Champions League Thread (the dawn of time - 2014)

[StinkyBoHoon]

milan are the only italian team through. looking at how they're doing in the league that's ridiculous.

the way the champions league is going this year I could see it being picked up by an outsider that's way off the running in their domestic league this year.

 

[barmyarmy]

Napoli were a bit screwed to be honest. I think Zenit went through with 6 points and Napoli are out with 12. I see City as the best chance of an English club winning it. Arsenal to go out in the first knockout round again.

Also did anyone see that Schalke goal against Basle? Never seen anything like it!

 

[thedon5]

That upload actually works.

I agree with Stinky. I've been calling it all season, Atletico will win the CL. They are one of the best teams in Europe and IMO will end up prioritising CL which is a huge advantage over the likes of Barca, Madrid and Bayern.

 

[Bevab]

Atletico have always prioritised cup competitions more for a long time, assuming that they get a decent draw (which they most probably won't), they could go long.

 

[thedon5]

It's slightly different this season with their brilliant league form to consider too.

I am confident they will go far even with a bad draw, cup wise I see them as pretty much the best side in Europe... In any case they finished first so Arsenal and Man City are the only real ones to worry about, but I think Atletico can beat both.

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

Manchester City v Barcelona

oooh, that could be interesting, thinking about it that clerical error that meant they didn't go for that extra goal v bayern could come back to haunt them. I think city are capable of beating anyone, but the onus would be to do it in the home leg.

Olympiakos v Manchester United

man u are going to skip into the last 8 without breaking a sweat.

Milan v Atl?tico Madrid

Milan should crush atletico

Bayer Leverkusen v PSG

leverkusen looked rubbish, Zlatan to be arrested for criminal damages against their back four.

Galatasaray v Chelsea

Chelsea are well capable of messing this up but should win.

Schalke v Real Madrid

madrid probably delighted they can combine a scouting trip for draxler with an easy tie.

Zenit v Borussia Dortmund

dortmund.

Arsenal v Bayern Munich

arsenal could maybe win/draw first leg, but will get stuffed like a turkey at christmas in the 2nd leg.

 

[barmyarmy]

I think City have a great chance against Barca. Some brilliant ties in there.

 

[ParkedTheBus]

First of all , As a Chelsea fan , I should say that I'm absolutely delighted to have a match-up against Galatasaray. It would mean King Didier would be back to Stamford Bridge and Mourinho will also be able to have a reunion with Sneijder and Drogba. We will possibly win it but , as all of us know , We've got superhuman-like ability to mess things , so you never know :-/


P.S: City and Arsenal have got SHOCKING draws and United has got one heck of an easy draw.
No way I can see Arsenal winning against FC Bayern , Possibly City has an outside chance.

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

P.S: City and Arsenal have got SHOCKING draws and United has got one heck of an easy draw.

finishing top of the group did kinda help that.

 

[barmyarmy]

If Chelsea can lose to Basel twice they can certainly lose to Galatasaray...

 

[Ohm]

Arsenal v Bayern Munich

I think this match is replay of last season Round 16.

 

[thedon5]

No way I can see Arsenal winning against FC Bayern , Possibly City has an outside chance.

We beat them last year, the only team to beat them at home I think for the whole of last season or something and the only team until Man City recently to beat them.

We tend to pull off some ridiculous performances in Europe after messing up one game. 2-1 against the best Barca team ever (should've gone through but van Persie got a bs red card), 3-0 against Milan and the win against Bayern.

Bayern will win, but we have a far better chance of beating a full strength Bayern than City do a full strength Barca. Though without Messi it could be quite even.

 

[Haarithan]

Would love a quarterfinal draw as this (presuming Stinky's tips in his recent post for the elite 8 all come correct):

Man Utd v Man City
R Madrid v Atleti
Bayern v Dortmund
Chelsea v PSG

 

[KBC]

Great draw.

United should head into the Q/F (finally!) without too many problems, should settle the tie in the away game itself.

Milan are lucky to draw Atletico. They should be able to see them off but given Atletico are in top form atm there's a possibility of an upset. Allegri's credentials will be seriously tested if that happens. But Milan should see off Atletico.

Biggest losers are Arsenal and Man City. Wenger saw this coming at the final whistle of the Napoli game. Interesting tie, Bayern should be favorites but Arsenal have not lost outright in their recent ties against them (third time lucky?)

Barcelona vs City should be the top game. City's games against Barca have been friendlies. This should be another one :P.

Both teams will be tested. City can't be ruled out, why not; their manager has a better record against Barcelona and he's never had a better squad to face them. Should messi return with total fitness City will have a hard time. Interesting tie.

PSG, Chelsea, Madrid and Dortmund will get their Usual Q/F places.

 

[Haarithan]

Atletico are big time favorites to see off Milan it's not even close. They certainly aren't 'lucky' to face Atletico. Do hope they do the impossible and progress though.