Man City will provide a trauma therapist and hairdressers to limit the effects of this travesty. Disgusting
It's difficult to credit but a lad getting his hair pulled (such manliness from Savic) and then attacked in some way in the tunnel after the match (such bravery and discipline by Savic) ends up being the one some posters chose to have a pop at. The world is bucked
Your right the World is bucked when a player who cost 100 million seems to contribute nothing when playing only vanity. Wind your neck in its only a bit if crack.
Rangers looking like they'll get through to semifinals..
Brilliant so far by west ham
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2022, 08:49:56 PM
Rangers looking like they'll get through to semifinals..
The cnuts have given it a right old go in Europe.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 14, 2022, 09:18:58 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2022, 08:49:56 PM
Rangers looking like they'll get through to semifinals..
The cnuts have given it a right old go in Europe.
Can't begrudge that form though.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 14, 2022, 09:18:58 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2022, 08:49:56 PM
Rangers looking like they'll get through to semifinals..
The cnuts have given it a right old go in Europe.
........... and taking a couple of quid to put toward reducing their debt!
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 14, 2022, 09:18:58 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2022, 08:49:56 PM
Rangers looking like they'll get through to semifinals..
The cnuts have given it a right old go in Europe.
A lot better than Celtic who use every excuse for not performing in Europe in recent years.
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 14, 2022, 07:58:02 AM
Athletico play like a gaa team tbh. It's rare you see the needle you would get in championship games in soccer.
Yeah, Atletico are the Tyrone of the soccer world.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 14, 2022, 09:30:34 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 14, 2022, 09:18:58 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2022, 08:49:56 PM
Rangers looking like they'll get through to semifinals..
The cnuts have given it a right old go in Europe.
A lot better than Celtic who use every excuse for not performing in Europe in recent years.
Are you on Buckfast?
Is claiming that Celtic performances in Europe were not good enough an excuse? ;D
Constant whining about the non performance of Celtic in European competition in recent years is about the most consistent topic in any thread on this board.
City are looking good for a final with Liverpool
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 26, 2022, 08:20:29 PM
City are looking good for a final with Liverpool
Should be tíe over already however the way they let Real Madrid back into the game you can see why this Champions league title is Liverpools to lose.
Stones out injured. Could be a big loss.
Quote from: trueblue1234 on April 26, 2022, 09:18:07 PM
Stones out injured. Could be a big loss.
For the CL or PL?
What a turn from Vincius Jr. Madrid never beaten.
Jesus this is a treat lads!!
If only fball was like this all the time!
What a game. What a penalty.
If they get Walker back they should be ok with Dias and Laporte
Chaos game with diabolical defending. Excepted that from Real Madrid from what i seen of them this season but City will know if they were even decent in defence tonight it would be a 3 or 4 goal winning margin.
It reminded me of the Man City v Spurs tie in 2019 is Pep learning on past mistakes in this competition?
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 26, 2022, 10:23:31 PM
Chaos game with diabolical defending. Excepted that from Real Madrid from what i seen of them this season but City will know if they were even decent in defence tonight it would be a 3 or 4 goal winning margin.
It reminded me of the Man City v Spurs tie in 2019 is Pep learning on past mistakes in this competition?
To be fair the penalty was unlucky and there wasn't much they could do with Benzema's first it was world class.
The Vinicius goal was a symptom of not having a right back and it's where they were weak for most of the night. If they can get Walker back for next week they'd hope to be more solid.
If I remember the penalty came off an intercepted square pass by Mahrez which will have completely fried Pep. It was back in the play slightly but then compounded it by giving the free kick away.
These are the fine margins at this level, City missed some serious chances throughout the game.
Quote from: NAG1 on April 27, 2022, 09:48:13 AM
If I remember the penalty came off an intercepted square pass by Mahrez which will have completely fried Pep. It was back in the play slightly but then compounded it by giving the free kick away.
These are the fine margins at this level, City missed some serious chances throughout the game.
Two goals were not scored because they they didn't square the ball to a player in a better position.. Crazy and Pep will make sure those players will know that. Madrid are awful and brilliant at the same time
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2022, 10:13:52 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on April 27, 2022, 09:48:13 AM
If I remember the penalty came off an intercepted square pass by Mahrez which will have completely fried Pep. It was back in the play slightly but then compounded it by giving the free kick away.
These are the fine margins at this level, City missed some serious chances throughout the game.
Two goals were not scored because they they didn't square the ball to a player in a better position.. Crazy and Pep will make sure those players will know that. Madrid are awful and brilliant at the same time
Madrid can win games in 10 minute blitzes. That's how they play and if they can defend better they will beat most teams. Benzema is a force of nature at the minute and will score every game he plays
Man City in this competition remind me of Mayo. The psychology is trina cheile
Quote from: seafoid on April 27, 2022, 11:01:55 AM
Man City in this competition remind me of Mayo. The psychology is trina cheile
And Liverpool remind me of Tyrone. Hate the feckers but they have a knack of winning the thing unfortunately.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 27, 2022, 11:19:28 AM
Quote from: seafoid on April 27, 2022, 11:01:55 AM
Man City in this competition remind me of Mayo. The psychology is trina cheile
And Liverpool remind me of Tyrone. Hate the feckers but they have a knack of winning the thing unfortunately.
are real madrid dublin
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2022, 10:13:52 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on April 27, 2022, 09:48:13 AM
If I remember the penalty came off an intercepted square pass by Mahrez which will have completely fried Pep. It was back in the play slightly but then compounded it by giving the free kick away.
These are the fine margins at this level, City missed some serious chances throughout the game.
Two goals were not scored because they they didn't square the ball to a player in a better position.. Crazy and Pep will make sure those players will know that. Madrid are awful and brilliant at the same time
It's a bit typical of City though - they don't tend to be overly clinical with their chances. Maybe the stats don't back that up but that's my perception of them.
I think Villarreal have more than a decent chance to get to the final.
Liverpool on song, almost totally commanded the game.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 27, 2022, 11:19:28 AM
Quote from: seafoid on April 27, 2022, 11:01:55 AM
Man City in this competition remind me of Mayo. The psychology is trina cheile
And Liverpool remind me of Tyrone. Hate the feckers but they have a knack of winning the thing unfortunately.
United are Tyrone... horrible outfit and worse supporters!!!
Villarreal much like Tipperary footballers reaching All-Ireland semi final, achievement in itself to get that far however had little or no chance of ever winning that semi final. A decent defensive effort from them and unlucky on both goals. Small consolation for them is getting knock out by the likely winners.
Quote from: screenexile on April 27, 2022, 09:53:42 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 27, 2022, 11:19:28 AM
Quote from: seafoid on April 27, 2022, 11:01:55 AM
Man City in this competition remind me of Mayo. The psychology is trina cheile
And Liverpool remind me of Tyrone. Hate the feckers but they have a knack of winning the thing unfortunately.
United are Tyrone... horrible outfit and worse supporters!!!
Didn't Tohill have a trail with United, we'd have been happy enough to poach Muldoon at one stage.
Decent game this between West Ham and Frankfurt
Only one highlight from the game in Leipzig.
Another 4-3 tonight
It is hard to call this one. City have all the creative players who make all the chances and give the impression of a dominant team, but they don't have a top class finisher in the squad. Benzema can keep Madrid in the tie with a bit of help from Modric and Vinicius.
Overall I think City will edge it.
I enjoy when analysts are biased towards their own clubs, as we all know where they are coming from. But McManaman as an ex-Liverpool, and especially ex-Madrid player, being so biased towards City is sickening my hole!
Ex city too 😉😉
Was going to bring it up, he was as bad last night also.. just call it as it is and move on.. not like he's short of a few bob, stand by what you think rather what your employer thinks!
Bit like a hurling ref this boy letting everything go!
It's not great though
Quote from: Hound on May 04, 2022, 08:48:05 PM
I enjoy when analysts are biased towards their own clubs, as we all know where they are coming from. But McManaman as an ex-Liverpool, and especially ex-Madrid player, being so biased towards City is sickening my hole!
He's a dose. Laporte could easily have been sent off for that slap but not a word from BT about it. The Tyrone lad was sent off for less on Sunday
Quote from: Hound on May 04, 2022, 08:48:05 PM
I enjoy when analysts are biased towards their own clubs, as we all know where they are coming from. But McManaman as an ex-Liverpool, and especially ex-Madrid player, being so biased towards City is sickening my hole!
Gerry Armstrong on Virgin TV is equally bad.
Holy f**k
Unbelievable Jeff.
Madness
Wow!!!
Only one team look like winning it now
;D
We want extra time!
Football. Bloody hell!
The mass thread was more interesting than this for long spells there. Then wham!!!!
is there no away goals anymore?
So was getting rid of the away goals rule a good idea?
Gerry Armstrong has run out of "incredibles" on Virgin Sport.
Football is bloody brilliant when it's not United playing.. Madrid surely win this in ET?
Quote from: dec on May 04, 2022, 09:56:45 PM
So was getting rid of the away goals rule a good idea?
For defs
Benzema can't buy a goal tonight.
At least it puts an extra half hour in man citys legs before the game against Newcastle at the weekend.
But Benzema can buy a penalty
Not a penalty! This is some smash and grab!
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 04, 2022, 10:03:27 PM
Not a penalty! This is some smash and grab!
If last nights wasn't a penalty then neither was that!
The revenge is on
Absolutely love to see it. Couldn't happen to a better bunch.
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 04, 2022, 10:03:27 PM
Not a penalty! This is some smash and grab!
stonewall penalty. He didnt win the ball. Even BT Sports accepted it an that's saying something
If RM hold out, I'll look forward to Pep's post match interview.
Taking De Bruyne off with 25 minutes to go was an error imho. He might have been carrying an injury imho.
Mahrez too. Two big pen takers potentially. Can be forgiven for not thinking about those tbf
Fcuk that was close
Liverpool should hammer them
Quote from: straightred on May 04, 2022, 10:10:34 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 04, 2022, 10:03:27 PM
Not a penalty! This is some smash and grab!
stonewall penalty. He didnt win the ball. Even BT Sports accepted it an that's saying something
Just seen the slo-mo. Yeah, correct decision for the Peno!
Penalty for sure.
What is the story with away goals?
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 04, 2022, 10:22:02 PM
Penalty for sure.
What is the story with away goals?
Away goals scrapped this year. No longer relevant
Ah. Cheers.
Mad game this.
Good to get rid of away goals, wasn't a fair system.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 04, 2022, 10:15:55 PM
Liverpool should hammer them
What planet are you on? Madrid have proven in this competition, no matter how bad they are playing they can dig out a result.
Tradition says they do well in this competition!
No, it's not a good, Madrid team, Liverpool could eat them if they turn up with the right focus.
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 04, 2022, 10:30:11 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 04, 2022, 10:15:55 PM
Liverpool should hammer them
What planet are you on? Madrid have proven in this competition, no matter how bad they are playing they can dig out a result.
Tradition says they do well in this competition!
Yeah but their form is crap, I suppose with them wrapping up the league at the weekend they'll rest everyone
Madrid aren't a great team but they have been playing above themselves in the knockout stages of this competition this year. They have a better chance of beating Liverpool than City would.
Man City hadn't the bottle for it in extra time.
European Royalty face off in the Final.
Gonna be tough for Liverpool.
Tie was lost in City last week
Klopp will go to bed tonight with a smile on his face knowing his side should gain revenge for the 2018 final defeat to Real Madrid.
Manchester City in the Champions league would remind you of Mayo in All-Ireland finals. Games there to be won yet find ways to lose them.
Now wearing 14 on their backs!
Quote from: laoislad on May 04, 2022, 10:36:00 PM
Man City hadn't the bottle for it in extra time.
European Royalty face off in the Final.
Gonna be tough for Liverpool.
Great to be playing anyone other than City. We've had enough of them this season.
This won't be as handy a final as many think!
God, Grealish was absolutely useless. Should have scored 2. And when the game became a game he hopped around looking fancy with no end product!
It was 2 very poor goals to give away at the death, slack defending.
Stevie please shut up!!
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 04, 2022, 10:51:19 PM
Stevie please shut up!!
Even when pitchside he can't stop shouting as if he's still commentating ;D
Guess who?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FR8bH6yXEAAEXud?format=jpg&name=small)
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 04, 2022, 10:47:28 PM
It was 2 very poor goals to give away at the death, slack defending.
Same slack defending as the 1st leg and before those two late goals they were lucky that Real Madrid didn't score a few goals.
Man City favourites for the last number of years and continues to flatter to deceive in the Champions league. They simply aren't good enough collectively in defence regardless of the huge money they have spent on defenders. Then you have Guardiola a great domestic league manager who over thinks things in this competition since his last success back in 2011.
Tradition counts for a lot. Absolute sickener for Man City. Hopefully it will them a while to get it out of their system. Can't imagine they'll sleep very well the next few nights.
Real will be a big threat and obviously won't lie down. But I'd take them in the final over City.
Quote from: Armamike on May 05, 2022, 12:46:18 AM
Tradition counts for a lot. Absolute sickener for Man City. Hopefully it will them a while to get it out of their system. Can't imagine they'll sleep very well the next few nights.
Real will be a big threat and obviously won't lie down. But I'd take them in the final over City.
Unless you're Man U ;D ;D
Quote from: Cunny Funt on May 05, 2022, 12:29:49 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 04, 2022, 10:47:28 PM
It was 2 very poor goals to give away at the death, slack defending.
Same slack defending as the 1st leg and before those two late goals they were lucky that Real Madrid didn't score a few goals.
Man City favourites for the last number of years and continues to flatter to deceive in the Champions league. They simply aren't good enough collectively in defence regardless of the huge money they have spent on defenders. Then you have Guardiola a great domestic league manager who over thinks things in this competition since his last success back in 2011.
Fair bit of truth in that.
Walker kept Vini Jnr quiet for most of the game before going off injured, Stones missing, having to bring on Fernandino and him well past his best.
There's a reliance on DeBryne for that spark and whilst he wasn't at his best last night taking him off was a big statement.
RM were pants until the young guns came on and all seem to have serious pace, but City really needed to be smarter and foul the hell out of them just like RM did when they took the lead...
Expect some serious cash to be spent this summer in Manchester and I'm not talking about the Glazers...
Quote from: screenexile on May 05, 2022, 08:44:11 AM
Quote from: Armamike on May 05, 2022, 12:46:18 AM
Tradition counts for a lot. Absolute sickener for Man City. Hopefully it will them a while to get it out of their system. Can't imagine they'll sleep very well the next few nights.
Real will be a big threat and obviously won't lie down. But I'd take them in the final over City.
Unless you're Man U ;D ;D
Tradition, blah, blah, blah. I have had it thrown back at me by numerous people that tradition means nothing. Last night was the epitome of a 'tradition' win. I know from my own playing days the colour of the jersey or the badge on it spooks teams with no tradition. We always felt we could win any game if we were within a score or 3 of the opposition, no matter how long was left. And by times we actual used it to our advantage and reminded opposition players that we could do it! Madrid are that type of a team.
Fascinating final and it's amazing how the wheels turn. We played and beat Madrid in Paris in 1981. I know there are a few other 'coincidences' but cannot be holed looking for it. The fear I have is that this could be a case of 'name on the cup' for Madrid. They have the knack of winning games they should lose and Carlo is a canny operator. With the league won they can coast through the next few weeks in preparation whereas we have to be going all out for 5 games before the final. Maybe there is the benefit in that as we will hopefully have match sharpness. Who knows.
The fall out for City will be interesting to observe. They are still favourites for the league but they now look like having lost Walker, Stones and Laporte from their defence. De Bruyne is carry an injury. The weekend will be interesting. We go against Spurs on Saturday night. Anfield will be rocking and the team will be on a high. They play a resurgent Newcastle who have the chance to push up another spot in the table. They won't make European spots but top 10 is where they are and they will want to consolidate that. Mentally it will be interesting how City react if we beat Spurs and they are going into that game in 2nd. Still think they will win the League but ye never know!!!
If City win nothing then it's an absolute flop of a season. Pep would not be very popular with the owners. Tbh I am not sure he will be after last night anyway. I dunno about tradition - Pep almost always seems to find a way to lose these big european games. They were maybe unfortunate in parts too but that doesn't mask the lack of character shown in extra time.
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 05, 2022, 09:34:10 AM
If City win nothing then it's an absolute flop of a season. Pep would not be very popular with the owners. Tbh I am not sure he will be after last night anyway. I dunno about tradition - Pep almost always seems to find a way to lose these big european games. They were maybe unfortunate in parts too but that doesn't mask the lack of character shown in extra time.
There are big question marks over Pep at this level. He has underachieved with Bayern and City. City should never have allowed themselves to have been beaten by Chelsea last year.
Tradition creates belief. How else can we explain Liverpool in 2005, 3 nil down against a far superior team. There's no way Liverpool would have had the belief or power of will to come back from that if the club's history didn't factor in the players' minds. Same for Man U in 1999.
While Real's comeback was great it was a balls up by City. Real were pretty limited for good parts of that match and should have been put away. City weren't ruthless enough.
Even if City win the League now I think they will feel underwhelmed having lost this game in a competition that has become their holy grail. Even morseo with the manner of the defeat and when you think back to the first leg they could have quite easily won that tie by 3 goals alone. However Madrid know how to win and I would give them every chance again in the final in a one off match. They have taken out the 3 big oil clubs already and will have absolutely no inferiority complex unlike Man City who will have to continue to battle that lack of tradition. Every year that City fail to win the competition creates another mental scar but they will probably just throw another £200 million at it this summer and at some point will get over the line.
Jesus people love to put the boot in when sometimes shit just happens. That game last night reminded me of Armagh v Fermanagh in the 90s in the Athletic Grounds and United v Bayern, momemtum saves or kills you sometimes. City were so utterly dominant in that game the ending was a killer for them. KDB was obviously fucked midway through the 2nd, they took Mahrez off to give someone a run and that backfired. The City team was pish in extra time, I'd say Sterling will leave, maybe even Mahrez, they're both a bit flakey imo. City could shit the bed in the league now too, that's a huge psychological blow
I'd say they'll go all in on Haaland in the summer and maybe another defensive midfielder and if so it would be hard to look past them next season again!
Quote from: screenexile on May 05, 2022, 11:22:52 AM
I'd say they'll go all in on Haaland in the summer and maybe another defensive midfielder and if so it would be hard to look past them next season again!
It's inevitable they will win it at some point.
Quote from: laoislad on May 05, 2022, 11:44:09 AM
Quote from: screenexile on May 05, 2022, 11:22:52 AM
I'd say they'll go all in on Haaland in the summer and maybe another defensive midfielder and if so it would be hard to look past them next season again!
It's inevitable they will win it at some point.
It's inevitable that this will be said year on year .....
Quote from: bennydorano on May 05, 2022, 10:11:57 AM
Jesus people love to put the boot in when sometimes shit just happens. That game last night reminded me of Armagh v Fermanagh in the 90s in the Athletic Grounds and United v Bayern, momemtum saves or kills you sometimes. City were so utterly dominant in that game the ending was a killer for them. KDB was obviously fucked midway through the 2nd, they took Mahrez off to give someone a run and that backfired. The City team was pish in extra time, I'd say Sterling will leave, maybe even Mahrez, they're both a bit flakey imo. City could shit the bed in the league now too, that's a huge psychological blow
How poor was Sterling when he came on? At one stage he beat a man, turned back to beat him again, waited and then tried to beat him again and lost it. Had amble time to put in quality cross.
Then City spent last 5 mins just hoofing aimless balls forward to no one of any particular height. No idea what they hoping? A corner or breaking ball maybe.
Cruised for 89 mins and took a blow they couldn't recover from. Could actually have been 3-1 at full time with Ederson making decent save minutes after it went 2-1.
Quote from: Armamike on May 05, 2022, 09:58:18 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 05, 2022, 09:34:10 AM
If City win nothing then it's an absolute flop of a season. Pep would not be very popular with the owners. Tbh I am not sure he will be after last night anyway. I dunno about tradition - Pep almost always seems to find a way to lose these big european games. They were maybe unfortunate in parts too but that doesn't mask the lack of character shown in extra time.
There are big question marks over Pep at this level. He has underachieved with Bayern and City. City should never have allowed themselves to have been beaten by Chelsea last year.
Tradition creates belief. How else can we explain Liverpool in 2005, 3 nil down against a far superior team. There's no way Liverpool would have had the belief or power of will to come back from that if the club's history didn't factor in the players' minds. Same for Man U in 1999.
Just on this bit, what about the tradition of their opposition, surely they would negate each other?
TBH I think its a fascinating topic regarding the psychology of tradition in sport. I know what BCB1 is on about, and I think it can be a huge variable in GAA. In professional sport its obviously there as well, but Im not sure to the same extent, and what games it effected and what ones were just pure luck, is hard or next to impossible to know. Man City at the top level have been round for a very short time. They will win one in the next few years Id imagine.
The more worrying bit wouldn't be Real getting level in normal time - City had 30 minutes of extra time and just never recovered. I am not sold on the tradition thing - they got sucker punched late on. I still think they should have had that game wrapped up much earlier.
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 05, 2022, 02:17:52 PM
The more worrying bit wouldn't be Real getting level in normal time - City had 30 minutes of extra time and just never recovered. I am not sold on the tradition thing - they got sucker punched late on. I still think they should have had that game wrapped up much earlier.
I'm of the same mind... loads of people blaming Pep for being a fraud etc. but there's only so much he can do when they step over the white line!
Kyle Walker stays fit and on the pitch City win it hands down.
Pep went slightly defensive toward the end because of the loss of Walker, which brought Real onto them.
He also can't legislate for Grealish not having the desire even with him being fresh to go and stop the cross, he could easily have closed the cross down for the second. In saying that, but for Courtois studs he would have scored one of the goals of the whole tournament, those are the fine margins are the very top level.
Would have loved to have seen the top two in the EPL going for it in the final, but Real should bring a different challenge and we have seen they have the mental attitude to hang in games, whether that will be enough remains to be seen.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 05, 2022, 10:11:57 AM
Jesus people love to put the boot in when sometimes shit just happens. That game last night reminded me of Armagh v Fermanagh in the 90s in the Athletic Grounds and United v Bayern, momemtum saves or kills you sometimes. City were so utterly dominant in that game the ending was a killer for them. KDB was obviously fucked midway through the 2nd, they took Mahrez off to give someone a run and that backfired. The City team was pish in extra time, I'd say Sterling will leave, maybe even Mahrez, they're both a bit flakey imo. City could shit the bed in the league now too, that's a huge psychological blow
The momentum thing and how it can swing is true. One team gets the adrenaline and confidence rush, the other panics, players shrink and don't know what to do and next thing a couple of goals have been scored. Think the worst I've seen was Liverpool against Crystal Palace in 2014 when Liverpool went from throwing caution to the wind, in a game they'd won, to try to make up a five or six goal difference, to "oh f**k, we're blowing it, what do we do??!!" in the space of five minutes.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 05, 2022, 10:11:57 AM
Jesus people love to put the boot in when sometimes shit just happens. That game last night reminded me of Armagh v Fermanagh in the 90s in the Athletic Grounds and United v Bayern, momemtum saves or kills you sometimes. City were so utterly dominant in that game the ending was a killer for them. KDB was obviously fucked midway through the 2nd, they took Mahrez off to give someone a run and that backfired. The City team was pish in extra time, I'd say Sterling will leave, maybe even Mahrez, they're both a bit flakey imo. City could shit the bed in the league now too, that's a huge psychological blow
They weren't utterly dominant though. 1st half Benzema, Vinicius had a number of chances all blasted over the bar. The latter somehow missed from 6 yards out in the second half. Prior to the City goal Real Madrid had their best period of possession in the game. Once City had their two goal aggregate lead it was a matter of game management on and off the field. They decided to try to score another and leave themselves open at the back and then unable to respond in extra time.
Quote from: screenexile on May 05, 2022, 02:19:39 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 05, 2022, 02:17:52 PM
The more worrying bit wouldn't be Real getting level in normal time - City had 30 minutes of extra time and just never recovered. I am not sold on the tradition thing - they got sucker punched late on. I still think they should have had that game wrapped up much earlier.
I'm of the same mind... loads of people blaming Pep for being a fraud etc. but there's only so much he can do when they step over the white line!
They had the game won, Pep made changes accordingly and what was left on the pitch couldn't control and see out the game. The only thing Pep got wrong was not telling the players to be like Athletico for 10 minutes, slow it down and be complete dicks about it, fill out the defence and midfield and leave no one up front..
Maybe that's not in his DNA and the players that came on are more attack minded so when the other team got that momentum it was nearly impossible to hold out..
At the very least the game should have went to penalties. would like to know the stat that shows how many games are won in extra time rather than penalties
Either way they'll have to bankroll another season and thats not good news for everyone else in the PL
Quote from: HiMucker on May 05, 2022, 02:06:25 PM
Quote from: Armamike on May 05, 2022, 09:58:18 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 05, 2022, 09:34:10 AM
If City win nothing then it's an absolute flop of a season. Pep would not be very popular with the owners. Tbh I am not sure he will be after last night anyway. I dunno about tradition - Pep almost always seems to find a way to lose these big european games. They were maybe unfortunate in parts too but that doesn't mask the lack of character shown in extra time.
There are big question marks over Pep at this level. He has underachieved with Bayern and City. City should never have allowed themselves to have been beaten by Chelsea last year.
Tradition creates belief. How else can we explain Liverpool in 2005, 3 nil down against a far superior team. There's no way Liverpool would have had the belief or power of will to come back from that if the club's history didn't factor in the players' minds. Same for Man U in 1999.
Just on this bit, what about the tradition of their opposition, surely they would negate each other?
TBH I think its a fascinating topic regarding the psychology of tradition in sport. I know what BCB1 is on about, and I think it can be a huge variable in GAA. In professional sport its obviously there as well, but Im not sure to the same extent, and what games it effected and what ones were just pure luck, is hard or next to impossible to know. Man City at the top level have been round for a very short time. They will win one in the next few years Id imagine.
Soccer players are human just like everyone else. You walk through the corridors or Anfield, Old Trafford, the Nou Camp, the Bernabeu, the Allianz Arena in Bayern, the San Siro, you're surrounded by history, by legends, you see their names on the wall, you see the pictures of the Cups being raised, the history and tradition seeps into you. This is an unquantifiable element of sport. It is more prevalent in the GAA, isn't it Tralee where there's a street would about 40 All Ireland medals on it. There'a an estate like that in Cross where every second house seems to have All Ireland medals. It's human nature to feed off that.
When the fans and the players are in synch with the club ethos anything is possible, Bill Shanklus holy Trinity of Supporters, Players and Manager. Liverpool have that now, Madrid have it now as they love Carlo, United under Fergie, Celtic under Jock Stein, very few other clubs have that. Dublin had it under Jim Gavin, Kerry under Micko, Armagh that unforgettable year in 2002 had it. Other sports have it and you could go on and on. That's the magic dust that makes sport so unpredictable and amazing
Some better than me to explain it said this about last night....
'Manchester City, like [Paris Saint-Germain], lack a mentality," Clarence Seedorf said. "Real Madrid's mentality isn't something created in a year or two, or even ten. It's about coming to a club where you know you're part of something much greater than yourself."
Jesus Christ lads will you come off all this shite talk of mentality and bs. No one gave real a chance going into any of the last 3 rounds because we're fed the sky sports/ bt horseshit that the pl is the only league in the world.
Real won because they're the better team and have better players. A few are pushing on and not fit for a flawless league run a la Liverpool or city but they're still a simply outstanding squad with talent all over the park. If they played in England jake humphries and the fanboys would be creaming over them every week.
There's a concentrated attempt to try and explain away how real won the tie (and the previous one) as if the obvious answer isn't that they simply were talented enough to match city for 180 mins and then win it in extra-time.
Quote from: trileacman on May 05, 2022, 03:04:46 PM
Jesus Christ lads will you come off all this shite talk of mentality and bs. No one gave real a chance going into any of the last 3 rounds because we're fed the sky sports/ bt horseshit that the pl is the only league in the world.
Real won because they're the better team and have better players. A few are pushing on and not fit for a flawless league run a la Liverpool or city but they're still a simply outstanding squad with talent all over the park. If they played in England jake humphries and the fanboys would be creaming over them every week.
There's a concentrated attempt to try and explain away how real won the tie (and the previous one) as if the obvious answer isn't that they simply were talented enough to match city for 180 mins and then win it in extra-time.
I do think tradition stands for plenty. You only have to look at Mayo in our own sport and their brain freeze when it comes to AI finals. But I do take your point that the English media spin a narrative that they think their audience wants to hear. Namely that the Premier League is so superior to everything else on the continent They are in constant product sales mode. Man City were almost built up to be this super Harlem Globetrotters side who were facing a vastly inferior European club side (even though it was the 13 time champions against a side plying their trade as a third tier English team 15 years ago). Listening to the BT commentary you would have thought at times that Kyle Walker was prime Cafu last night.
