⚽ [POLL] FOOTBALL: UEFA Champions League 2023/24

[JollyGood]

You correctly credited Carlo Ancelotti with the resurgence of Real Madrid. It would be very difficult for anybody to ignore the impact returning hero manager Carlo Ancelotti has had on the team this season. Let us not forget he just arrived at the beginning of the season from Everton and has had an emphatic impact on the whole squad.

He has regularly left Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale on the substitutes bench, not used them at all on many occasions yet Real Madrid are dominating La Liga and topped their Champions League group.

Real Madrid have somehow managed to find form in La Liga and moved to the knockout stages of the Champions League whereas for example Barcelona have disintegrated in La Liga sitting in 8th position and 18 points behind leaders and favourites Real Madrid. Barcelona have been knocked out of the Champions League at the group for the first time in over 20 years, now they have to play in the Europa League but Real Madrid have turned themselves in to a footballing force this season.

Over two matches between PSG and Real Madrid, I think Real Madrid will win and go on to get to the semi-finals at the least. If that happens then PSG manager Pochettino could be sacked before the end of the season and a potential move to Manchester United could be on the cards for the beginning of next season.

PSG are going to have one of the toughest matchups and I don't have any doubt about it. People shouldn't undervalue Real Madrid in this matchup. If they look at Real Madrid's current condition closely, they can see that they are as good as PSG now. Maybe Real Madrid's dominance level in the La Liga is not bigger than PSG's in the Ligue 1. But the reason why is that La Liga is a more quality league.

@JollyGood you’re absolutely correct as Real Madrid are indeed back, and lots of credit goes to Carlo their head coach who successfully transformed them. Furthermore Real Madrid are going to facing an old enemy Messi, and that could be what’s stopping them from a victory hence I predict a goals fest when these two teams meet.

[darewaller]

There is a slight difference between real madrid who lost ronaldo and also barcelona which messi left at this time, when ronaldo left madrid, at that time madrid condition was also a bit limp but fortunately they still have benzema who can replace ronaldo position well, while barcelona is quite long relying on messi, unable to find a suitable replacement when messi moved to PSG, and even fati and depay who are expected to be the next messi in barcelona have not been able to show their best game at the moment, besides that the club financial condition is currently in trouble, adding to the condition Barcelona is getting worse, and it's clear that Barcelona's current condition is worse than when Madrid lost Ronaldo in 2018.

Benzema didn't replace Ronaldo all that very well, and nobody in the world could ever be the "next Messi" neither, these are two players that nobody could ever replace because between them they have like 12 or something Ballon D'or awards and that's more than any other two people combined. The real difference was that Real had a better 11 than what Barca had, they both managed to not replace their missing superstars but at least Real managed to put up a better 11 than what Barcelona could offered.

We also have the fact that Barcelona is doing horribly on finances as well, they have so much debt that paying it would take years for them alone and then they need to also get more players and pay salaries and so forth. All in all Real finished it with a lot better result when Ronaldo left, but when Messi left Barcelona still wasn't ready for this period.

[JollyGood]

Here are the first set of games taking place in the knockout stages of the Champions League on 15th February 2022:

Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid         
Sporting Lisbon vs Manchester City


Here are the games taking place on 16th February 2022:

Inter Milan vs Liverpool         
Red Bull Salzburg vs Bayern Muncih

PSG vs Real Madrid will be great game to watch, I have to go with Real Madrid to win overall with them winning in Paris and in Madrid. When it comes to Manchester City they should have an easy win in Lisbon but Liverpool will have a dangerous opponent with Inter and that is another game to look out for.

[Juggy777]

Here are the first set of games taking place in the knockout stages of the Champions League on 15th February 2022:

Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid         
Sporting Lisbon vs Manchester City


Here are the games taking place on 16th February 2022:

Inter Milan vs Liverpool         
Red Bull Salzburg vs Bayern Muncih

PSG vs Real Madrid will be great game to watch, I have to go with Real Madrid to win overall with them winning in Paris and in Madrid. When it comes to Manchester City they should have an easy win in Lisbon but Liverpool will have a dangerous opponent with Inter and that is another game to look out for.

