Real Madrid’s inexplicable double: Reviewing Real’s incredible 2021/22 season

By Joao Cunha

Real Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0 to win their 14th Champions League behind a goal By Vinicus Junior.

Real Madrid’s 2021-22 season can only be describned as surreal. Real Madrid somehow ended up winning three out of four available trophies, only missing out on the Copa del Rey. Real Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup beating Bilbao in the final 2-0 with goals by Luka Modric and Karim Benzema. The team then won La Liga with relative ease winning the league with four rounds to spare. Real finished 13 points ahead of second-place Barcelona which is their largest lead over a second-place side in the club’s history. Then to top it off, Real Madrid won the Champions League against all odds defeating Liverpool 1-0 in the final with a goal by Vincius Junior. Real Madrid defeated PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City three oi the four favorites to reach the final, winning memorable and historic games en route to the final. But this season as successful as it has been was a complete surprise to everyone. No one expected Real to win the league with ease, let alone win the Champions League. Not just the media but even Real Madrid’s own fans dismissed this season as a rebuilding year. That this was a season meant to sheperd out the old guard, blood in the young players, try to win a title, and try to wait for the big star to arrive which was Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe didn’t move in the summer and he was expected to be the future star of Real and the beginning of the new era of dominance. When Mbappe rejected the club to stay at PSG a week before the Champions League final it set the team back from a rebuilding perspective but as well as Real’s pride. Real Madrid had in theory sacrificed so many years you can make argument since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in 2018 just to sign Mbappe. So Real Madrid if they hadn’t succeded this season would be in a full-blown crisis, with a short-term failure and a long-term uncertainity. This is why this season was so important because of the incredible success and because it was so unexpected. Rarely are Real underdogs and this season they were and not without reason.

Real Madird’s offseason in 2021 was a very turbulent time as Zidane left as manager of Real Madrid. Sergio Ramos left the club on a free after a lengthy contract dispute with the club. Raphael Varane refused to sign a contract extension and was sold to Manchester United. Gareth Bale who is persona non-grata at Real, returned from his one-year loan with very little fan fare. Max Allegri the club’s first choice to replace Zidane as manager, rejected the club for Juventus. (He then bragged about it months later.) Real Madrid then hired Carlo Ancelotti who came off several poor stints at Everton and Napoli, which to be fair says just as much about those clubs as it does Ancelotti. However Carlo was a questionable choice as he seemingly was thought of as an outdated coach, and Real needed a better tactican to take advantage of a more limited squad than Real are used to. However Ancelotti brought along Vinicus Junior trying to make him a better goalscorer and decision maker. Ancelotti also made Militao work on his defending. Ancelotti wanted to work with the players to improve their level. In addition Real Madrid signed David Alaba as center-back replacement for Ramos and Eduardo Camavinga to add depth to midfield. Real Madrid weren’t favorites to win La LIga as Atletico won the league in 2021 and Real were decisively beaten in the Champions League semi-finals by Chelsea. Nobody expected anything of them, but they surprised everyone.

Real Madrid beat Athletic Bibao 2-0 behind goals by Luka Modric and Karim Benzema to wiin their 12th Spanish Supercup.

