THE HISTORY MAKERS

 

Image Credit- The New York Times.

Defending Champions Real Madrid were facing the Italian Champions Juventus in the finals of the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League. Interestingly Real Madrid were eying a Historic Double of La Liga and Champions League, whereas Juventus was eying an unprecedented Treble. As a result, everyone expected this clash to be a blockbuster.

During the first 19 minutes of the game, Juventus controlled the ball and had three excellent scoring opportunities. Keylor Navas easily stopped two efforts on goal from Gonzalo Higuaín, while Navas dove to his right to push Miralem Pjanić's more threatening attempt wide. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the game's opening goal in the 20th minute, defying both the scoring opportunities and Real Madrid's attempts to counterattack in the midfield. Dani Carvajal and Ronaldo played a one-two on the right before Carvajal passed across for Ronaldo to shoot low to the left corner of the net, where it deflected in off Leonardo Bonucci's right foot. Seven minutes later, Juventus equalized the score with a goal. A ball from Higuaín was chested down by Mario Mandžukić, who then hooked it over his shoulder from 15 yards (14 m) away, sending it arcing over Navas. The strike was compared to Zinedine Zidane's effort for Real Madrid in the 2002 final and hailed as one of the greatest goals ever scored in a Champions League final. At the end of the first half, Juventus held a lead while Real Madrid's defenders, Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos, were given two yellow cards.

Even though play was delayed multiple times due to fouls and injuries to players on both sides, Real Madrid started the second half strongly and in control. Casemiro's long-range goal gave Real Madrid a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute as it ricocheted off Sami Khedira and went past Gianluigi Buffon into the left corner of the net. After Luka Modrić cut back on the right, Ronaldo scored Madrid's third goal of the game and his second three minutes later, finishing in the 6-yard (5.5-meter) box. As Juventus resisted more attempts from Real Madrid, they were given three more yellow cards, one of which went to Juan Cuadrado, who had just been substituted. Karim Benzema, a striker for Real Madrid, was replaced by Cardiff native Gareth Bale, who was granted a homecoming despite not being well enough to start. After pushing Sergio Ramos, who fell while holding his foot, in the 84th minute, Cuadrado received a second yellow card and was substituted off. In the ninetieth minute, Marco Asensio scored Madrid's fourth and final goal with a tap-in from 12 yards (11 meters) following a Marcelo cut-back from the left.

By the time final whistle was blown, the Men from Turin were flabbergasted. Real Madrid became the first team to win back-to-back titles in the Champions League era with their victory, securing a record-tying twelfth triumph in the European Cup/Champions League. Only three teams have accomplished this feat in the past: Real Madrid (1956–60), Ajax (1971–73), and Bayern Munich (1974–76). This was the club's third title success in four seasons. Since the start of the Champions League, Real Madrid has never lost a final; their most recent loss was in 1981. With the win, Madrid achieved a League and European Cup double for the first time since the 1957–58 campaign. Something which every Madrid Fan will always remember. 

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A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

 

Image Credit- Aston Villa.

The 1981–1982 European Cup season concluded with the 1982 European Cup final on May 26, 1982. Aston Villa, the winners of the Football League First Division, took on Bayern Munich, the winners of the Bundesliga, at De Kuip in Rotterdam. Without a question, Barton's team was a significant underdog in the championship game. Although they hadn't won the trophy since 1976, Bayern Munich was still considered the favorite despite England's stellar recent record in the competition (Liverpool and Nottingham Forest had won the trophy in the previous five years). The Germans had players of the caliber of Klaus Augenthaler, Paul Breitner, and two-time European Footballer of the Year in Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. 

Jimmy Rimmer, the goalkeeper for Aston Villa, sustained a recurrent shoulder injury ten minutes into the match. Nigel Spink, who took his place, went on to make his second appearance for the team in the first team. Much was made of his performance, which kept Bayern from scoring throughout the game, and many believe he has what it takes to be Villa's starting goalkeeper for the next ten seasons.

