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
Thursday, 24 April 2014
Wednesday, 23 April 2014
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
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
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
Monday, 14 April 2014
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
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
ATLETICO MADRID-BARCELONA PREVIEW
Probably the most difficult tie to predict among all the quarter-final pairings, the first leg lived up to its billings. Atletico struck first and then Barcelona equalised. Here we are today with the second leg in prospect. It promises to be one of the most keenly contested matches of recent times.
Los Colchoneros kept their one point lead in La Liga with a slim 1-0 win over the yellow submarine on Saturday. The goal tonight is to send Barcelona packing and they have the weapons to execute their mission. Two of the most potent weapons in Simeone's arsenal are major doubts for tonight's war. Diego Costa and Arda Turan are struggling with hamstring and groin injuries respectively. There is a chance that the much maligned Christian Rodriguez could be given a chance today. The Uruguayan hasn't featured much for the Spanish League leaders this term.
Barcelona have problems of their own. Gerard Pique can play no part in tonight's match and these are desperate times for the Catalan club, especially in defence. A 3-1 win over Betis at the Nou Camp was enough to remain one point behind Atletico. It has been difficult to separate both team during the course of the season but something has to give tonight at the Vicente Calderon. A winner must emerge.
Probable LINEUPS-
ATLETICO MADRID-
Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Felipe Luis, Gabi, Koke, Suarez M, Rodriguez, Diego/Diego Costa, Villa
BARCELONA-
Pinto, Alves, Batra, Mascherano, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Fabregas, Iniesta, Neymar, Messi
Atletico cannot afford any slips ups tonight. The boys know what is at stake. There is a bit of history for them to follow up on. They have won 16 of their 17 home ties in European Competition and in 106 home games v the Catalans, they have won 50 and lost only 33. Even without Diego Costa, they can give a good account of themselves and register their first victory over Barcelona this season in 5 attempts.
Leo Messi closed in on Suarez and CR7 in the race for the European golden shoe. The 26 year old football god can be the difference tonight. The over reliance on him since he became super human is evident and without, the team is like a lost sheep. Iniesta has regained some of the spark that made him the most feared playmaker in the World. A few of those defence splitting passes today and Barca will certainly go through. Neymar is the only Barcelona player to find the back of the net against the Rojiblancos in four meetings this campaign. His header decided the Super Coppa eight months ago. His equaliser last week ensured that Barcelona will live to fight another day. The day has come and he can become a hero today as he is used to the big occasion.
Diego Simeone has said that his team can beat the best and he aims to claim a big scalp tonight. Who says he can't?
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990
REVIEW OF THE CHELSEA-PSG AND DORTMUND-REAL MADRID GAMES
Upon seeing Daniel Taylor's wonderfully written piece for the Guardian on the Chelsea-PSG match last night, I thought to myself 'What else can I put together than will thoroughly exemplify the events at Stamford Bridge?' Oh well, I reached the conclusion that my own version might be just as good or even better. Although, DT is a very senior colleague whose feats I may never be able to match.
There is a reason why I have always rated Jose Mourinho. Despite his arrogance and controversial persona, he is in my opinion, the best manager I have ever had the pleasure and privilege to see. An exceptionally gifted coach who has broken and made records of his own. He again proved me right last night. Against all odds, his bruised blues qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League. The fifth straight time the Portuguese managerial myth has reached this stage with three different clubs. An extraordinary achievement. The odds were firmly stacked against the West Londoners last night but we all know it is when everything seems to be going wrong that winners rise up and prove their mettle. Mourinho is a born winner and he has always demanded the very best from each and every player he has managed. His conveyor belt boasts of some of the greatest footballers who have graced the game and he isn't even halfway through yet.
