Champions League 14/15

[Libertadores FC]

I got a ton of criticism on another forum for saying Guardiola hasn't been good enough, but the truth is, I don't think he's been good enough. People need to remember Bayern believes they are the best team in the World and they also want to prove it. This isn't Manchester City or Atletico Madrid, this is fucking Bayern. If they can't beat any of the stronger teams, how can you expect to win the Champions League? They got torn apart by Real last year, suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Barcelona (and I'd argue they would have lost yesterday if Barcelona weren't trying to shut up shop) and couldn't even beat Wolfsburg and Gladbach, the other teams in 2nd and 3rd. I am well aware they have won against them this season but Bayern tend to struggle away from home also. I just don't think he's been good enough. If this was Chelsea or Juventus, it definitely would be enough (although Abramovic isn't easily convinced, this is just my opinion. Not his) however this is Bayern and this is nowhere near the side Heynckes had.

 

[Nath]

Guardiola has his flaws. I agree he tries to overcomplicate things believing he's some sort of footballing God. He forgets the basics. When they went one up last night he should have changed things. He persisted with it and got punished. This tie was always going to be a tough ask when Robben, Alaba and Ribery aren't available. Completely kills any pace the team has, which would have been vital for the first leg. This Barca team is sensational though. I don't think any team in Europe can match them.

 

[Libertadores FC]

Yeah, this Barcelona side are looking unbeatable at the moment. Madrid may give Barcelona a match because of the mentality of the 2 teams going into the match, but either way I think Barcelona could beat them in a tight game. Hopefully I'm wrong about that because even though I like Napoli, I prefer Juventus in the final.

 

[TheWednesday]

Bayern were pretty decent last night, gave away two goals again but that was purely down to the tactic of Guardiola, they seemed to go with the man marking idea again and one mistake you get punished with it. Second half Barcelona looked like they took their foot off the gas and allowed Bayern Munich to knock the ball around, you've got to wonder maybe if Bayern hadn't thrown it away last week we could have seen a far better tie.

Real Madrid V Juventus is the one I'm looking forward too, game is still in the balance. I fancy Real Madrid to prevail in the end, if they get an early goal Juventus will have to come out and may get picked off.

 

[Master D]

I think Real should just about prevail, but all is not well there.

 

[SALTIRE]

I think Juve will do it and get to the final I just think it's written for them this year.

 

[Stevencc]

Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio and Vidal. What a midfield that is.

Hopefully they can do the business tonight and get to the final.

 

[Master D]

Benzema is back for Real, that is massive.

 

[Libertadores FC]

I've noticed Pogba was back on the weekend. Pretty sure he scored. Benzema back is massive for Real but I think Juventus have just the quality to do it. All season Allegri has done well to prepare for big games and I can see it continuing here.

Real 3-2 Juventus

 

[Libertadores FC]

The Juventus lineup looks solid. Have a real feeling they'll sneak it tonight.

 

[MSB92]

I don't know what the hell Barcelona were trying to do in the second half. Don't know if they were trying to ease off so they don't get as tired or shut up shop I don't know but they were awful in the second half. They also made the match really boring. Impressed with Bayern's determination though. They never gave up even when the match was in complete doubt for them

The tie was over plus they have a match against Atletico in 4 days, it's only natural that they will take their foot of the gas and not try and score more goals.

 

[Stevencc]

Pretty soft pen.

 

[Shrimper92]

That looked soft but there was contact.

 

[Master D]

This ref has no idea what he is doing. Countless times he has the whistle to his mouth only to not give anything.

 

[DarkSithLord]

I think Juve will do it and get to the final I just think it's written for them this year.

I bloody hope so!

 

[Libertadores FC]

Get in Morata! 1-1

 

[Stevencc]

Fucking celebrate that!

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Boom! Heck of a strike.

 

[JJH]

And that's the end of that.

 

[Libertadores FC]

Bale is fucking terrible these days.

 

[Stevencc]

Marchisio

 

[Braindead]

If Real don't win Bale is toast the media will crucify him,though they will have a point.

 

[Mustard]

Fucking celebrate that!

He's no Dazza Welbz

 

[Stevencc]

He's no Dazza Welbz

I was thinking more of the Adebayor special!

 

[SALTIRE]

A Manoo player diving - NEVER......

 

[valstrikes]

Where's Bale on big matches?

 

[Stevencc]

Where's Bale on big matches?

 

[SALTIRE]

Once ever yeah ok then mate

 

[Stevencc]

Once ever yeah ok then mate

It was a big game wasn't it?

 

[SALTIRE]

It was a big game wasn't it?

One big game and the trophy those two bother about the least.