The UEFA Champions League (2022/23)

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Upamecano was shown a red card but it was ruled out as Haaland was deemed to be offside before the tackle was made… <a href="https://t.co/EpM6SHZHrJ">pic.twitter.com/EpM6SHZHrJ</a></p>— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) <a href="https://twitter.com/talkSPORT/status/1648769605438001156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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[MenInG]

HALF-TIME
Bayern Munich 0-0 Man City (Agg 0-3)

An all action half that had plenty of things going on but, crucially, no goals.

Manchester City remain in the driving seat.

==

HALF-TIME
Inter Milan 1-1 Benfica (Agg: 3-1)

Inter are 45 minutes away from a semi-final with arch-rivals AC Milan.

 

[Saj]

Inter Milan secured a historic Champions League semi-final with arch-rivals AC Milan despite being held by Benfica at an ecstatic San Siro.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg in Lisbon, Inter increased their aggregate lead following Nicolo Barella's sumptuous finish before a bullet header by Fredrik Aursnes gave Benfica hope.

Argentina World Cup winner Lautaro Martinez and substitute Joaquin Correa made it 5-1 on aggregate before Benfica scored two late goals through Antonio Silva and Petar Musa.

Inter have lost four of their past five games in Serie A to drop out of the Champions League places, but Simone Inzaghi's side can now look forward to two mouth-watering matches against AC Milan - who knocked out Napoli on Tuesday - for a place in the final.

The hosts looked to be cruising when Italy midfielder Barella made it 3-0 on aggregate after creating space for himself inside the box before producing a wonderful curling finish.

But Benfica were not done and Norway midfielder Aursnes kept the tie alive with a powerful header.

The damage from the first leg was too much, however, as Martinez prodded home Federico Dimarco's cross before Correa netted two minutes after coming on.

To their credit, Benfica kept going and Silva made it 3-2 on the night before substitute Musa equalised deep into stoppage time.

However, it was not enough to stop Inter from booking their place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2010 - when they won the competition under Jose Mourinho.

 

[Saj]

Manchester City set up a Champions League semi-final clash with holders Real Madrid as Erling Haaland's goal ended Bayern Munich's hopes of a comeback.

Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel felt his side needed a miracle to go through after losing the first leg 3-0 - and they squandered plenty of opportunities to get back into the game.

Haaland made them pay as he lashed home a shot into the top corner to cap off a swift counter-attack, 15 seconds after Ederson had saved Kingsley Coman's shot at the other end.

That was the Norwegian's 48th goal for City this season, but he could have reached that figure earlier in the game but blazed over a penalty after a Dayot Upamecano handball.

Just like in the first leg last week, Upamecano - who was also beaten easily for the 57th-minute goal - had a nightmare.

The French centre-back was shown a red card early in the game for a professional foul on Haaland, but it was overturned because the City striker was offside.

Joshua Kimmich scored an 83rd-minute penalty for Bayern after a harsh handball decision against Manuel Akanji, but the German champions were never going to find three more goals in the last seven minutes.

Boss Tuchel was also sent to the stands for two yellow cards in what was a very fractious and fiery encounter at times.

There was no doubt City deserved to progress over the two legs and their Treble dream remains alive, with the Premier League and FA Cup other trophy targets this season.

Kimmich's spot-kick, though, ended their 10-game winning run in all competitions.

 

[Firebat]

Milan derby in a Champions League semi final! Great to see Italian giants back in Europe.

 

[Firebat]

Pep Guardiola says it would be a "huge mistake" for Manchester City to look for "revenge" against Real Madrid in their Champions League semi-final.

City led 5-3 on aggregate in the 90th minute of last year's semi-final second leg, but Madrid remarkably fought back.

City boss Guardiola urged his team to use the rematch to prove they can beat the holders and eventually land Europe's biggest club prize.

"We're not here for revenge, we're here for an opportunity," said Guardiola.

"What happened, happened in the past. It would be a huge mistake to think about that.

