The siesta is over as we edge closer to kickoff in Madrid. The scorelines lie in Germany’s favour, but the beauty of this competition is that you never know. With Mourinho, with Messi, you just never know. Here’s to the artistry on the pitch providing us with a few unexpected turns before we march to Wembley. [Posted by Eric. GIFs by Dale con Comba.]
He’s worth every cent of the €40m paid for him last year by Bayern Munich, a Bundesliga record that not even Gotze managed to smash only a few hours ago. On a night when two titans clashed, an imperious and brilliant Bavarian side thrashed Barcelona 4-0, with Javi Martinez making a name for himself.
Although the praise naturally revolves around Muller and Robben, who were the fire behind Bayern’s clinical destruction, Javi Martinez was flawless. He was omnipresent throughout the 90 minutes, constantly closing down his opponents, dominating in the air and never missing a tackle. It was a rock-solid performance that became his first win over Barcelona and has now virtually placed Bayern with a slot in the final.
In fact, it was Bayern’s second victory over Vilanova’s side, with the first being last summer’s signing of Martinez. A physical, dynamic player they much needed and were determined to make a ‘blaugrana’, but his fairly high release fee clause ruled them out of the race. For once, Barcelona did not have the financial power at their disposal and opted for a more feasible option, Alex Song.
As Bayern Munich take on FC Barcelona in the final hurdle before the Champions League final, KICKTV called on our man Dan Leydon to illustrate the epic clash that awaits.
The magic of the man with golden feet and terrible teeth has been captured in flipbook form, and we’re still stunned by what Etoilec1 has created. Ronaldinho’s finest moments in all their aesthetic brilliance have been condensed to a few sheets of paper, but the final product only blows us away just as much as the original masterpieces. You can almost hear the “Olé” as the paper skips.
Fingernails were bitten, but the Camp Nou crowd saw their side edge another excellent performance from PSG. Barça were second best until Lionel Messi came on and despite playing at 60% or so due to an injury, the Argentine led the Catalans into the back of the net. Ryu was in Barcelona to see the mighty Zlatan go silent as Pedro stole the show.
[You can interact with Ryu on twitter @Toksuede and check his Flickr. Posted by Eric.]
By Arthur James
Under the first impulsive tenure of ‘El Presidente’ Florentino Perez, Real Madrid pursued a business model as simple as it was flawed; they spent copious amounts of money bringing in globally established superstars. Further peppering with a combination of relatively underpaid home-grown and often under-appreciated teammates, Perez’ project became The Galácticos. Under the guidance of Club President Lorenzo Sanz, Real had won their 7th and 8th European Cups in 1998 and 2000 respectively. However, the appeal of Perez and his promise of ruthless spending in an effort to control the transfer market were such that Sanz and his two European Cups in three years lost out in the Club’s Presidential election of 2000.
The initial merit of domestic and continental success granted credence to this electoral surprise. In the summers of 2000, 2001 and 2002, Perez brought Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo to Madrid for a combined figure surpassing the 100 million pound mark. These players along with Raul, Roberto Carlos and Iker Casillas venerated the club to their Galactic status. However, while the first three seasons yielded two League titles and their ninth European Cup, the summer of 2003 offered Real Madrid their opportunity for the biggest seat at football’s economic table. While the six players mentioned exuded a global appeal matched by few, the perennial superstar of footballing fame came by the means of a 25 million pound Englishman. When you’re looking to build a team you can fork out top money for the best players and it can often yield expected results, however, if it is a brand you are looking to expand, then you need a David Beckham.
The main complaint about football in major European capitals (London aside) is that the size of the city prevents any sort of the tribal passion you’ll find in the smaller communities and villages from developing. Well, tonight was different. Paris became united through Paris St. Germain’s rebellious performance against Barcelona. After the Champions League match, PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi said: “We’re happy with what we produced against the best team in the world. We showed Paris could be great.”
Ryu was in the French capital to see Thiago Silva, Zlatan, and company put in a memorable performance against Messi and his new tattoo that looks like it’s inspired by The Walking Dead. [You can interact with Ryu on twitter @Toksuede and check his Flickr. Posted by Eric.]
![Welcome home, Tito
It’s difficult to understate just how important Tito Vilanova is to Barça. From his irreplaceable position as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, forming ideas and helping tiki-taka evolve, to his unbelievable record in his first season as Barcelona manager, the man has been a silent staple of the club’s success year after year. So when Tito was diagnosed with cancer and forced to go to New York to combat it in January, the team lost its unsung leader. Clásicos were lost and doubt filled Catalunya after a defeat to AC Milan.
Now, nearly four months after entering the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center where he received radiotherapy and chemotherapy for throat cancer, Tito Vilanova returns to Barça. The Champions League awaits. The La Liga title awaits. The man behind the scenes in back. It’s time to step foot in the Camp Nou, Tito, and we’re delighted to see you again. [Posted by Eric. GIF by Dale con Comba.]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/953145357c4da850bd4ee2990c03c841/tumblr_mkdntgnpQf1qaznnlo1_500.gif)
It’s difficult to understate just how important Tito Vilanova is to Barça. From his irreplaceable position as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, forming ideas and helping tiki-taka evolve, to his unbelievable record in his first season as Barcelona manager, the man has been a silent staple of the club’s success year after year. So when Tito was diagnosed with cancer and forced to go to New York to combat it in January, the team lost its unsung leader. Clásicos were lost and doubt filled Catalunya after a defeat to AC Milan.
Now, nearly four months after entering the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center where he received radiotherapy and chemotherapy for throat cancer, Tito Vilanova returns to Barça. The Champions League awaits. The La Liga title awaits. The man behind the scenes in back. It’s time to step foot in the Camp Nou, Tito, and we’re delighted to see you again. [Posted by Eric. GIF by Dale con Comba.]
Okay, you’re the latest member to join Team Messi… Your face appears on the news, displayed on skyscrapers and you even get a mural painted by someone without your permission. You’re just a step away from being a meme sensation. You’ve become part of a movement, one which plays the Messi Way. So when you’re on field, how do you beat a player without the help of Xavi or Iniesta?
Stepping their game up a level with their talisman Leo Messi and his first signature adizero f50 boot, adidas have now created an innovative 3D digital video that uses your Facebook details creating a personalised experience. The music is fresh, the technology is clever, and you get a glimpse of what it’s like to be in the shoes of the boy from Rosario.
Bet on premier league matches at William Hill today!
