LIVERPOOL FC 4 FC BARCELONA 0 | (4-3 AGG) CHAMPIONS SEMI-FINAL RESULT

Historical night of UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Football & for English Club LIVERPOOL FC after managing to turn around the semi-final from an away 0 - 3 aggregate deficit to a hammering 4 - 0 victory over FC BARCELONA at Anfield. The final result is a 4-3 aggregate semi-final ticket for Liverpool FC which goes onto the Madrid Champions League Final against tomorrow's winner from the Ajax-Tottenham semi.

Everything was against Liverpool FC, a deficit of 3 goals from the 1º leg game plus injuries to star players SALAH & FIRMINO. Coach Klopp put forward the above starting 11 with huge pressure on lesser names like ORIGI & SHAQIRI.

FC BARCELONA put forward their starting 11 which was basically the same team as in the 1º st leg match. They felt confident, but as we were to witness the ghost of the past & of AC ROMA returned to hover over them again tonight.

LIVERPOOL FC had a clear plan, take the initiative, pressure up front, force mistakes & pull from emotion. This latter part was supplied by the home crowd which was their 12th man tonight with non-stop chanting & support. The dream become a possible reality when a Jordi Alba mistake lead to the Liverpool FC opener through ORIGI in the 7th min.

Liverpool FC looked for more goals but their overzealous adventures upfront nearly cost them goals. But there was - for me - the MAN OF THE MATCH, Liverpool goalkeeper ALISSON who made 4 crucial & match turning saves tonight, three of them in the 1st half.

The first 45 min ended with Barça controlling the best they could the English "fire" & it seemed they would continue to do so in the 2ºnd half. However, all to the contrary, LIVERPOOL overran Barça with two quick goals - again Barça defensive mistakes - through substitute GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM in the 54th & 56nd min. Liverpool suddenly had their dream in their hands as FC Barcelona were rattled & seeing the nightmare of AC ROMA returning to haunt them again.

Barça Coach Valverde reacted making changes by putting on Semedo for Coutinho, moving Sergi Roberto into midfield & taking off Barça´s best until then ARTURO VIDAL for Arthur.
Then the miracle appeared from a corner that could all the Barça defense wrong footed finding ORIGI alone to hammer home his 2nd & the 4th for Liverpool FC in the 79th min. The English Club  was now winning the semifinales tie & had a foot in the upcoming final.

Liverpool FC then held their winning advantage with tooth, nails & blood holding off Barça in their desperate attacks until the referee finally blew the whistle to give Liverpool the victory. Absolutely historical achievement for Liverpool FC, a night they will never forget.

As for Barcelona a disaster. There worst match possible with the big names disappearing at the crucial moments. Too many defensive errores, especially Alba, & perhaps a bit too much overconfidence coming into this match. With their elimination Spanish Football loses their only representative which is a big negative after so many years of European domination. 

FINAL RESULT: LIVERPOOL FC 4 - FC BARCELONA 0 | LIVERPOOL WINS SEMIFINAL ON A 4-3 AGGREGRATE RESULT

Congratulations to Liverpool FC, good luck in the upcoming Champions League Final.

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VALENCIA CF 1 REAL BETIS 0 (3-2 AGG) | SPANISH CUP SEMI RESULT

SPANISH CUP (Copa del Rey) semi final action tonight to determine whether VALENCIA CF or REAL BETIS will join FC Barcelona in the May Spanish Cup Final. Both teams finished with a 2 - 2 result in the first leg match in Sevilla. Here is a summary of the main match events, goalscorers & the final result. 

Above is highlighted the starting 11 home team: Valencia CF

Above highlighted the starting 11 team for Real Betis

From the start it was clear the "game plan" from both teams. Valencia CF was prepared to wait & then counter-attack, while Betis was in with ball domination to work their play. Said this, both methods were ineffective during the first 45 minutes. Real Betis had possession but little buzz upfront, except a Canales free kick & a Jese shot both stopped by Valencia Cf goalkeeper Domenech. Valencia CF managed a few counter-attacks but they too were ineffective with over-zealous dribbling. Mentioned this, Betis looked as if they would score more than the home team. 

The 2º half & it was Valencia CF which struck first in a counter, when RODRIGO knocked in his teams goal in the 56th min. From there onwards Betis had to act to at least score their goal & if possible another. As it may ocurre the impulsive interpretation of Football took over, with added frustration with near misses & despair as the time clock kept ticking. Valencia with their goal was in the driver's seat and managed to create more goal opportunities that did not end in goal but keep the rope tight.

FINAL RESULT: VALENCIA CF 1 - REAL BETIS 0

The counter-attack philosophy won over the ball possession method, effectiveness over construction.

Valencia CF will now meet FC Barcelona in May for the Spanish Cup Final, ironically in Seville & at the Real Betis home stadium (Benito Villamarin).

