UEFA Champions League : Round of 8

[Shaolinswords]

The draw was just made. The results are the following :

QF1 : Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) - FC Girondins de Bordeaux (FRA)
QF2 : FC Bayern Munchen (GER) - Manchester United FC (ENG)
QF3 : Arsenal FC (ENG) - FC Barcelona (SPA)
QF4 : FC Internazionale (ITA) - PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS)

The semis were also announced :

SF 1 : Winner of QF2 vs Winner of QF1
SF2 : Winner of QF4 vs Winner of QF3

We're most likely headed into a Man U - FC Barcelona rematch.

Your thoughts ?

[Skywalker]

so a french team is guaranteed semis, dece

I'll take Bordeaux, Munich, Barcelona, Inter

[plowking]

Bayern vs Inter final.

[Shaolinswords]

Bayern vs Inter final.

With a Bayern win ofc :rockon:

[Knuck the Ficks]

Bayern shouldn't have got past Fiorentina (who are in no great shape in Serie A). If they get past United I'll chop my foot off and post the pics on ISH.

My picks:

Bordeaux (It's really 50-50)

United

Barcelona (I'll be rooting for Arsenal and would love to see them overcome Barca, but you can't pick against a side that plays such dominant football)

Inter

[ukballer]

Current odds on CSKA Moscow = 50/1.

Maybe I'll put

[Fuhqueue]

Arsenal's luck <<<

With our injury record it could be Silvestre and Campbell trying to contain Messi, Henry and/or Bojan :oldlol:

Might've been better for our league hopes to go out against Porto and not have the extra fixtures..... :(

[The GM]

Looks like Barcelona & Man U have the two toughest matchup's so I doubt there will be a rematch, I'd say Barcelona V Bayern but a team to watch out for is Bordeaux.. French sides get no repsect, they are so tight knit on defence and they are so clutch on set pieces (something like 60% of their goals come from them) & they have a budding superstar in Yoann Gourcuff.. watch out.

[vapid]

The draw was just made. The results are the following :

QF1 : Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) - FC Girondins de Bordeaux (FRA)
QF2 : FC Bayern Munchen (GER) - Manchester United FC (ENG)
QF3 : Arsenal FC (ENG) - FC Barcelona (SPA)
QF4 : FC Internazionale (ITA) - PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS)

The semis were also announced :

SF 1 : Winner of QF2 vs Winner of QF1
SF2 : Winner of QF4 vs Winner of QF3

We're most likely headed into a Man U - FC Barcelona rematch.

Your thoughts ?

Bordeaux
Man United
Barca (Although I'm rooting for Arsenal)
Inter

United
Barca

:ohwell:

[Black Joker]

goddamnit... the one team i didn't want to see Arsenal draw

[Quata]

An Inter v Barcelona semi will be sick, assuming they make it through.

Man U & Bordeaux for the other 2.

Inter to win it all though!

[Knuck the Ficks]

[QUOTE=ukballer]Current odds on CSKA Moscow = 50/1.

Maybe I'll put

[D-Rose]

Henry vs. Arsenal :applause:

[Kebab Stall]

Lyon
Bayern
Barca
Inter

With a Bayern and Inter final, which would be great, since I love both those teams.

[Snoop_Cat]

I don't know much about soccer, but wasn't Real Madrid and Chelsea supposed to be disgustingly good

[Fuhqueue]

You definitely should, those are insane odds.
CSKA are 50/1 to win the entire Champions League competition, not just their tie with Inter

[Dolphin]

Man U with a serious shot at 3 straight finals appearances.

[SAKOTXA]

Let's go Barca! They'll be the first team since the 1990 AC Milan team to win back to back CL cups right?

[Skywalker]

Europe League final 8 has a couple decent matchups

Valencia vs. Atletico
Liverpool vs. Benfica

[vapid]

United vs. Munich today! Should be a good match.

[IlliniFan]

United vs. Munich today! Should be a good match.
I'm going to be in class. :banghead: Damn it and it's the one class I can't skip..

[LJJ]

Looks like Robben is not going to play. :(

[ukballer]

CSKA are 50/1 to win the entire Champions League competition, not just their tie with Inter

Indeed! Man, if it was just for the tie, I'd put a hell of a lot more than

[The GM]

Looks like Robben is not going to play. :(

Is Ribery playing? wasn't he hurt in the past few weeks?

[vapid]

Is Ribery playing? wasn't he hurt in the past few weeks?
He's expected to play I believe.

[The GM]

He's expected to play I believe.

Hope he is because I wanna see a competitive match cause if he & Robben are both out, Bayren are going to get rolled over.

[vapid]

:oldlol: Rooney has alraedy scored.

[vapid]

btw does anyone have a link to a stream?

[LJJ]

Bayern 2-1.

Epic :eek:

[vapid]

Bayern 2-1.

Epic :eek:
wow just saw that last minute goal! United better step it up for the next leg!

[madmax]

haha, Fluke United got what they thoroughly deserved - a last minute fluke goal, which could be crucial in this tie:D Bayern look like a fresher and better side, they should advance barring any disaster

[The GM]

haha ask they say karma is a bitch.. they better hope Rooney isn't seriously hurt or they could lose to Chelesa on sat & be knocked out the Champions League too.. how sweet would that be? :applause:

[Shaolinswords]

Bayeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeern b!tches :rockon:

Looks like Rooney isn't going to play the 2nd leg, combined with Robben's possible return, we have a good chance to play in Old Trafford :pimp:

[vapid]

Arsenal vs. Barca today. Beautiful football is going to be highly likely. Hopefully I can find a good stream.

[Black Joker]

hopefully Fabregas is fit enough to play today

[The GM]

hopefully Fabregas is fit enough to play today

hopefully he's not. lol

[The GM]

Arsenal vs. Barca today. Beautiful football is going to be highly likely. Hopefully I can find a good stream.

Doubt it. I would be VERY surprised if Arsenal came out and tried to go blow for blow with Barca, the last team that did that was Man U and get got their ass takin to the wood shed. Arsenal will probably sit back like all EPL teams do cause they know they can't hang with Barcelona.

[lilmagicjohnson]

Manc shit, Olic is a beast :rockon:

[lilmagicjohnson]

Doubt it. I would be VERY surprised if Arsenal came out and tried to go blow for blow with Barca, the last team that did that was Man U and get got their ass takin to the wood shed. Arsenal will probably sit back like all EPL teams do cause they know they can't hang with Barcelona.
no if you attack barca back that is the way to beat them, every team that has beaten barca this year has done that, if you don't fear them and treat them like the gods they arent and play with balls you can beat them at their own game because their defense and keeper suck

[Lebowsky]

no if you attack barca back that is the way to beat them, every team that has beaten barca this year has done that, if you don't fear them and treat them like the gods they arent and play with balls you can beat them at their own game because their defense and keeper suck


You, sir, are a retard. Their defense and keeper are among the best in the spanish league, and definitely among the best in Europe. Moreover, their defense consists in keeping possession of the ball all the time, and they're great at that.

[lilmagicjohnson]

You, sir, are a retard. Their defense and keeper are among the best in the spanish league, and definitely among the best in Europe. Moreover, their defense consists in keeping possession of the ball all the time, and they're great at that.
Pique=easily exposed vs good players.

Valdez=mistake prone goon who only keeps his spot on the team cus his ethnicity.

Puyol=really good but too old and beaten by fast guys all the time

Fullbacks-crap defensively



They have statistically a good defensive record because they have the ball so much of the time and the best defense is a good offense, but their actual defense is all shit-and OMG best defense in the spanish league! That is hard to do especially with Pepe and Sergio Ramos as their main competition eh?:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Lebowsky]

Pique=easily exposed vs good players.

Valdez=mistake prone goon who only keeps his spot on the team cus his ethnicity.

