The Football (Association) Thread

[MJRomeo81]

Barcelona vs Bayern
Juve vs Real Madrid

Perfect draw.

If Pogba was fully fit we would easily beat Real. Unfortunately he won't play across the two legs. Hopefully Morata feels like he has something to prove against his former club. Juve have the best defence in Europe. Real will find it tough to break us down.

I just hope Mister Allegri sticks to the midfield diamond in the first leg for a more attacking approach. If we have a lead after the game in Turin then I don't mind bringing back Barzagli and the 3-5-2 to lock the door.

Madrid have not beaten an Italian club over two legs for 28 years.

Also, Forza Serie A. 3 Italian clubs left in the semifinals of Europe.

[Reus]

Barcelona vs Bayern
Juve vs Real Madrid

Perfect draw.

If Pogba was fully fit we would easily beat Real. Unfortunately he won't play across the two legs. Hopefully Morata feels like he has something to prove against his former club. Juve have the best defence in Europe. Real will find it tough to break us down.

I just hope Mister Allegri sticks to the midfield diamond in the first leg for a more attacking approach. If we have a lead after the game in Turin then I don't mind bringing back Barzagli and the 3-5-2 to lock the door.

Madrid have not beaten an Italian club over two legs for 28 years.

Also, Forza Serie A. 3 Italian clubs left in the semifinals of Europe.

Juve beat Real? You're kidding haha.
Bayern to win the whole thing though.

[Adequace]

 

Juve beat Real? You're kidding haha.
Bayern to win the whole thing though.

Juve is easily the weakest out of the four, Chelsea or Athletico could take their spot.

Of course we get drawn against Bayern...and Real gets the easier draw. If Bayern manages to beat Barca I think they'll lose in the final since it's only over one game.

[Reus]

;DJuve is easily the weakest out of the four, Chelsea or Athletico could take their spot.

Of course we get drawn against Bayern...and Real gets the easier draw. If Bayern manages to beat Barca I think they'll lose in the final since it's only over one game.

Chelsea for sure!!

Nah Bayern will not lose in a final, semi's perhaps. Once they make it to the final I don't see them losing honestly haha.

[MJRomeo81]

Juve beat Real? You're kidding haha.

If it's true that Real won't have Modric (and possibly Bale & Benzema) for the semis, why not?

Buffon > Casillas

Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli = Best defence in Europe

Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio, Pereyra (not even including Pogba) = one of the best midfields in Europe

Tevez = career best form

Morata = young gun (former RM graduate) who has something to prove

Now I'm not saying it will be easy, but if Juve can score the first goal then life will be tough for Real.

Juve is easily the weakest out of the four, Chelsea or Athletico could take their spot.

I agree with the first part of your statement, but the second clause is a complete joke.

Chelsea who had their pants pulled down by PSG and park the bus against Man Utd at home or an Atletico who try to turn every contest into a WWE fight are better than Juventus? Juventus are clearly one of the best 4 sides in Europe. In fact, I'm really satisfied with the tournament this year because I honestly believe the draw has given us the top 4 teams in Europe.

[Adequace]

If it's true that Real won't have Modric (and possibly Bale & Benzema) for the semis, why not?

Buffon > Casillas

Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli = Best defence in Europe

Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio, Pereyra (not even including Pogba) = one of the best midfields in Europe

Tevez = career best form

Morata = young gun (former RM graduate) who has something to prove

Now I'm not saying it will be easy, but if Juve can score the first goal then life will be tough for Real.


I agree with the first part of your statement, but the second clause is a complete joke.

Chelsea who had their pants pulled down by PSG and park the bus against Man Utd at home or an Atletico who try to turn every contest into a WWE fight are better than Juventus? Juventus are clearly one of the best 4 sides in Europe. In fact, I'm really satisfied with the tournament this year because I honestly believe the draw has given us the top 4 teams in Europe.

Arbitrary terms can't determine how a team will play against another. I'm sure even PSG would have taken out Juve if they met, Juve has also been pretty lucky with their draws so far since they'll be facing an elite club now.

There's a reason why everyone wanted Juve.

[Reus]

If it's true that Real won't have Modric (and possibly Bale & Benzema) for the semis, why not?

