Real Madrid’s miracle men scale the summit of European football for the 14th time

By Joao Cunha

Real Madrid lifting their 14th European title in the Stade de France.

Real Madrid went into the 2021-22 Champions League season as coimplete outsiders. After an off-season of turmoll as Real’s captain Sergio Ramos left as a free agaent to PSG, Rapahel Varane was sold to Manchester United. Real Madrid’s two starting centerbacks for the last half-decade gone in one summer. In addition Kylian Mbappe didn’t come in the summer leaving questions about the attack. Although Real did sign David Alaba to replace Ramos, and Eduardo Camavinga to add depth to midfiedl. But no star signing came and when Zidane exited the club last June there was no clear replacement. Max Allegri rejected Real Madrid opting to manage Juventus instead. Real Madrid were searching for a manager until a chance encounter between Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid management, Perez then asked him to return and Ancelotti was hired. Carlo Ancelotti had won Real Madrid the Champions League before in 2014, he had been managing Everton the previous two years and had unspectular stints at Napoli and Bayern since he left Real Madrid. It was a risky hire and questioned by the media and fans alike. A likeable guy but some thought he was too “outdated” for this modern tactically driven game. After a slow start to the season and a home defeat to Sheriff in the group stage, it looked like Real Madrid were lightyears away from winning the Champions League. After all they were only eigth-favorites to win the Champions League prior to the season. Although Real Madird recovered to top the group and lead La Liga, no one gave them a shot to win the CL. And the Round of 16 draw pitted Real Madrid with PSG.

Paris Saint Germain were one of the favorites to win the Champions League as they kept Mbappe, and signed right-back Achraf Hakimi, left-back Nuno Mendes, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnaruma, and the superstar Lionel Merssi. Real Madrid despite being odds on to win the league, weren’t expected to advance. In the first-leg PSG proved their prowess with a dominant performance and a 1-0 victory with Kylian Mbappe goal in the 93rd minute. Real Madrid only lost by one goal due to an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saving many shots inclduing a penalty save by Lionel Messi. The tie looked over…

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema scoring a hat-trick to drag Real Madrid past PSG 3-2 on aggergate.

Real Madrid started the second leg well but after 20 minutes PSG took control of the match. Mbappe had a goal disallowed, and then scored a legitmate goal to PSG up 2-0 on aggergate. The second-half the tie seemed to be in full control until Donnaruma gifted the bal to Vinicius Junior who found Benzema to give a Real a lifeline. Suddenly the Bernabeu crowd woke up and roared the home side to life, Real dominated the rest of the game. Ancelotii sent in Camavinga and Rodrygo to change the game and they did. Both brought new energy to the team and Real created chances with Benzema and Vini nearly scoring. Modric ran the length of the pitch set up Vini who passed the ball back to Modric who picked out Benzema to put Real level on aggergate. Suddenly before 20 sedonds had elapsed Marquinhos made a massive mistake and gifted Benzema a chance to score a hat-trick and Benzema converted his chance. Real Madrid 3-1 PSG, and within 15 minutes Real Madrid had been dead and buried and now were on the brink of eliminating PSG. PSG melted down and when Lionel Messi skied his 93rd minute free-kick over the bar, Real had completed a legendary comeback and went on the quarter-finals. Something special was happening at Real the question was how far they could go.

Real Madrid drew Chelsea in the CL quarter-finals. Chelsea were the defending European Champions eleiminating Real Madrid 3-1 over two legs last season. Priot to the first-leg, Real had NEVER defeated Chelsea in European competitions losing two finals in the process. But Real Madrid behind an outstanding hat-trick by Karim Benzema Real won 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. The tie looked to be over as Chelsea never overturned a two goal deficit on the road. However Real gave their fans quite a scare.

Luka Modric whose oustanding pass in the second-leg kept Real Madrid alive in the Champions League. He also had a great assist to Karim Benzema in the first-leg.

Real Madrid were absolutely awful for the first 70 minutes of the second leg and when Timo Werner made it 3-0 and put Chelsea up 4-3 on aggergate, the tie looked over. Just like a month before when Barca embarassed Real Madrid at the Bernabeu 4-0, it looked like Chelsea would do the same. Kai Havertz nearly made it 4-0 with a great header, and Courtois made an incredible save to keep Real in the tie. With 10 minutes remaining, Luka Modric made the greatest pass of his storied career with the outside of his boot and Rodygo slammed the ball past Mendy to level the tie. Real Madrid grew into the game after that in part because of Ancelotti making critical subs of Camavinga, Rodrygo, and eventually Marcelo, Ceballos came in as well. The game went into extra-time and Real gained confidence as time went on. Camavinga stole the ball from Kante and set up Vinicus Junior who crossed the ball for Karim Benzema for the critical goal in the tie. In the second-half of extra-time Real defended deep and Courtois made another key saves and Chelsea missed chances to send the game to penalties. When the ref blew the whistle, Real players celebrated like crazy, they had survived again. They did it to a team that doesn’t choke in big games like PSG, but a real team like Chelsea. The team and the fans were beginning to believe maybe the 14th Champions League wasn’t a crazy dream but a possible reality.

Benzema with an iconic penalty against Manchester City to keep Real in the tie.

