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

[kawetsriyanto]

Man City vs. Real Madrid
Liverpool vs. Villarreal

In this stage of the UCL, both Manchester City and Liverpool represent England, which shows you how far away they are from the other teams in England. Real Madrid just keeps showing that this is their competition, while Villarreal is definitely making waves in Europe as a Spanish team representing the continent.

Good to see all the teams that qualify in the semi-final round. In this round, we will see EPL teams vs La Liga teams, only 2 countries here.
By the way, if we consider the performance of EPL teams in the previous round, they didn't show their best. Especially Man City, they should get a better result, aggregate 1-0 seems not really appropriate for them. While from the Spanish team, both of them have done great jobs. Especially Villareal, they are surprising us by beating the favorite team, Bayern Munich.

It will be difficult to predict which team to qualify for the final round. But I guess Real Madrid vs Liverpool in the final.  

[jostorres]

we've semi-finalist:
Man City vs. Real Madrid
Liverpool vs. Villarreal

I watched the City vs Atletico game. I thought Atletico did better than that. Manchester City did Atletico a favor by beating them. btw! In this stage of the UCL, both Manchester City and Liverpool represent England, which shows you how far away they are from the other teams in England. Real Madrid just keeps showing that this is their competition, while Villarreal is definitely making waves in Europe as a Spanish team representing the continent.

This is an ideal semi-final in my opinion, because our semifinal this year has more potential to present an intense match between 4 clubs from different countries, Spain and England, a match between Villareal vs Liverpool, I think it will be a strategy battle between two great coaches so far, namely Unay Emery, who has been known as a specialist coach of the European League, will certainly exert all his abilities in dealing with Klopp strategy, who is a specialist coach of the Champions League so far.
During the madrid vs manchester city ​​matches, we will see a duel that is also no less exciting between the most league champions tittle and a team that has a high desire to win the champions league for the first time this season.

I do agree that Emery will try his best to find a counter for the Liverpool tactics but we should also remember that Liverpool played with basically bench players on the last game, which shows that they are so good that even the bench players were capable of getting the needed result during a champions league quarter finals.

I know that Villareal has been amazing so far and they could even pull an upset once again if they are lucky enough but to be honest if LFC plays with their starting eleven, then I do not really leave any chance for Villareal to beat them at all, it would be very unlikely thing to happen and I doubt that it would be possible at all.

[Rana590]

I love what Pep Guardiola did with the formation, he also parked the bus, if all the teams start to play like athletico in the first football will be of the most boring sport,  that first leg from ATM wasn't football no matter how you want to paint it, teams that set up that way should be made to forfeit the match and the opposing team given 3 pts and 3 goals

In this Leg 2 match, Atletico Madrid played better and very much different from what they did in this Leg 1 match.
Atlético Madrid's performance was beyond expectations, many thought they would lose again due to a bad match in the 1st leg but they did something different in this match, they played very well even though there were no goals scored.
although Atletico did not qualify for the semifinals but I appreciate their struggle and they gave a very good game in this second leg.

Atletico Madrid didnt deserve in any minut of both games to go in to the next round. They defended 170/180 minutes of both matches . They started attacking in last 10 minutes of second match and wanted to win the match,this is not how football works no matter who the opponent is you just cannot defend always and not do anything in attack. Man City deserved to win and i hope to see them honestly in the final of UCL.

Actually Atletico Madrid started to attach from the 2nd half and they tried to score at least a goal. I didn't expect such gameplay from Manchester City as they're a strong team. They didn't play well and didn't able to shoot on target.

Atletico Madrid is not a weak team despite their poor performances for some week now.  This time around they might have well prepared to play against Manchester City, that was why Manchester city find it difficult to score. Atletico Madrid were more defensive in the second half of the game. Atletico Madrid performance was better than the last game they played with Manchester City.

Yes they are a good team and ability to fight with any team. They have some quality full players who can change the game result anytime. They needed to play with attacking mind with Manchester City. If they were able to score a goal, result might go to side of Atletico Madrid.

