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

[borovichok]

So today Tottenham surprised us they lost 2-0 the sad thing is that both goals were scored in the last minute  
I don't know what  happen when the draw is in sight instantly the concentration of Tottenham players became chaotic in the last 1 minute
In another match Inter managed to win, not too surprised because their opponent is a weak team.

A good result for sporting Lisbon and a very disappointing one to Tottenham Hotspur, one thing Conte needs to stop is for him to abolish the idea of playing players because he thinks they are better than their teammates and not because they deserve to play. That goes to keeping Dejan kulusevski in the bench for straight three games now when he deserves to start and he chose to play Son who has been awful this season, he should realise that son needs rest, maybe benching him will remove pressure from him or might put my determination on his game, another one he should take a look at Christian Romero and knows that he is not the same since he came back from injury.

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[hahay]

About Sporting, it was a surprise that they managed to make because they scored a goal in the last minute of the match and in fact, the goal they scored was not 1 goal but 2 goals. But apart from that, I admit Sporting did play well from the first half, so this victory was well deserved for them.

The next surprise came from Bayer Leverkusen, who thought Bayer Leverkusen would win with a clean sheet because even though they are playing at home but Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga is currently even in the relegation zone. With this result too, I see the good and bad teams in the local league is not a guarantee of getting the same result here, it also happened to Eintracht Frankfurt.

But for today's match for PSG, Manchester City, Real Madrid and maybe also for Napoli it looks like it will be a definite win. In addition, there is a top team that plays at home but is not guaranteed to win and also reflected in the odds are Juventus @2.20 and the opponent is Benfica getting odds @3.25 and indeed, Juventus has disappointed this season so the odds are reasonable. As for Benfica, they are still the best in the local league with a perfect win so far this season and as such, it looks like Benfica do have a chance to win or maybe just a draw.

[yudi09]

M. Salah missed 7 matches without scoring a goal. The second match of Group A UEFA Champions League at Anfield against Ajax Amsterdam he opened the scoring to bring Liverpool 1-0 up in the 17th minute even though ten minutes later M. Kudus equalized the score to 1-1.

Throughout the match, Liverpool managed to get 10 shots on target, but Jurgen Klopp's side were far from lucky. Darwin Nunez's appearance in this match was not too bad, played by Klopp in the 66th minute. Several chances failed to become goals. Joel Matip became the player who made Liverpool win 3 important points thanks to a goal scored in the 89th minute using a Tsimikas corner.

[Sebas.tian]

Bayern Munich vs Barcelona match will be different this season. Both are doing well in their respective leagues. What's interesting about this match in my opinion is the return of Lewandowski to the Alianz Arena as a Barcelona player.

Now the striker with a Polish passport has become a mainstay of the Catalan team since being recruited in the 2022 summer transfer window.
Sadio Mane has become the new idol of Bayern Munich, he is considered to have the same level as Lewamdowski.
Very interesting.

I don't think, Barcelona will defeat Bayern Munich in this match despite the team has improved in this season because Bayern Munich strikers are very good in achieving early goals that will bring them victory at the end of the match. I don't think, Lewandowski will achieve any goal from this match because Bayern Munich defenders are very strong in this season which will be one of the advantage Bayern Munich will use to defeat Barcelona. Sadio mane will definitely score goals from this match just to prove that he still remain among the best strikers in the whole world.

[Coyster]

There wasn't any way in which Ajax was going to beat Liverpool.

Well we can say that now that the game is over and Liverpool won, but as that game went on at 1-1, it was very open imo, Ajax were always looking threatening on the break, and they had a couple of half chances, and tbh anything could have happened, then even if most people didn't give them any chance to win, they should have earned themselves a point, they almost did get that, but in the final few minutes their resistance was broken, and i am pretty sure the players and the manager will be feeling the disappointment of that game for a while. Having said that, things are very far from being certain in that group, Liverpool have to be very careful, they are not playing to the best of their ability, and a group stage exit (though unlikely) will be a disaster.

[CryptocurencyKing]

In fact, Barcelona isn't strong enough to beat Bayern. They are defeated with 2 goals, without scoring any goal (Bayern 2 - 0 Barcelona).
Barcelona may be stronger right now, but they still don't have the mentality to beat a big team like Bayern Munich. Especially, since Lewandowski is a Bayern former player, Bayern players know well how to stop Lewandowski from scoring. Look at the result today, Lewandowski can't score a single goal. Another factor is that Xavi looks not choose the right players for the midfield line. I'm surprised Xavi didn't put Frenkie de jong and Kessie as the starters. Barcelona has many rosters, but they don't know which ones are best to be the starters.