@JollyGood while Real Madrid are no doubt the favourites, but they’re up against their arch enemy i.e. Messi and their beloved Ramos and add Neymar to that list so I doubt it’ll be a one sided affair and hence we should expect both teams to score. Further I expect Liverpool to win, because of their current form and it seems that they’re on a roll hence I can’t see them being defeated, and as for Manchester City it’ll be just another routine victory for them.

[JollyGood]

The first leg of the game will take place in Paris therefore PSG will have home support, they will need it against a powerful resurgent Real Madrid team. Ramos vs Madrid will be interesting if he plays especially in the return leg in Spain because the reception he receives from the Madrid fans should be a warm one but in this knockout stage of the competition the fans will have to back their team instead of a club legend that no longer plays for them.

In Madrid the fans will probably boo Messi and Neymar every time they touch the ball because of their past associations with Barcelona but will Ramos get booed too? 

Manchester City could probably put out a team full of reserves and they would walk away with a win against Sporting.

You are right about Liverpool, they are in form but Inter at home will be a difficult night for them but having said that I expect Liverpool to go through to the next round.

@JollyGood while Real Madrid are no doubt the favourites, but they’re up against their arch enemy i.e. Messi and their beloved Ramos and add Neymar to that list so I doubt it’ll be a one sided affair and hence we should expect both teams to score. Further I expect Liverpool to win, because of their current form and it seems that they’re on a roll hence I can’t see them being defeated, and as for Manchester City it’ll be just another routine victory for them.

[poldanmig]

There is a slight difference between real madrid who lost ronaldo and also barcelona which messi left at this time, when ronaldo left madrid, at that time madrid condition was also a bit limp but fortunately they still have benzema who can replace ronaldo position well, while barcelona is quite long relying on messi, unable to find a suitable replacement when messi moved to PSG, and even fati and depay who are expected to be the next messi in barcelona have not been able to show their best game at the moment, besides that the club financial condition is currently in trouble, adding to the condition Barcelona is getting worse, and it's clear that Barcelona's current condition is worse than when Madrid lost Ronaldo in 2018.

Benzema didn't replace Ronaldo all that very well, and nobody in the world could ever be the "next Messi" neither, these are two players that nobody could ever replace because between them they have like 12 or something Ballon D'or awards and that's more than any other two people combined. The real difference was that Real had a better 11 than what Barca had, they both managed to not replace their missing superstars but at least Real managed to put up a better 11 than what Barcelona could offered.

We also have the fact that Barcelona is doing horribly on finances as well, they have so much debt that paying it would take years for them alone and then they need to also get more players and pay salaries and so forth. All in all Real finished it with a lot better result when Ronaldo left, but when Messi left Barcelona still wasn't ready for this period.

I think you misunderstood what I said about replacing the position, I didn't say in terms of replacing the quality of a player, and I also agree that no other player can match or replace the two best players so far in terms of quality, but what I mean is that Benzema is more able to replace Ronaldo role or Task at Madrid in terms of scoring goals, you can see after losing Ronaldo, Benzema was able to transform into Madrid  goal machine and it was proven when Benzema could be Madrid  top scorer right now, but it was different with Barcelona which In fact we don't have a player who can replace Messi in terms of scoring goals, I don't even see a Barcelona forward who stands out in terms of scoring goals this season.

[JollyGood]

Real Madrid have players that can score goals for them from strikers to midfield, I agree with you Barcelona do not have an out-and-out forward right now who can score goals for them.

I see Barcelona in decline,they were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage and will play in the Europa League and I think they will fail to qualify for the Champions League next season by missing out on a top 4 finish this season.

Benzema didn't replace Ronaldo all that very well, and nobody in the world could ever be the "next Messi" neither, these are two players that nobody could ever replace because between them they have like 12 or something Ballon D'or awards and that's more than any other two people combined. The real difference was that Real had a better 11 than what Barca had, they both managed to not replace their missing superstars but at least Real managed to put up a better 11 than what Barcelona could offered.

