Of all the reasons to rig a draw, intentionally putting a tired matchup on in the semifinals to avoid a 25% chance of having a tired matchup in the final has to be about one of the weakest justifications I've ever heard. The risk/reward is not remotely close.
Yup. And Atletico got Leverkusen and LC in previous rounds. They could have had a Mdrid derby in QF or given Atletico tough draws if there were any such conspiracies. I don't believe in draw rigging at all. Sometimes you have multiple legends involved in the draw.
Haha, I can see a scenario where Fabio Cannavaro or Ruud Gullit (seemingly always involved in these draws) could be on their deathbed and proclaim to their grandsons, "it's all rigged, son! The balls are heavy and hot! They threatened to kill my entire family if I told anyone!" ...and then they die. .
It just seems like it because the host always gets placed in the first pot whether they deserve it or not so they'll sometimes be in easier groups overall because they're the weakest team in their pot. The rigging theory doesn't pass muster if you look at the remaining teams. Mexico/Croatia/Cameroon was average for teams from the bottom 3 pots last World Cup. The tournament before that South Africa got placed with France, Mexico, and Uruguay which was easily the toughest draw for any top seed.
Another good point, at some point in the future the money transfers to the accounts of people (offshore company's which the players are associated with etc.) who aren't UEFA employees that are involved (because they'd obviously want something significant in return) would be picked up by audits or other investigations (like the one which caught onto the Blatter - Platini transfer). UEFA are corrupt but not stupid, the risks they'd face if this came to light far outweigh the positives of fixing match ups.
No matter who plays in the final, it will be sold out, hundreds of millions will tune in, and I'm sure most advertisements have already been bought. There's no good reason to risk a scandal.
UEFA would be risking a great deal approaching any of the hosting footballers to participate in their scandal. If they ask Figo and he says no, why in the hell would he just keep their secret? Might have happened in the past within a small circle of trusted people. But they could never continue a rouse like that year after year, someone participating would let it slip privately, someone would whistle blow or they would get caught red handed.
Juventus attack is under rated. Dybala and Quadrado are definitely dangerous attackers capable of scoring counter attacks. They arent just defenders and buffon. They have solid fullbacks too. Edit: no talk about pipita because u know its champions league
Juventus has so much hype right now. They better be careful they don't buy into it only to get stunned by Monaco's attack.
In the most recent era of football, it's hard to deny that Barcelona are not the team of the current century. However, if we become the first team to defend The Champions League title, that will blow all Barcelona's achievements and our trophyless seasons out of the water and establish us as the greatest team in this current generation and millennium.
I disagree. Moncao's pace and offensive might will give juve huge problems. They have a strong structure and good work ethic. This match for me is a toss up; 50-50. What I do know is juve must get a favorable result in the first match. If they don't they will be in huge trouble. This match up will definitely be Dybala vs Mbappe.
People forget how slow Juventus is, great tactically but they are slow. Monaco has more than a chance of beating them imo. If it turns into a shootout, Juventus don't have the offence to keep up
City and Dortmund's inflexible style (high line, possession, many attackers), played right into Monaco's hands. Unlike in the Barca ties where Juve pressed very high especially at the beginning of all four halves, my guess is that Allegri will deny Monaco the space they need to break and look to counter themselves. Juve also mirror Monaco's 4-4-2 formation. Monaco destroyed City and Dortmund on the flanks since those sides continuously allowed Monaco to go 2v1 in these areas. Cuadrado-Alves and Mandzukic-Sandro will prevent Juve from being overloaded like this. I think this tie comes down to whether Monaco can break down Juve's low block and how well the French side starts. In the first 60 minutes at home, Monaco must take the lead. They tired out in both matches vs City as well as against Dortmund in the first leg. They started poorly vs PSG recently and lost 4-1. Unless Juve mentally collapse, Monaco won't have the luxury of being gifted goals like Dortmund gave them (own goal, two intercepted back passes, goal keeping error).
It's a different hype. People are surprised and a little bit thrilled about their performance and are anxious to see how far they can go. The Juve hype is "Wow, they beat mighty Barca, they're a great a side, and now they're favorites to take the title".
Juve has a very good team . You build a solid well balaced team starting from its defense and they probably have the best one out There. I guess it came as a surprised to some people that they could actually shut down and eliminate Barca.
In truth all four teams remaining can be thought of similarly. The ease in which Juve eliminated Barca was surprising. Although a top side, this can give neutrals a false sense of how good they are. Juve have also only trailed for a total of 10-15 minutes in all 10 of their CL matches combined. Real eliminated Bayern taking leads when 10 on 11 and without Lewa. You can't help but be impressed like with Juve, yet at the same time there is still enough room to question how impressive these victories actually were. Atletico have faced Leicester (14th in EPL) and Leverkusan (12th). Monaco played two teams that they matched up ridiculously well against. Both City and Dortmund (even with Bartra) are atrocious defensively and were ultra-attacking. Dortmund literally gifted Monaco goals.
Monaco lost to Juve already in the group stages. If I am not mistaken they were unable to score. Now it will be different of course but I see Monaco making more mistakes than Juve and that will decide who prevails
Juve were in Sevilla's group. And Monaco were in the group that included Spurs and Leverkusen. They haven't played each other this year.