SANDIP KARMAKAR_ONLINE FOOTBALL JOURNAL

Bayern Munich win another continental crown, five in a trot.

2013-12-22T19:35:00.000+05:30

Bayern Munich won the 5^th crown of this year, beating Moroccan Side Raja Casablanca 2-0 in the final of Club World cup at Marrakech Stadium, Marrakech today. Brazilian center back Dante scored the first for visitors in the 7^th minute of the game while Spanish international Thiago doubled the lead in 22^nd minute.

The Bavarians started the season with a nine-match winning streak. The club have been going through a purple patch claiming 5 trophies since last season, triumphing the Bundesliga, the UEFA Champions League the German cup, the UEFA Super Cup & finally grabbing the Club World cup. Bayern are the first German club to achieve such landmark to win back to back five major triumphs in a row.

This was the third time Bayern coach Pep Guardiola has won the Club World Cup after lifting the trophy during his previous stint with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011.

On the other hand the German giants had never appeared in FIFA's Club World Cup before this game, they did win the Intercontinental Cup—the Club World Cup's

forerunner—in 1976 and 2001.

Meanwhile the local side Raja qualified for the tournament as champions of the host country Morocco. They were the second team from outside Europe or South America to reach the final since the tournament began in its current form in 2005 and were only briefly in the contest.

The Moroccans have earned admirers for a tremendous run which saw them beat Auckland City, Monterrey and Atletico Mineiro en route to the final where they had plenty of home support.

Just as they had done in Wednesday's 3-0 semi-final win over Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande, the Germans dominated throughout the entire tournament.

In this match Guardiola had to choose his first eleven in front of vociferous 45000 odd crowd randomly shouting for the homeside without gamemaker Bastian Schweinsteiger & winger Aejen Robben due to their injury.

In the 7^th minute Dante put the visitors ahead after a head from Jerome Boateng who grounded the ball following a corner from Xherdan Shaqiri.

While Thiago scored the second in 22^nd minute after Alaba cut inside from the left wing to find Thiago who thundered the ball past Raja’s advancing custodian Askri into the net.

After that goal both sides had their chances but neither of them manage to utilise any.

Since last season Bayern have been going through a remarkable unstoppable dream-run & whether their form is concern they have been instrumental.

In another eventful match in the third place decider Brazilian side Atletico Miniero edge past Guangzhou by 3-2 margin, the Brazilians had to play with 10 men in the few dying minutes of the game after veteran star Ronaldinho, who scored the second for his side got marching order.

Dika wins the stellar show for East Bengal against archrival Mohun Bagan.

2013-11-26T23:05:00.000+05:30

Lalrindika Ralte won the Kolkata derby for East Bengal against arch rival Mohun Bagan by 1-0 margin by scoring the solitary goal in the 72^nd minute of the game.

Neither side deserved to be a looser, the match was equally balanced, both the sides had their chances throughout the 90 minutes, it was Lalrindika who made the difference only by his individual excellence with a left footer long ranger almost form 25 yards away which went past the advancing Mohun Bagan custodian Shilton Paul into the net, silenced the 60000 odd green & maroon supporters inside the stadium & made the coronation of Armando Colaco as an East Bengal coach remarkable as well.

Tactically Karim Bencharifa was highly disciplined & correct, in the absence of experienced Eche he composed his defence with Pritam Kotal, Rowlison Rodriguez, Aibor Khonjee, Souvik Ghosh & used Kingshuk Debnath as a blocker in front of them, put Sabeeth & Eric Muranda in the upfront while Odafa was operating as a withdrawal forward from a bit of behind.

They had their chance in the very early minutes of the game while Odafa sent a pin-point pass to Eric who had the only goalkeeper to beat handed the ball into the safehands of East Bengal custodian Abhijit Mondal on the 6^th minute of the game.

East Bengal also had their first clear opportunity on the dying moments of first half while Ryoji Sueka failed to dribble past advancing Shilton after following a goal bound pass from Kevin Lobo.

Odafa has shown his spark in the second half while he screened the ball after taking four of the opponent defenders & took a thunderous shot unfortunately which found the safe hands of Abhhijit.

Abhijit Mondal once again saved a magnificent powerful header by Odafa following a right wing cross sent by Pritam Kotal on exact hour mark.

While the match was heading towards a tactical stalemate Armando introduced James Moga in the upfront on the place of Kevin Lobo in the 65^th minute of the game for putting some aerial pressure on opponent defence.

It was Dika who broke the deadlock in the 72^nd minute of the game after following a pass from Harmonjeet Khabra, thundered a long ranger volley by left foot, which went past the opponent custodian Shilton just making him a standing viewer only & dipped inside the post. Entire East Bengal crowd erupted in joy & started to chant with the name of Dika.

If we analyze the match then we must have to say during 90 minutes Salt Lake stadium have witnessed an uneven battle of few young talents in Mohun Bagan defence who experienced their first ever derby remained instrumental against heavily experienced East Bengal so it has to be told that Mohun Bagan might have lost the derby but those promising young talents have made a mark & surely going to advent as superstar in upcoming days.

With this victory East Bengal remains unbeaten since last 6 matches against their archrivals moreover has won 4 out of their clashes including the violence marred abandoned derby in which East Bengal was declared winner by AIFF later.

This victory guided East Bengal on 10 points after 7^th round while Mohun Bagan remains in 10 after 9^th round.

Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal, 2 Kolkata giants are going to clash in the 1st leg of I-League this season.

2013-11-23T00:11:00.001+05:30

Kolkata peoples are going to taste this season’s first derby while two Kolkata giants will renew their long term rivalry when Mohun Bagan will take on arch-rivals East Bengal in the first leg encounter of this I-League at Yuba Bharati Kriangan on 24^th November.

In this current scenario both the sides are standing on different kind of conditions. East Bengal has just recruited Indian coach Armando Colaso who has won five I-League crowns during his previous association with Dempo, after terminating the much whipped Brazilian coach Marcos Falopa, whom they have brought here from Brazil & handed over the responsibility since the beginning of this season.

But this time the coronation of Armando is going to be a difficult litmus test, just after taking responsibility of the side he has to face the fierce rival in Kolkata.

On the other hand the Green & Maroon brigade have been in the stewardship of Moroccan coach Karim Bencharifa since the mid of last season. Karim who is known for utilizing young talents, has a handful of young talents in the likes of Ram Malik, Pritam Kotal, Souvik Ghosh & few other promising talents who are performing quite well & improving day by day. It’s expected that 6 out of Mohun Bagan’s starting eleven are going to play their first derby encounter with the heavy weight archrivals.

Everybody knows very well what Kolkata derby means to the supporters of these two sides, sometimes it’s beyond the result, it’s all about sentiments & emotions attached with the entire Bengali communities. Supporters of neither side will not mind what happened in the previous matches & what will happen ahead if they can test a victory in this match.

If we go through last few encounters then we will see that Mohun Bagan has not won any single derby against their arch-rivals since their last victory in 2011-12 CFL match.

Meanwhile the Red & Gold brigade emerged as the winner 3 out of 4 encounters in previous season including the violence marred abandoned I-League derby of 9^th December, 2012 in which East Bengal was declared the winner by AIFF later, moreover they are unbeaten since their last 5 encounters with the archrivals.

So this time the entire Green & Maroon brigade, the players along with the languishing supporters are frantically hoping & desperately seeking for a victory in this match.

This derby will get more importance due to the presence of several Bengali footballers in both sides after a long while. It’s expected that Shitlon Paul, Kingshuk Debnath, Souvik Ghosh, Pritam Kotal, Ram Malik will start in Mohun Bagan’s first eleven while East Bengal first eleven will comprise with their skipper Mehtab Hossain, Abhijit Mondal, Saumik Dey, Arnab Mondal. Supporters of both sides will be eagerly eyeing on that Bengali brigade who have the potential to act as a game changer.

No equations, speculations & predictions work in derby but this time the Red & Golds will visibly start as a superior side than their opponents, they have a set team since last 3 years, apart from James Moga most of the players have experienced Kolkata derby before.

While there are 5 to 6 stubborn young players who are likely to be included in the first eleven of Mohun Bagan will taste their first derby experience on Thursday who will try to substantiate themselves in this bigger platform.

The Red & Golds will heavily bank on their midfield supremo Mehtab Hossain who will marshal the midfield along with Ryoji Sueka who has just recovered from his injury while Chiddi will pair with James Moga in the upfront.