Manchester City were Real Madrid’s next opponent, the eventual Champions of England and the betting favorite to win the Champions League. Pep Guardiola is widely considered the best manager in the world, and his team has players like Bernanrdo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden were expected to easily beat Real Madrid. The first-leg started off badly for Real Madrid as they were 2-0 down within 10 minutes, and could have been down 4-0 within 20 if not for poor finishing by Foden and Mahrez. However Mendy crossed a hopeful ball and Karim Benzema pulled off a superb finish to make it 2-1. Real held on at halftime only down one goal, somehow they were in the tie. In the second-half City dominated the game and scored through Phil Foden to make it 3-1. But less than a few minutes later Vinicus Junior destroyed Fernadinho and ran the length of the field to score an outstanding indvidual goal. Real were not only back in the game but took some control of the match, but against the run of play by a stupid error by Real’s backline Bernanrdo Silva scored a tremendous goal. At that point the tie looked over, Carvajal cleared the ball off the line and Courtois made some fine saves. It looked like City would end up winning by more, but a free-kick by Kroos was flicked on by a Real madrid player on the hand of Laporte. A penalty was awarded for handball, and Benzema with the most absurd chip I’ve ever seen calmly put Real Madrid in the tie again. Real Madrid lost 4-3 yet all the Real players celebrated it like a victory, they were going home to overturn the deficit. As Benzema said after the game, “We are going to the Bernabeu and we expect a special night and to go to the final.” How prohetic those words turned out to be.

Rodrygo who came off the bench and scored two iconic goals to send the game into extra-time against Manchester City.

Real Madrid in the second-leg played a tactically great game limiting City to long range shots while creating the best chances. But Karim Benzeam missed a header he didn’t miss all season and Vini squandered two great chances. Real were the beteer team for the first 60 minutes but as Real’s midfield tired City took contreol. When Mahrez scored with less than 20 minutes remaining the tie looked over, even this brave Real side couldn’t possibly recover again. City nearly scored again with Mendy making a pivotal goal-line clearance and the brilliant saves of Courtois keeping Real alive. Ancelotti took out the whold midfield trio of Kroos, Modric, and Casemiro and replaced them with Ceballos, Camavinga, and Rrodrygo, and he also added in Asensio for good measure. Things were looking bleak as in the 89th minute, Real needed two goals to send the game into extra-time, they needed yet another remontada. One final mieacle was required and the miracle came in quick succession. Camavinga floated a cross in which Benzema sent back into the box and Rodrygo scored. The Bernabeu once again believed, City looked rattled as they had 6 minutes left to hold on. Surely Real had left it too late, it couldn’t happena again? Militao who was playing as a right winger at this point saved the ball and gave it to Carvajal who crossed it into the box, Asensio flicked the ball and Rodrygo somehow headed the ball past a helpleess Ederson. Real were heading into extra-time, somehow they had come back AGAIN! Rodrygo nearly scored a hat-trick but was denied by Ederson. Foden sent a show narrowly over the bar from a quick free-kick but the game couldn’t be settled in normal time. Extra time was needed and there was only going to be one winner. Real Madrid dominated extra-time as Benzema forced Ederson into another save and Real had full control. The decisive blow came when Camavinga came and passed the ball to Benzema inside the box, Benzema tried to turn and was fouled by Dias. Penalty to Madrid and just like in Manchester Benzema cooly slotted home the penalty. Real were now up 3-1 at home and 6-5 over two legs, all they had to do was hold on. Courtois made one final outstanding save on Foden’s header but thanks to Real’s discipline and shape they hedl on to book their ticket to Paris. Real Madrid somehow made it to the final, they had trailed by two goals four seperate times in the tie (2-0, 3-1, 4-2, 5-3) and yet advanced to the final. They had been battle tested and no one was stopping them now, not even their next rival Liverpool.

Liverpool reached the final only losing once in the competition and losing just three times all season. With an excellent manager in Jurgen Klopp and stars like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane not many gave Real a chance to win. Many pundits thought Real’s luck would run out against a team which had already won two trophies (FA and League cup) and ran Manchester City to the final day in England. But Real Madrid were being underestimated they had also won two trophies (La LIga, Spanish Super Cup) and had beaten better teams en route to the final. For Real they had to once again prove their doubters wrong and they did.

Vinicius Junior scoring the winning goal against Liverpool in the Champions League final. He became the fifth-youngest goalscorer to score in a CL final and the 3rd-youngerst to score the game winner.

In the first-half Liverpool had the better chances but thanks to Courtois making big saves from Salah and Mane, Real stayed in the game. When Benzema had a chance he did take it, but it was controversially disallowed for offside. A decision like that would have sunk many lesser teams but Modric admitted after the game that moment only gave the players confidence. Real were a diffferent side in the second half with a much better approcach in keeping the ball in midfied. Modrtic, Kroos, and Casemiro were outstadning in their functions and Liverpool started to get nervous. When Modric picked out Carvajal there was a mismatch and Carvajal set up Valeverde who ran inside the box and his cross/shot was put in by Vinicus Junior to make it 1-0 after 59 minutes. Real had taken the lead and they did what they are so used to doing all season, getting over the line.

Thibaut Courtois making the defining save against Salah in the CL final. His record nine saves were the most of any goalkeeper in the final of a CL, and his 59 total saves were the most in the history of the tournament. Thibaut Courtois said after the game that he wanted “some respect put on his name” responding to his critics. Well Thibaut you certainly earned that respect after the final.

