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BuzzJack Music Forum _ Sports and Fitness _ The Champions League Thread 2016-17
Posted by: Suedehead2 12th July 2016, 09:02 PM
The Champions League qualifying rounds are underway, and it has started very badly indeed for Celtic. They managed to lose to Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar. Yes, the Scottish Champions lost to a team from a small rock.
Lee Casciaro's second-half goal did the damage, the Ministry of Defence police officer outfoxing Efe Ambrose to score.
Leigh Griffiths twice hit the bar, but Celtic could not salvage anything from Brendan Rodgers' first game in charge.
The second leg is at Celtic Park next Wednesday.
And while the Scottish champions remain favourites to progress to the third qualifying round, serious improvement will be needed.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36761213
They will, no doubt, win the second leg, but this makes England's defeat to Iceland look like a minor blip.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 12th July 2016, 09:04 PM
Yeah heard about this, quite an incredible result really, absolutely dwarfing Iceland's victory over England by comparison.
Unbelievably embarrassing for Brendan Rogers in his first match but very lucky this is a 2-leg tie...
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 12th July 2016, 09:15 PM
Is the 2015/16 Champions League thread going to get closed now?
Really looking forward to seeing how Leicester City do in the competition!
Posted by: Silas 12th July 2016, 09:25 PM
I am actually PISSING myself laughing at this. Only Brendan Rodgers, what a useless twat.
Very hilarious that it's Celtic too. Although I don't buy that this is that humiliating. It's not as if the Scottish league is any good. Lincoln Red Imps could probably comfortably finish top half
Posted by: Mack 12th July 2016, 09:39 PM
Full credit to Lincoln Red Imps. And already Brendon Rodgers will be under the baptism of fire especially if they don't qualify in the next leg. A sorry state of Scottish football.
Posted by: Steve201 13th July 2016, 01:44 AM
I think celtic are a slightly bigger team now and in the past than Lincoln so yes this is the ultimate embarrassment - wish cliftonville had played them this year and not 2014, could have beaten them.
Irelands reps enter tomorrow in the form of Dundalk and crusaders who play FC Copenhagen who should easily win. Dundalk have a chance against the Icelandic champs but it'll be tough.
Posted by: Mart!n 13th July 2016, 09:30 AM
OMG... hilarious, and I lived in Gibraltar myself in the past, I know how small it is 
Posted by: Rooney 13th July 2016, 10:52 AM
Very embarrassing, the worst possible start for Rodgers. I don't think he's a bad manager at all, I just don't know whether he can manage European football games!
Posted by: Soy Adrián 13th July 2016, 03:04 PM
I thought Celtic played with a lot of character last night.
Posted by: Mack 13th July 2016, 07:18 PM
Odds (Coral)
FC Barcelona 3-1f
Bayern Munich 5-1
Real Madrid 5-1
Manchester City 12-1
Atletico Madrid 14-1
PSG 14-1
Borussia Dortmund 16-1
Juventus 20-1
Arsenal 25-1
Tottenham Hotspur 50-1
Napoli 50-1
Sevilla 66-1
Leicester City 100-1
This year's final will take place at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Posted by: Rooney 13th July 2016, 07:41 PM
14-1 Athletico Madrid is a great price.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 13th July 2016, 10:40 PM
That 100-1 punt on Leicester looks very tasty.
Posted by: jark 14th July 2016, 12:10 PM
Rodgers is going to destroy Celtic from within. Truly awful manager.
Posted by: Mack 21st July 2016, 08:16 PM
Back to normality as Celtic go through to the third qualifying round.
Posted by: Steve201 26th July 2016, 10:43 PM
BATE 1 Dundalk 0
Irish champions did reasonably well tonight - giving themselves a shot next week in the playoff!
Posted by: Mack 27th July 2016, 06:59 PM
Celtic manage to rescue a draw against FC Astana in their first leg.
Posted by: Steve201 28th July 2016, 07:44 AM
Decent result out in the heat of Kazakstan tbf, plus that pitch is plastic and the ball bounces terribly - was never so happy when Ireland sneaked a 2-1 win there in a 2014 world cup qualifier!
Posted by: Steve201 2nd August 2016, 11:11 PM
Dundalk 3 BATE 0 - holy god an Irish team are in the champions league playoff - what an achievement!!
Posted by: Mack 3rd August 2016, 11:46 AM
They are guaranteed a place in the Europa League group teams. 1st Irish team to reach the Champions League playoff. Really hoping they manage to get into the group stages. This is an amazing achievement.
Posted by: Steve201 3rd August 2016, 01:31 PM
Indeed, David McMillan a part time architect and footballer is the top scorer this season so far with 5 goals!!
Posted by: Mack 3rd August 2016, 09:54 PM
Celtic are through to the final qualifying round.
Familiar teams like Olympiakos and Anderlecht, Shakhtar Dontesk are all out.
Posted by: Steve201 4th August 2016, 01:59 PM
Shelbourne reached the third qualifying round in 2002/03 when Deportivo beat them 2-1 I think it was and there was no playoff in them days.
A young Wes Houlihan played for the Dublin team at the time!!
Posted by: Mack 5th August 2016, 11:55 AM
Play-Off Round Draw
Ludogorets Razgrad (Bulgaria) v FC Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic)
Celtic (Scotland) v Hapoel Beer-Sheva (Israel)
FC Copenhagen (Denmark) v Apoel Nicosia (Cyprus)
Dundalk (Republic of Ireland) v Legia Warsaw (Poland)
Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) v FC Salzburg (Austria)
Steaua Bucharest (Romania) v Manchester City (England)
FC Porto (Portugal) v Roma (Italy)
Ajax (Netherlands) v Rostov (Russia)
Young Boys (Switzerland) v Borussia Monchengladbach (Germany)
Villarreal (Spain) v Monaco (France)
Posted by: Suedehead2 5th August 2016, 04:44 PM
That draw could be good news for England's coefficient. Man C should go through, but Roma could be knocked out.
