Updates, updates, updates!

I decided against tanking this season, mostly because I had a lack of preparation (pushing FTs etc.) and wanted to at least see what the outcome could be at the end of the season.

I don't want to jinx it but: The last days were great or at least definitely better. The first match after my last post had to be a secure win because I played against the tanking manager in my league.
Click image for larger version.  Name: demonking.JPG  Views: 35  Size: 25.3 KB  ID: 85973


So no big surprises here. But my first "wohooo" moment after a longer time was the 3:0 win versus the then #3 manager (approximately between 10-12% better than me) . Stats were also nice so it felt great.
Click image for larger version.  Name: blackmagic_league.jpg  Views: 36  Size: 92.5 KB  ID: 85974


The next two games versus lower quality opponents went also well (3:1 vs a -17% quality team and a 5:0 vs a -30% quality team). Then came a little but expected setback: Had to play again versus the then #3 manager against I had won 3:0 in the Champions league. I hoped to beat him because as already said the game in the league went quite well and he played with the same players and the same formation. I applied the same tactics but I lost 1:3.
Click image for larger version.  Name: blackmagic_CL1.jpg  Views: 36  Size: 93.8 KB  ID: 85975


Next up was the league match against the guy wherefore I originally created this thread. He pushed his team in the last days even more and he had ~ +15% more quality. But I had won!
Click image for larger version.  Name: acmilan.jpg  Views: 36  Size: 88.8 KB  ID: 85976


Alright, so far so good. But the real highlight was the 2nd leg game in the Champions League. I applied the same tactics as in the two games before against the opponent but changed the formation. He played (at least almost) every time with a 4-2N(MC)-2W-2 formation. The first two games I tried something very defensive (4-1DMC-4-1) but after losing the first leg game i switched to 3-2W-3N-1-1. And the result was...
Click image for larger version.  Name: blackmagic_CL2.jpg  Views: 35  Size: 91.4 KB  ID: 85977

The game was so tense! After a draw in between the first 90 minutes the important goal dropped afterwards in the overtime.

The next CL opponent will be even slightly better so I have no unrealistic beliefs. But it was an unexpected and therefore great win and you can imagine how happy I was.

Current league standings (I improved so far from the 8th to the third place. But many tricky games are to come):
Click image for larger version.  Name: standings.jpg  Views: 36  Size: 95.3 KB  ID: 85980


Because I don't want to have this mess again in the next season I also thought about dropping my quality. I searched the forum and it seems (or am I wrong?) that the league draw is also determined by the quality of the teams.

Is this surely correct? Or does it only apply to Cup and CL?

Thanks and best,
Nidd

P.S.: I have to crop the pictures in the future. Sorry for them being so huge.