[Anguwa]

The very likely finales now are Real Madrid - Liverpool and Manchester City - Liverpool indeed. I don't even give a chance to Villarreal about eliminating Liverpool honestly. Because I don't see their chance as high as it was against Bayern Munich. Liverpool are a way better team these times and I don't expect them to be out of the tournament very unexpectedly. Villarreal have reached the semi finals in the Champions League second time in their history as far as I remember. Even it must be very meaningful for them.

Unexpected things do happen in football any time, no team is to be underrated as far as UEFA Champions League is concerned. From yesterday's results, no one will expect Villareal to eliminate Bayern Munich yesterday but that's game. Therefore I still have hope that Villareal can do what people did not expect. As far as I am concern, the finals will be within Real Madrid against Liverpool or Villareal.

[sayaya17]

The very likely finales now are Real Madrid - Liverpool and Manchester City - Liverpool indeed. I don't even give a chance to Villarreal about eliminating Liverpool honestly. Because I don't see their chance as high as it was against Bayern Munich. Liverpool are a way better team these times and I don't expect them to be out of the tournament very unexpectedly. Villarreal have reached the semi finals in the Champions League second time in their history as far as I remember. Even it must be very meaningful for them.

Unexpected things do happen in football any time, no team is to be underrated as far as UEFA Champions League is concerned. From yesterday's results, no one will expect Villareal to eliminate Bayern Munich yesterday but that's game. Therefore I still have hope that Villareal can do what people did not expect. As far as I am concern, the finals will be within Real Madrid against Liverpool or Villareal.

Everyone is free to predict which team will go to the final, because everyone has their own analysis. Even among the 4 teams that entered
the semifinals, it must be admitted that Villarreal is the most surprising team. Nobody expected Villarreal to go this far, but like you said this is
football that always brings surprises. I also won't deny there is still the possibility of Villarreal creating the next surprise, even though their chances
are very small. But I hope Man City and Liverpool will qualify for the final, because I really admire Klopp and Guardiola as great tacticians.
So I really want to see them battle strategy in the Champions League final to determine who is the best, which of course the atmosphere will be
much different in the Champions League final than when Man City and Liverpool met in the Premier League competition.

[Rana590]

The very likely finales now are Real Madrid - Liverpool and Manchester City - Liverpool indeed. I don't even give a chance to Villarreal about eliminating Liverpool honestly. Because I don't see their chance as high as it was against Bayern Munich. Liverpool are a way better team these times and I don't expect them to be out of the tournament very unexpectedly. Villarreal have reached the semi finals in the Champions League second time in their history as far as I remember. Even it must be very meaningful for them.

Unexpected things do happen in football any time, no team is to be underrated as far as UEFA Champions League is concerned. From yesterday's results, no one will expect Villareal to eliminate Bayern Munich yesterday but that's game. Therefore I still have hope that Villareal can do what people did not expect. As far as I am concern, the finals will be within Real Madrid against Liverpool or Villareal.

So do you think Manchester City hasn't nothing to do? They are still favorite in my opinion and have enough opportunity to do in upcoming matches. We know that how Manchester City is and they can destroy any team. I hope it will be a tough game between Real Madrid and Manchester City.

[lalabotax]

There are only two possibilities about the team reaching the final in my opinion and maybe something like this:

• Liverpool vs Manchester City
• Real Madrid vs Liverpool

I don't think Villareal can be expected to beat Liverpool even though Bayern Munich are the unlucky side against them in the quarter-finals. So Villareal will not reach the final and only Liverpool may have an easier way to the final. Still dubious between Madrid and City, they both deserved this season but I think Liverpool and Manchester City finals are to be expected.

Why do you underestimate Villareal? They have eliminated Bayern, right? You must know how good Bayern is and how strong they are. Every team tries to avoid fighting with them, it is because Bayern is always considered the favorite team to be in the final round of this tournament. Surprisingly, Villareal can beat them, it simply indicates Villareal has the capability to eliminate their opponent in the current round. Honestly, I doubt Liverpool can be in the semi-final round if they were against Bayern in the previous round. So, don't exclude Villareal as the candidate of the finalist.  