Posted by: Steve201 6th August 2016, 12:33 AM
The two way draw at this stage certainly opens it up for the teams who are champions in the so called smaller leagues!!
Posted by: mdh 6th August 2016, 08:26 AM
Ludogorets Razgrad (Bulgaria) v FC Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic)
Celtic (Scotland) v Hapoel Beer-Sheva (Israel)
FC Copenhagen (Denmark) v Apoel Nicosia (Cyprus)
Dundalk (Republic of Ireland) v Legia Warsaw (Poland)
Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) v FC Salzburg (Austria)
Steaua Bucharest (Romania) v Manchester City (England)
FC Porto (Portugal) v Roma (Italy)
Ajax (Netherlands) v Rostov (Russia)
Young Boys (Switzerland) v Borussia Monchengladbach (Germany)
Villarreal (Spain) v Monaco (France)
My predictions, and ones in italics are particularly hard to call.
Posted by: Steve201 7th August 2016, 08:44 PM
I'd say Legia are a bigger club/league than Dundalk but we shall see!
Posted by: Mack 16th August 2016, 07:00 PM
This should be Manchester City going through with the players, manager they have.
Posted by: Mack 18th August 2016, 11:50 AM
It was never a penalty for Legia Warsaw. Dunkirk were unlucky there.
Posted by: Mack 24th August 2016, 12:33 PM
Sadly not to be for Dunkirk.
Celtic surviving a scare to go through to the group stages.
AS Roma are out.
Monaco, Porto and Ludogorets all through.
Posted by: Mack 25th August 2016, 08:31 PM
Group Stage Draw:
Group A: Paris St-Germain (France), Arsenal (England), Basel (Switzerland), Ludogorets (Bulgaria).
Group B: Benfica (Portugal), Napoli (Italy), Dynamo Kiev (Ukraine), Besiktas (Turkey).
Group C: Barcelona (Spain), Manchester City (England), Borussia Monchengladbach (Germany), Celtic (Scotland).
Group D: Bayern Munich (Germany), Atletico Madrid (Spain), PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands), Rostov (Russia).
Group E: CSKA Moscow (Russia), Bayer Leverkusen (Germany), Tottenham (England), Monaco (France).
Group F: Real Madrid (Spain), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Sporting Lisbon (Portugal), Legia Warsaw (Poland).
Group G: Leicester City (England), Porto (Portugal), Club Brugge (Belgium), FC Copenhagen (Denmark).
Group H: Juventus (Italy), Sevilla (Spain), Lyon (France), Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia).
Posted by: Suedehead2 25th August 2016, 09:32 PM
Leicester have a decent chance of at least dropping into the Europa League. Even a place in the Champions League knockout stage is a distinct possibility. Arsenal look like they've got another bye into the knockout stage.
Posted by: Mack 26th August 2016, 12:43 PM
The top four European domestic leagues in the co-efficients will have their Top4 teams in the group stages automatically from 2018-19 season. They are currently Spain, Italy, Germany and England.
What do you make of this?
Posted by: Suedehead2 28th August 2016, 09:57 PM
What do you make of this?
The current top four are streets ahead of the rest, so they will have four places for the foreseeable future. Those four countries will be guaranteed to fill half of the places in the group stage. That makes it a bad idea.
Posted by: Mack 13th September 2016, 12:00 PM
I'm expecting PSG to possibly beat Arsenal tonight and Man City to beat Gladbach.
For people who don't have BT Sport.
The Leicester City game with Club Brugge will be shown on BT Sport Showcase tomorrow night.
Posted by: Silas 13th September 2016, 12:08 PM
Gladbach are training at Uniteds old training centre ahead of their match with the scum. I'll be supporting Gladbach because their my home town team and I support them anyway. Hopefully not a repeat of last year where they got a hammering
Posted by: Mack 13th September 2016, 07:18 PM
Man City v Gladbach postponed due to heavy rain and an waterlogged pitch.
Posted by: jakewild 13th September 2016, 07:25 PM
was pretty annoyed until i saw the state of the pitch. literally no chance.
Posted by: Mack 13th September 2016, 07:44 PM
They'll possibly play the match tomorrow night.
Posted by: Silas 13th September 2016, 08:34 PM
Yeah there was no way they could run that match tonight. I wouldn't even go outside, never mind play football in those conditions
Posted by: jakewild 14th September 2016, 09:42 AM
yup tonight @ 7:45 👌🏼
Posted by: *Tim 14th September 2016, 08:38 PM
Ug so annoyed Real scored 2 times in the last 10 minutes or so. I so wished Sporting took at least 1 point
Posted by: Mack 14th September 2016, 08:49 PM
They deserved a point there, Sporting CP.
Good win for Leicester City there, not overawed by the occasion.
Posted by: Houdini 27th September 2016, 08:44 PM
Leicester on their way to winning their first Champions League title? 
Posted by: Silas 28th September 2016, 08:39 PM
PAH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heartbroken for Gladbach, they did well to lead Barca for so long. Well proud of them.
Posted by: jark 28th September 2016, 09:20 PM
Celtic!
I've rarely seen Arsenal looking quite like this. Not to be hyperbolic or get ahead of myself but in this form, with Walcott and Sanchez looking so hungry and so ferocious (some of their interplay and Theo's runs were f***ing unreal) Arsenal can make the QFs for once, and challenge for the league. It's just so clean and effortless. A+
Posted by: Houdini 29th September 2016, 12:13 AM
Wow! 
