The Royal Society is an impediment to the euphoria culé

The most optimistic Barca were rubbing their hands at about eight o'clock in the afternoon. At that time, in Madrid, many were stunned with the assault of Zaragoza at the Bernabeu . The title, seven points before the start of the day was shot. And that shooting, two hours later, it backfired at Barcelona, ​​you must wait at least a week to feel in a math champion. The Royal Society put the brakes on the euphoria Barça win the current leader while breathing on his way to the salvation of a category that landed this season after wandering a long time in the second well.

Pep Guardiola, unlike his counterpart, of course, "amended its starting lineup. Starting from the rear, where Pinto was a starter was not something that Victor Valdes was injured by these things in life and had to face, Santpedor coach, the return of the Champions League semifinals with a goalkeeper subsidiary because Pinto, or yes, not be among those invited through suspension. In any event, Pep also ushered Montoya, Milito, an unusual Fontàs left wing and in midfield and went for another canterano Thiago. Jeffren or increasingly tailored Afellay also left the game. Messi, who Guardiola did not want to rest and gave him the chance to extend his tally, but this time the Argentine does not wet.

The Madrid train is lowered League

It seemed clear that the train carrying the Madrid by way of the league competition will not come to an end, unless a miracle, it only remained to know which station they would fall. Today, after losing at home to Zaragoza 2-3, the white team has advanced further than expected and the landing and has culminated a week to forget. For his part, Zaragoza is deserved three points and, with thirty-nine, see how their aspirations to stay are stronger and time to return calls to join the first division next season.

Real came out with several alternates, practically the same that had expired in Bilbao at the Mestalla. The same faces, but a different image to a Zaragoza in which Javier Aguirre played with five defenders, without Ander Herrera through suspension and a clear idea of backlash. In this way, the ball went to Madrid in the first half, but did not know what to do with it. Controlled the possession but found no depth: in fact did not throw into the net throughout the first half. Kaka put forward but not too wisely, Higuain unnoticed and Channels and Barn were inconsequential.

Decline in Wolfsburg

The Bundesliga's not a competition to use, and that is precisely the main attraction: the vast majority of majors, the predictability of the favorites to be in the highlands of the classification and presumably will fight for lower positions do not prevent usually, with their logical exceptions, vary the provisions before the first day, but the German league has several seasons where he hit what might happen in the 36 days becomes the greatest of mysteries. This season there are several teams that are a pleasant surprise by the unexpected results as Borussia Dortmund, Hannover Mainz 96 or 05, but at the opposite pole is in the relegation zone champion two years ago: a Wolfsburg living days of uncertainty despite being designed for companies with more substance.

Not only the Volkswagen team is in an unexpected situation: on the top, Bayern , champions, reach the third place that would lead to the preview of the Champions League. The runners-up Schalke, is lost in the middle of the table but Raúl's team has saved the season in the Cup final and Champions League semifinals. Also Werder Bremen or Stuttgart, uptown usual wander around places of danger. But Wolfsburg is the case of the most striking for what its radical change in just three seasons.

The Mallorca-Villarreal will be played on Sunday 8 at 12:00

As you begin to hear different gossip, it seems that professional football league is to sheathe the insulted party on Monday and from next season will move to Friday, a day that will surely arouse best reviews and opinions . But they know more about this subject, soon we will have a La Liga match on a schedule that is unusual.

Villarreal-Mallorca next Sunday May 8th will be played at 12:00. Both clubs have reached an agreement with the LFP to schedule the meeting pertaining to the 35 th day of La Liga for noon, when the session vermouth. This time I know well ahead League teams, and in this sense, Atletico Madrid has fond memories of the matches held at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday mornings, its president, Enrique Cerezo, has said more than once frowned upon would not play again at that time, much more positive in his opinion, that game blessed Monday.

Do you agree with the statements of Mourinho?

"Complaints or crying just frustration? Mourinho's words before the microphones never go unnoticed, except after a classic in the Real Madrid. After the Barcelona decided to file charges against them, UEFA has decided to open a file to the Portuguese coach.

FC Barcelona spokesman, Toni Freixa, said after Mourinho's statements that "Barcelona will feel hurt" and that "we defend ourselves from what we understand can hurt us." Therefore, the Catalan team has already denounced the technician Luso before the Disciplinary Committee of UEFA claiming that Mourinho said injure the reputation of football.

Meanwhile, UEFA has opened a file to the coach and will be treated on Friday May 6 at the meeting of the Control and Disciplinary Committee.

Even some supporters of Real Madrid's repeated comments disapprove outspoken coach, but also many who support their complaints to arbitration.

You, dear reader, do you support or do you think Mourinho should just shut up a little more?

Source: Brand

An apotheosis Oporto rages with Villarreal

First of all, live football! Thanks to Porto and Villarreal for giving us a party on the lawn of the Estádio do Dragão and get outside for a couple of hours of complaints and other nonsense that does not get more than embarrass those who love this sport. This first leg of semifinals of Europe League has served to reconcile with the ball. What failed, or near, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, this festival of football ended with a completely beaten Villarreal. That is the promise very happy when in the dying seconds of the first part was ahead on the scoreboard with a header from Cani network. But in the second half saw a flurry of physical strength and offensive, inflamed by the harangues of a Vilas-Boas that just 33 years, still stands as one of the most interesting technical international scene

Not be repeated four Classics

A couple of days talked about the most recent precedent of the semifinal between Madrid and Barcelona in the semifinals of the Champions League. I used it to take look back and remember how they lived the classic confrontation between the two giants of Spanish football, and no intention of falling into that of any past was better, I miss the football first in these matters. The rivalry and even the tension always present at these parties rarely offered good football, but at least it's the sport in question of what was said. Yesterday, serve as an example, did not play Iniesta, that gave us the World Cup, but that was not important.

I guess it was expected to happen. One classic, this season, had all the ingredients to become a pitched battle. With no less than four was easy to imagine that the tension builds game after game and the players run through a few paths as we are watching. What could be a feast of football between two teams most likely generated in the world but has become a despicable spectacle in which the ball would not be surprising felt embarrassed. It is difficult to be repeated as the current conditions in which in only eighteen days to see the faces of two clubs. So be it.