Puyol=really good but too old and beaten by fast guys all the time

Fullbacks-crap defensively



They have statistically a good defensive record because they have the ball so much of the time and the best defense is a good offense, but their actual defense is all shit-and OMG best defense in the spanish league! That is hard to do especially with Pepe and Sergio Ramos as their main competition eh?:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

I refuse to discuss football (or anything for that matter) with such a shameless troll as you are.

[lilmagicjohnson]

I refuse to discuss football (or anything for that matter) with such a shameless troll as you are.
I refuse to discuss football with an obvious troll claiming Barca to have one of the best defenses in Europe.

[LJJ]

You, sir, are a retard. Their defense and keeper are among the best in the spanish league, and definitely among the best in Europe. Moreover, their defense consists in keeping possession of the ball all the time, and they're great at that.

Uhm, their defense is not that great. That comes with the territory of being an offensively focussed team.

[LJJ]

Damn is Iniesta not 100%? Or is Barca simply choosing for a slightly more conservative Xavi-Busquets-Keita midfield?

[vapid]

Damn is Iniesta not 100%? Or is Barca simply choosing for a slightly more conservative Xavi-Busquets-Keita midfield?
Iniesta will not play today.

[Lebowsky]

Barcelona is the club with the fewest goals allowed in their domestic league with 18 in 29 matches. It is also the club with the fewest goals allowed in the champions league with 4, an average of 0.44 goals per match. So no,I geuss it doesn't have a good defense at all. I wonder if you people have actually watched any matches this season. I'm not even a Barcelona fan, but you are wrong LJJ.

[LJJ]

Barcelona is the club with the fewest goals against in their domestic league with 18 in 29 matches. It is also the club with the fewest goals against in the champions league with 4, an average of 0.44 goals per match. So no, it doesn't have a good defense at all. I wonder if you people have actually watched any matches this season. I'm not even a Barcelona fan, but you are wrong LJJ.
:lol

Going with the easy "I doubt they watch the games" comment, while you are the first to resort to using statistics.

Of course Barcelona doesn't get many goals against. That doesn't have that much to do with their defense; it has to do with the fact that the vast majority of teams don't even try to attack their defense. Even in the CL, you think a team like Kiev or Rubin Kazan is going to play against Barcelona to win? They sit back and prey on the counter, which Barcelona can defend okay. That doesn't mean their defense is "great" or "one of the best in Europe". Their overall play is, but their defense is not.

On a good night, Barcelona runs with three defensively minded players: two central defenders and one controlling mid. The rest of the team is running forward without any regard for defense.

That means that the defense is not great, this inherent to the game. Less defensive players = worse defense.
But apparently you don't really know the game.

[lilmagicjohnson]

Barcelona is the club with the fewest goals allowed in their domestic league with 18 in 29 matches. It is also the club with the fewest goals allowed in the champions league with 4, an average of 0.44 goals per match. So no,I geuss it doesn't have a good defense at all. I wonder if you people have actually watched any matches this season. I'm not even a Barcelona fan, but you are wrong LJJ.
If you knew anything about football you'd know that stats mean jack shit in football.

I smell Arshavin taking over tonight

[Skywalker]

bout to be 8-0 barca win lmao

[lilmagicjohnson]

ibrakafailure, etoo would have buried that

[lilmagicjohnson]

Busquets=Wow:applause: :applause: :applause:

[Lebowsky]

:lol

Going with the easy "I doubt they watch the games" comment, while you are the first to resort to using statistics.

Of course Barcelona doesn't get many goals against. That doesn't have that much to do with their defense; it has to do with the fact that the vast majority of teams don't even try to attack their defense. Even in the CL, you think a team like Kiev or Rubin Kazan is going to play against Barcelona to win? They sit back and prey on the counter, which Barcelona can defend okay. That doesn't mean their defense is "great" or "one of the best in Europe". Their overall play is, but their defense is not.

On a good night, Barcelona runs with three defensively minded players: two central defenders and one controlling mid. The rest of the team is running forward without any regard for defense.

That means that the defense is not great, this inherent to the game. Less defensive players = worse defense.
But apparently you don't really know the game.

Maybe I should've said their defensive system instead of defense (although I still think their defense is great. Individually, their defense is very good (Pique, Puyol, Alves, Abidal, Milito, Marquez are all good or great players), and collectively they're doing a great job. I watch the matches and I get to see how the defense moves, sways from side to cover open space and negates any chance of organized attack, and most of counter attacks, thus allowing very few goals. To me, a good defense doesn't mean keeping 6 people behind the ball at all times, and most likely it doesn't to you either (since you're dutch). And it's not true that the rest of offensive players are just running forward with any regard for defense. Just keep an eye on Messi and you'll see how he's running back and forth all the game, he doesn't save any defensive effort. Xavi is a good and smart defender, although he doesn't get much credit for it. And I could go on.

[Skywalker]

almunia is god?

[bdreason]

Those Barca uni's are ugly. Never seen them wear those before.

[Skywalker]

anyone else have audio like a radio in the middle of a desert? lmao

[bdreason]

I'll never get over how Soccer players go down like they just broke their ankle, or tore their ACL... and then pop up at a full sprint 60 seconds later. :oldlol:

It's like Paul Pierce in the NBA Finals... over, and over again.

[lilmagicjohnson]

Those Barca uni's are ugly. Never seen them wear those before.
they weaar the neon yellow all the time

[vapid]

:rant My stream keeps skipping.

[lilmagicjohnson]

dammit arshavin is one of my favorite players

[lilmagicjohnson]

47 million pound Ibrashitovic

[lilmagicjohnson]

Maybe I should've said their defensive system instead of defense (although I still think their defense is great. Individually, their defense is very good (Pique, Puyol, Alves, Abidal, Milito, Marquez are all good or great players), and collectively they're doing a great job. I watch the matches and I get to see how the defense moves, sways from side to cover open space and negates any chance of organized attack, and most of counter attacks, thus allowing very few goals. To me, a good defense doesn't mean keeping 6 people behind the ball at all times, and most likely it doesn't to you either (since you're dutch). And it's not true that the rest of offensive players are just running forward with any regard for defense. Just keep an eye on Messi and you'll see how he's running back and forth all the game, he doesn't save any defensive effort. Xavi is a good and smart defender, although he doesn't get much credit for it. And I could go on.
You mean Barcelona's defense does what every single defense in professional football does you flaming moron?

[bdreason]

they weaar the neon yellow all the time


I don't see many Soccer games. Only watch the UEFA and World Cup for the most part... maybe an occasional EPL game. I always associate Barc with the red/blue striped jerseys, pardon my ignorance.

Good match so far. Barc puting on lots of pressure, but Arsenal has had some chances as well.

[lilmagicjohnson]

I don't see many Soccer games. Only watch the UEFA and World Cup for the most part... maybe an occasional EPL game. I always associate Barc with the red/blue striped jerseys, pardon my ignorance.

Good match so far. Barc puting on lots of pressure, but Arsenal has had some chances as well.
the neon yellow and some seasons neon green is their away jerseys.

Yeh this is a really fun game to watch

[lilmagicjohnson]

Lebowsky, are you watching Barca's shit defense in action?

[bdreason]

Maybe a dumb question but which league is considered better these days; Spanish (La Liga?) or English (EPL) ?

I only ask because in the States the EPL is heavily promoted and we don't get many Spanish league games... but I know FC Barcelona is considered the best club team in the world.

[bdreason]

oh man Arsenal with two shots off the post.

[Skywalker]

Arsenal and Man U losing players in CL. Chelsea must like this.

[lilmagicjohnson]

Maybe a dumb question but which league is considered better these days; Spanish (La Liga?) or English (EPL) ?

