A Career ending too soon for Messi! The misfortunes surrounding the football icon

Lionel Messi shocks fans after hanging his international boots on Monday (Fifa.com)

Perhaps the key talking point in World football right now that has blown waves of debates from football fans across the globe. Five times and current football’s World Player of the year Lionel Andres Messi announced his decision to terminate his national career with Argentina after yet again failing to win a title with his nation. Argentina were stunned by Chile for the second successive final in the Copa America Centenario final that ended in a 4-2 win for Chile through post-match penalties. Did Messi make the right decision to quit his national roles following the results?

Well, the question is simple but would definitely take different Angles to argue depending on which side one takes. Losing a third final in three years might not be a big blow for the Argentines, but their captain’s move to hang his boots has probably dimmed their hopes of ever winning a major title in the near future, with other possible exits from the team still widely expected if Sergio Aguero’s words after the Chile final are to go by. 

Despite winning everything with Barcelona and being hailed as one of the game’s greatest, Argentina’s loss at the Copa final in early Monday morning has undoubtedly left Messi far behind Diego Maradona and Pele, but is this enough to underestimate the 29-year-old star?

Here is a breakdown of Messi’s difficult moments with Argentina that has to some extent prompted his decision.

World Cup 2014 (Argentina 0-1 Germany)

The stage was set for Messi to showcase and prove his curriculum vitae as football’s ever greatest player on planet. After having won everything with Barcelona as well as breaking and setting a number of goalscoring records, the Argentine, just like any other star had the task of carrying his nation to World Cup glory, a task he undertook successfully all the way to the final before all went wrong for La Pulga at the final stage.

There were few clear chances by both sides in the normal 90 minutes with Gonzalo Higuain’s wasted opportunity in a one-on-one situation with Manuel Neur still remaining on the head of any Argentine faithful. An opportunity that would probably have awarded the South Americans their third World title. An additional 30 minutes of play were unavoidable, with a possibility of entering post-match penalties looking more likely. However, this never was to be as a super play from the Germans saw substitute Mario Gotze break the deadlock less than 10 minutes to the penalties with a fine finish.

At this time, tears were all over Argentine fans who could not contain the turn of events. Not to forget Messi who was on the verge of losing out in his first World Cup title that was more than close to him than ever. All eyes were on their superstar to pull one of his miracles but the Germans stood firm to protect their lead to the end. After that loss, it was time to move on, that was a first final loss and more would definitely come along the way in the name of Copas.

Copa America 2015 (Argentina 0-0 Chile {pen 1-4})
One year down the line and another title came calling for the Argentines and Messi supporters across the globe. This time all was set for the Copa America and with no Germans available, it was without doubt Argentina’s opportunity to bag the prize.

Messi was at it again, leading his team all the way to the final with only Chile to beat this time round. It however turned out to a nightmare for Messi and co. who had difficult time to control the spirited and physical Chile led by Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez. After a barren draw in 120 minutes, the post-match spot-kicks were the last resort to settle the teams.

Messi calmly converted his kick only to be let down by fellow teammates Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega who missed their takes. Sanchez, Aranguz, Vidal and Fernandez all netted as Chile cruised to a 4-1 win, leaving Messi disappointed for the second time. Another heartbreaking performance for the Barca star.

Copa America Centenario 2016 (Argentina 0-0 Chile {Pen 2-4})
Messi led his nation to yet another major final in a third successive year, a rare fete to be achieved by national teams in the current age of stiff competition. This indeed highlights this team’s fighting and consistency under the captaincy of La Pulga.

After missing out on the two previous finals, Argentina had no choice but step up and grab this year’s edition of the Copa America Centenario. And as widely expected, their campaign went all the way to the final to meet their old foes in the name of Chile with Messi again being the engine behind the performances. His 19-minute hat-trick against Panama shortly after being introduced as a substitute and the wonder free-kick against hosts USA will be remembered in this year’s competition.

Although Argentina without their captain registered a 2-1 win over Chile in their opening group match, the final turned to be something different for the World Cup finalists. In a replica of last year’s final, both sides could not find the net in 120 minutes while ending the game with 10-men each. Higuain was at it again, missing an open chance in a one-on-one situation with Claudio Bravo earlier on to put his side on the lead, but his effort moved few inches away from the post. Other attempts later in the game could not provide salvation for each side paving way for another penalty showcase, a gambling moment in football, as most would put it. Any team can always win at this point but why not Argentina?

This time round, Messi and Biglia were the ‘culprits’ as Argentina failed yet again to find answers on their third time of knocking.

Rough time with Argentine fans
Messi’s affection with Argentine fans has not leaved to the expectation as compared to the treatment he receives when at Barcelona. It has widely been presumed that fans are torn between Messi and Maradona on who is the greatest. Some believe the Barca star outshines his national idol with other parties maintaining Maradona remains the undisputed hero.

For instance, take a look at the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup when Barcelona met Argentine side River Plate. A section River fans spat on Messi and his club colleagues when the team was leaving Tokyo, Japan after their final triumph. The incident forced Javier Mascherano, Luis Suarez and head coach Luis Enrique to step in and intervene.

Recently, Maradona was quoted labeling the five-time Balloon D’ or winner as lacking leadership personalities of carrying his nation to major title shortly before the Copa final. This is totally unprofessional having in mind La Pulga’s achievement in the past three years.

However, reports now say there is an ongoing campaign to lure Messi back to the team shortly after the team arrived in the country from USA. Maradona has seemingly withdrawn his statement and called upon the 29-year old to reconsider his decision. Argentine Football Association has also joined fans asking Messi to return to the team. Atleast now the fans are realizing what they have been missing.

The pressure Messi has endured for his country is worth appreciating, taking his nation to three consecutive finals deserves more respect only to be denied by luck in the three occasions. Messi also become the country’s leading scorer with 55 goals in 113 games after scoring five times in the just concluded Copa tournament. La Pulga also the 2008 Beijing Olympic games with his team as well as an Under-20 World Cup three years earlier. Isn't this a great achievement for Leo?

Well, atleast now one feels why Messi took the decision to quit his national roles. The unlucky moments, pressure and lack of appreciation from a section of fans in his homeland are more for one to bear especially when its much welcoming at club level. Whether the Barcelona star may decide to turn back and withdraw his sentiments is still awaited to be seen, but as it stands, Messi needs respect and time to recover from these situations. 
International football will surely miss you Messi.

Key talking points as H. Stars struggles continue.

Harambee Stars head coach Stanley Okumbi(center) during his  appointment as the team's head coach on February. (Photo/Goal.com)

Kenyan National Football team Harambee Stars failed yet again to pick a win under new manager Stanley Okumbi following a 1-1 draw with Tanzanian National Football team the Taifa Stars in a friendly match played at Moi Stadium Kasarani on Sunday 29 May.

The Taifa stars took the lead in the second period through Elias Mrugao heading past Boniface Oluoch who was caught off his line. However Kenya equalized six minutes later through captain Victor Wanyama converting from the spot after Ayub Timbe was luckily brought down in the box. Hopes of a comeback started emanating from the players, but as recent tradition dictates, the Stars could not break through as they lacked the golden touch in the opponents’ box. The draw now means Kenya has lost two and drawn one of their three matches under Okumbi since his appointed by Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa.

However, despite a new management both in the federation and coaching staff taking over football matters in the country, there are still many questions than answers football fans are asking themselves on the fate of our national team. So why does it get always wrong for the Stars?

‘Not yet Okumbi’

This is not the first time Okumbi’s name is brought on the limelight, especially when questioning his qualification to guide Harambee Stars. The current Stars manager was appointed by FKF president Nick Mwendwa back on February 20 to replace Bobby Williamson. Most football pundits were quick to question this move, but the noises slowly diminished and he was allowed to prove himself. Three matches now and Okumbi is yet to register his first win, so does he really deserve the position?

Of course it would be unfair to judge him at this point, having in mind that Kenya’s struggles has been existing for long even before his appointment. However, what Kenyans are seeing is far from the change they wanted, not only in terms of scores but how the team selection is made.

Okumbi has lost the confidence of fellow tacticians in the local scene and this prompt me to ask how one can lead a national team while having poor relation with most local coaches. The former Mathare coach was also blamed for fielding incompetent players from the FKF League in his first match in charge of the national team. At least the voices were heard at this time and Okumbi went for what people wanted.

FKF president Nick Mwendwa was quick to defend his man. According to the FKF boss, this is part of a long-term project to build a strong team for the future. Indeed this sounds promising for our football but should we hold our breath for more years to come?

Fans losing touch with the Stars!

Born and raised at an era when supporting the national football team Harambee Stars came with much pride and enthusiasm, football was more of entertainment. At this time, most Kenyans would create the little time possible to cheer up the national team all over the country. Back then we would go further to skip afternoon sessions in classes to watch the amazing talents in the team which never disappointed when it mattered the most.

The likes of Dennis Oliech, Musa Otieno, Robert Mambo, Emmanuel Ake, Francis Onyiso under the management of Jacob Mulee was a good side to sacrifice all for. 10 years down the line and things are totally different. People will rarely find time for the Stars as compared to watching their European teams.

I decided to watch the Kenya and Tanzania game at a local cinema hall where I attended the finals of the UEFA Champions league the previous night. The hall was full with over 100 fans when Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid in a Milan final. The following day brought something different with a mere 10 patriots tuning up for the Kasarani game in the hall.

‘Leo nachukua shilingi kumi’ that was the statement I heard from the man in the hall who was collecting charges for the game. The least people would pay for a game is normally Ksh 20 and would go to Ksh 50. This was incredible. Not even renowned gamblers would risk betting for Kenya, maybe picking a win for the opponents would do.
Well, I do not blame the fans for these but they have all reasons to behave in such way. The attendance in the stadium was also a major concern, in fact the number of Fans present at Kasarani on Sunday was far below the numbers at a Gor Mahia or AFC Leopards match. The management has simply let them down and they demand a better performance from the players representing the nation.

Many people are affected in one way or the other when the national team is not performing well, including the local business people. Drastic measures should therefore be taken to improve the morale of football fans in the country.

Squad rotation not working for Kenya

Stars coach Okumbi has used different line-ups against all three opponents he has faced. Although this is a positive take that highlights Kenya’s wide range of talents, it does not provide what we have been yearning for.

The most consistent players in Okumbi’s line-up have been Victor Wanyama, Teddy Akumu, Joackins Atudo, David Owino, Michael Olunga, Jese Were and Bonface Oluoch. Other players have either been called up and dropped in the following games or forced to play as substitutes when their services were needed the most.

Perhaps this team is missing a consistent set of players who can match-up together. In most times, the Southampton midfielder is forced to adapt to different players in the middle of the pack. This is not good for a national team, considering the rare opportunity they have to train and gel together.

Players need to do their best

Enough of attack on the management, truth be told the players are also part of this under-performance. Certain things cannot be corrected by the manager like missing one-on-one opportunities with goalkeepers and poorly directed passes. We have seen complaints from the players concerning delays in payment or poor treatment that perhaps may have contributed to their low morale in games. I can't ignore this fact, however this should not be the scapegoat because they still perform dismally when they receive better treatment, having in mind this does not happen all the time. 

My first finger points at Boniface Oluoch, the Gor Mahia stopper has been impressive in most cases but sometimes fails to perform up to expectation. Tanzania’s opening goal on Sunday is largely to blame on Oluoch. He was far from his area when the ball went in, was he really going for the ball? Had he stayed at his spot or gone for the ball, things would be better by that time. That was a poor decision from the country’s second best trusted stopper.

Another area Kenya has not done well is in the attack. We boast of good strikers in Michael Olunga, Alan Wanga and Jesse Were but still they have not proved their worth enough. Not even the current Sportpesa Premier League leading scorer Wycliffe Ochomo could replicated his league’s scoring form in the national shirt.  Jesse Were has been impressive for his new side ZESCO United in the Zambian Premier League but he is yet to convert the goals for the Stars.

Fortunately all is not lost, we still have room for improvement despite all the predicament facing the team. There are few fans who share the same spirit I hold of things turning round one day and will never stop supporting this team. Nothing far from winning will convince Kenyans that things are back on track. At 116^th position, it is a shame to be proud of this team but my hope still rests on Mwendwa and his team. The next assignment is against Sudan tomorrow (Tuesday 31^st May) in a friendly match at Kasarani. Another test for Okumbi to prove his credibility from football pundits and fans.

Why UCL is Atletico’s to lose

                                Atletico Madrid players celebrating after scoring against Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League title (Photo/Courtesyibtimes).

Interestingly, one of the rare UEFA Champions League finals that no one ever saw coming at some point in the season. 10-times champions Real Madrid will be lining up against their Spanish and city rivals Atletico Madrid in Milan on Saturday night, a repeat of the 2014 finals. Previous meetings between these two sides have always sparked tension among players with hash tackles and flashes of cards being produced including inevitable redcards. Managers also get involved at certain incidences with the players especially Diego Simeone who has largely shaped his team. At the end, one team will have to fight hard to win or produce a draw which has also dominated most of their encounters.

To many, a Barcelona-Bayern final looked inevitable unless the two were slotted along the same path. But this is football, where surprises are never shot of display. Well, Saturday’s final will project nothing less than an enticing encounter between two rivals who have all reasons to be crowned champions. However, looking at both teams, my scorecard would without doubt be in favour of Diego Dimeone men.

