With only two games remaining in the Champions League group stage, Spanish champions Barcelona are under pressure to qualify for the next round. With big games looming against both Roma and group leaders Bayer Leverkusen still to come Barce find themselves in a must win position.
"I think we should be ok" SB said after the surprise draw result against FC Kopenhagen.
No doubt together with the lackluster start to the Liga season, and an unconvincing victory in the Copa Del Rey, the pressure is starting to rise for SB and his team of champions. An early exit from the Champions League could be catastrophic for SB, with insiders predicting the club is already sourcing a number of replacements for the club legend.
It would certainly be a sad end to this particular era for the club - but as they say all good things must come to an end.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
SB linked in shock EPL move
Reports surfacing from Spain suggest SB is in talks of a move back to England, however this time back to boyhood favourites Liverpool.
It has been reported SB recently told a close source he was quite capable of returning Liverpool to the top of the Premier League and he wouldn't mind having a go.
Our thoughts: It is a quite possible a move could occur, especially as Barcelona's form in Spain has dipped and is not at the standard of seasons past. It could be both coach and team are in need of a change - however whether he is willing a challenge as great as Liverpool is another question, especially with no guarantee of Champions League football.
With rumours still circling regarding his rival JM and a move to Manchester United, we cannot see SB simply watching his old friend play Champions League football next season while he sit on the couch. But stranger things have happened.
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| SB and JM share a sideline moment during the recent Clasico |
Madrid Fail to Regain Top Spot in La Liga
Real Madrid had the chance to regain top spot on the La Liga table mid week, up against current league leaders Valencia for the third time in as many days.
Having survived a scare in the Cup in what seemed like only minutes earlier, knocking out Valencia in a pulsating penalty shootout, this time Real Madrid just weren't able to take their opportunities as well as their opponents while they battled it out in the chilling snowfall conditions not normally seen this side of Spain. Valencia taking both their goals against the run of play and winning a tight contest 2 goals to 1.
Madrid manager JM showing the kind of frustration he was once famous, criticising everyone he could for the narrow loss.
"I blame FIFA. I blame the weather. I blame everyone today. On another day we score 4 goals and walk away with a win. Today it was destiny that we lose."
Meanwhile, on the other side of Spain, Barcelona continued their hot and cold start their title defence with another loss, also failing to make up any ground on their rivals.
"I have nothing to say." SB said after the game.
Real Madrid currently trail Valencia by 4 points while Barcelona sit 5 points further adrift with half the season still to play. Its anyone's title at this stage.
Having survived a scare in the Cup in what seemed like only minutes earlier, knocking out Valencia in a pulsating penalty shootout, this time Real Madrid just weren't able to take their opportunities as well as their opponents while they battled it out in the chilling snowfall conditions not normally seen this side of Spain. Valencia taking both their goals against the run of play and winning a tight contest 2 goals to 1.
Madrid manager JM showing the kind of frustration he was once famous, criticising everyone he could for the narrow loss.
"I blame FIFA. I blame the weather. I blame everyone today. On another day we score 4 goals and walk away with a win. Today it was destiny that we lose."
Meanwhile, on the other side of Spain, Barcelona continued their hot and cold start their title defence with another loss, also failing to make up any ground on their rivals.
"I have nothing to say." SB said after the game.
Real Madrid currently trail Valencia by 4 points while Barcelona sit 5 points further adrift with half the season still to play. Its anyone's title at this stage.
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| Valencia's Negredo was an imposing figure against Real Madrid |
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Messi penalty failure talking point of season start
Barcelona have officially had their worst start to a league season under SB with their first win finally coming three rounds into the new season.
To compound the very slow start by the defending champions, their best player Leo Messi has missed 3 penalty attempt in 3 games and remains goalless for the first time in his career. His boss SB at a loss to explain how and why the Barca talisman is misfiring at present.
"Unexplainable." SB said
"It's been a bad start."
Meanwhile across the other side of Spain, Real Madrid have impressed with their opening to the season with 3 straight wins.
"I am very pleased with the BBC (Bale, Benzema, Cristiano). They have all added goals and worked well together. We will not get carried away but it's been nice to see."
At this stage Real Madrid look to have the season in their control, but history will tell us Barcelona always find a way back in. First things first, Messi needs to find a way to score again and things will no doubt improve.