"The lesson we learn from last year is not revenge, it is learn about what happened, get a good result, perform well and give the opportunity to leave the tie open in Manchester."

After a 4-3 victory in the home leg last season, City extended their lead in the Bernabeu when Riyad Mahrez hammered in a 73rd-minute strike.

But two late goals from Madrid substitute Rodrygo dramatically sent the tie into extra time, with Karim Benzema completing an incredible turnaround for Carlo Ancelotti's side by scoring a 95th-minute penalty.

"I'm not a big fan to talk about experiences as a positive or negative way," said Guardiola.

"Of course we have the same managers and 80% same players on both sides, but these are completely different games.

"We played exceptional at home, it could not have been better. In Madrid we played - not exceptional - but good. We did everything to reach the final but it is football."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65527338

 

[Kroll]

The big one is on! [MENTION=116]Geordie Ahmed[/MENTION]

 

[MenInG]

GOAL - Real Madrid 1-0 Man City
Vinicius Junior (36 mins)

Wow.

It's an absolute rocket from Vinicius Junior.

Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric play a slick one-two on the left, it's pulled back to Vinicius and he smashes it into the left corner.

Out of nowhere. Pure quality. Real Madrid lead at the Bernabeu!

 

[Rajdeep]

Waste of time, no one can beat Real Madrid as much as I want City to win. That goal by Vinicius Junior says it all. Man City was in total control in terms of ball possession but that split minute brilliance that RM has is what makes them the best club team in planet green earth. Real Madrid will beat City next week in Etihad Stadium as well.

Also, BT Sports need to cut down the bias commentary and appreciate the opponent also sometime.

 

[Kroll]

Good goal by Madrid but been a rubbish first half. Hope to see some better quality.

 

[Rajdeep]

Okay...Goal by City now...Kevin De Bryune

1-1 Game On

 

[Kroll]

Okay...Goal by City now...Kevin De Bryune

1-1 Game On

What a goal by KdB! Cometh the hour, cometh the man.

 

[Rajdeep]

What a goal by KdB! Cometh the hour, cometh the man.

Yeah...important for City now not to concede any more goal today.
Go to Etihad with 1-1 and it will be epic then.

 

[MenInG]

FULL-TIME
Real Madrid 1-1 Man City

All over at the Bernabeu.

Two sensational strikes from Vinicius Junior and Kevin de Bruyne means we're level after the first leg.

City go back to Manchester with it all to play for.

 

[Kroll]

Two good goals but didn't really enjoy this match. With all to play for in the return leg, hopefully should be a better match.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

The big one is on! [MENTION=116]Geordie Ahmed[/MENTION]

Two quality goal, especially the KDB one

The game happened as I had expected, City dominating the ball but Real still finding a way to take the lead

And then it took a wonder strike from KDB to get them level otherwise they weren't scoring

Real will still go through, the pressure will be cranked up next week and Real will do what they do best

 

[KingKhanWC]

Two quality goal, especially the KDB one

The game happened as I had expected, City dominating the ball but Real still finding a way to take the lead

And then it took a wonder strike from KDB to get them level otherwise they weren't scoring

Real will still go through, the pressure will be cranked up next week and Real will do what they do best

I think Man City will run riot at home, comfortable win. City are by far the superiour team.

 

[Kroll]

Two quality goal, especially the KDB one

The game happened as I had expected, City dominating the ball but Real still finding a way to take the lead

And then it took a wonder strike from KDB to get them level otherwise they weren't scoring

Real will still go through, the pressure will be cranked up next week and Real will do what they do best

Because its at the Etihad, I think City will be favourites, Haaland will come more into it as he was anonymous tonight. But you're right, can't wright off Real at the moment.

 

[topspin]

Two quality goal, especially the KDB one

The game happened as I had expected, City dominating the ball but Real still finding a way to take the lead

And then it took a wonder strike from KDB to get them level otherwise they weren't scoring

Real will still go through, the pressure will be cranked up next week and Real will do what they do best

I know this is slightly off topic but can you see City dropping points to any of these games - Everton, Brentford and Brighton (all away)?

