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

[dataispower]

I think the clubs that have a real shot to go to the finals and win it are Man City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.  Not really sure about the rest but Liverpool could be a dark horse and may Napoli too.  I'll prolly start watching the CL a lot more closer as the KO stages awaits!

They missed the UCL because so long not to come, so Man City bought Haaland for quite a expensive.  Pep really longs to be able to bring a big ear to Man City. If I'm not mistaken, Man City have never been able to win when coached by Pep.   I agree that those three teams have a great chance of advancing to the semifinals. But I'm a big favourite with Man City, although there may be a lot of surprises that I can't predict. I'm looking forward to the draw for the first knockout round. When will it be done?

Oh for sure.  Did anybody itt see the video when they got eliminated at the semi final?  I think it was the UCL season before the one last year or was it the other year..  But anyway, in the video Pep and his coaches were thowing and smashing stuff in frustration and shouting 'why is the Champions League hard?'.  Something like that.

And I'd argue that the price tag for Haaland is 'expensive'.  I mean yes it is but City get what they paid for which makes it worth it.  So in the long run the club will reap more than the expense.

With Haaland goals are now certain to be scored, they have predicted ahead already before making plans for Haaland already, I think I saw the game when pep was furiously sad, last season he was also, should have won but madrid showed they are superior in the champions league.
Any way pep will do everything in his power to win the champions league at the end of the season.

[Sandra_hakeem]

Pretty crazy that FC Bayern, as group winners without a loss, can only face four different teams. And that includes PSG (20%) and Liverpool FC (37%). WTF.

If Bayern had lost a few games and only finished second in their group, that would probably have been better for the draw. 

Based on the percentage shown, it is enough to make Liverpool have to prepare a lot of stamina ammunition and Mane definitely wants this to happen. After all Liverpool must know how Mane is now a player who can damage Liverpool's defense also I think I agree that in the end, Bayern Munich must face Liverpool. It's a shame that PSG only has 10.9% with Real Madrid.

Mane has infact -- began a big problem for Liverpool and it seems as if he's worst than everyone on the team. It's doesn't portray a nice picture at all, to the legendary team -liverpool and the legend himself, Mane. Meanwhile, I see alot going on as of late on the team's defensive section; the defensive power has reduced and their gameplay differs totally from last season. Alexander-Anold isn't giving out his best - at least for who I knew him to be - this season; the flank has got a huge loop that any tactically-coached team would just have to maneuver, over 'em.
PSG has 10.9% with MADRID how? I couldn't decipher that point..

Sandra 💇

[bullrun2024bro]

Some more statistics after the CL group stage: UEFA Club Ranking

UEFA's club ranking for this season after the end of the group stage

Source: https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1588504424808267776

UEFA's country coefficient after the CL and EL group stage:

UEFA's country coefficient ranking for this season after the end of the group stage

Source: https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1588504949264371714

TBH, no big change compared to the last seasons: England, Germany, Italy and Spain dominate and can further extend their lead in the UEFA rankings.

[RealMalatesta]

They missed the UCL because so long not to come, so Man City bought Haaland for quite a expensive.  Pep really longs to be able to bring a big ear to Man City. If I'm not mistaken, Man City have never been able to win when coached by Pep.   I agree that those three teams have a great chance of advancing to the semifinals. But I'm a big favourite with Man City, although there may be a lot of surprises that I can't predict. I'm looking forward to the draw for the first knockout round. When will it be done?

Oh for sure.  Did anybody itt see the video when they got eliminated at the semi final?  I think it was the UCL season before the one last year or was it the other year..  But anyway, in the video Pep and his coaches were thowing and smashing stuff in frustration and shouting 'why is the Champions League hard?'.  Something like that.

And I'd argue that the price tag for Haaland is 'expensive'.  I mean yes it is but City get what they paid for which makes it worth it.  So in the long run the club will reap more than the expense.

That is normal reaction because they have been awesome for so many years now, I do not remember how long it has been but it has been about at least 5 years right? Or maybe even more too, and Pep has done everything right, and dominated the league as well and basically playing the way they should play, yet they are still failing to win UCL.