Mr Mourinho, I have more of a question for you

Why? That's the question we all are doing. The form is the same, but the fund does not. Some repeat the same questions as yesterday was Jose Mourinho at a press conference after the match, while others make us different questions. In his press conference last night talked about everything except football, so from Football Notes will pose the questions we would like to ask if we had the opportunity:

Why not go as Madrid in the Cup? Why did he defend himself in his field instead of trying to bite near the penalty area? In the league match saw the club was over and, instead, at the end of Mestalla jugase made his team much higher and with more intensity on the pressure, which caused a brutal disorder in Blaugrana team composition and Madrid did to deserve the trophy ended up lifting. If the cup found its way to really hurt Barca, why went looking for a 0-0?

Real Madrid - Barcelona: Some covers and opinions of the international press

Sometimes, after witnessing a game of great importance to Spanish players in Football Notes we love us a little tour of some sports daily international press. It's always interesting to read opinions from different points of view more or less objective. At least more than we can see from the stands of our country.

Beyond the different points of view, just or unjust expulsion of Pepe, Cristiano impotence, or serious statements Mourinho ... there is a very clear common denominator in each point on the planet: Leo Messi, the best player in the planet.

We can start by Italy, where 'La Gazzetta dello Sport' puts on its cover a resounding "Messi Matador." On their website are praising the Argentine with the headline "A Divine Messi freezes to the Bernabeu. Red Pepe, Real mad. However, believe that the expulsion was decisive and excessive Pepe: "Barcelona beats Real Madrid 2-0 in a match nervous, determined with a double of the Flea and expulsion, too, the Portuguese final half hour."

Soccer Blog 04/28/2011 9:00:49

Barcelona puts a halt to Real Madrid. Guardiola's team won by 2 to 0 when Mourinho at the Bernabeu and now waiting for the second game of the semifinal of the Champions League at the Nou Camp.

Messi was the great hero of the night. In the Bernabeu was the figure and the author of the two goals that put Barcelona in a comfortable position to reach the final of the Champions League. In minute 76, the Argentine opened the scoring after Affelay center and ten minutes later scored again after an excellent solo run which left several defenders the way of Madrid.

Messi total of 52 goals so far in the season (11 in Champions), and accomplished what no one could do in the Champions League 2010 / 2011: Casillas stick a goal in the Bernabeu.

The controversy of the day came after a hard tackle by Pepe Dani Alves in the 60th minute. The Portuguese were expelled and after the game were soon hear complaints from Mourinho (accompanied by criticism Guardiola).

Then I let the highlights of the match.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOlqIkwcIoQ

Source: Brand

Messi Mourinho's plan punishes

High voltage match the vivid tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. It came hot, both in football only after the first two acts of League and Cup , for the media noise which yesterday reached its zenith with the penultimate show of José Mourinho and, unexpectedly for many, knock on the table given by Pep Guardiola . And now everything will be hotter after the 0-2 achieved by the club. But all that really matters is the game itself and it will focus on.

Both teams were planted in the field fear expiring. Each in his own style but with the utmost prudence. Real came out with the eleven expected, the same as in the Cup final with the exception of Albiol by Carvalho. But the team we saw was more like that of the first game, the league, did not exercise the suffocating pressure that took place in the first half of the cup game and went to wait for Barca in its field, managing to close almost all doors but recovering too far from the opponents' goal to mount counterattacks as incisive as the Mestalla.

The tocapelotas professional embarrassment

It may be hard to believe, but the truth is that it is the third time I am talking about the ball boy in just fourteen months. The first occasion was in a more general reflection on the bad habits of football , most notably the rare case of ball-abductees, for the second time not spent any quarter, when I published a post titled Outsiders are snuff in which I criticized the behavior of the crowd by throwing balls at the field and the ball boy for working Sevilla crime scene cleaners.

On that occasion proved to be a ballboy Hispalenses body perfectly organized, do not lose a second time to collect and hide the objects that are launched from behind the goal. It is curious to see how fast they are for some things and what they are for other lentitos. The guy who attacked Casillas from the stands was not known anything else, but the boys of Seville itself, because this weekend has shown the greatest pantomime has been seen in a long time. Attention to the level of wrongdoing:

Manchester United, almost finalist, won 2 to 0 at Schalke

Manchester United already have one foot in the final of the Champions Legue. The English team defeated by 2 to 0 to Schalke 04 in the first leg semi-final which was played yesterday at Veltins Arena.

Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney were again the heroes of Manchester United. The two references of Ferguson's side were those who scored the goals of victory in the match against Schalke 04, Raul.

Manuel Neuer, goalkeeper of the German team, had an outstanding performance, but not enough to avoid defeat, although for the meeting does not end in a landslide. Schalke now have the difficult task of reversing the series at Old Trafford if it hopes to have a place in the final.

The winner of this series will face the winner of the series between Real Madrid and Barcelona playing in his first match at the Bernabeu tonight starting at 20.45.

Source: Brand

Things without much sense

It seems that the press conference Pep Guardiola has been incendiary. That after enduring a season for the provocations of a Jose Mourinho he has never stopped puppet head out and attacking defense, something that is skilled counterpart Madrid, dashing any past attitude. For some, Tuesday is the real Guardiola. That is his true face, not for years, since he took over the club, has shown. Like this: respect, elegance and above all professionalism. Insiders say the subject has succeeded Mourinho: it out of their boxes to Santpedor just before a derby, after the statements of both pre-Champions League qualifying begins at least warm.

Despite Neuer

It is presumed end early and not talk about anything in domestic football scene, but no matter who pass on the tie between Real Madrid and Barcelona will do well to take precautions. It is my intention to take for a deleted Schalke 04 who scored five goals in San Siro with Inter, but Manchester United is cooked with other ingredients, and their place in the Wembley final is closer after his victory at the Veltins-Arena Gelsenkirchen by 0-2 despite a superlative game keeper Neuer, who yesterday took his doctorate in science from the goal.

Much has been said this season could be the final of the boys of Wenger, Chelsea and their ancestral object of desire for Romaine and millionaire signing Torres, Manchester City and their investments or positive surprise Spurs but little has been said about Manchester United, the most veteran and trained, perhaps because little new except the figure of a Chicharito day after day grows a little more. And without making much noise with the Premier to the point and one foot in the final of the Champions League.

The historical precedent for a semifinal (I)

Do not know yet whether we will live, it is not surprising, the apotheosis of a European final between two giants of Spanish football. Our football has already experienced a duel at the top, but it was Valencia who faced Real Madrid in that final in Paris. However, tomorrow is the beginning of a semi-final, beyond rivalry, hatred or budgets should mean a party for Spanish football to fight two of our top four and secure a Wembley final. Not the first time, but Real Madrid and Barcelona have clashed twice in the penultimate assault to lift the maximum tournament.

