⚽UEFA Europa League Discussion Thread -- 2021/22 Winners: Eintracht Frankfurt!

[jakdanyel]

One of the competitive games of the night was PSV - Real Sociedad. In general, PSV had a much better performance than Sociedad. They got ahead 1-0 with the Gotze's goal. However, Sociedad turned the game around and got ahead 2-1 before the end of the first half. It was a shocking moment for PSV but they still stayed in the game. They found an early goal in the other half and equalized the score. And the match ended with the same score also. But I think that PSV deserved to win this match more.

[Daniel91]

West Ham played well yesterday but I expected more from Dinamo though. We always seem to give away cheap goals in European games, yesterday was no exception.
It's a shame that the first game was WH at home, it's always easier to play against the favorite later on when they already secured qualification.
For passing the group the games against Rapid and Genk will be the ones that count anyway so no drama yet - but Dinamo will have to play better than they did last night.

Don’t think the West Ham team is weak. My bet on this match yesterday was for West Ham's wins. And West Ham has been able to win. West Ham's Premier League performance is good enough. So in this match, I bet they would win. Dinamo Zagreb, on the other hand, performs very well against a weaker team but loses most matches when the opponent is strong.

West Ham was not as good as Dinamo was bad in this match.
The match was decided by two incredible mistakes of Dinamo players, and such things must not happen again.
It is obvious that Dinamo does not have the quality to fight for the first place in the group, probably not for the second place in the group, but Dinamo will most likely fight with Rapid for the third place and for the continuation of the competition in the conference league.
Dinamo is no longer at the playing level as under coach Bjelica or Mamic in the last few years and this is probably their maximum at the moment.

I honestly avoided this match because i know Dinamo in the years before was really good at home and in Europe games.Wasnt expecting such an easy win by West Ham and so many mistakes by them to lose this match.Well last year they were good against big opponents like Atalanta they won 4-0 at home last year. But this must be one of their weakest teams in the last 5-10 years

Dinamo's decline began with the departure of coach Bjelica and the final takeover of the club by the Mamic brothers.
Dinamo's best players, like Olmo, left and the club's management did not bring in real replacements.
It is obvious that this year's Dinamo is the weakest in the last 7-8 years and they will have a big fight for the first three places in the group and the continuation of the competition in Europe in the spring of next year.

[slackovic]

Dinamo's decline began with the departure of coach Bjelica and the final takeover of the club by the Mamic brothers.
Dinamo's best players, like Olmo, left and the club's management did not bring in real replacements.
It is obvious that this year's Dinamo is the weakest in the last 7-8 years and they will have a big fight for the first three places in the group and the continuation of the competition in Europe in the spring of next year.

Dinamo letting go Bjelica was really a big mistake. I'm not a football expert but it looked to me that even mediocre players played better under him. Also, the problem isn't just in Olmo leaving the club. Other players that they sold like Gavranović could have made a difference in this match. But never mind, I think Dinamo didn't expect to win this game as they will search for their chances against other two teams in the group. But if they will play like this I would really be surprised if they don't finish the group at the last place.

[Spack17]

Monaco have been in a really bad shape for a long time. They had a match against Sturm Graz on the first week of the group stage. They literally owned the whole match to be honest. And they won the match too. But it was only a 1-0 victory. They would have scored a few more goals to boost their morale but they couldn't. They should gather themselves up as soon as possible. They are far worse than the last season.

[DU18]

Monaco have been in a really bad shape for a long time. They had a match against Sturm Graz on the first week of the group stage. They literally owned the whole match to be honest. And they won the match too. But it was only a 1-0 victory. They would have scored a few more goals to boost their morale but they couldn't. They should gather themselves up as soon as possible. They are far worse than the last season.

Even though they won, it seems that the Monaco players still have a lot of homework to do to maximize the opportunities that exist when they compete, in my opinion Sturn Graz is the weakest team that joined in group B, so Monaco should be able to play quite well before they face the other two strong teams are real sociedad and psv Eindhoven later.
From the course of the game, Monaco who have a better squad depth, controlled the game with 72% possession of the ball, In addition, AS Monaco also excel in the number of shots on goal but poor finishing made them only able to score only 1 goal, I think Monaco should have be won this match with a higher score.

[ILuckyGuyI]

I must admit that the result of L. Moscow - Marseille game really surprised me. Marseille were highly the favourite side and they dominated the game with a decent performance also. And right after L. Moscow got a red card, Cengiz Under scored a penalty. I thought like they would score one or two more goals and end their opponent. However, they struggled to score more. And L. Moscow equalized the score surprisingly in the last minutes and managed to get one point also with the same score. It was a bad day for Marseille.

