I will give my kidney for see a ballon d'or presentación of Joao Félix, also it really hurt to see that runner up list for Barcelona and what it could be, but where us always the future for more
The Old European Cup survives - No Champions League (1991)
- Thread starter carlosperezesp
- Start date
Joao Félix is not at Benfica yet, he's still young. I doubt Benfica will go far here because their chance has gone away already: they were runners up in the 2013 and 2014 Europa League IOTL. However, they won the European Cup in 1992 ITTL, so I guess that's something!
And for Barcelona, yes, too many final losts. Reminds me of Juventus IOTL (7 finals lost...)
2017/18
2017-18: Real Madrid
Current champions Juventus keep Allegri as coach and the main pieces of the team, while adding Szczęsny, Douglas Costa, and Bernardeschi among others, and they will be successfull in retaining their Serie A titlt. Surprisingly, this year, the big favourites of the European Cup evade facing each other until the semi finals. The four champions of the top leagues meet there, with the only exception of Monaco, already beaten by the Bianconeri in the previous round.
Juve is very optimistic about their chances as defending champion, but the Real Madrid machine is a scary one. Zinedine Zidane has turned the team into a winning machine, conquering the Cup Winners' Cup three times in a row. However, the team has been critisiced for lacking the consistence required to beat Barcelona in the league competition. This year, however, they're finally in the European Cup after winning LaLiga last year, and the team is giving their fans reasons to believe in them. In Turin, they win 0-2 thanks to Benzema and Ronaldo. The Portuguese attacker scores an early goal in the second leg, killing all Juve's hopes, in a match that ends 1-1 with the celebration that Madrid is back to the big match five years later.
In the other semifinal, Bayern Munich and Chelsea face off in a very interesting duel. But not many experts pick the Blues to advance, given Antonio Conte has struggled to keep his team in the top spots of the Premier League and looks like he won't return as coach next season. The Bavarians are not free of drama, because they sack Carlo Ancelotti in Autumn, and now Jupp Heynckes is on charge and is set to successfully defend the Bundesliga title. At the Allianz Arena, Bayern proves the experts right for almost the whole match, but a late goal by Giroud tarnish the German team efforts and gives the English team reasons to hope. What happens later surprises even Chelsea fans. The second leg remains 0-0 until the last last quarter hour, where things get absolutely crazy. After Müller scores in the 77th minute to make it an aggregate score of 1-3, everybody believes Chelsea is dead. But in about ten minutes, Moses manages to score after a defensive mistake before Hazard makes it 2-1 and sends the match into overtime. There, Hazard scores an early penalty goal after a stupid handball by Kimmich and sends Chelsea to the final in Kyiv.
But in Ukraine, the match is not very balanced. Real Madrid scores just after two minutes of play, and from that point the Spanish team plays with a comfortable relaxation, as they've been doing for the last couple of years. Chelsea has some chances, yes, but Ronaldo becomes the first man to score a hat-trick in a European Cup final and gives Los Blancos their 11th title in history.
And look next season, the field is stacked with top teams:
Current champions Juventus keep Allegri as coach and the main pieces of the team, while adding Szczęsny, Douglas Costa, and Bernardeschi among others, and they will be successfull in retaining their Serie A titlt. Surprisingly, this year, the big favourites of the European Cup evade facing each other until the semi finals. The four champions of the top leagues meet there, with the only exception of Monaco, already beaten by the Bianconeri in the previous round.
Juve is very optimistic about their chances as defending champion, but the Real Madrid machine is a scary one. Zinedine Zidane has turned the team into a winning machine, conquering the Cup Winners' Cup three times in a row. However, the team has been critisiced for lacking the consistence required to beat Barcelona in the league competition. This year, however, they're finally in the European Cup after winning LaLiga last year, and the team is giving their fans reasons to believe in them. In Turin, they win 0-2 thanks to Benzema and Ronaldo. The Portuguese attacker scores an early goal in the second leg, killing all Juve's hopes, in a match that ends 1-1 with the celebration that Madrid is back to the big match five years later.
In the other semifinal, Bayern Munich and Chelsea face off in a very interesting duel. But not many experts pick the Blues to advance, given Antonio Conte has struggled to keep his team in the top spots of the Premier League and looks like he won't return as coach next season. The Bavarians are not free of drama, because they sack Carlo Ancelotti in Autumn, and now Jupp Heynckes is on charge and is set to successfully defend the Bundesliga title. At the Allianz Arena, Bayern proves the experts right for almost the whole match, but a late goal by Giroud tarnish the German team efforts and gives the English team reasons to hope. What happens later surprises even Chelsea fans. The second leg remains 0-0 until the last last quarter hour, where things get absolutely crazy. After Müller scores in the 77th minute to make it an aggregate score of 1-3, everybody believes Chelsea is dead. But in about ten minutes, Moses manages to score after a defensive mistake before Hazard makes it 2-1 and sends the match into overtime. There, Hazard scores an early penalty goal after a stupid handball by Kimmich and sends Chelsea to the final in Kyiv.