Peter Withe was the only goal scorer of the game who scored the decider in the 67th minute of the game. With three minutes remaining, Bayern did manage to score, but the goal was called back for offside. Just before the finish of the game, Villa managed to put the ball in the net once again, but this goal was also disallowed. Brian Moore's analysis of the winning goal is shown on a huge banner that spans Villa Park's Doug Ellis Stand: "Williams and Shaw were getting ready to go left. Tony Morley has a good ball in play. Oh, that's right, it really is! Peter Withe is here."

Villa received invitations to the European Cup, European Super Cup, and Intercontinental Cup for the upcoming season because they were the reigning European champions. They lost to Juventus in the quarterfinals of their European Cup defense. They defeated Barcelona 3-1 overall to win the Super Cup, but they were defeated 2-0 by the Uruguayan team Peñarol in the Tokyo, Japan, Intercontinental Cup.

Barton had left the club by 1984, and things were getting out of hand. It's amazing to consider that Villa would be relegated only five years after their historic victory. It's even more bizarre to think that some of its more seasoned supporters will be able to claim to have experienced everything, from Rotherham to Rotterdam, come season one. Still, at least they had those recollections of Villa's conquest of Europe.

 

JAM KE KHELO

 

Image Credit- News18.

The Indian Super League is Back and so are We. The 2022 Shield Winners have started of the Season pretty well winning 3 out of the 4 games played. The previous 2 seasons were horrendous. However, this time the team has given some hope to their fans by a strong footballing display. In the opening game of the season, they defeated F.C. Goa by the barest of margins. The score was levelled 1-1 before Jordan Murray scored the winner in the 93rd minute of the game and helped his team get 3 points. Post then they managed to win 3-2 against a formidable Mumbai City Side. Unfortunately, they lost 1-2 against FC Odisha in a very close encounter. However, they made a strong comeback against East Bengal, winning 2-0 before their home crowd. 

At the end of 4 games, we have 9 points in total and are currently placed 3rd in the table. Will we win a silverware this season? The answer lies in the womb of time. However, for the time being everything is good in the Jamshedpur Camp. 

 

THE SCANDAL OF STAMFORD BRIDGE

 

Image Credit- IMDB.

The second leg of the 2009 UEFA Champions League semifinal between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge is known as the "Scandal of Stamford Bridge." Chelsea was hoping to continue forward on May 6, 2009, having taken an early 1-0 lead thanks to a strike from Michael Essien. But Barcelona's Andrés Iniesta struck deep into injury time, leveling the score at one and sending the team ahead on away goals. The game is notorious for the Chelsea penalty appeals that referee Tom Henning Ovrebo turned down, a decision that incensed Chelsea players and supporters. Up to four potential penalty kicks were denied to Chelsea due to apparent infractions and handballs. Due to the numerous officiating errors, this match is still regarded as one of the most unfair and manipulated Champions League encounters, which has drawn heavy condemnation and led to an investigation into refereeing standards in UEFA competitions.

Didier Drogba became agitated and yelled at the camera, frustrated in his attempts to approach the referee: "Are you seeing this? It's abhorrent! It's abhorrent! It's a complete shame!" Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink made a hesitant attempt to step in. The Dutchman could sympathize with his forward's rage.Concerns over the safety of the Norwegian referee led to police escorting him out of England later on. Chelsea reportedly distanced themselves from him after he allegedly received many death threats. 

In 2012, Øvrebø asserted that he continued to get abuses from Chelsea supporters. He acknowledged to Marca in 2018 that he had committed "a series of mistakes" and that he was "not proud" of the performance, which the publication had described as "infamous." He wished that people would not remember his career "just for that game," asserting that "those mistakes can be committed by [any] referee."

MR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

 

Image Credit- Sky Sports.

Venue- Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid.

The Galacticos were facing Wolfsburg in the Quarterfinals of the 2015-16 UEFA Champions League. Interestingly Wolfsburg won the first leg in Germany 2-0 and had a foot in the next round of the tournament. On the other hand, it was not looking that good for the Men in White who were looking at a potential exit from the tournament. They needed a big win over Wolfsburg to make into the next round. For doing so it was necessary that their Stars shine on the night when it matters the most. 

And Boy! What Happened that Night will forever be remembered by every Football Fan. Cristiano Ronaldo gave one of his most memorable performances and took his team to the Semi-Finals of the UEFA Champions League. 