To compound the very slow start by the defending champions, their best player Leo Messi has missed 3 penalty attempt in 3 games and remains goalless for the first time in his career. His boss SB at a loss to explain how and why the Barca talisman is misfiring at present.
"Unexplainable." SB said
"It's been a bad start."
Meanwhile across the other side of Spain, Real Madrid have impressed with their opening to the season with 3 straight wins.
"I am very pleased with the BBC (Bale, Benzema, Cristiano). They have all added goals and worked well together. We will not get carried away but it's been nice to see."
At this stage Real Madrid look to have the season in their control, but history will tell us Barcelona always find a way back in. First things first, Messi needs to find a way to score again and things will no doubt improve.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Pre-Season Cup Announcement
To get our teams familiarised with the latest of our gaming technologies, FIFA 16, today the game officially launched the International Champions Cup.
Real Madrid were the first team to confirm their attendance, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and City, Juventus and Bayern Munich also all expected to confirm by the end of the day.
Barcelona is also tipped to join the star studded field of teams to compete.
Its the first of its kind, giving fans the opportunity to see the teams line up for the first time in the new Fifa calendar year, before the big guns officially start their new campaigns.
Its not sure exactly how the format will run at this stage, however it is an official Cup, therefore ranking points will be on offer. Should be a cracker.
Welcome to FIFA 16 Gents.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
It just keeps getting bigger...FIFA 16 is here!
And so here we stand. It's only hours away from the next evolutionary step in our rich history of Fifa.
Fifa 16 is officially released today, but just what can we expect. In terms of our stars - SB and JM - who should be more excited, or worried for that matter, with the upcoming release.
As we stand now - our rankings are undisputed - SB is currently a deserving number 1.
1. SB - 2,950 points
2. JM - 1,850 points.
After claiming his third straight La Liga title, nobody can dispute his league dominance. But his results in other competitions, particularly Europe, is becoming concerning.
As for JM, so much promise however he still cannot turn his team of world beaters into the World Champions they deserve to be. Three straight seasons without a trophy is not only disappointing, for a team like Real Madrid - its disgraceful.
SB seems to adapt to each new edition as well as the last (with the exception of FIFA 14 which did not include a 'Seasons' campaign and he was clearly outplayed by JM all year long in the Super League).
JM appears to take longer to settle in to a league season, and by then SB has a good lead which he clings to all season long. This habit must break for JM to stand any chance.
This year, no doubt JM is the one more excited with the 'AI' progress and sees this as a make or break type of year. Will the new tech advances give him an advantage he so craves. Will SB once again adapt quicker and more consistently.
JM has promised to deliver this time - and only time will tell if he can break the SB dominance once and for all.
Good luck boys -have a great year.
FPA.
Fifa 16 is officially released today, but just what can we expect. In terms of our stars - SB and JM - who should be more excited, or worried for that matter, with the upcoming release.
As we stand now - our rankings are undisputed - SB is currently a deserving number 1.
1. SB - 2,950 points
2. JM - 1,850 points.
After claiming his third straight La Liga title, nobody can dispute his league dominance. But his results in other competitions, particularly Europe, is becoming concerning.
As for JM, so much promise however he still cannot turn his team of world beaters into the World Champions they deserve to be. Three straight seasons without a trophy is not only disappointing, for a team like Real Madrid - its disgraceful.
SB seems to adapt to each new edition as well as the last (with the exception of FIFA 14 which did not include a 'Seasons' campaign and he was clearly outplayed by JM all year long in the Super League).
JM appears to take longer to settle in to a league season, and by then SB has a good lead which he clings to all season long. This habit must break for JM to stand any chance.
This year, no doubt JM is the one more excited with the 'AI' progress and sees this as a make or break type of year. Will the new tech advances give him an advantage he so craves. Will SB once again adapt quicker and more consistently.
JM has promised to deliver this time - and only time will tell if he can break the SB dominance once and for all.
Good luck boys -have a great year.
FPA.
Monday, September 14, 2015
The Awards
So in another season which has brought us so much - which players were the best.
Once again when it comes to talking about Superstars - we have only 2 genuine ones on this planet - Messi and Ronaldo.