Salah had the best chance to tie it up as he brilliantly beat Mendy but Courtois with his arm deflected it for a corner, and although hed made one more save off Jota the threat for Liverpool started to disappear. Aimless long crossses and balls into the box were cleared by an excellent Militao and Casemiro. Luis Dias and Jota were contained by a superb Carvajal and Salah was mostly contained by a tireless Mendy. Alaba was assured in the back and Valverde and Vini ran tirelessly throughout the game. They were eventually subbed off for Camavinga and Rodrygo heroes of previous games. Modric was also subbed off for Ceballos who nearly scored late on after a great move by Benzema. But Liverpool’s final attack landed in the glove of Thibaut Courtois who kicked the ball in midfield and the ref after letting a few seconds elapse finally blew the final whistle. Real Madrid were Champions League winners again, and this time they didn’t have an all-star team. They were betting underdogs every single knokcout tie they had and somehow, someway they lifted the trophy. The “Decimocuatro” or fourteenth Champions League title came when no one thought they could win including a majority of their fans. The celebrations by Real Madrid fans all over the world prove this, the team wasn’t supposed to be here not yet anyway. It’s only been 4 years since Real had last won the Champions League when they also beat Liverpool but the team had aged in key spots, Cristiano Ronaldo, Varane, Sergio Ramos, and Zidane left the club. Real Madrid were in transition and still technically are, a lot of the core has aged and young players are playing bigger roles. Ancelotti came in and he had to get this team to play differently, he couldn’t be as attack-minded as he was in his first spell or that 2018 side was. He had to build from the back and make the team work hard and never give up. He then made the players into a family, the celebrations showed how much the title meant to this group of players. There wasn;t players thinking about themselves or seeking personal glory, it was a team effort.

Carlo Ancelotti celebrating his 4th Champions League win as manager which is a record. He has also reached five finals, winning two titles with AC Milan and two at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid sealed their eternal title as the biggest club in the world with this Champions League win, it completed a remarkable league and CL double which is only the fourth in club history, Real Madrid have won now double the Champions League trophies as second-place AC Milan and nine more than their arch rivals Barcelona. With this title, Carlo Ancelotti wins his 4th CL and he is the only manager to accomplish that feat. With his pragmatism, culture-building and calm apporach he proved even in this modern style obessed era of football, you can win by being adaptive. Real under Ancelotti attacked when they were chasing the game against PSG, Chelsea and City and knew how to defend aganist Liverpool. Real Madrid don’t have a “style” of play but they sure have substance, if you judge a team based on style than Real aren’t the best in Europe far from it. But if you judge a team based on results then Ancelotti’s Real is clearly the best, a league and European double proves that point. Real also have won the European Cup in SIX different decades (1950’s, 1960’s, 1990’s. 2000’s, 2010’s. 2020’s.) There are 9 Real players in the squad who have won 5 CL titles. Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez, Marcelo, Isco, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Casemiro, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. Isco, Gareth Bale are leaving in the summer on a high. Marcelo who is the team’s captain was benched for Mendy and accepted his role well and when he came on against Chelsea played a crucial role in Real seeing out the game. He will leave Real Madrid as the most decorated player in Real Madrtid’s history with 25 trophies and he was the first non-Spanish captain to lift the Champions League title. Real Madrid have been a true dynasty the last decade winning five of the last nine editions of the Champions League. Although the old guard is slowly aging, the young players look ready to maintain Real at a high level. Maybe not at this absurd level but to compete for Europe’s top prize each season at a high level is certainly doable. With Vinicus Junior blossoming into a star and with the likes of Valverde, Camavinga, Rodrygo, Militao behind him there’s nothing to suggest this will be Real’s last Champions Le4ague for a while. Real Madrid are such a big club that they transform themselves through time and still achieve enormous success. All those who doubted the power of Real Madrid won’t doubt it anymoe, as therir greatness is timeless and without equal. This specfic Real side may have not been the best but it is the most emblamatic of Real as a football club. A club that puts the team first above individuals and the collective above all. Despite Karim Benzema’s extraordinary season he is a team player and symbolizes the ethos of this Real side. To never give up and to be ruthless and impose your will on the opponent. Real Madrid aren’t pretty, they aren’t for purists, but they are the greatest winners of all time. No amount of media hype and compliments can replace trophies. Trophies are Real Madrid’s baromer y nada mas.

Real Madrid wins their 14th Champions League trophy: Trolling the critics, rivals and haters

Real Madrid wpn their 14th Champions League title after being underdogs and being discounted by the media, pundits, and even certain players on the oppositon players.

Mohamed Salah before the final, “I want Real Madrid in the final. I want revenge for the 2018 final.”

Mohamed Salah basically after talking big had a terrible game and missed key chances in the CL final. Revenge? Nope just another choke job by Salah!

Salah when you talk shit, you better deliver. You wanted Real? You had to show up. You didn’t and no-showed again so enjoy another L in your career! Madrid owns you Mo!

On the Mbappe rejectinmg Real Madrid for PSG, as Clive Tylsedly said after the Vincius Junior goal, “Who needs Mbappe? They’ve got Vincius Junior” Real certainly don’t need Mbappe Clive, they are a team with their own young superstar Vini Jr. Enjoy the money and power Kylian! A CL you will never win at PSG. They lifted the CL trophy in Paris while Mbappe watched! 😀

Michael OWen before the final, “Liverpool will blow Real Madrid away.”

Reality: Real Madrid neat Liverpool once again in the CL final and proved that Liverpool aren’t an all-time great side.

Steve Nicol said that Vini would get the chance to beat Alexander-Arnold as they would get overrun. Well Vini beat Alexander Arnorld to score the winner.

Frank LeBouef, “Liverpool will win 3-1.”

Actually, Real won 1-0 Frank. Thanks for jinxing Liverpool like you did PSG, Chelsea, and City.

Jamie Carragher, “Real Madrid are NOT winning the Champions League.” After the PSG tie.

No Jamie Liverpool CANNOT win the Chamspions League, Real Madrid just did what your club couldn’t do. Period.

Liverpool fans saying this is an all-time great side, I have never seen all-time great sides lose two finals in four years to the same team. They won only one league, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League title in the last seven years. They are a bunch of frauds and gets dominated domestically by City and in Europe by Real. They better enjoy the FA and League cup because they all they are going to get this season! 😀

Pundits said Juegen Klopp is clearly better than Carlo Ancelotti. Now what? Carlo Ancelotii has four Champions League titles and five final appearcnes which are records. Klopp has lost three of his four CL finals. I’ll take Ancelotti any day.