Real Madrid strarted off the serason inconsistently, they got off to a nice start in La Liga but conceded a lot of goals. Real beat Inter 1-0 at San Siro but then they suffered a shock defeat at home to Sheriff 2-1 and then lost to Espanyol 2-1 away from home. Ancelotti was getting heavily criticized for his side’s defensive struggles and he had to fix something. Then the next game, Real Madrid beat Shaktar 5-0 with goals by Vinicus Junior, Rodygo, and Benzema to seal a great win. Real Madrid instead of a playing a more aggressive pressing style, decided to play a more defensive, counter-attacking style. Real then Barca 2-1 away at Camp Nou to go top of the league, a position in which they wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the season. Real Madrid then flew by taking full control of La Liga and topping the Champions League group. In January Real defeated Barca 3-2, and Atheltic Bibao 2-0 to win their 12th Spanish Super Cup. Real Madrid kept going strong in La Liga but suffered a painful elimination to Bilbao in the Copa del Rey. A 1-0 loss to PSG put pressure on Ancelotti as the team showed no signs of life and could have easily allowed more goals. But Real Madrid behind a hat-trick by Benzema made it into the Champions League quarter-finals. A humbling 4-0 loss to Barcelona at home put new doubts about Ancelotti and the team. Although the team was still nine points clear atop the league, there were questions how much further Real could go in Europe. But it turned out to be a historic fluke, as Real eliminated Chelsea despite suffering a scare in the second-leg and won the next five league games to seal La Liga with four rounds to spare. During this timespan they lost 4-3 at Manchester City and headed into the second-leg needing a remontada. Real Madrid although played well were down 1-0 in the 89th minute against Manchester City, it looked like the Champions League run was over. Rodrygo in a spaan scored two goals in two minutes to send the game into extra-time. Real Madrid then scored through a Benzema penalty to send the team to the final. Another fightback and a trip to Paris was secured. In the final against Liverpool, the team suffered but held on to win 1-0 behind a masterclass by Courtois and a clutch goal by Vincius Junior. The team had completed a remarkable and unlikely double. For me the greatest season in Real Madird’s season.

Real Madrid won La LIga in 2021-22 season with 86 points. They clinched the league with four games to spare. Real Madrid scored the mosrt goals (80) and second-best defense (31).

It may seem like an absurd take and a reactionary one to many but there has been no season as good as this one by Real Madrid. Yes 2016-17 Real Madrid were at their apex and won four out of a possible five titles. That team only lost five times and they were clearly the best team in Spain and Europe. Their second-half destruction of Juventus was legendary and the 4-1 scoreline in the 2017 final didn’t flatter Real at all. But Real fans aren’t Barca fans, they don’t care quite as much for dominance and perfection. Real fans want to be entertained and they want to see their team win but not in a such easy way. 2021-22 Real Madrid has all the positive qualities of a Real side, they have the individual quality (Benzema, Vini, Modric, Courtois) a collective unity, and a never-say-die attitude. Real Madrid’s remontada against PSG was insane, their survival against Chelsea heartstopping, and THAT comeback against City absolutely fucking crazy. This team provided Real Madrid games that are more memorable than many finals, many clasico wins and they were some great performances. A La Liga and CL double is a rare enough feat for Real as this was only their fourth in the club’s history but a team that’s so entertaining is even rarer. The La LIga games against Sevilla were a testament to this. Real were down both meetings and needed big comebacks to win 2-1 at home with a great goal by Vincius Junior and 3-2 with a last-minute goal Benzema. The comeback against Valencia on the road, the comeback draw to home to Elche, the 5-2 win at home to Celta Vigo, and the 3-2 extra-time win against Barcelona are examples of some the insane games Real played this season. Although some would argue this a proof of Real’s weaknesses in controlling games and defending which are fair points. I have never said this is Real’s best side, far from it. I think this is the least cohesive side to win the Champions League that Real have had at least in the last decade. However what they lack in control and depth, they make up for it in heart and individual brilliance. Real Madrid though don’t play the most eye-catching football, they do play the mos efficient and dranatic games in Europe this season. To top it off they won at a time when Real Madrid sorely needed it. Real had gone through several years of boring football that although made the team competitive was not inspiring and didn’t take the club that far in the Champions League. Real Madrid since Cristiano Ronaldo left, the club struggled for goals and although the team won La LIga in 2020, they were far from being competitive in Europe. Seeing Atletico win La Liga and English clubs dominate the last few years in the Champions League hurt Real fans. It also upset the fans to see no real star players come to the club, it was e legitmate rebuild and they needed to have patience. The patience finally payed off this season and the Champions League camapign felt like three or four Champions League wins. Real succeeded in overcoming where the post-CR7 Real sides failed, they overcame the odds and delivered the most dramatic Champions League ever. Four years after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure the club is back at the top of Spanish and European football. They dominated with a combination of veterans and young players with very few players in their peak. Real Madrid through coaching, hard work, and spirit became great again and have a bright future to look forward to. With Vinicus Junior developing into a superstar, eve without Mbappe they have their face of the future and the present. So this season may be the end of an era with Isco, Bale and Marcelo leaving but it is the befinning of a new era. An era led by Valverde, Vini Junior, Militao, Camaving and Rodrygo. A future that can make Real Madrid fans move on from once and for all from the Cristiano Ronaldo era.

