Manchester United have won the Champions League beating Chelsea in a tough final.
Player of the competition was also anounced today, as being Barcelona's Leo Messi.
Monday, November 25, 2013
ROBBED AGAIN....
Once again the hopes and dreams of all Madrid fans world wide were dashed over the weekend in what can only be described as a cruel ending for JM and his Real Madrid team.
The Champions League is the one trophy which still eludes JM to this point of his career, and hopes were certainly high this year would spell the end of the draught.
Bayern Munich was once again the opponent - a classic foe who had already managed to spoil the party for Madrid once before.
With a stalement 1st leg at home in Madrid, Real played masterfully in Munich. Neither side giving an inch - neither willing to make the crucial error. Then, who else but perhaps the best player in the world to finally break the dead lock. Ronaldo scoring what seemed to be a massive game breaker midway through the 1st half. A classic counter attack and perfect finish.
From there it seemed Real would play out the game as they did at home in the 1st leg. It seemed once again improbable that Bayern would find the 2 goals they would need to progress. With Madrid holding out wave after wave of Bayern attack. Nothing was getting through today.
Then, once again, the Fifa Gods have their say. From a Bayern corner kick, what seemed a comfortable clearance by Madrid, it was called back for a hand ball in the box. Cruel.
It goes down as perhaps the 22nd, or maybe 45th penalty Real Madrid have conceded in this way this season. Cruel.
Who steps up to take the penalty? An old nemesis by the name of Robben.
Despite Casillas appearing to pick the correct side the ball still finds a place in the side of the goal to level the game. Cruel.
Early in the 2nd half again a Bayern attack appears to come to nothing when a foul is called on Madrid. Almost touching the goal line of the far side of the field - an impossible angle. Who steps up to take the free kick. Robben.
He shoots directly at Casillas, who perhaps should have gobbled it up with ease. Instead he reacts by punching the ball high into his own net. Bayern take the lead. Cruel.
From there Real must now push forward - time against them. Big season recruit Gareth Bale had a brilliant chance to level the game but pushed his effort from outside of the box uncharacteristally wide of the goal. Big miss. Cruel.
With Madrid's ultra attack style in the final 20 mins, Bayern were able to find space and added to the misery with a further 2 goals - including a hat trick to Robben. Cruel.
Game over.
The Champions League is the one trophy which still eludes JM to this point of his career, and hopes were certainly high this year would spell the end of the draught.
Bayern Munich was once again the opponent - a classic foe who had already managed to spoil the party for Madrid once before.
With a stalement 1st leg at home in Madrid, Real played masterfully in Munich. Neither side giving an inch - neither willing to make the crucial error. Then, who else but perhaps the best player in the world to finally break the dead lock. Ronaldo scoring what seemed to be a massive game breaker midway through the 1st half. A classic counter attack and perfect finish.
From there it seemed Real would play out the game as they did at home in the 1st leg. It seemed once again improbable that Bayern would find the 2 goals they would need to progress. With Madrid holding out wave after wave of Bayern attack. Nothing was getting through today.
Then, once again, the Fifa Gods have their say. From a Bayern corner kick, what seemed a comfortable clearance by Madrid, it was called back for a hand ball in the box. Cruel.
It goes down as perhaps the 22nd, or maybe 45th penalty Real Madrid have conceded in this way this season. Cruel.
Who steps up to take the penalty? An old nemesis by the name of Robben.
Despite Casillas appearing to pick the correct side the ball still finds a place in the side of the goal to level the game. Cruel.
Early in the 2nd half again a Bayern attack appears to come to nothing when a foul is called on Madrid. Almost touching the goal line of the far side of the field - an impossible angle. Who steps up to take the free kick. Robben.
He shoots directly at Casillas, who perhaps should have gobbled it up with ease. Instead he reacts by punching the ball high into his own net. Bayern take the lead. Cruel.
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| Robben adds a 3rd and final goal on the night in a man of the match performance |
With Madrid's ultra attack style in the final 20 mins, Bayern were able to find space and added to the misery with a further 2 goals - including a hat trick to Robben. Cruel.
Game over.
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| Casillas walks away from another heartbreaking defeat |
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Barca Exit UCL..But Still Lead La Liga
The biggest news of the week is the Champions League elimination of former winners Barcelona at the hands of a brilliant Chelsea team.
Although only slight favourites coming into the tie, Barcelona were still expected the progress through to the Quarter Finals stage, however they could have envisaged coming up agaisnt such a resiliant team as Chelsea over the two games.