Look at how amazing they are in premier league, they are winning by big margins sometimes, they are champions almost every season and still failing in UCL and it is normal for them to not understand why UCL is harder than Premier league by that much. I do not understand it neither but that’s normal If Pep doesn't, how could I, lol.

[Franctoshi]

Some more statistics after the CL group stage: UEFA Club Ranking

UEFA's club ranking for this season after the end of the group stage

Source: https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1588504424808267776

I somehow don't really agree with this EUFA in this ranking, Bayern Munich toping table while since after 2013 they haven't smell Champions League Trophy again, Though they're one of best clubs in the Champions League competition and have remaind consistent with their performance each season. Though I don't know the statics that EUFA used for this ranking,  but Bayern should have toped the list because they aren't the current champions, neither are they the previous or even the past 3 seasons.

[CLS63]

I'm curious about Napoli's performance from now on to be honest. Because they have really impressed everyone by a high level of effort so far in the group stage. Liverpool and Ajax were quite tough teams on paper but Napoli just destroyed them in nearly all of their matchups.

I wonder what they will do especially against the other biggest favourites. Teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and PSG would be the biggest challenges for Napoli. If they eliminate even one of them then who knows maybe we might see them in the finale surprisingly as well.    For example, Villarreal were so close to doing this last season if they managed to eliminate Liverpool as well.

[KTChampions]

~
UEFA's country coefficient after the CL and EL group stage:

UEFA's country coefficient ranking for this season after the end of the group stage

Source: https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1588504949264371714

TBH, no big change compared to the last seasons: England, Germany, Italy and Spain dominate and can further extend their lead in the UEFA rankings.

This rating has a lot of inertia and even the failure of the Spanish clubs in the Champions League (all but Real Madrid) will change little. And if you take the top 4 and all the others who can theoretically threaten their positions, then there is no threat. The top 4 will keep their maximum quota of 4 direct tickets to the Champions League no matter how successful other smaller countries are.

[Asiska02]

Some more statistics after the CL group stage: UEFA Club Ranking

UEFA's club ranking for this season after the end of the group stage

Source: https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1588504424808267776

I somehow don't really agree with this EUFA in this ranking, Bayern Munich toping table while since after 2013 they haven't smell Champions League Trophy again, Though they're one of best clubs in the Champions League competition and have remaind consistent with their performance each season. Though I don't know the statics that EUFA used for this ranking,  but Bayern should have toped the list because they aren't the current champions, neither are they the previous or even the past 3 seasons.

Bayern Munich may not have won the trophy in recent years, but UEFA may have graded these teams using a different system. It should not come as a surprise that UEFA ranked Bayern Munich first because of their outstanding performance in league and champions league games, as is well known. Other teams might have done exceptionally equally as them, but Bayern Munich still topping the table is satisfactory to me IMO.

[Patrol69]

Some more statistics after the CL group stage: UEFA Club Ranking

UEFA's club ranking for this season after the end of the group stage

Source: https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1588504424808267776

I somehow don't really agree with this EUFA in this ranking, Bayern Munich toping table while since after 2013 they haven't smell Champions League Trophy again, Though they're one of best clubs in the Champions League competition and have remaind consistent with their performance each season. Though I don't know the statics that EUFA used for this ranking,  but Bayern should have toped the list because they aren't the current champions, neither are they the previous or even the past 3 seasons.

Bayern Munich may not have won the trophy in recent years, but UEFA may have graded these teams using a different system. It should not come as a surprise that UEFA ranked Bayern Munich first because of their outstanding performance in league and champions league games, as is well known. Other teams might have done exceptionally equally as them, but Bayern Munich still topping the table is satisfactory to me IMO.

But they are currently at the top of the UEFA Champions League points table due to Bayern Munich's excellent performance. We noticed many changes in Bayern Munich's game on the pitch.We have seen in the last few seasons that Bayern Munich could not win any UEFA Champions League trophy.But I think with their current form they can lift the UEFA Champions League trophy this season.