Posted by: Mack 18th October 2016, 11:55 AM
Won't be straightforward tonight for Leicester City against FC Copehagen.
BT will show Barcelona v Man City tomorrow night on their BT Sport Showcase channel.
Posted by: Steve201 18th October 2016, 11:35 PM
Really? What a fantastic freeview game!!
Posted by: Silas 19th October 2016, 06:20 PM
Will allow the Mancs from the wrong side of the city to see their team get humped on council telly. How generous of BT to allow as many people see them get demolished as possible.
Gladbach have changed the name of their english twitter account to A German Team after a sign outside a Glasgow pub gave up trying to spell Mönchengladbach and just put 'A German Team' as Celtics opponents for tonight. Hope they also get royally humped!
Posted by: Mack 19th October 2016, 07:50 PM
So far 1-0 to Barcelona. Not really watching the match to be honest.
Posted by: jark 19th October 2016, 09:02 PM
6-0. Not too shabby. 
Posted by: Silas 19th October 2016, 09:18 PM
To be fair, even Celtic could have won that match. 6 past them is pretty decent though. Must be happy to see Ozil have a very good evening.
City losing and Gladbach winning is a good night! Think we'll have to be happy with third in the group. Just have to hope they don't end up against united in Europa!
Posted by: Mart!n 19th October 2016, 09:22 PM
Great Arsenal win, I didn't even predict that score, not too shabby. Arsenal should cruise into the second round.
Mind you Barcelona and Bayern Munich scored a couple against their opponents, Man City came undone
Posted by: daz clark 19th October 2016, 09:24 PM
good win for arsenal playing well hope it last
Posted by: Silas 19th October 2016, 09:25 PM
I'm hoping Jose was taking notes for a week tomorrow.
Posted by: Houdini 19th October 2016, 10:13 PM
It looks like the wheels are falling of "perfect" Man City's bus
Posted by: Houdini 19th October 2016, 11:27 PM
Some people never learn 
Posted by: Soy Adrián 20th October 2016, 08:42 AM
It's just a big scrawl saying "buy Messi, Suarez and Neymar".
Posted by: Silas 1st November 2016, 07:45 PM
BT Sport are attempting to paint Celtic as the best team ever to play football. Such a shit channel.
Posted by: Rooney 1st November 2016, 09:32 PM
Fair play to City, they got a huge slice of luck with the miss at 2-1. But they've been mightily impressive tonight.
Posted by: Dobbo 1st November 2016, 09:34 PM
Very reminiscent of Bayern vs Arsenal last season, got utterly destroyed away but got the important win at home.
English teams looking a lot better this season, I reckon' we could see a least 3 through to the quarters.
Posted by: jark 1st November 2016, 09:40 PM
Rarely felt so terrified as in the minutes either side of that Ozil winner. WHAT A GOAL THOUGH!
Posted by: Mart!n 1st November 2016, 09:40 PM
Arsenal lead the group with their 3 goals in the last half they were 2 down, remarkable comeback, it be interesting as Arsenal play at home against Paris St. Germain.
Posted by: Suedehead2 1st November 2016, 10:29 PM
Helped more than a little by the fact that two defenders fell over with the goalkeeper stranded.
Posted by: Silas 1st November 2016, 10:52 PM
Gutted that Celtic drew with Gladbach. I was really hoping for the win for us and for City to lose to see Gladbach in with a good shout of last 16. Better start praying they don't get United in the round of 32.
Posted by: Steve201 3rd November 2016, 11:42 PM
Who would you support?
Posted by: Mart!n 22nd November 2016, 10:58 PM
That Borussia match 8-4 to Borussia Anyone saw that coming... 12 goals... amazing.
Posted by: Mack 22nd November 2016, 11:04 PM
A new record in the group stages. 5-2 after 34 minutes.
Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 6th December 2016, 08:04 PM
2 goals from Lucas Perez for Arsenal as they are 2-0 up against Basel.
Posted by: bah... humbug... 6th December 2016, 10:13 PM
They are through anyway to the next stage, all they need is a draw or a win to top the group against PSG, they have been pretty strong this year in the champions league, not even dropped a game.
Posted by: Dobbo 6th December 2016, 10:17 PM
I bet they'll still draw Bayern or Real out the hat for the last 16.
Posted by: bah... humbug... 6th December 2016, 10:35 PM
I fancy Leicester, but I don't think that will happen
Posted by: Dobbo 6th December 2016, 10:37 PM
English teams can't face each other until the Quarters, so actually that lowers the odds for either Arsenal or Leicester picking one of those 2!
Posted by: Steve201 7th December 2016, 02:33 PM
Is the draw Friday?
Posted by: Suedehead2 7th December 2016, 03:32 PM
The draw is on Monday.
Posted by: Steve201 7th December 2016, 09:30 PM
Oh thanks, strange day - it's usually Friday's!
Posted by: Silas 12th December 2016, 11:46 AM
We have a winner!!
Arsenal get Bayern and will exit the competition at the Round of 16 stage.
Man Shitty get Monaco
Leicester get Sevilla
Posted by: Silas 12th December 2016, 11:48 AM
I reckon both city's should make the quarters with that draw. Although if Man City play like they did at the weekend it'll be down to Leicester to keep our coefficient up!
Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 12th December 2016, 12:58 PM
Draw
Manchester City v Monaco
Real Madrid v Napoli
Benfica v Borussia Dortmund
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
FC Porto v Juventus
Bayer Leverkusen v Atletico Madrid
Paris St-Germain v Barcelona
Sevilla v Leicester
Posted by: Houdini 12th December 2016, 01:43 PM
That is pure banter for Arsenal to get Bayern Munich despite finally topping their Champions League group , Leicester have a chance of beating Sevilla over two legs I think and the home match could make a difference for them. Manchester City will most likely beat Monaco over two legs as well.
Posted by: jark 12th December 2016, 04:40 PM
Arsenal get Bayern and will exit the competition at the Round of 16 stage.
Thanks, Mystic Meg, for your insight. Your beginning-of-season's predictions for Jose and United are of course a sparkling indictment of your predictive talents.
Posted by: jark 12th December 2016, 04:44 PM
Of course it's the kind of sucky draw only Arsenal could summon but I really feel we have a solid chance this time. Bayern look quite exposed atm and Arsenal's form is excellent. February is a long way away though. But not slitting my wrists just yet.
Posted by: Silas 12th December 2016, 05:09 PM
That we will be top 4 come May? Coz it's still perfectly achievable. Never said we'd win the league or that we'd run away with it. Start of season I said we could end up 5th or 6th if we didn't get the right XI. We're currently 6th and don't yet have our best XI started so I'm Bang on track....
Oh and it's not much of a mystic meg when you've drawn them for the 3rd time in 4 years and they've knocked you out both times.
Posted by: Houdini 12th December 2016, 05:30 PM
It was either going to be Bayern Munich or Barcelona. So Arsenal were screwed either way which was funny to read
It will probably be a closer encounter this time but Bayern will have too much for them over two legs.
Posted by: Soy Adrián 12th December 2016, 05:56 PM
Arsenal have a better chance than they have done before, Bayern haven't really got going this year.
Posted by: Cassidy 12th December 2016, 06:00 PM
You can talk about banter or bad luck but the harsh reality is that if Arsenal want to win the competition they'll have to beat a Bayern, Barca or Real along the way. Judging by their squad and the way they have (at times) played this season it's certainly not beyond them.
Posted by: Steve201 12th December 2016, 10:25 PM
Arsenal are playing much better than Bayern this year - Leipzig top of the German league!
Sevilla will stuff Leicester for me too - Sampalio has them playing very well in Spain - I like his style from his days winning Chilli the Copa!
And Coty should ease past Monaco!
Posted by: Mack 14th February 2017, 01:46 PM
We are back.
How do we see tonight's matches going?
I think Dortmund will win against Benfica and a draw between PSG & Barcelona.
Posted by: jark 14th February 2017, 07:02 PM
Benfica 1-2 Dortmund
PSG 1-3 Barca
Posted by: Rooney 14th February 2017, 09:17 PM
Barca 
Posted by: Houdini 14th February 2017, 09:26 PM
Wow! Barcelona losing 4-0 to PSG!
I'm not watching the match so cant comment on how Barcelona are playing but I guess it's safe to say that they're out , it would be good if Atletico Madrid win the Champions League this season after coming so close numerous times recently.
Posted by: Dobbo 14th February 2017, 09:38 PM
Not the first time this has happened mind, they got even more humiliated by Bayern a few seasons ago.
Impressive from PSG, it's about time they began looking like serious contenders for this comp!
Posted by: Silas 14th February 2017, 11:57 PM
Talk about an off night! Getting rid of Barca would open the competition up a little bit
Posted by: Mack 15th February 2017, 08:45 AM
Probably the second worst performance that I've seen from Barcelona there up there with FC Bayern from 2013.
PSG are definitely a match for anyone now, contenders for sure.
Posted by: Houdini 15th February 2017, 09:55 PM
Goals galore in the Champions League this week! I hope Bayern & Real get drawn against each other in the Quarters to make the tournament more unpredictable.
Posted by: Mack 15th February 2017, 10:57 PM
They haven't got going until tonight.
What is the expectation around the board at Arsenal around the club just out of interest?
Posted by: Steve201 15th February 2017, 11:07 PM
Arsenal doing what Arsenal do and getting stuffed by the top European sides.
No doubt they will go on a long unbeaten run now and come 4th again - will it be enough to make Arsene stay or Arsenal want him to stay?
Posted by: OutstandingMixer 15th February 2017, 11:15 PM
Arsenal really lack leadership all over the pitch. They miss players like Seaman, Adams, Vieira and Henry etc etc...
Posted by: Rooney 16th February 2017, 12:01 AM
They just crumbled without Koscienley. That is unfortunate, as I am not sure they would have got beaten as badly as they did. But sadly, Wenger got his tactics wrong again imo. I don't think he really has the squad. That said, I think a few players aside they really miss the mental grit and determination. It's not just Arsenal, I think a lot of teams lose the winning mentality and not letting the pressure get to you when things get really tough.
Feel sorry for the fans. I can't see Wenger staying past this year. A change will be good, but just ask Man Utd fans how their change worked out!
Posted by: Soy Adrián 16th February 2017, 08:41 AM
They came back into it well in the first half but that second was just shocking. You're right though, a lot of teams would have been blown away once Bayern started playing.
Would be nice to see Atletico finally win it, but Real will probably luck their way through again.
Posted by: Dobbo 16th February 2017, 09:07 AM
Fair point but Fergie retired at the top having just won the Premier League a 13th time. If Wenger does leave this season unless they can rally & at least win the FA Cup or something it'll be departing on a bit of lull therefore if they struggle the season after it won't be quite at startling as dropping from 1st to 7th
Posted by: OutstandingMixer 16th February 2017, 12:23 PM
Exactly. Wenger is way past his sell by date now, Fergie could have carried on if he wanted to.