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | BAYERN MUNICH 1 REAL MADRID 2

REAL MADRID has defeated BAYERN MUNICH 1 - 2 in the 1º leg match semi-final of CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. Very handy result for the Spanish Club that gives them two valuable away goals & an advantage for the return leg down for the 3rd of May in Madrid. The semi-final is still wide open & the Germans still have their options open but will need an enormous effort to pull this result back.

Bayern Munich did not play badly at all, in fact the Germans had the Spanish team on the back foot most of the match. They created numerous goal opportunities, but Real Madrid had the "luck of the Champions" along with an inspired Real Madrid goalkeeper in Kaylor Navas. The Real Madrid goalie made numerous saves, especially from Ribery, that kept his team alive.

Along with all this, Bayern Munich was unlucky in the injury "department". They lost Robben early in the 1º st half to injury & a little later defender Boateng which obviously shifted the Bayern Munich match plans. However the Germans & their substitute team-mates made an extraordinary effort to keep the level high, create permanent danger & hold the side solid.  

Said all this, experience won the night. REAL MADRID has greater Champions League experience & even after the first Bayern Munich goal in the 28 min by KIMMICH, the Spaniard remained cool under pressure. In fact they remained cool during the continual waves of attacks,  that if Bayern had played another Club not Real Madrid, the Germans would have had this semi-final wrapped up. Bayern winger Ribery can vouch for this as he gave everything tonight & was their main "spearhead" upfront, to only see how his numerous goal opportunities were foiled time after time. 

Real Madrid just needs to exploited their given chances & their opponents mistakes to get ahead in the match. Their equalizer came in the "psychological" moment of the game, the 44th min when MARCELO got onto a ball in a magnificent fashion for goal. Real Madrid Coach Zidane made a substitution for the 2º half with ASENSIO coming on for Isco, & it paid off quickly. ASENSIO scored the second goal ( & the winner ) in the 57th min after a Bayern midfield mistake that gave the ball to Lucas Vazquez who found Asensio. 

This was enough & Real Madrid then pulled from experience to manage the times, the fouls & the defending. Speaking of defending, CRISTIANO RONALDO will not be on tomorrows front page of the Sports papers, but his performance was absolutely outstanding. Tonight he sacrificed the "limelight" to do the "dirt work" of defending & chasing down Bayern Munich players. When he did appear they disallowed (correctly) a fabulous goal for hand-ball.

Excellent victory for Real Madrid which has to finish off the work next week. Bayern Munich will attempt everything the can to stop Real Madrid & attempt to turn around this semi-final tie to their advantage. Another great Football game assured.
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UEFA CHAMPIONS | EUROPA LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS MATCH UPS

UEFA has drawn on midday the semi-finals Club match-ups for both Champions League & Europa League with the following outcomes.

Spanish Football Club REAL MADRID will face German Champions BAYERN MUNICH, while LIVERPOOL plays AC ROMA. The games are scheduled for the 24th & 25th of April being the 1º leg, & return 2º leg games are down for 1st & 2nd of May.

Beforehand it seems Liverpool FC has got the better result from the draw, with due respects to AC Roma. While Real Madrid has a difficult hurdle to jump if they want to get a Finals berth. 

The Europa League semi-finals draw matches up Spanish Football Club ATLETICO DE MADRID with English Club ARSENAL FC, while the other semi is between Olympic Marsella & Salzburg. The games are scheduled for the 26th of April with the 1º leg, while the return 2º leg is down for the 3rd of May.

May the best Teams win!

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REAL MADRID 3 - AT. MADRID 0 | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 1º st LEG SEMI-FINAL RESULT

REAL MADRID defeated 3 - 0 ATLETICO DE MADRID tonight in the 1º st leg semi-final of Champions League. A victory that gives Real Madrid a "foot in the door" for another Final, barring an epic come-back performance in the upcoming 2º leg game by Atletico.

It was a complete match from Real Madrid, who was surprisingly more aggressive than the visitors from the start. Atletico was disarmed & neutralized creating relatively less goal opportunities for themselves as expected. Some of the Atletico de Madrid stars, eg Griezmann, Gamiero, Carrasco, Saul etc... were simply eclipsed & this brought down the level of the whole side. Just one of those nights were the occasion was greater than than want to perform. 

Not the case at all with Cristiano Ronaldo who got a HAT-TRICK, again. The Portuguese star gave a full repertoire from sacrificed defending, assists & "killer" goals. The three came in the:

• Cristiano Ronaldo 10th min, 1 - 0
• Cristiano Ronaldo 73rd min, 2 - 0
• Cristiano Ronaldo 86th min, 3 - 0

an overall exhibition, along with most of the team which were disciplined, tight & solid.The bad note for Real Madrid was the injury to Carvajal, but his substitution Nacho was as solid as ever.

