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Soccer => Soccer Forum => Topic started by: redsforlife on Nov 06, 2012, 04:16: AM

Title: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Nov 06, 2012, 04:16: AM
I don't know why we didn't have this thread already, but here we go. Post all Champions League talk here.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Dec 04, 2012, 10:33: PM
its really a disgrace for Manchester City, not being able to advance in CL...not to mention they didnt even qualify for europe cup! with that much money spent on players, i think its really embarrasing for the club
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Dec 05, 2012, 01:04: PM
Not as big of a disgrace as many are making it out to be. Put almost any team in that group, and they will finish behind Dortmund and Real. That was a ridiculously hard group, and it makes me think UEFA need to rethink their seeding. I mean, German and English champions aren't given respect, because they don't have recent European records. They should just seed the teams based on how they qualified in their leagues. Use UEFA Coefficients to determine which leagues are stronger to help seeding.

They probably shouldn't have finished behind Ajax, but Ajax is no slouch. They are a huge team in Europe, but with the modern game have fallen a bit behind. I actually don't think any English team would have qualified for KO rounds in this group. Some may have finished in the EL spot. That is what is disappointing to me.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Dec 05, 2012, 09:06: PM
yeah i know, its the 'group of death' and all that, but seriously, if u look at their players they should at least be qualified for the knockout rounds in CL. City just proves that it isnt always enough to have a rich arab to buy what he wants.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Dec 06, 2012, 02:34: AM
yeah i know, its the 'group of death' and all that, but seriously, if u look at their players they should at least be qualified for the knockout rounds in CL. City just proves that it isnt always enough to have a rich arab to buy what he wants.

I disagree that they should have at least qualified for KO rounds. In most groups, the would have, but Dortmund and Real are just better teams. They deserved the first two spots, and both will challenge to win the cup. They should have finished above Ajax, but like I said, Ajax are no slouch. This basically just proves there is another level that they will have to reach to become European elite. The rest of the English league is still behind them in my opinion. It's just the rest had far easier groups. Don't expect an English team to win the CL this year. I am picking Barca, Bayern, Real, and Dortmund to be the favorites to win it all.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Dec 06, 2012, 04:58: AM
yeah i agree that this year, dortmund and real have been better teams in general, but when u look at city's team player for player, its weigh better than both ajax and dortmund imo. But city didnt just end the group, they ended with only 3 points...thats too bad with players like Balotelli, Tevez, Aguero, Nasri, Dzeko, Silva, Yaya/Kolo Toure, Joe Hart and lescott and kompany in the defense...all these are worldclass star-players. Dortmund have good players too, but not as many and not as good as city's
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Dec 06, 2012, 10:05: AM
City has bigger names. Dortmund has better players. Premier League is the biggest league in the world as far as fan reach and media coverage, so the stars in the Premier League are often thought of as better than the best of other leagues. It's sometimes true, but not always. I think Dortmund is just period better. Real Madrid has better players than both of them, but Dortmund may be a better unit.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: vittoleon on Dec 06, 2012, 09:35: PM
City doesnt come anywhere near Dortmund as a whole. They are one of the most efficient teams in the CL. Reds said it right, Spain and Germany are favorites to win this CL, followed by some outsiders as Shaktar, Juve, Man U and PSG. My money is on Dortmund or Bayern because I think Barcelona is stoppable with the right strategy  ( 10 in front of goal and counter like Chelsea/Celtic did) and real seems to always just come short in the deciding games.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Dec 07, 2012, 04:56: AM
Yeah i absolutely agree with u about that Spain and Germany are the strongest candidates to win the cl this year. All I say is that in my opinion city should have done better, I'm no fan of city, actually the opposite.
And Vitto, u really mean Shaktar can come in as an outsider and win? And same with psg, I don't think they have a chance either.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: vittoleon on Dec 07, 2012, 09:07: AM
Shaktar destroyed Juventus and Chelsea (except last game when they were already qualified). They are REALLY strong. PSG is hard to say since their group was pretty easy and the French competition is very weak at the moment.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Dec 08, 2012, 05:20: AM
Shakhtar has absolutely no chance of winning it. PSG does have an outside chance. They are just too talented to completely overlook. Real, Barca, Dortmund, and Bayern are the only teams I'd put money on making the final. Outside chances to teams like Juventus, Milan(Both Italian teams are almost here through reputation alone), Manchester United(Same deal, big reputation, but I doubt they can do it), PSG, FC Porto, and maybe Valencia or Malaga. I expect at least one of the other two Spanish sides to do well and surprise some people.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Dec 08, 2012, 08:32: AM
Yeah malaga has sure surprised me already! But I bet they and Shakhtar will lose next game
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: vittoleon on Dec 08, 2012, 06:51: PM
Eeuhm no offense but you are very wrong here. Milan and Malaga got trough because Zenit was horrible and Anderlecht doesnt have a budget (and missed some key goals to actually go trough). They both dont stand a chance. Valencia is a good team but clearly proven in primera division that they cant deal with Barca Real. Shaktar Dominated both Chelsea and Juventus in the games they played (except last when they were already sure of qualification) they just werent lucky on the scoring. You'll see next game how solid they are. (100% sure they're getting barca or something now: p). I think PSG will get the same thing as Man city when they face actual top teams. I doubt they can be a solid topteam with that many purchases . Maybe next year. Honestly cant give an opinion about Man U, havent really watched a single one of their games. Cant tell much of their group since it didnt have a single top team. (Galatasaray played pretty good but they should never be a threat to Man U)
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Adi on Dec 09, 2012, 09:47: AM
Spot on Jason.  Well said on all points.  Germany teams are under-rated.

