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

[roosbit]

Real Madrid should worry about their future. I Don't think on this season Madrid will won a single trophy with this kind of performance. Zidane should change his tactics because current tactics Isn't working.Also some injuries causing great harms to the sqaud. PSG without Mbappe and Neymar scored 3 Against Real. Di Maria was superb on the pitch, scored a brace.
                

Real Madrid is a lost cause at this point and Zidane coming back was a huge mistake! Barcelona will keep breaking records will real Madrid keeps looking for a winning formula and their closest rivals (Athletico Madrid) too seem to be failing to find their feet thanks to football transfers that make or break a team....

Rumor has it that Jose might be returning for one last show but I think his time is up with Real and try something else.

[1982dre]

Real Madrid should worry about their future. I Don't think on this season Madrid will won a single trophy with this kind of performance. Zidane should change his tactics because current tactics Isn't working.Also some injuries causing great harms to the sqaud. PSG without Mbappe and Neymar scored 3 Against Real. Di Maria was superb on the pitch, scored a brace.
                

Real Madrid is a lost cause at this point and Zidane coming back was a huge mistake! Barcelona will keep breaking records will real Madrid keeps looking for a winning formula and their closest rivals (Athletico Madrid) too seem to be failing to find their feet thanks to football transfers that make or break a team....

Rumor has it that Jose might be returning for one last show but I think his time is up with Real and try something else.

The fall of Real started last season against Ajax. They just keep relying on the older players and they just Ronaldo too much. He was even more important for the team then expected.

[Pmalek]

I've been going to Dinamo Zagreb games since 1992, and more than once i had high hopes, but somehow they managed to mess it up each year, with 2 exceptions, in the late 90s and last year.

That being said, this Dinamo Zagreb really looks confident, more mature and a team with a plan. Dinamo always had very talented players, but this year  they managed to keep all their best players except Sunjic who they sold way to cheap (imho he was 2nd or 3rd most important Dinamo player). I didn't say that they cant be 2nd, of course they can, but personally i think it would be very hard and for me 3rd spot would be good too. Atalanta played awful game and Dinamo was brilliant, but Dinamo can also play like crap, and i simply don't want to be caught in euphoria after only 1 round.

Experience and traditionally a winning mentality goes a long way in the Champions League. I don't know how far Dinamo can go, if they can advance from the Group stage. I remember a few years ago when they were in the same group as Juventus they didn't win a single point. Can't remember if they scored more than a few goals.

From a realistic point of view do you think they have what it takes to to repeat the performance against Atalanta?

[Rikafip]

I've been going to Dinamo Zagreb games since 1992, and more than once i had high hopes, but somehow they managed to mess it up each year, with 2 exceptions, in the late 90s and last year.

That being said, this Dinamo Zagreb really looks confident, more mature and a team with a plan. Dinamo always had very talented players, but this year  they managed to keep all their best players except Sunjic who they sold way to cheap (imho he was 2nd or 3rd most important Dinamo player). I didn't say that they cant be 2nd, of course they can, but personally i think it would be very hard and for me 3rd spot would be good too. Atalanta played awful game and Dinamo was brilliant, but Dinamo can also play like crap, and i simply don't want to be caught in euphoria after only 1 round.

Experience and traditionally a winning mentality goes a long way in the Champions League. I don't know how far Dinamo can go, if they can advance from the Group stage. I remember a few years ago when they were in the same group as Juventus they didn't win a single point. Can't remember if they scored more than a few goals.

From a realistic point of view do you think they have what it takes to to repeat the performance against Atalanta?

To be honest, i am not sure that they can repeat this performance, what we saw the other  night was  maybe best Dinamo game in many years.

Dinamo had some good performances against strong opponents in the past like 0:0 against Man Utd @Old Trafford in 1999 ( strongest ManUtd ever, they won CL previous season), 2  CL wins in 1998 (against Porto and Ajax), that 2:1 win against Arsenal few years ago, but i think they never  dominated like against Atalanta.

It is right what you said about winning mentality, and Dinamo certainly  lacked that, despite domination in  national championship, but they might got back on the track previous season, when they managed to go through next round in Europe, first time in almost  50 years or so. That obviously gave them confidence boost.