The first occasion was in season 1959-60, when Real Madrid face of Di Stefano and Gento Barcelona Luis Suarez and Kubala. With Miguel Muñoz and Helenio Herrera on the bench, Real Madrid a 3-1 win both games to finally make the tournament after beating the final against Eintracht Frankfurt. The confrontation was repeated the following year but in the second round. At that time Barcelona who would defeat the white tie after two field Madrid and a 2-1 win in Barca feud. That year, the club lost the final against Eusebio's Benfica. Note that in the old European Cup, this confrontation was considerably more complicated to play only the champions league trophy and the winner above.

The closest precedent, and in which we focus, took place nine years ago. The circumstances then were different from today: Barcelona lived a transition period where things Gaspart as president and Rexach in the dock did not work. For its part, the Madrid of the Galacticos lived its best to meet the cream of Del Bosque's team with the likes of Figo and Zidane. Madrid was the clear favorite, while Barca, and no options in a league quarter ending , played all his cards to the Champions League. It had been a forty-two years since that semi-final in 1960. The first leg would be played in Barcelona.

The question of the week: The Madrid-Barcelona, ​​"an early Champions League final?

In about four hours will start the semifinals of the Champions League first leg match between Schalke 04 and Manchester United. Wednesday morning will turn to the expected third clash between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. A party that practically monopolizes our football today. The Champions League is not only the most important title of the season, but will serve to determine which of the two groups have signed a better season.

It is said that Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are the two best teams of today, both in Spain and Europe. So much so that many believe that the semi-final between the two is an advance, which will champion the future. And we leverage our question of the week to ask you: The Madrid-Barcelona, ​​"an early Champions League final?

Raul, the relentless fight against fate

Within hours of the match between Schalke 04 and Manchester United want to pay a small tribute that surely must be one of the protagonists of these Champions League semifinals. In any other year it would be in mourning on Wednesday but the fate of those things football wanted to Raúl end up in the rows of a German who, thanks to the tireless struggle of the '7 'has been a gap between the four best teams in the continent for the first time in its long history. Raul Gonzalez is veteran, is leadership, experience and quality is, is like running, not throwing in the towel. Raul is overcome, even when everyone gave him as a finish.

Raul has know what star nights of glory with his new team. It has become his 33 years at the front more in the form of Schalke, who lost the confidence the club has rediscovered his love with that kid who openly tried it all to the best goalkeepers. Your age is not a problem when the head was still responsive. What summer looked like a strange leap, a leap where to look below as above, has become the little big jump. Has proven to be a good giant, without feet of clay, which does not break down ever, and whose award was being given a Champions League you know of a lifetime and that has had the privilege to raise in his successful career .

Potential owners to visit Barcelona Real Madrid

Mourinho seems to be clear who will be the starters for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final when Real Madrid played against Barcelona, ​​but what about Guardiola? Barça coach rearranged a little to his players and gives us hints of who will holders.

There will be no rematch for Pinto in goal: the arc to be Valdés fly. I n defense, Javier Mascherano seems to have earned its place as where they will accompany central Gerard Piqué. On the side comes back Daniel Alves and enter by the injured Carles Puyol Maxwell.

Midfield onwards there are not many surprises: Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta will be present in the midfield, and Messi will be Pedro few meters ahead and Villa will be the reference in the lead.

The first leg semi-final between Real Madrid and Barcelona will be held tomorrow at the Bernabeu after 20.45.

Source: Clarin

In the Champions League with the homework done

Mired in the great days of '18 Barça-Madrid ', they played both teams this weekend to forget for a while about their exciting duel to focus on a domestic championship on Saturday at eight in the evening seemed to regain a life was losing oxygen to return to what it was before the start of the day, after Barcelona's victory against Osasuna (2-0) a couple of hours after the Real Madrid, with alternates and no muss, repeat victory this time against Valencia in a field like Mestalla (3-6) in three days has become a talisman for Jose Mourinho's men.

Wins the battle Muniain Griezmann

One was born in 1992, the other in 1991. They separated a year, but the quality, the impudence and shame have little in common. Iker Muniain and Antoine Griezmann represent the youth of Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad at the same time it shows that age does not imply knowledge. The first was born in Pamplona and at 14 he already knew what he was training with the 'Lions' seniors. The second is made in Macon, a small town in the Burgundy region of France but from 13 years saw the elastic-urdin txuri thanks to a clever scout club of San Sebastián. The emergence of the French, since his first team debut in 2009, has been meteoric. Of Navarre loomed ways from that decided against Young Boys in the same year. Last night, at San Mames, measured forces two of the pearls have emerged in recent times in Euskadi. And the battle, with both acting as the protagonist, the local won with claw included.

Fernando Torres takes it out of bad luck

For weeks they had been musing on the subject and has not been to see his first goal for Chelsea when I dared, or considered it appropriate, treat the signing of Fernando Torres for the London club. Commented on the day of its official the dilemma that caused its market value, or simply launch the economic vacuum that Roman Abramovich made ​​by taking the services of the then Liverpool icon. 58 million euros that, why deny it, have weighed like a millstone for the Spanish striker if we take into account what was brought to London and the result has been to date.

Said on the eve of the clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid Cup which means we love to talk about figures, numbers, sometimes absurd statistics. If a goalkeeper is required to stop balls and his career has never stopped a penalty, they say. That does not mean that there had actually saving interventions and important, but it is perhaps anecdotal data, why not, you should tell. With the front goes something like: for many open spaces for many assists to give or who are heavily engaged during the ninety minutes that lasts for a party, Mrs. say statistics have more weight than any great performance. And do not set out for a striker is like an agony, like a tunnel end, a bottomless pit. A marathon whose only goal is to see the ball go.

The first stone of the project Florentino

With the achievement of the King's Cup against Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid not only to their particular ends title drought, but does so in the gutter leaving the eternal rival, the same season he was deprived of the League despite adding 96 points and the same as that Florentino Perez, with his heroic turn, wanted to overthrow its first and ambitious project such as Real Madrid boss. It is much the effort made by the white president to lay the foundation stone for a project theoretically brilliant and far more accustomed to the shadows than lights.

Real Madrid Florentino wanted to excite the signing, a coup for the book, Cristiano Ronaldo. Kaka did the same, but the Brazilian deserves its own chapter. Perhaps yours is one of the worst investments ever undertaken white businessman. Today is still expected to write off at least half of what it cost. Something like Benzema, but upon arrival it did not label with world star, he still has many years to confirm some ways, in optimum, not dislike. Surprisingly, although this also deserves a separate chapter, the year that Jose Mourinho has asked more insistently than ever signing a forward, leading to an end with three of them and the trio formed from the outset in the bench. Things coaches.

