2014-15 Champions League: the Quixotic Quest to Qualify

[Zososoxfan]

 
Losing Robben and Ribery is obviously huge but I think they still could have been effective on the counter.  Lewandowski and Gotze are both lethal players on the break, or were during their time at BvB before moving to Bayern, and Muller is a great player in general.  It might not be Robben/Ribery but its certainly enough creativity, pace, and finishing to give Barcelona pause about pushing too many players forward.
 
I have no clue whether it would have worked better and hindsight is always 20/20. 

 
Don't sell yourself (or the general soccer-watching public for that matter) short, just about everyone here gave a double take when they saw Pep's lineup. The thing I don't get is if Pep wanted to play a high pressure system and go for an away goal (smart), how does that jive with playing 3! 30-something defensive-minded MF (Xabi, Shweiny, Lahm)? Granted, it worked for 3/4 of the match, but it bit them just when you'd think an unsustainable pressure gameplan would. 

 

[Titans Bastard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVIlF6KRcfc

 

[thehitcat]

That is incredible.  Thank you for that TB.  I might laugh all night. 

 

[bosox4283]

That was almost exciting. On the bright side, I can fully focus on my work. 

 

[Turrable]

Goddamn has Messi always had that sleeve?

 

[CoRP]

over

 

[SoxFanInCali]

This could get a bit QPR-City #NotInTheFace
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) May 12, 2015

 

[MentalDisabldLst]

That heel-flick over the defender by Suarez, and the control touch as he sprinted past him, was absolutely crazy, video-game-level stuff.
 
I want to hate Suarez, but it's impossible not to admire his skills.

 

[coremiller]

Lewandowski and Muller have scored in the second half.  Bayern still need three more with 17 minutes to go.  

 

[Vinho Tinto]

Lewandowski and Muller have scored in the second half.  Bayern still need three more with 17 minutes to go.  

 
Good ol' away goals. Taking away the drama as usual. 

 

[SoxFanInCali]

 
Good ol' away goals. Taking away the drama as usual. 

I think they add to the drama more than they take away. There's nothing more intense than the last 5 minutes of a game where the home team advances if the score holds but the away team advances with one goal.

 

[Titans Bastard]

 
Good ol' away goals. Taking away the drama as usual. 

 
 

I think they add to the drama more than they take away. There's nothing more intense than the last 5 minutes of a game where the home team advances if the score holds but the away team advances with one goal.

 
Going down 5-1 on aggregate also tends to take away drama.

 

[Vinho Tinto]

True, but as soon as Barca scored they were in essence down 4 goals and the tie was over. Bayern didn't have enough to win due to being physically beaten down, but there would have been more juice at 5-3 without way goals.

I don't think the rule adds anything material other than extra math. Instead of defensive road teams, we get defensive home teams. I've watched a lot of Libertadoees ties and never thought not having away goals was taking away from the tie. Ironically, they have added it to that competiton too.

 

[Zososoxfan]

True, but as soon as Barca scored they were in essence down 4 goals and the tie was over. Bayern didn't have enough to win due to being physically beaten down, but there would have been more juice at 5-3 without way goals.
I don't think the rule adds anything material other than extra math. Instead of defensive road teams, we get defensive home teams. I've watched a lot of Libertadoees ties and never thought not having away goals was taking away from the tie. Ironically, they have added it to that competiton too.

Not to pile on, but as soon as Barca scored 3 unanswered goals in a 13-minute span to end the first leg, the tie was over. I'm open to the idea of changing the away goals rule, but this tie wasn't an example of the sometimes annoying structure. As you said, it's a 6 in one hand, half dozen...situation. If anything, I like rewarding a team that attacks on the road. Teams will tend to play more conservatively away otherwise, so it acts as a balance.

Lots of pretty goals in that game. Benatia kicked things off with a nice header, then Messi plays Suarez through and Suarez sets up Neymar nicely. Then, Messi plays a nice head flick thru to Suarez against a stupidly high line by Bayern, and he sets up Neymar again, who slams a low shot and beats Neuer to the near post. Lewando scored a nice goal and Muller adds another, but not nearly enough to topple Barca.

I was shocked that Pep didn't start Gotze again and after watching Rode play, he could've started too. It goes back to the idea that if Pep wanted to press so much, he needed younger players. Ter Stegen is not as good a keeper as Bravo. Barca must really see a lot in him to keep him out there in UCL over the Chilean. Hope Suarez isn't hurt, that would be a huge loss for Barca.

