The night of Monday 29th of November was when the much publicized match between Barcelona and Real Madrid termed the El Classico was played. For those of us that watched the game the result is no longer news. The result is Barcelona 5 Real Madrid 0.
I know that for most fans of Real Madrid, this defeat is not only stunning but heart rendering and shameful. This is because, for a team like Real Madrid to lose by such a wide goal margin speaks volumes about its ability to survive tough matches. I think since Jose Muorinho took over Real Madrid, this just concluded game will be the toughest that he has played so far and I think that this will be just one of the toughest games that he will have to play. Real tough games still lie ahead of Real Madrid to play if they are thinking of winning any trophy this season.
Now it is not a crime for Real Madrid to lose. No even Barcelona lost when people thought that they were really in form. But the real issue was the goal margin by which Real Madrid lost 0-5 to Barcelona which from Real Madrid's point of view was not honourable. Again the game was so one-sided, Barcelona made Real Madrid look so ordinary. In terms of ball possession, I think it will be 98% -2% in favour of Barcelona well if I want to be a little bit polite to Real Madrid. Everyone that watched the game will not argue with this fact. Real Madrid had great difficulty to maintain ball possession for at least 3 minutes. This was because they found it very difficult to give 3 accurate passes. At some points it was as if the former world footballer of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo was not in the game. It was as if it was not Real Madrid that Barcelona was playing against. Now Barcelona is on top.
Notwithstanding, still one cannot safely conclude that Barcelona FC has won this season's La Liga. The battle line has just been drawn. The defeat suffered by Real Madrid FC in the hands of Barcelona does not mean that Jose Muorinho is not a good coach. It has only thought him a good but bitter lesson. Not matter how good you are as a manager, you must taste defeat one day. He can only learn from this just concluded game.
For Pep Guardiola, I say congratulations. Enjoy the moment but don't be carried away with this victory because the battle is becoming tougher. This is because Jose Muorinho will fight back to redeem his reputation.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The Great Battle at the EPL Chelsea and Manchester United Having The Same Points.
As a result of Chelsea's loss to Birmingham last saturday and Manchester United winning, we now have Man U and Chelsea FC having the same points. But Chelsea is leading on goal difference of +6. Well Chelsea has lost their last 2 games at the EPL. The most shocking and embarrassing of the 2 defeats is their 0-3 loss to Sunder land FC in front of their home fans at Standford Bridge. Their losses gave their arch-rivals Man U to close up the gap and thus we have the current situation at the EPL.
Well for Chelsea FC they have to up their game if they are really serious of retaining the EPL trophy. Again it is now obvious that Chelsea must begin now to look for good replacements for some of their regular stars like John Terry, Lampard, Drogba, Anelka etc to remain relevant at the English Premier League now and in the seasons to come. I think this fact should be appreciated looking at their last 2 games.
Well for Man U, they can only strive harder. To keep up the pressure on Chelsea, they must make sure that they keep winning. They too cannot afford to drop points by losing or playing draws before they meet Arsenal and Chelsea in December. Well for me, this season of the EPL is the most interesting in recent years since the inception of the competition. One can only continue to enjoy it.
Well for Chelsea FC they have to up their game if they are really serious of retaining the EPL trophy. Again it is now obvious that Chelsea must begin now to look for good replacements for some of their regular stars like John Terry, Lampard, Drogba, Anelka etc to remain relevant at the English Premier League now and in the seasons to come. I think this fact should be appreciated looking at their last 2 games.
Well for Man U, they can only strive harder. To keep up the pressure on Chelsea, they must make sure that they keep winning. They too cannot afford to drop points by losing or playing draws before they meet Arsenal and Chelsea in December. Well for me, this season of the EPL is the most interesting in recent years since the inception of the competition. One can only continue to enjoy it.
Friday, November 5, 2010
The Match Between Liverpool and Chelsea.
Come this Sunday, Chelsea FC will visit Liverpool FC at Anfield. For now, Chelsea FC is topping the premiership table with a 5 points gap between them and their current runner-up Arsenal.