The funny video of the day: Cup, on the floor

See what we have seen strange things to the length and breadth of football history in terms of celebrations are concerned. However, what in the early Thursday happened to the Copa del Rey in the hands of one of its winners, Sergio Ramos, so far was unheard of (at least for this writer). And Real Madrid is that it took 18 years to win back the coveted Cup and throwing just four hours. So, literally. And without meaning, of course. We imagine that the weight of accumulated fatigue or low skill with a trophy which is between fifteen to twenty kilos, Sergio Ramos, who seemed more proud than anyone during the celebration in Cibeles, dropped his hands, flew for a few seconds and would soon be hit by a bus that had no time to react or simply, their driver, must have thought to have imagination when he saw his side fall for the Copa del Rey.

A great work in three acts

After standing all seen and experienced yesterday and have read many reviews (and re-own it), I would like to play some songs that yesterday I was forced to leave the ink or expand some points where, for whatever it was, I was a little short. we can say that there were three parties in one: a first part that Mourinho won the slate, a second in which it imposed ideairo Guardiola and a third reserved for the epic and the drama was preceded by a large time seemed like a great painting by artist. A play in three acts, which the theater like Mourinho and Guardiola ...

Mourinho quashed the Barça midfield

Many have criticized the coach for his timid approach Luso's league match last Saturday. I do not speak for anyone but myself, but I think the critical time is not at odds with today's praise, if it is consistent with what was said and what you think. It did not take the final win to prove that the only way to play well is the FC Barcelona, ​​because this statement is a tremendous nonsense. There are many ways to play well, and if instead of talking about playing well, we do win, the range of methods and greatly expands possibilities.

The lavish Cup wins Madrid

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in a duel fought giant, uncompromising, full of football from the first minute to the last, which were ultimately imposed the meringues thanks to a superb goal from Cristiano Ronaldo in overtime. A great quote from the final of the Copa del Rey, play the game of the year who played, attended the two best teams in Spain (probably Europe) and both did what was expected of them: to contest the championship until the last sweat. And it's going until the last breath, Cristiano excelled above all, the Portuguese have an extra pair of lungs: those of his extraordinary physical and inhuman hunger for glory.

Real came out with the eleven expected, with Özil instead of exerting CR7 Benzema and advance man. But the most striking change was not in the lineup, but in the arrangement of the parts and, above all, instead of action. In this sense, had nothing to do with Real Madrid's league match, on Saturday, waited in his field, without pressing the ball out, but now began to work thirty yards ahead, biting, closing all the gaps, bothering the Barca game combined to make erratic and discontinuous.

The Madrid and Barca are ready for the final of the Copa del Rey

A few hours after the kickoff at the Mestalla, everything has been ready for the grand finale of the Copa del Rey to star in Real Madrid and Barcelona. A classic that transcends the boundaries of Spain, is one of the most anticipated matches in the world and now have a special plus being the definition of title to see which one emerges as the King of Cups.

Barça get some sense in the defense and so far not confirmed the presence of Carles Puyol in the field, even if it is called in the template that will address the meeting. A possible replacement would be Argentina's Javier Mascherano, who occupy the central place in the defense with Pique or else enter the midfield with Xavi and Iniesta, something to fall back to defense Busquets.

Although there are certain doubts as to the starting lineup, it has the good intention of having achieved a draw in the classic played at the Bernabeu before this game and have gotten virtually the pocket League with 8 points of difference.

For their part, Real Madrid also arrive in good spirits because the draw was positive according to their balance sheets. Apparently white coach would choose to put behind Özil Cristiano Ronaldo, giving up to 9 need to post more forcefulness in the attack.

The fans are very confident that the hand of the Portuguese coach will get to Barcelona and will stop on the way back to play all possible endings. As he has said, this first season is to take shape and in its second year head coach of Real Madrid command will be when they start to reap all the titles.

Possible alignments are:

• Real Madrid: Iker Casillas, Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Carvalho, Marcelo, Pepe, Sami Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Angel Di María, Mesut Özil and Cristiano Ronaldo.

• Barcelona: Pinto, Dani Alves, Gerard Piqué, Mascherano (or Puyol), Adriano, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Messi, Villa and Peter.

The starters for the final of the Copa del Rey

Second classic, first title at stake. The final of the Copa del Rey brings us the second Real Madrid - Barcelona the year, less than a week after the league match played between the two biggest teams in Spanish football. Who will be the 11 of Mourinho? Who will be the 11 de Guardiola? The answer I give it below.

Although both coaches play to take the misteriores (Mourinho a little more than Guardiola), the reality is that there is room for many surprises. Madrid side, the possible alignment is: Casillas in goal, Pepe, Carvalho, Ramos and defense Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Marcelo Khedira and in midfield, Di Maria and Özil a bit more advanced and Cristiano Ronaldo as the only front. Adebayor, Benzema and Higuain will see from the bench. Meanwhile, Canales, Lass and Pedro Leon will see from the stands, were disaffected with the call.

Side Barcelona, ​​Guardiola has confirmed to Pinto in goal (goalkeeper has been set to culé throughout the Copa del Rey). It is presumed that the other ten headings are: Dani Alves, Mascherano, Pique and Maxwell on defense, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta and Keita in midfield, Messi and Villa up front.

The final starts at 21.30 at the Mestalla.

Source: Brand

The question of the week: Do you think that the approach of Mourinho against Barca?

On the day we will have the second installment of the games between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, ​​with the dispute of the final of the Copa del Rey, we want to pose a new installment of The Question of the Week. And we want to get away from the various controversies that are warming the hours before the final. We want to focus on what you see on the pitch, and ask: Do you think that the approach of Mourinho against Barca?

The image of the set of José Mourinho in the league match last Saturday, has divided opinion into two distinct groups: those who believe that the technical approach is truant and discord luso the history of Real Madrid, and those who think which is the best, and perhaps only, way to overcome today's FC Barcelona.

