To think that it has been 11 years since Real Madrid was last crowned kings of Europe is a crazy thought for me. With the talent they have had over the last decade, to say they have underachieved is an understatement. However, on the 11-year anniversary of their last Champions League victory (May 15, 2002), I feel it is a good time to remember and relive this piece of magic from Zinedine Zidane. It’s hard to find a better goal than this one.
Roberto Mancini was fired as the manager of Manchester City after apparently not fulfilling any of the clubs stated goals (except qualifying for next seasons Champions League). This comes almost exactly one year after Manchester City clinched their first Premier League title in 44 years under Mancini.
With PSG reportedly turning down Real Madrid’s offer to speak to Carlo Ancelotti, it makes me wonder if Real Madrid would be interested in this Italian (Mancini) since it appears they can’t have Ancelotti. After-all, Jose Mourinho is sad at Madrid and apparently wants to leave, which, if he does, leaves a coaching job open.
After Real Madrid’s thrilling loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, Mourinho again hinted that he will be leaving the Bernabeu this summer and possibly heading back to England. During his press conference, he stated that he wants to be in a place where he is wanted (which, according to “The Special One” is England) and that in Spain people hate him. He did not confirm whether or not he will leave yet, saying he will “speak” after the season is over.
I guess Mourinho has forgotten about all the grief he received daily from the English media while he was there and after three years in the Spanish Capital has not gotten used to the media style. However, it’s not just the media that approach things in this manner. The culture there can be very sarcastic and forward.
If he chooses to leave Madrid and head back to England, well, farewell and good riddance, Jose. Just know that you’re not as special as you thought you were.
I’d love to see Vicente del Bosque return the bench for Los Blancos after the next 2014 World Cup. But what to do in the meantime, Rafa Benitez? I mean, he did guide Valencia to the Champions League final two years in a row while at the helm. Just a thought.
Real Madrid rallied but fell just short in the Champions League semis, beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 on Tuesday but losing in a 4-3 aggregate.
As you watch these highlights I want you to keep in mind that Madrid came within one goal of possibly winning Mario Balotelli’s girlfriend. Good luck sleeping tonight, fellas.
I love Mario Balotelli and his silly putty brain, but I have to say: dude’s not treating his lady very well. First, he proposes to her using tin foil, now he’s basically offering her up in a bet.
That’s right. Balotelli is so confident that Borussia Dortmund will hold off Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League matchup (Dortmund leads 4-1) that he told Spanish newspapers AS and Marca this:
“If Real Madrid come back in Champions League, I’ll let my girlfriend sleep with them!”
(Awkward silence)
Uhh … it’s time you came to your senses, Miss Fanny Neguesha. You’re too beautiful and worthwhile to put up with this, not to mention there are plenty of guys who will treat you much, much better. Like, uh, bloggers, for instance.
Real Madrid might be knocked to the ground, but they are hardly giving up. Real made a video to ask the fans to believe in them once more: “You are our strength” will hopefully ensure that every seat will be filled for their second leg semi match at Santiago Bernabau.
What a couple of days it’s been for German soccer.
Fresh on the heels of Bayern Munich’s 4-0 thrashing of Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund put in a performance to remember, as Polish striker Robert Lewandowski scored four goals en route to a 4-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal.
In case you missed the highlights, check ‘em out above.
The Champions League Semifinal matchups were announced as the top two teams in Spain will face off against the Bundesliga powers.
Bayern Munich gets Barcelona, while Real Madrid faces Borussia Dortmund.
So many storylines bubble beneath the surface of these matches: Lionel Messi’s health; Pep Guardiola’s past and future clubs going head-to-head; Dortmund potentially playing the role of spoiler.
Then there’s the potential of an El Clasico final. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could meet for the ultimate stakes in a dream scenario that will almost certainly not happen (you want it too bad, stop thinking about it … I said STOP!).
The opening matches will be played April 23-24 and the return legs are set for April 30-May 1. The final will be played at London’s Wembley Stadium on May 25.
Jose Mourinho is one of the most renowned soccer coaches in the world, he has won trophies in many different countries and his teams are always a force in Champions League. Mourinho’s path to his success has not always been a bed of roses, and throughout his years as a coach his style and personality have given him a reputation as a bit of a jerk. There is always a lot of talk surrounding him, and what he says to the media. However, those who dislike him might have to rethink that after reading this story.
Abel Rodriguez is a Mexican native who lives in the U.S. and he recently got interviewed in Sports Illustrated regarding his encounter with Mourinho. Rodriguez has been a fan of European soccer ever since he was a child, and Real Madrid is his favorite team. Every year Rodriguez would take a vacation during the time Real Madrid was in Los Angeles, and he would spend every waking minute close to the team.
Check out the rest of this incredible story after the jump.
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