I only ask because in the States the EPL is heavily promoted and we don't get many Spanish league games... but I know FC Barcelona is considered the best club team in the world.
EPL is better, Spanish league is a two horse race. And the second horse got dominated by Lyon and have a fondness to losing to 3rd division teams with gas station workers playing for them.

[Skywalker]

lmao

[lilmagicjohnson]

wow bullshit fabregas got the ball first

[bdreason]

All ball on that slide tackle.

[LJJ]

Maybe a dumb question but which league is considered better these days; Spanish (La Liga?) or English (EPL) ?

I only ask because in the States the EPL is heavily promoted and we don't get many Spanish league games... but I know FC Barcelona is considered the best club team in the world.

About equal.

[bdreason]

Great first half.

[Black Joker]

wow. just poking in here during half-time. but the first 20 mintutes were terrifying as an arsenal fan. didn't get any better losing two starters, and Fabregas for next game. but getting to half at nil apiece is a relief

[The GM]

So many chances for barcelona.. I try and try to defend Ibrah so much but there is no way he should have missed that chance infront of net against a average goalkeeper, his confidence is shot and you can tell that but I hope he proves me wrong in the 2nd half. Fab is an idiot to make that kind of tackle knowing that you would miss the 2nd leg but I guess competitve instict just kicked.. let's hope we get that precious away goal and finish these "wanna be's" off.

[LJJ]

47 million pound Ibrashitovic

Ibrashitovic :rockon:

Drogba would have NEVER made that.

[lilmagicjohnson]

Ibrashitovic :rockon:

Drogba would have NEVER made that.
even the sun shines on a dog's ass some days

[LJJ]

even the sun shines on a dog's ass some days
:roll:

The Konex of the OTC.

[Skywalker]

Damn, Arsenal has no hope now.


spoke too soon

[lilmagicjohnson]

anyone got a good stream mine went out shit

[LJJ]

Epic match. :roll:

[SAKOTXA]

BS ****ing call! Are you ****ing kidding me?

[vapid]

Fabregas!

[Skywalker]

are barca as deep on central defense as they are up front?

[The GM]

That was the biggest bullshit call I've seen in a while, how the fuq is that a penatly? much less a red card.. seriously ref? :no: the only reason he gave that PK is cause of the crowd influence. smh

[lilmagicjohnson]

That was the biggest bullshit call I've seen in a while, how the fuq is that a penatly? much less a red card.. seriously ref? :no: the only reason he gave that PK is cause of the crowd influence. smh
it is called karma for all the penalties chelsea should have gotten vs Barca last year. Deal with it

[Black Joker]

whew. that match was ridiculous, happy to get out of there with a tie. now lets head to Camp Nou and advance

[lilmagicjohnson]

Ibrashitovic still yet to win vs English competition in the CL:applause:

[The GM]

it is called karma for all the penalties chelsea should have gotten vs Barca last year. Deal with it

LMAO wow a bitter Chelesa fan, I knew there had to be one out there. Suck dick, don't be mad cause your team is trash and ONCE AGAIN got knocked out the champions league by a better team... oh yea btw..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2EmWgs35jc&hd=1

You Mad?? :oldlol: :oldlol:

[thekavorka]

The result could have been A LOT worse, especially due to how we started out and the early injuries.

But the biggest concern is Cesc :(

[thekavorka]

That was the biggest bullshit call I've seen in a while, how the fuq is that a penatly? much less a red card.. seriously ref? :no: the only reason he gave that PK is cause of the crowd influence. smh

That was definitely a foul. If it was anywhere else on the pitch, it would not have been a red. But he had to give a red for denial of goal scoring opportunity.

[The GM]

That was definitely a foul. If it was anywhere else on the pitch, it would not have been a red. But he had to give a red for denial of goal scoring opportunity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJizvW9zdow

Anyone with eyes can see Cesc kicked his leg back into Puyol and flopped, that's why the ref called the false penatly, along with the crowd influence (which shouldn't play a part).. even listen to the annoucer, he said the same thing.. it was a total b.s. call but it's okay cause things will fall into our favor at the Camp Nou, Messi and crew will bounce back strong.. 3-0 Barca.. book it.

[SAKOTXA]

LMAO wow a bitter Chelesa fan, I knew there had to be one out there. Suck dick, don't be mad cause your team is trash and ONCE AGAIN got knocked out the champions league by a better team... oh yea btw..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2EmWgs35jc&hd=1

You Mad?? :oldlol: :oldlol:

Iniesta! :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:

Boy was that sweet! I won 200 bucks from that too.

[lilmagicjohnson]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJizvW9zdow

Anyone with eyes can see Cesc kicked his leg back into Puyol and flopped, that's why the ref called the false penatly, along with the crowd influence (which shouldn't play a part).. even listen to the annoucer, he said the same thing.. it was a total b.s. call but it's okay cause things will fall into our favor at the Camp Nou, Messi and crew will bounce back strong.. 3-0 Barca.. book it.
do you want some cheese to go with that whine?

[Skywalker]

Cesc out for remainder of season with broken leg.

[Black Joker]

That was definitely a foul. If it was anywhere else on the pitch, it would not have been a red. But he had to give a red for denial of goal scoring opportunity.
+1

and **** Cesc out for at least 6 weeks

[lilmagicjohnson]

when does van persie come back

[Hawker]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJizvW9zdow

Anyone with eyes can see Cesc kicked his leg back into Puyol and flopped, that's why the ref called the false penatly, along with the crowd influence (which shouldn't play a part).. even listen to the annoucer, he said the same thing.. it was a total b.s. call but it's okay cause things will fall into our favor at the Camp Nou, Messi and crew will bounce back strong.. 3-0 Barca.. book it.

I need to see a side view to see if Fabregas was in the process of striking the ball before him and Puyol got tangled but from all means it looks like a penalty. Fabregas attempted to strike the ball and Puyol put his leg in front of Fabregas' leg to stop him from doing so which is why Fabregas ended up kicking Puyol in the back of the leg.

Good call.

[Skywalker]

Liverpool vs. Benfica and Valencia vs. Atletico on now.

[LJJ]

when does van persie come back

2 weeks.

[Skywalker]

never seen a worse ref job than the Liverpool Benfica tie today :/

o well 1-0 at Anfield will get the job done

[Bean]

never seen a worse ref job than the Liverpool Benfica tie today :/

o well 1-0 at Anfield will get the job done
I have. both call's were legit. the extra official behind the goal is a great idea and one that needs to be used in all major competitions.

[Skywalker]

I have. both call's were legit. the extra official behind the goal is a great idea and one that needs to be used in all major competitions.

yes they were

the red card however, ridiculous and completely turned the game around

the benfica defenders kicks thru the back of torres leg intentionally, babel cups his face, and babel gets sent off :roll: what a mess, doesn't matter, it's evident a strong 11 will trounce this benfica team at ANFIELD

[Bean]

yes they were

the red card however, ridiculous and completely turned the game around

the benfica defenders kicks thru the back of torres leg intentionally, babel cups his face, and babel gets sent off :roll: what a mess, doesn't matter, it's evident a strong 11 will trounce this benfica team at ANFIELD

Insua kicks the back leg of aimar in the box; that's a penalty. a handball in the box; that's also a penalty. babel raises his hand to luisao's face not once but twice; that's a straight red. this is a professional sport and like all professional sports, the second that you raise your hand to an opposing player, no matter how "soft" it may be, it is still a straight red. I don't see your reasoning.

on the other hand, I'll agree that torres should have been protected more by the referees.

[Skywalker]

Insua kicks the back leg of aimar in the box; that's a penalty. a handball in the box; that's also a penalty. babel raises his hand to luisao's face not once but twice; that's a straight red. this is a professional sport and like all professional sports, the second that you raise your hand to an opposing player, no matter how "soft" it may be, it is still a straight red. I don't see your reasoning.

on the other hand, I'll agree that torres should have been protected more by the referees.
lol man how often to players touch each others faces? quite often, its the referees judgement if it was violent or not, and it clearly wasn't.

