⚽UEFA Champions League Discussion Thread -- 2021/22 winner - Real Madrid!

[MCVXYZ]

Ajax got a draw versus Benfica by 2-2 yesterday and they could have defeated Benfica too in fact. But I still don't think that this will cause a serious trouble for them in the second leg. I have zero expectation like Ajax would have a hard time destroying Benfica home. Benfica did a good job in Portugal and resisted them. But they can't do the same thing by the same effort to Ajax again. Ajax would demolish Benfica like they did to Sporting in the group stage of the tournament.

They took the lead quite convincingly early in the first half which made them relax a bit but this had a pretty bad impact because gradually Benfica found their rhythm in the game which made them play better from the first half. And as a result, they scored 2 goals in return.
This is clearly a loss for Ajax even though they are playing at home but still it is very bad when they can actually maintain the advantage

I didn't expect Ajax Amsterdam to destroy Benfica to be honest. They might have been the better team, but for teams like Ajax it often turns out to not be that easy to play against Benfica in Portugal in a home game. I know Bayern Munich tore them apart a while ago, but Ajax isn't Bayern Munich. However, I don't really see a big chance for Benfica to a actually beat Ajax in the second leg. They are in top shape in their home stadium and Benfica would need a good portion of luck to eventually win that game.

But on the other hand Ajax are also quite tough in my opinion and I will still be pretty sure Ajax will qualify now.
Leg 2 now Benfica will play to the Amsterdam Arena and of course the intimidation from the Stadium and Ajax supporters they must be able to control if they really want to win in the match in Leg 2. it is impossible that they will lock up Benfica again in this 2nd leg

We all know that  the match was In Lisbon (Estádio da Luz stadium) and I think Ajax's performance was better, therefore I think leg2 will be in Ajax's favor,despite the scored goals they may make it better on their stadium.

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[Smartvirus]

That's right. According to UEFA's official Twitter account, Russian aggression against Ukraine prompted UEFA to announce an emergency meeting of the Executive Board, at which it was decided not to stage the Champions League final in St. Petersburg on May 28. In addition, all domestic matches of Ukrainian and Russian clubs and national teams participating in UEFA competitions will be played on neutral grounds until further notice.

Although that's a start, I feel it is not enough. In my opinion, all Russian football teams should be banned from participating in international competition.

If you ask me, rescheduling all games involving Russian and Ukrainian teams isn't what to deliberate over. Its what had to be done and is been done already by UEFA to demonstrate there care for the welfare of athletes. You don't host events that would accumulate a great deal of persons in a state with threats of war, especially of this kind.

Though, I don't agree with you on the point that, the Russian teams should be sanctioned or banned from participating in any of the on going international competitions. Not like Putin cares even but, it just doesn't seem right to me. The sanctions on other sectors are doing just fine. Russia and Ukraine has just got to find a peaceful resolution at this.

[Altryist]

But at least they are now better than Atletico and that was proven when they dominated in the first leg.
And yes of course this will add a little motivation for them when seen by their own supporters.
For Ronaldo, I really hope for the best but of course we can't depend on this one player because this will be a very personal burden when we depend on one person in a team.

Until the second half, I thought that Atletico would be able to win, I really wanted to believe that the defense would be able to can hold back the attack of Manchester United, but still conceded a goal. Now the game away will be very difficult, but I think that the chances of the teams to win remain equal. It's bad when a team relies on one player, and as we can see, Ronaldo does not help the team very much in this.

[Fesatmas]

That's right. According to UEFA's official Twitter account, Russian aggression against Ukraine prompted UEFA to announce an emergency meeting of the Executive Board, at which it was decided not to stage the Champions League final in St. Petersburg on May 28. In addition, all domestic matches of Ukrainian and Russian clubs and national teams participating in UEFA competitions will be played on neutral grounds until further notice.

Although that's a start, I feel it is not enough. In my opinion, all Russian football teams should be banned from participating in international competition.

If you ask me, rescheduling all games involving Russian and Ukrainian teams isn't what to deliberate over. Its what had to be done and is been done already by UEFA to demonstrate there care for the welfare of athletes. You don't host events that would accumulate a great deal of persons in a state with threats of war, especially of this kind.

Though, I don't agree with you on the point that, the Russian teams should be sanctioned or banned from participating in any of the on going international competitions. Not like Putin cares even but, it just doesn't seem right to me. The sanctions on other sectors are doing just fine. Russia and Ukraine has just got to find a peaceful resolution at this.

