Real Win The Spanish Cup

Real Madrid have put a horrible La Liga and European campaign behind them to take out the Kings Cup (Copa Del Rey) against a determined Villarreal.

It took an extra-time winner from Cristiano Ronaldo to seal the deal for Real, but not before some late drama with Iker Casillas heroically and sensationally saving a dubious 120th minute penalty.

"This is our day and not even a ridiculous penalty would ruin it for us." JM said straight after the victory.

It was rumoured that JM would step down from his post as Madrid boss if he failed to win a trophy this season.

Real Madrid celebrate the Copa Del Rey victory

Here's how it finished

El Clasico - Who won the battle this year?

Quite amazingly and to the sheer delight of footballing fans worldwide - we witnessed 5 clasico's in the space of a week with Barcelona taking on Real Madrid in the Europa League Round of 16, Copa Del Rey Quarter Final, and in La Liga regular season.

SO just who got the better of who in these thrilling encounters? Well, lets recap.

Europa League: 
Game 1 - Real Madrid took the honors early with a 2 - 1 victory at home.
Game 2 - Barcelona bounced back and led 2 nil at one stage before Ronaldo was able to pounce and level it all up on aggregate. The game swung either way for a moment before a 90th minute winner from Barcelona put them through to the Quarter Finals. 3 -1 win for Barcelona.

Copa Del Rey: 
Game 1 - Real Madrid showed total supremacy and dominated. 3 nil victory. A win which will live on in the memory of all Madristas.
Game 2 - Barcelona had a glimmer of home when they scored the opener, however this was short lived as Real Madrid leveled the game and then added one more for good measure. 2 - 1 the final score to Real Madrid as they progressed through.

La Liga Clasico:
Real Madrid had it all to do in this one when a careless Karim Benzema tackle resulted in a 12th minute red card. But as all champions do, Madrid battled on and scored the opener and the 2nd before one of the most amazing own goals in history gave Barcelona a sniff. Real Madrid soon after added a third and despite a late goal from Barca the deficit was too much and Madrid would win this one 3 - 2.


Well, that's how I remember it anyway. I would say Real Madrid had the better of the Clasico this year...wouldn't you agree.

El Clasico 2012

Messi crowned world's best

Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi has won the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or to claim the title of world player of the year for the third time in succession.

Lionel Messi: Ballon d'Or hat-trick

Messi beat Barcelona team-mate Xavi Hernandez and Real Madrid's Crisitano Ronaldo to emerge triumphant from the final three-man shortlist to scoop the award at Monday evening's Ballon d'Or gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich.

The 24-year-old becomes only the fourth player in history to win the trophy three times, along with Dutch legends Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten, plus Frenchman Michael Platini.

"The answer to that is great players would play in any generation. Lionel Messi could play in the 1950s and the present day, as could Di Stefano, Pele, Maradona, Cruyff because they are all great players.
"Lionel Messi without question fits into that category.''

Xavi also said: "He's still young, only 24, and I think he's going to break all the records that exist in this sport. He's going to be one of the best footballers in the history of the sport.''
Messi dedicated the award to his coach and team-mates, reserving special mention for Xavi.

"It is a huge pleasure and honour to win my third award," Messi said. "I wanted to share it with those who voted for me, my coach and my team-mates at Barca and in the Argentina national team.

"Moreover, I want to share this award specially with my friend Xavi. This is the fourth time that we are are together at this ceremony and it is a pleasure for me to be with him on the pitch. This Ballon d'Or is also yours. Without your help I would not be here."

SB was named the FIFA Men's Football Coach of the Year, finishing ahead of Real Madrid's JM - after a great year including winning the treble early in 2011 with Barcelona.
"I dedicate this trophy to Tito Vilanova, my assistant," SB said. "It's an honour to share the trophy with JM, and with all coaches around the world."

Wayne Rooney secured a prestigious accolade, as he found his way on to the fifpro Team of the Year. He was joined in the team by his Manchester United colleague Nemanja Vidic, while nine of the side either play for or operate in Spain.