On the other hand the Mariners will retaliate with the agility of Odafa Okolie who will spearhead their attack along with Kenyan, Eric Muranda in the upfront while indispensable Japanese midfielder Katsumi Yusa will take on the midfield.

The absence of central defender Eche who got the marching order in last match will maim the defence of Mohun Bagan & will bring furrows on Karim Bencharifa’s forehead. He has to manage & compose his destitute & unkempt defence without any foreigner on that place, Kingsuk Debnath, Pritam Kotal along with Rowlison Rodrigues are likely to work on there.

The time will say that the new comer Armando can produce himself as a herald with his sorcery touch or veteran bespoken Karim can emeute with his booming young talents.

Though both these sides share the same ground Salt Lake stadium as their home this time AIFF has given Mohun Bagan the responsibility of organizing this match & referees panel are decided by AIFF is Dinesh Nayar, Pratap Singh & Madho Singh while Dinesh Nayar is likely to be tipped as a whistle blower during the match. The kick-off time is scheduled at 5-00pm.

Eventually this is going to be the 9^th round encounter for Mohun Bagan, currently standing on 10 points while it’s going to be the 6^th round game for East Bengal, standing on 7 points now.

It’s expected that 1,20000 chauvinist vociferous supporters of both sides will be present in the ground to witness this face-off & regarding that a huge amounts of securities along with riot police are arranged by the local administration which would be deployed every corners inside the stadium to avert any kind of tussles & nuisances.

Brazil won the Confederation Cup, hammering Spain by 3-0 margin.

2013-07-01T21:27:00.003+05:30

Congrats Brazil, won the Confederation Cup once again, humiliating current world champion Spain by 3-0 margin at Maracana lastnight, Fred has scored a brace in the either halves of the game on 2nd & 47th minute while Neymar has done the rest in 43rd minute.

Brazil have shown another usual thing once again at Maracana that they know how to handle the pressure cooker situation & how to take control & get rid of big matches against the real heavy weight opponents in mega tournaments.

This is Brazil’s fourth Confederation Cup triumph & third in a succession in the other hand this is Spain’s first defeat in last 29 matches, lasttime they lost a group league match

against Switzerland in their opening match of World Cup 2010.

Currently Brazil is standing on 22^ndposition according to FIFA ranking which is the worst in their football history but with this victory they could have established the proverbial myth once again that “rank comes later quality & excellence matter”.

Brazil started in a furious note, got their first goal within 2 minutes of the game while Fred, brilliantly scored from a fumble in front of Spain’s goal after failing down on the pitch, following an Oscar’s delivery from the right & equally well assisted by Neymar from the right.

Daviz Luiz denied Spain’s eqaliser in the 40^th minute of the game when Mata played a glorious little dink across the box to the right to Pedro who was clear in on the keeper, He placed it around Julio Cesar without huge power but very precisely yet David Luiz slid in and knocked it clear an inch or so before it went in.

In 43rd minute Brazil doubled their lead courtesy Neymar, magnificently played one two with Oscar & smashed

high at the near post above Casillas.

First half ended with Brazil’s 2-0 lead over Spain.

From the beginning of the 2^nd half Brazil started with the same dominance they have shown throughout the first half, due to that Fred scored his second & Brazil’s third, put the final nail on Spain’s coffin.

Played up the left, Marcelo cutting inside and tapping through to Neymar in the centre who flicks it to his left and Fred steers a shot around Casillas into the opposite corner. The game was almost over for Spain.

Vicente Del Bosque made a final attempt by introducing Jesus Navas in the place of Mata in the middle of the 2^nd half which actually could have been fruitful for Spain,

Spain got a penalty in the first touch of Navas following a foul by Marclo inside the box.

Dutch referee Bjorn Koupers pointed toward the spot, Sergei Ramos screwed wide of Julio Cesar's post, wasted the last lifeline for Spain.

Gerrard Pique got marching order in the 67^th minute while tackling recklessly goal bound Neymar without the ball, in this case neither Pique had any option to defend Neymar nor the Dutch referee had without showing the red.

The entire credit of this Confed triumph should go to newly appointed coach Luiz Philip Scholari, the coach of 2002 World Cup winning team, has taken the responsibility again in a very critical time from the hand of Mano Menzes, committed this bunch of youngsters, has shown excellent stewardship to guide Brazil forward.

Neymar has shown an extra-ordinary individual excellence throughout the tournament, should mention here before this tournament he has not scored any goal in his last 9 appearances for Brazil.

In here we got different Neymar, scored 4 goals himself, assisted during several other goals, bagged the best footballer award by winning the Golden Ball here, better to say

a legend is born, has shown enough potential to carry the legacy forward from the previous superstars in the likes of Kaka, Ronailndho, Ronaldo etc.

It has to be told that Brazil football is on a new horizon courtesy Neymar, Fred, Hulk, Oscar, Paulinho & few other youngsters who have proved themselves in this Confederation Cup & going to shine once again during World Cup 2014 which would be hosted by Brazil also.

The average age of that Brazilian side is only 24, they are the real contender of World Cup 2014.

Throughout the tournament Brazil have shown sensational & eye-soothing display of football, in Portuguese we mention it as “Jogo Bonito”, they have given the indication to world football they are coming back on their own style.

With this victory in continental crown Brazil established themselves as the Champions of the Champions as & claimed their dominance back in world football together.

On the other hand quite shameful defeat for Spain as well as d fall of Spanish dynasty at Maracana & the demise of tiki-taka concept also.

Neymar is named the tournament's best player and received the Golden Ball for his stunning performances. Spain playmaker Andres Iniesta trudged up for the Silver Ball, while Neymar's team-mate Paulinho is awarded the Bronze Ball.

Julio Cesar is handed the Golden Glove for being named the tournament's best goalkeeper while Fernando Torres is given the Golden Boot for scoring the most number of goals, 6 in the tournament.

Regarding the current circumstance of the country this should get much more importance than Brazil’s all other triumphs. Country is not a stable position right now, millions of

demonstrators across the country have been showing their anti-government agitations & protests over their demands of common peoples’ basic needs.

It is expected that this victory will calm down all protesters in Brazil as well as make this football nation stable before the upcoming World Cup 2014.

Brazil vs Spain, dreamfinal of Confederation Cup, would be played at Maracana tonight.

2013-06-30T19:18:00.001+05:30

Historical Maracana is all set to welcome two current football giants of world football on its lap during the final frontier of Confederation cup would be played at 7-00pm Brazilian local time( IST Monday 3-30am) .

It can be easily described as the battle between Latin America & Europe, battle between tiki-taka & samba.

Regarding the current circumstances it’s going to be a dream final for all football lovers. Five times World Champion & the three times previous champions of the same tournament as well as current holders since last 2 editions of Confederation Cup, Brazil is going to take on the unstoppable current sensation of world football & the current world champion as well as back to back Euro champion in last two editions Spain. The only trophy remains to have in the Spanish locker since last 5 years, that is the Confederation Cup only.

Spain is unbeaten in last 29 matches, they have not lost any match since their group league defeat against Switzerland on their opening match of World Cup 2010.

Meanwhile Brazil remain unbeaten in their last 10 matches moreover they have not lost a single competitive match at their home since 1975.

Brazil have won 4 out of 8 encounters between these two teams while Spain managed to win twice only & 2 of them finished as a draw.

Both sides have kept their 100 winning record in this tournament so far. Brazil beat Japan, 3-0, in the opener, followed by a 2-0 victory over Mexico. They wrapped up the group stage with a 4-2 win over group runners-up Italy.

While Spain won Group B with a 100-percent record against Uruguay (2-1), Tahiti (10-0) and Nigeria (3-0). Spain

then outclassed Italy in the semifinals, winning a penalty shootout, 7-6, after the match had finished in a goalless staelamate, following 90 minutes of regular time and 30 more of extra time. Jesus Navas converted the decisive penalty.

It can be easily told that this is going to be the battle between the experienced Spanish side & the young guns of Brazil.

Neither side is depending on an individual match winner both sides have loads of quality players who can guide their team to victory on their own excellence.

It’s going to be the battle between two team’s midfield, which side will capture the midfield they have the probability to be the victorious at the end.

Neymar is showing enough maturity in this tournament, has already scored 3 goals in 4 appearance not only that he controlled the game according to it’s nature.

