It is GERMANY V SPAIN for the 1ST LEG SEMI-FINALS OF EUROPE'S ELITE TOURNAMENT

                                           


Bayern Munich have turned things around this season in grand style. It has even been said that Pep Guardiola might have nothing left to achieve by the time Jupp' Osram' Heynckes quits the Bavarians. News coming out of Germany this morning say that Mario Gotze is switching allegiance next season. His next destination? The Allianz Arena to join his Nationalelf teammates, Neuer, Muller, Lahm, Schweini etc in what will be perhaps the best squad of players even assembled in Munich. The 6-1 mauling of Hannover 96 at the weekend was too good to be true. The Roten have scored for fun from the beginning of the season and only Arsenal have beaten them since the turn of the year. Against Wolfsburg in the Pokal Semis, Bayern also scored six and conceded one-a beauty from Deigo Ribas. These goals galore have been done without the bulk of their first team players. The likes of  'EL Conquistador' Pizarro who has been described as the best '3RD STRIKER' in the World by many, Jerome Boateng who has dropped to the bench since the start of the season, Xherdan Shaqiri, the diminutive Swiss winger, Arjen Robben who has found himself among the starters recently because of Toni Krooss' layoff, etc have come in and done a great job. The Bundesliga champions are battle ready for any team. Even Barcelona do not scare them considering the form they are in presently.

Barcelona are one of the favourites for Champions League glory. But before they secure a Wembley date against either Real Madrid or Dortmund, Bayern Munich must be stopped. However arduous it seems to be, the Blaugrana are unfazed by the challenge in front of them. A late 1-0 win over Levante nonetheless, the Spanish champions-elect have the ability to unsettle any team. Tito Vilanova and his coaching staff are sweating over the fitness of star man, Lionel Messi. The Argentine has been sidelined for the last three League games and only came on versus PSG because it was absolutely expedient. Whether he can feature from the start today is something the management have kept close to their chest. If Messi does not play, the task will be made all the more difficult. Barcelona have stars like Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas, Villa, Busquets, and Pedro, but without Messi, they are not so special. Forget the 5-0 success over an already condemned Mallorca. Carles Puyol and Javier 'Jefecito' Mascherano are currently sidelined through injury. That leaves gaps in the Catalan rear guard which is likely to be filled by the returning Eric Abidal whose story has been one of greatness and determination. The Frenchman completed 90 minutes against Levante on Saturday. His height and balance will give him an edge over Adriano because of the giant nature of the Bayern point men. Marc Batra can also line up alongside Pique if Abidal is not trusted enough to carry the responsibility.

PROBABLE LINEUPS-
BAYERN-
Neuer, Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba, Martinez, Schweinsteiger, Robben, Muller, Ribery, GOMEZ

Lahm and Schweini return to the starting eleven after being left out of the team that won emphatically at Hannover. Mario Mandzukic is suspended for this fixture, so the other Mario, Gomez, will step in his shoes. Javi Martinez has been vocal in his praise of his Spanish friends at Barcelona. Paying homage to Xavi and Busquets especially. He must perform every well to also earn their eulogies. Arjen Robben has a point or two to prove tonight. His mistakes cost Bayern dear in last year's final. He must make amends to get back into the fans hearts in a positive light. Bastian Schweinsteiger as usual, has a big role to play tonight. The German machine kept Andrea Pirlo quiet in the two matches against Juventus. A similar showing is expected of him when Xavi steps foot on the Inflatable boat in a few hours. Lahm, Gustavo and Dante will all miss the 2nd leg at the Nou Camp if they are cautioned in this game.

BARCA-
Valdes, Alves, Pique, Batra/Abidal/Adriano, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro, Messi, Villa.

