Here's the scorecard in R16 so far:
Home Teams: 6
Away Teams: 20
The second legs aren't shaping up to be particularly compelling.
Home Teams: 6
Away Teams: 20
The second legs aren't shaping up to be particularly compelling.
Liga dos Campeões de futebol em Lisboa: Dog Days of Summer
- Thread starter Titans Bastard
- Start date
Yup, three ties seem surely decided (PSG-Bayer, Dortmund-Zenit, Real-Shalke), two more are near locks for the home side (Bayern-Arsenal, Barca-City), two more should strongly favor the home side but are still somewhat interesting (Atletico-Milan, Chelsea-Gala), and then we have ManU-Olympiakos, where no result would surprise me.Titans Bastard said:
On the other hand, we could have some really epic matchups in the subsequent rounds if all the favorites go through.
The quarterfinal draws were announced this morning. The matchups are: Barca-Atleti; PSG-Chelsea; Man U-Bayern; and Real-Dortmund. Those are some awesome matchups, and I'm especially looking forward to PSG-Chelsea and Real-Dortmund. I'm interested to see if Chelsea's D can contain Zlatan over the course of 2 matches.
Man U-Bayern should be a bloodbath.
As a Barca fan, I am a little worried about Atleti, but I think Barca is still the superior team. I'm hoping the whole team will be healthy and clicking by the time the first match comes around.
Man U-Bayern should be a bloodbath.
As a Barca fan, I am a little worried about Atleti, but I think Barca is still the superior team. I'm hoping the whole team will be healthy and clicking by the time the first match comes around.
Diego and Vidic strike at about the same time. Both these ties just got a little more interesting.
I am finding myself less and less impressed with the Bundesliga as this match continues.
Schweinsteiger got sent off, and Javi Martinez picked up a yellow. They'll both miss the second leg.
Schweinsteiger got sent off, and Javi Martinez picked up a yellow. They'll both miss the second leg.
SoxFanInCali said:
How does this match influence your opinion about the Bundesliga?
Bayern dominated the possession for the entire match like no other team at Manchester before. They didn´t create many goal-scoring chances, as ManU stayed home and stayed home and stayed home and looked for some counter-attacking. This is the only way to earn something vs. Bayern, exactly what Hoffenheim did in last match. Bayerns defending vs. the counter-attack is sometimes too slow. When you have wingers like Robben/Ribery who are more like 2nd/3rd forwards and the CBs Alaba and Rafinha are more playing like midfielders, they are so open to counter-attacks...Dante is a good man when you consider opening the game with passes. But man-marking is not his strength. Boateng is better in that department, but he makes lots of easy mistakes. More pressure on him in defense and more mistakes he makes. van Buyten is even worse, like seen in last match vs. Hoffenheim, he really sleeps from time to time. I don´t know what will happen when (if?) Badstuber comes back from 2nd knee surgery after another torn ACL. He seems more stiff and the man-marker, but not able to open up the game with passes like Dante.
I don´t know about all the negative press for Bayern/positive press for ManU after this match. Bayern dominated the ball, ManU had some nice scoring chances. The draw was somehow deserved. The 2nd yellow for Schweinsteiger was understandable. He was too late, period. Rooney sold it, yes, but Bayern shouldn´t talk too loud, they have others who do this as well (Robben, Ribery, Götze,..).
And still, Bayern will have the better team at home and got an away draw, so they are still the favorites to advance. Yes, ManU overperformed by not getting smashed 0-3 and creating some chances while sticking to their game-plan and playing a steady defense. And they will still have a chance of about 5% to score first in Munich and holding on...
Even a lineup with Neuer-Rafinha, Boateng, Dante, Alaba - Kroos, Lahm - Robben,Müller,Ribery - Mandzukic and a bench of van Buyten, Contento, Shaqiri, Pizarro, Götze, is no thing to see ManU advancing. They had their chance at home if they had held on 1-0 and they missed.
So, i am wondering what we will see tonight with Dortmunds depleted lineup @ Real.
Javi Martinez is not known to be faster than Dante (or Dante slower than Martinez, if you think this way). If someone is faster than others in the middle, for me, it is Boateng.