Top 10 players this season in my opinion.

10. Casemiro: An inconsistent season that started off slowly and he hit form around November before dropping off again in January. Casemiro this season had poor moments on the ball and wasn’t the best against the press but his defensive awareness is still vital even when he doesn’t play well. When Casemiro missed the PSG and City games, Real Madrid were so exposed defensively and the midfield was cut open time and time again. Despite his up and down form, he performed exceptionally well in big games. The first two clasicos against Barca, the 2-0 win against Atletico, the 3-1 win against City, and he saved his best for last. His exceptional performance in the final, reading the game acting like a third center back to help Alaba clearing crosses in the box. Casemiro in big games delivered.

9. Rodrygo: He started the season slowly but he has been an incredible asset off the bench. His nine goals and many assists were vital to Real’s double. He assisted Alaba’s goal in the clasico at Camp Nou, he assisted Valverde’s winner in the Spanish Supercup, Rodygo assisted Modric’s goal in the Supercup final. And he scored in massive games, getting the first goal and assiting Benzema’s winner at Sevilla, his two goals to seal the league at home to Espanyol, his winner against Inter Milan in the San Siro. Of course his biggest games were in the CL knockout stages. His iconic volley against Chelsea saved Real Madrid to send the tie into extra-time, and his two clutch goals in two minutes to send the match into extra-time. Rodrygo was the seoond top scorer for Real in the Champions League, despite the fact he wasn’t a starter for the majority of the season. Although his end product needs to improve, he is already a big-game player and his contributions down the stretch were fundamental to Real’s three trophies this season.

8. Ferland Mendy: He has limitations as an offensive player, he needs to work on his crossing and combining with Vinicus Junior. However he still scored two goals and his defensive contributions is outstanding. He has had his fair share of injuries this season, but when he is in fully fit he can shut down opposing wingers. His perormances against Barca in the Camp Nou, Manchester City at home with his famous goal-line clearance, and his Champions League final performance where he helped limit Mohamed Salah. Mendy has had another solid season.

7. Federico Valverde: He started the season off slowly, suffering from lack of form and injuries. Although he intially started off as a starter, his uneven form coupled with Kroos coming back from injury he was put back on the bench. When he returned from COVID in January, he slowly regained his form. He scored a clutch winner against Barcelona in the semis of the Spanish Super Cup. But his biggest impact was in the Champions League where his performances against PSG, Chelsea, City, and Liverpool. He had the key assist to Vinicius Junior in the CL final to help Real win the Champions League. Although Valverde’s true impact is his energy, pressing, and covering ground to help Real defensively. A selfless player and deserves more recognition.

6. David Alaba: He has been a fantastic signing and slowly became a fan favorite at Real Madrid. A smart, classy center back on the ball, he brought leadership and conisstency to the backline. His outstanding perfromance in the first clasico scoring the firs goal, and defended well to hold off Barca. Alaba also performed really well against PSG, Chelsea, and many La LIg games. Although he suffered injuries down the stretch and had some bad performances against Barca, and Manchester City he was mostly incredible throughout the season. Alaba’s Champions League final performance was solid. A great leader and replaced Ramos as well as a player could have.

5. Eder Militao: It might seem like a controversial choice to put Militao above Alaba. He may be mistake prone, he started off the season poorly and had a poor April, but he has been Real Madrid’s most exceptional defender. His heading ability was vital to the defense as the backline is short as Alaba isn’t tall as a CB, so he is pivotal to the defensive structure of the side. His agression is great in a partnership with Alaba. His exceptional performances against PSG, Chelsea, City, and throughout La Liga games has helped Real be successful. Militao’s Champions League final performance was magnificent and really help limit Sadio Mane and clearing Arnold’s crosses in the final. His poor games against Barca, Sevilla, and City (first-leg) are compensenated by his consistently excellent performance. Militao has been a titan this season and deserves more respect.