[baeva]

We watched an interesting match between Leicester and Napoli. Napoli played much better than their opponent here. Despite this performance, Leicester got ahead 2-0. In the second half, we had a better Napoli against Leicester and they managed to turn the game around. Osimhen's performance was really good that he scored 2 goals. I expected Leicester to win this but it was a close call.

Lol... Maybe in the first half Napoli was a bit stronger than Leicester, but believe me, if this "miracle team" called Napoli had not been helped by the referee, they would have fucking won the second half. Leicester's goals were actually on point, they played the second half on par with their rivals, but thank the referee

[Joca97]

We watched an interesting match between Leicester and Napoli. Napoli played much better than their opponent here. Despite this performance, Leicester got ahead 2-0. In the second half, we had a better Napoli against Leicester and they managed to turn the game around. Osimhen's performance was really good that he scored 2 goals. I expected Leicester to win this but it was a close call.

Lol... Maybe in the first half Napoli was a bit stronger than Leicester, but believe me, if this "miracle team" called Napoli had not been helped by the referee, they would have fucking won the second half. Leicester's goals were actually on point, they played the second half on par with their rivals, but thank the referee

Napoli should have scored a couple of goals in the first half their statisics in this match were off the roof i still cant believe that they didnt win this match. But i think they will 100% pass the group even tho they got a draw in this match.

[baeva]

Lol... Maybe in the first half Napoli was a bit stronger than Leicester, but believe me, if this "miracle team" called Napoli had not been helped by the referee, they would have fucking won the second half. Leicester's goals were actually on point, they played the second half on par with their rivals, but thank the referee

Napoli should have scored a couple of goals in the first half their statisics in this match were off the roof i still cant believe that they didnt win this match. But i think they will 100% pass the group even tho they got a draw in this match.

I don't know, Leicester has a real wall at the goal, so maybe that's why they didn't score those "couple of goals" in the first half. I'm still not happy with the refereeing in this match. Leicester were very  sued in a couple of moments.

Nevertheless, I also think that Napoli will win the group. But most likely it will be decided in the Napoli vs Leicester match in Italy because both teams will get 3 points each against Legia and Spartak.

[herurist]

I don't know, Leicester has a real wall at the goal, so maybe that's why they didn't score those "couple of goals" in the first half. I'm still not happy with the refereeing in this match. Leicester were very  sued in a couple of moments.

Nevertheless, I also think that Napoli will win the group. But most likely it will be decided in the Napoli vs Leicester match in Italy because both teams will get 3 points each against Legia and Spartak.

There were some referee decisions which are still considered controversial in this match but indeed both teams played quite solidly during the match and the buying and selling of attacks was felt in this match.
but it is very reasonable because napoli is the seed and Leicester is still considered a dark horse.
The 2nd leg will be the deciding factor between Leicester and Napoli later who deserves to occupy the first position in the group phase because I feel in this group if not Leicester then means Napoli will be the leader of the standings in this group, considering the other two teams namely Legia and Spartak Moscow will not be superior.

[Davidvictorson]

I don't know, Leicester has a real wall at the goal, so maybe that's why they didn't score those "couple of goals" in the first half. I'm still not happy with the refereeing in this match. Leicester were very  sued in a couple of moments.

Nevertheless, I also think that Napoli will win the group. But most likely it will be decided in the Napoli vs Leicester match in Italy because both teams will get 3 points each against Legia and Spartak.

There were some referee decisions which are still considered controversial in this match but indeed both teams played quite solidly during the match and the buying and selling of attacks was felt in this match.
but it is very reasonable because napoli is the seed and Leicester is still considered a dark horse.
The 2nd leg will be the deciding factor between Leicester and Napoli later who deserves to occupy the first position in the group phase because I feel in this group if not Leicester then means Napoli will be the leader of the standings in this group, considering the other two teams namely Legia and Spartak Moscow will not be superior.

All I can say is that Osimhen is such a brilliant footballer and Napoli was the superior team. The referee needs to make better judgements please.

[baeva]

I don't know, Leicester has a real wall at the goal, so maybe that's why they didn't score those "couple of goals" in the first half. I'm still not happy with the refereeing in this match. Leicester were very  sued in a couple of moments.

Nevertheless, I also think that Napoli will win the group. But most likely it will be decided in the Napoli vs Leicester match in Italy because both teams will get 3 points each against Legia and Spartak.

