UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Season

[Nheer]

Copenhagen are playing absentees in the match. They still managed to score 1-2 and score one goal. If they can stop Manchester City at 2 and score one more goal, they can make the miracle happen. Even a draw is a good score for Copenhagen. Real managed to take the lead in the other match. Brahim Diaz's goal put Real ahead in Germany. I expect more goals in the rest of the match because the match is lively.

I guess they were not up to the task, De Bruyne came through for Manchester City once again as he registered a goal and 2 assist to put Manchester City ahead. His return from injury have really improved their performance bringing them back the level they used to be, if they can win in the second leg again then will secure a spot for themselves in the next round of the Competition. They will be playing at home so i believe they have progressed already and Copenhagen doesn’t seem to have a chance in this fixture.

[Egii Nna]

This is a day that is highly anticipated because after all, the matches in the Champions League are starting to take place. The opening matches are Man City vs Copenhagen and Real Madrid vs Leipzig. Most of us are sure that Man City and Real Madrid will win this match. But the results will be fine. Moreover, Real Madrid, they competed without Bellingham, right? He suffered an injury. So, this might be a little difficult for Real Madrid. Thankfully they are already ahead 0 - 1. But what can we do, they should be able to score more goals.

The matches went as expected because making it to the round of 16 is not an easy task. That is why we need to appreciate those two teams that were knocked out today, but although we can have hope on Copenhagen and Leipzig because their opponents are not some one they can win even if it is lucky, I will say that I predicted that those teams will definitely be knocked out today, which came as expected. 

Although Copenhagen made an effort to score a single goal before halftime, before they even went to halftime, Manchester City had already given them their second goal and added up with an unexpected goal in the last minutes.
 
So I will say nice job to the players in Copenhagen. Their effort on defence was amazing, but Leipzig also played well. I was surprised when I discovered that even their shot at no target was more than that of Real Madrid. Leipzig have already tried their best, but the experience so far from Real Madrid will make it very hard for them to win. I think that is why they were not able to have it, even if it’s a goal, although Real Madrid won them with only a goal. 

[Jegileman]

I guess they were not up to the task, De Bruyne came through for Manchester City once again as he registered a goal and 2 assist to put Manchester City ahead. His return from injury have really improved their performance bringing them back the level they used to be, if they can win in the second leg again then will secure a spot for themselves in the next round of the Competition. They will be playing at home so i believe they have progressed already and Copenhagen doesn’t seem to have a chance in this fixture.

Copenhagen is a weaker team when compared to Manchester City but they really did well to have made it this far in the champions league. There only hope I saw was when they play from home, they could get a chance to win or even draw with Manchester City and then fight their way through when going to play at Etihad stadium. With today’s result, I think it is very clear that Copenhagen won’t make it to the next round and Manchester City already booked their ticket for the next round already. Even as they will be eliminated from this stage, it is a very important achievement for them to have come this far in the champions league after facing a tough group fixture that they had to fight their way through to have made it for this current round.

 So I will say nice job to the players in Copenhagen. Their effort on defence was amazing, but Leipzig also played well. I was surprised when I discovered that even their shot at no target was more than that of Real Madrid. Leipzig have already tried their best, but the experience so far from Real Madrid will make it very hard for them to win. I think that is why they were not able to have it, even if it’s a goal, although Real Madrid won them with only a goal. 

Only one goal is not just a goal but three points to Real Madrid. I really enjoyed the match as RB Leipzig didn’t play as a team that are weaker when compared to their opponents. They really tried their best but luck was not just on their side today. Real Madrid was missing out of their center backs and had to use some players to replace who are not naturally playing from those positions, still Leipzig were not able to convert any goal after their first half goal was cancelled and ruled out for off side. It was an interesting game but I see Real Madrid already booking their spot for the next round already with the triumph today.

[Hvdv]

Copenhagen are playing absentees in the match. They still managed to score 1-2 and score one goal. If they can stop Manchester City at 2 and score one more goal, they can make the miracle happen. Even a draw is a good score for Copenhagen. Real managed to take the lead in the other match. Brahim Diaz's goal put Real ahead in Germany. I expect more goals in the rest of the match because the match is lively.

