Comments on: Still the greatest show on earth?

By: James Shine

James Shine — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 23:32:53 +0000

Scrap all these meaningless matches which bore even fans of the clubs and get back to a European Cup format. No leagues, no second chances just a fantastic knockout competition. Oh, and a competition between all the champions too would be nice — didn’t we have that at one stage?

While we’re at it, lets reinstate the Cup Winners’ Cup which was also a fantastic format. The Uefa Cup, like the Champions League, benefits “top third mediocrity” and officials’ pockets…

By: Elena

Elena — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:31:53 +0000

I’m going for the mighty shakhtar donetsk, mainly because I’m looking forward to all the “Shak attack” headlines. Oh well, maybe not.

By: Nic

Nic — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:19:37 +0000

It would be nice to see a few things mixed up this year, maybe crown a new champ. However, i am tending to agree that Madrid are looking to win. As always, they get my vote.

By: London

London — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:32:42 +0000

Frankly, no. Wake me up when we’re into the knockout phase.

By: Kevin Fylan

Kevin Fylan — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:07:05 +0000

All I know is you shouldn’t read too much into how teams start the competition. Real Madrid were utterly appalling in the early stages in 1999-2000, I mean really, really bad, yet somehow went on to win it. Liverpool only found their feet in 2004-05 in the knock-out rounds as well.

By: Red Devil

Red Devil — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:30:31 +0000

My red heart says Manchester United and when you’re a fan you’ve got to listen to your heart and not your head. Having more champions and less third and fourth-placed teams would make Europe’s premier club competition live up to its name more than it’s doing at the moment.

By: Five Times

Five Times — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 02:10:42 +0000

I don’t see anything wrong even if the top 4 nations keep on winning it, I mean if you’re good, you’re good, simple as that.

It’s great watching porto vs liverpool, Valencia vs Inter etc. different styles of football and footballing philosophy coming to battle on the pitch. I can’t wait for the knock-out stages.

Regarding Liverpool, I’m a tad bearish about Liverpool’s chances, simply because so many people, even the critics are tipping them to go far. When you least expect it, Liverpool will win, when you expect it, they won’t win. So critics please polish your swords and slice and dice Liverpool’s chances

By: Nachiket

Nachiket — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 15:18:58 +0000

It may not be the biggest, but yes a big show, with not many other events who can match this level of excitement, enthusiasm, and global talent.

One reason Champions league is big is the fact that we have the top players from around the world, fighting on one stage.

And talking about talent, I feel, Liverpool surely seem to have got their equations right this time.

With the additions of the likes of Fernando Torres to a team that reached the final twice, winning once, I guess Liverpool have a great chance another shot at the coveted trophy this time.

The rivalry between Chelsea and Barcelona may have been a talk of the town, wonder whether the Londoners would be able to spring a surprise this time around and stamp their authority in Europe, like their bitter rivals from Spain.

Surely would like to see teams like Lyon, Benefica and the Arsenal boys going the distance and stamping out the authority of the usual suspects.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 15:06:01 +0000

I think Michael’s right about Sneijder. He could really make the difference for Real this year. I saw them lose to Bayern last season and, with Beckham absence, they just seemed to lack a bit of presence. I wouldn’t write off Barcelona either, though. They haven’t started too well but it’s a mighty squad they’ve got.

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:23:19 +0000

I think the winner will be either Liverpool or Real Madrid. Real are looking good with Sneijder being a major buy and Liverpool now have the squad for domestic and european supremacy.