Brazil have to defend the lightning midfield combination of Spanish midfield comprised of Xavi, Inniesta & Fabregass.

Meanwhile this match has different significance in common Brazilian’s mind regarding their defeat against Uruguay in 1950 World Cup final at the same venue. Despite of winning the World Cup 1970 final, hammering Italy by 4-0 margin they think the redemption has not been done yet, this time they want to do the redemption by winning this continental crown in here.

As a host nation Brazil will have vociferous crowd of almost 1.5 Lakh peoples inside the refurbished Maracana

backing themselves during the match which would be enough to boost their morals.

Nevertheless, Spain’s journey to Sunday’s last game put them at a disadvantage. Spain played their semifinal in Fortaleza, in the north of the country, a 2220 km flight journey to Rio-de-Janeiro, where the final is scheduled while Brazil’s match against Uruguay was played in Belo Horizonte which is about a sixth of the distance away moreover they have played 24 hours earlier, giving the host a full day extra rest & recuperate. Spain had to go through the tie-breaker following 120 minutes hard battle, had to cover all the distances from the previous venue so it can be expected they would be a bit of tired prior to the final.

Scolari has no injury worries and is likely to name an unchanged squad for the final. Fred will be the lone striker, with Neymar and Hulk providing support from the wings. Paulinho could well be the key once again, playing in from deep to pull Spain's centre-backs out of position.

Vicente Del Bosque has a full strength squad too, after Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas and Valencia's Roberto Soldado reported fit for training. The champions may make a few changes though, after the physically draining semi-final against Italy. Fortunately, they have an incredibly strong bench and a

slight rotation will probably not affect them too much.

Expect Casillas to retain his place in goal, with an unchanged back four. Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets are also favourites to start, which means the changes could come up front. David Silva started against Italy but was taken off after 53 minutes. Semi-final hero Navas could start in his place, to add speed from the outset, with Juan Mata an option as well. Torres will lead the attack.

Probable Line-Ups:

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo, Paulinho, Gustav, Hulk, Oscar, Neymar, Fred.

Spain: Iker Casillas, Alvaro Arbeloa, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba; Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas, Jesus Navas, Iniesta, Torres.

Would it be the end of Spanish era, would it be Brazil, who will bounce back in World football in their usual dominative nature, the result will give us the answer.

Spain won the second semifinal against Italy by 7-6 in shoot-out, fixed their date with Brazil in final of the Confederation Cup.

2013-06-28T12:23:00.004+05:30

Jesus Navas won the match for Spain, scoring the 7^th penalty just after Leonardo Bonucci’s miss in the shoot-out following a 120 minutes goalless stalemate in the second semifinal of the Confederation Cup at Fortlaeza lastnight, fixed their date with the host nation Brazil in the final of the tournament, would be played at refurbished historical Maracana on Sunday(IST 3-30AM Monday).

This is a quite hard fought victory for Spain, the Azzurris went neck-to-neck with the side who humiliated them 4-0 in last European Championship final. The performance is a

cause for renewed optimism amongst Italian supporters as much as anything.

Spain, started like their usual way, were all over Italy from the opening minutes and nearly cracked the opponent in the 2nd minute after Pedro Rodriguez got free in space in the middle of the Italy box. The Barcelona forward's shot rolled just wide of the post, barely missing giving La Roja a dream start to the match.

As the match went down Italy started to back on their defensive & counter attack strategy, started to create their chances, denied by Casillas in the 37^th minute while Maggio headed the ball following a center from Giaccherini, found the safe hands of Spanish custodian only.

It could have been anybody’s game in the second half of the schedule time, both the sides had their chances, failed to

capitalise, we have seen some poor display of doing blunders in front of opponent goal which guided the match into the extra-time.

During extra-time Spain were denied in the 96th minute thanks to a fantastic reaction and block by De Rossi who prevented Pique from getting onto a loose ball in the six-yard box. Sergio Ramos had a chance on the ensuing corner, but couldn't get his header anywhere near the goal.

Juan Mata missed the net trying himself in the 108th minute instead of passing it to Arbeloa who was lurking unmarked to his right.

It’s raining missiles from Spanish armada inside the Azzuri box, in the 115^th Xavi tested the Italian custodian by a strong long ranger but was parried by Gianluigi Buffon and off

the post. The ball ricocheted right to Javi Martinez but his shot rolled wide at the far post.

Neither side failed to utilize the extra time which guided the match into the penalty shoot-out.

After a sixth successive penalties, Leonardo Bonucci for Italy succumbed in the 7^th while Jesus Navas scored the same & guided his team into the final, setup a dream final with Brazil while Italy will play with Uruguay for the third place spot.

During penalty shoot-out Xavi, Iniesta, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jaun Mata, Busquets & Jesus Navas scored for Spain while Antonio Candreva, Alberto Aquilani, De Rossi, Giovinco, Andrea Pirlo & Montolivo scored for Italy.

It was also the battle between two current best goalkeepers in the World, Cassilas & Buffon both have shown some extra-ordinary display of goalkeeping show during 120 minutes, but none of them got rid of the ball during penalty shoot-out.

Spain will renew their rivalry with Italy in the 2nd semifinal of Confederation Cup at Fortaleza tonight.

2013-06-27T18:08:00.003+05:30

Two European heavy weights will renew their rivalry while current World champion & Euro champion Spain will clash with their European counterpart & Euro finalist Italy at Fortaleza in the second semifinal of this year’s Confederation cup tonight.

Previously these two sides met in the final of EURO 2012 where La-Roja-Furia humiliated Azzuris by a comprehensive 4-0 margin. In this month on 19^th June these same two sides clashed in the final of Uefa Under-21 European final where Spain proved themselves as the winner again, beating Italy U-21 by 4-1 margin.

Vincente Des Boscue has concern over two of his first eleven key players in the likes of Solado & Fabregass, while Cesar Prandelli will also miss the service of two AC Milan players due to injury concern., prolific striker Mario Balotelli

in their upfront & Ignazio Abate in the right-back position.

Abate is expected by Napoli’s Christain Maggio while Balotelli is likely to be replaced by Bolgna forward Alberto Gilardino..

Italy will be benefitted with the service of their midfield maestro Andre Pirlo who is standing in the fag-end of his career & has recovered from his calf injury, likely to start from the beginning.

Spain reached in the semifinal stage beating all their opponents convincingly in their group matches while Italy have reached here after losing against Brazil by 2-4 margin.

This could well have been the battle between Spain’s tiki-taka formation with the famous composed defence of Italy but since the beginning of the tournament we have not seen such Italian defence which generally we are habituated to see.

Italian coach Cease Prandelli is likely to start with

3-5-2 formation by which they managed to held the same Spanish side by 1 all margin in their first match of last year’s Uefa Cup.

While the Spanish armada will stick on their tiki-taka formation by which they have shown their ability to breach any kind of tough defence.

Since last two years we have been watching the Spanish clubs have been terminating form the semis stage of any kind of premier European club competitions so they will try here to keep their dominance up again against another European giant.

These two sides have the long history of rivalry between them. Should mention here that Italy only managed to beat Spain once in their last 8 encounters. An overall of 27 games played between these two football giants, they both have won 8 ties while 11 of then finished as a draw.

Probable Line-Ups –

Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Pedro, Torres, Silva.

Italy: Buffon, Barzagli, Chiellini, Bonucci, Maggio, Pirlo, Rossi, Giaccherini, Candreva, Montolivo, Gilardino.

Brazil steps into the final of Confederation Cup, surpassing Uruguay by 2-1 margin in semifinal.

2013-06-27T12:51:00.002+05:30

Brazil steps into the final of Confederation cup in style, surpassing long term Latin American rival Uruguay by 2-1 margin in the semifinal played at Belo Horizonte lastnight courtesy a delayed winner scored by Paulinho in the 86^th minute of the game following Fred’s first for Brazil in the 41st minute while Cavani eqalised for Uruguay in the 48th minute of

the game. Diego Forlan, the national hero of Uruguay, standing in the fag end of his career, made a mess by missing a penalty from the spot on the 14^th minute of the game. This is Brazil’s third consecutive entry in succession in the final of the same tournament.

Both sides struggled to find their fluency but Uruguay was muchmore interactive during the first quarter of the game, there was a needless tussle inside the box while David Luiz wrestled Diego Lugano down following a corner from the right side, the Chilean referee Osses pointed towards the spot. Diego Forlan himself went to take the spot kick which he fired low and hard to the keeper's left but Brazilian custodian Julio Cesar read his intention and pushed it behind the post.

