Some football clubs have enjoyed much success and trophy wins throughout their history, that it is extremely difficult to match former achievements. So when one of the world’s most successful football clubs enjoys a league season which surpasses anything produced by their great teams and players of the past, there’s an assumption that the efforts… Continue reading >
With 12 teams having already qualified for the round of 16, the final round of group stage matches in the UEFA Champions League meant that the spotlight focused mainly on three groups. Group C was given the tag of this season’s “Group of Death”, with Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli and Liverpool drawn together, along with 1991… Continue reading >
The UEFA Champions League final is one match on the annual footballing calendar which rarely disappoints. And Saturday’s fixture between Real Madrid and Liverpool promises much in terms of entertainment and drama. Real Madrid go into the match having lifted the trophy on three of the last four occasions, including last season’s competition, when the… Continue reading >
With Barcelona securing their place in the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final on Tuesday night, Real Madrid last night had the chance to set up a fixture involving the two clubs that arguably make up the biggest rivalry in football. Cristiano Ronaldo’s first half penalty put Carlo Ancelotti’s men en route to overturning their first… Continue reading >
Given the quartet of Champions League semi-finalists, there was never any doubt that the draw would create two mouth-watering ties. Rarely, if ever in the Champions League era, has the last four been made up of such giants of European football, all of whom could achieve a domestic championship and European cup double – with… Continue reading >
So, having finally completed his long-awaited transfer to Real Madrid, Gareth Bale on Sunday evening became the most expensive footballer in football history. It’s a statement which will take some getting used to – not because Gareth Bale isn’t an excellent footballer, but rather because the fee is at a level which shouldn’t be paid… Continue reading >
The best league in the world. The most popular league in the world. Both are common phrases to hear, when describing the English Premier League. Of course, they’re almost always used by British journalists or ex-players covering the English game on TV. The recent announcement of the FIFpro World XI for 2012 was heavily criticised… Continue reading >
In the final part of my look back at some of my personal highlights of following Liverpool in the Champions League, the final three matches are from the 2007/8 and 2008/9 seasons. For the rest of the series, click to read part 1, or part 2. 9. Marseille 0-4 Liverpool Midway through the 2007/8 group… Continue reading >
What a difference a week can make. Seven days ago, Barcelona were in London preparing for the first leg of their Champions League semi final with Chelsea, at the start of a week which could have ended with them closing the gap on Real Madrid in La Liga to just a point and also reaching… Continue reading >
With Real Madrid’s lead having been cut from ten points to just four, every round of games has taken on added importance. A Cristiano Ronaldo inspired victory in the Madrid derby on Wednesday night prevented Barcelona from gaining further ground but even though it was a huge result for Real Madrid, and one that should… Continue reading >