[RILWAN]

Well am looking out to seeing the outcome of the game between Manchester City and Liverpool in the FA cup coming Saturday I guess this is going to be a strong determinant factor and also a complimentary game and as a follow-up of both team last battle at the premiere league.

[Velvet78]

Manchester City - Real Madrid is going to be the toughest matchup in the semi finals I think. It is not much different than a final game in the Champions League. Honestly, Real Madrid have impressed me much more so far. As long as they have Benzema, they are always going to be one of the biggest contenders for the title. Manchester City defenders will have a big responsibility to defend him. And he is not only carrying the team by himself of course. I really like their game as a team.

[mrongoz_imut]

Unexpected things do happen in football any time, no team is to be underrated as far as UEFA Champions League is concerned. From yesterday's results, no one will expect Villareal to eliminate Bayern Munich yesterday but that's game. Therefore I still have hope that Villareal can do what people did not expect. As far as I am concern, the finals will be within Real Madrid against Liverpool or Villareal.

I can't expected Liverpool easy lock step to final of champion league because last second leg match draw by Benfica and have conceded 3 goals at least minutes. I think Villareal have solid defensive play and keep using with attacking counter will make Liverpool not easy for defeating Villareal. Not happening with how winning on ball possession controlling because Villareal have faster games play when counter attack. Looks hard for predicting which one team eligible to final of champion league, will Spain final on champion league happening with Real Madrid vs Villareal or England final where Liverpool vs Manchester City.

[Lordhermes]

The Champions League is starting to clear up and we now have easily anyone who will enter with the quality they deserve. Clubs that are growing stronger and increasingly showing their existence are still owned by Man City, Liverpool, and Real Madrid. The three clubs are worthy candidates to compete with each other for a special place in the Champions League.

I'm not too sure about Real Madrid although their run to the semi-finals was amazing after PSG and Chelsea were eliminated. They have done it perfectly but of course they will still face another big team in the semi-final between Atletico Madrid or Manchester City.

I believe Manchester City can win the second leg today, so Simeone should have stepped out of his comfort zone to play openly today. So if Manchester City qualify for the semi-finals it will be a tough task for Real Madrid to advance to the final because City have been very good so far.

I don't know who is seeing it from my own point of view,but I see Manchester  City  taking the champions league already.Now that Bayern have been eliminated, and it's left with Real Madrid,Benfica,Mancity and Liverpool,I'm very optimistic that Liverpool and Manchester City will play against each other in the final,and if that happens,Liverpool will take it again.Except Liverpool is eliminated before they get to the final,if not,what ever makes them reach that final,it's their own.So for Mancity to take it,they have to pray that they remove Liverpool first.

[lulumiya]

When it comes to the draw between Manchester City and Real Madrid, I think that it is a very difficult one to predict in the first place. I see both teams having the same chance to reach the finale now. Manchester City might seem as a little ahead by some people but I think it is misleading. Real Madrid should never be underestimated from now on. Benzema would do whatever it takes to win even the championship.

[perla]

The last time City and Madrid played against each other, City won 1-2 in Madrid. But Madrid did lead in that match. In fact, if you look at the lineups, I think Madrid has a stronger team than City. Modric is of the outside category, he is perhaps even better than de Bruyne. He was nowhere to be seen last game but did score the most important goal last week in the first game. What we do know for sure is that it will be 2 open matches, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid both play completely different.

[Dewi Aries]

When it comes to the draw between Manchester City and Real Madrid, I think that it is a very difficult one to predict in the first place. I see both teams having the same chance to reach the finale now. Manchester City might seem as a little ahead by some people but I think it is misleading. Real Madrid should never be underestimated from now on. Benzema would do whatever it takes to win even the championship.

