Champions League Thread (the dawn of time - 2014)

[JBlues08]

I expect lots of goals in the Milan/Spurs tie. Spurs' defence has been awful this season, and Milan's hasn't been great either (although they have experience, but lack the physique). The attacks of both teams has been excellent though. The manner in which Milan play will mean the wingers and fullbacks for Spurs will be the key men. In terms of attack, Ibra has been unstoppable of late and they all seem to be gelling very well.

Ibrahimovic tends to go missing against English club in recent years. It might happen again if Spurs learn to defend better which they pretty much have to at this stage. Bale and Lennon should have some fun time against Milan's fullbacks. I fancy Spurs over the two legs against them especially with the second leg at White Hart Lane.

 

[JBlues08]

No Bale and possibly van der Vaart and Modric as well for Spurs. Milan will be probably thanking their lucky stars that Bale is out for this first leg.

 

[Haarithan]

No Bale and possibly van der Vaart and Modric as well for Spurs. Milan will be probably thanking their lucky stars that Bale is out for this first leg.

Guess what , i had just switched minds predicting a Spurs victory over the two legs coming to this week but after hearing this , i am content with a comfortable Milan victory . But Spurs really have been one of the best away sides in this season's BPL (IIRC they are 2nd in the away table of BPL , only next to Arsenal) , so that's one thing i really ought to fear in them .

 

[Dr. Pepper]

Modric is a huge blow in the centre of midfield. His positioning and control of midfield is absolutely crucial to Spurs' game. Going for a Milan win regardless though. Robinho, Ibra and co are actually playing as a team and working hard, that is a frightening thought for any side.

 

[JBlues08]

Despite the big injury problems that Spurs have, I'm still going to stick with them over the two legs against Milan.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

Why aren't Utd playing yet? I can't see our match anywhere on Sky or on ITV.

 

[shravi]

Why aren't Utd playing yet? I can't see our match anywhere on Sky or on ITV.

Their match is on the 23rd.

 

[War]

I expect lots of goals in the Milan/Spurs tie. Spurs' defence has been awful this season, and Milan's hasn't been great either (although they have experience, but lack the physique). The attacks of both teams has been excellent though. The manner in which Milan play will mean the wingers and fullbacks for Spurs will be the key men. In terms of attack, Ibra has been unstoppable of late and they all seem to be gelling very well.

Valencia/Schalke will be an excellent tie as well. I've really enjoyed watching Schalke play this season, Raul has been brilliant.

Barcelona are 10 times better than they were last season when they ran riot against Arsenal. Arsenal's naivety will definitely be their downfall. You can not afford to play the way they do against Barca, they'll get ripped to shreds.

Im not sure if Barca are that better TBH. They haven't faced a inter milan type team yet this season that to see if they really have learnt the deal with teams like that.

But yes as was shown in classico vs Real Madrid, Arsenal could certainly get ripped to shreds if you try to match Barca style. Arsenal seriously missing Vermaelen to shore up their backline which wouldn't help.

 

[War]

BBC - Phil Minshull: Ibrahimovic and Robinho prove me wrong

 

[MasterBlaster76]

Their match is on the 23rd.

Just seemed odd that we're not playing - I thought all the second round groups got underway at the same time. Doesn't matter either way.

 

[JBlues08]

A magnificent performance and result for Spurs. They defended brilliantly throughout the game from back to front and certainly deserved to take the 1-0 lead back to White Hart Lane.

As for Milan, they were very poor in the first half. Hardly tested Gomez at all. Pato coming on in the second half had a positive impact on them. They pushed back Spurs and could easily have scored at least 2 goals from corners but Gomez did well to deny them.

However, Milan were extremely narrow in their play and made it easy in a way for Spurs to defend especially when they have Sandro and Palacios covering in front of the back four. Because of that, their fullbacks Abate and Antonini pushed forward more as the game went on and got caught on the counterattack which of course led to Crouch's goal.

Anyway, Spurs now have the advantage and with Bale likely to return soon, it could get even harder for Milan. The confrontation between Gattuso and Joe Jordan was totally disrespectful and madness! And Flamini should have been sent off for the two-footed challenge for Corluka but got only a yellow card instead.

 

[War]

It was great to see Woodgate back personally.

 

[Bevab]

Excellent Spurs, its actually sad to see a wicked City preventing them from a CL spot this season.

Without Bale, they played very well. Hats off to Gomes, for continously stopping Milan attacks. Lennon you've proved your pace with your excellent run.

With Bale homecoming, Abate will have to worry a lot.

 

[Haarithan]

Gattuso , Seedorf - what are they doing in the playing XI ?? Senior Players ?? At the top of all , Gattuso given the armband

 

[m_vaughan]

So happy for Raul

His goal last night made him the highest goalscorer in European competitions - 71 goals!

Good result for Schalke as well getting the away goal. Valencia will have it difficult in Germany.