But in Ukraine, the match is not very balanced. Real Madrid scores just after two minutes of play, and from that point the Spanish team plays with a comfortable relaxation, as they've been doing for the last couple of years. Chelsea has some chances, yes, but Ronaldo becomes the first man to score a hat-trick in a European Cup final and gives Los Blancos their 11th title in history.
And look next season, the field is stacked with top teams:
- Real Madrid (title holders)
- Barcelona
- Man City
- Bayern
- Juve
- PSG
- Or maybe underdogs Porto, PSV, Shakhtar...?
Next year is going to be tough for them. But with covid they should have a chance in 2020 and 2021!
It's going to be a fun edition for sure!
I will DM you with my method, but it's a bit complicated as it involves some manual work. I was thinking of creating a thread explaining how I do it.
2018/19
2018-19: Real Madrid
As expected, the latest edition of the European Cup proves to be highly entertaining, highlighted by an especially eventful second round. Real Madrid, the reigning champions, find themselves without Zinedine Zidane on the bench following his resignation after the triumphant 2017/18 season. With a poor start in LaLiga, Real dismisses Julen Lopetegui at the end of October. Santiago Solari is his replacement, and Real faces a near-elimination scare against Porto; only Thibaut Courtois's heroics from the penalty spot spare Los Blancos from defeat against former Madrid legend Iker Casillas. Bayern Munich, however, aren't as fortunate, as they are eliminated by Shakhtar also via shootout. Juventus comfortably defeats PSG, led by Mbappé, while Pep Guardiola's Manchester City emerges victorious in a thrilling encounter against Barcelona.
In another high-scoring affair, Mydtilland and Lokomotiv Moscow play out a surprising tie, with the Danish champions advancing thanks to the away goal rule.
The quarter-finals witness a captivating showdown between Juventus and Manchester City. Ronaldo (remember he's in his debut season with the Bianconeri) nets a decisive hat-trick in the first half of the opening match, a lead City can't overcome.
Zinedine Zidane, now back at the helm of Real Madrid following Solari's dismissal in March, guides Los Blancos to the next round after a comfortable victory over Brugge, and narrowly escape a tricky Shakhtar side to secure their spot in the European final. The final proves to be an intense affair, with two goals in the second half scored within minutes of each other. Ronaldo breaks the deadlock with a well-placed shot following a loose ball after a free kick from the right side. However, Benzema responds immediately with a brilliant solo effort, dribbling past two defenders before scoring from outside the box. The match goes to extra time, where Ronaldo strikes again, this time with a majestic header just two minutes into the period. With only a minute remaining and Los Blancos desperately fighting for their lives, Dani Carvajal receives the ball in the box after a slick combination with Gareth Bale and scores a dramatic equalizer, sending the match to penalties. Courtois emerges once again as the hero for Los Blancos, securing their 12th European Cup title.
Top candidates for 2019/20 (remember, covid will appear):
As expected, the latest edition of the European Cup proves to be highly entertaining, highlighted by an especially eventful second round. Real Madrid, the reigning champions, find themselves without Zinedine Zidane on the bench following his resignation after the triumphant 2017/18 season. With a poor start in LaLiga, Real dismisses Julen Lopetegui at the end of October. Santiago Solari is his replacement, and Real faces a near-elimination scare against Porto; only Thibaut Courtois's heroics from the penalty spot spare Los Blancos from defeat against former Madrid legend Iker Casillas. Bayern Munich, however, aren't as fortunate, as they are eliminated by Shakhtar also via shootout. Juventus comfortably defeats PSG, led by Mbappé, while Pep Guardiola's Manchester City emerges victorious in a thrilling encounter against Barcelona.
In another high-scoring affair, Mydtilland and Lokomotiv Moscow play out a surprising tie, with the Danish champions advancing thanks to the away goal rule.
The quarter-finals witness a captivating showdown between Juventus and Manchester City. Ronaldo (remember he's in his debut season with the Bianconeri) nets a decisive hat-trick in the first half of the opening match, a lead City can't overcome.
