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

[babo]

Benzema is just as a saviour to real madrid,  Real  Madrid performance was very excellent and so interesting. I knew the game will be very competitive for the both team, if not that Manchester City is a strong team that plays well it was not easy for them because real madrid was running after them in scoring goals to draw the with Manchester City , the goal difference between the two team is not much . It was an interesting game, both Real Madrid and Manchester City played well.

we see
a piece of the game or a piece of the season is not enough to decide whether it is good or not
to see if it goes well or if it is capable you have to aim for the long term, you have to see for years if the performances are the same

see for example Roma, every season has done as it is doing this season, what is the coach's contribution? Nothing .. it costs too much and does nothing

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[zuzie]

I just heard this morning from a colleague that he bet some decent money on Villarreal yesterday and on the match next Tuesday. No idea how he came up with the idea that they have any chance against Liverpool. Liverpool was already a clear favourite before the match, but the game yesterday was really one sided. I mean seeing 74% ball possession in a professional tournament already shows you how limited the impact from Villarreal was. There is no way for them to come back from this. Real Madrid vs Manchester City looked like a much closer game. My money is with Man City for Wednesday, looks like it's going to be a full English final. The teams look really equal in strength, I would probably stick with Liverpool for the finals, they won their last game vs Man City. Also Jürgen Klopp is an awesome coach, he deserve it

No doubt that Liverpool performed as was expected of them last night. Initially before the game, I had an uncanny feeling that they would lose( as football sometimes can be unpredictable), but they countered on Estupinan own goal and created yet another one in the 55th min.
 Although, Liverpool look to be the favorites in this game, I feel Villarreal can come around to upset them in the return leg, using Bayern as instance.

Please check Liverpool history of matches in the Champions League this season 99% they win all away matches so we think Liverpool are ready and have a strong mentality. Honestly I have no doubts in Liverpool they have a complete players especially on the front line is very dangerous, while Villarreal are not very active in attacking they played more defensively, taking advantage of the counter-attacks that proved ineffective against Liverpool yesterday.

[mia_houston]

Please check Liverpool history of matches in the Champions League this season 99% they win all away matches so we think Liverpool are ready and have a strong mentality. Honestly I have no doubts in Liverpool they have a complete players especially on the front line is very dangerous, while Villarreal are not very active in attacking they played more defensively, taking advantage of the counter-attacks that proved ineffective against Liverpool yesterday.

Liverpool performance this season is indeed extraordinary, even though they have a busy schedule in the domestic and European leagues but they can still maintain their performance well so far, even though they had difficulties in breaking into Villareal goal in the first half but the hard work done by Liverpool players managed to end sweetly with a 2-0 win at the end of the match, 2-0 capital seems to have been enough capital for liverpool to set one foot in the final and I think it will be difficult for villareal to make a comeback in the second leg later even though they play at home.

[coco23]

Liverpool performance this season is indeed extraordinary, even though they have a busy schedule in the domestic and European leagues but they can still maintain their performance well so far, even though they had difficulties in breaking into Villareal goal in the first half but the hard work done by Liverpool players managed to end sweetly with a 2-0 win at the end of the match, 2-0 capital seems to have been enough capital for liverpool to set one foot in the final and I think it will be difficult for villareal to make a comeback in the second leg later even though they play at home.

I think so too. 2 goals difference is pretty much impossible to catch up for Villareal. Odds for qualification are Villareal 13.0 and Liverpool 1.02, so this is like a 95% chance for Liverpool's qualification by the bookmakers.

Real Madrid vs ManCity is going to be more interesting. Here ManCity is only 1 goal ahead. Odds for qualification are Madrid 4.3 and ManCity 1.18, which is more like 80-20. This will be the more exciting game in the 2nd leg imho and I am looking forward to it.

[hahay]

At least what I said before has come true, that Liverpool this season is indeed better than Juventus and Bayern Munich so Villarreal can't surprise anymore. Also, Villarreal last night reminded me of when Atletico played against Manchester City which at that time was in the first leg of the quarter-finals and both played in England, Atletico played at the Etihad Stadium and Villarreal played at Anfield. Both Atletico and Villarreal are completely defensive, this also proves that Manchester City and Liverpool this season are indeed worthy of the UCL final because they are two of the best teams on earth this season.

