[Archived] Champions League 2013/2014 (and Europa league!)

[somersetrover]

I think that Barca under Pep were fantastic to watch ,I don't think Bayern are quite as good to watch as they don't have a player that can produce a moment of genius out of nothing like Messi or Iniesta can. And for me Guardiola's Barca were the best team I have ever seen the only teams that come close are the Ajax team of the earlier 70's and Holland in 74. Also although I was alive at the time I was only a couple of years old so sadly I can't remember The Mighty Magyars very well but my father says that they are the greatest team ever. I can remember Puskas though later in his career when he was at Real Madrid, a bit overweight and past his best he was still better than anyone else on the pitch, even Di Stefano, and that 1960 final Hamden was a Master Class from them both.

[Proudtobeblue&white]

Forget about Wigan, never going to happen, but Real tonight are pure gold.....no massive fan, but they are 3-0 in 35 mins at the holders.....truly class

[davulsukur]

Madrid have been superb in this first half. Funny to see Bayern get torn apart after all the tippy tappy possession stuff they play.

Perfect counter attacking lineup from Real as well. Benzema gets the ball, Ronaldo, Bale and Di Maria charging at the Bayern defence.

[Proudtobeblue&white]

The only thing spoiling it is the typical histrionics from both sides. I'd love to ref a game like this, apart from the fact I'm too old, a bit too quick, but have no experience, there would be very few players left at the end!

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

The main thing about the tippy tappy style of Spanish football that Guardiola employs is that you can't afford to concede the first goal and you certainly can't afford to concede the first three. It's all based on not conceding and not having to chase the game. Once you have to chase the game it's another story.

[Audax]

If you look at Bayern Munich over the last month, after their long winning streak in the Bundesliga, they dropped games to Borussia Dortmund and Augsburg. So it appears their form for them at least, took a tumble, http://int.soccerway.com/teams/germany/fc-bayern-munchen/961/?ICID=TN_03_02_03 Shocking result.

[M-K]

31% possession and a 4-0 win. I'd say that's a victory for no-nonsense, down-to-business football.

The final is going to be as tight as a gnat's chuff, though. Whoever Real get, it's going to be an ultra-defensive team, and if it's Atletico then the potential humiliation of losing might prevent Real doing all that much attacking of their own. You can't play on the break against a 10-man defence. Penalties written all over it.

[Proudtobeblue&white]

1-1, h-t, all to play for. Would like to see a semi-English club in the final.......can't see either of these clubs beating Real?

[Salgado Is A Hero]

I'd say Madrid would be favourites but Atletico did beat them at the Bernabeu earlier on in the season.

Madrid wouldn't be as effective on the counter-attack against either of these two. I think either game would be incredibly tight.

Atletico are as good at preserving a lead as anyone in Europe. Could see the scoreline staying like this tbh.

[Tom]

Atletico lead 2-1

Big ask for Chelsea now and they are likely to get caught on the break as they did to Liverpool at weekend

[Proudtobeblue&white]

3-1, Jose has been out Josed

[Tom]

Simeone seems one to watch as a manager

[Proudtobeblue&white]

Simeone seems one to watch as a manager

Shush, someone sensible might be viewing!

[Guest Norbert]

Hahahaha!!! Nice to see a few people cut down to size.

[Tom]

Better team won, Chelsea looked rocked after the first goal

Utterly hilarious seeing how bitter Liverpool fans on my twitter timeline are

[somersetrover]

Mourinho got what he deserved for such negative tactics, in the first leg and for starting Azpilicueta in midfield tonight instead of Schurrle. The other good thing with tonight's results is that there is one likeable to want to win the final.

That's two seasons now for the Translator without a trophy and 4 European Cup semi final defeats in a row, perhaps he is not as special as he thinks he is.

[Stuart]

I guess he'll have to console himself as only being one of the top 3 managers in Europe.

[Guest Norbert]

All the Chelsea fans were on the radio showing how classy they are. One spent 5 minutes whining how Rodgers has had a lot of praise, and then they lost to Chewsea. He spent most of his time giving it the big I am about his team, as did a couple of others who rung up radio 5.

[Audax]

Good for the Colchoneros (Mattressmakers of all things as their nickname), Atletico. I see the final is in Lisbon at Benfica's stadium.

[M-K]

That's two seasons now for the Translator without a trophy and 4 European Cup semi final defeats in a row, perhaps he is not as special as he thinks he is.

I agree, this defeat completely overshadows the whole 'winning the league in four different countries' thing.

[speeeeeeedie]

After a turgid 0-0 draw, Seville beat Benfica on penalties last night to win the Europa League final played in Turin.

Portuguese teams bore the pants off me, and Benfica were no exception. Seville were much the same too.

Apparently Benfica have now been to 8 European finals and lost all of them.