Real Madrid (A) - Tues 9th April, 20:00 | CL | Pre-Match Thread

[domalino]

Season defining game coming up.

It's not just about who wins the 2 legged tie, we've got some decent momentum going in the title race and we need to keep it up. Keep the 23 match unbeaten run going at least.

 

[domalino]

European Cup format = the best team won 29% of the time

Champions League format = the best team won 50% of the time

In the European Cup, over 30% of the time the winner was last years winner.

 

[Cobwebcat]

In the European Cup, over 30% of the time the winner was last years winner.

And in the CL? I’d guess harder to retain?

 

[Blue Steel]

Expect Pep to go as strong as possible. Can leave rotation until Luton at home on Saturday.

Likes of Rodri, KDB, Foden, Grealish, Bernardo, Stones and Haaland HAVE to start IMO.

Can’t see Pep taking too many risks in this one unless injury/illness forces his hand.

 

[John Wayne]

And in the CL? I’d guess harder to retain?

Only ever been retained twice and that was the three-in-a-row won by Real Madrid from 2016-2018. Quite surprising given that the competition has been around for 32 years. Make no mistake, if we win either this or the PL this season, we're undoubtedly the best this country has ever seen. I'd say we are anyway, but this dismantles any and all counter-arguments.

 

[Alexia_Ko]

I think Kev, too. I'd love to see our lineup like this:

Ederson
Akanji Stones Dias Lewis
Rodri Bernardo
Bobb Foden Grealish
Haaland​

No chance Bobb would start ahead of KDB

 

[DMA's]

The fact some have kdb not starting is absolutely mad! Obviously he will start!

 

[Elliot houghton]

 

[Didsbury Dave]

Same here regarding injuries. I wasn't at all worried when the draw was made, apart from usual peed off that we never get 'easy' at this stage. However injuries to Kyle and Nathan majorly concern me.

Not trying to be overly negative but it's the fact that we keep conceding counter attacking goals when we ahaven't got their pace to cover which concerns me the most. I'm going to assume Ancelotti has done his homework and that will be his game plan: ultra fast turnovers. I think Pep will go cautiously here to cover it with a back four who sit deeper. I'd love a 0-0 and if I'm honest I'd take a 0-1.

The flip side is we are full strength up front. They won't fancy Kev and Haaland ripping them up. We alwasy have goals in us with those two.

 

[Didsbury Dave]

Expect Pep to go as strong as possible. Can leave rotation until Luton at home on Saturday.

Likes of Rodri, KDB, Foden, Grealish, Bernardo, Stones and Haaland HAVE to start IMO.

Can’t see Pep taking too many risks in this one unless injury/illness forces his hand.

No way mate. He will play a weakened team with a few kids in for this one ;-)