In the end Frenkie de Jong came on in the 61st minute of the second half, followed by Kessie in the 80th replace Busquets. With time remaining, Barcelona is still not able to repay Bayern's advantage
I conclude Barcelona are strong enough but they are not confident enough to be on the same pitch as Bayern especially with the hope of winning, Bayern is not the same as some of the clubs that Barcelona have met before. So Xavi needs to give something more for his club, because their journey in the Champions League this season will certainly not be easy

Poor selection and decision making by Xavi and lack of winning character cost Barcelona the game. I don’t know but it does look like he’s favoring Spanish players more. You can't play a midfield 3 of Gavi, Busquets and Pedri and win a game like that. The inexperience is showing and it’s not about talent but it’s a game with pressure on the big stage. When you don't take your chances, you get punished. The players lack character in the UCL. I think Xavi has got a lot of work to do on the mentality of the players. They crumble at the least pressure.

[Razmirraz]

There is still a long way to go, but I thought they were looking for revenge. There is still a lack of confidence in the Barcelona squad to beat Bayern. Even though Barcelona lost to Bayern, it showed a new, much better version compared to last meeting. The bugs should be fixed by Xavi soon.

Bayern Munich still looks very strong for Barcelona, Although Bayern Munich managed to finish the match with a score of 2-0, but Bayern did not go through the game easily because Bayern faced a number of dangerous opportunities, but Barcelona's players were not good enough in finishing. This defeat stopped Barcelona's winning streak in all competitions, Barcelona, which had won big wins in the previous few matches, was unable to score a single goal in this match. Xavi must encourage his players in the next match to take advantage of the opportunity in front of the opponent's goal, the opponent facing next is also a strong team, Barcelona must be able to get 3 points from Inter.

[BIT-BENDER]

The previous matches between Bayern and Barcelona affected the Catalonians last name night. Barcelona played with so much fear and respect for a Bayern Munich team who aren't at their best. Barcelona missed some really close chances that they shouldn't be missing, Barcelona had the ball possession in the first half also the most shot on and off target and Bayern Munich didn't even have a Single corner kick in the first half.

Barcelona took their foot of the gas early in the second half and Bayern took it and gave a the Spanish giant 2 goals in quick succession. That was where Xavi's men got overwhelmed and the match lost. Barcelona has to come into the second leg with the believe that they can beat Bayern Munich and forget the past.

[Awaklara]

There is still a long way to go, but I thought they were looking for revenge. There is still a lack of confidence in the Barcelona squad to beat Bayern. Even though Barcelona lost to Bayern, it showed a new, much better version compared to last meeting. The bugs should be fixed by Xavi soon.

Bayern Munich still looks very strong for Barcelona, Although Bayern Munich managed to finish the match with a score of 2-0, but Bayern did not go through the game easily because Bayern faced a number of dangerous opportunities, but Barcelona's players were not good enough in finishing. This defeat stopped Barcelona's winning streak in all competitions, Barcelona, which had won big wins in the previous few matches, was unable to score a single goal in this match. Xavi must encourage his players in the next match to take advantage of the opportunity in front of the opponent's goal, the opponent facing next is also a strong team, Barcelona must be able to get 3 points from Inter.

Barcelona's possession game is not strong enough to face the Munich defense. Munich did a good strategy by locking the Barcelona striker. Barcelona had a lot of chances but all of them were deadlocked.
especially after Lukas Hernandez's goal at the start of the second half, made Barcelona's defense a little chaotic. and not long after that Munich's second goal had to be nestled in the Barcelona goal.
both teams I think showed their strength. but Munich was more solid in that match.

[abhiseshakana]

There wasn't any way in which Ajax was going to beat Liverpool.

Well we can say that now that the game is over and Liverpool won, but as that game went on at 1-1, it was very open imo, Ajax were always looking threatening on the break, and they had a couple of half chances, and tbh anything could have happened, then even if most people didn't give them any chance to win, they should have earned themselves a point, they almost did get that, but in the final few minutes their resistance was broken, and i am pretty sure the players and the manager will be feeling the disappointment of that game for a while. Having said that, things are very far from being certain in that group, Liverpool have to be very careful, they are not playing to the best of their ability, and a group stage exit (though unlikely) will be a disaster.

I agree with you. Liverpool playing at home (which should be an advantage for them) but they didn't really dominate the game. Even to be able to win this match, Liverpool had to work hard until the game ended, and lucky in the last minute they can score the second goal. Ajax did lose this match, but I don't think their performance was too bad. They really only have a few chances because what they focus on is holding back Liverpool's attacks. If only that second goal didn't happen, I think Remko Pasveer deserves to be the man of the match because so many shots he managed to ward off.

[Yawa2020]

There is still a long way to go, but I thought they were looking for revenge. There is still a lack of confidence in the Barcelona squad to beat Bayern. Even though Barcelona lost to Bayern, it showed a new, much better version compared to last meeting. The bugs should be fixed by Xavi soon.