The irony is that the majority of English fans which would have made up much of their audience, were probably cheering on Real Madrid. It will be the same in the final when most English fans will be supporting Madrid. However the media commentary has started already with plenty in the media writing off Real Madrid yet again. I can guarantee that this is not the view on the continent and Real Madrid would have been expecting to win that game last night. They have plenty of outstanding players and the difference at that level of football is very small margins. Perhaps Man City played better football over 210 minutes especially when you consider the first leg but the margins between teams at that level of football is very small. In this tie it was down to finishing which is a massive part of the game but Pep has played without a striker for much of the season so he has deliberately chosen to flood the side with possession based creators at the expense of finishers.
As for the Pep bashing, he is still the same manager he was yesterday but people need to have some reason for the defeat and someone to blame when it is much more nuanced than that.
Quote from: yellowcard on May 05, 2022, 03:48:42 PM
Quote from: trileacman on May 05, 2022, 03:04:46 PM
Jesus Christ lads will you come off all this shite talk of mentality and bs. No one gave real a chance going into any of the last 3 rounds because we're fed the sky sports/ bt horseshit that the pl is the only league in the world.
Real won because they're the better team and have better players. A few are pushing on and not fit for a flawless league run a la Liverpool or city but they're still a simply outstanding squad with talent all over the park. If they played in England jake humphries and the fanboys would be creaming over them every week.
There's a concentrated attempt to try and explain away how real won the tie (and the previous one) as if the obvious answer isn't that they simply were talented enough to match city for 180 mins and then win it in extra-time.
I do think tradition stands for plenty. You only have to look at Mayo in our own sport and their brain freeze when it comes to AI finals. But I do take your point that the English media spin a narrative that they think their audience wants to hear. Namely that the Premier League is so superior to everything else on the continent They are in constant product sales mode. Man City were almost built up to be this super Harlem Globetrotters side who were facing a vastly inferior European club side (even though it was the 13 time champions against a side plying their trade as a third tier English team 15 years ago). Listening to the BT commentary you would have thought at times that Kyle Walker was prime Cafu last night.
The irony is that the majority of English fans which would have made up much of their audience, were probably cheering on Real Madrid. It will be the same in the final when most English fans will be supporting Madrid. However the media commentary has started already with plenty in the media writing off Real Madrid yet again. I can guarantee that this is not the view on the continent and Real Madrid would have been expecting to win that game last night. They have plenty of outstanding players and the difference at that level of football is very small margins. Perhaps Man City played better football over 210 minutes especially when you consider the first leg but the margins between teams at that level of football is very small. In this tie it was down to finishing which is a massive part of the game but Pep has played without a striker for much of the season so he has deliberately chosen to flood the side with possession based creators at the expense of finishers.
As for the Pep bashing, he is still the same manager he was yesterday but people need to have some reason for the defeat and someone to blame when it is much more nuanced than that.
He blew £100m unnecessarily on a good but hardly outstanding Grealish who plays in a position they have far better players in, when a blind man could see they needed to buy a striker. Added to that they clearly didnt have the mental toughness when it came to injury time the players genuinely looked scared and bewildered, at least part of that comes down to the manager.
Man City lost a two-legged game by the odd goal, to the the most successful team in the history of the sport.
They didn't blow up. It's just a disgrace. It's not a sleight in their characters. It's not underachievement. It's not poor investments catching up on them. It's not a shit season.
Only one team can win a tournament ffs.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 05, 2022, 03:59:52 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on May 05, 2022, 03:48:42 PM
Quote from: trileacman on May 05, 2022, 03:04:46 PM
Jesus Christ lads will you come off all this shite talk of mentality and bs. No one gave real a chance going into any of the last 3 rounds because we're fed the sky sports/ bt horseshit that the pl is the only league in the world.
Real won because they're the better team and have better players. A few are pushing on and not fit for a flawless league run a la Liverpool or city but they're still a simply outstanding squad with talent all over the park. If they played in England jake humphries and the fanboys would be creaming over them every week.
There's a concentrated attempt to try and explain away how real won the tie (and the previous one) as if the obvious answer isn't that they simply were talented enough to match city for 180 mins and then win it in extra-time.
I do think tradition stands for plenty. You only have to look at Mayo in our own sport and their brain freeze when it comes to AI finals. But I do take your point that the English media spin a narrative that they think their audience wants to hear. Namely that the Premier League is so superior to everything else on the continent They are in constant product sales mode. Man City were almost built up to be this super Harlem Globetrotters side who were facing a vastly inferior European club side (even though it was the 13 time champions against a side plying their trade as a third tier English team 15 years ago). Listening to the BT commentary you would have thought at times that Kyle Walker was prime Cafu last night.
The irony is that the majority of English fans which would have made up much of their audience, were probably cheering on Real Madrid. It will be the same in the final when most English fans will be supporting Madrid. However the media commentary has started already with plenty in the media writing off Real Madrid yet again. I can guarantee that this is not the view on the continent and Real Madrid would have been expecting to win that game last night. They have plenty of outstanding players and the difference at that level of football is very small margins. Perhaps Man City played better football over 210 minutes especially when you consider the first leg but the margins between teams at that level of football is very small. In this tie it was down to finishing which is a massive part of the game but Pep has played without a striker for much of the season so he has deliberately chosen to flood the side with possession based creators at the expense of finishers.
As for the Pep bashing, he is still the same manager he was yesterday but people need to have some reason for the defeat and someone to blame when it is much more nuanced than that.
He blew £100m unnecessarily on a good but hardly outstanding Grealish who plays in a position they have far better players in, when a blind man could see they needed to buy a striker. Added to that they clearly didnt have the mental toughness when it came to injury time the players genuinely looked scared and bewildered, at least part of that comes down to the manager.
He's not perfect but he is probably the most coveted coach in world football so that tells you enough. Pep has elevated Man City onto another sphere and given them way more credibility than they had before he came in. I agree, buying Grealish was an extra luxury but when you are handed a bottomless pit of money the price is irrelevant to them as long as they are being seen to stick withing FFP guidelines. Plus he did unsuccessfully try to get Kane and then Ronaldo (although I'd be dubious as to his intent) before the window.
When the match went to extra time, the mental state of the respective teams was always going to be vastly different. Whilst Pep is highly strung and his sides have sometimes faced meltdowns before, I don't know how much he could be held accountable last night. You could question some of the logic in his substitutions but then again we don't know his reasoning and it is very easy to be wise after the event. Perhaps it is best just to give Real Madrid some credit.
PSG,Spurs,Kildare, Mayo, Waterford and Schalke all have the same problem.
Quote from: trileacman on May 05, 2022, 03:04:46 PM
Jesus Christ lads will you come off all this shite talk of mentality and bs. No one gave real a chance going into any of the last 3 rounds because we're fed the sky sports/ bt horseshit that the pl is the only league in the world.
Real won because they're the better team and have better players. A few are pushing on and not fit for a flawless league run a la Liverpool or city but they're still a simply outstanding squad with talent all over the park. If they played in England jake humphries and the fanboys would be creaming over them every week.
There's a concentrated attempt to try and explain away how real won the tie (and the previous one) as if the obvious answer isn't that they simply were talented enough to match city for 180 mins and then win it in extra-time.
Real are a good team, with a sprinkling of highly talented players, no question. But they have been dominated in large spells by the opposition and have dragged themselves out of desperate situations, in large part at home in front of fervent supporters. I wouldn't say they're a better team than City or have better players. They did believe in themselves though to keep going right to the end, where other sides would have accepted their fate in a few of those games.
Just to add there's a fair chance Casimero should have been sent off but his 2 challenges were definite yellows with most referees.
Would he have made the second challenge if he had been booked first time we don't know but he would have had to change his game!
Cresswell gets himself sent off in a Europa League tie again. Uphill task for West ham now.
The huns have started rightly
Rangers will have earned a tidy figure should they reach the final . https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/europa-league-prize-money-breakdown-how-much-do-winners-2022/uviivwm7iuadjq8tbmrmr7ad
Horrible horrible shower but they have given the Europa a good rattle. Heading to Seville but The Bill was cancelled years ago!
Fair play to Rangers, great win. Giovanni VB is no dozer tactically, going to be an Interesting couple of years with him & Ange in Scotland.
Rangers off to Sevilla some atmosphere in Ibrox tonight and would have to give them a decent chance against Eintracht Frankfurt. Leicester and Brendan Rodgers miserable season over at the hands of Jose Mourinho who should add another new trophy to his CV
Mbappe is getting some deal in Paris.... Sad state of affairs that the 2 best young talents in the world are stuck at oil clubs
A 23 year old picking your manager. Madness. Hope it all backfires to teach the rest of Europe a lesson.
Terrible idea. What right thinking manager would go there. If he hits a bad run of form how do you drop him?
Crazy. Hope he never wins another thing
new chamopions league format is a joke lets hope the gaa dont copy it
A first Serie A title for AC Milan for 11 years.
5 European Cups now for Bale. The man is unstoppable.
Real Madrid prove that they are a Champions League/European Cup Club. It's in their DNA to win it.
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 28, 2022, 11:06:00 PM
Real Madrid prove that they are a Champions League/European Cup Club. It's in their DNA to win it.
100%. These things matter. History matters. It doesn't matter if it's different players a different generation or whatever. Sometimes it's just in the DNA of a club. Liverpool have it themselves to be fair but Madrid have it also and it's just bigger with them.
Once they scored I knew they would hold on.
Expected Liverpool to win it was especially surprising they couldn't score while getting beat. The way Real Madrid reached this final maybe it was their destiny to win it? They deserve respect for winning it after beating (PSG 2020 finalists) (Chelsea 2021 winners) (Man City 2021 finalists) (Liverpool 2019 winners) that's as hard as any you'll see at this level.
One stand out stat
Since 2001 Spanish teams have played non Spanish 17 times in European finals (CL & EL) with Spanish sides winning all 17 finals
Some stat alright.
Liverpool have given teams some start recently.. Mane is a massive loss, injuries don't help
Ventilators must be made in Ukraine...
Was going to say these lads will be time wasting whole second half..
They'll just hit the left side from now on
Maguire playing tonight! Christ!! Not good
Milan and Barca a long way from glory days. Atletico would remind me of Mayo.
While City have improved from last season the other English teams appear to have regressed.
Shamrock Rovers would appear to be in the same boat as Rangers and Celtic. Inability to finish off chances at this level and bottom of the table as a result.
A lot of deleted posts id say
Napoli are a joy to watch, deserved group winners, they should get to the semi finals at least.
Tottenham's winning goal
https://youtu.be/YoI1TW6lsv4
reminded me of Comer
https://youtu.be/Z-Ou_JpXD5o
Competitive group.
(https://i.ibb.co/qWWGQws/Screenshot-20221103-203314-2.png) (https://ibb.co/GttwSj2)
Cant sleep. Bugger.
Just saw a video of Ethan Mbappe for psg v juve u19s. Hes 15. Plays as a 6. I know its dangerous to base too much on a 2min video but looks the part. Anyway if he makes it big remember my name lolol.
Away to try for slumber again
Jesus it's morning time Jibba. Up to fcuk.
Ach only jokin id ten mile done by then 😉😃
Neymar acting the bollocks for PSG and ref called him out.
Juventus hit with a 15 pt deduction following on from the investigation into their finances . They have chance to appeal decision.
For a club that was demoted to Seria B previously they get in a lot of
Financial bother.
Big game tonight and no chat!!
Finalist from last year, very mooted
Your man was on the radio today Peter Hooton from the group The Farm, he was at the final last year and said that there will be protests today because of the game last year, he felt Liverpool lost because the players felt exhausted after hearing about what was going on outside the ground..
Anyways, as an interest Vinicius to score anytime, Benzema over 0.5 assist and both teams to receive a card 16/1!
The best one is Salah and Benzema to have over 0.5 shots on target 7/4
Bet responsibly ;)
Do you watch just because of betting? You're always mentioning odds like a bookmaker
Quote from: rodney trotter on February 21, 2023, 07:23:21 PM
Do you watch just because of betting? You're always mentioning odds like a bookmaker
I like a flutter, the odds give you an idea about how the game will fair, if you can afford 2 or 3 quid it makes it more entertaining if you ain't a supporter
What a goal
A gift from both goalkeepers. Unbelievable Jeff.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 21, 2023, 07:14:31 PM
Big game tonight and no chat!!
Finalist from last year, very mooted
Your man was on the radio today Peter Hooton from the group The Farm, he was at the final last year and said that there will be protests today because of the game last year, he felt Liverpool lost because the players felt exhausted after hearing about what was going on outside the ground..
Anyways, as an interest Vinicius to score anytime, Benzema over 0.5 assist and both teams to receive a card 16/1!
The best one is Salah and Benzema to have over 0.5 shots on target 7/4
Bet responsibly ;)
Hopefully others picked up on this!!
Think based on last nights performance Utd are seriously up against it.. Barca are flying at the moment in Spain and Utd haven't a great record against Spanish teams either.
A loss in this competition wouldn't be a horrendous result, they could concentrate on finishing as high as they can in the league
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 22, 2023, 07:28:49 AM
Think based on last nights performance Utd are seriously up against it.. Barca are flying at the moment in Spain and Utd haven't a great record against Spanish teams either.
A loss in this competition wouldn't be a horrendous result, they could concentrate on finishing as high as they can in the league
Did you not watch last week? United well able to beat that Barca team especially if they get a couple of players back.
PSG out without scoring a goal in the two legs. All the oil money in the world isn't getting them any closer to winning the Champions league
Have you ever seen a more spineless exit from a cup competition than Spurs produced tonight? Absolutely pathetic. Cliftonville would have given Milan a better game.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 08, 2023, 09:53:20 PM
PSG out without scoring a goal in the two legs. All the oil money in the world isn't getting them any closer to winning the Champions league
Isn't it great to see. Just need City to get similar treatment
Quote from: square_ball on March 08, 2023, 10:21:54 PM
Have you ever seen a more spineless exit from a cup competition than Spurs produced tonight? Absolutely pathetic. Cliftonville would have given Milan a better game.
Only saw last 15, but that was shocking. No spirit, no effort, just lifeless.
Crowd too was just resigned to it.
And they only needed one bloody goal!
It should have been bedlam with Milan under siege.
Must be so frustrating being a Tottenham Hotspur fan. Doesn't matter what they do, change the manager, change the players, change stadium even but it's always the same old Spurs.
Conte's record in the Champions League
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FquyRlaXoAkziUM?format=png&name=small)
Quote from: jcpen on March 09, 2023, 07:42:14 AM
Must be so frustrating being a Tottenham Hotspur fan. Doesn't matter what they do, change the manager, change the players, change stadium even but it's always the same old Spurs.
Football is about the owners. The rest is incidental.
Referee and VAR in Leipzig - Man City game, more than gave City a hand in the 1st half.
- VAR takes action without cause
- referee gives a penalty wtf
- Haaland fouls the goalkeepe before 2:0
- Ederson doesnt get a yellow?! but free kick
- worst offside call of the season!
- Grealish dive
5 goals in an hour?? Jesus!!!
Seen this comment on bbc ;D
Haaland tonight is like when you create yourself on Football Manager with the best stats for everything. Then after one game you think 'I've gone too far, it's unrealistic now...
In fairness they were 4 tap ins and a penalty. I expect them to win the trophy now. Haaland is making a difference.
Three big chances for Porto in injury time to force extra time. 1 off the line, one off the post and the last one off the crossbar.
Why didn't they keep Haaland on to try and get the double hat trick?
Quote from: clarshack on March 14, 2023, 10:04:04 PM
Why didn't they keep Haaland on to try and get the double hat trick?
......and get injured trying to? And be out for important games for a small bit of vanity!
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 14, 2023, 09:45:19 PM
In fairness they were 4 tap ins and a penalty. I expect them to win the trophy now. Haaland is making a difference.
Bayern look good and Madrid are never easy beat either. City probably 3rd behind those 2 imo.
Quote from: clarshack on March 14, 2023, 10:04:04 PM
Why didn't they keep Haaland on to try and get the double hat trick?
He has a junior C match on thursday
Meanwhile in Naples
https://twitter.com/Football__Tweet/status/1636057733131563010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1636057733131563010%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=
Shades of Nayim from the halfway line with that Lisbon goal against Arsenal tonight.
Penalty alert. All square after extra time between Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon.
Portuguese teams don't have great records on penalties.
Yeeooo
How will that affect them in the premiership now
Arsenal fans hardly be too upset, they have eyes on a bigger prize.
Some great penos by the Sporting players though in fairness.
Arsenal can concentrate on PL now.
Big win that for Sporting. Focus fully on winning the Premier league for Arsenal now.
It's Man United's Europa League to lose now.
You would have been there all night & Ramsdale wouldn't have saved a penalty
Great draw. Napoli's odds surely dropped massively now.
Only seen the Lisbon goal from last night there now. They don't come much better than that.
Madrid are 8/1. Crazy odds
Champions League
Quarter-finals
Real Madrid v Chelsea
Inter Milan v Benfica
Manchester City v Bayern Munich
AC Milan v Napoli
Semi-finals
AC Milan or Napoli v Benfica or Inter Milan
Real Madrid or Chelsea v Manchester City or Bayern Munich
Looks like Italian team will reach the final for the first time since 2017.
Europa league
Quarter finals
Manchester United v Sevilla
Juventus v Sporting Lisbon
Bayer Leverkusen v Union Saint-Gilloise
Feyenoord v Roma
Semi finals
Juventus or Sporting v Manchester United v Sevilla
Bayer Leverkusen/Union Saint-Gilloise v Feyenoord/Roma
Good opportunity for Jose Mourinho to reach another final and few has better records in finals than him.
Napoli are second favourites after Man city
https://www.oddschecker.com/football/champions-league/winner
Utd favourites but some decent teams there
I'd say Roma Juventus Sevilla and Utd would all be on a par
City 5/4! Crazy odds, 8/1 for Madrid will be my pick
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2023, 06:16:58 PM
Napoli are second favourites after Man city
https://www.oddschecker.com/football/champions-league/winner
Napoli going well in fairness to them, runaway leaders in Italy and should be able to beat able to beat the two Milan sides however they'll like be underdogs in the final against any of Real Madrid,Chelsea,Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 17, 2023, 07:32:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2023, 06:16:58 PM
Napoli are second favourites after Man city
https://www.oddschecker.com/football/champions-league/winner
Napoli going well in fairness to them, runaway leaders in Italy and should be able to beat able to beat the two Milan sides however they'll like be underdogs in the final against any of Real Madrid,Chelsea,Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Surely not against one goal a game Chelsea.
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2023, 08:40:57 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 17, 2023, 07:32:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2023, 06:16:58 PM
Napoli are second favourites after Man city
https://www.oddschecker.com/football/champions-league/winner
Napoli going well in fairness to them, runaway leaders in Italy and should be able to beat able to beat the two Milan sides however they'll like be underdogs in the final against any of Real Madrid,Chelsea,Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Surely not against one goal a game Chelsea.
If Chelsea reach the final with that draw they'll be favourites to win it.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 17, 2023, 08:49:42 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2023, 08:40:57 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 17, 2023, 07:32:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2023, 06:16:58 PM
Napoli are second favourites after Man city
https://www.oddschecker.com/football/champions-league/winner
Napoli going well in fairness to them, runaway leaders in Italy and should be able to beat able to beat the two Milan sides however they'll like be underdogs in the final against any of Real Madrid,Chelsea,Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Surely not against one goal a game Chelsea.
If Chelsea reach the final with that draw they'll be favourites to win it.
How can they get to the final with 2 goals ?
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2023, 08:55:59 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 17, 2023, 08:49:42 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2023, 08:40:57 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 17, 2023, 07:32:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2023, 06:16:58 PM
Napoli are second favourites after Man city
https://www.oddschecker.com/football/champions-league/winner
Napoli going well in fairness to them, runaway leaders in Italy and should be able to beat able to beat the two Milan sides however they'll like be underdogs in the final against any of Real Madrid,Chelsea,Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Surely not against one goal a game Chelsea.
If Chelsea reach the final with that draw they'll be favourites to win it.
How can they get to the final with 2 goals ?
Penalties.
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2023, 08:55:59 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 17, 2023, 08:49:42 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2023, 08:40:57 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 17, 2023, 07:32:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2023, 06:16:58 PM
Napoli are second favourites after Man city
https://www.oddschecker.com/football/champions-league/winner
Napoli going well in fairness to them, runaway leaders in Italy and should be able to beat able to beat the two Milan sides however they'll like be underdogs in the final against any of Real Madrid,Chelsea,Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Surely not against one goal a game Chelsea.
If Chelsea reach the final with that draw they'll be favourites to win it.
How can they get to the final with 2 goals ?
1-0, 0-0
1-0, 0-0
Barcelona 2 Real Madrid 1 tonight. That win has Barcelona 12 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga table.
Poor enough show so far... could slip up here
Who's the commentator on RTE? Sounds like he's just finishing a joint when he talks
Are Man City and BM subs sitting in the rain?
Just saw a quick clip.
After that result tonight it's Manchester City's Champions League title to lose.
Haaland was bought with this competition in mind.
City look to be peaking at the right time!
Mané looked completely lost this evening. I've never seen him have less an influence on a game.
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 11, 2023, 10:23:13 PM
Mané looked completely lost this evening. I've never seen him have less an influence on a game.
He played 20 minutes game was over
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 11, 2023, 11:00:29 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 11, 2023, 10:23:13 PM
Mané looked completely lost this evening. I've never seen him have less an influence on a game.
He played 20 minutes game was over
True, and City were in cruise mode at that stage.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 11, 2023, 11:00:29 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 11, 2023, 10:23:13 PM
Mané looked completely lost this evening. I've never seen him have less an influence on a game.
He played 20 minutes game was over
It really feels like Barcelona, Bayern and Liverpool would all be significantly better if lewandoski and mane had stayed put.
Quote from: onefineday on April 12, 2023, 08:06:03 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 11, 2023, 11:00:29 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 11, 2023, 10:23:13 PM
Mané looked completely lost this evening. I've never seen him have less an influence on a game.
He played 20 minutes game was over
It really feels like Barcelona, Bayern and Liverpool would all be significantly better if lewandoski and mane had stayed put.
Why didn't they stay at these successful clubs? Was there something going on or just looking a better deal?
Quote from: onefineday on April 12, 2023, 08:06:03 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 11, 2023, 11:00:29 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 11, 2023, 10:23:13 PM
Mané looked completely lost this evening. I've never seen him have less an influence on a game.
He played 20 minutes game was over
It really feels like Barcelona, Bayern and Liverpool would all be significantly better if lewandoski and mane had stayed put.
Barcelona, fucked as they are, would be even more fucked if they didn't have Lewandowski's goals from the first half of the season.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 12, 2023, 08:36:23 AM
Quote from: onefineday on April 12, 2023, 08:06:03 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 11, 2023, 11:00:29 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 11, 2023, 10:23:13 PM
Mané looked completely lost this evening. I've never seen him have less an influence on a game.
He played 20 minutes game was over
It really feels like Barcelona, Bayern and Liverpool would all be significantly better if lewandoski and mane had stayed put.
Why didn't they stay at these successful clubs? Was there something going on or just looking a better deal?
Bayern don't offer long or big deals to players over 30 and wouldn't make an exception for Lewondowski. He is having a great season at Barcelona
Kante should have buried that chance that he took on his left. Chelsea have all their best forward players on the bench.
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 18, 2023, 08:20:41 PM
Kante should have buried that chance that he took on his left. Chelsea have all their best forward players on the bench.
Based on the past couple of season, Chelsea don't have any best forward players. Just a mediocre one in Havetz and a bunch of wasters after that.
This might be one of the smarter moves of Lampard's managerial career
AC Milan on course to knocking Napoli out shows domestic league form goes out the window in cup competitions and one having better record than the other in Europe helps?
Liam Brady really needs to retire ;D
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 18, 2023, 09:00:06 PM
AC Milan on course to knocking Napoli out shows domestic league form goes out the window in cup competitions and one having better record than the other in Europe helps?
It's an elite competition. Napoli need to do more work
All hope pinned on Madrid then. Pity they won't meet City in a final. City bottle it.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 18, 2023, 09:36:53 PM
All hope pinned on Madrid then. Pity they won't meet City in a final. City bottle it.
Not this year with the wunderkind
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2023, 09:03:46 PM
Liam Brady really needs to retire ;D
It's money for Jam. Would you retire?
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 18, 2023, 10:17:21 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2023, 09:03:46 PM
Liam Brady really needs to retire ;D
It's money for Jam. Would you retire?
He's brutal..
I suppose when you're on the gravy train...
Milan vs Napoli is like Tyrone vs Monaghan at the end stages of the all Ireland or Kerry vs Cork. The natural order is followed.
Haaland blazes over from a penalty. The tie is still alive just about. Bayern need a goal.
The state of that Bayern pitch is a disgrace!
Bayern miss Lewandowski. They could still be in touch in the game if they had someone like him.
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 19, 2023, 09:42:41 PM
Bayern miss Lewandowski. They could still be in touch in the game if they had someone like him.
Same problem as Chelsea
Champions League semi finals
A Milan derby and Real Madid v Manchester City which is probably the final in all but name.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 19, 2023, 10:47:08 PM
Champions League semi finals
A Milan derby and Real Madid v Manchester City which is probably the final in all but name.
Never bet against an Italian team in a final is all I'd say on that.
First AC Milan semi since 2007. Our 6 year old had the Kaka jersey. Now he is 22. #Jaysus
Quote from: johnnycool on April 20, 2023, 09:02:55 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 19, 2023, 10:47:08 PM
Champions League semi finals
A Milan derby and Real Madid v Manchester City which is probably the final in all but name.
Never bet against an Italian team in a final is all I'd say on that.
Least they ain't traveling too far for their semi finals!!
:o Harry Maguire
Real have hardly touched it and then do that... some goal!!!
Some strike by Vinícius.
Was going to back him for first but took the boost of 3/1 anytime goal!! Cracking goal City rattled
3-3 was my other one of interest
No longer rattled
Was the ball out of play?
That was some dig by KDB
Good bit of needle in this. Man City for all their football know how to be cynical too. Rodri a master at it.
Wouldn't be shocked if real win this tie overall. City better middle third but, despite hail and, not as clinical.
City will have the edge going into the second leg if it stays like this. Still too close to call though.
Before that Manchester City goal it probably should have been a Real Madrid corner kick, them the breaks. Whatever chance Real Madrid had in this tie they needed to win to tonight. Manchester City should win the 2nd leg only question looks like the margin of victory I can imagine now.
Not sure where you got that out of, Madrid were awesome on the break and had the more dangerous chances by far.
Rudiger had Haalands number? Got physical with him
Vini Jr is the most dangerous man on the pitch, gave Kyle walker some runaround tonight.
City had loads of possession and passed it about well but they didn't threaten much. If Haaland is kept quiet and frustrated again in the next game I'd expect Madrid to go through by 2+ goals
I think you are both off your heads. It will be a close tie in the second leg unless someone gets sent off early.
Fancy Madrid to do it, especially if Pep plays with 10 men again lol,
What subs didn't play for City?
Quote from: Capt Pat on May 09, 2023, 10:12:26 PM
I think you are both off your heads. It will be a close tie in the second leg unless someone gets sent off early.
Totally agree there's absolutely nothing in the game... City can control the ball and get 3-4 chances that way with Madrid defending well and likewise getting 3-4 chances on the break.
It'll be fine margins again that sorts this one out
Haaland was too isolated. I still am not 100% sure that despite his goals haaland completely suits Man City...
I didn't see their subs but did they bring many on? Mahrez and foden at least then the Dutch left back wasn't playing - or was he and I am mistaken? The Argentinian fella too.
Silva should have been off a good bit before the end.
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 09, 2023, 10:42:43 PM
Haaland was too isolated. I still am not 100% sure that despite his goals haaland completely suits Man City...
I didn't see their subs but did they bring many on? Mahrez and foden at least then the Dutch left back wasn't playing - or was he and I am mistaken? The Argentinian fella too.
Silva should have been off a good bit before the end.
You didn't see them because they brought none on.
Madrid are some outfit in this competition.
I can easily see them absorb whatever City have to offer and then cut through them on the break at the Etihad.
They're never dead and buried either.
I always think Real ride their luck something shocking, plus Courtois saves their bacon in the big games so often, (the Paris final v Liverpool was ridiculous). City are a better side imo, I expect them to come through in the 2nd leg, but home advantage is pretty much nonexistent with these pair, anything could happen.
Some start by inter. 2-0 up after 10 minutes. I thought we might be looking at 0-0.
Goals from 37 years young Dzeko and Mkhitaryan aged 34.
Can't see Milan coming back on the basis of what I saw tonight. Is Leao out for the return leg as well or will he be back?
Two crap teams as far as top level world clubs go, city or Madrid 2nd leg is the real final, but then you never know in finals.
