⚽UEFA Champions League Discussion Thread -- 2023/24 | Prelim Qualifiers

[el kaka22]

The reason why conference league was created, was not so that people at higher levels would go down to a lower league all the time, it was the fact that football became much bigger, and all teams could go around the europe to play other teams and not only they would be able to afford it, but they would actually make more money from it.

So, if you end up doing something like "let's move all the teams one step down" and basically make others smaller, then it would not be helpful, it would be similar amount of teams, maybe a bit more, that plays.

We should have leagues that have as many as possible, even add more groups to UCL and Europa and Conference, just to include more teams so everyone would make more money. NBA doesn't pay players like Curry by having 40 games, they have 82 games plus playoffs, that's how you make money for the clubs, if football clubs had 82 games as well, that would be much more profitable.

[slaman29]

I agree: keep Champions and Europa as is. Conference should be for everyone else, and in fact, it shouldn't even allow seeded teams there (like come on Spurs shouldn't ever have been there a top 10 spender in Europe).

I think that would be a great idea. By implementing this, all smaller teams will be able to play in tournaments, and the Champions League and Europa League will be a lot cleaner.

But, if I am not wrong it will cause the smaller teams to concentrate on the conference a lot more instead of trying to get promoted in the other competitions. I hope I am not wrong but that will certainly take a lot of interest away from the Champions League and Europa League.

Well duh, don't you know how it works? Or are you just posting here for the sake of it hehe.

Anyway, if I'm a smaller team, I'd focus on winning Conference > trophy, prize money. Then automatic qualifying next season for Europe > bigger trophy, bigger prize money.

Win that and you get qualification to UCL. Great right?

[KTChampions]

The poll looks quite funny.

Everyone agrees that City was already great, but they lacked a pure striker that could score a bunch of goals.
Now that they have Haaland, everyone thinks that it is not even a competition.

At this point if City somehow loses, which is still possible because this is football and anything could happen, then I feel like it's going to be quite a tough challenge for them to recover from this. I believe Pep's contract will be ending at the end of the season right?

Well, I believe that it could be his last season and would probably not get renewed if he loses with this roster as well, he needs to prove to the world that he could get it, otherwise he is probably out.

He has a valid contract until the summer of 2023, but I think that he will easily extend it if he wants (he himself hinted that he might want a new challenge for himself and finish his job in England) because, unlike PSG, where domestic titles do not cost anything, the championship in The Premier League is a solid achievement and as long as he can provide it, his position will be strong.
As for City's prospects in the Champions League, I wouldn't say that Haaland's transfer had any effect on them at all. In addition to City, one way or another, there will be 5-6 strongest teams capable of taking the title, and given the randomness of games in the playoffs, the chances of each will be approximately the same.

[LTU_btc]

Well, so far these qualifiers isn't succesfull for me in betting at all. From all favorites only Ludogorets and Sheriff managed to win. Zalgiris won, but just after extra time. Who could predict that Qarabag will destroy Lech 5:1, especially after Lech scoring first. Vikingur reaching draw with Malmo is also unexpected.
About today's games, I don't really know what to bet on today's games after such bad luck. Maybe Bodo/Glimt ML against Klaksvik @1.69. Ferencvaros - Tobol over 2.5 @1.90 and Shakhtyor - Maribor over 1.5 @1.55

[CLS63]

One of the matches today in the qualification round is Klaksvik vs Bodo/Glimt. The away team were really impressive in the Europa Conference League last season. They even made Roma big difficulties in the group stage and they were nearly qualifying for next round as the leader. I wonder if we can see some surprises from them this time. They have already captured a 3-0 advantage against Klaksvik by 3-0 in the first leg. It shouldn't be a big deal for them to finish it up today. It is difficult for them to make it to the group stage maybe but it's nice to watch them play dedicatedly.

[Lordhermes]

The poll looks quite funny.

