CL Semi Final Derby - 8pm BST kick-off on Wednesday 10 May, 2023

1880 Views 168 Replies 16 Participants Last post by humanTORCH, 9 d ago

humanTORCH

Discussion Starter · 1 mo ago

There has been a request for me to start this match thread, I will do it once called upon like our reliable Krunic

This thread will consist of both the 1st and 2nd leg since we are playing both at home.
The line up will be either we play with Bennacer as 10 or Brahim in that position? This time Pioli might play Bennacer there on dual in the middle of the park since they always come with 5. We did not use this system against them previously. Saeles will start on the right to counter their flank or on the left if Leao is not available.

Not to go into prediction but my points below are justifiable. The stars will align.

Carlo (Real) "invited" Maldini (Milan) for the final.
It's in Istanbul. Unfinish business to bury the past.
The neutral would like to watch football heritage on 2 of the most decorated teams in Europe. It's been a while we experience this spectacle.
Not to mention the 3 letter words

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frankf31

· #2 · 1 mo ago

DNA brought us here against all odds. Let's see how far it can take us.

Nerazzurri4life

· #3 · 1 mo ago

I don't certainly know who will qualify from this tie but I know Ancelotti can only be in the final as a spectator or if City's plane crashes.

City will win both in Madrid and Manchester.

Nerazzurri4life

· #4 · 1 mo ago

Speaking of Istanbul, in light of what happened recently in Turkiye it would be nice if a Turk plays in the CL final on home soil. Even nicer if he lifts the trophy, but in any case the Milanese team that will reach the final will be less favoured to win it.

Beaux Balkans

· #5 · 30 d ago

Me, in preparation for after-game:

Sleeve Plant Flooring Grass Soil

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jani

· #6 · 30 d ago

Nerazzurri4life said:
Speaking of Istanbul, in light of what happened recently in Turkiye it would be nice if a Turk plays in the CL final on home soil. Even nicer if he lifts the trophy, but in any case the Milanese team that will reach the final will be less favoured to win it.

If we really want to talk about the "drama" side of it, Milan returning to avenge the ghost of 2005, against Ancelotti of all people, trumps one Turk winning on home soil.. Come on 🤷🏻‍♂️

Imagine all the 2005 Milan team making the trip and being just as nervous 😂😂😂

Johan

· #7 · 30 d ago

Most likely this will be very tight with two cautious teams. anyone who dont like the Italian league will likely feel vindicated as I dont see either team going on the offense to any extent. an early goal might of course change that.

Nerazzurri4life said:
I don't certainly know who will qualify from this tie but I know Ancelotti can only be in the final as a spectator or if City's plane crashes.

City will win both in Madrid and Manchester.

Wait, you are predicting that the team that gone further than the other for several years in a row dont have a chance and will lose both games against a team that never reached the final?

frankf31

· #8 · 30 d ago

People constantly underestimate RM in the CL. I'll never understand it. I won't be surprised if City wins because their squad and coach are incredible but you cannot just write off RM.

I'm really hoping for a Milan - Madrid final.

jani

· #9 · 30 d ago

What are our chances without Leao?

I think we may hope to at least make it competitive in the first leg if we play:

Diaz-Bennacer-Rebic

Giroud

I've a feeling though that Rebic has fallen totally out of favor and we'll likely see Saelemakers in. I prefer Ante because if he has one of those games he may still pull off something special.

That said, Alexis has been pretty decent recently but he is less a difference maker than Rebic can be.

Realistically, hoping Leao is at least fit for the bench but if he's even that he will likely start anyway.. which I think isn't the best idea but vedremo....

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jani

· #10 · 30 d ago

frankf31 said:
People constantly underestimate RM in the CL. I'll never understand it. I won't be surprised if City wins because their squad and coach are incredible but you cannot just write off RM.

I'm really hoping for a Milan - Madrid final.

Me too. But Haaland has finally completed Pep's City squad and they will I think beat Real easily, and even more easily who they face in the final.

van

· #11 · 30 d ago

I would start Leao even if he was unable to walk. Especially considering Rebic seems far from his best.

I mean it. Leao just being there changes what the team can do in attack and how the opposition sets up. I'm thinking especially about Dumfries and whoever Inter play as RCB these days.

jani

· #12 · 30 d ago

Latest reports seem to indicate Leao won't make it and that Saelemakers is favorite to start

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Nerazzurri4life

· #13 · 29 d ago

van said:
I would start Leao even if he was unable to walk. Especially considering Rebic seems far from his best.

I mean it. Leao just being there changes what the team can do in attack and how the opposition sets up. I'm thinking especially about Dumfries and whoever Inter play as RCB these days.

A bit disrespectful but the rcb is Darmian. We field a 100% Italian back 3 nowadays which is strange compared to past years.

And yes naturally facing Leao would require extra defensive attention from our right flank.

Nerazzurri4life

· #14 · 29 d ago

Johan said:
Most likely this will be very tight with two cautious teams. anyone who dont like the Italian league will likely feel vindicated as I dont see either team going on the offense to any extent. an early goal might of course change that.

Wait, you are predicting that the team that gone further than the other for several years in a row dont have a chance and will lose both games against a team that never reached the final?

City reached the CL final in 2021.

And yes I think City will win both games. What happened last season will not be repeated and Real won the CL despite being dominated in the final by Liverpool, so doubt they have any luck portion left.

I do want Real to beat City though btw.

Nerazzurri4life

· #15 · 29 d ago

jani said:
If we really want to talk about the "drama" side of it, Milan returning to avenge the ghost of 2005, against Ancelotti of all people, trumps one Turk winning on home soil.. Come on 🤷🏻‍♂️

Imagine all the 2005 Milan team making the trip and being just as nervous 😂😂😂

You already beat Liverpool in 2007, what revenge is there if you play a final v City/Real? You didn’t lose in 2005 because of the stadium/venue

Turkish player winning CL in Turkey would be cooler but of course I am biased

don't think many Turkish players have won CL, if any ? Calling in @Zico 10

frankf31

· #16 · 28 d ago

We already got revenge on Liverpool but we still need to get revenge against Istanbul. The ghost of what happened still haunts the stadium and we need to exorcist it.

frankf31

· #17 · 28 d ago

Plus we could have a fun drinking game if Milan is in the final. Take a shot every time the English commentators mention Liverpool 2005. We'll be piss drunk after 15 minutes.

Reactions: 1

Reza

· #18 · 28 d ago

Leao has muscle issue, right? Risking him can easily make it worse and longer term. For this reason our best hope is have him take no part and to have him start second leg.

humanTORCH

Discussion Starter · #19 · 28 d ago

Nerazzurri4life said:
City reached the CL final in 2021.

And yes I think City will win both games.

This statement though...only Real and Milan fans understand something which other not able to comprehend.
City wearing red and black thinking that they can have the DNA

Anyway, grazie Mister

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1656046860740509722

Zico 10

· #20 · 28 d ago

Nerazzurri4life said:
Turkish player winning CL in Turkey would be cooler but of course I am biased don't think many Turkish players have won CL, if any ? Calling in @Zico 10

No, never.

The closest was Yildiray Basturk who had a great game for Leverkusen but ultimately lost to Zidane's volley. Arda Turan would have had a winners medal for Atletico, but again Real Madrid stood in the way. But Arda was injured for the final anyway.

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