There is another match left of this semi-final with the 2º leg at the home ground of Atletico de Madrid. An away goal tonight would have eased the "pain" from the result & given a greater margen for At.Madrid, but the scoreless effort complicates things. Atletico de Madrid will need to pull from spirit & force an epic performance if they are to turn this result around. Real Madrid are currently in the "box seat" & hot favourites.

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MAN. CITY 0 REAL MADRID 0 | CHAMPIONS SEMI-FINAL 1º LEG RESULT

Champions League 1º leg semi-final with Manchester City drawing 0 - 0 with Spanish Football Club Real Madrid. A relative small victory for Real Madrid as they did not allow Man. City to score while keeping options open for the return leg at home at the "Santiago Bernabeu Stadium".

The result for the Spaniards was even better because they managed it without Cristiano Ronaldo who could not recover in time over his thigh injury & without Benzema all the 2º half who went off injured.

Manchester City was very dangerous the first half gaining a higher percentage of ball possession & managing to get into the goal zone more often. Real Madrid was sloppy, inaccurate in their passing & giving away the ball too often. The turning point for worst for Man.City was the injury to David Silva which took the "magic" out of the team. The English squad then took on a more "orthodox" approach of defending & looking for the counter-attack.

The second half went to Real Madrid which bettered as time went hitting the bar through Jese & forcing English goalkeeper Hart to make two match savers, one from a Casemiro corner header & another a point blank Pepe shot.

In the end both teams played out to fight another day. But watching this game although both teams have very good options still available to pass onto the final, Real Madrid looks more superior.

Outstanding performance from Real Madrid defenders Pepe, Marcelo  & Carvajal, Casemiro was solid, Modric was the play maker & always dangerous, while Bale got better towards the end. 

Tomorrow the other Spanish Football representative plays German giants Bayern Munich at home in their 1ºst leg Champions League semi-final match. 

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REAL MADRID 1 JUVENTUS 1 | JUVE INTO THE FINAL ON 2 - 3 AGGREGATE

Real Madrid held the UEFA Champions League Final Ticket up until the 57th min when Juventus managed to equalize & change things in their favour to later eliminate Real Madrid in tonights 2º leg semi-final match. The final 1 - 1 result gave the Italian the semi-final tie with an overall 2 - 3 aggregate total putting them up next month against FC Barcelona in the Berlin Final.

Real Madrid started with a clear objective, to score the needed goal to open up the Finals door onto Berlin. They attacked while Juventus worked to brake their advances, including a firm Buffon who was excellent tonight. 

However, the Real Madrid drive was rewarded when James Rodriguez was fouled in the square & the referee called it a penalty. Cristiano Ronaldo took the ball & scored in the 23rd min putting his team in the Final. Juventus was on the back foot & Real Madrid went looking for the second goal but failed to convert as Buffon & company held off their continual attacks.

The 2º half started as the 1º half finished with Real Madrid looking to widened the scoreline, but Football destiny was to play an ironic hand that would change the course of events for the Spanish Club. In a looped ball into the square the mix-up & fumbles put the ball in front of ex-Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata who controlled, shot & equalized for Juventus in the 57th min. Juventus were now in the final of Berlin, plus psychologically calmer because the home team needed 2 goals to qualify.

Real Madrid attempted to find the goal that could take them into extra-time. Chicharito came on for Benzema (recovered from injury) to give freshness up front but the Italians went into "defensive mode" to lock things up. Juventus are the masters in defending & were comfortable because they were also running out of "steam themselves". Real Madrid was losing on ideas,  on how to break through & the frustration set in. Goalkeeper Casillas even had to make a couple of saves to keep his team alive as the Italian still had some bit. In the end Juventus held out & eliminated Real Madrid returning to a Champions League final 12 years later.

It is obvious that congratulations are in order for the Italians & I wish them luck against Barça in the final. But from a Real Madrid point of view, there has to be some self criticism & analysis as to why the failure tonight & with the overall season (Liga & Spanish Cup) included. First in the firing line will be Coach Ancelotti & his management of players & substitutions. Secondly, the Club signing politics will be questioned as midfielders like Illaramendi & Lucas Silva have not played a role at all precisely when the "problems" were in the midfield. Coach Ancelotti preferred to put defender Ramos in the midfield & that experiment failed in Turin were Juventus won the 1 st leg match. Thirdly, Welshman Gareth Bale will be fried - perhaps unjustly - due to his poor performances in the last games, with tonight being not good at all. Some observers can't understand why Coach Ancelotti persists with Bale starting when perhaps another player could have been more productive. 

In any case, Spanish media will have their field day with Real Madrid with new & old cases being opened & debated. Will Coach Ancelotti continue next season? Will Casillas leave? Is it a good option now to sell Gareth Bale? Will Illaramendi be loaned-sold? Plus more shit will be hitting the fan...

Interesting days & weeks ahead for Real Madrid which will finish this season without any titles. And this for this Club is a failure that sits next to a complete disaster.
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POSSIBLE STARTING LINEUPS REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS FC

Which Club will join FC Barcelona in the upcoming UEFA Champions League Final in Berlin next month? This question will be decided tonight when Spanish Football Club Real Madrid hosts Italian club Juventus in the 2º leg return match of the Champions League semi-final. 