Posted by: Mack 16th February 2017, 12:55 PM
They looked feeble in the second half did Arsenal. When they went through against Porto seven years ago, that was considered to be weaker without the big-name signings compared to their squad now with the money they have spent.
I feel Wenger will resign at the end of the season.
Posted by: Houdini 16th February 2017, 01:01 PM
I'm sure Arsene Wenger will leave at the end of the season now as the pressure is above boiling point now. The Arsenal fans fiercely laid into him again last night and you get the impression that winning the FA Cup or Gary Neville trying to stick up for him isn't going to change the mood.
It would be sad to see Arsene Wenger go as he's been one of the best managers in English football over the past 20 years and I'll always remember the epic rivalry that he had with Sir Alex Ferguson in the 90's & 00's of which nothing has even come close since. Also there's the comedy side of him being Arsenal's manager as well that I'll miss.
Posted by: Soy Adrián 16th February 2017, 03:33 PM
I feel Wenger will resign at the end of the season.
That period from 2006-2011 after the stadium move was massively impressive in the way he managed to keep them competitive. Obviously he's continued to keep them there, but them not spending as much as the other top teams seems to be a personal choice of Wenger rather than a pragmatic financial decision as it was then.
Posted by: Cassidy 16th February 2017, 03:43 PM
As long as stadiums are filling up, sponsorships are being renewed and a consistent top four finish is being achieved the club seem quite content that their expectation is being met. The issue I have is that these targets probably wouldn't change regardless of their manager. They're all about operating a self-sustaining, 'quite decent' machine and Arsene's got it down to a tee. A change in personnel would be nothing but a back step in my opinion and would really give some of the Arsenal Fan TV celebrities something to moan about.
Posted by: Mart!n 16th February 2017, 04:15 PM
Disappointing for Arsenal I think the long spell between their last Champions league match did them no favours, plus they were beaten by a better team on the night, and playing away didn't help. They need a couple of goals when they play them again at home, and I think that is a stretch too far.
Unfortunately I do see Arsene leaving at the end of this season, it be sad after 20 years in charge, when other clubs have changed managers like crazy. I do think a change is needed.
Furthermore they need to beat Sutton United in their FA Cup fixture on Monday or else I fear a huge backlash from their own fans.
Posted by: OutstandingMixer 16th February 2017, 04:38 PM
All Arsenal need to do is win 4-0, easy!
Even if Arsenal win 6-2 they would still go out on away goals
Posted by: Cassidy 16th February 2017, 05:19 PM
Somebody painted quite a fitting picture of it last night (Roy Keane I think). Did anybody actually expect them, comparatively speaking, to go to Munich and get anything other than a dicking?
Posted by: Mack 20th February 2017, 12:58 AM
I'll be amazed if Leicester beat Sevilla on Wednesday.
Posted by: Mack 21st February 2017, 08:53 AM
I wonder if Falcao will haunt Man City in the first leg against Monaco tonight.
Posted by: Cabaye 21st February 2017, 07:13 PM
Providing he isn't injured. Shame he didn't set the Premier League alight.
Posted by: Mack 22nd February 2017, 08:42 AM
Quite a thrilling match between them and Monaco yesterday. Both of their defence were very poor though. 5-3 and 4-2 in the other match between Leverkusen and At Madrid.
Posted by: Steve201 22nd February 2017, 10:54 PM
His chip was sublime!
Posted by: Mack 6th March 2017, 08:55 AM
Good luck to anyone watching the Champions League after 2018......
Posted by: OutstandingMixer 7th March 2017, 03:45 AM
It's lucky I have BT Sport then...
There are streams available though, VIPLeague is a good one. You can normally watch 3pm Premiership games and some Champions League games that aren't on TV.
http://www.vipleague.is/
I must say It's a bit shit to not have a highlights package on ITV though.
Posted by: Houdini 7th March 2017, 02:03 PM
There are streams available though, VIPLeague is a good one. You can normally watch 3pm Premiership games and some Champions League games that aren't on TV.
http://www.vipleague.is/
I must say It's a bit shit to not have a highlights package on ITV though.
This is the exact same situation for me at the moment, I've got BT Sport but watch Premier League matches that are shown live outside of BT Sport on that VIPLeague stream. I still miss watching Champions League matches live on ITV, the competition feels like it's lost a bit of it's magic since live matches moved away from that channel.
Posted by: Mack 7th March 2017, 08:01 PM
Back in the early 00s, a Wednesday night, Champions League game was something that I looked forward to.
There isn't anything though about Champions League being protected in the 'so-called crown jewels of sport' where it has to be shown on free-to-air television or anywhere there has to be free-to-air highlights at least.
Posted by: Houdini 7th March 2017, 08:49 PM
For me 2005-2009 were the best years for the Champions League. Those were the times when I would eagerly anticipate Champions League matches, especially when the competition reached the knockout stage. The English teams did exceptionally well during that period as well.
Now you just know from the beginning that it will boil down to Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Barcelona (apart from this season ) with Atletico possibly making it to the final.
Posted by: Rooney 7th March 2017, 09:49 PM
Now you just know from the beginning that it will boil down to Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Barcelona (apart from this season
) with Atletico possibly making it to the final.We dominated, but it did get a bit samey. In that period of time, it literally was Liverpool, Chelsea, Man Utd and Barcelona! But to how it always seems to be Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletico and Bayern Munich right now.
Feel a bit sorry for Arsenal. The red card was a terrible decision and they did not deserve to be humiliated like that. That said, I think Wenger has lost 80% of the fans now, can't see a way forward unless they get top 4 and win the FA Cup. Sanchez laughing on the bench is going to be dissected to the heavens.
