2013

[5DOM]

cgf, I think this will have a similar ending to your prediction of a close BL title race - not even close

[MaliBrah]

yeah I find it hard to see dortmund beat madrid with lewandowski missing the first leg and all those injuries.

[EArl]

I've had a change of heart on the draw. If the favourites win, that'll make for a breathtaking final four.

who's the favourite between chelsea and psg? Thats the only one that I don't even know what to call.

I have PSG taking it. Never bet against Zlatan.

[5DOM]

I've had a change of heart on the draw. If the favourites win, that'll make for a breathtaking final four.

who's the favourite between chelsea and psg? Thats the only one that I don't even know what to call.

I have PSG taking it. Never bet against Zlatan.

You do in CL!

[cgf]

cgf, I think this will have a similar ending to your prediction of a close BL title race - not even close

To be fair those predictions all came with the caveat of dortmund having good health cause of their depth. If Dortmund lose Reus, Hummels, Mkh and Pisczek during this tie then yeah I'll probably be really wrong again.

[cgf]

plus dortmund have grosskreutz

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRGVGsI9r44[/youtube]

[MaliBrah]

plus dortmund have grosskreutz

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRGVGsI9r44[/youtube]

loooooooooooool , my head hurts

[Foye]

Dortmund's form in the league and in europe have rarely matched up, and this season has been a prime example as they've topped the group of death and secured passage to the QFs in the first leg. It's clear that the CL is their primary focus which is why you can't take their league form around CL fixtures too seriously until they improve that depth and have better luck with health, otherwise you'd get swept up in the loss to Hamburg that came right around the thumping of zenit in st petersburg.

The injuries suck, but the backline will be good with Hummels back and Schmelzer hurt. If Kehl has a strong match the midfield will give Real all sorts of fits, and in the second leg Lewy will be back with fire in his belly like he did in first leg last season.

I'm generally pretty reasonable with my expectations, I'm happy that schalke and leverkusen just made it out of their groups, I'm happy my eiserne are in the hunt for promotion, I'm happy the avs are going to the playoffs, even if the hawks are gunna smack us, but I just don't see Dortmund going out at this point, it very well could happen but I don't think it will.

Relying on Kehl to have a big game against Real Madrid is like waiting for your death.
Kehl should be on the bench and only come in for the last minutes if they need to keep a result. He is not a difference maker in CL football. Never was, never will.

So RvP is out for the quarter finals against Bayern. Hopefully, Kagawa will get a chance to show now. He has given Bayern trouble in the past but Moyes doesn't know how to use him. He'll rather have thousand crosses each game than good build up play through the middle.

[cgf]

Dortmund's form in the league and in europe have rarely matched up, and this season has been a prime example as they've topped the group of death and secured passage to the QFs in the first leg. It's clear that the CL is their primary focus which is why you can't take their league form around CL fixtures too seriously until they improve that depth and have better luck with health, otherwise you'd get swept up in the loss to Hamburg that came right around the thumping of zenit in st petersburg.

The injuries suck, but the backline will be good with Hummels back and Schmelzer hurt. If Kehl has a strong match the midfield will give Real all sorts of fits, and in the second leg Lewy will be back with fire in his belly like he did in first leg last season.

I'm generally pretty reasonable with my expectations, I'm happy that schalke and leverkusen just made it out of their groups, I'm happy my eiserne are in the hunt for promotion, I'm happy the avs are going to the playoffs, even if the hawks are gunna smack us, but I just don't see Dortmund going out at this point, it very well could happen but I don't think it will.

Relying on Kehl to have a big game against Real Madrid is like waiting for your death.
Kehl should be on the bench and only come in for the last minutes if they need to keep a result. He is not a difference maker in CL football. Never was, never will.

Good thing no one is relying on him to have a big game. Just don't give the ball away and defend, and he's still capable of that.

