***Official Football (Soccer) Thread: All leagues and competitions Part 39***

[TokenV]

Definitely the best team in UEL in recent history, hopefully United is hungry for any kind of trophy though and comes out gunning. Would have prefered United play Wolves just because they know them more, but should be fun

don't even care who wins it as long as it's not Sevilla lol

ManU - Shakhtar/Inter final pls

This everyday knockout footy is awesome

yeah it's interesting tbh

I always preferred the OG knock-out format for the European competitions anyway (not the 2 legged UEFA cup finals though, that was stupid)

but with the creation of the league systems they were able to drastically increase the number of games for that dere TV and sponsorship money so they're not gonna back away from this

but in theory it does sound appealing to me to organise the knock-out stages in the current format in a single leg on neutral grounds

this kinda sucks for the fans since no homegames but in all fairness **** those gloryhunting fans of these giant teams (ded srs)

for the occasional smaller team that reaches the KO stages it would be a once in a lifetime experience for the fans anyhow AND their teams chances increase in a single leg

[LukeS1]

I prefer the two leg tie, means the better side wins more often and you get more action

[TokenV]

I prefer the two leg tie, means the better side wins more often and you get more action

you get more games, but not necessarily more action imo

usually the first leg is one big study round while the second leg is often superfluous or plain boring due to bus parking

with single legs you get a multitude of finals, hnggggg

and I'd like to see the lesser side's chances increase, why would you favor the better side srsly?

[LukeS1]

you get more games, but not necessarily more action imo

usually the first leg is one big study round while the second leg is often superfluous or plain boring due to bus parking

with single legs you get a multitude of finals, hnggggg

and I'd like to see the lesser side's chances increase, why would you favor the better side srsly?

Its more I want to see the winner earn their victory, rather than it having a higher element of chance.

Real Madrids 4 wins in 5 years is the benchmark of greatness for everyone now, I want to see someone come and earn that level of success. I dont think its possible to do so with single game ties, too much randomness

Plus I want the best players and best teams to go at each other. Thats the beauty of the UCL. Some of the ties between Real Madrid, Barcalona, Liverpool, Bayern, Juve, Athletico over recent years have been the absolute pinnacle of football. You just dont get that level with Atlanta etc, as much as Id love them to shock us and win it

[TokenV]

Its more I want to see the winner earn their victory, rather than it having a higher element of chance.

Real Madrids 4 wins in 5 years is the benchmark of greatness for everyone now, I want to see someone come and earn that level of success. I dont think its possible to do so with single game ties, too much randomness

Plus I want the best players and best teams to go at each other. Thats the beauty of the UCL. Some of the ties between Real Madrid, Barcalona, Liverpool, Bayern, Juve, Athletico over recent years have been the absolute pinnacle of football. You just dont get that level with Atlanta etc, as much as Id love them to shock us and win it

we have a different view on this it seems, I love the surprises and underdog victories

as soon as it's a private affair between the giant clubs my interest disappears

that's why I prefer the Europa League tbh, a lot more upsets there but they should get rid of that stupic safety net for CL teams

[LukeS1]

We still do get them. Porto in 04, Ajax weren't far off last year , Liverpool in 2005 was a massive upset given how bad they were domestically at the time

Dortmund, Valencia and Bayer Leverkusn reaching finals were all big underdogs too

Edit: that was a bit harsh on Dortmund, that was a hell of a squad. Still not the typical clubs though

[TokenV]

We still do get them. Porto in 04, Ajax weren't far off last year , Liverpool in 2005 was a massive upset given how bad they were domestically at the time

Dortmund, Valencia and Bayer Leverkusn reaching finals were all big underdogs too

Edit: that was a bit harsh on Dortmund, that was a hell of a squad. Still not the typical clubs though

after Porto - Monaco 16 years ago (!!) all finalist came from Spain, England, Italy or Germany

no surprise since these 4 countries deliver HALF the field of participants

that's just plain stupid tbh, in the olden days ECI was for champions and champions alone

now all we can do is root a "smaller" team from these countries can bring an upset, so go Atalanta, Lyon and Leipzig!

hoping for the Conference League to bring a bit of EUROPEAN competition to the table at least

[Merretto]

Is this all comps?

we have a different view on this it seems, I love the surprises and underdog victories

as soon as it's a private affair between the giant clubs my interest disappears

that's why I prefer the Europa League tbh, a lot more upsets there but they should get rid of that stupic safety net for CL teams

In this format, every game is a final. It's nice to see the best team win, but who doesn't love a good upset.

I would love to see Atalanta, RBL and Lyon progress.

[Merretto]

I would love it if Atlanta caused an upset tonight, would cement PSG as the biggest flop of UCL recent History;

1. PSG post oil $$$
2. Man City since 2010
3. Barcalona post Xavi leaving
4. Pochetino Spurs
5. Real Madrid the last 2 seasons

Spurs havent won anything, I wouldn't say they're a flop because they don't have to live up to expectations or pedigree..

Juventus over the last 2 season however... Eliminated by Ajax and Lyon qualifies as the biggest flops of any major teams in the past 10 years, especially the most domestically dominant team in the world.