The Italian league isn't at the same level of some of the others in Europe which have now overtaken it. Napoli were supposed to be the bees knees and look at them
Meh, you could say the same thing about City the past few years. Runaway best team in England, not getting it done (so far) in the CL.
Internazionale Milano the 3rd best team in the Serie A stroll into the Champions league final. Napoli have to kicking themselves to have lost to that AC Milan side.
City well up for this one. Deserved lead.
That was probably one of the most complete halves of football i've ever seen from City or anyone else
Quote from: Nanderson on May 17, 2023, 08:49:28 PM
That was probably one of the most complete halves of football i've ever seen from City or anyone else
I dunno, a few of the final balls were lacking... Haaland not on the same wavelength. Definitely impressive but Pep's Barca were better IMO
Quote from: CK_Redhand on May 17, 2023, 08:50:51 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on May 17, 2023, 08:49:28 PM
That was probably one of the most complete halves of football i've ever seen from City or anyone else
I dunno, a few of the final balls were lacking... Haaland not on the same wavelength. Definitely impressive but Pep's Barca were better IMO
True but if you're looking at the difference in quality of the 2 teams. Peps Barca had Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, Pique, Alves arguably the best players in their positions in the modern game
City might be the best side I've seen.. Peps Barca side I never enjoyed found the passing style boring (maybe that was just impatient youth) This side looks complete
It's inevitable now. City winning the CL is like a few years back , and Dublin (or Tyrone) winning the All Ireland again (or first time). You knew it was probably going to happen at some stage but that still doesn't make it any easier
That is 3 for city tonight and the treble is in the bag as well.
Serious outfit Haaland would have a hat trick against another keeper it could easily be 6!
Quote from: screenexile on May 17, 2023, 09:36:21 PM
Serious outfit Haaland would have a hat trick against another keeper it could easily be 6!
Courtois has to be the best shotstopper in the world overall. Basically won Real Madrid the champions league last year
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 09, 2023, 09:54:17 PM
Whatever chance Real Madrid had in this tie they needed to win to tonight. Manchester City should win the 2nd leg only question looks like the margin of victory I can imagine now.
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExY2NmM2E4ZjFkOGE3ZWE2ODUzMjkyMTY5M2E0OWI1YzExM2VmOWMxZiZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZzX2dpZklkJmN0PWc/d3mlE7uhX8KFgEmY/giphy.gif)
I bet haaland is scundered... couldn't buy a goal and Alvarez gets one in about a minute ;D
Very few teams ever would be better than that current city team. (Who could still blow it)
😂😂
Here lads what has happened with Foden?? He's barely featured the last 3 months very strange considering he was touted as the next Messi at a stage!
City are a joy to watch. Grealish superb 2nite.
Imagine Courtois hadn't have stopped 3 or 4 rockets 2nite. Real are an ageing team, Ancellotti did some job getting them another European Cup (well him & Courtois)
Quote from: screenexile on May 17, 2023, 09:51:20 PM
😂😂
Here lads what has happened with Foden?? He's barely featured the last 3 months very strange considering he was touted as the next Messi at a stage!
He got injured plus the form grealish is in you'd pick very few players anbout ahead of him.
Quote from: screenexile on May 17, 2023, 09:51:20 PM
😂😂
Here lads what has happened with Foden?? He's barely featured the last 3 months very strange considering he was touted as the next Messi at a stage!
He was ill & ended up getting his appendix out, but I think it's more that Grealish is just keeping him out of the side.
Real Madrid weren't in the best of form coming into this tie and were hoping the return of Modric would spark them into life again but I think that was the worst I've ever seen Modric play, age has finally caught up with him. The flattering to deceive looks to be finally over by City in the competition. Pep Guardiola is overdue a Champions league title also (12 years waiting) record win in the Champions league or European cup final is 4-0, won't be any surprise if Man City match or better that score line against Inter.
Are we avoiding the elephant in the room that Man City have financial doped. The Lance Armstrong of football.
Quote from: mrdeeds on May 17, 2023, 11:52:52 PM
Are we avoiding the elephant in the room that Man City have financial doped. The Lance Armstrong of football.
exactly. Barely mentioned by journalists too
Quote from: markl121 on May 17, 2023, 11:55:07 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on May 17, 2023, 11:52:52 PM
Are we avoiding the elephant in the room that Man City have financial doped. The Lance Armstrong of football.
exactly. Barely mentioned by journalists too
Delaney does and gets destroyed. Every EPL team is at it to some level.
Quote from: markl121 on May 17, 2023, 11:55:07 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on May 17, 2023, 11:52:52 PM
Are we avoiding the elephant in the room that Man City have financial doped. The Lance Armstrong of football.
exactly. Barely mentioned by journalists too
Talk of the Treble has been barely mentioned up to this also, which shows a underlying contempt for City. This time last year you could not but read about Liverpool's Treble chances which were always a lot slimmer to achieve.
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 18, 2023, 06:42:48 AM
Quote from: markl121 on May 17, 2023, 11:55:07 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on May 17, 2023, 11:52:52 PM
Are we avoiding the elephant in the room that Man City have financial doped. The Lance Armstrong of football.
exactly. Barely mentioned by journalists too
Talk of the Treble has been barely mentioned up to this also, which shows a underlying contempt for City. This time last year you could not but read about Liverpool's Treble chances which were always a lot slimmer to achieve.
Last season Liverpool themselves were on about a quadruple. Been plenty of talk last 2 months of a city treble. They basically wrapped it up last night. They will win the title this weekend and rest the players till June 3rd hammer utd at Wembley then destroy inter in Istanbul. As a utd fan it would be great to deny them in the cup final though. It shows how big an achievement 99 was.
Loads of supposed self declared better teams never got close to that achievement. City are a class act on the pitch. The FFP is a bit of a joke though. What's happened to all the talk of the rule breeches.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on May 17, 2023, 10:20:34 PM
Real Madrid weren't in the best of form coming into this tie and were hoping the return of Modric would spark them into life again but I think that was the worst I've ever seen Modric play, age has finally caught up with him. The flattering to deceive looks to be finally over by City in the competition. Pep Guardiola is overdue a Champions league title also (12 years waiting) record win in the Champions league or European cup final is 4-0, won't be any surprise if Man City match or better that score line against Inter.
They , and tbh pep in particular with team selection, have made some awful balls ups in the CL. They may win easily but still a part of me thinks they could freeze though. I hope they win it tbh as they are a phenomenal team and I don't really like inter.
Plenty of talk about the treble but I think fans look at Man City in a different light to other clubs.
I would have thought that is why most other fans were happy enough to see Arsenal fall away, because they are a proper 'legacy' club.
Tbf to City some of the football over both legs was sublime, I just think they will never be regarded in the same light as the clubs around them rightly or wrongly.
For all this talk of City and financial doping which may be right, their net spend is less than the likes of Chelsea and United and a couple of others too. They have bought smartly and Guardiola is up there with the best managers the game has seen.
Quote from: blasmere on May 18, 2023, 08:54:41 AM
For all this talk of City and financial doping which may be right, their net spend is less than the likes of Chelsea and United and a couple of others too. They have bought smartly and Guardiola is up there with the best managers the game has seen.
Their reported spend is complete crap though, that's part of the charges that were placed against them. Undeclared fees, wages paid through other streams - what you see on paper means nothing. Great team no doubt but we have no idea if they spent well or not.
One journalist noted they haven't lost a game since the 115 charges were made against them.
A bit like the Dubs the claims will ease off once Pep goes and this particular team comes back to the field. Good management from top to bottom has been the real reason they are where they currently are. United & Chelsea are 2 brutal examples of spending money with no real plan and the wrong people in charge.
Quote from: clonian on May 18, 2023, 09:35:30 AM
Quote from: blasmere on May 18, 2023, 08:54:41 AM
For all this talk of City and financial doping which may be right, their net spend is less than the likes of Chelsea and United and a couple of others too. They have bought smartly and Guardiola is up there with the best managers the game has seen.
Their reported spend is complete crap though, that's part of the charges that were placed against them. Undeclared fees, wages paid through other streams - what you see on paper means nothing. Great team no doubt but we have no idea if they spent well or not.
One journalist noted they haven't lost a game since the 115 charges were made against them.
I'm not talking about their reported spend, I'm referring to their net spend on transfers which is what it is. How they pay for the transfers, wages and getting money into the club via sponsorships and other means is another matter.
As the poster above noted they are well managed on the pitch and in terms of their transfer strategy in buying the right players more often than not unlike United and Chelsea.
Quote from: blasmere on May 18, 2023, 08:54:41 AM
For all this talk of City and financial doping which may be right, their net spend is less than the likes of Chelsea and United and a couple of others too. They have bought smartly and Guardiola is up there with the best managers the game has seen.
If he beats Inter it will still have taken him 12 years to regain the Champions League. He went through a long Clann na nGael phase with Man City.
Ancelotti was Everton manager and won the CL much faster afterwards.
Quote from: blasmere on May 18, 2023, 10:00:38 AM
Quote from: clonian on May 18, 2023, 09:35:30 AM
Quote from: blasmere on May 18, 2023, 08:54:41 AM
For all this talk of City and financial doping which may be right, their net spend is less than the likes of Chelsea and United and a couple of others too. They have bought smartly and Guardiola is up there with the best managers the game has seen.
Their reported spend is complete crap though, that's part of the charges that were placed against them. Undeclared fees, wages paid through other streams - what you see on paper means nothing. Great team no doubt but we have no idea if they spent well or not.
One journalist noted they haven't lost a game since the 115 charges were made against them.
I'm not talking about their reported spend, I'm referring to their net spend on transfers which is what it is. How they pay for the transfers, wages and getting money into the club via sponsorships and other means is another matter.
As the poster above noted they are well managed on the pitch and in terms of their transfer strategy in buying the right players more often than not unlike United and Chelsea.
The point is the reported spend is under investigation as well as where the revenue stream is coming from.
They have been really well run no doubt, and Chelsea and United are examples of how it doesn't matter how much money is spent if you don't have a plan in place. City built a club to be successful and it was only a matter of time before they won the Champions League. I can't see anything but a treble for them now.
Quote from: blasmere on May 18, 2023, 08:54:41 AM
For all this talk of City and financial doping which may be right, their net spend is less than the likes of Chelsea and United and a couple of others too. They have bought smartly and Guardiola is up there with the best managers the game has seen.
Almost as if there is an allegation their books are cooked
Quote from: blasmere on May 18, 2023, 10:00:38 AM
Quote from: clonian on May 18, 2023, 09:35:30 AM
Quote from: blasmere on May 18, 2023, 08:54:41 AM
For all this talk of City and financial doping which may be right, their net spend is less than the likes of Chelsea and United and a couple of others too. They have bought smartly and Guardiola is up there with the best managers the game has seen.
Their reported spend is complete crap though, that's part of the charges that were placed against them. Undeclared fees, wages paid through other streams - what you see on paper means nothing. Great team no doubt but we have no idea if they spent well or not.
One journalist noted they haven't lost a game since the 115 charges were made against them.
I'm not talking about their reported spend, I'm referring to their net spend on transfers which is what it is. How they pay for the transfers, wages and getting money into the club via sponsorships and other means is another matter.
As the poster above noted they are well managed on the pitch and in terms of their transfer strategy in buying the right players more often than not unlike United and Chelsea.
Is what it is says who though?
City are a brilliant team and a joy to watch how they play the game. Technically top class, ball control, vision and passing on another level. Brave with and without the ball, always try and do the right thing as a team. Obviously in sport anything can happen but it would be a brave man to bet against the treble.
All this talk of financial doping or cooking the books, fair enough from a puritanical POV, but it's a bit rich coming from some quarters. They're no more doped than the other big European clubs or top clubs in PL. Wasn't so long ago I seem to remember shareholders of a certain club having serious reservations about how the club did its business. Think there were some dodgy looking top transfers where the agent was, ahem, an acquaintance of the manager. They ended up having their homes vandalised and selling up.
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 18, 2023, 07:58:23 AM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on May 17, 2023, 10:20:34 PM
Real Madrid weren't in the best of form coming into this tie and were hoping the return of Modric would spark them into life again but I think that was the worst I've ever seen Modric play, age has finally caught up with him. The flattering to deceive looks to be finally over by City in the competition. Pep Guardiola is overdue a Champions league title also (12 years waiting) record win in the Champions league or European cup final is 4-0, won't be any surprise if Man City match or better that score line against Inter.
They , and tbh pep in particular with team selection, have made some awful balls ups in the CL. They may win easily but still a part of me thinks they could freeze though. I hope they win it tbh as they are a phenomenal team and I don't really like inter.
Tends to over think things at times, Pep took on the Bayern Munich gig in 2013 when they were defending Champions and in his three seasons with them they didn't reach the final. He's been trying to win the Champions league with City since the 2016/17 season but made their exits to Monaco,Liverpool,Spurs,Lyon,Chelsea and last season Real Madrid (City was favourites to win the Champions league in a lot of those seasons). Losing to Inter would probably top the lot for unexpected loss as Inter three years ago had arguably a better side and weren't good enough to win the Europa league final and their current team is made up of plenty of Ex Premier league players that probably wouldn't make the City bench.
The Inter squad is worth around half of Man City's
But it's a final and they are Italian.
https://www.transfermarkt.com/inter-mailand/startseite/verein/46
Roma into the Europa league final. 1-0 up after the 1st leg and Jose Mourinho did what he does best by parking the bus tonight.
(https://i.ibb.co/XJs2mzr/Screenshot-20230518-220056-2.png) (https://ibb.co/x5jCVMt)
David Moyes West Ham into the 3rd tier Conference league final, Fiorentina they'll play.
And after extra time Sevilla into their 7th UEFA Cup/ Europa League final. Six wins from six finals so far.
Dortmund going to do their regular choke job by the looks of it, 1.0 down, missed a penalty. In the build up to the penalty the commentator was saying it was Heller's1st penalty for Dortmund, like why would u let him near it?
As I was typing Mainz scored, 2.0 up with only 25min gone. Don't see an Aguero moment here
https://www.irishtimes.com/video/sport/soccer/2023/05/26/how-the-vinicius-jr-racism-incident-spilled-over-into-politics-and-wider-culture/
Quote from: bennydorano on May 27, 2023, 02:57:10 PM
Dortmund going to do their regular choke job by the looks of it, 1.0 down, missed a penalty. In the build up to the penalty the commentator was saying it was Heller's1st penalty for Dortmund, like why would u let him near it?
As I was typing Mainz scored, 2.0 up with only 25min gone. Don't see an Aguero moment here
Will be Bayern Munich's lowest title winning points total for 20 plus years if they win this afternoon.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 27, 2023, 02:57:10 PM
Dortmund going to do their regular choke job by the looks of it, 1.0 down, missed a penalty. In the build up to the penalty the commentator was saying it was Heller's1st penalty for Dortmund, like why would u let him near it?
As I was typing Mainz scored, 2.0 up with only 25min gone. Don't see an Aguero moment here
One back
Bayern now doing the bottle job.
Very Spursy of Dortmund. Bellingham injured obviously a big blow
Now it's the Dortmund wall of tears.
very boring when a team wins 12 leagues or whatever it is in a row
Dortmund only themselves to blame this time out.
Quote from: Eire90 on May 28, 2023, 01:03:43 AM
very boring when a team wins 12 leagues or whatever it is in a row
Premiership heading that way with Man City. :-\
Jose Mourinho's record in European finals v Sevilla's record in Europa League finals. It's Roma 1-0 ahead at half time.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 31, 2023, 08:55:50 PM
Jose Mourinho's record in European finals v Sevilla's record in Europa League finals. It's Roma 1-0 ahead at half time.
Well we know what sevilla can do when behind
1-1 extra time to be played, no real surprise there.
Be here all night at this rate.
Penalty alert. Sevilla with Bono in goals to win this.
Quote from: Capt Pat on May 31, 2023, 10:46:46 PM
Be here all night at this rate.
A final that started in May and will finish in June.
Jose Mourinho's flawless record in European finals over. Sevilla love affair with this competition continues
7 times winners! Crazy
Sevilla get the win. Delighted for Sean Cox and his family, they couldn't be watching Roma win after what they did to him.
Quote from: Capt Pat on May 31, 2023, 11:07:00 PM
Sevilla get the win. Delighted for Sean Cox and his family, they couldn't be watching Roma win after what they did to him.
I wouldn't be holding the club responsible for Sean, you'd have a list as long as your arm that are 'associated' with far worse
Quote from: Capt Pat on May 31, 2023, 11:07:00 PM
Sevilla get the win. Delighted for Sean Cox and his family, they couldn't be watching Roma win after what they did to him.
*Cough, cough. Heysel.* Daft f**king comment.
Do you think Sean Cox or his family take much solace from Roma losing football matches?
Liverpool have to live with the shame of Heysel as do Roma with Sean Cox. I know if someone did that to a relative of mine I would certainly hold a grudge. Obviously I can't speak for the Cox family.
Quote from: Capt Pat on May 31, 2023, 11:07:00 PM
Sevilla get the win. Delighted for Sean Cox and his family, they couldn't be watching Roma win after what they did to him.
Weird angle, strange
Quote from: Capt Pat on May 31, 2023, 11:07:00 PM
Sevilla get the win. Delighted for Sean Cox and his family, they couldn't be watching Roma win after what they did to him.
Holy spaghetti, that is some take.
Utd would have bate the pick of those two sides if EtH hadn't employed GAA underage Go Games mantra and gave Maguire a go in the SFs.
Spanish teams record in finals continues. Man City, West ham should be happy it's Serie A teams they play in their upcoming finals.
Quote
Spanish teams have made 26 appearances in UCL / UEL finals since 2001/02:
The only defeats were against other Lá Liga teams
Quote from: Capt Pat on May 31, 2023, 11:07:00 PM
Sevilla get the win. Delighted for Sean Cox and his family, they couldn't be watching Roma win after what they did to him.
Roma donated €150,000 to the Sean Cox recovery fund. It wasn't their fault, just as where the attack happened wasn't Liverpool's responsibility.
See the ref Taylor getting abused going through an airport today (following Mourinho giving him abuse after the match last night). Jose going to pay for his mouthing this time I reckon.
That penalty decision last night was an absolute shocker tho, I couldn't believe he wouldn't look at it again when offered the chance. Refs have to be held to account for such shitness.
There's another ref in the spotlight, the upcoming CL final appointee Szymon Marciniak who is under UEFA investigation because he attended an event in Poland organised by Sławomir Mentzen the leader of the (white supremacist jew hating) Confederation party.
'An event poster was distributed through social media, featured Mentzen himself drinking beer (White IPA Matters) from a cup. Another poster featured Marciniak wearing a Fifa referee kit. A post by Mentzen announcing Marciniak's presence at the event was shared on Marciniak's Facebook fanpage.
Marciniak was presented as a speaker on the event's website alongside Mentzen, who subsequently praised Marciniak as a "genius speaker'.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jun/01/champions-league-final-referee-spoke-at-event-with-far-right-leader (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jun/01/champions-league-final-referee-spoke-at-event-with-far-right-leader)
Can we now assume that GAAbord referee member MR2 has a secret wardrobe in the attic packed solid with Nazi regalia?
You're fine Main Street, I'd be lucky to have a quarter of the wardrobe, enough room for 5 shirts!
It's nice that many countries get to host European finals but under 20,000 capacity seems ridiculous for a final
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65809722
"There are reports up to 20,000 West Ham fans will be in Prague, Czech Republic, despite the club receiving 4,890 tickets for the 19,370-capacity Fortuna Arena"
I'm sure this will go down well in some quarters. Great to see the hard work paying off.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/sports/english-champions-man-city-named-worlds-most-valuable-football-club-brand/2915487#:~:text=English%20Premier%20League%20champions%20Manchester,company%20said%20in%20a%20report.
I see Spanish referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz retired at the weekend, let's just say the matches he was in charge of was eventful.
Some of the world's finest players have been connected with a transfer to Saudi Arabia. Following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, the World-Class players are speculated to be joining the Saudi Pro League. I see Kanté is very close to joining Al-Ittihad (same club Benzema joined last week). Rather than the MLS, it appears like Saudi Arabia is the new retirement home for players.
I wonder will Messi follow suit?
How much money is enough for some of these guys, they're hardly short a few Bob. Will Messi return to Barcelona? The club he loves so much he wouldn't take a pay cut to stay in the first place.
Quote from: bennydorano on June 07, 2023, 09:19:55 AM
How much money is enough for some of these guys, they're hardly short a few Bob. Will Messi return to Barcelona? The club he loves so much he wouldn't take a pay cut to stay in the first place.
He would have taken a paycut to stay at Barca, La Liga rules prohibits anyone taking a paycut of more than 50% and if he took a paycut of 49% they still fell foul of La Liga FFP rules
In saying this the figure of €400m a year being quoted to go to Saudi is mental and one that would be difficult for anyone to turn down
Quote from: Skeletor on June 07, 2023, 07:56:57 AM
Some of the world's finest players have been connected with a transfer to Saudi Arabia. Following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, the World-Class players are speculated to be joining the Saudi Pro League. I see Kanté is very close to joining Al-Ittihad (same club Benzema joined last week). Rather than the MLS, it appears like Saudi Arabia is the new retirement home for players.
I wonder will Messi follow suit?
€100m a season for Kante? Crazy figures. But I can't feel it'll be like the LIV golf, a retirement home. One last pay day.
Quote from: bennydorano on June 07, 2023, 09:19:55 AM
How much money is enough for some of these guys, they're hardly short a few Bob. Will Messi return to Barcelona? The club he loves so much he wouldn't take a pay cut to stay in the first place.
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1665717922927616000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1665717922927616000%7Ctwgr%5E6be6b651b1827e3796992d5f8989aa9067513840%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.football-espana.net%2F2023%2F06%2F05%2Ffabrizio-romano-on-lionel-messi-to-barcelona-both-sides-feel-time-is-running-out
I feel like a move to Saudi Arabia likely.
West Ham fans letting themselves down a bagful
Quote from: Skeletor on June 07, 2023, 09:30:46 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 07, 2023, 09:19:55 AM
How much money is enough for some of these guys, they're hardly short a few Bob. Will Messi return to Barcelona? The club he loves so much he wouldn't take a pay cut to stay in the first place.
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1665717922927616000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1665717922927616000%7Ctwgr%5E6be6b651b1827e3796992d5f8989aa9067513840%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.football-espana.net%2F2023%2F06%2F05%2Ffabrizio-romano-on-lionel-messi-to-barcelona-both-sides-feel-time-is-running-out
I feel like a move to Saudi Arabia likely.
Inter Miami apparently
Quote from: gawa316 on June 07, 2023, 08:36:58 PM
West Ham fans letting themselves down a bagful
BBC News - West Ham: Fans attacked by Fiorentina supporters before Europa Conference League final
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65837778
West Ham United win the conference league with a 90th minute winner. David Moyes first competition trophy won since 2000 with Preston North End which was a second Division league title.
Quote from: gawa316 on June 07, 2023, 08:36:58 PM
West Ham fans letting themselves down a bagful
Sparta ultras attacked them. My lad is in Prague and saw it kicking off.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 07, 2023, 10:09:04 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on June 07, 2023, 08:36:58 PM
West Ham fans letting themselves down a bagful
Sparta ultras attacked them. My lad is in Prague and saw it kicking off.
In the stadium? I am talking about them throwing cups and stuff at the players
Great winning goal, watched bits & pieces of it, Fiorentina looked a better quality side from what I saw. They're enjoying it on the pitch now.
Quote from: trailer on June 07, 2023, 09:27:11 AM
Quote from: Skeletor on June 07, 2023, 07:56:57 AM
Some of the world's finest players have been connected with a transfer to Saudi Arabia. Following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, the World-Class players are speculated to be joining the Saudi Pro League. I see Kanté is very close to joining Al-Ittihad (same club Benzema joined last week). Rather than the MLS, it appears like Saudi Arabia is the new retirement home for players.
I wonder will Messi follow suit?
€100m a season for Kante? Crazy figures. But I can't feel it'll be like the LIV golf, a retirement home. One last pay day.
China part 2. Whatever happened Oscar who was in early 20s Brazil Squad then made that move solely for money?
Walker only on the bench for City tonight. That is a blow for City.
He doesn't start that regularly though this year does he?
I know he was good against real but was he not put on to do a job on vinicius?
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 10, 2023, 06:48:39 PM
Walker only on the bench for City tonight. That is a blow for City.
He's been injured has he not ?
Anyone give Inter a chance?
You never know in a one-off, but I'd expect 3-1 or 4-1 to City in the end.
Think Inters only chance is turn it into a boring dogfight and try to reach penalties
Anything less than a two goal margin victory for Manchester City will be a big surprise.
Catenaccio and counter attacking
Inter doing rightly here. City not playing well so far. Referee is letting er flow.
De Bruyne is off injured now. Another big blow for City. It would be some laugh if City don't win.
I could see them losing this. They're not playing the way they would like at all and aren't particularly used to tight games.
Lukaku with a late winner
Half time at the Ataturk is 0-0.
The only way Inter win this is on Pens. All perspiration, they'll slip up at some point, that uber hi energy game is hard to maintain for 90/120 mins. City pretty poor so far.
Come on City
You would have to favour Inter now.
Man City have to feel anxious.
Quote from: square_ball on June 10, 2023, 08:24:41 PM
Inter doing rightly here. City not playing well so far. Referee is letting er flow.
There are but will Inter have the fitness and conditioning to keep it going for a full 90 minutes?
Ref has no notion of giving anymore a card by looks of it
These Italian c***ts would put years on you, it's like Roma MkII
It's like watching the Red Star v Marseille final all over again.
I'll be back for the penalties.
Jesus the ref could have gave a pen as much as a free out fo that Stones wrestling
Man City very sloppy. The lack of competition in England is great until the day it isn't.
City goal out of nothing will that be the end of Inter's challenge?
1-0, treble on.. Only early 30s and haven't seen as many finals as others on the board but.. This is the worst UCL final since the Italians in 2003. Near asleep before that goal. Not sure there's been many worse in my lifetime
City need to go to a back 4 asap, I'd put Phillips on to hold as well
They need Akanji off ASAP. He's a bag of nerves at the minute.
Quote from: square_ball on June 10, 2023, 09:34:43 PM
They need Akanji off ASAP. He's a bag of nerves at the minute.
Yep, had a great year but ropey 2nite, Ake not super either
As somebody mentioned the Res Star Belgrade final was awful, especially as they beat the life out of everybody getting to the final.
I assume Stones is injured or fucked as he was class. My MOTM
Lukaku since introduced got in the way of goal bound effort and misses a sitter. Manchester City can be thankful he was brought on.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 10, 2023, 09:52:44 PM
Lukaku since introduced got in the way of goal bound effort and misses a sitter. Manchester City can be thankful he was brought on.
between this and the golf its a good week for sportswashing.....
Stumbled over the line. Will win more now
It's hard to appreciate this Treble!
"Manchester City have done the impossible"
Ai dead on...
(I don't mind them but what a load of shit)
Big one for City the night, no longer in the backroom any more.
City were jammy enough in the end but then so were Utd back in 99.
Ederson motm
I still don't believe they play a way that suits Haaland.
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2023, 09:57:36 PM
Stumbled over the line. Will win more now
Newcastle signed a dodgy sponsorship deal for 31m on Friday as they emulate city in flouting the financial rules. The game is f**ked
City played poorly but still won, sign of a good team.
Newcastle next year.
Quote from: Aaron Boone on June 10, 2023, 10:01:01 PM
Newcastle next year.
Exactly. I lost interest in English football a long time ago. Sky loading the dice in their favour was bad enough but the middle east money has brought it to new levels. City are cheating but no one wants to call it out. Newcastle are following suit. We'll see how Liverpool and Man U fans feel in a few years when the quality gap increases and the authorities continue to ignore it
They been the best team overall over the past 6yrs, Liverpool pushed them for a while but Liverpool have a great season then a shit one all too often recently. 1st Championship league the hardest, I think they win at least 1 more plus still be the dominant team in England over nxt 5yrs.
There is a reason Lukaku is out on loan from Chelsea even though they had no defined striker this season.
Quote from: straightred on June 10, 2023, 10:00:19 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2023, 09:57:36 PM
Stumbled over the line. Will win more now
Newcastle signed a dodgy sponsorship deal for 31m on Friday as they emulate city in flouting the financial rules. The game is f**ked
Whats the difference in Mike Ashley plastering newcastle with sports direct sponsorship and Dave Whelan plastering wigan with DW sports and previously JJB sports sponsorship and the deals with city and newcastle. Only difference I can see is the amount of money involved in it
Quote from: straightred on June 10, 2023, 10:00:19 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2023, 09:57:36 PM
Stumbled over the line. Will win more now
Newcastle signed a dodgy sponsorship deal for 31m on Friday as they emulate city in flouting the financial rules. The game is f**ked
Financial fair play is a joke ffs. It's designed to keep the elite elite and f**k all else. City are where they are because of Pep (& money), Newcastle might join them as Howe looks a good manager.