Bayern has to finish their attacks and in the same action stop ManU from starting counter-attacks. They didn´t have enough shots at goal/finishes. Then the defensive midfielders should fall back more and help the back four vs. the counter-attack. Of course, it is all theory and with a goal of a corner, all is nullified.
Bayern has to finish their attacks and in the same action stop ManU from starting counter-attacks. They didn´t have enough shots at goal/finishes. Then the defensive midfielders should fall back more and help the back four vs. the counter-attack. Of course, it is all theory and with a goal of a corner, all is nullified.
It was a snarky in-game comment about how the runaway champions of the Bundesliga couldn't beat the worst Manchester United team in a generation. Nothing more.Schnerres said:
PSG-Chelsea 1-0 Lavezzi.
Real-Dortmund 1-0 Bale.
Real dominating vs. Dortmund so far. With all those guys missing, they (BvB) are just giving the ball away so fast without any counter-attacking. Before the goal, the entire defense was sleeping, Durm vs. Benzema, then Hummels was just watching instead of doubling, Großkreutz came too late vs. Carvajal, he passed to Bale who pushed it past Weidenfeller into the far corner (3rd minute).
Now Reus shot the ball out of Weidenfellers hands after a corner and Dortmunds keeper seems to be injured a bit. Langerak warming up...Although Dortmund is now improving, it is still bad. No real chance so far.
Real-Dortmund 1-0 Bale.
Real dominating vs. Dortmund so far. With all those guys missing, they (BvB) are just giving the ball away so fast without any counter-attacking. Before the goal, the entire defense was sleeping, Durm vs. Benzema, then Hummels was just watching instead of doubling, Großkreutz came too late vs. Carvajal, he passed to Bale who pushed it past Weidenfeller into the far corner (3rd minute).
Now Reus shot the ball out of Weidenfellers hands after a corner and Dortmunds keeper seems to be injured a bit. Langerak warming up...Although Dortmund is now improving, it is still bad. No real chance so far.
The "Dirty Schwein" headline jokes by the Sun and the Mirror didn't go over well. Bayern have banned both papers from the Allianz next week.
The little horse gets it done. Mourinho is pretty freaking good at what he does.
Zlatan is not amused.
Zlatan is not amused.
Real go on after losing 2-0 in Dortmund. I didn´t see the match, but ticker said there were enough chances (Mikhitaryan hits the post in front of the goal) to score a third goal.
Obviously, had di Maria scored on the penalty early at 0-0, the match would have been over, but...
Who saw the match and can say something about Real´s performance?
Obviously, had di Maria scored on the penalty early at 0-0, the match would have been over, but...
Who saw the match and can say something about Real´s performance?
Infield Infidel said:
I didn't doubt that Chelsea had a chance to keep a clean sheet at home once Zlatan was ruled out of the game. Chelsea's home defensive form has been outstanding, and I thought they were 50/50 to keep PSG from scoring. But I didn't figure Chelsea to score 2.
Schnerres said:
I was flipping back and forth between the games and somehow managed to miss all the goals. From what I saw of Real-Dortmund, most players for Real had a pretty poor showing, excluding Modric and Casillas. Terrible gaffe by Pepe led to the first goal and the defense was vulnerable throughout.
Bale was able to create a couple decent chances but couldn't convert. Despite their star-studded roster, Madrid seems to have problems putting the ball in the net when Ronaldo is not on the pitch.
It was truly an awful performance in every respect for Madrid. Easily the worst match that they have played of the campaign. They failed to create many chances (there were 3 or 4), they were hurried and completely overran in midfield (the Basque dou in particular), careless defensively, and they gifted three goals to Dortmund on plays that were amateur in class. Di Maria pathetically missed a pen (he did slip, but on further watching it seemed that his slip occurred after striking the ball), Pepe for some unknown reason attempted a headed backpass to Casillas from 15 yards out of the box that went directly in the path of Reus's run, and Illaramendi also failed a simple back pass that was easily intercepted by Reus for a second goal.
Madrid did look a little better in the second half with the introduction of Isco (who replaced that worst offender on the night Ilaara) but Dortmund still had the better of it. If it was not for some poor finishing (at least 2 instances), the woodwork (1 occasion), and San Iker (who made four or five good saves including two excellent ones in the span of 90 seconds) Dortmund would have overturned the tie.