[Black Joker]

soo... No Cesc F

[Shaolinswords]

Inter getting closer and closer to the semies.

They're leading 1-0 in Moscow, and only like 35 mins to play in the game. CSKA needs to score 3 goals to qualify and they're one player down (Odiah out due to red card).

We're most likely headed to a Barca-Inter rematch.

[Black Joker]

Song is out too... jesus

[Skywalker]

seems to me that Arsenal will come out trying for a 1-0 trying to counter and attack with headers to BENDTNER at Barca's backup central defenders, but if Barca can get 1 the floodgates will open

I think 4-1 Barcelonaaa

[vapid]

Bendtner!!

[Shaolinswords]

Inter Milan qualified for their first semifinals since 2003.

Still 0-0 at Nou Camp after a little more than 15 mns of play.

Edit : First goal by Bendtner !

[Black Joker]

they almost ****ed that up. but 1-0!!!!

[Black Joker]

Theo. his speed is just too dangerous

[LJJ]

Oooooooh.

Bendtner just scored the first goal. Messi scores an epic goal right after.

:oldlol:

[Black Joker]

holy shit. Messi!

[Skywalker]

jaw dropping

[Shaolinswords]

Holy sht !

Well, Arsenal needs to start over again.

[Black Joker]

so Messi has equaled Rivaldo's club record of 22 goals in the competition.

[LJJ]

Finally a yellow card. Arsenal has been pretty naughty so far.

[Shaolinswords]

What an agression !

[Black Joker]

whew. dodged a bullet there. lucky ass clearance by Barca to Messi

[LJJ]

Pep is looking like a pimp.

[Shaolinswords]

Messi's really on a different level from other players :lol

[Skywalker]

Bendtner was on side

[Black Joker]

****!

well not much has really changed i guess. we still had to score anyways

[Skywalker]

jesus

[Shaolinswords]

Bendtner was on side

No.

Messi with the brace.

[Skywalker]

No.

yep yep you gotta look at abidal at the top of the screen I'm sure they'll show the replay at half

[Shaolinswords]

yep yep you gotta look at abidal at the top of the screen I'm sure they'll show the replay at half

Ok.

I surely didn't notice him when they showed the replay.

[Black Joker]

****! 2x

[LJJ]

I can't watch. He's raping them.

[Skywalker]

hatty before half eh lmao who's gonna stop himmmm

[Black Joker]

well... we came down from 2 down last time

[Shaolinswords]

Wow, Messi just killed Arsenal's chances of advancing :bowdown:

[SALFORD-RED]

Wow, Messi just killed Arsenal's chances of advancing :bowdown:

UNITED BARCA FINAL ON THE CARDS NOW.


UNITED! UNITED! UNITED!

[Shaolinswords]

UNITED BARCA FINAL ON THE CARDS NOW.


UNITED! UNITED! UNITED!

Sorry Man U won't advance tomorrow !

Bayern uber alles :rockon:

[SAKOTXA]

Who's better than Messi right now?

[SALFORD-RED]

Who's better than Messi right now?

http://blog.taragana.com/sports/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/wayne-rooney.jpg

[Shaolinswords]

Bendtner is a 'hack'

[Shaolinswords]

What a wasted occasion by Rosicky !

The game will probably remain 3-1, Barca isn't really looking for other goals and Arsenal is far from being dangerous.

[Shaolinswords]

Lol Pedro wanted to imitate Messi :roll:

[Shaolinswords]

What an occasion for Bendtner !

I don't know if an offside was counted tho.

[Shaolinswords]

Lol, what was Clichy thinking ?

Another wasted opportunity for Arsenal.

[Black Joker]

sigh...

[Shaolinswords]

Good play from Arsenal, too bad Walcott was offside...

[Shaolinswords]

Less than 10 minutes to play (counting injury time), FCB is heading to the last four for the 3rd straight time.

[Black Joker]

sigh 2x

[SAKOTXA]

http://blog.taragana.com/sports/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/wayne-rooney.jpg

Yea... ok. :lol

[Shaolinswords]

4th goal for Messi :oldlol:

[Hawker]

Messi just made Arsenal his bitch

[Shaolinswords]

Will he add a 5th for fun ? :roll:

[thekavorka]

Why the **** do we even have Silvestre on the team? Jesus christ. With all these injuries, it's too bad we have no depth. Congrats Barcelona.

I'll be rooting for Bayern from now on.

[SALFORD-RED]

I'll be rooting for Bayern from now on.

CAN'T BLAME YOU. ARSENAL WON'T WIN ANOTHER TROPHY UNDER WENGER COS THEY ARE SOFT.

[Black Joker]

Why the **** do we even have Silvestre on the team? Jesus christ. With all these injuries, it's too bad we have no depth.
next transfer window... we must pick some people up

[thekavorka]

SALFORD RED, I MEANT IN THE REMAINING TOURNAMENT (I.E. TO BEAT MANUTD).



next transfer window... we must pick some people up

seriously. I think we're really close to Chamakh. He might add some depth at striker. Eduardo is done. Dude looks nothing like the player he was before the injury. Hopefully, RVP and Fabregas can sit out the world cup and rest. We need to buy a bunch of new center backs to assists Vermaellen and provide depth.

Old men like Sol campbell or Silvestre are jokes. We need real players. Of course, this all depends if Wenger is willing to dish out the cash. I bet prices will go up after the world cup.

[Black Joker]

seriously. I think we're really close to Chamakh. He might add some depth at striker. Eduardo is done. Dude looks nothing like the player he was before the injury. Hopefully, RVP and Fabregas can sit out the world cup and rest. We need to buy a bunch of new center backs to assists Vermaellen and provide depth.

Old men like Sol campbell or Silvestre are jokes. We need real players. Of course, this all depends if Wenger is willing to dish out the cash. I bet prices will go up after the world cup.
prices always go up after a big tourney. think of what euro did for Arshavin.

i'd still like another goalie... i dunno Almunia just doesn't cut it for me half the time.

but seriously we need to bring some people in this time instead of just selling

[dajadeed]

http://blog.taragana.com/sports/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/wayne-rooney.jpg
:oldlol: @ him being anywhere in the vicinity of Messi.

Thanks for the laugh.

[SALFORD-RED]

SALFORD RED, I MEANT IN THE REMAINING TOURNAMENT I.E. TO BEAT MANUTD.


WON'T HAPPEN. IT'S OUR YEAR THIS THIS YEAR, BERBA + ROONEY + NANI = UNSTOPPABLE.

[The GM]

http://blog.taragana.com/sports/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/wayne-rooney.jpg

LMAO I hope this is a joke? Rooney is very good probably top 5 in the world but the difference between the #1 spot and the 5th spot is a HUGE HUGE margin. People thought Messi was having an all-time great season last year, the year he is having this year is legendary by any football players standards that has ever played the game. People need to learn whenever you doubt greatness it just gives them more motivation to smash the competition and that's what Arsenal learned today. Rooney can only dream of doing that to a top club side not to those overrated EPL teams that fail to do shit every year in the CL then bitch and moan then go on to make excuses about why they got knocked out (like Chelesa). Just give Messi the World Player of the Year right now cause the race is over, Messi needs to make room for all the trophies he will be bringing home for the next decade as he will cement his legacy as a great (if not the greatest of all time) when he is done lacing up his boots.. recognize what you are seeing cause I doubt you will ever see dominamce like this ever again.

BTW the top 5 players in the world are:

1. Messi



2. Xavi

3. Iniesta









4. Ronaldo


5. Rooney

and the gap between Messi & Xavi is saying something considering how great a player Xavi is.

