Champions League group stage

[nottsblue]

So, we have qualified from a potentially tricky group. Did it with a game to spare as well which makes a refreshing change. However, look underneath the surface and we only won two games out of six and none away. Defensive frailties have been exposed here as well as the PL. Considering the CL is likely to be our number one priority, have we seen anything up to now this year to think we can do better than last year?

We of course have had that amazing performance against Barca and a very convincing home win v BMG but we have also failed to beat Celtic twice. I suppose you can only qualify and we have done that. On our day we can live with anyone, but can we do it often enough?

[Moonchesteri]

No.

And no.

Was nice to be able to rest some players in the last game tho

[Foreverinbluedreams]

Of course we can.

Celtic away was poor. Barca away was good until Bravo's brain fart. BMG away we did what we needed to do.

Wouldn't read anything into last night's experiment, it was like watching a preseason friendly.

Like you say NB, on our day we can beat anyone, hope springs eternal.

[Hazy2]

Top teams find your weakness, That said if had scored penalties taken clear chances inmost games we could smash teams 8-0 regularly. Who knows, we are in City.

[Justified logic]

So our very few possible opponents in the first knockout round are:

Napoli
Atlético Madrid
Monaco
Borussia Dortmund
Juventus

Who do you fancy?

[nottsblue]

So our very few possible opponents in the first knockout round are:

Napoli
Atlético Madrid
Monaco
Borussia Dortmund
Juventus

Who do you fancy?

Five tough teams but out of those I'd suggest Napoli are the weakest

[South Stand Balti]

Id like Monaco, but as long as we avoid Madrid and Dortmund I won't complain.

[iwasthere2012]

Monaco or Napoli.

[South Stand Balti]

So our very few possible opponents in the first knockout round are:

Napoli
Atlético Madrid
Monaco
Borussia Dortmund
Juventus

Who do you fancy?

Five tough teams but out of those I'd suggest Napoli are the weakest

Napoli would be a good draw. Their fans are nutters though.

[johnny crossan]

Watch on youtube.com

if we draw either of them I'll be there singing like those boys

Watch on youtube.com

[Justified logic]

Watch on youtube.com

if we draw them I'll be there singing like Charles

Pissed?

[City64]

So our very few possible opponents in the first knockout round are:

Napoli
Atlético Madrid
Monaco
Borussia Dortmund
Juventus

Who do you fancy?

Best last 16 scenario for us we have faced yet imho . Nothing daunting but would prefer to give Dortmund a swerve and I think we will be in much better shape come the end of February .

[PeterParker]

On the side, how fucking boring is this stage for a few years now?

My word, since Platini took over, the quality of the competition went to shit. At first I liked that they wanted to help the smaller team have the chance to get in, but now they ruined it. I remember the early days of 2000's and what games we used to have, and also the double group stage. The competition quality was high. I want to say value also, but i saw the figures lately and the revenue from sponsors and tv is at the same level of the WC.

[Lev Bronstein]

Perversely, Arsenal finally top their group would think that would give them an easier draw in the knockout stage. Alas, Real Madrid and Bayern finished second in theirs. Imagine the gnashing of teeth

[johnny crossan]

Perversely, Arsenal finally top their group would think that would give them an easier draw in the knockout stage. Alas, Real Madrid and Bayern finished second in theirs. Imagine the gnashing of teeth

When we draw Dortmund

[Piccsnumberoneblue]

I loved Dortmund last time.
The game was utter dog turd but we had a great trip.
Monaco would be tempting.
Napoli or Juve would be 'stay at home and watch on the telly'
Madrid will smash us up.

[phips]

Perversely, Arsenal finally top their group would think that would give them an easier draw in the knockout stage. Alas, Real Madrid and Bayern finished second in theirs. Imagine the gnashing of teeth

When we draw Dortmund

I hope we draw anyone except for Atletico or Juve. those defenses will be very hard to crack.

although, y'all are probably going to get your wish as I've read there's about a 50% chance Dortmund & City are drawn together.

[PrezIke]

Will be either Atletico or Dortmund.

[Beefymcfc]

You just can't win.

[sheblue]

UEFA busily preparing (fixing) the draw.
It will be Madrid. Both legs away. And Anthony Taylor will be ref......