Zinedine Zidane, now back at the helm of Real Madrid following Solari's dismissal in March, guides Los Blancos to the next round after a comfortable victory over Brugge, and narrowly escape a tricky Shakhtar side to secure their spot in the European final. The final proves to be an intense affair, with two goals in the second half scored within minutes of each other. Ronaldo breaks the deadlock with a well-placed shot following a loose ball after a free kick from the right side. However, Benzema responds immediately with a brilliant solo effort, dribbling past two defenders before scoring from outside the box. The match goes to extra time, where Ronaldo strikes again, this time with a majestic header just two minutes into the period. With only a minute remaining and Los Blancos desperately fighting for their lives, Dani Carvajal receives the ball in the box after a slick combination with Gareth Bale and scores a dramatic equalizer, sending the match to penalties. Courtois emerges once again as the hero for Los Blancos, securing their 12th European Cup title.
Top candidates for 2019/20 (remember, covid will appear):
- Real Madrid
- Barcelona
- Man City
- Juventus
- Bayern
- PSG
- Zenit, Benfica, Shakhtar, Salzburg... Let's see if covid help any of them, as the format will be different.
2019/20
2019-20: Manchester City
The season is split into two clear phases, pre and post-covid. Initially, things kick off as usual, with the usual suspects breezing through to the second round. Real Madrid, having splashed over 100 million euros on Eden Hazard, hit a snag with a surprise loss in Finland but quickly recover by thrashing HJK at home in the second leg. For the rest of the top clubs, it's business as usual.
But the second round shakes things up with some big matchups that see some top contenders crash out early. Juventus, now led by Maurizio Sarri, square off against Hansi Flick's FC Bayern. Despite Juventus looking stronger a priori, the Germans benefit from the away-goal rule, thanks to Kingsley Coman (who, remember, used to play for the Bianconeri). This turn of events surprises many, especially given Bayern's recent turmoil with the sacking of Niko Kovac and the absence of legends like Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry.
During the same round, underdog Benfica stuns PSG in Paris after clawing back from a 2-0 deficit in the second half. The Portuguese team fights valiantly in the second leg, pushing the match to the penalty shootout. However, it's the French champions who advance to the next round, courtesy of Keylor Navas's ultimate save.
In March, just as the world was gearing up for the Quarter-Finals, the COVID-19 pandemic strikes, bringing football to a standstill for several months, including the European Cup. When conditions improve, UEFA makes the decision to gather all eight quarter-finalists in Lisbon in August to determine the champion within a span of about 10 days.
In a highly anticipated match, Barcelona suffers a devastating last-minute goal and is defeated by FC Bayern, who advance to the semi-finals alongside the remaining top contenders. Despite Barcelona's significant investment of over 200 million euros in players such as Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann, they fall short against Bayern Munich, who have rebounded to claim both the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal titles under Hansi Flick.
In the semi-finals, Bayern Munich also overpower a lackluster Madrid in a match that proves easier than anticipated. Meanwhile, Real can find solace in the joy of reclaiming the LaLiga title after falling short of doing so in the previous season.
In the other semi-final, Manchester City emerges victorious over PSG at Sporting's stadium. Under Guardiola's guidance in his fourth season at Manchester, the Citizens prove they're a stronger team, bolstered by the presence of De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and new addition Rodri in midfield.
In the final showdown, Guardiola emerges triumphant once again. The Manchester City project reaches its pinnacle after millions and millions invested, and Pep clinches his fifth European Cup (!) facing his former team, FC Bayern. The Citizens seal the victory with a late goal by Kyle Walker, whose powerful shot from the right finds the net just three minutes before the final whistle.
The 2020-21 season will start a bit later after the pandemic, but these will be the main teams to watch:
The season is split into two clear phases, pre and post-covid. Initially, things kick off as usual, with the usual suspects breezing through to the second round. Real Madrid, having splashed over 100 million euros on Eden Hazard, hit a snag with a surprise loss in Finland but quickly recover by thrashing HJK at home in the second leg. For the rest of the top clubs, it's business as usual.
But the second round shakes things up with some big matchups that see some top contenders crash out early. Juventus, now led by Maurizio Sarri, square off against Hansi Flick's FC Bayern. Despite Juventus looking stronger a priori, the Germans benefit from the away-goal rule, thanks to Kingsley Coman (who, remember, used to play for the Bianconeri). This turn of events surprises many, especially given Bayern's recent turmoil with the sacking of Niko Kovac and the absence of legends like Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry.
During the same round, underdog Benfica stuns PSG in Paris after clawing back from a 2-0 deficit in the second half. The Portuguese team fights valiantly in the second leg, pushing the match to the penalty shootout. However, it's the French champions who advance to the next round, courtesy of Keylor Navas's ultimate save.