For Dinamo to finish 2nd, beside them keep playing good, it is also needed that Man City  keep beating Shakhtar and Atalanta, taking all points from them. But as i said before, i don't want to jump on hype train after 1st round, too many games left and i know that things can get complicated very fast.

[Pab]

Not first time Real is losing xxx goals playing without Ramos
Real urgently needs class central defender.What will be with Real if Ramos will be injured
Despite Ramos absence Real play is not so optimistic.Same old players .Hazard is not enough to improve  Real play

[Daniel91]

Real Madrid should worry about their future. I Don't think on this season Madrid will won a single trophy with this kind of performance. Zidane should change his tactics because current tactics Isn't working.Also some injuries causing great harms to the sqaud.
                

Things like this that are worried by supporters of Real Madrid. Like it or not They will be without any title this season again, Real Madrid's decline is very drastic at this time. To be sure their core players (who are currently injured) greatly affect the overall game of Real Madrid.

And now they are already questioning Zidane, the coach that won the CL with them three times already. They have to admit that they were depending on CR7 more than they thought. After he left, Real is struggling really hard.

Ronaldo is not only problem or reason why Real have so many difficulties now and plays so poorly.
Even at the time Zidane first coached Real, and won the European Championship title three times, Real has never had a game system built, clear strategy and tactics, but relied on the individual quality of the players, which, often with much luck, passed in the Champions League but not in the Spanish Championship.
Now, they don't have Ronaldo any more, didn't get new stars like Pogba or Neymar, and some playsers like Marcelo, Ramos, Modric etc. are to old and can't play at a high level in continuity any longer.

+1

Real Madrid needs complete revamp of the team, what they did this year won't be enough. It will take them few years probably to be CL contenders, but sooner they start doing it, sooner they get some results. But all this was kinda expected, C.Ronaldo ended one era of Real Madrid. And i might add that I expected more from Hazard, but probably he just still need more time to adjust. Modric was also not good his first season in Real, remember some even saying signing him was a mistake. Hazard is class player, so i think he will overcome this, and start working more on physical aspect, he is kinda out of shape.

Most likely same will happen to Barcelona when Messi retires/leaves, that's how it goes.

The point of everything you say is that Real Madrid has not been optimal during this season. They lost the game like 2-3 the previous season. Hazard and Ronaldo are different players, so far Hazard has not contributed much to Real Madrid. So Hazard cannot be compared to his role as Ronaldo.

Not just that, Ronaldo has always been the perfect example of an absolutely ready football player, completely focused on football and winning.
Hazard came to Real completely unprepared and gained a few pounds over the summer, which shows me that his level of seriousness and focus on football is much lower from the one Ronaldo shows.

[dobolspeed3]

Not just that, Ronaldo has always been the perfect example of an absolutely ready football player, completely focused on football and winning.

I agree with you. Ronaldo Sometimes also motivates colleagues when they miss a goal or lose. And it really is very, very useful and influential for others, in order to get back on its feet. Sure enough, often an extraordinary comeback occurs when Ronaldo is in Real Madrid.

[UNOE]

Not just that, Ronaldo has always been the perfect example of an absolutely ready football player, completely focused on football and winning.

I agree with you. Ronaldo Sometimes also motivates colleagues when they miss a goal or lose. And it really is very, very useful and influential for others, in order to get back on its feet. Sure enough, often an extraordinary comeback occurs when Ronaldo is in Real Madrid.

I think Real Madrid thought Christian Bale would of fill in the spot of a Ronaldo but alas nobody can fill that players shoes.
Bale did almost score a great goal but it was denied by referee unfortunately.

[Darkoth89]

Not just that, Ronaldo has always been the perfect example of an absolutely ready football player, completely focused on football and winning.

I agree with you. Ronaldo Sometimes also motivates colleagues when they miss a goal or lose. And it really is very, very useful and influential for others, in order to get back on its feet. Sure enough, often an extraordinary comeback occurs when Ronaldo is in Real Madrid.

I think Real Madrid thought Christian Bale would of fill in the spot of a Ronaldo but alas nobody can fill that players shoes.
Bale did almost score a great goal but it was denied by referee unfortunately.

