The Real Madrid forward scored his 17th goal in this season's tournament as his side sealed a historic 10th European crown, the best ever haul in a single campaign
Showing posts with label champion league. Show all posts
Showing posts with label champion league. Show all posts
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Friday, 2 May 2014
El Loco: Mastermind Simeone, Atletico deserve it all
Like it or not, Atletico Madrid are one of European's best this season. And it's not a surprise if they achieve the 'double' by winning the La Liga title and Champions League.
HOLA!
Some Chelsea supporters, here in Kuala Lumpur, are still in a daze with The Blues' failure to make the Champions League final in Lisbon on May 24.
A group of them, for instance, had earlier watched in despair on Wednesday at a Mamak restaurant as Chelsea collapsed.
They could not believe their eyes that Jose Mourinho's men were outclassed by Atletico Madrid as they went down 3-1 in the return leg semi-final and what more at Stamford Bridge.
After all, Chelsea managed to hold Atletico to a 0-0 draw in the first leg at the Calderon last week via parking of a bus or two.
Now Atletico have set this historic final against across bitter city rivals Real Madrid.
Mourinho's men were favourites on Wednesday but ended playing second best to Argentine Diego Simeone's men.
It's not a big surprise, though. This is because Atletico have been flying high since day one this season.
Atletico, for that matter, are the only team who have been unbeaten in this elite European competition this season.
Los Colchoneros, or "The Mattress Makers", have quality players in all departments -- great in both technical and tactical aspects and brave at heart. Simeone is also a great motivator both on and off the pitch.
No-nonsense and physically strong chief striker Diego Costa, midfielders in the exciting Koke and captain Gabi have been influential in Atletico fantastic run.
Turkish Arda Turan, looking like a Roman gladiator, has been superb in midffield to assist the strikers.
And the defence has been rock solid with the presence of figures like Diego Godin, Filipe Luis and Juanfran.
Of course, there is the world class goalkeeper in the 6ft 6in Thibaut Courtois, who is on loan from Chelsea, ironically.
Atletico also have depth in the squad. They do have players to be called upon if needed - David Villa, Adrian, Raul Garcia and Tiago.
The neutrals are loving Atletico's great adventure and their emergence as one of the best in Europe. They provide that extra entertainment.
Besides being in the Champions League final, Atletico are in a strong position to win their 10th La Liga title this season, at the expense of champions Barcelona and Real.
The 43-year-old former Argentina international may be modest by saying his players deserve what they are enjoying after hard work but he is the mastermind.
He was a magnificent defensive midfielder during his playing days -- earning 106 international caps and also starring for Inter Milan and Lazio in Serie A.
Simeone possesses strong and colourful characters himself, started his managerial career with modest Argentine Primera Division outfit Racing Club in 2006.
Not many, understandably, took notice of Simeone at that time. Some seemed to be asking could he be a great manager after making an impact as a player.
However, Simeone began to make heads turned after he led Estudiantes to the Argentine Primera Division title in 2007.
He achieved the same feat with River Plate two years later.
Atletico signed him up in 2011 and they won the Europa League. He also steered them to the Copa del Rey in the 2012-2013 season.
Atletico stunned many by also winning the Uefa Super Cup in 2012 by beating Chelsea.
Simeone has successfully proved he is a genius when it comes to coaching. In fact, he is now one of the hottest around.
Imagine, Atletico winning both the Champions League and La Liga title this season. Simeone, his men and their supporters will be celebrating for some time to come.
Now many are saying Real, after thrashing champions Bayern Munich 5-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals, are favourites in Lisbon.
Really?
It is not a surprise if it is Atletico who will be lifting the trophy instead -- to deny Real from achieving their La Decima (10th European title).
However, Atletico are also hungry for success as it has been already 40 years that they last won the elite European competition.
Atletico are not going to make it easy for Real. That's for sure.
source: goal.com
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
Champions elect: Magnificent Madrid maul Bayern to march towards La Decima
The Spanish giants comprehensively outplayed holders Bayern Munich to edge ever nearer to a 10th European Cup success
Not since the days of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos and Raul have Real Madrid been in a Champions League final, but they will finally get a dig at La Decima in Lisbon next month after a scintillating first-half performance blasted Bayern Munich out of sight on Wednesday.
The second leg of their semi-final clash at the Allianz Arena was poised to be a tight affair, but Madrid had very different ideas. The 4-0 win which rounded off a 5-0 aggregate triumph was completely and utterly deserved, and served as a warning that this is a side primed for the grandest of successes come May 24.
