HOW THE MIGHTY HAS FALLEN

 

Image Credit- Daily Star 

It was 28th May, 2011. Pep Guardiola's Barcelona were facing Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in the Champions League Final.  Both the Clubs were winners of their respective leagues and were eyeing a double. The Red Devils had an advantage of playing in their backyard- Wembley, UK. However the Blaugrana's were at their peak. As a result everyone expected an exciting contest.

In the first half the Blaugrana controlled the possession. As a result United would often try long balls as their method of attack. Eventually in the 27th minute of the game Barcelona took the lead as Xavi played in Pedro, who struck from inside the penalty area. However just after 7 minutes, United scored the equalizer. At the end of half time scorecard read 1-1.

In the second half Barca displayed one of its finest performances. Not only FC Barcelona controlled the possession, but, also scored a couple of goals both from about 20 yards from goalpost [Messi and David Villa]. United tried to make a comeback, but were denied the same by the Barcelona defense. 

At the end of 90 minutes the game ended 3-1, Barcelona were again the champions of Europe. Furthermore this was their 4th Champions League title [Third in last 6 seasons].  4 years later they went on to win their 5th Champions League title. 

However, every good thing comes to an end. In December, 2021 FC Barcelona failed to qualify for the Champions League Knockout Stage and were relegated to Europa League. For the first time in 17 years FC Barcelona were to play in the Europa League. The fans were in disbelief as the club which used to smash every other club for fun were relegated to the Europa League.

Alas. How the mighty has fallen. 

GOOD BYE KUN

 

Image Credit- Daily Mail 

It was May 2012, rivals Manchester United and Manchester City were entering the final day of the season with same number of points. It is pertinent to note that even though both the clubs were tied on the basis of points but City were ahead on the basis of goal difference.  

The title was to be decided on the final day of the league. As a result every Premier League Fan was excited. Even though the game started at the same time, but due to additional injury time, Manchester United's game ended 5 minutes before that of City.  United won their game comfortably and were sitting on the top of the league.

On the other hand, City were trailing behind. It appeared that the Red Devils will be successful in defending their title. However just in the 91st minute City scored the equalizer and everyone in the City camp started to believe that something special is about to happen. And then happened something very very special. Just before the final whistle, Agüero scored the most important goal in Manchester City's history.

No Football fan can ever forget Martin Tyler's commentary of the winning goal- Agüeroooooooooo. The impossible was achieved. Manchester City were crowned the champions of England after 44 long years. They were successful in dethroning the defending champions Manchester United. Furthermore for the very first time in the history of Premier League a winner was decided on the basis of goal difference.

In the next 9 years, City went on to win 4 more League titles, 1 F.A. Cup, 6 EFL Cups. The main man behind their phenomenal success was their Argentinian Striker Sergio Agüero. 

In 2021, after 10 long years, Agüero left City and joined F.C. Barcelona. However due to his health conditions he was forced to announce his retirement in December, 2021. The news of his retirement left the footballing world in shock. 

Even though Agüero has announced his retirement from the game, but he will always rule the hearts of millions of football fans all over the world.

Good Bye Kun. You will be missed. 

US AND THEM: A REVIEW

 

Image Credit- Liverpool F.C. 

Liverpool F.C. and Manchester United are the two biggest football clubs of England. Both the cities are just 30 miles apart. As a result, there are many things common in both the cities. However, the rivalry which they share between themselves has a special place in English football.

 For decades both the clubs have gone toe to toe for England as well as Europe's top honors. In 1950's United were on a rise. But, in 1960's both United and Liverpool dominated the English football. 1970s and 80s was all about Liverpool. However, in 1990s Manchester United came out of nowhere and dominated the English football for the next 2 decades.

 In a new documentary of Liverpool FC titled, "Us and Them" the views of both the set of fans have been presented before the world. The 30 minutes documentary gives us an idea of how the rivalry between the 2 cities came into being. The fans of both Liverpool F.C and Manchester United recount the various eras of dominance and agony. 