Very excited for Juve-Madrid tomorrow. I think the Italians attack the first half and try to get a goal, but will otherwise choose to defend in the 2nd half and break on the counter if there are no first half goals. Very interested to see which players the managers select tomorrow.

 

[Dummy Hoy]

It's my impression that Juve are better off as a counter attacking side anyways...especially on the road I think they sit back and then try to exploit Real on the break with their pace.

I'm curious to see if Pogba starts. Given the success of last week, I'd hold him in reserve, ready if you need him. He's not going 90 regardless.

 

[sodenj5]

So I'm not an expert, but isn't the tie breaker away goals? Real has one in hand, so if Real scores and Juve gets shutout, Real would win, correct?

It seems it would behoove Juve to try and get a goal of their own rather than just sitting back and trying to defend their lead.

Either way, should be a good game. Real needs a better answer than Ramos at CM. Kroos and Benzema are expected to go today. Will be interesting to see what formation CA goes with. My guess is a 4-3-3 with Ronaldo-Benzema-Bale up top, James-Kroos-Isco in the midfield and Marcelo-Ramos-Pepe-Carvajal in back.

 

[sachmoney]

So I'm not an expert, but isn't the tie breaker away goals? Real has one in hand, so if Real scores and Juve gets shutout, Real would win, correct?

It seems it would behoove Juve to try and get a goal of their own rather than just sitting back and trying to defend their lead.

Correct, but I think that the question that's being asked is how Juve can get said goal. If they're better on the counter i.e. more likely to score on the counter, it may be better to sit back and wait for those counter opportunities. Juve probably needs a goal though.

 

[Senator Donut]

According to La Gazzetta, Pogba will replace Sturaro in a 4-3-1-2, with Vidal as the trequartista.
http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Champions-League/Juventus/11-05-2015/juve-pogba-titolare-madrid-col-real-sara-4-3-1-2-champions-110783579771.shtml

If they get a lead, or are tied late, I'd expect them to bring on Barzagli and sacrifice a midfielder for a five-man back line, as the article suggests. Juve scored twice from this defensive formation in the second leg against Dortmund.

 

[sodenj5]

Correct, but I think that the question that's being asked is how Juve can get said goal. If they're better on the counter i.e. more likely to score on the counter, it may be better to sit back and wait for those counter opportunities. Juve probably needs a goal though.

 
That makes sense.
 
I wouldn't be surprised to see Benzema coming off the bench today. CA said he's all clear medically but I don't know if he's in 100% game shape or form currently. I was reading an article about how well Chicharito has meshed with James and Ronaldo. I'll be curious to see how Bale plays as well.

 

[Zososoxfan]

So I'm not an expert, but isn't the tie breaker away goals? Real has one in hand, so if Real scores and Juve gets shutout, Real would win, correct?

It seems it would behoove Juve to try and get a goal of their own rather than just sitting back and trying to defend their lead.

Either way, should be a good game. Real needs a better answer than Ramos at CM. Kroos and Benzema are expected to go today. Will be interesting to see what formation CA goes with. My guess is a 4-3-3 with Ronaldo-Benzema-Bale up top, James-Kroos-Isco in the midfield and Marcelo-Ramos-Pepe-Carvajal in back.

 
Kroos should've started at DMF when Modric went out. Pepe is such a liability at the back that not starting Ramos and Varane there would be foolish. Benzema changes the complexion entirely of Real's attack.

 

[SocrManiac]

I just hope Juvé don't flip the approach and start with Barzagli in place of a short-fit Pogba and only insert the French kid late when they're desperate to score. I should have more faith in Allegri at this point, but... I'm paranoid.
 
Juvé's path thus far has been paved with some cookies (or as close as the CL can allow). It's been a great confidence boost for club and fans, but this is the biggest test for the squad in years.
 
I honestly think we'll see a flipped scoreline from the first leg (2-1 Real) with extra time. Juvé should be more rested given that they're wrapped up domestically and relatively healthy, but it's such a crap shoot.
 
Regardless... Forza Juvé!

 

[Zomp]

I am rooting hard for Juventus but unfortunately if I had to bet, I'd bet Real advance.
 
Though I loathe both teams, an El Classico Champions League Final would be incredible.

