Champions League Thread (the dawn of time - 2014)

[khaleel]

De Gea has developed into a pretty good goalkeeper over the last two years, but there is still a year or two for him to break into the Spanish first team. Even if you count out Valdes and Reina, which rarely happens, Diego Lopes is still ahead of De Gea in the pecking order.

 

[P Squared]

Well thats the thing isnt it, Lopez and De Gea are currently better than Valdes and Reina, arguably Casillas as well (doesn't play enough), but neither of them manages to even get into the squad, let alone first 11.

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

there have been a lot of worries about De Gea's attitude to training though, the old man u goalkeeping coach had to learn spanish because he was so uninterested in learning the language and adapting to the culture, and his diet and exercise regime isn't up to scratch. these things, I imagine, will carry a lot of weight on the professional side of football discussed among coaches and the like.

that said, I agree he is playing better than the three guys you mentioned.

 

[Epic]

I'm hoping for the quarterfinals draw to be along the lines of:

Real vs Chelsea
Barca vs PSG
Bayern vs United/Atletico
BVB vs Atletico/United

 

[War]

Well thats the thing isnt it, Lopez and De Gea are currently better than Valdes and Reina, arguably Casillas as well (doesn't play enough), but neither of them manages to even get into the squad, let alone first 11.

I think I agree, but geez when you have so much bench strength like Spain - Del Bosque can be forgiven for ignoring them at times.

 

[barmyarmy]

Absolutely cracking quarter-final lineup. Most teams will be hoping to draw Man Utd although Dortmund aren't having a brilliant season this year and are probably beatable.

 

[khaleel]

I'm hoping for the quarterfinals draw to be along the lines of:

Real vs Chelsea
Barca vs PSG
Bayern vs United/Atletico
BVB vs Atletico/United

Would love to see United vs. Bayern, although Bayern will definitely hammer us.

 

[thedon5]

Would love to see United vs. Bayern, although Bayern will definitely hammer us.

There isn't a team there that wouldn't hammer United.

Dortmund are easily the second weakest team there, if it turns out United vs Dortmund then maybe United could have a chance.

 

[khaleel]

There isn't a team there that wouldn't hammer United.

Dortmund are easily the second weakest team there, if it turns out United vs Dortmund then maybe United could have a chance.

Dortmund would be without Blaszczykowski and Piszczek, Reus may preobably recover and Subotic's recovery status is unknown (probably out for the season) so it would be a good chance for us. But it definitely shouldn't be Real Madrid or Barca, we've faced them enough already over the past few years. PSG again would be an interesting watch.

 

[barmyarmy]

Nice easy draw for Bayern...

I think Chelsea will be happy with PSG; especially with the second leg at home.

 

[Umair7]

Manchester United FC (ENG) v FC Bayern M?nchen (GER) #GodSaveTheQueen

 

[khaleel]

Manchester United FC (ENG) v FC Bayern M?nchen (GER) #GodSaveTheQueen

My prediction came true. Now, it would be a shocker if we kicked out the defending champions. I know, too optimistic even for a United fan, but you never know! #GGMU

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Oh, what I wouldn't give to see Chelsea take on Barca! Should be happy, Messi, not to face Cech again.

 

[P Squared]

Those 2 matches are gonna be our last nights in Europe for a long, long time. The future is not red.

 

[Epic]

There's enough in it to keep the neutral interested without blowing the load before the semifinals, happy with that.

 

[Haarithan]

De Gea should be Spain's #1 imo.

Nice easy draw for Bayern...

I think Chelsea will be happy with PSG; especially with the second leg at home.

Agree with the second leg being at home part, but on the overall tie, I'd very much say it's 50-50 between the sides. PSG imo have the second best midfield (performance wise, this season) in Europe after Bayern.