Is the Champions League pointless? Critiquing European football

[TSwizzle]

While there are a lot of factors involved, this must be a big part of it. What would happen to Man United if they were relegated? What would happen if they were out of the premier league for a number of years? That's a lot of money to be lost, and a big incentive to keep the rules as they are now.

It is very unlikely Manchester Utd would ever get relegated these days, despite Mourinho's best efforts. Something would have to shift in the league for that to happen. A few "big" and very successful clubs languish in the lower divisions. Nottingham Forrest, a former European Cup winner haven't been in the premier league for years, Leeds United another famous club that has been struggling. But any one of these clubs could have their fortunes turned around on the whim of a billionaire that wants to play in the sandpit with the other billionaire owners for a while.

 

[Goodchild]

It is very unlikely Manchester Utd would ever get relegated these days, despite Mourinho's best efforts.

Mourinho's best efforts currently have them in second place. If that's him failing then 18 other managers need to be sacked immediately.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

It is very unlikely Manchester Utd would ever get relegated these days, despite Mourinho's best efforts.

Mourinho's best efforts currently have them in second place. If that's him failing then 18 other managers need to be sacked immediately.

Yeah, but usually he starts running into problems of teams revolting under his leadership not too much longer than a few years into his run. And while Man U is second, they are out of the Champions League and also a distant second. Regardless, he is a twat.

 

[Goodchild]

And while Man U is second, they are out of the Champions League and also a distant second.

True, but just think how much further away from first everyone else is City are having a stellar season and of all the other usual suspects none are living up to their typical billing. Other than City, Liverpool is the only Prem team still in the CL and I really don't rate their chances of getting past City.

Regardless, he is a twat.

Well, can't really argue with that But United needed a proven manager and who else was realistically available that fit the bill at the time? I'm worried that Arsenal will finally get the courage to sack Wenger about the time United give up on Jose and they pick up Wenger.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

The way Arsenal spend money, Pulis may be a better fit.

 

[TSwizzle]

It is very unlikely Manchester Utd would ever get relegated these days, despite Mourinho's best efforts.

Mourinho's best efforts currently have them in second place. If that's him failing then 18 other managers need to be sacked immediately.

A distant second behind the noisy neighbours. Could still be overtaken. The glory hunters are not going to put up with that, they will find another team to support.

 

[fromderinside]

Ever wonder why so many Yankee fans are still Yankee fans, so many Dodger fans are still Dodger fans even after Yogi and Campi left, Joe, Duke Pee Wee, Phil, Whitey and Jackie retired and the dodgers moved to the Coliseum from Brooklyn? Kind of like if you have a record as a winner you are my team.

Works across sports and across nations it seems. Well maybe not. Anybody outside Brazil remember what team Pele was on? Sometimes it's just the guy.

As to the OP, is it pointless that players are getting more money than kings in soccer. I got that from Pele who had to be declared a national treasure to stay in Brazil. You do know that Ronaldo, Messi, and Robben aren't from Spain, Spain, and Germany, right?

 

[TSwizzle]

I watched some highlights of the two CL fixtures, Barcelona v Roma and Man City v Liverpool. I watched most of the second half of the Barcelona game and I thought it was entertaining. Two very good teams. Man City v Liverpool I didn't see very much of but what I did see appears to show Man City have been over hyped. Perhaps they didn't field a full strength team ? But Liverpool have a lot of good players and they play a good style of attacking football despite losing one of their more influential players. I actually may have to concede that Liverpool could reach the final based off that form.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Liverpool v Man City was a classic for fans of the Reds. Liverpool played an incredible half of football and then didn't fuck it up in the second half! (you never know with these guys) Liverpool can show up in a big way when they do. Often, when it matters most, they don't finish. Just need one goal early at the Etihad to finish off Man City. Looks like the usual cast in the semi-finals... and Liverpool. And goodness, Salah just won't stop (nearing 40 goals for this football season)! Russia better watch out because unless Uruguay falter, Egypt is going to give Russia a run for their money with Salah up front.

Also, I wouldn't say Manchester City is overhyped. They made it to the Quarterfinals this year. Man City has usually underperformed in Champions League. They haven't underperformed in the EPL, having only 3 draws and 1 loss all season (31 games played).