In March, just as the world was gearing up for the Quarter-Finals, the COVID-19 pandemic strikes, bringing football to a standstill for several months, including the European Cup. When conditions improve, UEFA makes the decision to gather all eight quarter-finalists in Lisbon in August to determine the champion within a span of about 10 days.
In a highly anticipated match, Barcelona suffers a devastating last-minute goal and is defeated by FC Bayern, who advance to the semi-finals alongside the remaining top contenders. Despite Barcelona's significant investment of over 200 million euros in players such as Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann, they fall short against Bayern Munich, who have rebounded to claim both the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal titles under Hansi Flick.
In the semi-finals, Bayern Munich also overpower a lackluster Madrid in a match that proves easier than anticipated. Meanwhile, Real can find solace in the joy of reclaiming the LaLiga title after falling short of doing so in the previous season.
In the other semi-final, Manchester City emerges victorious over PSG at Sporting's stadium. Under Guardiola's guidance in his fourth season at Manchester, the Citizens prove they're a stronger team, bolstered by the presence of De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and new addition Rodri in midfield.
In the final showdown, Guardiola emerges triumphant once again. The Manchester City project reaches its pinnacle after millions and millions invested, and Pep clinches his fifth European Cup (!) facing his former team, FC Bayern. The Citizens seal the victory with a late goal by Kyle Walker, whose powerful shot from the right finds the net just three minutes before the final whistle.
The 2020-21 season will start a bit later after the pandemic, but these will be the main teams to watch:
- Manchester City
- Liverpool
- Real Madrid
- Bayern
- Juve
- PSG
- Porto, Ajax, Shakhtar...
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2020/21
New
2020-21: FC Bayern
The impact of Covid-19 makes this season somewhat unstable, but football perseveres. Many leagues were left unfinished from the previous season, resulting in teams being sent to the European Cup based on rankings and other consideration. Nonetheless, the new season kicks off in September, with matches often played behind closed doors.
Despite the challenges, the usual suspects advance to the Second Round. Notable match-ups include Juventus facing off against Ajax. Under the guidance of Andrea Pirlo on the sideline, the Bianconeri manage to maintain superiority, securing advancement thanks to an away goal despite suffering a comeback by Ajax in Amsterdam.
The reigning champions, Manchester City, face a tougher challenge than anticipated in overcoming Slavia Prague. The Czech team holds them to a draw in both legs, but City secures qualification to the Quarter-Finals thanks to a penalty goal by Agüero in extra time. Don't get them wrong: City has made significant investments once again, exceeding 100 million euros in transfers this summer, notably acquiring Ruben Dias and Nathan Aké, while also parting ways with Leroy Sané, who joins Bayern Munich. Under Guardiola's leadership, City remains unbeaten for the majority of the season and is still the number one contender to win the European Cup.
In an exhilarating encounter, Zenit secures a victory over Porto in injury time after squandering a 2-0 lead in the final minutes of the away match.
In the Quarter-Finals, Ronaldo marks his return to Madrid with a goal. However, two goals by Asensio at the empty training ground of Los Blancos (as their stadium is being remodeled) prove crucial for the away leg. There, Benzema's hat-trick sends Juventus crashing out of Europe.
In the same round, Manchester City faces some challenges in St. Petersburg, but their superiority is evident throughout the entire 180 minutes.
In a highly tense encounter, Liverpool and PSG engage in a gripping tie. The Reds, crowned champions of England for the first time in decades, demonstrate better form in Europe than in the Premier League, where they struggle to keep pace with the top teams. Under Klopp's guidance, however, Liverpool manages to seize the lead in Paris with two penalty goals before PSG mounts a late push to salvage a draw. Despite sacking Thomas Tuchel in December, PSG, now under the management of Pochettino, remain a big threat for Liverpool. Yet, despite their financial prowess and Mbappé's heroics at Anfield, PSG falls short against the Reds and is eliminated from the competition.
In the semi-finals, Manchester City secures a victory against Real Madrid that proves easier than expected, with the Spanish side failing to score a single goal across 180 minutes of play. Despite making no key signings, Los Blancos bid farewell to Europe and to Zidane, who will be replaced by Ancelotti in the summer.
In the other semi-final, Bayern stages an explosive comeback in the return match. After suffering a 2-0 defeat at Anfield, the crowd-less Allianz Arena witnesses a remarkable turnaround. Under Hansi Flick's leadership, despite the departure of Thiago (sold to Liverpool), and with Sané in their squad, Bayern overwhelms the Reds with a resounding 5-0 victory, securing their place in another final.
