https://twitter.com/English_AS So apparently the clause is 3m euros (about £2.5m) a game. I wonder if they would pay that if it came down to a final.
If I was a Chelsea supporter I'd probably want Bayern, as they have shown signs of vulnerability against English sides, particularly in there own stadium. You guys obviously beat them on penalties there in the final, and Arsenal and City have done well there recently. Even last night we had our chances, and if we had had Van Persie instead of an injured Rooney leading the line we may have caused them even more problems. Atletico for me are the best coached side in Europe, they may not have the individuals that Real and Bayern have, but they are a great team. They are incredibly well organised and well drilled, that they could contain the attacking threat of Bayern and Real, just as they did Barca. Chelsea would definitely struggle to score against them in open play, and even from set pieces you would struggle, as Atletico haven't conceded a goal from a corner all season. The goalkeeper missing could be a problem, but I don't really see how Chelsea can create enough openings to really make it pay. After all look how much trouble Barca and Real have had scoring against them this season. Real aswell wouldn't be a good draw for Chelsea, as Ronaldo and Bale would have a field day up against your paceless defence. Obviously you'll do your usual sitting deep and counter attacking, but in Benzema and Ronaldo they have the physical power in attack, and will not be easily bullied. So I think whatever tactics you employed they have the players to create the openings. So despite Bayern being the favourites, I feel they would be the best draw, and Real would probably be the worst. I would have said Atletico would be the worst, but the goal keeper thing isn't an ideal situation. Though regardless who you draw it is gonna be very tough
Please keep on coming here to reverse jinx us. As soon as Matth starting supporting us, our title bid stuttered. You, on the other hand, predicted PSG would batter us!!
I also predicted they'd win by 2 clear goals in Paris which they did. So I called one game spot on, and 1 game wrong. So a 50% strike rate isn't to bad. Let's hope Real Madrid come out of the hat for you guys tomorrow. Now that is a game id enjoy watching
For me i would like Atletico. Purely and simply because of our experience of contesting Champs League semi-finals. They have plenty of semis experience in Europa but that's a different kettle of fish altogether. As for the final(if we were to make it) i would fancy us against anyone in a once-off.
I don't think bottle or nerve will be a problem for Athletico, they certainly didn't show any signs of nerves against Barca, and these players have won plenty of trophies recently, 2 europa's and they beat Real in the Copa Del Rey final in the Bernabau last season. A CL semi won't faze them
Logic still not your strong point. Barca and Real are in their league and they are more than comfortable with them due to this fact. They are nowhere near as experienced as Chelsea, Bayern or Real.
Chelsea have lost 4 semi finals, and won 2 if my memory serves me correctly. Real have lost a fair few recently too they haven't won one since the Zidane, Figo, Carlos, and Raul era. So experience isn't always a good thing, particularly if it's experience of losing
It's the experience of not being fazed by the latter stages of the the competition and the pressure involved.
I'd like Real Madrid as we never get them in the Champions League. Their attack is awesome but their defence is dogshit.
We've won our last two: 2012, 2013. And our last two finals. United have recent experience of a group stage, last 16 and QF knockout. By the time you re-enter Europe in 2015, all your players with winning experience will be gone! You'll only players with CL experience left, but only experience of losing
We where discussing CL experience, not Europa Cup. But if your including those then Atletico have the best recent record in European semi finals, and finals
Not sure I agree with your logic. Whilst Atletico are more drilled, we would certainly enjoy more possession against them than the other two. Also Atletico aren't as much of a threat going forward so both ties likely to be low scoring affairs - thus we wont need to bag loads of goals to progress. Atletico have no experience at this level and will be stretched competing in both competitions till the end of the season. They have done fantastically so far but of the 3, I suspect they are the most likely to suffer burn out. Bayern have already won their league so can now concentrate solely on these ties which is one of many reasons why they are probably the worst draw for us. They may have under performed v United but they'll raise their game v a decent side like us, especially with the pain of 2012 fresh. AM missing Courtois will be a big blow for them, probably in the top 2-3 players for them this year and the back up has only played 1 game all season. Real are very dangerous but have stuttered a little of late as well and of all 4, probably have the greatest pressure on them to win it.
Real have copa del rey final before first leg then Osasuna in between. Atletico have Elche at home then Valencia away
Was having this conversation with my dad yesterday. Although I think a Real v Atletico would be their 2nd choice final. So I'm going for Chelsea v Real and Atletico v Munich as the draw.
