WE ARE CHELSEA: IT MEANS MORE

                           

Image Credit- Irish Mirror

Chelsea were facing Real Madrid in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League 2021-22. In the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Real battered Chelsea. Benzema scored a hat trick and the visitors won the game 3-1. It looked that it will be a cake walk for Real in their home fixture. 

However Chelsea fought back hard and at one time they were leading on the aggregate. But, a super assist by Luka Modric brought Real back into the game. At the end of 180 minutes, the aggregate score was 4-4. However in the extra time Benzema scored a header and by the virtue of that goal Madrid qualified for the Semi-Finals. 

Chelsea won the game, but lost the tie on aggregate. The team as well as their fans were heartbroken. But, at the end of the day its football, one team will win the other will lose. However the effort matters and the effort which the young Chelsea squad put in this game was marvelous. Everyone is proud of them. 

Post Script- Yesterday Chelsea knocked out Crystal Palace from the F.A. Cup and will now face Liverpool in the F.A. Cup final. 

ONE MAN TEAM

 

Image Credit- Lawman's Photography

Its April, 2022 and one more batch of CNLU is about to graduate. Firstly due to Covid and then due to some construction work on the football ground, it is now almost certain that there will no inter-batch football tournament for third year in a row. 

The 2022 batch is gonna remain trophy less like their immediate seniors. However the moments which 2022 batch gave us can never be forgotten. In the year 2018 they were on the cusp of reaching the semi-finals. However late goals by the 2020 batch against the 2019 batch ensured that they ended 4th in the tournament and were thus knocked out.

2019 edition was disappointing for them as they ended last in the tournament. However their captain Adarsh was determined to change his team's fortunes. He was a brilliant defender, but his individual performance was not sufficient. As a result he started working upon his players post the tournament. In a few months time their game did improve. Unfortunately post 2019 no tournament happened and they ended up trophy less.

But, still the passion which they had for the game can never be questioned. It is pertinent to note that their captain Adarsh not only was a good defender but also helped in organizing every football tournament.  Without his hard work the football tournaments could not have been conducted so smoothly.

With the graduation of 2022 batch, CNLU loses one of its best footballers and organizers of the game. 

 

  

THE RISE OF FC BARCELONA

 

Image Credit- India.com 

In November, 2021 F.C. Barcelona appointed Xavi as their new manager. Back then F.C Barcelona were 9th in the league and were also struggling in the UEFA Champions League. 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.

However then a miracle happened. The side which was struggling to win started smashing goals against opposition for fun. The midfield improved under the command of Xavi. The strikers started converting their chances and in no time the Cules were back to where they belong. 

Currently F.C. Barcelona are second in the league and are also in the quarter finals of the Europa League. It is almost certain that they will play in the Champions League next season. Furthermore they are also favorites to win the Europa League. 

Good times are back in the Barcelona Camp. Credit goes to Xavi and his players.   

THE INSIDE SERIES

 

Image Credit- Liverpool FC

After every game of Liverpool FC, their You Tube Channel releases a video titled Inside (Name of the Stadium) [For example- Inside Anfield, Inside Wembley etc...] The clip captures every moment of the game. From the arrival of the team bus to training in the grounds. The video captures the game like no one else does, especially the goals.  

When the game is over it also captures post match reaction of the fans as well as the players. These videos are a treat to every football fan. I hope that other clubs will too follow Liverpool F.C  and will start such a wonderful series for the fans. 

JAMSHEDPUR LIFTS THEIR MAIDEN LEAGUE WINNER'S SHIELD.

 

Image Credit- Jamshedpur FC.

In the year 2017, Jamshedpur FC came into existence. Since then they have played some wonderful football but were never consistent at the top level. They gave their fans some cherish able moments, but the fans and even the players were desperate for the first silverware.

Eventually in the year 2022, we managed to win our first silverware. Jamshedpur FC won their maiden League Winner's shield. In the beginning of the season it was hard to believe that something like this can happen. However in the second half of the season Jamshedpur FC went on smashing every team which came in their way and lifted the ISL League Winners Shield.

Even though Jamshedpur FC failed to win the ISL Trophy and the same went to Hyderabad F.C. However this season was something which the fans will remember for long. Furthermore by winning the League Winners Shield, Jamshedpur FC have now qualified for the AFC Champions League. 

Asian Football here we come. 

JamKeKhelo

THROUGH THE STORM: A REVIEW

 

Image Credit- Liverpool FC 

Liverpool FC on their You Tube Channel have released a documentary titled "Through the Storm'. Its a 1 hour documentary in which former Liverpool player Jason Mcateer has embarked on an emotional journey. Mcateer has met Liverpool first team players, fans and has explored the mental health issues faced by them. 

The documentary also reveals the struggles and the pain which the players went through while facing mental health issues. Lastly it also covers a tragic incidence [Suicide committed by a young LFC supporter].  

After watching this documentary I was short of words. I will say just one thing. Watch it and spread the message. You are not alone. Please speak out. 

For watching the documentary. Click here.