Buffon > Casillas

Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli = Best defence in Europe

Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio, Pereyra (not even including Pogba) = one of the best midfields in Europe

Tevez = career best form

Morata = young gun (former RM graduate) who has something to prove

Now I'm not saying it will be easy, but if Juve can score the first goal then life will be tough for Real.

The Modric case, I agree with. But the best defence does belong to Bayern with only 13 goals conceded in their domestic league. In terms of midfields I would agree with the quality Vidal and Pogba show, but honestly Pirlo is out of his prime he'd have to be 110% to have an impact on both legs. Tevez? He was at his career best form during his Man City break - however he is doing amazingly at Juve I must say. Morata played for Real right? I've got nothing on him haha.

I presume you're a Juve fan, and you're quite biased too But I like the belief and assurance, that's what football is all about! But just remember you guys merely beat Monaco, a even weaker team in a weaker league.

I agree with the first part of your statement, but the second clause is a complete joke.

Chelsea who had their pants pulled down by PSG and park the bus against Man Utd at home or an Atletico who try to turn every contest into a WWE fight are better than Juventus? Juventus are clearly one of the best 4 sides in Europe. In fact, I'm really satisfied with the tournament this year because I honestly believe the draw has given us the top 4 teams in Europe.

Chelsea are the only team to be unbeaten during the 2014/15 CL spell. They were extremely unlucky and slightly outplayed but not to the extent that they had their pants pulled down. We can all agree Mourinho would have had a better chance at Barca then Blanc. Also, Parking the bus but still grabbing 3 points? Even when we didn't even necessarily win and still be favourites for the title.

[MJRomeo81]

But the best defence does belong to Bayern with only 13 goals conceded in their domestic league.

Bayern when fully fit - yes I definitely agree.

But after the Porto legs + injuries to Badstuber (out for 4 months), Alaba (out for season) and Benatia not fully fit I would have to disagree. Of the 4 teams left in the competition, Juve boast the best defence. Juve doesn't depend on 65% possession football to keep the opponent out. We have also demonstrated our tactical flexibility, switching from our favourite 4-3-1-2 to a 4-3-2-1, back to a 3-5-2, and also used a 4-3-3. Whatever the system or scenario, Juventus have rarely been rattled at the back. Aerially, the six foot-plus giants of Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli, as well as the jack-in-the-box Evra, are rarely out-jumped and ensure that Juve are safe from crosses. Physically, there are few attackers who can outmuscle the Italian defenders, who are protected by a top-class midfield. The defence is not just about the two or three central defenders, but the attitude and organization of the whole team. A great defence is also thanks to a strong midfield that shields it. And Juve’s midfield with Vidal, Marchisio and Pogba, who press all over the pitch, is one of the strongest in the world.

I agree with your Pirlo observation. He is past his prime, he doesn't track back and it's why our attack suffered against Monaco. We are a completely different side with Marchisio at DM. However, Pirlo is excellent at set pieces and still has the ability to unlock a defense with one pass.

Yes Morata came through the RM ranks and was recently sold in the summer. Should be an interesting storyline to see him play against his former teammates.

I wouldn't say I'm a biased fan. If Juve were playing Bayern or Barca, I'd be shitting brix. But Real Madrid? Given how they looked against Schalke and Atletico, plus the injuries, plus the fact La Liga is still tight and Real need to keep up with Barca, I don't see how people think this tie is so one-sided. Of course RM are favourites but to suggest Juve don't have a chance is silly.

Chelsea were unlucky? They were outplayed by 10-man PSG at home. The better side always prevails over 180 minutes. People like to laugh at Serie A. Well Arsenal couldn't beat Monaco who are supposedly a weaker team in a weaker league, City have looked like trash, United are average at best and Liverpool couldn't beat Basel and Besiktas, Spurs got whipped by Fiorentina, etc. I don't rate this Chelsea side who haven't demonstrated anything in Europe and play awful football against inferior opponents.

[Hannibal]

Bellerin was class today, if only Ozil or Welbeck made contact with that low cross late in the game. To be fair though, that chip by Oscar could have easily been a penalty.

