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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (13 Viewers)

Lingard and Fellaini missing sitters instead of burying Newcastle. So Sad

And Liverpool on Sunday

 
Last edited by a moderator:
B Maverick said:
The Hardline said:
B Maverick said:
The Hardline said:
Man City stinks. LVG ask not for whom the bell tolls.
Click to expand...
Yes they do, but is that LVG's fault?
Click to expand...
Maybe to a certain extent. He is responsible for preparing the team to play but of course he can't do the work for them. A lot of good/great managers lose their jobs based on performance of their teams and not the preparation.
Click to expand...
Its LVG's fault that Man City stink? Interesting
Click to expand...
Well they both stink. The whole city stinks. I see what I did there.

 
The Hardline said:
B Maverick said:
The Hardline said:
B Maverick said:
The Hardline said:
Man City stinks. LVG ask not for whom the bell tolls.
Click to expand...
Yes they do, but is that LVG's fault?
Click to expand...
Maybe to a certain extent. He is responsible for preparing the team to play but of course he can't do the work for them. A lot of good/great managers lose their jobs based on performance of their teams and not the preparation.
Click to expand...
Its LVG's fault that Man City stink? Interesting
Click to expand...
Well they both stink. The whole city stinks. I see what I did there.
Click to expand...
:excited: :boxing:

 
We're just back from Paris where I was lucky enough to attend a PSG game with my daughter.

Parc des Princes is a charmless 70s era concrete monstrosity located near the ring road. It's about a five minute walk from the Metro with several security cordons beginning two blocks away from the ground. It's set up somewhat like airport security with an initial ticket check followed by a pat down/bag check about a block closer and a another bag check and metal detector scan at the ticket gate. I don't know if any of this is new in the aftermath of the 13 Nov attacks or whether it's related to PSG's crackdown on hooligans several years ago.

Once inside, the stadium is pretty utilitarian. It's also dry with only NA beer for sale. The architecture is an oval configuration that despite not having a running track has a lot of empty space between the touch lines and the stands. On the plus side, the stands are almost fully covered so it holds the sound in well. Our seats were at the 18 yd line in the second row of the second tier. The second deck is larger than the first and appeared to have a slightly steeper rake to them. Creature comfort was worse than typical US stadiums with minimal leg room and few aisles.

PSG was playing Bastia, a small club from Corsica who somehow has managed to spend 50 consecutive years in Ligue 1. They had very little traveling support; the away section in the corner had many more security guards than fans. On the other hand, the home sections behind both goals were in strong voice throughout. They have a very impressive team to support. PSG is undefeated in the league and their 1-0 loss in the Bernabeu is their only loss in all competitions. They dominated Bastia in every phase of the game. Blanc fielded a strong lineup featuring most of their stars. Ibrahimovic played the full 90 but didn't score. He has a very solid hold-up game with excellent ball skills in addition to his size and strength. Di Maria played a free role popping up on either flank and occasionally in the center. The speed of he and Matuidi vs the Bastia defense was very apparent. Bastia played conservatively leaving six men back during their occasional attacks, even after going down two goals. I don't think PSG keeper Kevin Trapp was tested all night.

PSG is 20 points clear in the league and should be able to cruise to their fourth consecutive championship. They're playing for the Champions League, the undefeated league season and the domestic treble. Their financial advantages of Qatar, the second largest ground and the commercial opportunities of Paris should position them as the clear favorites every year. But barring formation of some sort of a European super league, they have some disadvantages vs. other megaclubs. Ligue 1 is a third rate league in terms of television and lacks an clear second big club unless Lyon or Marseilles get their acts together. PSG fills their 49000 seats pretty regularly but I see little opportunity for expansion. The concrete cantilever architecture and surrounding neighborhood makes it virtually impossible to build up. The obvious move would be to lower the pitch and add more seats closer to the field but there's a highway passing underneath the stadium. I suspect a move to Stade de France would be very unpopular.