David Villa: like a glove

Saying these things are very fashionable, that if it takes ten games without scoring, if you add two months without seeing door, sees that as not pulling in the area at the least to cause a penalty ... The point is that as all front, if not make, is that it is having a tough time. And like any striker, Villa through a bad streak of face-to-door. If his goals were vital for Barcelona could turn the lights on alarm, but on a team where the top scorer is Messi and where there are other guys like Pedro, Iniesta and others who make their goals than the 'Guaje' no are so essential, the absence of Spaniard's aim is not like cry to heaven. In fact, although not marked on Saturday, the match against Real Madrid tomorrow comes like a glove. No better person to play a Cup final

David Villa play tomorrow his third final of the knockout tournament the previous two ended in lifting the Cup, and also did it with two different sets. First to Zaragoza and then Valencia. And if the team beat Getafe ché, when wearing the elastic skill did the same making a memorable win against Real Madrid .... In addition, the 'Guaje', expert and in these conflicts, scored from the penalty spot one of the goals that gave victory to the team then led by Victor Muñoz. One March 17, 2004 will remain etched in the retina of the tilefish aficionado, exceeded that saw a cast of galaxies among those who were Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Figo, Zidane ...

2011 Final Copa del Rey, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, ​​the club's Football Notes

Is just around the corner. With almost everything ready, with doubts and certainties to the surface, with all players dream of lifting the evening of Wednesday's prized Cup. The ball, eager to start shooting and possibly frightened by the referee whistle. We have teams, coaches, their statements, the arbitrator, the city, Mestalla. We have the desire, little laziness, and, of course, the club. A final without baton is like a Sunday without football, and consequently, the editors of Letters Football we sighted disguised to foreshadow the simplest way possible what will happen tomorrow in Valencia from Real Madrid and Barcelona. A result, two numbers, a prediction. So we invite you to play with us and give us your results via the comments. Come the end begins!

Fernando Castellanos | Server expected to snack on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu is simply that. What good is coming and that much of this show that you would expect to have the greatest classics of their senses at the Mestalla, with a title at stake is the Copa del Rey. I expect more brazen and less fear in Barcelona and Real Madrid, as being a single party and the award to expand their windows, both sides put all eggs in one basket. And if you must bet, bet on a victory for Barça. If it is to spoil the ball, triangle and enjoy good football, Guardiola have the win within reach. Goals and I hope, whoever wins, fun. A 2-4 for the Catalans.

La Saeta Rubia consciousness is stuck in Madrid

The Real Madrid was a team with no personality

Alfredo Di Stefano , honorary president of Real Madrid

After 5-0 wins at the Camp Nou, Florentino Perez made ​​reference to Alfredo Di Stefano to recover from the blow received by the mannitol moral blaugrana: "Di Stefano showed us the way, taught us the style and the essential values ​​of the sacred code Real Madrid. " Repárese a moment how much he says that phrase: Core Values ​​of the sacred code of Real Madrid.

If anything has surprised me last Saturday's match at the Santiago Bernabeu in which the FC Barcelona left virtually doomed the League, was the general reaction of Real Madrid, which adopted the tactic used by Mourinho and held a draw at home with 27% possession as if it were a victory. Something that, at least to me, it seems totally inconsistent with the history and values ​​that has always boasted the Real Madrid. I do not usually pay much attention to the gurus or moral standards when the wind blows for, but I think that when they come wrongly made, if we must turn to those references, because from the altar there is an elevated view of the problems, and someone which has been sanctified can always say what they think no one dares to cover his mouth.

Casillas stresses the importance of winning the Copa del Rey

No Real Madrid want to sign another blank year. The doors are open a new title for Real Madrid in the prelude to the final of the Copa del Rey, a title that all merengue has not won since the season 1992 / 1993. The team captain, Iker Casillas, known as many years without the title and stresses the importance of winning tomorrow's final against Barcelona.

"It's a very important trophy that Real Madrid can not afford to be 17 years without getting" said the goalkeeper. Is that it is an elusive trophy for Real Madrid in recent years: in the season 2001 / 2002 played in the final, but lost to Deportivo La Coruna, in the season 2003 / 2004 reached the decisive stage, but was overtaken by Zaragoza.

For Casillas is a very important match. On one side stands to be "the prettiest game that can be in so far this season in Spanish football," and another known to be one of the few titles that have yet to earn his team.

However, the goalkeepers are not risking predictions because it ensures that "anything can happen."

Source: Brand

Viento de Levante

The east wind blows happy and appropriate in the City of Valencia. Hence the name of the club when the power went to the beach where once was located the area where fighting for their parties. The breeze is favorable and is moving toward the opposing goal where the Lift score goals and score points. The air carries a sheet with stats: eight days without losing the third best team in the second round with eight wins and three draws, with only two losses: 27 points out of 42 that collects your mailbox. Salvation is not a fact, not be touched but in sight. Six days to go, nine points above the relegation zone and four to the Europa League: first, a Utopia, then a remote possibility now an option. The least is to be achieved or not, this dream is already a success.

Six million is the number of its budget, the lowest in the first division. With it, or despite it, are in ninth place in the table. It has a template set in which they had not invested in a money transfer is not there. A mixture of players who were already seasoned veterans second contract that no longer had for their teams or players who were not in the future plans of their coaches. Veterans, young and inexperienced and paragraphs. In short, players that few others wanted.

NDF Survey: 1-X-2 of the Madrid-Barça

A week ago we started to warm up the engines devoted Question of the week to raise the matter of which player you looked to be more decisive in the four-game series between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. We have seen that the responses are very different, tomorrow will tell you more, with the publication of the new question, "so instead of raising our standard 1-X-2 which face the players from both teams by position, we decided to propose a survey on the matter.

If it is difficult to predict the alignment of a game, let alone the three ... The team Football Notes have been exchanging views about it and finally came to a conclusion, taking into account the match last Saturday and thinking where to go shots in the next. Notably, the duel between goalkeepers do between Casillas and Valdes, but Pinto will be to defend the Barça goal in the final of Copa As for the rest of headlines, we have relied on that Özil enter the place of Benzema , with nine false Christian and based on the German right flank, while Pepe will play pivot, so that in the low Albiol, Arbeloa Ramos will be central, lateral right. Blaugrana side, we have to hold back Puyol, so that the club will continue to capitalize on his eleven preferred, with Adriano on the left side.

The classic Madrid ends in a tie and says goodbye to the League

A very even match was the one we saw at the Bernabeu, where Real Madrid and Barcelona staged the classic of the day ended with a score level on a goal by hand, points scored respectively by Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The balance was left face wash of white, with a relentless passion that encouraged them and expected the best, but not likely to point to the League.

With one man down the field for Mourinho led by two penalties and a draw was the most anticipated match of the day. The first dip was the Barca team, which at 53 minutes of play moved Casillas networks, putting the first since the eleven steps, the manager was Messi.

Everything was going to like, but at one point saw the dominance of the Catalans to forgive too much and that they passed the bill late in the game. Exactly 82 minutes and a penalty, Cristiano Ronaldo took charge of parity for the hosts. The duel between the scorers of the meeting was heated, neither shirked the responsibility to lead his team and fell short of what was required of them.

