OT: Champions League final discussion & live thread

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May 19th, 2012 at 9:47 AM
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go16blue
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OT: Champions League final discussion & live thread

The Champions League final has finally arrived, after months of build up. It features a pair of unlikely semifinal winners, as Chelsea and Bayern Munich upset Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. The game will be played in Allianz Arena (home to Bayern Munich), which most say will benefit Bayern. Both teams come in with multiple players suspended for yellow cards in the semi-finals, with Chelsea hit slightly harder. Bayern plays a very meticulous, attacking style, focusing on good passing and good wings capable of shooting as well as crossing. Chelsea plays more of a deep, counter-attacking style, featuring star playmaker Didier Drogba at striker. Bayern is normally amazing at home, but in a game of this magnitude with this much emotion, all of that goes out the window. 

The winner gets a trophy, bragging rights, and a large cash reward. Beyond that, the implications in the English Premier League are huge, as if Chelsea win they will take a 2012-13 Champions League spot from my beloved Spurs.

And before you soccer haters show up and ask "who cares," last year over 300 million people watched the final, much more than the super bowl. So please, if you don't like soccer, keep it civil.

The game starts at 2:30 on Fox

Come On You Bavarians!! Can't wait!

COYS and lets go Detroit FC!

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May 19th, 2012 at 9:49 AM | Longtime Chelsea fan here. (Score:1)
BJ0017
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Joined: 02/03/2009
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Longtime Chelsea fan here. It's going to be tough playing without JT and Ivanovic but luckily we do get Cahill and Luiz back from injury. 2-1 Chelsea

May 19th, 2012 at 9:50 AM | What time and what channel? (Score:2)
JBE
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What time and what channel?

Sent From My Commodore 64

May 19th, 2012 at 9:51 AM | Sorry, fixed. 2:30 on Fox. (Score:2)
go16blue
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Joined: 04/28/2010
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Sorry, fixed. 2:30 on Fox.

COYS and lets go Detroit FC!

May 19th, 2012 at 9:50 AM | Also, at 10:00 on Fox Soccer, (Score:2)
go16blue
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Also, at 10:00 on Fox Soccer, Blackpool takes on West Ham in the Championship play-off final. The winner gets a spot in the English Premier League next year, and the 90 million (!!) pounds that go with that. The loser stays in the Championship (the second tier league), and has to put up with at least one more year of financial woes. Steam at firstrowsports.eu

COYS and lets go Detroit FC!

May 19th, 2012 at 9:56 AM | This is what I'm more (Score:2)
bacon1431
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Joined: 07/26/2008
MGoPoints: 3277

This is what I'm more interested in today.

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
May 19th, 2012 at 10:55 AM | Is West Ham the club from (Score:2)
Indy Wolverine
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Joined: 07/28/2010
MGoPoints: 777

Is West Ham the club from Green Street Hooligans?

Also, I tought both Blackpool and West Ham were in the Premier League. When did they get regulated?

May 19th, 2012 at 11:03 AM | Yes to your first (Score:2)
bacon1431
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Joined: 07/26/2008
MGoPoints: 3277

Yes to your first question.

And both were relegated after last season.

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
May 19th, 2012 at 9:50 AM | SOCCAR SUX!!!1!! Watch a (Score:1 Normal)
FreddieMercuryHayes
Joined: 12/29/2010
MGoPoints: 4884

SOCCAR SUX!!!1!! Watch a Real Man's sport: porn. Rabble rabble rabble.

May 19th, 2012 at 9:54 AM | Like (Score:1)
russale2012
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Joined: 11/30/2011
MGoPoints: 2640

Like

It's been a lot. Its been a roller coaster that for some reason seemed like it would never get good. But you know what? We kept fighting. It's like that old saying goes, "Those Who Stay Will Be Champions." -David Molk

May 19th, 2012 at 9:54 AM | The stakes are absolutely (Score:3 Normal)
go16blue
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The stakes are absolutely massive for Tottenham, even though we aren't playing. Win and we get a spot in the CL next year, along with a cash prize, and the ability to lure in top players over the offseason. Lose and not only do we have to put up with the Europa League, but we would likely lose 3 or 4 of our best 5 players, and would be unable to pull and good players over the offseason. This is without a doubt one of the most important games in recent memory for Tottenham.