[Ted Lasso]

I've had a change of heart on the draw. If the favourites win, that'll make for a breathtaking final four.

who's the favourite between chelsea and psg? Thats the only one that I don't even know what to call.

Neither do i. But either will do. Chelsea always make things exciting.

[Man of Steel]

I've never heard that one before A more injured Dortmund gave Bayern all they could handle earlier in the season, and Real are no Bayern. This will be a tight matchup because Dortmund's pressing won't let Real keep their form going, and I expect a huge game from Lewy or Reus in the return leg to decide it for BVB.

I'm surprised you think Dortmund's CL form is impressive. Perhaps considering their injuries/suspensions it is, but they've conceded the most goals of the 8 teams left. Hummels or no, that's not a good sign for any team going up against the attackers on Madrid's squad. Reus, Lewandowski (1st leg), Gundogan, Blaszczykowski, Bender, Subotic, Schmelzer... I thought us missing Khedira, Arbeloa, and Jesé was limiting our options, but Dortmund really have it bad.

Last year's first leg result gets a lot of hype but even with all their best pieces, Dortmund couldn't score a goal at the Bernabeu, so Madrid were one more goal (they'd already scored 2) from progressing. We underestimated them in the first game, but that's hardly going to be the case this year, and the tie should realistically be put to bed in the first leg; I won't expect a rollover given that Klopp is managing the team, but they've got their work cut out for them. I'm sure Ancelotti and his squad will show Dortmund the proper respect they've earned the same way Dortmund do:

"We played Real four times last year but we take it as it is. We look forward to meeting probably the biggest club in the world again."

[Man of Steel]

Also, this happened.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/ToniKroos/status/447023518115721216[/tweet]

I believe the translation is "In the semi-finals, naturally."

[MaliBrah]

Also, this happened.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/ToniKroos/status/447023518115721216[/tweet]

I believe the translation is "In the semi-finals, naturally."

http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/wtf-b ... d-picture/

he was correcting a mistake he made in the previous tweet aha

[DD12]

who's the favourite between chelsea and psg? Thats the only one that I don't even know what to call.

I have PSG taking it. Never bet against Zlatan.[/quote]

You're a good boy Earl. You learn pretty fast.

Never go against Zlatan. The best striker in the world. Some of youz were laughing at me when I called it two years ago.

[cgf]

I've never heard that one before A more injured Dortmund gave Bayern all they could handle earlier in the season, and Real are no Bayern. This will be a tight matchup because Dortmund's pressing won't let Real keep their form going, and I expect a huge game from Lewy or Reus in the return leg to decide it for BVB.

I'm surprised you think Dortmund's CL form is impressive. Perhaps considering their injuries/suspensions it is, but they've conceded the most goals of the 8 teams left. Hummels or no, that's not a good sign for any team going up against the attackers on Madrid's squad. Reus, Lewandowski (1st leg), Gundogan, Blaszczykowski, Bender, Subotic, Schmelzer... I thought us missing Khedira, Arbeloa, and Jesé was limiting our options, but Dortmund really have it bad.

Last year's first leg result gets a lot of hype but even with all their best pieces, Dortmund couldn't score a goal at the Bernabeu, so Madrid were one more goal (they'd already scored 2) from progressing. We underestimated them in the first game, but that's hardly going to be the case this year, and the tie should realistically be put to bed in the first leg; I won't expect a rollover given that Klopp is managing the team, but they've got their work cut out for them. I'm sure Ancelotti and his squad will show Dortmund the proper respect they've earned the same way Dortmund do:

"We played Real four times last year but we take it as it is. We look forward to meeting probably the biggest club in the world again."

Impressive isn't the word I'd use as much as effective. During their salad bowl seasons Dortmund had this wonderful knack for pulling out exactly what they needed, even when things would go wrong, we saw them transfer this to an extent last season when they eliminated Malaga via sorcery. This season that quality has shined as they topped the group of death and secured passage to the QFs in the first leg despite starting a backup back 6 for much of the group stage.

