UEFA made a terrible decision or did they make a good one? That's up for debate! Now, sports has politics involved. The question is, can Ukraine participate in any sporting events given the attack on their country? It seems unlikely. Therefore, let's neutralize everything so Ukraine can resume playing sports. European football's governing body disqualified Spartak Moscow from the Europa League. Leipzig will, therefore, automatically qualify for the quarterfinals. RBL shouldn't gain from this, they should have played any one of their opponents.
Moscow was a clear outsider against Leipzig, but I also think that this development is very unfair. This was a completely unnecessary step which sets a very bad example for both, looking back to the past and also for the future. For the past, as this literally never happened before, independent of ongoing conflicts. In the future the UEFA will have to think twice whether they want to react again to current political developments or not.
Topic: UEFA Europa League Discussion Thread - page 130. (Read 34287 times)
Sevilla - West Ham seems to be a really tough matchup in this round of the tournament. These teams are both very solid and their performances in the Europa League so far have been really impressive. I think that none of these teams will have easy games at this point. Sevilla are going to play a home game first. And this is their biggest opportunity to have an advantageous result and finish their job in the rematch. But West Ham are a very enduring team and they can eliminate Sevilla too if they got a draw in the first leg.
Yeah, it feels nice to be a Barca fan right now honestly. The way they've been playing recently, and the smiles returning to their face. But I don't want to get ahead of myself. The club is still in trouble financially, we still don't have a big answer as to what's going to happen to us next season. So I just want us to enjoy this position. Enjoy our campaign, stabilise, and if we win, great. But no expectations (even I know we're favorites).
Barca has a very talented team and recently they have made good progress under Xavi. But the financial problems will remain for the foreseeable future. Barca will therefore not be able to afford any major new additions and may also have to sell one or the other great talent if a correspondingly high offer should come. Therefore, I am not yet so optimistic for Barca.
Barcelona and Galatasaray do have different levels in terms of the squad, but I don't think Barcelona should underestimate Galatasaray at the moment, even though Barcelona are more superior after the victory against Napoli, but what we should remember is that Galatasaray are a team that did not experience 1 defeat even in the group phase, and of course Galatasaray will be able to surprise Barcelona in the last 16 match later.
Well, under estimating any team in football might be a mistake but in this case, perhaps they aren't really under estimating Galatasaray but you can tell its Barcelona to advance between these meetings. Its Barcelona's hope on not going trophy less as, UCL if off limit, the Laliga belongs with Real Madrid now and so, they would take there chances with the Europa. The good news for them is, they seem to be the strongest team still in the competition so far. The bad news is, Barcelona is way past a team that should be competing in the Europa. That's tells you how much work they need to do in building this team back to its formal glory.
Basically anything can happen but if it's about Galatasaray, I think it's clear that Galatasaray have no chance of getting rid of Barcelona. Also, Barcelona is now from the signing of several players made recently, it is very visible that Barcelona is a better team now. Therefore, by examining the teams that are still in the last 16, I am personally quite sure that Barcelona has a chance to make it to the final and also become the winner of this tournament.
Yeah, it feels nice to be a Barca fan right now honestly. The way they've been playing recently, and the smiles returning to their face. But I don't want to get ahead of myself. The club is still in trouble financially, we still don't have a big answer as to what's going to happen to us next season. So I just want us to enjoy this position. Enjoy our campaign, stabilise, and if we win, great. But no expectations (even I know we're favorites).
After the results that person produced against Napoli in the second leg in away conditions, I think it's safe to say that they will win easily against Galatasaray. But they obviously shouldn't take it easy and that might result in them throwing the match. But it looks really good to say that the attacking of Barcelona looks much more coordinated. The strikers are scoring goals and in the form right now. If they can defend properly I don't think they will have any problems at all.
I really believe Barcelona will be able to win this competition, because this is their target this season after their chances of winning La Liga are very slim due to the distance of points that are quite far from the current leader of the standings, and also Barcelona's performance which has improved greatly at this time. I think winning this championship is not a difficult thing for them.
Galatasaray is not a difficult opponent for Barcelona, if you look at the composition of the players, I think Barcelona can win easily.