All those who said Allison is better than Courtois just watch the game. Nine saves most in the history of the Champions League final and 59 saves is the mos of any goalkeeper in the history of the CL. The best goalkeeper in the world is Saint Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois before the final, said he was on the right side and he would win. He then had the besr performance a goalkeeper ever had in a Champions League final. He talked big and backed it up!

Now on the Premier League clubs.

English clubs combined Champions League wins: 14

Real Madrid’s Champions League wins: 14

No English club has nowhere near the heritage of Real Madrid.

Liverpool has now lost two of the three finals against Real Madrid. Liverpool have won 6 of the other 8 CL finals.

“EPL is the best league in the world.” Real Madrid knocked out Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool to win the CL. Real Madrid have won a treble, they have La LIga, the Champions League, and the Premier League since Real own English teams. LOL!

All the English pundits who understimated Real Madrid learned a valuable lesson, talent and hype can’t defeat heart and culture. Eight Champions League finals in 25 seasons is proof of that.

Now on to Real’s domestic rivals

Eden Hazard who basically has been a massive bust has more CL titles than Atletico Madrid.

David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga: First year at Real and they already are more successful than Atletico in the CL.

Nacho Fernadez has 5 Champions League tropjhies, the same number as Barcelona have won in the entire history! 😀

Now Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Casemiro, Dani Carvajal, Marcelo, Nacho Fernadez, Isco, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema all have won five Champions League titles.

Vincius Junior who Barca fans mocked has got a CL final winner today.

A rebuliding Real Madrid side winning a CL while Barca spent over 600 million haven’t won a CL since 2015.

Barca’s biggest trophies this season:

Barca beating Real Madrid 4-0.

Mbappe not joining Real Madrid.

Barca losing a clasico playing well. Pride in defeat, 😀

While Real Madrid won the league, the spanish super cup, and the Champions League.

Now Real Madrid have NINE more Champions Leagues than Atletico Madrid and Barcelona combined. Real Madrid have now won seven CL titles since 2000 and 8 since 1998. Real Madrid have won more Champions League in the last 25 seasons than the seond most successful club in the history of the CL (AC Milan has 7 titles)

Despite all the critics and people laughing at Real Madrid throughout the season, now are eating their words. Some are still crying saying “Real were lucky” but at the end of the day Real are the Champions. The biggest club in the world proved everyone wrong once again! HALA MADRID!

2022 UEFA Champions League final preview: Madrid’s miracle men versus Liverpool’s mentality monsters

By Joao Cunha

Mohamed Salah on the left, Karim Benzema on the right. Liverppol and Real Madrid’s star players respectively.

The 2022 UEFA Champions League final is just a few days away and is the one of the most anticpated finals yet. There are two finalists who have won a combined 19 Champions League titles before the game and have contested 25 finals prior to this one. The biggest team from Spain versus the biggest team from England will face off in the Stade de France seeking to make history. Real Madrid are seeking to win their record 14th Champions League and complete only their 4th La LIga and Champions League double in their remarkable history. Liverpool are aiming to win their 7th Champions League and win three out ot the four major trophies available to them, having already won the FA and League Cup this season. Both teams have great managers in the bench. Real Maadrid’s Carlo Ancelotti could win a record 4th Champions League as a manager in his record 5th Champions League final. While his counterpart Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp could win his 2nd Champions League in 4 final attempts. These are two legendary sides but took very different routes to reach the final.

Real Madrid’s route to the final began with a pretty commanding group stage performance winning 5 out of their 6 games, beating Inter Milan twice to top the group. However a shock home defeat to Sheriff made many Real Madrid fans and pundits doubt Real Madrid’s a legitmate title contender. A horrendous first-leg performance against PSG saw Real Madrid somehow only escape with a 1-0 defeat when they should have lost by more. Courtois made several outstanding saves, including a penalty save on Lionel Messi. Still despite only needing a one goal comeback in the second leg, the mood was very low heading into the second leg. Despite Real’s remarkable form in La Liga en route to an eventual 35th league title, very few gave Real a chance to overturn the deficit. PSG were the favorites to not only defeat Real but win the Champions League. And after 60 minutes in the Bernabeu, PSG were 1-0 up and in full control of the tie, it seemed like there was no way back for Real. Except after a Donnaruma mistake, Benzema gave Real hope, and Real changed their fortunes in 30 extraordinary minutes. Modric help set up Benzema for his second goal, and then less than a minute later Benzeama took advantage of a Marquinhos mistake to seal his hat-trick. Real Madrid held on to win the game 3-1 and progressed to the quarter-finals with all the confidence in the world. Their next opponents were Chelsea, who eliminated Real last season convincingly and were favored to win the tie. Real Madrid put on a masterclass at Stamford Bridge and behind another Benzema hat-trick won the first leg 3-1. The tie seemed to be over but it was just beginning. Chelsea showed their heart and raced to a stunning 3-0 lead in the Bernabeu and with 10 minutes left, Real were heading out of the Champions League. They needed a moment of magic, and Luka Modric with the best pass of his career found an open Rodygo who scored to send the game into extra-time. In extra-time, Vincius crosssed the ball to Benzema to send Real through to the semi-finals, against all the odds Real had beaten the defending Europan champions. But the toughest test was yet to come, a duel against the English champions Manchester City. The first leg City dominated and yet Real only lost 4-3, with Benzema and Vinicius Junior scoring incredible goals to keep the tie alive. But very few thought Real had another miracle in them, except Real Madrid fans who chanted “Si se puede, Yes we can” after Real clinched the La Liga title. The fans knew this team could come back again, but even they didn’t know how hard it would be. Real Madrid despite all the bullshit analysis from the media actually played a really solid second-leg, Benzema and Vini missed chances that they had scored all season and Real seemed to tire in the last 20 minutes. City took control and when Mahrez scored the tie was seemingly over, but saves from Courtois and Mendy kept Real in the game. In the 89th minute everything changed as Rodrygo scored after an excellent cross frtom Benzema. Surely this Real side couldn’t do it again??? But they had one more miracle in them, as two minutes Carvajal’s cross was flicked on by Asensio and Rodrygo scored a titanic header to send the game into extra-time. The Bernabeu went wild and there was only going to be one winner, as Benzema earned the penalty a few minutes into extra-time the crowd knew the outcome. Benzema slotted home the panalty and Real just needed to hold on to progress to the final. Courtois made an outstanding save on Foden’s header to keep the score 3-1 but that chance was the last City had. Real Madrid through yet another magical night in the Bernabeu made it to the Champions League, against all odds being underdogs in every single tie along the way. This was a remarakable feat for a side aging in too many areas, and too young in other areas. A team with a manager that was considered outdated by a sizeable chunk of their own fanbase in Carlo Ancelotti instilled the mentality needed to reach another final. This is Real Madrid’s 5th final in 9 seasons, their 10th semi-final in 12 seasons but this season was the most improbable. They weren’t supposed to be here, they sold Varane to Manchester United, Ramos left to go to PSG. They only addded David Alaba to replace Ramos and relied on an unproven Militao to replace Varane, both have been brilliant this season. Camavinga was the only other signing Real made and hea has been a great super-sub for Real. This squad was meant to hold the ship until better Real Madrid teams came along, but they did more than that. They are in a Champions League final and they feel it might be their destiny to win yet another European title.