The Italian have the advantage bringing in a 2 - 1 result from the 1º leg game, & a away goal to their favour tonight could put things up hill for the Spaniards. In fact, Real Madrid will have to pull from heroics to turn this tie around & beforehand it is not at all so easy.

As habitual speculation is hot pre-match with the possible starting 11 team line-ups for Real Madrid & Juventus. The big news for the Italians is the return of the powerful & talented French midfielder Pogba who will strengthen further the Juventus midfield. It is in the center of the ground were Juventus is strongest & will be the key in their search for victory.

Real Madrid counter-strength is its forward line & they recover Frenchman Karim Benzema. This is a plus, but the squad will need the best from fellow team-mates Gareth Bale & Cristiano Ronaldo in order to be able to surpass the Juventus defence. 

The speculated lines-ups are:

REAL MADRID: Casillas, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo (Coentrao), Kroos, Isco, James Rodriguez, Bale, Benzema & Cristiano Ronaldo

JUVENTUS: Buffon, Lichstener, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra, Pirlo, Marchisio, Pogba, Vidal, Tevez & Morata.

I do not discount a possible "surprise" from both Coaches as they may be hiding something up their sleeve. We will all know 45 mins before the kick-off time - 20.45 local.

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BAYERN MUNICH 3 FC BARCELONA 2 | BARÇA THROUGH TO FINAL WITH 5-3 AGGREGATE

Spanish Football Club FC Barcelona eliminated German Club Bayern Munich tonight after taking the semi-final home & away tie 5 - 3 on overall aggregate. The actual final score of tonight's 2º leg match was a 3 - 2 victory for Bayern Munich a just score & fair reward for a proud showing of Football from their part.

The endeavour to attempt to turn around this semi final from the Bayern point of view was always going to be an extreme task with all the odds against them. However, the Germans deserve merit & put in an excellent match showing courage, a belief in themselves right until the end & a performance worthy of what they actual are in European & World Football ; a Great & Champion Club.

The match started intensely with Bayern looking for the early goals to attempt the "miracle". The doors of possibility opened very soon with their 7th min opening header from defender Benatia. It was looking very positive & hopeful for the Germans until Barça settled themselves & shut the door firmly with deadly & effective attacking Football that combined Suarez, Messi & Neymar. The equalizer for Barça came in the 15th min when Suarez found Neymar who tapped in the ball & the the second goal came in the 30th min with Neymar again finishing off a Messi & Suarez combo. An almost knock-out punch that took the wind out of the Bayern Munich sails. 

But as mentioned, undaunted by the Football reality Bayern kept looking for the necessary goals to make the miracle, but smashed into one of the players of the night for Barcelona, their goalie Ter Stegen who made 3-4 outstanding saves (one off the line) that kept Bayern "on hold".

The second half was taken with a bit more calm by Barça & the rhythm fell. However, the German pride dominated & Bayern kept looking for the goals & at least the victory in front of their supporters. The equalizer from Bayern came in the 59th min through Lewandowski & the third - their winner - in the 74th min through Muller. 

Barça then concentrated on keeping things under control & dampening the German enthusiasm as much as they could, just in case of a possible accident. The final whistle blew & Barcelona celebrated their pass into the UEFA Champions League Final in Berlin next month, their 8th final where they have won four.

Tomorrow their Finals opponent will be known from the Real Madrid - Juventus semi-final 2º leg game were the Italians take a slight lead after their 2-1 result from the 1º leg. Another Top match that cannot be missed.

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BAYERN MUNICH - FC BARCELONA | POSSIBLE STARTING 11 LINE-UPS

FC Barcelona takes a magnificent 3 goals in their pocket over to Germany to play Bayern Munich in the 2º leg semi final of the UEFA Champions League tonight. With this advantage Barça is a game away of getting into the Berlin Final. However, Bayern Munich have faith that they can turn around the tie, thus making this game a "must see".

The possible starting 11 line-ups for both teams look straight forward. For FC Barcelona they will keep with the 11 players that did the job last week:

FC BARCELONA : Stegen, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba, Busquets, Ratikic, Iniesta, Suarez, Messi & Neymar

Bayern Munich has some top players out with injury & Coach Guardiola has what he has available, with the possible exception of starting this time with Gotze. Last week the Coach surprised - & was criticised - for not starting with the player. If Bayern Munich are to turn things around they have to put in a very offensive line up:

BAYERN MUNICH : Neuer, Bernat, Benatia, Boateng, Rafinha, Xabi Alonso, Lahm, Thiago, Muller, Gotze & Lewandowski

Said this, these are speculated pre-match starting 11 line-up predictions. Changes may well occur as Coaches could have surprises up their sleeve. Stay tuned!

