[mazda4life]

I personally feel that VAR is killing the joy of viewing football, I like the football with its imperfections , on field calls ( might be I am in the minority) but the VAR robs the flow of the game and the tempo gets all messed up.

[naveenroy]

Originally Posted by mazda4life

I personally feel that VAR is killing the joy of viewing football, I like the football with its imperfections , on field calls ( might be I am in the minority) but the VAR robs the flow of the game and the tempo gets all messed up.

Yeah I kinda agree. Though a part of me sees so many bad decisions and wants a better process in place.

[Chetan_Rao]

Crazy scenes in the Champions League.

City-Spurs is up to 3-2 in 21 mins. Cracker of a game!

[Chetan_Rao]

Ends 4-3 on the night, 4-4 aggregate. Spurs through on away goals. Easily the most exciting game I've seen for a few years. Phew!

Liverpool stroll past Porto 6-1 on aggregate. Tasty semi coming up with Barca.

[digitalnirvana]

What a game. Pochettino is due a lot of credit. His team is built on a fraction of City's and they went toe to toe over the two legs. Chuffed for them.

[Chetan_Rao]

I'd love to see Ajax win it this year. Young, majorly all-academy team playing great football, and would be ripped apart in the summer transfer window so this is their chance to revive past glories.

[vb-san]

Being a Liverpool supporter I hope for another European glory; somehow have this feeling that its going to be a double or nothing this season!

[kavensri]

Heart says Barca (being die-hard Barca fan), but I would not mind either Ajax or Spurs winning this year. I just hate Liverpool!
Btw, this is most open CL since many years. When RM were winning for last 3 years (and 4 out of last 5 years), it was like Aussies winning cricket WC. So, it is good to see teams like Ajax and Spurs in semis.

One generic question, what do you guys think of this 'away' goal rule to decide when the scores are level after two legs? Is there a better way to decide the winner instead of this rule?

[aditya.86]

Originally Posted by kavensri

Heart says Barca (being die-hard Barca fan), but I would not mind either Ajax or Spurs winning this year. I just hate Liverpool!
Btw, this is most open CL since many years. When RM were winning for last 3 years (and 4 out of last 5 years), it was like Aussies winning cricket WC. So, it is good to see teams like Ajax and Spurs in semis.

One generic question, what do you guys think of this 'away' goal rule to decide when the scores are level after two legs? Is there a better way to decide the winner instead of this rule?

Would love to see Ajax in the finals. The way they played against RM and Juve shows they are meant to achieve something bigger.

Regarding the away goals, UEFA is currently considering a proposal to get away with this rule. In my opinion, it is not fair to the side losing out on away goals.

Extra time and penalties would be a fair way to determine the real winner.

[Chetan_Rao]

Originally Posted by kavensri

... 'away' goal rule to decide when the scores are level after two legs? Is there a better way to decide the winner instead of this rule?

Relic of an era when long-distance travel was difficult and playing away from home was a real disadvantage, physical and psychological. The latter still exists, but modern training/conditioning methods and travel options have taken away the former.

Aggregate wins (plus ET and penalties if needed) should be the way of the future, hopefully.

Originally Posted by vb-san

Being a Liverpool supporter I hope for another European glory; somehow have this feeling that its going to be a double or nothing this season!

That seems to be the vibe. This weekend's PL games would be huge. Liverpool are playing a desperate Cardiff, and it's 50-50 City blow Spurs away or implode spectacularly in the aftermath of yesterday's game. I have a hunch it might end up a classic 0-0 to balance out the midweek madness

Fine margins.

[mazda4life]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

Ends 4-3 on the night, 4-4 aggregate. Spurs through on away goals. Easily the most exciting game I've seen for a few years. Phew!

Liverpool stroll past Porto 6-1 on aggregate. Tasty semi coming up with Barca.

What a game , what drama. I reiterate that VAR is killing the game. Looking forward to the Barca vs Liverpool in the semi finals.

[Chetan_Rao]

Originally Posted by mazda4life

....I reiterate that VAR is killing the game...

I'm more inclined to think it's how FIFA/UEFA are implementing the thing that's making VAR unpopular among certain fans. My reference point of a good implementation in a contact sport is Rugby, done with minimum fuss and everyone gets on with it.

Games or championships shouldn't be decided on dodgy decisions, when a better alternative it available. The romanticism of football for me, in theory, lies in anyone being able to win on their day based on how they play, not how many questionable decisions go their way. Personal opinion only, YMMV.

[strawhat]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

That seems to be the vibe. This weekend's PL games would be huge. Liverpool are playing a desperate Cardiff, and it's 50-50 City blow Spurs away or implode spectacularly in the aftermath of yesterday's game. I have a hunch it might end up a classic 0-0 to balance out the midweek madness

Man City will be extra motivated for the league games now. Their season will ultimately be considered underwhelming if they cannot win PL, in the context of their exit from UCL. Still, they have the advantage over Liverpool having played a game less. Tottenham and Utd are tough fixtures but they have the know how and experience at this stage.

What a see-saw game yesterday! The first 20 mins especially was stunning. De Bruyne was unplayable. Literally felt for City players and fans when that goal was ruled out.

[strawhat]

Just watched the highlights of Chelsea's Europa League match against Slavia Praha last night. It was another European belter with identical scoreline. Chelsea were at their free flowing best in the first half whereas Slavia were total value for money in the second.

Successive great nights for neutrals.

[Chetan_Rao]

Originally Posted by strawhat

Just watched the highlights of Chelsea's Europa League match against Slavia Praha last night. It was another European belter with identical scoreline. Chelsea were at their free flowing best in the first half whereas Slavia were total value for money in the second.

Successive great nights for neutrals.

Sarri is probably frustrated out of his wits right now. How do you handle a team that plays like 'that' in the first half, then like 'that' in the second?

World class to third class, separated by half time.

His post-match comment sums it up:

At half-time I told them to start with the same application as they started the first, but we didn't do it. It's not easy to understand.

I could try without going in the dressing room at half-time if I could solve the problem.