⚽UEFA Europa League Discussion Thread -- 2023/24 | SFs

[3meek]

There will be a lot of matches again today... Probably the match of the day for many is Sparta vs Liverpool... Of course Liverpool are favourites, but Sparta can also play well... I expect goals from both teams in this match today, but Liverpool should probably win...

[onecall123]

There will be a lot of matches again today... Probably the match of the day for many is Sparta vs Liverpool... Of course Liverpool are favourites, but Sparta can also play well... I expect goals from both teams in this match today, but Liverpool should probably win...

There are a lot of matches involving big teams. It's a tricky fixture for the big guns, and I'm expecting more surprises. Let's wait for the shock. But I think Liverpool will be ruthless against their upcoming match against Sparta because this is Klopp's last season.

[casperBGD]

two main favorites have not that easy away matches, Leverkusen is facing Qarabag, while Liverpool will face Sparta
not sure will they pull main strength in first match to make re-match only a formality, or just try to not end-up having to chase score at home
especially Liverpool, considering they have "match of the season" against City on weekend, playing full strength on Thursday night in Czech republic doesn't seems as best decision prior to Sunday match, we will see

there is also a classic between Benfica and Rangers, cheering to Scots to go into next round

[masulum]

Liverpool has a better chance of winning the match against Sparta Praha. In the EPL they managed to win the last 4 matches, this result can give Liverpool players confidence to beat the hosts, Sparta Praha.

In another match, AC Milan will play against Slavia Praha, don't expect much for AC Milan, but I hope Pioli can bring players with the best strategy. Win will allow Milan to go into the second leg in better conditions for the players.

[buwaytress]

two main favorites have not that easy away matches, Leverkusen is facing Qarabag, while Liverpool will face Sparta
not sure will they pull main strength in first match to make re-match only a formality, or just try to not end-up having to chase score at home
especially Liverpool, considering they have "match of the season" against City on weekend, playing full strength on Thursday night in Czech republic doesn't seems as best decision prior to Sunday match, we will see

there is also a classic between Benfica and Rangers, cheering to Scots to go into next round

I'm backing Rangers too, and breathe easy now with an early penalty converted. Actually missed the entire incident, by the time I tuned it he was already lining up to take the shot. Just taking in the fact that Mac Allister started, along with Nunez, Salah on the bench. Everyone else minus Quansah is a strong candidate for first-choice, so it's a much stronger side than I expected, and by the time they arrive back in England it'll only be 2 full days to recover. I guess the first-team players won't mind, they've been a while away and need to shake off rust.

Enjoy the games, friends!

[Majestic-milf]

Liverpool has a better chance of winning the match against Sparta Praha. In the EPL they managed to win the last 4 matches, this result can give Liverpool players confidence to beat the hosts, Sparta Praha.

In another match, AC Milan will play against Slavia Praha, don't expect much for AC Milan, but I hope Pioli can bring players with the best strategy. Win will allow Milan to go into the second leg in better conditions for the players.

I agree that Jurgen Klopp's men will oust Sparta Prague and even though the hosts are also pressing Liverpool, there's still no hope of them coming back from this 1-4 mauling they are getting.
Sparta have had so many chances that would have seen them getting the upper hand in this game but they were just so fucking wasteful! At the moment, they are matching Liverpool's defense toe for toe but its Jurgen's men with a three goal lead at the moment.

[LTU_btc]

So far all results were kinda strange. Yeah, maybe Liverpool huge win 1:5 wasn't huge surprise, but considering that Sparta had many chances and didn't played that bad, it's a bit strange.
Bayer was down 0:2 against Qarabag, but made comeback to 2:2 and didn't ruined their chances.
And betting on Roma with such decent odds was easy money, but nobody didn't expected that they will win 4:0.

two main favorites have not that easy away matches, Leverkusen is facing Qarabag, while Liverpool will face Sparta
not sure will they pull main strength in first match to make re-match only a formality, or just try to not end-up having to chase score at home
especially Liverpool, considering they have "match of the season" against City on weekend, playing full strength on Thursday night in Czech republic doesn't seems as best decision prior to Sunday match, we will see

there is also a classic between Benfica and Rangers, cheering to Scots to go into next round

I'm backing Rangers too, and breathe easy now with an early penalty converted.

