UEFA Champions & Europa League 2014-15 Season Thread

[Fernando]

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All places to talk Champions & Europa League  football for this season  

Champions League Round of 16 Draw

PSG vs Chelsea
Man City vs Barcelona
Bayer Leverkusen vs Atletico Madrid
Juventus vs Dortmund
Schalke vs Real Madrid
Shaktar Donetsk vs Bayern Munich
Arsenal vs Monaco
Basel vs Porto


Arsenal - Monaco
Celtic - Inter Milan
Chelsea - PSG
Everton - Young Boys
Hull - OUT
Liverpool - OUT of CL dropped into Europa League - Besiktas
Man City - Barcelona
Man Utd - Swansea 21st February (It's about as close to European football as your getting this year) 
Tottenham - Fiorentina

[GSC]

That's a fantastic tackle

[Fernando]

Arsenal 3-1 Anderlecht - No idea was watching the scouser game for the moment (Vanden Borre)

Arteta off injured seemingly.

[kingraf]

If ever you wonder why finding a quality centre half is like finding gold dust... Look at that Ramos tackle. Edge of the box, sliding in, nothing but ball, opposing player doesn't drop like a deck of cards, and he gets a yellow.

The modern game has all but outlawed actually tackling

[kingraf]

I really don't understand Rodgers' thinking here. Basically came here to lose... But if that happens. Real are through, and can rest players for the last two games. Which makes Liverpool's aim of qualifying harder?

[kingraf]

26 attempts at goal for one goal... Maybe not.our best day. This is gonna be like those games in FIFA where you fave a crappy side and they find a late late goal.

[GSC]

Mignolet can't catch for crap

[kingraf]

Kroos with a cynical foul. He's learning

[GSC]

He's German

He knew that at birth

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Oh my

[Fernando]

We've gone full Newcastle mode blowing a 3-0 lead back to 3-3

[kingraf]

Jeez what a choke job

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Well, the point in his mind is probably that they'll get battered here, and will then be tired and get battered at the weekend. Granted, the points tally may be a fat zero however they play it, but if he thinks that the loss here is likely anyway so wont affect their standing in the Champs league, but Chelsea gives them a chance of qualifying again then it does kinda make sense

[Dolphin Ziggler]

And Arsenal have cost me money. Bottlers

[Fernando]

Should of gone with a bookie with a cash out option. numpty

[GSC]

Fairly routine win for Madrid. Never really got out of first gear

[kingraf]

Fine... but then why does he want to play Champs League?

[Duty281]

And Arsenal have cost me money. Bottlers

And me! Bloody Arsenal.

[Fernando]

I tell you guys on a weekly basis Not to Bet on Arsenal...Yet you guys never listen

[GSC]

We'll sacrifice the CL this year to boost our chances of making it next year

Makes sense

[Fernando]

sure if your good enough for top 4 which they aren't the way their playing

#Muppet

[kingraf]

So what happens next year in a similar situation?

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Wait, losing this game has lost them the Champions League? I didnt realise

[kingraf]

Seems the idea is then "we'll make a run for champs league, but only if the stars are completely aligned, if not, we'll intentionally bomb out, so that we can make a run for the next one, ad infinitum".

[GSC]

Yeah Liverpools start has left them in prime position to write off one of 6 group games

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Might only lose to Chelsea by one goal now!

[Fernando]

They are 3 pts behind Basel, Basel have to Anfield & at home to Madrid who will 95% chance they will rest people now they've qualified so don't fancy their chances honestly.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Anyways good to see Rodgers is being found out for being the bang average manager he is this season

[GSC]

They also barely squeaked past Ludogarets at home.

More to the point its just embarrassing for a club the size Liverpool claim to be. Rodgers looks very small time

[Dolphin Ziggler]

The first team did get smashed apart by Real. At home.

They'll beat Basel and Ludogerets and then they're through. If they win two winnable games they are through. Does anyone think this situation is different to what they envisaged before the teams came out?

Think it did a lot of good for some fringe players too.

[GSC]

Yeah all they have to do is beat a side they already got handled by and a side they squeaked past. Nothing at all really.

This is the CL, not the COC. You cant afford to take 1 of 6 games off when you're struggling as is

[kingraf]

It's not just about the qualification, though, it's also the message you're sending out. I'd be disgusted if Real were third in a group, and decided ten games into the league, that a big weekend clash in week ten (of 38) was worth more than giving the Champs league a go in matchday four (of six).

There's a case for resting Gerrard... But a guy like Sterling's never been to Santiago, a guy like Balotelli is a performer, and might have caught fire playing in front of 80 000. Even if you lost you're creating the opportunity to have some feel good vibes out of it. I can't see any positive out of this. Okay they didn't cleaned, but outside of Mignolet, I don't think anyone on defense can say they performed admirably. We hit the bar once, Ronaldo fluffed a one on one. Benzema failed to connect on a decent opportunity. Isco took too many touches on one... Honestly, you'd have to have been watching only the scoreline to think this was in any way an improvement. Would say a lot about 'Pool's ambitions if they leave happy Madrid only put the one goal past them.