[hd49728]

At least what I said before has come true, that Liverpool this season is indeed better than Juventus and Bayern Munich so Villarreal can't surprise anymore. Also, Villarreal last night reminded me of when Atletico played against Manchester City which at that time was in the first leg of the quarter-finals and both played in England, Atletico played at the Etihad Stadium and Villarreal played at Anfield. Both Atletico and Villarreal are completely defensive, this also proves that Manchester City and Liverpool this season are indeed worthy of the UCL final because they are two of the best teams on earth this season.

People are talking about all England final but I think Liverpool have bigger chance with current advantage to win Villareal. Manchester City will face with big challenge from Real Madrid in Bernabeu and with only one goal difference, Real Madrid will have not too difficult task in their home stadium.

I know Manchester City played impressively in the first leg but they failed to turn it into big advantage before the second leg. This mi or failure in a win can cause trouble for them in Bernabeu. We all see how Real Madrid are strong in this season and Bernabeu is not a heaven stadium for guests.

In yesterday match, Arnold plays well in both attacking and defensing. It is a good show from him and I am surprised to see his strong defense. Mane and Salah again find each other very well and together they contribute to the second goal.

[Anguwa]

At least what I said before has come true, that Liverpool this season is indeed better than Juventus and Bayern Munich so Villarreal can't surprise anymore. Also, Villarreal last night reminded me of when Atletico played against Manchester City which at that time was in the first leg of the quarter-finals and both played in England, Atletico played at the Etihad Stadium and Villarreal played at Anfield. Both Atletico and Villarreal are completely defensive, this also proves that Manchester City and Liverpool this season are indeed worthy of the UCL final because they are two of the best teams on earth this season.

Actually according to the first leg match performances, these two England teams Liverpool and Manchester city have played really well, and I am sure they will be the two team to play Champions League final. Although Real Madrid still have chance to shock the world with maybe a supposing game in the second leg, but Manchester city are well prepared for them, so it will be difficult for Real Madrid to qualify to finals, but Anything can happen football.

[alpamar99]

30 Minutes are running now but I saw a pretty good game, Villarreal are doing something quite tactical now and I like the strategy they are implementing at the moment.
They knew they wouldn't be able to win by playing open so they kept defending and kept defending but it's quite effective now because I saw throughout this game Liverpool couldn't create any good chances until this minute

Such a strategy in my opinion is very boring, especially in a big game like the Champions League semifinals. That's why a team like Villareal don't always deserve to be in the Champions League because I think they just rely on luck in scoring goals from set pieces and counter-attacks.

Villareal had a good defense, but they didn't attack as expected. It was so boring that I didn't think they deserved to be in the final. Take a look at their stats so far, you'll know what I mean. The first half is almost over, the score is still 0-0.

It's not a matter of being boring or not, I know that a football fan wants to see an attractive game in one game, but the problem is that Villarreal are aware that when they play open they will find it a little difficult to face a fast game from Liverpool. They just played defensively, they lost, let alone they played openly.

But maybe for the 2nd Leg there will be a little change, I don't think they want to continue like this because it's better for them to try than to continue to survive

[Ryu_Ar1]

It's not a matter of being boring or not, I know that a football fan wants to see an attractive game in one game, but the problem is that Villarreal are aware that when they play open they will find it a little difficult to face a fast game from Liverpool. They just played defensively, they lost, let alone they played openly.

But maybe for the 2nd Leg there will be a little change, I don't think they want to continue like this because it's better for them to try than to continue to survive

Yep, as you said sometimes strategy is important and unai know what they're doing because instead of them having a hard time with an open game they're better off playing that way even though it doesn't really affect them that much.
At the moment 2-0 on aggregate is big enough for them and I doubt if they can turn things around and there is nothing wrong in the second leg they try to adopt a different strategy than defending boredom

[cryptofrka]

A solid Liverpool performance yesterday, not the best but good enough to warrant a comfortable advantage for the 2nd leg.
Villarreal defended well throughout most of the game but if you fall asleep only for a second Liverpool will punish you and with the overall quality of the team and the substitutes, they will look for openings with the same tempo throughout the whole 90 minutes.