Last years second leg didn't require anything more from them, had real scored more goals and Dortmund needed a goal then criticizing them for not scoring again would make sense, but that wasn't the case so it doesn't. I actually do think you'll underestimate them in this tie with their injuries, the lewy suspension and Bayern running away with the league, which is why I expect a very tough and resilient BVB side to leave Madrid with a tie or a manageable goal differential. And then it's game on with a fired up lewy coming back for the second leg.

[Andi Obst]

I'll go with Bayern, Real, Chelsea and Atletico.

[Man of Steel]

Impressive isn't the word I'd use as much as effective. During their salad bowl seasons Dortmund had this wonderful knack for pulling out exactly what they needed, even when things would go wrong, we saw them transfer this to an extent last season when they eliminated Malaga via sorcery. This season that quality has shined as they topped the group of death and secured passage to the QFs in the first leg despite starting a backup back 6 for much of the group stage.

Last years second leg didn't require anything more from them, had real scored more goals and Dortmund needed a goal then criticizing them for not scoring again would make sense, but that wasn't the case so it doesn't. I actually do think you'll underestimate them in this tie with their injuries, the lewy suspension and Bayern running away with the league, which is why I expect a very tough and resilient BVB side to leave Madrid with a tie or a manageable goal differential. And then it's game on with a fired up lewy coming back for the second leg.

I think you've also got to factor in the playing style as well. Madrid are playing football with a much better way to break down compact press teams like Dortmund with respect to the side Mourinho fielded, so while Klopp will definitely motivate the players to give their 100%, I sincerely doubt that BVB can rely on "sorcery" (is it luck? Can't really decide what else to call it, especially with them missing so many of their individually brilliant pieces) to progress past Madrid. I wasn't criticizing Dortmund for not scoring, merely stating that if they couldn't score an away goal then, I doubt they'll be able to get an away goal now while missing their talismanic striker on top of a whole host of other players in their starting lineup. And If Zenit can beat Dortmund at home, I have a hard time believing Madrid can't.

I don't believe it will be a rout in the first leg as Madrid got absolutely shafted with scheduling the week before the first leg (three Liga matches in six days- March 23 to 29) but there's five days rest after that before Madrid play Dortmund. I doubt the Bayern Munich game that Dortmund have after the second leg will mean much, so I don't think it will affect the way they play in westfalenstadion, but I think you're overestimating the ability of that team to play through injuries. Everyone loves Dortmund for playing impressive football despite their circumstances, but their comes a time when those circumstances are too glaring to be ignored. Last year it came in the final; for me, this year it seems to be coming a little earlier than that.

Also, to go along with the fact that Dortmund have conceded the most of the teams left in the Champion's League, Madrid are the team that have scored the most. So there's that.

[magik9113]

I'll go with Bayern, Real, Chelsea and Atletico.

I think I'm gonna go with: Bayern, Real, PSG, Barca.

Even though Diego Costa is killing it I cannot pick against Messi.

The Chelsea-PSG match up is a toss up.

[cgf]

Impressive isn't the word I'd use as much as effective. During their salad bowl seasons Dortmund had this wonderful knack for pulling out exactly what they needed, even when things would go wrong, we saw them transfer this to an extent last season when they eliminated Malaga via sorcery. This season that quality has shined as they topped the group of death and secured passage to the QFs in the first leg despite starting a backup back 6 for much of the group stage.

Last years second leg didn't require anything more from them, had real scored more goals and Dortmund needed a goal then criticizing them for not scoring again would make sense, but that wasn't the case so it doesn't. I actually do think you'll underestimate them in this tie with their injuries, the lewy suspension and Bayern running away with the league, which is why I expect a very tough and resilient BVB side to leave Madrid with a tie or a manageable goal differential. And then it's game on with a fired up lewy coming back for the second leg.

