REAL DESTROY BAYERN AND CHELSEA HOST LOS COLCHENEROS AT THE BRIDGE TONIGHT IN WHAT IS SET TO BE A PULSATING AFFAIR

REAL RUN RIOT IN MUNICH AND CHELSEA PREPARE TO WELCOME LOS COLCHONEROS IN WHAT IS BILLED AS A NAIL BITING AFFAIR

Real Madrid laid down a marker last night at the Allianz Arena with a near perfect display to dethrone last season’s champions, Bayern Munich on their own turf. The nine time European champions have waited impatiently for more than a decade to reach another final. Precisely twelve years, four semi-finals (three in the last three campaigns), one quarter-final and six round of 16 exits. History was rewritten in Germany in so many ways and finally, los merengues will appear in what will be their 12^th European Cup/UCL final.

The game started with Bayern again dominating possession but lacked the potency in attack yet again. Reminiscent of the first leg, it was Real Madrid who took the lead against the run of play. Luka Modric’s corner was thumped in by Sergio Ramos to extend the aggregate lead to two. Before the Bavarians could regroup, the Spaniard was on hand again to score another headed goal when he reacted quickest to a Pepe flick on from a Di Maria free kick. As if Pep hadn’t seen enough, another quick break was fashioned and Gareth Bale had the freedom of Bavaria before he slipped the ball across to Ronaldo to score a record breaking 15^th Champions League goal of a truly magnificent season. His strike and Madrid’s 3^rd was also the 50^th he has registered in the competition since his move from Old Trafford almost five years ago. It was also his 65^th, two behind Messi and six behind record holder Raul. The second half was less drama filled. Pep tried all he could to at least claw back some of the deficit. The introduction of Javi Martinez, Mario Gotze and El Conquistador Pizarro did nothing to harm the La Decima chasing Spanish team. Instead, it was Ronaldo who struck again. The magical Portuguese, already the frontrunner for the 2014 Ballon D’or, was felled just outside the 18 yard box and he immediately dusted himself up and powered a low drive under the jumping wall past Manuel Neuer to make it a very embarrassing night for Bayern but a hugely exemplary  one for Real. That was his 16^th Champions League (66^th in total) strike and 49^th in all competitions this season.

At the end of proceedings, the script was perfectly written and ran its full circle. Real Madrid drank from the spring of vengeance and got one over Bayern Munich for themselves and Spain. It was a fitting revenge for what happened two years ago in front of hopeful fans at the Bernabeu. Ronaldo and Ramos missed the spot kicks that eliminated los blancos that night but were on hand to make amends this time in Germany. Ancelotti’s men also helped Barcelona avenge the 7-0 annihilation suffered in the hands of the Bavarians last season. Ronaldo, Ramos, Bale, Benzema, Di Maria, MODRIC*****, Pepe, Alonso, Carvajal, Coentrao all played the match of their lives and the diminutive Croatian midfield gem was fantastic yet again. San Iker amazingly kept one of the easiest clean sheets of his career to date. The Veteran goal tender would never have envisaged such a trouble free night when he was preparing for the game.

Finally, Real Madrid are in another Champions final and fittingly, it is in Lisbon where a certain Cristiano Ronaldo is revered and greatly cherished. Later today, their opponents will be known. Will it be another Portuguese (Mourinho) or city rivals, Atletico Madrid?