Dortmund and Bayern are two of the top teams in Europe right now.  Only Barca is clearly ahead of them, but Bayern to me is tied for 2nd best with Real although I'd give the edge to Bayern after our signings this summer.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Dec 09, 2012, 10:21: AM
Spot on Jason.  Well said on all points.  Germany teams are under-rated.

Dortmund and Bayern are two of the top teams in Europe right now.  Only Barca is clearly ahead of them, but Bayern to me is tied for 2nd best with Real although I'd give the edge to Bayern after our signings this summer.

In the KO rounds I have Real ahead of the German teams, because of the Mourinho factor. He almost always manages to get it right. I really want PSG to perform well. They are getting overlooked alot, because this is the first time they've been at this stage in a long time. If they can gel, they could be for real. They have so much talent it will only be a few years before we all agree they can win the Champions League.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: vittoleon on Dec 09, 2012, 08:00: PM
I think they can win CL next year. Dnno this year. And I aggree. Mourinho isnt something you can overlook. By far best tactical coach in the world. Soo much depends on the next round picking.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Dec 10, 2012, 04:03: AM
hmm i really dont want PSG to do good, i think football is becoming more and more about the money...psg should invest more in youth academys and stuff like that
Title: Champions League: Other Matchups
Post by: Adi on Dec 20, 2012, 06:38: AM
Additional Champions League match-ups which don't have their game threads.

Celtic
vs.
Juventus

Shakhtar Donetsk
vs.
Borussia Dortmund

FC Porto
vs.
Malaga

Galatasaray
vs.
Schalke
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Adi on Dec 20, 2012, 06:53: AM
If the English teams don't advance past the first knock-out group AND the German teams do well, Germany could overtake England in the European coefficients!

Germany has been on a maddening rise in Europe!  Overtook Italy for the 4th Champions League spot and now trying to be the second strongest performing nation in Europe!

 :039:
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Adi on Dec 20, 2012, 06:54: AM
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312635_578027468881070_115004250_n.jpg)
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Adi on Dec 20, 2012, 06:56: AM
Rehearsal draw on screenshot (posted on Redcafe at 11.10, 20 minutes from the start of real draw).  This was to make sure everything was working correctly.

