UEFA Champions League 2019 semi-final: Liverpool vs Barcelona. Who will win?

[Muhammad10]

Messi out of his comfort zone - and we can see what he is capable of. Point to ponder.

He was their only real attacking force out there. Do you want him to play in defence also?

 

[KingKhanWC]

We are Liverpool ️

 

[MMHS]

Congrats to every Liverpool fan and commiserations to every burning heart ....

This is Liverpool, the greatest club on earth with the love of it's die hard fans, who are not plastic - 29 years and counting and we'll count 290 years if required, still we'll never walk alone - that's why we are Liverpool fan.

On a side note - if Virgil doesn't win Ballon D Oorr this year, the whoever wins should hide his face in shame.

#A Tribute to Anfield Night

 

[MMHS]

He was their only real attacking force out there. Do you want him to play in defence also?

No, Barca needed 1 goal in 90 minutes - that would have covered for 4 goals. Life is difficult bro, when you have to play outside a better version of Scottish league, where for 36 games, you play will 11 players and 3 guards.

No credit taken away from Messi, one of the greatest Club footballers ever; but his resume will always be incomplete for a reason.

 

[Muhammad10]

No, Barca needed 1 goal in 90 minutes - that would have covered for 4 goals. Life is difficult bro, when you have to play outside a better version of Scottish league, where for 36 games, you play will 11 players and 3 guards.

No credit taken away from Messi, one of the greatest Club footballers ever; but his resume will always be incomplete for a reason.

What was your excuse when he destroyed this same Liverpool side just one match ago? So three goals including a stunning free kick are not enough because Liverpool destroy his team's defence, yet it's somehow the only real performer in the team's fault. How many times in recent years have Real Madrid or Juventus bottled a three-goal lead?

 

[WC-Passion]

Insane performance from Liverpool. I'm not a fan personally, but as a neutral it's quite crazy how much faith I always feel I have in them to pull something off. No matter how good Messi is, I always knew Liverpool would be a massive challenge for them. Anfield shows no mercy for any team who goes there. I'm still confused how people were saying Barcelona were going to win the UCL before both games. This is a team that has lost 3-0 to Roma + Juventus and 4-0 to PSG away from home. Congratulations to all Liverpool fans, though I'm only supporting you lot if the **** make it to the final...

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We score, Liverpool need FIVE - and we're going to get at least one... agreed?<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFCBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFCBarça</a> (1-0, agg 1-3) <a href="https://t.co/MX2fCNPynn">pic.twitter.com/MX2fCNPynn</a></p>— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1125847287203287041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This didn't age well

 

[MMHS]

What was your excuse when he destroyed this same Liverpool side just one match ago? So three goals including a stunning free kick are not enough because Liverpool destroy his team's defence, yet it's somehow the only real performer in the team's fault. How many times in recent years have Real Madrid or Juventus bottled a three-goal lead?

I am not saying it's his fault, but in double league cup ties, that defense excuse doesn't work. I can explain how & why, but today isn't the time - Soccer Gods will curse Liverpool fans.

And, please for once accept that, he hasn't won anything out side that Barca team in Spain and in Europe without that golden generation. And, nothing for Argentina as well ..... no comparison, but when someone wins Leagues in Portugal, England, Spain & Italy + an EURO, his fans will poke at Messi and Messi's fans (I myself one) will have to keep low profile.

 

[Muhammad10]

I am not saying it's his fault, but in double league cup ties, that defense excuse doesn't work. I can explain how & why, but today isn't the time - Soccer Gods will curse Liverpool fans.

And, please for once accept that, he hasn't won anything out side that Barca team in Spain and in Europe without that golden generation. And, nothing for Argentina as well ..... no comparison, but when someone wins Leagues in Portugal, England, Spain & Italy + an EURO, his fans will poke at Messi and Messi's fans (I myself one) will have to keep low profile.

If he would flop outside LaLiga, especially in the "toughest" Premier League, why has he battered English clubs like ragdolls in the UCL throughout his career?

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alexander-Arnold, 20 years old. People will tell me it’s bad defending, I’m telling you it’s pure intelligence and vision.</p>— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) <a href="https://twitter.com/cesc4official/status/1125864101803118592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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[WC-Passion]

I am not saying it's his fault, but in double league cup ties, that defense excuse doesn't work. I can explain how & why, but today isn't the time - Soccer Gods will curse Liverpool fans.

And, please for once accept that, he hasn't won anything out side that Barca team in Spain and in Europe without that golden generation. And, nothing for Argentina as well ..... no comparison, but when someone wins Leagues in Portugal, England, Spain & Italy + an EURO, his fans will poke at Messi and Messi's fans (I myself one) will have to keep low profile.

Messi is easily better than Ronaldo and I believe he has a better record vs the top 6 than Ronaldo did. This isn't even an argument.

 

[MMHS]

If he would flop outside LaLiga, especially in the "toughest" Premier League, why has he battered English clubs like ragdolls in the UCL throughout his career?

Not throughout his career to be honest....

EPL is toughest league because you don't get soft games here, you don't get backing from referees here and you don't get winter break here. Add to that only in ENG they play 3 domestic tournaments ... and the ground condition is easily worse than Spain or Italy.

He is a brilliant ball player and on head to heads with that Barca generation around him dominated EPL clubs. Make him play every week twice against Sam Alardyce, Toni Pulis and Steve Bruce's clubs without the referees protecting his sheen, by 2nd half or 2nd season you would have seen his ball play in EPL.