Liverpool started the season in remarkable form in the Champions League winning all 6 group stage games in a group tha inclu7ded Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and FC Porto. They faced Inter Milan in the Round of 16 and easily defeated Inter 2-0 at the San Siro behind another goal from Salah. In the second-leg at Anfield they didn’t take their chances and when Martinez put Inter up 1-0 it looked like it would be a scary night for Liverpool. However an Alexis Sanchez red card left Inter with 10 men, and LIverpool held on to advance 2-1 over the two legs. The quarter-final agaimst Benfica was far more straighforward, as they won 3-1 away in Lisbon, then drew 3-3 at Anfield with Klopp resting almost his entire teasm in the second-leg. In the semi-finals they faced a surprising Villareal side who eliminated Juventus and Bayern in the previous rounds. Liverpool dominated the first leg and through a strange first goal by Henderson and Sadio Mane’s clutch second goal, Liverpool had a 2-0 lead heading into the second leg. The tie seemed like it was over but it wasn’t. Villareal played the best first-half of their season and raced to a 2-0 lead in the first-half and erased the deficit completely. Liverpool looked rattled and being favorites had all the pressure on them. But like all great sides they found a way back. Goals from Fabinho, an inspired Luis Dias, and another big goal by Mane set Liverpool on their way to a historic 3-2 away win and a trip to Paris. Liverpool in addition to having the spirit of a great side, also have so much talent. In Salah and Mane they have great goalscorers and decisive players. In Van Dijk they have the world’s hest center-back and Fabinho, Keita, Thiago provide a steel and class in midfield. Alexander-Arnold and Robertson maybe the best full-backs in their position and Allison has retruned to top form in goal. Unlike previous Liverpool sides they have depth with Jota, Firmino, Dias, and Henderson an come off the bench and change the game, It was Luis Dias who came in and saved Liverpol against Villareal and turned that tie around with his performance off the bench. This team is in their prime and are motivated tp put their heartbreaking loss of trhe Premier League title behind them. Liverpool have only lost three times the whole season and their last loss was in March to Inter Milan in a game they could afford to lose. Liverpool are ruthless, almost like a machine as a football team they grind you out with ruthless agressive pressing and fast attacks. They defend as a team and attack in full force, they are a truly modern team. However the one criticism of this team is that they don’t win enough silverware. Despite Klopp’s remarkable achivements at Liverpool he has only won six trophies in his nearly seven years in charge. Considering his financial restrictions it’s still a great achievement but more is needed. Manchester City their great rivals domestically at home dominate the Premier League winning 4 of the last 5 league titles, compared to Liverpool’s lone triumph in 2020. They have pushed them close in those years but usually fell just short. But if Liverpool wins a second Champions League in four years, that will put them in a different level than City. They will have the respect of the world for winning the Champions League is more prestigious and City have never won that title. So for Liverpool the mission is clear, win the Champions League and transform all the promise into dominance in the European stage. It’s the best way to prove your worth domestically by showing you are the best in Europe.