The 4-0 walloping of Bayern Munich was their worst ever home defeat in any European competition and the first time they had conceded four without reply at home in any competition since 1979 (against Armunia Belefield). 35 years on, it was replicated but in a more painful way. No one would have predicted such a result. Pep and co were left shell shocked and disheveled at the final whistle and Da Kaiser will have a lot to say about the stoic and insipid way die roten capitulated and surrendered the holy grail. The power, pace and precision of the Spanish team was just too much for Bayern to bear. Pep Guardiola will have a lot to worry about in preparation for next season’s assault. His central defence is in utter shambles and the zonal marking system employed last night was mocked by Real Madrid. The ‘marking in spaces’ idea has to be dispensed with and their kind of game requires much better defenders than Dante and Boateng. The Brazilian and German were looking sheepishly at Ramos when he got on to the end of first, Modric’s corner, then, Pepe’s flick on. Both of them were largely at fault for the first three goals, leaving spaces in behind them and defended poorly all through the game. With Holger Badstuber still recovering from injury and Dan Van Buyten almost retiring, one would feel that the Bayern hierarchy will do something in the summer. Manuel Neuer had to come out many times to help out his sleepy defenders in typical South American style. Javi Martinez is versatile and can play at the back but he is no World Class defender. Also, the tactics could have worked better if the likes of Schweini and Kroos paid closer attention to Luka Modric and the former helping out in defence. The Croatian was at the heart of everything good Real mustered and his creative excellence was glaringly obvious. The foundation of last season’s success was the effort put in by the Schweini-Martinez midfield combination. The gigantic Spaniard operated as a third defender when his team was under the cush. To be fair, with the kind of gifts Bayern offered, even Gil Vicente would have scored a couple tonight and that is not undermining the hard work and praise worthy shift Madrid put in. All the good work of this season may end up with only one title won. All that is left of it is the DFB Pokal final against Borussia Dortmund. That will be very tough.  For almost every team in the world, confidence will be at a ground low after what transpired last night. After going 3 goals down (4-0 on agg), their attention shifted to picking fights and getting involved in altercations. For a team filled with experienced players and champions, their frustration was channeled in the wrong direction with Ribery caught slapping Dani Carvajal. Bad losers the reigning European champions are. Bayern have to pick themselves up. They will be back soon enough.

Ronaldo and company are marching on. One step away from the treasured LA DECIMA. One big and very important step. One thing is certain- Whoever comes through the other semi final will prove to be much more difficult than the Bayern sham they faced last night. The only blight to a truly awesome night was the caution Alonso picked up which rules him out of next month’s final. The 2005 Champions League winner will be gutted that he cannot take part in what could be the club’s greatest night in Europe.  One of prices the team had to pay for a first European Cup final since 2002.

Atletico Madrid come into this game fully confident that they can reach their first Champions League final just two years after lifting the Europa League. Diego Simeone and his warriors are on a roll. 180 minutes away from winning their first League title in eighteen years, they find themselves 90 minutes (120 max) away from an all Spanish final-the first since Real got the better of Valencia 14 years ago. It would also be the 5^th Madrid derby of the season and Real lead on that count with 2 wins to Atleti’s 1. However, the possibility is still a long shot with Jose Mourinho waiting at Stamford Bridge. The managerial genius is attempting to reach his 3^rd Career Champions League final. He has a perfect record in finals with Porto (‘04) and Inter (‘10). He showed one of his students how to win on Sunday in one of the most tactically brilliant displays of any team I have ever seen. Rodgers first criticized the approach but later appreciated his master’s superior tactical nous when he probably watched the match again and learnt a few things afterwards. Prior to the Bayern bashing, Pep, Jose and Carlo all had aspirations to match the great Bob Paisley’s record of 3 European cups. Guardiola has to wait until at least another year. Ancelotti is one step away. Mourinho is not far off too.

Before the semi final fixtures were set, I considered Mourinho, Klopp, Conte, Ancelotti, Pep, Wenger and Diego Someone the ‘sacred seven’. The seven best managers in the World in my humble opinion. Pep has been disgraced, Ancelotti can become the best this year, Mou and Diego are dreaming of another European Final.

Peter Cech and John Terry miraculously trained with the rest of the squad yesterday just days after Mou ruled them out for the rest of the season. Although, the ‘Only one’ has affirmed that Cech is not ready to feature tomorrow, we might as well treat that assertion with a pinch of salt. John Terry is fit. Eden Hazard is back after collecting his PFA YPOTY award on Sunday night. Mourinho has a near full strength squad to pick from. He has to deal with the absences of Lampard and Ramires who are suspended for tonight’s match.

