BitcoinNews.com's UEFA Champions League Football Preditor Pool Discussion thread

[Harkorede]

Does anyone know how many games are left now? For some of us it might be too late to be in with a chance of winning anything. I'm 4th and 18 points behind first place so probably out of reach for all except the top 3.

There are 11 games left, tonight's fixtures inclusive.

I just checked the pool(s) and I believe there are bit of mix ups..

Firstly, @Buwaytress created a new pool, when there was lack of interest/response from the participants.

The old pool had 12 participants, while the new one is with just 10, Meaning yourself and another participant didn't join.

Old Pool




Late Pool, which started from Game Week 4



I haven't been checking the first pool after the new one was created, and Halab currently holds a point .5 point lead at the top.

[buwaytress]

hilariousetc You can still join the new pool, it only calculates results from the time it was created -- this was to still give everyone a reason to participate, with small prizes from me to the winners. We won't collect fees. Think I might have pinged everyone as this pool was dying and no fees were collected haha.

I'll wrangle up some time and dig for the exact prize specifications... this weekend or something.

Moving forward, we can probably manage this pool a bit earlier next season, and I'm definitely going to put up a sponsorship, obviously if a better sponsor comes forward *cough Steve cough Sportsbet* everybody wins. I no longer have a viable business to put up, but maybe a non-profit or something, with fees matched with donations to a good crypto-related cause?

[LTU_btc]

Chelsea - Real should be very interesting game. Interesting how Chelsea will react after big loss to Brentford. I expect that it may be not most beautiful game to watch without many goals. I go with under 2.5 goals.
Villarreal - Bayern, everything looks quite clear hear. Recent results of Villarreal looks sad and Bayern will try to get significant advantage in 1st leg already. So, I go with Bayern win and over 2.5 goals. Not high odds but safe bet IMO.

[hilariousetc]

hilariousetc You can still join the new pool, it only calculates results from the time it was created -- this was to still give everyone a reason to participate, with small prizes from me to the winners. We won't collect fees. Think I might have pinged everyone as this pool was dying and no fees were collected haha.

I'll wrangle up some time and dig for the exact prize specifications... this weekend or something.

Moving forward, we can probably manage this pool a bit earlier next season, and I'm definitely going to put up a sponsorship, obviously if a better sponsor comes forward *cough Steve cough Sportsbet* everybody wins. I no longer have a viable business to put up, but maybe a non-profit or something, with fees matched with donations to a good crypto-related cause?

I tried. I don't think I can. Maybe there's a cut off point or a grace period at the start of the season/tournament. Make sense so people don't just try join in the last round or something to cheat.

Benzema is on fire again. 2 goals in the first half. He would have had a third had he look at the goal whilst taking a strike which went narrowly wide.

[LTU_btc]

So, all my predictions turned to be complete opposite. Chelsea is such big disappointment. They were completely outplayed by Real at home. That huge mistake by Mendy summarize game quite well. Benzema seriously pretend to get Ballon D'Or with such performances. In 2nd half Chelsea stabilised game a bit when they were in deep shit already, but failed to achieve another goal.
Villarreal 1:0 Bayern, damn, serious stuff. It's a bit pity that 2nd goal was called-off because of offside. Not every day you can catch Neuer not ready in such quite simple situation. And that 2nd goal would make Bayern situation a bit complicated. Now 1 goal isn't big deal for them, especially because 2nd leg will be played in Munich.

[Harkorede]

Villarreal - Bayern, everything looks quite clear hear. Recent results of Villarreal looks sad and Bayern will try to get significant advantage in 1st leg already. So, I go with Bayern win and over 2.5 goals. Not high odds but safe bet IMO.

Who could have saw that coming, Bayern attacking forces contained all through 90 minutes!