There were some referee decisions which are still considered controversial in this match but indeed both teams played quite solidly during the match and the buying and selling of attacks was felt in this match.
but it is very reasonable because napoli is the seed and Leicester is still considered a dark horse.
The 2nd leg will be the deciding factor between Leicester and Napoli later who deserves to occupy the first position in the group phase because I feel in this group if not Leicester then means Napoli will be the leader of the standings in this group, considering the other two teams namely Legia and Spartak Moscow will not be superior.

I don't even pay attention to Legia and Spartac, because there's no point.In the group I see a fight only between Leicester and Napoli, just like you.
I'm not saying that the first half was for Leicester, they lost it in many ways, but at least they scored a goal. But in the second half I was really pissed off by the actions of the referee in some moments. As a result, a fighting draw, it's a shame for the foxes, because  could have easily taken 3 points

[Juggy777]

I don't know, Leicester has a real wall at the goal, so maybe that's why they didn't score those "couple of goals" in the first half. I'm still not happy with the refereeing in this match. Leicester were very  sued in a couple of moments.

Nevertheless, I also think that Napoli will win the group. But most likely it will be decided in the Napoli vs Leicester match in Italy because both teams will get 3 points each against Legia and Spartak.

There were some referee decisions which are still considered controversial in this match but indeed both teams played quite solidly during the match and the buying and selling of attacks was felt in this match.
but it is very reasonable because napoli is the seed and Leicester is still considered a dark horse.
The 2nd leg will be the deciding factor between Leicester and Napoli later who deserves to occupy the first position in the group phase because I feel in this group if not Leicester then means Napoli will be the leader of the standings in this group, considering the other two teams namely Legia and Spartak Moscow will not be superior.

I don't even pay attention to Legia and Spartac, because there's no point.In the group I see a fight only between Leicester and Napoli, just like you.
I'm not saying that the first half was for Leicester, they lost it in many ways, but at least they scored a goal. But in the second half I was really pissed off by the actions of the referee in some moments. As a result, a fighting draw, it's a shame for the foxes, because  could have easily taken 3 points

@baeva I don’t know if you too observed that lately the standards for Referees have fallen, and it’s costing good teams valuable points, and I’m not sure why no one is taking action against them.

Lastly like you’ll I too expect that Leicester and Napoli will qualify from this group, but since it’s European football we should not be surprised if we witness any upsets in this group.

[baeva]

@baeva I don’t know if you too observed that lately the standards for Referees have fallen, and it’s costing good teams valuable points, and I’m not sure why no one is taking action against them.

Lastly like you’ll I too expect that Leicester and Napoli will qualify from this group, but since it’s European football we should not be surprised if we witness any upsets in this group.

I noticed that, of course. But when VAR was introduced, some things began to become clear. The refs were reluctant to go to the monitor, I don't know what to say, everyone will conclude for themselves after seeing it.

The problem for one of these teams to make the playoffs is the match against a team from the champions league. That is, the team from the champions league group that finishes in 3rd place in the group stage will play the team that finished second in the european league group. That is, one of the two teams (Leicester or Napoli) may not qualify, in case of defeat

[Daniel91]

Dinamo's decline began with the departure of coach Bjelica and the final takeover of the club by the Mamic brothers.
Dinamo's best players, like Olmo, left and the club's management did not bring in real replacements.
It is obvious that this year's Dinamo is the weakest in the last 7-8 years and they will have a big fight for the first three places in the group and the continuation of the competition in Europe in the spring of next year.

Dinamo letting go Bjelica was really a big mistake. I'm not a football expert but it looked to me that even mediocre players played better under him. Also, the problem isn't just in Olmo leaving the club. Other players that they sold like Gavranović could have made a difference in this match. But never mind, I think Dinamo didn't expect to win this game as they will search for their chances against other two teams in the group. But if they will play like this I would really be surprised if they don't finish the group at the last place.

I agree with you.
With coach Bjelica Dinamo looked like a serious and organized European club, with clear ambitions and strategy.
Bjelica's biggest success is that he managed to change the losing mentality of the players and that everyone started believing that Dinamo can always win, even against the strongest European teams.
Now it seems to me that Dinamo has lost its vision again, that the losing mentality is returning to the team, there is no more clear plan and strategy, the best players are gone and the substitutes are not at the same level.
Given the current situation at the club, it will be a success for Dinamo if they avoid the last place in their group and continue competing in the conference league.

[Pulsar77]

I think that one of the interesting games next week could be Marseille vs Galatasaray. Galatasaray got a really surprising win against Lazio home. I guess that most people were expecting Lazio to get one point or even win the game. And they found so many goal chances also. But I don't know why, they were really unlucky when it comes to scoring. They conceded one of the most interesting goals and let Galatasaray get ahead by 1-0. They tried to find the equalizer but they lost by the same score.