Diego Simeone can call upon all his regulars for tonight’s bi game. He must be feeling sore that his captain and team lead, Gabi, is suspended for the encounter. Nevertheless, there are other options to replace the tough tackling midfielder. Raul Garcia scored the game clinching goal at the Mestalla to keep the Rojiblancos at the top of the pile in Spain and he will certainly start alongside Diego Costa and David Villa who the manager may start from the off in place of Diego Ribas. Miranda and Godin will continue in central defence. They let in only five goals in the entire competition-The best defensive record by a mile.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

CHELSEA

Schwarzer, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpi, Mikel, Oscar, Willian, Hazard, Schurrle, Eto’o

ATLETICO MADRID

Courtois, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Felipe Luis, Tiago, Suarez, Koke, Villa, Garcia, Costa

Samuel Eto’o will lead the line with support from Hazard and Andre Schurrle. Former Atleti skipper, Fernando Torres will make do with a place on the subs bench, while for the Colchoneros, Tiago will come in for Gabi. Chelsea will be inconsolable if in the end, Thibaut Courtois is the difference between both teams tonight. The Belgian shot stopper is fast becoming the best keeper in the World and he has kept more clean sheets than any other goal keeper across all competitions this term. He is a Chelsea player on loan at the Calderon. A more than able replacement for Peter Cech if he is patient enough to wait.

Diego Simeone must have seen the Liverpool-Chelsea game on Sunday. How Mourinho tactically outwitted Rodgers despite using less than half of his first team regulars. He has opined that he has no problems with Jose or anyone for that matter ‘parking the bus’. He is no stranger to the ‘Catenaccio’  style and has employed it to good effect so many times in his coaching career. Tonight, he has to call upon all his experience as a manager. Facing Mourinho in an all-important match and coming out victorious is a rarity. It is squeaky bum time.

@ohiskaka1990

BAYERN MUNICH HOST REAL MADRID IN WHAT IS AN EMOTIONAL CLASH FOR PEP GUARDIOLA

                                                  


The news that Francesc 'Tito' Vilanova left this sinful world was first broken by Barcelona based newspaper 'EL MUNDO DEPORTIVO' last Friday afternoon, hours after it was publicised that the former Barcelona manager was in a critical condition. He finally succumbed to throat Cancer and that has put the football world in mourning. The Chief mourner is Pep Guardiola, a man who probably knows the fallen Tito more than anyone else. Together, in Pep's words, they wanted to eat the world and indeed, they did. Pep and Tito formed an indomitable tag team that won everything on offer in 2009 and went on to achieve what no other duo has ever and may ever achieve. 14 titles in 4 glorious years with Barcelona was like a dream for both men.

Such was the importance of Tito that a minute's silence was observed before Bayern and Werder Bremen kicked off at the weekend. Five goals went in but Pep appeared unperturbed, crest fallen, shaken with disbelief and overcome with grief on the sad passing of a close pal. His attire was all black to pay respect to a man who contributed just as much in Barcelona's total dominance of world football.

Just four days after Tito's death, Pep has another date with destiny. A very crucial second leg showpiece v Real Madrid with his team 1-0 down from the first leg. Bayern Munich have been near perfect all season but this is the match that will decide whether the season has been successful or not. Many wondered how Pep could better Jupp's treble success. Tonight is the night.

Bayern Munich warmed up for this game with a 5-2 hammering of Werder Bremen. Although the result flatters the Bavarians, it was a sigh of relief breathed after the final whistle had gone. Bremen led at half time but Pizarro, Robben and co would hear none of it. In typical Bayern style, they roared back and won the match in preparedness for the visit of Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti's side were without Gareth Bale once again but saw off the challenge of Osasuna in a Ronaldo inspired conquest. Dani Carvajal came off the bench to add gloss to the scoreline after Sergio Ramos went on one of his trademark runs to finish off a move he started. Ronaldo's brace took him to 30 in the League and 47 in all competitions this season. His performance means one thing-Bayern are in for a lot of trouble tonight.