The game at Anfield will be a serious test for Chelsea FC. Chelsea FC have a great hurdle to cross to at least maintain their lead if they cannot extend it. This is because Liverpool FC seems to be experiencing a revival. They seem to be regaining their form. So the game will not be easy for Chelsea FC. Chelsea cannot afford to underrate Liverpool.
Therefore the game between Chelsea and Liverpool in Anfield will be a tough one. This is because Chelsea is fighting to at least maintain their lead and gap while Liverpool is fighting to regain their one of the top 4 positions. So let's wait to see how the match will end.
The game at Anfield will be a serious test for Chelsea FC. Chelsea FC have a great hurdle to cross to at least maintain their lead if they cannot extend it. This is because Liverpool FC seems to be experiencing a revival. They seem to be regaining their form. So the game will not be easy for Chelsea FC. Chelsea cannot afford to underrate Liverpool.
Therefore the game between Chelsea and Liverpool in Anfield will be a tough one. This is because Chelsea is fighting to at least maintain their lead and gap while Liverpool is fighting to regain their one of the top 4 positions. So let's wait to see how the match will end.
Who Are The Two Clubs That Will Play The Final In Wembley?
Well it is no more news that the final of the ongoing UEFA Champions' league is the Wembley stadium in England. The ongoing UEFA Champions' league group phase has already entered the second leg with the first game of the second leg being played. Teams like Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United are already through to the round of 16.
Looking at the performances of all the teams, which of them look more likely to play in the final? I think it is very difficult to answer such questions now. But some teams are showing their intent to play in the final. The number 1 team I will mention is Chelsea FC. They have so far maintained an 100% record in the Champions' League. They are 1 team to watch out for. Next on the list is Manchester United FC. They also have maintained an 100% record. Their start to the campaign was a little bit shaky but they keep improving as the competition goes on. They are also a team to watch out for. Next on my list is Real Madrid FC. They have showed some level of good organisation in all departments as a team. They are not hiding their intention as a team.
There are other teams too like Barcelona, Olympic Marseille and Arsenal who also are in serious contention but time will not permit me to talk about them.
Looking at the performances of all the teams, which of them look more likely to play in the final? I think it is very difficult to answer such questions now. But some teams are showing their intent to play in the final. The number 1 team I will mention is Chelsea FC. They have so far maintained an 100% record in the Champions' League. They are 1 team to watch out for. Next on the list is Manchester United FC. They also have maintained an 100% record. Their start to the campaign was a little bit shaky but they keep improving as the competition goes on. They are also a team to watch out for. Next on my list is Real Madrid FC. They have showed some level of good organisation in all departments as a team. They are not hiding their intention as a team.
There are other teams too like Barcelona, Olympic Marseille and Arsenal who also are in serious contention but time will not permit me to talk about them.
Wembley The Venue Of The UEFA Champions League In 2011
The venue of the final of the ongoing UEFA Champions' league. For the soccer loving fans of England this is a great honour that they are going to receive from the soccer ruling body of Europe UEFA. The reason for this is not far fetched. This stadium is the national stadium of England that is not owned by any club but the country and the country alone. A high number of international friendliest played by England with other countries are played in this stadium. More importantly, this stadium was the venue of where they won their only ever world cup trophy till date. I think this is one of the most important reasons why English soccer loving fans will never forget this stadium. This stadium brings back good memories.
The question is next year, will this stadium make the whole of England happy next year? We can only wait till then.
The question is next year, will this stadium make the whole of England happy next year? We can only wait till then.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Sweet Revenge For Tottenham Hotspur
The game between Tottenham and Intermilan ended 3-1 in the favour of Tottenham Hotspur. Well prior to the game, most people had predicted that Tottenham will win Inter in fron t of their home fans. Their predictions proved to be true. Well looking at the performance of Tottenham at the Uefa Champions league thus far, one can say that they will go very far in this competition. Future opponents of Tottenham should beware of them. Tottenham can not be taken for granted in this competition. This is because they have good players and a very good manager who has proved over the years that he knows how to play the role of both a manage and a coach. Again Harry Redknapp the manager of Tottenham has been known to spring up surprising upsets and victories at a time when youleast expect. So Tottenham Hotspur is a team to watch put for.