[thekavorka]

prices always go up after a big tourney. think of what euro did for Arshavin.

i'd still like another goalie... i dunno Almunia just doesn't cut it for me half the time.

but seriously we need to bring some people in this time instead of just selling

Yeah, I still have no idea what to make of Almunia. The dude can make so many spectacular saves (like in the 1st leg), but then he makes the dumbest mistakes or gives up the softest goals. I'm still pissed about the equalizer against Birmingham. Almunia absolutely has to make that save. We'd have a legit shot at the title if we got all 3 points.

Maybe I'm biased, but I'd prefer a guy like Tim Howard over Almunia.

[Shaolinswords]

Lol @ Xavi & Iniesta :lol

[bdreason]

4 goals for Messi, incredible.

I was hyping this guy up today to my Brazilian friends at BJJ class. They got all defensive claiming Messi is good on FCB, but plays like shyt for Argentina... is that true?

[lilmagicjohnson]

Lol wtf Rooney ahead of Drogba?

Also Iniesta and Xavi ahead of Essien? Are you stoned drunk and tweaking all at the same time?

Essien is clearly a top 3 player in the game and in competition with Messi for the one spot.

Messi does play bad for Argentina, it should be Riquelme running the show for them still but dumbass Maradona and Messi drove him away.

[thekavorka]

4 goals for Messi, incredible.

I was hyping this guy up today to my Brazilian friends at BJJ class. They got all defensive claiming Messi is good on FCB, but plays like shyt for Argentina... is that true?

It's true, but that's more Maradona's fault than Messi's fault for playing him out of position. But Messi is slowly becoming comfortable playing centrally so his play with Argentina should be improved.

[chains5000]

Messi's clearly the best player in the world now.

[ODEN>DURANT]

I'm a mad Arsenal fan, gotta say we were outplayed by Barca. Injuries cost us though, No Fabregas, Song, VP, Gallas or Arshavin. Really hurts you. I hope we can win the premier league.

[King Lebron LBJ]

The way Messi danced through the defense was amazing to watch. Truely the best player around.

[King Lebron LBJ]

Big one tonight

Munich vs united.

[SALFORD-RED]

Big one tonight

Munich vs united.

WE'LL BEAT BAYERN TONIGHT, 3-0.


http://www.tshirtsunited.com/images/designs/newton-heath-luhg-tshirt_design.jpg

[paintingshade]

Lol wtf Rooney ahead of Drogba?

Also Iniesta and Xavi ahead of Essien? Are you stoned drunk and tweaking all at the same time?

Essien is clearly a top 3 player in the game and in competition with Messi for the one spot.

Messi does play bad for Argentina, it should be Riquelme running the show for them still but dumbass Maradona and Messi drove him away.

those new to soccer, observe. the Chelsea homer.

[SALFORD-RED]

WE'LL BEAT BAYERN TONIGHT, 3-0.


http://www.tshirtsunited.com/images/designs/newton-heath-luhg-tshirt_design.jpg


TWO UP! GET IN THERE!

LOVE UNITED HATE GLAZER

[Skywalker]

TWO UP! GET IN THERE!

LOVE UNITED HATE GLAZER


those scarfs are retarded

[SAKOTXA]

Not over yet.

What a save.

[Horatio33]

those scarfs are retarded

why?

[Horatio33]

was looking great til bayern scored. come on United! finish the tie!

[bdreason]

Great match so far. Bayern has had its chances, and are on the attack still.

[Skywalker]

why?

cuz they're green and yellow

[SAKOTXA]

What a beauty! Amazing goal!

[bdreason]

3-2 MU now with 15 to go.

[LJJ]

Manchester United tards now gone? :oldlol:

[Juvenile]

OMG What a goal!!!! ****ing unbelievable! ROBBEN!!!!

[bdreason]

This game is intense right now.

[LJJ]

:roll:

English teams? Where are they?

[Shaolinswords]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS :rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:

[Black Joker]

down goes Man U... Beautiful goal by Robben

[Horatio33]

cuz they're green and yellow

it's a stand against the glazers. who have put united in nearly

[Bean]

:roll:

English teams? Where are they?

It's a beautiful thing alright.

:oldlol:

[SALFORD-RED]

Manchester United tards now gone? :oldlol:

SHUTUP, YOU CAN'T WIN THEM ALL. WE ALWAYS HAVE NEXT YEAR. WHO DO YOU SUPPORT, LET ME GUESS CHELSEA?

[The GM]

Lol wtf Rooney ahead of Drogba?

Also Iniesta and Xavi ahead of Essien? Are you stoned drunk and tweaking all at the same time?

Essien is clearly a top 3 player in the game and in competition with Messi for the one spot.

Messi does play bad for Argentina, it should be Riquelme running the show for them still but dumbass Maradona and Messi drove him away.

:roll: haha that was quite a laugh I had there.. the question is what the **** are you on? Essien top 3 player in the world? in competiton with Messi for #1? no one is in Messi's universe right now and hasn't been for the past year and a half. I seriously hope you were joking around.. Essien isn't a top 2 player on his own team, let alone the world. You must have started watching soccer about two days ago because anyone with knowledge of the game (that isn't confined in there little EPL hell hole) which 90% of ppl on here are would know Xavi at 50% is better and has more of an impact on a game then Essien at 100%. Essien top 20? maybe. but anything more then that is insane. And to your Mess and Aregentina comment it's not Messi's fault Maradona doesn't know a lick about coaching and doesn't put the proper players in the starting 11.. for goodnes sake it took him this long to call up Higuain who should have been on the team and the starting 11 from the start. Look at the talent of the elite teams like Spain, Brasil, England, Italy, The Netherlands.. you can't tell me that Argentina are even par (talent wise) then any of the top sides. Messi can't run through those teams essentially by himself that have world class players at every position while Argentina have a bunch of good strikers with no goalie, no defenders and a few good midfielders in Mashcerano & Maxi. Riquelme doesn't want to play for the team because of Maradona's incompetence not Messi "driving him away" you idiot. Messi glady let him be captian on the team and let him be the leader because of the respect he has for Riquelme and knew how important he was for the team so I don't know where you get all that propaganda from but it just makes you look flat out stupid.

oh yea and you talking bout this Drogba:

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=4SQBzN_qoY0&feature=related

[SALFORD-RED]

Well Said.

[Dolphin]

:roll:

English teams? Where are they?

Taking up 3/4 of the semis 2 of the last 3 years....would be my guess....

[Skywalker]

and a few good midfielders in Mashcerano & Maxi

liverpool must have a different maxi lmao

[IlliniFan]

So glad Bayern beat Man U. Revenge for that bullshit in 1999.

[Quata]

Alot of big teams being knocked out, like to see some upsets. Inter to still win it all though!

[mateo31]

I have Butler in the championship, beating Bayern Munich! :rockon:

[Basketball Dirk]

So glad Bayern beat Man U. Revenge for that bullshit in 1999.

Bayern already had revenge in 00/01 Champions League. Defeated Manchester United 2-1 and 1-0 and then defeated Real Madrid 2-1 and 1-0. Then Bayern won the finals in a penalty shoot out where Oliver Kahn saved three penalties.

Ever since 1999 Manchester United is cursed against Bayern it seems.

[CasterL]

Lol wtf Rooney ahead of Drogba?

Also Iniesta and Xavi ahead of Essien? Are you stoned drunk and tweaking all at the same time?

Essien is clearly a top 3 player in the game and in competition with Messi for the one spot.

Messi does play bad for Argentina, it should be Riquelme running the show for them still but dumbass Maradona and Messi drove him away.

I do not believe you actually believe what you wrote here


As a united fan todays result was crushing. I hate munich, and I do not think they were better than us over two legs. However once rafael got sent off it changed the momentum of the game drastically. We defended well but Robbens goal was pure class. Unstoppable. all the other munich goals over the two legs were either jammy as **** or were down to poor United defensive errors as opposed to good play by Bayern.