I guess they were not up to the task, De Bruyne came through for Manchester City once again as he registered a goal and 2 assist to put Manchester City ahead. His return from injury have really improved their performance bringing them back the level they used to be, if they can win in the second leg again then will secure a spot for themselves in the next round of the Competition. They will be playing at home so i believe they have progressed already and Copenhagen doesn’t seem to have a chance in this fixture.

Copenhagen experienced the inevitable end. KDB had a great game for himself. That's why we love it. As a football player, he is a great midfielder. Suddenly, he makes great contributions to the team in the most important matches. It is great that he played with 1 goal, 2 assists and contributed to the 3 goals scored by Manchester City. It wouldn't be wrong to say that he is one of the best midfielders of the last 100 years.

[Yogee]

[....]
still Leipzig were not able to convert any goal after their first half goal was cancelled and ruled out for off side.

I agree that Leipzig failed to capitalized on the Real Madrid's injury woes. There are even accusations of robbing or Madrid getting help from the referee that surfaced during and after the game hehe. It was only natural that fans of the losing team get mad but I think it was the right call.

[makishart]

[....]
still Leipzig were not able to convert any goal after their first half goal was cancelled and ruled out for off side.

I agree that Leipzig failed to capitalized on the Real Madrid's injury woes. There are even accusations of robbing or Madrid getting help from the referee that surfaced during and after the game hehe. It was only natural that fans of the losing team get mad but I think it was the right call.

It was so bad by seeing vini's shoot was still hitting the bar. I thought that vini would able to perform better compared to the last season. Leipzig was making so many opportunities but thanks a lot for the goal keeper of real madrid as he had blocked many shoots from leipzig. madrid would be conceded a lot of goals if it was onana as its goal keeper.
It was fucking crazy to see how real madrid was always defending from leipzig. Real madrid had been getting some golden changes too. It's kinda weird to see how real madrid was unable to add more goals but i don't have problem with it as long as real madrid won the game.
Real madrid is able to perform very good and my credit goes to the brahim diaz for showing outstanding performance. He was making the only goal in this match. Leipzig's attackers were so wasteful and any shoots can be blocked easily by goal keeper of real madrid.
Glad to see madrid won against leipzig away and im sure that leipzig out soon. BYE leipzig! you will not have a chance to get into the UCL next season. The situation is a bit more difficult in bundesliga caused by there were many clubs are performing so damn good.

[armanda90]

Real Madrid have to hard struggling to beat Leipzig because surprisingly Leipzig can able to make Real Madrid get in trouble that since the beginning of match Leipzig didn't displayed defensive style because they also attempts to playing attacking and probably if Andriy Lunin didn't performing well i think Real Madrid most likely will be lost because during the match i have seen at least Lunin can made 3 crucial saves which makes Real Madrid defensive lines still not conceded until the match ended

Andriy Lunin made many crucial saves last night and helped Rea Madrid won the first leg match after one goal scored by Brahim Diaz, actually is not really comfortable winning position for Real Madrid behind one goals not enough yet for second leg match although will play at home match. Real Madrid's defensive very poor last night with Nacho and Aurélien Tchouaméni not impressive well but Andriy Lunin must be man of the match last night match.
Actually, Madrid had pretty good chance when Vinicius Jr's shot hit the crossbar and until the end of match can't scoring another goals and Madrid will take the second leg match result with draw or win if want get qualify. to quarter final round.

Manchester City near future to quarter final round, won over 1-3 against Copenhagen seems not difficult get draw or win on second match leg exactly with play in Ettihad stadium. I doubt with Copenhagen will make amazing comeback on second leg because they need score above three goals if want get quarter final spot.

[wakier]

Copenhagen are playing absentees in the match. They still managed to score 1-2 and score one goal. If they can stop Manchester City at 2 and score one more goal, they can make the miracle happen. Even a draw is a good score for Copenhagen. Real managed to take the lead in the other match. Brahim Diaz's goal put Real ahead in Germany. I expect more goals in the rest of the match because the match is lively.

I guess they were not up to the task, De Bruyne came through for Manchester City once again as he registered a goal and 2 assist to put Manchester City ahead. His return from injury have really improved their performance bringing them back the level they used to be, if they can win in the second leg again then will secure a spot for themselves in the next round of the Competition. They will be playing at home so i believe they have progressed already and Copenhagen doesn’t seem to have a chance in this fixture.

