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

[Stepstowealth]

As for the chances of winning the Europa League, Liverpool are still the strongest while for Leverkusen it depends on how they continue their trend whether it is only limited to this or even better in the Europa League.

Leverkusen were not very good in their last two games in the competition, it almost seemed like luck.
If Leverkusen can win the Europa just as they are going to win the Bundesliga ahead of Bayern Munich this time, it will be a very big achievement for the coach, and will increase his value to any team that may want to sign him. For a player like Granit Xhaka who just moved to Leverkusen from Arsenal, that will also be a good win for him.

[Majestic-milf]

Bayern Leverkusen continues their unbeaten streak, showcasing an exceptional performance this season. Despite facing considerable pressure from Qarabag, they managed to overcome a 2-nil deficit. While Qarabag fought hard and showed resilience, Bayern Leverkusen's winning mentality prevailed once again. This match may have been their toughest challenge yet this season, but it's a testament to their strong leadership and management. Xabi Alonso's presence has been instrumental, and if he remains with Bayern Leverkusen, they have the potential to win more trophies in the coming days.

They will need to put in more effort so that more teams will come to fear them. Xabi Alonso should train his men up to that standard where they don't get to only be deadly in their domestic league but outside too. The game against Qarabag was intense and to be honest, they almost lost focus so they can't afford to play the way they did with Qarabag in the quarter finals, depending on late minute goals to help them because their opponents will want to make things terrible for them.
 
The draws have been made and Bayer Leverkusen have been paired against West Ham. Granted, the Hammers may not be enough threat to them but with how they performed in their return leg against Freiburg, they could still make trouble for Xabi Alonso's men but since it's in Germany, maybe they can wreak havoc  on David Moyes' boys.

[FanEagle]

It is quite strong indicator that Leverkusen is doing fine, because they haven't lost a single game yet, and yet we almost saw them get out. Which proves that it doesn't matter how good you are, people assumed that Leverkusen may win the whole thing, people definitely assumed that they would dominate Qarabag, I mean they beat Bayern in a humiliating fashion, so obviously everyone assumed they would win this too.

And yet, on the first game they lost, and on the second game they won with 2 goals coming at 90+ minute mark. That should be proof enough that we are talking about a team that may struggle at times, maybe it hasn't so far but that doesn't mean that it will never have that, it may always have something like that.

[LTU_btc]

The draws have been made and Bayer Leverkusen have been paired against West Ham. Granted, the Hammers may not be enough threat to them but with how they performed in their return leg against Freiburg, they could still make trouble for Xabi Alonso's men but since it's in Germany, maybe they can wreak havoc  on David Moyes' boys.

Bayer had so much struggle against underdogs from Qarabag that somehow it's hard to expect that it will be easier for them against West Ham. Though, now their lead in Bundesliga is such big that they can afford to drop points in few games and give priority to Europa league.
Liverpool is big favorite against Atlanta, other two pairs is more difficult to predict, but I would say that Benfica and Milan will go the the semifinal.

[Josefjix]

As for the chances of winning the Europa League, Liverpool are still the strongest while for Leverkusen it depends on how they continue their trend whether it is only limited to this or even better in the Europa League.

There's enough time for elite team to compete between themselves for winning. There's absolutely no limitations for elite team, they're keen on bringing on important records as accomplishments. The Europa League doesn't seem tough and the best competitive club comes home with significant title which is presentable for the status of the team. Liverpool are non-stop this season. They're out not in the UEFA Champions League competition and the tournament that qualify for, they just have to put in their best and bring to Anfield the golden title.

[Furious 7]

As for the chances of winning the Europa League, Liverpool are still the strongest while for Leverkusen it depends on how they continue their trend whether it is only limited to this or even better in the Europa League.

There's enough time for elite team to compete between themselves for winning. There's absolutely no limitations for elite team, they're keen on bringing on important records as accomplishments. The Europa League doesn't seem tough and the best competitive club comes home with significant title which is presentable for the status of the team. Liverpool are non-stop this season. They're out not in the UEFA Champions League competition and the tournament that qualify for, they just have to put in their best and bring to Anfield the golden title.

If you say that the Europa League is for elite club to be able to taste the real champion it is also unjustified because seeing from the last few seasons there are always surprises that occur in it even that includes for Barcleona because even in the 2 seasons they are in the Europa League, they can't even get to the final which means the Europa League is not as easy as imagined but for the case now for Liverpool indeed their chances remain the biggest its just that it also cant be a belief that can really be used as a benchmark because they also have to work hard to get the trophy even though their level is much bigger than other clubs in the Europa League at this time .

There are always surprises that we never even expected before for the Europa League and now we still haven't seen it so this is still a very good sign for Liverpool but if there are surprises that occur in the remaining matches because now there are still three phases where the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals then indeed we also cannot be surprised by that because the Europa League is unpredictable and cannot be predicted properly .

[Distraction]

The full Europa League draw is like this by the way. I wanted to share it because of not seeing it on the previous posts.

The most interesting one is Milan - Roma truthfully. Because it is more like a clash between close teams in strength. If Roma were still being managed by Mourinho now then I would have seen Milan more favourite.