This final puts teams in completely different stages of their development. Real Madrid are a team in transition between a glorious era that was the middle part of the 2010’s to a bright future in the next few years. Benzema’s transformation into the best player in the world was staggering as he is 34 and has never had a season like this scoring 44 goals and having 16 assists. Vinicius Junior who was mocked last season for his lack of end product has had a breakout season scoring 21 goals and helping set up 20 goals. With Kroos, Casemiro, Carvajal holding steady in their positons and Luka Modric having maybe the best season of his career the old guard has been good enough to hold down the fort enough to bring this team so much suceess. Young players like Valverde. Camavinga, Rodrygo, and Mendy have stepped up their game and Real arrive to another Champions League final ahead of schedule. No one in the beginning of the season gave Real a chance, as they weren’t even favorites to win their league let alone reach a European final. Excellent management from Carlo Ancelotti and the mental toughneess of this team led them to the final, where they are once again underdogs. Michael Owen said that Liverpool “will blow them away” on Saturday. Real are underdogs because they are by all purposes the worse team on paper, they have lost eight games this seaon. Four of those games in the Champions League, one in the clasico was a 4-0 beatdown when they were really “blown away.” However Real players had heard the media and their own fans dount them all season, this is just another chance to prove everyone wrong, As for Liverpool they are the clear favorites for the final, they have the best team and they are hungry for success. Being in the shadow of Manchester City should be more than enough motivation to get them going but the legacy of this team has yet to be defined. Make no mistake Liverppol are under far more pressure than Real Madrid. Real Madrid have won their domestic league and have won the Champions League four times in the last decade, while a looss would hurt their season has been a massive succees. Would Liverpool’s season be regarded that way? I am not sure it would as they would finish second best in the two tournaments that matter, what’s the value of just winning the FA and League Cup when Liverpool are trying to be a historic team. For better or worse this Real side is already a historic team, Liverpool are trying to get there. A loss for Liverpool would be crushing as they would lose two of the three Champions League finals under Klopp, two of them to Real Madrid. Salah said he wants “revenge” for the 2018 final where he was sadly injured and Liverpool lost the final 3-1. That defeat still stings Liverpool and last year’s elimination to Real in the quarter-finals does as well. Real Madrid have been a stone in Liverpool’s show and the only way to vanquish the demons is to lift the Champions League against Real Madrid. That would not only be “revenge” but put Liverpool into a pantheon of all-time great sides. Three CL finals since 2018, two titles, and have won basically every title you can win since 2019 would make Klopp’s Liverppol legendary. That is their motivation. For Real Madrid it’s a simple motivation to seal this legendary Real Madrid with one last unlikely Champions League and end the era of European dominance with the ulltimate high. A 5th Champions League win in 9 seasona could make them the greatesr side of all-time, at the very least they would be in the conversation. And they could do what Real rarely do win a Champions League as complete outsiders, have their own version of Liverpool 2005, Chelsea 2012, and prove how great Real really are. it’s easy to win the Champions League when you are expected to win but it’s a lot more special when no one thinks you have a chance. Both Real and Liverpool have the same chance Saturday and that’s why this final is so legendary, no matter who the favorite is we can’t really know the outcome.

Some facts about the final

Real Madrid will play their 17th Champions League final on Saturday, and Liverpool will play their 10th final. Real Madrid have won 13 of their 16 finals, Liverpool have won 6 of their 9 finals.

Liverpool and Real Madrid have met in two Champions League finals. The first one in 1981 was also in Paris with Liverppol winning 1-0. In 2018 they met again in Kiev with Real winning 3-1.

Real Madrid leads the all-time series with 4 wins, 3 lossers, 1 draw. They have eliminated Liverpool twice (2018 final, 2021 quarter-finals) while Liverpool have knocked out Real twice (1981 final, 2009 Round of 16). There have been two group stage meetings where Real won both meetings,

Karim Benzema is the all-time top scorer for either side in this fixture scoring four goals in five matches.

Real have not lost their last 7 Champions League finals, the last loss was to Liverpool in 1981.

A Liverpool win would give them 7 Champions League titles which would tie them with the second-most ever alongside AC Milan.

If Real Madrid they would win their 14th Champions League which would extend their record number of Champions League wins.

English and Spainsih sides have faced off in five Champions League finals. The Spanish sides have won four of the five meetings.

Kylian Mbappe’s transfer saga: What ir really means and why Real shoul;d shut the door on his transfer for good

By Joao Cunha

Kylian Mbappe ended his transfer saga Saturday announcing he would stay at PSG. This is a massive coupd for PSG in the marketing sense, and he is a fantastic player who should only get better. It was a transfer saga unlike any other with state-owned football club with pressure from the president of France versus a traditional football club who has been led by Florentino Perez. Florentino Perez is the godfather of transfer sagas, he has been through a LOT of them in the past 20 years. Perez has won the signatures of Figo, Zidane, CR7, Kaka, Benzema, and Ronaldo Nazario. Although unlike many people on twitter he has suffered transfer losses most notably Neymar who chose to go to Barca instead of Real Madrid. Perez’s ego and love of superstars made him the big dog of the transfers made him obessesive over impossible causes. Why not? In Perez’s case he has won a lot more transfer battles than he has lost. But in Mbappe’s case there were many warning signs that he was using the club. Whwether Real Madrid fans believed he’s a Real Madrid fan or not is irrelevant, Perez should NOT have believed him. Perez either should have put a strict deadline on this deal, to be able to move on to other transfer targets. Or he should have convinced Mbappe to sign a contract with a penalty clause like Luis Figo did in 2000, so in the event he doesn’t sign the club gets a hefty financial compensantion and the club could put the blame on the player for breaking his contractual obligations. But Florentino in an act of naivety failed to do either and ended up getting rejected by Mbappe via WhatsApp. Real Madrid were desperate for someone they shouldn’t have been desperate for, a club of that stature shouldn’t be desperate for any player. This is a failure of professionalism on both parties as while Mbappe lied to Real Madrid, Perez should not have been prepared better for this loss. He spent multiple transfer windows sacrificing a veteran team and not reinforcing the squad, which only has somehow worked out because the young players improved and the old players improved or maintained their form. This is a failure on Florentino Perez’s record not because he failed to get Mbappe, but because he made him the only option. His obessesion with one player caused this disappoint for Real Madrid fans and the club itsefl. But how did Mbappe’s allegdly change his mind? My theory is he never changed his mind, he used Real Madrid for his contract and power over PSG.