Barcelona Boss SB was left rather speechless after losing to his former team and only managed to say his a few words. He said his team felt weak in both games - not the team he's used to seeing week in week out in La Liga.
Though his dream of a 2nd treble is over for now, SB can now direct all focus firmly towards closing out a La Liga season he and his team have seemingly wrapped up. They lead their nearest rival Real Socidad by 4 points with 8 games remaining.
On the flip side, Spanish rivals Real Madrid have had a disappointing domestic campaign, with JM practically conceding the La Liga title to Barcelona over the weekend. However his eyes and that of his team are now firmly focussed on a Champions League crown - a title he has never won and for obvious reason craves the most.
"Yes we are disappointed to be so far behind in La Liga. I think this is for Barcelona now to lose." JM spoke on Monday to the media.
"But I am very pleased with our progression in Europe. Bayern will be a most difficult opponent and I know we must train hard and play better than we have all season to beat them. But I know we can do this."
No doubt memories of the last time Real and Bayern clashed in a Champions League match will be in their minds. The final in 2010 which saw Madrid spill a 2 goal lead only to lose in extra time thanks 2 separate come backs and 2 goals from Bayern star Robben.
"We have not forgotten - and we will use it as motivation. Many of my players played in this match. We will like revenge, that is for sure."
Although only slight favourites coming into the tie, Barcelona were still expected the progress through to the Quarter Finals stage, however they could have envisaged coming up agaisnt such a resiliant team as Chelsea over the two games.
Barcelona Boss SB was left rather speechless after losing to his former team and only managed to say his a few words. He said his team felt weak in both games - not the team he's used to seeing week in week out in La Liga.
Though his dream of a 2nd treble is over for now, SB can now direct all focus firmly towards closing out a La Liga season he and his team have seemingly wrapped up. They lead their nearest rival Real Socidad by 4 points with 8 games remaining.
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| Fabregas player hard but it just wasn't to be against Chelsea |
"Yes we are disappointed to be so far behind in La Liga. I think this is for Barcelona now to lose." JM spoke on Monday to the media.
"But I am very pleased with our progression in Europe. Bayern will be a most difficult opponent and I know we must train hard and play better than we have all season to beat them. But I know we can do this."
No doubt memories of the last time Real and Bayern clashed in a Champions League match will be in their minds. The final in 2010 which saw Madrid spill a 2 goal lead only to lose in extra time thanks 2 separate come backs and 2 goals from Bayern star Robben.
"We have not forgotten - and we will use it as motivation. Many of my players played in this match. We will like revenge, that is for sure."
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| Modric, Ronaldo and Bale look relaxed at training ahead of their Champion League QF |
Friday, October 25, 2013
How many Penalties is enough?
In what can only be described as crazy mid week action this week - the hot topic still on everyone's lips was the great penalty debate which saw Real Madrid penalised more than any club in the history of professional EA Sports Football.
The total count was lost in the end, which is a true testament to how many there actually were in the space of only 4 games. The turkey which takes the prize is the 3 penalties awarded to Juventus in the Champions League group stage game - where Real Madrid were judged to have handled the ball in the penalty box 3 times. Justice prevailed as only one penalty was actually converted by Juve striker Carlos Tevez.
After blowing up deluxe during their most recent La Liga game which saw his Madrid team suffer another heartbreaking last minute draw as a result of - yep you guessed it - another penalty - JM made no apologies the following day with the fire in his belly still burning.
Full transcript of his press conference is available below;
“Let’s talk about the real turning point. Let’s talk about all the penalties.”JM said.
“Unless I’m blind, I can see the ball going past my players with no touch - so what was the decision?
“Can someone answer me that? Someone?
“C’mon. C’mon, that’s ridiculous."
"They said Bale pushed him over and thats the penalty and all of sudden its 1-1! I mean C’mon.
C’mon, that’s ridiculous."“There’s got to be an investigation into this."
“Someone has to be accountable for this. And they have got to be accountable for the penalty count!.”
"We can't be that bad, seriously!! Is this the best referees we've got? I don't know what to say."
No word yet if JM will be officially punished for his behaviour both during the match and his post match comment. Nor has JM yet apologised formally for his embarassing fit during the recent 1-1 draw with Real Socidad.
His Madrid team now sit in the uncomfortable position of 6th, 11 points off the pace of league leaders and cross town rivals Athletico Madrid.