Posted by: Houdini 7th March 2017, 10:02 PM
ArsenalFanTV will probably have me laughing uncontrollably for the rest of the night 
the 10-2 jokes on twitter right now are already making me laugh
I would feel sorry for them if the constant jibes towards Man Utd weren't being made about 6th and not qualifying for the Champions League last season.
Posted by: Soy Adrián 8th March 2017, 08:57 AM
I'd be surprised if United finished the season ahead of Arsenal tbh.
Posted by: Houdini 8th March 2017, 10:21 AM
Finishing ahead of Arsenal isn't going to win us any trophies so I doubt that we'd really care about that.
Posted by: Mack 8th March 2017, 01:10 PM
I'll be very surprised if Man United finish ahead of Arsenal in the league to be honest although it could happen.
Posted by: Houdini 8th March 2017, 01:53 PM
AC Milan were very prolific during that 2005-2009 period as well, Villarreal getting to the semi final in 2006 was a big surprise.
Posted by: Cabaye 8th March 2017, 07:28 PM
Villarreal were a penalty away from the final.
Posted by: Mack 8th March 2017, 09:51 PM
If you are watching the highlights on ITV tonight it is definitely worth watching especially after the extraordinary events of tonight.
Hence why highlights should be made available on free to air TV. BT Sport Showcase have probably shown their best match that they've ever broadcast.
Posted by: Dobbo 8th March 2017, 09:54 PM
Just goes to show you can never write off a great team!
PSG though, what an absolute shambles from them
Posted by: Mack 8th March 2017, 10:00 PM
PSG completely crumbled in that match, woeful defending it's almost as if they let the occasion get to them. A complete contrast compared to the first leg. Even with that backing from Qatar they conceded 6 goals.
Barcelona have completed one of the greatest Champions League comebacks of all time up there with Istanbul 2005 + Nou Camp 1999.
Posted by: Houdini 8th March 2017, 10:03 PM
You have to wonder now if Barcelona's name is on the trophy this year!
Posted by: Dobbo 8th March 2017, 10:25 PM
Very tough to call this year, all I know is it won't be Real winning as no one's allowed to win it back to back!
Posted by: mdh 8th March 2017, 11:24 PM
I dont use this forum as much nowadays, but what a shambles! Will definitely be hailed as one of the best comebacks ever in the Champions League, fair play to Barca as it was a great team performance.
Posted by: Houdini 9th March 2017, 08:00 PM
This is quite amazing
Posted by: Mack 9th March 2017, 08:12 PM
The best comeback of all time in the Champions League.
Posted by: Dobbo 9th March 2017, 10:42 PM
Although the margins weren't quite as substantial, I would still say the 1999 & 2005 Finals were better comebacks.
However if Barca do go on to win it this season then I do think this match would be the most remembered of their run!
Posted by: Houdini 9th March 2017, 10:56 PM
I'll admit that the 2005 final comeback was the best of all time but for me personally nothing will ever top 1999 in terms of how special it felt. To complete the treble in the process made it even more enjoyable.
Posted by: Rooney 9th March 2017, 11:53 PM
It was a great comeback, and I am definitely biased - but 2005 has to be the greatest comeback ever. Barcelona are a great side anyway, the AC Milan side of 2005 is up there with some of the greatest club sides ever! And on a neutral ground too.
But no doubt about it, fantastic comeback from Barca last night. Happy they went through!
Posted by: Mack 10th March 2017, 08:44 AM
If it was a Top 3 it would be:
1. 2005 final
2. 1999 final
3. Barcelona beating PSG
Those are the moments that someone who doesn't have BT would not want to miss.
Posted by: Soy Adrián 10th March 2017, 10:03 AM
2005 I can understand - that an average Liverpool side could come back from three goals down against Milan in their pomp was nothing short of miraculous.
But 1999? Really? I get that it must have been wonderful for United fans, but they can hardly pull the same excuse given they were evidently one of the best teams in Europe already. When it's two top teams against each other, coming from 4-0 down in 90 minutes surely beats coming from 1-0 down in the last five.
Posted by: Dobbo 14th March 2017, 09:46 PM
I just knew Leicester would get through, the story goes on & on!
No team will enjoy coming to the KP whoever they are.
Posted by: Rooney 15th March 2017, 12:26 AM
Just absurd. It's sickening really how this bunch of players got their manager sacked.
Hoping they get a spanking from someone next round (you just know they're going to draw Man City if they get through).
Posted by: Steve201 15th March 2017, 12:31 AM
But 1999? Really? I get that it must have been wonderful for United fans, but they can hardly pull the same excuse given they were evidently one of the best teams in Europe already. When it's two top teams against each other, coming from 4-0 down in 90 minutes surely beats coming from 1-0 down in the last five.
Agreed, the 1999 final was piss poor up until the final few minutes, a good comeback no doubt but once the first went in there was only going to be one winner!
Posted by: Houdini 15th March 2017, 01:38 AM
Of course the 1999 final was poor for the vast majority of the match, we were getting dominated by Bayern and they scored very early in the match. They even hit the woodwork twice during that match but it's the last 3 minutes of the match that will live on in the minds of Man United supporters who watched it live on TV or in the stadium.
A football match has never giving me a bigger feeling of euphoria (and a headache from shouting as loud as possible when the goals were scored) as that '99 final. Not even Moscow in 2008 gave even close of that feeling of joy and relief.
Posted by: Mack 15th March 2017, 12:32 PM
Was, I agree the 1999 final was very poor until the last few minutes. It's only the last 3 minutes which stood out for Man United.