I don't understand I myself being a Barca fan, had to explain it so many times that Spain is the best place for ball players and Messi is among the best ever ball players - he is the ultimate player for Spain, but EPL is a different place where he never played. Would he been successful in EPL - definitely; but at a major cost - I don't see him surviving more that 25 games in an EPL season.

 

[IAJ]

Not throughout his career to be honest....

EPL is toughest league because you don't get soft games here, you don't get backing from referees here and you don't get winter break here. Add to that only in ENG they play 3 domestic tournaments ... and the ground condition is easily worse than Spain or Italy.

He is a brilliant ball player and on head to heads with that Barca generation around him dominated EPL clubs. Make him play every week twice against Sam Alardyce, Toni Pulis and Steve Bruce's clubs without the referees protecting his sheen, by 2nd half or 2nd season you would have seen his ball play in EPL.

I don't understand I myself being a Barca fan, had to explain it so many times that Spain is the best place for ball players and Messi is among the best ever ball players - he is the ultimate player for Spain, but EPL is a different place where he never played. Would he been successful in EPL - definitely; but at a major cost - I don't see him surviving more that 25 games in an EPL season.

Bro, stick to cricket, you are just spouting rubbish here I am afraid. This play in EPL and show what you are made of is just ‘bahana’ trying to down grade players who has not played in EPL. Messi has treated english clubs like kindergarden kids. To show his greatness he doesn’t need to suffer through 40+ EPL matches year in year out. That is not how it works. You take the best teams in Eng and play against him and he seems to be at another level. Let the players who play like David Batty, Winnie Jones, Tony Adams etc show their muscles in England.

 

[MMHS]

Bro, stick to cricket, you are just spouting rubbish here I am afraid. This play in EPL and show what you are made of is just ‘bahana’ trying to down grade players who has not played in EPL. Messi has treated english clubs like kindergarden kids. To show his greatness he doesn’t need to suffer through 40+ EPL matches year in year out. That is not how it works. You take the best teams in Eng and play against him and he seems to be at another level. Let the players who play like David Batty, Winnie Jones, Tony Adams etc show their muscles in England.

Still, .............. hasn't won anything outside Barca ..... I am actually not putting any "Bahana", I am telling fact - in cricket, there is a term "Home Track Bully", but that's probably not applicable in soccer.

 

[IAJ]

There was never much of a doubt. Klopp is just hot air. Congratulations on another trophy-less season with the most expensive GK, CB, Salah and Mane.

This doesn’t look so clever in hindsight?

I thought also it will be tough for Liverpool to get to Finals but you really deserve a pie for this one.

 

[Big Mac]

Very poor behaviour on that winning goal from Liverpool, very unsporting. They should have at least given Barcelona a warning before taking that corner when they weren't looking.

Whatever happened to the Spirit of Football? Klopp should have withdrawn that goal, very sad to see such behaviour.

Spoiler

 

[PakLFC]

Told you boys that if anyone can do it then Liverpool can. The Anfield atmosphere is so very intimidating for the opposition with all that shouting, screaming and those flags hanging in the wind. We got the early goal needed making it a possibility going in to the second half. Alisson saved us many times as well but you'd need that when trying to chase the game like we were doing. Origi was splendid so much that he should be handed another contract, he makes an impact whenever he plays unlike Sturridge who again did nothing. Clever corner by Trent for the fourth goal making complete donkey's of the vulnerable Barcelona defense with their boys hoping against hope that the goal will be disallowed for some silly reason. Was great to see the look on Suarez's face at full time where as Coutinho on his return was again substituted, total humiliation for being substituted then his side losing the tie. So lboth them boy's enjoy your trip back home with eggs on your face, both of them can get out of Anfield with their tail between their legs. Remember we were without Salah, Keita, Ox and Firmino.

 

[PakLFC]

Remember what this Barcelona side did to Man Utd in the last round

 

[Kianig89]

Amazing turnaround #Messi destined for UCL )

 

[iPakistani]

He was their only real attacking force out there. Do you want him to play in defence also?

Fact of the matter is in big games when his team needs him to step up he drops into midfield to create chances instead of play where he normally does. Unlike a certain Portuguese fella who steps up clutch and takes his team to trophies.

 

[90MPH]

One of the greatest football matches I have seen.

 

[Abdullah]

There is nobody more desperate than me for a Barca win here, but I have my doubts about Messi grabbing this by the ***** and getting it done.
I will be thrilled if he does it, but he hasn't done it in the CL against a big club for 3 years.

There was never much of a doubt. Klopp is just hot air. Congratulations on another trophy-less season with the most expensive GK, CB, Salah and Mane.

Never doubt the GOAT. This game was invented for Messi. The Prince that was Promised.

Liverpool desperately unfortunate.
Was all about superior finishing

He didn't do enough ultimately- and my fears come to fruition!
One awesome free kick in 180 minutes of football and 1 key pass to the donkey dembele!
And klopp is not hot air. Hoping he fails in another final- but this is his team now and they are better than the oppo, so the chances are less

 

[GenericBrand]

Hahahaha did not expect Barca to blow it again...they are becoming a meme team now.

Juventus, Roma and now Liverpool )

 

[The Viper]

I don't buy the argument that Messi would find it tough in the prem. Look at his record vs Premier league clubs. Then you have to think that somebody like Hazard, whose game is based on dribbling, has succeed in Prem. Messi would have no problems.