Monday, November 1, 2010
The fierce battle In La Liga
All the La Liga games have been played this weekend. At the end of all the matches, we have Real Madrid topping the league with 23 points followed by Barcelona which has 22 points.Villareal is third with 20 points while Valencia is fourth with 17 points. I will not be able to continue because of time and space. For more check here. Well from the league standings ,one can discover that the battle for who will take the La Liga crown at the end of the season is far from over.The to 4 spots are still very hot. Any one of the 4 can still has the opportuinity to win the league. But as the days are going by,the teams occupying the first and second spot of the table are growing more dangerous and deadly by the day. Well they be able to keep up the pace. Only time will tell.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
La Liga Focus.
Well both Real Madrid and Barcelona won their games this weekend. Barcelona won their game which was away to Zaragoza and Real Madrid won their home game against Racing. Barcelona won their game by two goals to nothing while Real Madrid trashed Racing by 6 goals to 1. For the game been Real Madrid and Racing, the match was a complete whitewash. Real Madrid was all over. Although they conceded a goal in that game, one will say that one cannot compute the ball possession of the game. Left to me, I will say that the ball possession was maybe 70%-30% in the favour of Real Madrid. Real Madrid played their hearts out. On the other hand the game between Barcelona and Zaragoza two was not too bad. Of course both goals of the match were scored by the current world footballer of the year, Lionel Messi. It really shows that the player is back. The La Liga table standings look like this.
Teams………………………………………………. Matches ………………………………………..Points
(1.) Real Madrid……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..20
(2.) Villareal……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..19
(3.) Barcelona……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..19
(4.) Valencia……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..16
(5.) Espanyol……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..15
(6.) Sevillla……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..14
(7.) Getafe ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..13
(8.) Atletico
Madrid ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..13
(9.) Mallorca……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..11
(10.) Athletic
Bilbao……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..10
(11.) Osasuna ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..9
(12.) Hercules……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..9
(13.) Levante ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..8
(14.) Sporting
de Gijon……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..8
(15.) Almeria ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..7
(16.) Real
Sociedad……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..7
(17.) Malaga ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..7
(18.) Racing……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..7
(19.) Deportivo ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..4
(20.) Zaragoza……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..3
One can see from the table that it is still very tight at the top. The top spot is far from secure. But the remarkable thing to say is that it seems that Real Madrid has got back their usual high scoring form for which they are known. Barcelona too is not doing too badly but it is obvious that they are missing the presence of Xavi. But they (Barcelona have to up their game and find their high scoring form). They might have to look for more sharp attackers during the transfer window come January next year. They have to be more accurate that is convert more of their goal scoring chances than they are doing right now if they will provide a serious challenge to Real Madrid in their contention to retain the league trophy they won last year. This is because the defense of Real Madrid has greatly improved.
I think one will be really unfair to neglect other clubs in the La Liga because from the team occupying the second position to the one occupying the 10th position, there are still possibilities for any one of them to win it if Real Madrid becomes careless. But the team that one will look at that is showing a serious threat to Real Madrid’s lead is Villareal. Villareal is a team to watch out for. For they have been giving Barcelona a very tough time and that is why they are on the second spot. They have not hidden their intentions to win the league this season. So they also cannot be toiled with.
Seeing the present situation of the league table, one can only say that the league is still open for anyone to win it.