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

I think Man City will run riot at home, comfortable win. City are by far the superiour team.

They are the better team but I just never write off Real Madrid in this competition, the psychological impact they have on teams is massive

Last year they got through 3 games back to back where arguably they were the second best side for the majority of the tie

I think the game will go similar to this one, City will have lots of the ball and then they'll get picked off on the counter

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

I know this is slightly off topic but can you see City dropping points to any of these games - Everton, Brentford and Brighton (all away)?

A while back I had City to drop points to Brentford and Brighton

Didn't have Everton down as potential dropped points however they got a great result on Monday and they also got a point away to the Etihad so wouldn't rule out a draw in this

I know people are saying the title is over, if we had managed to beat or draw on Sunday then it would have been but I don't think it's over yet, still feel there is a twist still to come

 

[Firebat]

Real Madrid 1-1 Man City: Carlo Ancelotti argues Manchester City equaliser shouldn't have counted

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti said Manchester City's equaliser in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg should not have counted.

Ancelotti was not happy with the referee for failing to consult with VAR after City's goal because he felt Bernardo Silva took the ball over the touchline in the build-up to Kevin De Bruyne's stunning strike.

Referee Artur Soares Dias showed Ancelotti a yellow card for entering the field of play as he protested the goal and the Italian was still unhappy with the official after the game.

"The ball was off the pitch," Ancelotti said. "The technology said it. I don't understand why VAR didn't check it. The referee didn't pay attention to many things tonight."

Vinicius Jr had given Real Madrid the lead against the run of play with a thunderous effort before De Bruyne stepped up for his team to bring them level with an equally-impressive strike when the hosts were in charge.

Ancelotti's side had struggled to cope with City for the opening half-hour, but grew into the game after going ahead and looked the more threatening in the second half.

They now have to beat City at the Etihad, a feat only Brentford have achieved this season, to reach the final of the Champions League if they wish to avoid penalties.

Ancelotti, speaking to BT Sport, added: "A good game, an interesting game. Difficult for us in the first half, in the second half it was much better. They controlled possession in the first half but we were in a good control defensively and when we started to play the ball we created a lot of difficulties.

"You have to stay calm, you have to keep the position defensively, do not go crazy to press, stay there and play the low block, and when we had the opportunity we scored the first goal. [Vinicius Junior] is in a fantastic moment but the team played well.

"I am satisfied, with a good sensation about the game on Wednesday."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...nchester-city-equaliser-shouldnt-have-counted

 

[Amjid Javed]

Brilliant game between 2 best sides in Europe, 2 world class managers.

Look at how Real tactically adjusted to combat Man cit, that's what world class managers do. You adjust when required and show the opposition respect. Then you get clueless novices being dumb and trying to take on city playing same way.

At highest level you have to have more then just a plan A, was good seeing a tactical chess match type game last night

 

[MenInG]

Carlo Ancelotti was raging after Kevin De Bruyne got Man City’s equaliser and technology proved he had a point.

De Bruyne’s stunning strike cancelled out Vinicius Jr’s opener for Real Madrid to make the first leg of their Champions League semi-final 1-1.

As the City players were celebrating, there was a commotion on the touchline as Ancelotti and the Madrid staff remonstrated with the officials.

The Madrid boss received a yellow card and at the time it was not clear why he was so animated.

Speaking after the game, he revealed: “The ball was off the pitch. Technology said it and I don’t understand why VAR didn’t check it.

“The referee didn’t pay attention to many things tonight.”

Replays and new images showed why Ancelotti was so furious with the decision.

Bernardo Silva controlled the ball right in front of the Italian at the side of the Bernabeu pitch.

It was a tight call and neither the referee nor the assistant referee spotted it and played on.

Play carried on and City lost the ball before Eduardo Camavinga gave away possession in the next phase of play to allow De Bruyne to score.