 

[in_cutter]

Barcelona FC experienced Anfield.

No shame in losing there.

 

[KingKhanWC]

After watching it all again it was a near perfect performance as you will ever see chasing the game . Every player was 10/10 !

 

[Ronaldo7]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]
GOAT [MENTION=149383]Ronaldo7[/MENTION]

 

[shebimalik]

not throughout his career to be honest....

Epl is toughest league because you don't get soft games here.
Gap between 2nd placed liverpool and 3rd placed chelsea is 23 points, lol at toughest league.

He is a brilliant ball player and on head to heads with that barca generation around him dominated epl clubs.
He has dominated epl clubs in this ucl without golden barca generation. Scoring 6 goals against spurs,man utd and liverpool.

.[/quote]

 

[Bangladesh_Fan]

I don't buy the argument that Messi would find it tough in the prem. Look at his record vs Premier league clubs. Then you have to think that somebody like Hazard, whose game is based on dribbling, has succeed in Prem. Messi would have no problems.

The huge pitch size of Nou Camp gives him lot of spaces and gaps to manoeuvre I noticed. It will be interesting to see how Messi does in Premier League , I hope he forces a move and proves himself abroad like Ronaldo, it's getting stale seeing him in Barcelona for so many years. But can't see him moving unfortunately.

 

[LongHorn]

He is a brilliant ball player and on head to heads with that Barca generation around him dominated EPL clubs. Make him play every week twice against Sam Alardyce, Toni Pulis and Steve Bruce's clubs without the referees protecting his sheen, by 2nd half or 2nd season you would have seen his ball play in EPL.
.

That would have been true in 90s, but not anymore.

We used to hear from think minded British minded pundits on how "soft' skilled Latino players would never succeed in the tough PL, but Aguero for one has put that belief to rest.

 

[LongHorn]

Very poor behaviour on that winning goal from Liverpool, very unsporting. They should have at least given Barcelona a warning before taking that corner when they weren't looking.
[/SPOILER]

I knew you are joking, but if a Spanish or Italian team had done something similar against an English club, you would hear again and again about the unsportsmanlike behavior

 

[Mamoon]

We are Liverpool ️

Congratulations. In all honestly, I am actually really happy for every Liverpool fan. This cannot be put into words, and you have to be a Liverpool fan to truly experience what happened last night.

 

[Mamoon]

As usual, knives are out for Messi. What more do you expect him to do?

He did the job at home and setup Dembele for a tap-in who messed it up to make it 4-0.

Last night, he was the only attacking threat but Coutinho and Suarez missed chances.

At times, you have to give credit to the opposition and not criticize players. Liverpool played the game of their lives and played with unbelievable heart and soul.

You could have put together the greatest XI of all time and they would have devoured them.

Messi is the GOAT and it is not up for debate.

 

[Mamoon]

Valverde is also done at Barcelona. The fans didn’t like him because of his conservative approach but now they are also questioning his mentality. His team has surrendered a first leg lead for the second time in two years.

They are also not putting stock in the league win this year because Madrid have been out of sorts.

Barcelona need a coach with some big club experience. Valverde has spent his career managing at the level of Bilbao, Olympiacos, Villarreal, Espanyol etc. He doesn’t seem prepared for this level.

 

[uberkoen]

I absolutely love this team and I feel sorry for people who don't support Liverpool because they miss out on the highs this team just keeps on giving!

 

[topspin]

As usual, knives are out for Messi. What more do you expect him to do?

He did the job at home and setup Dembele for a tap-in who messed it up to make it 4-0.

Last night, he was the only attacking threat but Coutinho and Suarez missed chances.

At times, you have to give credit to the opposition and not criticize players. Liverpool played the game of their lives and played with unbelievable heart and soul.

You could have put together the greatest XI of all time and they would have devoured them.

Messi is the GOAT and it is not up for debate.

I agree Messi is the GOAT but who should get the ballon d'or? Lets assume hypothetically Liverpool go on to win the UCL and Man City win the title, who wins the award if you had to pick a winner today?

 

[topspin]

From an Arsenal fan - congrats to every Liverpool fan - richly deserved! It's the best come back I've seen since 2005 UCL final, which was also from Liverpool in one of the greatest matches of all time.

 

[hadi123]

What a match yesterday. NGL, I was so sure that Barca had it wrapped up that I wasn't even sure if I was gonna watch the game, but I had nothing better to do so watched it anyway. I can't believe Liverpool actually pulled it off. I guess fair play to them, as they were good in the 1st leg as well and a 3-0 scoreline was flattering for Barcelona. Honestly, this was incredible. Must have been an unreal experience for the Liverpool fans

 

[Muhammad10]

Fact of the matter is in big games when his team needs him to step up he drops into midfield to create chances instead of play where he normally does. Unlike a certain Portuguese fella who steps up clutch and takes his team to trophies.

The stats clearly show that the burden of chance creation and scoring is mainly shouldered by Messi in this Barca side. He can't very well go and wait in the box for tap ins, when he himself is his team's main source of chance creation.

 

[Muhammad10]

Allison was also brilliant yesterday. Credit to Liverpool for sorting out the weaknesses that cost them dearly last year.

 

[PakLFC]

Stop Messi and you take half of Barca's strength away. Suarez is okay but not the same he was at Liverpool, the rest are nothing special. Coutinho will not be there for long either.

 

[Abdullah719]

Lionel Messi broke down in tears in Barcelona’s Anfield dressing room

Lionel Messi broke down in tears after his dream of winning the Champions League for a fifth time with Barcelona collapsed against Liverpool.