We're all headed for the talk of Russia sanctions, but let's get back to the topic of the UEFA match and put that aside. Because I think UEFA also know what they have to do for the safety of UEFA players.

In Leg 2 there is an interesting match for us to watch, Bayern vs Salzburg, followed by Liverpool and Inter. Everyone doesn't want to lose like in Leg 1 or don't want to draw again. There must be a landslide victory. 1 goal is enough for Bayern and 2 more it looks like Liverpool are suitable to add to the difference.

[coderben]

I wonder what will happen in the rematch of the PSG - Real Madrid draw the most now. Because the first match was really interesting. I mean that Real Madrid had a huge difficulty in resisting PSG there. PSG also had a hard time scoring but finally got that 1-0 victory. But in Santiago Bernabeu, I don't expect Real Madrid to play like that again. I expect a very eager team to defeat PSG and eliminate them. PSG players should get prepared very well for the rematch to finish their job. And I think that PSG will still be the qualifier team.

[Alanaz]

I wonder what will happen in the rematch of the PSG - Real Madrid draw the most now. Because the first match was really interesting. I mean that Real Madrid had a huge difficulty in resisting PSG there. PSG also had a hard time scoring but finally got that 1-0 victory. But in Santiago Bernabeu, I don't expect Real Madrid to play like that again. I expect a very eager team to defeat PSG and eliminate them. PSG players should get prepared very well for the rematch to finish their job. And I think that PSG will still be the qualifier team.

In this match it is certain that PSG will again show their dominance by attacking Madrid and controlling the ball. But maybe now it will be a little different from before because Madrid usually can always make a comeback at least in the UCL there have been several times they have done this especially now they will be competing in the Champions League. Santiago Barnebeu which is sometimes a haunted stadium for several clubs.
I expect something different from the Madrid match in the 2nd leg

[mv1986]

Ajax got a draw versus Benfica by 2-2 yesterday and they could have defeated Benfica too in fact. But I still don't think that this will cause a serious trouble for them in the second leg. I have zero expectation like Ajax would have a hard time destroying Benfica home. Benfica did a good job in Portugal and resisted them. But they can't do the same thing by the same effort to Ajax again. Ajax would demolish Benfica like they did to Sporting in the group stage of the tournament.

They took the lead quite convincingly early in the first half which made them relax a bit but this had a pretty bad impact because gradually Benfica found their rhythm in the game which made them play better from the first half. And as a result, they scored 2 goals in return.
This is clearly a loss for Ajax even though they are playing at home but still it is very bad when they can actually maintain the advantage

I didn't expect Ajax Amsterdam to destroy Benfica to be honest. They might have been the better team, but for teams like Ajax it often turns out to not be that easy to play against Benfica in Portugal in a home game. I know Bayern Munich tore them apart a while ago, but Ajax isn't Bayern Munich. However, I don't really see a big chance for Benfica to a actually beat Ajax in the second leg. They are in top shape in their home stadium and Benfica would need a good portion of luck to eventually win that game.

Its always difficult when you are playing an away game,especially with such a heated stadium. Benfica was were really good and you could feel the atmosfere . But i think Ajax at home will seal the deal and win the match and go into the next round. Ajax is one of the best teams for me in Europe with their gameplay

Yes I would say I agree with you. Of course you can always an unlucky day in a home game as well and the opponent has three lucky shots on target and all of them hit the corner of the goal. If Benfica plays an average game against Ajax in the second leg I would also say that Benfica probably has no chance to make it to the next round. Ajax is too strong at home. Curious how far they are going to make it this season in the Champions League. They are definitely one of those teams that is good for surprises.

[alegotardo]

Its always difficult when you are playing an away game,especially with such a heated stadium. Benfica was were really good and you could feel the atmosfere . But i think Ajax at home will seal the deal and win the match and go into the next round. Ajax is one of the best teams for me in Europe with their gameplay

Will it be? After this last game I'm pretty undecided about who has the best chance of advancing, both teams are very well balanced technically.
And to complicate matters even more, we remind you that in this edition, the away goal no longer counts as a tiebreaker. Therefore, in the event of any further tie in the return match, the game will go to penalties. Will we have much more emotion in the second match? I hope so.