The Hosts started off pretty well as they levelled the deficit in just 17 minutes. As the Commentator said it right- "They had a Mountain to climb, but they have scaled the peak already." The Galacticos were 2-0 up in no time and were attacking like never seen before. Theu unleashed their Beast Mode.  On the other hand, Wolfsburg were trying to save themselves from the assault. However, for the next 60 minutes they defended their defense well and did not let Madrid score their 3rd.It looked that they will take the game to the extra-time. 

Eventually in the 77th minute of the game, Ronaldo scored the deciding goal of the game and gave Real Madrid a 3-0 lead over the German Side. It was a free kick which no Madrid Fan would ever forget. The ball went in between the defense and entered the net. Interestingly the Galacticos took a lead for the first time in the Quart finals. Whereas the Wolfsburg Side was absolutely shattered after the 3rd goal was conceded. Their dream of playing a UCL Semi-Final was almost broken. 

In the last 15 minutes they tried hard to score a goal, but the Real Madrid defense was too strong for them to breach. At the end of 90 minutes, the scorecard read Real Madrid 3-0 Wolfsburg. The 10 Times Champion have made into the Semi-Finals Again. However, the same would not have been possible without Mr. Champions League. 

 

  

The Legend of Andrés Iniesta

 

Image Credit- Yahoo Sports.

 On 8th October 2024 Spanish Legend Andrés Iniesta announced his retirement from professional football. He was indeed one of the greatest footballers of all time. The magic he created on the pitch was incredible. Who can ever forget his deciding goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final. Furthermore, the Chelsea Fans will also remember his 2009 UCL Semi-Final Goal against them in the Stamford Bridge. The goal which broke their hearts. But it was certainly one the best goals scored by the Midfield Maestro. 

Andrés Iniesta was the backbone of both Spanish National Side and F.C. Barcelona. He was an instrumental figure for both his club and country. Among other awards, Iniesta won the 2010 FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship (2008, 2012) nine La Liga championships, four Champions League crowns, and three Club World Cups while playing for Spain and Barcelona. 

Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho's teams were vying for titles during that time, which intensified the rivalry between the Catalan club and Real Madrid. But in 2015, Madrid supporters gave the famous midfielder a standing ovation for his part in Barca's 4-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Eight times Winner of the Ballon d'Or Messi honored Iniesta, with whom he had many special moments on the field, including hoisting numerous La Liga and Champions League championships. One of my favorite teammates to play with and the teammate with the most magic. We, along with the ball, will miss you, Andres Iniesta! I'll always wish you the best. On his Instagram story, Messi remarked, "You are a phenomenon."

After graduating from Barcelona's La Masia academy, Iniesta made 674 appearances for the team before leaving in 2018. After joining the Barcelona senior team, Messi and Iniesta played together at La Masia and went on to dominate European football. On the field, the two had a perfect chemistry. Frequently, Iniesta would run through the midfield and find Messi in the goal area with the perfect pass.

It was a time which no football fan would ever forget. 

The Good Old Days. Farewell Iniesta. You will be missed. 

THE IMPOSSIBLE HAS HAPPENED

 

Image Credit- Bundesliga. 

Bayer Leverkusen had a dream 2023-24 season. They lost just one game in the entire campaign and that was the Europa League Final against Atlanta. Apart from that they won or drew every other game they played. They had an invincible Bundesliga Season along with an equally fantastic DFB Pokal Campaign. In short, they won everything which came their way. Furthermore they started their 2024-25 campaign with a bang. 

They won the DFL Super Cup as well as the first game of the Bundesliga Season. However, the world came crumbling in their own backyard in the very next week as Leipzig did the impossible. They defeated the Champions. They defeated the Invincibles.

The Hosts started off the game pretty well and were 2-0 up at the 45th minute. However, the Visitors came from behind and won the game 3-2. Interestingly they scored the winner in the 80th minute. This is something what Leverkusen used to do in the previous season. Furthermore everyone was expecting an equalizer in the final moments of the game. However, Leverkusen failed to do the same in their own stadium. 

The Impossible has happened. The Invincibles have been beaten.

Will Leverkusen defend their titles? The answer lies in the womb of time. However, for the time being there is tension in the Leverkusen Camp. Xabi Alonso need to a think a lot before the club football resumes this weekend.  

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