UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Season

[Berry2d]

But if Dortmund's luck is still as great as last season, then Dortmund could surprise again by winning against Barcelona. But yeah it requires luck. Because without it Barcelona would really beat Dortmund badly. Moreover, Barcelona currently has sharpness in their attack line. Barcelona this season has been very productive in scoring goals. So the opposing team must really prepare a strong back line to be able to withstand every attack launched by Barcelona.

It is difficult for Dortmund to face Barcelona with their inconsistent performance, in my opinion, Dortmund is easier than Benfica especially Previously in the league qualifying phase, Barcelona also beat Dortmund 3-2.

In the first leg of the quarter-finals, Barcelona even hosted. So Dortmund really has to be able to strengthen their defense. Because of course Barcelona will target scoring a lot of goals in the first leg. But Dortmund actually also has a pretty good level of back line. So I think it will still be a fierce match in the end.

Barcelona improving condition in every game makes any team start to avoid them, Benfica has just become a victim, maybe Dortmund will suffer the same fate as Benfica because victory is not something that is difficult for Barcelona to obtain as long as Hansi Flick can field his best squad.

Football is an unpredictable activity, if they did it to benfica what makes you think they can do same to Dortmund ?
Looking at both teams few years champions League games:
11/12/2024  Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona  2:3
 17/09/2019. Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona 3:1
17/09/2019.   Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona 0:0
Barcelona had good results when they played with Dortmund that means Dortmund will do everything within there power to stop Barcelona's on beating runs with them even as Barcelona is in good form this season. Secondly looking at Dortmunds performance this season it won't be easy for Barcelona to win and advance to the next stage. Except there key players picks up injuries

[She shining]

Real Madrid is a very strong and experienced  team, no one doubts that. Real madrid started the season very weakly. Even qualifying for the play-offs was difficult for Real maadrid. However, they managed to qualify for the play-offs. madrid also won against a strong team like Atletico Madrid in the round of 16.

Real Madrid strong? I would say they are just lucky. They cut my well positioned games. Those....... I won't curse. And I won't be surprised if they make it far with this luck, is UCL Real Madrid main lover so even if they are not in form UCL will still run to them. I still can't wrap my head over the fact why vini was made to take the PK.

[AirtelBuzz]

In this match I will definitely support Real Madrid as lucky, because they missed a penalty in the game, but in the end Real Madrid won due to a mistake by Atletico Madrid. The penalty was double touched by Julian Alvarez, because of which the goal was eventually disallowed.
 However, in this match, Real Madrid was definitely lucky because they performed quite competitively, both teams, with the victory in the last minute calming the Real Madrid fans. This match was the most competitive, because the fans of each team in the gallery cried thinking that the final result would indicate which team would win.

I see this many times many times many are blaming Alvarez too much for a mistake and mentioning him a lot, it's also possible that Alvarez did it unintentionally. Yet the mistake he made at such an important moment was very unfortunate for his team because if he could score a goal, his team might have been ahead. However I think that if Atletico Madrid and Liverpool could qualify in the Champions League, then the Super Eight matches would have made much more attraction but these teams had already failed to qualify.
The list for this Champions League quarter-final shows that, Barcelona will face Borussia Dortmund where it is expected that Barcelona will be able to perform extremely well.

[Jewan420]

There are things we haven't completely learn in football rules, I actually thought the penalty was supposed to be giving back for replay but I never knew football is against that since the both legs come in contact to the ball, you have just explained it very understandable for some persons who haven't understood why it happens, however if not that rules are rules I would have said they should have also consider the probability of an unintentional act because in most cases players can slip while playing a penalty and it normally happens a lot especially when the field is wet, if not for the cancellation Atletico Madrid would have still have chance to play another penalty after Antonio Rudiger scored.

I don't want to comment on Julian Alvarez's penalty short. It was a clear illegal goal as we saw on VAR. Atletico Madrid lost there definitively. I don't want to blame Alvarez here, it's normal that when the pitch is wet, a player's foot slips. It was unfortunate for him and very painful.