COYS and lets go Detroit FC!

May 19th, 2012 at 11:03 AM | COYS? (Score:2 Normal)
Musket Rebellion
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Yes. COYS!

www.wolverineliberationarmy.com

May 19th, 2012 at 10:01 AM | Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea (Score:1)
Thatguy2525
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Go Blues!!

Hail to the Victors! Go Blue!

May 19th, 2012 at 10:17 AM | To second go16blue, this is (Score:2)
Bombadil
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To second go16blue, this is definitely bigger than the superbowl now. There's so much money Champion's league it's crazy. 

I'm pulling for Bayern.

May 19th, 2012 at 10:19 AM | Blackpool should be up by at (Score:2)
bacon1431
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Joined: 07/26/2008
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Blackpool should be up by at least a goal. Two golden chances and nothing.

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
May 19th, 2012 at 10:19 AM | Bayern Munchen!!! (Score:1)
cjellison775
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Sieg fur Bayern Munchen die champions der eurpoe!!!

May 19th, 2012 at 10:30 AM | There's only one team in (Score:2)
Volverine
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Joined: 05/07/2011
MGoPoints: 789

There's only one team in London. If the Gunners can't win it, I don't want any English teams to. Pulling for the German giants in this one.

University of Tom Brady, B.A. '10; University of Peyton Manning, J.D. '13.

May 19th, 2012 at 10:36 AM | Wow (Score:2)
Tshimanga Cowabunga
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What a ball and what touch! That was a great goal

May 19th, 2012 at 10:37 AM | He was fully extended for (Score:2)
go16blue
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He was fully extended for that first touch, and played it perfectly. Great goal.

COYS and lets go Detroit FC!

May 19th, 2012 at 10:50 AM | As for the CL Final, I'm (Score:2)
bacon1431
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Joined: 07/26/2008
MGoPoints: 3277

As for the CL Final, I'm rooting more against Chelsea than I am for Bayern. Just because I know a ton of bandwagon Chelsea fans and I don't want them to have any reason to celebrate.

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
May 19th, 2012 at 1:28 PM | Amen to that. And Ann Arbor (Score:2)
jackfl33
Joined: 05/14/2011
MGoPoints: 167

Amen to that. And Ann Arbor bars flood with Chelsea fans during CL time. Watching the Barca game at the Blue Lep was a painful experience.

Grow Blue

May 19th, 2012 at 11:05 AM | All tied up!!! (Score:2)
bacon1431
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Joined: 07/26/2008
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All tied up!!!

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
May 19th, 2012 at 11:39 AM | I think it's obvious who I'm (Score:4 Normal)
SCS100
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Joined: 10/26/2009
MGoPoints: 182

I think it's obvious who I'm rooting for. Mia san mia!

May 19th, 2012 at 11:47 AM | West Ham pulls ahead by one (Score:2)
bacon1431
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West Ham pulls ahead by one in the 87th minute!!

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
May 19th, 2012 at 11:53 AM | West Ham will be back in the (Score:2)
bacon1431
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Joined: 07/26/2008
MGoPoints: 3277

West Ham will be back in the top flight next year. As a Wolves fan, I think this is the better outcome as I think they were the better club. Slightly easier rode back to promotion for my Wolves.

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
May 19th, 2012 at 2:08 PM | True (Score:2)
SKIP TO MY BLUE
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Joined: 05/19/2010
MGoPoints: 450

Good for West Ham, but better for Wolves and Bolton next year.

"Oh They Came to Bury Michigan, But Michigan Wasn't Dead" - Bob Ufer

May 19th, 2012 at 11:58 AM | Gotta go with (Score:1)
BossWolverine
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Joined: 04/14/2012
MGoPoints: 128

Bayern on this one. Although I love watching Lampard and Torres, there is no love lost on Abromovich, Terry, and Drogba. Besides, if Chelsea wins they might shun the "always a bridesmaid never a bride" stigma and we can't have that. With all the financial resources available, I can't decide if Real Madrid or Chelsea are the biggest underachievers.

May 19th, 2012 at 12:00 PM | Would rather not see another (Score:2)
gopoohgo
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MGoPoints: 1233

Would rather not see another billionaire-owned EPL team win a major trophy.