[Pokapoka124]

Some more statistics after the CL group stage: UEFA Club Ranking

UEFA's club ranking for this season after the end of the group stage

Source: https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1588504424808267776

I somehow don't really agree with this EUFA in this ranking, Bayern Munich toping table while since after 2013 they haven't smell Champions League Trophy again, Though they're one of best clubs in the Champions League competition and have remaind consistent with their performance each season. Though I don't know the statics that EUFA used for this ranking,  but Bayern should have toped the list because they aren't the current champions, neither are they the previous or even the past 3 seasons.

I think the criteria for this ranking isn't just based on number of Champions league trophies won by the club but includes other major trophies and all round performances of the club. They are one of the best clubs in the world. When you want to make a list of the top clubs in the world Bayern Munich will be listed as one of the top teams so they certainly deserve this ranks.

[buwaytress]

Interesting to see Liverpool's still second in ranking after group stage, when we weren't even seeded 2nd in the selections (and were unseeded for the Last 16). I imagined seeding had a lot to do with rankings other than results, as Group of Death would be really unlucky in that regard, whereas Napoli and Liverpool shared each other's loss, Ajax and Rangers, all due respect, weren't too difficult in the end.

[Silence Scream]

I think the clubs that have a real shot to go to the finals and win it are Man City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.  Not really sure about the rest but Liverpool could be a dark horse and may Napoli too.  I'll prolly start watching the CL a lot more closer as the KO stages awaits!

They missed the UCL because so long not to come, so Man City bought Haaland for quite a expensive.  Pep really longs to be able to bring a big ear to Man City. If I'm not mistaken, Man City have never been able to win when coached by Pep.   I agree that those three teams have a great chance of advancing to the semifinals. But I'm a big favourite with Man City, although there may be a lot of surprises that I can't predict. I'm looking forward to the draw for the first knockout round. When will it be done?

Oh for sure.  Did anybody itt see the video when they got eliminated at the semi final?  I think it was the UCL season before the one last year or was it the other year..  But anyway, in the video Pep and his coaches were thowing and smashing stuff in frustration and shouting 'why is the Champions League hard?'.  Something like that.

And I'd argue that the price tag for Haaland is 'expensive'.  I mean yes it is but City get what they paid for which makes it worth it.  So in the long run the club will reap more than the expense.

With Haaland goals are now certain to be scored, they have predicted ahead already before making plans for Haaland already, I think I saw the game when pep was furiously sad, last season he was also, should have won but madrid showed they are superior in the champions league.
Any way pep will do everything in his power to win the champions league at the end of the season.

Other very good draws took place for Pep.  Bayern Munich matched PSG.  I'm sure Pep didn't want to see these two teams as rivals at an early stage.  I think they drew one of the best draws.  I believe, like many others, that Manchester City will be the side that will advance in this qualifier where they will face Leipzig.  I'm very curious if Haaland will be able to score.

[Pulsar77]

I'd like to share the full results of last 16 round draw:



PSG v Bayern Munich and Liverpool v Real Madrid are going to be really tough matchups truthfully. PSG must be really worried about this draw I believe. Because they mustn't have wanted a strong team against themselves in this round already. Bayern Munich are one of the most consistent teams in the Champions League now. I don't know if PSG can still find a way to eliminate them. Actually they eliminated Bayern Munich in the quarter finals of the 2020/21 season. It was really tough but they did it thanks to away goal rule. Maybe they can do this again.

My favourite team for the other matchup is Real Madrid. I know that Liverpool have recovered so much here but I still don't see them stronger than Real Madrid. Liverpool have a really bad history against them also as you know. Whenever they tried to have revenge on them they just failed. It makes me feel like this will be another such season for Liverpool.

[fzkto]

I'm curious about Napoli's performance from now on to be honest. Because they have really impressed everyone by a high level of effort so far in the group stage. Liverpool and Ajax were quite tough teams on paper but Napoli just destroyed them in nearly all of their matchups.