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SEVILLA FC 3 FIORENTINA 0 | EUROPA LEAGUE 1º LEG SEMI RESULT

Spanish Football Club & remaining representative Sevilla FC took a huge leap towards the Warsaw Final of the Europa League defeating Italian Club Fiorentina 3 - 0 in tonights 1º leg semi-final clash.

Excellent & overall consistent performance from Sevilla FC which was very efficient finishing off much better the opportunities they created of goal over their opponents. The Italians created theirs as well but they lacked the finishing finesse of the Spaniards. Said this Sevilla put in a very disciplined & concentrated game of Football tonight putting the Italians on the back foot most of the game. Top match from Argentine & Sevilla midfielder Benega who deserves a mention.

The main protagonist was Alexis Vidal of Sevilla who scored twice - 17th & 51st min - & Gameiro who scored the third in the 76th min after just coming on as substitute.

Sevilla now has to "finish off the job" in Italy next week when the play Fiorentina in the 2º leg return match. Although they take a comfortable 3 goals they must not relax as "strange things" can happen in Football. 

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JUVENTUS 2 REAL MADRID 1 | 1º LEG SEMI CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

The Italian Club Juventus FC takes the 1º leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against the Spanish Football Club Real Madrid with a final 2-1 result. Veteran observers may explain that Juventus laid Real Madrid a trap & the latter took the bait...

As anticipated difficult stadium for Real Madrid against a more intense & determined Juventus spurred on by their devoted fans. Real Madrid was not sharp at all tonight, being very sloppy & imprecise with their Football. The "Sergio Ramos midfield Experiment" was not successful at all with Ramos out of place & giving away too many balls.

Juventus won Real Madrid in the midfield with an intense Arturo Vidal working hard all night supported by team-mate Marchisio & cool as a cucumber Pirlo. Added to all this, a concentrated Juventus defence kept out the Spaniards, while the "dynamic duo" of Tevez & Morata unsettled the Real Madrid defence. 

It was young Alvaro Morata who put Juventus ahead in the 9th min when goalie Casillas deflected a Tevez drive. Juventus culminated their intense & straight ramming opening Football with the goal prize. Real Madrid reacted & shook off the initial blows controlling the ball more while looking for the spaces. They too were rewarded in the 27th min when Cristiano Ronaldo headed a James Rodriguez looped pass from a great build up. Real Madrid created more chances thereafter but failed to convert their opportunities.

Things started better for Real Madrid in the 2º half with numerous occasions until a Marcelo shot close to the Juve goal rea rebounded off Kroos with the ball landing in the feet of the Juventus players which caught most of Real Madrid team outside their half.
The counterattack was meet with just two Real Madrid defenders beaten by pace & it ended with Carvajal fouling Tevez in the penalty area. The consequent next move was penalty & goal by Tevez in the 57th min.

With all the advantage now with the Italians they concentrated on preserving the result, forcing Real Madrid to attack & charging them again on the counter. The game turned itself into end-to-end Football with chances falling to both teams. Both Coaches made chances to freshen legs & ideas extending the action till the end. 

Juventus could have scored a third towards the end but Casillas - up till then also under a cloud - managed to save his side from a Fernando Llorente header. An opportunity that if converted could have given Juventus more than half the ticket into the Berlin Final. In the end Real Madrid resisted, lost this 1º st battle but takes a valuable away goal for the return game in Madrid next week.

The semi-final tie is still wide open with Real Madrid having the chance to "fix things" next week. However, the team has to quickly solve some issues tactically & attitude wise. Marcelo will probably be replaced by Coentrao to boost the defensive discipline, while Sergio Ramos in the midfield is not a viable option as it does not work. The Real Madrid midfield has to improve a lot more & their passing has to be a lot better. What is certain is that its going to be a thriller with Juventus full of confidence & perhaps with Pogba back to boost the center. It is still all up in the air, congratulations to Juve for their excellent match. 

Tomorrow the other Spanish Football representative FC Barcelona is on show against Bayern Munich in the other semi-final. Another top night of European Football.

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JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID | POSSIBLE STARTING 11 TEAM LINE-UPS

First of the two UEFA Champions League 1º leg semi-final clashes tonight between Italian Club Juventus & Real Madrid. In my opinion & dangerous game for Real Madrid as the Italians have just proclaimed themselves "Serie A" Champions & come into the late part of the season in great form.

Real Madrid on the other hand have Modric & Benzema out with injury, Cristiano Ronaldo with some apparent back pains & their Football has not been as sharp as in the past. It is obvious that its a home & away two game semi final affair & perhaps the Spaniards will be more "cautious" tonight looking for an away goal to wrap things up back in Madrid.  

Courtesy of "Mundo Deportivo"

As usual this morning Sports media has been debating the possible starting 11 line-ups for both Real Madrid & Juventus taking all factors into consideration. Everything points that Real Madrid will again go with the "Sergio Ramos midfielder Experiment" while Juventus is undecided if they will play with 2 or 3 central defenders. Either way both them are showing each other the maximum respect & know beforehand that a slip with be costly. 

