UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Season

[rendravolt]

Actually Real Madrid has a striker, it's Joselu. Obviously he's not as popular as Mbappe, Lewandowski, Kane, Osimhen etc, but Ancelotti isn't afraid to sign him, so he's used to be replace Benzema's position regardless what the result is.

There's no big hope Real Madrid will win in this season, reaching quarter final is already good enough for the current squad.

Joselu will only be a complement in the Real Madrid squad and if to make him a starter, it seems Ancelotti still doubts that. It can be seen from pre-season matches to domestic league competitions that Ancelotti has never dared to use 3 attackers in his formation and he prefers to put Vini and Rodrygo in every game. The results can sometimes be good or bad, depending on how we observe it. I think a Champions League quarter-final with the current squad is already a pretty good achievement, but if they get to the final it will sound like nonsense.

Of course Ancelotti never dared to put up three strikers because of the limited number of players who can operate in that position, Ancelotti very often uses a two striker scheme in pre-season matches and the first match played by Real Madrid in La Liga. Joselu is only a substitute player in the Real Madrid squad because Ancelotti relies more on Vinicius and Rodrygo on the front lines, his arrival is only a complement to the Real Madrid squad.
Real Madrid needs to fight hard to survive in the Champions League with limited players in the striker position. Somehow I doubt Real Madrid can last long in the Champions League with the current squad. If Vinicius is injured or Rodrygo or both are injured at the same time, it will be disastrous for Real Madrid.

The problem is that Joselu is a pure striker, why doesn't Ancelotti want to try it first and use 3 attackers in his formation. But if you refer to your opinion, Ancelotti might think that Joselu is just a cover for Vini or Rodrygo who is ready to be included as a substitute in the second half. The absence of the number 9 striker meant that Real Madrid had to do just this and as coach Ancelotti does not seem to be able to do much with his current options. I think these two young players from Brazil are very rarely injured, but considering that it was only the beginning of the season that Real Madrid had lost a goalkeeper and defender due to injury, I hope they will not have another disaster with more injured players later.

[naira]

But guys there is something else about Mbappe that I think a lot of people forget. Mbappe isn't dumb and he knows that even if the whole world is angry with him for one season, if he goes to Real Madrid next season, becomes the top scorer in the league and in the Champions League and wins some trophies, everyone will have forgotten about his behavior.

Think about how often Ronaldo behaved like a jackass. But who cared when he became the top scorer again and won his teams some titles with his goals? This is how all the business works. I find it also wrong how things are going for Mbappe, but he probably knows what he is doing.

You are right, but we are only assessing at the moment and being realistic when we see Mbappe and PSG acting as if they are playing a lot of people. But that's the risk of players with their own charm regardless of the bad and it's good that we just enjoy it while we can. Meanwhile, when talking about the future of Mbappe becoming a great player or top scorer or trophy winner at any club, because that hasn't happened yet, so people will focus more on what is seen now, not what will happen later.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

Nothing is wrong if Mbappe wants to play for money as he works and receives salary and has rights to ask for as highest salary as possible. He is professional with his contribution for PSG so far. It's just PSG bad management to give Mbappe too big power but they as the club, don't control when the contract comes to the end. If they had signed a better contract, they would not have been in this situation.

He wasn't professional and that's where the problem started from, how can you go behind a club that has given you everything including privileges that not the best in the games (Ronaldo and Messi) received. Mbappe was given too much power that it got to his head. He just got eligible for a loyalty bonus that he wasn't even worthy of receiving but because it was in his previous contract, PSG is mandated to pay. PSG has been the ones that has been professional in the whole controversial because PSG could have decided not to say anything about the whole deal but make Mbappe stay at PSG so miserable that he would had asked for a contract termination or force to accept PSG deals that they bring to the table. Mbappe going behind PSG back to have an agreement with Real Madrid for a move next season wasn't professional.

If Real Madrid wants to improve the team, the team needs a striker which is essential at the moment. Because what I understood from watching the last few matches is that Real Madrid team's scoring ability is very low. In other words, Benzema role must be taken by any player for the Real Madrid team, otherwise the team will fail to achieve many things due to the inability to score goals.