This meant that VAR could not intervene because it was deemed that City’s attacking phase only began once Camavinga lost the ball.

Despite his anger, Ancelotti, was happy enough with his side’s performance and the state of the tie.

He said: “We have to play like this again next week. Our strategy was good, we weren’t worried when they had possession.

“Then the second half was completely different. We had the ball and created opportunities. We are very satisfied. “

TalkSport

 

[MenInG]

KICK-OFF
AC Milan 0-0 Inter Milan

The third Champions League semi-final derby ever begins.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Wow inter 2-0 up already and could have been 3 or 4

 

[MenInG]

HALF-TIME
AC Milan 0-2 Inter Milan

The half-time whistle goes. Milan will probably be happy enough to only be two goals down.

 

[Saj]

Inter Milan took a big step towards reaching the Champions League final as they beat their city rivals in a thrilling Milan derby at San Siro.

In a game that had been anticipated for weeks in Italy and was witnessed at the ground by a vocal and passionate 80,000-strong crowd, Inter made the perfect start when Edin Dzeko volleyed home in the eighth minute.

The goal silenced the Milan fans - the designated home side for this tie in the stadium the two sides share - as they significantly outnumbered the Inter supporters.

And the hosts were stunned further three minutes later when Henrikh Mkhitaryan swept a shot beyond Mike Maignan after being set up by Federico Dimarco.

Hakan Calhanoglu hit the woodwork as Inter threatened to get a third, but there was hope for AC Milan when referee Jesus Gil Manzano reversed a decision to award the visitors a penalty, deeming Lautaro Martinez to have dived after consulting the pitchside monitor.

Inter dropped their tempo in the second half as they looked to protect their two-goal advantage and it almost presented AC Milan with a lifeline as Sandro Tonali struck the post with a shot from the edge of the box.

But Inter held firm and are in a strong position to reach the final - where they will face either Manchester City or Real Madrid - when the two sides meet again at San Siro for the second leg on Tuesday, 16 May (20:00 BST).

 

[Firebat]

AC Milan can reach Champions League final - Pioli

AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli believes his side can reach the Champions League final, despite trailing Inter Milan 2-0 after the semi-final first leg.

The two teams play the second leg on Tuesday at the San Siro, with Inter the designated home team.

Goals from Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan gave Inter victory in Wednesday's first leg.

"We know we are starting with a disadvantage, but we also have the quality to overturn it," said Pioli.

"Now, more than ever, nobody thinks Milan can reach the final.

"We can play a great game and I know how strong my players are. We've made some mistakes, but the past is irrelevant.

"We have an important goal in mind - to win and qualify for the final, which nobody would have predicted, just as at the beginning of the year no-one would have predicted our presence in the semi-finals."

Seven-time European champions AC Milan might have Portugal winger Rafael Leao fit after the 23-year-old missed the first leg because of a thigh injury.

"He [Leao] is better, as are [midfielder Rade] Krunic and [winger Junior] Messias," added Pioli.

"If everything goes as it should, they will be available for the game."

Inter are third in Serie A, five points ahead of fifth-placed AC Milan, and trying to reach the final for the first time since they were crowned European champions in 2010.

"We know it's one of the most important games in Inter's history," said manager Simone Inzaghi.

"We have an advantage, deservedly so, but we won't just have to manage it. We'll have to play as Inter, knowing that we have a strong team in front of us.

"We're 90 minutes away from a dream, which I and these wonderful guys had.

"It will take a cool head and a warm heart. It's the only way for matches like this."

Forward Joaquin Correa, taken off at half-time during Inter's 4-2 win over Sassuolo on Saturday, might feature.

The second leg of the other semi-final takes place on Wednesday with Manchester City hosting Real Madrid after a 1-1 draw last week in Spain. The final will be played in Istanbul, Turkey on 10 June.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65602192

 

[MenInG]

KICK-OFF
Inter Milan 0-0 AC Milan (Agg: 2-0)

 

[Saj]

Inter Milan reached the Champions League final for the first time in 13 years as Lautaro Martinez's goal sealed victory over fierce rivals AC Milan at San Siro.