Many may wonder why the attention is on Mourinho rather than the players. He is the motivator in chief. The very reason why Chelsea qualified last night. The band Leader, the best thing that has happened to football in the last decade or so. From the first minute, you could see the determination of the players. Even when star man, Eden Hazard succumbed to a calf injury in the 18th minute, the players still believed the goal was within reach and the deficit retrievable. It was not long after that Hazard's replacement, Andre Schurrle made his presence felt, scoring just 14 minutes after his introduction to give the pensioners hope that there is something to fight for. The team toiled, gave everything and in the end where rewarded when Demba Ba, another substitute pounced on a loose ball and poked it past Salvatore Sirigu to send the crowd into delirium. Fever pitch mode was activated but when Cech saved a Marquinhos effort at his near post, it dawned on the fans that a place in the last four of the UCL was secured. A fantastic win. Only the second time in 111 games that the French team have been beaten by two goals which added gloss to the excellent victory.
With Chelsea in the last four, whoever they are drawn against will have to contend with a 'special spirit' as Jose rightly put it in his post-match thoughts. It was a truly remarkable night for the blues.
PSG and Laurent Blanc will be very disappointed with the timidity and lack of ambition shown last night. In the absence of IBRACADABRA, Cavani couldn't shine. The man affectionately called EL MATADOR threw away many gilt edged chances to put the match beyond their hosts. He will remain behind Ibra in the pecking order. Although, it will be difficult to really predict what might have been if it was Ibra rather than the Uruguayan. The Paris based club will look at this defeat as another chance missed. A chance to be among the last four teams standing in Europe's most celebrated club competition. They may let their heads drop or us this as a springboard for the upcoming season. Who knows?
Huge Congratulations to Jose Mourinho and Chelsea for pulling the unlikely off. It is another evidence that the best are never to be written off. Mourinho is the finest manager in my book and I have always stood by that.
Real Madrid went to Borussia Dortmund to disgrace themselves. The 9-time winners showed that there lies a lot of weaknesses in the team with a very below par performance. But for the wastefulness of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Dortmund would have accounted for the elimination of Los Blancos for the second consecutive season. Carlo Ancelotti can make an excuse that CR7 wasn't fit enough to feature in the game. However, that will be flimsy and daft because there is a plethora of talents flocking around the club.
Rolls Reus took matters personal when he scored a sweet brace to breath life into the collapsing Schwarzgelben. His efforts headed for the waste bin when the usually calm and deadly Armenian, Mkhitaryan, let Madrid off the hook not once, not twice. It was a night of mixed feelings for both teams but the Ruhr based club can be happy with their performance and for the fact that they stopped the 'whites' run of 34 consecutive Champions League games in which they have scored at least one goal. The Signa Iduna crowd clapped off their heroes and deservedly so. Jurgen Klopp has defeated the very best managers in the game. Gaurdiola, Mourinho, Heynckes, Wenger, and now Ancelotti. Surely one of the greatest of his generation and on the path to 'LEGEND' status. If he was a bit luckier with injuries this term, it could have been a much better season. They have only the POKAL to fight for now. At least to retain some pride. The Champions League runners-up bowed out gracefully and the good news (bad for some people) is that they will be back.
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990
Tuesday, 8 April 2014
BAYERN MUNICH-MANCHESTER UNITED PREVIEW.......WOUNDED DIE ROTEN READY TO ROAST A DETERMINED UNITED SIDE
No matter how hard Pep Guardiola has tried to play down Bayern's first loss in 54 League games, it is hurting to say the least that the German Champions saw their record broken on the eve of a very crucial Champions League game. Sascha Molders' goal was enough for Augsburg to break the Bayern fans' hearts and ensure that they don't go the entire League season unbeaten. Markus Weinzierl and his brave soldiers fought gallantly throughout the match and deservedly won. It was the first goal Bayern had ever conceded at the SGL Arena and it proved damning for them in the end. That is a slap on the face of the defending European Champions and they intend to pour it all out on visiting Manchester United on Wednesday.