Rangers is big underdog here and I don't see them going to the next round. Interesting that these clubs with such long history faced each other only twice and both games ended with high scoring draws.

[Queentoshi]

Qarabag VS Bayer Leverkusen

AS Roma VS Brighton

Sparta Praha VS Liverpool

All the games ended with goals above two, Liverpool already showing that they should be in the finals already of this competition because they are very dominant in this competition. Bayer Leverkusen almost lost the game, but they are too good this season for them to lose, they almost won it too after they got the equalizer in the final minutes, but they missed the chance. Roma outclassed Brighton, Daniele De Rossi will be proud if he can win this competition with Roma after Mourinho sack.

[Majestic-milf]

All the games ended with goals above two, Liverpool already showing that they should be in the finals already of this competition because they are very dominant in this competition. Bayer Leverkusen almost lost the game, but they are too good this season for them to lose, they almost won it too after they got the equalizer in the final minutes, but they missed the chance. Roma outclassed Brighton, Daniele De Rossi will be proud if he can win this competition with Roma after Mourinho sack.

 It was indeed an entertaining night yesterday and of all the three English clubs in action, it was only Liverpool that excelled brilliantly. At this rate I dont think much needs to be played when they welcome Sparta to Anfield for the return leg and except the Czech republic based club can turn things around like they did when they met Galatasaray, I doubt they have any chances of proceeding to the next round.

 As for Roma vs Brighton game, it was glaring who the faves where and I don't think to Robert de zerbi prepared for this first leg mauling. This is another club that will have their work cut out for them when they meet for the return leg. In every aspect of the game they were outclassed by de Rossi's men and the way this coach is handling things, you won't even miss that Mourinho is no longer coaching them.
 I still don't understand why Brighton played the way they did yesterday, imagine having four shots on target and not even one could find the net to erase Roma's clean sheet! I feel Roberto will have to go back to the drawing board because they need to come up with a spectacular strategy to defeat Daniele de Rossi's men when they meet at the Amex for the second leg, at least have to something to hold on to, since you aren't in the top four in your domestic league let it be that you show you can be worthy opponents when these guys come to your turf.

[Distraction]

So far all results were kinda strange. Yeah, maybe Liverpool huge win 1:5 wasn't huge surprise, but considering that Sparta had many chances and didn't played that bad, it's a bit strange.
Bayer was down 0:2 against Qarabag, but made comeback to 2:2 and didn't ruined their chances.
And betting on Roma with such decent odds was easy money, but nobody didn't expected that they will win 4:0.

I think the same. the result Liverpool got isn't much surprising considering the huge quality difference. But I must really appreciate the way Sparta Prag fought back. It didn't reflect on the score maybe but they could have scored a couple of more goals. Kelleher made insane saves which prevented that also.   

I think he is quite a decent substitute goalkeeper as it can be seen from his recent statistics below also:



Qarabag are a quite interesting team... They fought really well against Leverkusen. They will probably find themselves out of the Europa League by the end of the rematch but it is still pleasing to watch their football. 

[masulum]

I agree that Jurgen Klopp's men will oust Sparta Prague and even though the hosts are also pressing Liverpool, there's still no hope of them coming back from this 1-4 mauling they are getting.
Sparta have had so many chances that would have seen them getting the upper hand in this game but they were just so fucking wasteful! At the moment, they are matching Liverpool's defense toe for toe but its Jurgen's men with a three goal lead at the moment.

Liverpool managed to win the match with final score 1 - 5, an easy win for Liverpool. 2nd Leg, Liverpool could play with more enjoyment because they 4 goals ahead. Most importantly, Liverpool will play as host in the 2nd leg, maybe Liverpool can get an additional 2 goals to give happiness to the Reds fans. Tough game for Sparta.

---
In another match, AC Milan managed to win the match with a score of 4 - 2. A good score, but Milan was not that good. Because, the next match Slavia Praha will be a hosts, an aggregate 2 goals could end in a 2 - 0 defeat for Milan, if Milan players do not succeed in implementing Pioli's strategy well. even Milan still in inconsistent with their performance, hopefully 2nd leg Milan can play safe.

