UEFA Champions League (Official Thread)

[Smudger]

I just can't wait until January, so Milan can shore up some of the problems with this team. Carlos Teves is being rumored to being on his way to Italy. Another guy Milan is interested in is Paulinho from Corinthians. Montolivo (Fiorentina) and Casemiro (Sau Paulo) are others who Milan are interested in. Either way, this midfield has GOT to improve.

Sure won't hurt now that Berlusconi has stepped down as Italian Prime Minister. He can give full attention to his club instead of the Italian economic fiasco.

That last assist from Messi to Xavi for the game-winner was world class. Perfect touch and placement, there was no defense for that. But how did Xavi, OF ALL PEOPLE find his way into that advanced position ?

 

[TooTall]

Sure won't hurt now that Berlusconi has stepped down as Italian Prime Minister. He can give full attention to his club instead of the Italian economic fiasco.

That last assist from Messi to Xavi for the game-winner was world class. Perfect touch and placement, there was no defense for that. But how did Xavi, OF ALL PEOPLE find his way into that advanced position ?

Simple... Nesta was SO FAR out of position it wasn't even funny. I'm yelling at the screen GET THE FUCK BACK NESTA! Sure enough, they capitalize on his mistake, and he goes out of the game a short time after... Ironic.

 

[Smudger]

Big final group stage game today at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea & Valencia who are both at 8 points in the group. Should be an interesting match with all the discussion going on about Andre Villas-Boas struggles in England so far.

Torres (If he plays) will probably blow another sitter in what is becoming the standard for him nowadays. I still cannot fathom how far he has fallen off because he was absolutely world class for so long and he's only 27.

All in all, Chelsea will be through with a win or a goalless draw. A lot of pressure being put on the players though so I wouldn't be surprised to see them fail even though Spanish sides have an atrocious record on English soil (as does just about EVERYBODY).

 

[Merih]

Big final group stage game today at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea & Valencia who are both at 8 points in the group. Should be an interesting match with all the discussion going on about Andre Villas-Boas struggles in England so far.

Torres (If he plays) will probably blow another sitter in what is becoming the standard for him nowadays. I still cannot fathom how far he has fallen off because he was absolutely world class for so long and he's only 27.

All in all, Chelsea will be through with a win or a goalless draw. A lot of pressure being put on the players though so I wouldn't be surprised to see them fail even though Spanish sides have an atrocious record on English soil (as does just about EVERYBODY).

1 thing I've gathered from watching just about every Chelsea match this season is that AVB's system works but he has a bunch of dolts on the squad that simply don't play as they should. From Torres feeling sorry about himself and moving to the wing inexplicably, to Luiz thinking the matches are hugging parties and being caught out by quicker opponents repetitively, to Sturridge being physically unable of putting in a decent cross (but never missing an opportunity to shoot), to Bosingwa just being an out-and-out farce in defense...on and on and on.

Players like Mata, Lampard, Drogba, and Terry are just about the only things keeping the team afloat.

That being said, Chelsea wins 3-1 today. They're still ridiculously talented.

 

[Wells4Heisman]

Manchester City vs. Bayren Munich....

 

[TooTall]

Carlos Teves to Milan!

 

[CHU]

Basel takes an early 1-0 lead over United.

 

[CHU]

2-0 Basel over Manchester United with under 10 left.

United pretty much eliminated. The January window is now interesting for Sir Alex Ferguson (since his team is now out of Europe).

City close to elimination too.

 

[CHU]

Both Manchester sides eliminated Wednesday. Italians/Serie A advance three clubs to KO stage (to lead all leagues).

Progressing to Knock-Out Stage

Cyprus
APOEL

England
Arsenal
Chelsea

France
Lyon
Marseille

Germany
Bayern Leverkusen
Bayern Munich

Italy
AC Milan
Intern Milan
Napoli

Portugal
Benfica

Russia
CSKA Moscow
Zenit St. Petersburg

Spain
Barcelona
Real Madrid

Switzerland
Basel

 

[OH10]

at the Manchester squads. Couldn't have asked for a better group-stage result.

 

[CHU]

at the Manchester squads. Couldn't have asked for a better group-stage result.

I guess at least City can say they had a tougher draw (on paper). But the game isn't always played on paper. That being said, United can only blame themselves for being eliminated.

If Sir Alex Ferguson comes out and says his squad doesn't need strengthening either in January or next summer, he only needs to look at his central midfield (albeit, a portion of his squad is injured).

May have to check the dates, but I swear Wayne Rooney's scoring has tabled off after being sent off in that Euro game (the one that resulted in the three-match ban).

 

[TooTall]

:groove3: See ya later Manchester x2! Have fun fighting it out for the Europa League.

 

[TooTall]

Both Manchester sides eliminated Wednesday. Italians/Serie A advance three clubs to KO stage (to lead all leagues).

Progressing to Knock-Out Stage

Cyprus
APOEL

England
Arsenal
Chelsea

France
Lyon
Marseille

Germany
Bayern Leverkusen
Bayern Munich

Italy
AC Milan
Intern Milan
Napoli

Portugal
Benfica

Russia
CSKA Moscow
Zenit St. Petersburg

Spain
Barcelona
Real Madrid

Switzerland
Basel

Serie A!!!!!

 

[Smudger]

Very wide open race now that United are out of it. VERY. They made it to at least the Semi-Finals the past five seasons. It's going to be odd not to see a meaningful Champions League match being played at Old Trafford early next year.

 

[TooTall]

Very wide open race now that United are out of it. VERY. They made it to at least the Semi-Finals the past five seasons. It's going to be odd not to see a meaningful Champions League match being played at Old Trafford early next year.

Give AC Milan either APOEL or Benfica and I'm happy going into the next round. Players will be plenty rested by then, since Teves will be the primary starter in Serie A matches.