UEFA Champions League 2012 Thread

[redsforlife]

I don't know why we didn't have this thread already, but here we go. Post all Champions League talk here.

[Emil Nissen]

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

[redsforlife]

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.

[Emil Nissen]

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.

[redsforlife]

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.

[Emil Nissen]

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

[redsforlife]

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.

[vittoleon]

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.

[Emil Nissen]

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.

[vittoleon]

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.

[redsforlife]

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.

[Emil Nissen]

Yeah malaga has sure surprised me already! But I bet they and Shakhtar will lose next game