For all Christian Tello's runs, goals, and assists in the last couple of weeks, it is unlikely that he will start tonight. The experienced heads of Villa and Pedro will be preferred to the youthful exuberance of the pacy winger. Messi could return to the team and Sergio Busquets has shaken off a hernia problem to face the Bavarian giants. It is in defence that the problem lies. Batra, Adriano or Abidal? The answer lies with Tito and Jordi Roura. Gerard Pique was uttering some annoying things against Germany in the build up to his great game. He was do the talking on the pitch tonight.




                                                


The Schwarzgelben might have shot themselves in the foot with strong rumours making the rounds that Mario Gotze is set to join arch-rivals, Bayern Munich in the summer for 37 Million Euros. However tempting the offer may be/or have been, Germany's Lionel Messi who says he'll rather be called the CR7 of DIE MANNSCAFT, should not be allowed to go for any price. The Signa Iduna Landlords are becoming a major force in Europe and to move further, their best players must stay put. That is beside the point. Some of immediate greater importance is before them. The visit of high flying Real Madrid who are so willing to win their 10th European trophy popularly called 'LA DECIMA' by the Merengues faithful. Borussia Dortmund do not give a hoot about Real Madrid's quest to win the Champions League. they harbour their own ambitions too. The Borussens have relinquished their Bundesliga crown to Bayern already and are looking for silverware this season. A 2nd European triumph, 16 long years after the first, will be a fantastic accomplishment. Jurgen Klopp has been bullish in his assertions that BVB can do the impossible this term. No one can doubt the quality they possess. Robert Lewandowski cannot stop scoring. If the Pole scoes in his next 5 League games, he will break Gerd Muller's long standing record of scoring in 16 consecutive League games  Mats Hummels has returned to full fitness and is poised to start alongside Neven Subotic in defence, leaving Felipe Santana on the sidelines. The Brazilian will be infuriated by this..afterall, it is because of him that Dortmund are in the semi-finals. Rolls Reus scored against Real at the Bernabeu in their group encounter and can repeat the same feat if given the opportunity.

Real Madrid have a few injury problems. The war against Betis was won not without a few casualties. Benzema and Modric picked up minor injuries, while Marcelo was stretchered out of the pitch following a hamstring issue. Varane, Coentrao and Sergio Ramos are all likely to return to the starting 11 tomorrow. Di Maria and Xabi Alonso are also set to take their places in midfield and Pipita Higuain will lead the line with CR7 as usual, carrying the team's hopes and aspirations. Jose Mourinho has to decide yet again if Iker Casillas will return between the sticks or continue with the very impressive Diego Lopez. He wants to win the Champions League at all costs after three consecutive semi-final appearances. Dortmund stand in the way, just like Bayern last time out and Barcelona two seasons prior. The Portuguese is set to leave the Spanish Capital at the end of the season. What better way to sign off than with a record breaking 10th UCL title. Real will not look beyond this game despite the Capital derby showdown at the weekend which will go a long way to decide who finishes as La Liga runners-up. The'whits' must do better than their last showing in Rhine-Westphalia. The 2-1 loss was deserved by the Ruhr giants and they almost won at the Bernabeu until a late Ozil free-kick sealed a 2-2 draw for the hosts.

Tomorrow night, both sides will attempt to get an early goal and ultimately secure an unassailable advantage before the 2nd leg in Spain.

PROBABLE LINEUPS-
BORUSSIA DORTMUND-
Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Hummels, Subotic, Schmelzer, Bender, Gundogan, Kuba, ROLLS REUS, Gotze, Lewandowski,

Lewandowski has shaken off a minor problem to play in this game. Despite Gotze's imminent departure, the playmaker will do everything humanly possible to destroy Real Madrid. Captain Sebastian Kehl who just signed a contract extension will start on the bench with Bender taking his place.