Liverpool is too good to let this lead slip away so I really do feel that we are already with 1 leg in the final.

[onetwostep]

At least what I said before has come true, that Liverpool this season is indeed better than Juventus and Bayern Munich so Villarreal can't surprise anymore. Also, Villarreal last night reminded me of when Atletico played against Manchester City which at that time was in the first leg of the quarter-finals and both played in England, Atletico played at the Etihad Stadium and Villarreal played at Anfield. Both Atletico and Villarreal are completely defensive, this also proves that Manchester City and Liverpool this season are indeed worthy of the UCL final because they are two of the best teams on earth this season.

Actually according to the first leg match performances, these two England teams Liverpool and Manchester city have played really well, and I am sure they will be the two team to play Champions League final. Although Real Madrid still have chance to shock the world with maybe a supposing game in the second leg, but Manchester city are well prepared for them, so it will be difficult for Real Madrid to qualify to finals, but Anything can happen football.

I think we should be ready for surprises in the next match. Manchester City is a stronger team and has a better chance of becoming a champion, but Real Madrid is also very good, we know what quality football we watched in the previous match.
So it is not easy to predict who will win in the next match, both teams have a chance

[NdaMk]

30 Minutes are running now but I saw a pretty good game, Villarreal are doing something quite tactical now and I like the strategy they are implementing at the moment.
They knew they wouldn't be able to win by playing open so they kept defending and kept defending but it's quite effective now because I saw throughout this game Liverpool couldn't create any good chances until this minute

Such a strategy in my opinion is very boring, especially in a big game like the Champions League semifinals. That's why a team like Villareal don't always deserve to be in the Champions League because I think they just rely on luck in scoring goals from set pieces and counter-attacks.

Villareal had a good defense, but they didn't attack as expected. It was so boring that I didn't think they deserved to be in the final. Take a look at their stats so far, you'll know what I mean. The first half is almost over, the score is still 0-0.

It's not a matter of being boring or not, I know that a football fan wants to see an attractive game in one game, but the problem is that Villarreal are aware that when they play open they will find it a little difficult to face a fast game from Liverpool. They just played defensively, they lost, let alone they played openly.

But maybe for the 2nd Leg there will be a little change, I don't think they want to continue like this because it's better for them to try than to continue to survive

Yeah Villareal would try to open up the game a little bit in the second. But for me I don't see anything shocking from yesterday's Villareal setup every coach will opt for the same thing. You are not just playing Liverpool anywhere, you are playing them in that hell of a place called Anfield. The fans will always try to make it difficult for them.

[NdaMk]

At least what I said before has come true, that Liverpool this season is indeed better than Juventus and Bayern Munich so Villarreal can't surprise anymore. Also, Villarreal last night reminded me of when Atletico played against Manchester City which at that time was in the first leg of the quarter-finals and both played in England, Atletico played at the Etihad Stadium and Villarreal played at Anfield. Both Atletico and Villarreal are completely defensive, this also proves that Manchester City and Liverpool this season are indeed worthy of the UCL final because they are two of the best teams on earth this season.

Actually according to the first leg match performances, these two England teams Liverpool and Manchester city have played really well, and I am sure they will be the two team to play Champions League final. Although Real Madrid still have chance to shock the world with maybe a supposing game in the second leg, but Manchester city are well prepared for them, so it will be difficult for Real Madrid to qualify to finals, but Anything can happen football.

I would also fancy an all English final but you can't just rule out Real Madrid out like that since it is just a goal deficit. Madrid will be with the return of Casemiro to cover up there defence, as well City will be much balance with the return of Walker and Cancelo. If Walker should be back and In the team I forsee a tough leg for Vinicius. Because at the first leg had it easy with the ageing Fernandinho. Finger's crossed though

[maju69]

A solid Liverpool performance yesterday, not the best but good enough to warrant a comfortable advantage for the 2nd leg.
Villarreal defended well throughout most of the game but if you fall asleep only for a second Liverpool will punish you and with the overall quality of the team and the substitutes, they will look for openings with the same tempo throughout the whole 90 minutes.