We also have the fact that Barcelona is doing horribly on finances as well, they have so much debt that paying it would take years for them alone and then they need to also get more players and pay salaries and so forth. All in all Real finished it with a lot better result when Ronaldo left, but when Messi left Barcelona still wasn't ready for this period.

I think you misunderstood what I said about replacing the position, I didn't say in terms of replacing the quality of a player, and I also agree that no other player can match or replace the two best players so far in terms of quality, but what I mean is that Benzema is more able to replace Ronaldo role or Task at Madrid in terms of scoring goals, you can see after losing Ronaldo, Benzema was able to transform into Madrid  goal machine and it was proven when Benzema could be Madrid  top scorer right now, but it was different with Barcelona which In fact we don't have a player who can replace Messi in terms of scoring goals, I don't even see a Barcelona forward who stands out in terms of scoring goals this season.

[tokeweed]

So who do you guys got for the current round of fixtures this week?  I think City, PSG, Bayern and Liverpool their respective matches.  No bets here except for a small one on City to win and BTTS combo at 2.90 just to make watching it interesting.  I’m not really sure if Sporting CP could score a goal vs City but willing to gamble since they’re playing at home. 

I was also thinkng of doing the same bet for the Bayern match.  You guys think Salzburg could get one in?  What do you guys think?


  

[JollyGood]

RESULTS:

Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Real Madrid   
      
Sporting Lisbon 0-5 Manchester City




PSG managed to win 1-0 with a very late goal from Mbappe. Earlier Messi took a penalty but it was saved by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. It was heading for a 0-0 draw until Mbappe scored in the final minute of time added on. I think Real Madrid will win the game in Spain and qualify for the next round.

Manchester City thrashed Sporting Lisbon but did anybody really expect them to win 0-5?

[JollyGood]

RESULTS:

Inter Milan 0-2 Liverpool   
      
Red Bull Salzburg 1-1 Bayern Muncih


Two very late goals gave Liverpool a two goal cushion for when the teams meet next at Anfield. It would have been difficult for them to match the 0-5 victory Manchester City had against Sporting Lisbon but Inter Milan did put up a fight. Liverpool should easily qualify for the next round because Inter will find it difficult to beat them at Anfield.

In the other game Bayern were on the verge of defeat before they equalised in the last minute of the 90. RB Salzburg should have won it but conceded right at the end.

[karabiber]

ManU will beat A.Madrid if there is no surprise at home. I expect a goal-scoring draw in the Ajax-Benfica match. Juventus-Villarreal match will be the match Juve will win. I waiting for surprise in Lille-Chelsea game. Lille will win. Let's wait and see.

[JollyGood]

Here are the next set of games taking place in the knockout stages of the Champions League on 22nd February 2022:

Chelsea vs Lille         
Villarreal vs Juventus


Here are the games taking place on 23rd February 2022:

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United      
Benfica vs Ajax

It is another great season for English Premier League clubs because 4 have reach the knockout stages of the competition.

[AndySt]

There is a slight difference between real madrid who lost ronaldo and also barcelona which messi left at this time, when ronaldo left madrid, at that time madrid condition was also a bit limp but fortunately they still have benzema who can replace ronaldo position well, while barcelona is quite long relying on messi, unable to find a suitable replacement when messi moved to PSG, and even fati and depay who are expected to be the next messi in barcelona have not been able to show their best game at the moment, besides that the club financial condition is currently in trouble, adding to the condition Barcelona is getting worse, and it's clear that Barcelona's current condition is worse than when Madrid lost Ronaldo in 2018.

Benzema didn't replace Ronaldo all that very well, and nobody in the world could ever be the "next Messi" neither, these are two players that nobody could ever replace because between them they have like 12 or something Ballon D'or awards and that's more than any other two people combined. The real difference was that Real had a better 11 than what Barca had, they both managed to not replace their missing superstars but at least Real managed to put up a better 11 than what Barcelona could offered.
We also have the fact that Barcelona is doing horribly on finances as well, they have so much debt that paying it would take years for them alone and then they need to also get more players and pay salaries and so forth. All in all Real finished it with a lot better result when Ronaldo left, but when Messi left Barcelona still wasn't ready for this period.