However since De Rossi took the job the team have seemed much more effective in attacking especially. The score contribution has increased quite more. Although bookies are favouring Milan I think Roma deserve to be given a chance on betting. What do you think? 

[buwaytress]

^ Thanks for sharing the draw, no one following wouldn't have known but still nice to see it this way. Milan - Roma might seem like the pick for you but it's really just a Serie A matchup, not so much a spectacle for me as Liverpool - Atalanta if, like me, this reminds you of a seismic Champions League clashes between the two not so long ago -- thrashed them at home, and then lost at Anfield on the return.

Leverkusen and the Reds meeting in the final would be pretty damned special, especially if the two end up being champions of their respective leagues.

[casperBGD]

-snip
Leverkusen and the Reds meeting in the final would be pretty damned special, especially if the two end up being champions of their respective leagues.

you basically want to take Europa league trophy and the coach from Leverkusen, haha

kidding aside, that would be a hell of a game
Liverpool is still favorite in that one, but on one match, and Leverkusen in a season without lose, anything can happen

[buwaytress]

you basically want to take Europa league trophy and the coach from Leverkusen, haha

kidding aside, that would be a hell of a game
Liverpool is still favorite in that one, but on one match, and Leverkusen in a season without lose, anything can happen

Kills me to be replying to a user who's left the forum, but to respond anyway, yes, I want Reds to win Europa (of course), but we already know we can't have Alonso as he's sticking with Leverkusen. Good for him, but it puts us in an awkward position of hiring possibly second-best, and long enough that even if Alonso is free, we won't have the vacancy.

Faith in Edwards and his data madness, I suppose!

[Distraction]

^ Thanks for sharing the draw, no one following wouldn't have known but still nice to see it this way. Milan - Roma might seem like the pick for you but it's really just a Serie A matchup, not so much a spectacle for me as Liverpool - Atalanta if, like me, this reminds you of a seismic Champions League clashes between the two not so long ago -- thrashed them at home, and then lost at Anfield on the return.

Leverkusen and the Reds meeting in the final would be pretty damned special, especially if the two end up being champions of their respective leagues.

It is matchday!    In fact we can look at that matchup from that aspect also. Milan and Roma are facing each other at least 2 times every season. If we see lots of goals in both legs here it would be still nice to watch for me though. 

Yeah, I definitely remember those Liverpool - Atalanta matches. Especially Liverpool's huge win like 5-0 was incredible. I guess Liverpool would advance here but we could at least watch better matches than the ones they had against Sparta Prague.    I think the best kind of finale would definitely be Liverpool - Leverkusen. Xabi Alonso vs Klopp would be great to watch.

[LTU_btc]

It is matchday!    In fact we can look at that matchup from that aspect also. Milan and Roma are facing each other at least 2 times every season. If we see lots of goals in both legs here it would be still nice to watch for me though. 

Yeah, I definitely remember those Liverpool - Atalanta matches. Especially Liverpool's huge win like 5-0 was incredible. I guess Liverpool would advance here but we could at least watch better matches than the ones they had against Sparta Prague.    I think the best kind of finale would definitely be Liverpool - Leverkusen. Xabi Alonso vs Klopp would be great to watch.

After such amazing Champions league this week I suppose that it will be a bit difficult to watch Europa league today, though, we have some great matchups.
Put some money on Benfica and over 2.5 goals in Bayer - West Ham. Maybe will make few more bets, still not decided. I guess that Liverpool game might be high scoring and they can build some solid advantage today. Still don't know which game to watch.

[slaman29]

Put some money on Benfica and over 2.5 goals in Bayer - West Ham. Maybe will make few more bets, still not decided. I guess that Liverpool game might be high scoring and they can build some solid advantage today. Still don't know which game to watch.

At least you won Benfica. And you were right about high scoring Liverpool game, altho you probably didn't guess it was gonna come all from Atalanta lol

Sorry for English teams in Champions League and Europa, it's all going bad for you guys. Now Liverpool have to score 3 goals, not impossible but I dunno, it's going to be very closed shop back in Bergamo

[LTU_btc]

At least you won Benfica. And you were right about high scoring Liverpool game, altho you probably didn't guess it was gonna come all from Atalanta lol

Sorry for English teams in Champions League and Europa, it's all going bad for you guys. Now Liverpool have to score 3 goals, not impossible but I dunno, it's going to be very closed shop back in Bergamo

If someone would tell me that Atalanta will win 3:0 at Anfield, I would call him crazy. One of biggest upsets this season. Ok, Liverpool didn't started with some main players, but in 2nd half even substitutions didn't helped.
What also impressed me is such Bayer dominance against West Ham, just look at stats:

We can say that Bayer managed to score ONLY 2 goals with such dominance. It gives chance West Ham for comeback at home.

[Distraction]

After such amazing Champions league this week I suppose that it will be a bit difficult to watch Europa league today, though, we have some great matchups.
Put some money on Benfica and over 2.5 goals in Bayer - West Ham. Maybe will make few more bets, still not decided. I guess that Liverpool game might be high scoring and they can build some solid advantage today. Still don't know which game to watch.