Probably the worst match for me to watch since the 5-0 defeat against Barca a few seasons back or the maybe the thrashing Brazil gave Spain in the Confed Cup final last summer. Only Casillas, Isco, Modric, and Carjaval (who for some reason was not given the ball ever by Bale - so that the Welshman could run straight into 3 or 4 defenders immediately losing possession - yes that happened like 6 times) played well.
Madrid did look a little better in the second half with the introduction of Isco (who replaced that worst offender on the night Ilaara) but Dortmund still had the better of it. If it was not for some poor finishing (at least 2 instances), the woodwork (1 occasion), and San Iker (who made four or five good saves including two excellent ones in the span of 90 seconds) Dortmund would have overturned the tie.
Probably the worst match for me to watch since the 5-0 defeat against Barca a few seasons back or the maybe the thrashing Brazil gave Spain in the Confed Cup final last summer. Only Casillas, Isco, Modric, and Carjaval (who for some reason was not given the ball ever by Bale - so that the Welshman could run straight into 3 or 4 defenders immediately losing possession - yes that happened like 6 times) played well.
United haven't done shit with the ball all game but they're right where they want to be, one moment of brilliance from Rooney or Vidic header off a set piece away from advancing. Kudos to them for hanging tough against Bayern so far.
I haven't been watching the Atleti-Barca game but am definitely rooting for Atleti to hang on. 1-0 thus far.
I haven't been watching the Atleti-Barca game but am definitely rooting for Atleti to hang on. 1-0 thus far.
Man U fans had one minute to dream, then the roof caved in.
Arsenal and Everton can breathe a sigh of relief, as 4th place in the Premier League will now definitely get a Champions League place.
Arsenal and Everton can breathe a sigh of relief, as 4th place in the Premier League will now definitely get a Champions League place.
1st half was so boring. United stayed defensively focused and Bayern did not find the last pass in the last offensive third.
In the 2nd half, ManU had to open it up at least a little (when it´s 0-0, they are out) and maybe they got a little tired, too. And still they got their chance and the 0-1 on that goal. This goal by Evra was struck perfect, he may shoot that thing 100 times and score it twice, because the rest is either blocked, saved by Neuer or leaves the stadium. But it clearly shows Bayerns trouble: they aren´t great in back-tracking. When they had corners (yes, it was 2-1 or 3-1 then), you could see De Gea catching the ball, shooting it over 70 yards and it was a 1vs1 for Lahm or Alaba vs. Welbeck or someone else. How can this happen? Guy falls over his feet and it is 2-2 and you´re out.
Of course the 2nd half of Bayern was just overpowering and they could have scored like six times. Robben and Ribery were ridiculous and you could clearly see that it helps a lot when you have Mandzukic in the middle as a fixture, compared to last week. Olli Kahn said it in german tv and i guess this is somehow true. Chelsea will be tough because they will be defending very hard and hard to overcome in London. Atletico almost never lose these days and will probably also be tough because they more or less will try to re-act and counter.
The easiest opponent for Bayern could be Real. They will be trying to play offensive football (which won´t be a good idea vs. Bayern), have trouble defending and have a lot of problems away from home.
In the 2nd half, ManU had to open it up at least a little (when it´s 0-0, they are out) and maybe they got a little tired, too. And still they got their chance and the 0-1 on that goal. This goal by Evra was struck perfect, he may shoot that thing 100 times and score it twice, because the rest is either blocked, saved by Neuer or leaves the stadium. But it clearly shows Bayerns trouble: they aren´t great in back-tracking. When they had corners (yes, it was 2-1 or 3-1 then), you could see De Gea catching the ball, shooting it over 70 yards and it was a 1vs1 for Lahm or Alaba vs. Welbeck or someone else. How can this happen? Guy falls over his feet and it is 2-2 and you´re out.
Of course the 2nd half of Bayern was just overpowering and they could have scored like six times. Robben and Ribery were ridiculous and you could clearly see that it helps a lot when you have Mandzukic in the middle as a fixture, compared to last week. Olli Kahn said it in german tv and i guess this is somehow true. Chelsea will be tough because they will be defending very hard and hard to overcome in London. Atletico almost never lose these days and will probably also be tough because they more or less will try to re-act and counter.