Basically anything can happen but if it's about Galatasaray, I think it's clear that Galatasaray have no chance of getting rid of Barcelona. Also, Barcelona is now from the signing of several players made recently, it is very visible that Barcelona is a better team now. Therefore, by examining the teams that are still in the last 16, I am personally quite sure that Barcelona has a chance to make it to the final and also become the winner of this tournament.Galatasaray is not a difficult opponent for Barcelona, if you look at the composition of the players, I think Barcelona can win easily.
I also think that Galatasaray should not be a big problem for Barcelona. Barcelona is playing quite well right now and have improved a lot since the start of the season. A lot of problems in their attacking side also have been fixed. So they are also scoring frequently. I think it will be a really hard job for Galatasaray to stop Barcelona from winning.
Barcelona and Galatasaray do have different levels in terms of the squad, but I don't think Barcelona should underestimate Galatasaray at the moment, even though Barcelona are more superior after the victory against Napoli, but what we should remember is that Galatasaray are a team that did not experience 1 defeat even in the group phase, and of course Galatasaray will be able to surprise Barcelona in the last 16 match later.Barcelona knows that they have worked really hard for this and I am not going to let this slip out of their hands. They really should be prepared for Galatasaray and win that match easily. At least that's what we can predict after watching their performance against Napoli. Barcelona looks like a better team and Galatasaray should not have any chance against them. Barcelona also looks set to win the Europa League title.
Actually, what's interesting about the two teams is that both have experienced a decline in performance this season, but playing well in
the Europa League competition so far. Barcelona the previous season was in the top 3, while earlier this season Barcelona performed very poorly
and lucky Xavi could make Barcelona start playing consistently again. Likewise, what happened to Galatasaray the previous season, they almost won
the Turkish League if they did not lose on aggregate to Besiktas. But this season Galatasaray slumped in 12th position, but fortunately in the last
two games managed to achieve positive results.
So both Barcelona and Galatasaray will try to give their best in this Europa League competition, because both teams want to give the Europa
League trophy to entertain their respective supporters, which this season, either Galatasaray or Barcelona are no longer possible to give
the domestic league trophy to their respective countries. Then the Barcelona vs Galatasaray match will be very interesting, because both teams
have strong enough motivation, Even though Barcelona is clearly the favourite, I agree that they should never underestimate Galatasaray,
because in the world of football there are always surprises.
the Europa League competition so far. Barcelona the previous season was in the top 3, while earlier this season Barcelona performed very poorly
and lucky Xavi could make Barcelona start playing consistently again. Likewise, what happened to Galatasaray the previous season, they almost won
the Turkish League if they did not lose on aggregate to Besiktas. But this season Galatasaray slumped in 12th position, but fortunately in the last
two games managed to achieve positive results.
So both Barcelona and Galatasaray will try to give their best in this Europa League competition, because both teams want to give the Europa
League trophy to entertain their respective supporters, which this season, either Galatasaray or Barcelona are no longer possible to give
the domestic league trophy to their respective countries. Then the Barcelona vs Galatasaray match will be very interesting, because both teams
have strong enough motivation, Even though Barcelona is clearly the favourite, I agree that they should never underestimate Galatasaray,
because in the world of football there are always surprises.
It's quite obvious that Barcelona is not going to win the La Liga title. But they still made quite good improvements. So, I think right now they will concentrate on being in the top 3 in the La Liga table and they will be really motivated to win the Europa League title as it's already a step down for them.
~snip
Barcelona is very favored to win the match with Galatasaray in two matches
Barcelona is very favored to win the match with Galatasaray in two matches
Barca is probably favorite in this competition, with Sevilla as "title holder when they are playing", but it is a good competition this season, since Porto, Lyon, Atalanta and Monaco are also here, and Leipzig
Galatasaray would be an easy cake for them, but next rounds will be tougher, nevertheless, their form is great currently and chances are that they will reach far
Galatasaray is not a difficult opponent for Barcelona, if you look at the composition of the players, I think Barcelona can win easily.
~snip
Barcelona is very favored to win the match with Galatasaray in two matches
Barcelona is very favored to win the match with Galatasaray in two matches
Barca is probably favorite in this competition, with Sevilla as "title holder when they are playing", but it is a good competition this season, since Porto, Lyon, Atalanta and Monaco are also here, and Leipzig
Galatasaray would be an easy cake for them, but next rounds will be tougher, nevertheless, their form is great currently and chances are that they will reach far
Galatasaray is not a difficult opponent for Barcelona, if you look at the composition of the players, I think Barcelona can win easily.