The game was very enjoyable with a lively but nonthreatening atmosphere. There were a number of kids in our section. The fans were passionate but seemingly good natured. Getting out was kind of an adventure though. The stadium tunnels after the final whistle was a cancer corridor due to thousands of Parisians who hadn't had a cigarette in 45 minutes. The Metro station was packed solid. It's a sad sign of the times but my thoughts at the time were that a post-match bomber in the Metro could kill hundreds due to the confined space and potential for a stampede. The crowd was dispersed once we got through the Metro turnstiles and there wasn't the congestion on the platform like I've experienced leaving similar events in the US. Maybe we just timed it right though.

I'm glad we went. It was a fun experience to share with my daughter, who hasn't been successful in getting any of her friends interested in attending a game. But man, I wish I could sleep right now.

 
The second place club in Ligue 1 - Angers SCO, a club I had never heard of until this season - is closer to 19th than it is to PSG, and the gap is widening. They are 20 points behind PSG but only 14 clear of relegation.

 
GoFishTN said:
I assumed Monaco had filled the second position. Has their owner stopped spending?
Click to expand...
People mock FFP and I agree it is a misguided program, but it is effective in preventing spending by a club that lacks legitimate revenue sources. I don't know what's going on with Monaco, but expect the FFP break even rules are causing some difficulty.

 
Eephus said:
We're just back from Paris where I was lucky enough to attend a PSG game with my daughter.

Parc des Princes is a charmless 70s era concrete monstrosity located near the ring road. It's about a five minute walk from the Metro with several security cordons beginning two blocks away from the ground. It's set up somewhat like airport security with an initial ticket check followed by a pat down/bag check about a block closer and a another bag check and metal detector scan at the ticket gate. I don't know if any of this is new in the aftermath of the 13 Nov attacks or whether it's related to PSG's crackdown on hooligans several years ago.

Once inside, the stadium is pretty utilitarian. It's also dry with only NA beer for sale. The architecture is an oval configuration that despite not having a running track has a lot of empty space between the touch lines and the stands. On the plus side, the stands are almost fully covered so it holds the sound in well. Our seats were at the 18 yd line in the second row of the second tier. The second deck is larger than the first and appeared to have a slightly steeper rake to them. Creature comfort was worse than typical US stadiums with minimal leg room and few aisles.

PSG was playing Bastia, a small club from Corsica who somehow has managed to spend 50 consecutive years in Ligue 1. They had very little traveling support; the away section in the corner had many more security guards than fans. On the other hand, the home sections behind both goals were in strong voice throughout. They have a very impressive team to support. PSG is undefeated in the league and their 1-0 loss in the Bernabeu is their only loss in all competitions. They dominated Bastia in every phase of the game. Blanc fielded a strong lineup featuring most of their stars. Ibrahimovic played the full 90 but didn't score. He has a very solid hold-up game with excellent ball skills in addition to his size and strength. Di Maria played a free role popping up on either flank and occasionally in the center. The speed of he and Matuidi vs the Bastia defense was very apparent. Bastia played conservatively leaving six men back during their occasional attacks, even after going down two goals. I don't think PSG keeper Kevin Trapp was tested all night.

PSG is 20 points clear in the league and should be able to cruise to their fourth consecutive championship. They're playing for the Champions League, the undefeated league season and the domestic treble. Their financial advantages of Qatar, the second largest ground and the commercial opportunities of Paris should position them as the clear favorites every year. But barring formation of some sort of a European super league, they have some disadvantages vs. other megaclubs. Ligue 1 is a third rate league in terms of television and lacks an clear second big club unless Lyon or Marseilles get their acts together. PSG fills their 49000 seats pretty regularly but I see little opportunity for expansion. The concrete cantilever architecture and surrounding neighborhood makes it virtually impossible to build up. The obvious move would be to lower the pitch and add more seats closer to the field but there's a highway passing underneath the stadium. I suspect a move to Stade de France would be very unpopular.