So, all my predictions turned to be complete opposite. Chelsea is such big disappointment. They were completely outplayed by Real at home. That huge mistake by Mendy summarize game quite well. Benzema seriously pretend to get Ballon D'Or with such performances. In 2nd half Chelsea stabilised game a bit when they were in deep shit already, but failed to achieve another goal.
Villarreal 1:0 Bayern, damn, serious stuff. It's a bit pity that 2nd goal was called-off because of offside. Not every day you can catch Neuer not ready in such quite simple situation. And that 2nd goal would make Bayern situation a bit complicated. Now 1 goal isn't big deal for them, especially because 2nd leg will be played in Munich.

I had BTTS on Chelsea - Real Madrid, I had mixed feelings about the game to begin with, but my night was undone by Bayern's shenanigans at Villarreal, I only feel bad that Bayern Munich would still most likely go through to the next round.

[Trofo]

Villarreal - Bayern, everything looks quite clear hear. Recent results of Villarreal looks sad and Bayern will try to get significant advantage in 1st leg already. So, I go with Bayern win and over 2.5 goals. Not high odds but safe bet IMO.

Who could have saw that coming, Bayern attacking forces contained all through 90 minutes!

So, all my predictions turned to be complete opposite. Chelsea is such big disappointment. They were completely outplayed by Real at home. That huge mistake by Mendy summarize game quite well. Benzema seriously pretend to get Ballon D'Or with such performances. In 2nd half Chelsea stabilised game a bit when they were in deep shit already, but failed to achieve another goal.
Villarreal 1:0 Bayern, damn, serious stuff. It's a bit pity that 2nd goal was called-off because of offside. Not every day you can catch Neuer not ready in such quite simple situation. And that 2nd goal would make Bayern situation a bit complicated. Now 1 goal isn't big deal for them, especially because 2nd leg will be played in Munich.

I had BTTS on Chelsea - Real Madrid, I had mixed feelings about the game to begin with, but my night was undone by Bayern's shenanigans at Villarreal, I only feel bad that Bayern Munich would still most likely go through to the next round.

I switched between the games and I must admit I was very disappointment with Bayern tonight. This was their worst performance in some time. I am not worried for them though. They have more than enough firepower to turn it around at home.

Real outclassed Chelsea in few key positions tonight. Benzema was clinical as usual and that is best shown when you see the headers he scored and compare it with Lukaku miss from 5 meters. Same goes for keepers.

[slaman29]

Couldn't agree more. Real and Chelsea are just a difference of lake and ocean. Of course, I can only watch selected replays, and sometimes this doesn't show you the full picture but put Benzema's headers next to Lukaku and you have to say, if they reflected the quality of their team, then Chelsea has no place in the semifinals.

City vs Real will be the match of the tournament but I also agree with Trofo that Bayern won't be worried in the least. 2 goals for them, they can get the job done in first half. Of course, they need to make sure they don't play the same spirits that they found yesterday.

[buwaytress]

I tried. I don't think I can. Maybe there's a cut off point or a grace period at the start of the season/tournament. Make sense so people don't just try join in the last round or something to cheat.

Benzema is on fire again. 2 goals in the first half. He would have had a third had he look at the goal whilst taking a strike which went narrowly wide.

Fair enough. But don't worry, it's a crazy tiny pool of UCL hardliners here, we'll work something out next season for sure. Here's the prizes I agreed to pay out:

Since it's very few games but I do want to reward those who bothered playing, these are the suggested prizes:

1st place: 2 mbtc
2nd place: 1.5 mbtc
3rd place: 1 mbtc

I'll actually probably bump it up a bit and share around something with every participant here if Liverpool win (big outright on them waiting).

Benzema, yeah. Not the first guy that jumps to my mind when I think of players I love but as long as he plays, I'm backing Real most games. Modric unsung hero too, and Vini I think.

I switched between the games and I must admit I was very disappointment with Bayern tonight. This was their worst performance in some time. I am not worried for them though. They have more than enough firepower to turn it around at home.

Same. I was all eyes on Bayern, and it wasn't even so much that they were playing badly, every team has that form dip (but I think we both agreed recently they have been on high blip alert mode for some time now this year). It was that they forgot to be disciplined and got rattled. Villareal back four even tackled with more German vigour than them! Moreno and Celso just bossed them around like kids in some parts.