~snip
Barcelona is very favored to win the match with Galatasaray in two matches
Barcelona is very favored to win the match with Galatasaray in two matches
Barca is probably favorite in this competition, with Sevilla as "title holder when they are playing", but it is a good competition this season, since Porto, Lyon, Atalanta and Monaco are also here, and Leipzig
Galatasaray would be an easy cake for them, but next rounds will be tougher, nevertheless, their form is great currently and chances are that they will reach far
~Snip~
Barcelona and Galatasaray do have different levels in terms of the squad, but I don't think Barcelona should underestimate Galatasaray at the moment, even though Barcelona are more superior after the victory against Napoli, but what we should remember is that Galatasaray are a team that did not experience 1 defeat even in the group phase, and of course Galatasaray will be able to surprise Barcelona in the last 16 match later.I also think that Galatasaray should not be a big problem for Barcelona. Barcelona is playing quite well right now and have improved a lot since the start of the season. A lot of problems in their attacking side also have been fixed. So they are also scoring frequently. I think it will be a really hard job for Galatasaray to stop Barcelona from winning.
Barcelona and Galatasaray do have different levels in terms of the squad, but I don't think Barcelona should underestimate Galatasaray at the moment, even though Barcelona are more superior after the victory against Napoli, but what we should remember is that Galatasaray are a team that did not experience 1 defeat even in the group phase, and of course Galatasaray will be able to surprise Barcelona in the last 16 match later.
So if someone bet Spartak Moscow in sportbook, what will happen on his bet?, is there refund, lost or continue bet to another game with same the same fund?.
The bet would be voided, and obviously the specific punters get their refunds. Anything short of that would mean the sportsbook is a scam.So both Barcelona and Galatasaray will try to give their best in this Europa League competition,
Barcelona playing at home first, I believe they will fight to win to do not be shamed at home. All squad looks fine and as I can see in the last 5 matches they never got lost. Aubameyang is on fire, he fits so well with Camp Nou Atmosphere. but if the defense and centerfield didn't solid, a draw is possible. 
I also think that Galatasaray should not be a big problem for Barcelona. Barcelona is playing quite well right now and have improved a lot since the start of the season. A lot of problems in their attacking side also have been fixed. So they are also scoring frequently. I think it will be a really hard job for Galatasaray to stop Barcelona from winning.
Barcelona and Galatasaray do have different levels in terms of the squad, but I don't think Barcelona should underestimate Galatasaray at the moment, even though Barcelona are more superior after the victory against Napoli, but what we should remember is that Galatasaray are a team that did not experience 1 defeat even in the group phase, and of course Galatasaray will be able to surprise Barcelona in the last 16 match later.
Actually, what's interesting about the two teams is that both have experienced a decline in performance this season, but playing well in
the Europa League competition so far. Barcelona the previous season was in the top 3, while earlier this season Barcelona performed very poorly
and lucky Xavi could make Barcelona start playing consistently again. Likewise, what happened to Galatasaray the previous season, they almost won
the Turkish League if they did not lose on aggregate to Besiktas. But this season Galatasaray slumped in 12th position, but fortunately in the last
two games managed to achieve positive results.
So both Barcelona and Galatasaray will try to give their best in this Europa League competition, because both teams want to give the Europa
League trophy to entertain their respective supporters, which this season, either Galatasaray or Barcelona are no longer possible to give
the domestic league trophy to their respective countries. Then the Barcelona vs Galatasaray match will be very interesting, because both teams
have strong enough motivation, Even though Barcelona is clearly the favourite, I agree that they should never underestimate Galatasaray,
because in the world of football there are always surprises.
These are not just "decisions" but a war in which people die. Athletes are not to blame, but sport is part of the overall structure of the state/business. Now the entire civilized world is trying to break ties with the state that has unleashed a completely insane war, and such decisions (which affect neutral people and even those who fight for peace) are inevitable.
It's a fact what you say. But what the organizations have tried to do is to impose sanctions on Russia, without using military force, in the hope that they will stop the war. Trying to motivate Russian citizens themselves to take action against their government. Will it work? Honestly, I still have some doubts. But only the next few hours/days will tell.
I am from Russia and would not advise anyone to rely on any special activity of citizens - over the past two decades, we have built a totalitarian state that destroys every dissident who becomes dangerous without regret. Citizens will take matters into their own hands when the state collapses, and I would say Putin is ruining Russia faster than any sanctions (although they are also useful).
