The 2018/2019 UEFA Champion's League and International Club News Thread

[nik-]

Red Star having a rough day.

[devo22]

really like the group for United. Haven't faced Juventus (2003) and Valencia (2010) in a while and Young Boys is an interesting newbie, so it's going to be interesting at least. Should have a decent chance of finishing 2nd over Valencia.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Even though United are a mess, I still think all four EPL teams will progress.

[The Big Chill]

I'm happy with that. Should be some entertaining and challenging games for Liverpool.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

I'm happy with that. Should be some entertaining and challenging games for Liverpool.

Agreed, a pretty tough group but we've shown that we can take Napoli already and PSG are still inconsistent so really, we have to worry about Red Star Belgrade...

[White Out 403]

Wow. What's the over under on points for Red Star in that group?2.5?

[agulati]

Feels bad to not see Arsenal in the mix. Hopefully they can pull themselves back into the conversation soon.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by agulati

Feels bad to not see Arsenal in the mix. Hopefully they can pull themselves back into the conversation soon.

I'm actually pretty okay with it. I'm comfortable.

[devo22]

Ronaldo's camp crying over Modrics deserved win is wonderful.

https://twitter.com/user/status/1035275302262530048

https://twitter.com/user/status/1035409941660622849

[devo22]

RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg have been drawn into the same EL group lol

was bound to happen at some point

[Slava]

Originally Posted by devo22

RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg have been drawn into the same EL group lol

was bound to happen at some point

I didn't think that was allowed? Maybe those restrictions only apply to CL, although that seems ridiculous.

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Slava

I didn't think that was allowed? Maybe those restrictions only apply to CL, although that seems ridiculous.

they are seen as independent clubs (which is why they both are allowed to participate), therefore it's only fair they get to be drawn into the same group.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Slava

I didn't think that was allowed? Maybe those restrictions only apply to CL, although that seems ridiculous.

The Red Bull teams have been flouting the rules for a while now. I'm guessing UEFA is considering this Fair Play.

[Slava]

I thought that there were rules preventing the same owners from having more than one club in the competition? I guess the fact that everyone knows they're the same owner and what's on paper make it work here though?

It's pretty crazy that they basically allow all this circumvention. Not a lot different than City; we all know that they are getting advertising dollars from a company that is owned and controlled by the same company and it makes things work for FFP or whatever. But I guess it works on paper, so it's legit.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Slava

I thought that there were rules preventing the same owners from having more than one club in the competition? I guess the fact that everyone knows they're the same owner and what's on paper make it work here though?

It's pretty crazy that they basically allow all this circumvention. Not a lot different than City; we all know that they are getting advertising dollars from a company that is owned and controlled by the same company and it makes things work for FFP or whatever. But I guess it works on paper, so it's legit.

I'm not entirely familiar with the Red Bull scenario but I thought I read that one of them is owned by a subsidiary (controlled of course) and that the 'Red Bull' name is 'just sponsorship.'

Its an obvious work-around of course, but thats my understanding. Devo would probably know better.

At the same time though its not like UEFA has been really strict about enforcing their FFP rules.

[devo22]

Salzburg and Leipzig both played EL last year too. Like I said, they are seen as independent clubs. UEFA wanted them to make some structural changes and they did, so when Leipzig qualified for Europe for the first time last year, the UEFA gave green light for both to participate. Nothing new to see here, just funny that they finally meet. They could have met last year in the semis too, but Leipzig crashed out in the quarters.

The sponsoring part is also true. RB Salzburg has to participate as "FC Salzburg" because sponsoring is not allowed in the team name. Leipzig has avoid that by calling themselves "Rasenball" (grass ball) instead of Red Bull, so they can still participate as "RB Leipzig".

[Locke]

Originally Posted by devo22

Salzburg and Leipzig both played EL last year too. Like I said, they are seen as independent clubs. UEFA wanted them to make some structural changes and they did, so when Leipzig qualified for Europe for the first time last year, the UEFA gave green light for both to participate. Nothing new to see here, just funny that they finally meet. They could have met last year in the semis too, but Leipzig crashed out in the quarters.

The sponsoring part is also true. RB Salzburg has to participate as "FC Salzburg" because sponsoring is not allowed in the team name. Leipzig has avoid that by calling themselves "Rasenball" (grass ball) instead of Red Bull, so they can still participate as "RB Leipzig".

So yeah, they're skating on technicalities.

[Bagor]

Salah doubtful for this weekend after being assaulted again by the CL defender of the season at Thursday's awards.

[EldrickOnIce]

The kid is in Ukraine right now, at the Dynamo Kiev match. Business class ticket for most expensive seat in stadium = $22

[The Big Chill]

So I'm behind on news, as usual. The only way I can watch CL this year is to subscribe to DAZN? Does that mean it's time to ditch SN World and pick up DAZN? I don't think I can stomach paying for both.