I’ve often seen people talk about how Ajax reached the UCL semis in the 18/19 season and had a great season,but no one talks about Villarreal , they also had a great run to the UCL semi finals in 21/22 , teams like lyon also reached the semi finals in 19/20 ,yet no one talks about these teams.what was so great about Ajax’s run that season ?
Probably because Ajax beat the greatest Real Madrid that came from winning the threepeat in the UCL and Ronaldo’s Juventus. Meanwhile Lyon and Villarreal lucked their way into the semifinals. While yes, Villarreal beating Bayern was impressive on its own right (take notes Barca), their collapse against Liverpool was less to be desired. Especially from goalkeeper Rulli who pulled a Karius and conceded two of the dumbest goals of all time when it looked like a possible comeback against Liverpool was real.
I honestly have no recollection of Lyon’s run mostly because of the sad state the club is in right now seeing them last in Ligue 1. But if I were to rank these teams in terms of underdog status it would be:
Ajax >>>>>>>>>>> Villarreal > Lyon