The only regrettable thing that let this classic is injury to Carles Puyol, who arrived after a lot of sense to the pitch and ended up breaking in the second half. In short, the League has practically owned and now we wait for the other classics that come to us.

The Cup, a tournament any that should be revalued

King's Cup football tournament is the oldest in Spain, since its origin dates from 1903 -26 years before the league-and receive different names, has been held continuously since then, with the exception of the period 1936-1939. For some time this part of the longest championship of football has become less important and therefore interest among fans, this last statement will clarify later.

Leagues receive the value they deserve, all against all and at the end of the course, is who has more merit because he always wins has been more regular, which has been better. But the cup, particularly in the Spanish, is undervalued by their leaders, be treated as the ugly sister to which we must endure to be with the beautiful. Due to its elimination, the Copa has its own nature, very different from the league but not worse. In the Cup anything can happen: a bad day to send home to the most painted and a moment of inspiration can elevate the altars to the most sinful. The Chaos Tournament nickname should not be construed as something negative, but quite the opposite: Cup small fish can feed the larger.

Who will be the next coach of Atletico Madrid?

It is a reality that Quique Sanchez Flores will be the coach of Atletico Madrid next season. So now there are several who are wondering Who will succeed Quique Aleti on the bench?

There are plenty of candidates. But for much of the hobby the ideal candidate is only one: Rafa Benitez. Although the coach never crossed Atletico, his achievements as a coach speaks for itself between supporters of the club. Currently without a club, Benitez was coach of Inter until 2010 for some months and with the Italian team won the World Cup.

Another candidate who has the backing of the fans is Luis Enrique. The former Sporting player, Real Madrid and Barcelona is currently the coach of FC Barcelona B, but announced that the end of the season will not continue to lead this team.

Finally, the third highest endorsement by the fans is an idol of the club: Diego Simeone. El Cholo is currently running at Catania (Italy) with mixed results. If you arrive at Atletico you would any other former player who earned a place among the supporters of the club: Hermann Burgos, the former goalkeeper is now his aide and continue to play that role in the eventual arrival of Atletico coach Cholo.

Source: Brand

The Day of the Beast

A complex tear of the medial meniscus in his right knee on the light alarm last February in Manchester. Julio Baptista was forced to undergo surgery and, according to the doctor who operated, should be in cotton for three months. According to the theory of the doctor to intervene in Brazil, the player would lose almost half of playing time at its disposal when it was signed. However, not even been two months since that operation and Julio Baptista has not only recovered, but all the lights turned off the alarm and, incidentally, has given a boost of optimism to the Rose Garden with two goals against Mallorca that bring salvation to the Malacitana.

While the first of the afternoon did the Uruguayan Sebastian Fernandez, another player, World Cup, which is also expected much in Malaga, so is that the mere presence of a player Baptista features with a tremendous girth and football vision different from the others, helped extend the lead in the mail and give wings to a stadium that was beginning to doubt the class and international commitment. More than anything because once operator decided to continue rehabilitation at home. And that, in Brazil, it smells fishy. Baptista survives to this cast of players, who, like Adriano, are looking for without luck, a second chance after a football past at least, magnificent. And seen yesterday in the Rose Garden, with the 'Beast' are to live several evenings of glory in the remainder of the season.

Real Madrid or Barcelona: Who will win the Copa del Rey?

There is no margin for error: the final of the Copa del Rey is set in 90 minutes and there is only room for a champion. Real Madrid or Barcelona, ​​the two biggest teams in Spain are fighting Mestalla event in less than a week after confronted by the League. Who will win?

The 1 to 1 last weekend at the Bernabeu does not help to dispel doubts about who will be the champion of the Copa del Rey. However, if we go beyond the result are two key issues to try to anticipate who will win.

On one side you have to say that Barcelona, ​​playing on the road, took possession of the ball much higher than Real Madrid. Of time, the match statistics showed over 65% possession for the team Guardiola.

However, I must say that Mourinho seems to have found a way to neutralize this: the defense of Madrid knew to contain the spread of Barcelona to play more of counterattack. Anyway it should be noted that neither of them served the planting to keep the victory and there was hardly room for goals scored from the 12 steps.

In Mestalla the thing will be different because there will be no second chances, no revenge: it all starts and ends in 90 minutes. Who will win? Can Mourinho win their first title as coach white? Or will you reap Guardiola another milestone with Barcelona? The answer will be in on Wednesday, meanwhile, want your opinion.

Image: 4liveworldcup

Few surprises, too scared and everyone is happy

After several weeks hosting a battle of Olympic stains, speculating on what Guardiola and Mourinho just knew, at last came the first game of the series of clashes between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona to fight the two national titles and played the pass to Champions League final. As Fernando said, was not so , but the party was small but very interesting intrahistorias:

A surprise alignment

In the days before we talked about personal problems Barca's defense, which led us to make a thousand guesses on whether it should play Busquets, or military, or Mascherano ... But at the moment, a TV3 camera snuck into the locker room visitor Santiago Bernabeu and we saw the captain's armband on clothes Carles Puyol. And indeed, the ship's captain forced to lead his people in the stadium of arch-rivals. If forced much or little, know that only the club's medical staff, technicians and Puyol himself. But the truth is that after almost three months out and only one training at full pace, La Pobla did not want to miss the appointment. If the club hid his condition was better than what we thought is another story. At the end Puyol was a starter, but was forced off time hanging around the game with a hamstring overload. After leaving the field, the club was less.

Valencia moves forward at the expense of a wounded Almería

Four days ago the waters of the Turia down revolts. Valencia CF came from collecting two straight losses each more painful: a 4-0 in Zaragoza and a 0-1 at home to Sevilla. Villarreal came from behind and threatened strong seriously take advantage in the race for third place. It was what was missing from the Valencia fans: after falling in Cup, and, worst of all, in the Champions League against Schalke 04 that seemed totally affordable for the team che, losing third place in La Liga and have to live with the uncertainty of a very uncomfortable qualifying round in August, with little training after a bad break and sand in their pockets.

But he has since hustler. First with a win at Getafe, with a poker of goals from Roberto Soldado , undisputed champion of the last reaction of Valencia. Then came the strong consideration: the visit of Villarreal , the small neighbor, the last place candidate directly for the Champions League quarter-Europe. The match was strange, with both teams opting for a five-defense, and Valencia managed to get ahead early in the scoreboard, thanks to another goal of Soldier. Later, in the second half, a weary Yellow Submarine che succumbed to vigorous attack and ran a hand carrying all with Valencia striker has closed the same.