The rehearsal draw was identical to the real draw. :undecided:

(http://i.imgur.com/d3UuV.jpg)
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Dec 20, 2012, 10:10: AM
That rehearsal draw thing smells fishy.

I would laugh my arse off if Germany overtook England in UEFA Coefficients. I know too many arrogant English that are shitting themselves that La Liga is definitely superior at the moment. I personally think the Bundesliga is currently better, but I have to respect the current UEFA Coefficients. If the Bundesliga overtakes them, then it's just a fact the Bundesliga is better. Head to head Premier League vs Bundesliga is definitely Bundesliga at the moment.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: vittoleon on Dec 20, 2012, 11:52: PM
K my calls.

Galatasaray (very close)
Real madrid (Mourinho effect)
Barca
Sick match shaktar against dortmund :s
Bayern
Porto
Juve
Valencia (close again)


THis is without any actual thinking. will probably repost when I place my bets.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Dec 21, 2012, 12:44: AM
milan will take barca down!! about the draws, Platini and UEFA are cocksuckers, they fixed it :021:
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: vittoleon on Dec 21, 2012, 04:37: AM
Milan isnt close to barca.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Adi on Dec 21, 2012, 07:37: AM
Lots of entertaining games.  Almost the perfect draw to be honest.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Dec 21, 2012, 08:26: AM
Milan isnt close to barca.
nonetheless, i have a feeling that Milan is gonna be the advancing team
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: VRK on Dec 25, 2012, 07:19: PM
nonetheless, i have a feeling that Milan is gonna be the advancing team
naah... man i think barca will have the edge... it's gonna be a close game though milan fights hard every time... but barca is riding on a different level... they are way ahead  :)
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: VRK on Dec 25, 2012, 07:22: PM
malaga vs porto ???
aren't they banned from european comps for 1 yr. or so for some kinda financial matters inside the club  :017: :017:
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Dec 25, 2012, 09:25: PM
hmm i dunno, never heard of that  :017:
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Dec 26, 2012, 12:15: AM
malaga vs porto ???
aren't they banned from european comps for 1 yr. or so for some kinda financial matters inside the club  :017: :017:

It doesn't go in effect until next year. They will play until they are knocked out this year. Next year they are ineligible to qualify for UEFA competitions.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Dec 26, 2012, 07:17: AM
that sucks lol
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Adi on Dec 27, 2012, 04:52: AM
It doesn't go in effect until next year. They will play until they are knocked out this year. Next year they are ineligible to qualify for UEFA competitions.

Next 4 years, lol.  Tools.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Dec 27, 2012, 11:49: AM
That's only if they don't get their shit together. The ban may never happen if I read it correctly. That being said, coming up with  the money to pay off their debt will be quite difficult.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: VRK on Dec 27, 2012, 07:56: PM
4 years !!! wtf!!!  :wtf: that would be way too long... i hope they pay all that money soon...
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Adi on Dec 28, 2012, 01:34: AM
4 years !!! wtf!!!  :wtf: that would be way too long... i hope they pay all that money soon...

It's 4 years max, but only 1 competition meaning if they don't qualify for Europe over the next 3 years, but do in the 4th, then they have to sit out.  However, if they make it this year, then they miss next year's competition but are good to go after that.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Dec 28, 2012, 04:43: AM
they seriously need to take themselves together from now on...
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: VRK on Dec 28, 2012, 10:54: PM
they'll get a 1 yr. breather  :sign0151:
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: vittoleon on Feb 13, 2013, 08:09: AM
Shakthar 2-2 at home against Dortmund. Stupid goal in the end. Kinda stupid they sold their best player to Russians during the winter... I see Dortmund securing this one.  Real madrid should be able to get things done in Manchester. If Man U has to come there will be room and room is all CR7 needs to put nails in their coffin.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Feb 13, 2013, 10:10: AM
I agree. Dortmund look safe to win now. 2-2 is a good result on the road.