4. Luka Modric: The outstanding midfielder of this legendary season. His consistency is staggering for a 36-year old. He not has delivered week in and week out for La Liga, having incredible performances against Atleico, scoring a great goal against Real Sociedad, and being pivotal against Sevilla and Bibao in both wins. He also had two solid perfomances against Barca in the league and Spanish Supercup, and he scored the winner against Athetic Bilbao in the Supercup final. But he saved his most legendary performances for the CL. His insane run and assist to Karim Benzema to PSG helped Real go through to the quarter-finals. His displays against Chelsea home and away were special, he had a great cross to set Benzema’s second goal in the first-leg, and then his iconic pass to Rodrygo to help save Real from elimination. His solid performance against Liverpool in the final capped off a magnificent season for the diminutive Croatian. His pass set up Carvajal for the move that led to Vinicus Junior’s goal. An fanatastic season for a brilliant player.

3. Vinicius Junior: A player that was once criticized for not having a great end-product finally broke through this season. He scored 22 goals, 16 assists and earned 5 penalties this season. A truly dynamic player who was pivotal to Real’s counter-attack. The system Ancelotti used required a speedy outlet and Vini was critical to the team’s improved offense this season. Vinicus Junior was the third top-scorer in the league and top five in assists. He had critical goals against Barca (SuperCUp), two assists against Atletico, goal at Sociedad, goals home and away to Valencia, and a staggering game winning goal at home to Sevilla. In the Champions League he assisted Benzema against PSG, and had an assist for Benzema both in the away and home leg against Chelsea. His stunning solo goal in the first-leg against City kept Real in the tie. But his best moment was his last game. His clutch goal to deliver Real Madrid the 14th Champions League. A player who once was mocked for not scoring goals, is now hailed for scoring the biggest goal of the season. Vinicius Junior is now a superstar and this season was confirmation of it.

2. Thibaut Courtois: The best goalkeeper in the world. Not much more needs to be said. He is a tradtional gialkeeper, a keeper who dominates his area and makes big saves. He made no big mistakes in either La Liga, Supercup, or the Champions League. His best performances in the league were against Bibao, Sevilla, Betis, Celta won Real Madrid many vital points. He also saved a penalty in the final of the Spanish Supercup against Bilbao keeping Raul Garcia out with his feet. His best performances were reserved for the Champions League. He was outstanding in the group stage, keeping four clean sheets and being the best player over the wo legs against Inter. In the knockout stages against PSG, he saved a peanlty from Messi and made a brilliant save from Mbappe from the top of the box. In the second leg, he made key saves against Mbappe and Neymar. In the Chelsea tie he made an absurd save against Azpi and in the second leg he made several great saves including an iconic save from a header by Havertz. Against City he made big saves from Mahrez, Foden in the first leg. In the second-leg he made several big saves from Gabriel Jesus, Jack Grealish to keep the side in the game, but his save against Foden to keep Real in the lead. Courtois said before the final said he’s on “the right side this time” after he lost the final in 2014 when he was an Atletico player. He said that Real would win and unlike a certain Liverpool player he backed up his words. Courtois made nine saves in the final which was a tournament record in the final. His saves against Mane in the first half and Salah in the second-half which kept Liverpool wihout a single goal. He said after the final that he wanted people “to put respect on his name” and after THAT goal people respect him now. Courtois now holds the record for most saves in the history of a Champions League game with 59. The wall behind Real Madrid’s three trophies.