Everyone agrees that City was already great, but they lacked a pure striker that could score a bunch of goals.
Now that they have Haaland, everyone thinks that it is not even a competition.

At this point if City somehow loses, which is still possible because this is football and anything could happen, then I feel like it's going to be quite a tough challenge for them to recover from this. I believe Pep's contract will be ending at the end of the season right?

Well, I believe that it could be his last season and would probably not get renewed if he loses with this roster as well, he needs to prove to the world that he could get it, otherwise he is probably out.

He has a valid contract until the summer of 2023, but I think that he will easily extend it if he wants (he himself hinted that he might want a new challenge for himself and finish his job in England) because, unlike PSG, where domestic titles do not cost anything, the championship in The Premier League is a solid achievement and as long as he can provide it, his position will be strong.
As for City's prospects in the Champions League, I wouldn't say that Haaland's transfer had any effect on them at all. In addition to City, one way or another, there will be 5-6 strongest teams capable of taking the title, and given the randomness of games in the playoffs, the chances of each will be approximately the same.

Haaland is now in England,but I am still confident that he will not be able to deliver the way we feel he would,because I know this is England where defenders are very tough and are ready to do anything to block your goal.There is always every time in premier league where an attacker will face goal drought for some period of time.So definitely,players like Kane,Salah will still top him,and I'm also seeing Gabriel Jesus prove himself at Arsenal this season.

[barbara44]

It is very normal that people would lose bets during these qualifiers stage. I mean let's be honest, last year during the semi-finals or the finals, how many people lost money? I mean I believed City would win and wagered on them, and I lost too.

This is why if we are losing on finals, the most obvious ones, then the ones we do not even properly watch, the games of regular season these teams have are watched by few thousand at most compared to City or Madrid or Liverpool etc which gets tens of millions. If we are wrong there, then it's normal that we would be even more wrong here, and that's the main reason why we are getting these kinds of results.

[LTU_btc]

Interesting things in qualifiers today. Mighty Klaksvik from Faroe Islands were close from eliminating Bodo/Glimt. They lost 1st leg 3:0, but now managed to win 3:1.
Late drama in Dinamo Batumi - Slovan game. When it looked that game will go to penalties, on 123rd minute Vladimir Weiss scored a goal directly from corner kick. Amazing stuff, but it was big goalkeeper mistake, see video:
https://youtu.be/XbagF8Sn__c

It is very normal that people would lose bets during these qualifiers stage. I mean let's be honest, last year during the semi-finals or the finals, how many people lost money? I mean I believed City would win and wagered on them, and I lost too.

I disagree. In previous years I was making more money betting on such qualifiers than on final rounds of Champions league. In last stages there is top teams playing, where difference of level between them is minimal. In early stages there is many different level teams, also big factor that for some teams it's middle of season, others just start it. And IMO, it's easier to find good value bets there because bookmakers don't always give appropriate odds, when on top level it rarely happens.

[morvillz7z]

CFR Cluj just lost to Pyunik on pens and the Romanian champions are out of the competition, without a doubt the biggest upset of those early qualifying rounds so far.

Cluj missed quite a lot of scoring chances yet again and gave up the lead twice in the final minutes of regular and extra time to force the penalties.

I kinda feel lucky to have all of my bets hit, as you can see, i was heavy on them in the first half. Cluj with almost 6x the squad market value more than the Armenians, but lost.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[snipie]

CFR Cluj just lost to Pyunik on pens and the Romanian champions are out of the competition, without a doubt the biggest upset of those early qualifying rounds so far.

Although I follow from far qualifying rounds but Cluj defeat was quite strange. There is also Bodo that risked to play extra time and penalties maybe but they managed to proceed although losing with 3 goals. Malmo passed with 1 goal difference, HJK was close to defeat.. Lincoln Red lost and kicked. Overall these teams were expected to win which they did apart from Lincoln.