Was not so

He was probably the least important of the four classic game in eighteen days. Maybe that's why disappoint. Personally, of course. A tie to one that leaves things as they were approaching the Barcelona to the league and alienate whites, they played better with ten and eleven were of messing about if Khedira, in a shoe at the end, there beyond Victor Valdes. A classic bland, as evidenced by the two goals were scored from the penalty spot, and in which both contestants were very respectful to his opponent. Cristiano Ronaldo broke the spell, had it with another shot at the set pieces to spit out the stick and Messi, although marked, was less elusive than previously.

Heard during the broadcast on the radio that the Barcelona marked the tempo constantly. He marked many 'tempos', yes, but few goals. The referee was not ten, hurt and benefited both equally and, as always, did not leave nobody satisfied. The feelings that left the first of the four is that it was not bad. That, surely, the best is yet to come. Cup on Wednesday at Mestalla stadium as neutral of a doubt is seen a great show.

First round: The League Barcelona on

It was noted that the Madrid victory would give wings to the league and that Barcelona would sentence, but the result was a tie on a goal that is closer to the latter. The classification is equal to the eight-point lead Barca, but Madrid has no great chance to get close to those of Guardiola. Barcelona ensures middleweight title, if any Madrid win the confidence ahead of the following classics: the sensations between the Nou Camp match at the Bernabeu and are not the same. The tension was as usual in these crashes, as football was notably absent as usual.

The penalties were erected in the collegiate players and Muñiz Fernández a champion of the mess. Casillas did not whistle a Villa, yes another Albiol the Spaniard who led the expulsion of the central-miss Cup final, and Messi scored more than the one who committed Marcelo Alves on, pardon the expulsion to the Barca side. The penalty was scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, who had an uneven performance, but finally scored for Barcelona.

The slogan of Mourinho was clear: waiting to Barcelona and go to the counter. He understood that this item did not fit the game pause and German Özil stayed on the bench. Pepe liked what in Bilbao, so the Luso left with Khedira and midfielder Xabi Alonso. Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo should take the reins of the counterattack, while Benzema wrecked by guidelines that do not benefit. For its part, the Argentine was more or less success, who would not try. Barca, no surprises in the team except the return of Puyol and his own: playing. The Madrid satisfied with the orders and did not allow the depth to Barcelona, ​​and also ended the first half with more shots and corners launched its rival. Everything went as planned, if the mother may require more is another story.

Real Madrid - FC Barcelona: League, Cup and Champions: dates, times and how to see them on TV

Although we assume that most of our readers will already be informed about everything, we feel that it is worth to collect all the information in a post, where we offer all the dates, times and channels of the four games played in eighteen days, the Real Madrid and FC Barcelona's league match, the Cup final and the round trip of the semifinals of the Champions League.

Best of all is that we see all four games on TV in open, which, besides being a real irony in modern times, is a unique opportunity to join one with whom he pleases, without any conditioning or hateful companies. Then all the necessary information:

Mourinho: how to divert attention

How to describe what happened on Friday in the press room of Valdebebas. Perhaps the line between good and evil. For those who do not know what is the theme as each day before a game, played the appearance of Jose Mourinho. This week also was not an appearance more: it was the opening before the first of the four classics that within a few days spilling our football. Well, the coach of Real Madrid has submitted with his second, Aitor Karanka, to delegate to the Basque and exits through the forum at the hearing. Implications? Those present who were not few, have bundled the mat, they have grown and have left the room with anger, at least, monumental.

By parts. First I want to emphasize the role of puppet that is becoming inadvertently Aitor Karanka. I understand that the right of anyone to play the lead role from time to time, but what Mourinho is doing and looks up with exaggerated Karanka. It seems that Brown spends the Basque character that has little or nothing to do with that of Portugal. As a coach should have a secondary role, in recent weeks, has not been due to abuse, must be legitimate to say, Mourinho.

Second, Mourinho apparently learned the art of sitting next to the second and delegate to him the theoretical work of Louis van Gaal when both agreed at Barça. When many years ago was 'Mou' who 'made' of Karanka, said the presence of Van Gaal at his side and not open its beak, was a form of respect for the press. By then I suppose you've wanted to throw the Portuguese press conference in Valdebebas. However, the trick, facing the press, has backfired because the journalists have been offended and mistreated.

Who will be the champion of the Champions League 2011?

Manchester United, Real Madrid, Schalke 04 and Barcelona. Who will be the new champion of the Champions League? Three of these teams know what's up "the romaine" while the German team runway base called good performances and an inexhaustible Raúl. Who do you think will win?

There is little room for surprise this year: three of the four Champions League semi-finalists have already won this competition and have become quite close in time. No need to go more than ten years back in time to find Champions League won by one of three teams. The Real Madrid was won last time in 2002, Manchester United in 2008 and Barcelona in 2009.

Schalke 04 is one of only four teams that do not have this race under his belt, but has a trump card: Raul. The Spanish striker is the top scorer in European competitions and shows force even marking his 33 years at each meeting. Would you overtake the German team to beat two of the champions of the previous editions?

Meanwhile, Barcelona is presented as the strongest candidate: pointer in the Spanish League and with the same core that won every title since Guardiola is a coach, who seems to have stopped or spathe or Europe. However, against arch-rivals will seek to cut a title drought.

Finally the English side has merits to dedicate and name you can spare: Rooney, Giggs as top scorer and team leader.

You, dear reader, who you think will win the Champions League this year?

Source: manchesterunitednews

Villarreal also exists

The lights, the court reporters, microphones and news are focusing, since it ran out of Tottenham, Real Madrid in the derby surplus in just over a fortnight filled the sanity of a lot. But in the meantime classic protagonist meanwhile, has cast a name that has little or nothing to do with the colors painted in the coming days present in spite of a few others.

It Villarreal, without making so much noise as the big two has again shown that baby steps can become a giant. If seven days ago and left half doomed the knockout quarter-final against FC Twente with an incontestable victory (5-1) last night in enemy territory but with confidence and adequate security, not only increased the overall (1-3 ), but went into semi-finals of the European League through the front door came from a goal against.

Yes, there Villarreal. And if not, they should ask the thousands of fans who have been hooked to a TV or a week ago got into the yellow submarine Madrigal. It has been out of the way to nothing more and nothing less than the leader of the Dutch league. Yes, this is a minor league, but put him eight goals in two games for any team is no small feat. No matter how undervalued it is a championship.