Three-time winners Inter, who led 2-0 after the first leg, will face either Manchester City or Real Madrid in Istanbul on 10 June after a disciplined second-leg display ensured their progress.

Heavily backed at a feverish San Siro as the designated home team, Inter were made to absorb early pressure as a determined start by Milan ensured the match began at a frenetic pace.

Theo Hernandez fired marginally over with a ferocious strike and Brahim Diaz was denied by Andre Onana as Stefano Pioli's side attempted to undo the damage done by conceding two goals inside 11 minutes last week.

The talented Rafael Leao, absent for Milan in the first leg because of a thigh injury, displayed flashes of inspiration on his return but shot agonisingly wide of the far post after driving in from the left.

Inter asserted themselves as the first half progressed and the tie would have been effectively over before the interval had it not been for Mike Maignan's stunning reaction save from Edin Dzeko's close-range header.

Inter had starved Milan of encouragement in a largely uneventful second half, before Martinez squeezed the ball under Maignan and into the bottom corner with 16 minutes remaining to send the Inter fans into raptures.

The full-time whistle was greeted by a deafening noise as Inter's first shot at Champions League glory since their 2010 success was confirmed.

 

[Firebat]

Wow, that was as dead a UCL semi you will see.

Seems like Man City vs Real tomorrow night is the real final.

 

[Kroll]

Wow, that was as dead a UCL semi you will see.

Seems like Man City vs Real tomorrow night is the real final.

AC were rank. Hoping for a better game tonight.

 

[msb314]

KICK-OFF
AC Milan 0-0 Inter Milan

The third Champions League semi-final derby ever begins.

Wow inter 2-0 up already and could have been 3 or 4

If I’m not mistaken - last week was the first time Inter had won a UCL SF away game in their history

 

[MenInG]

Team news - City unchanged from first leg

Man City v Real Madrid (Agg: 1-1, 20:00 BST)

Manchester City name the same starting XI that drew 1-1 at Real Madrid in the first leg.

That means Kevin de Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva and John Stones, who were all on the bench for Sunday's 3-0 win against Everton, return to the first XI.

Manchester City XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Dias, Akanji, Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Grealish, Haaland

Subs: Ortega Moreno, Carson, Phillips, Laporte, Alvarez, Gomez, Mahrez, Foden, Palmer, Lewis.

==

Antonio Rudiger, despite a good job of marking Erling Haaland in last week's first leg, starts on the bench for Real Madrid.

Eder Militao, suspended for the first leg, comes in at Rudiger's expense.

Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Camavinga, Valverde, Kroos, Modric, Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius.

Subs: Lunin, Vallejo, Nacho, Hazard, Asensio, Odriozola, Lucas, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Rudiger, Mendy, Mariano

 

[Kroll]

Madrid don't what's hit them, hanging on here. Still 0-0 though.

 

[Devadwal]

First half where City can win this game becouse when Real turn in 2nd half no one can stop them

 

[Kroll]

City take the lead, easy as you like.

GOAL -Man City 1-0 Real Madrid (Agg: 2-1)
Bernardo Silva

 

[Rajdeep]

Mesmerizing football from City.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Man city should actually be 4 or 4 nil up here already

 

[Kroll]

This relentless stuff from City, more than 30 mins gone and Real still haven't done anything of note.

Edit: Real hit the bar!

 

[Rajdeep]

Second goal from City

 

[Kroll]

GOAL -Man City 2-0 Real Madrid (Agg: 3-1)
Bernardo Silva again!

 

[Kroll]

Lets all take this moment to laugh at Real Madrid.

 

[Saj]

City all over Madrid.

2 0 already and it could be all over for the visitors.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Even when Haaland doesn't score, the rest of midfield Silva, gundogan etc.. always step up. No one is stopping city win the treble.