The red army on their own domestic matters continued their latest run of impressive form when they routed Newcastle United right in front of the packed crowd at SJP. There was nothing the magpies could do as Juan Mata, Shinji Kagawa, Adnan Januzaj and Chicharito ran rings around them for much of the game. Anders Lindegaard started his first League game since letting five goals go past him in Fergie's farewell game at the Hawthorns last season and he made sure Papisse Cisse was never going to put one past him. Three magnificent saves and the Senegalse was left frustrated and bemused at the same time. Even the introduction of Hatem Ben Arfa hardly made anything different for Alan Pardew's men. A Juan Mata double with additional goals from Chicha and Januzaj were enough to compound the magpies' woes and condemn them to to their second consecutive 4-0 defeat and second straight home loss without scoring a goal. Unfortunately, Mata is ineligible to face fc Hollywood on Wednesday night but Kagawa will definitely be there.
Despite eight changes made by David Moyes, it was a comfortable outing at Tyneside. The likes of DDG, Vidic, Rio, Welbz and Carrick were kept away from the firing line and Wayne Rooney has been declared 95% fit to feature against Bayern after he bruised his toe in training and was a doubt.
PREDICTED LINEUPS-
BAYERN MUNICH
Neuer, Rafinha, Dante, Boateng, Alaba, Lahm, Kroos, Gotze, Ribery, Robben, Mandzukic
MANCHESTER UNITED
DDG, Jones, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Carrick, Fellaini, Kagawa, Valencia, Welbeck, Rooney
Bayern will be without Thiago Alcantara (injured), Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez (both suspended) for Wednesday night's match. Wayne Rooney made sure the best DLP in the World will play no part in the second leg and that has given United the midfield edge or so it seems. That means Mario Gotze will be brought into the starting eleven to support Captain Lahm and Toni Kroos. The ROBBERY gang cannot wait to dispossess United of all what they have got and Mario Mandzukic can fight for next season's starting berth in attack if he scores the goal that will take his team into the semi final. Although, it will take much more than that to keep out the Polish poacher (Lewandowski). Pep will hope that Ribery and Robben have more freedom that what was granted at the Theatre. They know all about the Allianz Arena-all the nooks and crannies.
It all boils down to this one game for Manchester United. Sadly, the red army have had a woeful season and it is unusual that only one game will decide a season for a team used to winning trophies every season. United lie SEVENTEEN POINTS behind log Leaders, Liverpool which means the League title has been relinquished. Only a deep run in the Champions League will allay the fans' fears and give hope for next season. United had a lovely weekend in contrast to Bayern's. A 4-0 win at St James' was achieved without at least five first team regulars while the Buli Champions fell at the SGL to lowly Augsburg. United can do better than Augsburg and one of them can be Sascha Molders. Molders is now a cult hero at Augsburg. The man wrote his name in gold on Saturday. Shinji Kagawa must show that he is a big game player tonight. Last week's draw was the very first time in 5 games he hadn't been on the winning side against Bayern. The Bavarians know all about him. At Dortmund, he won four games on the trot in games against the Buli Champions and provided 1 goal and 2 assists in those battles. Another of such display will help the United cause which is by all means a herculean one. Wayne Rooney has been passed fit to play and that is refreshing. Danny Welbeck will return to the starting eleven and TonyV will take his place on the right side of midfield. The 'high hair' Fellaini must improve considerably on the insipid performance of eight days ago and Michael Carrick has to take advantage of the depleted Bayern midfield and explore the weaknesses if any. DDG returns between the sticks and the Vidic-Rio combo which rolled back the years in a masterclass showing at Old Trafford must once again stiffen the threat of the Bayern front line. Patrice Evra returns to the left back position. The Frenchman has a lot of experience at this level, haven reached four finals but Alex Buttner proved more than an able replacement in the home leg. That may not be enough to retain that position.
Pep shrugged off the defeat on Saturday and has described the game with United as a 'LIFE AND DEATH match'. It remains to be seen how he will approach the encounter but one thing is sure, they are huge favourites to qualify. Manchester United live in hope that something astoundingly preternatural will happen at the Allianz. It will be a colossal result if Moyes can pull it off. One that will effectively get fickle and plastic fans off his back and buy him more time.
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990
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