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

[izsara]

Benzema has come a long way and the way he has matured is really immense. Couple of years back he wasn't good with finishes and many didn't held him as a great talent but the managers continued to put trust on him and look how he is paying the club back. The first goal in the game was so difficult given the pressure from Zinchenko but the perfect slight touch opened the account for them. And the penalty was a calm one too.

this may be true, but indeed for the past few seasons, especially when there was a trio of Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo indeed he has often stood as a supplier to Ronaldo even though it was the original target there. and I think his performance was quite good at that time but over time Madrid have had ups and downs in form and now he is a real Targetman and what he was initially quite fierce became even more ferocious when indeed he is a supplied man now

[baeva]

Too obvious a match and too obvious a score. I originally assumed that Liverpool would be able to beat Valencia without too much effort, which is exactly what happened, it was much more interesting to watch yesterday's match between Real and Manchester City... Liverpool only had to score one to make the Spaniards lose their guard and concede the second goal straight away. That should have been the end of the match.

It was a simple game for the myserside club even though they find it hard to score on the first half, Villarreal seat deep too much and that's what causes the first goal, I think Liverpool would have scored more but they were going easy, watching the game you felt angry Inside seeeing villareal and not Bayern Munich, because the game was not interesting like yesterday own between Manchester City and Real Madrid.it was one sided, villareal don't seems to me as a good side.

I was not a Villarreal supporter, if that's what you mean (not sure what you mean by that). I wasn't sympathetic to anyone in that match, unlike the match between Manchester City and Real Madrid, where I originally supported City. Villarreal had a chance to improve the situation in the second half and stop sitting in their own area and start intercepting the ball more actively and launching counterattacks, but they didn't do it, the result is there

[rozak]

a collection of 4 goals with only three replies by real Madrid shows how fragile the defense of los Blancos is in the first half of the Champions League semifinals even though real Madrid played very well but their defense became a big problem and this was exploited by Pep Guardiola's men by scoring 4 goals, of course this is a homework for Carlo Ancelotti in the second leg where Real Madrid's current weak point is only in the defense sector if they continue to make mistakes then it is certain that Manchester city will qualify for the final if this happens again like the first leg

Wait a minute, when they conceded 4 goals saying Madrid are so fragile what about the City defense that conceded 3 goals only from counter-attacks?
I don't think they lost in terms of defense even though they conceded 4 goals there, it's not too disappointing considering they can also reduce the gap.
The second leg now will certainly be a bit more exciting but indeed Madrid must start to focus there, especially for the early minutes of the game

I don't think it's a matter of the weak defense of the two teams. Both are trying to play attacking. Of course, there must be sacrifices for a result. when they focus on attacking and scoring goals, the defense opens up.
Of course, Madrid is considering the game that Atletico applied against City. it was very ineffective to stem the aggressive City game. At that time, even Atletico was locked in their defense to the point of not being able to create a single chance.

[maju69]

It was a simple game for the myserside club even though they find it hard to score on the first half, Villarreal seat deep too much and that's what causes the first goal, I think Liverpool would have scored more but they were going easy, watching the game you felt angry Inside seeeing villareal and not Bayern Munich, because the game was not interesting like yesterday own between Manchester City and Real Madrid.it was one sided, villareal don't seems to me as a good side.

I was not a Villarreal supporter, if that's what you mean (not sure what you mean by that). I wasn't sympathetic to anyone in that match, unlike the match between Manchester City and Real Madrid, where I originally supported City. Villarreal had a chance to improve the situation in the second half and stop sitting in their own area and start intercepting the ball more actively and launching counterattacks, but they didn't do it, the result is there

It is very difficult for a team to launch an effective counter-attack amid pressure from opposing players. The way Liverpool dominated the game, I saw it was very difficult for Villarreal to get out of that pressure. And I think it's part of their strategy to prevent a lot of goals from nesting in their net and make it easier for Villarreal to look into the second leg. But that strategy didn't go well with Liverpool's 2 goals. And in the end they also had to struggle in the second leg later.

[RealMalatesta]

One goal difference and no away goals rule would make the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu very open for both teams, but with the excellent performance of Pep Guardiola's men in the first leg it is very possible for them to win again and qualify for the party. finals. without degrading Real Madrid and regardless of the results of the two teams in the first leg many people believe that they can beat Real Madrid again in the second leg if that is without any surprises happening again.

I believe that one goal difference is still quite big of a deal when you are facing City. I mean 4-3 is an incredible game for sure, but it showed once again why Real needs help with the defense. The big talk about next transfer season has been Mbappe for like over a year now but I believe that their defense needs even more help than their offense which scored 3 goals against City.