[Oluwa-btc]

That Manchester City team looking unstoppable, undisputable, unplayable. Don't know if I'm the only one Envisaging and seeing what Pep Guardiola is cooking for the Champions League at Manchester City.
Both the first team players and back up player's are all up top notched standard player's. Whoever adviced Haaland too choose Manchester City did him or has given him thr best gift in he's live

In conclusion, all I'm saying is that Manchester City will win the Champions League according to the question asked on the Pole. They did come very close but failed. Pep Guardiola's team will face Paris Saint Germans in the finals, my own prediction for the champions league.
Hoping for Manchester City to finally win.

[KTChampions]

CFR Cluj just lost to Pyunik on pens and the Romanian champions are out of the competition, without a doubt the biggest upset of those early qualifying rounds so far.

Cluj missed quite a lot of scoring chances yet again and gave up the lead twice in the final minutes of regular and extra time to force the penalties.

I kinda feel lucky to have all of my bets hit, as you can see, i was heavy on them in the first half. Cluj with almost 6x the squad market value more than the Armenians, but lost.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Nice bets! In fact, all the outcomes had the same meaning (the big advantage of CFR Cluj from the first minutes), so it is not surprising that all your bets played. At the same time, a rather ridiculous final result, I think those who chose a simple CFR Cluj victory (as if a "reliable" bet, given the difference in the class of teams) were very upset by the final result.
Out of the corner of my eye I follow this competition, but I'm afraid to place bets, because in my opinion at this level everything is too random and no odds of either 1.2 or 1.1 inspires any confidence.

[blackened515]

One team I would respect so much in the Champions League is Barcelona. They're among the best currently in the La Liga base on their latest squad. Xavi's doing a very good job for the team, despite managing the team late last season and took the club from scratch to some admire position on the table. Barcelona are in debts but they signed most valuable players in the transfer window and some of the players only wanted barça move, nothing else would they wish for. Let's wait to see the ultimate performance from the team next season.

[hahay]

One team I would respect so much in the Champions League is Barcelona. They're among the best currently in the La Liga base on their latest squad. Xavi's doing a very good job for the team, despite managing the team late last season and took the club from scratch to some admire position on the table. Barcelona are in debts but they signed most valuable players in the transfer window and some of the players only wanted barça move, nothing else would they wish for. Let's wait to see the ultimate performance from the team next season.

I can say I say Barcelona are very lucky in this transfer window, some great players have a strong desire to play in Barcelona. In fact, if Frenkie de Jong really will stay then surely it will be a perfect squad for Barcelona for next season. There are still two rumors that still exist between Frenkie de Jong staying and also possibly going to Manchester United, but I hope Frenkie de Jong to stay. Barcelona for La Liga being a team for me would be a strong candidate for the title next season, but for the Champions League I'm still curious because the Premier League teams are also making really great deals. With this great squad, I'm still curious how Xavi will manage it, hopefully Xavi will be like Zidane when he coached Real Madrid at that time.

[buwaytress]

One team I would respect so much in the Champions League is Barcelona. They're among the best currently in the La Liga base on their latest squad. Xavi's doing a very good job for the team, despite managing the team late last season and took the club from scratch to some admire position on the table. Barcelona are in debts but they signed most valuable players in the transfer window and some of the players only wanted barça move, nothing else would they wish for. Let's wait to see the ultimate performance from the team next season.

I like them a lot, always respected their style of play and admired the football, but not sure I can really respect what goes on behind the scenes right now. Their squad -- past and present -- should have been among the best anyway, arguably overperformed in fact last season with the youngsters. No complaints about Xavi too, but they're not quite doing enough I think to step away from their current financial mess.

Lewie seems like a shrewd bit of business so I do hope he brings it -- and to reflect my faith I even have an outright on them over 16/1 to win this contest

[maju69]

One team I would respect so much in the Champions League is Barcelona. They're among the best currently in the La Liga base on their latest squad. Xavi's doing a very good job for the team, despite managing the team late last season and took the club from scratch to some admire position on the table. Barcelona are in debts but they signed most valuable players in the transfer window and some of the players only wanted barça move, nothing else would they wish for. Let's wait to see the ultimate performance from the team next season.