Posted by: Steve201 15th March 2017, 03:00 PM
A football match has never giving me a bigger feeling of euphoria (and a headache from shouting as loud as possible when the goals were scored) as that '99 final. Not even Moscow in 2008 gave even close of that feeling of joy and relief.
Yes I agree and for Man United fans it must have been unreal but as I stated the game overall was average until the final few minutes when things got turned on their head!
It would still be up there as one of the great games due to the fact it was in the final and all.
Posted by: Mack 15th March 2017, 07:37 PM
Expecting another goal-fest between Man City and Monaco tonight. Come on Falcao.
Why didn't Leicester City play like this under Ranieri during the last three months of his reign?
Posted by: OutstandingMixer 15th March 2017, 08:10 PM
Because Ranieri had lost the plot and the players got fed up of his incompetence. Simples.
Posted by: Rooney 15th March 2017, 08:34 PM
There's more to it than that. My own assumption is a lot of the players thought they were better than they were. Small time Charlie's, average players who turned in to superstars over night. When results weren't going there way Ranieri probably had a go at them. The players didn't like this so they didn't put the effort in. Ranieri lost the dressing room that much is for sure. But plenty of other managers have done exactly the same.
Posted by: Mack 15th March 2017, 10:35 PM
And bumbling out of the Champions League go Man City.
Posted by: Soy Adrián 16th March 2017, 09:01 AM
Poor. Monaco are a good side though.
Expecting Guardiola to go all in on the FA Cup now as he won't want to go without a trophy in his first season. If they win that and finish second in the league it's probably a par season.
Posted by: Mack 16th March 2017, 12:40 PM
Hoping Leicester City get a tie like Real Madrid or Barcelona, Bayern. May never get that opportunity again.
Posted by: Houdini 16th March 2017, 01:38 PM
I hope Leicester get dicked in the next round no matter who they play against, the players are such snakes! Claudio Ranieri must be in utter disbelief at what has happened since he got the sack.
Posted by: Mack 17th March 2017, 12:24 PM
Quarter-Final Draw:
Juventus v Barcelona
Atletico Madrid v Leicester City
Borussia Dortmund v Monaco
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
Some heavyweight clashes there with Juventus/Barcelona and Bayern/ R Madrid.
Posted by: Soy Adrián 17th March 2017, 02:55 PM
Great draw.
Posted by: Rooney 17th March 2017, 05:19 PM
Happy that one of Bayern/Real Madrid will be out. Can't call that right now, will be an interesting two games for sure.
Posted by: Houdini 17th March 2017, 06:20 PM
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich will be entertaining to watch, I'm hoping that Atletico will destroy Leicester.
Posted by: Mack 11th April 2017, 06:42 PM
Dortmund v Monaco postponed due to an explosion outside Dortmund's team bus. Marc Barta injured.
Posted by: Houdini 11th April 2017, 08:22 PM
Barcelona
Not again surely?
Posted by: Dobbo 11th April 2017, 08:46 PM
Well it's not as big a margin as they managed last round!
Scary scenes in Dortmund, surprised they're playing it tomorrow, surely too soon for the players to get their heads straight.
Posted by: Mack 12th April 2017, 11:55 AM
Surely lightning couldn't strike twice with Barcelona coming back from a first-leg loss.
Posted by: Houdini 12th April 2017, 06:01 PM
Looking forward to watching Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid tonight! I would have wanted to watch Atletico vs Leicester as well but the two matches clash unfortunately.
Posted by: Houdini 18th April 2017, 01:07 PM
Should be a close, entertaining return leg in Madrid between Bayern & Real tonight. Real Madrid have 2 away goals but Bayern are capable of scoring a couple themselves, it's too close to call.
Posted by: Dobbo 18th April 2017, 08:37 PM
That was a great effort by Leicester, shame they couldn't quite bring it back in that second half.
That Ramos OG was hilarious
Posted by: Houdini 18th April 2017, 08:42 PM
Bayern down to 10 men and now in extra time against Real Madrid, I think it would be wise for them to play for penalties.
Posted by: Sakho 19th April 2017, 06:52 AM
It might do tonight.
Posted by: Mack 19th April 2017, 12:05 PM
Some dodgy refereeing decisions in the Real and Bayern match. That was expected.
Posted by: Houdini 19th April 2017, 08:32 PM
A very poor game of football between Barca and Juventus entertainment wise but also a very good defensive display from Juve at the same time. They will be tough to beat in the semi finals.
Posted by: Mack 19th April 2017, 09:28 PM
You're going to expect goals when Monaco play.
Posted by: Mack 20th April 2017, 07:49 AM
Juventus, Real Madrid, Atletico & Monaco the four teams now for the semi-finals.
I expect the favourites to be Real for the Champions League title.
Posted by: Steve201 20th April 2017, 10:25 PM
Monaco might find it tough against a strongly defensive or counter attacking side like Juve or Athletico although they are clearly europes most exciting attack at present!
Posted by: Mack 21st April 2017, 12:23 PM
Semi-Final Draw:
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid
Juventus v Monaco
Posted by: Steve201 21st April 2017, 10:06 PM
Interesting to see the best attacking team vs one of the best defences - Juve vs Monaco!. Simone better beat Real this time!!
Posted by: Dobbo 22nd April 2017, 11:28 AM
Another Madrid derby then, this time in the Semis, I have a feeling Atletico might just do it this year.
I'll be rooting for Monaco in the other Semi, played some of the most exciting football this tournament.
Posted by: Mack 2nd May 2017, 12:03 PM
Can Atletico finally end their Real jinx in the semis, I'm not quite sure about that.
Juventus v Monaco could be a right cracker there.