Barca was actually the best in the first half in possession of the ball and Lewandowski tried a lot and could have scored two goals, but the great goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was decisive. Barcelona, ​​despite the loss, played a beautiful match. The thing is that Barcelona took bayern scoring machine, but forgot to take his providers

[Marykeller]

I would say that they are strong enough to beat Bayern but at the same time the situation is too close. Normally I would give the win to Bayern, because Barcelona has been bad and they are still not recovered yet because they may have a good roster but they need to show and proof they are ready again for a long time.

In fact, Barcelona isn't strong enough to beat Bayern. They are defeated with 2 goals, without scoring any goal (Bayern 2 - 0 Barcelona).
Barcelona may be stronger right now, but they still don't have the mentality to beat a big team like Bayern Munich. Especially, since Lewandowski is a Bayern former player, Bayern players know well how to stop Lewandowski from scoring. Look at the result today, Lewandowski can't score a single goal. Another factor is that Xavi looks not choose the right players for the midfield line. I'm surprised Xavi didn't put Frenkie de jong and Kessie as the starters. Barcelona has many rosters, but they don't know which ones are best to be the starters.

Bayern winning Barcelona came like a shock to all Barcelona fans. Am just wondering how Barcelona will win Bayern Munich players that are very dynamic, energetic and more strategic than Barcelona. Their next time football meeting will be the like clash of the titans. It is not going to be an easy match for Barcelona

[kro55]

I would say that they are strong enough to beat Bayern but at the same time the situation is too close. Normally I would give the win to Bayern, because Barcelona has been bad and they are still not recovered yet because they may have a good roster but they need to show and proof they are ready again for a long time.

In fact, Barcelona isn't strong enough to beat Bayern. They are defeated with 2 goals, without scoring any goal (Bayern 2 - 0 Barcelona).
Barcelona may be stronger right now, but they still don't have the mentality to beat a big team like Bayern Munich. Especially, since Lewandowski is a Bayern former player, Bayern players know well how to stop Lewandowski from scoring. Look at the result today, Lewandowski can't score a single goal. Another factor is that Xavi looks not choose the right players for the midfield line. I'm surprised Xavi didn't put Frenkie de jong and Kessie as the starters. Barcelona has many rosters, but they don't know which ones are best to be the starters.

Bayern winning Barcelona came like a shock to all Barcelona fans. Am just wondering how Barcelona will win Bayern Munich players that are very dynamic, energetic and more strategic than Barcelona. Their next time football meeting will be the like clash of the titans. It is not going to be an easy match for Barcelona

This match proved once again that despite having many star players on the team, Barcelona is still not enough strong. Barcelona has spent big on star players like Raphinha and Lewandowski this season. But against Bayern, they were not able to score any goal. Xavi should have strengthened his forwards as well as his defense. However, Barcelona attacked a lot in this match. Levandowski and Raphinha need to play better if Barcelona wants to win the title. And the midfielders' bonding with the forwards needs to be strengthened.

[vennali]

Tottenham Hotspurs seems to be struggling creating chances while the star players aren't performing as expected. With Son and Kane not being as effective as they usually are. They have gotten into one of the easiest group in the Champions League and I was expecting them to be topping the group but with their loss to Sporting, they are 2nd at the moment.

[rdluffy]

I think it's worth the risk to bet on Atletico, paying 2.50, even playing in Bayer's home.
Bayer only made 4 points on german championship with 6 matches played. Only 1 win in this season

Atletico only lost a match to Villarreal at the beginning of season, now the team is on track again.

Yeah, same reason I bet against Leipzig in the last game (but they now have a new manager so you never know the effect in Europe, they already got their bounce back in Bundesliga).

I'd definitely take on Atletico in any group stage game, but I've got eyes set instead on BVB and Dinamo (tomorrow) who are both over 14/1 to win away.

BVB were horrible last game but they're always a threat against other attacking teams like City. Get 2 early goals, and keep punishing City is the way to go. Milan also irresistible but you always feel they can allow games to slip also, and Dinamo well, hungry as hell.

Today Barcelona @4/1 though? Now that's impossible to ignore.

I was not lucky, Bayer won 2 x 0 against Atletico haha, only 1 win in the season and when I bet against, Bayer won the game 
It was my only bet that I felt confident enough to place

I almost placed a bet on Barcelona to win or at least draw, but I'm glad I didn't because that would be 2 lost bets in a row.

Some games were a surprise to me, unfortunately I only watch the entire game of Atletico Madrid, and the others I just saw some minutes.