All of the pre-match talk suggested that the Blancos only needed one goal to make it mission impossible for Bayern. They got it in the 16th minute, when Luka Modric’s right-wing corner was headed precisely home by the unmarked Sergio Ramos.
source: goal.com
Madrid exposed Bayern's limitations, admits Rummenigge
The Bayern supremo admitted his side were second-best on the night as the Spanish giants marched into the final with a 5-0 aggregate win
Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge felt his side’s limitations were exposed by Real Madrid as Pep Guardiola’s men were hammered 4-0 at Allianz Arena on Tuesday night.
Title holders Bayern came into the Champions League semi-final second leg attempting to erase a 1-0 deficit but were ruthlessly caught out at the other end as two Sergio Ramos headers and a double from Cristiano Ronaldo saw Madrid ease to victory.
The nature of the loss will again raise questions about Guardiola’s philosophy and Rummenigge admitted some of Bayern's weaknesses were highlighted by Carlo Ancelotti's attacking approach.
He told Sky: “We showed too little passion to cause problems for the opponent.
“We were unlucky to concede from two set pieces. After that it was clear that Real would probably go to the final.
“You have to state it clearly: Real Madrid is a great team at the moment. And they have shown us some of our limitations today. Real Madrid has limited our offense. And they have regularly caused trouble for our defence with their quick players.
“This was one of those matches. We must keep our nerve."
source: goal.com
Bayern Munich 0-4 Real Madrid (Agg 0-5)
The Spain international scored two first-half headers before the Portuguese star broke Lionel Messi's goalscoring record as Pep Guardiola's side crashed out
Real Madrid roared into the Champions League final as Sergio Ramos scored twice in a 3-0 win over holders Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
The Spain international buried two first-half headers to put Carlo Ancelotti's side 3-0 up on aggregate before Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 15th goal in this season's tournament to wrap up the win and break Lionel Messi's record for strikes in one campaign.
Ronaldo then drilled a free kick under the wall in the dying minutes of the match to cap a perfect night for the Spanish giants, who will now face Chelsea or Atletico Madrid in their first Champions League final since 2002.
The only disappointment from a wonderful evening for Real came in the 38th minute, as playmaker Xabi Alonso was booked for a rash tackle on Bastian Schweinsteiger, meaning he will miss the final.
Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer presented Real with an early opportunity as his clearance from a ball over the top went straight into the path of Gareth Bale - restored to the starting XI after illness - however, the Welshman could only fire high over the crossbar.
But it did not take long for Ancelotti's men to make the crucial breakthrough, which came in the 16th minute when the unmarked Ramos met Luka Modric's perfectly placed corner with a bullet header.
And just four minutes later, Real doubled that advantage to take control of the tie as Pepe flicked Angel Di Maria's right-wing free kick towards Ramos, who netted his second goal of the game with a diving header.
Bayern did finally threaten the Real goal midway through the first half, Franck Ribery flashing an effort across the face of goal, but the visitors’ threat on the counter was perfectly illustrated shortly after by a fine break from Ronaldo, although the Portuguese could only fire wide from the edge of the area.
The hosts failed to heed the warning offered by Ronaldo, though, and he duly netted his milestone goal by coolly finishing off a scintillating team move that saw Bale charge through the heart of the Bayern defence before laying the ball off for the 29-year-old.
Ronaldo then went close with an audacious effort from 40 yards following another botched Neuer clearance.
Bayern were allowed more of the ball following the restart but struggled to break down a determined and organised Real defence. Arjen Robben curled an effort narrowly wide from the edge of the area, before Toni Kross lashed a decent effort just over the bar.
However, a miserable night for Bayern coach Pep Guardiola was capped off in the 90th minute, as Ronaldo drove a low 20-yard free kick under the wall for his 16th Champions League goal of the campaign that ends Bayern's chances of winning a second straight treble.
source: goal.com
Wednesday, 23 April 2014
Champion League - Benzema Goal vs bayern Munich 1-0
Real Madrid 1-0 Bayern: Benzema gives Ancelotti's men slender first-leg advantage
The Frenchman turned home Fabio Coentrao's cross in the first half to seal a win against Pep Guardiola's side, who dominated possession but failed to find a breakthrough
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
Atletico captain Gabi frustrated by Chelsea tactics
The midfielder was disappointed by the Rojiblancos' inability to break the Blues down at the Vicente Calderon but believes the tie remains open ahead of the return clash in London
Atletico Madrid captain Gabi admitted his frustration at Chelsea's spoiling tactics after the first leg of their Champions League semi-final ended in a 0-0 draw.
The two sides went into the game boasting the best defences in La Liga and the Premier League and a war of attrition duly ensued, with little in the way of goalmouth action.