I don't see anything definite in the Champions League and Europa League you also know some surprises happen favorite team defeated
This season nothing is easy to predict, what we expect is always beyond expectations just see how the quarter final goes
I believe Madrid will be one of the teams going to the final possible opponent is Liverpool.

[udidrone]

The last time City and Madrid played against each other, City won 1-2 in Madrid. But Madrid did lead in that match. In fact, if you look at the lineups, I think Madrid has a stronger team than City. Modric is of the outside category, he is perhaps even better than de Bruyne. He was nowhere to be seen last game but did score the most important goal last week in the first game. What we do know for sure is that it will be 2 open matches, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid both play completely different.

The line-up is never the same every season we can't take the comparison in the last game if it was last season almost all teams rotate new and old players
I agree the opportunity are 50-50 so anyone can win because the semi-finals are very tight, there are champions candidates for sure but that's not a guarantee
Last year the Premier League controlled the final so will it be this year too?

[BALIK]

Manchester City - Real Madrid is going to be the toughest matchup in the semi finals I think. It is not much different than a final game in the Champions League. Honestly, Real Madrid have impressed me much more so far. As long as they have Benzema, they are always going to be one of the biggest contenders for the title. Manchester City defenders will have a big responsibility to defend him. And he is not only carrying the team by himself of course. I really like their game as a team.

From now on I am not going to doubt Real Madrid. At least not on any big stage like the Champions League. I really did not give them much chance of advancing at this stage of the competition but they have put me wrong again and again. I do feel like Manchester City is better than Real Madrid. But as long as Real Madrid has Karim Benzema they obviously have a better chance of winning in my opinion.

[Dewi Aries]

Manchester City - Real Madrid is going to be the toughest matchup in the semi finals I think. It is not much different than a final game in the Champions League. Honestly, Real Madrid have impressed me much more so far. As long as they have Benzema, they are always going to be one of the biggest contenders for the title. Manchester City defenders will have a big responsibility to defend him. And he is not only carrying the team by himself of course. I really like their game as a team.

From now on I am not going to doubt Real Madrid. At least not on any big stage like the Champions League. I really did not give them much chance of advancing at this stage of the competition but they have put me wrong again and again. I do feel like Manchester City is better than Real Madrid. But as long as Real Madrid has Karim Benzema they obviously have a better chance of winning in my opinion.

Just like you I don't even count Madrid in this competition I think without Ronaldo they can't do anything
Until finally Madrid proved that they deserved it and I forgot they still have Benzema one of the amazing players
If Madrid wins the Champions League and LaLiga then Benzema has the opportunity to get a ballon d'or

[AndySt]

Manchester City - Real Madrid is going to be the toughest matchup in the semi finals I think. It is not much different than a final game in the Champions League. Honestly, Real Madrid have impressed me much more so far. As long as they have Benzema, they are always going to be one of the biggest contenders for the title. Manchester City defenders will have a big responsibility to defend him. And he is not only carrying the team by himself of course. I really like their game as a team.

From now on I am not going to doubt Real Madrid. At least not on any big stage like the Champions League. I really did not give them much chance of advancing at this stage of the competition but they have put me wrong again and again. I do feel like Manchester City is better than Real Madrid. But as long as Real Madrid has Karim Benzema they obviously have a better chance of winning in my opinion.

In any case, Real Madrid can hardly be called the favorite of the entire Champions League draw, but moving step by step, this goal may well be achieved. The presence of players like Modric and Benzema in the team, who can arrange a goal not in the most obvious situation, is a big plus for the team and eliminates the other disadvantages, which the team has enough. Another question is that both Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea failed certain segments of matches and thereby provided Real Madrid with chances that the club successfully used. But it is absolutely not a fact that, say, Manchester City or Liverpool will provide the necessary number of chances.