If we leave out Tribaker, Atletico Madrid played brilliantly. Even in the 120th minute of the match, Real Madrid didn't have an easy chance to enter Atletico's D-box with the ball. Attacking the Atletico D-box with the ball was one of the most difficult tasks for Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid's defense in particular was very bright on the day. However, it is disappointing that Atletico lost in the final result.

[Lida93]

People that knows much about football wouldn't bother talking much about the cancellation of Alvarez penalty, because ultimately there's an existing rule on that.

 Both legs of a player ought not to touch the ball while taking a penalty shootout for its considered as double touch. So it baffles me when some acclaimed football fans saying ATM were robbed in the game. But am impressed that you do know about these rules and how they apply.

There are things we haven't completely learn in football rules, I actually thought the penalty was supposed to be giving back for replay but I never knew football is against that since the both legs come in contact to the ball, you have just explained it very understandable for some persons who haven't understood why it happens, however if not that rules are rules I would have said they should have also consider the probability of an unintentional act because in most cases players can slip while playing a penalty and it normally happens a lot especially when the field is wet, if not for the cancellation Atletico Madrid would have still have chance to play another penalty after Antonio Rudiger scored.

The only time the penalty should have been given back to be replayed instead of cancelling it out was if the act was committed by the opponent player like the goalkeeper not standing on the touchline to catch the ball or something. Also if it wasn't a penalty shootout that act of Alvarez double touch would have been taken as a foul to be given in favour of  Real Madrid.

If we're to consider such cases to be of unintentional from a slip due to wet ground then I think Chelsea's legend John Terry would have been offered a second chance to retake his penalty kick against Manchester United in the 2009 UCL finals which cost Chelsea their only chance of winning the UCL as a first time in their history. But rules are rules and shouldn't be applied with emotions but on what it is as it is.

[Mustang Shelby]

More like how we assumed Liverpool would destroy PSG but the reverse happens to be the case. Although, I'm even surprised to see Dortmund qualified to this stage as their performance has been a wack this season. Barcelona remains the favourite both home and away but as you said, if Dortmund hasn't run out of luck, they probably might make things difficult for Barcelona.

PSG is a strong team and they have done better against English teams in recent years. About Dortmund, they got an easier opponent. Dortmund in 2023-24 season surprise everyone defeating PSG and reaching the finals of champions league but at that time they were a strong team on their local league. But this time their performance is weak and Barcelona ought to have an easy win against Dortmund. It should be an easy pass for Barcelona ahead. PSG too has an easy opponent ahead.

I think Paris Saint-Germain will advance against Aston Villa. They played magnificently against Liverpool and deserved to advance. Now they will face another English team and Aston Villa is a weaker team than Liverpool. Paris Saint-Germain who eliminated Liverpool can also eliminate Aston Villa. If Aston Villa eliminates Paris Saint-Germain, that would be a surprise. I definitely see Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.

[Berry2d]

Seriously speaking, Athletico Madrid despite being eliminated from the champions league still make their fans proud with their outstanding performance.

We do not need to only be proud but we need to be extra proud. Atletico Madrid will be at the top in La Liga but not winning the league as both Real Madrid and Barcelona are the ones winning the league. Also it is like that in Champions League but not up to the extent. Atletico will try and make it to knockout stage but later be defeated. Sometimes they even make it to semi final. They were eliminated fast this time in the knockout stage. Why not just win Real Madrid at least for ones in time like this. 2 - 0 would have been enough.

Real Madrid is the king of Champion League so of course it is not easy for Athletico Madrid to pass them and defeat through penalty drama is a natural thing for Athletico Madrid and it has proven that they have worked very well and regarding the disappointing final result is not the end of everything for Athletico Madrid this season they are still considered much better than last season.

Know doubt they are king of champions League, when we thought they won't make it to the next round, they surprised the world by winning Borussia Dortmund 5:2 in the second half, did same to Manchester City without defenders due to injuries. I wish it won't have been arsenal they are playing in there next game because with the way the game is going, Real Madrid will win the champions League this season and I don't think arsenal has what it takes to stop them

[Obulis]

The winner is Likely going to Spain club again (maybe Barcelona should repeat history )

[KingsDen]

Seriously speaking, Athletico Madrid despite being eliminated from the champions league still make their fans proud with their outstanding performance.