Posted by: Houdini 2nd May 2017, 08:33 PM
I guess we'll be seeing Real Madrid in the final yet again, another hatrick for Ronaldo. I feel sorry for Atletico Madrid, I was hoping that they would win the European Cup for the first time this season after coming so close multiple times in recent years.
Posted by: Dobbo 2nd May 2017, 09:15 PM
Ronaldo is just insane, he's getting hat-tricks in the biggest matches now & I wouldn't bet against another in the final.
Tomorrow's game is gonna be very interesting, hoping Monaco can win the tie overall although I have a feeling Juve would give Real a tougher match.
Posted by: Mack 3rd May 2017, 07:34 AM
Nothing Atletico can do against Real and Ronaldo. He could even get another hat-trick in the second leg.
Hopefully Juventus and Monaco should be closer.
Posted by: Steve201 3rd May 2017, 08:51 PM
Juve did a right job on Monaco there! The first goal was brilliant!
Posted by: Mack 4th May 2017, 11:31 AM
It will take something quite special to stop it being a Real Madrid v Juventus final.
Posted by: Mack 9th May 2017, 11:54 AM
Hoping although unlikely that Monaco can at least mount a comeback against Juventus.
Posted by: Steve201 9th May 2017, 11:22 PM
At least they scored lol!
Posted by: Mack 10th May 2017, 07:42 AM
That's true they scored.
Brilliant goal from Dani Alves for the second goal. I can see Juventus really challenging Real Madrid (most likely) in the final. It could be a cracker, the final I hope.
Posted by: Mack 11th May 2017, 11:40 AM
It was pretty much done after Isco scored between Atletico and Real. A good effort from Atletico in the first half but it was very drab in the second half?
Posted by: Houdini 11th May 2017, 01:36 PM
Isco's goal killed the excitement of last night's match, by the time I tuned in Atletico were winning 2-0 already and it was looking like a comeback could be possible but after Isco scored for Real Madrid the quality of the match went to pot.
I think UEFA should scrap the away goals rule because it seems unfair to the team that gets eliminated, matches that are level on aggregate should just go straight to extra time and possibly penalties afterwards if the score is still level. The away goals rule hasn't been kind to Man Utd in the past, I do remember us getting knocked out by Bayer Leverkusen in the semi final of the Champions League in 2002.
Posted by: Steve201 11th May 2017, 10:40 PM
Remember that too, beat us in the round before that!
Anyone know if the final is live on itv or just bt?
Posted by: Dobbo 11th May 2017, 10:47 PM
And against Bayern in 2010, that was a painful one.
(That Robben goal was special tho)
Posted by: TroyTempest 12th May 2017, 10:25 PM
Final is live on BT Sport Europe + Showcase HD only and possibly again on YouTube.
Posted by: Steve201 13th May 2017, 09:18 AM
🙁 no coverage for me then!
Posted by: Houdini 13th May 2017, 01:31 PM
Last season they showed the final for free on BT Sport so hopefully they will do the same thing again this season. You wouldn't need a subscription to watch it if they show it for free again.
Posted by: Houdini 13th May 2017, 01:33 PM
(That Robben goal was special tho)
Yeah I remember that goal by Robben, one of the best scored in the Champions League in recent years!
Posted by: Suedehead2 13th May 2017, 04:12 PM
I think UEFA should scrap the away goals rule because it seems unfair to the team that gets eliminated, matches that are level on aggregate should just go straight to extra time and possibly penalties afterwards if the score is still level. The away goals rule hasn't been kind to Man Utd in the past, I do remember us getting knocked out by Bayer Leverkusen in the semi final of the Champions League in 2002.
I think everything practical should be done to avoid penalties. Therefore, the away goals rule should be kept.
Posted by: Steve201 13th May 2017, 07:50 PM
Don't have bt except through sky - did it still show it through that last year?
Posted by: Houdini 14th May 2017, 01:32 AM
Yes, that was where I watched it. They made BT Sport free just for a few hours while the Real vs Atletico match was on and then as soon as it finished the channel encrypted. Hopefully the same thing will happen this year, I have BT Sport but I can only watch it on the internet or by connecting a YouView box to a TV in another room which is less convenient for me.
Posted by: Steve201 16th May 2017, 07:05 PM
Thanks mate, hope it's the same this year!
Posted by: Houdini 27th May 2017, 11:23 PM
The Champions League final will be shown for free on BT Sport 2, exactly the same as how the Europa League final was shown free on that channel. It will also be the first Champions League final to be played under a closed roof.
Posted by: Houdini 2nd June 2017, 05:41 PM
Champions League final predictions? I want Juventus to win but I think Real Madrid will win the match 2-1.
Posted by: Dobbo 3rd June 2017, 09:15 PM
Ruthless from Real tonight, took their chances & become the first team to defend the Champions League.
That goal from Mandzukic though, wow!
Posted by: Rooney 3rd June 2017, 10:11 PM
That Mandzukic goal was unbelievable.
Thought the first half was fairly even. Madrid were second class in the second half.
Posted by: Steve201 3rd June 2017, 11:36 PM
That Ramos incident left a sour taste in the mouth imo!
Posted by: Houdini 4th June 2017, 12:35 AM
Mandzukic's goal was one of the best that has ever been scored in a Champions League final, it's just a shame that it couldn't be the winning goal. Ronaldo made the difference as I thought that he would. Real Madrid will probably win it for the 3rd time in a row next season as well.
Man United vs Real Madrid Super Cup match is on!
Posted by: Silas 4th June 2017, 09:09 AM
What a Supercup match! Just gotta wait for the ticket office email to see if I can get in the ballot for that one!
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