Europa League Thread

[puddleduck]

I remember Gazza scoring a goal for Tottenham when his boot came off in the run. Carried on and scored. Ah, those were the days.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

I remember Gazza scoring a goal for Tottenham when his boot came off in the run. Carried on and scored. Ah, those were the days.

So is this 'boot off' rule a recent 'idea', or is it yet another example of our old friend, refereeing inconsistency? Remember, that goal could be the difference between us going through and going out?

I couldn't care less if Bilbao deserved the result - how many times have we seen it happen that a team deserves a result and doesn't get it (England 1990, England 1996 and various Utd games, plus countless other examples)? The 'offside' - fair enough, that was a close decision that could go either way, but the 'boot off' freekick was a load of rubbish that could cost us dear.

 

[El Loco]

Iker Muniain is certainly one for the future. Keep tabs on him.

 

[JBlues08]

So is this 'boot off' rule a recent 'idea', or is it yet another example of our old friend, refereeing inconsistency? Remember, that goal could be the difference between us going through and going out?

I couldn't care less if Bilbao deserved the result - how many times have we seen it happen that a team deserves a result and doesn't get it (England 1990, England 1996 and various Utd games, plus countless other examples)? The 'offside' - fair enough, that was a close decision that could go either way, but the 'boot off' freekick was a load of rubbish that could cost us dear.

It may be a blessing in disguise if you get KOed out of the Europa League. Despite what SAF has said about wanting to the competition, you just somewhat get the impression he really couldn't be bothered with the Europa League.

 

[BKB1991]

He isnt, the EPL is clearly more important. Why else would you keep Ferdinand on the bench? If it was CL, he would definitely be starting.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

It may be a blessing in disguise if you get KOed out of the Europa League. Despite what SAF has said about wanting to the competition, you just somewhat get the impression he really couldn't be bothered with the Europa League.

Yeah, you have a point there. After all's said and done, it is the second tier European competition - our stamping ground is the CL and the main aim must be to get back there, preferably via the league title. Having said that, it would be cool to complete the gap in our collection.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

Wow. Comprehensively outplayed, we could've been properly thrashed tonight had Bilbao not missed so many sitters. I have no idea what's gone wrong with the team in Europe this year, but we have just not been on it at all - and it's our home form, which is usually so solid, which is the most bewildering.

Oh well - now we concentrate on the league and ensure we re-enter the Champions League, as Champions.

 

[Haarithan]

United completely outplayed again, while City's spectacular second half display goes in vain courtesy of a dreadful first half. What a night of European football! Backing Athletic to go all the way from here.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

United completely outplayed again, while City's spectacular second half display goes in vain courtesy of a dreadful first half. What a night of European football! Backing Athletic to go all the way from here.

So, City are out as well. That's good in some ways, but bad in others - I would've preferred them to stay in it a while longer, so it distracts them from the league - and then see them get taken apart by Bilbao, who I can't look beyond as the winners. They're sheer class - I had no idea!

 

[lancashire666]

We managed to win, lose and draw at the same time tonight. Frustrating.

 

[barmyarmy]

Pathetic really from both of them.

 

[ZexyZahid]

Two great matches between Bilbao and Manchester United. Llorente scored a great volley and Iraola outplayed the Manchester United's defence with a dribble. It would have been one of the best goals this season if he would have scored that. Don't understand how Bilbao scored only two goals. It's worthy to mention that Bilbao is only ranked 7th in Spanish League right now.

Manchester City didn't really press on until the second half. Sporting Lisbon had some unsportive behaviour by their time stalking tactics. It should have been 8 minutes injury time or so. It would have something if Hart headed that ball in the goal in injury time.

We can still see Spanish finals in both European competitions.

 

[m_vaughan]

It's worthy to mention that Bilbao is only ranked 7th in Spanish League right now.

They are 4th in-effect and if they keep up their form they will finish 4th or maybe even third (although 7 pts will be difficult). Just 3 points between them and Malaga and that too only happened last weekend with a 1-2 defeat to Osasuna (yeah derby defeat).

They would have been 3rd had it not been for their slow start to the season when Bielsa was still trying to get his system working. I initially thought it would take a season, but they responded after a few games.

I do believe they are the 3rd strongest team in Spain and if they are able to hold on to Javi and Lion King might move closer to Barca & RM next season.

 

[JBlues08]

Man City have spent millions to assemble their squad but they could only possibly win 1 trophy this season or worse, nothing! Embarrassing.

 

[barmyarmy]

Even one is looking dicey with Utd's run-in and experience.