We do not need to only be proud but we need to be extra proud. Atletico Madrid will be at the top in La Liga but not winning the league as both Real Madrid and Barcelona are the ones winning the league. Also it is like that in Champions League but not up to the extent. Atletico will try and make it to knockout stage but later be defeated. Sometimes they even make it to semi final. They were eliminated fast this time in the knockout stage. Why not just win Real Madrid at least for ones in time like this. 2 - 0 would have been enough.

The whole system seems to be rigged. TBH, ATM deserved to qualify above Real Madrid but it seems that many factors were against ATM. The football we watch is a business before it becomes entertainment. The plot makers don't want to lose the special kids so early. They fix their bid with the likes of Mbappe, Vini and more.

Simeone has really tried for ATM and I don't have him blamed or any of his men. Most times it looks as if these things are more spiritual than physical. Cheers ATM, I'm with you on this one.

[Nheer]

Never take any team for granted really.    When Atletico Madrid scored an early goal I was sure of them to make huge difficulties for Ancelotti's students. That was really what happened during the whole game...

They wasted unbelievable amount of chances in even regular time. They were always the better playing side. I assume there wouldn't be anyone opposing to that? 

But it was until the penalties... Such an unlucky moment for Alvarez though. Double touched the ball because of sliding. Atletico Madrid really deserved to advance but here we are.

I always knew it was not going to be easy for Real Madrid visiting Atletico’s home so I never took them for granted at all. When they scored an early goal I was convinced that it would be a more difficult game if the score line remains 1-0 till the end of first half but if another goal was to be scored before first half ends then we are likely to see a lot of goals and if it happens then Real Madrid will have the advantage to win. But Atletico maintained their lead till the end of the game despite Real Madrid being awarded a penalty.

I love the way Atletico approached the game, they were highly motivated and didn’t want to lose the game but it was unfortunate that they lost. Once again Real Madrid proved how good they are in terms of the champions league. Some will say Alvarez’s penalty was a controversial one but I don’t think so because he clearly touched the ball multiple times.

[bounceback]

Now I am thinking to myself, Will my Arsenal be able to play this Real Madrid? If we had very good attackers, I bet we would stand a chance. Hopefully Saka returns as Martinelli has.

Hmmm Real Madrid Vs Arsenal, to me I consider this to be a UCL finals for Arsenal, and if they get to pass this stage then it's likely they could be favourite to winning the UCL this season since they're left with no hopes for the EPL trophy. The lack of a natural 9 is going to be a limitation for Arsenal, and then the midfield too because these are the key areas of advantage Real Madrid has over Arsenal and Ancelotti is sure going to use them optimally to his gain over Arteta.

Arsenal fans should stop deceiving themselves that assuming they have all their squad, they will be able to stand the pressure from Madrid. With all Arsenal best players on the field, Madrid will win them hands down. Madrid is not PSV, they are the champions and favorite in every season to win UCL. Arsenal has never gone above the quarter finals. They will end their race in the quarter final, because Madrid will have am easy win over them both at home and away from home.

Real Madrid can be said to be one of the toughest teams when competing in the UCL so it is not surprising that they are the favorite team to be able to win the UCL trophy this season, I am not sure that the Arsenal team will be able to stop the Real Madrid team because in terms of the quality of the game or in terms of mentality Real Madrid is much better than the Arsenal team so it is a very tough challenge for the Arsenal team to match the Real Madrid team's game later let alone to beat them which is clearly impossible for the Arsenal team.

[cande86]

The match was indeed very tense, especially since Gallagher had scored a goal and it was very surprising for Real Madrid because he did not expect Atletico Madrid to play quickly attacking Real Madrid's defense which eventually made Real Madrid concede. But of course in the UCL Real Madrid is always lucky and of course it is no stranger that he has qualified for the quarter-finals. When watching the penalty shootout, many were tense, including me, who was also very tense when watching the penalty shootout. But it is indeed very unfortunate that Atletico players could not all take advantage of the penalty shootout until finally Real Madrid became the winner in the match. But fortunately in that match I bet on Real Madrid as the winner.

