2013/2014 Champions League Thread

[browna]

Tough go for Celtic to be sure. Last year was pretty special, this year would be 3x that getting out of the group stage.

[Bagor]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

If I recall, in the past you had to go an hour or so west to Bilbao for good footy.

When I was going in the late 90s I was staying with friends in Vitoria when Alaves (remember them Pool fans?) were holding their own for a small club. Just looked them up, appear to have gone to the dogs.

That part of the world has it all, people, scenery, lifestyle, fiestas, food .....

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by Bagor

When I was going in the late 90s I was staying with friends in Vitoria when Alaves (remember them Pool fans?) were holding their own for a small club. Just looked them up, appear to have gone to the dogs.

That part of the world has it all, people, scenery, lifestyle, fiestas, food .....

... and the surfing!

[carom]

Ossasuna is in that part of the world and they are decent (still in La Liega) , aren't they? I got myself an ossasuna hoodie when I was in Pamplona last year. Definitely beautiful and wonderful people, would reccomend San Firmin festival to anyone, even if you dont want to run with the bulls. Do all of the Basque based team run a program similar to Bilbao (Basque players only)?

[Bagor]

Think it's just Bilbao and they appear to have relaxed the rule to accepting non-Basques provided they were brought up in the Basque country.

Coincidental timing as this statement was released by their president today regarding United's 25M offer for Herrara

Bilbao club president Jose Urrutia said on Twitter: 'There is an offer for Ander Herrera. We received it yesterday and we have informed that we will not negotiate for our players.

'Our club is different. We create an emotional bond. Our objective is not to make money. For that a player should leave he needs to state his intentions to leave the club and pay the buyout clause.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...rned-down.html

Buyout is 30M

[Fusebox]

Originally Posted by Bagor

Think it's just Bilbao and they appear to have relaxed the rule to accepting non-Basques provided they were brought up in the Basque country.

Coincidental timing as this statement was released by their president today regarding United's 25M offer for Herrara

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...rned-down.html

Buyout is 30M

They got rid of that rule back in the late eighties. John Aldridge went there back in 1989. Dalian Atkinson played there as well just shortly after, I think right before he went back to England to play for Villa.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by Bagor

Think it's just Bilbao and they appear to have relaxed the rule to accepting non-Basques provided they were brought up in the Basque country.

Coincidental timing as this statement was released by their president today regarding United's 25M offer for Herrara

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...rned-down.html

Buyout is 30M

That's the guy who shredded us at Europa. Ironically, Pogba came in for Carrick that game, and apparently Madrid just bid on him today.

[Bagor]

Originally Posted by Fusebox

They got rid of that rule back in the late eighties. John Aldridge went there back in 1989. Dalian Atkinson played there as well just shortly after, I think right before he went back to England to play for Villa.

I was talking about Bilbao.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

That's the guy who shredded us at Europa. Ironically, Pogba came in for Carrick that game, and apparently Madrid just bid on him today.

Probably because from all accounts Pogba has looked awesome for Juventus to start the season and in the pre-season games, after having a good season last year.

His agent also said today that "Pogba is worth twice as much as Gareth Bale", so expect them to be looking for a big transfer fee if he does move.

Juventus has quite the midfield in their 3-5-2 system. Marchisio, Pogba, Pirlo, Vidal, Asamoah, Isla, Lichsteiner etc.

[Locke]

Bayern vs. Chelsea in the Supercup.

WTF is Pep doing? Seriously?

Rafinha, Boateng, Dante, Alaba and Lahm on all at the same time?

I thought Pep thought that the midfield is where games are won and lost?

Chelsea is going to win this because Bayern have no shape whatsoever. Of all the CMs Bayern can field Pep just figured he could do without one entirely.

[M*A*S*H 4077]

Pep has not been endearing himself to me thus far. Some of his decisions have been questionable. Why isn't Martinez playing?

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Locke

Bayern vs. Chelsea in the Supercup.

WTF is Pep doing? Seriously?

Rafinha, Boateng, Dante, Alaba and Lahm on all at the same time?

I thought Pep thought that the midfield is where games are won and lost?

Chelsea is going to win this because Bayern have no shape whatsoever. Of all the CMs Bayern can field Pep just figured he could do without one entirely.

I still want my 10 man international midfield squad

Do it Pep! You know you want to.

[Bagor]

Loved the reaction by Neuer after his gaffe. Looks up and starts shouting at the defenders.

[d_phaneuf]

best super cup final ever?

Javi at the death

2-2 going to pens

[Bagor]

Fantastic finish. Was getting worried that Chelsea were going to win it.

And then JT came on ......

[Locke]

Does John Terry have it written in his contract that he doesnt have to play cup finals, but has to be in the photos? Why do they do that?

Phillip Lahm's arms must be getting tired from hoisting all those trophies....

That said, Pep got really lucky in this one. Bayern were the better side but they just didnt play well.

[polak]

Sweet I see the convo has switched from talking about the hobbit...

[Bagor]

Did you ever get your money back from Barcelona?

[polak]

Originally Posted by Bagor

Did you ever get your money back from Barcelona?

Not all of it

F*** Barcelona

[Locke]

Indeed.