Atletico enjoyed 62 per cent of the possession on the night, though, and 26 shots on goal compared to just five from the Blues, in a clash that will not linger long in the memory.
The result favours the English club heading into the second leg, with forward duo Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto'o set to return for Jose Mourinho's men, and Gabi admitted the Rojiblancos had been left bitterly frustrated by the way the first leg unfolded.
He told reporters: "We're not satisfied, but the tie is still open. Atletico wanted to win from start to finish. We knew they would not concede a goal easily and we come away with a bad taste."
Colchoneros defender Juanfran was quick to echo the sentiments of his team-mate, but added that he remains confident of going to Stamford Bridge and securing either a victory or a score draw.
"We are not happy," he admitted. "We wanted to get the win. But they played a defensive game because they think they can win at Stamford Bridge.
"However, we also think we can win. I knew that tonight wouldn’t be easy. But tonight's result means it will be a great match at Stamford Bridge."
Atletico remain unbeaten in the competition this season, but the 0-0 draw means they have failed to win at home for the first time in this season's Champions League campaign.
Source: goal.com
Mourinho gamble leaves Chelsea chances on a knife edge
Chelsea went to the Vicente Calderon and defended well to earn a clean sheet but they have gained no advantage in the tie
They came, they saw, they defended. This was a performance of so little ambition by Chelsea that it would be a surprise to find one person who enjoyed it other than Jose Mourinho and his staff. The Portuguese planned for this one without key attackers Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto'o and so there was never going to be an all-out siege on the Atletico Madrid goal. In that respect, a diligent display from the Chelsea number was rewarded with a clean sheet.
Above all else, parity remains in the tie.
But it's not that simple. The limited scope of Chelsea's intentions at the Vicente Calderon represents a huge gamble for Mourinho and his team. It is one thing defending stoutly at home in the first leg of a Champions League tie before attempting to nick the second, it is another thing altogether to attempt the pattern in reverse.
Mourinho has won the Champions League twice - with Porto and Inter - and on those occasions he played every first-leg knockout tie at home. He knows how to win the tournament but he has never done it in this order.
Chelsea have taken heart from their 0-0 draw but Atletico, despite failing to erode those English foundations, will be more pleased with the outcome.
A home clean sheet is the most important element in any Champions League knockout tie. In the quarter-finals, three of the four teams who went through avoided conceding in their own back yard. That zero beside Chelsea's name rather than the one next to Atletico's counts for more.
Atletico, themselves, are not an electrifying team. This was not a just case of Chelsea stifling them and disrupting the rhythm of their game. In honesty, they lacked the guile and intuition to break down what was in front of them. It showcased their attacking limitations when faced with a puzzle like Mourinho set.
source: goal.com
Thursday, 10 April 2014
Mourinho the man to beat and five things to expect from Champions League semi-finals
The final four have now been decided for Friday's draw - but what can we hope to see from the remaining sides fighting for Europe's top prize?
Jose Mourinho has no equal in adapting tactics depending on the opponent. No coach currently left in the competition prepares a team better for individual matches. This season he has earned Chelsea rewards in the Premier League and Champions League by his setting his team out with a particular game in mind.
The win against Manchester City, which brought down Manuel Pellegrini's facade of impenetrability, was among the best displays in the Premier League this campaign and owed a lot to Mourinho's preparation in the days leading up to the game.
"This is where he comes into his own," captain John Terry said after the 1-0 victory in February. "We spent a good couple of days working on their strengths and weaknesses. They were long sessions for us but they were very worthwhile."
Jose was at it again in midweek. He had a blueprint in mind for every circumstance against Paris Saint-Germain, Terry revealed. Andre Schurrle and Demba Ba both came off the bench to score in a 2-0 win which eliminated the French Ligue 1 leaders.
"We worked a lot all week on scenarios; 1-0, 2-0, 3-1, what would we do if Demba came on," Terry said. "For every scenario, we had a game plan and once again we got it right."
Chelsea may not play heart-stopping football or boast an all-star attack but they are going to be a match for any team in the semi-finals due to their coach's meticulous attention to detail and the willingness of his players to buy into his plans and execute them. They don't give goals up easily and score at the right time.
Make no mistake, Mourinho already knows how to beat all three semi-final rivals.
source: goal.com
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Playing Thibaut Courtois against Chelsea in the Champions League semifinals would cost Atletico Madrid €6 million
With both Chelsea and Atletico Madrid reaching the Champions League semifinals, the big question is whether Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has been on loan with Atletico for each of the last three seasons could play against his parent club should they face each other. The short answer is that he could, but he won't.