There is no hope for Copenhagen to qualify for the next round because Man City has returned to its best performance and its mainstay players have returned to strengthen Man City. In this first leg it is quite clear that Copenhagen does not have a greater strength than last season's champions so I also quite confident that Man City will win and qualify for the next round.
Real Madrid also won in this first leg against Leipzig in Germany, I think both the Man City and Real Madrid teams are certain to qualify for the next round even though there is still a second leg that has not been played.

[hd49728]

Copenhagen is a weaker team when compared to Manchester City but they really did well to have made it this far in the champions league. There only hope I saw was when they play from home, they could get a chance to win or even draw with Manchester City and then fight their way through when going to play at Etihad stadium. With today’s result, I think it is very clear that Copenhagen won’t make it to the next round and Manchester City already booked their ticket for the next round already. Even as they will be eliminated from this stage, it is a very important achievement for them to have come this far in the champions league after facing a tough group fixture that they had to fight their way through to have made it for this current round.

Copenhagen is weaker and this defeat is expected as Manchester City are much stronger. Kevin De Bruyne scored a simple goal to open the match for Manchester City and at the end, they won big.

In this match, Haaland made an unbelievable shot when his feet is about 2.34 meter from the ground. Unfortunately, it's not a goal for Haaland but it still shows impressive physical strength of Haaland.

With this big win, Manchester City can think of quarter final matches and can return to focus on Premier League where they have one match to convert it to a winning and can lead Premier League.

[Sebas.tian]

This is a day that is highly anticipated because after all, the matches in the Champions League are starting to take place. The opening matches are Man City vs Copenhagen and Real Madrid vs Leipzig. Most of us are sure that Man City and Real Madrid will win this match. But the results will be fine. Moreover, Real Madrid, they competed without Bellingham, right? He suffered an injury. So, this might be a little difficult for Real Madrid. Thankfully they are already ahead 0 - 1. But what can we do, they should be able to score more goals.

It was a great meeting for the round 16, seen Manchester city doing what they have been doing in other competitions to prove their strongest to their opponent which they showcased in the champion league round 16 to defeated FC Copenhagen 1-3 to achieved three points from the match. Many people predicted for the victory of Manchester city and Real Madrid, and it was a big celebration for those that won their prediction because Manchester city lead the match till the end and Real Madrid also lead the match with one goal till the end of the match. I know, Manchester city will still score more goals in their remaining matches but Real Madrid manager need to use this opportunity to correct some errors that affected his players to ensure his players will not struggle to achieve victory again.

[Harkorede]

Manchester City had the ball but Copenhagen tried to defend well. City found opportunities again in the first 10 minutes and the first goal came in the 11th minute. De Bruyne's return took City up a level. His harmony with Foden is perfect.
After the goal, Copenhagen's resistance will decrease and City will be able to get more opportunities. City wants to get an advantageous score from the first match and advance to the next round. Copenhagen had a disadvantage because their own league wasn't played, this became clear. It will be a smooth round of 16 pass for City.

Copenhagen are playing absentees in the match. They still managed to score 1-2 and score one goal. If they can stop Manchester City at 2 and score one more goal, they can make the miracle happen. Even a draw is a good score for Copenhagen. Real managed to take the lead in the other match. Brahim Diaz's goal put Real ahead in Germany. I expect more goals in the rest of the match because the match is lively.

No disrespect to Copenhagen but this is a walkover feature to begin with, even if they had managed to secure a draw at home, they will be completely ran over in Etihad.

It's still quite too early to start throwing such possibility, but Man City looks like they can defend this title given the caliber of the remaining favorites and their current form in the various domestic leagues.

[X-ray]

Copenhagen are playing absentees in the match. They still managed to score 1-2 and score one goal. If they can stop Manchester City at 2 and score one more goal, they can make the miracle happen. Even a draw is a good score for Copenhagen. Real managed to take the lead in the other match. Brahim Diaz's goal put Real ahead in Germany. I expect more goals in the rest of the match because the match is lively.

I guess they were not up to the task, De Bruyne came through for Manchester City once again as he registered a goal and 2 assist to put Manchester City ahead. His return from injury have really improved their performance bringing them back the level they used to be, if they can win in the second leg again then will secure a spot for themselves in the next round of the Competition. They will be playing at home so i believe they have progressed already and Copenhagen doesn’t seem to have a chance in this fixture.