 

[rousseau]

Liverpool v Man City was a classic for fans of the Reds. Liverpool played an incredible half of football and then didn't fuck it up in the second half! (you never know with these guys) Liverpool can show up in a big way when they do. Often, when it matters most, they don't finish. Just need one goal early at the Etihad to finish off Man City. Looks like the usual cast in the semi-finals... and Liverpool. And goodness, Salah just won't stop (nearing 40 goals for this football season)! Russia better watch out because unless Uruguay falter, Egypt is going to give Russia a run for their money with Salah up front.

Also, I wouldn't say Manchester City is overhyped. They made it to the Quarterfinals this year. Man City has usually underperformed in Champions League. They haven't underperformed in the EPL, having only 3 draws and 1 loss all season (31 games played).

I only saw the last third of the game, but I had to wonder if City's success in the premier league was partially responsible for the loss.

When you believe you can't be beat and a skilled team comes hard at you, bad things can happen.

 

[TSwizzle]

City couldn't get the job done today. Six goals conceded in two games is interesting.

 

[Goodchild]

City couldn't get the job done today. Six goals conceded in two games is interesting.

I didn't get to watch the match today but from what I understand United was incredibly poor in the first half and City didn't take the opportunity to put them away. Great job by United to come back in the second half and extend City's title hunt a few more weeks.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Liverpool is in...

Roma blanks Barcelona at home 3-0 and moves on because they scored an away goal.

So Liverpool and Roma in the semi-finals. Take that OP.

 

[TSwizzle]

Real Madrid through thanks to a controversial penalty in stoppage time. Hmmm.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Real Madrid through thanks to a controversial penalty in stoppage time. Hmmm.

I don’t know. I’m biased against La Liga teams but it seemed like a 50-50 call. There was contact but my question is did the defender get to the ball first. He did seem to. Granted, the match was heading to extra time so Real Madrid could still have won. Incredible that two Serie A teams nearly made it to the semis.

 

[Shake]

It is very unlikely Manchester Utd would ever get relegated these days, despite Mourinho's best efforts.

Mourinho's best efforts currently have them in second place. If that's him failing then 18 other managers need to be sacked immediately.

And they kept City from clinching the EPL in a stunning 3-2 come-from-behind win!

 

[laughing dog]

Real Madrid through thanks to a controversial penalty in stoppage time. Hmmm.

I don’t know. I’m biased against La Liga teams but it seemed like a 50-50 call. There was contact but my question is did the defender get to the ball first. He did seem to. Granted, the match was heading to extra time so Real Madrid could still have won. Incredible that two Serie A teams nearly made it to the semis.

The defender pushed the attacker in the back, then he swung his leg around the attacker and kicked the attacker while finally getting the ball. The referee - Michael Oliver - did not hesitate and he is not known for giving away PKs.

 

[Goodchild]

Juventus almost made the CL semi's interesting. Alas, it'll probably be 3 in a row for RM.

 

[TSwizzle]

It is very unlikely Manchester Utd would ever get relegated these days, despite Mourinho's best efforts.

Mourinho's best efforts currently have them in second place. If that's him failing then 18 other managers need to be sacked immediately.

And they kept City from clinching the EPL in a stunning 3-2 come-from-behind win!

And beaten by WBA, a team that had not won a game in their last 30 ? Funny old game.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Bayern Munich can't punch their ticket after giving up awful second half goal. Real Madrid are in the finals.

Liverpool play Roma with a 5-2 aggregate advantage. The Reds are tasked with not losing by 3 goals to move on. If Roma make it to the Final, Liverpool will likely have deserved the loss.

Meanwhile, for Reds supporters, they are being told to avoid being outdoors in Rome.

"Supporters are strongly advised to use shuttle buses," a club statement read.

"Under no circumstances should supporters attempt to walk to the Stadio Olimpico."

...

In keeping with advice from Rome police, Liverpool supporters have also been told not to travel alone or wear club colours.

The one thing the US definitely has going for it, in general, you can go to just about anywhere with any colors without fear... except in Philly of course, where the people are just insane.