The total count was lost in the end, which is a true testament to how many there actually were in the space of only 4 games. The turkey which takes the prize is the 3 penalties awarded to Juventus in the Champions League group stage game - where Real Madrid were judged to have handled the ball in the penalty box 3 times. Justice prevailed as only one penalty was actually converted by Juve striker Carlos Tevez.
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| JM is almost thrown out of the game after his temper exploded in the recent La Liga match |
Full transcript of his press conference is available below;
“Let’s talk about the real turning point. Let’s talk about all the penalties.”JM said.
“Unless I’m blind, I can see the ball going past my players with no touch - so what was the decision?
“Can someone answer me that? Someone?
“C’mon. C’mon, that’s ridiculous."
"They said Bale pushed him over and thats the penalty and all of sudden its 1-1! I mean C’mon.
C’mon, that’s ridiculous."“There’s got to be an investigation into this."
“Someone has to be accountable for this. And they have got to be accountable for the penalty count!.”
"We can't be that bad, seriously!! Is this the best referees we've got? I don't know what to say."
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| Losing his mind against Juventus |
His Madrid team now sit in the uncomfortable position of 6th, 11 points off the pace of league leaders and cross town rivals Athletico Madrid.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Barca claim first blood in La Liga
After a somehwhat torrid pre-season and shaky beginning to FIFA 14, Barcelona have claimed bragging rights on their fast start to the new La Liga campaign in Spain.
Despite starting the year off in almost unbeatable fashion, Real Madrid find themselves slightly off the pace in the league, largely due to their only losses this year, and both against their main rivals, Barcelona and Athleico Madrid.
JM would be considerably disappointed with their current place on the ladder, after looking "invincible" for 14 games since the arrival of FIFA 14.
"I am not happy with the two losses. We had opportunities to beat Barcelona, and perhaps a draw would have been a fair result - but we were not good enough on the day." JM spoke to press yesterday.
"And Athletico took their one chance against us and we didn't take ours - thats football."
"But I cannot complain - 14 matches of this quality and to not lose is remarkable at this level - so I suppose the losses were inevitable in some ways."
Fans of Real Madrid cannot help but feel angry by the decision of EA and La Liga to restart the league after technology updates recently - with Real Madrid sitting top of the table at the time - and rivals Barceloan languishing in 7th place.
"This was a decision we all agreed to at the end of the day - so we cannot complain." JM said of the decision.
"Obviously it has worked out to Barcelona's advantage - I'm sure everyone would like a restart when seasons do not go well from the start - so it has worked out very well for them."
"Its a long season and it will level out and we know that."
Champions League action continues tonight when both Barcelona and Real Madrid have the chance to cement their places on top of their groups after both with unbeaten starts to the tournament.
Despite starting the year off in almost unbeatable fashion, Real Madrid find themselves slightly off the pace in the league, largely due to their only losses this year, and both against their main rivals, Barcelona and Athleico Madrid.
JM would be considerably disappointed with their current place on the ladder, after looking "invincible" for 14 games since the arrival of FIFA 14.
"I am not happy with the two losses. We had opportunities to beat Barcelona, and perhaps a draw would have been a fair result - but we were not good enough on the day." JM spoke to press yesterday.
"And Athletico took their one chance against us and we didn't take ours - thats football."
"But I cannot complain - 14 matches of this quality and to not lose is remarkable at this level - so I suppose the losses were inevitable in some ways."
Fans of Real Madrid cannot help but feel angry by the decision of EA and La Liga to restart the league after technology updates recently - with Real Madrid sitting top of the table at the time - and rivals Barceloan languishing in 7th place.
"This was a decision we all agreed to at the end of the day - so we cannot complain." JM said of the decision.
"Obviously it has worked out to Barcelona's advantage - I'm sure everyone would like a restart when seasons do not go well from the start - so it has worked out very well for them."
"Its a long season and it will level out and we know that."
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| JM not entirely happy with the new season start |
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Real win dramatic Super Cup
It was the first official meeting between Spain's biggest rivals for season Fifa14, with neither side capitalising on a number of chances after 120 minutes of football before the match would finally be decided by the dreaded penalty shoot out.
Barcelona had several opportunities to seal the shootout however with each failed attempt - looked ever so nervous. The drama filled penalties included every player on the field having a shot - even keepers Casillas and Valdes having a go.
However today was again Real Madrid's day - claiming bragging rights for a promising new season.
