EL DERBY MADRILENO………AGAIN! REAL AND ATLETICO LURK HORNS IN LISBON FOR THE HOLY GRAIL……….THE BIG EARED CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TITLE.

                                                        

It is the match we have all been waiting for since Real demolished Bayern and city rivals, Atletico Madrid, devoured Chelsea to set up an all-Spanish final-the first since Real got the better of Hector Cuper’s Valencia fourteen years ago. This is perhaps more high profile because it is a City derby and one of the feistiest in football today. Not only that, Real, for the first time in twelve years, are in a European final and the goal is ‘LA DECIMA’. A tenth European crown in prospect.

Los Colchoneros come into this game in party mood. The most unlikely champions in European club football this term, won La Liga at the home of last season’s winners, Barcelona and they did it yet again without Arda Turan and Diego Costa. El Cholo Simeone is aiming for a complete set of trophies since he took over three years ago and who will bet against the Argentine genius?

On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti is aiming to put a dismal League campaign (that collapsed in the last couple of games) behind him and secure the long awaited tenth European crown for the ‘whites’ which will put him among the club’s all time greats. He is also chasing a personal triumph. Win on Saturday and he joins the one and only BOB PAISLEY as the only men to have won three European cups/Champions League titles. The task is enormous but he has been here before.

Atletico may have to do without talisman Diego Costa who is still doing everything possible to be fit for this one. He deserves to be waited upon as it is largely because of his excellent form that Atleti can dream of a domestic-European double. After scoring 27 League goals to help bring back the Liga trophy to the Calderon for the first time in almost two decades, he has shifted attention to the title match in Lisbon where he will face familiar foes, Real Madrid. It is worth noting that the Brazilian born, Spanish star was the catalyst behind his team’s slim victory at the Bernabeu last year. Simeone’s men know how to defend and one goal again might be enough on the day. Arda Turan is almost certainly ruled out of the all-important game but if the famous Serb, Marijana Kovacevic, can put personal tragedy (the Balkan floods) behind her temporarily, Costa can be relied on when proceedings get underway.

Real have injury worries of their own. The duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale have been declared fit for this one but whispers around say they are not 100% ready. Pepe and Karim Benzema will be given every chance to fight for their place in the starting line up as they are still nursing injuries. Xabi Alonso will feel what the likes of Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Pavel Nedved have felt in the past. The Spanish deep lying playmaker is suspended for the biggest game of his Real Madrid career but will be all smiles if Los Blancos can win it. Iker Casillas will hope to celebrate his birthday, albeit belatedly, in grand style. The Club Legend will be between the sticks and memories of the Glasgow final in 2002 will definitely come crawling back to mind. If he is the man to hold aloft the elusive tenth title, it would represent the proudest moment of his career to date, even though he has lifted the World Cup and a couple of Euro titles.

The match is billed to take place at the Estadio da Luz also affectionately called the stadium of light. It is the home of Benfica, who yet again, failed to break the ‘Guttman curse’ for the ninth time and counting. CR7 and his Portuguese team mates will hope that Lisbon plays to Real’s advantage and the fans urge them on. It will be a fitting tribute to the great Eusebio if Ronaldo, Pepe and Coentrao win the ‘tenth European cup’ at the place where he became a god. Although, he would very much have loved Benfica to break the ‘ROMANIAN CURSE’ last Wednesday in Turin.

The script has been written perfectly. CR7 and his friends want to make history in Lisbon but Atletico are party spoilers and will aim to get that trophy no matter what it takes. Bjorn Kuipers has been handed the responsibility yet again to adjudicate. The Dutch referee was at the centre when Brazil decimated Spain to win the Confeds last year and also took charge when Benfica fell short in Europe at the eighth time of asking. Turkish official and one of the most loathed men at Old Trafford, ‘Cuneyt Cakir’ is the fourth official for the final. With experienced hands chosen, it is expected that the match will be a fantastic watch.

PREDICTED LINE UPS

REAL MADRID-

Iker, Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe/Varane, Marcelo, Illarra, Modric, Di Maria, BALE, BENZ, CR7

If Pepe doesn’t make it, Raphael Varane can confidently partner Ramos in central defense and with Alonso suspended, Asier ILLARRAMENDI has to post one of the best performances to match the excellent abilities of Gabi, Mario Suarez and Koke Resurreccion. Luka Modric has been the best player in Real Madrid this season, bar none. The nimble and very efficient midfield gem bossed the Schweinsteigers of this world this season and can run Los Rojiblancos out of Lisbon. Di Maria will leave Isco on the bench almost certainly and the BBC will be burdened with the unenviable task of shooting down the Godin-Miranda marshalled defense of Atletico Madrid.