[monty junior]

Bloody Benfica, that late goal cost me a tonne 

[Dolphin Ziggler]

To be honest, I think most sides would be reasonably content only losing 1-0 to the Champions of Europe and a team that could put Bale on the bench and have Isco playing.

I agree on the message, but then Brendan's job is to manage his team first and foremost. If his players understood the decision then they're not a problem.

I think Can and Borini both looked better than they have or their competition. Good experience for the full backs, Markovic and Lallana.

Equally, they just lost to Newcastle. They dont deserve to be rewarded with a game in the Bernabeu. About two of them have been rested cos i'd argue Balotelli, Lovren, Johnson and Gerrard don't deserve to be starting on form anyway.

7 games in 21 days and I think this may have been the one least affected by resting players.

[NickisBHAFC]

Arsenal 

[Crimey]

Yeah, as much as I thought the decision was ridiculous, thought Rodgers comes out at the end of the game looking pretty good. The second team put a good account of themselves, a great confidence boost for players like Borini, Markovic, Can, and Lucas as well as a kick up the backside for the first team showing them that Rodgers will drop them if he has to. I don't think Rodgers does things like this enough.

As it was, the team played better than at Anfield and with better final balls could have even snatched a goal. Thought Mignolet's confidence got a timely boost as well, played really well. Kolo Toure was surprisingly really good at the back as well.

I expected to be fuming at the end of this game, but came away reasonably happy. 1-0 was not a bad score and hopefully the players left out will raise their game against Chelsea.

[socal1976]

We are again being punished for Wenger completely refusing to buy defenders and overelying on Per and Kos. Per has been awful this year. Looks like another 4th place trophy and 15 years in a row of getting into group play, if we are lucky. Big Wenger fan but he has really not done well with all the resources at our disposal financially. Our defense is comical, just comical. You have to think for 10-15 million pounds you could of bought a defender better than what we have on display right now.

[kingraf]

Buying Welbeck instead of a defender could turn out to be worse than gambling on Balotelli

[socal1976]

Buying Welbeck instead of a defender could turn out to be worse than gambling on Balotelli

It didn't need to be either or, 20 million more pounds to buy a couple of experienced defenders would not have pushed us into bankruptcy or anything like that but could of assured us to at least being in contention for league. I like buying welbeck, and sanchez. But everyone an their mother knew we needed more than 6 defenders on the whole squad.

[Guest]

Yeah, as much as I thought the decision was ridiculous, thought Rodgers comes out at the end of the game looking pretty good. The second team put a good account of themselves, a great confidence boost for players like Borini, Markovic, Can, and Lucas as well as a kick up the backside for the first team showing them that Rodgers will drop them if he has to. I don't think Rodgers does things like this enough.

As it was, the team played better than at Anfield and with better final balls could have even snatched a goal. Thought Mignolet's confidence got a timely boost as well, played really well. Kolo Toure was surprisingly really good at the back as well.

I expected to be fuming at the end of this game, but came away reasonably happy. 1-0 was not a bad score and hopefully the players left out will raise their game against Chelsea.

Must admit I watched the game through trembling fingers but was pleasantly surprised. Whilst I agree with the opinion of some media types that playing Real Madrid is a career highlight and Rodgers was denying these lads a chance to savour something special, it must be pointed out that some of the team didn't deserve a place on the pitch after recent performances.

I'm glad he's had the balls to drop Lovren who has definitely be poor this season and was pleased that Kolo stepped to the plate. Real were always going to cause the defence problems but I thought they defended excellently at times. Thought Lucas played very well too, taking charge when required and sorting out the occasional mess we got ourselves into.

Disappointed that Markovic seems to lack the confidence to take a chance or play the final ball when he gets the chance. Thinks he needs a bit of a confidence boost but some of his play showed promise but think he still has some way to go. I can see the likes of Sturridge being infuriated with him after he's just made a lung bursting 50 yard run only for the ball to go backwards or get taken off Markovic's toes.

I'm hoping Rodgers is learning that a bit of tough love is needed at times and showing a willingness to drop players who aren't performing and giving the rest a chance to show what they have to offer is something he'll do again where required. The team definitely needs a kick up the ar$e and Gerrard's recent comments where he says he'll considering leaving can't have done team morale much good. Just hope they can produce something against Chelsea at the weekend.

[lfc91]

To be honest in an ideal world I wouldn't want to see any changes to the team that started that game come the weekend. One of the best performances I've seem from us all year.(One of the only in fact). No doubt gerrard and sterling will come in, and I can't really argue as, for me, they are 2 of our best players.(I know many people think gerrards done but I don't share that view). However, if I see the names Jonhson, Balotelli or Lovren on the team sheet I may have to start following a different sport! Those 3 have been poor in the majority of matches they've played this season and when they finally get dropped, the players who replaced them gave a great account of themselves! Would be a slap in the face to those players and the fans if the 3 I mentioned just automatically get their spot back based on their price tag!(Or whatever insane reason Rodgers continuously has for playing the liability GJ!!)