When you can score, but can't stop conceding, that should be a little bit of dangerous to Real Madrid. I mean they may end up scoring, but even a tie would be enough for City who would work tirelessly for that and if they score then City will just score back.

[lalabotax]

If Real Madrid doesn't change the game scheme, it is very likely that Manchester City will dominate the game, even Real Madrid will find it difficult to score goals, even though they play at home in the second round, Real Madrid's biggest weakness in defense,

They know that they have a weakness in their defense, so they must be careful to select defenders as the lineups for Leg 2. I'm very sure that Ancelotti will apply a different strategy in the next Leg, they need a fast goal in 1st half but they mustn't get another conceded goal. I think Benzema, Vinicius, and Asensio will play as the starters in the attacking line, while to strengthen the defensive line they may release Casemiro as the starter. They need more people that can do well enough in defense, Casemiro is a perfect choice.

[Yogee]

Villareal still lucky to go home two goals behind Liverpool since that could have been three or four. There's no coming back from this but "miracles" do happen in football.

Liverpool shots on target were only 5 although all shot attempts were 19. So, making 2 goals in this match is good enough, I don't think they deserve to make 4 goals. ......

My point is not whether they deserve four goals or not.

It's also not all about the shots on target but how clear the chances were or how close they were to scoring. You can take the missed header by Mane from close range as an example. It's not on target but he could have easily scored there. You can also add the shot that hit the post.

[Vinaa77]

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.

Yes, I agree with you.  Liverpool are very superior, a 2-0 victory over Villarreal has taken them one foot into the final round, in the 2nd leg later the Reds only need a draw or defeat by a 1 goal margin which is a condition for them to step perfectly into the final.  However, Jurgen Klopp must be smart in looking at the composition or rotating his players, because Liverpool will face a busy period, because they are still struggling in three different competitions until the end of this season.

[coinlocket$]

Liverpool got an easy win versus Villareal.

Real Madrid vs City will be an open second leg, anything can happen in Madrid.

The Manchester City is the stronger team but I think Real will pass.

[lulumiya]

I think that Liverpool have already ended the semi finals successfully. Because there is no way Villarreal are making a comeback from here. I don't wait for Liverpool to struggle too much in Spain next week. Villarreal might be more effective as for attacking but Liverpool would still play their usual game there too. I don't think that Liverpool lose the second leg. But it is really difficult to predict the second leg of the Manchester City - Real Madrid matchup. Both teams have a serious chance to advance but Manchester City are technically one step ahead of course.

[mrongoz_imut]

They know that they have a weakness in their defense, so they must be careful to select defenders as the lineups for Leg 2. I'm very sure that Ancelotti will apply a different strategy in the next Leg, they need a fast goal in 1st half but they mustn't get another conceded goal. I think Benzema, Vinicius, and Asensio will play as the starters in the attacking line, while to strengthen the defensive line they may release Casemiro as the starter. They need more people that can do well enough in defense, Casemiro is a perfect choice.

Habit come back when playing home I think Real Madrid should worry with Manchester City defender after confirming with João Cancelo and Kyle Walker will back on second leg. First leg match right back position easy attacking by Vinicius Jr because Fernandinho as midfielder moving become right back position, but if Walker confirm can play on second leg little difficult for Vinicius Jr how to get chance there, but I think Madrid have good mentality with always come back after losing on first leg.

[D-law]

Liverpool got an easy win versus Villareal.

Real Madrid vs City will be an open second leg, anything can happen in Madrid.

The Manchester City is the stronger team but I think Real will pass.

Manchester City will go through to the next round, they deserve too as a team from the premier league will lift the Champions League once more.
Pep Guardiola has won Madrid couple of tikes in the past in the Champions League, so he should do same this time around, they should have won comfortably in that game but they failed to convert some goals.
Villarreal proved a little bit stubborn but couldn't keep up after the goal from Henderson they got disstabilize.

[Vinaa77]

Real Madrid will really need to focus on their defense in the rematch. They were too weak against Manchester City defensively for some time. They don't have the luxury of doing it again in the rematch now. Otherwise, Manchester City might be able to get what they want in that match also and they would finish the job. Real Madrid are already very strong offensively. I don't have any doubt that they can score easily in the rematch too. But they definitely need to improve their defense.

It's true, that Real Madrid's weakest point was in the defensive line in yesterday's first leg match. How could they allow Manchester City players to freely control the area they should be guarding. We can see how goals are scored by Manchester City, they can easily do that. Luckily they can close it with 3 goals in return which makes them have a big chance in the second leg later.