The elites don't like the nouveau riche, slap it up them.
Sure Man Utd for years won leagues because they brought / outbid other clubs to pick up top players. They spend a fortune past 5yrs and got f**k all to show for it.
Quote from: Nanderson on June 10, 2023, 10:06:47 PM
Quote from: straightred on June 10, 2023, 10:00:19 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2023, 09:57:36 PM
Stumbled over the line. Will win more now
Newcastle signed a dodgy sponsorship deal for 31m on Friday as they emulate city in flouting the financial rules. The game is f**ked
Whats the difference in Mike Ashley plastering newcastle with sports direct sponsorship and Dave Whelan plastering wigan with DW sports and previously JJB sports sponsorship and the deals with city and newcastle. Only difference I can see is the amount of money involved in it
No difference except they are flouting the financial fair play rules. Over priced sponsorship money disguised as turnover to allow them spend more on players. Corporate boxes and executive suites selling for outragous sums - all part of cooking the books. There's a reason that city have over 100 charges hanging over them.
Remember the Super League plans from a couple of years ago... what if Saudi Arabia becomes the destination for talent (it's already started with retiring players). They could create a franchise outside of FIFA jurisdiction and kill the traditional club teams.
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2023, 09:43:53 PM
I assume Stones is injured or fucked as he was class. My MOTM
I thought Stones was shown to be out of his depth as a midfielder tonight. He is no attacking midfielder.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 10, 2023, 10:09:11 PM
Sure Man Utd for years won leagues because they brought / outbid other clubs to pick up top players. They spend a fortune past 5yrs and got f**k all to show for it.
I'm no fan of theirs either but that was done within the Financial fair play rules. They have far far more legitimate turnover than city. Their revenue is accounted for.
The nightmare for Man Utd is that City get to parade the 3 trophies in their home city.
Quote from: CK_Redhand on June 10, 2023, 10:09:50 PM
Remember the Super League plans from a couple of years ago... what if Saudi Arabia becomes the destination for talent (it's already started with retiring players). They could create a franchise outside of FIFA jurisdiction and kill the traditional club teams.
thats the risk. Look at golf. The PGA caved in because, by their own admission, they coudln't afford to fight the case
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 10, 2023, 10:00:40 PM
City played poorly but still won, sign of a good team.
City's squad is worth twice Inter's.
Lukaku exemplifies this. It's all about money. Same as whenever Real win. It's impossible to imagine Ajax or Atletico or a team from Eastern Europe winning.
Christ, Ronnie Whelan!
Inter goalie looked top drawer, on the move by the sounds of it.
But fair play rules are created to keep the big boys on top, if u got small support like say Forest ( who won 2 cups) they wouldn't be fit to win again without major backing.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 10, 2023, 10:15:41 PM
But fair play rules are created to keep the big boys on top, if u got small support like say Forest ( who won 2 cups) they wouldn't be fit to win again without major backing.
Correct, Martin Samuels in the UK Times has been going to town on FFP nonsense
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 10, 2023, 10:15:41 PM
But fair play rules are created to keep the big boys on top, if u got small support like say Forest ( who won 2 cups) they wouldn't be fit to win again without major backing.
I'm old school. I'd love to go back to one team per country in the european cup. Accepting that this cant happen I could accept the bigger clubs staying on top on the basis that there was enough of them. Now we have an elite few that are bank rolled by countries. PSG haven't managed to get it over the line but City have and I've no doubt Newcastle will push on next year.
Maybe the best solution would be a super league for the top 15 or 20 and let them at it.
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2023, 10:17:23 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 10, 2023, 10:15:41 PM
But fair play rules are created to keep the big boys on top, if u got small support like say Forest ( who won 2 cups) they wouldn't be fit to win again without major backing.
Correct, Martin Samuels in the UK Times has been going to town on FFP nonsense
Martin Samuel's and his rag of newspaper is well known for their nonsense.
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2023, 10:17:23 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 10, 2023, 10:15:41 PM
But fair play rules are created to keep the big boys on top, if u got small support like say Forest ( who won 2 cups) they wouldn't be fit to win again without major backing.
Correct, Martin Samuels in the UK Times has been going to town on FFP nonsense
Ah stop.... red top garbage
How close did Inter come to scoring with the last play of the game? They never showed a replay of it. I thought it was close.
2 clowns in a row. The Times lads, not the Sun.
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2023, 10:17:23 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 10, 2023, 10:15:41 PM
But fair play rules are created to keep the big boys on top, if u got small support like say Forest ( who won 2 cups) they wouldn't be fit to win again without major backing.
Correct, Martin Samuels in the UK Times has been going to town on FFP nonsense
If you're quoting Martin Samuels then you know you're on the wrong side of the argument.
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2023, 10:31:18 PM
2 clowns in a row. The Times lads, not the Sun.
The Daily Mail actually...... i knew that but you obviously didn't. I think we both know who the clown is
Quote from: straightred on June 10, 2023, 10:37:03 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2023, 10:31:18 PM
2 clowns in a row. The Times lads, not the Sun.
The Daily Mail actually...... i knew that but you obviously didn't. I think we both know who the clown is
Wrong. I actually buy newspapers
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 10, 2023, 10:10:45 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2023, 09:43:53 PM
I assume Stones is injured or fucked as he was class. My MOTM
I thought Stones was shown to be out of his depth as a midfielder tonight. He is no attacking midfielder.
Stones was very good. MOTM for me as well.
City might finally be the pin the bursts football's bubble.
Sky, BT et al might celebrate their win as a culmination of brilliance. But the mood of the public is apathy, and public apathy is the greatest enemy of professional sport.
City winning the treble is all a bit meh. I can't even get annoyed because I just don't care anymore. I watched the last 15 minutes . I actually think that's the only CL action I've watched this season
And if you think city's billionaires winning the CL is bad for football , wait until the new champions league format starts
Quote from: thewobbler on June 10, 2023, 10:48:10 PM
City might finally be the pin the bursts football's bubble.
Sky, BT et al might celebrate their win as a culmination of brilliance. But the mood of the public is apathy, and public apathy is the greatest enemy of professional sport.
It's emptiness unless your a City fan. It was almost an inevitability that they would win it but it's unexciting, monotonous and manufactured. But then it's spread throughout an awful lot of professional sport now with Arab money infiltrating boxing, racing, golf. There won't be a cow milked in Abu Dhabi tonight!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FySjWK6WwAUAFOe?format=jpg&name=small)
Sheik Mansour the owner of City was at his second City game in 15 years tonight
Surprisingly City never got near their expected performance level tonight, in truth it was a nervy display by them and Inter missed a number of big chances to least bring that match to extra time. Will be a bit soon to expect Newcastle to mimic City yet but in time they be challenging for major honours.
Other team supporters dont care when they dont count shocker.
The new format looks mad right enough but it will always be the pinnacle of European club football whatever it's called. The coin will will still matter.
A busy thread tonight full of people who apparently don't care about City winning
Quote from: square_ball on June 10, 2023, 10:42:39 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 10, 2023, 10:10:45 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2023, 09:43:53 PM
I assume Stones is injured or fucked as he was class. My MOTM
I thought Stones was shown to be out of his depth as a midfielder tonight. He is no attacking midfielder.
Stones was very good. MOTM for me as well.
Think Rodri got official MOTM. Hargreaves on BT Sport was for giving it to Stones.
Quote from: maldini on June 10, 2023, 11:26:34 PM
A busy thread tonight full of people who apparently don't care about City winning
It's a funny one, I don't watch much these days, didn't watch a minute of tonight's final, but if it was Liverpool, Arsenal, Utd etc I'd have tuned in. Zero interest in Man City. They were always going to win a CL and will go on to win many more.
BT Sport was poor tonight. Tried too hard with Balotelli and the likes. He'd nothing to say. Really shut coverage. How do I unblock my RTE 2 signal so I can cancel my BT subscription? Tonight was the final straw. Waste of money.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 10, 2023, 10:15:41 PM
But fair play rules are created to keep the big boys on top, if u got small support like say Forest ( who won 2 cups) they wouldn't be fit to win again without major backing.
Forest had major backing. They broke most of the transfer records under Clough. The wealthiest (non royal) family in England bankrolled Liverpool in the late 80's. It has always been like this but the difference is previously it was a local owner funding his local club.
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on June 11, 2023, 01:31:05 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 10, 2023, 10:15:41 PM
But fair play rules are created to keep the big boys on top, if u got small support like say Forest ( who won 2 cups) they wouldn't be fit to win again without major backing.
Forest had major backing. They broke most of the transfer records under Clough. The wealthiest (non royal) family in England bankrolled Liverpool in the late 80's. It has always been like this but the difference is previously it was a local owner funding his local club.
Forest was under a different economic system where money was limited. Players were local. How many Brazilians did Clough buy? How many City players are English? 3?
Celtic also won the competition under the old system. Now it can't compete. Celtic's squad is worth less than 12% of Man City's. Ajax won in the 70s. Now it's a feeder club.
Any time a challenger club comes up it is broken up.
There are no limits to money in the current system.
1992 was when soccer went neoliberal . Soccer has always revolved around money but the quantum of money makes a huge difference.
Quote from: Sportacus on June 11, 2023, 12:55:07 AM
BT Sport was poor tonight. Tried too hard with Balotelli and the likes. He'd nothing to say. Really shut coverage. How do I unblock my RTE 2 signal so I can cancel my BT subscription? Tonight was the final straw. Waste of money.
The worst bit was trying to build Joleon Lescott into being this lifelong City fan and club legend. The fella barely played 100 games for them and grew up in Birrmingham ffs. Commentary was painful throughout. At least that's Jake Humphrey away anyway. Maybe he can take Rio with him. Cesc and Balotelli have a better grasp of the English language than him. BT/TNT need to tear up the whole thing and start again.
Quote from: JoG2 on June 10, 2023, 11:35:03 PM
Quote from: maldini on June 10, 2023, 11:26:34 PM
A busy thread tonight full of people who apparently don't care about City winning
It's a funny one, I don't watch much these days, didn't watch a minute of tonight's final, but if it was Liverpool, Arsenal, Utd etc I'd have tuned in. Zero interest in Man City. They were always going to win a CL and will go on to win many more.
That seems to be the thinking but I wouidn't say it's a given. Lots of examples in the past of teams who didn't dominate. They've had to work very hard to win this one. They might add another 1 in the next 2 or 3 years but it's not the premier league and other sides will stand in their way.
I'm sure Pep didn't imagine in 2011 that it would take him 12 years to win his next Champions League. He will appreciate this one.
Quote from: seafoid on June 11, 2023, 01:07:06 PM
I'm sure Pep didn't imagine in 2011 that it would take him 12 years to win his next Champions League. He will appreciate this one.
It's been a tough journey with limited resources at Bayern Munich and Man City!
Quote from: seafoid on June 11, 2023, 01:07:06 PM
I'm sure Pep didn't imagine in 2011 that it would take him 12 years to win his next Champions League. He will appreciate this one.
Tbf to him Yaya Toure did put a curse on him until he cancelled it this year
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 11, 2023, 04:29:36 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 11, 2023, 01:07:06 PM
I'm sure Pep didn't imagine in 2011 that it would take him 12 years to win his next Champions League. He will appreciate this one.
It's been a tough journey with limited resources at Bayern Munich and Man City!
Proving tough for some other clubs who have spent more than him to even win a carabao cup
Quote from: maldini on June 11, 2023, 04:57:45 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 11, 2023, 04:29:36 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 11, 2023, 01:07:06 PM
I'm sure Pep didn't imagine in 2011 that it would take him 12 years to win his next Champions League. He will appreciate this one.
It's been a tough journey with limited resources at Bayern Munich and Man City!
Proving tough for some other clubs who have spent more than him to even win a carabao cup
The illegal spending was done before the Guardiola years. The prep work was there.
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 11, 2023, 05:11:31 PM
Quote from: maldini on June 11, 2023, 04:57:45 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 11, 2023, 04:29:36 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 11, 2023, 01:07:06 PM
I'm sure Pep didn't imagine in 2011 that it would take him 12 years to win his next Champions League. He will appreciate this one.
It's been a tough journey with limited resources at Bayern Munich and Man City!
His net spend in the last 5 years is tenth in the premier league
Working miracles!
Proving tough for some other clubs who have spent more than him to even win a carabao cup
The illegal spending was done before the Guardiola years. The prep work was there.
The fact that Chelsea are one of the biggest proponents of FFP should tell you all you need to know about it, get into the castle and pull up the drawbridge behind you. The European Superleague should also make people think about what are the real motivations behind elite clubs. The more rich clubs the better imo. Newcastle Abu.
Quote from: bennydorano on June 11, 2023, 06:49:15 PM
The fact that Chelsea are one of the biggest proponents of FFP should tell you all you need to know about it, get into the castle and pull up the drawbridge behind you. The European Superleague should also make people think about what are the real motivations behind elite clubs. The more rich clubs the better imo. Newcastle Abu.
(https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/863977149628365223/2A765119C82E0C577299EC63031589EBE476E25F/?imw=5000&imh=5000&ima=fit&impolicy=Letterbox&imcolor=%23000000&letterbox=false)
That's me told
Quote from: bennydorano on June 11, 2023, 07:05:17 PM
That's me told
Wasting ones time telling you anything when your mind is so influenced by gutter UK journalism and their rags of newspapers.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 11, 2023, 07:16:35 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 11, 2023, 07:05:17 PM
That's me told
Wasting ones time telling you anything when your mind is so influenced by gutter UK journalism and their rags of newspapers.
That's a big Kop out. Make your counterpoints instead of putting up nonsense memes.
Kevin De Bruyne claims he's been playing with a hamstring tear for the past two months and that completely snapped last night.
Quote from: square_ball on June 11, 2023, 07:58:53 AM
Quote from: Sportacus on June 11, 2023, 12:55:07 AM
BT Sport was poor tonight. Tried too hard with Balotelli and the likes. He'd nothing to say. Really shut coverage. How do I unblock my RTE 2 signal so I can cancel my BT subscription? Tonight was the final straw. Waste of money.
The worst bit was trying to build Joleon Lescott into being this lifelong City fan and club legend. The fella barely played 100 games for them and grew up in Birrmingham ffs. Commentary was painful throughout. At least that's Jake Humphrey away anyway. Maybe he can take Rio with him. Cesc and Balotelli have a better grasp of the English language than him. BT/TNT need to tear up the whole thing and start again.
And to top it all off we have to listen to Steve McMenamin. All of the above are a dose but he is the worst of the lot
Quote from: Taylor on June 12, 2023, 08:19:19 AM
Quote from: square_ball on June 11, 2023, 07:58:53 AM
Quote from: Sportacus on June 11, 2023, 12:55:07 AM
BT Sport was poor tonight. Tried too hard with Balotelli and the likes. He'd nothing to say. Really shut coverage. How do I unblock my RTE 2 signal so I can cancel my BT subscription? Tonight was the final straw. Waste of money.
The worst bit was trying to build Joleon Lescott into being this lifelong City fan and club legend. The fella barely played 100 games for them and grew up in Birrmingham ffs. Commentary was painful throughout. At least that's Jake Humphrey away anyway. Maybe he can take Rio with him. Cesc and Balotelli have a better grasp of the English language than him. BT/TNT need to tear up the whole thing and start again.
And to top it all off we have to listen to Steve McMenamin. All of the above are a dose but he is the worst of the lot
Nothing wrong with that Fletttccchhhh. :-X
Quote from: seafoid on June 11, 2023, 07:05:55 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on June 11, 2023, 01:31:05 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 10, 2023, 10:15:41 PM
But fair play rules are created to keep the big boys on top, if u got small support like say Forest ( who won 2 cups) they wouldn't be fit to win again without major backing.
Forest had major backing. They broke most of the transfer records under Clough. The wealthiest (non royal) family in England bankrolled Liverpool in the late 80's. It has always been like this but the difference is previously it was a local owner funding his local club.
Forest was under a different economic system where money was limited. Players were local. How many Brazilians did Clough buy? How many City players are English? 3?
Celtic also won the competition under the old system. Now it can't compete. Celtic's squad is worth less than 12% of Man City's. Ajax won in the 70s. Now it's a feeder club.
Any time a challenger club comes up it is broken up.
There are no limits to money in the current system.
1992 was when soccer went neoliberal . Soccer has always revolved around money but the quantum of money makes a huge difference.
They were the worlds biggest spenders at the time. The fact they mostly bought British players isn't really the point. Their turnover didn't cover their expenditure. Sugardaddies aren't new. They are just on steroids now.
Last night Shamrock Rovers were not just beaten but humiliated by a much better football educated team over two legs, namely part timers Breidablik who are currently a distant 3rd in the Icelandic football league.
Now Rovers will probably face KI Klaksvik in the Conference league, situated on the northernmost island of the Faroe archipelago, 1/3 the size of Inis Mór.
Quote from: Main Street on July 19, 2023, 12:10:10 PM
Last night Shamrock Rovers were not just beaten but humiliated by a much better football educated team over two legs, namely part timers Breidablik who are currently a distant 3rd in the Icelandic football league.
Now Rovers will probably face KI Klaksvik in the Conference league, situated on the northernmost island of the Faroe archipelago, 1/3 the size of Inis Mór.
Honest to god Ciarraí would've beaten thon
Team of duck sized Fentons prob would of got a score draw
There was a seismic shock in Hungary this afternoon, Klaksvik beat Ferencvaros 3 nil.
They scored 3 in the 1st half and untroubled after. No doubt the Ferenc players will get an almighty kick up the arse from their coach and will be out for redemption v Rovers.
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12926500/kylian-mbappe-al-hilal-make-259m-record-bid-for-france-international-with-tottenham-among-premier-league-clubs-interested
Quote from: clarshack on July 24, 2023, 12:15:35 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12926500/kylian-mbappe-al-hilal-make-259m-record-bid-for-france-international-with-tottenham-among-premier-league-clubs-interested
€13m a week! :o :o
And spurs are also interested LMFAO ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: trailer on July 24, 2023, 01:31:07 PM
Quote from: clarshack on July 24, 2023, 12:15:35 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12926500/kylian-mbappe-al-hilal-make-259m-record-bid-for-france-international-with-tottenham-among-premier-league-clubs-interested
€13m a week! :o :o
And spurs are also interested LMFAO ;D ;D ;D
I think there is more chance of me ending up at Spurs than Mbappe with Levy in charge a complete non runner.
Quote from: statto on July 24, 2023, 01:37:21 PM
Quote from: trailer on July 24, 2023, 01:31:07 PM
Quote from: clarshack on July 24, 2023, 12:15:35 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12926500/kylian-mbappe-al-hilal-make-259m-record-bid-for-france-international-with-tottenham-among-premier-league-clubs-interested
€13m a week! :o :o
And spurs are also interested LMFAO ;D ;D ;D
I think there is more chance of me ending up at Spurs than Mbappe with Levy in charge a complete non runner.
True.
Anyway project trailer's kids to Saudi is a Go. Full on intensive training plan activated.
Quote from: clarshack on July 24, 2023, 12:15:35 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12926500/kylian-mbappe-al-hilal-make-259m-record-bid-for-france-international-with-tottenham-among-premier-league-clubs-interested
This feels like a tipping point for the sport now. Mbappe is probably the sports biggest attraction now that Messi and Ronaldo have also moved away from Europe so if this transfer goes through then the balance of power of football could change completely in the years ahead. Just underlines how lucky we are to have GAA when you see what is going on in professional sport the world over.
Quote from: yellowcard on July 24, 2023, 02:16:22 PM
Quote from: clarshack on July 24, 2023, 12:15:35 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12926500/kylian-mbappe-al-hilal-make-259m-record-bid-for-france-international-with-tottenham-among-premier-league-clubs-interested
This feels like a tipping point for the sport now. Mbappe is probably the sports biggest attraction now that Messi and Ronaldo have also moved away from Europe so if this transfer goes through then the balance of power of football could change completely in the years ahead. Just underlines how lucky we are to have GAA when you see what is going on in professional sport the world over.
The only caveat I'd have here is the Ladies intercounty game has been greatly affected by Aussie Football in the last couple of years.
It's only for a year anyway as they reckon he has already agreed to go to Real in 2024
The Madness of Saudi money might be a god send for countries like Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and ourselves. As African, South American et al head for the money in the Middle East, this will leave more for opportunities for more local lads climbing the ladder in the Premier League.
Quote from: From the Bunker on July 24, 2023, 02:33:39 PM
The Madness of Saudi money might be a god send for countries like Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and ourselves. As African, South American et al head for the money in the Middle East, this will leave more for opportunities for more local lads climbing the ladder in the Premier League.
Doubt it, the PL is still the main draw for players. Look at the age profile heading for the Saudi money, in the main (with a few exceptions) it is those players heading for their last contract who can blame them.
The competition will be as tough as ever for those local lads trying to make the break through. Unless there is a shift in the younger players moving for the money then this might change things.
Quote from: From the Bunker on July 24, 2023, 02:33:39 PM
The Madness of Saudi money might be a god send for countries like Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and ourselves. As African, South American et al head for the money in the Middle East, this will leave more for opportunities for more local lads climbing the ladder in the Premier League.
Agree.
Quote from: NAG1 on July 25, 2023, 09:28:38 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on July 24, 2023, 02:33:39 PM
The Madness of Saudi money might be a god send for countries like Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and ourselves. As African, South American et al head for the money in the Middle East, this will leave more for opportunities for more local lads climbing the ladder in the Premier League.
Doubt it, the PL is still the main draw for players. Look at the age profile heading for the Saudi money, in the main (with a few exceptions) it is those players heading for their last contract who can blame them.
The competition will be as tough as ever for those local lads trying to make the break through. Unless there is a shift in the younger players moving for the money then this might change things.
If mbappe goes to the Saudi league , that will change things
Quote from: AustinPowers on July 25, 2023, 09:49:03 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on July 25, 2023, 09:28:38 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on July 24, 2023, 02:33:39 PM
The Madness of Saudi money might be a god send for countries like Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and ourselves. As African, South American et al head for the money in the Middle East, this will leave more for opportunities for more local lads climbing the ladder in the Premier League.
Doubt it, the PL is still the main draw for players. Look at the age profile heading for the Saudi money, in the main (with a few exceptions) it is those players heading for their last contract who can blame them.
The competition will be as tough as ever for those local lads trying to make the break through. Unless there is a shift in the younger players moving for the money then this might change things.
If mbappe goes to the Saudi league , that will change things
It definitely could for sure. The PSG /Mbappe / Real situation might be slightly different though. But it definitely would have an impact.
Quote from: AustinPowers on July 25, 2023, 09:49:03 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on July 25, 2023, 09:28:38 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on July 24, 2023, 02:33:39 PM
The Madness of Saudi money might be a god send for countries like Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and ourselves. As African, South American et al head for the money in the Middle East, this will leave more for opportunities for more local lads climbing the ladder in the Premier League.
Doubt it, the PL is still the main draw for players. Look at the age profile heading for the Saudi money, in the main (with a few exceptions) it is those players heading for their last contract who can blame them.
The competition will be as tough as ever for those local lads trying to make the break through. Unless there is a shift in the younger players moving for the money then this might change things.
If mbappe goes to the Saudi league , that will change things
Dunno, are you gonna get excited for Al Ahli against Al Ittihad? Can't see it. China tried this before and it didn't work. SA is cold house for women as well. No alcohol, very restrictive on your freedoms v London, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris. No WAG is going to want to live there long term. It's a place you go at the end of your career or for a year or two max to earn mega money.
The money will distort the market in Europe though. Similar to what the Neymar deal did.
i read some players are living in nearby countries and bahrain is more relaxed on alcohol.
Quote from: Eire90 on July 25, 2023, 12:23:40 PM
i read some players are living in nearby countries and bahrain is more relaxed on alcohol.
Surely professional footballers wouldn't be too concerned about drinking?
Quote from: trailer on July 25, 2023, 10:32:52 AM
Quote from: AustinPowers on July 25, 2023, 09:49:03 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on July 25, 2023, 09:28:38 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on July 24, 2023, 02:33:39 PM
The Madness of Saudi money might be a god send for countries like Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and ourselves. As African, South American et al head for the money in the Middle East, this will leave more for opportunities for more local lads climbing the ladder in the Premier League.
Doubt it, the PL is still the main draw for players. Look at the age profile heading for the Saudi money, in the main (with a few exceptions) it is those players heading for their last contract who can blame them.
The competition will be as tough as ever for those local lads trying to make the break through. Unless there is a shift in the younger players moving for the money then this might change things.
If mbappe goes to the Saudi league , that will change things
Dunno, are you gonna get excited for Al Ahli against Al Ittihad? Can't see it. China tried this before and it didn't work. SA is cold house for women as well. No alcohol, very restrictive on your freedoms v London, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris. No WAG is going to want to live there long term. It's a place you go at the end of your career or for a year or two max to earn mega money.
The money will distort the market in Europe though. Similar to what the Neymar deal did.
It's not as if a footballer and their families will be queueing for a bus , frequenting the local kebab shop or climbing over locals to get at the last tin of beans. They'll be wrapped in their own bubble , living in a luxury mansion, having little to no contact with the public. Their kids will be st private schools , or having private tuition , and they'll regularly dine at some of the finest hotels and restaurants in the world. Footballers live in a bubble anyway , may as well be a Saudi bubble , being paid silly money
Kane only with Munich for a day and has already turned them into Spurs ;D
Quote from: jcpen on August 12, 2023, 09:29:29 PM
Kane only with Munich for a day and has already turned them into Spurs ;D
and he was desperate to sign before this game too because he thought it would guarantee getting the monkey off his back
Neymar off to Saudi now
Roberto Mancini resigned as Italy manager to become Saudi Arabia national team manager.
Sevilla more than held their own in tonight's Super cup final, losing on penalties. wouldn't have known Haaland was playing how well he was marked out of the game.
Quote from: rodney trotter on August 13, 2023, 08:57:56 PM
Neymar off to Saudi now
Roberto Mancini resigned as Italy manager to become Saudi Arabia national team manager.
It's like a monster money magnet.
saudis want a spot in the champions league now
Absolutely brutal
Just buying their way into football more than blatantly obvious now
It'll not be long to they'll request the national anthem or reading of the Qu'ran before games
might aswell bring in american and south american clubs aswell and have a world champions league every year. instead of the new 32 team club world cup every 4 years if they let Saudi teams in
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami 'invited to play in 2024 Copa Libertadores... as CONMEBOL looks to expand tournament'
Quote from: markl121 on August 17, 2023, 12:15:27 AM
saudis want a spot in the champions league now
And they'll get it
Quote from: Eire90 on August 17, 2023, 05:09:19 AM
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami 'invited to play in 2024 Copa Libertadores... as CONMEBOL looks to expand tournament'
End stage capitalism. The game is gone.
Quote from: AustinPowers on August 17, 2023, 09:57:34 AM
Quote from: markl121 on August 17, 2023, 12:15:27 AM
saudis want a spot in the champions league now
And they'll get it
Are they going to leave the Asian Champions League?
Quote from: Eire90 on August 17, 2023, 05:09:19 AM
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami 'invited to play in 2024 Copa Libertadores... as CONMEBOL looks to expand tournament'
Inter Miami are bottom of the MLS standings, since Messi arrived they have only played Leagues Cup games (a combined US/Mexico tournament) and they have reached the final fairly comfortably.
Just the last 50 years or so. All the confederations have their club competitions.
Pretty sure there is a club World Cup planned already no?
Is it not to take place 2025 or something like that?
Aston Villa showing the gulf in class between the Scottish League and the Premier League.
Quote from: jcpen on August 23, 2023, 06:28:09 PM
Aston Villa showing the gulf in class between the Scottish League and the Premier League.
Mad to think Aston Villa have European football this season and Tottenham and Chelsea do not.
Villa finished strongly compared to the other 2.
Premier League teams shouldn't be in the conference league. It was created to help the smaller nations. The other top 5 league's shouldn't be in it either.
Quote from: jcpen on August 23, 2023, 06:28:09 PM
Aston Villa showing the gulf in class between the Scottish League and the Premier League.
They beat Everton by nearly the same score the other day with pretty much the same team.
Quote from: rodney trotter on August 23, 2023, 07:47:26 PM
Premier League teams shouldn't be in the conference league. It was created to help the smaller nations. The other top 5 league's shouldn't be in it either.
Yes, the only caveat being is if by some fluke a 2nd tier club in any of those top 5 leagues win a Cup competition, they should be allowed in.
West ham are the last team from the 2nd tier to win the FA CUP.
Think (Ironically) Aston Villa were the last 2nd tier club to win the League Cup.
The bigger leagues have far more money. Scottish teams have no chance against Premier League teams. The only real competition Irish fans see in Europe is when the League of Ireland and Irish League teams get their days in the sun in August playing Icelanders and Latvians.