REAL MADRID-
Lopez, Ramos, Pepe, Varane, Coentrao, Khedira, Alonso, Di Maria, Ozil, CR7, Higuain

The back four will feature Ramos-Pepe and Varane from the start for the first time this season in Europe. Mesut Ozil and Sammy Khedira return to their adopted country. This time around, not to represent them, but to stop one of its leading teams from emerging victorious tomorrow. CRISTIANO RONALDO is the top European goal scorer this season with 11 goals..2 more and he will reach the 50-goal milestone in the Champions League. He has 50 already this season in all competitions and 196 in Real colours.

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

THE 20-20 MASTERCLASS..A team effort, but ROBIN VAN PERSIE's hunger was the driving force.

All smiles...Glory Glory Man United..(via the daily mail)

When Sir Alex Ferguson brought in the PFA/Football Writers' player of the year 2012 to Manchester United, it was clear what his plans were. Losing the title to Manchester City in the last second and more painfully, on goal difference, was something the Old Dinosaur would never let rear its ugly head again. He went back to the drawing board and enhanced his tactical nous in preparation for the current season which ended in style last night. His new acquisition, Robin Van Persie chose to wear the NUMBER 20 shirt on his arrival. The main objective was to win Trophy NO 20 for MUFC and his first ever winners medal in any League. Everything came to fruition finally and it was the same Dutch genius who made his presence felt in the most exemplary manner.

Roberto Mancini has unsuccessfully and shamelessly tried to defend his team's inability to defend the title they luckily won last season. The Italian lost the plot and his team couldn't muster as much as a challenge, even if they won the Manchester Derby. The Title was already a foregone conclusion. Now it is OFFICIAL...Manchester United are champions of England for a record extending 20th time. The title will be presented after the last home game of the season versus Swansea on the 12th of May.

SAF led from the front when celebrations began (via theaustralian.com)

After Spurs dismantled Manchester City on Sunday, it was now left for the red devils to win on Monday night to wrap up the long awaited 20th English crown. A phenomenal achievement. Since November 24, 2012, the red army have set the pace in the English top flight, winning a vast majority of their games in the last five months. The response to last season's disappointment has been swift, excellent and breathtakingly formidable. One more step, one more hurdle to scale and Villa stood between them and a victorious night of jollification. As expected, the villains were no match for the determined and wounded Champions-elect. It started with a sumptuous Wayne Rooney cross field pass to Tony Valencia who faked a move and then pulled it back for Rafael to send in a cross which initially was too long, until Ryan Giggs pulled it out of the air and provided the perfect pass for RVP to net his 22nd League goal of the season and his 3rd in as many games since breaking a 10-match scoreless dock at the Britannia. A minute later, he was on the end of a deflected Valencia cross, but his well met volley sailed just over the motionless Guzan's post. The Dutchman had reasons to celebrate a few minutes later when Wayne Rooney was given the freedom of Manchester and the Englishman sent in a raking 40 yard, over the top pass which was met with a ferociously brilliant volley which flew into the net. Two goals already in 13 minutes and the title was all but secured. If Benteke had scored earlier, it would have been more difficult. However, that was not to be. Another Dutch delight was imminent. Shinji Kagawa had to be involved at some point. the Japanese was released in midfield, ran through and gave a great pass to Ryan Giggs who unselfishly teed up RVP to score his 3rd of the night and 24th League goal of the season. The third was a smart piece of devastating skill to get past the keeper and two defenders before drilling the ball onto the roof of the net with consummate ease.  It was FINISHED at that point. It was only a matter of time before the Red devils would be certified Champions of England. They were impatiently willing to wait.

Finally a CHAMPION...(via the Telegraph)

After a second half which was characterised by a determined Villa attempted comeback. All their efforts were to no avail as United held on to the win and ultimately secured a 13th Championship winners medal under the great Ferguson. When the final whistle was blown by Anthony Taylor, the Dutchman was euphoric and quite happy that finally, he has become a League Champion. His outstretched arms rose in unison with all that were present at the theatre of dreams, as if to say the marriage is bearing the needed fruits. The commentators were vociferous in their acclaim that MANCHESTER UNITED's MVP is RVP. A brilliant conclusion to a simply phantasmagorical season. He had left all the doubters speechless in all respect. When SAF paid 24 million pounds to get him, critics were on the prowl, stating unequivocally that it was a panic buy and one that could come back to haunt the red devils legendary manager. It has haunted him indeed. The man has been vindicated and over the season, the Dutch scoring machine has done great things. When he's not scoring, he's laying them on for others to hit them hard. An all round footballer whose header off the line from a certain Weimann goal last night, typified the greatness embedded in him.