The game’s destiny might have exactly written right then, a player like Diego Forlan’s calibre, who remains a superhero in Latin American football since last decade, can miss from the spot, it’s hard to imagine even.

Meanwhile after getting this lifeline Selecaos started to regroup themselves as Hulk barged his way through the Uruguay defence just before the half-hour mark, only to fire his

shot over the bar.

However shoddy the work of Brazil's defenders, the quality of the forwards started to shine through as the game became feisty, with five yellow cards awarded by the Chilean referee within half hour mark.

Brazil broke the deadlock in 41^st minute while Paulinho pushed a long ball from the behind over the top and Neymar, amid slackness by Lugano, controlled it beautifully on his chest before bringing a good save from Muslera. But the rebound fell to Fred, who brilliantly banged it past the covering defenders and into the net!

Uruguay had their chance just after this goal scored while Luiz Suarez made a blunder by shooting the ball wide from eight yards only.

Cavani scored the equalizer for Uruguay in just third minute of the second half due to some poor defending by Brazilians inside the box, botching several attempted clearances before the ball broke to Cavani, who fired it inside the net.

In 57^th minute Hulk forced a save from Uruguayan custodian Mulsera with a blockbusting freekick from 35 yards.

In the later stage of the game Brazil have shown some acute urgency, they introduced local hero Bernado & Hernanes in the places of Hulk & Oscar respectively which actually worked for Luiz Philip Scholarie.

Finally Uruguay's resistance is broken as Paulinho rises at the far post to head home Neymar's corner in the 86^th minute, the entire stadium blasted with vociferous cheers.

With this victory Brazil have managed to take a sweet revenge which they have been nourishing on their mind since their defeat of 1950 World Cup final against the same side.

Now Brazil will meet the winner between two European giants Italy & Spain which would be decided at Fortaleza tonight.

Current champion & host Brazil, going to take Uruguay in the first semifinal of Confederation Cup at Belo Horizonte tonight.

2013-06-26T18:16:00.000+05:30

Current champion & host Brazil is going to take current Copa America champion Uruguay in the first semifinal of Confederation Cup at Belo Horizonte tonight.

Since 1950 World Cup final defeat against the same Latin American side the Brazilians are desperately seeking of

revenge in any kind of mega tournament yet so they have the opportunity in their hand to take the revenge & become through into the final.

As the tournament is passing by this Brazil side is progressing towards their pick, they have a bunch of young talented players who is performing their best since they have their chances in the team.

Brazil have won all their group league encounters comprehensively against all opponents as well as Neymar scored in all three encounters, selected man of the match also in all three games. Neymar will get the support of few other prolific scorers like Hulk, Oscar & Fred in this game.

Of course, the new Barcelona striker will lead the Seleçao attack. Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari should have Paulinho, who has recovered from his ankle injury, back for the match, although Hernanes performance against Italy will have given him reason to pause.

On the other hand the Uruguayans are heavily depending on their upfront based on two prolific scorers on the likes of experienced Diego Forlan & young Luiz Suarez with the help of Cavani from a bit of behind, these trios have the capability to change the colour of the game singlehandedly on their own credit.

In previous two outings in the same tournament in Germany 2005 & South Africa 2009, Brazil became the victorious, beating arch rival Argentina & United States respectively in the final. These Brazil side have not lost any match against Uruguay since 2001.

This venue Belo Horizonte has seen some of the most violent clashes this month between police and protesters, a crowd of 1,00,000 people are likely to gather in front of the stadium to show their agitation against the government just before the match. All the security initiatives has been increased & tightened to prevent those protesters from there.

BRAZIL v URUGUAY: PROBABLE LINEUPS:

Brazil (4-2-3-1): J.Cesar; D.Alves, T.Silva. D.Luiz, Marcelo; L.Gustavo, Paulinho; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred

Uruguay (4-3-1-2): Muslera; Godin, Lugano, Caceres; M.Pereira, Arevalo, Gonzalez, Rodriguez; Forlan; Suarez, Cavani.

HEAD TO HEAD: Being local rivals, Brazil and Uruguay form one of the greatest South American rivalries, and because of that they already clashed 70 times in the past, with Brazil winning 32 of them, while losing 19 times. Their last loss against Uruguay happened in 2001, in the 2002 World Cup Qualifiers.

Arjen Robben won the UEFA Champions League glory for Bayern Munich, done the redemption of last year’s final.

2013-05-26T10:55:00.004+05:30

Now it’s Arjen Robben in headline once again, scored the dramatic last gasp winner only 90 seconds to remain, crowned Bayern Munich this time in a well contested match where Bayern edge past Borussia Dortmund by 2-1 margin in the final of UEFA Champions League at the Wembley stadium lastnight.

Mario Mandzukic put Bayern ahead in the 60th minute of the game, Ilkay Gundogan levelled the issue for Dortmund, Robben scored the decider for Bayern in the 89^th minute, done the redemption of last year final’s horrific penalty miss.

This is Bayern’s fifth Champions League triumph in their tenth final appearance while its Dortmund’s first Champions League final defeat in their second appearance.

Typical Dortmund, they've started with a lot of high pressure. And typical Bayern, they're totally calm about it. Bayern did this when Barcelona tried its own brand of pressing and really offered a clinic in how to counter it: physical, possession soccer with an eye toward the quick counter through the likes of Schweinsteiger through the middle and Robben/Ribery on the flanks.

Dortmund dominated the most of the first half stage, they remained superior in ball possession.

Reus with a chance! He makes it to the edge of the penalty area and tests Neuer with a shot from 18 yards out. But Neuer punches safely away. No danger from the ensuing corner, Dortmund looked likelier to score here.

Bayern got their first positive chance in the 31^st minute when Robben got a loose ball inside the box, take a

sharp turn & took a shot, found the face of the Dortmund custodian Weidenfeller only.

Manuel Neur denied Lewandowski in the 39^th minute by doing an excellent exhibition of goal-keeping.

First half ended in a goalless stalemate.

Though Bayern Bayern had a distinct advantage the second half start hadn't been quite as frantic as the conclusion of the first.

In the meantime the Bavarians got their first goal in the 60^th minute, that was a fruit of Ribery, Robben combination, played one two between them before releasing the ball to Mario Mandzukic who just slotted the ball inside the empty net put his side 1-0 ahead.

Bayern surrendered their lead while Gundogan levelled for the Dortmund from the spot just 8 minutes later following a clumsy foul made by Dante to defend Marco Ruis, Dante raised his foot into the body of the Reus, Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli spotted exactly, blew whistle & pointed towards the spot.

Bayern looking for an instant response occupied a corner in the other hand the rejuvenated Dortmund fans thought they had another one coming just now as their side broke forward with incredible speed and seemingly no defenders to stop them. They didn't quite have enough men in support of Reus and so the shot from the edge of the area in the 71^st minute wasn't the best chance. It sailed over.

Meanwhile Thomas Muller for Bayern almost got rid of Weidenfeller in the 72^nd minute, seemed to put his side in

front. But sliding Subotic chased it down and, right before the ball crossed the line, averted the danger.

It’s raining attacks on the Dortmund box.

Alebao tested the Dortmund keeper from a long ranger in the 75^th minute.

Schweinsteiger’s powerful long ranger fisted away by Dortmund custodian once again in the 87^th minute, danger averted in the exchange of a corner.

Ribery trapped a long ranger ball in front of the Dortmund’s six yard box coming from the behind, delivered a pin-point pass to Arjen Robben who brilliantly freed himself before, slot the ball inside the net only 90 seconds to remain in

the schedule time.

Robben has not only written his name in fairytale of Bayern Munich as well as he succeeded to wipe out his own misery of last year final’s penalty miss in extra time due to which Bayern succumbed to Chelsea.

I originally thought Bayern was going to overpower Dortmund lastnight, but that really hadn't been the case. Dortmund's been physical enough at the back and has made this into a quick-passing contest rather than the kind of midfield slugging match that Bayern thrives in.

Bayern Munich, going to face Borussia Dortmund in the final of UEFA Champions League tonight, going to be an all German final, first time in the history of Champions league.

2013-05-25T12:25:00.003+05:30

Englishmen are going to eyewitness an all German encounter when two German sides are going to battle out at for the Champions league silverware at Wembley tonight while Bayern Munich is going to take another German side in the final of UEFA Champions League, it is the first time of Champions league history when two German sides clashed off in the final of the tournament.