 From Bill Shankly to Matt Busby and Kenny Dalglish to Alex Ferguson, the two clubs have each tasted the ultimate success. But on the other end of the spectrum, tragedy has hit both clubs in Munich and Hillsborough and yet chants remain in the stands which mock the disasters and one fan voiced his desire for that to change in a powerful message.

 As a result, this documentary is a must watch for every football fan. At a time when hooliganism and racism often raise their ugly head in football stadiums. It is important that we remember what football is all about. 

 

REFERENCES- This is Anfield 

LEWANDOWSKI STRIKES AGAIN

 

Image Credit- ESPN FC 

Der Klassiker is the biggest fixture of German football. As a result  when the two sides met again in Signal Iduna Park, the fans were quite excited.  Furthermore Munich were just one point ahead of Dortmund. So the stakes were quite high. 

Dortmund took an early lead in the game as Julian Brandt scored in the 5th minute. However just after 4 minutes Lewandowski scored the equalizer.  On an average the game was well balanced. But, just at the eve of half-time, Dortmund made a defensive error and Munich took the lead.

However in the 48th minute of the game, Erling Haaland scored the equalizer and the scorecard now read 2-2.  Both the sides were playing attacking football and were trying hard to breach the defense of their opponents. However in the 75th minute of the game Dortmund conceeded a penalty. 

Robert Lewandowski stepped in to take a penalty and converted the penalty into goal. The scorecard now read 3-2. Post third goal, the hosts tried their best to score the equalizer. But, they failed in breaching the visitor's defense for the third time.

The game ended 3-2 and Munich were now 4 points ahead of Dortmund.  

THE BEST OF POLISH SNIPER

 

Image Credit- Sportskeeda

It was September, 2015. Bayern Munich were facing Wolfsburg in their backyard. At the end of 45 minutes the visitors were leading 1-0. However everyone expected a turn around when they saw Robert Lewandowski enter the pitch in the second half of the game. But, what happened next was something extraordinary.

In the 51st minute of the game, Lewandowski scored the equalizer and Bayern were back in the game.  Before Wolfsburg can recover from the first goal, in the very next minute Lewandowski scored his second goal and in no time the hosts were now in a commanding position. 

But, this did not stop here. Lewandowski scored 3 more goals in the next 8 minutes and the entire footballing world was in shock. After all they witnessed something extraordinary from a very special player. From being 1-0 down the Hosts were now leading the game 5-1. At the end of 90 minutes the Hosts comfortably won the game 5-1. The credit goes to their Polish Sniper- Robert Lewandowski.

[P.S.- Bayern Munich went on to win their 4th consecutive Bundesliga title that season.] 

 

FAREWELL MICHAEL

Image Source- The Independent 

In the year 2006, Manchester United signed a 25 years old central midfielder from Tottenham Hotspurs for a record fee of 18.6 million British Pounds. The signing made this central midfielder the sixth most expensive player acquired by Manchester United at that time. Furthermore the player bought at such high fee was handed jersey no 16 which was earlier worn by the departing United captain, the legendary Roy Keane. Hence the expectations were quite high. And Boy, the player fulfilled the expectations of both the manager and the fans.

Carrick played 12 seasons for Manchester United in which he won 5 League Titles, 1 F.A. Cup, 2 League Cups, 6 Community Shield trophies, 1 Champions League Trophy, 1 Europa League Trophy and 1 Club World Cup title. 

Carrick was at his very best in the 2012-13 season in which he helped United win their 20th League title.   For his performance in the 2012-13 season, Carrick was also awarded Manchester United Player of the year award. 

Carrick retired from professional football after the 2018 season. Post this he took up the job of Assistant Manager at Manchester United. After the sacking of Ole in November, 2021, Carrick was asked to be the caretaker manager for 3 games. 

After the game against Arsenal at Old Trafford, the tenure of Carrick as a caretaker manager came to an end. Ralf Rangnick has been appointed as the interim manager of Manchester United. With this the 15 years memorable stay of Michael Carrick at Old Trafford came to an end. 

Farewell Michael. You will be missed.