Real Madrid without a doubt last season was a flop, but being eliminated by one of the top 3 teams in the world in Man City doesn't compare to an elimination by Lyon.

[TokenV]

lmfao, former Sevilla, Barca and Brazil NT player is coming to play in the Belgian league at age 35



has an insane honor list though

already had Victor Valdes and Capdevila coming to Belgium before retiring

Mignolet also returned last year

now Adriano Correia

interesting

[Merretto]

According to the stats Lewandowski's current season has him on a better goalscoring performance (73 mins/goal) than Ronaldo's best ever season(76 mins/goal).. And he only has 7 penalties... Ronaldo had 14 that season.

Officially this is the 3rd best goalscoring performance in the last 40 years.

[TokenV]

cot dammit

[Merretto]

Can't say they didn't deserve it

[LukeS1]

Spurs havent won anything, I wouldn't say they're a flop because they don't have to live up to expectations or pedigree..

Juventus over the last 2 season however... Eliminated by Ajax and Lyon qualifies as the biggest flops of any major teams in the past 10 years, especially the most domestically dominant team in the world.

Real Madrid without a doubt last season was a flop, but being eliminated by one of the top 3 teams in the world in Man City doesn't compare to an elimination by Lyon.

I feel like its just a lack of talent at Juve more. Ajax were not thought to be as strong on paper, but based on the fact De Ligt was signed for £100m+, De Jong is now at Barca and looks class, Ziyech went to Chelsea (and tagliafico likely will join), and VDB will likely go to United or Real Madrid Im not sure they werent just better

Real are the bigger flops, because they went from winning the last 3 years, as well as 4 of the last 5, and reaching 8 consecutive semi finals to suddenly losing in the last 16 twice.

[LukeS1]

According to the stats Lewandowski's current season has him on a better goalscoring performance (73 mins/goal) than Ronaldo's best ever season(76 mins/goal).. And he only has 7 penalties... Ronaldo had 14 that season.

Officially this is the 3rd best goalscoring performance in the last 40 years.

For sure he has been prolific.

For me Suarez 2015/2016, and Neymar 2014/2015 etc are more impressive years though as they are more dynamic and creative. Lewandowski gets a lot of good chances fed to him

[Rai9]

According to the stats Lewandowski's current season has him on a better goalscoring performance (73 mins/goal) than Ronaldo's best ever season(76 mins/goal).. And he only has 7 penalties... Ronaldo had 14 that season.

Officially this is the 3rd best goalscoring performance in the last 40 years.

Yeah, Lewy is going in dry on Barca's average defense. If he doesn't step up now then he's not the clutch player I expect him to be. The difference between him and Ronaldo is CR7 cucked Bayern and every top team in the knockout stage no fuks given. It's time for Lewy to do likewise.

[Merretto]

I feel like its just a lack of talent at Juve more. Ajax were not thought to be as strong on paper, but based on the fact De Ligt was signed for £100m+, De Jong is now at Barca and looks class, Ziyech went to Chelsea (and tagliafico likely will join), and VDB will likely go to United or Real Madrid Im not sure they werent just better

Real are the bigger flops, because they went from winning the last 3 years, as well as 4 of the last 5, and reaching 8 consecutive semi finals to suddenly losing in the last 16 twice.

Looking back from where we are now.. Yeah I can see why you would say that.

From my perspective a flop happens with a team that you expect to dominate. Before this season started, everyone was talking about Juve as the favorites for the UCL, they were up there with Man City and I think it was Barca. Ronaldo, Dybala, De Ligt and a solid team behind, obviously now we don't hold that opinion of them, but only because they lost it with the way they played under Sarri despite winning Serie A.

If you told me at the beginning of the season that 8th place Lyon would eliminate Juve from the champions league I would laugh.

On the other hand, Real Madrid had been struggling for a while under Santiago Solari and were coming off one their worst season in modern history having lost 12 times in the league..

If you told me at the beginning of the season that 98 point Man City who just won their cup final 6-0 would eliminate Real madrid in the UCL, I would definitely believe you. Everyone knows they're stronger than real madrid.

For sure he has been prolific.

For me Suarez 2015/2016, and Neymar 2014/2015 etc are more impressive years though as they are more dynamic and creative. Lewandowski gets a lot of good chances fed to him

I would have to agree with you about Suarez, but not neymar. 2015/2016 season for Suarez was hugely impressive, I believe he registered 25 assisted as well. He was only 2 goals/assists off Ronaldo's best ever season of 86 and he did it without the penalties. That season came 7th on the list with 81 mins/goal

Although lewandowski is currently 3rd, I would say Ronaldo's best season (2014-2015) (which is 4th) was more impressive. From a goal scoring perspective they were similar, Ronaldo had 76 mins/goal, 61 total goals, 14 penalties, 26 tap ins. They both had silver platter service in their best season. But Ronaldo also had 17 headers and 21 assists. It's also the only season of his career where he had a better goal contribution/minute ratio than Messi.

I know Lewandowski gets silver platter service and is playing in a league that may not be as strong, but from a purely goalscoring/minute perspective it's very impressive for Lewandowski.