It's a bit off-topic but ... No they didn't? It was Zidane who said about Bale (quote): "We hope he leaves soon. It would be best for everyone." That's definitely not something you say to a player who should play an important role in the future. They were simply forced to integrate Bale back into the team because nobody wanted to sign Bale under the given conditions (relatively old player, high salary and high transfer sum Real was demanding).  

[Rikafip]

Real Madrid should worry about their future. I Don't think on this season Madrid will won a single trophy with this kind of performance. Zidane should change his tactics because current tactics Isn't working.Also some injuries causing great harms to the sqaud.
                

Things like this that are worried by supporters of Real Madrid. Like it or not They will be without any title this season again, Real Madrid's decline is very drastic at this time. To be sure their core players (who are currently injured) greatly affect the overall game of Real Madrid.

And now they are already questioning Zidane, the coach that won the CL with them three times already. They have to admit that they were depending on CR7 more than they thought. After he left, Real is struggling really hard.

Ronaldo is not only problem or reason why Real have so many difficulties now and plays so poorly.
Even at the time Zidane first coached Real, and won the European Championship title three times, Real has never had a game system built, clear strategy and tactics, but relied on the individual quality of the players, which, often with much luck, passed in the Champions League but not in the Spanish Championship.
Now, they don't have Ronaldo any more, didn't get new stars like Pogba or Neymar, and some playsers like Marcelo, Ramos, Modric etc. are to old and can't play at a high level in continuity any longer.

+1

Real Madrid needs complete revamp of the team, what they did this year won't be enough. It will take them few years probably to be CL contenders, but sooner they start doing it, sooner they get some results. But all this was kinda expected, C.Ronaldo ended one era of Real Madrid. And i might add that I expected more from Hazard, but probably he just still need more time to adjust. Modric was also not good his first season in Real, remember some even saying signing him was a mistake. Hazard is class player, so i think he will overcome this, and start working more on physical aspect, he is kinda out of shape.

Most likely same will happen to Barcelona when Messi retires/leaves, that's how it goes.

The point of everything you say is that Real Madrid has not been optimal during this season. They lost the game like 2-3 the previous season. Hazard and Ronaldo are different players, so far Hazard has not contributed much to Real Madrid. So Hazard cannot be compared to his role as Ronaldo.

Not just that, Ronaldo has always been the perfect example of an absolutely ready football player, completely focused on football and winning.
Hazard came to Real completely unprepared and gained a few pounds over the summer, which shows me that his level of seriousness and focus on football is much lower from the one Ronaldo shows.

C. Ronaldo is probably the biggest professional I've seen since i watch football. This guy lives football 24/7 and it shows, physically most dominant player ever.

I prefer Messi, but C.Ronaldo is an epitome of a football player, and you have to admire him for that.

[Pmalek]

To be honest, i am not sure that they can repeat this performance, what we saw the other  night was  maybe best Dinamo game in many years.

The Champions League takes so much energy from the teams. They often don't realize it until the next match comes in the domestic competition.
Dinamo lost yesterday against an opponent they are unlikely to lose against in normal conditions. That is often the case with teams following a strong CL performance, they get mentally and physically tired and aren't able to perform at the levels expected by them.

I watched the Juve-Verona match yesterday and Juventus struggled immensely. They had no control in the middle of the pitch and almost messed up in the last couple of minutes where they could have conceded a goal for 2:2.

[Naida_BR]

To be honest, i am not sure that they can repeat this performance, what we saw the other  night was  maybe best Dinamo game in many years.

The Champions League takes so much energy from the teams. They often don't realize it until the next match comes in the domestic competition.
Dinamo lost yesterday against an opponent they are unlikely to lose against in normal conditions. That is often the case with teams following a strong CL performance, they get mentally and physically tired and aren't able to perform at the levels expected by them.

I watched the Juve-Verona match yesterday and Juventus struggled immensely. They had no control in the middle of the pitch and almost messed up in the last couple of minutes where they could have conceded a goal for 2:2.

That's why big clubs need to do rotation, before or after the big Champions League games.
Juventus really struggled yesterday, and it is really bad to see that as we are in the start of the season. What would be the case when we reach April? I just wonder...