[Stella]

It was only 1-0, but Madrid should have scored a couple more. 3-0 would have been fair. Not quite getting why some are thinking Liverpool played well. They battled, but you need more than that. Two shots at goal was it? I'm in the 'pick the best XI' camp. Away at Madrid. This is what you play for, and imagine a point there. Qualification gets easier then.

[kingraf]

You ignore the fact that Madrid had thirty shots at goal, and I can see how you think the defence is no longer leaky. Hopefully Chelsea are equally wasteful then?

I haven't of course watched Liverpool with the interest of Dave and Crimey, but this was in no way a better performance than Anfield, and if this is an improvement from how they've generally played... well...

[lfc91]

Exactly, they battled. Most of the matches I've watched this season the so called first string players hadn't even looked like doing that. I'm simply if the opinion that several of the players last night showed more in their 90 minutes than certain starters have in a host of games this season, and should be rewarded accordingly by starting at the weekend.

Could they have scored more goals, possibly. Did they ? No. For the very reason you highlighted, the players last night battled for everything and were will to put their body's on the line.(one of the many things we have lacked this year). To be honest, with the form Liverpool have been in this year and the players at BRs disposal currently, I'm not sure any combination of players could have done much better. It's sad as a fan to even say that but it's the truth.

Not sure how anyone could look at the 2 fixtures against Madrid and not see a big improvement on the second match. So in that sense the selection was ok as the 'reserves' outperformed the 'first team'.

[Guest]

It was only 1-0, but Madrid should have scored a couple more. 3-0 would have been fair. Not quite getting why some are thinking Liverpool played well. They battled, but you need more than that. Two shots at goal was it? I'm in the 'pick the best XI' camp. Away at Madrid. This is what you play for, and imagine a point there. Qualification gets easier then.

Says as much for Real's defence as Liverpool's attack. the amount of times they managed to nick the ball, get a toe on a through ball or just used their nous to prevent some of our players from getting the ball was impressive.

There's a reason why they're regarded as one of the best teams in Europe and better teams than Liverpool have done far worse this season.

[Guest]

You ignore the fact that Madrid had thirty shots at goal, and I can see how you think the defence is no longer leaky. Hopefully Chelsea are equally wasteful then?

I haven't of course watched Liverpool with the interest of Dave and Crimey,  but this was in no way a better performance than Anfield, and if this is an improvement from how they've generally played... well...

Been times when Liverpool have had nearly 30 shots at goal, scored ONCE and been given a dog's abuse for it. "Bloody sh!t that lot, can't score more than one goal against dross etc etc" but when Real are limited to a single goal they are deemed to have "taken it easy" on the opposition.

tad hypocritical if you ask me but then again I'm biased!

[kingraf]

Only difference is the result. Bale hit the bar, Ronaldo misjudged the bounce when he got in behind Toure. Benzema fired wide under no pressure off a cross Ronaldo hit one straight at Mignolet while free in the box. Two weeks ago those would have gone in.The fact that they didn't has more to do with a rather incompetent night from our finishers than any improvement.

Given the fact that you managed two shots all night, your attack was no better. The midfield didn't have parity, at any stage... I suppose your defenders didn't make any errors which cost you goals, which is an improvement, although I'm not sure how often Skrtel can try pass it to the opposing striker with only a corner as punishment.

Fair enough if you liked the hustle... but there's a difference between energy put in and work done.

[kingraf]

Read above Dave - I haven't claimed that we took it easy (although I'm not sure we actually ever got out of mid gear). Just had a less than satisfactory night with the final product.

[Guest]

Borini gets pulled up for a "foul" on Ramos and puts the ball in the net. Borini's freekick takes a deflection of Modric and goes wide....like you say, on another day, those things go OUR way.

Not bemoaning the loss at all but those who say LFC didn't play better that at Anfield are cross-eyed due to their desire to get their digs in
Also, never claimed YOU said Real took it easy, that's the jist of what the media are saying.

[kingraf]

Not sure how unlucky it is to have a free kick you hardly earned in a dangerous position, and hit the half turned back of the only person who stayed in the wall. Says more about the free kick taking ineptitude than it not being your day. The Borini foul was a foul. Haven't heard anybody claim otherwise. He got dummied and clipped Ramos. Ramos was in no danger after the dummy. He had options... why would he just fall over?

If you rate there was an improvement then fair enough. Personally other than Mignolet, I can't really see where you improved.

[Guest]

The only reason Mignolet looked good was because Madrid bring a complete different & more attractive style of football to the table. I don't think Mignolet's shot stopping has even been in question, it's his complete & utter failures to catch a ball or deal with corners or crosses that are more frequent in the EPL. Madrid play on the floor, there is no real physical nature to their game.

This whole post game discussion is pretty pointless. Liverpool lost but still have it in their own hands. What Rodgers does is up to him, he will face the consequences or praise of his decisions yesterday, come Saturday afternoon. Move on.

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