Yes I will be waiting for something from them, for what they have spent in this summer transfer window. They have spent a lot of money to bring in some players to strengthen the team. It should be paid for by their good performances next season. If seen is quite promising for them in the next season. But I'm still waiting for their actual appearance.

[Hyphen(-)]

One team I would respect so much in the Champions League is Barcelona. They're among the best currently in the La Liga base on their latest squad. Xavi's doing a very good job for the team, despite managing the team late last season and took the club from scratch to some admire position on the table. Barcelona are in debts but they signed most valuable players in the transfer window and some of the players only wanted barça move, nothing else would they wish for. Let's wait to see the ultimate performance from the team next season.

Since his arrival at the club, Xavi has attempted to restore Barcelona's standard. He has made numerous changes to the squad in order to strengthen it and return it to its former glory. There is no doubt that they will be a very competitive team in the upcoming Champions League competition because they have world-class strikers and competitive midfielders who are ready to compete in all competitions and bring Barcelona back to its former glory.

[Jody.Drummer]

One team I would respect so much in the Champions League is Barcelona. They're among the best currently in the La Liga base on their latest squad. Xavi's doing a very good job for the team, despite managing the team late last season and took the club from scratch to some admire position on the table. Barcelona are in debts but they signed most valuable players in the transfer window and some of the players only wanted barça move, nothing else would they wish for. Let's wait to see the ultimate performance from the team next season.

Since his arrival at the club, Xavi has attempted to restore Barcelona's standard. He has made numerous changes to the squad in order to strengthen it and return it to its former glory. There is no doubt that they will be a very competitive team in the upcoming Champions League competition because they have world-class strikers and competitive midfielders who are ready to compete in all competitions and bring Barcelona back to its former glory.

For next season it looks like they will still be a bit fumbling, they have to make a lot of adjustments first. But I believe, if Xavi is trusted to stay in charge of Barcelona for a long time, they will again become a scary club and ready to compete especially in the Champions League.
It will be better of course than last season, all they have to do is be consistent first to achieve something extraordinary in the future.

[Cryptmuster]

For next season it looks like they will still be a bit fumbling, they have to make a lot of adjustments first. But I believe, if Xavi is trusted to stay in charge of Barcelona for a long time, they will again become a scary club and ready to compete especially in the Champions League.
It will be better of course than last season, all they have to do is be consistent first to achieve something extraordinary in the future.

Despite all the problems at the club, they managed to keep key players and they strengthened the team well. Xavi is a good coach, he improved the discipline in the team and in the last matches it was clear that this is not the same Barcelona that it was at the beginning of the year. They have a pretty good line-up to perform decently in the Champions League and compete with Real Madrid in La Liga.

[Jody.Drummer]

For next season it looks like they will still be a bit fumbling, they have to make a lot of adjustments first. But I believe, if Xavi is trusted to stay in charge of Barcelona for a long time, they will again become a scary club and ready to compete especially in the Champions League.
It will be better of course than last season, all they have to do is be consistent first to achieve something extraordinary in the future.

Despite all the problems at the club, they managed to keep key players and they strengthened the team well. Xavi is a good coach, he improved the discipline in the team and in the last matches it was clear that this is not the same Barcelona that it was at the beginning of the year. They have a pretty good line-up to perform decently in the Champions League and compete with Real Madrid in La Liga.

That's right, now that Lewandowski and Raphinha have arrived in attack and some really supportive players in defense it's clear this will give them a chance at the moment.
But indeed they still have to think about the current conditions so that it will indeed be difficult when the achievements that he can achieve next season are inversely proportional to their financial condition.
The conditions are almost the same until now, even though in terms of gameplay, Barcelona will definitely be scarier.