But who was the more dominate in the latest season. Messi has a claim. He led his team to a 3rd successive title. Never been done before. Simply an amazing achievement.
Then there is Ronaldo. A player who for most, if not all of the season was completely untouchable. Already a Golden Boot winner in La Liga this season, with his prolific scoring rate almost bringing his team home.
Despite the fact his team fell just short of a title this season- we at the FPA believe there is little doubt this season the Golden Ball winner is: Cristiano Ronaldo.
Other Awards for the Season:
Team of the year: Barcelona
Goal Keeper of the year: Claudio Bravo (Barcelona)
Sidekick of the year - Neymar (Barcelona)
Manager of the year: SB (Barcelona)
Once again when it comes to talking about Superstars - we have only 2 genuine ones on this planet - Messi and Ronaldo.
But who was the more dominate in the latest season. Messi has a claim. He led his team to a 3rd successive title. Never been done before. Simply an amazing achievement.
Then there is Ronaldo. A player who for most, if not all of the season was completely untouchable. Already a Golden Boot winner in La Liga this season, with his prolific scoring rate almost bringing his team home.
Despite the fact his team fell just short of a title this season- we at the FPA believe there is little doubt this season the Golden Ball winner is: Cristiano Ronaldo.
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| He's the man |
Other Awards for the Season:
Team of the year: Barcelona
Goal Keeper of the year: Claudio Bravo (Barcelona)
Sidekick of the year - Neymar (Barcelona)
Manager of the year: SB (Barcelona)
Rankings Update
With another La Liga title to his name SB can add 1000 points to his Ranking points.
JM received 500 points for taking second spot in the league.
Here are the standing as of September 2015.
1. SB - 2,950 points
2. JM - 1,850 points.
JM received 500 points for taking second spot in the league.
Here are the standing as of September 2015.
1. SB - 2,950 points
2. JM - 1,850 points.
Real suffer fatal loss in Copa Del Rey QF
For the 3rd straight season, Real Madrid would end the season trophyless after bowing out in the Copa Del Rey Quarter Finals.
With Barcelona already down and out in this competition months ago, it was seen as Real Madrid's to lose, and as we now know - they did.
"I think the disappointment of the league came through in these last 2 performances." JM spoke about his team's loss today.
"We need to respect this cup more - and if I am here again next year I promise the fans we will do everything we can to win everything!"
Speculation is now rife in Europe that JM and his Barcelona counterpart are potentially on their way to England's Premier League, with JM being spotted recently in Manchester.
Whether he eyes a move to United or City remains to be seen - but we are certain he was not there for the sun. People close to the Real Madrid boss say he would prefer to stay at Madrid for another term, however it may not be his choice after continual failure in all competitions.
SB is favoured for a return to Chelsea, however rumours also have him reuniting with his boyhood club Liverpool. But as they could not offer him Champions League football this would seem very unlikely. Stay tuned.
With Barcelona already down and out in this competition months ago, it was seen as Real Madrid's to lose, and as we now know - they did.
"I think the disappointment of the league came through in these last 2 performances." JM spoke about his team's loss today.
"We need to respect this cup more - and if I am here again next year I promise the fans we will do everything we can to win everything!"
Speculation is now rife in Europe that JM and his Barcelona counterpart are potentially on their way to England's Premier League, with JM being spotted recently in Manchester.
Whether he eyes a move to United or City remains to be seen - but we are certain he was not there for the sun. People close to the Real Madrid boss say he would prefer to stay at Madrid for another term, however it may not be his choice after continual failure in all competitions.
SB is favoured for a return to Chelsea, however rumours also have him reuniting with his boyhood club Liverpool. But as they could not offer him Champions League football this would seem very unlikely. Stay tuned.
Barcelona seal 3rd Liga title in a row
SB has ensured his Barcelona team have done what no other has done before them - completing a 3rd La Liga title victory in as many seasons - seeing off a last ditch attempt from rivals Real Madrid to spoil the party.
It was another impressive campaign for SB's men - having at one stage led the competition by more than 12 points. A late season slump almost brought them unstuck - but a timely break from competition in August ensured his players came back with enough fire and resolve to finish the job.