They'll still win of course, the next leg. 4 or 5 nil is usually what happens when they're licking their wounds. We were already lucky to get Benfica, it's too much to ask for Villareal in the semis (which, incidentally, would be a replay of the Europa League semi of 2016 which was my first Liverpool game attended).

Anyone know when the last time a 7th placed team won UCL? Liverpool won in 2005 and finished 5th in EPL.

[Trofo]

Same. I was all eyes on Bayern, and it wasn't even so much that they were playing badly, every team has that form dip (but I think we both agreed recently they have been on high blip alert mode for some time now this year).

They had some really strange results over the last couple of months but that is sort of understandable when they know they are champions by New Year every season. Than it is also quite normal to have some bad performances in CL as well, especially against weaker teams. I am quite sure that if they played against City, Real, LFC or some other heavy weight yesterday we would have seen much more from them.

I don't like how Lewandowski looks this season. Yes he still scores a lot but he is usually nowhere to be seen. No duels won, not participating in build up. Just putting away what comes his way. Don't get me wrong it is still plenty but a lot less than last year.

[buwaytress]

^ Kind of on the same page with you. Don't get me wrong, if I had almost any team and Lewie, he's an automatic selection because he puts goals in. But if I'm playing all the time with a team that needs to win as a team, and I'm picking players like a draft, he's last on my selection probably. Again, not saying he's not great, he definitely deserved Ballon but I've never really been in love with players that don't contribute other than to shove goals into nets.

Why I'm still a big fan of Firmino more than any other player in my team. It's a joy to watch him play is all. And stats can never do him justice, what he brings to the team.

So. Villareal tonight, acca with Real? I'm sitting tight on my hands for a week or two heh, but you know, freebets and spare change on things like this =D

[Trofo]

So. Villareal tonight, acca with Real? I'm sitting tight on my hands for a week or two heh, but you know, freebets and spare change on things like this =D

Surprise, surprise I am on goals tonight and not mach lines. More specifically both to score in both games. I feel like both to score on Real - Chelsea @1.6 is free money. Chelsea has to chase 2 goals and they have to attack from minute one. I just hope they will score one before conceding again.

Bayern game is a bit trickier but I am sure they will score tonight and I am also sure Villarreal will have at least a couple of good chances. Hopefully they will convert one.

[Harkorede]

Chelsea are 3 goals up ! Wtf! Real Madrid as it stands are going to be eliminated, I never could have imagined this!

Edit: Real Madrid just scored to make it 3-1, Rodrygo with the goal, now it's even once again, and it's still anyone's game, a very interesting game.

[LTU_btc]

Damn, what a night in Champions league. Despite that Villarreal won first leg, for me it was difficult to imagine them eliminating Bayern. But they full deserved it. Concede just 1 goal against Bayern in 180 minutes is solid stuff.
Feel sad for Chelsea. After making such comeback playing away and get eliminated. It's amazing how team can change just in one week. But Benzema was key factor in extra time.
Though, I don't agree with decision to cancel Alonso goal. IMO, that touch wasn't significant enough for such decision. Without VAR there probably wouldn't be mch discussions about that goal.

[buwaytress]

Wow, just wow. Was lucky to tune in late, caught Lewie's goal almost immediately after tuning in, and then even checked in later to see the equaliser. Definitely thought Emery would regret his first half tactics, but he made it up immediately with the super sub. Bayern admitted they wanted Villareal among all the teams left, they got it, but they probably didn't see this coming in a million years.

I'm happy to admit I also hoped Villareal would put through, though I do also regret it won't be a nice Liverpool-Bayern Semi -- I always want the toughest teams first... but of course, we gotta do the job tonight first. Terrible odds, and Anfield is always the factor, but we did lose the last one.

Even Atletico is shitty odds at 55/10, would have doubled down on them if it were just 50% higher.

