Champion League 08/09

Post by **BaaBaa.** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 12:24 am

Champions League 08/09

Rome's Stadio Olimpico will stage the final on 27th May 2009.

The first set of matches are due to be played on 16/17 September.

Post by **BaaBaa.** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 12:43 am

Chelsea have been the most fortunate, they should coast that group.

I was quite happy with Liverpools group until we drew Atletico, by far the best side in the 4th pot, it looks quite a tricky group now.

Apart from Aalborg, Man Utds group should also be interesting.

Arsenal should get through but they've got a bit of travelling to do.

Post by **Zidane** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 10:11 am

Yes,pretty easy for Chelsea I would think.
United have a couple of tricky teams in Villareal and Celtic but I would expect them to progress.
Liverpool,as well, dont have an easy draw.Three good opponents in the Group.Am I right in thinking they played Marseille last season ?
Arsenal quite a tricky group.Never easy going to places like Turkey or the Ukraine.
But,all things considered,I would expect the four English teams to go through.....quite possibly Celtic as well.

Zidane

Post by **BaaBaa.** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:14 pm

If I remember correctly they beat Liverpool at Anfield 1-0 but we beat them away about 4-0.
Liverpool only had 1 point after the first 3 fixtures in the group stage last year.

Post by **Thai Tam** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 5:28 pm

Just booked the days off work for the CL games

A difficult group for us and if we are to progress we will need to take three points away from home or secure two draws away from Parkhead. No doubt we will take over Old Trafford and there will be many Bhoys travelling to Villareal to reniew our friendships.

First things first, Auld Firm game tomorrow and another early morning start!

Post by **JimmyGreaves** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 5:30 pm

BaaBaa. wrote:If I remember correctly they beat Liverpool at Anfield 1-0 but we beat them away about 4-0.
Liverpool only had 1 point after the first 3 fixtures in the group stage last year.

Count yourself lucky that you got this far!

Post by **PeteC** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 5:40 pm

Do these players get extra compensation for playing in this. and a bonus of some kind if they win or semi-finals? Pete

Post by **BaaBaa.** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 6:44 pm

prcscct wrote:Do these players get extra compensation for playing in this. and a bonus of some kind if they win or semi-finals? Pete

Compensation?

Pete, most players in this competition earn around £80,000 a week.

They would get a bonus for winning it.

Post by **PeteC** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 7:01 pm

Well, let's say I'm a player's agent and I've negotiated a contract for him at 80K pounds a week to play for a team in the Premier League. Then, he is asked to add on to his schedule, risking injury and fatigue, which could jeopardise his abilty to play (and possibly be compensated) under the terms of his contract with the Premier League club.

What's good for the goose is good for the gander, unless of course it's an honour issue for those teams/players in the Champions League, and they have an agreed to code of operation. Pete

Post by **BaaBaa.** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 7:11 pm

They are paid to play for the Club. Whether that be the league, FA Cup, League Cup, or European Competition.

They are also paid even if they are out for 6 months or whatever if they are still under contract.

All players want to play in the Champion League, they certainly dont see it as an inconvenience playing in the likes of the San Siro, Camp Nou and the Bernabeu.

Post by **BaaBaa.** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 7:41 pm

Good start by the English clubs.

Gerrards goal was absolute class.

Now come on Villareal.

Post by **BaaBaa.** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 4:19 am

Gerrard with another class Goal.

Chelsea let the side down.

Very unfortunate that Scholes is out for 10 weeks and Drogba may have knee ligament damage.

Post by **caller** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 4:29 am

Chelseas opposition were one of those awkward horrible teams we all remember playing against! Still credit to them (whoever) although Chelsea had an off day.

Hope Drogbas okay, it looked nasty. We still have the mighty Anelka!

Hey BaaBaa, don't forget, its a race, not a sprint.

Early, early days.

Post by **BaaBaa.** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 4:36 am

caller wrote:Chelseas opposition were one of those awkward horrible teams we all remember playing against! Still credit to them (whoever) although Chelsea had an off day.

Hope Drogbas okay, it looked nasty. We still have the mighty Anelka!

Hey BaaBaa, don't forget, its a race, not a sprint.

Early, early days.

Only taking the piss, its not as though you wont qualify.

I know the type of team you mean, we've all faced the niggly B*****Ds.

Keane's first, Gerrard's 100th, Liverpool's 100th in Europe, and Rafa's 250th match tonight. Go figure.

Post by **Jockey** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 12:12 pm

Can't see my team making much impact against Man Utd tonight. I'm worried it could be something like 5-0.