For Real Madrid it was another season of missed opportunities. Finishing with the same amount of losses as Barcelona, however with too many draws throughout the season leaving them stuck in 2nd spot for another year.
To the victor go the spoils as they say - and for Barcelona this is once again well deserved.
It was another impressive campaign for SB's men - having at one stage led the competition by more than 12 points. A late season slump almost brought them unstuck - but a timely break from competition in August ensured his players came back with enough fire and resolve to finish the job.
For Real Madrid it was another season of missed opportunities. Finishing with the same amount of losses as Barcelona, however with too many draws throughout the season leaving them stuck in 2nd spot for another year.
To the victor go the spoils as they say - and for Barcelona this is once again well deserved.
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| Barcelona celebrate another great season in the league |
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Barca lead La Liga, Trailed by Athletico and Real
With La Liga officially past the half way point, its Barcelona who are now odds on favourites even at this early stage to take out their 2nd league title in as many years.
Barcelona lead from 2nd placed Athletico Madrid by 10 points, with main rivals Real Madrid sitting 2 points further adrift to what now seems an unassailable lead.
Real had a chance claw this lead back however only managing a draw from their last 2 outings, including a highly significant match up last start against cross town rivals Athletico Madrid.
"This was a very disappointing outcome." JM spoke after the draw with Athletico.
"I think we were once again the better team, just failing to find the winning goals at the moment. It feels very much like last season. I hope we can turn this around much sooner than we did last year - when it was all too late."
With a Clasico still to come its certainly not impossible a lead to hunt down, especially when you consider its only a difference of 6 draws separating Barcelona and Real Madrid this season, with both having lost just 3 matches each.
The season continues.
Barcelona lead from 2nd placed Athletico Madrid by 10 points, with main rivals Real Madrid sitting 2 points further adrift to what now seems an unassailable lead.
Real had a chance claw this lead back however only managing a draw from their last 2 outings, including a highly significant match up last start against cross town rivals Athletico Madrid.
"This was a very disappointing outcome." JM spoke after the draw with Athletico.
"I think we were once again the better team, just failing to find the winning goals at the moment. It feels very much like last season. I hope we can turn this around much sooner than we did last year - when it was all too late."
With a Clasico still to come its certainly not impossible a lead to hunt down, especially when you consider its only a difference of 6 draws separating Barcelona and Real Madrid this season, with both having lost just 3 matches each.
The season continues.
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| A dejected Ronaldo failing to find the net today despite assisting in a goal for Gareth Bale |
Barca Shock exit from Copa Del Rey for 2nd straight year
Barcelona have suffered their 2nd straight exit from the Kings Cup after going down over 2 legs to La Liga side Sevilla.
After a going down 2-0 away, Barcelona played a full strength line up at home in the return leg taking no chances with a front three of Messi, Neymar and Suarez leading the line.
It was against the run of play however, after absorbing all the pressure early, that Sevilla took a first half lead that would prove to be fatal. Barcelona, despite wave after wave of attack and without question the best front three combination in world football, failed to score a single goal in 2 games. Sevilla proving to be deserving winners of this Copa Del Rey clash.
For Barcelona, it would end the dream of a possible treble. The night would perhaps hurt even more seeing their La Liga rivals Real Madrid breeze into the next round and now assured favouritism for the remainder of the tournament.
After a going down 2-0 away, Barcelona played a full strength line up at home in the return leg taking no chances with a front three of Messi, Neymar and Suarez leading the line.
It was against the run of play however, after absorbing all the pressure early, that Sevilla took a first half lead that would prove to be fatal. Barcelona, despite wave after wave of attack and without question the best front three combination in world football, failed to score a single goal in 2 games. Sevilla proving to be deserving winners of this Copa Del Rey clash.
For Barcelona, it would end the dream of a possible treble. The night would perhaps hurt even more seeing their La Liga rivals Real Madrid breeze into the next round and now assured favouritism for the remainder of the tournament.
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| Captain Messi can't believe his sides exit 2 years in a row |
Friday, April 10, 2015
Real Madrid smash Barca in Clasico - Title race back on!
With their star Cristiano Ronaldo looking on from the bench, wrapped in cotton wool nursing the reoccurrence of an injury sustained weeks earlier, Real Madrid were given little chance of stopping the juggernaut that is Barcelona so far this season.