ATLETICO MADRID-

Courtois, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Filipe Luis, Gabi, Suarez, Koke, Diego, Raul Garcia, Costa/Adrian

Diego Simeone’s well drilled machine operates at the maximum when Diego Costa plays. The little beast is similar to ‘the lion of Apache’, Carlos Tevez, but probably more proficient. His consistency has been unbelievably astounding and if fit, we know what to expect. Adrian can function effectively as a striker but is nothing like his more illustrious colleague. Filipe Luis has been all guns blazing and is undoubtedly the best left back in Spain. Unlucky not to get called up by ‘Big Phil’, he has put that disappointment behind him to push forward Atleti’s hopes of becoming European champions. His friend at right back is no slouch either. Juanfran is very comfortable in his position and offers that Cafu-esque support from the right. Godin and Miranda have been monumental at the back and the Uruguayan took matters in his own hands when he rose highest to head home the decisive goal at the Camp Nou last Saturday. With the League wrapped up, winning the Champions League and denying Real of ‘LA DECIMA’ will go down as the greatest achievement ever by any manager in Atleti history and probably football as a Sport. El Cholo’s stock is progressing geometrically and he is only starting out.

Let the light shine as bright as it can in Lisbon and may the best team win.

Ohireime P Eboreime

@ohiskaka1990

MANCHESTER UNITED-SUNDERLAND...RED ARMY SET TO MAKE THINGS DIFFICULT FOR THE BLACK CATS AS THEY ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE RELEGATION

The red army is marching on again. Maybe the excitement is a bit overboard but Manchester United dismantled Norwich in what has been described to the best performance of the woeful League season. It is no surprise the boys que Decided to turn up on Their pal's first game in charge. The starting eleven and substitutions were spot-on and the football on show was pleasing on the eye. With all due respect, it is only Norwich but worse teams have made difficult for us this season and the signs are there the the old Manchester United flame can be rekindled.

                                                      


Gustavo Poyet and Sunderland have been in excellent form for the last couple of weeks. The draw at the Etihad was Accompanied by an unlikely giant killing at Stamford Bridge. Last weekend, Their They further gave fans something to enjoy with a comfortable 4-0 demolition of OGS ' Cardiff. On Saturday afternoon, visit Old Trafford They-the same place They booked a Carling Cup Final place earlier in the year even though They lost the battle. The war was won on penalties and They intend to go all out for the win League Which Will Ensure all about safety in the Premier League with home games to come. The main reason why They are on the up is A Certain Connor Wickham. The stone rejected has become the head of the corner and his five goals in the last three outings may be worth many millions if the club remains in the top division. Fabio Borini Also has contributed a lot to the cause but it is too late for the Italian to force his way into his national manager's plans for a World Cup place.


The for the hosts, Robin Van Persie has returned to fitness in time for the visit of the black cats. The Dutch National team captain may be named club captain is if LVG Given the top job. That Should be enough motivation for him to stay on his feet throughout the duration of next season. Although, it will be very unfair on Wayne Rooney if rumors are to be believed. An acrimonious situation will suffice  and will bring down the Englishman's team morale has PROVED team and time again  he is the very best footballer at the club. Ryan Giggs will want to continue on the path he has toed since his ascension to the managerial position. The Welshman may be tempted to start Juan Mata after the Spanish super star came off the bench to score a brace last weekend. That would mean Danny Welbeck may be shifted to the left or left out of the starting line up . Shinji Kagawa Showed glimpses of his improved form against Norwich but it may not be enough to guarantee him a starting berth. Wayne Rooney Is Certain to lead the line again after playing so well against the Canaries. He is 34 goals away from Becoming Manchester United's all time top scorer. He que van reduce number in the coming weeks starting with Sunderland who intentionally put Themselves in the Red Devils' bad book two years ago after mocking the team upon the confirmation que City had stolen the Championship at the death. Wazza and his peers have not forgotten the incident and will be ready to gate crash the Sunderland party.


PROBABLE LINE-UPS-

MANCHESTER UNITED

DDG, Jones, Vidic, Rio, Evra, Carrick, Fletcher, TonyV, Welbeck, Mata, Rooney

SUNDERLAND-

Mammone, Vergini, O'Shea, Brown, Alonso, Cattermole, Larsson, Colback, Johnson, Borini, Wickham


They have been flying in the last few weeks but this match may be too difficult for them to get anything from it. However, with United being better away than at home, the black cats will be confident of getting something from Saturday's game. Connor Wickham is in a hot streak at the moment. He has scored goals at major grounds but one at Old Trafford will be the crowning moment of his career.


@ Ohiskaka1990

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