De bruyne was amazing player. he has been helping the club to plan openly but very structured. This is also the main reason manchester city was able winning the competition. It's caused by city was able using the best squad. Copenhagen has no chance to win the game against city at etihad stadium. I suggest copen hagen to surrender for the second leg.
There was no chance for copenhagen to win against city in the second leg. The chance is almost zero for copenhagen to win the game. Copenghagen was losing the game with huge aggregate and this is also hurting the situation int he club. I hope that if people can understand to pick city caused by it will give us ez win.
Copenhagen was really weak and it's not even comparable to the manchester city. De bruyne is just starting to be very productive after he had been recovered from his injury.

[klidex]

This is a day that is highly anticipated because after all, the matches in the Champions League are starting to take place. The opening matches are Man City vs Copenhagen and Real Madrid vs Leipzig. Most of us are sure that Man City and Real Madrid will win this match. But the results will be fine. Moreover, Real Madrid, they competed without Bellingham, right? He suffered an injury. So, this might be a little difficult for Real Madrid. Thankfully they are already ahead 0 - 1. But what can we do, they should be able to score more goals.

It was a great meeting for the round 16, seen Manchester city doing what they have been doing in other competitions to prove their strongest to their opponent which they showcased in the champion league round 16 to defeated FC Copenhagen 1-3 to achieved three points from the match. Many people predicted for the victory of Manchester city and Real Madrid, and it was a big celebration for those that won their prediction because Manchester city lead the match till the end and Real Madrid also lead the match with one goal till the end of the match. I know, Manchester city will still score more goals in their remaining matches but Real Madrid manager need to use this opportunity to correct some errors that affected his players to ensure his players will not struggle to achieve victory again.

The Champions League match is a big match that is eagerly awaited by most people who want to bet on the big leagues and are also football fans, and this opening match makes special satisfaction for bettors who favor big clubs such as Manchester City and Real Madrid because we all I am sure that these clubs can definitely win and will continue to the next round and can eliminate their opponents in the second leg. All of the second legs will be held at the home of Real Madrid and Manchester City. Of course they have the advantage of playing in front of their supporters.

However, I see that Manchester City's match with Copenhagen is not that difficult because Manchester City is able to appear impressive and make their defense strong and can create many goal opportunities. The 3 goals that Manchester City scored at home to Copenhagen were extraordinary because previously Bayern Munich could not beat Copenhagen. when playing at home and only being able to achieve a draw, I'm sure that in the second leg Manchester City will definitely be able to create more than 3 goal opportunitie and beat Copenhagen blindly.

[JeffBrad12]

Copenhagen are playing absentees in the match. They still managed to score 1-2 and score one goal. If they can stop Manchester City at 2 and score one more goal, they can make the miracle happen. Even a draw is a good score for Copenhagen. Real managed to take the lead in the other match. Brahim Diaz's goal put Real ahead in Germany. I expect more goals in the rest of the match because the match is lively.

I guess they were not up to the task, De Bruyne came through for Manchester City once again as he registered a goal and 2 assist to put Manchester City ahead. His return from injury have really improved their performance bringing them back the level they used to be, if they can win in the second leg again then will secure a spot for themselves in the next round of the Competition. They will be playing at home so i believe they have progressed already and Copenhagen doesn’t seem to have a chance in this fixture.

Copenhagen experienced the inevitable end. KDB had a great game for himself. That's why we love it. As a football player, he is a great midfielder. Suddenly, he makes great contributions to the team in the most important matches. It is great that he played with 1 goal, 2 assists and contributed to the 3 goals scored by Manchester City. It wouldn't be wrong to say that he is one of the best midfielders of the last 100 years.

Copenhagen was not comparable to the manchester city. After facing city in the match, the club will no longer be able to continue its journey. Based on the current circumstances, I don't perceive any opportunity for Copenhagen to progress to the next round. I meant that if manchester city was absolutely dominating everything during the game. Copenhagen can sometimes threatening manchester city's goal keeper but it was not effective.
Losing 2 goals as aggregate is something difficult to abe achieved in the next leg. Manchester city was coming with full power and i think that many people know that so well how manchester city was able performing greatly to beat copenhagen with huge scores.