The game was very enjoyable with a lively but nonthreatening atmosphere. There were a number of kids in our section. The fans were passionate but seemingly good natured. Getting out was kind of an adventure though. The stadium tunnels after the final whistle was a cancer corridor due to thousands of Parisians who hadn't had a cigarette in 45 minutes. The Metro station was packed solid. It's a sad sign of the times but my thoughts at the time were that a post-match bomber in the Metro could kill hundreds due to the confined space and potential for a stampede. The crowd was dispersed once we got through the Metro turnstiles and there wasn't the congestion on the platform like I've experienced leaving similar events in the US. Maybe we just timed it right though.

I'm glad we went. It was a fun experience to share with my daughter, who hasn't been successful in getting any of her friends interested in attending a game. But man, I wish I could sleep right now.
Click to expand...
This is awesome..knowing some of what your daughter & family went through, for you both to attend said game together, & your respective commentary on all things affiliated with the "beautiful game",relative to France, & taken in context, is refreshing. Thank you for sharing.
 
Kafka said:
Eephus said:
We're just back from Paris where I was lucky enough to attend a PSG game with my daughter.

Parc des Princes is a charmless 70s era concrete monstrosity located near the ring road. It's about a five minute walk from the Metro with several security cordons beginning two blocks away from the ground. It's set up somewhat like airport security with an initial ticket check followed by a pat down/bag check about a block closer and a another bag check and metal detector scan at the ticket gate. I don't know if any of this is new in the aftermath of the 13 Nov attacks or whether it's related to PSG's crackdown on hooligans several years ago.

Once inside, the stadium is pretty utilitarian. It's also dry with only NA beer for sale. The architecture is an oval configuration that despite not having a running track has a lot of empty space between the touch lines and the stands. On the plus side, the stands are almost fully covered so it holds the sound in well. Our seats were at the 18 yd line in the second row of the second tier. The second deck is larger than the first and appeared to have a slightly steeper rake to them. Creature comfort was worse than typical US stadiums with minimal leg room and few aisles.

PSG was playing Bastia, a small club from Corsica who somehow has managed to spend 50 consecutive years in Ligue 1. They had very little traveling support; the away section in the corner had many more security guards than fans. On the other hand, the home sections behind both goals were in strong voice throughout. They have a very impressive team to support. PSG is undefeated in the league and their 1-0 loss in the Bernabeu is their only loss in all competitions. They dominated Bastia in every phase of the game. Blanc fielded a strong lineup featuring most of their stars. Ibrahimovic played the full 90 but didn't score. He has a very solid hold-up game with excellent ball skills in addition to his size and strength. Di Maria played a free role popping up on either flank and occasionally in the center. The speed of he and Matuidi vs the Bastia defense was very apparent. Bastia played conservatively leaving six men back during their occasional attacks, even after going down two goals. I don't think PSG keeper Kevin Trapp was tested all night.

PSG is 20 points clear in the league and should be able to cruise to their fourth consecutive championship. They're playing for the Champions League, the undefeated league season and the domestic treble. Their financial advantages of Qatar, the second largest ground and the commercial opportunities of Paris should position them as the clear favorites every year. But barring formation of some sort of a European super league, they have some disadvantages vs. other megaclubs. Ligue 1 is a third rate league in terms of television and lacks an clear second big club unless Lyon or Marseilles get their acts together. PSG fills their 49000 seats pretty regularly but I see little opportunity for expansion. The concrete cantilever architecture and surrounding neighborhood makes it virtually impossible to build up. The obvious move would be to lower the pitch and add more seats closer to the field but there's a highway passing underneath the stadium. I suspect a move to Stade de France would be very unpopular.

The game was very enjoyable with a lively but nonthreatening atmosphere. There were a number of kids in our section. The fans were passionate but seemingly good natured. Getting out was kind of an adventure though. The stadium tunnels after the final whistle was a cancer corridor due to thousands of Parisians who hadn't had a cigarette in 45 minutes. The Metro station was packed solid. It's a sad sign of the times but my thoughts at the time were that a post-match bomber in the Metro could kill hundreds due to the confined space and potential for a stampede. The crowd was dispersed once we got through the Metro turnstiles and there wasn't the congestion on the platform like I've experienced leaving similar events in the US. Maybe we just timed it right though.