 

[DennyDoyle'sBoil]

I don't have a strong rooting interest today, but I suppose I am practically forced to root for Juve.  The thought of a third final in a row between clubs from the same league (and the fourth such time in eight years) is really unappealing to me.  Watching two teams that play three, four, or even five games of significance in the regular year, but putting one on a neutral field, charging fans 800 euros a ticket, and calling it more important just seems a bit artificial for me.

 

[sodenj5]

Benzema does get the start today.
 
---Ronaldo-----Benzema----Bale----
------James------Kroos------Isco------
Marcelo---Varane---Ramos---Carvajal

 

[bosox4283]

The great Ramos-as-DMF experiment finally ends. 

 

[DLew On Roids]

So in one corner, you have the club that any Patriots fan can point to and say, "You want to see cheating? THAT'S cheating."  And in the other corner, you have a bunch of fascists.
 
This should be called the Sepp Blatter Cup.

 

[sodenj5]

The great Ramos-as-DMF experiment finally ends. 

 
Glad to see it gone. He didn't embarrass himself out there, but when you have a team full of superstars and you have to move your best defender to midfield, something is wrong. Benzema being back definitely helps. If nothing else, when they shift to the 4-3-3, Bale is better at RW than at RM when they're in the 4-4-2.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Bale has to do better there. 
 
I'm like a broken record at this point but many aspects of his game are just not very good.

 

[bosox4283]

Bale has to do better there. 
 
I'm like a broken record at this point but many aspects of his game are just not very good.

 
Will Carlo put in Chicharito for Benzema, who is not really in full-match shape, or Bale, who doesn't quite fit the flow of the game? I vote Benzema.

 

[sodenj5]

Real applying lots of pressure early.
 

 
Will Carlo put in Chicharito for Benzema, who is not really in full-match shape, or Bale, who doesn't quite fit the flow of the game? I vote Benzema.

 
I would vote for Benzema as well.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Shitty penalty call.  James' leg was buckling and ready to go down even before the contact, which was relatively minor, was made.

 

[sodenj5]

Ronaldo had his last PK attempt saved. We'll see here...

 

[sodenj5]

Real now up via the tie-break. Juve will have to open up and try to respond.

 

[Titans Bastard]

Really surprising to see RM get a soft penalty call in Madrid.
 
I'd feel bad for Juventus....if they weren't Juventus.

 

[teddykgb]

Tremendous job of getting back by Vidal on that break a minute ago

 

[sodenj5]

Ronaldo tries to give Bale the goal and it ends up getting headed away. Just pretend he isn't on the pitch.

 

[teddykgb]

You get the sense it will take a moment of brilliance or a set piece for Juve as they don't seem to have a way through in open play

 

[Vinho Tinto]

I'd feel bad for Juventus....if they weren't Juventus.

 
It's really telling how much Real Madrid annoys people that they are willing to view Juventus as the babyface in this match-up. 

 

[teddykgb]

Buffon is world class at many things. The screaming lunatic after the save GK act is definitely one of them

 

[bosox4283]

CELEBRATE THAT GOAL POR FAVOR

 

[Luis Taint]

Nice

 

[teddykgb]

I have no idea why he's not celebrating.  He was basically pushed out of Madrid.
 
Casillas won't enjoy watching that one.  It's point blank so it's hard to be too critical, but he probably could have saved that one.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Beautiful.
 
I don't see Jese or Chicharito doing that.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

I have no idea why he's not celebrating.  He was basically pushed out of Madrid.
 
Casillas won't enjoy watching that one.  It's point blank so it's hard to be too critical, but he probably could have saved that one.

 
I think they have an option to buy him back.  And that's probably still his dream.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

Fuck yes. Hold the line.
 
Through complete luck I'll be in Berlin on June 6. All I want is to be able to buy a Pirlo CL Final kit.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Well, that makes this more interesting.

 

[teddykgb]

Going to be a fantastic final 30 minutes.  Madrid are going to be all out attack but any Juve goal makes things incredibly complicated for them.
 
edit: God I just love Isco's game.  I will be forever disappointed that City lost him to Madrid.

 

[sodenj5]

 
I think they have an option to buy him back.  And that's probably still his dream.

 
They do. They can bring him back at the end of the 15/16 or 16/17 season if they want.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

my godddd Marchisio

 

[Luis Taint]

Bale, might want to bail the fuck out of Madrid