I think you've also got to factor in the playing style as well. Madrid are playing football with a much better way to break down compact press teams like Dortmund with respect to the side Mourinho fielded, so while Klopp will definitely motivate the players to give their 100%, I sincerely doubt that BVB can rely on "sorcery" (is it luck? Can't really decide what else to call it, especially with them missing so many of their individually brilliant pieces) to progress past Madrid. I wasn't criticizing Dortmund for not scoring, merely stating that if they couldn't score an away goal then, I doubt they'll be able to get an away goal now while missing their talismanic striker on top of a whole host of other players in their starting lineup. And If Zenit can beat Dortmund at home, I have a hard time believing Madrid can't.

I don't believe it will be a rout in the first leg as Madrid got absolutely shafted with scheduling the week before the first leg (three Liga matches in six days- March 23 to 29) but there's five days rest after that before Madrid play Dortmund. I doubt the Bayern Munich game that Dortmund have after the second leg will mean much, so I don't think it will affect the way they play in westfalenstadion, but I think you're overestimating the ability of that team to play through injuries. Everyone loves Dortmund for playing impressive football despite their circumstances, but their comes a time when those circumstances are too glaring to be ignored. Last year it came in the final; for me, this year it seems to be coming a little earlier than that.

Also, to go along with the fact that Dortmund have conceded the most of the teams left in the Champion's League, Madrid are the team that have scored the most. So there's that.

Only real things I disagree with would be What you're taking our of the second legs of the Zenit tie and real tie last year. Dortmund were through and just had to not catch their coats in the door as they closed it behind themselves in those second legs.

And the other point is what they have left, even after all of the injuries they are a good team who've played Bayern better than anyone other than Freiburg. Reus,Mkh, Auba and Sahin with Hummels helping pull the strings is still a deadly group that can snag a goal or goals from their trip to the Bernabeau. With the guys around them being good supporting players who are great against the ball as well that'll be a very tough leg, lewy or no.

i just see this tie as a 50/50 between the two teams who can actually eliminate Bayern and Dortmund to me seem like the team who'll come out ahead in a dogfight and have the better chance against Bayern. That's why I hate this tie, I'd literally prefer any other tie, even if it meant BVB-Bayern now cause at least then both of you get a whack at them, even if it is a weakened one from them.

[Man of Steel]

Only real things I disagree with would be What you're taking our of the second legs of the Zenit tie and real tie last year. Dortmund were through and just had to not catch their coats in the door as they closed it behind themselves in those second legs.

And the other point is what they have left, even after all of the injuries they are a good team who've played Bayern better than anyone other than Freiburg. Reus,Mkh, Auba and Sahin with Hummels helping pull the strings is still a deadly group that can snag a goal or goals from their trip to the Bernabeau. With the guys around them being good supporting players who are great against the ball as well that'll be a very tough leg, lewy or no.

i just see this tie as a 50/50 between the two teams who can actually eliminate Bayern and Dortmund to me seem like the team who'll come out ahead in a dogfight and have the better chance against Bayern. That's why I hate this tie, I'd literally prefer any other tie, even if it meant BVB-Bayern now cause at least then both of you get a whack at them, even if it is a weakened one from them.

Fair enough. Reus, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang, Sahin, and Hummels are more than enough for Kloppo to work with. And for the record I'm not one of the fans looking for revenge against a weakened Dortmund side. Last year we got outplayed and I don't harbour any ill will towards Dortmund (or any team that just clearly outplays us like that) but it's more 50-50 than I've made it out to be.

La Liga title race got interesting again after a **** joke of an El Clasico match so perhaps we'll be more distracted in the first leg than I thought. Aside from Barcelona, who have benefitted from too many Undiano Mallenco decisions this year, Bayern are the only team that are beginning to challenge the Madrid CL history so naturally I'd like to see them out, whether by Madrid or by Dortmund Been waiting on this tenth for too long now though.