US, UK, and EU sanctions are mainly targeted at wealthy oligarchs. It is well known that the oligarchs brought Putin to power and that they continue to fund his campaigns. According to the leaked Panama Papers and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), Russia's "Kleptocracy index" is the highest in the world. The sanctions are thus aimed at Putin and his cronies, not at the Russian people. The result of the sanctions is to cause Putin's domestic opponents, opposition parties, and business elites to unite in opposition to the Kremlin.
Barcelona and Galatasaray do have different levels in terms of the squad, but I don't think Barcelona should underestimate Galatasaray at the moment, even though Barcelona are more superior after the victory against Napoli, but what we should remember is that Galatasaray are a team that did not experience 1 defeat even in the group phase, and of course Galatasaray will be able to surprise Barcelona in the last 16 match later.
Well, under estimating any team in football might be a mistake but in this case, perhaps they aren't really under estimating Galatasaray but you can tell its Barcelona to advance between these meetings. Its Barcelona's hope on not going trophy less as, UCL if off limit, the Laliga belongs with Real Madrid now and so, they would take there chances with the Europa. The good news for them is, they seem to be the strongest team still in the competition so far. The bad news is, Barcelona is way past a team that should be competing in the Europa. That's tells you how much work they need to do in building this team back to its formal glory. 
I also think that Galatasaray should not be a big problem for Barcelona. Barcelona is playing quite well right now and have improved a lot since the start of the season. A lot of problems in their attacking side also have been fixed. So they are also scoring frequently. I think it will be a really hard job for Galatasaray to stop Barcelona from winning.
Barcelona and Galatasaray do have different levels in terms of the squad, but I don't think Barcelona should underestimate Galatasaray at the moment, even though Barcelona are more superior after the victory against Napoli, but what we should remember is that Galatasaray are a team that did not experience 1 defeat even in the group phase, and of course Galatasaray will be able to surprise Barcelona in the last 16 match later.
So if someone bet Spartak Moscow in sportbook, what will happen on his bet?, is there refund, lost or continue bet to another game with same the same fund?.
The bet would be voided, and obviously the specific punters get their refunds. Anything short of that would mean the sportsbook is a scam.These are not just "decisions" but a war in which people die. Athletes are not to blame, but sport is part of the overall structure of the state/business. Now the entire civilized world is trying to break ties with the state that has unleashed a completely insane war, and such decisions (which affect neutral people and even those who fight for peace) are inevitable.
Yes. It's a war in which people die, but we all know who the aggressor is. I watched News today and was appalled to discover that Putin wasn't sanctioned by some European countries as an Individual 
A journalist confronted Boris Johnson about that, live on TV, but here we are, with some sports clubs already banned from competitions.
These are not just "decisions" but a war in which people die. Athletes are not to blame, but sport is part of the overall structure of the state/business. Now the entire civilized world is trying to break ties with the state that has unleashed a completely insane war, and such decisions (which affect neutral people and even those who fight for peace) are inevitable.
It's a fact what you say. But what the organizations have tried to do is to impose sanctions on Russia, without using military force, in the hope that they will stop the war. Trying to motivate Russian citizens themselves to take action against their government. Will it work? Honestly, I still have some doubts. But only the next few hours/days will tell.
I am from Russia and would not advise anyone to rely on any special activity of citizens - over the past two decades, we have built a totalitarian state that destroys every dissident who becomes dangerous without regret. Citizens will take matters into their own hands when the state collapses, and I would say Putin is ruining Russia faster than any sanctions (although they are also useful).
As for football, by the way, in Russia it has always had a propaganda role, and it is a pity that earlier civilized countries ignored crimes and, for example, allowed Russia to host the 2018 World Cup. Now, in connection with the exclusion of Russian clubs from the competition, perhaps this propaganda effect will work at least a little in the opposite direction.
These are not just "decisions" but a war in which people die. Athletes are not to blame, but sport is part of the overall structure of the state/business. Now the entire civilized world is trying to break ties with the state that has unleashed a completely insane war, and such decisions (which affect neutral people and even those who fight for peace) are inevitable.
It's a fact what you say. But what the organizations have tried to do is to impose sanctions on Russia, without using military force, in the hope that they will stop the war. Trying to motivate Russian citizens themselves to take action against their government. Will it work? Honestly, I still have some doubts. But only the next few hours/days will tell.
Jump to: