ONCE UPON A TIME IN MONACO

 

Image Credit- Bleacher Report 

Paris Saint Germain has maintained in its dominance in the French League for the last one decade. Since 2012 they have won 9 Ligue 1 Titles and are on the verge to win their 10th. However, there was a season when we witnessed something special. Very special. It was the 2016-17 Season wherein AS Monaco came from nowhere and won the Ligue 1 title. The world was shocked as well as happy to see them lift the trophy. 

It is interesting to note that apart from winning the Ligue 1 trophy, they also reached the semifinal stage of the UEFA Champions League. Every football fan will remember their game against Manchester City wherein they staged one of the biggest upsets. 

The Underdogs were well and truly kicking at the biggest stage. Unfortunately, the Transfer Summer of 2017 changed it all for bad as all their star players were bought by the top clubs of Europe. But still whenever we talk about the AS Monaco team of 2016-17 season there is a tear of joy. 

THE LEGEND OF FC BARCELONA

 

Image Credit- The New York Times.

Under Josep Guardiola, FC Barcelona was the epitome of 'tiki-taka'; opponents could not even get the ball off them, much less score. While Frank Rijkaard's Barcelona team did win the UEFA Champions League in 2005–06, but it was Guardiola, a former midfield player, who made them a legendary team. Guardiola's team won 14 of the 19 events they entered in his four years in charge, including six titles in his inaugural season of 2008–09, which included the FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Liga, and Copa del Rey in addition to the Spanish Super Cup.

Even though the haul was impressive, Guardiola gave debuts to 22 players who, like himself, had trained at Barcelona. This may have had greater significance. When the club defeated Manchester United FC 3-1 at Wembley in the 2010–11 UEFA Champions League final, Sir Alex Ferguson had nothing but admiration for them: "They are the best team we've faced in my time as a manager." The team also helped make Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, and Lionel Messi household names. Nobody has ever treated us that poorly. It's a wonderful time for them. They like playing football and do it the right way, therefore they deserve it."

Guardiola did not create "tiki-taka"; rather, Luis Aragonés' winning Spain team at UEFA EURO 2008 employed a variation of the style, holding possession high up the field and trying to dismantle opponents with deft, fast passes. But it was Guardiola's attack-mindedness that refined the approach.

His 4-3-3 formation was full of skill, with Messi and Iniesta hemming opponents in and keeping the ball flowing. "There is no team in the world that has played with as many players in the opposing half as Barcelona do," said Víctor Fernández, the former coach of RC Celta de Vigo. There was no difference between attack and defense; as long as you didn't throw the ball away, you didn't need to defend.

MUNICH HAS FALLEN

 

Image Credit- AP News.

The dominance of FC Bayern Munich in Bundesliga is unreal. They have won more than 30 Bundesliga Titles and are currently the defending champions as well. Since the 2012 season they have not let any other German Side to lift the Bundesliga Trophy. Last year Dortmund was on the verge of winning the title, but the men from Munich came from behind and won the league on the basis of goal difference. But this year there has been a different tale altogether. 

The consistency of Leverkusen and inconsistency of Munich has made it clear that this year we will get a new Bundesliga Champion. Furthermore, in order to make a comeback it was necessary for Munich to win against their archrival Borussia Dortmund. However, Dortmund scripted an upset as they beat the men in red 2-0 at their home after 10 long years. 

The Munich Fans could not believe what they saw in Allianz Arena. Everyone who has an understanding of German Football is surprised and shocked. Afterall no one could ever imagine the fall of Munich.  

WHAT LIES AHEAD?

 

Image Credit- Hindustan Times.

On 26th March 2024 Indian Football Team faced Afghanistan in a World Cup Qualifier Game. A win in this game would have improved their chances of qualifying in the next round of the World Cup. However, what happened in this game was nothing short of a disgrace.   

The Indian national football team took the lead in the 37th minute of the game. A handball in the penalty area led to the hosts being awarded a penalty. Sunil Chhetri confidently stepped up and successfully converted it, marking his 94th goal in his 150th appearance. However, in the 70th minute, Rahmat Akbari equalized with a goal aided by a significant deflection. Sharif Mukhammad then scored from a penalty kick in the 88th minute, taking advantage of an error by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The 2-1 defeat left fans and players frustrated as this outcome further underscores the challenges facing Indian football. 

India maintained their second position in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, positioning themselves well for advancement to the third round. However, their journey is becoming increasingly challenging. Initially, they only required to avoid defeat against Kuwait in Kolkata in June after leading with Chhetri's penalty until the 71st minute in Guwahati on Tuesday. Now, securing a victory has become imperative. The question remains: will India fulfill Stimac's repeated promises and targets to qualify for the third round? This will be determined in June when they confront Kuwait at home before traveling to Qatar for the final two World Cup qualifiers.

THIS IS FOOTBALL HERITAGE

 

Image Credit- This is Anfield.

Whenever Manchester United plays Liverpool FC the world stops to watch them play. Even though the Mancs are not in their best of forms, but whenever they face Scousers in a FA Cup game they come out with their best. And this is what happened on 17th March, 2024. The stage was the quarterfinals of the prestigious FA Cup. Manchester United were facing Liverpool in their home. The Scousers were the favorites to march forward in the semi-final. But, this is football. Anything can happen any moment.  Manchester United came from the back and won a thriller in the 120th minute of the game. 

It was a high octane game with both sides attacking continuously. Scott McTominay scored the opening goal of the game as Manchester United were 1-0  up in just 10 minutes. However on the brink of half-time Liverpool scored 2 goals and were up 2-1. It appeared that they will hold the game now and eliminate Manchester United from the FA Cup. However in the nick of time Antony scored the equalizer and the game went into extra time.

In the Extra-Time Liverpool once again took the lead as Elliot scored a goal in 105th minute of the game. However 7 minutes later Rashford scored the equalizer and the Mancs were back in the game. It seamed anyone can win the game, but this is when a young Amad scored a brilliant goal in the 120th minute of the game and sealed a semifinal spot for the Mancs. 

The Old Trafford erupted as Liverpool were knocked out from the FA Cup, The Manchester United are now in the semi-finals wherein they will face Coventry. On the other hand the second semi-final will be played between Manchester City and Chelsea. Whether it will be a repeat of 2018 Final or 2023 Final. The answer lies in the womb of time. But, for the time being its all good in Manchester. 

To watch the highlights of the game, Click Here. 

THE HARRY KANE SAGA

 

Image Credit- CNN.

In the summer of 2023 Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich in the hunt of trophies. Kane is indeed one of the greatest strikers of his generation, but also the unlucky one. Despite his goal scoring abilities, he has failed to win a silverware for whichever team he has played. Be it Tottenham or England, Kane went till the finals but ended up in the losing side. 

As a result, when he joined FC Bayern Munich it was expected that his trophy drought is about to come to an end. However, what happened next is something truly unbelievable. FC Bayern Munich is on the verge of going trophyless this season. Firstly, they lost the Super Cup. Post this they were eliminated from the DFB-Pokal. Furthermore, they are 10 points behind the League Leaders which makes the chances of a comeback bleak. The only tournament where they are alive is the UEFA Champions League wherein, they will be facing the toughest of opponents. 

However, despite the struggles of FC Bayern, Harry Kane has been in red hot form. He has scored more than 30 goals in his debut season with Bayern and is on the cusp of winning the Golden Boot. However, will he win a Silverware with his Team? The answer lies in the womb of time. 

THIS IS PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Image Credit- Sky Sports.

English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga are the 5 topmost leagues in the world. However, its only March and we very much know the winners in 4 out of 5 leagues. Bayer 04 Leverkusen is on its way to end Munich's Bundesliga run. Inter Milan in Serie A, PSG in Ligue 1 and Real Madrid in La Liga are also very comfortable in the moment. Unless these 4 clubs commit hara-kiri, we know who the winner of this season is going to be. 

However, in Premier League the situation is completely different. 3 Clubs are fighting hammer and tongs for the EPL Title- Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. Any of them can win the league. The competition is so so tough. One mistake and the title hopes will get destroyed. Such is the nature of Premier League.