PROBABLE LINEUPS-

BAYERN MUNICH-

Neuer, Lahm, Dante, Boateng, Alaba, Schweini, Kroos, Martinez, Robben, Ribery, Mandzukic

REAL MADRID-

Casillas, Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao/Marcelo, Alonso, Modric, Di Maria, Bale, Benz, CR7

Pep knows all about Real Madrid but how much he knows about Don Carlos' version of the merengues is left to be seen. Die Roten expectedly dominated possession at the Bernabeu last week with tiki-taka on show but no penetration. The manager tactics were heavily criticized by Germany's Pele, Franz Beckenbauer. The Legend, famously called 'The Kaiser' is always critical about people and things like his great friend, Pele. Although, he may have a point in this regard. Pep will not change his philosophy as it is the very same that brought him to limelight. The Spanish manager will want much more than Bayern showed last week and above all, goals. Mario Mandzukic has delivered the goods this term and will be relied upon to make things happen again. Thomas Muller will be ready to come on and make the difference as he almost always does and the Robben-Ribery combination must be on song. It is in defence that lies the main hurdle. Pep must have noticed that Rafinha was uncomfortable at right back and will definitely return Captain Philipp Lahm to his natural position tonight. The best right back in the World has performed excellently in his new midfield role this term but is more comfortable playing as a right back/right wing back. Javi Martinez may be the man to come in and help out in midfield. His partnership with Bastian last season kept Xavi, Iniesta, Vidal and Pirlo quiet and that reduce the work load of the rearguard. Manuel Neuer made a lot of saves in the first leg. Many more will be needed tonight.

Gareth Bale is back. The Welsh demon has fully recovered from the flu which denied him playing time in the last two matches. He sat out the first leg but will be willing to make amends in Germany. He was in sparkling form before he fell ill. If he can decide a Cup final v Barcelona, Bayern have to beware. Bale's return means the BBC trio can start at the ALLIANZ Arena tonight. They are only a few goals away from hitting the 100 goal mark. That is how ruthless they have been this season. Angel Di Maria seems to love assisting others this season, the Argentine winger provided two more on Saturday to become the joint assists leader in La Liga with Fabregas on 14.  He selflessness is one of the reasons why Real can still dream of a 'triplete' this season. Sergio Ramos is one yellow away from missing the final if Real Madrid make it to Lisbon. That wouldn't deter him one bit. San Iker returns between the sticks as has been the practise in European games. The custodian kept the Bayern team at bay with some special saves last time. He hasn't featured much but whenever he has, clean sheets have been achieved most of the time.


@ohiskaka1990

MUFC-NORWICH PREVIEW

MANCHESTER UNITED-NORWICH PREVIEW…GIGGS SET FOR FIRST EVER OUTING AS A CLUB MANAGER…WHERE BETTER TO BEGIN?

David Moyes was shown the exit door on Tuesday morning after a bad run of results since the start of the season. All the proud records Manchester United once boasted of against teams in Britain and football in general were shattered by the departed Scot. Ryan Giggs has been brought in as interim manager to rally the boys to at least gain a respectable finish come the end of the season.

With the red army languishing in seventh position on the League table, the onus falls on the Club’s greatest ever player to ensure that the standing is bettered as whatever happens, it will still represent the worst finish ever in EPL history. Pride is still at stake. A  place in the lower tier of European football can still be secured if the club gains maximum points in the four matches left until the season draws to a close.

On Wednesday, the great Paul Scholes was sighted at Carrington. The man affectionately known as the ‘Ginger prince’ has returned to his home to assist one of his best friends in football. With Nicky Butt already on board, half of the famous ‘Class of 92’ are reunited. Phil Neville and Chris Wood remain with the club until at least the end of the season.

Giggsy’s first match pitches him against Norwich-a side fighting to stay in the topflight and with a rookie manager in Neil Adams. The new Norwich manager can remember how he notched the decisive goal in Oldham’s huge win over the red devils twenty one long years ago. With United no in their usual dominant form, something unsurprising can take place tomorrow evening at Old Trafford. However, it will be a herculean task as the fans will be in full voice to back one of the club’s favourite sons and the players will certainly want to prove they are worthy of wearing the United jersey.