1. Karim Benzema: The future Balon d’Or winner. The best striker of his generation. The player who has been the top-scorer of La Liga with 27 goals and the top scorer of the Champions League with 15 goals. Karim Benzema is not only the best striker in the woeld, but a great playmaker having the sedond-most assists in La Liga with 12. Benzema’s perormances have been legendary this season scoring goals against Sevilla (twice), Valencia (twice), Bibao (three times including the Supercup final), Barcelona (Supercup semifinal), Celta (twice), and Espanyol to help clinich the league. In the Champions League, Benzema scored an iconic hat-trick to drag Real to the quarter-finals. Against Chelsea he scored a first-leg hat trick and scored the tie winning goal in extra-time in the second-leg. In the tie against City he scored two clutch goals, one a gresat first-time finish from a Mendy cross, and the other a cool chip against Ederson. In the second-leg his cross he set up Rodrygo for the first goal, and earned the penalty and scored the winning penalty in the tie. In the final he had a goal (wrongly) called offside and kept the ball well. A tremendous player, leader, and captain. The best player on the best team in Europe.

A shoutout to Bale, Isco, and Marcelo. Three legends who left Real Madrid this season on top. Isco the midfield maestro, Bale the speedy winger, and Marcelo the attcking left back. Marcelo especially as he has been the official club captain this season. Marcelo has spent 15 years at Real Madrid and has won 25 trophies. A true Real legend.

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!

Real Madrid: La Liga winners 2021-22 in pictures

By Joao Cunha

On behalf of all Real Madrid fans we thank rhis wonderful team for winning the 35th La Liga titles. Every single player deserves credit for accomplishing this feat! Thank you Carlo Ancelotti for leading this team to another trophy, you are a legendary manager! But this league title is for Marcelo who will leave the club after 15 years as the most successful player in Real Madrid’s history with 24 titles. He was the captain of this special team and although his role has been diminished, his leadership, his fight, and his love of Real is reflected on this team. 35 La Ligas is a record the most successful team in Spain and it was done in a special fashion! Hala Madrid!

Real Madrid’s squad: Courtois, Lunin, Carvajal, Lucas Vasquez, Militao, Alaba, Nacho, Vallejo, Mendy, Marcelo, Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, Ceballos, Isco, Valverde, Camavinga, Bale, Hazard, Mariano, Jovic, Asensio, Rodygo, Vinicius Junior, Benzema.

Palmeiras AINDA nao tem mundial: Memes depois da vitoria do Chelsea contra Palmeiras

A cara de quem acabou de perder MAIS um mundial de clubes.

Obrigado Chelsea por ganhar o mundial e deixa o Palmeiras com mais um vice!

O Chelsea viu e foi campeao! 😀

Certos feitos do Palmeiras em mundial de clubes.

O unico time Sul-Americano que ficou em 4″ lugar no mundial todos os outros ficou em 3″ lugar, vice-campeao o campeao.

O unico time que ganhou pelo menos TRES libertadores e nao ganhou UM mundial. Todos os outros clubes que tem tres libertadores o mais tem pelo menos um mundial.

Indiepediente: 7 libertadores 2 mundials

Boca Juniors: 6 libertadores 3 mundials

Penarol: 5 libertadores 3 mundials

River Plate: 4 libertadores 1 mundial

Nacional: 3 libertadores 3 mundials

Sao Paulo: 3 libertadores 3 mundials

Santos: 3 libertadores 2 mundials

Olimpia: 3 libertadores 1 mundial

Gremio: 3 libertadores 1 mundial

Palmeiras: 3 libetadores 0 mundials, 2 vices, 1 quarto lugar.

O feito e mais engracado quando o seus rivais do pais tem menos libertadores e mais mundial de clubes.

Flamengo 2 libertadores 1 mundial

Corinthians 1 libertadores 2 mundials

Internactional 2 libertadores 1 mundial

O Palmeiras e o unico clube capaz de fazer esse feito historico. pode ter mais do que 100 anos de historia, e uma galeria de titulos, e pode zoar os rivais por o falta de sucesso. Mais Palmeiras voce ainda nao tem e pode NUNCA ter um mundial de clubes. Nem todo dinhero que a Leia coloca no clube e a Crefisa pode comprar o Mundial. Voce tinha sua melhor chance hoje contra Chelsea mediano, e cansado mais no fim falhou de novo. O meme segue vivo as otras torcidas do Brasil comemora muito! 😀

Lucky Number 21: How Rafa Nadal became the (unlikely) GOAT of Tennis

Rafael Nadal celebrating his 21st Grand Slam title, the 2022 Australian Open.