 

[KingKhanWC]

As expected, boys against men.

City team is far superiour, it could have been 5-0 by now.

Tie is over for me, just a matter of how many City can score.

 

[Rajdeep]

Even when Haaland doesn't score, the rest of midfield Silva, gundogan etc.. always step up. No one is stopping city win the treble.

I am new to football.

Treble meaning? Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup?

 

[Amjid Javed]

I am new to football.

Treble meaning? Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup?

Premier league, champions league and FA Cup

 

[Rajdeep]

Premier league, champions league and FA Cup

Got it, thanks

 

[Kroll]

To think some folk still thought Madrid could beat City because their CL history. But it was obvious Real are nowhere the side they were and City have hit top form.

Total dominance, well still 2nd half to go so could still end up with egg on my face.

 

[Kroll]

Not to state the obvious but if Real stand a chance, they will need to come out snapping at heals of City players, winning the ball and driving forward. They've just totally stood off them for the entire half.

At least make a game of it!

 

[KingKhanWC]

To think some folk still thought Madrid could beat City because their CL history. But it was obvious Real are nowhere the side they were and City have hit top form.

Total dominance, well still 2nd half to go so could still end up with egg on my face.

Unless there is a Red card for City, the dominance cannot be stopped by this Madrid team. They simply don't have the pace in midfield.

 

[Kroll]

GOAL - Man City 3-0 Real Madrid (Agg: 4-1)
Akanji

 

[KingKhanWC]

4-0

As expected, a walk in the park on a lovely spring evening in Manchester.

City havent played brilaintly but more than good enough for Real Madrid. How LFC lost to this RM team? We should have been playing in the semi final and it wouldnt have been so easy for City.

Istanbul is waiting for City v Inter.

 

[Kroll]

4-0

As expected, a walk in the park on a lovely spring evening in Manchester.

City havent played brilaintly but more than good enough for Real Madrid. How LFC lost to this RM team? We should have been playing in the semi final and it wouldnt have been so easy for City.

Istanbul is waiting for City v Inter.

Damn, had to nip out and missed the fourth.

 

[Saj]

Manchester City delivered a relentless performance laced with outstanding quality to overpower holders Real Madrid and reach the Champions League final against Inter Milan in Istanbul.

City have lost two previous semi-finals to Real but they made no mistake here at a joyous Etihad Stadium to now stand one step away from claiming the trophy that has always stayed tantalisingly out of reach for Pep Guardiola's team.

And their display in a magical first half, in particular, will live long in the memory as the masters of this tournament were left bewildered by City's brilliance.

It maintained a seemingly unstoppable march towards a treble of Champions League, Premier League - which can be won with victory at home to Chelsea on Sunday - and the FA Cup, where they play Manchester United in the final at Wembley.

Real keeper Thibaut Courtois performed heroics to save two Erling Haaland headers early in the first half but he was powerless to stop Bernardo Silva's close-range finish after 23 minutes, the Portugal midfielder scoring a looping header for the second eight minutes before half-time.

City faced the occasional threats from Real after the break, Ederson saving well from David Alaba and Karim Benzema, but they were no match and when Manuel Akanji's header deflected in off Eder Militao 14 minutes from time the celebrations started.

Substitute Julian Alvarez then wrapped up the dominant win with a late strike after latching onto a brilliant Phil Foden pass.

City will play Inter on 10 June as they look to win the Champions League for the first time.

 

[Saj]

Outclassed Madrid.

Much easier than I thought it would be.

What a team City are.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Damn, had to nip out and missed the fourth.

Icing on the cake.

The last World Cup winner, goes on to score the last goal to take City to the CL final.

Good luck Inter, you will need it all and more.

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=16]Amjid Javed[/MENTION] wants Ancelotti to replace Arteta )

His team looked worse than Arsenal at Etihad. Complete disaster-class by Ancelotti.

Benching Rudiger was a terrible call. He had Haaland in his pocket and Militao couldn’t cope with him at all.