[LukeS1]

Juve have proved to be a lot worse than they looked on paper. A lot of dead men walking that are just names at this stage. Higuain, Matuidi, Khedira absolute dog ****e at this point, Ramsey, Bonucci, Douglas Costa, Sandro not what they used to be and ineffective.

Juve is a bad mix between players on a steep decline, and young talent a long way off their prime. There is only Dybala out of the key players thats in the 23-29 range.

[Merretto]

Yeah, Lewy is going in dry on Barca's average defense. If he doesn't step up now then he's not the clutch player I expect him to be. The difference between him and Ronaldo is CR7 cucked Bayern and every top team in the knockout stage no fuks given. It's time for Lewy to do likewise.

Bayern will destroy them, I wouldn't be surprised to see a Lewy hat trick, but I think Muller deserves more credit, his press and cardio are relentless, and he sets up lewy often.

That being said Ronaldo does well against bayern. 7 goals in 8 games, but his goals were similar to Lewandowski's in that he got most of them on a silver platter. 2 penalties and 2 tap ins.

[LukeS1]

Bayern will destroy them, I wouldn't be surprised to see a Lewy hat trick, but I think Muller deserves more credit, his press and cardio are relentless, and he sets up lewy often.

That being said Ronaldo does well against bayern. 7 goals in 8 games, but his goals were similar to Lewandowski's in that he got most of them on a silver platter. 2 penalties and 2 tap ins.

Doesnt matter too much in the big games how they come, its just getting the job done. You will never get a more beautiful "box score" than this

[Merretto]

Juve have proved to be a lot worse than they looked on paper. A lot of dead men walking that are just names at this stage. Higuain, Matuidi, Khedira absolute dog ****e at this point, Ramsey, Bonucci, Douglas Costa, Sandro not what they used to be and ineffective.

Juve is a bad mix between players on a steep decline, and young talent a long way off their prime. There is only Dybala out of the key players thats in the 23-29 range.

Yeah, they're a mirror image of Barca, who are the only team that was older than them in the UCL.

Can you believe there's a debate whether Ansu Fati.. A 17 year old.. Should start against Bayern.

[Merretto]

Doesnt matter too much in the big games how they come, its just getting the job done. You will never get a more beautiful "box score" than this

If you've seen the 2017 bayern vs madrid tie, let's be honest... The second leg.. You know his goals at 105 and 110 were WAY offside, over a meter each.. So offside that the ref hasn't officiated a UCL match since.

Every pundit in europe thought that it was fixed from skysports to BT, even espn fc lol. Casemiro had enough studs up/no contact with the ball bad challenges to get thrown out of 2 games. Vidal given a red for a 50/50 where he took the ball cleanly..

[LukeS1]

Yeah, they're a mirror image of Barca, who are the only team that was older than them in the UCL.

Can you believe there's a debate whether Ansu Fati.. A 17 year old.. Should start against Bayern.

Let's be clear Juve is a looooong way off Barca's quality

I cant think of one position Barca would swap their guy for Juve's (apart from CR7 ofc...). Even the bench sucks

[TokenV]

go RasenBallsport!!

[cadetduke]

Hi.

STL announced their stupid name today.

Some people like "well if you're a soccer fan you love the name like me". And I'm like "Nope".

[Merretto]

Let's be clear Juve is a looooong way off Barca's quality

I cant think of one position Barca would swap their guy for Juve's (apart from CR7 ofc...). Even the bench sucks

Interesting.. Whoscored can think of 7 out of the starting 11

Ronaldo > Suarez
Dybala > Griezmann
Sandro > Alba
Bentancur > Rakitic
Cuadrado > Semedo
Pjanic > Busquets
Szczezny > Ter Stegen

Didn't you say this to someone just a few weeks ago?

Whoscored match ratings are a well known and respected metric, it takes into account the players overall contribution relative to their position, not just cherry picked stats like you used. In total in takes into account over 200 statistics.

If you want to argue against it, look it how the rating works and explain why you don't think its accurate, but its not me saying this its the data

[TokenV]

Hi.

STL announced their stupid name today.

Some people like "well if you're a soccer fan you love the name like me". And I'm like "Nope".

any name that refers to "soccer" I can't take seriously

[LukeS1]

don't agree with any of those, except CR7


Schezyeyhnez and Ter Stegen is not even remotely close

Ter Stegen is at worse 2nd best in the world (Oblak)

[TokenV]

go RasenBallsport!!

das it mane!!!

first DDR team to reach the semis in EC1 I think?

[Merretto]

don't agree with any of those, except CR7


Schezyeyhnez and Ter Stegen is not even remotely close

Ter Stegen is at worse 2nd best in the world (Oblak)

You agreed with whoscored's assessment of Juventus players when it proved that Ronaldo was the best due to his rating, despite the cherry picked stats of that AJ guy.

Whoscored match ratings are a well known and respected metric, it takes into account the players overall contribution relative to their position, not just cherry picked stats like you used. In total in takes into account over 200 statistics.

Yet now you disagree with those very same stats from whoscored when they prove that Juventus players are performing better than Barcelona players..




You can't have it both ways