This will be Bayern’s 10^th appearance in the European final & third appearance in last four years after the 2-0 defeat to Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan in Madrid, then the acute disappointment of losing last year’s final against Chelsea by penalty shootout in their own den at Allianz Arena in Munich.

Meanwhile Bayern Leverkusen had won the trophy once before in their only appearance in the final on 1997 when the beat the Italian giant Juventus by 3-1 margin.

The Bavarians won their domestic Bundesliga title this year by getting past all opponents with a formidable 25 point margin. They claimed few more records as well, including most points(91), most wins(29 out of 34 games), biggest goal difference(80+) alongwith fewest goals conceded(18).

Eventually this is also going to be the farewell match of current Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes who would be replaced by ex Barcelona boss Pepp Guardiolla after the German Cup final against VFB Stuggart would be played on 1^st June so before ending his stint with Bayern he would like to make his side victorious.

The Bavarians known as European powerhouse, will start as a favourite, heavily depend on Mario Manduzkic, Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller & Bastin Schweinsteiger.

Bayern Munich's only absences are the two long-term injury concerns that they've had for a while. Toni Kroos had some faint hopes of returning for this game, but will not make the squad. He still has faint hopes of cracking the bench for the DFB-Pokal final next week. Holger Badstuber will be sidelined until December with a knee ligament injury.

In the other hand Borusiia Dortmund will start here as an underdog despite of hammering heavyweight Bayern by 5-2 margin in last year’s German Cup final.

Yet, no-one will discount Dortmund, who emerged from the group of death featuring Real Madrid, Ajax and Manchester City, and play the charismatic football that has become the trademark of their coach Jurgen Klopp.

‘Energy, speed, aggressiveness, hard-but-fair duels, a lot of goal-scoring chances, hitting the posts and bar and a lot of corners, that’s what I call attractive,’ said Klopp.

He will heavily bank on their prolific scorer Robert Lewandowski who has singlehandedly hammered Real Madrid by scoring 4 out of 4 goals in the first leg of the semifinal. The Polishman scored total 35 goals for Borussia this season alongwith an incredible record of scoring 12 consecutive Bundesliga games.

They will miss the service of gamemaker Mario

Gotze in the midfield due to his thigh muscle injury who is all set to join rival Bayern next month for 37 million Euros, newly recruit Nurin Sahi is likely to take his place.

Probable Line Ups:

Borussia Dortmund: Roman Weidenfeller; Marcel Schmelzer, Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Lukasz Piszczek, Kevin Grosskreutz, Sven Bender, Ilkay Gundogan; Marco Reus, Robert Lewandowski, Jakub Blaszczykowski

Bayern Munich : Manuel Neuer; David Alaba, Dante, Jerome Boateng, Philipp Lahm, Javi Martinez, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben; Mario Mandzukic.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli(Italy).

East Bengal won their 34th CFL title, hammering Mohun Bagan by 3-2 margin bid a grand a farewell to Morgan.

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East Bengal defend their CFL title 3 years in a row, hammering arch-rival Mohun Bagan by 3-2 margin as well as they bid a grand farewell to their affectionate coach Trevor James Morgan who has cut his 3 years stint just after this match. This is East Bengal’s 34^th Kolkata league title.

Chiddi scored a brace for the Red & Golds in the 23^rd & 72^nd minute of the game while Penn Orji scored another in the 29^th minute. Odafa made it 2-1 for Mohun Bagan by a world class swerving free-kick taken from 22 yards outside the box in the 39^th minute of the game & Tolgay scored the rest in the dying moment of the game, made it 3-2 which didn’t have any such impact on the game. The misery of Green & Maroon brigade could have been much more worse if East Bengal could not have been denied by the post twice & if Penn didn’t make the mess from the handshaking distance of the goal as well.

Undoubtedly the entire match was dominated by Morgan’s men, they were well committed & determined to bid their respected sir a memorable farewell with this grand derby victory which urge made them deserving from all aspect of the game.

In the other hand Mohun Bagan coach Karim Bencharifa made few noteable mistakes during choosing his first eleven, he made a major mistake by putting injured Eche in the central defence whom he had to replace in the 20th minute of the game. Apart from that Karim Bencharifa didn’t have any such strategy to defend this East Bengal side, he started with 3 players in upfront instead of composing the defence & midfield which exactly cut the co-ordination between defence halfline & the forwards.

An odd 50,000 vociferous crowd of East Bengal gallery cheered with the name of “Moorgaaan” “Moorgaaan” during the latter stage of second half which made the situation emotional for him, whatever the professional Englishman

deported the ground just after the match. In a press meet later he told that “I will follow East Bengal’s performances just after West Ham” he added the memories of East Bengal he will always keep in his heart.

This is Morgan’s 8^th trophy in his three years tenure, apart from the I-League only he has guided his side towards all major triumphs of the country.

Atletico Madrid won the King’s cup, beating city rival Real Madrid by 2-1 margin.

2013-05-19T18:00:00.004+05:30

The reliable safehands of Atletico custodian Thibault Courtois won the Copa del Ray final for Atletico Madrid coming from the behind, beating city rival Real Madrid by 2-1 margin in an ill-tempered match where we have seen 3 sent off decisions alongwith Real boss Jose Mourinho & key player Cristano Ronaldo as well as 14 yellow cards at Santiago Bernabeu on Friday.

After a gap of 14 years & 25 matches Atletico Madrid became successful to beat Real Madrid.

Ronaldo put the Los Blancos ahead in the 13^th minute of the game when he headed a ball inside the net following a corner by Luka Modrich but Diego Costa delivered the equalizer for Atletico in the 35th minute, capitalizing on a brilliant ball played in by Radamel Falcao to beat Diego Lopez just inside the right post.

Five players of both sides were booked by the Spanish referee Carlos Clos Gomez within the half hour mark however the first half ended in 1 all stalemate.

Real Madrid became the superior side throughout the second half, have created a lots of opportunities but the hands of Thibault Courtois denied them repeatedly.

Jose Mourinho was sent off in the 76^th minute for protesting a decision. Neither side managed to score the decider within scheduled 90 minutes which guided the match into the extended extra time.

In the 95th minute, Costa would get behind the Real defense but shoot the ball directly at Diego Lopez, squandering a wonderful chance to put Atletico ahead.

Four minutes later, though, Atletico defender Miranda would head home a cross from Koke, putting Los Rojiblancos ahead 2-1 in extra time.

In the 109th minute, it looked as if Real would level the match, but Thibaut Courtois made a brilliant save once again on Mesut Ozil's shot attempt from inside the box, denying the home team a sure goal.

But there were more eventful & ugly sequences

towards the end, as Ronaldo was sent off in the 114th minute for lashing out at Gabi, sparking a bench-clearing clash between

both sets of players and staff, before the latter also saw red for a second yellow card in the dying seconds. Even unsportsmanlike the balls were thrown from the Real bench inside the pitch to interrupt the play in the dying moments.

With this victory Atletico created an incredible record of winning all 4 encounters in the final against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu.

Chelsea won the Europa League riding on Ivanovic’s last gasp header, beating Benfica by 2-1 margin.

2013-05-16T11:58:00.002+05:30

Brainslav Ivanovic has won the Europa League final for Chelsea with his stoppage time header against Portuguese side Benfica in a match which Chelsea won by 2-1 margin at Amsterdam Arena lastnight.

The entire first half was dominated by the Portuguese side, they should have put the match in their pocket during that period easily but failed to convert repeatedly few easiest of chances.

Chelsea got their first positive chance in the 44^th minute of the game while Frank Lampard tested the Benfica custodian Artur with a long ranger sitter from the right side of the box but this time Arthur averted the danger with a handy save in a spectacular style.

The first half ended in a goalless stalemate.

From the beginning of the second half Chelsea started to counter due to that Fernando Torres put them 1-0 up on 59th minute of the game as he ran clean through the Benfica defence from Petr Cech’s impressive long throw to round the goal keeper and slot home.

Just after that goal Benfica introduced 2 fresh legs to put pressure on Chelsea defence, got their dividends soon while after exchanging a one-two with Cardozo, Lima looked to

flick the ball past Azpilicueta only to see the right-back block with his hand.

The Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers pointed towards the spot & the Paraguayan international Oscar Cardozo didn’t make any mess to slot the ball inside the net which levelled the game.