I wonder what they will do especially against the other biggest favourites. Teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and PSG would be the biggest challenges for Napoli. If they eliminate even one of them then who knows maybe we might see them in the finale surprisingly as well.    For example, Villarreal were so close to doing this last season if they managed to eliminate Liverpool as well.

I like the way Napoli play too, not only in the Champions League but also in Serie A. They are great at playing in two competitions at once. Even Real Madrid do not perform as well as Napoli. It would be interesting to see Napoli in a final match, perhaps even against Real Madrid. But for that to happen, they need to keep up the momentum.

[Pokapoka124]

Liverpool are struggling at the moment, they have been lacking that consistency this season, winning one game and going on to lose in the next fixture. I just wonder how they will manage against Real Madrid in the next champions league fixture in the knockout round of 16 stage. Napoli also have shown inconsistency in their performances this season, a lot needs to be done to improve the team and style of play.

[KTChampions]

~Napoli also have shown inconsistency in their performances this season, a lot needs to be done to improve the team and style of play.

Perhaps you confused Napoli with some other club? I try to imagine a more stable team among the top leagues and I can't - Bayern, City, PSG all had flaws either in the group or in the national championship, maybe Real is close in stability, but statistically Napoli are the best. Defeat from Liverpool in a meaningless match, I naturally do not take into account as a serious event.

[Rruchi man]

LIVERPOOL - REAL MADRID
I was looking up to see if Mo salah will make any funny tweets about the game, I haven't seen anything yet seems he's deciding to keep mute this time. it will take a great game and some tactical genius for Liverpool to defeat real Madrid.

FRANKFURT - NAPOLI
I'll be looking out for Victor Osimhen, hopefully injury does not spoil his fine form

PSG - BAYERN
As much as many people think that PSG is a write-off in this game I actually think they have a chance if they can actually just defend properly and depend on the ability of Messi neymar and mbappe to score goals.

[ILuckyGuyI]

Liverpool are a really unfortunate team to have a draw against Real Madrid this much earlier. I wonder whether this will be the revenge time or not. It's just hard to say something about that confidently for now. But if I'm to make a comment on the team to advance taking the current conditions into account, then I can also say that Real Madrid are one step ahead. I like their performance in this season even more.

Bookmakers are still insisting on not putting them among the biggest title favourites but I'm doing it. I'm supporting Manchester City for the title I'd really like to see a Manchester City - Real Madrid finale honestly. I admired their performances last season. Real Madrid's comeback is still unforgettable. A finale game between these two might be one of the most quality finales ever in this tournament I think.

[borovichok]

As much as many people think that PSG is a write-off in this game I actually think they have a chance if they can actually just defend properly and depend on the ability of Messi neymar and mbappe to score goals.

The round of 16 is very tough to see big teams facing each other, it's more tense to watch liverpool take on real madrid. The los blancos have been one of the major problems for the reds and have always beat them, they have met in two finals, lost both to real madrid. So this time around, real madrid still have the higher chances of winning because their form this season is incredible, they're unbeaten in their laliga and Carlo Ancelotti is a well tactical coach who always knows the weaknesses of his opponents. Can say the same for Jurgen Klopp as there's still hope for him to give his best shot for his team.
Osimhen good form might not depreciate after the world cup because his country didn't qualify and he would have enough resting time to stay home doing the needful training.

[Marykeller]

Liverpool are a really unfortunate team to have a draw against Real Madrid this much earlier. I wonder whether this will be the revenge time or not. It's just hard to say something about that confidently for now. But if I'm to make a comment on the team to advance taking the current conditions into account, then I can also say that Real Madrid are one step ahead. I like their performance in this season even more.

I can see the vast majority tipping Real Madrid to win against Liverpool but they have forgotten that football is unpredictable.
The main fact Real Madrid has had the upper hand over Liverpool in recent seasons doesn't mean it will continue. There must surely be a stop to it. And who knows, it might be this season because Liverpool this season has been unpredictable. February 14th is not that close. Anything can happen. Don't underestimate Liverpool now. They are coming back stronger by next year.