Prior to the Clasico, Barcelona have been unbeaten, showing the same resilience and at times brilliance that led them to the La Liga title last season.
Real Madrid on the other hand, haven't been at their best leading into this encounter. Poor form and injuries in the early rounds have come at a cost for the star studded ensemble, already suffering defeat and two draws this season.
This Clasico would prove crucial - either giving Barcelona a chance to extend to a lead of 8 points atop the league ladder, or give Real Madrid a chance to claw back to within 2.
As has been the case already this season, it would be Gareth Bale who would step up in the absence of Ronaldo, with Bale setting up the first goal for James Rodriquez through sheer determination and skill and then adding a second goal himself after exposing and embarrassing brittle Barcelona defence once again.
Karim Benzema would later add a third goal to virtually kill off the game before half time but not before Man of the match Gareth Bale suffered an injury which would later see him play little part in the 2nd half and later replaced.
Barca showed some fight in the 2nd period, and a goal to Gerard Pique gave the visitors some hope, but it wasn't to be.
Real Madrid fully deserving of a memorable Clasico victory and declaring the title race back on.
Prior to the Clasico, Barcelona have been unbeaten, showing the same resilience and at times brilliance that led them to the La Liga title last season.
Real Madrid on the other hand, haven't been at their best leading into this encounter. Poor form and injuries in the early rounds have come at a cost for the star studded ensemble, already suffering defeat and two draws this season.
This Clasico would prove crucial - either giving Barcelona a chance to extend to a lead of 8 points atop the league ladder, or give Real Madrid a chance to claw back to within 2.
As has been the case already this season, it would be Gareth Bale who would step up in the absence of Ronaldo, with Bale setting up the first goal for James Rodriquez through sheer determination and skill and then adding a second goal himself after exposing and embarrassing brittle Barcelona defence once again.
Karim Benzema would later add a third goal to virtually kill off the game before half time but not before Man of the match Gareth Bale suffered an injury which would later see him play little part in the 2nd half and later replaced.
Barca showed some fight in the 2nd period, and a goal to Gerard Pique gave the visitors some hope, but it wasn't to be.
Real Madrid fully deserving of a memorable Clasico victory and declaring the title race back on.
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| Gareth Bale in a Man of the Match performance scores in the Clasico |
Friday, February 20, 2015
Feel the Buzz...New Season Kicks off Tonight
Its been a long off season, but very deserved it must be said. Last season was filled with many highlights, triumphs and disappointments. What will FIFA 15: Season 2 bring us?
La Liga was really a two horse race last season. Barcelona never really looked like surrendering their control to the forever chasing Aletico Madrid. In the end Atletico dropped the ball and handed the title to Barcelona with 2 games remaining.
Real Madrid barely showed what they were capable of until a very late run provided some optimism.
Barcelona will head into the new season as Champions, and favourites. However Real Madrid will take plenty from their late season form to think they will have more of the running this time round. Can Athletico Madrid go one step better and take the La Liga title from the Spanish Super clubs.
Our prediction: Athletico won't have the muscle this time. It will be either Barca or Real this season and it will be Messi or Ronaldo who will prove the difference in the end.
Copa Del Rey last season was a massive let down. Neither big gun went further than their first match with both Barcelona and Real Madrid suffering miserable upsets to unlikely opponents.
No doubt both teams will want to take this competition more seriously this time from game one and take no chances with resting players.
Our Prediction: This one will prove a dog fight - wouldn't surprise us if its a Super final with both big guns in the big dance.
Champions League. This biggest disappointment of all. Real Madrid once again couldn't take the final step after losing a gripping final to PSG in the final minute of extra time. Heartbreaking but it may just be the motivation they need to finally deliver their boss JM the biggest prize he's never won.
Barcelona had the tough end of the draw, but still won their way through to a Semi Final before being eliminated by the eventual champions PSG.
Our Prediction: We have seen in past years how hard it is to make a final let alone win one. With JM already committing his future to the Premier League from next season this may prove his last chance to win this completion for quite some time. For this reason we believe Real Madrid play all or nothing and do it for JM. This could be the year.
As for Barcelona, its been a long time since they made it to a Champions League final, can they get there again - we believe they certainly can and if they do, well they have a manager who's done it before which may prove the difference. Could be anything this season.