Modric, Kroos, Carvajal and Benzema are finished. They couldn’t get anywhere near Barcelona in La Liga and have looked completely out of their depth against City in the CL.

Madrid should have been eliminated earlier but they have a psychological hold over Liverpool. They are scared of Madrid.

 

[KingKhanWC]

[MENTION=16]Amjid Javed[/MENTION] wants Ancelotti to replace Arteta )

His team looked worse than Arsenal at Etihad. Complete disaster-class by Ancelotti.

Benching Rudiger was a terrible call. He had Haaland in his pocket and Militao couldn’t cope with him at all.

Modric, Kroos, Carvajal and Benzema are finished. They couldn’t get anywhere near Barcelona in La Liga and have looked completely out of their depth against City in the CL.

Madrid should have been eliminated earlier but they have a psychological hold over Liverpool. They are scared of Madrid.

Karim was coming back from an injury, he wasnt fully fit.

Benching Rudiger was a huge mistake.

LFC arent fearful, Real were on fire and scored 3 from 3 shots which won the tie in the first leg.

Areteta couldn't beat Sporting Lisbon lol.

 

[Amjid Javed]

[MENTION=16]Amjid Javed[/MENTION] wants Ancelotti to replace Arteta )

His team looked worse than Arsenal at Etihad. Complete disaster-class by Ancelotti.

Benching Rudiger was a terrible call. He had Haaland in his pocket and Militao couldn’t cope with him at all.

Modric, Kroos, Carvajal and Benzema are finished. They couldn’t get anywhere near Barcelona in La Liga and have looked completely out of their depth against City in the CL.

Madrid should have been eliminated earlier but they have a psychological hold over Liverpool. They are scared of Madrid.

Arteta has lost every single league he's managed vs man city and looked clueless in every game.

Add to that Ancelloti won title and CL with Real last season, beat Man city. Yes this season Ancelloti has been below standards this season and Real will sack him thats what big clubs with accountability do

Your doing bhangra over Arteta making CL after 3.5 year, Arteta would be sacked within a season if they were stupid enough to make him manager.

Ancelloti has reached 5 CL finals. Arteta has been made to look a clown 3 times in the europa league.

The fact your laughing at Ancelloti and dancing over Arteta shows your don't know what your talking about.

As far as Real go yes modric, Kronos can't run any more and are done.

That's why they have camavinga, touchemeni and will sign Bellingham. So long term they will have a quality midfield.

Real will eventually replace benzema with a marquee signing.

Arsenal will be in pot 3 seedings in CL and will get usual CL humiliation next season and you will have new excuses for Arteta

 

[Amjid Javed]

Karim was coming back from an injury, he wasnt fully fit.

Benching Rudiger was a huge mistake.

LFC arent fearful, Real were on fire and scored 3 from 3 shots which won the tie in the first leg.

Areteta couldn't beat Sporting Lisbon lol.

Lisbon was Artetas 3rd school boy manager lesson in EL. Even Emery made him look like a cone distributier in the EL.

 

[Mamoon]

Arteta has lost every single league he's managed vs man city and looked clueless in every game.

Add to that Ancelloti won title and CL with Real last season, beat Man city. Yes this season Ancelloti has been below standards this season and Real will sack him thats what big clubs with accountability do

Your doing bhangra over Arteta making CL after 3.5 year, Arteta would be sacked within a season if they were stupid enough to make him manager.

Ancelloti has reached 5 CL finals. Arteta has been made to look a clown 3 times in the europa league.

The fact your laughing at Ancelloti and dancing over Arteta shows your don't know what your talking about.

As far as Real go yes modric, Kronos can't run any more and are done.

That's why they have camavinga, touchemeni and will sign Bellingham. So long term they will have a quality midfield.

Real will eventually replace benzema with a marquee signing.

Arsenal will be in pot 3 seedings in CL and will get usual CL humiliation next season and you will have new excuses for Arteta

Ancelotti has only won 5 league titles in 20 seasons and apart from a brief period where he coached Napoli and Everton, he has consistently coached the richest and most powerful clubs in Europe.