By Joao Cunha

Rafael Nadal won his most improbable title in his career last Sunday, a five-set thriller over Danill Medvevdev to win his 2nd AustralianOpen title and his 21st Grand Slam. It wasn’t just the fact that he was sets down, it wasn’t just the fact that he lost a brutal breakpoint to close out Medvevdev in the 5th set which could have broken his confidence, it isn’t even the fact he hadf COVID-19 in late December. All these factors by themselves would make his victory strange enough but add to that he;s 35 years old which in tennis terms is almost the end of your career. In addition, Nadal recovered from a serious foot injury that could have not only kept him out of the Australian Open but ended his career. According to people close to Nadal, he was considering retirement less than 6 weeks ago and this stunning victory would have never happened. But like everything in Nadal’s career he fought through the adversity and used his work-rate, intensity, and his will to get him to Australia. While father time caught up with Roger Federer, and a “personal” decision and the Australian goverment kicked Djokovic out of the tournament, Rafa battled and rose again to the top. Not just the top of the Australian Open, but to the summit of the tennis world.

“Miracle in Melbourne”

That was the phrase one comenntator used to sum up the win, and for me it seemed like a miracle. The Aussie Open has been a house of heartbreak for Rafa losing 4 other finals before him. The most painful and cruel was the 5-set loss to Roger Federer in 2017, when Nadal had Fed beat but his old nemesis overcame the deficit and snatched the title from him. At that moment it looked unlikely Nadal would evder surpass Federer in Grand Slams, as Nadal had an injury history and he was 5 Grand Slams behind him at that point. But Nadal would never give up he would reach Federer’s major count in 2020 when he beat Nadal in 3 sets to win his 13th French Open. At that point it looked it would be his time to become the greatest winner in Tennis history, after all he tied Federer’s record and he was three ahead of Djokovic after that Grand Slam. However a dip of form for Nadal and a Djokovic surge allowed the Serbian to reach the 20 major count in 2021. Then a serious foot injury sidelined Nadal for the rest of 2021 and things looked bleak not just for the major record but for his career.

Rafa Nadal’s style of play is based on his athleticism and power, he uses his exceptional speed and footwork for long rallies and to outlast opponents. So a foot injury at the age of 35 could not only serious hamper his play but if he can’t use his movement and strength to get around the court, it could have ended his career. Nadal considered retirement in December as the injury wasn’t healing the way he intially thought and the pain was very hard to put up with. He had accomplished so much in his career, he would be forgiven if after all the knee and foot problems he has had to deal with he would retire. But Rafa kept on fighting through his foot injury, through the outbreak of COVID he had in December and prepared himself as much as possible for the Australain Open. Yet he wasn’t expected to do much when he arrived in Melbourne, he hadn’t played in a tennis match in months. There were so many great players at this Open including the reigning US Open champions Danill Medvedev and at the time the king of the Australian Open Novak Djokovic. But suddenly through strange events an opening arrived for Nadal to win this tournament.

Novak Djokovic who was barred from the Australian Open for lying about his vaccination status.

Novak Djokovic was the massive favorite to win the Australian Open prior to the tournament. After all he won three of the last four tournaments only narrowly missing out winning all four in a calendar year when he lost to Medveddev in the US Open final. He is also the record holder for the most Australian Open titles so there was little reason to expect that an out-of-form Nadal could beat a prime Djokovic. But Djokovic who isn’t vaccinated for COVID-19 allegedly lied on his VISA application to enter Australia. He was put in a detention center and deported out of the country not being allowed to play in the Aussie Open. Whatever your opinion on Novak’s decision and expulsion from the Australian Open, this gave Nadal a golden oppurtunity to win his second Australian Open. Yet he had to hold up phyiscallly.