According to AS, there is a clause in the current loan deal between the two clubs that would require Atletico to pay Chelsea €3 million for every match they use the 21-year-old Belgian international and Lionel Messi nightmare against them in the Champions League. So if they are drawn together in the semifinals, it would cost €6 million total for the two legs — a cost Atletico president Enrique Cerezo confirmed the club cannot afford. Meanwhile, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich just spent €6 million on pajama pants while you've been reading this.
But what about just paying the three million to use him in one leg or if they meet in the final? Perhaps those are questions for if/when those situations present themselves, but it could be a gamble that delivers more Champions League prize money.
With the other options being Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, playing against Atletico without their first-choice goalkeeper might be the best possible scenario for Jose Mourinho's side.
source: yahoo.news
Bayern Munich 3-1 Manchester United (Agg 4-2): Evra wonderstrike not enough as Red Devils crash out
The left-back shocked the Allianz Arena with a stunning effort to give David Moyes' side the lead, only for Mario Mandzukic, Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben to settle the tie
Bayern Munich remain on course to retain their Champions League crown after coming from behind to beat Manchester United on Wednesday evening to secure a 4-2 aggregate win.
A 1-1 draw in Manchester last week meant United claimed a shock aggregate lead at the Allianz Arena when Patrice Evra hit a stunning 57th-minute strike.
The goal awoke Bayern from their slumber though, and Mario Mandzukic quickly levelled proceedings.
And Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben also netted as three goals in the space of 17 minutes sealed a 4-2 aggregate victory for Pep Guardiola's side.
Bayern have now reached the semi-finals of Europe's premier club competition for the third season in a row and the result signals an end to United's hopes of winning a major trophy this season.
Mandzukic, Muller, Robben, Franck Ribery and Mario Gotze all started for Bayern in an aggressive line-up but it was the visitors who were able to create the first real chance.
Darren Fletcher, replacing the injured Marouane Fellaini, created it, playing a long ball forward to Wayne Rooney, who controlled on the edge of the penalty area.
The England international was caught in two minds though, and after missing the chance to find the unmarked Shinji Kagawa to his left, his shot on goal was blocked.
United had the ball in the net in the 17th minute, but the goal did not stand with Antonio Valencia drifting into an offside position when converting a Rooney cross.
Bayern eventually recovered from their slow start and as expected, dominated possession, but they were frustrated by their opponents, who were happy to sit back and soak up pressure.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between, with Ribery and Toni Kroos both missing the target before the break, but the game burst into life after Evra's goal.
The left-back ran onto a loose ball and hit a 20-yard left-foot rocket that flew into the top-right corner, an effort that gave Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer no chance.
Bayern's reaction was outstanding, though, as they responded within 22 seconds from the restart through Mandzukic.
Ribery stood up a cross to the back post and the Croatia forward nipped in front of Evra to head past Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea from six yards.
Bayern took the lead for the first time in the tie just nine minutes later, with Robben given too much time to cross on the right, and his low ball was swept home by Muller, who reacted quicker than Nemanja Vidic.
Robben then sealed the win with 14 minutes left, as he danced across the edge of the penalty area before shooting into the bottom-left corner, with the help of a Vidic deflection.
Substitute Claudio Pizarro had a late chance to extend Bayern's lead even further but his toe-poked effort was easily collected by De Gea.
It mattered little though, as Bayern's Champions League defence gathered more pace.
source: goal.com
We didn't give Xavi or Iniesta time to think - Simeone
The Atletico Madrid boss was delighted with his side's persistent pressing as they beat Barcelona 1-0 on Wednesday to seal their place in the Champions League semi-finals
Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone hailed his side's relentless running and pressing during Wednesday's 1-0 (Agg 2-1) win over Barcelona.
Koke's early strike was enough to send the Catalans crashing out of Europe and that strike could also have a telling impact in La Liga, with the two sides battling it out for the league title.
Simeone was delighted with the consistent effort shown by his players - particularly forward Adrian Lopez, who replaced the injured Diego Costa - claiming they did not allow Barca's midfield stars Xavi or Andres Iniesta time to think when in possession.
"We are so happy to beat a wonderful team. We now have time to recover and think about Sunday's match," he told Canal Plus.
"We played an "area match", letting Barcelona control the ball in midfield but pressing them hard. We worked hard when we lost the ball, pressing Xavi or Iniesta and not letting them think. The first 20 minutes were excellent, then Barcelona grew into it.
"My players were so happy, we beat a great team. Adrian played an impressive match. pressing and helping in every moment. I am happy to have him back."
source: goal.com
