Tonight sees a real clash of the Titans. The old guard versus the new kids on the block. Its Manchester City v Barcelona, and at stake is European domination. There are many similarities between the sides this season. Both have new and unproven managers, Pellegrini at City and Martino at Barca. Both like to attack, but can be vulnerable at the back. Both find themselves in a tight tussle at the top of their leagues. So who will win? If it was a matter of pedigree there would be no competition, of course. Barcelona have won the trophy (and its earlier equivalent) four times, Manchester City … [Read more...]
Valencia miss out on Champions League – and possibly lose Roberto Soldado
With Valencia’s 4-3 defeat to Sevilla on the last day of the La Liga season, Los Che missed out on a place in next season’s Champions League, being pipped at the post by Real Sociedad. The blow for the Mestalla club is obvious – however the biggest repercussion of Europa League, rather than Champions League football, could well be the departure of star striker Roberto Soldado. … [Read more...]
Mourinho’s Madrid legacy
Jose Mourinho leaves Real Madrid at the end of the season, as everybody expected he would, following a season of discontent, public spats and underwhelming performances in a trophyless campaign. If Chelsea is to be his destination following his Madrid exit then he will add to the list of managers in the decade since Roman Abramovic took charge of the Blues, a club whose modern legacy began under 'The Special One'. The list of departed managers at the Bernabeu extends longer then Chelsea's does however, but do Mourinho's achievements in Spain merit his tenure to be classed a success? … [Read more...]
Mourinho exit rumours put Chelsea’s Roman on red alert
José Mourinho could well have reached the end of his tenure at Real Madrid, considered by many as the world’s biggest club, with his third exit at the semi-final stage of the Champions League against Borussia Dotmund on Tuesday. The dream of winning la Décima, the tenth, European Cup will have to wait another year, but the weight of expectation would appear to have buckled the back of the self proclaimed "special one". … [Read more...]
Camp Nou clamours for another epic night of pride
The dream of an all Spanish Champions League final ended last night with Real Madrid’s elimination from the competition by 4 goals to 3 on aggregate to Borussia Dortmund. Real Madrid had a good opening 15 minute spell and an heroic last 8 minutes that would have seen them through with one more goal. Alas it wasn’t to be and apart from those short spells at either end of last night’s 90 minutes, Dortmund were the better side over the two legs and deserved to go through. F.C. Barcelona will face an even harder task this evening in the 2nd leg of their semi final against the newly crowned … [Read more...]
Can the ghosts of the past inspire a Real Madrid fightback?
After their defeats at the hands of the top two in Germany last week, the Spanish big two must produce comebacks of epic proportions if they are to realise their dreams of a Clásico final at Wembley in the Champions League showpiece event. For tonight’s match against Borussia Dortmund, a communication went out to all Real Madrid club members asking them to wear their white shirts and have their Madrid scarves at the ready to create as much of a hostile atmosphere in an attempt to intimidate their teutonic opponents. The current Spanish champions will rely on memories of great battling … [Read more...]
Amazing Abidal set to start at the Allianz Arena
Éric Abidal is set to start tonight's Champions League semi-final clash for F.C. Barcelona against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in Germany. A defensive injury crisis at the Catalan club has thrust the Frenchman back into Tito Vilanova's plans much sooner than expected. Injuries to captain Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano, along with the lack of European playing time at the heart of defence of Marc Bartra and Alex Song has placed Abidal, with his wealth of experience, at the forefront of the coaching staff's thoughts. … [Read more...]
Malaga must face reality after death of Champions League dream
Last Tuesday’s Champions League exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund will stick long in the memory of Malaga fans. Not only was the result a harsh reflection on a great team effort by the Andalusians but also it could mark the start of this team’s decline. The comments by president Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Thani that the 3-2 defeat was down to “racism” have given the fans something to distract them in the aftermath but once the hum-drum of the league kick backs in then it will be time to take stock of what the future might hold. … [Read more...]
All Roads Lead To London For Mourinho
Where will the "Special" or newly self christened "Only One" be coaching next season? Many in Madrid believe they can convince the Portuguese coach to remain at what they consider to be the World's greatest club. However, the evidence would appear to be piling up to a move away and the destination may be very familiar one to all involved in his entourage. Reports are emerging that Jorge Mendes, the coaches agent, had a dinner meeting with his client and Roman Abramovich recently at the super agents Madrid residence. … [Read more...]
Barça Rest Key Players With Bayern In Mind
FC Barcelona will go into Sunday's match away at Real Zaragoza missing a number of 1st team regulars. With the semi-finals of the Champions League in just under two weeks, a number of stars will be rested and rotated in the matches before the two clashes against Bayern Munich. The highest profile absentee is Lionel Messi. The Argentine was on the bench for Wednesday's 2nd leg of the quarter final against Paris Saint-Germain, but was required to make an appearance in the 2nd half with the Catalans losing 0-1 and looking to be on their way out of the tournament. … [Read more...]