That is an embarrassing record for a so-called elite coach who should have won at least twice as many league title in this period.

Give Arteta the resources Ancelotti has had over the last 20 years and he will win at least 10 league titles. Ancelotti is a rich man’s Benitez. A cup manager.

He is good in knockout scenarios but he is clueless when it comes to dominating league football.

Ancelotti might win Arsenal an FA Cup or the Europa but would scrape to a 4th/5th position in the league and I don’t think any Arsenal fan would want that.

If Arsenal had Ancelotti this season, there is no way they would have challenged City all the way for the title.

Ancelotti is washed up. He is a dinosaur. A 2000s manager who has no fresh tactics and ideas. Only a fool would want Ancelotti to replace a modern, vibrant manager like Arteta in 2023.

It is not 2013 or 2003 anymore. No one wants managers like Ancelotti these days. If he gets the sack by Madrid, there is no way a top club will give him a chance at this stage of his career.

 

[shaz619]

City winning the CL will be routine stuff, seeing Inter Milan in the final, it got me thinking about the greatest wins in CL history.

For me it’s out of Porto and Inter Milan in 2010, what do you guys think?

 

[MenInG]

Manchester City are "ready" to pass their last "exam" in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, says midfielder Rodri.

Following Saturday's FA Cup final victory against rivals Manchester United, Pep Guardiola's Premier League champions are now just one win away from completing the Treble.

After weeks of evading questions about that possibility, insisting it was all about the next game, emulating the Red Devils in 1999 by becoming the second English side to win all three major trophies in a single season is all that is left.

Before the players' private celebration party and flight back to Manchester, where they were greeted on the tarmac by Elton John, they passed through the interview area at Wembley. Speaking to them, it was like a dam had burst.

"Pep said you will not be 'big, big' if you don't win in Europe," said Rodri. "It's the exam we have to pass again.

"It's another final and we are ready. I'm going to push the guys to be ourselves, be confident, try our best and fight for the final."
Living up to their tag as heavy favourites by beating Inter in Istanbul would complete the European odyssey that has been the dream of the Abu Dhabi-based owners since they bought City in 2008.

Rodri says the game-by-game mentality is real - but, with just one match left of what promises to be an extraordinary campaign, the sole focus is Inter.

"We have not been focusing on it too much but of course it is there, something we dream about," he added. "Inter are a tough team, with five at the back.

"They are in the final too."

City, clearly, will respect their opponents. However, beyond the stereotypical Italian defensive solidity, the obvious threat posed by Romelu Lukaku if he is on form and the inconsistent scheming of Lautaro Martinez, it is hard to make a case for Inter claiming a fourth European title.

Too many of Guardiola's players are on form for anyone to truly believe they will fail.

Captain Ilkay Gundogan is in the form of his life, while Rodri has been so good Kalvin Phillips has hardly had a chance to impose himself at City even though the club spent £45m on the England man in the summer.

'We have tried to learn a lot from the past'
When asked whether he has ever played better, Spain international Rodri, 26, said: "In my opinion, no.

"I feel in the best moment - physically, mentally, the way I understand the game.

"I have tried to grow and learn. This is my fourth year and there have been lots of lessons. I feel more mature.

"But you have to win. It's not only about playing well, it is about being part of a winning team."

One of the lessons Guardiola will surely have learned is to not leave Rodri out of his staring line-up next weekend - as he did in 2021, when he inexplicably did not start him or Fernandinho in the final against Chelsea, when City were dominated by Thomas Tuchel's side.

Rodri feels the omens are good given the way City dominated Real Madrid in the second leg of this season's semi-final after failing against the same opposition at the same stage of last season's competition.

"We have tried to learn a lot from the past," he said. "We try to solve the situations, as we did with the way we played against Real Madrid.

"The conviction is there always. Now it's one game."

BBC