[LTU_btc]

About today's games, Atletico odds to win @5.00 isn't mistake, really? Offcourse, City is favorites, but they understimate Atletico way too much. In 1st leg ugly Atletico football worked well and they were close to take positive result. Yeah, they would have to change their game and start attacking, but I doubt that they're completely unable to do, especially at home. Villarreal kicking out Bayern was way bigger sensation than potential Atleti win tonight.
In LFC game everything is way more clear. I expect another confident Liverpool win. Though, if Benfica will score early goal, it would make things more interesting.

[slaman29]

Damn, what a night in Champions league. Despite that Villarreal won first leg, for me it was difficult to imagine them eliminating Bayern. But they full deserved it. Concede just 1 goal against Bayern in 180 minutes is solid stuff.
Feel sad for Chelsea. After making such comeback playing away and get eliminated. It's amazing how team can change just in one week. But Benzema was key factor in extra time.
Though, I don't agree with decision to cancel Alonso goal. IMO, that touch wasn't significant enough for such decision. Without VAR there probably wouldn't be mch discussions about that goal.

I don't think anyone imagined it, not even Villareal players. Well, okay maybe Unai did, but he imagines a lot of things with Villareal.

I guess they parked the bus and it didn't work, and went to attack and somehow scored? Maybe it's what happens when a team is trying to attack wave after wave and then they just don't know how to regroup during a defence on the counter.

Either way, historic result, and on the other side of the road to the final, Benzema hasn't lost his touch.

[hilariousetc]

Chelsea are 3 goals up ! Wtf! Real Madrid as it stands are going to be eliminated, I never could have imagined this!

Edit: Real Madrid just scored to make it 3-1, Rodrygo with the goal, now it's even once again, and it's still anyone's game, a very interesting game.

Chelsea played unexpectedly well and was kind of a shame they didn't at least get to penalties. They deserved that at least.

Damn, what a night in Champions league. Despite that Villarreal won first leg, for me it was difficult to imagine them eliminating Bayern. But they full deserved it. Concede just 1 goal against Bayern in 180 minutes is solid stuff.

Villa only had two shots on target combined in both legs  .

Feel sad for Chelsea. After making such comeback playing away and get eliminated. It's amazing how team can change just in one week. But Benzema was key factor in extra time.
Though, I don't agree with decision to cancel Alonso goal. IMO, that touch wasn't significant enough for such decision. Without VAR there probably wouldn't be mch discussions about that goal.

Yeah, seemed very harsh. Did it 100% even hit his hand? From the angle I saw I don't think it was 100%. They normally disregard handballs if it hits the body first as well.

About today's games, Atletico odds to win @5.00 isn't mistake, really? Offcourse, City is favorites, but they understimate Atletico way too much. In 1st leg ugly Atletico football worked well and they were close to take positive result. Yeah, they would have to change their game and start attacking, but I doubt that they're completely unable to do, especially at home. Villarreal kicking out Bayern was way bigger sensation than potential Atleti win tonight.
In LFC game everything is way more clear. I expect another confident Liverpool win. Though, if Benfica will score early goal, it would make things more interesting.

I don't understand why they're being overlooked. The other game was only 1-0 so ATL could easily get something out of this. It's not going to be easy for City away.

[cryptofrka]

I don't understand why they're being overlooked. The other game was only 1-0 so ATL could easily get something out of this. It's not going to be easy for City away.

Probably because they were really bad in the first game? They failed to have a single shot towards the City goal and were on the back foot throughout the whole 90 minutes.
If there is a team in the world that can get a result out of nothing, I agree it is Atletico. Still - I watched their previous game and I really feel there's nothing in Simeone's team that can surprise City.

Then again, as you said, Villarreal showed us in their games that you don't need to shoot a lot

[buwaytress]

^Ah I didn't even realise there was a VAR disallowed goal till I read, they'll definitely feel hard done by, and I know I always rate Real in UCL (experience and game management are big factors for me) but feel like Chelsea offer the better chance of facing up to City -- of course, I'm not ruling Atletico out. If there's a team than can outdo Villareal shithousery, it's them. I absolutely can't stand it when my team's facing it, but it's good footballing fun to see them to it to your rivals... of course, our reward if we navigate past Benfica is to have another go at that but I think we'll take a lot of lessons from meeting Atletico twice already.