The easiest opponent for Bayern could be Real. They will be trying to play offensive football (which won´t be a good idea vs. Bayern), have trouble defending and have a lot of problems away from home.
Schnerres said:
I agree with this, although with Ronaldo and Bale Real have great pace on the counter and could exploit those 1v1s against the fullbacks much more than Man Utd could, and in Xabi Alonso and Modric they have midfielders who can play those accurate long balls into space to set up the counters. But I don't think Real are good enough defensively to hold up against Bayern over two legs, they don't have the back line or defensive midfielders to gum up Bayern. Dortmund absolutely blitzed them yesterday and would have won the tie with better finishing.
These QF matches were generally a great advertisement for the game. Unfortunately, the Spanish games weren't on in my baileywick. I'm happy for Atletico in getting over the hump and beating one of the two Spanish giants. They now have a great chance of a double, which must rate as one of their best seasons of all time. Man U didn't look great, but were nevertheless neutralizing Bayern. Evra's goal was fantastic, and then, poof, their dream died. Really, I hate United, but under Moyes, whom I like, I'm beginning to feel sorry for them. And when you put them up against the two douchiest players in the world on a defending champ that quashes all domestic competition, who else should I root for?
Chelsea's performance was inspiring, and seemed strangely inevitable after the first goal went in. The tie was about even, and it's a bit hard on PSG, but it shows them that nothing is given at this level. They will be back, hungrier next year.
It's hard to fathom that Real almost squandered their position. Their season is falling apart a bit, since that tough El Clasico loss. They can still win three trophies, but coming up empty on all fronts is likewise possible.
I'm quite looking forward to the next round, and will be happy if there's anything but a repeat champion. That though, seems most likely.
Chelsea's performance was inspiring, and seemed strangely inevitable after the first goal went in. The tie was about even, and it's a bit hard on PSG, but it shows them that nothing is given at this level. They will be back, hungrier next year.
It's hard to fathom that Real almost squandered their position. Their season is falling apart a bit, since that tough El Clasico loss. They can still win three trophies, but coming up empty on all fronts is likewise possible.
I'm quite looking forward to the next round, and will be happy if there's anything but a repeat champion. That though, seems most likely.
Real - Bayern
Atletico - Chelsea
Perfect for Bayern, Chelsea will be happy, too.
Bayern will be looking for a nice away result with at least a draw+goal and Chelsea will be happy if they go home with a one-goal loss. Could prove costly. Will be a very, very close battle, i think. Yes, usually Chelsea turn it around at home, but maybe Atletico are able to hold on in London. So a 1-0 for the Rojiblanco could be enough with a 1-1 or 0-0. Problem is, the season now gets long and longer and the only team remaining that could rest to some degree is Bayern. Yes, they also play the DFB cup semifinal next week, but it is vs. 2nd league team Kaiserslautern in Munich, which could result in Guardiola fielding 3 youngsters like Weiser, Hojberg, ... and Pizarro up front and the game still ending 4-0.
So if Real and Atletico are still in the title hunt for LaLiga (how could they not be..), i think the best chance for a final could be..Bayern vs. Chelsea. Although i hope for Atletico to advance.
Atletico - Chelsea
Perfect for Bayern, Chelsea will be happy, too.
Bayern will be looking for a nice away result with at least a draw+goal and Chelsea will be happy if they go home with a one-goal loss. Could prove costly. Will be a very, very close battle, i think. Yes, usually Chelsea turn it around at home, but maybe Atletico are able to hold on in London. So a 1-0 for the Rojiblanco could be enough with a 1-1 or 0-0. Problem is, the season now gets long and longer and the only team remaining that could rest to some degree is Bayern. Yes, they also play the DFB cup semifinal next week, but it is vs. 2nd league team Kaiserslautern in Munich, which could result in Guardiola fielding 3 youngsters like Weiser, Hojberg, ... and Pizarro up front and the game still ending 4-0.
So if Real and Atletico are still in the title hunt for LaLiga (how could they not be..), i think the best chance for a final could be..Bayern vs. Chelsea. Although i hope for Atletico to advance.