Poor Liverpool got a really horrible result... I don't know if they had a worse day than that in the season so far. They played really effectively in fact, couldn't take advantage of a lot of goal chances.    Otherwise this match would never end like 0-3. Atalanta will probably play a highly defensive game and look for counter-attacks only next time.

When it comes to Leverkusen this would have surely ended by a way bigger score. You were just unlucky otherwise I think over 2.5 goals was one of the best choices for this one.

Benfica did a pretty good job. They are quite strong in home matches. 

[slaman29]

Sorry for English teams in Champions League and Europa, it's all going bad for you guys. Now Liverpool have to score 3 goals, not impossible but I dunno, it's going to be very closed shop back in Bergamo

If someone would tell me that Atalanta will win 3:0 at Anfield, I would call him crazy. One of biggest upsets this season. Ok, Liverpool didn't started with some main players, but in 2nd half even substitutions didn't helped.
What also impressed me is such Bayer dominance against West Ham, just look at stats:

Biggest upset I think I read it's their biggest Anfield defeat ever, not sure if they meant in the Europe stage or at all time, I actually can't find any Anfield loss bigger than 3-0.

Also seems to be the first time this season they failed to score at home. Biggest upset to me, considering Atalanta have been one of the shittest teams in Serie A lately.

But you know what? People forgot this Liverpool team is not so good. Especially the keeper, people forgot when they had to let go of their Champions League keeper Karius. Eventually, weakness is exposed. They mainly survived without Alisson because they could score goals but the minute they cannot, they will lose games.

[junder]

Poor Liverpool got a really horrible result... I don't know if they had a worse day than that in the season so far. They played really effectively in fact, couldn't take advantage of a lot of goal chances.    Otherwise this match would never end like 0-3. Atalanta will probably play a highly defensive game and look for counter-attacks only next time.

When it comes to Leverkusen this would have surely ended by a way bigger score. You were just unlucky otherwise I think over 2.5 goals was one of the best choices for this one.

Benfica did a pretty good job. They are quite strong in home matches. 

I think this season Liverpool are not playing well, or maybe you could even say bad, with their match yesterday which they lost badly to Atalanta, I don't think they will be able to qualify, even though there is a chance to qualify, but it feels almost impossible. Liverpool did attack a lot, it's just that Atalanta were more efficient in the game, even though they didn't attack much, they were able to score goals which made Liverpool lose the match. I think Liverpool are having problems, but I don't know what the reason is, they are experiencing a decline in performance.

With Liverpool's second leg against Atalanta, I think Atalanta will be more confident in the match, especially since they will be playing at home, obviously that makes them more confident or maybe they will be more defensive to defend it.
Maybe it will be difficult for Liverpool if they face Leverkusen, because what we know yesterday is that Leverkusen managed to beat Munich, which is known as an unbeatable team, and I think Liverpool will have difficulty if they play Leverkusen.

[Sunderland]

I think this season Liverpool are not playing well, or maybe you could even say bad, with their match yesterday which they lost badly to Atalanta, I don't think they will be able to qualify, even though there is a chance to qualify, but it feels almost impossible. Liverpool did attack a lot, it's just that Atalanta were more efficient in the game, even though they didn't attack much, they were able to score goals which made Liverpool lose the match. I think Liverpool are having problems, but I don't know what the reason is, they are experiencing a decline in performance.

Its true that Liverpool performed badly against Atalanta yesterday, but because they lost in that match doesnt mean Liverpool was not playing well for the whole season.
I dont know what is the criteria of a good team for you if you considered Liverpool is a bad team in this season.

Maybe it will be difficult for Liverpool if they face Leverkusen, because what we know yesterday is that Leverkusen managed to beat Munich, which is known as an unbeatable team, and I think Liverpool will have difficulty if they play Leverkusen.

Yesterday it was Leverkusen against West Ham, not Bayern. This is the Europa League, not the Bundesliga.
If you dont really understand football, at least read the news about yesterday games first.

[tygeade]

After just the first games, suddenly Leverkusen got the top spot in everyone's minds. Think about it, we are talking about Liverpool who lost 3-0 against Atalanta, why would we consider them as the favourites anymore. Doesn't mean that Liverpool can't win, they still could get like a 4-0 revenge game, which they did to Barcelona if I remember correctly, so it is not impossible but just because something is possible doesn't mean it is the likely possibility.

I feel like Leverkusen beating West Ham this easily shows once again that they are going to end up being at the top of the odds. They are having a magical year and I am guessing that the yare going to crown this amazing season with an europa title that could shine very bright on their trophy cabinet.

[junder]

~snip~

I myself don't have my own champion team, even though I watch football I just take part in feeling the excitement of the matches between teams, what about you? What are the criteria for a good team in your opinion? Do you have a favorite team in the match?

Indeed, this is the Europa League, with Liverpool currently seeming to be experiencing less than optimal performance, maybe they will have difficulties if they face Leverkusen, I mean Leverkusen can beat strong teams outside the Europa League, Bayern are not in the Europa League, but they are one of the teams big. That's what I mean, if they can beat big teams, maybe Liverpool will have difficulty when they face Leverkusen.