I expected a higher standard of football at this stage of the competition. City were awful. I think the team selection was all wrong and leaving Gundogan and Mahrez on so long was very surprising. Delph should be a last resort left back. Barca were almost as bad but they did show their quality a couple of times (the possession leading to Suarez's late chance was like the Barca of years gone by). They're lacking creative quality in midfield a gave up possession too easily. Messi was anonymous after Smalling smashed him. Man U were shockingly bad as an attacking force. They badly need players. They battled hard and none of them can be faulted for their commitment, but to be so toothless as an attacking force is worrying for the future. In the games that I watched Spurs were the only side that performed well. They were really strong defensively and attacked with purpose at times.
Based on the highlights of the other two games, Liverpool looked stronger than Porto although Porto had some decent chances, while Ajax appear to have played fantastically well again, but Juve will be happy with the result.
Porto have the hardest task in the return leg. Liverpool will fancy their chances of scoring, and if they do the tie is over. I expect City to respond with a much better performance at home, but Spurs are capable of winning again. It's a pity that Kane is out. Barca have probably done enough but they're not a great side and Utd have nothing to fear unless one of Barca's front three have one of their good days. It'll be backs to the wall for Utd and they'll need to take any chance they get. Finally, Juve should have too much for Ajax. Ajax won't think so and will be confident that if they continue to play like they have done Juve won't be able to handle them.
Based on the highlights of the other two games, Liverpool looked stronger than Porto although Porto had some decent chances, while Ajax appear to have played fantastically well again, but Juve will be happy with the result.
Porto have the hardest task in the return leg. Liverpool will fancy their chances of scoring, and if they do the tie is over. I expect City to respond with a much better performance at home, but Spurs are capable of winning again. It's a pity that Kane is out. Barca have probably done enough but they're not a great side and Utd have nothing to fear unless one of Barca's front three have one of their good days. It'll be backs to the wall for Utd and they'll need to take any chance they get. Finally, Juve should have too much for Ajax. Ajax won't think so and will be confident that if they continue to play like they have done Juve won't be able to handle them.
.... I fear it is already game over, despite a good start for Man Utd.
2-1 up on the night and 3-1 up on aggregate - and only 9 minutes played.