The thirst for glory has been unparalleled. The hunger to become a League Champion unrivalled. The drive to extend the record number of titles unquestionable. Robin Van Persie led the way brilliantly, and success has finally come. That zeal to become Champion of England worked wonders. At 30, he knew that he wouldn't have many other chances of claiming English football's most important honour. This is the start of great things to come for the Dutch superstar.

It is happy times at the Club. Phil Jones is finally showing why Manchester United splashed such a huge amount of money on him. Whether it is CB, RB, or in midfield, the youngster hasn't disappointed since returning from injury. Sir Alex has tipped him to become one of the greatest men to ever adorn the United jersey. I see no reason why he cannot reach that level. Rafa Da Silva has matured considerably since the start of the season and David de Gea has silenced the haters and sadistic critics with some jaw dropping performances. Hi shot stopping ability can be compared to any other in the World. Now the undisputed owner of the Number one shirt. Danny Welbeck has not scored plenty, but his industry and never say die attitude more than compensate for his inefficiencies in front of goal. He should score more next season. The peak of the pack is Ryan Giggs. Still waxing strong even when age 40 is near. He defies human comprehension. The Welsh Legend made two goals yesterday and his running and tackling were just unbelievable. For a man who has won 25 major honours in his illustrious career, one would have expected that he might have called it a day, but NO...He plays on. An example to every human being...not just his colleagues and aspiring footballers.

LEGENDS...26 English titles between them.GRACE!

Ryan Giggs and Sir Alex have won 13 Premier League titles now. They do not intend to stop there. The aim might be 15 at least before Fergie hands over the baton. This season has been successful, but on the European front, they will want one final push for glory. The torture that followed elimination in the hands of Real Madrid still enrages the entire team. Next season is a good chance to get to the promise land. The F.A Cup is another objective for the team. Rio, Vidic and Wayne Rooney are yet to win the World's most famous domestic cup competition. After coming up short several times in the last decade, it is time to embark on yet another trip to Wembley. Manchester City and Chelsea have dominated that tournament in the last 5 or 6 years. That has to change from next season onwards.

Wazza at crossroads..stay or leave?

The main topic of discussion in recent weeks has been Wayne Rooney. His future remains unclear. The versatile English great has been in and out of the squad this season.. He has scored 16 goals in all competitions this season in limited appearances. In the last three games, he has been deployed in a midfield role. His displays against Stoke earned plaudits from MUFC supporters. The major issue apart from his form, fitness and omission from the most important games is the position behind RVP. Shinji  Kagawa is so effective in that role and has performed admirably well over the last few months. Buoyed by the manager who has featured him more consistently since he returned from a layoff, he has shone brightly and made goals as well as score some. PSG are front runners for Rooney's signature. The Paris based club want to make him Ibrahimovic's strike partner. Sir Alex has dismissed it as trash talk and repeatedly stated that his talisman will stay. However, he must accept the fact that he is no longer the main man. He can make sacrifices like the ones during the Ronaldo period. Between them and the start of the RVP era, he was the arrow head of everything good that happened on the field. That is history now. What's more important is the team and he is aware of that. The consensus is that the CHAMPIONS need WAYNE ROONEY. his spark, motivation, presence, skill, talent, leadership qualities, heart, fight, grace, and versatility will prove vital next season and beyond.

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER....20 IS THE NUMBER....BE20EVE..CHAMP20NS....

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990