[Daniel91]

To be honest, i am not sure that they can repeat this performance, what we saw the other  night was  maybe best Dinamo game in many years.

The Champions League takes so much energy from the teams. They often don't realize it until the next match comes in the domestic competition.
Dinamo lost yesterday against an opponent they are unlikely to lose against in normal conditions. That is often the case with teams following a strong CL performance, they get mentally and physically tired and aren't able to perform at the levels expected by them.

I watched the Juve-Verona match yesterday and Juventus struggled immensely. They had no control in the middle of the pitch and almost messed up in the last couple of minutes where they could have conceded a goal for 2:2.

In fact, Bjelica, the Dinamo coach, rested most of the players who played against Atalanta and gave other players a chance to play.
It could be said that it was actually Dinamo's second team and the coach obviously had a plan to rest the main players to continue competing in the Champions League.
The plan obviously only partially worked out because they lost the match.
It will not be easy for Dinamo to fight in parallel on 2 fronts.

[Pmalek]

It will not be easy for Dinamo to fight in parallel on 2 fronts.

No it wont but the financial benefits the Champions League offers + the introduction of the Dinamo players to Europe's elite teams will pay off. Dinamo is a team who have always made significant sales on the transfer market and what better way to boost the value of their players than to play like they did against Atalanta.

The prize money paid by UEFA is €3 Million for every win and €1 Million for every draw. That is a lot of money for smaller teams. 

[swogerino]

To be honest, i am not sure that they can repeat this performance, what we saw the other  night was  maybe best Dinamo game in many years.

The Champions League takes so much energy from the teams. They often don't realize it until the next match comes in the domestic competition.
Dinamo lost yesterday against an opponent they are unlikely to lose against in normal conditions. That is often the case with teams following a strong CL performance, they get mentally and physically tired and aren't able to perform at the levels expected by them.

I watched the Juve-Verona match yesterday and Juventus struggled immensely. They had no control in the middle of the pitch and almost messed up in the last couple of minutes where they could have conceded a goal for 2:2.

In fact, Bjelica, the Dinamo coach, rested most of the players who played against Atalanta and gave other players a chance to play.
It could be said that it was actually Dinamo's second team and the coach obviously had a plan to rest the main players to continue competing in the Champions League.
The plan obviously only partially worked out because they lost the match.
It will not be easy for Dinamo to fight in parallel on 2 fronts.

They will fight harder in Champions League especially after that superb win against a team from Serie A like Atalanta.I think it is the first time for Dinamo to achieve something like this.They will not be much worried for the domestic league as they can recover some lost points easily there compared to Champions League.

[slackovic]

To be honest, i am not sure that they can repeat this performance, what we saw the other  night was  maybe best Dinamo game in many years.

The Champions League takes so much energy from the teams. They often don't realize it until the next match comes in the domestic competition.
Dinamo lost yesterday against an opponent they are unlikely to lose against in normal conditions. That is often the case with teams following a strong CL performance, they get mentally and physically tired and aren't able to perform at the levels expected by them.

I watched the Juve-Verona match yesterday and Juventus struggled immensely. They had no control in the middle of the pitch and almost messed up in the last couple of minutes where they could have conceded a goal for 2:2.

In fact, Bjelica, the Dinamo coach, rested most of the players who played against Atalanta and gave other players a chance to play.
It could be said that it was actually Dinamo's second team and the coach obviously had a plan to rest the main players to continue competing in the Champions League.
The plan obviously only partially worked out because they lost the match.
It will not be easy for Dinamo to fight in parallel on 2 fronts.

They will fight harder in Champions League especially after that superb win against a team from Serie A like Atalanta.I think it is the first time for Dinamo to achieve something like this. They will not be much worried for the domestic league as they can recover some lost points easily there compared to Champions League.

I think that is the problem with Dinamo's team - they have to be worried about the domestic league. True, Dinamo coach rested some of the players but that gave others a chance to shine. And what did they do? They lost to the team that didn't have a single win in the domestic championship! That's really embarrassing for the team and the coach was rightfully furious. He even said to the camera that players who won't play good in the domestic league won't play CL games.