If Real Madrid doesn't change the game scheme, it is very likely that Manchester City will dominate the game, even Real Madrid will find it difficult to score goals, even though they play at home in the second round, Real Madrid's biggest weakness in defense, they lost the game like when Ramos is still at Real Madrid, Real Madrid have to change the style of play, if they don't want to lose in the second round, both clubs are still very open, but I still beat Real Madrid.

Real Madrid have shown their character as a team with a winning mentality, this was proven when they were left behind they didn't just lose their spirits, the match against Manchester City was one of their proofs, then previously they also made a comeback against PSG in the round of sixteen,  they lost 1-0 in the 1st leg and managed to avenge 3-1 in the 2nd leg. Madrid certainly still has a chance to advance to the final, but to face Manchester City in the 2nd leg, Ancelotti must fix their defense sector, otherwise Pep's men  Guardiola is ready to paralyze them in front of his own people.

[Tumanggor]

Liverpool got an easy win versus Villareal.

Real Madrid vs City will be an open second leg, anything can happen in Madrid.

The Manchester City is the stronger team but I think Real will pass.

Seeing from the results obtained in the match that took place between Man City vs Madrid which was carried out at the Etihad in the 1st leg, in this 2nd leg I am sure that Madrid will beat Man City in Santiago

but anything can happen because both of them are the best teams in the world who have now managed to become champions in their respective leagues from their origins

[minairia3]

Real Madrid were really bad at defending their opponent in both halves. Manchester City didn't have much problem on finding the chances they were looking for. After doing the same against Chelsea, I would have expected a more durable Real Madrid in this one. But still they succeeded in not getting far behind their opponent in terms of score. The final result was 4-3 there and it is still not a very bad result for Real Madrid. They will just need to play more solid in Santiago Bernabeu to drop the danger level to minimum in defense. And Benzema will be their biggest goal power there also like he was in the first leg. He scored 2 goals and impressed everyone again.

I actually think that Manchester City played it really well because they knew that if they try to keep position and play build-up football,  it will eventually be their downfall because Benzema can do anything at any moment. so they took the initiative and went aggressive and that obviously worked out very well for them. we can see that Manchester City went really aggressive from the very start of the match and there were very successful in finding the goals. Now I believe Real Madrid still has a really good chance of winning the second leg because it is only a goal deficit for them.

[nurilham]

Liverpool got an easy win versus Villareal.

Real Madrid vs City will be an open second leg, anything can happen in Madrid.

The Manchester City is the stronger team but I think Real will pass.

Liverpool is exactly the one that will pass and continue to the final. Vilarreal may make certain against at home match. But I am sure that they cannot defeat Liverpool.

However if we are talking about Real Madrid vs Man City, it is still difficult to guess and predict which one will pass. For, the score aggregate is not that high in difference.

[D-law]

In every game there are key players and in the last night's game between Liverpool and Villarreal Thiago Alacantra of Liverpool has a great performance.
He controlled the tempo of the game, failed too loss the ball and had over 93 percent passes accurate.
When i see Alexander Arnold and Robertson, the people that comes to my mimd are Gerrard and Xabi Alonso, the way they switch plays with long passes across the field gives me joy, I was a bit not a fan and wanted a draw but they are unstoppable. Risk taking Mane!

[Maidak]

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.

I think the best way for Manchester City to win against Real Madrid is not to hang back and just sit on the one goal late that they have. They really need to go aggressive again in my opinion because otherwise, they will ultimately leave holes in their defense and Benzema is someone who can exploit those gaps really well. 
But the other thing is this time Real Madrid will expect something similar like this and they might be ready for it. and Manchester City should be careful because Real Madrid is a team that can break really fast from the counterattack.

[arallmuus]

I think the best way for Manchester City to win against Real Madrid is not to hang back and just sit on the one goal late that they have. They really need to go aggressive again in my opinion because otherwise, they will ultimately leave holes in their defense and Benzema is someone who can exploit those gaps really well. 

Thats what they are going to do obviously, I honestly have never seen City play with any defensive style this season. They are good and they need to keep on pressing Real Madrid and Pep knows this as well, he is not going to repeat the same mistake on the 1st leg because letting Real Madrid scored 3 goals in Etihad was a costly mistake for the 2nd leg

[BALIK]

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

So are we comparing the coach of Roma to the coach of Real Madrid?

I think in this comparison we might find that obviously, Real Madrid's record looks really good and that's why it might seem like the coach is doing a really great job compared to the coach of Roma. But that is not the case in my opinion because I believe Real Madrid is just winning because of individual less that are really brilliant and not because of great team play.