Good luck to all our players and teams. Bring on a great big new season!
Friday, January 30, 2015
The Awards
So in a season which has brought us so much - which players were the best.
Well I think this argument starts and ends with Messi and Ronaldo. Both were the complete superstars their respective teams needed them to be this season.
Messi was by far and away the best player in La Liga, although Ronaldo certainly came home strong. It took 4 goals in his second last game for Messi to seal the Golden boot award.*
(Ronaldo may yet have won Golden Boot, season concluded with one match remaining.)
However Ronaldo clearly dominated Champions League football this season. His tally of goals has rarely been seen at this level, and was the catalyst which propelled Real Madrid into the final.
So who takes home the top individual award of the season - Player of the Season.
Well the winner is......
Lionel Messi.
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| Messi wins the top award |
Congratulations.
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| Sometimes winning is actually losing...if you know what I mean |
SB takes further lead in the rankings
With his latest La Liga title (1000 points) and semi final run the Champions League (250), SB has taken a further lead on rival JM in the PS4 rankings for the 2014/15 season.
JM received 250 points for 3rd place in La Liga, and his Champions League disappointment netted him 500 points. Here are the standing as of January 2015.
1. SB - 1,950 points
2. JM - 1,350 points.
JM received 250 points for 3rd place in La Liga, and his Champions League disappointment netted him 500 points. Here are the standing as of January 2015.
1. SB - 1,950 points
2. JM - 1,350 points.
Real Disappointment...History Repeats as PSG win Champions League
This was supposed to their night. A night when all the nightmares of the past were to be wiped from memory. Real Madrid met PSG in only their 2nd Champions League final under JM - and the pressure was firmly on the men from Spain.
They had the dream run into the final - easily disposing of teams such as Benfica and Liverpool on their way to the big dance.
PSG did it the tough way. They palmed off challenges from Arsenal and Barcelona before sealing their right to this season's final.
It was a difficult contest to call. Both teams had chances. But it was PSG who took advantage from a likely source - the head of Edison Cavani once again the difference in the opening half. But it wouldn't be long before the best player on the planet Cristiano Ronaldo slotted home a deserved penalty after he was bundled over in the box by a clumsy David Luiz challenge.
1-1 would be how it stayed for the remaining match. This one looked destined for penalties until the cruellest of cruel moments once again broke the hearts of Madrid fans world-wide.
It couldn't happen again...could it?
In the 119th minute a nothing attack on the right side. A tired Marcelo chased in vain. Then a hail Mary cross to the world biggest human Zlatan Ibrahimovic who would coolly leap higher than anyone else on the field, then header the ball into the lower part of the cross bar and see it safely cross the white line as he sealed victory for PSG.
How much sadness must Real Madrid and its adoring fans endure. Surely this was their time. Words cannot describe it. Real Madrid again fall moments short of winning a Champions League title. Maybe blame it on tactics. Maybe blame it on substitutions not made. Who knows. Maybe it just wasn't their time.
They had the dream run into the final - easily disposing of teams such as Benfica and Liverpool on their way to the big dance.
PSG did it the tough way. They palmed off challenges from Arsenal and Barcelona before sealing their right to this season's final.
It was a difficult contest to call. Both teams had chances. But it was PSG who took advantage from a likely source - the head of Edison Cavani once again the difference in the opening half. But it wouldn't be long before the best player on the planet Cristiano Ronaldo slotted home a deserved penalty after he was bundled over in the box by a clumsy David Luiz challenge.
1-1 would be how it stayed for the remaining match. This one looked destined for penalties until the cruellest of cruel moments once again broke the hearts of Madrid fans world-wide.
It couldn't happen again...could it?
In the 119th minute a nothing attack on the right side. A tired Marcelo chased in vain. Then a hail Mary cross to the world biggest human Zlatan Ibrahimovic who would coolly leap higher than anyone else on the field, then header the ball into the lower part of the cross bar and see it safely cross the white line as he sealed victory for PSG.
How much sadness must Real Madrid and its adoring fans endure. Surely this was their time. Words cannot describe it. Real Madrid again fall moments short of winning a Champions League title. Maybe blame it on tactics. Maybe blame it on substitutions not made. Who knows. Maybe it just wasn't their time.