I'm glad we went. It was a fun experience to share with my daughter, who hasn't been successful in getting any of her friends interested in attending a game. But man, I wish I could sleep right now.
Click to expand...
This is awesome..knowing some of what your daughter & family went through, for you both to attend said game together, & your respective commentary on all things affiliated with the "beautiful game",relative to France, & taken in context, is refreshing. Thank you for sharing.
Click to expand...
Who's going to replace Rudi at Roma?

 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
Is Pirlo a #10? The game flows through him, but he's rarely gets within 25 yards of his opponent's goal. I think of a #10 as a player who plays between the lines. Xavi never really did. Defenses generally had both banks of four set up in front of him.
Click to expand...
Pirlo is a #10... although more of a deep-lying one later in his career. Case could be made that he's more of a holding MF... doesn't bother me.

Not sure what you're meaning by "between the lines"... box-to-box? Xavi rarely found himself up in front of 9 of his own guys... but to me that's irrelevant. He was all over the field running things on and off the ball. Defenses had 10 guys back against Barcelona regardless of where Xavi found himself.. which was typically wherever the ball was.

 
Eephus... fantastic write-up- thanks for that! sounds like a great time. :thumbup:

How was the Zlatan's movement off the ball? I've never seen him live. based on watching him on TV, I get the impression zlatan runs when he wants to... if there's a goal to be scored. but then again- that many goals means a fair bit of movement.

Is the stadium smoke-free?

what did your daughter think? will she try to drag friends to another game?

what's the overall feeling in Paris, post-attack? life as normal or are there increased signs of security,etc in public places? does your daughter feel different being there?

 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
Kafka said:
Eephus said:
We're just back from Paris where I was lucky enough to attend a PSG game with my daughter.

Parc des Princes is a charmless 70s era concrete monstrosity located near the ring road. It's about a five minute walk from the Metro with several security cordons beginning two blocks away from the ground. It's set up somewhat like airport security with an initial ticket check followed by a pat down/bag check about a block closer and a another bag check and metal detector scan at the ticket gate. I don't know if any of this is new in the aftermath of the 13 Nov attacks or whether it's related to PSG's crackdown on hooligans several years ago.

Once inside, the stadium is pretty utilitarian. It's also dry with only NA beer for sale. The architecture is an oval configuration that despite not having a running track has a lot of empty space between the touch lines and the stands. On the plus side, the stands are almost fully covered so it holds the sound in well. Our seats were at the 18 yd line in the second row of the second tier. The second deck is larger than the first and appeared to have a slightly steeper rake to them. Creature comfort was worse than typical US stadiums with minimal leg room and few aisles.

PSG was playing Bastia, a small club from Corsica who somehow has managed to spend 50 consecutive years in Ligue 1. They had very little traveling support; the away section in the corner had many more security guards than fans. On the other hand, the home sections behind both goals were in strong voice throughout. They have a very impressive team to support. PSG is undefeated in the league and their 1-0 loss in the Bernabeu is their only loss in all competitions. They dominated Bastia in every phase of the game. Blanc fielded a strong lineup featuring most of their stars. Ibrahimovic played the full 90 but didn't score. He has a very solid hold-up game with excellent ball skills in addition to his size and strength. Di Maria played a free role popping up on either flank and occasionally in the center. The speed of he and Matuidi vs the Bastia defense was very apparent. Bastia played conservatively leaving six men back during their occasional attacks, even after going down two goals. I don't think PSG keeper Kevin Trapp was tested all night.

PSG is 20 points clear in the league and should be able to cruise to their fourth consecutive championship. They're playing for the Champions League, the undefeated league season and the domestic treble. Their financial advantages of Qatar, the second largest ground and the commercial opportunities of Paris should position them as the clear favorites every year. But barring formation of some sort of a European super league, they have some disadvantages vs. other megaclubs. Ligue 1 is a third rate league in terms of television and lacks an clear second big club unless Lyon or Marseilles get their acts together. PSG fills their 49000 seats pretty regularly but I see little opportunity for expansion. The concrete cantilever architecture and surrounding neighborhood makes it virtually impossible to build up. The obvious move would be to lower the pitch and add more seats closer to the field but there's a highway passing underneath the stadium. I suspect a move to Stade de France would be very unpopular.