In a repeat of last season's final, Portugal experiences a sense of déjà vu as Manchester City and Bayern Munich face off once again for a shot at the title. The match turns out to be one of the most memorable in European history.
City initially overcomes Müller's opening goal in the second half, but as the match agonizes, Lewandowski equalizes the score, sending the game into overtime. In a thrilling second half of extra time, City takes the lead once more after a brilliant individual play by Gabriel Jesus. However, Bayern refuses to concede defeat. In the dying moments of the match, a Lewandowski header levels the score yet again.
In the penalty shootout, Bayern's mental strength proves decisive. The German side emerges victorious, with City players mentally shook after losing the title in the dying moments of the game for two times in the same match.
For the first time since 2015, the Bavarians are European kings, and now have 7 European Cups in their trophy cabinet.
The impact of Covid-19 makes this season somewhat unstable, but football perseveres. Many leagues were left unfinished from the previous season, resulting in teams being sent to the European Cup based on rankings and other consideration. Nonetheless, the new season kicks off in September, with matches often played behind closed doors.
Despite the challenges, the usual suspects advance to the Second Round. Notable match-ups include Juventus facing off against Ajax. Under the guidance of Andrea Pirlo on the sideline, the Bianconeri manage to maintain superiority, securing advancement thanks to an away goal despite suffering a comeback by Ajax in Amsterdam.
The reigning champions, Manchester City, face a tougher challenge than anticipated in overcoming Slavia Prague. The Czech team holds them to a draw in both legs, but City secures qualification to the Quarter-Finals thanks to a penalty goal by Agüero in extra time. Don't get them wrong: City has made significant investments once again, exceeding 100 million euros in transfers this summer, notably acquiring Ruben Dias and Nathan Aké, while also parting ways with Leroy Sané, who joins Bayern Munich. Under Guardiola's leadership, City remains unbeaten for the majority of the season and is still the number one contender to win the European Cup.
In an exhilarating encounter, Zenit secures a victory over Porto in injury time after squandering a 2-0 lead in the final minutes of the away match.
In the Quarter-Finals, Ronaldo marks his return to Madrid with a goal. However, two goals by Asensio at the empty training ground of Los Blancos (as their stadium is being remodeled) prove crucial for the away leg. There, Benzema's hat-trick sends Juventus crashing out of Europe.
In the same round, Manchester City faces some challenges in St. Petersburg, but their superiority is evident throughout the entire 180 minutes.
In a highly tense encounter, Liverpool and PSG engage in a gripping tie. The Reds, crowned champions of England for the first time in decades, demonstrate better form in Europe than in the Premier League, where they struggle to keep pace with the top teams. Under Klopp's guidance, however, Liverpool manages to seize the lead in Paris with two penalty goals before PSG mounts a late push to salvage a draw. Despite sacking Thomas Tuchel in December, PSG, now under the management of Pochettino, remain a big threat for Liverpool. Yet, despite their financial prowess and Mbappé's heroics at Anfield, PSG falls short against the Reds and is eliminated from the competition.
In the semi-finals, Manchester City secures a victory against Real Madrid that proves easier than expected, with the Spanish side failing to score a single goal across 180 minutes of play. Despite making no key signings, Los Blancos bid farewell to Europe and to Zidane, who will be replaced by Ancelotti in the summer.
In the other semi-final, Bayern stages an explosive comeback in the return match. After suffering a 2-0 defeat at Anfield, the crowd-less Allianz Arena witnesses a remarkable turnaround. Under Hansi Flick's leadership, despite the departure of Thiago (sold to Liverpool), and with Sané in their squad, Bayern overwhelms the Reds with a resounding 5-0 victory, securing their place in another final.
In a repeat of last season's final, Portugal experiences a sense of déjà vu as Manchester City and Bayern Munich face off once again for a shot at the title. The match turns out to be one of the most memorable in European history.
City initially overcomes Müller's opening goal in the second half, but as the match agonizes, Lewandowski equalizes the score, sending the game into overtime. In a thrilling second half of extra time, City takes the lead once more after a brilliant individual play by Gabriel Jesus. However, Bayern refuses to concede defeat. In the dying moments of the match, a Lewandowski header levels the score yet again.
In the penalty shootout, Bayern's mental strength proves decisive. The German side emerges victorious, with City players mentally shook after losing the title in the dying moments of the game for two times in the same match.
For the first time since 2015, the Bavarians are European kings, and now have 7 European Cups in their trophy cabinet.