Liverpool is too good to let this lead slip away so I really do feel that we are already with 1 leg in the final.

Anyone who saw Liverpool's match in this first leg, will surely have optimism that they have a place in the final. An aggregate of 2 goals is so difficult for Villarreal to catch, yes although the possibility is still there but it is small. In this match Villarreal also did not have a chance to be able to harm Liverpool's goal. In the second leg later Liverpool will definitely play more comfortable with this victory.

[FlamingFingers]

To be candid this Liverpool team is currently the BEST team in Europe by a mile!!! I honestly can't see anything or anyone stopping them from winning this UCL! Not even Man City, certainly not Ancellotti's team! Good team play, look at the fluidity, link up play, attack! Such a Beauty to watch! Bayern underrated Villarreal we can all see that this Villarreal team had improved immensely

Just a little step up for Liverpool this season but have they been consistent in previous seasons? I still have strong conviction that Man City performance in general is far above Liverpool, just that this season work out luck for them just as in the case of Villarreal, the giant this time around allows the weak to the hall of fame, we all know what Manchester City can deliver but history can't keep repeating itself, same thing allows Villarreal to emerge out this season and i hope they maintain that with consistency.

Liverpool are better this season, although they are last season also but this season is entirely different with the likes of Diaz being included. Yes luck works sometimes but not all the time in terms of football, if Villarreal had been drawn with Manchester City I'm very sure that they will have scored an away goal which Liverpool prevented Villarreal from doing, sometimes you just have to be dedicated and not underrate your opponents

[abhiseshakana]

It's not a matter of being boring or not, I know that a football fan wants to see an attractive game in one game, but the problem is that Villarreal are aware that when they play open they will find it a little difficult to face a fast game from Liverpool. They just played defensively, they lost, let alone they played openly.

But maybe for the 2nd Leg there will be a little change, I don't think they want to continue like this because it's better for them to try than to continue to survive

Yeah Villareal would try to open up the game a little bit in the second. But for me I don't see anything shocking from yesterday's Villareal setup every coach will opt for the same thing. You are not just playing Liverpool anywhere, you are playing them in that hell of a place called Anfield. The fans will always try to make it difficult for them.

I think what Villarreal wants is not to concede a lot of goals from Liverpool. They know that against Liverpool which is playing at home is a tough mission, therefore they play defensive football and hope to make the occasional counter-attack, they even often do tactical fouls to face the movement of Liverpool players.

In the first half, Villarreal's strategy looked successful but in the second half, Liverpool's tireless efforts finally resulted in 2 goals without reply. Even though they are 2 goals behind, Villarreal is still in a defensive position, so I assume if Villarreal is still trying not to concede more goals, so they can catch up on that aggregate deficit in the second leg because they will play at home.

[onecall123]

It's not a matter of being boring or not, I know that a football fan wants to see an attractive game in one game, but the problem is that Villarreal are aware that when they play open they will find it a little difficult to face a fast game from Liverpool. They just played defensively, they lost, let alone they played openly.

But maybe for the 2nd Leg there will be a little change, I don't think they want to continue like this because it's better for them to try than to continue to survive

Yeah Villareal would try to open up the game a little bit in the second. But for me I don't see anything shocking from yesterday's Villareal setup every coach will opt for the same thing. You are not just playing Liverpool anywhere, you are playing them in that hell of a place called Anfield. The fans will always try to make it difficult for them.

I think what Villarreal wants is not to concede a lot of goals from Liverpool. They know that against Liverpool which is playing at home is a tough mission, therefore they play defensive football and hope to make the occasional counter-attack, they even often do tactical fouls to face the movement of Liverpool players.

In the first half, Villarreal's strategy looked successful but in the second half, Liverpool's tireless efforts finally resulted in 2 goals without reply. Even though they are 2 goals behind, Villarreal is still in a defensive position, so I assume if Villarreal is still trying not to concede more goals, so they can catch up on that aggregate deficit in the second leg because they will play at home.

