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2024-25 UEFA Champions League

1468910

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,490 ✭✭✭✭citytillidie


    ******



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,018 ✭✭✭✭klose


    Maybe there’s something in the new format after all, some cracking games with the big guns early on, Munich and Atletico Madrid (with a -5 goal difference!!!) on 3 points after 3 games, now they will certainly go through but at risk of missing the top 8 slots and land themselves an additional play off round and have to play stronger teams towards to end of the group stage.

    Little beating both Madrid teams and Brest on 7 points after 3 games the highlights of the “smaller” teams so far. Couple of rubbish teams at the bottom as expected.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,789 ✭✭✭theoneeyedman


    'Little beating Madrid'.... I see what you did there, you condescending fecker😆



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,765 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    I hate to say it, but I find it hard to look past Inter winning the CL, and 16/1 is very generous odds. For years didn't want to accept it, but they are closer to the Milan of old than Milan themselves. Staying in denial won't achieve anything. They should of won it 2 years ago, and Atleti were extremely lucky to beat them on peno's last year in a very dogged match.

    They also have some of the best players in the world we rarely talk about. Lautaro Martinez is possibly the best player in the world at the minute. Barella and Calhanoglu are arguable the two best and most consistent midfielders in the world, pulling the strings and setting the tempo. Running the midfield like clockwork. Thats a serious spine. And a whole supporting cast of top players.

    They can mix it up, play football, but also very physically strong. Only for that donkey Lukaku two years ago, had Citys number, and missed a few other easy chances. Don't see City, or anyone infact, beating them this year. They're one of the best teams in the world in quality, those 3 mentioned up there with the best in the world, but just so physically strong and solid. I think they'd be better again with a better manager.

    16/1 serious odds for them though



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 432 ✭✭IrishOwl...


    In a one-off final, they might pull it off. But if the meet any of City, Real, Barca or Liverpool on route, they ain't beating them over 2 legs....in fact I think they lose badly to either City or Real over 2 legs at the business end.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,765 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    Don't think Real woul beat them. Real a workmanlike team, as are Inter, but Inter stronger and cuter, and more physical. Madrid often beat teams on that basis, but they'd meet their match with Inter.

    Barella and Calhanoglu equal to the best City would have to offer football wise tbh, in terms of dominating in the centre with playmakers. With Frattesi, DiMarco etc, they could hold their own, but could also bully City physically. No one talking about them, but going under the radar. Won Serie A and should of won the Champions League two years ago.

    Have the players, the strenght, structure, discipline, skill and physicality few others do tbh. They are the most well balanced team imo.

    Barca a very soft underbelly. Inter would do a well drilled defensive job on them comfortably. Liverpool an unknown quantity, but Inter have stronger ball playing midfielders and would be good at breaking up their quick counters.

    They also have Martinez. Seria A MVP last year, won the Copa America by himself, and generally unplayable, yet little ever heard about him. If he hits form in Europe, can beat teams by himself. No other team has a player at his level when he's on it imo. Lightning in his boots. People talk about Haaland and Mbappe, Martinez is better and more gifted tbh

    Post edited by The Golden Miller on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,594 ✭✭✭✭~Rebel~


    This feels like the annual TGM kiss of death 😅



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,765 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,594 ✭✭✭✭~Rebel~


    They've a chance for sure, but 16-1 sounds about right to me. There's a few better sides they'd need to get the better of, especially over two legs. Always a chance of a lucky draw, but on balance they wouldn't be close to favourites for me.

    (Tonights especially not a great night to wax too lyrically about them, needing a last minute winner to sneak past Young Boys)



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,765 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    Do you not think though, with Barella, Calhanoglu, DiMarco, Fratessi and even Mkhitaryan and Augusto, they actually have the most underrated, but strongest, ball playing midfielders in the world? Like who else really has that level of quality and dept? You've Dumfries and Zielinski in there aswell amongst others. And in time, possibly the best of them all, the reason for Albanias upward trajectory, Asllani. It's actually a more stacked ball playing midfield than City. It's outrageous even.

    That midfield, and they have a great defense, and Martinez up front, is a match for anyone!



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,594 ✭✭✭✭~Rebel~


    Think you're overestimating them a bit to be honest. Inter had all these great ball playing midfielders when they went out with a whimper in the round of 16 last season too. It's a properly decent team for sure, but when it comes down to it all round I'd see a bit more danger and strength in Madrid, Man City, Arsenal (when they've their first team back), and even maybe Barca with this rejuvenation they're going through under the hugely underrated Hansi Flick.

    Martinez is Inter's best forward, but you've still got the likes of old-man-Arnautovic getting more game time than he really should. And while Martinez is great when he's on form, he can be truly awful when he's off form. His confidence just implodes when things go wrong. Like the last world cup. Or the latter portion of last season; good as he was for a decent chunk of the season, he only scored 1 goal from March onwards across all competitions. That's an awful return when you're getting into the biggest crunch fixtures of the year. And going back over the past few years in the Champions Legaue, he only has 8 in 38 games. Not the return you need from your main forward to win these things.