[Spack17]

I believe that Benfica did the best they could against a beast like Ajax team. Ajax have had a great tournament so far and they are one of the teams that have impressed everyone surely. And here in this match, I was also waiting for them to tear Benfica apart. But Benfica didn't let them do the same thing that they did to Sporting in the group stage. They kept the match as balanced until the end and drew with them at least. But in Amsterdam, I think Benfica will never stand a chance. Ajax would finish the incomplete job.

[VanityWallets2015]

I believe that Benfica did the best they could against a beast like Ajax team. Ajax have had a great tournament so far and they are one of the teams that have impressed everyone surely. And here in this match, I was also waiting for them to tear Benfica apart. But Benfica didn't let them do the same thing that they did to Sporting in the group stage. They kept the match as balanced until the end and drew with them at least. But in Amsterdam, I think Benfica will never stand a chance. Ajax would finish the incomplete job.

Ajax should have finished it in the first half, had enough opportunities. The fact that it was only 1-2 is entirely to blame for Ajax. To Benfica's credit they got back into the game by making it 2-2, but it's certainly not over yet. If both Ajax and Benfica reach their usual level, then Benfica has no chance. But things are different in football.

[lulumiya]

Ajax could have defeated Benfica much easier actually but they couldn't. And Benfica took advantage of it as a result. But Ajax players must still be very confident about their probability of qualifying for the next round. I don't think Benfica will be able to do the same there. Ajax would even destroy them by a big score difference. In short, I see it guaranteed that Ajax will be advancing to next round. The thing I wonder about is what team will be their opponent in the quarter finals.

[nelson4lov]

That's right. According to UEFA's official Twitter account, Russian aggression against Ukraine prompted UEFA to announce an emergency meeting of the Executive Board, at which it was decided not to stage the Champions League final in St. Petersburg on May 28. In addition, all domestic matches of Ukrainian and Russian clubs and national teams participating in UEFA competitions will be played on neutral grounds until further notice.

Although that's a start, I feel it is not enough. In my opinion, all Russian football teams should be banned from participating in international competition.

UEFA changing the venues is already enough in my opinion. I don't see how banning Russian teams is a good thing especially since the teams aren't the one making the calks or ordering the military, it's the government. Yet Russian clubs and businesses would be the ones to suffer the consequences? UEFA has done it's part and setting neutral venue for those matches goes to show that they are concerned about the situation with Ukraine and Russia and have done their part.

[zidanw]

Ajax could have defeated Benfica much easier actually but they couldn't. And Benfica took advantage of it as a result. But Ajax players must still be very confident about their probability of qualifying for the next round. I don't think Benfica will be able to do the same there. Ajax would even destroy them by a big score difference. In short, I see it guaranteed that Ajax will be advancing to next round. The thing I wonder about is what team will be their opponent in the quarter finals.

Many analysts say that Ajax is one of the best 4 teams in the world in form. Maybe it's going a bit far, but if you see how much potential they have, I can agree with it. They are just not firm enough yet, they individually make some mistakes now and then and are sometimes still too eager. There are more experienced teams in this tournament who are favorites for the title, I checked with the bookies and they think Man City along with City are now the real favorites. PSG is way below that, surprisingly. But that's also because they still have to go to Real Madrid, which they could also lose.

[logfiles]

Although that's a start, I feel it is not enough. In my opinion, all Russian football teams should be banned from participating in international competition.

That's a very drastic measure, mate. It's not like it's the Russian clubs calling shots for the Ukrainian Invasion. In fact, some Russian civilians have been protesting against the invasion. If you ban the clubs, then that means you are banning even innocent civilians from participating in the sport.

The reason for the change in venues is mostly for the safety of players, not political.

[Rengga Jati]

Yes, this new regulation actually gives pros and cons. But imo, this is fair enough to maximize their games even at home or away.
If the result until the extra time is still a draw, it will be a dramatic penalty between Man United vs Atletico Madrid then, then.  

I still think that neither Manchester United nor Atletico Madrid will want to bring the matter to extra time and will try to decide the outcome of the match in their favor in regular time. Moreover, Manchester United will play at their home stadium with the support of their fans, so you can still give MU some advantage due to this factor.

Of course. Any club would not want extra time, especially penalty kicks. They certainly want to score first until the end and end the match with a win, especially a goal distance is quite good.
However, we will not know how it will turn out. So maybe there is still the possibility of extra time.
Yes, that's right, Man United has a bit more advantage by playing at home. Hopefully, this can trigger their motivation, not even make them play with greater pressure.