First, they failed the defense test. Their second test, attacking, will fail. In that case, Liverpool FC will thrive. If they advance beyond this point, they will even irritate themselves. I don't see how you can progress with this type of football. A lot of their players have a tendency to pass the ball backward. None of them were courageous enough to charge forward.

Not bad if you play defensive football, but you won't always have luck on your side. It shows how fortunate Villarreal has been to reach this far that they lost to Man United in the group stage. Villarreal won't have a chance against Liverpool.

[omgitsmehehe]

To be candid this Liverpool team is currently the BEST team in Europe by a mile!!! I honestly can't see anything or anyone stopping them from winning this UCL! Not even Man City, certainly not Ancellotti's team! Good team play, look at the fluidity, link up play, attack! Such a Beauty to watch! Bayern underrated Villarreal we can all see that this Villarreal team had improved immensely

Just a little step up for Liverpool this season but have they been consistent in previous seasons? I still have strong conviction that Man City performance in general is far above Liverpool, just that this season work out luck for them just as in the case of Villarreal, the giant this time around allows the weak to the hall of fame, we all know what Manchester City can deliver but history can't keep repeating itself, same thing allows Villarreal to emerge out this season and i hope they maintain that with consistency.

Liverpool are better this season, although they are last season also but this season is entirely different with the likes of Diaz being included. Yes luck works sometimes but not all the time in terms of football, if Villarreal had been drawn with Manchester City I'm very sure that they will have scored an away goal which Liverpool prevented Villarreal from doing, sometimes you just have to be dedicated and not underrate your opponents

Yeah I agree with you, I think Liverpool are more better this season than last season, they have been outstanding throughout this season, their performance is really amazing. Looking at their recent squad, they recently have one of the best squad in England, with the addition of Lucas Diaz, their attacking line is so strong, I think he is one of their best signing this summer, his performance is very impressive he is very good on the pitch. I think with the look of things in the  UEFA champions league Liverpool are 95% sure of qualifying to the final.

[Zlantann]

Although Unai Emery's side didn't not register a goal on target but I commend them. The Liverpool team was like a smoking gun. They were too good for the Villarreal side. The attack of Liverpool was outstanding and the Villarreal defense did there best to curtail them throughout the the first half. I still have to Villarreal side because even after they conceded that unlucky goal the defense and midfield were still composed to withstand the attacking powerhouse of Liverpool. The second goal by Mane, after he missed a golden oppurtunity to score in the first half was a masterclass display by Salah. Mane and Salah seems to be the best attacking combination in recent times. It makes me recall the attacking partnership of Brazilian Bebeto and Romario.

The second leg in Spain would not be an easy one for Liverpool. I expect the yellow submarines to come out of their defensive half. Emery should unleash the entire attacking arsenal of Villarreal in order to match the defensively organized Liverpool side. I am supporting the yellow submarines because they are underdogs and have paid their dues to be at this level. Seeing them in the finals would be a historical achievement for the club.

[xmonkeyx]

Although Unai Emery' didn't not register a goal on target but I commend them. The Liverpool team was like a smoking gun. They were too good for the Villarreal side. The attack of Liverpool was outstanding and the Villarreal defense did there best to curtail them throughout the the first half. I still have to Villarreal side because even after they conceded that unlucky goal the defense and midfield were still composed to withstand the attacking powerhouse of Liverpool. The second goal by Mane, after he missed a golden oppurtunity to score in the first half was a masterclass display by Salah. Mane and Salah seems to be the best attacking combination in recent times. It makes me recall the attacking partnership of Brazilian Bebeto and Romario.

The second leg in Spain would not be an easy one for Liverpool. I expect the yellow submarines to come out of their defensive half. Emery should unleash the entire attacking arsenal of Villarreal in order to match the defensively organized Liverpool side. I am supporting the yellow submarines because they are underdogs and have paid their dues to be at this level. Seeing them in the finals would be a historical achievement for the club.

the second leg I think it will be very easy for Liverpool because they have won Agg 2 goals with their quality and their game is like the first leg I think it is very likely that Liverpool will win again in the second leg later.
in the first leg Villarreal really played defensively and hoped the match would end in a draw but unfortunately 2 goals occurred in the near future.