As a ManUnited fan, I really am envious.

I think missing Terry in the middle dooms Chelski, especially playing Bayern @ Allianz. 2-0 Munchen, Gomez with one goal

May 19th, 2012 at 1:31 PM | On the other hand, they don't (Score:2)
jackfl33
Joined: 05/14/2011
MGoPoints: 167

On the other hand, they don't have to worry about anyone being sent off. Terry can't do anything astoundingly stupid from the bench (I think).

Grow Blue

May 19th, 2012 at 12:00 PM | Would rather not see another (Score:2)
gopoohgo
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MGoPoints: 1233

Would rather not see another billionaire-owned EPL team win a major trophy.

As a ManUnited fan, I really am envious.

I think missing Terry in the middle dooms Chelski, especially playing Bayern @ Allianz. 2-0 Munchen, Gomez with one goal

May 19th, 2012 at 12:21 PM | Terry sucks. (Score:1)
Michiganguy19
Joined: 07/05/2008
MGoPoints: 719

Honestly he has lost TWO steps and is always fouling to save himself. He got worked the other weekend in EPL and his days are numbered at the top level. Not to mention he is an ass.

'Cause I Bleed Blue...

May 19th, 2012 at 12:28 PM | Of course Terry is an (Score:2)
gopoohgo
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Of course Terry is an ass.

Howeva, he may have had his best match of the season against Barca at home in the 1st leg of the semi. He served as an effective anchor quarterbacking the defense.

Not sure anyone is going to be able to defend Gomez on crosses coming in from the wings with Terry out

May 19th, 2012 at 12:35 PM | I have to agree (Score:1)
BossWolverine
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MGoPoints: 128

I always thought he was mediocre, not top flight. Dirty to boot. As far as being an ass, I guess sleeping with a teammates gal will do that to ya.

May 19th, 2012 at 12:20 PM | delete me (Score:2)
gopoohgo
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MGoPoints: 1233

Duplicate plz delete

May 19th, 2012 at 12:21 PM | Bayern (Score:1)
E.L. blue fan
Joined: 03/11/2010
MGoPoints: 334

I'm pulling for Bayern in this one.

Also tonight on ESPN2 at 10:30 the Galaxy play Chivas USA, it will be interesting to see if Juan Agudelo sees the field tonight after being traded from NY. You wouldn't expect a guy to play after just a couple practices with the team but Chivas is desperate for some offense so it is a possibility. 

May 19th, 2012 at 12:23 PM | Bayern! (Score:1)
Michiganguy19
Joined: 07/05/2008
MGoPoints: 719

Really looking forward to them drubbing Chelsea. I don't usually support German clubs with such gusto, but I really don't find much to like about this Chelsea team.

'Cause I Bleed Blue...

May 19th, 2012 at 12:31 PM | Rooting for Bayern (Score:1)
Wolverine In Iowa
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MGoPoints: 711

I'm pulling for Bayern because I don't want Spurs, who I think deserve a place in the Champions League, to be knocked out.  Chelsea were absolute crap this year in the EPL, but they are playing to be European champion -- go figure.

Bad news is I knocked the satellite dish while mowing the lawn, and I can't get the thing lined back up :(

May 19th, 2012 at 1:43 PM | If Cleatus the robot is (Score:1)
cheesheadwolverine
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Joined: 10/25/2008
MGoPoints: 2137

If Cleatus the robot is involved in today's proceedings I quit

"I just hope Tressel doesn't fire me"

-Gordon Gee

May 19th, 2012 at 1:50 PM | Pulling for Chelsea (Score:0 Overrated)
May 19th, 2012 at 2:25 PM | The EPL is probably the best (Score:2)
snarling wolverine
Joined: 12/14/2011
MGoPoints: 4684

The EPL is probably the best league, but I don't know how many conclusions we can draw from a single game.  Did the Super Bowl confirm that the NFC was better than the AFC? 

May 19th, 2012 at 2:39 PM | Also it's not like the (Score:2 Normal)
cheesheadwolverine
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Joined: 10/25/2008
MGoPoints: 2137

Also it's not like the Bundesliga is number two.