It's just that Ronaldo and Messi have different playing roles and Barcelona's playing model was more dependent on Messi than Real Madrid was dependent on Ronaldo. I agree that with all due respect to Benzema, nevertheless Benzema cannot serve as an equivalent replacement for Ronaldo. On the other hand, we must admit that Benzema perfectly complemented Ronaldo with his game at the time. Also, do not forget that the leading players of Real Madrid were simply younger at that time and therefore could show better results physically than they are now. To be honest, the game of Real Madrid did not impress at all in the first match and it is not yet clear whether the club will be able to play from a position of strength in the second match, because now Real Madrid must necessarily score in order to have a chance of continuing the fight for winning the Champions League.

[Juggy777]

There is a slight difference between real madrid who lost ronaldo and also barcelona which messi left at this time, when ronaldo left madrid, at that time madrid condition was also a bit limp but fortunately they still have benzema who can replace ronaldo position well, while barcelona is quite long relying on messi, unable to find a suitable replacement when messi moved to PSG, and even fati and depay who are expected to be the next messi in barcelona have not been able to show their best game at the moment, besides that the club financial condition is currently in trouble, adding to the condition Barcelona is getting worse, and it's clear that Barcelona's current condition is worse than when Madrid lost Ronaldo in 2018.

Benzema didn't replace Ronaldo all that very well, and nobody in the world could ever be the "next Messi" neither, these are two players that nobody could ever replace because between them they have like 12 or something Ballon D'or awards and that's more than any other two people combined. The real difference was that Real had a better 11 than what Barca had, they both managed to not replace their missing superstars but at least Real managed to put up a better 11 than what Barcelona could offered.
We also have the fact that Barcelona is doing horribly on finances as well, they have so much debt that paying it would take years for them alone and then they need to also get more players and pay salaries and so forth. All in all Real finished it with a lot better result when Ronaldo left, but when Messi left Barcelona still wasn't ready for this period.

It's just that Ronaldo and Messi have different playing roles and Barcelona's playing model was more dependent on Messi than Real Madrid was dependent on Ronaldo. I agree that with all due respect to Benzema, nevertheless Benzema cannot serve as an equivalent replacement for Ronaldo. On the other hand, we must admit that Benzema perfectly complemented Ronaldo with his game at the time. Also, do not forget that the leading players of Real Madrid were simply younger at that time and therefore could show better results physically than they are now. To be honest, the game of Real Madrid did not impress at all in the first match and it is not yet clear whether the club will be able to play from a position of strength in the second match, because now Real Madrid must necessarily score in order to have a chance of continuing the fight for winning the Champions League.

I believe one of the biggest differences you all left out was the coaching Koeman messed up Barcelona player’s, while Zidane managed to keep the player’s united till Carlo came and that too is a reason why Real Madrid performing better than Barcelona despite both losing their super star player’s.

Furthermore Fati needs time at least two more years before he can fill the void left by Messi, and I hope in the upcoming summer transfer window Barcelona either buy or get some quality player’s on loan, because under Xavi they do look better but yet a long way to go.

[abhiseshakana]

I believe one of the biggest differences you all left out was the coaching Koeman messed up Barcelona player’s, while Zidane managed to keep the player’s united till Carlo came and that too is a reason why Real Madrid performing better than Barcelona despite both losing their super star player’s.

Furthermore Fati needs time at least two more years before he can fill the void left by Messi, and I hope in the upcoming summer transfer window Barcelona either buy or get some quality player’s on loan, because under Xavi they do look better but yet a long way to go.

Barcelona's performance when handled by Koeman was not good, but I don't think it was Koeman who made Barcelona's condition like this but because Barcelona is facing a severe financial crisis and they had to let Messi and Griezmann off because of it. When Messi isn't part of the team anymore, this is what makes Barcelona's performance so bad because Messi is always carrying Barcelona, and it's not just a myth. When Messi is not around, the team formation is lame and this creates a lack of confidence for Barcelona players.