Championship League draw
Group A: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray
Group B: Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, RC Lens
Group C: Napoli, Real Madrid, Braga, Union Berlin
Group D: Benfica, Inter Milan, Salzburg, Real Sociedad
Group E: Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Celtic
Group F: Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle
Group G: Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys
Group H: Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Antwerp
The group stages will run from 19 September to 13 December, with the final at Wembley on 1 June.
Interesting group for Newcastle on their return to Champions League. The defending champions given a group that wouldn't look out of place in the Europa League.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 31, 2023, 07:23:53 PM
Championship League draw
Group A: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray
Group B: Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, RC Lens
Group C: Napoli, Real Madrid, Braga, Union Berlin
Group D: Benfica, Inter Milan, Salzburg, Real Sociedad
Group E: Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Celtic
Group F: Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle
Group G: Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys
Group H: Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Antwerp
The group stages will run from 19 September to 13 December, with the final at Wembley on 1 June.
Interesting group for Newcastle on their return to Champions League. The defending champions given a group that wouldn't look out of place in the Europa League.
Where do Donetsk play these days? I think Donetsk is occupied by the Russians
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 31, 2023, 07:23:53 PM
Championship League draw
Group A: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray
Group B: Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, RC Lens
Group C: Napoli, Real Madrid, Braga, Union Berlin
Group D: Benfica, Inter Milan, Salzburg, Real Sociedad
Group E: Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Celtic
Group F: Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle
Group G: Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys
Group H: Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Antwerp
The group stages will run from 19 September to 13 December, with the final at Wembley on 1 June.
Interesting group for Newcastle on their return to Champions League. The defending champions given a group that wouldn't look out of place in the Europa League.
Leipzig who are in the CL every year ?
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 31, 2023, 07:23:53 PM
Championship League draw
Group A: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray
Group B: Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, RC Lens
Group C: Napoli, Real Madrid, Braga, Union Berlin
Group D: Benfica, Inter Milan, Salzburg, Real Sociedad
Group E: Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Celtic
Group F: Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle
Group G: Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys
Group H: Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Antwerp
The group stages will run from 19 September to 13 December, with the final at Wembley on 1 June.
Interesting group for Newcastle on their return to Champions League. The defending champions given a group that wouldn't look out of place in the Europa League.
Hard to believe Red Star once won this competition.
Quote from: seafoid on August 31, 2023, 08:16:34 PM
Hard to believe Red Star once won this competition.
They won it before Money corrupted football and they had a fantastic group of players in 1991.
Quote from: Saffrongael on August 31, 2023, 08:14:37 PM
Leipzig who are in the CL every year ?
Their first year in the Champions league was in season 2017/18. Back in March Manchester City beat them 7-0. They have played in the Europa league three times in the last five years which included group elimination and knock out stage exit to the might of Rangers.
Quote from: seafoid on August 31, 2023, 08:16:34 PM
Hard to believe Red Star once won this competition.
Yes 32 years ago when the competition with 30 teams was called the European cup and straight knock out format. Darko Pančev won the European Golden boot that year. Yugoslavia could well have won the European championship the following year, their replacement Denmark did instead.
I was watching a documentary on Italian 90 lately and there was a reckoning by some that if Yugoslavia had performed at that World Cup and got near winning it then that war may not have happened.
I thought it was a stretch myself but it was Yugoslavs saying it.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66780283 (https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66780283)
Paul Pogba: Juventus midfielder provisionally suspended for anti-doping offence
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended from playing because of an anti-doping offence. Italy's national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) said Pogba returned a test with elevated levels of testosterone after Juve's 3-0 win at Udinese on 20 August.France international Pogba, 30, was an unused substitute but was selected at random for post-match drug testing.If found guilty of doping, he could face a ban of between two and four years.
Juventus said in a statement: "Juventus Football Club announces that today, 11 September, 2023, the footballer Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the results of tests carried out on 20 August, 2023.
Quote from: clarshack on August 31, 2023, 09:08:12 PM
Quote from: seafoid on August 31, 2023, 08:16:34 PM
Hard to believe Red Star once won this competition.
They won it before Money corrupted football and they had a fantastic group of players in 1991.
Steaua Bucharest won it in 96. It must have been the Down jerseys at the time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWRE6Xs6FMY
Good game so far... Liverpool evens and based on Saturdays game will bounce back
Is Onana really any better than DeGea?
Quote from: jcpen on October 03, 2023, 09:32:32 PMIs Onana really any better than DeGea?
Is DeGea still a free agent?
Onana isn't very good is he? United have had their pants pulled down on another signing.
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 03, 2023, 09:37:28 PMQuote from: jcpen on October 03, 2023, 09:32:32 PMIs Onana really any better than DeGea?
Is DeGea still a free agent?
Seriously though I don't see how he is any better than what they had, he's a calamity keeper.
There's 3-2 to the Turks
Made poor work of that 3rd goal.
It's all about distribution with the feet from keepers nowadays.
Skills like making saves and being dominant from crosses are forgotten about when the big fees are paid.
Taxi for Ten Hag.
It's only a matter of time
Galatasaray's squad is worth €236m. Man Utd's is nominally worth €886m
Quote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 09:57:26 PMTaxi for Ten Hag.
It's only a matter of time
That won't change anything , any more than getting rid of Poch will fix Chelsea.
The owners in both cases are the problem.
Quote from: seafoid on October 03, 2023, 10:42:03 PMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 09:57:26 PMTaxi for Ten Hag.
It's only a matter of time
That won't change anything , any more than getting rid of Poch will fix Chelsea.
The owners in both cases are the problem.
It won't change anything, you're right. But that's football , and football is all about results.
But you can't blame the glazers for everything. Eventually you might have to look at it and realise that ETH, his managerial ability, and the players he's brought in , just aren't good enough.
Quote from: seafoid on October 03, 2023, 10:41:04 PMGalatasaray's squad is worth €236m. Man Utd's is nominally worth €886m
In fairness you'd hardly consider Galatasaray plucky underdogs if those figures are right...
Quote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 11:17:47 PMQuote from: seafoid on October 03, 2023, 10:42:03 PMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 09:57:26 PMTaxi for Ten Hag.
It's only a matter of time
That won't change anything , any more than getting rid of Poch will fix Chelsea.
The owners in both cases are the problem.
It won't change anything, you're right. But that's football , and football is all about results.
But you can't blame the glazers for everything. Eventually you might have to look at it and realise that ETH, his managerial ability, and the players he's brought in , just aren't good enough.
If that applied just to ETH it might be valid but Man Utd have had a revolving door of messiah managers who all failed.
Why is Brighton more solid than Man Utd ?
Utd had extraordinary success under probably the best manager there ever was. For a decade or so either side of that they've been a basically a decent cup team.
They just need the next Ferguson.
In the last 70 years they had 2 top class managers. Busby and Fergie.
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on October 04, 2023, 03:16:34 AMUtd had extraordinary success under probably the best manager there ever was. For a decade or so either side of that they've been a basically a decent cup team.
They just need the next Ferguson.
And in another dimension Mark Robins never scored that goal and Fergie was sacked, they never went on to have the success they did and trailer, Cunny Funt, and Captain Obvious are all Liverpool fans.
Quote from: SaffronSports on October 04, 2023, 01:18:17 AMQuote from: seafoid on October 03, 2023, 10:41:04 PMGalatasaray's squad is worth €236m. Man Utd's is nominally worth €886m
In fairness you'd hardly consider Galatasaray plucky underdogs if those figures are right...
The same Galatasaray that haven't won an away game in Champions League since 2013 and haven't scored away from 2015. Turkish teams can make it difficult in Turkey but generally roll over on the road, to concede 3 at home is shocking.
Quote from: seafoid on October 04, 2023, 02:45:16 AMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 11:17:47 PMQuote from: seafoid on October 03, 2023, 10:42:03 PMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 09:57:26 PMTaxi for Ten Hag.
It's only a matter of time
That won't change anything , any more than getting rid of Poch will fix Chelsea.
The owners in both cases are the problem.
It won't change anything, you're right. But that's football , and football is all about results.
But you can't blame the glazers for everything. Eventually you might have to look at it and realise that ETH, his managerial ability, and the players he's brought in , just aren't good enough.
If that applied just to ETH it might be valid but Man Utd have had a revolving door of messiah managers who all failed.
Why is Brighton more solid than Man Utd ?
A better manager?
A better system of play?
Players who know their role?
No big time Charlie's?
Quote from: seafoid on October 04, 2023, 02:45:16 AMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 11:17:47 PMQuote from: seafoid on October 03, 2023, 10:42:03 PMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 09:57:26 PMTaxi for Ten Hag.
It's only a matter of time
That won't change anything , any more than getting rid of Poch will fix Chelsea.
The owners in both cases are the problem.
It won't change anything, you're right. But that's football , and football is all about results.
But you can't blame the glazers for everything. Eventually you might have to look at it and realise that ETH, his managerial ability, and the players he's brought in , just aren't good enough.
If that applied just to ETH it might be valid but Man Utd have had a revolving door of messiah managers who all failed.
Why is Brighton more solid than Man Utd ?
Brighton, what the f**k is this nonsense? Playing for Brighton is like playing for Kilkenny footballers, nobody f**king cares. No one could name the last starting 11.
The pressure of playing for Utd, the biggest club in the world is immense. They are the papers, they fill topics on fan forums everywhere. They consume all the debates on radio stations. If that Brighton squad was in Utd jersey they'd get f**king humped week in week out.
Quote from: trailer on October 04, 2023, 11:02:21 AMQuote from: seafoid on October 04, 2023, 02:45:16 AMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 11:17:47 PMQuote from: seafoid on October 03, 2023, 10:42:03 PMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 09:57:26 PMTaxi for Ten Hag.
It's only a matter of time
That won't change anything , any more than getting rid of Poch will fix Chelsea.
The owners in both cases are the problem.
It won't change anything, you're right. But that's football , and football is all about results.
But you can't blame the glazers for everything. Eventually you might have to look at it and realise that ETH, his managerial ability, and the players he's brought in , just aren't good enough.
If that applied just to ETH it might be valid but Man Utd have had a revolving door of messiah managers who all failed.
Why is Brighton more solid than Man Utd ?
Brighton, what the f**k is this nonsense? Playing for Brighton is like playing for Kilkenny footballers, nobody f**king cares. No one could name the last starting 11.
The pressure of playing for Utd, the biggest club in the world is immense. They are the papers, they fill topics on fan forums everywhere. They consume all the debates on radio stations. If that Brighton squad was in Utd jersey they'd get f**king humped week in week out.
If the players can't handle that supposed pressure of playing for United (or ETH managing) then maybe they aren't cut out for it
Many players in the Ferguson era were clearly capable of withstanding the constant pressure of representing United, year after year.
Quote from: trailer on October 04, 2023, 11:02:21 AMQuote from: seafoid on October 04, 2023, 02:45:16 AMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 11:17:47 PMQuote from: seafoid on October 03, 2023, 10:42:03 PMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 09:57:26 PMTaxi for Ten Hag.
It's only a matter of time
That won't change anything , any more than getting rid of Poch will fix Chelsea.
The owners in both cases are the problem.
It won't change anything, you're right. But that's football , and football is all about results.
But you can't blame the glazers for everything. Eventually you might have to look at it and realise that ETH, his managerial ability, and the players he's brought in , just aren't good enough.
If that applied just to ETH it might be valid but Man Utd have had a revolving door of messiah managers who all failed.
Why is Brighton more solid than Man Utd ?
Brighton, what the f**k is this nonsense? Playing for Brighton is like playing for Kilkenny footballers, nobody f**king cares. No one could name the last starting 11.
The pressure of playing for Utd, the biggest club in the world is immense. They are the papers, they fill topics on fan forums everywhere. They consume all the debates on radio stations. If that Brighton squad was in Utd jersey they'd get f**king humped week in week out.
They really really don't. They are an afterthought. Far more airtime and inches are spent on City, Liverpool and Arsenal these days.
United failing made headlines in 2014. A decade later with no change and football has moved on.
You have delusions of grandeur.
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 04, 2023, 12:32:39 PMQuote from: trailer on October 04, 2023, 11:02:21 AMQuote from: seafoid on October 04, 2023, 02:45:16 AMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 11:17:47 PMQuote from: seafoid on October 03, 2023, 10:42:03 PMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 09:57:26 PMTaxi for Ten Hag.
It's only a matter of time
That won't change anything , any more than getting rid of Poch will fix Chelsea.
The owners in both cases are the problem.
It won't change anything, you're right. But that's football , and football is all about results.
But you can't blame the glazers for everything. Eventually you might have to look at it and realise that ETH, his managerial ability, and the players he's brought in , just aren't good enough.
If that applied just to ETH it might be valid but Man Utd have had a revolving door of messiah managers who all failed.
Why is Brighton more solid than Man Utd ?
Brighton, what the f**k is this nonsense? Playing for Brighton is like playing for Kilkenny footballers, nobody f**king cares. No one could name the last starting 11.
The pressure of playing for Utd, the biggest club in the world is immense. They are the papers, they fill topics on fan forums everywhere. They consume all the debates on radio stations. If that Brighton squad was in Utd jersey they'd get f**king humped week in week out.
They really really don't. They are an afterthought. Far more airtime and inches are spent on City, Liverpool and Arsenal these days.
United failing made headlines in 2014. A decade later with no change and football has moved on.
You have delusions of grandeur.
If only, went on to twitter last night or whatever they call themselves now for a bit of GAA news and it was filled with Man United stuff, them losing brings out more talk than City,Liverpool and Arsenal wins nowadays a full ten years since United was a club that challenged for major honours which speaks volumes.
Sensationalism is problematic with the media, Instead of focusing on important aspects of the sport they drive viewers emotions for easy click baits. Oh my God, they lost two games in a roll, Ten Hag had to be sacked right away. When Man Utd were beating Arsenal and Liverpool last season in Old Trafford they were hyped up as title contender according to the same people. Journalists should be more objective. It would be more helpful to focus on what matters not just what will get more clicks. I know more clicks are equal to more money, but providing useful information to viewers is in the ethical codes of journalism.
Is it that they lost two games in a row or that they've lost six of the last nine?
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 04, 2023, 12:32:39 PMQuote from: trailer on October 04, 2023, 11:02:21 AMQuote from: seafoid on October 04, 2023, 02:45:16 AMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 11:17:47 PMQuote from: seafoid on October 03, 2023, 10:42:03 PMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 09:57:26 PMTaxi for Ten Hag.
It's only a matter of time
That won't change anything , any more than getting rid of Poch will fix Chelsea.
The owners in both cases are the problem.
It won't change anything, you're right. But that's football , and football is all about results.
But you can't blame the glazers for everything. Eventually you might have to look at it and realise that ETH, his managerial ability, and the players he's brought in , just aren't good enough.
If that applied just to ETH it might be valid but Man Utd have had a revolving door of messiah managers who all failed.
Why is Brighton more solid than Man Utd ?
Brighton, what the f**k is this nonsense? Playing for Brighton is like playing for Kilkenny footballers, nobody f**king cares. No one could name the last starting 11.
The pressure of playing for Utd, the biggest club in the world is immense. They are the papers, they fill topics on fan forums everywhere. They consume all the debates on radio stations. If that Brighton squad was in Utd jersey they'd get f**king humped week in week out.
They really really don't. They are an afterthought. Far more airtime and inches are spent on City, Liverpool and Arsenal these days.
United failing made headlines in 2014. A decade later with no change and football has moved on.
You have delusions of grandeur.
You wish this was true, but it isn't. In your heart of hearts you know this.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67006559 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67006559)
Match stopped on 84 minutes. Have to finish the other 6 minutes in December .
Should be on the WTF thread
Quote from: AustinPowers on October 04, 2023, 05:00:17 PMhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67006559 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67006559)
Match stopped on 84 minutes. Have to finish the other 6 minutes in December .
Should be on the WTF thread
Second time in two weeks that Ajax will have to come back to finish out a game.
Quote from: trailer on October 04, 2023, 11:02:21 AMQuote from: seafoid on October 04, 2023, 02:45:16 AMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 11:17:47 PMQuote from: seafoid on October 03, 2023, 10:42:03 PMQuote from: AustinPowers on October 03, 2023, 09:57:26 PMTaxi for Ten Hag.
It's only a matter of time
That won't change anything , any more than getting rid of Poch will fix Chelsea.
The owners in both cases are the problem.
It won't change anything, you're right. But that's football , and football is all about results.
But you can't blame the glazers for everything. Eventually you might have to look at it and realise that ETH, his managerial ability, and the players he's brought in , just aren't good enough.
If that applied just to ETH it might be valid but Man Utd have had a revolving door of messiah managers who all failed.
Why is Brighton more solid than Man Utd ?
Brighton, what the f**k is this nonsense? Playing for Brighton is like playing for Kilkenny footballers, nobody f**king cares. No one could name the last starting 11.
The pressure of playing for Utd, the biggest club in the world is immense. They are the papers, they fill topics on fan forums everywhere. They consume all the debates on radio stations. If that Brighton squad was in Utd jersey they'd get f**king humped week in week out.
They're not even the biggest club in the north west of England ;D
Some atmosphere in Newcastle. Playing well too.
PSG a shambles defensively the lads in the Virgin media studio before the game were claiming PSG are much improved as a team in defence since they got rid of Neymar and Messi whom didn't track back.
That psg goalie has made some phenomenal saves then let's that in :D
Quote from: AustinPowers on October 04, 2023, 05:00:17 PMhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67006559 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67006559)
Match stopped on 84 minutes. Have to finish the other 6 minutes in December .
Should be on the WTF thread
Played with fans in attendance too. Who is travelling to watch 6 minutes of football?
Messi getting another Ballon Do'r. Is that based off the calendar year still? I thought they changed it to run to the season. If so bit of s robbery he gets it for scoring a few penalties in Qatar ahead of Haaland who won a treble.
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 20, 2023, 07:03:58 AMMessi getting another Ballon Do'r. Is that based off the calendar year still? I thought they changed it to run to the season. If so bit of s robbery he gets it for scoring a few penalties in Qatar ahead of Haaland who won a treble.
World Cup winning Captain beats any treble.
Messi carried that Argentina team. When he wasn't scoring he was creating. The pass against Holland in the quarter finals was brilliant.
Especially when you score 7 goals in the competition (2 in the final & a goal in every knock out game) & get 5 man of the match awards in the competition, add in 3 assists.
Add in 2 Trophies with PSG and 1 with Inter Miami.
Definitely not a robbery.
So what is the the criteria for the Ballon Do'r? Is it a European based award or a world award? is it for clubs or a mixture of both?
I've never really understood the winning criteria of it
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2023, 09:33:19 AMSo what is the the criteria for the Ballon Do'r? Is it a European based award or a world award? is it for clubs or a mixture of both?
I've never really understood the winning criteria of it
Your surname must be Messi or Ronaldo. If you have been the best player in the world but do not fulfil this essential surname criteria you will not be considered.
Some people can get very exercised by who wins these awards. Just like with all-stars in GAA, I personally pay as close to no attention as possible to individual awards in team sports. Ballon D'Or is a player of the year award by a football magazine in France. That's it.
Quote from: shark on October 20, 2023, 09:47:35 AMSome people can get very exercised by who wins these awards. Just like with all-stars in GAA, I personally pay as close to no attention as possible to individual awards in team sports. Ballon D'Or is a player of the year award by a football magazine in France. That's it.
Agreed. Nice to win and all but have paid 0 heed to it since neither Xavi or Wesley Sneijder won it in 2010. Always going to be subjective and you'll always find plenty of people with a different opinion.
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 20, 2023, 10:41:14 AMQuote from: shark on October 20, 2023, 09:47:35 AMSome people can get very exercised by who wins these awards. Just like with all-stars in GAA, I personally pay as close to no attention as possible to individual awards in team sports. Ballon D'Or is a player of the year award by a football magazine in France. That's it.
Agreed. Nice to win and all but have paid 0 heed to it since neither Xavi or Wesley Sneijder won it in 2010. Always going to be subjective and you'll always find plenty of people with a different opinion.
Well you obviously pay a bit more than 0 heed to it if you felt the need to come on and whinge about Messi winning it this year ;D
Quote from: jcpen on October 20, 2023, 11:27:47 AMQuote from: Armagh18 on October 20, 2023, 10:41:14 AMQuote from: shark on October 20, 2023, 09:47:35 AMSome people can get very exercised by who wins these awards. Just like with all-stars in GAA, I personally pay as close to no attention as possible to individual awards in team sports. Ballon D'Or is a player of the year award by a football magazine in France. That's it.
Agreed. Nice to win and all but have paid 0 heed to it since neither Xavi or Wesley Sneijder won it in 2010. Always going to be subjective and you'll always find plenty of people with a different opinion.
Well you obviously pay a bit more than 0 heed to it if you felt the need to come on and whinge about Messi winning it this year ;D
I'll do some crying if Forker and Murnin don't win all stars as well! ;)
"Scoring a few penalties" lmao.
He was the best player at that tournament by an absolute country mile.
Quote from: jcpen on October 20, 2023, 08:36:59 AMQuote from: Armagh18 on October 20, 2023, 07:03:58 AMMessi getting another Ballon Do'r. Is that based off the calendar year still? I thought they changed it to run to the season. If so bit of s robbery he gets it for scoring a few penalties in Qatar ahead of Haaland who won a treble.
World Cup winning Captain beats any treble.
Like Maradonna before him he carried a fairly average Argentinian side to ultimate glory. Undisputed GOAT and of all his Ballon D'ors this one is the most deserved.
Quote from: gallsman on October 20, 2023, 02:26:57 PM"Scoring a few penalties" lmao.
He was the best player at that tournament by an absolute country mile.
He deserves it for the achievement, but mbappe was well within that mile of him and is probably the heir apparent.
Ajax bottom of their own domestic league and bottom of their group in the Europa league it's not so long ago they were playing in a Champions league semi final.
2034 World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia ::)
Quote from: jcpen on October 31, 2023, 05:49:41 PM2034 World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia ::)
Qatar opened up the impossible. Saudi Arabia will change the face of football over the next decade. They will tap into the South American and African Market. They will buy their way into the Champions League.
Quote from: jcpen on October 31, 2023, 05:49:41 PM2034 World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia ::)
Nobody gives a f**k. Human rights? Nobody cares.
Quote from: Blowitupref on October 31, 2023, 05:19:53 PMAjax bottom of their own domestic league and bottom of their group in the Europa league it's not so long ago they were playing in a Champions league semi final.
Ajax are a selling club. Same as Monaco
Quote from: seafoid on November 01, 2023, 02:52:54 PMQuote from: Blowitupref on October 31, 2023, 05:19:53 PMAjax bottom of their own domestic league and bottom of their group in the Europa league it's not so long ago they were playing in a Champions league semi final.
Ajax are a selling club. Same as Monaco
Bringing in good replacements for those they sell and top players coming through their youth system has been Ajax strength. 2019 to 2022 they won 4 in a row* domestic league titles. Last season dropped to 3rd and now bottom of the table, that's some drop in a short space of time.
To correct myself they were 1st in 2020 but no title was awarded in 2020.
Missing Ten Hag
Quote from: Blowitupref on November 01, 2023, 04:18:55 PMQuote from: seafoid on November 01, 2023, 02:52:54 PMQuote from: Blowitupref on October 31, 2023, 05:19:53 PMAjax bottom of their own domestic league and bottom of their group in the Europa league it's not so long ago they were playing in a Champions league semi final.
Ajax are a selling club. Same as Monaco
Bringing in good replacements for those they sell and top players coming through their youth system has been Ajax strength. 2019 to 2022 they won 4 in a row* domestic league titles. Last season dropped to 3rd and now bottom of the table, that's some drop in a short space of time.
To correct myself they were 1st in 2020 but no title was awarded in 2020.
Very similar to gaelic and hurling now. Dominant teams like dublin and limerick that are untouchable and challengers rise and fall but never get to the level. Everyone thinks they have a chance but in reality nobody else does. Occasionally some scraps fall from the table.
Kerry could not beat that Dublin team. Kilkenny cannot beat Limerick these days.
It's not really sport any more. It's something else
Quote from: seafoid on November 02, 2023, 09:06:24 AMQuote from: Blowitupref on November 01, 2023, 04:18:55 PMQuote from: seafoid on November 01, 2023, 02:52:54 PMQuote from: Blowitupref on October 31, 2023, 05:19:53 PMAjax bottom of their own domestic league and bottom of their group in the Europa league it's not so long ago they were playing in a Champions league semi final.
Ajax are a selling club. Same as Monaco
Bringing in good replacements for those they sell and top players coming through their youth system has been Ajax strength. 2019 to 2022 they won 4 in a row* domestic league titles. Last season dropped to 3rd and now bottom of the table, that's some drop in a short space of time.
To correct myself they were 1st in 2020 but no title was awarded in 2020.
Very similar to gaelic and hurling now. Dominant teams like dublin and limerick that are untouchable and challengers rise and fall but never get to the level. Everyone thinks they have a chance but in reality nobody else does. Occasionally some scraps fall from the table.
Kerry could not beat that Dublin team. Kilkenny cannot beat Limerick these days.
It's not really sport any more. It's something else
Dublin or Limerick will hardly fall that low so quickly.
Quote from: trailer on November 01, 2023, 12:50:39 PMQuote from: jcpen on October 31, 2023, 05:49:41 PM2034 World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia ::)
Nobody gives a f**k. Human rights? Nobody cares.
Saudi Arabia are no worse than the US when it comes to human rights.
Quote from: johnnycool on November 07, 2023, 09:20:28 AMQuote from: trailer on November 01, 2023, 12:50:39 PMQuote from: jcpen on October 31, 2023, 05:49:41 PM2034 World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia ::)
Nobody gives a f**k. Human rights? Nobody cares.
Saudi Arabia are no worse than the US when it comes to human rights.
Don't think the Americans behead the gays but I take your point. Theres not too many Western countries that can take too much of a moral high ground
PSG grab a draw in added time with a debatable penalty. That draw knocks Newcastle down to 3rd in the table.
Newcastle done out of an unexpected win in Paris from blatantly wrong refereeing decision
Quote from: Nanderson on November 28, 2023, 10:02:13 PMNewcastle done out of an unexpected win in Paris from blatantly wrong refereeing decision
The Toon definitely robbed there
Quote from: Nanderson on November 28, 2023, 10:02:13 PMNewcastle done out of an unexpected win in Paris from blatantly wrong refereeing decision
Yeah it was great. Eddie Howe goes from the spokesperson on referee respect a couple weeks ago to a critic. No sympathy for him or Newcastle. A man who couldn't answer about Saudi and treatment of journalists but couldn't answer quick enough about Saudi hosting a world cup. The biggest hypocrite in sport
Penalty all day long im afraid. Its funny how when you go outside the English media they all agree...
From CBS
"Former FIFA referee Christina Unkel, however, explained to U.S. broadcaster CBS why it was the right call according to the current laws of the game.
"It is a penalty," she said. "The extended left arm effectively creates a barrier. Once that arm is out, even though there is a deflection, that is no longer part of the interpretation or the analysis. I know it's one that many don't like and it's something that the International Football Association Board (the sport's lawmakers) are looking at."
And then there's this from American website Sporting News...
Newcastle fans won't want to hear it, but a penalty was the correct decision from veteran referee Szymon Marciniak, as the rule is currently written.
Neither intent nor advantage gained are considered a factor when adjudicating handball decisions under the current rule, and therefore the decision was made that such a deflection was the proper call.
"It IS a penalty, under the current interpretations of the rule," explained CBS Sports rules expert Christina Unkel on the network's postgame show in the United States. "An extended left arm that essentially creates a barrier...once that left arm is out, even though there is a deflection — that no longer is part of the interpretation and analysis — but since it's a barrier preventing that ball from crossing in, this is an expected VAR recommendation for a handling offense that the referee is not able to see from his angle and positioning."
Tino Livramento's arm was up and extended from his body, and thus in an "unnatural" position according to the current interpretation of the rules
Meanwhile here we are subjected to Shearer, Pardew and the like roaring "it's a disgrace!!" and how it wasn't a penalty in their day without giving any reason why.
Quote from: AustinPowers on November 28, 2023, 11:36:47 PMQuote from: Nanderson on November 28, 2023, 10:02:13 PMNewcastle done out of an unexpected win in Paris from blatantly wrong refereeing decision
The Toon definitely robbed there
Ah well. Sometimes they go against you and sometimes you go to the local embassy to get your passport and marriage documents stamped and you get murdered and cut up. Evens itself out over the season.
VAR official who helped the ref make the decision stood down. Wonder why not the ref ...
Quote from: trailer on November 29, 2023, 09:49:03 AMQuote from: AustinPowers on November 28, 2023, 11:36:47 PMQuote from: Nanderson on November 28, 2023, 10:02:13 PMNewcastle done out of an unexpected win in Paris from blatantly wrong refereeing decision
The Toon definitely robbed there
Ah well. Sometimes they go against you and sometimes you go to the local embassy to get your passport and marriage documents stamped and you get murdered and cut up. Evens itself out over the season.
f**king harsh!!! But so true and sickening. Barbaric c***ts.