Spanish Sports paper "Mundo Deportivo" have published an infograph with their speculated starting 11 line-ups for Juventus & Real Madrid:

JUVENTUS: Buffon, Lichsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini, Evra, Vidal, Marchisio, Pirlo, Tevez & Morata.

REAL MADRID: Casillas, Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo (Coentrao), Ramos, Kroos, Isco, James, Bale & Cristiano Ronaldo.

Juventus has a powerful & hard working midfield that Real Madrid will want to neutralise, while the Italians are weary of the offensive power of the Spanish Team.  Vertical attacking by Madrid vs a the counter-attacking Juve. Great match assured!

May the better team win tonight!

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SPANISH CUP-COPA DEL REY FINAL RESULTS | 1º LEG SEMI-FINALS

Spanish Cup - Copa del Rey action tonight with the 1º leg semi-finals scheduled. Here are tonights Kings Cup final results along with all the goalscorers.

FC Barcelona hosted Villarreal in their 1º leg semi-final match to eventually win 3 - 1. I say eventually because Villarreal was right in the match up until mid 2º half. FC Barcelona was more effective with their created opportunities while Villarreal, although managing to get to a goal,  failed to convert all their chances. 

Here is the order of goals:

• Messi 43rd min , 1 - 0  - pass from Suarez
• Tigueros 48th  min, 1 - 1 - mistake from Ter Stegen
• Iniesta 50th min , 2 - 1
• Pique 65th min.

The main points 1) Villarreal managed an important away goal through Tigueros which keeps the door somewhat open for the return 2º leg match, although a turn around is highly unlikely & 2) Neymar missed a penalty in the 70th min. Good match from Suarez who assisted & was very active even though he did not get onto the goal-sheet. 

Villarreal played well but fizzed out as Barça converted their work opportunities, many as counter-attacks, a style not habitually seen in pass history. Barça are in the box-seat for this tie.

Different state of affairs in the other Spanish Cup encounter with a final result 1 - 1 between Athletic Club Bilbao & RCD Espanyol - Copa del Rey 1º leg semi-final game. Competitive match between both with Bilbao starting stronger & perhaps deserving more rewards up to half time. However, Espanyol got their Football play together & bettered as the match went on. So much so, that the visitors managed an important away goal which gives them a slight advantage going into the 2º leg return match.  The goalscorers tonight :

• Aduriz 10th min, 1 - 0
• Victor Sanchez 34th min, 1 - 1

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ATLETICO DE MADRID TEAM PHOTO 2014 | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

A post for all the Atletico de Madrid fans around the global with a TEAM PHOTO of the historic starting XI line-up against Chelsea FC which won 1 - 3 in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League. Great photo that you may wish to have & share or place somewhere in your favourites sites.

Atletico de Madrid Starting XI Team Photo UEFA Champions League semi-final vs Chelsea FC

Team line-up UEFA Champions League semi-final 2ºleg vs Chelsea FC:
Standing L to R: Courtois, Mario Suarez, Felipe Luis, Miranda, Thiago & Godin.
Bottom: L to R: Turan, Juanfran, Koke, Adrian & Diego Costa.

Aupa Atleti!

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CHELSEA FC - ATLETICO DE MADRID | PREVIEW | POSSIBLE STARTING TEAM LINE-UPS

Chelsea FC hosts Spanish Football Club Atletico de Madrid tonight in the 2ºleg semi-final match of the UEFA Champions League with the tie wide open & even (0-0 aggregate). The winner tonight will meet Real Madrid in the Final on the 24th of May in Lisbon (Portugal).

Already the "conspiracy theory" enthusiasts have alerted that UEFA does not desire a Final to be between two Clubs of the same country & worst, same city. Thus predict that Atletico de Madrid will suffer "strange things" in their game with Chelsea FC.

Bad thinking apart, what Atletico de Madrid will face is a different team that they faced in the 1ºst leg. Seems everything is following a "Morinho Masterplan" with Chelsea FC recovering some real talent in Oscar, Eto´o & perhaps Hazard.

The speculated starting team line-ups as given by Spanish Sports paper "Sport" (has a mistake putting in Gabi for Atletico) gives Chelsea FC a more offensive orientated aspect & with a smell in the air of a "trap" being laid for the Spaniards at "Stamford Bridge".

courtesy "Sport"

But Atletico de Madrid is a better team & their defence has proven to be very difficult to overcome. However, Atletico de Madrid will be missing a very important piece tonight in Captain Gabi (accumulated yellow cards) that will be felt & were Thiago is the speculated team-mate to fill the vacancy. Turan Arda is also expected to start which should give Atletico more possession & depth. The rest is as habitual & are still considered a team with good chances of going through.