The game was very enjoyable with a lively but nonthreatening atmosphere. There were a number of kids in our section. The fans were passionate but seemingly good natured. Getting out was kind of an adventure though. The stadium tunnels after the final whistle was a cancer corridor due to thousands of Parisians who hadn't had a cigarette in 45 minutes. The Metro station was packed solid. It's a sad sign of the times but my thoughts at the time were that a post-match bomber in the Metro could kill hundreds due to the confined space and potential for a stampede. The crowd was dispersed once we got through the Metro turnstiles and there wasn't the congestion on the platform like I've experienced leaving similar events in the US. Maybe we just timed it right though.

I'm glad we went. It was a fun experience to share with my daughter, who hasn't been successful in getting any of her friends interested in attending a game. But man, I wish I could sleep right now.
Click to expand...
This is awesome..knowing some of what your daughter & family went through, for you both to attend said game together, & your respective commentary on all things affiliated with the "beautiful game",relative to France, & taken in context, is refreshing. Thank you for sharing.
Click to expand...
Who's going to replace Rudi at Roma?
Click to expand...
It appears they are bringing Spaletti back.

 
El Floppo said:
Eephus... fantastic write-up- thanks for that! sounds like a great time. :thumbup:

How was the Zlatan's movement off the ball? I've never seen him live. based on watching him on TV, I get the impression zlatan runs when he wants to... if there's a goal to be scored. but then again- that many goals means a fair bit of movement.

Is the stadium smoke-free?

what did your daughter think? will she try to drag friends to another game?

what's the overall feeling in Paris, post-attack? life as normal or are there increased signs of security,etc in public places? does your daughter feel different being there?
Click to expand...
PSG went up early and toyed with Bastia for the balance of the match. Zlatan drew a lot of attention from the central defense whenever he played up top. I thought he was more effective when he dropped deeper because of a lack of service. Except for a sloppy first goal, PSG's set pieces weren't very dangerous and the timing of Zlatan's runs seemed off. He was flagged a couple of times and had stay out of the play on at least one other occasion.

PSG has the same problem as several of the other megaclubs in that they're so dominant domestically. They need to find another gear for their ECL matchups. On the other hand, they can rest players prior to their midweek games without league ramifications.

The seated area was smoke free but everybody lit up in the tunnels. The crowd was very male; moreso than at most US events I've been to. The non-member ticket prices behind the goals aren't bad (EU 20-22 for most matches) which is much cheaper than the Premier League ticket prices I've seen thrown around. My daughter had fun and is always game for a sporting event but I think some of her friends view it as declasse.

The security in Paris seemed more conspicuous to me than anything else. Private, local and federal security is everywhere. It's been an employment boon for big African guys who are always asking you to open your bags and coats. There have always been armed soldiers strolling through airports and public areas but there are more of them now. I don't know if it was in the news here but President Hollande spoke at an anniversary ceremony for the Charlie Hebdo attacks on Sunday. This took place at Republique which is about eight blocks from my daughter's apartment. Place de Republique is a large public square that has become an impromptu monument to the victims of the January and November attacks. I passed through the area many times during our visit; the Police Nationale was ever present, It may have been drills in advance of Hollande's appearance but I twice observed saw the Gendarmes making sweeps through the area. A convoy of police wagons arrived, the police tape and barriers went up and the crowd around the monument were cleared. Everybody milled around for a few minutes before the all clear was given. Republique is also a hangout for local skateboarders so when access was restored, a bunch of skaters ducked under the tape and zipped around the monument a few times until the people could get there on foot. I also almost got in trouble with Gendarmes at an all-night kebab shop across from my daughter's place. We went there at 3AM after our friend's birthday party for some grease and carbs. There were about a half dozen National Police officers in there getting food as well and one took exception to me taking a picture of the kebab shop. My French is about as good as the woman in Google Maps so Mrs. Eephus came to my defense and explained that I was just an idiot tourist.

 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
Kafka said:
Eephus said:
We're just back from Paris where I was lucky enough to attend a PSG game with my daughter.