Nadal did well in his first few rounds, reaching the quarterfinals only losing one set in the first four rounds. But in the quarter-finals Nadal had a brutal five-set match with Denis Shapovalov where Rafa nearly blew a two set lead only to hold on in the fifth set to reach the semis. In the semi-finals he raced to a two-set lead over Matteo Berrettini but the italian took the third set and had all the momentum in the fourth set. Nadal recovered to win a critical break point to ger up 5-3 and sealed it 6-3 to win the fourth set and raach the final. Awaiting him was the Number 2 ranked player in the road Daniil Medevdev who is at his prime at 25 years old. Nadal admitted after his quarter-final victory admitted he was “destroyed” physically. He had recovered from his foot injury, it held up until this point but this final was the hardest test. Nadal was the underdog and yet he had immense pressure, as a win would replace him at the summit of the tennis world.

Danill Medevdev a controversial figure in tennis as he is known for taunting his opponents, in fact he was even fined nearly 10.000 dollars for taunting his semi-final opponent. In addition he also loves to complain to officials being upset over the crowd noise he screamed at the match official in the final against Nadal.

The first set was a decisive win for Medevdev as he easily over powered a seemingly tired Nadal. In the seond set it was a dramatic thrilling set that Medevdev just edged over Nada;. Nadal at thjs point in the match looked beaten, his demanor downcast, and he seemed in pain. All the work he did to get him to that point seemingly wouldn’t be enough. It was hard for me to envision at the time how he could come back. With his age, injury history, and tricky path to get here it just seemed like he ran out of gas. Nadal is a great champion but he is only human, surely he couldn’t overcome the odds and win? it just looked an obstacle too far to climb over. He had the weight of all those Australian Open failures to boot. only winning this event one time, losing heartbreaking semis and finals. It just seemed like it was the end of the road for Rafa…until it wasn’t. The Miracle in Melbourne was on.

Nadal slowly regained his strength, his serve returned to form and he started the third-set fighting. Throughout the attrition the crowd cheered on Rafa and suddenly he won the third-set 6-4. Geme on. The fourth set seemed like it lasted an eternity, Medevdev maintained composure but slowly began to wear down. Nadal despite his age grew stronger, more agile, won break-points and served well enough to keep himself in the match. Despite some setbacks Nadal kept going and prevailed in the fourth set 6-4 in the fourth set. The match was tied at two sets, the fifth set was winner-take-all. The crowd roared and supported Rafa, which unsettled a clearly rattled Medevdev who couldn’t believe what was happening. For Medevdev he had his own demosn to overcome as he lost a five-set thriller to Nadal in the 2019 US Open final. Medevdev in that occasion was the one who overcame a two-set deficit to tie the match, but Rafa’s will drove him to win a dramatic fifth set to win his 19th major. Medevdev knew what Rafa was capable of, he understood that he allowed Rafa to have a second chance and that could end up being the difference.

Nadal began maintaining his serve throughout the set, and won a critical breakpoint over Medevdev to go up 5-4 and serve for the match. However Medevdev showed how good of a player he was and won the next set and took back all the momentum. Nadal was on the defensive again, he could have lost all the momentum at this point. The match had lasted over 5 hours at this point and he could have easily just tried to hold on for as long as possible. But Nadal had his most remarkable break-point of his career hitting big shots and stunning Medevdev to take a 6-5 lead in the final set. Once again Nadal would serve for the match, and unlike the last time he would finish the job. Rafa took a 40-0 lead in the final game with the roar of the crowd fully behind him. Nadal had been a warrior and when he was about to serve for the championship the tension on his face was apparent, he needed to finish the job. And he did after a 5 and a half hour, 5-set thriller Rafael Nadal was back on top again. He let all his emotions out, he looked in disbelief as if not even he could understand what he had just done. Nadal not only conquered his 2nd Australian Open but his 21st Grand Slam title. He had done what many tennis pundits, rival fans thought would be impossible he surpassed Roger Federer. He had also reached 21 titles before Novak Djokovic which would have been unthinkable just one month ago. Nadal silenced his critics AND gained the admiration of the sports world. He overcame the limitations of his injury history, his age, and pulled off his finest victory. What Nadal accomplished in Melbourne in 2022 was just epic, it felt like a movie not real life. But sometimes real life can be more stunning than fiction, it can deliver the unexpected and Nadal’s comeback was legendary and stunning at the same time. After his victory he thanked his family, friends, supporters, and said once again that his body was “destroyed” after the match. Nearly 6 hours of tennis would destroy anyone physically let alone someone who just recovered from a foot injury, but he outlasted his younger rival regardless of how much pain he was under. The effort he put in was immense, he used the word “work” many times during his speech and that encapsulates Nadal. There may be more elegant, more dominating tennis player, but no one competes harder and works harder than Rafa Nadal.