Why aren't Real Madrid going for Victor Osimhen still confuses me because he's the best striker (forward) in the market and very affordable or is it racisms as others like Haaland, Harry Kane etc are never an option or are they just waiting for Mbappe. Mbappe shoudn't be trusted, the owners need to buy players and get their team in shape for the season. They need to win La Liga and stop giving Barcelona the opportunity to disgrace them in the league. Other European teams are signing big money signing and getting ready for the champions league while Real Madrid still doesn't have a striker. Also I was disappointed with their latest goalkeeper signing (Kepa) while he isn't the worst in the world, I doubt he's Real Madrid quality why not go for David de Gea.

[Gencecikmen]

Real Madrid without having a main striker in their squad after Benzema left last season. That's why I thought Real Madrid would make a sign with Kane or Mbappe. Mbappe will probably stay at PSG, while Harry Kane has transffered to Bayern Munich. performing at least as well as Robert Lewandowski in his time. I think Harry Kane will perform at least as well as Robert Lewandowski at Bayern Munich.

Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid, is not backing down; he knows particularly what needs to be done to fix his squad. Who knows what his future intentions are; he's got everything figured out. The club is now without a striker, which is a large open space, but based on their current performance, they don't appear to be that club that is lacking anything; Carlo Ancelotti has filled the entire voids with extra developed patterns of games. Robert Lewandowski or Harry Kane are the types of strikers the team requires at the moment, but everything has changed, and I believe Kylian Mbappe remains their primary objective.

The club is now without a solid striker, which is a large abselence for power of game. Carlo Ancelotti will not be in charge of the team after one season. Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid, I really don't know what is thinking.

I really totally agree with you. A great team like Real Madrid had great credible strikers like C. Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazário, Benzema. Real Madrid's first choice should be a credible striker Kylian Mbappe.

[rahmad2nd]

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Joselu will only be a complement in the Real Madrid squad and if to make him a starter, it seems Ancelotti still doubts that. It can be seen from pre-season matches to domestic league competitions that Ancelotti has never dared to use 3 attackers in his formation and he prefers to put Vini and Rodrygo in every game. The results can sometimes be good or bad, depending on how we observe it. I think a Champions League quarter-final with the current squad is already a pretty good achievement, but if they get to the final it will sound like nonsense.

Maybe yes, maybe not. but if we refer to the pre-season matches and the first matches in La Liga, it seems that Anceloti wants to perfect the system that he applies to his team's squad with a different pattern. maybe as you said, if Joselu only became a supplementary player or became a supersub to replace one of the strikers from Brazil, namely Vini Jr or Rodrygo.

It could too, if Ancelotti just wants to establish a new pattern for his squad. in the end, Madrid will use the usual pattern with a 4-3-3 system. because after all, the 4-3-3 pattern was Carlo Anceloti's mainstay. plus, players are familiar with this system. so, only Joselu needs to adapt to the Madrid players. For sure, we can't confirm anything yet and don't know for sure what Carlo Ancelotti is planning for his squad. because, we have only seen Madrid play its match once in a real competition. there are other games ahead, and Ancelotti could use a different system depending on the needs of the squad and the team he is facing.

Talking about the Champions League, I will not rush to give assumptions or judgments. let's just enjoy it, every team that will play match after match either in the domestic league or after the Champions League is rolled out.

[Ndabagi01]

I think Real Madrid need new striker depend on competition joining from La Liga, UEFA Champion League and Copa del Rey is not enough with only one striker right now, need back up when Joselu or Rodrygo get suspend or injury and actually Rodrygo is not real as center forward and most playing as winger.

It's unfortunate that Real Madrid have yet to find a successor for Benzema, despite the fact that the transfer window closes in a few weeks. I'm not sure how optimistic they are about signing Mbappe this season, but I don't see it happening anytime soon. They need to find a replacement soon, or work on the players they already have to fill the space left by Benzema. This is a critical position for them to fill as quickly as feasible.

I agree with you. PSG management is responsible for Mbappe's behavior. Nasser Al Khelaifi accepted all conditions of Mbappe to keep Mbappe in the team. Mbappe has had more impact on PSG's team than the coach. There have also been rumors that the squad is formed according to Mbappe's wishes. We have never seen this in the past. Even though Ronaldo and Messi are the most important players in their squad, they never interfere in the coach's decisions. But that's what we've seen Mbappe do. This is why Mbappe has become even more arrogant.