[JollyGood]

If Manchester United manage a win or even a draw at Atletico it would give them a platform to qualify for the next round because they will have over 70,000 people in the stadium cheering them on. Atletico are not performing to their usual high levels in La Liga, they currently sit 5th in the table with the same number of points as Barcelona therefore Manchester United should qualify even if the games will be a strong test for them.

The game I will be looking forward to watching is the Athletico Madrid vs Manchester United game.Manchester United will find it very difficult to beat Athletico because right now,Man u are really struggling to pick form and Athletico will see that as an advantage.
Nevertheless,Football is unpredictable,and anything can happen,so let's wait to see what happens next.

[Slow death]

Here are the next set of games taking place in the knockout stages of the Champions League on 22nd February 2022:

Chelsea vs Lille         
Villarreal vs Juventus


Here are the games taking place on 23rd February 2022:

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United      
Benfica vs Ajax

It is another great season for English Premier League clubs because 4 have reach the knockout stages of the competition.

- definitely manchester united took their luck, despite them playing well they will play against the athletic that is very bad this season, i think it will be an easy victory for real madrid

- juventus will also have difficulties playing against villareal

- chelsea managed to find a good opponent, they will surely win

[mv1986]

Here are the next set of games taking place in the knockout stages of the Champions League on 22nd February 2022:

Chelsea vs Lille         
Villarreal vs Juventus


Here are the games taking place on 23rd February 2022:

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United      
Benfica vs Ajax

It is another great season for English Premier League clubs because 4 have reach the knockout stages of the competition.

- definitely manchester united took their luck, despite them playing well they will play against the athletic that is very bad this season, i think it will be an easy victory for real madrid

- juventus will also have difficulties playing against villareal

- chelsea managed to find a good opponent, they will surely win

You think it will be an easy win for Atletico Madrid against Manchester United? Seriously? Are we watching the same Atletico this season?

A couple of years ago I would have probably agreed with you, but Atletico is far from their best shape possible right now. Their defense is trash this season. I think that is a 50:50 game. Manchester out of shape, Atletico out of shape, might probably boil down to Ronaldo's performance.

[JollyGood]

I would lean towards 75/25% in favour of Manchester United.

I think Atletico will play well enough to trouble Manchester United over the course of two games (home and away) I think Manchester United will qualify for the next round. Atletico is not playing as it did a couple of seasons ago, neither is Manchester United but if a squad could be said to be bigger with better players it would be Manchester United.

Here are the next set of games taking place in the knockout stages of the Champions League on 22nd February 2022:

Chelsea vs Lille         
Villarreal vs Juventus


Here are the games taking place on 23rd February 2022:

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United      
Benfica vs Ajax

It is another great season for English Premier League clubs because 4 have reach the knockout stages of the competition.

- definitely manchester united took their luck, despite them playing well they will play against the athletic that is very bad this season, i think it will be an easy victory for real madrid

- juventus will also have difficulties playing against villareal

- chelsea managed to find a good opponent, they will surely win

You think it will be an easy win for Atletico Madrid against Manchester United? Seriously? Are we watching the same Atletico this season?

A couple of years ago I would have probably agreed with you, but Atletico is far from their best shape possible right now. Their defense is trash this season. I think that is a 50:50 game. Manchester out of shape, Atletico out of shape, might probably boil down to Ronaldo's performance.

[AndySt]

I would lean towards 75/25% in favour of Manchester United.
I think Atletico will play well enough to trouble Manchester United over the course of two games (home and away) I think Manchester United will qualify for the next round. Atletico is not playing as it did a couple of seasons ago, neither is Manchester United but if a squad could be said to be bigger with better players it would be Manchester United.

I would not give such a significant advantage to Manchester United in this confrontation. Two months ago I would have given the advantage to Atletico Madrid in general, but the latest results no longer give confidence in this and I also tend to believe that Manchester United have more chances to go further. However, it is worth bearing in mind that it seems that Atletico Madrid made the right conclusions after the defeat by Levante and won a major away victory over Osasuna. Also, do not forget that the first match will be held in Madrid and this is also a factor in favor of Atletico at least in the first match of the confrontation with Manchester United.