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on November 29, 2023, 10:21:30 AMVAR official who helped the ref make the decision stood down. Wonder why not the ref ...
There was a few other penalty calls before that one was given and the ref waved play on and didn't bother to view the screen.
Quote from: Blowitupref on November 29, 2023, 04:45:48 PMQuote from: quit yo jibbajabba on November 29, 2023, 10:21:30 AMVAR official who helped the ref make the decision stood down. Wonder why not the ref ...
There was a few other penalty calls before that one was given and the ref waved play on and didn't bother to view the screen.
True. I thought they were entitled to a penalty when Gordon (iirc) clipped someone as they ran into the box. I thought it was definately a penalty.
Unless ref. was swayed by the law of averages and thought they'd had 3 shouts....I must give one. Not that that's how it works but just a thought.
Well played Steph the ref at B Munchen v FCK, amidst histrionics from BM players, what a bunch of whining wankérs considering they're claiming elite club status not just with decision but such histrionics over two blatantly false claims for a penalty.
Probably not the right thread....
Bit of bother outside Villa Park last night. I dont recall the police ever turning away all away supporters from the ground before. Yet they were able to stand outside and hurl things into the home support.
That AC Milan shirt they are wearing tonight is up there with worst design efforts since Manchester City or Barcelona's away shirts.
As it stands PSG and Mbappe will be playing in the Europa league in February.
All went all went pear shaped for Newcastle in that 2nd half. PSG with a draw into the Champions league knock out stages. AC Milan into the Europa league and Newcastle out of Europe.
The Turkish league making headlines again tonight. Last week we had a President punching a referee and tonight a President has took his players off the pitch in protest at a referees decision.
How has Mess won that best player award ahead of one of the City lads or even Kane or Mbappe?
Last thing he did of note was in Qatar which was in 2022.
Jose Mourinho leaves Roma
Quote from: trailer on January 16, 2024, 09:15:54 AMJose Mourinho leaves Roma
Roma won just one of their last six Serie A games, and sit ninth in the league. Knocked out of the cup by their city rivals Lazio.
A nice wee pay off I'm sure. Could rock up at Newcastle in a few months
I would say more likely Saudi. Would hope not to see him back in the english league - pain in the hole.
Quote from: lurganblue on January 16, 2024, 03:25:18 PMA nice wee pay off I'm sure. Could rock up at Newcastle in a few months
Newcastle could well make the same mistake as Tottenham and Manchester United did thinking he is still the special one. What they'll get is the ordinary one.
Quote from: lurganblue on January 16, 2024, 03:25:18 PMA nice wee pay off I'm sure. Could rock up at Newcastle in a few months
Ireland?
Quote from: lurganblue on January 16, 2024, 03:25:18 PMA nice wee pay off I'm sure. Could rock up at Newcastle in a few months
I wonder how much Jose has made in payoffs over the last 20 years.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 16, 2024, 10:24:11 PMQuote from: lurganblue on January 16, 2024, 03:25:18 PMA nice wee pay off I'm sure. Could rock up at Newcastle in a few months
I wonder how much Jose has made in payoffs over the last 20 years.
Steve Clarke was being interviewed recently on 5 Live and Chappers asked him who was the best coach/manager he worked under, quick as a flash he said Jose
From the training ground to changing room to the sideline his was unique
None of his drills were the same, he changed them (obviously to suit his style) every day and the players never did same session twice, his approach was nothing he's seen before
His record speaks for itself, even though he's defo on the wane with regards to his methods that have been successful in the past.
I wanted him to succeed Ferguson when he retired, but no, Utd went the chosen one!
Been a cluster f**k ever since
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 17, 2024, 11:26:10 AMQuote from: Tony Baloney on January 16, 2024, 10:24:11 PMQuote from: lurganblue on January 16, 2024, 03:25:18 PMA nice wee pay off I'm sure. Could rock up at Newcastle in a few months
I wonder how much Jose has made in payoffs over the last 20 years.
Steve Clarke was being interviewed recently on 5 Live and Chappers asked him who was the best coach/manager he worked under, quick as a flash he said Jose
From the training ground to changing room to the sideline his was unique
None of his drills were the same, he changed them (obviously to suit his style) every day and the players never did same session twice, his approach was nothing he's seen before
His record speaks for itself, even though he's defo on the wane with regards to his methods that have been successful in the past.
I wanted him to succeed Ferguson when he retired, but no, Utd went the chosen one!
Been a cluster f**k ever since
soccer has moved on since Mourinho was in his prime.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 16, 2024, 10:24:11 PMQuote from: lurganblue on January 16, 2024, 03:25:18 PMA nice wee pay off I'm sure. Could rock up at Newcastle in a few months
I wonder how much Jose has made in payoffs over the last 20 years.
Saw it on social media over £80million, frightening pay offs when compare it to the real world.
Milan walk off and game is halted after keeper Maignon is racially abused against Udinese. Fair fucks.
Massive problem in Italy and Spain with that shite it seems.
Think I'd rather win the game then laugh in their faces but fair play for taking a stand.
Some dodgy decisions in the Real Madrid - Almeria Match today. Almeria went 0-2 ahead. Penalty for a dodgy hand-ball. Vinicius Junior scores second with his arm and Carvajal got the winner in the 99th minute with 11 minutes added time.
In between all this Almeria have a third goal disallowed for a push-off by a player in possession.
Leverkusen beat Munich 3-0 to go 5 clear.Alonso's stock just keeps rising.
If Liverpool haven't already a deal done they better do it quick 😄
Quote from: jcpen on February 10, 2024, 07:32:07 PMLeverkusen beat Munich 3-0 to go 5 clear.Alonso's stock just keeps rising.
If Liverpool haven't already a deal done they better do it quick 😄
Leverkusen just smothered Munich in the 2nd half.
Quote from: jcpen on February 10, 2024, 07:32:07 PMLeverkusen beat Munich 3-0 to go 5 clear.Alonso's stock just keeps rising.
If Liverpool haven't already a deal done they better do it quick 😄
If he'd any sense he'd stay where he is.
If Liverpool get top 4 he'll come
Quote from: Armagh18 on February 10, 2024, 08:27:53 PMQuote from: jcpen on February 10, 2024, 07:32:07 PMLeverkusen beat Munich 3-0 to go 5 clear.Alonso's stock just keeps rising.
If Liverpool haven't already a deal done they better do it quick 😄
If he'd any sense he'd stay where he is.
Munich (if they lose the League) will open the purse strings and will be stronger.
They'll probably buy 2 or 3 Leverkusen players to weaken them.
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 10, 2024, 09:23:46 PMQuote from: Armagh18 on February 10, 2024, 08:27:53 PMQuote from: jcpen on February 10, 2024, 07:32:07 PMLeverkusen beat Munich 3-0 to go 5 clear.Alonso's stock just keeps rising.
If Liverpool haven't already a deal done they better do it quick 😄
If he'd any sense he'd stay where he is.
Munich (if they lose the League) will open the purse strings and will be stronger.
They'll probably buy 2 or 3 Leverkusen players to weaken them.
Yes Harry might just have to wait one more year for his title.
Last season Bayern Munich crowned German league champions for a 11th year in a row. A feat no other team had ever achieved across Europe's top five leagues of England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France.
Harry Kane jumped on board believing his long trophy drought would be ended. Harry a bit of a jinx?
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 10, 2024, 09:51:35 PMLast season Bayern Munich crowned German league champions for a 11th year in a row. A feat no other team had ever achieved across Europe's top five leagues of England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France.
Harry Kane jumped on board believing his long trophy drought would be ended. Harry a bit of a jinx?
He's scoring but Christ not winning would be hilarious
You would feel sorry for him until you remember that he's one of the sneakiest about for diving.
Bayern lost to third-tier FC Saarbrücken in the The DFB-Pokal (German Cup) in November. I still think they could take the Bundesliga. Big clubs can deal with the pressure of squeeky bum time as the games get bigger and their squad comes into effect.
They have a moderate draw of Lazio in the Champions league.
Some story - Ivory Coast. Chaotic early on, lifted the title.
Man City v Copenhagen on RTE 2. Who wants to watch that?
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 13, 2024, 09:29:27 PMMan City v Copenhagen on RTE 2. Who wants to watch that?
There was only one other option?
The champions league which was once a great competition has lost its appeal over last few years with traditional powers like Barcalona not being what once where and the Italian league dropping in standard.competition will only get worse with the new format coming.
That penalty for Lazio and red card for Upemecano of Bayern has changed things. It was a stupid rash tackle from Upemecano.
Bayern are struggling now in a game they had the upper hand in.
Against the run of play too.
It was odd watching that - the commentators didn't cop on at all a penalty had been given and then were shocked when a red card was given as they barely even seemed sure play had been stopped.
Very little urgency in that Bayern team. Kane gave it away a lot.
Quote from: statto on February 14, 2024, 06:56:52 AMThe champions league which was once a great competition has lost its appeal over last few years with traditional powers like Barcalona not being what once where and the Italian league dropping in standard.competition will only get worse with the new format coming.
I agree with what your saying but I actually fancy Inter to lift big ears this year.
Quote from: statto on February 14, 2024, 06:56:52 AMThe champions league which was once a great competition has lost its appeal over last few years with traditional powers like Barcalona not being what once where and the Italian league dropping in standard.competition will only get worse with the new format coming.
Inter and Roma both made the champions league and europa league finals last year? This year two of the premier league teams have been an embarrassment in the competition.
Quote from: markl121 on February 15, 2024, 09:50:55 AMQuote from: statto on February 14, 2024, 06:56:52 AMThe champions league which was once a great competition has lost its appeal over last few years with traditional powers like Barcalona not being what once where and the Italian league dropping in standard.competition will only get worse with the new format coming.
Inter and Roma both made the champions league and europa league finals last year? This year two of the premier league teams have been an embarrassment in the competition.
The Europa league is a significant downgrade on the Champions League. Inter beat benfica, porto, milan in the knockouts, so had a pretty hand run to the final compared to City who beat leipzig, bayern and madrid.
If Liverpool don't win that competition then it will go down as the worst bottling job in history ;D
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 04:03:19 PMIf Liverpool don't win that competition then it will go down as the worst bottling job in history ;D
Man Utd won that accolade already with their multiple bottle jobs in a gimme Champions League Group.
And all this with the most expensive football team in history. ;D
Most expensive football team in history (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/most-expensive-football-team-history-list-top-transfer-spend/f0bbf16b02ab213bab333ba2)
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 15, 2024, 06:08:31 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 04:03:19 PMIf Liverpool don't win that competition then it will go down as the worst bottling job in history ;D
Man Utd won that accolade already with their multiple bottle jobs in a gimme Champions League Group.
And all this with the most expensive football team in history. ;D
Most expensive football team in history (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/most-expensive-football-team-history-list-top-transfer-spend/f0bbf16b02ab213bab333ba2)
Just the one bite... I'll take it ;D
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 06:40:05 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on February 15, 2024, 06:08:31 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 04:03:19 PMIf Liverpool don't win that competition then it will go down as the worst bottling job in history ;D
Man Utd won that accolade already with their multiple bottle jobs in a gimme Champions League Group.
And all this with the most expensive football team in history. ;D
Most expensive football team in history (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/most-expensive-football-team-history-list-top-transfer-spend/f0bbf16b02ab213bab333ba2)
Just the one bite... I'll take it ;D
........and a big bite it was, thanks for leaving yourself open for a massive Dig ....... ;D
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 15, 2024, 07:14:41 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 06:40:05 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on February 15, 2024, 06:08:31 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 04:03:19 PMIf Liverpool don't win that competition then it will go down as the worst bottling job in history ;D
Man Utd won that accolade already with their multiple bottle jobs in a gimme Champions League Group.
And all this with the most expensive football team in history. ;D
Most expensive football team in history (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/most-expensive-football-team-history-list-top-transfer-spend/f0bbf16b02ab213bab333ba2)
Just the one bite... I'll take it ;D
........and a big bite it was, thanks for leaving yourself open for a massive Dig ....... ;D
Yes, I'm glad you went to all that research
I'll open the link later ::)
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 07:36:23 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on February 15, 2024, 07:14:41 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 06:40:05 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on February 15, 2024, 06:08:31 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 04:03:19 PMIf Liverpool don't win that competition then it will go down as the worst bottling job in history ;D
Man Utd won that accolade already with their multiple bottle jobs in a gimme Champions League Group.
And all this with the most expensive football team in history. ;D
Most expensive football team in history (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/most-expensive-football-team-history-list-top-transfer-spend/f0bbf16b02ab213bab333ba2)
Just the one bite... I'll take it ;D
........and a big bite it was, thanks for leaving yourself open for a massive Dig ....... ;D
Yes, I'm glad you went to all that research
I'll open the link later ::)
Enjoy the read...... thanks again. Enjoyed that!
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 15, 2024, 07:46:18 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 07:36:23 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on February 15, 2024, 07:14:41 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 06:40:05 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on February 15, 2024, 06:08:31 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 04:03:19 PMIf Liverpool don't win that competition then it will go down as the worst bottling job in history ;D
Man Utd won that accolade already with their multiple bottle jobs in a gimme Champions League Group.
And all this with the most expensive football team in history. ;D
Most expensive football team in history (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/most-expensive-football-team-history-list-top-transfer-spend/f0bbf16b02ab213bab333ba2)
Just the one bite... I'll take it ;D
........and a big bite it was, thanks for leaving yourself open for a massive Dig ....... ;D
Yes, I'm glad you went to all that research
I'll open the link later ::)
Enjoy the read...... thanks again. Enjoyed that!
Your football knowledge is pretty poor if you think that this current Utd team was capable of getting anywhere in Europe.
All this coming from a team that couldn't get top 4 last season ;D
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 08:08:26 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on February 15, 2024, 07:46:18 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 07:36:23 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on February 15, 2024, 07:14:41 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 06:40:05 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on February 15, 2024, 06:08:31 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2024, 04:03:19 PMIf Liverpool don't win that competition then it will go down as the worst bottling job in history ;D
Man Utd won that accolade already with their multiple bottle jobs in a gimme Champions League Group.
And all this with the most expensive football team in history. ;D
Most expensive football team in history (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/most-expensive-football-team-history-list-top-transfer-spend/f0bbf16b02ab213bab333ba2)
Just the one bite... I'll take it ;D
........and a big bite it was, thanks for leaving yourself open for a massive Dig ....... ;D
Yes, I'm glad you went to all that research
I'll open the link later ::)
Enjoy the read...... thanks again. Enjoyed that!
Your football knowledge is pretty poor if you think that this current Utd team was capable of getting anywhere in Europe.
All this coming from a team that couldn't get top 4 last season ;D
Looks like I got the last Bite...... Check mate!
#bants
Quote from: markl121 on February 15, 2024, 09:50:55 AMQuote from: statto on February 14, 2024, 06:56:52 AMThe champions league which was once a great competition has lost its appeal over last few years with traditional powers like Barcalona not being what once where and the Italian league dropping in standard.competition will only get worse with the new format coming.
Inter and Roma both made the champions league and europa league finals last year? This year two of the premier league teams have been an embarrassment in the competition.
Don't forget when English teams do rubbish in Europe that is just evidence that it's because the Premier League is so hard.
Bayern Munich beaten again, eight points off the top of the German league table. Will be a taxi for Thomas Tuchel soon?
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 18, 2024, 06:58:26 PMBayern Munich beaten again, eight points off the top of the German league table. Will be a taxi for Thomas Tuchel soon?
Spursy
According to Sky sports Liverpool target Xabi Alonso is Bayern Munich's No 1 choice to succeed Thomas Tuchel after the Bundesliga champions confirmed they will part ways with the manager this summer – while they are also looking at Zinedine Zidane.
Quote from: Blowitupref on February 21, 2024, 02:44:58 PMAccording to Sky sports Liverpool target Xabi Alonso is Bayern Munich's No 1 choice to succeed Thomas Tuchel after the Bundesliga champions confirmed they will part ways with the manager this summer – while they are also looking at Zinedine Zidane.
Would Zidane want it?
Wonder where Liverpool go if Alonso turns them down.
Tuchel to Loserpool? Who says No? .....Probably Tuchel... but sure ye know.
Any chance bayern throw a bag of money at klopp? I can't remember what he said when he left dortmund. Would he ever go to bayern?
Gees there is no fight in havertz at all. Ball on a plate or forget it.
Until the winner in the 94th minute that Porto against Arsenal game was one of the most boring and uneventful Champions league knock out ties ever.
Quote from: Armagh18 on February 21, 2024, 03:29:22 PMQuote from: Blowitupref on February 21, 2024, 02:44:58 PMAccording to Sky sports Liverpool target Xabi Alonso is Bayern Munich's No 1 choice to succeed Thomas Tuchel after the Bundesliga champions confirmed they will part ways with the manager this summer – while they are also looking at Zinedine Zidane.
Would Zidane want it?
Wonder where Liverpool go if Alonso turns them down.
Hard to know, media linking him so must be something in it.
Rangers were pretty decent tonight
They have been Scotland's pride in Europe for a decade now.
Quote from: ONeill on March 07, 2024, 10:21:22 PMThey have been Scotland's pride in Europe for a decade now.
More than a decade, they were in the final in 08.
Quote from: snoopdog on March 07, 2024, 11:19:30 PMQuote from: ONeill on March 07, 2024, 10:21:22 PMThey have been Scotland's pride in Europe for a decade now.
More than a decade, they were in the final in 08.
And 2022
The 5th place CL spot for the Premier League may take a bit of a hit if some of the results from last night continue into next week. Brighton are gone. West Ham in a pickle and Villa still have work to do.
Lucky Arsenal into their first Champions league quarter final for 14 years and on the evidence of those two legs against an average Porto side they are unlikely to reach the last four.
Was the Arsenal keeper off his line for that last penalty?
Quote from: clarshack on March 12, 2024, 10:51:48 PMWas the Arsenal keeper off his line for that last penalty?
Because he moved of it after taken.
Quote from: clarshack on March 12, 2024, 10:51:48 PMWas the Arsenal keeper off his line for that last penalty?
Why I didn't celebrate - I thoght he was but we'll take it, ref was shocking the whole match.
Would love an Arsenal City quarter final draw
Quote from: Mourne Red on March 12, 2024, 10:54:50 PMQuote from: clarshack on March 12, 2024, 10:51:48 PMWas the Arsenal keeper off his line for that last penalty?
Why I didn't celebrate - I thoght he was but we'll take it, ref was shocking the whole match.
It was a bit of a booting match at times. Saka, who does need to toughen up too I think, was getting manhandled a lot the whole game. One of the last plays of the game he'd the ball and the defender had his arms round his waist in a blatantly obvious foul and nothing.
Didn't know who was worse for diving last night, Porto or Arsenal. A terrible advertisement of modern day football. The only plus point was the referee letting things go at times.
Quote from: An Watcher on March 13, 2024, 09:39:24 AMDidn't know who was worse for diving last night, Porto or Arsenal. A terrible advertisement of modern day football. The only plus point was the referee letting things go at times.
Thought the ref was great and managed the game well.
Arteta is an awful bollix
Yeah. the ref let the game go and that was the tone from the start, the players just needed to adapt to his style and play on, and not expecting a free every time someone touched them
Penalties alert. Inter v athletico now.
That's last year's finalists out before the last eight. Not a strong field like the past will go against logic should Manchester City not retain the Champions league title.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 13, 2024, 10:45:29 PMThat's last year's finalists out before the last eight. Not a strong field like the past will go against logic should Manchester City not retain the Champions league title.
Last years QFs had Napoli, Milan, Chelsea & Benfica - hardly stellar
Madrid will beat City.
Quote from: Armagh18 on March 13, 2024, 10:53:22 PMMadrid will beat City.
I can see them beating Arsenal not Manchester City.
The match was poor, both teams weren't great last night, I know it's knockout and very tense but Athletico were not great.
City want the 4 in a row has not been done in the PL but will almost certainly want to retain the CL
"Uefa admits Liverpool v Rangers Europa League final in Dublin could be 'extremely challenging'" They don't need to be concerned about that anymore with Rangers knocked out tonight by Benfica.
Think they'll concentrate on winning the SPL now
Quote from: Blowitupref on March 14, 2024, 07:40:54 PM"Uefa admits Liverpool v Rangers Europa League final in Dublin could be 'extremely challenging'" They don't need to be concerned about that anymore with Rangers knocked out tonight by Benfica.
Whoops. I posted the same on the Celtic thread.
Leverkusen on their way out...
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 14, 2024, 09:26:29 PMLeverkusen on their way out...
A low hanging fruit competition for Liverpool. Aston Villa looking a good bet to win the Europa Conference league and helps to have a manager with European winning pedigree.
Some turnaround
Have they lost any game this season?
Nope. Injury time equalisers needed in both legs of the tie to maintain that record
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 14, 2024, 09:50:44 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on March 14, 2024, 09:26:29 PMLeverkusen on their way out...
A low hanging fruit competition for Liverpool. Aston Villa looking a good bet to win the Europa Conference league and helps to have a manager with European winning pedigree.
Potential bottle job alert. Should be a big WhatsApp group setup ;D
Quote from: JoG2 on March 14, 2024, 10:56:52 PMQuote from: Captain Obvious on March 14, 2024, 09:50:44 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on March 14, 2024, 09:26:29 PMLeverkusen on their way out...
A low hanging fruit competition for Liverpool. Aston Villa looking a good bet to win the Europa Conference league and helps to have a manager with European winning pedigree.
Potential bottle job alert. Should be a big WhatsApp group setup ;D
We are going to win it no problem, I've got my hopes up, it's a sure thing...BUT I will be so embarrassed if we don't win it...just think of all the gloating on here, especially as we were the favorites, and it will be so humiliating to lose a tournament we were favorites for, oh I shudder to think!
Quote from: gawa316 on March 14, 2024, 11:53:00 PMQuote from: JoG2 on March 14, 2024, 10:56:52 PMQuote from: Captain Obvious on March 14, 2024, 09:50:44 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on March 14, 2024, 09:26:29 PMLeverkusen on their way out...
A low hanging fruit competition for Liverpool. Aston Villa looking a good bet to win the Europa Conference league and helps to have a manager with European winning pedigree.
Potential bottle job alert. Should be a big WhatsApp group setup ;D
We are going to win it no problem, I've got my hopes up, it's a sure thing...BUT I will be so embarrassed if we don't win it...just think of all the gloating on here, especially as we were the favorites, and it will be so humiliating to lose a tournament we were favorites for, oh I shudder to think!
And made all the worse because captain Obvious told us how certain it was.
Decent night for the 5th place Champions League spot. It would have been a lot better if not for the Leverkusen come back.
Watkins and Carlos off injured for Villa is yet another blow. Hopefully they aren't serious problems.
Quote from: trueblue1234 on March 15, 2024, 08:29:29 AMQuote from: gawa316 on March 14, 2024, 11:53:00 PMQuote from: JoG2 on March 14, 2024, 10:56:52 PMQuote from: Captain Obvious on March 14, 2024, 09:50:44 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on March 14, 2024, 09:26:29 PMLeverkusen on their way out...
A low hanging fruit competition for Liverpool. Aston Villa looking a good bet to win the Europa Conference league and helps to have a manager with European winning pedigree.
Potential bottle job alert. Should be a big WhatsApp group setup ;D
We are going to win it no problem, I've got my hopes up, it's a sure thing...BUT I will be so embarrassed if we don't win it...just think of all the gloating on here, especially as we were the favorites, and it will be so humiliating to lose a tournament we were favorites for, oh I shudder to think!
And made all the worse because captain Obvious told us how certain it was.
These mind games from Captain Obvious are going to put Liverpool players under so much extra pressure now.
Champions league Draw
Quarter-finals
Arsenal v Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid v Borussia Dortmund
Paris St-Germain v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Manchester City
Semi-finals
Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund v Paris St-Germain or Barcelona
Arsenal or Bayern Munich v Real Madrid or Manchester City
Europa league draw
Quarter-finals
AC Milan v Roma
Liverpool v Atalanta
Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham
Benfica v Marseille
Semi-finals
Benfica or Marseille v Liverpool or Atalanta
AC Milan or Roma v Bayer Leverkusen or West Ham
Conference League
Quarter-finals
Club Bruges v PAOK
Olympiacos v Fenerbahce
Aston Villa v Lille
Viktoria Plzen v Fiorentina
Semi-finals
Aston Villa or Lille v Olympiacos or Fenerbahce
Viktoria Plzen or Fiorentina v Club Bruges or PAOK
Athletic throwing away another final. Time yet.
1-1.
The quarter finals start tomorrow with Real Madrid vs Man City on the rte news channel or the rte player. The ladies football Ireland vs England is on rte 2. Is the ladies football really that popular that it gets its game on the main channel?
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 08, 2024, 10:09:14 PMThe quarter finals start tomorrow with Real Madrid vs Man City on the rte news channel or the rte player. The ladies football Ireland vs England is on rte 2. Is the ladies football really that popular that it gets its game on the main channel?
Be poor enough form now to give 2 foreign teams priority over an Irish team tbf. Although I'm sure the mens will have plenty more viewers.
Some game already. This could end any score. Two lucky goals from Madrid have them in front.
Arsenal losing at home to out of form Bayern Munich, long way to go in the tie yet however won't need reminding that their title domestic title challenge went into tail spin once they got knocked out of Europe last year.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 09, 2024, 08:43:53 PMArsenal losing at home to out of form Bayern Munich, long way to go in the tie yet however won't need reminding that their title domestic title challenge went into tail spin once they got knocked out of Europe last year.
Kane's record for scoring against Arsenal continues.
Why is RTE showing women's soccer instead of champions league, lose out on some big advertising money there surely?
Quote from: Brendan on April 09, 2024, 08:57:23 PMWhy is RTE showing women's soccer instead of champions league, lose out on some big advertising money there surely?
They are showing the Real Madrid v Man City match on RTE news channel.
European game on RTÉ news I think.
You have to show the national team's game I would have thought...
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 09, 2024, 08:59:58 PMEuropean game on RTÉ news I think.
You have to show the national team's game I would have thought...
Ireland haven't had a shot..
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 09, 2024, 09:02:06 PMQuote from: imtommygunn on April 09, 2024, 08:59:58 PMEuropean game on RTÉ news I think.
You have to show the national team's game I would have thought...
Ireland haven't had a shot..
They have now.....
City been very ordinary since Madrid went 2 up, Madrid missing a few chances now that could come back to bite them.
There it is 2-2.
Foden some operator. Let him on his left with a bit of space and you're stuffed.
Manchester City should go on to retain the Champions league title now.
The Double Treble is on and nobody in the media wants to mention it.
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 09, 2024, 09:33:34 PMThe Double Treble is on and nobody in the media wants to mention it.
It's on alright. Should win the FA Cup comfortable enough, the League title is probably going to end up with them also especially with the fixtures they have left.
Wouldn't rule out Madrid in this tie yet though would be foolish for anyone to do that.
As I was saying....
What a treat for a Tue night 2 crackers of games!
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 09, 2024, 09:33:34 PMThe Double Treble is on and nobody in the media wants to mention it.
Media don't expect Liverpool to let the Premier league title to slip through their fingers hence why it hasn't been mentioned.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 09, 2024, 09:47:05 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on April 09, 2024, 09:33:34 PMThe Double Treble is on and nobody in the media wants to mention it.
Media don't expect Liverpool to let the Premier league title to slip through their fingers hence why it hasn't been mentioned.
The Media know City are stink with Financial Doping. They don't sell advertising, Papers, etc. And there is not an ounce of romance in the achievements of the team.
Modric still got it.
If foden has a bad injury big blow to city. Likely best player this year.
Saka up to his usual tricks, the ref got it spot on.
After tonight's results harder challenge for Arsenal to progress now however not impossible. Sake tried his best to win a penalty with a dive in the 5th minute of added time. Manchester City will be happy with the draw and win this tie in Manchester.
Some great goals in the City game tonight.
Commentators shouting for that penalty. He left the leg in - sneaky enough - but then Kane always at that too.
Great call for that Saka penalty!! He stuck his leg out to hit the keeper. He could have had a goal if he kept going!
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 09, 2024, 09:50:56 PMQuote from: Captain Obvious on April 09, 2024, 09:47:05 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on April 09, 2024, 09:33:34 PMThe Double Treble is on and nobody in the media wants to mention it.
Media don't expect Liverpool to let the Premier league title to slip through their fingers hence why it hasn't been mentioned.
The Media know City are stink with Financial Doping. They don't sell advertising, Papers, etc. And there is not an ounce of romance in the achievements of the team.
I agree soulless club and no side left in the Champions league or FA Cup good enough to beat them. Both Liverpool and Arsenal are currently ahead of them in the Premier league so it's opportunity knocks.