If you are confident about Borussia vs City, maybe it's your chance to earn some money, the odds are 12.50 but I don't have the courage to bet against City playing in home
Juve x Benfica for me it's the most interesting game to bet, paying 2.30 for Juve, maybe a double with a win on Real Madrid could worth

[arimamib]

Bayern Munich vs Barcelona match will be different this season. Both are doing well in their respective leagues. What's interesting about this match in my opinion is the return of Lewandowski to the Alianz Arena as a Barcelona player.

Now the striker with a Polish passport has become a mainstay of the Catalan team since being recruited in the 2022 summer transfer window.
Sadio Mane has become the new idol of Bayern Munich, he is considered to have the same level as Lewamdowski.
Very interesting.

I don't think, Barcelona will defeat Bayern Munich in this match despite the team has improved in this season because Bayern Munich strikers are very good in achieving early goals that will bring them victory at the end of the match. I don't think, Lewandowski will achieve any goal from this match because Bayern Munich defenders are very strong in this season which will be one of the advantage Bayern Munich will use to defeat Barcelona. Sadio mane will definitely score goals from this match just to prove that he still remain among the best strikers in the whole world.

Bayern defender played a very good role when blocking every attack from Barcelona players, due to his discipline. Bayern back line made Barcelona unable to break into Bayern goal. Barcelona played almost as well as Bayern, but Barcelona weakness in this match is that their finishing is very poor. Lewandowski who was very active in scoring goals in the previous game, this time he couldn't do anything against his former team. Barcelona still has a chance to avenge the defeat at the Allianz Arena, as the second leg will be played at home to Barcelona.

[emrecemsan]

For two weeks something has been drawing my attention. Real Madrid's odd for winning their matches have been quite high. It reached even 1.70 against Celtic but they still got a solid 3-0 win there. After that they had a 1.65 odd for this Leipzig match. I expect another clear victory for Real Madrid here. Leipzig were too bad against Shakhtar as you remember. They lost 4-1 home and I had no idea how this happened. They were doing bad in the Bundesliga but I expected to see a better effort from them in the Champions League. Real Madrid are a much bigger obstacle for them.

I assume the reason of this odd might be Benzema's absence this time. He is suffering a knee injury and Rodrygo is in the starting eleven there. Rodrygo is also in a good shape now after having 1 goal and 1 assist against Mallorca in their last match. Vinicius Jr would also help the team become more effective in attacking today.

[snipie]

A bit late to follow yesterday and today's games but I see weird stuff there..
Juve was leading with 1 goal and now they are late 1-2 vs Benfica!
PSG was late with 1 goal but at least they are leading 2-1..
City 0-1 vs Dortmund.. Chelsea 1-1 Salzburg..
At least Real Madrid and Napoli are leading with 1 goal, 10 minutes before the end of these games!
(OK City scored 1-1 now)

Edit: wow, City 2-1 Dortmund and PSG, Napoli and Real Madrid added 1 goal each!

[Jatiluhung]

A bit late to follow yesterday and today's games but I see weird stuff there..
Juve was leading with 1 goal and now they are late 1-2 vs Benfica!
PSG was late with 1 goal but at least they are leading 2-1..
City 0-1 vs Dortmund.. Chelsea 1-1 Salzburg..
At least Real Madrid and Napoli are leading with 1 goal, 10 minutes before the end of these games!
(OK City scored 1-1 now)

Manchester city rose in the last minute. are now 2-1 up. Dortmund must be upset. because they can lead initially for a long time. but at the last minute now manchester city can even overtake him with 2 goals. what an amazing Drama that Manchester city is showing. as a Manchester city fan I am happy to see this score. and Real madrid also showed what he was capable of in the dying minutes and now they are 2-0 up. but i also bet for sevilla. but still 0-0.

[JoyMarsha]

A bit late to follow yesterday and today's games but I see weird stuff there..
Juve was leading with 1 goal and now they are late 1-2 vs Benfica!
PSG was late with 1 goal but at least they are leading 2-1..
City 0-1 vs Dortmund.. Chelsea 1-1 Salzburg..
At least Real Madrid and Napoli are leading with 1 goal, 10 minutes before the end of these games!
(OK City scored 1-1 now)

Edit: wow, City 2-1 Dortmund and PSG, Napoli and Real Madrid added 1 goal each!

What matters in football is goals not how beautiful your team played. That's what we see in today's matches. Chelsea played very well but they ended up drawing the game. Leipzig played well in the first half but they lose in the second half against Real Madrid. Playing beautiful football without goals is equal to nothing.

I was expecting Chelsea to win without a draw. Salzburg didn't even bother attacking but they left with a draw, that's to show u that goal is the aim, not fine football.

There's a whole lot of Improvement in Chelsea players, at least every player played is positioned well without a flop. The players played with confidence, a massive attack and were eager to score. A draw match is not a bad one.