Team:
Iker Casillas,Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Nemanja Vidic, Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney

La Liga Season Ends in Disappointment..

After long, grueling season La Liga has drawn to a close yesterday with Valencia surprisingly stealing the honours from season long leaders Villarreal.

In what proved a fitting end to the season for the two unlikely front runners, both met in the final round with Villarreal needing only a draw to secure the title. Valencia though were not to be denied taking the honours and lifting the trophy for Season 1, 2012.

For the big guns of La Liga, Barcelona and Real Madrid, they had to settle for 3rd and 4th respectively in what can only be called a total disaster campaign for both clubs.

"If only we had played a couple of games better throughout the season we'd be the winners today." SB refects on a poor season yesterday.
"So close, but yet so far."

On a personal note, Barcelona's front man Leo Messi took home the top goals scorers award with 29 for the season, followed closely by Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (22) in 2nd and team mate David Villa (21) in 3rd.

 As it finished - The BBVA La Liga ladder for Season 1, 2012

Top Scorers - Messi takes out the Pichichi Trophy for Season 1, 2012

Build up to a Europa Classico

It was the competition neither club wanted to play, but now it appears it will be an early exit to one with Barcelona and Real Madrid drawn to meet in the Round of 16 of the Europa League.

After both disappointingly exited the Champions league last month, they entered the 2nd their European competition and both easily disposed of lowly opposition in their opening encounters.

After the draw for the next round was announced it was met with both excitement and disappointment.

"It is exciting to have the classico played in the competition - It will generate much interest and hype.
But it is also disappointing to have it so early. I think everyone had hoped for a final classico." One FIFA diplomat said.

 The draw is announced in Zurich

 Athletico Striker Falcao performs the honours

Liga almost out of reach...

With only a handful of games remaining - it now seems almost impossible Barcelona or current champions Real Madrid will finish top of the BBVA La Liga table this season.

Villarreal and Valencia appear uncatchable at this stage, with Villarreal in particular a stand out after already having played both big guns and now seem to be playing within themselves - not dropping a point in months.

It would seemingly take a disaster for the current leaders to be caught by the trailing pack including Barcelona, Athletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

"Never say never - we are still alive." SB spoke outside the Barcelona base training ground.
"Their are some big games still coming for evreyone so anything can happen - We're not calling time of death yet."

This result, on top of an early exit from the Champions League for both of the Spanish big guns signals a terrible season for the two clubs and fans alike.

"We hope we can atleast take home the Europa and Copa Trophies now - Liga seems very far away for us." A Real Madrid coach assistant spoke in JM's absense today.

"In the Liga we would desperately like to win the next classico and then finish above Barcelona - hopefully in the top three. This is our goal."

Goodbye Champions League...Hello Europa!!!

Two of the worlds best teams and tournament favourites, Barcelona and Real Madrid have both failed to earn a place through to the quater finals in this seasons Champions League.

Barcelona met Manchester City, and it was the sky blues who dominated from start to finish over both home and away legs.

"I don't get it." SB spoke at the press conference.
"How can this happen...? We should have played more attacking - this is my mistake."

It was a different story for rival Real Madrid - who completely dominated their Italian opponents Juventus in both legs of the tie. It took incredible goal keeping from Gigi Buffon to hold out a barrage of attack in the opening game before Juve struck twice from an incredible angle scoring not only once but twice from identicle positions.

The second match was again dominated by Madrid as early in the 2nd half they cut down the Juve advantage with strikes from Ozil and Benzema. A penalty shoot out decided this one and once again it was the brilliance of Buffon - coming up with 3 fine saves to deny Real Madrid a place in the QF.

"We were unlucky today." JM said immediately after the game.
"Once again penalties is our weakness - this is disappointing."

Both sides now drop into the Europa league where neither side will be pleased to find themselves however both will surely push for a trophy.

 Man City celebrate one of many goals against Barcelona

Buffon and his team celebrate victory against Madrid