It is expected that Copenhagen will score a total of 6 goals during their match at the Etihad Stadium, making it a significant achievement. Things are becoming even more difficult for copenhagen. The only thing that can help copenhagen is luck.
The only hope this club has is relying on the luck of winning the upcoming leg. Among all the matches, it is safe to say that predicting the winning club in this game would be the easiest. Manchester city is in another level compared to the copenhagen.

[tusandii]

Copenhagen are playing absentees in the match. They still managed to score 1-2 and score one goal. If they can stop Manchester City at 2 and score one more goal, they can make the miracle happen. Even a draw is a good score for Copenhagen. Real managed to take the lead in the other match. Brahim Diaz's goal put Real ahead in Germany. I expect more goals in the rest of the match because the match is lively.

I guess they were not up to the task, De Bruyne came through for Manchester City once again as he registered a goal and 2 assist to put Manchester City ahead. His return from injury have really improved their performance bringing them back the level they used to be, if they can win in the second leg again then will secure a spot for themselves in the next round of the Competition. They will be playing at home so i believe they have progressed already and Copenhagen doesn’t seem to have a chance in this fixture.

Copenhagen experienced the inevitable end. KDB had a great game for himself. That's why we love it. As a football player, he is a great midfielder. Suddenly, he makes great contributions to the team in the most important matches. It is great that he played with 1 goal, 2 assists and contributed to the 3 goals scored by Manchester City. It wouldn't be wrong to say that he is one of the best midfielders of the last 100 years.

I would not be surprised by De Bruyne's performance, who is currently still very strong even though he previously had to suffer a slightly serious injury but in the end he returned with the same performance to get the first score.
A little disappointed in this match, Haaland still couldn't show his performance to score but it won't be a problem because he has made a good contribution.
Copenhagen no longer has a chance to qualify because in the second leg it is certain that they will lose with a big score.

[Hallroom]

[....]
still Leipzig were not able to convert any goal after their first half goal was cancelled and ruled out for off side.

I agree that Leipzig failed to capitalized on the Real Madrid's injury woes. There are even accusations of robbing or Madrid getting help from the referee that surfaced during and after the game hehe. It was only natural that fans of the losing team get mad but I think it was the right call.

Although Real Madrid won this match, I am not happy with Real Madrid's victory. Real Madrid were a strong team but managed to win by just one goal. I expected Real Madrid to win by a bigger margin but it was a very competitive game until half time. Leipzig attacked a lot, with the Leipzig team hitting the goal post with 14 and Real Madrid with 15.

[bangjoe]

This is a day that is highly anticipated because after all, the matches in the Champions League are starting to take place. The opening matches are Man City vs Copenhagen and Real Madrid vs Leipzig. Most of us are sure that Man City and Real Madrid will win this match. But the results will be fine. Moreover, Real Madrid, they competed without Bellingham, right? He suffered an injury. So, this might be a little difficult for Real Madrid. Thankfully they are already ahead 0 - 1. But what can we do, they should be able to score more goals.

It was a great meeting for the round 16, seen Manchester city doing what they have been doing in other competitions to prove their strongest to their opponent which they showcased in the champion league round 16 to defeated FC Copenhagen 1-3 to achieved three points from the match. Many people predicted for the victory of Manchester city and Real Madrid, and it was a big celebration for those that won their prediction because Manchester city lead the match till the end and Real Madrid also lead the match with one goal till the end of the match. I know, Manchester city will still score more goals in their remaining matches but Real Madrid manager need to use this opportunity to correct some errors that affected his players to ensure his players will not struggle to achieve victory again.

Everything worked well, especially Manchester City was basically very favorite as well as Real Madrid, and Manchester City's match was much better against Copenhagen to get 3 goals and only one goal back from Copenhagen, I'm sure many people think that this is not a difficult thing to pass by Manchester City, But it is quite unfortunate and makes me surprised when I see Leipzig against Real Madrid, Real madird is very tired and the match looks more balanced with each other, maybe because the absence of Jude Bellingham is so influential on Real Madrid, while we know that Leipzig is experiencing a decline in its own domestic league, fortunately Brahim Diaz can produce a goal as a sign of victory for Real Madrid in this leg1.

[Godday]

Copenhagen are playing absentees in the match. They still managed to score 1-2 and score one goal. If they can stop Manchester City at 2 and score one more goal, they can make the miracle happen. Even a draw is a good score for Copenhagen. Real managed to take the lead in the other match. Brahim Diaz's goal put Real ahead in Germany. I expect more goals in the rest of the match because the match is lively.