Teams………………………………………………. Matches ………………………………………..Points
(1.) Real Madrid……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..20
(2.) Villareal……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..19
(3.) Barcelona……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..19
(4.) Valencia……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..16
(5.) Espanyol……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..15
(6.) Sevillla……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..14
(7.) Getafe ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..13
(8.) Atletico
Madrid ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..13
(9.) Mallorca……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..11
(10.) Athletic
Bilbao……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..10
(11.) Osasuna ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..9
(12.) Hercules……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..9
(13.) Levante ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..8
(14.) Sporting
de Gijon……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..8
(15.) Almeria ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..7
(16.) Real
Sociedad……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..7
(17.) Malaga ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..7
(18.) Racing……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..7
(19.) Deportivo ……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..4
(20.) Zaragoza……………………………………………….. 8………………………………………………..3
One can see from the table that it is still very tight at the top. The top spot is far from secure. But the remarkable thing to say is that it seems that Real Madrid has got back their usual high scoring form for which they are known. Barcelona too is not doing too badly but it is obvious that they are missing the presence of Xavi. But they (Barcelona have to up their game and find their high scoring form). They might have to look for more sharp attackers during the transfer window come January next year. They have to be more accurate that is convert more of their goal scoring chances than they are doing right now if they will provide a serious challenge to Real Madrid in their contention to retain the league trophy they won last year. This is because the defense of Real Madrid has greatly improved.
I think one will be really unfair to neglect other clubs in the La Liga because from the team occupying the second position to the one occupying the 10th position, there are still possibilities for any one of them to win it if Real Madrid becomes careless. But the team that one will look at that is showing a serious threat to Real Madrid’s lead is Villareal. Villareal is a team to watch out for. For they have been giving Barcelona a very tough time and that is why they are on the second spot. They have not hidden their intentions to win the league this season. So they also cannot be toiled with.
Seeing the present situation of the league table, one can only say that the league is still open for anyone to win it.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
This Week’s Most Memorable UEFA Champions League Match
This week’s UEFA Champions League games have all been concluded. There were winners and there were those who drew their matches. But one of the most outstanding games of the UEFA Champions League was the one between Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur. Inter Milan was the home team. Although Inter Milan won the game by 4 goals to 3, the team that made the game really a remarkable experience was the losing side Tottenham Hotspur.
The reason is this, Inter Milan for about 51 minutes were leading 4-0. Then Bale started his hat-trick in the 52nd minute. It was as if the goal gave the Tottenham players some inspiration to score more goals. They then took over the midfield and started to heap more pressure on Inter. But the time in which the pressure paid off to yield more goals was astonishing. It was in the 90th and 91st minutes. The space of time between the 2nd and 3rd goal to me is still a wonder though I believe all the goals scored by Tottenham Hotspur were a result of carelessness by the defensive midfielders and the defenders of Inter Milan.
See the form of Tottenham Hotspur and the way in which they played against Inter Milan, one can only conclude that they are a side to watch out for in this year’s UEFA Champions League.
The reason is this, Inter Milan for about 51 minutes were leading 4-0. Then Bale started his hat-trick in the 52nd minute. It was as if the goal gave the Tottenham players some inspiration to score more goals. They then took over the midfield and started to heap more pressure on Inter. But the time in which the pressure paid off to yield more goals was astonishing. It was in the 90th and 91st minutes. The space of time between the 2nd and 3rd goal to me is still a wonder though I believe all the goals scored by Tottenham Hotspur were a result of carelessness by the defensive midfielders and the defenders of Inter Milan.
See the form of Tottenham Hotspur and the way in which they played against Inter Milan, one can only conclude that they are a side to watch out for in this year’s UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid Topping La Liga.
For the soccer fanatics following the Spanish La Liga it is no news that Real Madrid is currently on top of the topmost league in Spain. Well they are leading the second Villareal by a single point. Of course to some of us, this is no surprise. Looking at the way in which Real Madrid started the season, some people were quick to criticize the new manager of the club Jose Muorinho who has described himself as the special one saying that his team has not been playing in an organized way and that they were only managing to win games by a lone goal and that Real Madrid can never score more than 1 goal per match. Some even went on to say that if Real Madrid meets any of the top four in the English Premier League, that they will suffer a heavy defeat.