Parc des Princes is a charmless 70s era concrete monstrosity located near the ring road. It's about a five minute walk from the Metro with several security cordons beginning two blocks away from the ground. It's set up somewhat like airport security with an initial ticket check followed by a pat down/bag check about a block closer and a another bag check and metal detector scan at the ticket gate. I don't know if any of this is new in the aftermath of the 13 Nov attacks or whether it's related to PSG's crackdown on hooligans several years ago.

Once inside, the stadium is pretty utilitarian. It's also dry with only NA beer for sale. The architecture is an oval configuration that despite not having a running track has a lot of empty space between the touch lines and the stands. On the plus side, the stands are almost fully covered so it holds the sound in well. Our seats were at the 18 yd line in the second row of the second tier. The second deck is larger than the first and appeared to have a slightly steeper rake to them. Creature comfort was worse than typical US stadiums with minimal leg room and few aisles.

PSG was playing Bastia, a small club from Corsica who somehow has managed to spend 50 consecutive years in Ligue 1. They had very little traveling support; the away section in the corner had many more security guards than fans. On the other hand, the home sections behind both goals were in strong voice throughout. They have a very impressive team to support. PSG is undefeated in the league and their 1-0 loss in the Bernabeu is their only loss in all competitions. They dominated Bastia in every phase of the game. Blanc fielded a strong lineup featuring most of their stars. Ibrahimovic played the full 90 but didn't score. He has a very solid hold-up game with excellent ball skills in addition to his size and strength. Di Maria played a free role popping up on either flank and occasionally in the center. The speed of he and Matuidi vs the Bastia defense was very apparent. Bastia played conservatively leaving six men back during their occasional attacks, even after going down two goals. I don't think PSG keeper Kevin Trapp was tested all night.

PSG is 20 points clear in the league and should be able to cruise to their fourth consecutive championship. They're playing for the Champions League, the undefeated league season and the domestic treble. Their financial advantages of Qatar, the second largest ground and the commercial opportunities of Paris should position them as the clear favorites every year. But barring formation of some sort of a European super league, they have some disadvantages vs. other megaclubs. Ligue 1 is a third rate league in terms of television and lacks an clear second big club unless Lyon or Marseilles get their acts together. PSG fills their 49000 seats pretty regularly but I see little opportunity for expansion. The concrete cantilever architecture and surrounding neighborhood makes it virtually impossible to build up. The obvious move would be to lower the pitch and add more seats closer to the field but there's a highway passing underneath the stadium. I suspect a move to Stade de France would be very unpopular.

The game was very enjoyable with a lively but nonthreatening atmosphere. There were a number of kids in our section. The fans were passionate but seemingly good natured. Getting out was kind of an adventure though. The stadium tunnels after the final whistle was a cancer corridor due to thousands of Parisians who hadn't had a cigarette in 45 minutes. The Metro station was packed solid. It's a sad sign of the times but my thoughts at the time were that a post-match bomber in the Metro could kill hundreds due to the confined space and potential for a stampede. The crowd was dispersed once we got through the Metro turnstiles and there wasn't the congestion on the platform like I've experienced leaving similar events in the US. Maybe we just timed it right though.

I'm glad we went. It was a fun experience to share with my daughter, who hasn't been successful in getting any of her friends interested in attending a game. But man, I wish I could sleep right now.
Click to expand...
This is awesome..knowing some of what your daughter & family went through, for you both to attend said game together, & your respective commentary on all things affiliated with the "beautiful game",relative to France, & taken in context, is refreshing. Thank you for sharing.
Click to expand...
Who's going to replace Rudi at Roma?
Click to expand...
Luciano Spaletti!...coached Roma from 2905-2009, & those teams played the most attractive & entertaining "champagne" football I've ever seen Roma play. Results be damned; after Rudi's staid, inflexible 4-3-3, it is refreshing to see him return. Totti should also be rejuvenated; he won Silver Boot(?) as Europe's leading goalscorer, under Spaletti, while playing as a "false nine". Personally enjoyed that era even more so than Capello's tenure, when Roma won their third Scudetto.
 