“The unlikely GOAT”

He overcame all the odds to win 21 majors and sit at the top of tennis world, as the only Men’s tennis player with 21 titles. There will be Fed or Djoker fans who argue that their player is better, but for me there isn’t a discussion. Nadal has won one-third of the grand-slams he has attended (21 of 63) which is just insane. Despite the littany of injuries that hampered his careeer and likely cost him 3-4 years of his prime he has the most majors in Men’s tennis. He also competed at a time when Federer was in his prime and Djokovic was in his, Djokovic came right after the bulk of Roger Federer’s titles which gives him an advantage. He also had to deal with the perception that he was never as good as Fed and Djoker, that he was only a clay-court specialist which is complete crap. He has won 2 Australian Opens, 2 Wimbeldons, and 4 US Open titles becoming the 4th-ever player to win all the Grand Slams twice. He is also the youngerst toe ever complete the Grand Slam at just 24 years old. To top it off in Grand Slams he has a winning record against Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic and has a winning record against both men in finals. (Nadal has a 10-7 lead in Grand Slam matches against Djokovic and a 5-4 record in finals. Nadal also leads Federer 10-4 in Grand Slam matches and has a 6-3 record in finals.) So when the pressure is the highest he performs and beats his contemporaries quite often especially in Grand Slam events. Nada; is the greatest clay-court player in the history of tennis winning 13 French Open title a record in which he hopes to extend later this year. He is the most dominant player in a particular surface in the history of the game, but he can win in grass, hard-court which makes him a complete player. Nadal may have entered the spoet behind the shadow of Federer and was under the shadow of Djokovic recently, he is now casts the biggest shadow. He is the greatest winner in the history of Men’s tennis and no amount of narratives can take that fact away from him. I call him the “unlikely” GOAT because he was never embraced by the tennis world like Roger Federer was, he was as accepted because he relied on power and wasn’t “elegant”. He was the working man’s tennis player, in an elitist sport that wants grace, class, and technique. Rafa would grunt loud, do bizzare hand movements, he wasn’t pretty to watch, even matches he won he never made it look easy. He needed to use all of his energy to win and that’s why I love him. Many of us who root for Rafa, we admire his work-ethic, his drive, and his struggles. He has had his body betray him so often, many times he wondered and we worried how much longer he had left. His flaws, his rejection by tennis community initally made me love Rafa even more. His story isn’t one of just glamour and class, he had to sacrifice a lot to reach the top and like most of Nadal’s matches it wasn’t easy and it looked impossible at certain points. But after that mythical Sunday in Melbourne against all the odds, Nadal would not be denied again. He is not only the undisputed king of clay, he would become the king of tennis the undisputed Greatest Of All Time.

A tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2021 season

By Joao Cunha

It was a series of ups and downs for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021 but he did have some great moments that wee also rewarded in FIFA’s award ceremony today. This is to honor his many achivements this season despite his teamns not always performing. .

Top scorer of Euro 2020 (5 goals 1 assist)

Top scorer of the Italian Serie A (29 goals) first player to win the Golden Boot in La Liga, Ptemier League and Serie A.

Winner of the Supercoppa Italia scoring the game-winner in the final against Napoli.

Won the Coppa Italia to complete all domestic titles possible in Italy. He is the only player to win all the domestic titles in Italy, Spain and England.

Scored his 800th goal.

He made the FIFPRO XI for the 15th straight year which is a record.

Finally he broke Ali Daei’s National team record of 109 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo has now 115 goals for Portugal. As a result he won this special award from FIFA. Congrats to CR7!