[Daniel91]

To be honest, i am not sure that they can repeat this performance, what we saw the other  night was  maybe best Dinamo game in many years.

The Champions League takes so much energy from the teams. They often don't realize it until the next match comes in the domestic competition.
Dinamo lost yesterday against an opponent they are unlikely to lose against in normal conditions. That is often the case with teams following a strong CL performance, they get mentally and physically tired and aren't able to perform at the levels expected by them.

I watched the Juve-Verona match yesterday and Juventus struggled immensely. They had no control in the middle of the pitch and almost messed up in the last couple of minutes where they could have conceded a goal for 2:2.

In fact, Bjelica, the Dinamo coach, rested most of the players who played against Atalanta and gave other players a chance to play.
It could be said that it was actually Dinamo's second team and the coach obviously had a plan to rest the main players to continue competing in the Champions League.
The plan obviously only partially worked out because they lost the match.
It will not be easy for Dinamo to fight in parallel on 2 fronts.

They will fight harder in Champions League especially after that superb win against a team from Serie A like Atalanta.I think it is the first time for Dinamo to achieve something like this. They will not be much worried for the domestic league as they can recover some lost points easily there compared to Champions League.

I think that is the problem with Dinamo's team - they have to be worried about the domestic league. True, Dinamo coach rested some of the players but that gave others a chance to shine. And what did they do? They lost to the team that didn't have a single win in the domestic championship! That's really embarrassing for the team and the coach was rightfully furious. He even said to the camera that players who won't play good in the domestic league won't play CL games.

Personally, I don’t think the coach meant it seriously.
Coach Bjelica probably wanted to wake the team up and lift them mentally for the next games.
The truth is that the Champions League is a great chance for the Dinamo, both in sport and in financial terms, but they must not relax too much in the domestic league.
Otherwise, they could lose their place in the next Champions League.
Remember Rijeka?
The question is whether DInamo has enough quality players to endure a battle on both fronts?

[Scheede]

Not just that, Ronaldo has always been the perfect example of an absolutely ready football player, completely focused on football and winning.

I agree with you. Ronaldo Sometimes also motivates colleagues when they miss a goal or lose. And it really is very, very useful and influential for others, in order to get back on its feet. Sure enough, often an extraordinary comeback occurs when Ronaldo is in Real Madrid.

I think Real Madrid thought Christian Bale would of fill in the spot of a Ronaldo but alas nobody can fill that players shoes.
Bale did almost score a great goal but it was denied by referee unfortunately.

He has been great in Amarican Psycho, Shaft, Equilibirium, the Batman-movies of course and so many other blockbusters, but I honestly doubt that Christian Bale would fill the smallest part of Ronaldo´s footprint 

[efialtis]

Not just that, Ronaldo has always been the perfect example of an absolutely ready football player, completely focused on football and winning.

I agree with you. Ronaldo Sometimes also motivates colleagues when they miss a goal or lose. And it really is very, very useful and influential for others, in order to get back on its feet. Sure enough, often an extraordinary comeback occurs when Ronaldo is in Real Madrid.

I think Real Madrid thought Christian Bale would of fill in the spot of a Ronaldo but alas nobody can fill that players shoes.
Bale did almost score a great goal but it was denied by referee unfortunately.

He has been great in Amarican Psycho, Shaft, Equilibirium, the Batman-movies of course and so many other blockbusters, but I honestly doubt that Christian Bale would fill the smallest part of Ronaldo´s footprint 

Jesus, hahahaha - shit-posts ftw! Not sure whats better, Christian Bale in the spot of a Ronaldo or Ben Zima in Riyal! -->

Ben Zima scored the only goal of the game in which Riyal finished second in the league. I think the performance of the riyal will be competitive in the coming roles. There is no doubt that Zidane today will be in the best condition after the faltering suffered in the league and champions.

[exbet.io]

Really looking forward to Spurs v Bayern next week, Spurs will have to go for it at home, especially after draw away to Olympiakos, and Bayern have the firepower to make this a high-scoring game. We'll be backing over 2.5 and laying 0-0, 1-0 and 0-1.