Luka Modrić and Real Madrid got crucified last week in North London, losing 3-0 to Arsenal, by two phenomenal Declan Rice free kicks. Is it an impossibility to overturn a 3-goal deficit in Champions League? Yes, on most days. However, if any club can do it on home soil, it would be Real Madrid. Modrić was rested at the weekend in La Liga action. Can we expect another 70 minutes out of him vs. Arsenal? It’s more than likely. Chances Real Madrid go through: 5%.
Josip Stanišić and Bayern Munich were snake bitten by Inter Milan with a late 88th minute in Germany. Expect a “bunker” from Inter as they protect a 1-goal lead on home soil at the San Siro. Stanišić is expected to start once again in the back-4. He has the best shot of getting to the semifinals. Chances Bayern go through: 40%.
Niko Kovač (manager) and Borussia Dortmund ran into the hottest team in Europe at the wrong time. Barcelona shellacked Dortmund 4-0. Not even the “yellow wall” will be able to save them this week. Sorry Niko. Chances Dortmund go through. 0.1%
I cannot tell a lie, I don’t hate when Real falters if Luka is not playing. Not that that was the difference today, but Vini/Mbappe have zero chemistry. Vini Saudi Arabia next year?
Sure they lost Kroos, but they gained Mbappe and regressed.
Unfortunate, Real Madrid really played better this game than Arsenal they just couldn’t put the ball in. That first result really destroyed any chance they had, you cannot come back easily from that kind of a score line.
Modrić subbed in at 73 mins, Mbappe seems to have twisted his ankle badly.
Real Madrid are officially done. They needed a goal earlier on and had plenty of chances to tie this one. This 4th goal now by Arsenal, I think, has sealed it for them. I am positive they are getting rid of Ancelotti after this, unfortunately. He is still a great coach.
If Real pulls this one off I will be greatly surprised.
Remember when we were worried who will play LB ?
Stanisic starting today LB and JJ been playing LB for Union
So now we need to worry who will play RB for us I guess
Matanovic just posted on IG him on the pitch doing some training
Hopefully he’s able to play Thursday vs. Tottenham 😊
Apparently the nogometni savez released an app called semafor, which gives you all the results for any Croatian competition.
I wonder rif any of you have heard about this?
This isn’t UCL news, but apparently Igor Tudor is doing well at Juventus. He may be looking at contract extension. Latest news from an Italian media outlet.
They have 7 points from 9 games, and moved into 4th place in the league (for the last CL spot).
They can still move ahead of Atalanta and finish third (only 2 points separate them)…and Tudor has a manageable schedule over these final 6 games (with Bologna and Lazio being his hardest opponents). Those two games are key, as both those teams are within 3 points of Juventus for that final CL spot.
Lazio’s schedule is worse than Juve’s as Lazio are still involved in the Europa League (they’re in the quarters) and they still have to play Inter in one of their final league games.
Bologna’s schedule is similar to Juventus’ with no top-3 opponent in these final games.
If he doesn’t outright lose to Bologna, Tudor should be able to secure Juventus a Champions League spot, and they may end up just extending him. Fabio Cappello was giving him praise the other day.
Ante –
Dinamo last game May 24th
CL final May 31st
Peter Sucic officially joins Inter Jun 1st
95% chance that Pero will be at Allianz Arena for the final (if Inter make it) and at least be able to go in the change room, listen to team talk (what a way to meet your teammates for the first time) / watch the match (w/ other Inter players in a box, if not near the bench, wherever they will sit) / celebrate with the team (if they win)
Therefore, shall we not be “cute” and include Pero on the list of Croatians left in the CL (it’s more or less the equivalent if one of our players was suspended or injured for the final but still at the arena – only difference is Pero wouldn’t get a CL medal, but whatever) ?
Let’s be “cute” !
I miss the days that Inter had the Hrvati. Used to watch them all the time.
I wonder if Mbappe fears a Real-PSG semifinal. PSG without Mbappe/Neymar/Messi looks great. Go figure.