    When it comes down to it, there's just a few other teams I'd fancy to put Inter away over two legs.

    Post edited by ~Rebel~ on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,765 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    Fair enough, as I said, with a better manager they'd actually be far better. Like two years ago when they played Milan, were in an awful run of form, but raised it, had that quality. Inconsistent, like Martinez, but when the chips were down, actually got better and could grind it. Were doing it to Atleti last year, but were robbed tbh.

    The problem the better teams you say face against them though is, they bring a level of old school physicality on top of their ability to play ball. Teams aren't often used to it. They'd have a field day bulling Liverpool or Barca when they try and break imo, along with their bus parking. Then can go on the offenseive as well as anyone. They're extremly well balanced, strong and well drilled in every area, when they need to be.

    I don't think I overestimate them, possibly in a sense, but on the other hand, they're underrated too, Calhanoglu and Barella are two of the best ballers in the world, yet you'll never hear their name mentioned like De Bruyne. They're as good as it gets tbh. Calhanoglu a puppet master tbh. Barella picking up everything and controlling and pulling the strings a bit deeper. They may sit back against the like of City if they are the tactics, but if Calhanoglu and Barella decide to get on the ball and dictate play, they'll put it up to the likes of Rodri, De Bruyne etc.

    And then you've Frattesi getting in on the act, DiMarco, Zielinski etc. These are all world class ball players. Like when in the media here, do you hear Frattesi mentioned? He's possibly the best of the lot. Name me one all round midfielder, that can play both as a holding and attacking midfielder, and is both physical yet skillful, as Frattesi? I won't hold my breath. If Frattesi was in the Premier League, he'd be touted as being better than Yaya Toure! That's the reality. Hopefully the British media find out all about him this year!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,594 ✭✭✭✭~Rebel~


    Maybe Calhanoglu and Barella should've decided to get on the ball and dictate play when they tumbled out against a ropey Atleti side in the round of 16 last year then 😅

    They're good, but there's better sides - and most importantly, there's better sides with much better records against other good European sides.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,765 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    I dunno, think they've just been assembling a very strong team in the last 2-3 years, going very much under the radar



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,130 ✭✭✭✭Osmosis Jones


    I'm enjoying that this format gives us more big matchups early on, but the games do feel very low stakes at the moment.

    My only real issue with the group stage is that it continues after the winter break, I like being right into the knockouts come new year.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,416 ✭✭✭✭Fitz*


    It's kinda cool seeing Dynamo Zagreb sit above Bayern Munich in the table, after losing 9-2 to them.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,594 ✭✭✭✭~Rebel~


    Was thinking about this 'low stakes' feel to a lot of games, even the bigger ones - feels like this format needs one more twist.

    As it stands, teams are just looking for top 8, and that's the extent of it — might be a good addition if the winner of the league stage gets a reward, like automatic entry into the Champions League again next year. Would just keep those teams towards the top engaged in the latter weeks, even if top 8 looks assured… there'll be plenty of teams right up there that won't necessarily be guaranteed top 4 for the following year through their league, who would put in that extra bit of effort to cement it early.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,692 ✭✭✭✭castletownman


    Full-back pushed into midfield.

    Inverted wingers.

    Goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet.

    We just need our blonde Scandanavian striker to morph into Haaland and we'll have a Pep roulette full house.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,075 ✭✭✭✭gormdubhgorm


    I was thinking about the ‘low stakes’ point. But the plus side of it more open games, and the big teams can have a cut at each other. It will be interesting as the top8 group points get tighter. If any big team get caught out.

    Guff about stuff, and stuff about guff.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,490 ✭✭✭✭citytillidie


    Where you finish will determine your side of the draw and who you could face in the last 16 if you finish in the top 8

    ******



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,594 ✭✭✭✭~Rebel~


    I know, but by default finishing anywhere in the top 8 means you're going to be facing one of the sides that have finished lower and have had to play 2 extra matches before then. So I'm not sure we'll see teams who have top 8 secured pouring too much extra energy into being - for instance - 3rd, rather than 5th. Some extra reward for finishing top and actually winning the thing, like entry for next years CL, would turn the top into something more tangible to fight for.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 757 ✭✭✭The Moist Buddha


    I'm kinda getting used to the set up now

    Post edited by The Moist Buddha on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,490 ✭✭✭✭citytillidie


    Match Day 4
    Tuesday 5th November
    17:45 Kick-offs

    PSV Eindhoven (NED) V Girona FC (ESP) - Live on Virgin Media Two / TNT Sports 3
    ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SVK) V GNK Dinamo (CRO) - Live on TNT Sports 4

    20:00 Kick-offs
    Bologna FC 1909 (ITA) V AS Monaco (FRA) - Live on TNT Sports 6
    Borussia Dortmund (GER) V SK Sturm Graz (AUT) - Live on TNT Sports 7
    Celtic FC (SCO) V RB Leipzig (GER) - Live on Virgin Media Two / TNT Sports 2
    Liverpool FC (ENG) V Bayer 04 Leverkusen (GER) - Live on Premier Sports Ireland / Amazon
    LOSC Lille (FRA) V Juventus (ITA) - Live on TNT Sports 5
    Real Madrid C.F. (ESP) V AC Milan (ITA) - Live on TNT Sports 4
    Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR) V Manchester City FC (ENG) - Live on TNT Sports 1