[tygeade]

I think the same. the result Liverpool got isn't much surprising considering the huge quality difference. But I must really appreciate the way Sparta Prag fought back. It didn't reflect on the score maybe but they could have scored a couple of more goals. Kelleher made insane saves which prevented that also.    

I think he is quite a decent substitute goalkeeper as it can be seen from his recent statistics below also:



Qarabag are a quite interesting team... They fought really well against Leverkusen. They will probably find themselves out of the Europa League by the end of the rematch but it is still pleasing to watch their football.  

I agree, even if they end up losing on the second leg, they have come as far as they possibly can, which is more than enough if you ask me, that is why I believe that nobody should count out all these smaller clubs just because they look like they are not that good. A small team that wants to win far more than a bigger club who doesn't care about the game could end up getting an upset.

I still think that Leverkusen will win the second game, but Leverkusen just realized that they can't underestimate their opponent and need to work hard towards what they have. I believe that's going to be the most important lesson for them. Maybe it's even good for Leverkusen, it made them open their eyes against other clubs in this competition.

[3meek]

Liverpool is of course higher class than Sparta, but Sparta did not play badly and often created dangerous moments, but Liverpool without a doubt won... Although as I expected, both teams scored goals, or rather Liverpool scored both goals... But Karabakh surprised me the most... They were very close to win... This team was a surprise for me this season...

[buwaytress]

Qarabag are a quite interesting team... They fought really well against Leverkusen. They will probably find themselves out of the Europa League by the end of the rematch but it is still pleasing to watch their football. 

Champions League veterans, don't forget Somewhat joking but yeah, this was just moments away from being a glorious upset -- Leverkusen probably came away feeling lucky their undefeated status this season is still intact. Alonso must be pinching himself, how do you go an entire 30+ games without losing, when there was absolutely no indication (to me) last season that this run of games was coming.

Super possession, the return of extreme short passing? Or just an outlier?

[CLS63]

The result I was surprised of the most was the one in the Roma-Brighton match. I don't know how Brighton lost by a big score like 4-0. Because they were technically one of the teams with really good scoring capability. Mitoma and Joao Pedro both weren't able to play in this game. Joao Pedro is the most scorer player of the team in the Europa League with 6 goals and you know how skilled Mitoma is. 

De Rossi really started to change things at Roma. They have started to score many more goals thanks to leaving Mourinho's more defensive system. I'm wondering how far they will go in the Europa League.

[klidex]

I agree that Jurgen Klopp's men will oust Sparta Prague and even though the hosts are also pressing Liverpool, there's still no hope of them coming back from this 1-4 mauling they are getting.
Sparta have had so many chances that would have seen them getting the upper hand in this game but they were just so fucking wasteful! At the moment, they are matching Liverpool's defense toe for toe but its Jurgen's men with a three goal lead at the moment.

Liverpool managed to win the match with final score 1 - 5, an easy win for Liverpool. 2nd Leg, Liverpool could play with more enjoyment because they 4 goals ahead. Most importantly, Liverpool will play as host in the 2nd leg, maybe Liverpool can get an additional 2 goals to give happiness to the Reds fans. Tough game for Sparta.

---
In another match, AC Milan managed to win the match with a score of 4 - 2. A good score, but Milan was not that good. Because, the next match Slavia Praha will be a hosts, an aggregate 2 goals could end in a 2 - 0 defeat for Milan, if Milan players do not succeed in implementing Pioli's strategy well. even Milan still in inconsistent with their performance, hopefully 2nd leg Milan can play safe.

Liverpool really performed extraordinary in that match. In fact, I didn't even think that Liverpool could be that strong in beating the host club and able to create a large aggregate. Of course, in the second leg, Liverpool will play a little comfortably without experiencing excessive pressure, after all, win or lose in second leg I'm not sure Sparta Prague will be able to create an aggregate that exceeds Liverpool. But yes I don't think Jurgen Kloop will let his club suffer defeat at home even though they have locked in their current victory, and I think Liverpool will still increase the aggregate because they played a little comfortable and have the opportunities they need.