MU defended very well today, but I think it was quite clear which team was superior. 1-1 draw is a very good result for United, but I doubt they'll be able to prevent Real from scoring at Old Trafford. They will have to win the 2nd leg to go through. For me, Real are still in the driver's seat. As soon as they score at Old Trafford, it could be all downhill for the English side. Today's game could have easily been 3-1 if it wasn't for a great defensive performance and good goal keeping from De Gea.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Zarzi on Feb 14, 2013, 01:13: AM
Yesterday were a very interesting matches. In both a lot of activity. Shakhtar played pretty well, but still Borussia is a much better team, exported draw from Donetsk. I think the win at home and advance further.
But more interested in the match between Real and Manchester. Real play more offensively, but the United defenders well they did. It is unfortunate that Real did not win this match. I hope they manage to qualify.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Mar 05, 2013, 12:27: PM
The bitching from Man Utd. fans is out of control. Yes, Nani should never have been sent off. When I first saw it, I said obvious foul. I don't think it should have even been a card. It was completely incidental. However, it wasn't like Real Madrid weren't already out playing United. It was just the nail in the coffin. It guaranteed Real would finish them off. I'm hearing how MU dominated the game, but I just cannot see it. Real had 63% possession, more shots on target, more goals, more corners, and the majority of the game was played in MU's defensive end. I'm really not sure how that's a dominant performance by United. Especially when you consider Real scored all 3 goals.

You mad Man Utd. Fans?
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: vittoleon on Mar 05, 2013, 11:32: PM
One of those discussions that are just useles to have, you cant ever know if they would have kept it together with 11. all I know is that I prefer Real to go trough :p.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Mar 06, 2013, 03:54: AM
We don't know for a fact what would have happened, but it seemed highly likely that Real were going to score at least once. My opinion is the final score ends 1-1 or 2-1 Real after 90min if it stays 11v11. I predicted that Real would win in extra time if it finished a draw.

On the red card again, MU fans are bitching like they were robbed. Well, the referee missed a blatant handball by Rafael on the goal line. It would have been a red card penalty kick, but everyone is just overlooking that. The biased media is killing me. Real were better, and they deserved to go through. I cannot believe how biased the media actually is. If that had happened to any other team, the media would be singing a completely different tune.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: L_I_S on Mar 06, 2013, 06:37: PM
The bitching from Man Utd. fans is out of control. Yes, Nani should never have been sent off. When I first saw it, I said obvious foul. I don't think it should have even been a card. It was completely incidental. However, it wasn't like Real Madrid weren't already out playing United. It was just the nail in the coffin. It guaranteed Real would finish them off. I'm hearing how MU dominated the game, but I just cannot see it. Real had 63% possession, more shots on target, more goals, more corners, and the majority of the game was played in MU's defensive end. I'm really not sure how that's a dominant performance by United. Especially when you consider Real scored all 3 goals.

You mad Man Utd. Fans?
Why? I've always thought that if the leg is above the waist and studs are up you automatically get red carded. Isn't that how it is?
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Mar 07, 2013, 03:20: AM
Why? I've always thought that if the leg is above the waist and studs are up you automatically get red carded. Isn't that how it is?

His eyes were on the ball to control it. He wasn't attempting to tackle. Also, Arbeloa just as much caused the contract by coming into the ball. For me, it's only a foul. The lack of intent plays a large factor. I think Nani had no clue Arbeloa was there, and his only intentions were the control the ball. That being said, MU dodged a bullet with the Rafael handball which would have effected them worse. The MU fans are just so lame they cannot face that their team lost to a better team.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: L_I_S on Mar 07, 2013, 10:33: AM
You don't consider it to be Nani's fault that he wasn't paying attention? Did he really think he'd be the only player going for the ball? You can't go around flailing your legs around and assuming you'll never get carded.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: redsforlife on Mar 07, 2013, 01:39: PM
You don't consider it to be Nani's fault that he wasn't paying attention? Did he really think he'd be the only player going for the ball? You can't go around flailing your legs around and assuming you'll never get carded.

