It’s that time of the year again.
The countdown to a possible 10th straight Croatian-inspired Champions League title has begun.
Champions League group stage ended Wednesday night (sort of, Atalanta/Villareal will play Thursday due to a snowstorm) which means the Round of 16 knockout teams are now known.
Luka Modrić and Real Madrid topped their group and will be flying high heading into the knockout round. With an 8-point lead in La Liga currently, Real Madrid could rest key starters in February/March during weekend La Liga matches for Champions League if that lead widens.
Ivan Perišić, Marcelo Brozović and Inter Milan are in top form at the moment and will follow Real Madrid’s lead into the Round of 16; despite their group finale loss to the Spanish club. Inter can play Manchester City, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Ajax, or Lille in the next round.
Mateo Kovačić should be at full strength when reigning Champions League holders Chelsea kick off their Round of 16 matches. Because Chelsea can’t play Juventus (played them in group stage) or another English team in the first knockout round, they will be paired with Ajax, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Lille.
Luka Sučić and Red Bull Salzburg fought off Sevilla in the final group stage match to book a spot in the Round of 16. This will only build Sučić’s confidence as the 19 year-old has cemented his spot in Salzburg starting XI.
Ivo Grbić is on a fantastic loan move at Lille from Atletico Madrid. Croatia may have a huge upgrade at the goalkeeper position now that Dominik Livaković has fallen off his throne. Grbić has been Lille’s #1 all season and will now face stiffer competition in CL after the New Year. Domagoj Bradarić will join the Croatian keeper in CL.
Šime Vrsaljko will likely be a defensive option off the bench for Atletico Madrid in their Round of 16 matches. Atletico could have tough draws with Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, or Juventus in the Round of 16.
Josip Stanišić could make a loan move this winter break as Benjamin Pavard has fully returned to the Bayern Munich backline. If he does not, Stanišić will likely come off the bench when CL returns in February.
Mario Pašalić and Atalanta will need a victory over Villareal Thursday night in Italy after a snowstorm cancelled their match 12/8. A win will see Atalanta be the last unseeded team in the Round of 16 draw.
The draw for the Round of 16 will take place December 13th.
https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2021/12/10/61b36cf8268e3e13088b4583.html
How long can Modrić actually play?
It’s almost unfathomable that he can be at his peak for Qatar.
We also have crew behind him to avoid over use.
The legend grows ..
Why did Pasalic not play? Because Gasperini is a mafioso cunt who consistently bets against his own team. Gasperini is a piece of shit. Just look at him. He’s a faggot.
I wonder what happened to Pasalic today? Benched in a must-win game.
He wasn’t even subbed-in when they were down 3:0. Even the commentator was confused as to why he wasn’t starting, and especially why he wasn’t put on at some point in the game.
So is Bradaric officially back on Lille’s CL roster now? I thought he wasn’t included onto their CL roster to start the season. I also heard Gabriel Vidovic was going to be included on the Bayern Munich senior team a couple of weeks ago but he got injured. Would’ve been awesome if he was also included on their CL roster.
Re Stanisic below – I think he’s been injured the last little bit…
Kind of upsetting how Stanisic has been glued to the bench since Pavard is back. Pavard has had one good game every 5-10 but keeps getting chances. He’s Bayern’s weakest link, but when Stanisic played, there was no weakness on that side of the pitch. Everyone’s calling for Stani to start.
Where would stanisic most likely loan to?
Hopefully another Bundesliga team that needs a RB
https://www.croatiaweek.com/two-croatians-on-most-expensive-u23-big-5-league-players-list/?fbclid=IwAR0CyfdboaLFd0GqqqTKh_ZDwjHL4VKBeiE0Tlr9xNKakShj6oLV0kmrNjc
I had no idea gvardiol was worth that much? I know he is good but also 80 mill seems like nothing these days
Good for him
Sure wish we had an 80 million keeper tho;)
What’s the ceiling on pandor?
Surprised Pandur’s there to be honest, we have a lot more U23 players who are better than him. To be honest that list is very weird and I don’t think Gvardiol is worth 80M yet. He probably will be soon if he keeps up his performances though. He’s attracting lots of interest right now…