Real Madrid, who have now qualified, of course they have to prepare for the next match in the quarter-finals against Arsenal, but of course there is still time for Arsenal and Real Madrid to prepare their performance to be better. Of course, predicting the match is certainly very difficult because of course even though Real Madrid is favored to win, of course if Arsenal's key players, for example, have returned from injury, it will certainly make it difficult for Real Madrid, but for now I will definitely favor Real Madrid as the team that will win the match. because Real Madrid's squad is certainly stronger and it is possible that Real Madrid will get lucky.

I expected everything but Gallagher to score in the first minute, i was still thinking without focusing on the game, in fact i was really distracted.
I started to focus on the game in the 10th minute and I said, how is it possible already 1-0? When did it happen?
It was a shock to me. Of course this can happen

[Catenaccio]

Hmmm Real Madrid Vs Arsenal, to me I consider this to be a UCL finals for Arsenal, and if they get to pass this stage then it's likely they could be favourite to winning the UCL this season since they're left with no hopes for the EPL trophy. The lack of a natural 9 is going to be a limitation for Arsenal, and then the midfield too because these are the key areas of advantage Real Madrid has over Arsenal and Ancelotti is sure going to use them optimally to his gain over Arteta.

Arsenal had an impressive round of 16 but in quarter finals, they have to face with Real Madrid. This is a big test and a mountainous challenge for Arsenal as Real Madrid with mentality of the King of Champions League, are able to win matches even they played bad.

Arsenal can not win Premier League title after falling too far behind Liverpool especially after Liverpool had to leave Champions League days ago. With Liverpool focus on Premier League, Arsenal knows that they won't be able to catch The Kop. UEFA Champions League will be the only competition for Arsenal, to fight for a title. Even they can not win it, going as farthest as possible is still very helpful for their club income and general financial improvements.

[Kristiyana]

Real Madrid is a very strong and experienced  team, no one doubts that. Real madrid started the season very weakly. Even qualifying for the play-offs was difficult for Real maadrid. However, they managed to qualify for the play-offs. madrid also won against a strong team like Atletico Madrid in the round of 16.

Real Madrid strong? I would say they are just lucky. They cut my well positioned games. Those....... I won't curse. And I won't be surprised if they make it far with this luck, is UCL Real Madrid main lover so even if they are not in form UCL will still run to them. I still can't wrap my head over the fact why vini was made to take the PK.

LoL, honestly i think they're just being lucky. Because this season has been a very difficult season for real madrid more especially in the champions league, but due to their level of experience towards champions league keep pushing them forward in getting to the final stage. I knew from the onset that atletico madrid will make  things very difficult for real madrid in this returning leg, which is why I wasn't surprised to see that the match ended up in a penalty. And it was so unfortunate that the penalty kickout was in the favour of real madrid, that's to show how lucky they're.

[mamesso]

I'm already expect Real Madrid gonna qualify for the next round, but I'm not happy with the way they can qualify. This time I hope Real Madrid will lose, maybe PSG or Barcelona will become the champion.

Why're you blaming Real Madrid instead of the referee who decided it? The club has nothing to do with reff's decision. If you're watching the replay in slow motion, it's clear Alvarez did double touches. it doesn't matter how many times he touches it rules is still rules.

As per IFAB rules, a 2 touch penalty (even if unintentional) will not be retaken and the penalty will be deemed failed. From what can be seen from the replay in slow motion, it is very clear that Alvarez made two touches, yes I know it was not intentional and the referee tried to work professionally without trying to harm either team.
Overall Atletico played very well, but they were unlucky in the penalty shootout.

[reagansimms]

~Snip~

I expected everything but Gallagher to score in the first minute, i was still thinking without focusing on the game, in fact i was really distracted.
I started to focus on the game in the 10th minute and I said, how is it possible already 1-0? When did it happen?
It was a shock to me. Of course this can happen

I thought Atletico would switch on slaughter mode after Gallagher scored in the first minute, but after that there were no additional goals even though Atletico managed to dominate. This is football, the unexpected always happens. Real Madrid were able to survive the pressure and Vini failure to execute the penalty perfectly made the match have to continue to extra time. Now Real Madrid can breathe a sigh of relief after qualifying for the quarter-finals, while Atletico must focus on La Liga to compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid in the hunt for the domestic title.

