The Official 15/16 UEFA Champion's League and International Club News Thread

[devo22]

Love it for United. If there's a PL team that van Gaal has been good against, then it's Liverpool. Plus the hate/dislike for each other will guarantee interesting matches, even in the EL.

Spurs-Dortmund sucks. Should have been the final this year.

[Slava]

I think Spurs-Dortmund is partially awesome and partially unfortunate. I think that they're the two best remaining teams and whoever comes out should be favoured to win, and it should be a great match-up. At the same time it would've been nice to draw someone easier and get through with a lot more certainty.

Truthfully though, as a fan, I just want to see the big match-ups, so I think its pretty awesome.

[Locke]

Its the round of 16 so there arent really any sweetheart draws anymore.

[Slava]

Well we could've had Liverpool or ManU and coasted through!

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by Bagor

Midgetland was still only a goal away from winning the tie.

Tie out of reach? Sure. But when still on the line then no time for sentiments.

I must have read it wrong I thought they were 2 up at that point, if it's only 1 makes more sense

[d_phaneuf]

best part about United/Liverpool is it being a guaranteed winner for the coefficient

[Locke]

Alright! Bayern actually fielding 1 CB today!

This is a step in the right direction.

[Locke]

Going with 'Robbery' for the first time this season!

Franck on the left and Robben on the right.

I wish I could watch this game.

[troutman]

European breakaway league: Is football about to change forever?

http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35707372

According to The Sun, which broke the story, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea were there to resurrect an idea we have seen mooted in the past - a European super league.

This time, the talks were with American billionaire Stephen Ross.

It would be a new, invite-only competition that would see the biggest English clubs partner with their continental counterparts.

Such a move would mean the end of the Champions League and pose a huge threat to both the Premier League and Uefa, which governs European football.

[d_phaneuf]

BBC guy already shut it down earlier today

https://twitter.com/bbcsport_david/s...07450290835458

So this (apparently) is being driven by major clubs on the continent, but the English clubs feel it would be foolish not to listen because they are central to the proposals.

None of the ideas are about a breakaway league that would see the 'big five' leave the Premier League. Any involvement would still compliment domestic competition.

The 'big five' are said to be entirely comfortable with the Premier League and their ability to compete in Europe. They are understood not to be agitating for change, but they feel the clubs on the continent certainly are.

Furthermore, these discussions are said not to be a reaction from 'big five' clubs to the growing power of other Premier League sides, such as Leicester and Tottenham, and they are understood to be strongly opposed to a breakaway of any form.

The 'big five' are thought to remain of the belief that it is Uefa who will drive the future of European club football, but they are open to hearing ideas for ways in which the Champions League can be improved for themselves and their fans.

to me, if anything this might lead to more teams from the bigger leagues getting in the CL, and some of the other league winners having to go through qualifying as well

[Addick]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

to me, if anything this might lead to more teams from the bigger leagues getting in the CL, and some of the other league winners having to go through qualifying as well

While it may not be a breakaway league yet, it would lay the groundwork no?

[Locke]

Xabi Alonso reads 'Bossonomics' while juggling.

http://www.thescore.com/bund/news/974443

[cam_wmh]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...ks-reveal.html

This is just bonkers to me. (The salary, not the buy-out)

Perhaps the worlds most underrated player.
God I wish United bought him those many years ago.. Doubtful Levy would've obliged though.

[nik-]

Luka Modric is a treasure.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...ks-reveal.html

This is just bonkers to me. (The salary, not the buy-out)

Perhaps the worlds most underrated player.
God I wish United bought him those many years ago.. Doubtful Levy would've obliged though.

Well...relatively it seems crazy but £4.4M is still sweet wages.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by Locke

Well...relatively it seems crazy but £4.4M is still sweet wages.

He's the heart & motor on that team but slips under the radar like Makelele did.


Pay him peanuts, but a 1/2 Billion buy-out. Unreal.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

He's the heart & motor on that team but slips under the radar like Makelele did.


Pay him peanuts, but a 1/2 Billion buy-out. Unreal.

Fair enough. Very true. I've always been a fan of Modric.

Real Madrid are on the precipice of a reckoning.

Ronaldo's performance really papered over a lot of the cracks and warts on that team but the guy is now on the wrong side of 30 and while I imagine he'll remain an excellent player for a while still there is a decline coming. Its inevitable.

[devo22]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

God I wish United bought him those many years ago.. Doubtful Levy would've obliged though.

both Chelsea and United would have bought him in a heartbeat, probably for more than Real paid in the end. But Levy would have never sold him within the PL, which is a goddamn shame. Just a brilliant, brilliant player.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Locke

Fair enough. Very true. I've always been a fan of Modric.

Real Madrid are on the precipice of a reckoning.

Ronaldo's performance really papered over a lot of the cracks and warts on that team but the guy is now on the wrong side of 30 and while I imagine he'll remain an excellent player for a while still there is a decline coming. Its inevitable.

Replace Perez

Sell Ronaldo to PSG

Buy Dybala and a legit defender

A visit to Bernabeu made me a fan, it looks like I jumped on just in time for the excitement.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by nik-

Replace Perez

Sell Ronaldo to PSG

Buy Dybala and a legit defender

A visit to Bernabeu made me a fan, it looks like I jumped on just in time for the excitement.

I think Ronaldo is a horse that they're going to ride into the ground. Much like Raul.