As with all predictions, the starting team line-ups are speculations, please keep this mind. 

For Chelsea FC:

Schwarzer, Azpilicueta (I disagree & think Ivanoviv) , Cahill, Terry, Ashley Cole ( I disagree & think Azpilicueta), David Luiz, Ramires, Schurrle (perhaps Hazard), Willian, Oscar & Eto´o

For Atletico de Madrid:

Courtois, JuanFran, Miranda, Godin, Felipe Luis, Thiago, Mario Suarez, Arda, Koke, Raul Garcia & Diego Costa. 

Good-luck to Atletico de Madrid (I follow Atletico) & barring "strange events" inspired by UEFA , hope to see an all Spanish UEFA Champions League Final. But it won´t be easy & I do not trust Mr.José Mourinho who will most certainly have a card up his sleeve. Could go to penalties! 

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PRE-MATCH | BAYERN MUNICH - REAL MADRID POSSIBLE STARTING TEAM LINE-UPS

Huge Football match tonight between two World & European Soccer giants. Bayern Munich hosts Real Madrid in the 2º leg semi-final of the UEFA Champions League with a 0-1 disadvantage. Maximum tension, plenty of nerves & Football pride intertwined in an atmosphere that will be heated up by 70.000 screaming fans. 

courtesy of "Sport"

Plenty has been said since the last time both teams met in Madrid last week, with a tsunami of criticism for Bayern Munich Coach Guardiola from within his own Club & the German press. One thing Guardiola is not, is stupid, & he has surely learnt well the possible mistakes from the 1º leg game. Real Madrid recover a dangerous Cristiano Ronaldo now at 100% level & Gareth Bale to add speed up front. 

But the big debate these last days is about the possible starting XI team line-ups for both Clubs. Spanish Sports paper "Sport" produce their habitual "infograph" with their speculated starting XI for both teams. Looking at it they follow the general consensus locally, that Bayern Coach Guardiola is very much concerned with the Real Madrid counter-attacks & pace & will put Lahm back to the right back position, with Javi Martinez in the midfield to perhaps do a man-on-man job & Muller to add some verticality to his team & aid Mandzukic.  With Real Madrid it is speculated that they will go all out to attack & attempt to score using the "BBC" ( Bale, Benzema & Cristiano Ronaldo ) formation. Here the variation is Bale for Isco, & this is a point of debate.

One of the reasons that Real Madrid won 1 - 0 in the 1st leg was the 4-4-2 combination used by Real Madrid & the incredible sacrifice & work effort by the midfielders Di Maria & Isco. Gareth Bale is seen too offensive & lacking in defensive spirit which could give Bayern the advantage in the midfield making them dangerous. Some local observers suggest that perhaps Real Madrid should not change their line-up & keep Isco in the starting line-up.

Another point to keep in mind is the yellow card accumulation for Sergio Ramos & Xabi Alosno ( along with Illaramendi), two key players who will be Bayern Munich targets tonight & two players psychologically "limited" in their playing abilities that may give Bayern Munich an important advantage. 

Said the above these are the speculated (rumoured) starting XI line-ups for Bayern Munich & Real Madrid.

BAYERN MUNICH: Neuer , Lahm, Boateng, Dante, Alaba, Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez, Muller, Robben, Ribery & MandzuKic
REAL MADRID: Casillas, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao, Xabi Alonso, Modric, Di Maria, Gareth Bale, Benzema & Cristiano Roanldo

As I always say, speculative line-ups, with last minute surprises also certain at this level. I beforehand put Bayern Munich as favourite to take the game. I also believe that Isco is still a possibility & that Bale may sit it out & come on late. However this is my opinion. I also fell that this is a match that will be determined by "small details" & that Real Madrid will have to be at 150% concentration & very disciplined in the midfield. Luck will play its part tonight as this element is forever present at this high level of competition. 

Therefore, big night ahead with enormous Football action. May the better team win tonight. The World Football fans will have their victory guaranteed.  

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REAL MADRID 1 BAYERN MUNICH 0 | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI FINAL RESULT

The final result of the UEFA Champions League 1ºst leg away semi-final between Real Madrid & Bayern Munich finished in a 1 - 0 victory to the Spaniards. Intense game between two giants of European Football with differing styles, at least shown tonight. 

After days of debate Cristiano Ronaldo started while Bale was left on the bench. This allowed Isco to start which seem to indicate that Real Madrid wanted the ball. All the contrary, Bayern Munich reached peaks of up to 80% of ball possession & boxed in Real Madrid most of the 1ºst half. However, Real Madrid has a wild card up their sleeve that very few Clubs in the World has an answer, the counter-attack. The first goal, & eventual winner, came from a counter-attack starting from Ronaldo, who passed to Coentrao who fought Karim Benzema to fire home in the 19th min.

Bayern Munich did not change their "suffocating pressure" game plan & kept Real Madrid defending. The Spaniards countered when possible & nearly scored twice with Cristiano Ronaldo missing a clear opportunity in one of those occasions. 