On the other hand,  Marseille had a game against Lokomotiv Moscow away. They were the favourite side in this game of course. They got ahead against their opponent which were playing with ten players. But L. Moscow still managed to score the equalizer and it ended by 1-1. As a result, Galatasaray are the leader in the group while Marseille are at the second place. In this game, I'm definitely favoring Marseille. Because Galatasaray have a really terrible defense line and they have a bad form lately too. Marseille should be able to win this game by one or two goals I think.

[slackovic]

I agree with you.
With coach Bjelica Dinamo looked like a serious and organized European club, with clear ambitions and strategy.
Bjelica's biggest success is that he managed to change the losing mentality of the players and that everyone started believing that Dinamo can always win, even against the strongest European teams.
Now it seems to me that Dinamo has lost its vision again, that the losing mentality is returning to the team, there is no more clear plan and strategy, the best players are gone and the substitutes are not at the same level.
Given the current situation at the club, it will be a success for Dinamo if they avoid the last place in their group and continue competing in the conference league.

Dinamo is to Krznar the first "real" team so I'm not sure if he is the right man for the job. Actually, I'm positive that he is not. When Mamic left and Dinamo appointed Krznar, I thought that it's just a temporary solution until they find someone better. It looks like that temporary solution became permanent and that's the biggest problem for Dinamo right now. True, some of the best players left the team, but the biggest problem is losing mentality of the team and I really don't think that Krznar can change that.

[Trofo]

I agree with you.
With coach Bjelica Dinamo looked like a serious and organized European club, with clear ambitions and strategy.
Bjelica's biggest success is that he managed to change the losing mentality of the players and that everyone started believing that Dinamo can always win, even against the strongest European teams.
Now it seems to me that Dinamo has lost its vision again, that the losing mentality is returning to the team, there is no more clear plan and strategy, the best players are gone and the substitutes are not at the same level.
Given the current situation at the club, it will be a success for Dinamo if they avoid the last place in their group and continue competing in the conference league.

Dinamo is to Krznar the first "real" team so I'm not sure if he is the right man for the job. Actually, I'm positive that he is not. When Mamic left and Dinamo appointed Krznar, I thought that it's just a temporary solution until they find someone better. It looks like that temporary solution became permanent and that's the biggest problem for Dinamo right now. True, some of the best players left the team, but the biggest problem is losing mentality of the team and I really don't think that Krznar can change that.

I will put that in a different way. For me these results are reality for Dinamo. Bjelica was the outlier in Dinamo story who made them all believe they can play against top teams in Europe and they did. Now we are back to usual scared performances. If you are a coach and you spend whole week of preparation talking how your opponent is good and how you need to watch this and that player, that destroys players morale and makes them believe draw is a good result. And I am sure most of our coaches are doing just that with couple of examples like Bjelica. To do something big in Europe your team has to have qoulity but also belief that they can play against all those other top clubs.

And of course, welcome to dark gambling side @slackovic

[Kusman]

Real Sociedad v Monaco could be one of the interesting matches in the next round. Real Sociedad drew with PSV by 2-2 and Monaco beat Sturm Graz by only 1-0 even though they were highly dominant. But recently, it looks like Monaco are gathering themselves up. Because they started the season really terribly. However, Real Sociedad are a very tough opponent in an away match. I think that both teams can score easily but we may see a draw at the end.

[izsara]

@baeva I don’t know if you too observed that lately the standards for Referees have fallen, and it’s costing good teams valuable points, and I’m not sure why no one is taking action against them.

Lastly like you’ll I too expect that Leicester and Napoli will qualify from this group, but since it’s European football we should not be surprised if we witness any upsets in this group.

I noticed that, of course. But when VAR was introduced, some things began to become clear. The refs were reluctant to go to the monitor, I don't know what to say, everyone will conclude for themselves after seeing it.

The problem for one of these teams to make the playoffs is the match against a team from the champions league. That is, the team from the champions league group that finishes in 3rd place in the group stage will play the team that finished second in the european league group. That is, one of the two teams (Leicester or Napoli) may not qualify, in case of defeat

when the policies and rules of regulation in football are introduced but not as expected because the referees are too sure of their decisions and save VAR on the grounds that their decisions are correct.
but indeed it also cannot be blamed because it is when in the game the referee is in charge.
besides that sometimes VAR also has some disadvantages and creates controversy as well.
but indeed whatever happens the referee is still a human being who certainly has a mistake in determining and they should be able to take advantage of existing pastlitas like VAR you said