PROBABLE LINEUPS-

MANCHESTER UNITED

DDG, Jones, Smalling, Evans, Buttner, Carrick, Fletcher, Nani, Adnan, Wazza, Welbeck

NORWICH

Ruddy, Martin, Bassong, Turner, Whittaker, Johnson, Fer, Johnny, Snodgrass, Redmond, Hooper

Norwich played a very good game v Liverpool but couldn’t get as much as point because they let it slip in the early stages and recovery time was over before they knew it. Robert Snodgrass is the obvious choice for POTY at Carrow Road as without him, it would have been extremely difficult to perform at all. He is the star man and should link up well with Gary Hooper on Saturday evening.

Manchester United cannot afford any more slip ups and this has been hammered on since December. With Giggs at the helm, it is expected that the players will stamp their authority on games until at least a new manager comes in the Summer. The Welsh footballing great will not change things too much as regards the starting eleven. It is their mentality he should work on. The likes of RVP, Evra, Vidic and Rafael are doubts and will not be risked. The available should be able to see off Norwich. That has rarely been the case this season though. Let’s see how it pans out.

Ohireime P Eboreime

@ohiskaka1990

REVIEW OF THE UCL SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG

The Chelsea-Atletico Madrid game failed to live up to its pre-match billing as both teams played out a non so entertaining goalless draw at the Calderon. Diego Costa wasted the chances that came him way and the Colchoneros game plan was countered by the Mou-naccio system-a coinage from the Catenaccio employed famously by the great Helenio Herrera in the 1960s. In the end, Mourinho got what he wanted. a 0-0 draw. 

Chelsea may have left Atletico satisfied with their performance and the eventual result but they didn't win the war as two of their very best soldiers left the battle field injured and out for the rest of the season. Peter Cech had to be replaced by Mark Schwarzer early on and John Terry followed suit at the tail end of the encounter. That has left gaping holes in their defence as they prepare for another very crucial match on Sunday v Liverpool. Lose at Anfield and the hopes of laying their hands on a 4th EPL title will be dashed.

Diego Simeone said after the game his team que Could They all tried but they just t Chelsea's approach as it is the very same one he employs against Barcelona. Mourinho beat him to his own game on Tuesday but it is not over yet. Next stop-Stamford Bridge on Wednesday 30th April.


Bayern Munchen started the match at the Bernabeu well on top, totally dominating possession and creating countless opportunities.Spanish capital until Real broke and Ronaldo freed countryman, Coentrao on the left. He managed to get past Rafinha and the sweet, well timed cross was poked home by Karim Benzema to give the merengues a 1-0 lead in the match and tie. Try all they could, die roten couldn't find a way past Iker Casillas even when they dismantled Ramos and Pepe many times. Real's MOTM was Luka Modric-One of the true greats of his generation. He calmly played a fantastic game and United fans are still disgusted at the failure to land him when it was all but confirmed that the 'Ginger meastro' Scholes was calling it a day. The tie is still in the balance as the Bavarians can still negotiate a way into their third consecutive final appearance. They know how close they are to becoming the first team to retain the UCL crown. Everything will unfold in five days at the Allianz Arena.


All four teams still have a chance to book a final berth. Chelsea have the slight advantage over Atletico but the Champions League has sprang many surprises over the years and Simeone's warriors are not easy to devour. Bayern need to call upon their champions' spirit to get past the Blancos. Shutting Real out is not impossible as Dortmund showed in the previous round. Let's see what happens next week when the fixtures are reversed.


Ohireime P Eboreime
@ Ohiskaka1990

WHY IT WAS RIGHT AND WRONG TO SACK DAVID MOYES AND THE REASON FERGIE SHOULD BE BLAMED MORE FOR THE FAILINGS OF HIS FELLOW SCOT

David Moyes is perhaps the unluckiest man on earth. The Scotsman has suddenly been branded a failure just nine months after he took over the reins at Manchester United. A position handed to him by Sir Alex Ferguson. In fairness, the way he was shown the door was absolutely disrespectful, considering how much he tried to steady the sinking ship. Admittedly, the season has been woeful and embarrassing to say the least but for him to take the blame alone is unfair. The players had a big part to play too. As Gary Neville opined on the event of Moyes' sacking, some players let themselves and their now departed manager down. He played with most of the players currently at the club and he knows that they can perform much better than he has seen in the last eight months. I only hope that half the squad are shown the door as well when the season comes to a close. Another who is to take a large chunk of the blame is SIR ALEXANDER CHAPMAN FERGUSON.