After that goal both the sides had their chances but failed to utilise.

When everybody thought the match is going to extra-time then in the third and final minute of added time, Ivanovic rose at the back post following a corner from right side headed the ball inside the net with Artur rooted to the spot, secured the victory for Chelsea.

With this continental tournament victory Chelsea could have salvaged their pride after their early exit from this

year’s Champions League & coincidently after last year’s Champions League trophy John Terry once again picked up a trophy despite taking no part in the game.

Chelsea is the first English club to clinch the glory of winning three main European trophies - Champions League, European Cup Winners’ Cup and now Europa League.

Wigan Athletic won the FA cup, beating Manchester City by 1-0 margin in the final.

2013-05-13T17:38:00.000+05:30

Wigan Athletic won the FA Cup against Manchester City in the final by a stoppage time decider, scored by Ben Watson, eventually this is the first ever major triumph in Wigan’s 81 years history while last year’s EPL champion Manchester City failed to salvage their pride in their last chance of this season after their early exit in Champions League.

Eventaully this is Wigan’s first ever FA Cup final and at the very least they're aiming to make sure it doesn't go the same way as their previous appearance in a major final, when they were beaten 4-0 by Manchester United in the League Cup

in 2006. But that was in Cardiff. This is Wembley and they've already got experience of winning at Wembley, having beaten Millwall in their semi-final last month.

City boss Roberto Manchini now has to face such questions that how his side slipped in the final within 12 months after winning their first Premier League title in 44 years & two years after winning the same FA cup.

Stories emerging that City are poised to replace Roberto Manchini with Malaga’s Manuel Pellegrini, who guided his side in the last 8 stage of the Champions League this year.

Pablo Zabaleta becomes the third man to be sent off in FA Cup final and Manchester City are down to 10 men in the

84^th minute of the game. Vincent Kompany was played into trouble by a square pass from Clichy, who knocked it into the centre circle where Kone was waiting. Kone got there first and shuffled it through to McManaman. His touch was heavy but he beat Zabaleta to the ball 30 yards from goal and was sent flying. He wasn't the last man but he was on a booking. Out came the yellow, then the red.

Then Wigan became desperate to take the one man advantage & went allout for the necessary goal which they finally got from a corner in the stoppage time.

Maloney whipped the corner to the near post and Ben Watson darted in front of Rodwell and glanced a brilliant

header past City custodian Joe Hart and into the far corner inside the post. With this goal Ben Watson, has surely won the FA Cup for Wigan Athletic because there was not much time left for the City boys to equalize the game, wrote himself into Wigan folklore by stunning a rain-soaked Wembley.

Churchill Brothers have won the I-League crown, playing out 1 all draw with Mohun Bagan.

2013-05-08T19:05:00.002+05:30

Churchill Brothers became the I-League champion for second time, finishing their home encounter with Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan in 1 all stalemate at Tilak Maidan ,Vasco yesterday. Now with this draw Churchill Brothers reached to

insurmountable 52 points with one game to spare, beyond reach of other sides which keeps the holy grail of Indian football remains in Goa for another year by washing out the dreams of Kolkata sides in the coast of river Mandovi.

Sabeeth put the Green & Maroons 1-0 ahead in the 26^th minute of the game by an excellent solo effort, Sunil Chhetri equalized by a header for the Red Machines in the 71st minute of the game which ensures much needed one point for the hoemside but the goal is actually an own goal scored by Manish Bhargab due to poor clearance attempt following a centre from right side by Vinesh Balan, but referee awarded it to Chhetri’s name.

Odafa got a muscle pull in the 30th minute which forces Karim to substitute him with Manish Bhargab.

Rahim Nabi should have doubled the lead for the visitors in the 50th minute.

Everybody alongwith the Alemao family in the ground appeared to watch their second I-League triumph but

throughout the entire first half the visitors dominated the match the goal of Sabeeth actually silenced the entire crowd of the Tilak Maidan.

Bhowmik started with Beto in his first eleven but throughout his presence Beto remain off color so why he introduced Belal Arzou in the place of Beto, which actually becomes fruitful for the Goan side.

Subhas Bhowmik, the technical director of Churchill Brothers creates an incredible record of winning the I-League trophy with two different sides during his coaching tenure, notably he had won the crown twice for East Bengal back to

2002-03 & 2003-04 season & this year with Churchill.

He remains emotionless on the sideline while the entire team alongwith the entire crowd of the Tilak Maidan were busy with celebrating with the newly designed I-League trophy.

But the credit hould be given to his name because from the middle of the tournament he has been missing two of his vital Lebanese players, he has patched up the damage by bringing the Afghan international Belal Rzou, who remained instrumental during his all appearances & Sunil Chhetri from Portugal who also provided an excellent service during his short term attachment with the club.

It’s party time in the Alemao mansion of Colava beach, the victory celebration & the felicitation of the footballers would be taken place on 16^th May, the birthday of the elder brother of Alemao family Churchill Alemao.

Bayern goes through into the final, humiliating Barca again by 3-0 margin.

2013-05-02T19:48:00.001+05:30

The Bavarian giants outplayed the Lionel Messi less Catalan side once again by 3-0 margin at Camp-de-Nou lastnight in their second leg encounter of the UEFA Champions League semifinal following their 4-0 first leg victory at Allianz Arena one week ago as well as they won the tie by 7-0 at aggregate & sailed towards the final where they will clash with another German side Borussia Dortmund, will be played on 25^th May at Wembley stadium.

Roben scored the first in 48th minute, Pique scored an own goal in 72nd minute & Thomas Muller scored 3rd in 76th minute, eventually this is the worst humiliating aggregate defeat in the history of Barcelona.

The entire Barcelona supporters alongwith Camp Nou crowd banking heavily on their talisman Lionel Messi to make an impossible task possible, but that is called none other than destiny that Lionel Messi couldn’t participate in this match due to his hamstring injury.

The entire football crazy peoples as well as the Bayern Munich camp also got stunned to see that Lionel Messi is not in the first eleven which gave them some added mental advantage.

Surprisingly in yesterday morning Tito Vilonava alongwith all the leading gazettes of Spain published that he is hundred percent fit to take rid on the visitors, but destiny had some different thinking.

The battle of first half remained equivalent, both the teams had their opportunities.

But the second half remained an one sided show, Barca

completely lost out from the match.

Barcelona's ordeal was confirmed from the moment Arjen Robben opened the scoring three minutes into the second half and what followed, first Gerard Pique's own goal and then Thomas Muller's header, made it another chastening experience.

Arjen Robben put the first nail in Barca’s coffin in the 48^th minute of the game by scoring an excellent goal from the right side by cutting & curling the ball inside the net, Victor Valdez remained a viewer.

The second goal was an own goal scored by Gerrard Pique, trying a clearance attempt following a cross from Ribery, managed to find the net only.

Thomas Muller has made it 7-0 on aggregate just four

minutes after the second goal simply by wanting to win a far post header more than both Barca defenders and Valdes.

Before the end Camp Nou, the scene of so many great Barça triumphs, had to suffer the ignominy of hearing Bayern's supporters greeting every touch with tainting jubilant cries.

Last year’s action replay in Champions League semifinals, back to back nights, fall of Spanish empire, it seems Spanish Armada is drowned in the coast of Mediterranean sea. The centre of gravity of European football is now shifted to Germany from Spain now & no doubt about that…….

Bayern Munich stepped one leg in the Wembley, Barca seeking to overturn 4-0 deficit in the return leg.

2013-05-01T20:12:00.001+05:30

ROAD TO WEMBLEY

Quite uphill task for Barcelona to overturn their first leg 4-0 defeat against another European giant Bayern Munich to reach the final of UEFA Champions League at Camp-de-Nou in the second leg of the semifinal tonight.

Barcelona have to beat all the odds for reaching the final of the tournament by beating the German side by 5-0 or

ROAD TO WEMBLEY

bigger margin without swallowing a single goal even.

In the other hand the task is much easier for the visitors, they just need to defend their first leg victory only.

Only the plus point for Barcelona is they will get full fit Argentine superstar Lionel Messi on their hand & who doesn’t know that he has that potential to overturn any deficit singlehandedly which he has already proved in their return leg home encounter against the Italian powerhouse AC Milan.

It’s going to be the battle between tiki-taka & typical power football alos.