[EdenHazard]

That's right. According to UEFA's official Twitter account, Russian aggression against Ukraine prompted UEFA to announce an emergency meeting of the Executive Board, at which it was decided not to stage the Champions League final in St. Petersburg on May 28. In addition, all domestic matches of Ukrainian and Russian clubs and national teams participating in UEFA competitions will be played on neutral grounds until further notice.

Although that's a start, I feel it is not enough. In my opinion, all Russian football teams should be banned from participating in international competition.

UEFA changing the venues is already enough in my opinion. I don't see how banning Russian teams is a good thing especially since the teams aren't the one making the calks or ordering the military, it's the government. Yet Russian clubs and businesses would be the ones to suffer the consequences? UEFA has done it's part and setting neutral venue for those matches goes to show that they are concerned about the situation with Ukraine and Russia and have done their part.

Yupp politics should be separated from football.

No matter what happened outside the field .. the decision making must be based on non-political consideration.
By banning russian teams .. it's just shows how uefa take parts of the political movement which it's sad to see.
Changing the venue was reasonable as it's for the safety , but banning ? That's unthinkable.

[AndySt]

Of course. Any club would not want extra time, especially penalty kicks. They certainly want to score first until the end and end the match with a win, especially a goal distance is quite good.
However, we will not know how it will turn out. So maybe there is still the possibility of extra time.
Yes, that's right, Man United has a bit more advantage by playing at home. Hopefully, this can trigger their motivation, not even make them play with greater pressure.

The whole question is whether there is enough strength and effort of the teams not to bring the situation to this. Therefore, I think that Manchester United, thanks to the home stadium and the fans, will put more effort into this, and then how the game itself will develop. A lot will depend on how the start of the match will turn out, whether any of the opponents will be able to score a quick goal. I also think that Ronaldo should show himself better in this match, because he should be very unhappy with the first match and to be honest, Cristiano's match did not work out from the word at all. Another question is whether Rangnick will give him this chance or prefer other candidates for the starting lineup.

[SatoPrincess]

A tie between ATM and United could be something very great, I mean it means that United actually got a tie at Madrid and that is a great thing. Now they are going to back to Manchester and that is going to be a lot better for them. I am not saying that we are going to see a win from United but I would say getting a tie at an away game is better than getting a tie at the home game and that means ATM is at a worse situation right now then United.

I would guess that if United managed to get a tie at the away game then it should be easier for them to get a win now against ATM at their home game. This is not guaranteed but it is definitely a better situation to be in.

I think Manchester United played well enough considering their current form. they did well to draw that match after being a goal down from almost at the start of the match. But I actually expected a better performance from Athletico Madrid as this was their home match. Now Manchester United has a good chance of winning the second leg as it will be played in their home ground. But, I actually will not be surprised if something opposite happens. Because to be honest I don't trust either of these teams right now.

Manchester United were clueless as usual in the first half and Atletico Madrid did the early pressing and got the goal, Atletico Madrid were a bit unlucky as well, watching 2 of their balls hit the woodwork which would have given them a substantial lead and in the second half Manchester United tried to up their game and the coach made some unlikely changes which actually paid off and Manchester United got a goal which saw the match end as a draw.

[Magicalking]

Ajax could have defeated Benfica much easier actually but they couldn't. And Benfica took advantage of it as a result. But Ajax players must still be very confident about their probability of qualifying for the next round. I don't think Benfica will be able to do the same there. Ajax would even destroy them by a big score difference. In short, I see it guaranteed that Ajax will be advancing to next round. The thing I wonder about is what team will be their opponent in the quarter finals.

Ajax played really well as usual and benfica who haven’t been in the best of forms delivered as well, benfica did well in scoring 2 goals and getting a draw agains Ajax that is in the best of forms right now and we all know there is no doubt the second leg is going to be an easy game for Ajax, they might even with  a clean sheet.

[bestcoins1]

Ajax played really well as usual and benfica who haven’t been in the best of forms delivered as well, benfica did well in scoring 2 goals and getting a draw agains Ajax that is in the best of forms right now and we all know there is no doubt the second leg is going to be an easy game for Ajax, they might even with  a clean sheet.

Actually, when the result of the match is a draw, then the chances in the 2nd Leg will also be the same so that every club that has already played a draw in the first Leg must try to improve its performance so that one of them can qualify for the next round.
So this cannot be accurately ascertained at this time even though the Ajax club looks more likely to win.