I also feel that Mbappe only plays for money. As a professional athlete, sun is essential. But Mbappe is also ready to sacrifice his honor for money. And it's very risky. If Mbappe doesn't change his behavior, big teams will not want Mbappe in their squad in the future.

Every player plays for money; what distinguishes them is how they manage themselves in such situations. Even if Mbappe is after money, I don't think any team will feel compelled to leave him off of their squad. It will be a win-win situation for both of them if they can offer him the money and he delivers effectively for them. However, I do not believe he is such a player that his primary motivation will be money. 
They could possibly be other players with a say in the club, but we can't know because they haven't made it evident or public to other people.  Mbappe's situation is not any different.

[Volgastallion]

Only 1.50 odds on Marseille win?, i dont see so much value on it, only in a multibet maybe, but i really dont think with that odss agood call, i expect some 1.7 or 1.8 odds on this match.

A game with high value can be Aris Rakow, Rakow its paying 3.00, the only doubt its they are playing in away condition  so can be hard.

[fachant]

~~

~~

Joselu will only be a complement in the Real Madrid squad and if to make him a starter, it seems Ancelotti still doubts that. It can be seen from pre-season matches to domestic league competitions that Ancelotti has never dared to use 3 attackers in his formation and he prefers to put Vini and Rodrygo in every game. The results can sometimes be good or bad, depending on how we observe it. I think a Champions League quarter-final with the current squad is already a pretty good achievement, but if they get to the final it will sound like nonsense.

Maybe yes, maybe not. but if we refer to the pre-season matches and the first matches in La Liga, it seems that Anceloti wants to perfect the system that he applies to his team's squad with a different pattern. maybe as you said, if Joselu only became a supplementary player or became a supersub to replace one of the strikers from Brazil, namely Vini Jr or Rodrygo.

It could too, if Ancelotti just wants to establish a new pattern for his squad. in the end, Madrid will use the usual pattern with a 4-3-3 system. because after all, the 4-3-3 pattern was Carlo Anceloti's mainstay. plus, players are familiar with this system. so, only Joselu needs to adapt to the Madrid players. For sure, we can't confirm anything yet and don't know for sure what Carlo Ancelotti is planning for his squad. because, we have only seen Madrid play its match once in a real competition. there are other games ahead, and Ancelotti could use a different system depending on the needs of the squad and the team he is facing.

Talking about the Champions League, I will not rush to give assumptions or judgments. let's just enjoy it, every team that will play match after match either in the domestic league or after the Champions League is rolled out.

Currently, Real Madrid's matches in La Liga will not be easy. Because I see the weakness of the Real Madrid team in the finishing department. The bottom line is that Real Madrid need a capable striker now.

[Docnaster]

Newcastle United ought to devote in an outstanding performance next season; they have an established strategy to pursue this season. They defeated Aston Villa 5-1 in the EPL opener, so there's plenty to look forward to from them this season. Observing them indicates they're sending an unambiguous signal to the fans that they're ready for the new season. Newcastle qualified for the UEFA Champions League, and they will compete in the premier tournaments when the new season begins. Eddie Howe, the Magpies' head coach, has everything at his disposal, but there is a lot of work to be done.

The huge defeat Newcastle had over Aston Villa clearly sent a message to everyone and the message it sent was very clear. Newcastle was telling the whole world that they are now Champions League candidates. And again, they are telling England people that they are now a big team. It is high time we stopped seeing Newcastle as an average club in England. They are good to go and they have a very good squad what I am not actually sure of is there squad depth if it will be able to carry them for both EPL and Champions League.

[shinratensei_]

Only 1.50 odds on Marseille win?, i dont see so much value on it, only in a multibet maybe, but i really dont think with that odss agood call, i expect some 1.7 or 1.8 odds on this match.