"I am pleased with the final result." JM said after the game.
"But I am not pleased that we let them control most of the match for maybe 70 - 80 minutes. This was disappointing."
Barcelona looked in complete control for much of both halves without success. It wasn't until the a tired looking midfield of Iniesta and Xavi were replaced did Madrid begin to look threatening. Enough so to even having their own chances to steal the match in the 90 minutes.
SB was clearly disappointed with the loss however would be more than pleased with the effort of his team today.
Barcelona had several opportunities to seal the shootout however with each failed attempt - looked ever so nervous. The drama filled penalties included every player on the field having a shot - even keepers Casillas and Valdes having a go.
However today was again Real Madrid's day - claiming bragging rights for a promising new season.
"I am pleased with the final result." JM said after the game.
"But I am not pleased that we let them control most of the match for maybe 70 - 80 minutes. This was disappointing."
Barcelona looked in complete control for much of both halves without success. It wasn't until the a tired looking midfield of Iniesta and Xavi were replaced did Madrid begin to look threatening. Enough so to even having their own chances to steal the match in the 90 minutes.
SB was clearly disappointed with the loss however would be more than pleased with the effort of his team today.
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| Real Madrid celebrate winning the Super Cup |
Thursday, October 3, 2013
New Season is Upon Us
With the highly anticipated new instalment of the EA Sports FIFA franchise, comes the promise of a new and exciting season for our friendly foes - SB and JM.
WIth both in control of two of the world's biggest clubs, the expectation will once again be extremely high for success. In what seems a transition year in terms of Playstation Systems and EA Sports biggest game - we may only see one season in this current platform. So what exactly can we expect to see from SB and JM this time around?
SB has been widely criticised in recent seasons for his teams lack of success. Since his treble winning season with Barcelona - no trophies have ever come his way. So will this year be any different?
As ususal, when asked to comment on expectations on the upcoming season SB declined to comment.
Whether he remains tight lipped about the season ahead because he'd prefer to keep the pressure off his star studded team - or he just continues to show a complete lack of respect for the worlds media - jury is still out on that one.
Real Madid man in charge JM enjoys a friendly relationship with the worlds press and speaking today to a press conference he arranged he said he now feels his side is perfectly primed to seriously challenge for total Spanish and European dominance.
" I think last year was good for us. We showed despite being number 1 for much of the year - you must be able to win those big games at the end when it all counts." JM spoke to friends in the media.
"I think we are stronger this time as a team. Big new additions like Bale and Isco have given the side a massive boost. For me personally, I feel I have grown as a manager - both tactically and mentally.
Also I feel the new style of football in Fifa14 suits us. It is slower when it needs to be and we have players who can speed up the play when we need it. In the air it is important to be strong - and we have the players who fill this role. We are expecting nothing but success this season."
As usual, Barcelona and Real Madrid will get the opportunity to size each other up in the Spanish Super Cup. This will give both teams and managers one final chance to see where they stand before the official season kickoff to La Liga.
Good luck to both Barcelona and Real Madrid on their campaigns ahead.
WIth both in control of two of the world's biggest clubs, the expectation will once again be extremely high for success. In what seems a transition year in terms of Playstation Systems and EA Sports biggest game - we may only see one season in this current platform. So what exactly can we expect to see from SB and JM this time around?
SB has been widely criticised in recent seasons for his teams lack of success. Since his treble winning season with Barcelona - no trophies have ever come his way. So will this year be any different?
As ususal, when asked to comment on expectations on the upcoming season SB declined to comment.
Whether he remains tight lipped about the season ahead because he'd prefer to keep the pressure off his star studded team - or he just continues to show a complete lack of respect for the worlds media - jury is still out on that one.
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| Expectation for SB and his Barcelona are high as reported in Newspapers around the world this morning |
" I think last year was good for us. We showed despite being number 1 for much of the year - you must be able to win those big games at the end when it all counts." JM spoke to friends in the media.
"I think we are stronger this time as a team. Big new additions like Bale and Isco have given the side a massive boost. For me personally, I feel I have grown as a manager - both tactically and mentally.
Also I feel the new style of football in Fifa14 suits us. It is slower when it needs to be and we have players who can speed up the play when we need it. In the air it is important to be strong - and we have the players who fill this role. We are expecting nothing but success this season."
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| JM speaks his mind to a packed press conference this morning |
Good luck to both Barcelona and Real Madrid on their campaigns ahead.
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