GOBIAS
Ian Bowyer
At least they were knock out games so had an edge. The group stages in the champions league are dull as ditch water.
Champions league final
- Thread starter Red Dawn
- Start date
At least they were knock out games so had an edge. The group stages in the champions league are dull as ditch water.
It's Baggio
John Robertson
Yeah, plenty of 'edge' in the Benfica 10-0 Hamrun Spartans, Marseille 10-0 Union Luxembourg and Red Star 8-0 Portadown ties.
Fallon
Jack Burkitt
I've only ever known the Champions League in it's current form, and to be honest while the old way of doing things (European Cup, UEFA Cup, Cup Winners Cup) seems better, I do enjoy the group stages and the current format. As I see it, the group stages are a great excuse for weekends away. If Forest got there (I know, I know) and faced a group with... say... Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Ajax, it gives us the opportunity for some fantastic away days and to see some great cities.
I do think though that the Europa League should be a straight knock-out competition, instead of a carbon copy of the Champions League. It just makes it feel even less of a competition.
I do think though that the Europa League should be a straight knock-out competition, instead of a carbon copy of the Champions League. It just makes it feel even less of a competition.
masterintoo
Banned
You could say the same about any competition in the world, I struggle to see any point you are making? Are you saying that any competition where you have a large goal divide pointless?
It's Baggio
John Robertson
To an extent yes, especially when the competition is supposed to represent Europe's best.
People have suggested that the old European Cup was more entertaining, more competetive and was of a higher standard. I disagree on all three.
People have suggested that the old European Cup was more entertaining, more competetive and was of a higher standard. I disagree on all three.
Alf-engelos Mindminackers
The Artiste formally known as "Wanksy"
They're a damn sight more exciting/interesting than most of the group matches we're served up currently.
adam09
Super Koopa
"Most" of the group matches you "rarely watch"? 
I do agree though, I've stopped watching almost completely in recent years because too many group games were dour, tactical stalemates. The Barca/Chelsea and Bayern/Chelsea games were actually much more interesting mainly due to Chelsea being 'inferior' in the flair stakes if you like. Attack v defence has got to be better than midfield v midfield!
I do agree though, I've stopped watching almost completely in recent years because too many group games were dour, tactical stalemates. The Barca/Chelsea and Bayern/Chelsea games were actually much more interesting mainly due to Chelsea being 'inferior' in the flair stakes if you like. Attack v defence has got to be better than midfield v midfield!
It's Baggio
John Robertson
Right. Unless it's Forest dishing out the hammering I couldn't think of any less exciting.
DapperDan
Steve Chettle
I enjoy the champions league group stages.
Winno
First Team Squad
Can't stand the group stages, surely as a competition for supposed 'Champions' it's redundant? It'd be better if it just went straight to knockout stages, which could be achieved if only actual league champions qualified for entry.
The system we have is ridiculous, as more of our clubs can qualify for the CL than the Europa League.. The f***? Why not put the rest of the top 4 in the EL, scrap anything for 5th, and cup winners have to go through play-offs to enter. Alas, I can already hear Michael Platini laughing at me from all the way over here.
The system we have is ridiculous, as more of our clubs can qualify for the CL than the Europa League.. The f***? Why not put the rest of the top 4 in the EL, scrap anything for 5th, and cup winners have to go through play-offs to enter. Alas, I can already hear Michael Platini laughing at me from all the way over here.
incapable hulk
Best served cold
Same here.
Even though i preffered it as a knockout competition, and just the champions- i still enjoy watching the top european clubs play each other.
I have certainly enjoyed watching the champions league group stages more than any forest home game this season.
I appreciate its sickening how its mostly money orientated nowadays- but the quality of football is still pretty high.