The Argentina international was inconsolable in the Barcelona dressing room following the 4-0 defeat at Anfield, where the Spanish champions were on the receiving end of an incredible comeback in Europe for the second season running, having won the first leg 3-0 at the Camp Nou. Last season in the quarter-finals Barça beat Roma 4-1 at home but collapsed in the away leg to lose 3-0 in Rome and go out on away goals.

Messi was then selected for a drugs test by anti-doping officials and the team coach departed for Liverpool John Lennon Airport without him as a consequence.

Reports in the Spanish media have claimed that, on his eventual arrival at the airport, Messi was involved in an angry confrontation with a group of Barcelona supporters furious at their team’s latest collapse in the Champions League.

Barcelona’s president, Josep Bartomeu, described the defeat as a “disastrous night” for the club and the manager, Ernesto Valverde, accepted questions would be asked of his future following another European failure.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/may/08/lionel-messi-tears-barcelona-liverpool-anfield

 

[MMHS]

Lionel Messi broke down in tears in Barcelona’s Anfield dressing room

Lionel Messi broke down in tears after his dream of winning the Champions League for a fifth time with Barcelona collapsed against Liverpool.

The Argentina international was inconsolable in the Barcelona dressing room following the 4-0 defeat at Anfield, where the Spanish champions were on the receiving end of an incredible comeback in Europe for the second season running, having won the first leg 3-0 at the Camp Nou. Last season in the quarter-finals Barça beat Roma 4-1 at home but collapsed in the away leg to lose 3-0 in Rome and go out on away goals.

Messi was then selected for a drugs test by anti-doping officials and the team coach departed for Liverpool John Lennon Airport without him as a consequence.

Reports in the Spanish media have claimed that, on his eventual arrival at the airport, Messi was involved in an angry confrontation with a group of Barcelona supporters furious at their team’s latest collapse in the Champions League.

Barcelona’s president, Josep Bartomeu, described the defeat as a “disastrous night” for the club and the manager, Ernesto Valverde, accepted questions would be asked of his future following another European failure.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/may/08/lionel-messi-tears-barcelona-liverpool-anfield

Every bit of sympathy for him - a true muqaddar ka sikkander. He did enough in one game to win the tie, but soccer wanted LFC in final. Also, overall in 2 legs, I think Liverpool was far better team - it would have been injustice had we missed it; at Camp Nu, we didn't deserve to loose 0-3 after dominating Barca in 2nd half. It was sweeter for me (& LFC Fans) because of Suarez & Coutinho - players snatched from us.

Barca's biggest problem is their manager - this guy is not capable to manage a top dog, his level is to drive a budget team for a Europa spot may be. Mou is free, but they won't hire a former Real boss; Rafa can go, but he is also a Real home boy .... and I hope our Yanks won't sell Klopp this time. My hunch is, it might be Pochhetino, or the Ajax boss Erik ten Hag (Simione won't change club if he stays in Spain). Had he been 5 years younger, Arsene would have been perfect.

 

[MMHS]

I knew you are joking, but if a Spanish or Italian team had done something similar against an English club, you would hear again and again about the unsportsmanlike behavior

That's a bit unfair for British media- and I am a harsh critic of British elite mentality in sports, their hit & run soccer game, their cricket. In soccer, England and English clubs had been at the harshest receiving end from both FIFA & UEFA time and again - part of the reason is that the Brit hooligans, but there had been a collective witch hunt against English teams at every level time and again. We have to admit that England plays the game (both cricket & soccer) the fairest way and the best referees/home umpiring in world are English.

To my memory, only one major dubious call that went in favor for English team was 1966 WC, (Hunt's goal), and ENG won that Final by clear margin of 4-2. I have seen the QF of 1990 WC - Cameroon was lucky to end that game with 11 men. I see most Bangladeshis cursing FIFA for that QF, but same people called entire family names of same Cameroon players when they hammered Argentina 3 weeks back. On contrary, England has suffered in 1986, in 1998 (Beckham's red card), in EURO 2004 (Rooney's red card), and British clubs have suffered most in Europe - no, I am not talking about last ECL final. Every English club was thrown out of Europe for 5 years (Liverpool for 7), because of crowd disturbance at Brussels, but Belgium was awarded EURO 2000 hosting right despite failing to manage crowd disturbance in that game.

British media over hypes their star players out of proportion - for that they get enough sticks even from their own people as well, but British media is the fairest when it comes to match report or as such .... just try some Italian, Spanish, French or US media, you should realize how fair British media is.

 

[Kianig89]

A glimpse how Messi would go ona snowy tuesday night at Stoke

 

[PakLFC]

The way Barca play they'll always be defensively vulnerable. Great going forward at home but they leave massive gaps at the back when away that can be exploited by a team like Liverpool who are deadly on the counter attack. Barca were so lucky to win 3-0 at home a week back a match that Liverpool dominated. Barca thought all they had to do was turn up on the night, walk around arrogantly then return home waiting to win the final. The happiest team will be Real Madrid here, they'd hate to see Barca win the tournament in their back yard. It is only justice with Liverpool going through here making fools of Suarez and in particular £146 million man Coutinho. Messi probably broke down seeing how he is always made to carry the entire team like a donkey!!

 

[Mamoon]

I agree Messi is the GOAT but who should get the ballon d'or? Lets assume hypothetically Liverpool go on to win the UCL and Man City win the title, who wins the award if you had to pick a winner today?

