2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

[Leon]

Figured I'd start it with the playoffs starting soon. Also, decided to include Europa League since people talk about it in the UCL thread anyway. And because that's where United are...

According to Gab Marcotti:

From 2018-19, top 4 leagues will have 16 guaranteed spots in CL. UEFA ExCo to approve late August. Rich get richer.

Basically, top 4 clubs of top 4 leagues will go directly into the group stages. Most of us here are fans of clubs in the Top 4 (England, Spain, Germany, Italy), so this is generally a "great" thing but it's maybe/probably a kick in the nuts to all the other European (smaller) leagues.

The big clubs (you know the suspects) even wanted more changes:

"Re: Champions League revamp, some big clubs wanted more: wild card for historical merit, weekend games, co-ownership of competition"

Good thing that's not happening, especially the "wild card for historical merit." Imagine the bull**** that would cause. "Sorry, Arsenal, but we're taking away your UCL spot for coming in 4th because Liverpool have won it 5 times."

Spoiler

Actually, that would be funny, but still.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

Yay, let's make the Champions League more predictable than it already is!

[Brahvocado]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

I'm glad they aren't doing that "historic merit" nonsense but I feel like it's only a matter of time before they do. That and the "super league" garbage.

Also, Leon, unfortunately the "bad guys" in England that are almost certainly a part of this seemingly random historic merit stuff are our two clubs.

[Leon]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

I'm glad they aren't doing that "historic merit" nonsense but I feel like it's only a matter of time before they do. That and the "super league" garbage.

Also, Leon, unfortunately the "bad guys" in England that are almost certainly a part of this seemingly random historic merit stuff are our two clubs.

Oh, that's quite clear. To be fair to the supporters though, I've not seen a single comment on the logical side of the internet who actually supports qualification because "our club is HUGE and HISTORIC and RICH." I'd be embarrassed as hell if that's how United qualifies for UCL.

As for your first point: all the huge clubs (that word again) are banging on UEFA to get their way. This recent development is a compromise I suppose, but it definitely does feel like a break-away league with your historical merit clubs will happen down the road. I shudder at the thought.

Coincidentally, that's basically what the ICC has been trying to do -- being a test bed for a "super league."

[Brahvocado]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

Yep you are right. Stiltano is a terrible person, but even if he was out of the picture somebody else just like him would be there.

Also, it's definitely partly the Prem's fault. The reason clubs like Juve and Bayern are interested in super leagues and whatnot is because the Prem has so much money.

ALSO, it shows you how monstrous Barca and Real have become that neither of them seem to care about any of this.

[Leon]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

ALSO, it shows you how monstrous Barca and Real have become that neither of them seem to care about any of this.

Why would they when they already have all the money in Spain?

[ImTellinTim]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

Aguero has missed 2 penalties in the first half. Sterling made a nice play to set up their goal.

[KG]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

Aguero has missed 2 penalties in the first half. Sterling made a nice play to set up their goal.

He (Sterling) also drew that 2nd penalty although both touches seemed a little sloppy/off. Good start to his season under Pep.

[Leon]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

Better write-up on the UCL changes that will (most probably) happen in two years. http://www.espnfc.com/blog/marcotti-...y-gab-marcotti

[Leon]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

Hapoel Be'er Sheva might be my new favourite club name. They have beer in their name!

[dubcity]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

Celtic through to the group stage. Sweet.

[Brahvocado]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

Celtic did their absolute best to bottle that huge lead they built up.

Sucks for Beer Sheva that one saved penalty was the difference.

[bhurst99]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

Did Celtic ever make qualifying for the Group Stage difficult. A loss to a team from Israel and Gibraltar.

[dubcity]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

Would love this Ajax/Rostov match more if I didn't have to hear "the Russian Leicester" every 5 minutes lol.

[AdamJones113]

Re: 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League & Europa League Thread

Did Celtic ever make qualifying for the Group Stage difficult. A loss to a team from Israel and Gibraltar.

Israel soccer is really bad. Maccabi Tel Aviv (much more famous for their basketball) made the CL last year and got the snot kicked out of them in the group stage.