[snipie]

Atletico Madrid were unlucky. They lost in the penalty shootout. Alvarez's goal was disallowed.

A penalty kick that will be talked about and referred to when issues like this come up again because, unknown to many, there was a rule like that for penalties; it was shocking that the goal was canceled for such a decision. A lesson learned and one for the other clubs to take note of.

People that knows much about football wouldn't bother talking much about the cancellation of Alvarez penalty, because ultimately there's an existing rule on that.

 Both legs of a player ought not to touch the ball while taking a penalty shootout for its considered as double touch. So it baffles me when some acclaimed football fans saying ATM were robbed in the game. But am impressed that you do know about these rules and how they apply.

Rules are rules indeed. The main referee was right in his decision and it was clear that Alvarez touched the ball twice whether it was intentional or not because he slipped.
Simeone and Atletico Madrid fans didn't appreciate the decision and are doubting about it. Some are blaming the main referee for not checking himself the screen. Anyway, Atletico Madrid missed the game and Vinicius Junior was able to calm down the drama before penalties but he failed to score.

[Lannakosa]

Rules are rules indeed. The main referee was right in his decision and it was clear that Alvarez touched the ball twice whether it was intentional or not because he slipped.
Simeone and Atletico Madrid fans didn't appreciate the decision and are doubting about it. Some are blaming the main referee for not checking himself the screen. Anyway, Atletico Madrid missed the game and Vinicius Junior was able to calm down the drama before penalties but he failed to score.

There is a lot of uncertainty with this Alvarez penalty, I agree with Semione that there has never been a single case where VAR has reviewed a penalty. And shouldn't this penalty have been taken again if there was a double touch? Okay, it's too late to say anything, the referee made his decision, and Real will play in the quarterfinals. I liked Atletico more in this match, but it was their home match, so it's clear that they were trying to show their best game.

[len01]

Result my prediction yesterday,

• Real Madrid ✅
• Arsenal ✅
• Aston Villa ✅
• Lille ❌

Of the 4 matches, only the Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid match was quite tense and both teams made mistakes. From that match I have this conclusion,

• Madrid have a good attack but lack good finishing
• ATM has a fairly reliable defense and has attackers who are quite smart in finishing.
• Vinicius made a mistake by being too unfocused to execute the penalty kick.
• Julián Alvarez made mistake with double kick.

[Litzki1990]

This round of 16 match was really amazing, a great match between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid that we saw was much more exciting. Compared to the first leg, we saw the most aggressive game in the second leg where both teams maintained their dominance until the last minute, and the game ended in a draw which ended in a penalty shootout where Real Madrid won. Since Real Madrid qualified for the quarter-finals, we can be sure that they will enter the field later with more energy to win the title. However, Atlético Madrid's performance in the match was much better than Real Madrid, they attacked and defended more, it was a pity for them to lose in the last minute. However, it is a great joy for Real Madrid that they were able to defeat their opponent and enter the quarter-finals, the next match will be even more exciting for Madrid against Arsenal.

The match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the Champions League ended with a lot of drama yesterday. At the start, Atlético Madrid went ahead against Real Madrid, Real Madrid had good chances later, but Real Madrid failed to score on penalties and there were no more goals. The game went on for about 120 minutes and these 120 minutes saw counter-attacks and illegal tagging of opposition players but no goals scored. When there is no goal at the end of the allotted time, the referee decides to end the game with a tiebreaker. The two teams continued to score back-to-back goals in, tiebreaker Julián Alvarez's goal was disallowed as Julián Alvarez accidentally touched the ball twice, disallowing his goal. And in the end Real Madrid needed a goal to win and Antonio Rüdiger scored that goal for Real Madrid. The second leg match was definitely tough for Real Madrid who were ahead in the first leg, but still Real Madrid managed to win, congratulations to Real Madrid.