Real Madrid and Schalke 04 in Champions semis

Forecasts were met and there will be quad classical Spanish. Real Madrid went on to semifinals which will face Barcelona in four games (including League Champi and Copa del Rey). Schalke 04 will be reimposed and Inter will face Manchester United.

In London, reached only with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid beat Tottenham. The set of Mourinho won the series (won by 4 to 1 on the first leg at the Bernabeu) and now must be measured against Barcelona in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Schalke 04, Raul determined to be new champion in continental competition: the German team eliminated the defending champion Inter Milan. An own goal from Raul and a Howedes reached for the home side imposed by 2 to 1 (Motta scored the tying transition for Italian). Schalke will be measured in semi-final against Manchester United beat Chelsea in the quarter.

Source: Brand

Madrid and Barca, hegemony and off the field

Once completed visits to Ukraine and England , and we get four clash between Madrid and Barcelona served on a silver platter. The general feeling is that the semifinals and white face is a final Barca Schalke and Manchester early but deserve all respect. Both rivals have fought to get in the way of another, as in the King's Cup and the league tournament although Barcelona has gained a considerable advantage. They seem to have no rival in domestic competitions in Europe nor, can surprised? No, considering that both have the resources and advantages that others do not have Europe's largest in their respective leagues.

I wonder what this view will teams like Manchester, Chelsea, Milan, Inter, Bayern or Lyon. League clubs vying with television deals equivalent in the audiovisual money is shared equally among all clubs. With differences, of course, but in a rational manner. But see how in Spain most of the cake is the leading two clubs. We complain of a bipolar league in which two teams are many steps ahead of the rest, but the rest of Europe, Madrid and Barca's rivals have serious reasons to believe that they compete under the same conditions.

Victory at Tottenham and classic semi-final

Lacking official confirmation, and then we had informal, and there was no place for miracles. Following the 0-1 win at White Hart Lane on the Tottenham Real Madrid, Real Madrid is already in the semis where the Barcelona expected . We hold, therefore, a classic poker with the cards face down and unequal value among the four, as the league match has lost some of its value because of the advantage gained by Barca, Real Madrid but a victory and five points of difference would play . Regarding the game in England, little to tell a little worried that Tottenham, a mother who knew to control his opponent and the goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mourinho in alignment, the novelty was to see the left-back Arbeloa and midfielder Marcelo ahead, which could well be facing a confrontation Pronatura against Barca. In that position, the Brazilian did not shine as usual. The owner was Tottenham Pavlyuchenko, which replaces the negative protagonist leg , Crouch. Lennon also returned, but not noted in excess. While the party began with a chance correcalles Özil and return in which it seemed that we could see the game played was not the first leg, but it was a mirage.

Barca already in the Champions League semis

Barcelona beat visiting with minimal difference against Shakhtar and ensured its participation in the semifinals of the Champions for the fourth consecutive time, thus entering in the history of Europe's most important championship.

The first leg 5-1 they almost certainly had their place in semis, but the Catalans are not trusted and went looking for the game. The seriousness and the interest shown by the directed de Guardiola made ​​it clear that they are serious candidates to lift the Cup

Messi shone conluz own again and was the architect for the game to move 42minutos networks Shakhtar giving the only advantage to the Catalans, and finally triumph. An undeniable victory now puts them in a waiting expectantly at the encounter between Real Madrid and Tottenham that will define his next opponent.

Another who was very solid in the program was the goalkeeper Victor Valdes in goal Barca fundamental neutralizing the not so timid attempts of Ukrainian attackers. No hassle and served with the ground, the triumph of Barcelona was something sung.

The emotions were saved for the semifinals where they will face almost archrival Real Madrid. The victory in the Donbass Arena is now past time, turn the page and think about the classic that is coming.

Chelsea needed a change of direction

It was, of course, I expected Abramovich at this point of the season when they decide all the titles at stake, only Chelsea will aim to secure a place in Champions threats against Manchester City and Tottenham, very low level background for equipment designed to be a champion of everything. No options in the league, eliminated from the FA Cup in sixteenths and falling yesterday in the quarterfinals of the Champions League against Manchester United. The local double last year promised good omens for the draft Carlo Ancelotti, but the obsession with Russian billionaire, the European crown, has not arrived yet and lost hegemony in England. Chelsea needed a change.

The nature of such change of course is the question to discern. Is the dock the problem? Does the template? Is the sports management? "Abramovich himself? One thing is certain, is that the owner of Chelsea will continue to lead the project and its petrodollars continue trying to raise the Romaine. The Italian coach, twice champion of Champions League with Milan in hand one of the best squads in Europe, but an aging workforce, affluent and lack of ambition and intensity, and that is the fault of both the technical and the template itself. The backbone of the team is the same for years and the signings that have been made in recent seasons have barely functioned. The tabs of the flagships are generous, and headlines that are too do not contribute to competitiveness within a team.

Shakhtar, a perfect sparring partner for what is to come

After the strong results achieved in the first leg at Camp Nou, FC Barcelona had but to make a serious party which was able to withstand the initial thrust Donest Shaktar, then, with time, be tamed and eventually became convinced that it was too late to dream of a different ending.

Lucescu The guys took the field as expected, with strength, speed and intensity, puffed throats by the 50,000 filled the night, apparently, spectacular stage Donbass Arena. But the Ukrainians (perhaps I should say "the Brazilian") lacked the same as in the first leg: aim. Too many shots to the doll or at least comparable, which in the current state of Víctor Valdés means losing power.

Barcelona is already in the semifinals of the Champions, Manchester United also

Barcelona is already in Champions League semifinals. Guardiola's team secured their place in the next phase of European Champions League after beating Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine. Manchester United also agreed to that instance after beating Chelsea.

It did not take much to happen to the Barcelona semi-final. 5 to 1 in the Nou Camp gave him a wide margin Guardiola's team to go even if he fell in Ukraine. But it was not. The Pep Team showed that even in circumstances is easy to deploy all the quality and so did the hand of Messi and another exquisite Argentine goal was the only one who became the party. Then I let Messi's goal.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbrhANfBSEc

Meanwhile, at Old Trafford, Manchester United won its move to semifinals after beating back to Chelsa (and had defeated him in the leg by 1 to 0). This time was 2 to 1 with goals from Chicharito Hernandez and Park Ji-Sung. Drogba equalized for the home temporarily, but missed.

Today, Tottenham - Real Madrid and Schalke 04 - Inter decide the other two semifinalists.

Source: ace