LOL at the people relishing the fact that there are no english clubs in the semis. Bitter? still the best leauge in the world by a country mile

[Basketball Dirk]

I do not believe you actually believe what you wrote here


As a united fan todays result was crushing. I hate munich, and I do not think they were better than us over two legs. However once rafael got sent off it changed the momentum of the game drastically. We defended well but Robbens goal was pure class. Unstoppable. all the other munich goals over the two legs were either jammy as **** or were down to poor United defensive errors as opposed to good play by Bayern.


LOL at the people relishing the fact that there are no english clubs in the semis. Bitter? still the best leauge in the world by a country mile

Bayern dominated ManU in the first game despite missing a bunch of starters. First game could've been more lopsided than 2-1. And ManU only scored in the first game because Demichelis slipped on the first goal. How's that for a defensive error? And don't forget how bad Butt (Bayern keeper) looked on the first goal in the second game. Just pointing out.

Bayern deserved to advance IMO.

[Marv_Albert]

ESPN needa start showin some more sport other than this.

[chains5000]

Someone should make a gif of Robben's celebration after his goal.
Classic.

[Juvenile]

Manu played well for only 45 minutes in both of the games. They didnt play well in all of the first game and never recoverd in half two after Rafael was out. Bayern played masterfully against 10, putting pressure on the defense, making ManU run after the ball and then Ribery and Robben took over.

I fail to see how Manu was better than them over the course of both games.

[Jasi]

Ironically Bayern's scores in this round were exactly like the previous one against Fiorentina.

Won 2-1 home, lost 2-3 away.
With Robben scoring an incredible last goal to save it all.

The only difference is that Olic's second goal in Munich against Fiorentina was a clear offside :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

This round's result only goes to increase my regret for Fiorentina unfair exclusion

[Knuck the Ficks]

I've got a ton of stuff I want to say about this round and the next which I'll post later.

For now, I'll pose this question:

Is Hugo Lloris the best goalkeeper in the world? Don't take rep into account - if you had to win a game tomorrow who would you want in goal. You would have to take Lloris, right?

Messi was obviously the star of the quarterfinals, but Lloris was unbelievably good over both legs. Bordeaux would have easily won if Lyon had an average goalkeeper.

[Jasi]

I've got a ton of stuff I want to say about this round and the next which I'll post later.

For now, I'll pose this question:

Is Hugo Lloris the best goalkeeper in the world? Don't take rep into account - if you had to win a game tomorrow who would you want in goal. You would have to take Lloris, right?

Messi was obviously the star of the quarterfinals, but Lloris was unbelievably good over both legs. Bordeaux would have easily won if Lyon had an average goalkeeper.

Buffon, and it's not even close

[Bean]

I've got a ton of stuff I want to say about this round and the next which I'll post later.

For now, I'll pose this question:

Is Hugo Lloris the best goalkeeper in the world? Don't take rep into account - if you had to win a game tomorrow who would you want in goal. You would have to take Lloris, right?

Messi was obviously the star of the quarterfinals, but Lloris was unbelievably good over both legs. Bordeaux would have easily won if Lyon had an average goalkeeper.

If we are talking about young goalkeepers as oppossed to the already established ones (Casillas, Buffon, Julio Cesar), then Lloris maybe. Akinfeev could also be in, and the two young goalkeepers at Atletico Madrid, Degea and Asenjo I think, look promising. Atletico churns out a lot of good young footballers.

[Jasi]

Out of all these, give me Buffon now (or at least as soon as he recovers from injury) and for the next 2 or 3 years.
We are talking of the best goalkeeper ever, no need to look anywhere else until he's 35 or even more.

After that, give me Sirigu or Akinfeev.

[LJJ]

still the best leauge in the world by a country mile

Despite getting outperformed in continental football on a structural basis....

We have been over this before on this board: there are absolutely no grounds for the so-called superiority of the EPL. It's hype and it's bullshit.

Personally, I'm happy they are all kicked from the CL because the generic brand of British football that most of the British teams play is particularly boring to me. Very rigid, very uncreative, very boring. (-/- Arsenal)

[LJJ]

If we are talking about young goalkeepers as oppossed to the already established ones (Casillas, Buffon, Julio Cesar), then Lloris maybe. Akinfeev could also be in, and the two young goalkeepers at Atletico Madrid, Degea and Asenjo I think, look promising. Atletico churns out a lot of good young footballers.

Definitely. I've considered Akinfeev a top ten goalkeeper for years now, shocking that he is still only his early twenties.

[Hawker]

Rafael really ****ed Manchester United. Why you still make stupid mistakes like that at a professional level (or at any level) is quite ridiculous. Shows a lack of discipline and maturity.

If Rafael doesn't **** up, Man Utd. scores another goal or disallows the Robben goal to happen.

[Hawker]

Despite getting outperformed in continental football on a structural basis....

We have been over this before on this board: there are absolutely no grounds for the so-called superiority of the EPL. It's hype and it's bullshit.

Personally, I'm happy they are all kicked from the CL because the generic brand of British football that most of the British teams play is particularly boring to me. Very rigid, very uncreative, very boring. (-/- Arsenal)

Where are the dutch teams at?

EPL is still the #1 league in the World.

[SALFORD-RED]

Rafael really ****ed Manchester United. Why you still make stupid mistakes like that at a professional level (or at any level) is quite ridiculous. Shows a lack of discipline and maturity.

If Rafael doesn't **** up, Man Utd. scores another goal or disallows the Robben goal to happen.

:applause:


Where are the dutch teams at?

:applause:

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME A DUTCH TEAM WON THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE?

[King Lebron LBJ]

Despite getting outperformed in continental football on a structural basis....

We have been over this before on this board: there are absolutely no grounds for the so-called superiority of the EPL. It's hype and it's bullshit.

Personally, I'm happy they are all kicked from the CL because the generic brand of British football that most of the British teams play is particularly boring to me. Very rigid, very uncreative, very boring. (-/- Arsenal)

Premier league is the best by far. First time in 7 years a premiership team not in the semis. They are 4 legit teams in england who can compete in europe. They didn't come up this year but they will be back

[Jasi]

Ok I've done a little exercise to compute the results of the clubs from main countries in the Champions League.
What I've done for each year's CL is give 100 points to the winner, 75 to the runner-up, and 50 to the other semifinalists (for the present year, since we are still to go through the semifinals, I've given (100+75+50+50)/4 = 68.75 points to each club in the semifinals), and then sum by club and by country.

The results are as follows:

Since the CL exists in this format (1993-2010)
1. Milan (575 pts)
2. Barcelona (494 pts)
3. Man Utd (425 pts)

In the '90s (1993-2000)
1. Juventus (300 pts)
2. Milan (250 pts)
3. Ajax (225 pts)

Last 10 years (2001-2010)
1. Barcelona (369 pts)
2. Milan (325 pts)
3. Man Utd & Chelsea (275 pts)

Last 5 years (2006-2010)
1. Barcelona (319 pts)
2. Man Utd (225 pts)
3. Chelsea (175 pts)


Results by country

Since the CL exists in this format (1993-2010)
1. Spanish clubs (1169 pts)
2. English clubs (1075 pts)
3. Italian clubs (1069 pts)

In the '90s (1993-2000)
1. Italian clubs (550 pts)
2. Spanish clubs (400 pts)
3. German clubs (325 pts)

Last 10 years (2001-2010)
1. English clubs (925 pts)
2. Spanish clubs (769 pts)
3. Italian clubs (519 pts)

Last 5 years (2006-2010)
1. English clubs (625 pts)
2. Spanish clubs (394 pts)
3. Italian clubs (219 pts)

[lilmagicjohnson]

It was good to see Robben own the shit out of man utd at old trafford, what a glorious glorious goal, and Olic, this guy has composure-relatively easy matchup with Lyon coming up, will we see an Inter-Bayern finals?