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| He did it again - Ibrahimovic again wins a Champions League title |
Barcelona create history...Champions of Spain again!
For the first time in PS3/PS4 history, SB and his merry men at Barcelona have done what no other team on earth has been able to do - win back to back league titles!
Barcelona were convincing champions from start to finish, despite hitting a slump towards the back end of the season. There only challenge this year coming from Madrid, not Real, but Athletico, who had the chance to push the Champions right to the final day until they fatally shot themselves in the head with an unexpected loss sealing their fate with just 2 games remaining.
"SB deserves the accolades today. " A humble Real Madrid boss JM said to the media.
"He's been consistent, and took three points in many games where he should have probably only taken one or none. He and his team should be very proud."
As for JM's men at Real Madrid, it must be said it was another disappointing campaign. In the end they only lost one more games than the Champions Barcelona, but too many drawn games were the difference. They would have to settle with third place.* (Season was concluded with one match remaining - Real Madrid may still have finished 2nd).
"We are definitely not happy with the way the season started, but I am very pleased with how it finished." JM said to a packed media conference today.
"At the start of year we struggled to gel, struggled for goals. But by the end of the year this was no longer a problem. I am confident if there was 5 more games we would be champions."
Unfortunately for JM there wasn't 5 more games - and he would have to suck it up as Barcelona and SB were champions again - taking their total league titles to 3 for all-time. Well done SB.
Barcelona were convincing champions from start to finish, despite hitting a slump towards the back end of the season. There only challenge this year coming from Madrid, not Real, but Athletico, who had the chance to push the Champions right to the final day until they fatally shot themselves in the head with an unexpected loss sealing their fate with just 2 games remaining.
"SB deserves the accolades today. " A humble Real Madrid boss JM said to the media.
"He's been consistent, and took three points in many games where he should have probably only taken one or none. He and his team should be very proud."
As for JM's men at Real Madrid, it must be said it was another disappointing campaign. In the end they only lost one more games than the Champions Barcelona, but too many drawn games were the difference. They would have to settle with third place.* (Season was concluded with one match remaining - Real Madrid may still have finished 2nd).
"We are definitely not happy with the way the season started, but I am very pleased with how it finished." JM said to a packed media conference today.
"At the start of year we struggled to gel, struggled for goals. But by the end of the year this was no longer a problem. I am confident if there was 5 more games we would be champions."
Unfortunately for JM there wasn't 5 more games - and he would have to suck it up as Barcelona and SB were champions again - taking their total league titles to 3 for all-time. Well done SB.
| The title is sealed - Barcelona's main men celebrate |
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| Barcelona and their fans celebrate on the streets |
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Champions League - Real Madrid feel its their time
Ever since they lost the one against Bayern Munich, there is little question they have been haunted by that game ever since. Real Madrid lost the Champions League in the cruellest of ways that evening - and have never come close to winning it since.
However fast forward to 2015, they face Portugal's Benfica in a Quarter Final clash they are expecting to get through, with their opponents in waiting most likely Liverpool in the semi final. This is looking like a path made special for Real to finally break their Champions League drought.
On the other side of the draw, we have Barcelona, on the same side as French Champions PSG and another strong side in Arsenal. Should they get through the tough draw, its potentially the biggest mouth watering final in history.
At a recent press conference, JM was asked if he thought this would finally be the year.
"I am definitely optimistic. But as the old saying goes, we are taking this one game at a time."
Asked if the past still haunts his team.
"We do not even think about it anymore. I have new players in this team that were not there for that game. We now a much stronger team - and I believe we can beat anyone in front of us."
His Barcelona counterpart SB was not available for comment however it is widely reported his team is struggling for form and the fact they are still caught in a battle for La Liga is taking a mental and physical toll on his players, not to mention a difficult run home to the final.
Good luck to all teams remaining.
However fast forward to 2015, they face Portugal's Benfica in a Quarter Final clash they are expecting to get through, with their opponents in waiting most likely Liverpool in the semi final. This is looking like a path made special for Real to finally break their Champions League drought.
On the other side of the draw, we have Barcelona, on the same side as French Champions PSG and another strong side in Arsenal. Should they get through the tough draw, its potentially the biggest mouth watering final in history.