It will not happen consider bookies were also considering marseilla gonna be hosting the second leg. That's why marseilla's odd is less than 1.8 or 1.7
Marseilla has bigger chance to win against panathinaikos with good score. The one-goal aggregate will be immaterial as long as Marseille executes flawlessly against Panathinaikos. Hosing the game gonna boosting the mentality from the players.
Marseilla will make at least two goals against panathinaikos. That odds is quite good rather than getting below it.

A game with high value can be Aris Rakow, Rakow its paying 3.00, the only doubt its they are playing in away condition  so can be hard.

It has good odds but the outcome from the match it's very hard to predict. Rakow was leading the way by winning in the first leg but it must be facing aris away. I retain myself in taking this bet as it's very risky.
Im not sure if rakow will able to execute the second leg perfectly.

[hahay]

Only 1.50 odds on Marseille win?, i dont see so much value on it, only in a multibet maybe, but i really dont think with that odss agood call, i expect some 1.7 or 1.8 odds on this match.

A game with high value can be Aris Rakow, Rakow its paying 3.00, the only doubt its they are playing in away condition  so can be hard.

I think the bookie still knows everything because after all, in the first leg also the odds looked like Marseille were unlikely to win and it was true. Because in the first leg their odds were Panathinaikos @3.xx and Marseille @2.xx and yes, in the second leg this time Marseille really looks favored and Panathinaikos looks very underrated. At least, in this second leg the odds are Marseille @1.xx and Panathinaikos @7.xx, even though if we consider as a layman then of course Marseille will still win also in the first leg.

But yes, let us prove the results in this second leg, whether Marseille will really win because Marseille is really very favored in this second leg despite the fact that Marseille lost 1-0 on aggregate. Because after all, playing at home is also not a guarantee to be able to turn things around because of course, Panathinaikos will also make even greater efforts to maintain this aggregate victory to be able to qualify.

[shogun47]

But guys there is something else about Mbappe that I think a lot of people forget. Mbappe isn't dumb and he knows that even if the whole world is angry with him for one season, if he goes to Real Madrid next season, becomes the top scorer in the league and in the Champions League and wins some trophies, everyone will have forgotten about his behavior.

Think about how often Ronaldo behaved like a jackass. But who cared when he became the top scorer again and won his teams some titles with his goals? This is how all the business works. I find it also wrong how things are going for Mbappe, but he probably knows what he is doing.

You are right, but we are only assessing at the moment and being realistic when we see Mbappe and PSG acting as if they are playing a lot of people. But that's the risk of players with their own charm regardless of the bad and it's good that we just enjoy it while we can. Meanwhile, when talking about the future of Mbappe becoming a great player or top scorer or trophy winner at any club, because that hasn't happened yet, so people will focus more on what is seen now, not what will happen later.

Yes we will focus on the now, but the broader strategy of so called strategists is relying on exactly what you just said. Mbappe knows that he can make all of this be forgotten very quickly.

It reminds me of the players when they went to their fiercest rivals in a transfer and then the fans booed at them in the first games, but when they played well the fans stopped yelling bad words at them very quickly.

I am looking forward to the group stage picks. Hopefully we got some nice encounters in the group stage already.

[QueenVera]

 Here are my predictions for todays matches

Maccabi Haifa FC vs SK Slovan Bratislava - Bts yes
Sparta Prague vs Copenhagen - Bts yes
Galatasaray Istanbul vs Olimpija Ljubljana - Home wins
GNK Dinamo Zagreb vs AEK Athens - over 1.5 goals
SK Sturm Graz vs PSV Eindhoven - Away wins
Servette Geneva vs Rangers - Away wins
Marseille vs Panathinaikos Athens - Home wins
 In case of clarifications Bts means both teams to score, i also think that teams like PSV Eindhoven, Rangers, Marseille, Galatasaray and Copenhagen are going to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, however the match between Dinamo and Athens is going to be a tough one but i think both teams would score.
 