If Liverpool win the final, Salah might get the nod over Messi.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Congratulations. In all honestly, I am actually really happy for every Liverpool fan. This cannot be put into words, and you have to be a Liverpool fan to truly experience what happened last night.

Thanks.

I really wanted to be at Anfield but Ramadan has started. If you ever get the chance to watch a game of football at Anfield take the chance. It's not a fortress only because Liverpool are a good team but the atmosphere is second to none.

I always felt we have a chance to pull this off if we can go into half time with 1 or 2 goals up. The opposition team esp a Spanish team will not have faced such noise and it did get to them.

Ajax or Spurs will not be easy but it will be very dissapointing if we dont bring the cup home this year.

 

[Mamoon]

Thanks.

I really wanted to be at Anfield but Ramadan has started. If you ever get the chance to watch a game of football at Anfield take the chance. It's not a fortress only because Liverpool are a good team but the atmosphere is second to none.

I always felt we have a chance to pull this off if we can go into half time with 1 or 2 goals up. The opposition team esp a Spanish team will not have faced such noise and it did get to them.

Ajax or Spurs will not be easy but it will be very dissapointing if we dont bring the cup home this year.

Watching at Anfield must be a riveting experience. Thankfully the plans of moving to Stanley Park have been ditched - it is not possible to recreate the atmosphere and emotions of Anfield in a new stadium.

 

[Markhor]

Watching at Anfield must be a riveting experience. Thankfully the plans of moving to Stanley Park have been ditched - it is not possible to recreate the atmosphere and emotions of Anfield in a new stadium.

Should have seen the old standing Kop - the atmosphere at Anfield was even more intimidating for the opposition seeing this wall of humanity.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XNboU_PbZMY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Anfield has an aura that can't be replicated elsewhere, thanks to countless memorable European nights - Inter 1965, St Etienne 1977, Auxerre 1992, Juventus, Olympiakos and Chelsea 2005, Arsenal 2008 etc. Some fans are so fanatical they've requested their ashes to be scattered on the Anfield turf after they die. If football is a religion on Merseyside, Anfield is the church.

 

[Mamoon]

Should have seen the old standing Kop - the atmosphere at Anfield was even more intimidating for the opposition seeing this wall of humanity.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XNboU_PbZMY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Anfield has an aura that can't be replicated elsewhere, thanks to countless memorable European nights - Inter 1965, St Etienne 1977, Auxerre 1992, Juventus, Olympiakos and Chelsea 2005, Arsenal 2008 etc. Some fans are so fanatical they've requested their ashes to be scattered on the Anfield turf after they die. If football is a religion on Merseyside, Anfield is the church.

Thanks for sharing. Truly a glorious stadium. It is fascinating to think that Liverpool may not even have existed if Everton didn’t have a row with the owner of Anfield.

 

[Muhammad10]

If Liverpool win the final, Salah might get the nod over Messi.

I think Van Dijk is probably more deserving than Salah. Salah has had a pretty good season but hasn't been great like he was last year.

 

[Mamoon]

I think Van Dijk is probably more deserving than Salah. Salah has had a pretty good season but hasn't been great like he was last year.

About time a defender wins the Ballon d’Or.

 

[Hasan123]

Fact of the matter is in big games when his team needs him to step up he drops into midfield to create chances instead of play where he normally does. Unlike a certain Portuguese fella who steps up clutch and takes his team to trophies.

Messi has scored in champions league semi finals and finals LOL. How is that not stepping up?

 

[iPakistani]

Messi has scored in champions league semi finals and finals LOL. How is that not stepping up?

No one has had more CL knockout goals than CR7 since 2011. This was the first season where he didn't have the most. Messi struggled in the World cup 2014 knockout stages, failed world cup 2010, failed copa america, failed UCL past 2 years and countless other times.

 

[Abdullah719]

Liverpool vs Barcelona: The ball boy who helped Reds complete a Champions League miracle

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been hailed as a genius for the quick corner kick that led to Liverpool’s fourth and deciding goal last night. Yet to begin to understand the pursuit of impossible it is best to start with the instructions and the even spread of information.

Liverpool’s match analysts had noticed last week in the Camp Nou how Barcelona’s players moaned and became distracted whenever a free-kick or a throw-in was awarded against them, even if the decision was blatantly the correct one. This made Jurgen Klopp recognise the possibilities. And so, he filtered a message through the club. It proves that he certainly had not given up – that Liverpool’s recovery was not purely borne out of adrenaline and special oils. His belief was not blind. It translated into plans and schemes.

Carl Lancaster is a coaching mentor at the club’s academy in Kirkby and amongst his responsibilities is the co-ordination of ball boys. He had told them to serve Liverpool’s players as swiftly as possible on Tuesday morning. Oakley Cannonier did not forget and with eleven minutes to go, he fed Alexander-Arnold while Barcelona’s defence fidgeted amongst themselves 20-yards away. It seemed astonishing they were blissfully unaware of what might happen considering Liverpool had already shown their bulldozing intent.