Cracker of a game, wouldn't be surprised to see another 3-3 in the next game and extra time and Penos. Impossible to call the winner of that tie at this stage.
Didn't watch the Arsenal game but 2-2 not a bad result especially with no away goals rule anymore.
Arsenal in good form top of their domestic league and with the League title in their hands they should go to Munich with plenty of confidence.
A clear penalty according to Rio Ferdinand, it's a crowded field but he is the worst football pundit out there
Quote from: Kidder81 on April 09, 2024, 10:11:00 PMA clear penalty according to Rio Ferdinand, it's a crowded field but he is the worst football pundit out there
No one has taken him seriously since his "Man United are back, Ole is at the wheel" comments.
Quote from: screenexile on April 09, 2024, 10:02:16 PMGreat call for that Saka penalty!! He stuck his leg out to hit the keeper. He could have had a goal if he kept going!
Like Harveys?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 09, 2024, 10:17:04 PMQuote from: screenexile on April 09, 2024, 10:02:16 PMGreat call for that Saka penalty!! He stuck his leg out to hit the keeper. He could have had a goal if he kept going!
Like Harveys?
Not at all! Any dubious penalty shouts against Man Ure should be given.
Tuchel seems very annoyed about this call Bayern didn't get!
https://x.com/graefe_manuel/status/1777808412354433443?s=48&t=phQ2HHkWD0UVsLqr_FKpag
Quote from: screenexile on April 09, 2024, 11:06:31 PMTuchel seems very annoyed about this call Bayern didn't get!
https://x.com/graefe_manuel/status/1777808412354433443?s=48&t=phQ2HHkWD0UVsLqr_FKpag
Tuchel: "What makes us really angry is the explanation on the field. He told our players that it's a kids mistake and he will not give a penalty like this in a quarter-final."
Quote from: Blowitupref on April 09, 2024, 11:17:14 PMQuote from: screenexile on April 09, 2024, 11:06:31 PMTuchel seems very annoyed about this call Bayern didn't get!
https://x.com/graefe_manuel/status/1777808412354433443?s=48&t=phQ2HHkWD0UVsLqr_FKpag
Tuchel: "What makes us really angry is the explanation on the field. He told our players that it's a kids mistake and he will not give a penalty like this in a quarter-final."
Yeah that's what it looked like.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 09, 2024, 11:18:26 PMQuote from: Blowitupref on April 09, 2024, 11:17:14 PMQuote from: screenexile on April 09, 2024, 11:06:31 PMTuchel seems very annoyed about this call Bayern didn't get!
https://x.com/graefe_manuel/status/1777808412354433443?s=48&t=phQ2HHkWD0UVsLqr_FKpag
Tuchel: "What makes us really angry is the explanation on the field. He told our players that it's a kids mistake and he will not give a penalty like this in a quarter-final."
Yeah that's what it looked like.
100% Penalty - Referee and even more so VAR bottled it!
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 09, 2024, 11:23:45 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on April 09, 2024, 11:18:26 PMQuote from: Blowitupref on April 09, 2024, 11:17:14 PMQuote from: screenexile on April 09, 2024, 11:06:31 PMTuchel seems very annoyed about this call Bayern didn't get!
https://x.com/graefe_manuel/status/1777808412354433443?s=48&t=phQ2HHkWD0UVsLqr_FKpag
Tuchel: "What makes us really angry is the explanation on the field. He told our players that it's a kids mistake and he will not give a penalty like this in a quarter-final."
Yeah that's what it looked like.
100% Penalty - Referee and even more so VAR bottled it!
Like the mistake a Spurs goalie made from a throw in when touching the ball in a failed attempt to trap it before it trickled into the net. A kid´s mistake for sure::)
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 09, 2024, 10:02:37 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on April 09, 2024, 09:50:56 PMQuote from: Captain Obvious on April 09, 2024, 09:47:05 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on April 09, 2024, 09:33:34 PMThe Double Treble is on and nobody in the media wants to mention it.
Media don't expect Liverpool to let the Premier league title to slip through their fingers hence why it hasn't been mentioned.
The Media know City are stink with Financial Doping. They don't sell advertising, Papers, etc. And there is not an ounce of romance in the achievements of the team.
I agree soulless club and no side left in the Champions league or FA Cup good enough to beat them. Both Liverpool and Arsenal are currently ahead of them in the Premier league so it's opportunity knocks.
The irony is that pre state involvement, they had plenty of soul, certainly a good part of their fanbase and the crowds that followed them in the 3rd tier 25 odd years ago
Quote from: blasmere on April 10, 2024, 08:59:14 AMQuote from: Captain Obvious on April 09, 2024, 10:02:37 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on April 09, 2024, 09:50:56 PMQuote from: Captain Obvious on April 09, 2024, 09:47:05 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on April 09, 2024, 09:33:34 PMThe Double Treble is on and nobody in the media wants to mention it.
Media don't expect Liverpool to let the Premier league title to slip through their fingers hence why it hasn't been mentioned.
The Media know City are stink with Financial Doping. They don't sell advertising, Papers, etc. And there is not an ounce of romance in the achievements of the team.
I agree soulless club and no side left in the Champions league or FA Cup good enough to beat them. Both Liverpool and Arsenal are currently ahead of them in the Premier league so it's opportunity knocks.
The irony is that pre state involvement, they had plenty of soul, certainly a good part of their fanbase and the crowds that followed them in the 3rd tier 25 odd years ago
I think that is why opposition fans don't really care if or when they win things. They are plastic and their achievements will always be reflected as such. Total contrast to where and who they were before the investment.
Just with that goal kick incident - what is the thinking behind Gabriel taking it and passing it to Raya as oppossed to the goalkeeper just doing the same? Obviously its some nuanced coaching brilliance that a mere mortal like me doesn't understand. I see United doing the same thing too.
Disgraceful from Saka. Never a penalty. This Arsenal side always seem to have something to moan about.
Yea
Quote from: lurganblue on April 10, 2024, 09:17:57 AMDisgraceful from Saka. Never a penalty. This Arsenal side always seem to have something to moan about.
Yeah keeper only stuck out leg and missed ball.
Haven't seen the Saka penalty incident yet but it definitely wasn't a penalty.
More annoyed about Harry Kane avoiding a red.
Quote from: jcpen on April 10, 2024, 10:02:43 AMHaven't seen the Saka penalty incident yet but it definitely wasn't a penalty.
Most blatant, bordering on comical, attempt by an attacker to engineer contact I've ever seen!
Quote from: J70 on April 10, 2024, 12:26:53 PMQuote from: jcpen on April 10, 2024, 10:02:43 AMHaven't seen the Saka penalty incident yet but it definitely wasn't a penalty.
Most blatant, bordering on comical, attempt by an attacker to engineer contact I've ever seen!
I know! Anyone that leaves/drags a leg into a defender/keeper to engineer a penalty needs 60 lashes ;D
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2024, 12:35:07 PMQuote from: J70 on April 10, 2024, 12:26:53 PMQuote from: jcpen on April 10, 2024, 10:02:43 AMHaven't seen the Saka penalty incident yet but it definitely wasn't a penalty.
Most blatant, bordering on comical, attempt by an attacker to engineer contact I've ever seen!
I know! Anyone that leaves/drags a leg into a defender/keeper to engineer a penalty needs 60 lashes ;D
Yeah, lots of them do it these days, but that was taking it to a whole new level.
And for what? He made such an exaggerated detour that it was never going to pass VAR review, even if the ref had initially given it.
Make the referee give a decision and see what happens, that's what's being coached. That's in all team sports nowadays btw
Quote from: J70 on April 10, 2024, 12:26:53 PMQuote from: jcpen on April 10, 2024, 10:02:43 AMHaven't seen the Saka penalty incident yet but it definitely wasn't a penalty.
Most blatant, bordering on comical, attempt by an attacker to engineer contact I've ever seen!
Very similar to Wan Bisaka's challenge on Elliot on Sunday. Ball goes in one direction legs and body go in another. A premier league ref would probably given it, whats worrying is Rio & Keown thought it was a pen.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 10, 2024, 01:02:17 PMQuote from: J70 on April 10, 2024, 12:26:53 PMQuote from: jcpen on April 10, 2024, 10:02:43 AMHaven't seen the Saka penalty incident yet but it definitely wasn't a penalty.
Most blatant, bordering on comical, attempt by an attacker to engineer contact I've ever seen!
Very similar to Wan Bisaka's challenge on Elliot on Sunday. Ball goes in one direction legs and body go in another. A premier league ref would probably given it, whats worrying is Rio & Keown thought it was a pen.
Keown is extremely biased towards so thats no surprise. If the tackle was on Martinelli I don't think Rio would have been outraged. Saka comes across as a decent lad, but is a bit of a protected species among the English media.
AWB stupdidly went to ground on Sunday and Neuer stood his ground the incidents are not that similar.
Sure Munich should have had a penalty for handball that Arsenal fans don't seem to be talking about!
Quote from: J70 on April 10, 2024, 12:26:53 PMQuote from: jcpen on April 10, 2024, 10:02:43 AMHaven't seen the Saka penalty incident yet but it definitely wasn't a penalty.
Most blatant, bordering on comical, attempt by an attacker to engineer contact I've ever seen!
I didn't see all the angles of the foul on Grealish's leading to their goal from the free kick but it certainly looked at first glance that he made sure he made contact with the tackler. Trailing a leg or indeed kicking the tackler seems to have better than even chances of getting a pen- Anthony Gordon the other week against West Ham being a case in point.
Quote from: Turf on April 10, 2024, 02:49:32 PMSure Munich should have had a penalty for handball that Arsenal fans don't seem to be talking about!
Was reading about that in The Athletic.
I can understand the ref's "common sense" rationale for dismissing it, but surely under the rules he had no choice but to give it?
Quote from: J70 on April 10, 2024, 06:47:08 PMQuote from: Turf on April 10, 2024, 02:49:32 PMSure Munich should have had a penalty for handball that Arsenal fans don't seem to be talking about!
Was reading about that in The Athletic.
I can understand the ref's "common sense" rationale for dismissing it, but surely under the rules he had no choice but to give it?
I don't know.
Well I do know what you're saying.
But if referees didn't apply common sense to soccer (and GAA) the game would be unwatchable.
Almost every referee will punish a late tackle more severely later in a game when a team is protecting a lead, than they will earlier in the game when the outcome is a long way off being decided.
Thats common sense.
It's not as black and white as that bizarre handball, but it's the same chain of thought ie don't force decisions on the game unless they're really needed.
https://x.com/footballontnt/status/1777817346238828664?s=46
Raya definitely took the goal kick when he heard the refs whistle and not passing it across for Gabriel to take it.
It would have been funny had it been given just for the Arsenal meltdown over it.
Quote from: Turf on April 10, 2024, 02:49:32 PMSure Munich should have had a penalty for handball that Arsenal fans don't seem to be talking about!
They bloody well should have, the ref's balls disappeared inside him right there and then.
As for the Saka incident what should be galling most Arsenal fans is that he could have easily rounded Neurer and put the ball in the net, but chose to throw the leg out at Neurer.
Why look for the penalty when you've a gaping goal in front of you?
Some poor enough results for the English sides last night that wont help the hunt for the 5th CL spot. Villa the only team with a win, and by the looks of it they'll have a very difficult trip to France. How Watkins doesnt get a penalty awarded I'll never know.
Liverpool shit the nest last night. Are the wheels all about to fall off?
Quote from: 93-DY-SAM on April 12, 2024, 09:01:11 AMLiverpool shit the nest last night. Are the wheels all about to fall off?
I wouldn't think so, Atalanta gave a blueprint on a method of beating Liverpool but ypu'd need certain players and different factors to apply that.
Atalanta were not impressive though but just took the opportunities that Liverpool coughed up
I expect Palace to get thumped at the weekend and the banners will be the edge that wins it! Who knew?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 12, 2024, 09:06:12 AMQuote from: 93-DY-SAM on April 12, 2024, 09:01:11 AMLiverpool shit the nest last night. Are the wheels all about to fall off?
I wouldn't think so, Atalanta gave a blueprint on a method of beating Liverpool but ypu'd need certain players and different factors to apply that.
Atalanta were not impressive though but just took the opportunities that Liverpool coughed up
I expect Palace to get thumped at the weekend and the banners will be the edge that wins it! Who knew?
Atalanta first team to win at Anfield in 14 months and they weren't impressive?
Quote from: statto on April 12, 2024, 09:23:25 AMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on April 12, 2024, 09:06:12 AMQuote from: 93-DY-SAM on April 12, 2024, 09:01:11 AMLiverpool shit the nest last night. Are the wheels all about to fall off?
I wouldn't think so, Atalanta gave a blueprint on a method of beating Liverpool but ypu'd need certain players and different factors to apply that.
Atalanta were not impressive though but just took the opportunities that Liverpool coughed up
I expect Palace to get thumped at the weekend and the banners will be the edge that wins it! Who knew?
Atalanta first team to win at Anfield in 14 months and they weren't impressive?
Not really, Liverpool coughed up to clangers from the keeper and got caught out from losing position a few times, very unlike Liverpool, but hey if you think they were impressive that's ok
Quote from: statto on April 12, 2024, 09:23:25 AMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on April 12, 2024, 09:06:12 AMQuote from: 93-DY-SAM on April 12, 2024, 09:01:11 AMLiverpool shit the nest last night. Are the wheels all about to fall off?
I wouldn't think so, Atalanta gave a blueprint on a method of beating Liverpool but ypu'd need certain players and different factors to apply that.
Atalanta were not impressive though but just took the opportunities that Liverpool coughed up
I expect Palace to get thumped at the weekend and the banners will be the edge that wins it! Who knew?
Atalanta first team to win at Anfield in 14 months and they weren't impressive?
They were very impressive I thought, stopped Liverpool playing their game. Fully deserved win and could have won by more, excellent performance from them I thought.
Still think Liverpool could win the tie but only because it's Liverpool and they've done it before.
Some comments a bit disrespecting towards Atalanta here.
This is a side which have hit close to 100 goals in Serie A just a couple of seasons ago. Something unheard of in the league. Hit over 90 another season.
Not going as well as they were but Gasperini is a top class coach.
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on April 12, 2024, 10:39:55 AMSome comments a bit disrespecting towards Atalanta here.
This is a side which have hit close to 100 goals in Serie A just a couple of seasons ago. Something unheard of in the league. Hit over 90 another season.
Not going as well as they were but Gasperini is a top class coach.
Should Klopp have given them some more respect then?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 12, 2024, 09:34:45 AMQuote from: statto on April 12, 2024, 09:23:25 AMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on April 12, 2024, 09:06:12 AMQuote from: 93-DY-SAM on April 12, 2024, 09:01:11 AMLiverpool shit the nest last night. Are the wheels all about to fall off?
I wouldn't think so, Atalanta gave a blueprint on a method of beating Liverpool but ypu'd need certain players and different factors to apply that.
Atalanta were not impressive though but just took the opportunities that Liverpool coughed up
I expect Palace to get thumped at the weekend and the banners will be the edge that wins it! Who knew?
Atalanta first team to win at Anfield in 14 months and they weren't impressive?
Not really, Liverpool coughed up to clangers from the keeper and got caught out from losing position a few times, very unlike Liverpool, but hey if you think they were impressive that's ok
Liverpool have scored a ridiculous amount of goals this season so to keep a clean sheet alone is impressive never mind scoring three goals.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 12, 2024, 10:41:36 AMQuote from: SouthOfThe Bann on April 12, 2024, 10:39:55 AMSome comments a bit disrespecting towards Atalanta here.
This is a side which have hit close to 100 goals in Serie A just a couple of seasons ago. Something unheard of in the league. Hit over 90 another season.
Not going as well as they were but Gasperini is a top class coach.
Should Klopp have given them some more respect then?
He should have three changes in back 4 and 6 overall wasn't required.
Bayer Leverkusen have been crowned Bundesliga Champions for the first time in their history.
Quote from: jcpen on April 14, 2024, 06:26:45 PMBayer Leverkusen have been crowned Bundesliga Champions for the first time in their history.
So only eleven in a row for Bayern then.
Quote from: J70 on April 14, 2024, 06:30:14 PMQuote from: jcpen on April 14, 2024, 06:26:45 PMBayer Leverkusen have been crowned Bundesliga Champions for the first time in their history.
So only eleven in a row for Bayern then.
Poor Harry went there for an easy league title.
Epic scenes
Xhaka lifts the title as his old club collapse.
Alonso done some job, they were 2nd from bottom when he took over in 2022.
Will stay next season and then head for Real Madrid would be my guess.
Harry Kane must wonder will he ever win anything.
Barcelona was in strong position in this tie 4-2 ahead then that sending off a big turning point followed by a PSG goal soon after.
Other Champions league match tonight Dortmund have turned things around to lead A Madrid 3-2 on AGG at half time.
Sending off was idiocy then complaining he was innocent. Was it just me or did cancelo touch the ball?
in the terms of total lack of discipline Barcelona have really taken the biscuit tonight.
The red card was ridiculous(as in what was he thinking and the complaining like that too)and as for xavi being sent off well that's just embarrassing. All that being said I still hope they win as not a big fan of psg.
Araujo is excellent, so that was a moment of complete madness. Cancelo is and always has been an absolute moron.
He shouldn't have went for that tackle but I still think he got the ball. The ball changed direction and I just don't see how it would have without that tackle touching the ball
Looking like a Manchester City v PSG Oil Rich Champions league final.
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 16, 2024, 09:49:41 PMHe shouldn't have went for that tackle but I still think he got the ball. The ball changed direction and I just don't see how it would have without that tackle touching the ball
Don't think he touched it at all, and if he did, he came through Dembélé's foot to do it.
To lose like that from two goals up is pathetic.
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 16, 2024, 09:49:41 PMHe shouldn't have went for that tackle but I still think he got the ball. The ball changed direction and I just don't see how it would have without that tackle touching the ball
Thought he hit your mans foot then followed through and hit the ball tbh. Silly enough challenge.
I didn't think it was a clear foul/red card in the Barca v PSG game, 50/50 but I can accept the ref saw it as a clear red card.
What pees me off are those occasions when a ref up with the play, with clear sight does decide such and such an incident was not a penalty or red card, the VAR calls the ref to note some minuscule touch by a defender, even editing the scope of the video replay.
I thought Barca's Gundogen was clipped in the penaalty box before PSG got a goal in the econd half?
Quote from: marty34 on April 16, 2024, 10:34:41 PMI thought Barca's Gundogen was clipped in the penaalty box before PSG got a goal in the econd half?
The one he got booked after for for arguing? Never for me, he wad going nowhere and looked for it.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 16, 2024, 10:43:45 PMQuote from: marty34 on April 16, 2024, 10:34:41 PMI thought Barca's Gundogen was clipped in the penaalty box before PSG got a goal in the econd half?
The one he got booked after for for arguing? Never for me, he wad going nowhere and looked for it.
He was tripped with the ball still in play, and a chance that Barca could have gained a cross or a corner, doesn't matter one iota if he was being well marshalled away from goal and to claim he was "looking for it" requires mind reading ability, not an objective factor. The ref could have pointed to the spot and there wouldn't have been too many qualms had he done so.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 16, 2024, 10:43:45 PMQuote from: marty34 on April 16, 2024, 10:34:41 PMI thought Barca's Gundogen was clipped in the penaalty box before PSG got a goal in the econd half?
The one he got booked after for for arguing? Never for me, he wad going nowhere and looked for it.
Yeah, that one.
I though he was clipped. It was a clumsy attempt at a tackle and I've seen them given a lot of times.
Doesn't matter if it's unintential, it's still a foul.
Doesn't really matter where's he's going. if in the box.
It was a pretty clumsy attempt at a dive too though. I don't think that helped.
City have better strength in depth on the bench. I expect them to win 2-1 or 3-1.
Bayern vs Arsenal is too close to call.
Not too confident tonight - Think Odegaard will show up tonight as he always does but think still a bit of inexperience in the side that will see Bayern through. Hopefully I'm proved wrong mind
I tend to not mind grealish but he is at a right bit of diving tonight.
Two ties nicely poised 50 minutes played.
On AGG
Man City 3 Real Madrid 4
Bayern Munich 2 Arsenal 2
The Boys on Virgin Media cheering on Man City here? WTF, sure who in their right mind would want those financially doped crowd to win?
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 17, 2024, 08:45:09 PMI tend to not mind grealish but he is at a right bit of diving tonight.
Just tonight.
Breakthrough for Man City 4-4. Bayern 3-2 ahead in the other tie.
2-1 or 3-1 to City as predicted coming up.
Real need Modric on the pitch.
Sakas gone missing in another big game
Haaland the same.
4-4 Goes to extra time. Madrid look out on their feet. Bayern 3-2 AGG winners against Arsenal in the other tie.
Quote from: Mourne Red on April 17, 2024, 08:00:25 PMNot too confident tonight - Think Odegaard will show up tonight as he always does but think still a bit of inexperience in the side that will see Bayern through. Hopefully I'm proved wrong mind
Well I was on the money.. Absolutley shocking performances out there tonight. Tomiasyu, Odegaard and Reya only players who turned up tonight
Bellingham trying to get Dias a black card there :)
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 17, 2024, 08:45:09 PMI tend to not mind grealish but he is at a right bit of diving tonight.
Bellingham at it as well all night.
All at it. 16 corners to nil shows the dominance here. Still might not win but Madrid creating nothing so would likely take penalties.
Quote from: Mourne Red on April 17, 2024, 09:55:06 PMQuote from: Mourne Red on April 17, 2024, 08:00:25 PMNot too confident tonight - Think Odegaard will show up tonight as he always does but think still a bit of inexperience in the side that will see Bayern through. Hopefully I'm proved wrong mind
Well I was on the money.. Absolutley shocking performances out there tonight. Tomiasyu, Odegaard and Reya only players who turned up tonight
saka jumping into the keeper last week when was easier to score proved big moment in tie.
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 17, 2024, 10:07:47 PMAll at it. 16 corners to nil shows the dominance here. Still might not win but Madrid creating nothing so would likely take penalties.
Real keeper not having many saves to make all the same.
Champions league winners will come out of this game
All set up for Madrid to steal it on penalties. City totally dominant but Real have defended brilliantly.
Best chance in extra time fell to Real Madrid. Rudiger with the miss. Penalty shootout coming up.
Real Madrid progress and probably jumped their biggest hurdle in this competition as they look a good bet to regain the Champions League.
Was City down to bare bones on penalty takers with the goalkeeper taking the last one?
HA!!
Armagh could take penalties better than Man City.
I said it last week after the first game that only a fool would write Madrid off yet we had posters saying it was definitely going to be a Man City v PSG final.
Anyone who knows anything about football could tell you writing off Madrid, 14 times winners, is a foolish thing to do.
De Bruynes miss in the closing stages of normal time was the key moment. He should have buried it and won the game.
Now can City steady themselves after this setback and win the premiership and cup semi at the weekend.
A good night for competition that's cup football for you. In truth nobody other than Manchester City supporters wanted to see such a soulless club go on to retain the Champions league title. PSG another soulless so for the health on the sport it will be for the best if they don't win it now that favourties are out.
Quote from: armaghniac on April 17, 2024, 10:49:17 PMArmagh could take penalties better than Man City.
Be a few boys on that other thread won't acknowledge this as a Madrid win 😋😀
Only a fool would say it three times I tell ya!
City will look to get back on track and see out the league and FA cup now, no distractions and do the four in a row.
Quote from: jcpen on April 17, 2024, 10:50:28 PMI said it last week after the first game that only a fool would write Madrid off yet we had posters saying it was definitely going to be a Man City v PSG final.
Anyone who knows anything about football could tell you writing off Madrid, 14 times winners, is a foolish thing to do.
You'd imagine that no one would be stupid enough to write Madrid off after the last time they beat City 2 years ago.
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on April 17, 2024, 10:54:30 PMQuote from: armaghniac on April 17, 2024, 10:49:17 PMArmagh could take penalties better than Man City.
Be a few boys on that other thread won't acknowledge this as a Madrid win 😋😀
Geezer and Pep have a lot in common!
Commentator mentioned that Silva and the other guy who missed for City had never taken a peno before, like fair play to them for stepping up to take one but wasn't really the time to be taking your first ever peno.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 17, 2024, 10:55:44 PMQuote from: jcpen on April 17, 2024, 10:50:28 PMI said it last week after the first game that only a fool would write Madrid off yet we had posters saying it was definitely going to be a Man City v PSG final.
Anyone who knows anything about football could tell you writing off Madrid, 14 times winners, is a foolish thing to do.
You'd imagine that no one would be stupid enough to write Madrid off after the last time they beat City 2 years ago.
And yet there was...
Quote from: jcpen on April 17, 2024, 11:01:54 PMQuote from: Armagh18 on April 17, 2024, 10:55:44 PMQuote from: jcpen on April 17, 2024, 10:50:28 PMI said it last week after the first game that only a fool would write Madrid off yet we had posters saying it was definitely going to be a Man City v PSG final.
Anyone who knows anything about football could tell you writing off Madrid, 14 times winners, is a foolish thing to do.
You'd imagine that no one would be stupid enough to write Madrid off after the last time they beat City 2 years ago.
And yet there was...
Some result anyway.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 17, 2024, 10:56:17 PMQuote from: quit yo jibbajabba on April 17, 2024, 10:54:30 PMQuote from: armaghniac on April 17, 2024, 10:49:17 PMArmagh could take penalties better than Man City.
Be a few boys on that other thread won't acknowledge this as a Madrid win 😋😀
Geezer and Pep have a lot in common!
Salary?
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 17, 2024, 10:54:21 PMA good night for competition that's cup football for you. In truth nobody other than Manchester City supporters wanted to see such a soulless club go on to retain the Champions league title. PSG another soulless so for the health on the sport it will be for the best if they don't win it now that favourties are out.
What's a soulless club?
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on April 18, 2024, 03:42:46 AMWhat's a soulless club?
A team that wasn't in running to win this competition and that all changed once they became a franchise propped up by an oil money. Whatever they win is not seen as any great achievement.
Champions League is wide open now City are out, Madrid are probably favorites because of their history and tradition in the competition but really I could see any of the 4 left win it.
Harry might even end up with a Champions League winners medal.
If Arsenal weren't so cowardly last night they would have been in with a great chance of winning it.
I know it's easy to say the best team lost but the concentration levels from Madrid were amazing. And then when it was needed they had lads like Nacho and especially Rudiger jumping in.
City tried to pull them around but it's not like Palace and their low block, these boys were not for turning. Also in the extra time Real did fire a few warning shots to keep City honest.
Truth be told I don't like Pep as he just seems like a flase hoor.
Mikel Arteta (https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68842081): Arsenal need 'support and love' after Champions League exit
I think it would be a great gesture if we all could rally around and each in their own way send love vibes to the severely wounded Arsenal team. Somehow take part of the burden away from Mikel's rescue process.
(https://media.tenor.com/MpPJzWjXEZUAAAAM/hugs-and-love.gif)
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on April 18, 2024, 11:21:34 AMI know it's easy to say the best team lost but the concentration levels from Madrid were amazing. And then when it was needed they had lads like Nacho and especially Rudiger jumping in.
City tried to pull them around but it's not like Palace and their low block, these boys were not for turning. Also in the extra time Real did fire a few warning shots to keep City honest.
Truth be told I don't like Pep as he just seems like a flase hoor.
To defend against that quality of player under that much pressure for so long and to not make any mistakes is hugely impressive. Carvahal and Rudiger are boys you would want in the trenches - they'd do well in GAA them boys. City were better but like someone said they didn't really create the chances.
The thing as well is City can completely change the type of threat they have -e.g. Doku on for Grealish going from someone who cuts inside to sheer pace - yet they still dealt with it.
Haaland was non existent too. Absolutely non existent.
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 18, 2024, 02:42:53 PMQuote from: Captain Scarlet on April 18, 2024, 11:21:34 AMI know it's easy to say the best team lost but the concentration levels from Madrid were amazing. And then when it was needed they had lads like Nacho and especially Rudiger jumping in.
City tried to pull them around but it's not like Palace and their low block, these boys were not for turning. Also in the extra time Real did fire a few warning shots to keep City honest.
Truth be told I don't like Pep as he just seems like a flase hoor.
To defend against that quality of player under that much pressure for so long and to not make any mistakes is hugely impressive. Carvahal and Rudiger are boys you would want in the trenches - they'd do well in GAA them boys. City were better but like someone said they didn't really create the chances.
The thing as well is City can completely change the type of threat they have -e.g. Doku on for Grealish going from someone who cuts inside to sheer pace - yet they still dealt with it.
Haaland was non existent too. Absolutely non existent.
Didn't watch it, listened to some on way back from game, but how many balls were played into Haaland, is he, this year getting the same support? Still joint top in the league, I know some clubs would love a 20 plus striker lol
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2024, 02:57:57 PMQuote from: imtommygunn on April 18, 2024, 02:42:53 PMQuote from: Captain Scarlet on April 18, 2024, 11:21:34 AMI know it's easy to say the best team lost but the concentration levels from Madrid were amazing. And then when it was needed they had lads like Nacho and especially Rudiger jumping in.