Real were retarded for selling Robben.

Manc scum suck dick how can you blow 3-0 at home :roll: epic fail

[SALFORD-RED]

http://fiddyp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/caution-john-terry.jpg

[lilmagicjohnson]

http://fiddyp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/caution-john-terry.jpg
Watching Barcelona play keepaway from Manc shit for 90 minutes of humiliation made up for that :roll:

Suck Ronaldo ****, wankchester united

[CasterL]

Despite getting outperformed in continental football on a structural basis....

We have been over this before on this board: there are absolutely no grounds for the so-called superiority of the EPL. It's hype and it's bullshit.

Personally, I'm happy they are all kicked from the CL because the generic brand of British football that most of the British teams play is particularly boring to me. Very rigid, very uncreative, very boring. (-/- Arsenal)

From top to bottom the premiership is the deepest leauge in the world imo. I love spanish football and watch it when ever I get the chance. but have a look at their leauge table, the drop off is massive after the top two teams, who incidently may be better than any english team. I believe that the EPL is deeper than any any other leauge at the moment, and obviosuly that makes for a more gruelling and competitive season.

I find it hard to believe a true football fan can find english football boring. There might not be as much space and fluididty to the game as other leauges, the pace is also slower granted. but technically the football is just as good and just as skillful, and the game is more physical.

Is the german or french leauge really better than the prem because they have semi finalists?pfffff I know this isn't what you 're saying but certain people have implicated it. I will conceed that real madrid are as good as any english side, even though they didnt progress as far as our sides.

[The GM]

Despite getting outperformed in continental football on a structural basis....

We have been over this before on this board: there are absolutely no grounds for the so-called superiority of the EPL. It's hype and it's bullshit.

Personally, I'm happy they are all kicked from the CL because the generic brand of British football that most of the British teams play is particularly boring to me. Very rigid, very uncreative, very boring. (-/- Arsenal)

This. I don't know what are people's grounds for calling one league" the best in the world" but I don't see it in the EPL. If Manchester United isn't winning in the CL, the EPL isn't bringing home any silverware in big competitions. This year has shown that the EPL teams are always the most overrated teams every single year. If they don't get an easy draw in the CL then they don't do anything, If you call getting to semi-finals "success" then have fun with that but isn't the goal of being in tournaments like this about winning the whole thing? If you go by those standards then you would say the best teams in the world are Italian and Spanish, not english. Once teams like Chelesa, Arsenal & even Man U come up against world heavyweights they get ran over. Look how Chelesa played against Barcelona, it was the most disgraceful football I have ever seen in my life and they have the nerve to say they were the best team in the world, they were "robbed" and complain like lil bitches about the officating, when you play the game like that the football god's will punch you in the face as seen by the Iniesta goal. I respect to Aresenal for the way they played against Barca, they played the game the right way and the only way they knew how instead of playing that crap football that most EPL teams play. Manchester United is always good every year but they are the Big dog in the EPL and everyone knows that. There are 3 teams in contention for the EPL crown, there are 3 teams in contention for the Serie A crown, it's a two team race in La Liga and a 6 team race in Ligue 1. Going by people's logic on here Ligue 1 is the best league, though I don't think that is true and they did have 2 teams in the final 8.. sp people cannot say it's a medicore league. EPL just get's all this coverage on ESPN & FSC and that's why people lable it as "the best" because they don't see anything else besides that but as the guy above me said the EPL is all just "hype".

[Black Joker]

From top to bottom the premiership is the deepest leauge in the world imo. I love spanish football and watch it when ever I get the chance. but have a look at their leauge table, the drop off is massive after the top two teams, who incidently may be better than any english team. I believe that the EPL is deeper than any any other leauge at the moment, and obviosuly that makes for a more gruelling and competitive season.

I find it hard to believe a true football fan can find english football boring. There might not be as much space and fluididty to the game as other leauges, the pace is also slower granted. but technically the football is just as good and just as skillful, and the game is more physical.

Is the german or french leauge really better than the prem because they have semi finalists?pfffff I know this isn't what you 're saying but certain people have implicated it. I will conceed that real madrid are as good as any english side, even though they didnt progress as far as our sides.
+1

[Quata]

We shall be seeing some italian league dominance this year with inter taking out the champions league (hopefully!)

But yeah, premier league is without a doubt the most competitive league top to bottom. The top teams in the world are definitely spread out between france, italy, germany, spain, etc but in terms of inter league competitiveness it smashes them all. ****ing love derby matches.

[LJJ]

Ok I've done a little exercise to compute the results of the clubs from main countries in the Champions League.
What I've done for each year's CL is give 100 points to the winner, 75 to the runner-up, and 50 to the other semifinalists (for the present year, since we are still to go through the semifinals, I've given (100+75+50+50)/4 = 68.75 points to each club in the semifinals), and then sum by club and by country.

The results are as follows:

I'm not saying they haven't done good in the CL, but does that really say so much? More semi final appearances, but less wins? That actually tells me something else. Four English teams are usually among the top 10 teams in Europa, but also almost never the very best.

Take the Uefa cup into account too, as a measure of a league's overall strength. One English winner in the last 20 years.


From top to bottom the premiership is the deepest leauge in the world imo. I love spanish football and watch it when ever I get the chance. but have a look at their leauge table, the drop off is massive after the top two teams, who incidently may be better than any english team. I believe that the EPL is deeper than any any other leauge at the moment, and obviosuly that makes for a more gruelling and competitive season.

I find it hard to believe a true football fan can find english football boring. There might not be as much space and fluididty to the game as other leauges, the pace is also slower granted. but technically the football is just as good and just as skillful, and the game is more physical.

Is the german or french leauge really better than the prem because they have semi finalists?pfffff I know this isn't what you 're saying but certain people have implicated it. I will conceed that real madrid are as good as any english side, even though they didnt progress as far as our sides.

I'm not really talking about the overall quality. To me, the top three leagues are pretty much equal. EPL maybe more competitive at the top, the Liga has better top teams and is probably a bit deeper considering every team. The Serie A is overall more tactically refined at defense.

But the reason I don't like to watch EPL, at least not as much as the Spanish, Italian or even the French and German leagues is something else. I recognize the quality of the top teams sure. But pretty much every team has that static, basic playing style that makes it all very predictable. You already know what you are going to see, because all of the tactics and playing styles are not that profound. All the teams are basically copies of each other, but with different budgets.

Not too mention the defense is absolutely atrocious. Sure, guys like Ferdinand or even a guy like Terry are intimidating, athletic, powerful, but they don't have that football IQ.

If you look at a guy like Javier Zanetti, not the most athletic, but a refined understanding of the game. You just don't find players like that in a run of the mill EPL team, any player who has any football intellect plays at center-midfield of has a mostly offensive role. Even on a team like Arsenal, the defenders are big and tough, the side backs are quick and athletic, but none of them can read the game.
And it's really not that amusing to me to watch all these incredibly athletic, but tactically challenged teams battle it out. It takes out one of the most interesting aspects of the game. The aspect that makes you want to see the whole ninety minutes.

It's very entertaining to watch EPL highlights, due to all the goals and the harsh fouls, but out of the highlights there really isn't anything to see.

[Knuck the Ficks]

Interesting discussions in here regarding the best league in the world.

If you'd ask'd me before the season I would have said La Liga for sure due to the addition of Ronaldo, Kaka, Alonso and Zlatan.

Now? I'm not so certain. La Liga certainly possesses the best team in the world but that's surely negated by the fact that ManU, Chelsea and Arsenal are all better than Real Madrid.

Then you have the fact that after Madrid there is a massive drop off. There's a gap in the EPL as well but without consulting the table I'm pretty sure it's narrower than the one in Spain.