Yes, at least Milan is ahead with 2 aggregates, even though it's not a big aggregate, but I think Milan can still qualify by implementing a defensive strategy in the second leg, even though sometimes Milan's performance is doubtful, they will fight to perform optimally here, but yes, they also have to learn from The previous mistake in the play off round was that they had created an early advantage in the first leg but in the second leg Milan lost but fortunately Milan were also able to increase the aggregate total so they could still be ahead in the second leg. I hope Milan doesn't make a mistake because it could be Slavia Prague put great pressure on Milan which caused Milan to have difficulty creating aggregate again.

[GiftedMAN]

Qarabag VS Bayer Leverkusen

AS Roma VS Brighton

Sparta Praha VS Liverpool

All the games ended with goals above two, Liverpool already showing that they should be in the finals already of this competition because they are very dominant in this competition. Bayer Leverkusen almost lost the game, but they are too good this season for them to lose, they almost won it too after they got the equalizer in the final minutes, but they missed the chance. Roma outclassed Brighton, Daniele De Rossi will be proud if he can win this competition with Roma after Mourinho sack.

From the matches above Liverpool, Roma and Leverkusen performance was pleasing but the match that caught my attention was the Qarabag and Bayer Leverkusen game because I was so upset seeing the Xabi Alonso men losing 2:0 within the first 45 minutes because of the quality of players that he introduced in the first half but thank God they were able to bounce back to level the score to a 2:2 before the full-time. For Liverpool and Roma performance, I think they have got what it takes to be in the final and am so surprised to see Liverpool still pushing and playing with all seriousness when they have a big game against Manchester City this weekend in the league but hopefully they finally achieve what they want because they are hot this season.

[Distraction]

Qarabag are a quite interesting team... They fought really well against Leverkusen. They will probably find themselves out of the Europa League by the end of the rematch but it is still pleasing to watch their football. 

Champions League veterans, don't forget Somewhat joking but yeah, this was just moments away from being a glorious upset -- Leverkusen probably came away feeling lucky their undefeated status this season is still intact. Alonso must be pinching himself, how do you go an entire 30+ games without losing, when there was absolutely no indication (to me) last season that this run of games was coming.

Super possession, the return of extreme short passing? Or just an outlier?

Yeah, I shouldn't forget about that.    It could have been such an interesting result if Qarabag managed to secure a win in the first leg. After watching the way they played against Braga and eliminated them I started to follow them closer... Even against one of the title contenders they played fearlessly and impressively. 

They really care about short passing a lot. The extra passes are also a big help to create a bigger opportunity to score. The teamwork is really strong so this must be the magic. They could have really won this match.

[joniboini]

Super possession, the return of extreme short passing? Or just an outlier?

I think this is just an outlier. You can't expect Leverkusen to dominate and play that well every game, especially in different circumstances such as a round of 16 in a European competition. I'm pretty sure any team would like to go through, so they will try their best to play their game, especially in front of their fanbase. Whether there is a home advantage or not, I believe a player would love a supportive atmosphere in the stadium.

am so surprised to see Liverpool still pushing and playing with all seriousness when they have a big game against Manchester City this weekend in the league but hopefully they finally achieve what they want because they are hot this season.

They probably wanted to make sure they could have a comfortable second leg. With the squad they have right now, winning is probably their only goal considering how open most of their recent games were. Nunez's improvement probably helped reduce the burden on the front three too, considering that Salah or Jota is still out injured while Gakpo and Diaz have been poor recently. If anything I believe their defense still needs more work compared to other areas on the pitch, but it is understandable since youngsters are the ones who fill the backline.

[buwaytress]

Super possession, the return of extreme short passing? Or just an outlier?

I think this is just an outlier. You can't expect Leverkusen to dominate and play that well every game, especially in different circumstances such as a round of 16 in a European competition. I'm pretty sure any team would like to go through, so they will try their best to play their game, especially in front of their fanbase. Whether there is a home advantage or not, I believe a player would love a supportive atmosphere in the stadium.

Shame. It's already been a decade of gegenpressing and wide attacks, high-line defence and long seeking balls. I love it, of course, even from my days of playing Winning Eleven, I'd 4-4-3 the heck out of teams and just press constantly. I suppose you could call me the visionary of digital football heh.

I have watched a bit of Leverkusen and it's not displeasing football. Be nice to see Bundesliga adopt it if Alonso sticks to it -- and continues to win -- next season. It's not precisely like City's suffocating passing, if still very disciplined and purposeful.