The reason given for the above conclusions was for just one reason, that Real Madrid drew their first game of the league 0-0. They managed to win their second game by a lone goal. Well if I can remember, they drew their third game. I will not continue because of time and space. But now Real Madrid is topping the league. Well it is still too early for one to conclude that Real Madrid has already captured the La Liga but whoever will take over the leadership of the table from Real Madrid should be prepared for a fight. I don’t think that they will surrender their lead cheaply.
To be frank, I think that the only side that is capable of giving the present Real Madrid side a stiff opposition is Barcelona. But even with that Barcelona will have a very difficult time overtaking Real Madrid under Jose Muorinho. This is because Muorinho inspires his players to win and not to entertain which is in contrast to the football pattern of Barcelona. More so, when Jose Muorinho was in charge of Intermilan and Intermilan clashed with Barcelona in the semi-final of the champions league last season, Intermilan was the better of both sides that is to say, Jose Muorinho has won Pepe Guardiola once. So with the present situation of the La Liga, I am very sure that the manager of Barcelona Pepe Guardiola will be losing his sleep.
We cannot yet give the La Liga trophy to Real Madrid. We can only watch and observe as La Liga is taking shape.
The reason given for the above conclusions was for just one reason, that Real Madrid drew their first game of the league 0-0. They managed to win their second game by a lone goal. Well if I can remember, they drew their third game. I will not continue because of time and space. But now Real Madrid is topping the league. Well it is still too early for one to conclude that Real Madrid has already captured the La Liga but whoever will take over the leadership of the table from Real Madrid should be prepared for a fight. I don’t think that they will surrender their lead cheaply.
To be frank, I think that the only side that is capable of giving the present Real Madrid side a stiff opposition is Barcelona. But even with that Barcelona will have a very difficult time overtaking Real Madrid under Jose Muorinho. This is because Muorinho inspires his players to win and not to entertain which is in contrast to the football pattern of Barcelona. More so, when Jose Muorinho was in charge of Intermilan and Intermilan clashed with Barcelona in the semi-final of the champions league last season, Intermilan was the better of both sides that is to say, Jose Muorinho has won Pepe Guardiola once. So with the present situation of the La Liga, I am very sure that the manager of Barcelona Pepe Guardiola will be losing his sleep.
We cannot yet give the La Liga trophy to Real Madrid. We can only watch and observe as La Liga is taking shape.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Real Madrid Topping La Liga
For the soccer fanatics following the Spanish La Liga it is no news that Real Madrid is currently on top of the topmost league in Spain. Well they are leading the second Villareal by a single point. Of course to some of us, this is no surprise. Looking at the way in which Real Madrid started the season, some people were quick to criticize the new manager of the club Jose Muorinho who has described himself as the special one saying that his team has not been playing in an organized way and that they were only managing to win games by a lone goal and that Real Madrid can never score more than 1 goal per match. Some even went on to say that if Real Madrid meets any of the top four in the English Premier League, that they will suffer a heavy defeat.
The reason given for the above conclusions was for just one reason, that Real Madrid drew their first game of the league 0-0. They managed to win their second game by a lone goal. Well if I can remember, they drew their third game. I will not continue because of time and space. But now Real Madrid is topping the league. Well it is still too early for one to conclude that Real Madrid has already captured the La Liga but whoever will take over the leadership of the table from Real Madrid should be prepared for a fight. I don’t think that they will surrender their lead cheaply.
To be frank, I think that the only side that is capable of giving the present Real Madrid side a stiff opposition is Barcelona. But even with that Barcelona will have a very difficult time overtaking Real Madrid under Jose Muorinho. This is because Muorinho inspires his players to win and not to entertain which is in contrast to the football pattern of Barcelona. More so, when Jose Muorinho was in charge of Intermilan and Intermilan clashed with Barcelona in the semi-final of the champions league last season, Intermilan was the better of both sides that is to say, Jose Muorinho has won Pepe Guardiola once. So with the present situation of the La Liga, I am very sure that the manager of Barcelona Pepe Guardiola will be losing his sleep.