City tried to pull them around but it's not like Palace and their low block, these boys were not for turning. Also in the extra time Real did fire a few warning shots to keep City honest.
Truth be told I don't like Pep as he just seems like a flase hoor.
To defend against that quality of player under that much pressure for so long and to not make any mistakes is hugely impressive. Carvahal and Rudiger are boys you would want in the trenches - they'd do well in GAA them boys. City were better but like someone said they didn't really create the chances.
The thing as well is City can completely change the type of threat they have -e.g. Doku on for Grealish going from someone who cuts inside to sheer pace - yet they still dealt with it.
Haaland was non existent too. Absolutely non existent.
Didn't watch it, listened to some on way back from game, but how many balls were played into Haaland, is he, this year getting the same support? Still joint top in the league, I know some clubs would love a 20 plus striker lol
Games against the better teams don't suit him, I think last night you could count on one hand how many times he touched the ball, Alvarez came on and was more involved straight away.
Flat track bully I think is the term needed for him
Against Madrid last year he did take away a lot of attention so while he didn't score he served a purpose but he was very poor last night - city borderline a man down. The previous game Rudiger was like Ryan McMenamim on him but I don't even think he marked him last night and he didn't even have that much attention. Haaland very low in confidence.
Keane right about Haaland ;)
The family name may cloud judgement there...
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on April 18, 2024, 11:21:34 AMI know it's easy to say the best team lost but the concentration levels from Madrid were amazing. And then when it was needed they had lads like Nacho and especially Rudiger jumping in.
City tried to pull them around but it's not like Palace and their low block, these boys were not for turning. Also in the extra time Real did fire a few warning shots to keep City honest.
Truth be told I don't like Pep as he just seems like a flase hoor.
Real Madrid somewhat reminded me last night of Inter Milan from 2010. Top level concentration when they didn't have the ball. The penalty shootout a case of Pep over thinking things again in Europe? Having players that never took penalties before and it's rare you see the goalkeeper picked as one of the first five takers or be it it was a good penalty. Of course he subbed off two possible penalty takers De Bruyne,Haaland. City supporters holding on to the ball played their part in Silva missing his but had they no extra balls instead of waiting for the crowd to return it?
That was the 6th time Real Madrid have knocked out the holders, their 33rd time to reach the last 4, 12 more appearances than the next Bayern Munich. Tradition is still strong in the European cup.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 18, 2024, 03:18:07 PMKeane right about Haaland ;)
A stopped clock is right twice in the day. He also said Liverpool would win the League!
Silva's penalty was ridiculous. It was a pass back to the goalie - hard to fathom what he was at there.
In fairness they never whip enough balls into the box, but even then, for such a big man he gets rattled easy enough. Rudiger bullied him and then Nacho did well this time.
I think they are just not used to teams folding when they ramp it up. Barca were like that on some of their worst Euro nights too. If a team didn't fall asunder Messi would be standing on the wing and the rest of them would be rolling around.
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 18, 2024, 04:08:40 PMQuote from: Armagh18 on April 18, 2024, 03:18:07 PMKeane right about Haaland ;)
A stopped clock is right twice in the day. He also said Liverpool would win the League!
They might yet. I fancy Chelsea to beat City this weekend in the cup and trigger a pep implosion. 2 points behind with 18 to play for. It's still on.
Quote from: RedHand88 on April 18, 2024, 04:23:15 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on April 18, 2024, 04:08:40 PMQuote from: Armagh18 on April 18, 2024, 03:18:07 PMKeane right about Haaland ;)
A stopped clock is right twice in the day. He also said Liverpool would win the League!
They might yet. I fancy Chelsea to beat City this weekend in the cup and trigger a pep implosion. 2 points behind with 18 to play for. It's still on.
League still very much on, depends how they all bounce back after exiting Europe, Liverpool likely gone too unless they can get a miracle.
Doku should have started instead of Grealish; so predictable, always cuts back inside and takes the pace off the attack. BTW this is the same Rudiger who couldn't get a place in Lampard's Chelsea team
Quote from: befair on April 18, 2024, 04:48:43 PMDoku should have started instead of Grealish; so predictable, always cuts back inside and takes the pace off the attack. BTW this is the same Rudiger who couldn't get a place in Lampard's Chelsea team
Thought Carvajal did brilliantly on Doku in fairness.
Quote from: befair on April 18, 2024, 04:48:43 PMDoku should have started instead of Grealish; so predictable, always cuts back inside and takes the pace off the attack. BTW this is the same Rudiger who couldn't get a place in Lampard's Chelsea team
That says more about Lampard than it does Rudiger
I have hoped Ynited would go for Rudiger when Chelsea let him go .
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 18, 2024, 04:05:43 PMQuote from: Captain Scarlet on April 18, 2024, 11:21:34 AMI know it's easy to say the best team lost but the concentration levels from Madrid were amazing. And then when it was needed they had lads like Nacho and especially Rudiger jumping in.
City tried to pull them around but it's not like Palace and their low block, these boys were not for turning. Also in the extra time Real did fire a few warning shots to keep City honest.
Truth be told I don't like Pep as he just seems like a flase hoor.
Real Madrid somewhat reminded me last night of Inter Milan from 2010. Top level concentration when they didn't have the ball. The penalty shootout a case of Pep over thinking things again in Europe? Having players that never took penalties before and it's rare you see the goalkeeper picked as one of the first five takers or be it it was a good penalty. Of course he subbed off two possible penalty takers De Bruyne,Haaland. City supporters holding on to the ball played their part in Silva missing his but had they no extra balls instead of waiting for the crowd to return it?
That was the 6th time Real Madrid have knocked out the holders, their 33rd time to reach the last 4, 12 more appearances than the next Bayern Munich. Tradition is still strong in the European cup.
And yet you wrote them off after the first leg....
Quote from: RedHand88 on April 18, 2024, 04:23:15 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on April 18, 2024, 04:08:40 PMQuote from: Armagh18 on April 18, 2024, 03:18:07 PMKeane right about Haaland ;)
A stopped clock is right twice in the day. He also said Liverpool would win the League!
They might yet. I fancy Chelsea to beat City this weekend in the cup and trigger a pep implosion. 2 points behind with 18 to play for. It's still on.
A shame for Liverpool that it's an FA Cup game and not a Premier League game City have this weekend.
It may be still on for you but City have been there and done it, i'd expect them to win all remaining League games once they get last night out of their system and as I said lucky for them they are playing in the Cup this weekend rather than Premier League.
Quote from: RedHand88 on April 18, 2024, 04:23:15 PMQuote from: From the Bunker on April 18, 2024, 04:08:40 PMQuote from: Armagh18 on April 18, 2024, 03:18:07 PMKeane right about Haaland ;)
A stopped clock is right twice in the day. He also said Liverpool would win the League!
They might yet. I fancy Chelsea to beat City this weekend in the cup and trigger a pep implosion. 2 points behind with 18 to play for. It's still on.
Let's hope so.
Late goal for Villa levels it up, looked like they were heading out.
Poor goalkeeper has allowed Aston Villa to bring that game into extra time, they were poor for the majority of that match 3-3 on AGG.
Klopp has to all in here! Pressuring from the get go..
Liverpool 10/1 to win Europa League could be decent bet with their early goal.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2024, 07:59:46 PMKlopp has to all in here! Pressuring from the get go..
Helps when you have the experience of a 5-0 win against that opposition on their home patch a few seasons ago.
Aston Villa match gone to a penalty shootout.
Emiliano Martinez up to his usual antics on a shoot out.
And Martinez save wins it for Villa.
Villa win on penos
Quote from: Blowitupref on April 18, 2024, 08:21:55 PMAston Villa match gone to a penalty shootout.
Emiliano Martinez up to his usual antics on a shoot out.
And Martinez save wins it for Villa.
Thought he was going to get the line. Some man on the penos.
That miss by Salah hopefully doesn't come back and bite Liverpool in the bum
Could very easily have been a red for the Atalanta man there for handball. Salah miss was criminal for a player of his quality.
Subs have made no difference it seems, such a poor performance from Liverpool, no urgency in their play at all.
You'd think after getting such an early goal it would have fired them up but no absolutely nothing from them since.
I think that was a worse Liverpool performance than the first leg even, at least they created chances in the first leg, they are going out without a challenge at all tonight.
At least Liverpool got the win tonight to end a bad run of results.
Liverpool huffed and puffed and couldn't blow the Atalanta house down. The top three in the Premier League this season all out of Europe the same week and unable to reach a semi final they were favourites to reach.
Bar the early penalty. Atalanta bossed that. As easy as they would've hoped for. They've some good footballers and a good manager. The farewell tour is turning into a shambles
History won't look back on Klopps tenure as well as it should as the number of trophies is going to be dwarved by City which is a real shame
Quote from: Brendan on April 18, 2024, 10:19:53 PMHistory won't look back on Klopps tenure as well as it should as the number of trophies is going to be dwarved by City which is a real shame
Akin to Dublin v any other county. Who really will give a shite?
Villa keeper Martinez was booked in the shootout , after having been booked in the match
But the first yellow didnt carry over into the shootout , so he continued to face penalties . Very strange rule
What if he was booked a second time in the shootout? Would the sub goalie come in? But what if all the subs had been used up?
Airline and ferry tickets from Liverpool to Dublin on 23-24 May now available.
Quote from: Tones on April 18, 2024, 10:24:44 PMQuote from: Brendan on April 18, 2024, 10:19:53 PMHistory won't look back on Klopps tenure as well as it should as the number of trophies is going to be dwarved by City which is a real shame
Akin to Dublin v any other county. Who really will give a shite?
In fairness city fans wouldn't fill hill 16
It's went from a double decker to a people carrier very quickly
Will Croker be still hosting the fan zone?
Bad week for all English clubs apart from Villa. Probably not good news for English clubs having a 5th slot in the Champions League.
Emi Martinez is some spud, the type of player any team would want in their ranks but the opposition and their fans absolutely hate.
With him being an Argie certainly doesn't help to endear himself to the British red tops and their on-line equivalents with football 365 calling him "the pricks p***k"
He's a winner though and doesn't give two shíts how he does it, every team needs a Martinez. ;D
Quote from: Gael85 on April 19, 2024, 12:56:12 AMWill Croker be still hosting the fan zone?
No need now. ;D
Quote from: snoopdog on April 18, 2024, 10:04:02 PMBar the early penalty. Atalanta bossed that. As easy as they would've hoped for. They've some good footballers and a good manager. The farewell tour is turning into a shambles
All about context I suppose.
This time last season Liverpool were 20+ points off the top of the table, no trophies won and out of the race for Top 4 for Champions League football.
This season they have a trophy won, will be back in the Champions League next season and are 2 points off the top of the table.
Would Liverpool fans have taken that at the start of the season?
I'm sure other clubs who aren't doing so well this season would be happy with that lot.
Despite their recent form Klopp is leaving them in a good position for next season.
Quote from: jcpen on April 19, 2024, 07:20:24 AMBad week for all English clubs apart from Villa. Probably not good news for English clubs having a 5th slot in the Champions League.
Yeah that's gone now.
It was clear from the 1st game at Villa Park that Lille had something about them and that the return leg was going to be a tough evening. Martinez was outstanding in both legs and would probably be the main reason Villa are through. He's certainly the best keeper I ever remember Villa having on the books.
Real Madrid 1-0 ahead with their first attack of the match on 25 minutes. Six shots for Bayern Munich on goal before that.
Real always win. They just always win. They aren't even that good.
Really hate to see Reals anti-football win out once again. This is essentially the final this tie as the other two would be lucky to win a Carabao cup.
Quote from: RedHand88 on April 30, 2024, 08:48:27 PMReal always win. They just always win. They aren't even that good.
"This is football heritage" - Jose Mourinho
Bayern are now 2-1up on Real.......penalty to Real as I type.
That was some strike by Sané for the first goal!
Bayern Munich 2 Real Madrid 2 it finished and sets things up nicely for the 2nd leg.
How has there only been 1 goal in this game!!
Don't know how this game is still 1-0, some great chances for both sides.
Sancho is having a great game.
Quote from: jcpen on May 01, 2024, 09:46:54 PMDon't know how this game is still 1-0, some great chances for both sides.
Sancho is having a great game.
Is he? Hopefully that puts him in the shop window then
Quote from: jcpen on May 01, 2024, 09:46:54 PMDon't know how this game is still 1-0, some great chances for both sides.
Sancho is having a great game.
He is the p***k! Near make ya support the oil club.
From BBC
The Premier League has missed out on a fifth Champions League spot next season.
Borussia Dortmund's victory over PSG on Wednesday, coupled with Bayern Munich's draw with Real Madrid on Tuesday takes the German total in the European Performance Spots table to 18.356.
Even if Aston Villa were to win both legs of their Europa Conference League semi-final with Olympiakos and go on to lift the trophy, England can only reach 18.25.
Germany will now join Italy in getting a fifth automatic spot in next season's tournament.
Both countries could have six representatives, if Dortmund win the Champions League and finish outside the top four in the Bundesliga and either Atalanta or Roma win the Europa League.
The winners of both tournaments qualify automatically for the following season's Champions League.
The additional places are added no matter how many clubs enter the tournament by the usual method.
Ironically, even if they do not win the tournament, Dortmund will be the beneficiaries as they are almost certain to finish fifth in the Bundesliga.
PSG still a goal down at half time. Surely they will come out and go all out attack in the second half.
All German final on the cards?
Dortmund manager looks like the Dentist from Love Hate
Madrid will win again this year I think.
PSG didn't put up much of a fight this year. They only really tried in the last 10 minutes.
Hit the post 6 times in that game alone I think.
No love for them at all as a club, but some nights it just was never going to be.
Quote from: NAG1 on May 08, 2024, 01:27:59 PMHit the post 6 times in that game alone I think.
No love for them at all as a club, but some nights it just was never going to be.
Didn't score over both legs against the 5th best team in Germany this season. I don't think too many will be sad to see another soulless club fail to reach the Champions League final. Before the Qatari takeover they played in the Champions league/European cup only a handful of times and it was mainly group stage or early round exits for them.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2024, 04:23:40 PMQuote from: NAG1 on May 08, 2024, 01:27:59 PMHit the post 6 times in that game alone I think.
No love for them at all as a club, but some nights it just was never going to be.
Didn't score over both legs against the 5th best team in Germany this season. I don't think too many will be sad to see another soulless club fail to reach the Champions League final. Before the Qatari takeover they played in the Champions league/European cup only a handful of times and it was mainly group stage or early round exits for them.
Think they only won the division once or twice before that
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2024, 04:27:42 PMQuote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2024, 04:23:40 PMQuote from: NAG1 on May 08, 2024, 01:27:59 PMHit the post 6 times in that game alone I think.
No love for them at all as a club, but some nights it just was never going to be.
Didn't score over both legs against the 5th best team in Germany this season. I don't think too many will be sad to see another soulless club fail to reach the Champions League final. Before the Qatari takeover they played in the Champions league/European cup only a handful of times and it was mainly group stage or early round exits for them.
Think they only won the division once or twice before that
What odds are on Bayern Munich making it an all German final in Wembley by beating Madrid tonight?
I wouldn't put it past them, but Real are a tad better than PSG.
0-0 at half time 2-2 on AGG. Real Madrid had a few decent chances to score. Bayern Munich with I think one effort and that was a routine save
Vinicus getting joy down that side. Modric to come on and win it
Diving p***k!
Clear foul how did the ref miss that?
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 08, 2024, 09:30:07 PMQuote from: Armagh18 on May 08, 2024, 09:28:47 PMDiving p***k!
Wha?! Clear foul.
Most obvious foul in the box you will see. Especially since it gave Nacho the space to kick the ball onwards towards the goal
Foul surely but hate to see that lying there like he was shot!
Not a fan of VAR but that was one occasion where it was of use.
Poor goalkeeping from a normally good goalkeeper.
That's a howler from Neuer. And now no Kane on the pitch for extra time.
Brilliant!
Or maybe no extra time!
Real Madrid lead in added time that was a tight VAR call.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2024, 09:49:18 PMReal Madrid lead in added time that was a tight VAR call.
I was sure he was well offside but what do I know?!
They always find a way.
It looks like Neuer has handed Madrid the game. Terrible goal to concede.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 08, 2024, 09:52:13 PMQuote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2024, 09:49:18 PMReal Madrid lead in added time that was a tight VAR call.
I was sure he was well offside but what do I know?!
Pass was backwards so no offside.
They'd sicken your hole, but you have to hand it to them. Some f**king team!
Quote from: J70 on May 08, 2024, 09:54:31 PMThey'd sicken your hole, but you have to hand it to them. Some f**king team!
unbelievable. Never ever beaten til the whistle goes.
Madrid never really look that impressive but they are the masters of knock out football and knowing how to win big games. Can't see Dortmund putting it up to them in the final either.
Poor call there from linesman but don't think they would have scored anyway.
Bayern Munich will need to get rid of Harry Kane if they want to get back to winning major trophies next season.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 08, 2024, 10:01:00 PMPoor call there from linesman but don't think they would have scored anyway.
Yeah, Madrid had stopped.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2024, 10:02:07 PMBayern Munich will need to get rid of Harry Kane if they want to get back to winning major trophies next season.
Yes get rid of the man who has scored 36 goals this season.
Quote from: RedHand88 on May 08, 2024, 10:05:58 PMQuote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2024, 10:02:07 PMBayern Munich will need to get rid of Harry Kane if they want to get back to winning major trophies next season.
Yes get rid of the man who has scored 36 goals this season.
Poor f**ker is cursed lol
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 08, 2024, 10:08:09 PMQuote from: RedHand88 on May 08, 2024, 10:05:58 PMQuote from: Captain Obvious on May 08, 2024, 10:02:07 PMBayern Munich will need to get rid of Harry Kane if they want to get back to winning major trophies next season.
Yes get rid of the man who has scored 36 goals this season.
Poor f**ker is cursed lol
He must have Mayo roots, not Galway
Quote from: J70 on May 08, 2024, 10:04:22 PMQuote from: Armagh18 on May 08, 2024, 10:01:00 PMPoor call there from linesman but don't think they would have scored anyway.
Yeah, Madrid had stopped.
Doesn't matter - its a shocking decision at this level. It can't happen. We'll never know how it would have played out all because a dopey linesman put up his flag when there was no reason to do so.
Quote from: yellowcard on May 08, 2024, 09:57:31 PMMadrid never really look that impressive but they are the masters of knock out football and knowing how to win big games. Can't see Dortmund putting it up to them in the final either.
They are sickening. No wonder Franco loved them.
The mistake was not the lineman's flag but with the ref, he should not have blown the whistle. Isn't that the main point of VAR, let the attacking play proceed and use VAR to sort it out afterwards, if need be. A linesman's flag can be ignored and carries no weight but once the ref blows the whistle then that's it, a final decision to stop play that cannot be reversed.
Linesman shouldn't have flagged but Madrid players had stopped playing before the ball ended up in the net so who knows how it would have panned out.
Quote from: square_ball on May 08, 2024, 10:49:14 PMLinesman shouldn't have flagged but Madrid players had stopped playing before the ball ended up in the net so who knows how it would have panned out.
The linesman flag carries no weight, players should only play until they hear the ref's whistle.
In any VAR the linesman's flag would be ignored.
Quote from: Main Street on May 08, 2024, 10:54:07 PMQuote from: square_ball on May 08, 2024, 10:49:14 PMLinesman shouldn't have flagged but Madrid players had stopped playing before the ball ended up in the net so who knows how it would have panned out.
The linesman flag carries no weight, players should only play until they hear the ref's whistle.
In any VAR the linesman's flag would be ignored.
Yeah you're right, Madrid players definitely stop and keeper doesnt even move. Most likely they don't score but we'll never know
It's immaterial though, because the reason Madrid stopped was because the ref blew the whistle.
He's some boy though, Ancelotti!
Quote from: J70 on May 08, 2024, 11:04:09 PMIt's immaterial though, because the reason Madrid stopped was because the ref blew the whistle.
Yeah brutal call, overall though best team on the night won. Madrid are proper winners and always find a way.
Quote from: Main Street on May 08, 2024, 10:54:07 PMQuote from: square_ball on May 08, 2024, 10:49:14 PMLinesman shouldn't have flagged but Madrid players had stopped playing before the ball ended up in the net so who knows how it would have panned out.
The linesman flag carries no weight, players should only play until they hear the ref's whistle.
In any VAR the linesman's flag would be ignored.
Yeah you're right Madrid players did play to the whistle. Whistle went, they stopped playing and De Ligt finished it. I just think it's not the big injustice it's being made out to be.
Quote from: J70 on May 08, 2024, 11:04:30 PMHe's some boy though, Ancelotti!
He is some boy alright. How in under God did he ever end up at Everton?
Quote from: Main Street on May 08, 2024, 10:54:07 PMQuote from: square_ball on May 08, 2024, 10:49:14 PMLinesman shouldn't have flagged but Madrid players had stopped playing before the ball ended up in the net so who knows how it would have panned out.
The linesman flag carries no weight, players should only play until they hear the ref's whistle.
In any VAR the linesman's flag would be ignored.
The linesman isn't meant to put their flag up until the end of the play even if there is suspicion of offside. It was a massive error. The player does look marginally offside but it's hard to know for sure unless they use the technology. Also the champions League offside system is vastly superior to the prems
Pick your poison..............VAR and the shitshow it brings or human error like last night.
Im surprised they havent shown that the player was actually offside.
They werent long showing the Madrid fans their first goal was correctly ruled out because of the foul. Assume this was to keep the masses happy in the stadium
Joselu is something else though. Doesn't matter if it's the Bernabeu or Stoke on a wet windy night, the man delivers!!!
Quote from: Look-Up! on May 09, 2024, 09:13:12 AMJoselu is something else though. Doesn't matter if it's the Bernabeu or Stoke on a wet windy night, the man delivers!!!
More like he couldn't do it on a wet windy night in Stoke. Crazy that 2 failed former Stoke strikers were leading the line at the end of a Champions League Semi Final.
Quote from: square_ball on May 09, 2024, 09:25:21 AMQuote from: Look-Up! on May 09, 2024, 09:13:12 AMJoselu is something else though. Doesn't matter if it's the Bernabeu or Stoke on a wet windy night, the man delivers!!!
More like he couldn't do it on a wet windy night in Stoke. Crazy that 2 failed former Stoke strikers were leading the line at the end of a Champions League Semi Final.
Who's the other one?
Always great to see stories like this. Only got his first Spain cap last year too at 32. Unbelievable night for him and his family.
Quote from: Look-Up! on May 09, 2024, 09:31:38 AMQuote from: square_ball on May 09, 2024, 09:25:21 AMQuote from: Look-Up! on May 09, 2024, 09:13:12 AMJoselu is something else though. Doesn't matter if it's the Bernabeu or Stoke on a wet windy night, the man delivers!!!
More like he couldn't do it on a wet windy night in Stoke. Crazy that 2 failed former Stoke strikers were leading the line at the end of a Champions League Semi Final.
Who's the other one?
Always great to see stories like this. Only got his first Spain cap last year too at 32. Unbelievable night for him and his family.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Quote from: smort on May 09, 2024, 09:40:07 AMQuote from: Look-Up! on May 09, 2024, 09:31:38 AMQuote from: square_ball on May 09, 2024, 09:25:21 AMQuote from: Look-Up! on May 09, 2024, 09:13:12 AMJoselu is something else though. Doesn't matter if it's the Bernabeu or Stoke on a wet windy night, the man delivers!!!
More like he couldn't do it on a wet windy night in Stoke. Crazy that 2 failed former Stoke strikers were leading the line at the end of a Champions League Semi Final.
Who's the other one?
Always great to see stories like this. Only got his first Spain cap last year too at 32. Unbelievable night for him and his family.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Thanks. They just missed each other at Stoke too I see. Very similar strike rate as well.
Quote from: Look-Up! on May 09, 2024, 09:46:30 AMQuote from: smort on May 09, 2024, 09:40:07 AMQuote from: Look-Up! on May 09, 2024, 09:31:38 AMQuote from: square_ball on May 09, 2024, 09:25:21 AMQuote from: Look-Up! on May 09, 2024, 09:13:12 AMJoselu is something else though. Doesn't matter if it's the Bernabeu or Stoke on a wet windy night, the man delivers!!!
More like he couldn't do it on a wet windy night in Stoke. Crazy that 2 failed former Stoke strikers were leading the line at the end of a Champions League Semi Final.
Who's the other one?
Always great to see stories like this. Only got his first Spain cap last year too at 32. Unbelievable night for him and his family.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Thanks. They just missed each other at Stoke too I see. Very similar strike rate as well.
seen something the other day that a member of that Stoke 15/16 squad has played in CL semi finals something like 12 of the last 20 years.
FFS, the commentators last night and now the English press going full bullshit mode on Tuchel for taking Kane off and that being the change in fortunes for Bayern...
Now I didn't see most of the game so maybe Kane was having a stormer, but the game turned on Neurer fumbling the ball, nothing more, nothing less.
He holds onto that ball, Bayern hold out and alls well with the British press.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 09, 2024, 10:14:09 AMQuote from: Look-Up! on May 09, 2024, 09:46:30 AMQuote from: smort on May 09, 2024, 09:40:07 AMQuote from: Look-Up! on May 09, 2024, 09:31:38 AMQuote from: square_ball on May 09, 2024, 09:25:21 AMQuote from: Look-Up! on May 09, 2024, 09:13:12 AMJoselu is something else though. Doesn't matter if it's the Bernabeu or Stoke on a wet windy night, the man delivers!!!
More like he couldn't do it on a wet windy night in Stoke. Crazy that 2 failed former Stoke strikers were leading the line at the end of a Champions League Semi Final.
Who's the other one?
Always great to see stories like this. Only got his first Spain cap last year too at 32. Unbelievable night for him and his family.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Thanks. They just missed each other at Stoke too I see. Very similar strike rate as well.
seen something the other day that a member of that Stoke 15/16 squad has played in CL semi finals something like 12 of the last 20 years.
That's mad. Kick and rush eh.
Quote from: johnnycool on May 09, 2024, 11:40:24 AMFFS, the commentators last night and now the English press going full bullshit mode on Tuchel for taking Kane off and that being the change in fortunes for Bayern...
Now I didn't see most of the game so maybe Kane was having a stormer, but the game turned on Neurer fumbling the ball, nothing more, nothing less.
He holds onto that ball, Bayern hold out and alls well with the British press.
All the big chat from the English TV and press about this being about the two English guys, both were pretty anonymous throughout. Kane had one great pass which set the goal up, but his lack of pace at this level exposed when he couldn't get on the end of two good through balls.
Bellingham the same, quiet in Germany in the first leg and quiet again last night.
Quote from: Nanderson on May 09, 2024, 06:45:37 AMQuote from: Main Street on May 08, 2024, 10:54:07 PMQuote from: square_ball on May 08, 2024, 10:49:14 PMLinesman shouldn't have flagged but Madrid players had stopped playing before the ball ended up in the net so who knows how it would have panned out.
The linesman flag carries no weight, players should only play until they hear the ref's whistle.
In any VAR the linesman's flag would be ignored.
The linesman isn't meant to put their flag up until the end of the play even if there is suspicion of offside. It was a massive error. The player does look marginally offside but it's hard to know for sure unless they use the technology. Also the champions League offside system is vastly superior to the prems
Players play to the whistle. It doesn't matter what mistake the linesman makes, it would not even have influenced a VAR inquisition had it come down to that. The ref should have ignored the flag, overruled the linesman and let the play proceed. The ref's mistake dwarfs that of the linesman.
Quote from: NAG1 on May 09, 2024, 11:43:19 AMQuote from: johnnycool on May 09, 2024, 11:40:24 AMFFS, the commentators last night and now the English press going full bullshit mode on Tuchel for taking Kane off and that being the change in fortunes for Bayern...
Now I didn't see most of the game so maybe Kane was having a stormer, but the game turned on Neurer fumbling the ball, nothing more, nothing less.
He holds onto that ball, Bayern hold out and alls well with the British press.
All the big chat from the English TV and press about this being about the two English guys, both were pretty anonymous throughout. Kane had one great pass which set the goal up, but his lack of pace at this level exposed when he couldn't get on the end of two good through balls.
Bellingham the same, quiet in Germany in the first leg and quiet again last night.
Was thinking same Nag. Kane deffo has qualities but at times he looked v cumbersome in that company last night. Bellingham little influence
Any chance the commentators got they were bigging them up tho they were peripheral at best
Leverkusen do it again !
Europa League final in Dublin will be Bayern Leverkusen v Atalanta. No Conference League final for Aston Villa beaten 6-2 on AGG against Olympiakos and they will face Fiorentina in the final.