    Wednesday 6th November
    17:45 Kick-offs

    Club Brugge KV (BEL) V Aston Villa FC (ENG) - Live on Virgin Media Two / TNT Sports 2
    FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) V BSC Young Boys (SUI) - Live on TNT Sports 3

    20:00 Kick-offs
    AC Sparta Praha (CZE) V Stade Brestois 29 (FRA) - Live on TNT Sports 8
    FC Bayern München (GER) V SL Benfica (POR) - Live on TNT Sports 2
    FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) V Arsenal FC (ENG) - Live on RTE Two / Premier Sports Ireland 1 / TNT Sports 1
    Feyenoord (NED) V FC Salzburg (AUT) - Live on TNT Sports 7
    FK Crvena zvezda (SRB) V FC Barcelona (ESP) - Live on TNT Sports 6
    Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) V Atlético de Madrid (ESP) - Live on Virgin Media Two / TNT Sports 5
    VfB Stuttgart (GER) V Atalanta BC (ITA) - Live on TNT Sports 7

    ******



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,878 ✭✭✭irelandrover


    Ruling out that goal for Monaco is just annoying. Just make it a foul to touch the keeper and be done with it.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 432 ✭✭IrishOwl...


    Something funny going on with City this year. They still dominate the ball and always look dangerous, but they're very porous at the back. It started to creep in last season, but this year they have been woeful in transition when their attack breaks down.



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  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 5,800 Mod ✭✭✭✭Irish Aris


    Maybe the absence of Rodri? He really is very good in cutting down the opposition's breaks.



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 33,973 CMod ✭✭✭✭ShamoBuc


    Milan enjoying playing in Madrid in the first half anyway.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 432 ✭✭IrishOwl...


    Definitely a loss, but some of their turn overs the last few weeks have been awful, basis passing and errors in possession that you just don't associate with City.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,183 ✭✭✭✭martingriff


    City still mentally in having there team talk



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 33,973 CMod ✭✭✭✭ShamoBuc


    City in with a sporting chance of losing here.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,738 ✭✭✭ollaetta


    City have been dodgy at the back at times for a few seasons but their attacking strengths generally overcame it. It's definitely more noticeable now that Rodri isn't there.



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 33,973 CMod ✭✭✭✭ShamoBuc


    Two seriously good goals for Liverpool.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,220 ✭✭✭✭breezy1985


    Didn't realise Liverpool Vs Leverkusen was on today.

    Odd choice not to have it on Irish TV.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 563 ✭✭✭CliffHangeroner


    Liverpool incredible tonight

    #contenders



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,944 ✭✭✭CalamariFritti


    I think Premium sports have it or maybe Amazon dunno, one of the niche pay ones anyway.



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 33,973 CMod ✭✭✭✭ShamoBuc


    4-0 hat-trick for Diaz, a seriously good second half from the home side - only 3 defeats in nearly 70 games before tonight for Leverkusen.

    Real getting spanked at home.

    City getting spanked away.

    Savage Champions League night.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,661 ✭✭✭✭retalivity


    Celtic's best european result in 10+ years??



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,575 ✭✭✭✭A Dub in Glasgo


    Great display from Celtic with a 3-1 win. A peach from Kuhn for the equaliser 😎



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 432 ✭✭IrishOwl...


    It's not just Rodri, there's something not quite right there. I've never seen them so lacklustre on the ball, bad mistakes being made week in week out. One thing you don't associate with Peps teams is a lacklustre attitude and poor decision making...



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 33,973 CMod ✭✭✭✭ShamoBuc


    Nice to see Real Madrid didn't turn up.... again.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,220 ✭✭✭✭breezy1985


    And Cuidad Manchester got battered by PSV Eindhoven.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,490 ✭✭✭✭citytillidie


    What ever game Amazon chooses can only be shown on Premier Sports Ireland, Virgin Media can not select it

    ******



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,944 ✭✭✭CalamariFritti




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 563 ✭✭✭CliffHangeroner


    You'd wonder if the club have a wiff of any incoming punishment from the 115 charges and it's effecting them mentally. Something definitely wrong there anyway and it's more than one injured player.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,490 ✭✭✭✭citytillidie


    I think its down to the fact that Amazon UK games are blocked in Ireland (Premier League games not sure about the Champions League games) and they have a working agreement with Premier Sports to show them in Ireland

    ******



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,214 ✭✭✭Garzorico


    Liverpools name on the trophy this year. They’ll win the league aswell.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 432 ✭✭IrishOwl...


    I think there maybe something in that, also the future of Pep seems to be based on the outcome of these charges, so that can't help.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,705 ✭✭✭✭TitianGerm


    I watched the Liverpool game tonight on prime.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,220 ✭✭✭✭breezy1985


    Gonna be sad to see Manchester United ruin this manager with their utter bullsht.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 324 ✭✭Dr Robert




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