Schnerres said:
The weekend before the first leg, Chelsea get Sunderland at home, which should be a nice easy stroll. But the weekend in between the semifinal legs Chelsea have to go to Anfield in for a potential title-decider (depending on what Man City does). Atletico play Eiche at home and then travel to Valencia. That seems like advantage Atleti.
I think Atletico is a great match for Chelsea, i'll be surprised if Chelsea is able to really push them. Maybe if Courtois really can't play that makes it a bit closer, but I think Atletico is a tough, fast side that will be able to cope with what Chelsea is bringing.
Prevailing logic would seem to dictate that stronger teams would want lopsided "on paper" draws in the semis, so that 180 minutes would be used to separate the sides, not 90 (which would, in theory, reduce "lightning in a bottle" upsets). Conversely, weaker teams would want "close" match ups in the semis, in order to grind out a two-match win, reach the final and potentially shock a stronger club over 90 magical minutes.
If you were to seed the semis, it would be something like :
1. Bayern
2. Real Madrid
3. Atletico
4. Chelsea
In that case, Atletico and Chelsea got the draw they wanted - a tossup match over two legs - instead of a much tougher two-legged draw against a prevailing favorite. Meanwhile, both Bayern and Madrid have got to be a little scared about even surviving this round, just to reach an anything-goes final (especially if it's a Madrid derby).
If you were to seed the semis, it would be something like :
1. Bayern
2. Real Madrid
3. Atletico
4. Chelsea
In that case, Atletico and Chelsea got the draw they wanted - a tossup match over two legs - instead of a much tougher two-legged draw against a prevailing favorite. Meanwhile, both Bayern and Madrid have got to be a little scared about even surviving this round, just to reach an anything-goes final (especially if it's a Madrid derby).
Eto'o is out for the Atletico match. Hazard traveled with the team, though it is not yet clear if he will play.
Part of me hopes and dreams that Torres deliberately plays a terrible game in order to allow Atletico, his original club, to advance.
Edit: When you think about it, two of tomorrow's most influential players--Torres with Eto'o out and Courtois--are intiminately linked to the opposite team. Torres grew up in Atletico's system and has professed his life-long love for the team. Courtois belongs to Chelsea and is on loan at Atletico. I know that they are professionals and will play hard for their teams, but these links are certainly interesting.
Part of me hopes and dreams that Torres deliberately plays a terrible game in order to allow Atletico, his original club, to advance.
Edit: When you think about it, two of tomorrow's most influential players--Torres with Eto'o out and Courtois--are intiminately linked to the opposite team. Torres grew up in Atletico's system and has professed his life-long love for the team. Courtois belongs to Chelsea and is on loan at Atletico. I know that they are professionals and will play hard for their teams, but these links are certainly interesting.
Can't believe in the biggest match of the season we've got Torres and two guys that have been buried in the dog house(Mikel and Ash) out there.
So far: Chelsea plays Torres@ the half line and 9 men between 20m-35m in front of the goal. 1-2 situations where they were at least in Atleticos box and then it is Torres with Willian/Ramires to disrupt vs. 5 guys and everyone else sprints back into the own half. Defensive discipline by Mourinhos team, what else..
Cech injured and removed. We're all set up for Mourinho to recall Courtois for the second leg and solidify his status as the ultimate troll.
Luiz does what all of us Blues have been doing for years, yells at Torres for not acting like a striker.
Extremely conservative lineup from Mou. Mikel, Luiz AND Ramires? He's basically playing with 3 DMs. It's not like Atletico are 2011 Barcelona.
In minutes 38-45, there was more room, speed and action than before. Schwarzer wasn´t tested besides that shot just this minute from Diego Ribas. Just some crosses which he could have picked with his grandmas hat.
+4minutes additional time because of the injury.
+4minutes additional time because of the injury.
Yes it is a conservative lineup but Ramires isn't a Def Mid, he's playing on the wing, playing terrible, but the wing no less. The midfield 3 is Mikel, Luiz and Lampard. I'd give anything to get Schurrle on for Ram on the left and move Willy to the other sideline. And anyone on for Torres.
That said, with Cech out, we aren't going to get anything except more defensive.
That said, with Cech out, we aren't going to get anything except more defensive.