[Gencecikmen]

Tonight, there are UEFA Champions League third qualifying round second leg. I will prefer to watch Galatasaray-NK Olimpija Ljublja match. Galatasaray won the first match 3-0. In my opinion, the favorite team is Galatasaray, I feel like we will watch a very enjoyable match. Galatasaray's starting XI against NK Olimpija Ljublja: Muslera, Boey, Kaan, Emin, Angelino, Berkan, Torreira, Barış Alper, Mertens, Kerem, Icardi. NK Olimpija Ljublja's starting XI against Galatasaray: Vidovsek, Jorge Silva, Sualehe, Karamatic, Nukic, Ratnik Muhamedbegovic, Seslar, Posavec, Doffo, Rui Pedro. Our SUBS: Günay, Dubois, Midtsjø, Yunus, Zaha, Halil, Nelsson, Sérgio, Abdülkerim, Efe, Kazımcan, Bakambu.

[babo]

I imagined that Karim Benzema would go there, all the very good players at the end of their career go there to spend their last few years overpaid in a not very competitive league. There is, the old stars can thus show some more numbers. Real Madrid have not found a serious replacement: very bad

Real Madrid has another couple of weeks as possibility for transferring new players,especially they are lacking in attack and midfield as with what players they have now chances are very high that they will be eliminated at best right after the group stage if not directly in the group stage if they are in a group with strong teams like Manchester City,Bayern Munchen and some other team,they are gambling this season with this behavior,in fact they should have already brought in replacement for Benzema as with the money they got from selling him I am sure they could have afforded Harry Kane.Now Kane most likely will go to Bayern Munchen,what a pity this Real so far.

True you are totally right, I agree with you.
I don't understand what game they are playing honestly, with the fierce Barcelona playing in the market in this way will lead you to play understaffed and with La Liga at high levels and the CHAmpions League you risk ending up like a mouse against a cat: that is, eaten.
I hope they understand and wake up a little.

[HajiBagi]

~~~

Real Madrid began to find its form after beating Bilbao in the first match of La Liga, it was not easy to beat Bilbao at home but Real Madrid was able to bring home its first win of the season. The squad that Real Madrid has this season is still imperfect when compared to other favorite teams in the UCL, Ancelotti has yet to find a suitable player in the position that Benzema has occupied so far. In addition, Real Madrid also recently lost its flagship goalkeeper due to an injury sustained during the team's routine training.

The lack of quality players in the striker position and the loss of their main keeper is the job Ancelotti needs to finish. Competition in the very competitive UCL requires Ancelotti to form a Real Madrid squad that must be stable on all fronts. If Real Madrid front line is blunt or not optimal enough to take advantage of opportunities to score goals, then it will become an obstacle for Real Madrid in their journey to the final round.

I don't see any problems for Real Madrid when they beat Bilbao. Real Madrid played well with the duo of Vinicius and Rodrygo, but Bellingham also helped a lot.  Rodrygo and Bellingham both scored in Real Madrid's win, but of course Real Madrid is very different without Benzema.

Ancelotti may not need a replacement for Benzema as long as Vinicius, Rodrygo and Bellingham are able to make a good contribution regarding the result. Their performance is good, but Real Madrid may be in a bit of trouble because they have to lose several players due to injury.

The current state of Real Madrid Even though I know it will be very difficult to have a good striker player like Benzema in Real Madrid and even before that, I am not happy with the way the squad is set up, I am confident that they can still perform well. Just look at how Real Madrid performs against Atletico Bilbao, and you'll see that they are still capable of doing well. Real Madrid is one of the top teams in the laliga league, and I believe this squad will perform well if Bellingham is playing with them on the pitch because of his recent performances, which have made me feel good about real Madrid.

A lot of teams competing in the champion league must put in a lot of effort to ensure that they reach the final stage as well, but I believe Real Madrid always has the spirit to compete in the champion league until the final stage or semi final stage. The champion league will begin soon. Real Madrid's past performances have led me to assume that they will try considerably harder this season to win the Champions League.

[skarais]

~~~

The current state of Real Madrid Even though I know it will be very difficult to have a good striker player like Benzema in Real Madrid and even before that, I am not happy with the way the squad is set up, I am confident that they can still perform well. Just look at how Real Madrid performs against Atletico Bilbao, and you'll see that they are still capable of doing well. Real Madrid is one of the top teams in the laliga league, and I believe this squad will perform well if Bellingham is playing with them on the pitch because of his recent performances, which have made me feel good about real Madrid.