Also worth noting that performance in Europe and the UEFA statistics pulled off of that probably understantes the level of the EPL, since the strenght of the league is its quality top-to-bottom (cf. Spain with the two best teams in the world, then a huge drop, then the Valencia/Atletico/Sevilla level, then some real crap-ass-Championship-level teams in the bottom half of the league)

"I just hope Tressel doesn't fire me"

-Gordon Gee

May 19th, 2012 at 2:06 PM | No horse in this race today (Score:3 Normal)
SKIP TO MY BLUE
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Joined: 05/19/2010
MGoPoints: 450

Even though I do not root for either Cherlsea or Munich, I would rather see Spurs go on to the CL after finishing fourth in the EPL than Chelsea for their great run in the CL. Doesn't seem fair for Rednapp and the boys to go to Europa after a great season. Just hoping for a well played match.

"Oh They Came to Bury Michigan, But Michigan Wasn't Dead" - Bob Ufer

May 19th, 2012 at 2:12 PM | wynalda (Score:1)
ehatch
Joined: 09/25/2008
MGoPoints: 203

Does anyone else think Wynalda looks like Rich Rod? Confuses me for a second every week.

Go Chelsea. I think it will be relatively high scoring, like 3-2 Bayern.

May 19th, 2012 at 2:19 PM | Forgot Terry wasn't playing (Score:1)
ixcuincle
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Joined: 08/11/2010
MGoPoints: 3173

Forgot Terry wasn't playing today. Go Bayern

And stupid FOX keeps playing their football music for all sports (including baseball and soccer). That music is associated with football. Make some other music for baseball and soccer. 

May 19th, 2012 at 2:21 PM | And before you soccer haters (Score:2)
snarling wolverine
Joined: 12/14/2011
MGoPoints: 4684

And before you soccer haters show up and ask "who cares," last year over 300 million people watched the final, much more than the super bowl.

I'm not a soccer hater by any means, but doesn't the Super Bowl get like a billion viewers? (I also thought the CL final got a lot more than 300M.)

May 19th, 2012 at 2:41 PM | Not sure the numbers for (Score:1)
cheesheadwolverine
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Joined: 10/25/2008
MGoPoints: 2137

Not sure the numbers for either CLF or Super Bowl (but I bet Google does), but I'm pretty sure the only thing that breaks 1b is the World Cup final.

"I just hope Tressel doesn't fire me"

-Gordon Gee

May 19th, 2012 at 2:53 PM | I'm conflicted (Score:1)
blue95
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Joined: 10/01/2009
MGoPoints: 703

Some German friends got me interested in soccer so I've always been a follower of the Bundesliga and root for the national team (when the U.S. isn't involved).

But Bayern is the NY Yankees of the league, so it's kinda hard to cheer for them.  I'm a Schalke fan. 

The one thing I know for sure, Ribery is one ugly SOB!

mgoblog: it's a perfectly cromulent website

May 19th, 2012 at 4:45 PM | It's like rooting for the (Score:1)
bacon1431
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Joined: 07/26/2008
MGoPoints: 3277

It's like rooting for the Yankees no matter who you cheer for in this match. But I think Bayern is the lesser of two evils. And I don't want Tottenham to be robbed of a well-deserved CL spot by Chelsea who has underachieved all season up until the knock-out stage.

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
May 19th, 2012 at 4:47 PM | I read an article about this (Score:1)
blue95
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Joined: 10/01/2009
MGoPoints: 703

I read an article about this match that said, "aside from fans of each team, their respective nations will all be cheering for the other side."

mgoblog: it's a perfectly cromulent website

May 19th, 2012 at 4:53 PM | All the English posters on (Score:1)
bacon1431
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Joined: 07/26/2008
MGoPoints: 3277

All the English posters on the Wolves board I post on are rooting for Chelsea. Don't know if that's indicative of the rest of the league's fans though.

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
May 19th, 2012 at 5:01 PM | May be general dislike of Germany... (Score:1)
blue95
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Joined: 10/01/2009
MGoPoints: 703

You know, after that whole war thing a lot of people still hold a grudge.  I know the Czechs do.

My brother lives in Berlin, everyone was pretty excited to root against Bayern in the Bundesliga championship match the other week.  I haven't heard from him about the concensus on today's match.

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