The second half saw a more determined Real Madrid which managed to touch more the ball, but it was clear that tonight the defensive duties were to dominate, Excellent defensive work from Ramos & Pepe (injured mid 2 half), plus great work from Coentrao, Carvajal, Isco & Xabi Alonso who was everywhere & in the correct places when needed. Talking about being in the right place, Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas once again made a "miracle save" late in the second half to avoid Gotze equalizing for Bayern Munich. Bayern Coach Guardiola put on Javi Martinez & Muller to look for the equalizer but Real Madrid stood firm to hold onto to the victory.

Good result for Real Madrid & not too bad for Bayern Munich which will be disappointed somewhat for not scoring as they basically dominated most of the play. The 2º leg return match at Munich is going to be "high voltage" & with maximum tension as Bayern will be going all out to turn the tie around. After watching tonight's performance from Real Madrid, the Spaniards will suffer & I do not see clearly that they have this tie in the bag. But either do I see Bayern having it all their way as psychologically Real Madrid won tonight & this may be an advantage from Real Madrid away & a weight on the collective mind of the German team.

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ATLETICO DE MADRID 0 CHELSEA FC 0 | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 1º LEG SEMI FINAL RESULT

The first semi-final of the 1º leg away match in the UEFA Champions League between Spanish Football Club Atletico de Madrid & English Premier League Club Chelsea FC finished with a final 0-0 draw result. The match also had some "collateral damage" for Chelsea FC losing their habitual goalie Peter Cech with a dislocated shoulder & their Captain John Terry, plus Frank Lampard received a yellow card along with Atletico Captain Gabi both to lose the 2º leg return semi-final due to accumulated yellow cards. 

The true winner tonight was Chelsea FC Coach Jose Mourinho & his team Chelsea FC who followed their "Masterplan" to the final letter. They allowed from the start Atletico de Madrid all the initiative, filled up the midfield with men & then defended in a block (are a wall) to go away tonight without the Spaniards scoring. Jose Mourinho knows very well that this is 120 mins & that the return leg will be were the business will be done & on home turf. Although from a spectators point of view there was no real Football from the visitors, from a strategic angle (tactical) one has to congratulated Mr Mourinho whose a old fox in this competition. 

Said all the above, Atletico de Madrid had the possession of the ball & attacked all game naturally creating goal opportunities throughout the 90 mins. The main focus points up front in Diego Costa & Raul Garcia were neutralized by so many marking Chelsea defenders that made the job difficult for the attackers. Both, along with other team-mates, came close to scoring but not close enough. Congratulations to Atletico de Madrid for not allowing Chelsea to score & putting in an acceptable & admirable performance under the circumstances. They live to fight another day which ain´t too bad for Champions League.

Both teams are still very much alive in this semi-final & Chelsea looks a team that can be beaten if we are to go on what was seen tonight, not very convincing at all. However, I have no doubts that Mourinho maybe setting up a "trap" for the 2º leg game where he maybe able to call up other players like Oscar, Hazard or Eto´o to give the team a total redecoration into a strong attacking team at "Stamford Bridge".  In conclusion a return match that will have everyone on their nerves & were the tense will be at maximum levels as this competition deserves & is expected at this late stage of Champions League. 

Tomorrow, more World Class Football with two giants playing each other in the 2º UEFA Champions League semi-final 1º leg away game; Real Madrid & Bayern Munich.
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REAL MADRID-BAYERN MUNICH | AT MADRID - CHELSEA SEMI FINAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

The semi-final match-ups for both Champions League & Europa League were held this midday in Nyon, HQ of UEFA which the following ties. 

The Champions League draw matched up Real Madrid - Bayern Munich 22/04 & Atletico de Madrid - Chelsea FC 23/04. The return leg games will be held 29th / 30th of April respectively.

Real Madrid once again has to get through a German Team in their 4th straight semi-finals clash. Bayern Munich was perhaps the least wanted team as they are the "hot favourites" & after the Real Madrid Q/Final 2ºleg match performance against Dortmund, much so for the semi-final.

The Atletico de Madrid - Chelsea match up is more even as both teams have a similar style of play & mentality. Chelsea FC may have the edge with experience, but Atletico already beat them at the beginning of the season in the UEFA SuperCup. This last has nothing to do with how Chelsea FC are now, thus insuring a top game. Atletico de Madrid goalkeeper Courtois who is onloan from Chelsea FC can play as UEFA has eliminated the "exclusion" clause in case both teams were to meet. 

The Europa League draw ensures that at least one Spanish Football Club will be at the final after Sevilla FC - Valencia CF were matched. The "hot favourite" Juventus plays Benfica, with the Italians being extra motivated to get into this years final which will be played in their home stadium of Turin.

The 1ºleg games are down for the 24th of Abril & the 2ºleg matches down for the 1st of May.

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