CletiusMaximus said:
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
Kafka said:
Eephus said:
We're just back from Paris where I was lucky enough to attend a PSG game with my daughter.

Parc des Princes is a charmless 70s era concrete monstrosity located near the ring road. It's about a five minute walk from the Metro with several security cordons beginning two blocks away from the ground. It's set up somewhat like airport security with an initial ticket check followed by a pat down/bag check about a block closer and a another bag check and metal detector scan at the ticket gate. I don't know if any of this is new in the aftermath of the 13 Nov attacks or whether it's related to PSG's crackdown on hooligans several years ago.

Once inside, the stadium is pretty utilitarian. It's also dry with only NA beer for sale. The architecture is an oval configuration that despite not having a running track has a lot of empty space between the touch lines and the stands. On the plus side, the stands are almost fully covered so it holds the sound in well. Our seats were at the 18 yd line in the second row of the second tier. The second deck is larger than the first and appeared to have a slightly steeper rake to them. Creature comfort was worse than typical US stadiums with minimal leg room and few aisles.

PSG was playing Bastia, a small club from Corsica who somehow has managed to spend 50 consecutive years in Ligue 1. They had very little traveling support; the away section in the corner had many more security guards than fans. On the other hand, the home sections behind both goals were in strong voice throughout. They have a very impressive team to support. PSG is undefeated in the league and their 1-0 loss in the Bernabeu is their only loss in all competitions. They dominated Bastia in every phase of the game. Blanc fielded a strong lineup featuring most of their stars. Ibrahimovic played the full 90 but didn't score. He has a very solid hold-up game with excellent ball skills in addition to his size and strength. Di Maria played a free role popping up on either flank and occasionally in the center. The speed of he and Matuidi vs the Bastia defense was very apparent. Bastia played conservatively leaving six men back during their occasional attacks, even after going down two goals. I don't think PSG keeper Kevin Trapp was tested all night.

PSG is 20 points clear in the league and should be able to cruise to their fourth consecutive championship. They're playing for the Champions League, the undefeated league season and the domestic treble. Their financial advantages of Qatar, the second largest ground and the commercial opportunities of Paris should position them as the clear favorites every year. But barring formation of some sort of a European super league, they have some disadvantages vs. other megaclubs. Ligue 1 is a third rate league in terms of television and lacks an clear second big club unless Lyon or Marseilles get their acts together. PSG fills their 49000 seats pretty regularly but I see little opportunity for expansion. The concrete cantilever architecture and surrounding neighborhood makes it virtually impossible to build up. The obvious move would be to lower the pitch and add more seats closer to the field but there's a highway passing underneath the stadium. I suspect a move to Stade de France would be very unpopular.

The game was very enjoyable with a lively but nonthreatening atmosphere. There were a number of kids in our section. The fans were passionate but seemingly good natured. Getting out was kind of an adventure though. The stadium tunnels after the final whistle was a cancer corridor due to thousands of Parisians who hadn't had a cigarette in 45 minutes. The Metro station was packed solid. It's a sad sign of the times but my thoughts at the time were that a post-match bomber in the Metro could kill hundreds due to the confined space and potential for a stampede. The crowd was dispersed once we got through the Metro turnstiles and there wasn't the congestion on the platform like I've experienced leaving similar events in the US. Maybe we just timed it right though.

I'm glad we went. It was a fun experience to share with my daughter, who hasn't been successful in getting any of her friends interested in attending a game. But man, I wish I could sleep right now.
Click to expand...
This is awesome..knowing some of what your daughter & family went through, for you both to attend said game together, & your respective commentary on all things affiliated with the "beautiful game",relative to France, & taken in context, is refreshing. Thank you for sharing.
Click to expand...
Who's going to replace Rudi at Roma?
Click to expand...
It appears they are bringing Spaletti back.
Click to expand...
One of his most notable victories was against Chelsea in the UCL group stage; 3-1 at home. I remember Vucinic scoring an amazing goal after a phenomenal run from midfield. I think Chelsea still won the group, though.
 
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