Aloe YVera! Bale's much more effective when he swivels his rosehips, nutmegs a defender and takes the arrowroot for goal. But don't underestimate Basel, they've played in the CL. They could be chicory opponents- mind you, they all are at this sage.
Weren't they in United's group last year and finished above them? Any side in the last 8 has to have some merit. Probably one of the easier draws on paper but will be tough especially with the 2nd leg away. However I think you and us should get through, don't fancy the toon's chances though!!
Keep dreaming. But I agree. While I really think all these matches are fairly close to being pushes, playing a less famous team may help convince Spurs they belong in the next round.
Good place Basel, very trusting people. No one bothers to bunk the tram fares so nobody bothers to check = cheap transport. Last time I was there, every time you had a beer the waitress gave you a ticket (and put it in a ashtray type recepticle on your table). At the end of the evening she counted the tickets and charged you for the beer. Providing you develop a taste for eating tickets you can have a very cheap evening, albeit you will probably end up having an argument with the waitress when you try to leave, claiming you've only drank 2 beers all evening. Definitely worth a visit.
I am surprised yourselves and Chelsea are taking this so seriously. I figured you'd have bigger fish to fry and would not want this distraction. On the point of Benfica. Celtic finished above them in their CL group. I do not think they are the team they once where although Cardoza is a top, top player. Basically, what I am saying is, let us win it. We need a trophy way more than you do!
It's funny how you guys have been the ones making all the changes for Europa League games but whilst our manager has been keen to take the tournament seriously a fair few players didn't look like they were in the group stage. I don't think the Europa League's necessarily a hinderance to us or Chelsea but especially us since we bombed out of the League Cup in our first game and out of the FA Cup in our second so there's no excuses with tiredness.
We had to make those changes.... Everyone was injured . Fair play though. Some big clubs in the QF's and it could raise the profile of the EL in this country. Fancy you guys to win it personally.
I've had a good feeling about our chances since we beat Lyon with the last kick of the game in the first leg. That good feeling did disappear for about an hour or so last night but apart from that I think we're quite well placed still. Yeah, I think the progress will do a little bit to help keep our coeffecient high so we don't risk losing our 4th CL place in a few years time like the Serie A did. As much as it's good to see our teams take it seriously I really hope if we get to the final we don't play an English side, no offence but I just think it takes something away from the European final if we face a side we play 2/3 times a season anyway. Part of the fun of this Europa League campaign for us is that we've faced some big names from Europe in the tournament with Lazio, Lyon and Inter and a Benfica/Lazio/Fenerbahce in the final would be more special. I'm not the type to support other English teams in Europe just because they're English but if we go out I'd hope you guys get to the final.
Its good you guys want to win it. We really want to win it too. Its a tough choice (which is damning in itself) but if you offered me 4th OR winning the EL then i would take winning the EL. Chelsea are putting out strong teams, their fans might look down on the EL but i don't think Rafa is. Similar to what Yid say, i will support the other english teams up to the SF. I'd rather not play you guys in the final, not because i'm afraid but because i want it to be special. Because there are 3 in the quarters unfortunately i have to hope both you guys and chelsea lose next round
I wonder if there'll be a nice chorus of There's Only One Christian Gross from both sets of fans? Tube tickets at the ready. Basel was the side that I wanted, so I'm very happy with the draw, but we have to be professional, apply ourselves and not pick a stupid ****ing formation and system. No pissing about because they're not as glamorous as Inter, Lyon or Lazio.