Kylian Mbappe isn’t like a tradtional star, this is why fans struggle to see why he made this decision. But for me Mbappe is similar to LeBron James. LeBron James like Mbappe was hyped to infinity after a breakout start to their career. They both put their brands and personal choice above the teams they are currently on. Both care about money but that is not their motivation, power is their main motivation. They want to wield power over other players, managers, directors, and even presidents. Both have incredibly big egos and need to be the center of attention, which is why both made big shows of their free-agent moves. (LeBron’s 2010 decision is very similar to Mbappe’s 2022 free agency saga) But this new “player-power” era makes Mbappe’s decision very clear. Where would he make the most money, be treated like a God, avoid criticism from local fans, AND make all the decisions? The answer is clear that club was PSG. That’s why he stayed and signed that contract he wanted to the big shot and let everyone else know it. Similarly to LeBron he and his entourage are putting a lot of spin to soften his image, and hide his power-hungry nature. Like LeBron it’s not likely to work as LeBron became a divisive figure so too will Mbappe. He put himself above PSG, he basically runs the club and he better succeed with all that power. If not he will get the majority of the blame, because he is now a target. He wanted to fire Leonardo and he is gone, Pochettino soon to follow. Next it could Neymar and Messi out the door, and maybe Pogba and Dembele in. PSG may have won the Mbappe sweepstakes but they also have given control to a club to a 23-year old. Now regardless of the talent how many busineses ou there would give a 23-year old that much power? The answer is almost none. Even LeBron didn’t have power at Miami, and doesn’t have full power at the Lakers. There is always a hierarchy at clubs and in businesses. A club can give players some say in manager choices or player signings but they shouldn’t be beholdent to them. PSG already tried this experiment with Neymar when they signed him from Barca in 2017. They gave Neymar all the power and what they did get in return, a lazy petluant player who hasn’t delivered the Champions League yet for the club. A player who missed league and cup games to go to his sister’s birthday parties, a player who hasn’t risen to big occasions to justify his power. What PSG effectively did is double-down on a failed sporitng model and give it to a younger version of Neymar. Now this isn’t to say it can’t work, Mbappe is much more professional than Neymar and his first choices for Spoirting Director (Campos) and manager (Zidane almost impsooble that he would join however) look like great choices. But the issue is can a player who runs the club be coached, can they be discplined, can his friends be reprimanded, will other leaders like Marquinhos resent him? These are all questions that have yet to be solved. There is also the question of the political angle of sportswashing but I am not a moralist so that’s not my battle the world is corrupt and messed up we understand this. It is odd that a country can finance a team and a president of a nation like France can pressure a player but it’s the world we live in. Every club has skeletons in its closet and to moralize about this just seems to be sour grapes and for me making excuses. The truth is not many in the football world expected this to happen so people try to make PSG into this evil club, which it isn’t. PSG fans have suffered for too long under abysmal ownership before the Qataris took over in 2011, and they shouldn’t have to apologize because they have money regardless of the source. After all the traditonal clubs as well as other big money clubs are hardly innocent in these aspects as well. In addition all the indignation and victimization by Real Madrid fans over the “oil clubs” wasn’t there when PSG took Neymar from Barca’s nose. I saw a lot of Real fans celebrate Barca losing a player to this “oil club” and trolled them for it. I didn’t hear many calls for salary caps and financial oversight there from Real fans, in fact Perez and Nasser were friends back then. Real Madrid believed that they were immune from the money-centric world of modern football and Perez arrogantly did nothing to limit PSG’s power. In fact his poorly-thought out Super League idea inadverntly gave PSG more power because for a year it destroyed FFP, and Nasser Al-Khalefi (PSG’s boss) became the head of the European Clubs Association. So instead of these fans pointing the finger solely on Qatar, they should hold Perez, Real Madrid and UEFA accountable for not limiting their financial power and political influence. PSG and Nasser made a massive gamble in the summer of 2021, by rejecting 200 million euros for Mbappe by Real Madrid. PSG knew Mbappe had other motivations other than joining Real Madrid, they saw him every day, they knew his character and saw that he could be convinced to stay. PSG did everything it took to keep Mbappe and in the end they got what they wanted, and Real Madrid have to accept their failures no matter how unfair they felt it was. PSG got their man in the end and the question remains, will it be worth it?

Despite Mbappe staying PSG fans should be wary. While they keep a generational player there is no guarantee he will lead you to the Champions League. With Mbappe PSG have only reached one Champions League final and lost because Mbappe missed the best chance in the final. In football one player no matter how good he is can’t carry a team to a title. So if things continue the way it is and PSG flame out of Europe every year we eill return to a free-agent saga in a few years except potentially with a very different outcome. Because power is only useful if you know how to use it, and if Mbappe doesn’t he will be the scapegoat for the team’s failures.