At a recent press conference, JM was asked if he thought this would finally be the year.
"I am definitely optimistic. But as the old saying goes, we are taking this one game at a time."
Asked if the past still haunts his team.
"We do not even think about it anymore. I have new players in this team that were not there for that game. We now a much stronger team - and I believe we can beat anyone in front of us."
His Barcelona counterpart SB was not available for comment however it is widely reported his team is struggling for form and the fact they are still caught in a battle for La Liga is taking a mental and physical toll on his players, not to mention a difficult run home to the final.
Good luck to all teams remaining.
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| Having already met twice in the group stages - PSG pose the biggest threat to Barcelona in the run home |
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| Could this be the year Real Madrid finally win the Champions League |
Happy New Year: La Liga in review
Well 2015 is officially upon us and La Liga now nears its dramatic climax. With 35 games played, it appears the League is for Barcelona to lose at this point. SB and his men are 4 points clear of nearest rivals Athletico Madrid, with the two still to meet in what will be the clash of the season in the coming weeks. Real Madrid trail Athletico by 5 points, effectively out of the running this season.
Its been a consistently strong season for Barcelona, no doubt deserving of a Championship title up until now. Managing a season with only 4 loses to date, they seem to have left their worst for the home stretch, struggling to find goals and wins in their past 5 starts. What appeared an unassailable lead at one point, and Athletico letting the chase slip, Barcelona only needed to stay calm and the trophy would be theirs. It hasn't proven to be so easy.
That pressure will again tell on SB as he picks his team for their remaining 3 games. Should his team lose the season from here, no doubt it will go down as one of the biggest stuff ups since Real Madrid lost the unlosable game against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
We hope SB can close this one out.
As for JM and his Real Madrid, they have had a frustrating season, perhaps only now starting to show what their fully capable of as the season begins its windup. Having only suffered one more loss than Barcelona, it is their inability to find the winning goal in too many matches this season which has seen them stuck in third spot.
With Ronaldo now finding his touch at the right time of the year, and 3rd spot almost sealed, there is no doubt their attention is now fully focused on another competition - The Champions League.
Its been a consistently strong season for Barcelona, no doubt deserving of a Championship title up until now. Managing a season with only 4 loses to date, they seem to have left their worst for the home stretch, struggling to find goals and wins in their past 5 starts. What appeared an unassailable lead at one point, and Athletico letting the chase slip, Barcelona only needed to stay calm and the trophy would be theirs. It hasn't proven to be so easy.
That pressure will again tell on SB as he picks his team for their remaining 3 games. Should his team lose the season from here, no doubt it will go down as one of the biggest stuff ups since Real Madrid lost the unlosable game against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
We hope SB can close this one out.
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| Messi, Suarez and Co celebrate - but will they be celebrating at seasons end |
As for JM and his Real Madrid, they have had a frustrating season, perhaps only now starting to show what their fully capable of as the season begins its windup. Having only suffered one more loss than Barcelona, it is their inability to find the winning goal in too many matches this season which has seen them stuck in third spot.
With Ronaldo now finding his touch at the right time of the year, and 3rd spot almost sealed, there is no doubt their attention is now fully focused on another competition - The Champions League.
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| Ronaldo has been in amazing form at the back end of this season |
Big Guns go out Blazing in Copa Del Rey
In somewhat old news, last season's finalists Real Madrid and last year's Champions Barcelona were both eliminated from the Copa Del Rey in the 4th round of the competition.
It has proven probably the biggest surprise of the season so far, however it does suggest both teams appear more focused on winning La Liga and the Champions League respectively this year as opposed to the local Cup competition.
It could prove a poor managerial decision from JM in particular, as he is currently struggling in La Liga and the fact he has never previously taken home a Champions League crown before, his team risks finishing the season trophyless and putting his position as team boss in major jeopardy.
It has proven probably the biggest surprise of the season so far, however it does suggest both teams appear more focused on winning La Liga and the Champions League respectively this year as opposed to the local Cup competition.
It could prove a poor managerial decision from JM in particular, as he is currently struggling in La Liga and the fact he has never previously taken home a Champions League crown before, his team risks finishing the season trophyless and putting his position as team boss in major jeopardy.
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