Europa League Thread

[MasterBlaster76]

I think Porto are too strong, and would be surprised if they do not win this. They are Champions League material, really.

So are Utd and City - speaking for Utd, we just didn't perform anywhere near to the best of our abilities. Remember what happened last time Utd came up against Porto when everyone was expecting them to destroy us?

 

[Haarithan]

vaughan posted that prior to the Europa League final in May 2011.

Anyway, I back both the Mancs to progress to the Round of 16. A final between the two would be unimaginably brilliant from a neutral perspective. Been a while since a cracking final existed in the Europa League. Espanyol v Sevilla in 2007 being the most recent one iirc.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

vaughan posted that prior to the Europa League final in May 2011.
.

I thought it was recent because it was on the same page. Yep.

 

[Dr. Pepper]

If Utd and Bilbao win their respective games, I think Bilbao will beat Utd in the next round.

 

[barmyarmy]

Well anyone can beat Utd this season. Not the achievement it once was...

 

[MasterBlaster76]

Yes please. Go ahead and underestimate us - that's usually the other team's undoing...

 

[m_vaughan]

So I was confused because even when I read MB's response, I had not even seen the Europa League draw so didn't even know that Porto and City were paired against each other.

In any case I think Valencia have a relatively easy route to the last eight. Athletic might come up against United in the next round, while Atletico I am sure will not be able to get past Lazio.

 

[Bevab]

You're always anti-Atletico.

 

[JBlues08]

In any case I think Valencia have a relatively easy route to the last eight. Athletic might come up against United in the next round, while Atletico I am sure will not be able to get past Lazio.

Don't think Stoke are by any means pushover for Valencia. You never know how are they going to deal with Stoke's physical approach and aerial bombardment at the Britannia Stadium.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

Good solid display by the lads tonight, especially second half. Job almost done, unless we play like old women or idiots in the return leg.

 

[JBlues08]

Late to this but credit to Valencia for dealing quite well in the end against Stoke. Never really looked in danger of conceding and Topal's goal to win the game was an absolute screamer as well! Can't see how Stoke are gonna overturn this at the Mestalla.

 

[m_vaughan]

Valencia, Athletic and Pathetico all through. Simeone's side already had after the first leg but Valencia and Athletic still had work to do. I am really excited about Athletic this season and the next few years simply because of the number of talented youngsters they have in the team - all successfull for Spain in U-17, 19 and 21 levels and all almost certain to be starters for the NT in the near future (Martinez already has done that).

United will be a tough test though. Athetic's run may just end here, but given that they are on track for a Champions League spot next season and are in the final of the Copa del Rey, I'd say good job Marcelo Bielsa.

P.S - I can't find that predicitions thread but I do believe I had picked Athletic for the Europa League.

 

[lancashire666]

My knowledge of Portuguese football is pretty poor, are Sporting better than Porto? Just wondering as we have them in the next round

 

[Haarithan]

Porto are miles ahead domestically, but Sporting have been the better side in Europe this season.

 

[m_vaughan]

Porto are better. They have been fairly inconsistent this season but then Falcao was a big loss.