[alondouek]

Bellerin was class today, if only Ozil or Welbeck made contact with that low cross late in the game. To be fair though, that chip by Oscar could have easily been a penalty.

Boring game vs. boring, boring Chelsea, only one team came to win and that was Arsenal. Props to Mourinho and co. for following their game plan but what's the point of winning the league if you're going to do it by playing anti-football?

Easily could have been a penalty either way; Ospina absolutely rekt Oscar and the Cahill handball should have been a penalty + red, clearly deliberate and his arm wasn't in a natural position by any description.

I'm glad Hazard managed to find his way out of Bellerin's pocket in time to get to the PFA awards!

[faso]

Boring game vs. boring, boring Chelsea, only one team came to win and that was Arsenal. Props to Mourinho and co. for following their game plan but what's the point of winning the league if you're going to do it by playing anti-football?

Easily could have been a penalty either way; Ospina absolutely rekt Oscar and the Cahill handball should have been a penalty + red, clearly deliberate and his arm wasn't in a natural position by any description.

I'm glad Hazard managed to find his way out of Bellerin's pocket in time to get to the PFA awards!

LOL i hope you were listening to the commentary not watching the game if you think cahill handball was a red card . Clearly not intentional and to give a penalty is harsh let alone a red card. Carzola foul on fabregas clear cut penalty and foul on oscar by bellerin is debatable.

Chelsea came to get a draw and they done that. Anti-football lol chelsea have best goal difference and 2nd most goals in PL.

[Hannibal]

Carzola foul on fabregas clear cut penalty and foul on oscar by bellerin is debatable.

Fabregas was slightly clipped by Cazorla, but the referee was in an excellent position to make a decision, and the contact was fairly minimal. There was nothing in Bellerin's challenge on Oscar though, he touched the back of his shirt and Oscar went down immediately, clearly a dive.

[faso]

Fabregas was slightly clipped by Cazorla, but the referee was in an excellent position to make a decision, and the contact was fairly minimal. There was nothing in Bellerin's challenge on Oscar though, he touched the back of his shirt and Oscar went down immediately, clearly a dive.

We can debate on this all day. Regardless, Chelsea drew away won comfortably at home theyre clearly the better side and  considering Chelsea had no target man upfront a draw is a good result.

[alondouek]

LOL i hope you were listening to the commentary not watching the game if you think cahill handball was a red card . Clearly not intentional and to give a penalty is harsh let alone a red card. Carzola foul on fabregas clear cut penalty and foul on oscar by bellerin is debatable.

Chelsea came to get a draw and they done that. Anti-football lol chelsea have best goal difference and 2nd most goals in PL.

Lol assuming commentary is a good arbiter of what is and isn't so in football. Intention has nothing to do with it, the fact is that if your arms are in an unnatural position when coming in contact with the ball in any situation, that's a penalty. Given that Cahill had his arm out in front of his midriff as he went in for the block, I'd say it was deliberate and a sending off too.

The Cazorla/Fabregas coming-together would never, ever be called a penalty - contact doesn't necessarily mean foul, and the fact that Fabregas was booked for diving because of it is pretty clear that there was nothing untowards on Arsenal's part there.

Bellerin didn't come into any significant contact with Oscar, the lad dived almost as badly as Januzaj. Honestly Oscar should have been booked for it, the same way Di Maria and Januzaj were in the FA Cup which was top bantz.

What was ridiculous was letting Oscar play on after being cleaned up by Ospina, he was clearly concussed and the FA clearly needs better policies for head injuries before someone gets seriously injured.

Yes, Chelsea drew; I don't think it was particularly comfortable given the way your players celebrated a 0-0 draw. No, you did have a target man up front in Drogba for half the match (and it doesn't get more target-man than Drogba). Chelsea's goal difference doesn't mean they play attractive or entertaining football, it just means they have a stronger defense.

[Reus]

Chelsea's dominated the first half of the season! Now Mourinho is finalising his league title. Chelsea!! Chelsea!! Chelsea!!

Also I'd just like to point for the lulz Chelsea vs Arsenal aggregate for the past four meetings equate to 8-0. And they say we're boring!!