Cannonier is a 14-year-old originally from Leeds who sometimes trains with two age groups above his natural level. Whatever happens in his career or life from here, he will remember his role in arguably the most remarkable victory in Liverpool’s entire history, where Klopp’s team proved their capacity to reduce the immortal to inconsolable wrecks and men of granite to goo.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport...k-origi-goal-ball-boy-ucl-video-a8904461.html

 

[MMHS]

[MENTION=139944]shebimalik[/MENTION]

By the end of tomorrow, most likely you'll see 4 EPL teams in 2 EURO finals - and none of these 4 will win this years EPL, didn't finish in top 2 last year either .... that's why it's the toughest league. 23 points gap could be for another reason - Liverpool (& MCity) are that good from the rest of the pack ... a pack that has 1 CL finalist and possible 2 EUROPA finalists as well.

MCity & Liverpool will end up with 100+ points each in La Liga and in a 40 team combined league with 20 to get relegated, at least 15 will be from La Liga - but Barca, Real will end in top 5 for sure - that's why it's easy there for players playing for top 3-4 clubs....... but you don't need to believe these, I can't prove.

 

[Hasan123]

No one has had more CL knockout goals than CR7 since 2011. This was the first season where he didn't have the most. Messi struggled in the World cup 2014 knockout stages, failed world cup 2010, failed copa america, failed UCL past 2 years and countless other times.

Ronaldo has failed at most international tournaments as well. But let's not talk about that.

 

[MMHS]

This thread aged beautifully- now It can go back to it's origin with Messi winning his 6th BdO for winning the ultimate trophy in a two horse race - that too one horse limping.

 

[Muhammad10]

This thread aged beautifully- now It can go back to it's origin with Messi winning his 6th BdO for winning the ultimate trophy in a two horse race - that too one horse limping.

Messi should win it based on individual performance throughout the season from an objective viewpoint, however, the Ballon d'Or seems to have become a team performance-based award with the bizarre crowning of Modric ahead of more deserving players, hence Messi might miss out. Van Dijk's outstanding performances definitely mean he deserves it if he wins, though, unlike Modric.

 

[iPakistani]

Ronaldo has failed at most international tournaments as well. But let's not talk about that.

Which tournament? Ronaldo has an international trophy, Messi doesnt? Messi flopped back to back Copa America finals in 2015/16. Ronaldo has outscored Messi in the 2010 world cup and the 2018 world cup.

 

[Mamoon]

Which tournament? Ronaldo has an international trophy, Messi doesnt? Messi flopped back to back Copa America finals in 2015/16. Ronaldo has outscored Messi in the 2010 world cup and the 2018 world cup.

Compared to Messi, Ronaldo has no World Cup legacy at all. Messi won the Golden Ball in the 2014 World Cup which is something Ronaldo has not even come close to achieving. Speaking of outscoring Messi, Ronaldo has 7 goals and 2 assists in World Cups while Messi has 6 goals and 5 assists.

Furthermore, Messi also won the best player of the tournament award in Copa America 2015, which again is something that Ronaldo has not come close to achieving in Euro's.

When Eder scored that fluke goal against France in Euro 2016 Final, Ronaldo wasn't even on the pitch. He simply got lucky to be on the winning side. On the other hand, Higuain's catastrophic misses has cost Messi at least 3 international titles.

At both club and international level, Messi is simply a superior player.

 

[anikrc1]

No, Barca needed 1 goal in 90 minutes - that would have covered for 4 goals. Life is difficult bro, when you have to play outside a better version of Scottish league, where for 36 games, you play will 11 players and 3 guards.

No credit taken away from Messi, one of the greatest Club footballers ever; but his resume will always be incomplete for a reason.

Do you even watch LA liga regularly? I mean I get that epl has been successful this season. But are you forgetting Seville beating Liverpool in Europa final or beating man u last year? Just look at the h2h between epl teams and la liga teams in last 7 -8 years. If you want you can even discount real and Barça matches. And LA liga will still come out on top. As for physical nature of the epl let's just say ATM, Seville a few years ago and espanyol is as much physical as any epl team. I Mean trying to stop messi physically is not possible. He is possibly the strongest player on the ball. You stop him by stopping the midfield so that he comes down where he is much less dangerous. He is a lazy player and will not create havoc with his off the ball movements like cr7 or Suarez. And by the way I liked your logic of saying man city and Liverpool dominating epl because they are too good, but real and Barça dominates LA liga because the other teams are bad. As for Messi his play in the first 50 minutes of the 2d leg was enough to finish the tie, in a match he supposedly failed he created. 3 one to one Chance for coutinho,alba and Suarez. And might I added that his through to Alba was the single best skill in the whole match? Liverpool dominated Barça physically, but they didn't stop messing at least for the first 50 minutes, unless of courses you believe goals happen in a vacum and the creating the goal part has no value

 

[LongHorn]

First season since 2013 that a Spanish club win the Champions league final, and you cant stop hearing on how the EPL is so much superior to the La Liga

 

[shebimalik]

First season since 2013 that a Spanish club win the Champions league final, and you cant stop hearing on how the EPL is so much superior to the La Liga

 

[MMHS]

To all of you above - you have answered your question for me - thanks.

If you carefully notice the logos in post No. 145, you'll see dominance of couple of logos with a rare appearance of few others - that's the key. That league is owned by two clubs, who is backed by most Spanish people, their Govt., La Liga it self and partially UEFA as well. When two clubs often make the league academic by 25th game of the season, it'll be definitely easier for top 3-4 of their clubs in Europe, because their status co is set - each one is holding on to own spot.

I give another clue - in European soccer, 5 English clubs have won CL - LFC, MU, CFC, NForest & Aston Villa ... on top of that Arsenal, Leeds & Spurs have made the Final. And, around 6 (?) more clubs have won any European trophy - that indicates the competition level there.