I guess I'd give it to the EPL, but there are obviously many ways you can judge a league.

[Jasi]

EPL and La Liga have expressed the most dominant teams in the latest years, but I still think that as far as difficulty goes, for the average level of its clubs, Serie A is the best league.

[Knuck the Ficks]

EPL and La Liga have expressed the most dominant teams in the latest years, but I still think that as far as difficulty goes, for the average level of its clubs, Serie A is the best league.
You can't say that in the same year in which a pathetic Milan team could conceivably win the title.

[Jasi]

You can't say that in the same year in which a pathetic Milan team could conceivably win the title.

Milan was pathetic against Man Utd, but his level of play overall in the season has been quite high.
Also, I'm speaking of the average level of Serie A clubs. You don't have that drop off after the first two or three positions that you have elsewhere.
Fiorentina who may have well deserved to eliminate Bayern at the round of 16 is now 8th in Serie A.
You have Palermo, Sampdoria, Juventus (in a slump) and Napoli who are all worth the Champions League.
In the bottom of the ranking you have minor but tough clubs and upsets happen every week. To go and win in Catania, Chievo or in Rome against Lazio wouldn't be so easy for Spanish/English teams as it is for them to play minor clubs in their own leagues.

[LJJ]

The amount of tomato can teams in the EPL.....

[Skywalker]

liverpool locks up their world class keeper for 6 years :D

[SALFORD-RED]

Milan was pathetic against Man Utd, but his level of play overall in the season has been quite high.
Also, I'm speaking of the average level of Serie A clubs. You don't have that drop off after the first two or three positions that you have elsewhere.
Fiorentina who may have well deserved to eliminate Bayern at the round of 16 is now 8th in Serie A.
You have Palermo, Sampdoria, Juventus (in a slump) and Napoli who are all worth the Champions League.
In the bottom of the ranking you have minor but tough clubs and upsets happen every week. To go and win in Catania, Chievo or in Rome against Lazio wouldn't be so easy for Spanish/English teams as it is for them to play minor clubs in their own leagues.


SO BASICALLY YOU BASE YOUR JUDGEMENT ON THE QUALITY OF THE MEDICOCRE TEAMS. "OUR MEDIOCRE TEAMS ARE BETTER THAN YOURS".

GREAT LOGIC. :hammerhead:

MAGICJOHNSON - GET BACK TO ME WHEN YOU HAVE DOUBLE FIGURES IN CHAMPIONSHIPS AND HAVE MANAGED JUST ONE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.

[The GM]

Interesting discussions in here regarding the best league in the world.

If you'd ask'd me before the season I would have said La Liga for sure due to the addition of Ronaldo, Kaka, Alonso and Zlatan.

Now? I'm not so certain. La Liga certainly possesses the best team in the world but that's surely negated by the fact that ManU, Chelsea and Arsenal are all better than Real Madrid.

Then you have the fact that after Madrid there is a massive drop off. There's a gap in the EPL as well but without consulting the table I'm pretty sure it's narrower than the one in Spain.

I guess I'd give it to the EPL, but there are obviously many ways you can judge a league.

In my opinion.. I don't see how Man U, Chelesa or Arsenal could be better then R.M if they have never played each other. R.M has been playing some of the best football in the world for a while now, far better then all three of the english clubs you just named. Honestly I believe that a Sevilla or a Valenica side could beat an Arsenal side on any given day as they are more in each others league as 2nd tier teams, you also have to remember Sevilla could have made it to the final 8 of the CL so I don't know how people could say they are a "weak" side or there is a "drop off" after the top 2.. Valencia, Mallorca & Sevilla I think could handle 90% of the english clubs.

[Black Joker]

i don't believe Sevilla/Valenica could beat on any given day a healthy Arsenal team... not to say that 10/10 times Arsenal would win, but i'm thinking 7/10... now the team as currently constructed/fit, sure no problem, i'd even might favor the spanish teams

[vapid]

I'd take Man city and liverpool over sevilla/valencia probably as well.

[The GM]

I'd take Man city and liverpool over sevilla/valencia probably as well.

Liverpool I doubt could even beat a horrible Athletico Madrid side but I forgot about Man City I think they could give Sevilla and Valencia a fight.. IF they want to play cause alot of times I see them they look disintrested.

[The GM]

i don't believe Sevilla/Valenica could beat on any given day a healthy Arsenal team... not to say that 10/10 times Arsenal would win, but i'm thinking 7/10... now the team as currently constructed/fit, sure no problem, i'd even might favor the spanish teams

I think 7/10 is too high, I'd say it's a coin toss. Just look at all the attacking power that Valencia have with Villa, Pablo Hernadez, David Silva, Mata and the open game that Arsenal play, they would be under pressure alot of the night. I think the only reason that Valencia underahcieves is because of their financial situation, if they get that straightened out and are able to keep all or most of that young talent they could be a treat in Europe in a year or two.

[King Lebron LBJ]

Interesting discussions in here regarding the best league in the world.

If you'd ask'd me before the season I would have said La Liga for sure due to the addition of Ronaldo, Kaka, Alonso and Zlatan.

Now? I'm not so certain. La Liga certainly possesses the best team in the world but that's surely negated by the fact that ManU, Chelsea and Arsenal are all better than Real Madrid.

Then you have the fact that after Madrid there is a massive drop off. There's a gap in the EPL as well but without consulting the table I'm pretty sure it's narrower than the one in Spain.

I guess I'd give it to the EPL, but there are obviously many ways you can judge a league.

La Liga has quailty players in the big two teams but after Barcs and Real the rest are complete trash apart from Valencia who are average at best.

[Skywalker]

Liverpool I doubt could even beat a horrible Athletico Madrid side but I forgot about Man City I think they could give Sevilla and Valencia a fight.. IF they want to play cause alot of times I see them they look disintrested.

you quickly forget how they shit on real last yr :rolleyes:

[Knuck the Ficks]

Honestly I believe that a Sevilla or a Valenica side could beat an Arsenal side on any given day as they are more in each others league as 2nd tier teams
Then you're overrating both Sevilla and Valencia. A healthy Arsenal would beat Sevilla (a team that can't be that awesome since they fired their coach) at least 70% of the time. Same with Valencia


you also have to remember Sevilla could have made it to the final 8 of the CL so I don't know how people could say they are a "weak" side or there is a "drop off" after the top 2

- "could have made" = "didn't make"

- You say that as if it were some type of great achievement. They weren't knocked out by Barcelona, they were knocked out by CSKA Moscow - the weakest team in the quarterfinals and by quite some distance. Sevilla should have beaten them comfortably.

[Jasi]

SO BASICALLY YOU BASE YOUR JUDGEMENT ON THE QUALITY OF THE MEDICOCRE TEAMS. "OUR MEDIOCRE TEAMS ARE BETTER THAN YOURS".

GREAT LOGIC. :hammerhead:

MAGICJOHNSON - GET BACK TO ME WHEN YOU HAVE DOUBLE FIGURES IN CHAMPIONSHIPS AND HAVE MANAGED JUST ONE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.

No.

First, I'm saying the average level of our teams is higher than yours = our league is better.

Second, I'm using the mediocre teams argument to imply that in a tougher league, your Man Utd probably wouldn't win, and would waste energies, resulting in poorer performances in the CL.

[Jasi]

Anyway these talks about Spanish vs English teams will soon get old.
The Spanish "Beckham law" that allows clubs to pay much less taxes for foreign star players will not be in force any more from next season.
English teams are the most indebted in Europe and this will give them troubles now that Platini wants to enforce financial transparency for UEFA clubs.

The big bubble of Spain-England is going to blow up soon, and Italian clubs will get back to dominate as always :pimp:

[Derek Zoolander]

Bayern ftw