[Smack That Ace]

There are only two possibilities about the team reaching the final in my opinion and maybe something like this:

• Liverpool vs Manchester City
• Real Madrid vs Liverpool

I don't think Villareal can be expected to beat Liverpool even though Bayern Munich are the unlucky side against them in the quarter-finals. So Villareal will not reach the final and only Liverpool may have an easier way to the final. Still dubious between Madrid and City, they both deserved this season but I think Liverpool and Manchester City finals are to be expected.

Why do you underestimate Villareal? They have eliminated Bayern, right? You must know how good Bayern is and how strong they are. Every team tries to avoid fighting with them, it is because Bayern is always considered the favorite team to be in the final round of this tournament. Surprisingly, Villareal can beat them, it simply indicates Villareal has the capability to eliminate their opponent in the current round. Honestly, I doubt Liverpool can be in the semi-final round if they were against Bayern in the previous round. So, don't exclude Villareal as the candidate of the finalist.  

I was actually so surprised to see that honestly. Even I can't imagine it in my dream that Villarreal is going to beat Bayern Munich. But that has happened. I don't know if Villarreal is a stronger team because of that or not but I certainly think that they should not be underestimated.

I know people are going to laugh and think it's a joke but they should ask Bayern Munich. They are obviously not laughing now.

Anyway, I think the best chance of winning the league is with Manchester City and Liverpool. But all the teams are here at this stage of the competition for a reason.


Duke Khan

[LUCKMCFLY]

Real Madrid is very dependent on Benzema's performance this season because he is the player who keeps Real Madrid still competing in the quarter-finals because of his goals. Without Benzema Real Madrid look weak where they will find it difficult to score even to win the match, and I think Real Madrid might have lost by a bigger score without him.

Even I feel their dependence occurred after Ronaldo left the club and indeed he became the main spearhead after that.
although indeed this is not really justified as it will boomerang when Benzema can't play but they still don't have any other options right now. Their other strikers are quite good but not as good as Benzema in goal productivity.
Luckily now his performance is very good even in the last 2 champions league matches (Leg 2 against PSG and Leg 1 against Chelsea) 2 hattricks he created.

The Benzema thing is something incredible, he is like the pillar that keeps Real Madrid afloat with everything, if we take into account that in the league the time he was absent they scored 4 goals for Real Madrid, it is because he was without him, but they have a lot to gain, now if they bring Haaland to Real Madrid or any other player, I'm sure it will have a positive impact, because Benzema needs someone else to play the same position for them to be more effective.

I don't know if Real Madrid will keep it after the World Cup is over, because one of the team's customs is to get rid of players of a certain age, so it does a lot, I hope it doesn't happen with Benzema.

Manchester City - Real Madrid is going to be the toughest matchup in the semi finals I think. It is not much different than a final game in the Champions League. Honestly, Real Madrid have impressed me much more so far. As long as they have Benzema, they are always going to be one of the biggest contenders for the title. Manchester City defenders will have a big responsibility to defend him. And he is not only carrying the team by himself of course. I really like their game as a team.

From now on I am not going to doubt Real Madrid. At least not on any big stage like the Champions League. I really did not give them much chance of advancing at this stage of the competition but they have put me wrong again and again. I do feel like Manchester City is better than Real Madrid. But as long as Real Madrid has Karim Benzema they obviously have a better chance of winning in my opinion.

In any case, Real Madrid can hardly be called the favorite of the entire Champions League draw, but moving step by step, this goal may well be achieved. The presence of players like Modric and Benzema in the team, who can arrange a goal not in the most obvious situation, is a big plus for the team and eliminates the other disadvantages, which the team has enough. Another question is that both Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea failed certain segments of matches and thereby provided Real Madrid with chances that the club successfully used. But it is absolutely not a fact that, say, Manchester City or Liverpool will provide the necessary number of chances.

This semi-final surprises me, because for me it was the final of the UCL, however I don't like how this turned out, BAYERN saying goodbye to the UCL when they are one of the teams that shine the most, this is something surprising that only football can toast. The best thing to do in these cases is to know who to bet on, because Man City knows Real Madrid very well, Peop Guardiola is a great strategist.