Don't get me wrong here - English football and English club soccer is totally different. At a time when 7-8 teams from Europe used to qualify for WC, British Isles used to have 3-4 teams qualifying - that's almost half!!! In 1958 WC, out of 7 European qualifiers, 4 were British - ENG, Wales, Scotland & NI. Even as late as 1988, out of 7 qualifiers of EURO, 3 were from British Isles - ENG, SCT & Ireland, while NI & Wales missed by a whisker. What does it tell? It tells the high quality of domestic talents that British Isles had those days - AND these entire bunch played their almost entire career in English League. One can hardly name any top British player playing outside English League, but lots of foreigners played there - combined both talent, that league had always been among top, with fierce competition among several clubs. That Liverpool & Everton team of 1980s (Liverpool & Leeds/Derby County/NForrest of 1970s) were almost entirely built on British based players.

Today, Scotland, NI, IRL & Wales are soccer minnows, therefore that domestic supplies are not there, and a major source of global talent comes from Latin America, who'll always prefer Spain & Italy for language & weather - add to that the ban on English clubs for over half a decade combined to create a hollow in English club soccer in different times - that Liverpool squad of mid 80s would have won at least couple more CL had they been playing that time, or that Bersby's MU side that was lost for Munich disaster would have slashed Reals dominance in 1960s. In 2000s as well, there were 3 CL SFinalist at least twice - EPL lost some of the greatest managers in last 10-12 years, which has hampered their overall performance, but I am sure it'll recover and dominate Europe for next decade & two, as surprisingly now the domestic resources are probably highest in many years.

I have written few times that despite their prodigious talent, Spain is an under achiever in International soccer - because their entire focus is behind 2 clubs (politically as well). In Spain, they don't auction TV rights for La Liga, rather it's sold club by club in a revenue share model (with Spanish FA) means Real & Barca has more bucket than rest 18!!! Last year, Barca showed E12mn (? don't catch me for few mn, can't search now) before tax profit after earning almost 3 quarter revenue - this is a pure manipulation to reduce tax burden and Spanish Govt., their FA is happy about that. In past, their Govt. randomly allowed foreigners Spanish citizenship, so that they can by pass UEFA quota of foreigners and play top stars as local - Puscas, Kubala, De Stefano, Martinez, Santamaria, Hector Rial ..... these players had decades long career for Real/Barca under Spanish passport. When a Government is behind 2 clubs, it's impossible to compete with them and Spanish people are quite happy with that. In their history, only two times a Spanish team could dominate global soccer was when the Manager picked 8-9 of his starters from one club - Real generation of 1960s and Barca generation of recent times - because for these players (& their people), nothing more comes than the club - it does make it easy for them to compete with Clubs from other countries.

In last 2 decades, the greatest achievements by a Spanish club to me are - Rafa's Valencia winning 2 La Liga and Simione's Athletico winning one La Liga. And, both lost to the Mafia in CL Final later.

 

[anikrc1]

To all of you above - you have answered your question for me - thanks.

If you carefully notice the logos in post No. 145, you'll see dominance of couple of logos with a rare appearance of few others - that's the key. That league is owned by two clubs, who is backed by most Spanish people, their Govt., La Liga it self and partially UEFA as well. When two clubs often make the league academic by 25th game of the season, it'll be definitely easier for top 3-4 of their clubs in Europe, because their status co is set - each one is holding on to own spot.

I give another clue - in European soccer, 5 English clubs have won CL - LFC, MU, CFC, NForest & Aston Villa ... on top of that Arsenal, Leeds & Spurs have made the Final. And, around 6 (?) more clubs have won any European trophy - that indicates the competition level there.

Don't get me wrong here - English football and English club soccer is totally different. At a time when 7-8 teams from Europe used to qualify for WC, British Isles used to have 3-4 teams qualifying - that's almost half!!! In 1958 WC, out of 7 European qualifiers, 4 were British - ENG, Wales, Scotland & NI. Even as late as 1988, out of 7 qualifiers of EURO, 3 were from British Isles - ENG, SCT & Ireland, while NI & Wales missed by a whisker. What does it tell? It tells the high quality of domestic talents that British Isles had those days - AND these entire bunch played their almost entire career in English League. One can hardly name any top British player playing outside English League, but lots of foreigners played there - combined both talent, that league had always been among top, with fierce competition among several clubs. That Liverpool & Everton team of 1980s (Liverpool & Leeds/Derby County/NForrest of 1970s) were almost entirely built on British based players.

Today, Scotland, NI, IRL & Wales are soccer minnows, therefore that domestic supplies are not there, and a major source of global talent comes from Latin America, who'll always prefer Spain & Italy for language & weather - add to that the ban on English clubs for over half a decade combined to create a hollow in English club soccer in different times - that Liverpool squad of mid 80s would have won at least couple more CL had they been playing that time, or that Bersby's MU side that was lost for Munich disaster would have slashed Reals dominance in 1960s. In 2000s as well, there were 3 CL SFinalist at least twice - EPL lost some of the greatest managers in last 10-12 years, which has hampered their overall performance, but I am sure it'll recover and dominate Europe for next decade & two, as surprisingly now the domestic resources are probably highest in many years.