Moving on to Real Madrid, it’s clear to me that some fans don’t understand wha self-respect means. The amount of excuses given for Mbappe’s decision and that he still “loves” Real Madrid is laughable. Kylian Mbappe loves himself, his family, his friends, and his brand, he doesn’t love Real Madrid. Actions speak louder than words. Real Madrid tried to sign him to their youth team, he rejected the deal because he wants to stay in France. He was offered in 2017 to come to Real from Monaco he rejected it for guaranteed playing time at PSG. He had the chance to come to Real Madrid as a free-agent gave his word to go to Real Madrid and then at the last minute changed his mind when he got what he wanted at PSG. This is not love, this is negotations, this is pragmatism which he has a right to do. But Real Madrid also have a right to close the door on him, Real fans are disappointed, embarrassed, irritated because they felt he loved the club. Some fans sadly are still in denial and are trying to make excuses so he can come. Mbappe believes he is so great he can join Real Madrid whenever he wants, he thinks right now that he has all the power. However he doesn’t and he shouldn’t as Real are bigger than any other player. Real Madrid eliminated PSG this year in the Champions League despte Mbappe scoring two goals. He couldn’t overcome Real Madrid twice in the Champions League since he joined Real. And yet some people want him to join? For what so he can pull this drama at Real, so he can control the club? Rationally even if he came in a few years would he relinquish his power to join Real? What if he were to win the Champions League, what need would he feel to give up power if he succeeds? Also can Real trust him? The clear answer is hell no they can’t and they shouldn’t. While he has the right to do this it doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences. The biggest one is that his alleged dream of joining Real Madrid will likely never happen. And to all those saying it is a business and he is too talented to discard, let me ask you a question. Is it worth the risk to hire someone when you don’t actually need them who puts themselves above your club? Mbappe thinks he is bigger than Real Madrid and Real despite this news being a blow don’t need him. They have the world’s best player in Benzerma, they have the best young winger next to Mbappe in Vincius Junior. They have Rodrygo who can perform in big games. The club has won La Liga and is in the Champions League final without him. Would he be a great addition yes? But he is vital of course not! That is why Real should move on, they have given Mbappe three shots to join the club and he rejected them three times. He said he respects the club but the way he went about the negotiation says otherwise. To finsih up what guarantee do Real have if they give him a fourth chance he wouldn’t just reject Real again? In fact knowing his pattern of behavior that is actually the most likely action he would take. Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world and they shouldn’t leverage their future on a player that has shown he doesn’t want to be here. Real Madrid as an institution should respect itself and its legends. Like any person you shouldn’t take for granted the people who are with you. Real fans instead of being sad just look forward five days because unlike PSG you have a Champions League final to prepare for. Unlike Mbappe you can be champions of Europe this season. And never forget this, the goal of great players is to win trophies not to win headlines. Something that PSG, Mbappe and the player-power movemnt could learn from. Fans don’t just want to watch you play, they want to watch you win.

Real Madrid’s 35th league tiele: A word to Real’s rivals and critics

Real Madrid are the most successful team not only in Spain but in the world of football. As a result they have a lot of rivals and critics. But these are some FACTS about this league title and a message to their critics! Hala Madrid!

Real Madrid have now 35 league titles, 9 more than Barcelona, and a staggering 24 titles more than (alleged) city rivals Atletico Madrid! Truly incredible to see that Real’s rivals despite having their best 15 years of each club’s history cannot close the gap to Real Madrid all that much. LOL!

Despite wgat the ctitics and the media say, Real Madrid are NOT a terrible league side. This is Real’s 8th league title in 21 years which is around their historical average. Real Madrid have won 6 league titles in 16 seasons which isn’t too bad considering how much Barca, Atletico have had historic sides in that period. But even in a rebuilding year, post Cristiano Ronaldo era, Real Madrid have won two of the last three league titles. Also Real Madrid have won three of the last six league titles which is more than Barceleona (who spent more and had Messi for five of those seassons) and Atletico (who spent more as well). Facts.

Real Madrid have won at Valencia, at Osasuna, at Real Betis, at Real Sociedad, at Celta Vigo, and at Barcelona this season. They are one of the best away sides in the history of La LIga, if they win their last two away games they will have the second best road record in the history of La LIga.

Real Madrid have clinched the league with four rounds left to spare for the first time since 1990. The only other times Real clinched the league this early was in 1986, 1988, and 1990. A rare feat.

Real Madrid have the best attack in Spain, and the second-best defense in La Liga which shows how well balanced the team is. A consistent defense and a deadly attack led to the league title.

Real Madrid have won more league titles since 2020 than Liverpool has won since 1990! (2 La Ligas to 1 EPL) Yet some media people argue that LIverpool are a better run side…

Real Madrid have won more league titles in the last 21 years than Manchester City has won in their ENTIRE history. (8 La Ligas to 7 EPL titles)

While Barcelona made jokes, celebrated their historic 4-0 win at Real Madrid, it ended meaning nothing. Real won their next 5 league games and sealed the league. Barcelona soon after lost three straight home games and went out of the Europa League to Eintracht Frankfurt. But Barca surely won a trophy right???

I tried searching for Barca’s trophy they won this season and this is all I could find! HAHAHA!

Error 404: Barca’s trophy in 2021-22 could not be found. Please try another search.

Error 802: Barca haven’t won La Liga since 2019.

Xavi effect: Took over Barca they were 12 points behind Real Madrid, still in the Champions League, Super cup, and Copa del Rey. Xavi’s Barca are now 15 points behind Real Madrid, got eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League, got eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Europa League quarterfinals by a mid-table team from Germany, lost the Spanish Super Cup to Real Madrid in his first Clasico, and lost the Copa del Rey to Bilbao. Wha a manager brought in 5 players to win nothing and finish further behind Real Madrid! Sensational job Xavi enjoy that 4-0 trophy!!!! ;D

Atletico Madrid who won the league last season spent nearly 50 million Euros more this summer than Real, kept all their best players were expected to win La Liga. But they are now 21 points behind Real Madrid and might not qualify for the Champions League! To top it off they have to do the guard of honior at their stadium to pay tribute to the champions Real Madrid. The Atletico players instead of focusing on the fact that their team is terrible is fighting the club to NOT do the guard of honor. Stay classy Atletico!

Yes Pique you are back where you belong in Real Madrid’s shadow. A club officially founded three years before Real Madrid only to gain relevance in 2003 by Ronaldinho cannot expect anything more!

Kieran Trippier when Atletico Madrid won the league said that Madrid is Red and White! Nice joke and the best oart is that Trippier left Atletico to go to Newcastle as he knew Atletico only win a league title per decade! Another trophyless season awaits for the small club in Madrid.

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Marcelo Real Madird’s captain has won six league titles in his 15 year career. Atletico Madrid has 11 so Marclo in 90 less years has won more than half of their league titles! Incredible!

To sum it up let’s enjoy this La Liga title Real Madrid fans. This year had so many questions that were answered so spectuarly this season. It’s a magical season that could end even more brilliantly if they win the Champions League. Regardless of the CL this season has been a success. Ancelotti and his team made Real Madrid fans proud and now we can celebrate and troll our rivals and critics!