Eventually this is going to be the last season for Jupp Heynckes in Bayern, after this season former Barca coach Pepp Guardiolla will undertake the responsibility of the German

side. So Jupp Heynceks will definately try to crown his team with the UEFA Champions League trophy before leaving the club.

Defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets is likely to return in his defensive midfield position in the Catalan side after recovering from his groin injury. Only bad news for Tito Vilanova is he will miss the service of Jordi Alaba due to his suspension, Adriano who will return from suspension is likely to take the place of Jordi Alaba.

Meanwhile the Bavarians will also get the service of Maro Mandzukic in the upfront who will return from suspension & expected to be in the starting eleven tonight.

In the history of Catalan giant they made such a

ROAD TO WEMBLEY

massive comeback once before against Chelsea in the quarterfinal of 1999, where they have lost the first leg by 3-1 margin & they pounced over Chelsea in the return leg by 5-1 margin 7 became through to the next stage. Whatever if they want to repeat it then they have to make all the impossible possible for climbing the mount.

Borussia Dortmund through to the final, Real Madrid, just one goal short of the hurdle.

2013-05-01T11:46:00.002+05:30

Road to Wembley.

Delayed high-voltage drama at Santiago Bernabeu lastnight, Real Madrid won the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal against Borussia Dortmund by 2-0 margin, Karim Benzema & Sergei Ramos scored for the hosts in the 82nd & 88th minute respectively though the aggregate

Road to Wembley.

becomes 4-3 in Borussia Dortmund's fore following their first leg 4-1 victory over Real Madrid, which guides the German side into the final & eliminates Real Madrid from the semi stage once again.

Glory for Borussia Dortmund, after 1997 they became succeeded once again on their second attempt to reach the final of UEFA Champions League, bitter tantalising agony for Real Madrid supporters, back to back third year & consecutively second time against any German side they failed to overcome the hurdle of the semi stage in the same tournament.

Dortmund appeared to have weathered the opening onslaught from Madrid and are starting to gain more possession and ping around some adventurous passes.

Madrid almost seemed too obsessed with the physical pressing side of things that they've forgotten the importance of putting the ball in the back of the net.

In this nervy battle Real Madrid should have taken 3-0 lead within the 10 minutes of the game. But Higuen, Ronaldo himself & Ozil made a series of blunders to find the target.

Both the teams had equal amount of ball possession throughout the first half, visitors also have created a few good chances courtesy Lewandowsi & Reus combination but neither

Road to Wembley.

side managed to find the target in the first 45 minutes, first half ended in a goalless stalemate.

Jose Mourniho took two replacements in the beginning of second half he introduced Kaka and Benzema in the place of Higuain and Coentrao.

Madrid keeper Lopez makes a great case for his selection ahead of Casillas after Reus sets up Gundogan for practically an open goal, but he shoots towards the keeper and almost pays the ultimate price when Madrid break immediately up the other end.

Lewandowski misses another sitter - although Ramos appears to have played an illegal part in it.

The English referee Howard Webb enraged a

Road to Wembley.

stadium full of Spaniards by denying Madrid a definite handball from Hummels before attempting to make up for things by cautioning Piszczek.

It’s Karim Benzema who made the Santiago Bernabeu crowd alive by scoring the first goal for the homeside in the 82^nd minute following a pass from Mesut Ozil inside the six yard box

After a succession of chances it’s Ramos who smashed it into the roof of the net in the 88nd minute of the game.

Benzema cut inside and his deflected shot was pushed over. Then Raphael Varane's effort was blocked. And, when the ball dropped to Benzema near the right-hand byline moments later, he coolly pulled it back for Sergio Ramos, who has done the rest.

Eventually this is Real Madrid’s first victory over the German side in this year’s Champions league on the other hand this is the first defeat for the German side in this tournament also as well as this is the second time the German

Road to Wembley.

side reached into the final of the tournament after won their first final back to 1997 against the Italian giant Juventus. In final at Wembley on 25^th May Borussia Dortmund will take on the winner of Bayern Munich vs Barcelona second leg tie.

Acid test for Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund in the semifinal of UEFA Champions League.

2013-04-30T19:26:00.002+05:30

This is going to be a litmus test for the most successful team of Europe to survive their reputation while Real Madrid will host the German side Borussia Dortmund at Santiago Bernabeu in the return leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal following their 4-1 defeat in the first leg.

Spanish giant, Real Madrid, the nine times European champions need to overturn their first leg away defeat for advancing into the final, against a side whom they failed to defeat a single encounter of this season.

In their first leg encounter at Signal Eduna Park last week Robert Lewandowsi scored all four goals for the German side while Christano Ronaldo scored the priceless away goal for the visitors.

On behalf of that away goal Real Madrid need a clear 3-0 victory over Dortmund to have the ticket of Wembley on the other hand the visitors just need to defend their first leg victory, a goalless draw or even a 1-0 defeat also guide them into the final.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourniho told in a press conference that Christano Roanalo, who got injured during the first leg tie will start here from the beginning as well as the

Argentine forward Angel Di Maria will also start here by replacing Luka Modric with Mesut Ozil moving back into his preferred central role.

Meanwhile the visitors have few injury problems this time with Lukasz Piszczek struggling with the groin injury as well as midfilders Ilkay Gundogan & Mario Gotze are also suffering from injuries.

In the history of Real Madrid, second time they are going to face such a critical circumstance, first time back to 1975 they faced a similar circumstance while they lost the first leg against English champions Derby Country in the first leg by 4-1 margin but they succeeded to defeat Derby by same margin in the return leg, which levelled the tie, guided the match towards extra time, where Real Madrid scored the decider & advanced them towards the next stage.

Borussia Dortmund outplayed Real Madrid by 4-1 margin on their first leg encounter of second semifinal of UEFA Champions League.

2013-04-25T12:07:00.003+05:30

Same story like previous night, another Spanish giant is hammered in the hand of another German club while Borussia Dortmund outplayed Real Madrid by 4-1 margin on their first leg encounter of second semifinal of UEFA Champions League at Dortmund lastnight. The Polish goal poacher Robert Lewandowski netted all four for the homeside in the 8^thminute,

50^thminute, 55^th minute & 66^th minute of the game while Christano Ronaldo scored the solitary goal for the visitors in the 42^nd minute of the match.

It was all about Robert Lewandowski show at Signal-Iduna-Park in Dortmund lastnight. The Polish international is the current top scorer of Beundeslig this season as well as scored 11 goals in his last 12 Champions League appearances.

The hosts started in a very positive approach they should have taken the lead within 2^nd minute of the game while Sven Bender wins the ball with a strong challenge in midfield and plays the ball to Marco Reus, who failed to guide the ball past Real Madid custodian Diego Lopez.

However the Polish star scored his first goal of the match in the 8^th minute of the game while Mario Goze crossed

from the left and Lewandowski got the better of Pepe on the edge of the six-yard box and poked the ball home with a perfectly timed lunge.

A genuine penalty appeal in fore of the homeside was rejected by the referee B. Kuipers‎ in the 41st minute while Raphael Varane was scrambling back to try to take the ball off Reus, but lost his footing and knocked over the Dortmund midfielder in the penalty area.

While Dortmund's players were getting all het up with the referee, Mats Hummel tried to play the ball back to his goalkeeper from a good way out with a horrendously under-hit back-pass. Gonzalo Higuain latched on to it, drew the goalkeeper and only remaining defender before rolling the ball

across the face of goal, where Ronaldo didn’t make any mess to slot the ball inside the net, leveled the game in 42nd minute.

The first half ended in an 1 all stalemate.

Robert Lewandowski restored the parity for the hosts in 50^th minute of the game, the visitors started to appeal for an offside but referee rejected their plea.

In 55^th minute of the game Lewandowski completed his hat-trick, following a centre from left side, he took the ball on his left foot, dodged the defender, took a sort turn and fired it inside the roof of the net, this is the best goal he scored lastnight.

In the 66^th minute of the game Xavi Alonso pulled down Reus inside the box, referee pointed towards the spot, Lewandowski found the net from the spot, scored his fourth, put hosts 4-1 ahead, sealed the game on their fore.

Most probably in the return leg it’s going to be the

action replay of last year’s semifinals where these two Spanish giants were eliminated from the same stage.

The dominance of Spanish clubs is going to over now, in this year Champions League no Spanish club became able to defeat any German side yet. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it becomes the all German final at Wembley on 25^th May this year.