Atletico have faced enough test

To become a champion you have to knock a champion, this is a common phrase in the game that at least gives players a morale-boosting performance when they face other opponents especially after edging past big challenges. Atletico Madrid knocked out defending champions Barcelona in the quarterfinal stage. Their next mountain was Germany Champions Bayern Munich in the semi-final which they took down without fears to book another final spot in the competition. This is in contrary to Zinedine Zidane’s charges who sailed through minor opponents in Roma, Wolfsburg and Manchester City enroute to the final.

Although beating Barca and Bayern is not a guarantee of any success in the final, truth be told that Diego Simeone has learnt a lot and endured a lot to become a winner in those four games in the two-legged ties. He knows what it takes to frustrate one of the game’s best players with his crafted defensive set-up. Not even the holy trinity of MSN (Messi, Suarez and Neymar) could come up with a solution to the Argentine’s plan. Not to forget the king of Tiki Taka, Pep Guardiola who only had to watch helplessly and in despair as his team faced elimination from the only tournament he has not won with the German champions.

Real’s enroute to the final does not in any way prove their worth this season, having in mind that an Arsenal team or a struggling Chelsea could easily have made it to the final through the same path. But a final is always decided in normal 90 minutes and there is no away goal rule to count on in this situation.

Simeone’s record against Real

Diego Simeone has lost only once in the last 10 games against the Los Blancos, and this in some way gives him a cutting age ahead of the final showdown. Despite boasting an impressive record over their city rivals, there is one particular area Simeone has not done to his perfection, this is in the champions league. Real overcame Atletico 4-1 in after 120 minutes of play during the 2014 final. The tie ended in a 1-1 draw thanks to a late Sergio Ramos equalizing header before Carlo Ancelotti’s side by then rallied to net three more securing their 10^th record UCL title. To Atletico fans, it was something similar to grabbing a prey from a hunter who had taken a whole day chasing his target, you can guess how it feels. The following season provided a great platform for Atletico to revenge when the two were paired in the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, the plan failed yet again as Real matched to the last four with a 1-0 aggregate.

Since then the two have met twice in La Liga, starting with a 1-1 draw at Vicente Calderon on October last year followed by Atleti’s 1-0 win over Real at Santiago Bernabeu on February this year. Perhaps the Los Blancos may feel superior in European platform over their neighbours but Zidane will definitely be going for his first win over Simeone since taking charge of Real earlier this year. On the other side, the Argentine will be looking to amend his mistakes this time round and lift his first UCL title with the club.

Injury-stricken Real not fit

This team has faced numerous challenges this season in terms of injuries, something that has greatly affected their level of performance. Among the players who have already paid a visit to the team’s medical doctors are Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Marcelo and Raphael Varane. Out of the Saturday’s final is Varane but Ronaldo still remains a doubt. Bale had also recently recovered from injury same as Benzema whose form has drastically deteriorated. The only fit attacker in the squad is Bale who has rose to the occasion to save points for Real in absence of Ronaldo and Benzema.

The talking point so far is whether the Portuguese star will be fit for the match with recent reports casting doubts over his recovery. Ronaldo’s doctors are undoubtedly enjoying few hours of sleep to ensure their best man is back on the pitch. Imagining Real playing a final without Ronaldo and a formless Benzema against Atletico Madrid, is one of a rare open opportunity for Simeone to launch revenge.

This however looks less likely to happen since earlier this week Ronaldo and Zidane were quoted expressing their confidence of the three times World player of the year making it on time. Whether Ronaldo returns or not, he will most likely not have a comfortable game and may be forced to struggle. Similar to against Manchester City in the second leg, his return may not save Real from Atleti’s impressive display, unless we believe in miracles.

UCL Barca spell may favour Atleti

It is widely presumed that sending Barcelona out of the competition in the past decade gives a blessing of the title. Many teams have done it and went on to grab the top prize. The likes of Inter Milan, Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are among the beneficiaries of this. In 2014, Atleti eliminated Barca in quarterfinal but slipped to a famous UCL hoodoo; no team has beaten Real to the title in the past decade apart from Barcelona.

This may sound mad because there is neither mathematical nor logical reasons behind the trend, but it does happen. Similar to retaining the title, many teams have attempted to break these spells but all end in vain.

Saturday’s action will once again bring a clash of two UCL spells. Will Barca’s blessings lift Atleti to the title or Real’s hoodoo reign once again?

Above all, Saturday’s final will be no walkover for any team, a renewed rivalry between city neighbours awaits football fans all over the globe. Even those who hate the game might just found themselves having a glimpse of what is happening in Milan. But to be precise, I see Atletico sailing through in a long night that may take more than 120 minutes of your time.