You do realize I hate Man Utd. with a passion right? I think it's absolutely hilarious that they are out, and they are complaining about a questionable red card. :cheesy:

Here's the thing, sometimes in football you must stick your leg out to get a ball. I understand that sometimes it could be dangerous. Do you think no player should be able to do things like bicycle kicks, because it's possible they could kick someone on accident? I think making it a straight red card offense is overly harsh. I can see it being a yellow card for sure, but for me, it's just a foul. That's just my opinion, but believe me, I believe in a far more physical game than the average person.

Anyway, United weren't screwed like their fans seem to think. If the referee would have made the correct decisions, a different Man Utd. player would have been sent off instead. Rafael's goal saving hand ball is a penalty and a red card.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Zarzi on Mar 12, 2013, 09:30: AM
Just as I thought, no problem today FC Barcelona won with AC Milan. Team from Milan was significantly weaker and committed many mistakes in defense.
I shall have to match last week - Manchester vs Real. Real, in my opinion, deserves awas. I personally don't shown red card to Nani, but obviously in the end there was some justice.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: 2zef^^ on Mar 17, 2013, 11:51: AM
2th April:
PSG - Barcelona
Bayern - Juventus
3th April:
Malaga - Dortmund
Real - Galata
Awesome matches there,iam waiting for Real - Galata :D
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Mar 17, 2013, 10:34: PM
yeah sick games, i'd love to see real winning the cl!!
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: 2zef^^ on Apr 23, 2013, 01:58: PM
4-0 hohoho
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Apr 24, 2013, 12:53: AM
damn that was a good match, Bayern owned the shit out of barca! final: Real-Bayern, 3-2 for real :D
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Zarzi on Apr 24, 2013, 08:24: AM
Lewy <3

German teams have shown great class. I think we will have a final duel Bayern vs Borussia. Just as I thought from the beginning of the season, so I think now - Bayern win the Champions League.  :)
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on Apr 24, 2013, 07:08: PM
oh yeah.. that was quite surprising yesterday, but Dortmund played one hell of a game. The German teams have really stepped up... gonna be hard for the spanish to get through with these scores! impossible for barca :) but i still believe in real!!
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: emmy 98 on Apr 25, 2013, 08:05: AM
i think that barca without guardiola can fall down simply
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Emil Nissen on May 01, 2013, 07:46: AM
yeah, whatcha think Guys, is the Barcelona Era over? :D
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Zarzi on May 02, 2013, 06:23: AM
Well, it's hard at the moment to say, but they play much worse than in previous seasons. We have to wait until next season, maybe FCB will again be presenting an incredible level?
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: emmanuel on May 06, 2013, 08:34: AM
i don't know , maybe no because for my opinion the strenght of barca was guardiola , without him it's difficult to barca returning to his highest level
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Adi on May 24, 2013, 03:28: AM
The final is tomorrow... got my Bayern jersey on at work today! :great:
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Zarzi on May 24, 2013, 06:32: AM
I hope that tomorrow's game will be very interesting. I hope that there will be fight and a lot of emotions. In my opinion, a better chance of winning the cup has Bayern, but Borussia is unpredictable.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: kickoff on Nov 05, 2013, 06:47: PM
Yeah!!! Bayern Munich are through to the Champions League knockout stages after their fourth straight win in Group D  :You_Rock_Emoticon:
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: Adi on Nov 09, 2013, 09:18: AM
Bayern favorites again.  Love it.
Title: Re: UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread
Post by: dwamk on Dec 11, 2013, 11:44: PM
Bayern are very good, but we cant forget Barcelona and Real Madrid, man. city first time are in 1/8 finals and they showed in Munich they are class ... the draw is in monday ... :)