We cannot yet give the La Liga trophy to Real Madrid. We can only watch and observe as La Liga is taking shape.
The reason given for the above conclusions was for just one reason, that Real Madrid drew their first game of the league 0-0. They managed to win their second game by a lone goal. Well if I can remember, they drew their third game. I will not continue because of time and space. But now Real Madrid is topping the league. Well it is still too early for one to conclude that Real Madrid has already captured the La Liga but whoever will take over the leadership of the table from Real Madrid should be prepared for a fight. I don’t think that they will surrender their lead cheaply.
To be frank, I think that the only side that is capable of giving the present Real Madrid side a stiff opposition is Barcelona. But even with that Barcelona will have a very difficult time overtaking Real Madrid under Jose Muorinho. This is because Muorinho inspires his players to win and not to entertain which is in contrast to the football pattern of Barcelona. More so, when Jose Muorinho was in charge of Intermilan and Intermilan clashed with Barcelona in the semi-final of the champions league last season, Intermilan was the better of both sides that is to say, Jose Muorinho has won Pepe Guardiola once. So with the present situation of the La Liga, I am very sure that the manager of Barcelona Pepe Guardiola will be losing his sleep.
We cannot yet give the La Liga trophy to Real Madrid. We can only watch and observe as La Liga is taking shape.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
UEFA Champions League, How It All Started
The UEFA Champions league at its inception was known as the European Champions Club's Cup .It was launched one month after UEFA'S first congress which was held in Viennaon 2nd of March 1955.But funny enough it was not an UEFA initiative. The reason is this , the founding members of UEFA were mainly interested in organising a well established European national team competition.
But the French sports daily L'Equipe with their then-editor named Gabriel Hanot were championing the cause for a European club competiton that will bring together all the clubs in Europe. Then Gabriel Hanot together with his colleague Jacques Ferran designed a blueprint for a European challenge tournament. The tournament was to be played on wednessdays under floodlights. Thus the first major European football tournament was initiated by the French daily L'Equipe.
L'Equipe started the European Champions Club's Cup by inviting teams that they thought had the most fan appeal. To do this representatives of 16 clubs were invited to meetings on 2nd and 3rd of April 1955 where the L'Equipe rules were approved. Then the first European Club'Cup fixture was played in Lisbon between Partizan Belgrade of Yugoslavia and Sporting Clube de Portugal which ended 3-3. The Yugoslavian side won the return 5-2 to advance to the next stage.
To the long story short Real Madrid won the first competition and this competion developed into UEFA's major club tournament. The major turning point to the competition came in the 1992/93 season when the competition was renamed the UEFA Champions League with the format of the competion changed. Then the group stage was introduced into the competition and added to the traditional knockout elements.
But the French sports daily L'Equipe with their then-editor named Gabriel Hanot were championing the cause for a European club competiton that will bring together all the clubs in Europe. Then Gabriel Hanot together with his colleague Jacques Ferran designed a blueprint for a European challenge tournament. The tournament was to be played on wednessdays under floodlights. Thus the first major European football tournament was initiated by the French daily L'Equipe.
L'Equipe started the European Champions Club's Cup by inviting teams that they thought had the most fan appeal. To do this representatives of 16 clubs were invited to meetings on 2nd and 3rd of April 1955 where the L'Equipe rules were approved. Then the first European Club'Cup fixture was played in Lisbon between Partizan Belgrade of Yugoslavia and Sporting Clube de Portugal which ended 3-3. The Yugoslavian side won the return 5-2 to advance to the next stage.
To the long story short Real Madrid won the first competition and this competion developed into UEFA's major club tournament. The major turning point to the competition came in the 1992/93 season when the competition was renamed the UEFA Champions League with the format of the competion changed. Then the group stage was introduced into the competition and added to the traditional knockout elements.
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