2023/24 Champions League quarter-finals, semi-finals and final

[mspm89]

I want a German final.

But the no.1 priority is that PSG doesn't win it.

The No. 1 priority is that the Cheaters don't win it.

Sadly, it'll probably happen. I'm resigned.

[Sagy]

There are some interesting storylines in each of the potential final:

PSG vs Real for the custody of Mbappe.
PSG vs Bayern in a 2020 final rematch with Tuchel switching sides.
Borussia vs Bayern at Wembley II in a rematch of 2013 final.
Borussia vs Real is probably the least spicy one, notable for being a classic CL rivarly from a decade ago.

On top of that the three main Ballon d'Or 2024 contenders are still out there fighting: Bellingham, Kane and Mbappe.

Borussia vs Real is the post custody Bellingham battle.

[rrey1]

The most likely final is Real - PSG.
As managers, Ancelotti and Enrique are absolutely superior to Tuchel and Terzic.

[Avalon]

Why should Enrique be superior to Tuchel?

[ultra2013]

Dortmund vs PSG cannot have more than 30% likelihood to progress.
Bayern vs Madrid cannot have more than 30% likelihood to progress.
Probability both fail around 49%. A coin toss.

[rpo.castro]

Why should Enrique be superior to Tuchel?

Enrique won't face Tuchel in SF (just pointing out the argument by rrey not saying I agree).

[rrey1]

Meanwhile, Barcelona's problems seem to run deeper.
Now Gundogan publicly feuds with Araujo for the way the latter got himself sent off (and other players take sides).
Lewandowski is being blamed for not covering when Vitinha scored.
Xavi managed to completely fracture this team. It's not surprising they are out of the CL.

[TommyChat]

1960 Summer Olympics - Rome - Nothing
1972 Summer Olympics - Munich - West Germany won the Euro
1980 Summer Olympics - Moscow - Nothing
1992 Summer Olympics - Barcelona - Barcelona won their first UCL title
2004 Summer Olympics - Athens - Greece won the Euro (!!!)
2012 Summer Olympics - London - Chelsea won the first UCL title for a London club
2024 Summer Olympics - Paris - ???

I don't believe it much but the Barcelona - Paris turnaround made me curious about it.

[Avalon]

Why should Enrique be superior to Tuchel?

Enrique won't face Tuchel in SF (just pointing out the argument by rrey not saying I agree).

I see. Misunderstood the post.

[Jua Ferreira]

Arsenal 55 - 45 Bayern Munchen : time has come for revenge. Tuchel's Bayern is not that scary. Arsenal shouldnt miss this great chance.

Real Madrid 51 - 49 M. City : Tricky draw imho. I can be only person sees Real as facourite. Ancelotti and Vinicius may enjoy spaces behind City's defence. Especially if Real Madrid scores first goal, this tie can go somewhere noone expected.

Atletico Madrid 65 - 35 Borussia Dortmund : great draw for each other Diego Simeone wont miss this opportunity. Although i find his style very boring, he gets results.

PSG 49 - 51 Barcelona : this tie can go either side. Psg, while having free title in domestic, has not great results in Europe, on the other side Barcelona is far away from being impressive. I will put my money on Barcelona considering their better football culture.

Semi finals
Arsenal - Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid - Barcelona

Final
Arsenal - Barcelona

Winner Arsenal

Awful predictions. I don't know why, but predicting the Champions League is always more difficult than predicting other cups.

At least i succesfully predicted Real Madrid's win. Ancelotti's teams are always boring to me but he manages to win somehow and the winner is always right.

[Juliusz]

Second legs attendances

Dortmund - Atlético de Madrid 81,365
Bayern - Arsenal 75,000
Man City - Real Madrid 52,306
Barcelona - Paris SG 50,309

[bugylibicska]

No English Champions League or Europa League semi-finalists 'a shock'

Highest net spending (2014-2023)

1. Manchester United - £1,196.6m

2. Chelsea - £885.5m

3. Paris St-Germain - £865.8m

4. Arsenal - £746.9m

5. Manchester City - £733.8m

6. Newcastle United - £575.2m

7. Barcelona - £568.4m

8. Tottenham - £522.1m

9. AC Milan - £467.3m

10. West Ham - £451.9m
11. Aston Villa - £414.3m
12. Liverpool - £395.3m
13. Al-Hilal - £391.3m
14. Juventus - £385m
15. Everton - £336.1m
16. Crystal Palace - £322.3m
17. Bournemouth - £294.9m
18. Bayern Munich - £294.1m
19. Real Madrid - £277.6m
20. Nottingham Forest - £265.8m

Stats from CIES Football Observatory Monthly Report

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/sports/soccer ... e0d8&ei=25

[bugylibicska]

Power Rankings: The best teams in Europe - Week 25

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/sports/soccer ... ef15&ei=51

[BurningStorm]

New record:

[Sagy]

New record:

Three outstanding GKs. In their prime, each was the best GK in the world.