Borussia Dortmund, going to host Real Madrid in the first leg encounter of 2nd semifinal in UEFA Champions League.

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German Side Borussia Dortmund are going to host the Spanish giant, the most successful side in Champions League history, the nine times European champion Real Madrid in the first leg encounter of the 2^nd semifinal of UEFA Champions League in Dortmund tonight.

The German side will make their attempt to make the final for the first time since winning the trophy in 1997, but their preparation have been heavily hampered by yesterday’s revelation that Mario Gotze will be leaving the club to join their arch-rival Bayern Munich in a £31.5m deal at the end of the season. The news sees the playmaker end a 12-year association with the club that has been difficult for fans to take before such a high voltage encounter.

Dortmund remain the only unbeaten side in this year’s tournament, after a late show saw them overturn a 2-1 deficit to qualify for the semi-finals, at Malaga’s expense. Jurgen Klopp's side will be determined to thwart the competition’s top scorer Cristiano

Ronaldo, who has netted 11 goals in Europe this season.

In the other hand Real Madrid were beaten by the same side at the same venue in their Group league encounter by 2-1 margin following their 2 all stalemate at Santiago Bernabeu.

Jose Mourinho is without the services of Marcelo, stretchered off at the weekend, so Fabio Coentrao will deputise in his absence. Meanwhile Luka Modric and Karim Benzema may require late fitness tests. Diego Lopez suffered a knock to his ribs on Saturday against Real Betis but Mourinho has confirmed he will play so Iker Casillas remains on the bench.

Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to provide Madrid's most potent goalscoring outlet, already with11 vital goals in their European campaign to his name and he

currently sits three strikes clear at the top of the tournaments goalscoring charts. For Dortmund Lewandowski looks dangerous having picked up five goals to his name in the tournament whilst Marco Reus will provide valuable support having attained four strikes to his name too.

Bayern, ransacked Barcelona by 4-0 margin in the first leg of UEFA Champions League first semifinal.

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Bayern Munich hammered Barcelona by a clear 4-0 margin in the first leg of UEFA Champions League first semifinal at Allianz Arena lastnight, took a massive step toward returning to the Champions League final will be played at Wembley 25^th May. Thomas Muller scored a brace in the 25^th & 82nd minute, Mario Gomez & Arjen Robben scored one each in the 49^th minute & 73rd minute of the game respectively.

Barcelona suffer their heaviest defeat in European competition since 1997 eventually when the two teams last met

in Europe, back in 2008/09, Barca had thrashed Bayern 4-0 in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie at the Nou Camp.

The Catalans eased into its possession game from the outset, but Bayern, a side who wrapped up the Bundesliga in record time this season, and scored 16 goals in the space of 10 days recently, certainly had no reason to feel inferior.

The Bavarians had the first chance in the very early minutes of the game with Robben exchanging passes with Martinez before shooting straight at Victor Valdes in the second minute.

Two genuine penalty appeals against the Catalan side which had convinced the Allianz Arena crowd were not as much entertained by referee Viktor Kassai.

But the hosts didn’t genuinely need any helping hands as they took the lead in the 25^th minute.

Arjen Robben's cross from the right picked out Dante at the far post, and he returned the ball to the opposite post where Mueller was encroaching to head in the opener with Victor Valdes unable to stop the ball before it crept in.

Dante averted a minor scare five minutes later when he got in a vital touch just in front of an anonymous Messi from Pedro's cross, but that was a mere punctuation in a dominant display from Bayern.

The hosts doubled the lead in the 49th minute when Robben's corner was headed down at the far post by Mueller with an unmarked Gomez sweeping the ball in from underneath the crossbar.

They established that in the 73rd minute when Robben capped a fine individual performance by sliding the ball inside the far post after getting in around the back of Jordi Alba, who appeared to be impeded by Mueller in the build-up.

Marc Bartra wasted a rare opportunity for the guests in the 76th minute before Mueller wrapped things up six minutes

later, tucking the ball in from close range after David Alaba got round the back of Barca's crumbling defense.

Barca may have felt some key decisions went against them, with appeals against Gomez for offside when he netted

Bayern's second just after the break and a foul on Jordi Alba in the lead-up to Robben's strike falling on deaf ears.

By the end it was a humiliation. Barcelona, the team that have made their reputation on merciless thrashings, know what it feels like to be on the wrong end of a good old-fashioned one themselves. They had been outfought, out-thought and, ultimately, outplayed and, from here, who can possibly see Bayern surrendering this position and not making it to Wembley on 25 May?

Bayern Munich, going to host Barcelona at the first leg of UEFA Champions League first semifinal tonight.

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Four times European champion & last year’s finalist German giant Bayern Munich is going to face currently the most successful team of the Europe, the another four times European champion, Spanish giant Barcelona in their first leg encounter of UEFA Champions League first semifinal at their home Allianz Arena tonight.

Eventually both the teams have already won their domestic league crowns with few matches to remain in their hand.

Bayern already won the domestic Bundesliga title, reached in the final of German Cup, hammering Wolfsfurg by 6-1 margin, currently on their way to reach their third Champions League final is last four years. Right now the Bavarians are standing from the handshaking distance of achieving the triple-crown in a same year.

Bayern coach Jump Henckeys dropped a hint for today’s

match by incoroporatiing both strikers Mario Gomez & Claudio Pizarro into a 4-4-2 formation, rather than Bayern’s usual 4-2-3-1 formation.

In the other hand the Catalan giants included injured Lionel Messi in their probable line-up so if he is in the match, it

will be up to the defence to prevent Messi from getting touches, especially around the box. This is easier said than done, but Bayern Munich has the ability to focus on the talented player by keeping its defenders back.

Obviously, Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, Pedro and others are more than capable of scoring goals if left open. However,

they contribute at a much lower rate and are better when playing off of Messi.

It is going to be a very tight tie,’ assistant coach Roura told reporters as he stood in for Tito Vilanova at the pre-match press conference.

'It will probably come down to nuances. The side who manages to impose themselves the most on the game will have the best chance. We know how good Bayern are, and we know it's going to be hard not only tomorrow, but in the tie overall.'

Bayern Munich have good record against Barcelona in European competition, winning three, drawing two, and losing

one in their six previous meetings. However, Barcelona thrashed Bayern Munich on 5-1 aggregate in the quarter-final in 2009. Blaugrana's overall record against the Bundesliga is - nine wins, 10 draws and five losts.

Whatever will happen both the side will have another chance in the second when they will clash at Camp-de-Nou in the return leg but obviously it’s going to be one of the most exciting night of European football tonight.

Manchester United clinched their 20th EPL title, hammering Aston Villa by 3-0 margin.

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Manchester United clinched their 20^th EPL title and 13th Barclays Premier League Title with four matches to spare, hammering Aston Villa by a clear 3-0 margin at Old Trafford lastnight. Robin van Persie completed his hat-trick within first half by scoring all three goals in the 2^nd, 13^th & 33^rd minute of the game. With this victory Man U reaches to 84 points from 34 matches while the league runners Man City is standing on 68 points after playing the equal number of matches.

The Dutchman took just 81 seconds to sweep home Ryan

Giggs' knock-back.

Homeside notched their second with just 13 minutes on the clock, and the goal was a thing of beauty. With time and space inside his own half, Rooney looked up and forwarded a long ball to Van Persie to run on to and hit a thunderous volley past a motionless Brad Guzan from outside the area.

Twelve minutes to remain in the first half he profited from more unselfishness from the veteran Welshman to complete the second three-timer of his United career, give the Red Devills supporters opportunity to cheer & celebrate.

The arrival of Robin van Persie from Arsenal over the summer transfer window will likely go down as the defining moment of the season for United. Van Persie scored 21 goals in

his first 23 Premier League appearances for United and became an instant hero at Old Trafford as a result of that success.

His combination with Wayne Rooney allowed their strong attack to dominate the 2012-13 season and was fundamental to their eventual title breakthrough.

United's title triumph became manager Sir Alex Ferguson's 13th EPL trophy won at United and his 28th trophy across all competitions for the Red Devils (not including Community Shield victories)

The win takes United even closer to breaking Chelsea's record in 2005 and 2006 of 29 league wins in a single season,

with the Red Devils currently on 27 wins. United, who is also on their way to surpass the record of 95 points set by Chelsea in 2004-05 if they win their four remaining games, have 84 points with City, who have a game in hand, on 68.