A lot of teams competing in the champion league must put in a lot of effort to ensure that they reach the final stage as well, but I believe Real Madrid always has the spirit to compete in the champion league until the final stage or semi final stage. The champion league will begin soon. Real Madrid's past performances have led me to assume that they will try considerably harder this season to win the Champions League.

There is no certainty that Real Madrid's performance will be as good as their first match in La Liga in their next match either in the Champions League or in the domestic league. Real Madrid certainly feel there is room for improvement, but Ancelotti must keep going and look for the best line-up available.

We all know Real Madrid have a high fighting spirit in the Champions League and other competitions they participate in, but I don't feel good about them this season although I won't argue back if you mention the experience of the players and coaches. Of course Real Madrid have a chance in La Liga and the Champions League, but maybe not as good as we think if they don't have a good striker.

[Hvdv]

Marseille vs Panathinaikos

I have to says this is hard match for Marseille because they have to win at least with 2 goals margin or more and we all know Marseille had a problem with their consistency so although they had just win against Reims on Ligue 1 but it won't guarantee they will be able to playing well today and Panathinaikos had a strong defense that in the last 10 matches in all competitions they were never conceded more than 2 goals so i assume in this match Panathinaikos will displayed negative football because they want to secured one place on group stage

According to the odds i can see Marseille is the favourite with odds @1.53 and Panathinaikos as underdog status with odds @6 but i don't think pick Marseille as my bets will be good option because their consistency makes me doubt that they can able to beat Panathinaikos but just like i said above that my prediction is Panathinaikos will aiming draw result in this match so i have two options and it was draw or under 2.5 goals

Marseille had a good start in the Ligue 1 but I can't say the same thing for the Champions League qualifiers. They had serious issues in the first leg and that red card made things even more difficult. At least they didn't lose by a bigger goal difference to Panathinaikos. Otherwise there would even be a tougher job to do in the second leg. Panathinaikos must be thinking of adopting a fully defensive game. They would just look for counter-attack opportunities that's all.

While they play for maintaining the score advantage on aggregate Marseille had better be more effective in the attacking area. If they don't get ahead early I hope they don't get eliminated shockingly. Marcelino has a big responsibility now.

Yes, Marseille are in a difficult situation and probably nobody expected them to lose in the first game. Today they need only a win, preferably with a few goals. Probably for Panathinaikos the best solution will be to play defensive football and look for opportunities for counterattacks. But still I think that Marseille will win at home.

I think Marseille will win this match at home. Aubameyang's goal in the 2nd minute already put them in an advantageous position. If they score the second goal in the first half, Panathinaikos will have to take risks and we may see more goals in the match. Marseille is a team that I'm sure to get through right now. I hope I am not wrong.

[snipie]

Tonight, there are UEFA Champions League third qualifying round second leg. I will prefer to watch Galatasaray-NK Olimpija Ljublja match. Galatasaray won the first match 3-0. In my opinion, the favorite team is Galatasaray

Galatasaray finished the first leg match with 3 goals to 0 so they are psychologically in a better situation than their rivals. Now they are leading with 1 goal scored by Icardi in the first half. They almost terminated all Olimpija chances of recovery. Same goes for Braga, punishing badly Tapola with 3 goals difference in both matches, well the second one is still running.
There is few matches that already finished. Aris Limassol after their good second qualifying round, they lost both games vs Rakow and had to leave the competition. Otherwise, eyes on Copenhagen and Marseille!

[Falconer]

-snip-

True you are totally right, I agree with you.
I don't understand what game they are playing honestly, with the fierce Barcelona playing in the market in this way will lead you to play understaffed and with La Liga at high levels and the CHAmpions League you risk ending up like a mouse against a cat: that is, eaten.
I hope they understand and wake up a little.

Real Madrid understands the situation well and they will not act recklessly as long as the situation allows. I would definitely be very happy if in the end Real Madrid managed to sign Kylian Mbappe sooner instead of waiting for his contract to expire at PSG, but I don't think that is the only problem Real Madrid need to solve this season.

The fact is that Real Madrid must also pay attention to its defense where several important players are currently injured. I welcome the arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga as our new goalkeeper while Thibaut Courtois is out injured. While Éder Militão's injury also deserves special attention in the transfer market even though Real Madrid have several replacement defenders for him.