When Sir Alex Ferguson was giving his farewell speech in the aftermath of United's 2-1 victory over Swansea at Old Trafford, his most important words were 'YOUR DUTY IS TO STAND BY YOUR NEW MANAGER'. Has that been adhered to? NO! If the rumour making the rounds that he was at the forefront of  the Moyes' sacking is true, then I have heard everything and I will be absolutely disappointed in him for going back on his words, which is very unlike him.

It isn't an easy task following the footsteps of a managerial myth. One who rewrote the history books several times and won so many accolades in almost three decades. It is no small job to continue in the same vein as a man who bestrode the entire football world like a colossus. The willy, old Scot knew it was always going to be difficult, that was why he was given the responsibility of choosing his successor. He decided on Moyes- A man who had spent the best part of eleven years turning Everton from a wannabe club to one who had the ability to challenge for the biggest trophies on offer. The only thing and probably the most important lacking in his RESUME was that he had won nothing significant in his stay at the Merseyside outfit.

This season is the worst in more than twenty years but Ferguson knew all about it. He knew from the word go that it wouldn't be cakes and ice-cream and he threw Moyes into the firing line and ensured that he was decimated in the end. A stab in the back. It was right to relieve Moyes of his duties because modern football does not give anyone a second chance but it was wrong the way it was handled. At United, there is a long standing tradition since the Fergie era that managers are to be given many opportunities to make things better when the going gets tough  but we went against our own doctrines and beliefs when the Owners wielded the axe on Tuesday morning after hours of speculation. We brand other clubs as 'classless' and 'low lives'. We are now promoting the same thing we consistently kick against. I was aghast at the unprofessional way the whole exit situation was handled by a club that is usually at the forefront of fair play, respect, secrecy and excellence. It is publicly painted that it was the Glazers who took the decision but we all know that without SAF's consent and that of a few others, Moyes would still be on the job today.

Conclusively, it is time to move forward as a football club. However, is it wise to put the decision of choosing a new manager in Fergie's hands again? I agree he is the GREATEST HUMAN BEING ever at Manchester United but that doesn't mean he comes before the club. It is a critical time now and it requires carefulness, patience and the right mind. If Fergie fails again in his choice of a worthy successor, his head must roll.


Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990

REAL MADRID-BAYERN MUNICH PREVIEW

Pep Gaurdiola will return to familiar surroundings on Wednesday night when he leads his Bavarian troops to the battle field in Madrid. The most successful manager of the last six years has an enviable record at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and hosts, Real Madrid, know that they have to do everything possible to secure a good result leading to the second leg in Germany.

                                                 


Los Blancos were given the weekend off by the LFP to prepare for this very important encounter in their quest to repeat the Barcelona magica of 2009 where they went on to hoist the treble at the end of a historic season. While Gaurdiola is seeking another treble five years after he wrote his name in the stars, Carlo Ancelotti is looking forward to conquering three fronts for the first time in his unarguably excellent managerial sojourn. It is a marmot task for both men and tonight is exceedingly expedient.

Real Madrid can remember their last game with so much excitement. The last time they played a competitive match, the result was a 19th King's Cup triumph and what made the victory sweeter was that it was against Barcelona. Despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, the 'whites' came out on top at the Mestalla thanks to Gareth Bale who ran the full length of the pitch to score one of the most memorable goals anyone will ever see. The Welshman stepped up when it mattered most and with 20 goals and 18 assists in all competitions already. In a limited number of appearances, he is justifying the huge transfer fee no doubt. Tonight at the Bernabeu, the merengues are well aware of the task they face. A very good result will be required to have any chance in the return leg as their record in Germany is very poor. If not for the comfortable 3-0 advantage they took to Ruhr and Henrikh Mkhitaryan's profligacy, it would have been an all German semi-final by now. However, they cannot afford to be sloppy at the back when fc Hollywood come to town.