I have written few times that despite their prodigious talent, Spain is an under achiever in International soccer - because their entire focus is behind 2 clubs (politically as well). In Spain, they don't auction TV rights for La Liga, rather it's sold club by club in a revenue share model (with Spanish FA) means Real & Barca has more bucket than rest 18!!! Last year, Barca showed E12mn (? don't catch me for few mn, can't search now) before tax profit after earning almost 3 quarter Bn revenue - this is a pure manipulation to reduce tax burden and Spanish Govt., their FA is happy about that. In past, their Govt. randomly allowed foreigners Spanish citizenship, so that they can by pass UEFA quota of foreigners and play top stars as local - Puscas, Kubala, De Stefano, Martinez, Santamaria, Hector Rial ..... these players had decades long career for Real/Barca under Spanish passport. When a Government is behind 2 clubs, it's impossible to compete with them and Spanish people are quite happy with that. In their history, only two times a Spanish team could dominate global soccer was when the Manager picked 8-9 of his starters from one club - Real generation of 1960s and Barca generation of recent times - because for these players (& their people), nothing more comes than the club - it does make it easy for them to compete with Clubs from other countries.

In last 2 decades, the greatest achievements by a Spanish club to me are - Rafa's Valencia winning 2 La Liga and Simione's Athletico winning one La Liga. And, both lost to the Mafia in CL Final later.

If you notice the logos carefully you will see that sevilla and athletico's logo appears more than Barcelona's.

 

[anikrc1]

To all of you above - you have answered your question for me - thanks.

If you carefully notice the logos in post No. 145, you'll see dominance of couple of logos with a rare appearance of few others - that's the key. That league is owned by two clubs, who is backed by most Spanish people, their Govt., La Liga it self and partially UEFA as well. When two clubs often make the league academic by 25th game of the season, it'll be definitely easier for top 3-4 of their clubs in Europe, because their status co is set - each one is holding on to own spot.

I give another clue - in European soccer, 5 English clubs have won CL - LFC, MU, CFC, NForest & Aston Villa ... on top of that Arsenal, Leeds & Spurs have made the Final. And, around 6 (?) more clubs have won any European trophy - that indicates the competition level there.

Don't get me wrong here - English football and English club soccer is totally different. At a time when 7-8 teams from Europe used to qualify for WC, British Isles used to have 3-4 teams qualifying - that's almost half!!! In 1958 WC, out of 7 European qualifiers, 4 were British - ENG, Wales, Scotland & NI. Even as late as 1988, out of 7 qualifiers of EURO, 3 were from British Isles - ENG, SCT & Ireland, while NI & Wales missed by a whisker. What does it tell? It tells the high quality of domestic talents that British Isles had those days - AND these entire bunch played their almost entire career in English League. One can hardly name any top British player playing outside English League, but lots of foreigners played there - combined both talent, that league had always been among top, with fierce competition among several clubs. That Liverpool & Everton team of 1980s (Liverpool & Leeds/Derby County/NForrest of 1970s) were almost entirely built on British based players.

Today, Scotland, NI, IRL & Wales are soccer minnows, therefore that domestic supplies are not there, and a major source of global talent comes from Latin America, who'll always prefer Spain & Italy for language & weather - add to that the ban on English clubs for over half a decade combined to create a hollow in English club soccer in different times - that Liverpool squad of mid 80s would have won at least couple more CL had they been playing that time, or that Bersby's MU side that was lost for Munich disaster would have slashed Reals dominance in 1960s. In 2000s as well, there were 3 CL SFinalist at least twice - EPL lost some of the greatest managers in last 10-12 years, which has hampered their overall performance, but I am sure it'll recover and dominate Europe for next decade & two, as surprisingly now the domestic resources are probably highest in many years.

I have written few times that despite their prodigious talent, Spain is an under achiever in International soccer - because their entire focus is behind 2 clubs (politically as well). In Spain, they don't auction TV rights for La Liga, rather it's sold club by club in a revenue share model (with Spanish FA) means Real & Barca has more bucket than rest 18!!! Last year, Barca showed E12mn (? don't catch me for few mn, can't search now) before tax profit after earning almost 3 quarter Bn revenue - this is a pure manipulation to reduce tax burden and Spanish Govt., their FA is happy about that. In past, their Govt. randomly allowed foreigners Spanish citizenship, so that they can by pass UEFA quota of foreigners and play top stars as local - Puscas, Kubala, De Stefano, Martinez, Santamaria, Hector Rial ..... these players had decades long career for Real/Barca under Spanish passport. When a Government is behind 2 clubs, it's impossible to compete with them and Spanish people are quite happy with that. In their history, only two times a Spanish team could dominate global soccer was when the Manager picked 8-9 of his starters from one club - Real generation of 1960s and Barca generation of recent times - because for these players (& their people), nothing more comes than the club - it does make it easy for them to compete with Clubs from other countries.

In last 2 decades, the greatest achievements by a Spanish club to me are - Rafa's Valencia winning 2 La Liga and Simione's Athletico winning one La Liga. And, both lost to the Mafia in CL Final later.

Please carefully check the h2h between epl clubs and LA liga clubs without real and Barça in European competitions in last 7-8 years.

 

[Bangladesh_Fan]

EPL is superior as a league overall to La Liga at this moment , there is no doubt about that. However , the presence of Messi and Ronaldo (Two of the greatest players all time) plus Real and Barca's ability to force almost any player out of their respective clubs has ensured Spanish teams had a stranglehold of the Champions League in last decade or so .

That is going to change soon or is changing already as Messi and Ronaldo ages and goes into retirement and the field evens out for everyone. Now even if those two clubs gets the best players they won't have that extra edge due to those once in a lifetime type players.