City and Madrid managed to steal points at home to their opponents. This is a very good result for both teams. They will host the second leg. This means they have a 99% chance of qualifying for the next round. Even though they only won 1-0 against Leipzig, I think this result was very good because Real Madrid played as the away team in that match. Both teams have proven their worth as favorites.

[poodle63]

[....]
still Leipzig were not able to convert any goal after their first half goal was cancelled and ruled out for off side.

I agree that Leipzig failed to capitalized on the Real Madrid's injury woes. There are even accusations of robbing or Madrid getting help from the referee that surfaced during and after the game hehe. It was only natural that fans of the losing team get mad but I think it was the right call.

Although Real Madrid won this match, I am not happy with Real Madrid's victory. Real Madrid were a strong team but managed to win by just one goal. I expected Real Madrid to win by a bigger margin but it was a very competitive game until half time. Leipzig attacked a lot, with the Leipzig team hitting the goal post with 14 and Real Madrid with 15.

It could be two goals if vini's shoot was not miss and we are still far away from that momentum. I think that if we will be seeing real madrid to perform far better in santiago bernabeu. it's gonna be a very hard test for leipzig. Real madrid was not even conceded a single goal when it was playing away. If you were watching the game and you will be aware about how real madrid was trying so hard to beat it. I think that it doesn't even matter how big the score as long as real madrid won the game and that's enough. There will be some important matches to happen soon. madrid is just need to wait leipzig to go to the santiago bernabeu. You will be seeing madrid to win with huge margins.
Things are going very good for real madrid right now. Real madrid can still win the game aaginst leipzig away is good enough. Why do we need to expect more if real madrid has already achieved what we wanted? it doesn't even make sense to hear that. I think that rela madrid will be going it even better.
The second leg if gonna happen at home for madrid. it's time for us to make sure we can get madrid to go to the next round. Leipzig will be losing against madrid soon.

[Humblevirus]

This is a day that is highly anticipated because after all, the matches in the Champions League are starting to take place. The opening matches are Man City vs Copenhagen and Real Madrid vs Leipzig. Most of us are sure that Man City and Real Madrid will win this match. But the results will be fine. Moreover, Real Madrid, they competed without Bellingham, right? He suffered an injury. So, this might be a little difficult for Real Madrid. Thankfully they are already ahead 0 - 1. But what can we do, they should be able to score more goals.

It was a great meeting for the round 16, seen Manchester city doing what they have been doing in other competitions to prove their strongest to their opponent which they showcased in the champion league round 16 to defeated FC Copenhagen 1-3 to achieved three points from the match. Many people predicted for the victory of Manchester city and Real Madrid, and it was a big celebration for those that won their prediction because Manchester city lead the match till the end and Real Madrid also lead the match with one goal till the end of the match. I know, Manchester city will still score more goals in their remaining matches but Real Madrid manager need to use this opportunity to correct some errors that affected his players to ensure his players will not struggle to achieve victory again.

Everything worked well, especially Manchester City was basically very favorite as well as Real Madrid, and Manchester City's match was much better against Copenhagen to get 3 goals and only one goal back from Copenhagen, I'm sure many people think that this is not a difficult thing to pass by Manchester City, But it is quite unfortunate and makes me surprised when I see Leipzig against Real Madrid, Real madird is very tired and the match looks more balanced with each other, maybe because the absence of Jude Bellingham is so influential on Real Madrid, while we know that Leipzig is experiencing a decline in its own domestic league, fortunately Brahim Diaz can produce a goal as a sign of victory for Real Madrid in this leg1.

Both Manchester City and Real Madrid are known for their exceptional prowess in football, making them formidable opponents on the field. Considering their track record, it was no surprise to me that their recent matches resulted in victories – Manchester City defeating Copenhagen and Real Madrid triumphing over Leipzig. This outcome aligned with my expectations, prompting me to place bets on both teams emerging victorious, which indeed came to fruition.As they now face their second leg matches at home, I anticipate that they will capitalize on their home advantage, potentially securing convincing victories with multiple goals scored. This fills me with optimism regarding their qualification for the next round of the tournament, as their strong performances thus far suggest they are well-positioned to advance further in the competition.