Bayern Munich got clobbered by rivals, Borussia Dortmund two weekends ago but bounced back against lowly ranked Eintracht Braunschweig at the weekend albeit in a late rally. It was their first victory since confirming their status as the best team in Germany. A first win in four League matches for die roten. Their Spanish manager surprisingly sent out a very strong squad for the weekend's game and thankfully, they won in the end. Nevertheless, they know that Real Madrid are a different proposition and only almost perfect performance will give them a fighting chance in Spain. The Bavarian powerhouse will take encouragement from their last visit to Spain, A comprehensive 3-0 obliteration of Tata's Barcelona in last season's semi-final second leg. Arguably Jupp Heynckes' best result last season. But there is a considerable difference between last season and this one and Real Madrid have improved in all areas of the field since Ancelotti took over. Although, the defence is still quite shaky.


PROBABLE LINEUPS-

REAL MADRID-

Casillas, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao, Alonso, Modric, Di Maria, CR7, Benz, Bale

BAYERN MUNICH-

Neuer, Lahm, Dante, Martinez, Alaba, Schweini, Kroos, Robben, Ribery, Gotze/Muller, Mandzukic


Real are still sweating on the fitness of CR7 heading into this game. The Portuguese has been involved in training and fitness programs in the last couple of days but is still not 100% fit. The heroics of Gareth Bale notwithstanding, his teammates know that they stand a much better chance of winning game after game with him fit and firing. His availability is dependent on how much he wants to be part of tonight's party. Unlike my wrong prediction in the Copa final, I think he will make the starting lineup tonight, except something unforeseen happens in the build up. That will mean that the recently turned 22 year old Isco will have to make do with a place on the bench. The youngster has shone brightly since he started getting picked once again by the coaching staff. Angel Di Maria is expected to start alongside Alonso and Luka Modric. The Spanish-Croatian duo have been very good for the merengues this term, faring well in the absence of Sami Khedira who is going through his fitness program and might play some part in the triplete run-in. San Iker will play in a rare second straight match for his beloved club. The Spanish national team captain held aloft the Copa Del Rey trophy with great pride last week and will very much want to be the man to hold  'LA DECIMA' .The defensive partnership of Pepe and Sergio Ramos can switch off at any given moment. On their day, they are as solid as a rock. The Spanish centurion is prone to nasty challenges now and then. NINETEEN red cards is testament to his rashness and gross indiscipline, Bayern can use this to their advantage.

Die Roten have a strong squad to call upon and Manuel Neuer has given them a fitness boost with his declaration that he will be part of the war. The German number one is rated by many as the best keeper in the World and deservedly so. Thibaut Courtois is running him close. Philipp Lahm should take the place of Rafinha in the Bayern defence, leaving a place in midfield for Toni Kroos to come in and partner last season's best deep lying playmaker, Bastian Schweinsteiger who couldn't feature in Bayern's win over Manchester United due of suspension. The ROBBERY gang cannot be left out of any Bavarian operation nowadays. Their potency and efficiency knows no limitation. They ooze class and quality and should shoot at sight when the need arises. Croatian marksman and top goalscorer, Mario Mandzukic, is expected to lead the line.

Real Madrid have not lost a home champions League game in three years bu they very well know that the last man to beat them now dines with the German Champions. If anyone can scuttle plans at the Bernabeu, Gaurdiola is the best pick. Bayern, on the other hand, have vowed never to be beaten away from home since their collapse at Bate Borisov ten away match days ago. That record will be put to a stern test tonight when the BBC trio pounces on them. The Blancos have swept aside the German champions the last two times they won the big eared trophy. History may repeat itself this season. Bayern can also make it a three-peat against Spanish opposition at this stage of the competition after eliminating Real in 2012 and demolishing Barcelona last year. Madrid will be tired of German teams but have gained revenge against Dortmund. Bayern next?



Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990

THE KING'S CUP PREVIEW...AN EL CLASICO FINAL FOR THE SEVENTH TIME IN HISTORY. WHO PREVAILS?

                                                


It is that time again. Real Madrid and Barcelona square up for the third time this season. This time, for the right to be crowned Copa Del Rey winners. One can argue that Wednesday's game is more important for the Catalans than Real, but Don Carlo is eyeing the 'triplete'. Tata Martino is under immense pressure to deliver at least a trophy this season after ouster from the Champions League and La Liga a seemingly lost hope. In the League, they lie four points behind leaders Atletico, after losing 1-0 at Granada over the weekend to slip to third place. Los rojiblancos just need to win their next four games and the run out at the Camp Nou on the final day will be a mere formality. Barcelona may need to form a guard of honour for El Cholo's men on the last match day. Something that will make for a miserable day for the cules.

The Catalans have shifted attention to the Cup and rightly so. Victory over Real Madrid will mean they at least won one trophy in a season that has gone from good to bad to worse. If they lose at the Mestalla tomorrow night, Tata Martino may have to bid farewell to Catalunya in a much shorter time than he planned. Barcelona are 26 time winners of the King's Cup. Eight more than Real Madrid have managed but they will be aware that the last final between both sides ended in the merengues favour courtesy of a great headed goal by CR7 in extra time.

The Mestalla is a happy hunting ground for the record La Liga and Champions League winners. However, they will want to go one better than last year in which they were surprisingly beaten by the vastly improved Atletico Madrid. Now, their capital rivals are attempting to go one or even two better than last season's feat. A 'triplete' will be Ancelotti's greatest achievement as a coach till date.


PREDICTED LINEUPS-

REAL MADRID-

Iker, Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao, Alonso, Modric, Di Maria, Bale, Benz, CR7

BARCELONA-

Pinto, Alves, Mascherano, Batra/Puyol, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro, Messi, Neymar

Cristiano Ronaldo is doubt for the final as he still has not recovered from a thigh strain but Don Carlo has hinted that he should make the squad. Knowing how important this game is, he can be strapped and made ready just in time for the big night. That will mean the BBC attacking trio may feature from the start. Karim Benzema has to put on his scoring boots yet again. The French striker has gone missing in the scorers' chart in recent games and should make sure he coverts more opportunities than he managed in the 4-3 league loss to the same opponents last month at the Bernabeu. Angel Di Maria produced a near perfect performance last time out v Barcelona and should be picked ahead of the also excellent Isco Alarcon. Having the latter on any bench is a luxury. Dani Carvajal and Xabi Alonso return to the side after sitting out the 4-0 win over Almeria at the weekend. A triumph that sent them to second place, one point and one place above Barcelona. Iker Casillas comes in for Diego Lopez. The club captain cannot remember the last time he conceded a goal in the Cup and if he maintains that record tomorrow and the BBC rise up to the occasion as they usually do, the 19th Copa Del Rey will be secured for los blancos

Barcelona suffered one of the worst weeks of their season when they got eliminated by Atletico in the Champions League and succumbed to a 1-0 loss away to Granada. Andres Iniesta was left fuming at the negative results and will be more than pumped up to stage a fightback for a complete reversal of fortunes. What better way to start than to beat Real Madrid and hoist the Spanish King's Cup? Tata Martino has to go all out on Wednesday night, that's why I feel he will dispense with the 'Cesc love' and start Pedro-Neymar and Messi in a three pronged attack. Xavi will return to the side as he is the most experienced player in the history of Clasico affairs and he has decided it on more than one occasion with his playmaking, passing and scoring abilities. Gerard Pique has lost the battle to be fit for this one and either the departing Carles Puyol who celebrated his 36th birthday two days ago or Marc Batra will partner 'El Jefecito' Mascherano in defence. The others pick themselves.

The Mestalla has played host to some of the biggest games in World football but when Barca-Real square up, it is by far the biggest football game in the Universe. Much bigger than even a World Cup Final. Another EL CLASICO post Mourinho will definitely be controversy free. Let's brace ourselves for the upcoming big night.


Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990