Champions League 2014–15

Why are people shocked that Juve are doing so well? They have a phenomenal squad.

 

Good game tonight

Potentially sets up the 2nd leg nicely, as long as Madrid score in the first 60 mins or so

 

I can't disagree that they put in maximum effort, but as you say, in terms of quality, they weren't at their best. Still played well though.

 

What do Real Madrid lack?

Something isn't quite right for me and I don't know what it is.

 

team spirit!

 

That probably is a factor.

I just watch them and think something is disjointed. Maybe the absences of Benzema and Modric are doing it.

They clearly aren't that bad, I mean they're still in a title race and a CL semi :smiley-laughing002:

 

Juve did really well by sitting deep and not allowing Madrid space to counter. That was the best way to restrict Madrid from creating chances.

Without Modric and Benzema, (and Bale, let's be honest he was that non-existent) they didn't manage to create much, and Ronaldo has become the type of player who completely relies on his teammates to set him up. So in terms of attacking options they didn't have much to create with. And then you had Ramos thinking he's Pirlo putting crossfield balls out of play all the time.

 

Benzema up top is also a massive miss. His link up play outside the box, is top notch. Sergio Ramos is not a midfielder, Ronaldo is far better on the wing, making run's from an angle. Madrid are too gung ho, 1 man back for the penalty was criminal..

The balance is totally * without modric pulling the strings. No cohesion, team spirit and a lack of fight, as well as underestimating juve, led to a dreadful night..

 

Aye Modric is a terrific wee player, Benzema as well doesn't get the credit he deserves. The amount of work those two players put in, in order to keep Ronaldo happy, is insane :smiley-laughing002:

 

I said this earlier. It's definitely true that he's much more reliant on his teammates than he was at United. Other than being a goalscorer(and an absolutely amazing one at that), I can't see what's so amazing about him.

 

Little things about him are annoying. He's the complete athlete and a top player but when it's not laid on a plate for him, he's a * (Marcelo wonder ball a tad too far and instead of praising an excellent attempt, he gives it the, 'should have been an inch better for me fingers'. Very rarely do you see him turn round and applaud or put his thumb up for a ball played for him. When it's the other way around, * are always quick to praise him, even if the ball was a shocker (1 he kicked out the park for bale tonight)..

 

He's a selfish * basically. All about him.

 

Love it when Bale is *. The BBC will blame it on Real though.

 

He's different now. A few years ago Ronaldo would pick the ball up on the wing and just skin or run through players. Now he just waits to be set up by his teammates. He's still absolutely quality at football, just doesn't really show it as much cos he's not involved in the game like he used to be.

I can remember Pepe being one of the best players on the pitch in an El Clasico game maybe 4/5 years ago playing in defensive mid, not sure why he isn't being played there again.

Casillas is finished now, Modric is a massive loss and Hernandez is dogshit. Just one of many goalpoachers whose all-round play is nowhere near good enough.

 

Think Bale will be back in England in the summer.

 

It was alright for Townsend to slate Ramos all night but not the worlds most expensive player, who offers nothing. Let me guess why?!

 

Townsend is such a *, thank * Itv are getting binned from showing Champions League

 

Aye I still think he's an amazing footballer and a league above other goalscorers. But at this moment in time, I think anyone who thinks he's as good as Messi (other than from a purely statistical standpoint) is off their nut.

 

Pat Nevin:

"Personality-wise Ronaldo bosses things at Real Madrid," Nevin said. "If there are two balls on - Ronaldo or Bale - they give the ball to Ronaldo. Bale has to be a big strong character, but it's almost impossible to take that off Ronaldo, who I feel thinks of Bale as a threat."

There is always an excuse for him. Maybe he just isn't as intelligent as Modric, Isco, Ronaldo, Rodriguez etc.