Spanish trio set for final league Showdown

Barca,Atletico,Real continue their charges as La Liga race boils up with two matches remaining. (Photo/Sport.es)

Football World will be keen to watch how La Liga title race goes in the coming two weeks as leaders Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid continue pushing onto their dreams of bagging this season’s accolade. The three teams finished their weekend assignments on Saturday on a positive note leaving things tight as ever. Barca beat 10-man Real Betis 2-0 on Saturday night courtesy of goals from Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez. Earlier on, Antoine Griezmann’s strike helped Atletico to a 1-0 against Rayo Vallecano while Gareth Bale’s header earned Real three points in a 1-0 route of Real Sociedad at a diffucult Anoeta stadium. 

Well, this was a topic far from discussion barely a month ago but an unforgivable mistakes by Barcelona saw them lose three successive league matches against Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and Valencia bringing the race back on track.

Full concentration, character and some lucky charm are required from all the three sides in each and every game at this moment because a slight slip may prove costly at the end. Following the weekend wins, Barca and Atletico still lead the charges with 85 points although the Catalans are above with a head-head advantage. Real come third on 84 points. 

Here are my takes of the task ahead of each of these three teams as well as a final prediction of who may take the title home.

Barcelona

The defending champions will blame themselves for the change of matters to this heated battle. Before the Clasico tie, Barca were 9 points clear of Atletico and 10 above Real. At this point it was insane to include the two Madrid teams in the race. However, this is football and now things are different. The Catalans led by their attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar (MSN) need to forget all about their past and amend their lapse to win the league, at least for the fans.

Barca has an awaiting derby with Espanyol at Camp Nou before closing their league season curtain at Granada. Barcelona fans will attest that Espanyol is not an easy opponent to face at this time when winning is not an option. The European giants were the better side winning both legs when the two faced each other in round 16 of Copa Del Rey tie. But before this was a barren draw at Espanyol in a league match. Such matches provide much intensity and confrontation among players, something that may interfere with Barca's perfomance. Luis Enrique need to be cautious and instruct his players to keep it cool and avoid any collision and rough argument with Espanyol players to achieve what they want the most now.

Another waiting opponent Granada is not a big match for Barca considering how easy the Catalans have dominated in their past meetings. However, underrating an opponent at this stage may be a punishable offence, therefore with Champions League already out of reach, Enrique has all the reasons to retaining the league and Copa Del Rey final against Sevilla in order to restore his trust among the club’s stakeholders.

Atletico Madrid

It is no doubt that this teams has performed against all odds both domestically and continentally, proving that they also belong among the best in Europe. Atletico ended Barca’s dream of becoming the first side to retain the Champions League title by knocking them out in the quarter final stage. The Diego Simeone inspired side are also a step away from another final with a 1-0 lead over Bayern Munich ahead of their return leg in their semi-final encounter. Simeone will be more delighted if he further inflicts injury on Barca by denying them the league as well. But first there are two awaiting fixtures against Levante and Celta Vigo.

It is injustice to say Atletico will fall to any of these two challenges when they have proved enough they can topple bigger sides in Europe. Against Levante I see the normal 1-0 win for Atletico, a score that has dominated in most of their final score boards regardless of the opponents. The trickiest however, will be Celta Vigo who pulled a 3-2 win in their first leg encounter. Celta’s game is no more that different from Atletico’s philosophy and this may be a great contest to watch out for at the end. With the champions league in mind, Atletico will need more concentration as compared to the league leaders in the title race.

Real Madrid

None of Madrid fans could confidently count on their chances of winning this league few weeks ago, but with a spirited side led by Zinedine Zidane anchored by Barca's misfortunes, things are finally changing for the Los Blancos. Similarly to their city rivals, Real are few minutes from reaching the final of the Champions league after securing a barren draw at Manchester City in their first leg encounter. A return leg at Barnebeu will determine whether they proceed to another final to claim a record 11^th champions league title. 

In Spain, all that Real need is win their remaining two matches against Valencia and Deportivo hoping Barca and Atletico draw or lose one of their two ties.

Deportivo is not a major scare for the Los Blancos with their recent encounters leaving Depo badly damaged. However, a slight challenge will come from Valencia. The two teams have produced a 2-2 draw in their past two meetings meaning Real need to toil hard to earn three points against this side. This will undoubtedly be a close fight keeping in mind Valencia’s 2-1 win over Barcelona at Camp Nou last month. With Zidane at the stands, i see Real completing these tasks on a high note at any cost.

Final Prediction

All Enrique need is simply win the remaining two matches and the league will be lifted back to Catalonia. Atletico and Real will need to win first with the other eye set on the opposite title challengers. Mathematically its much open but analytically I would go for Barca retaining the league. They have recovered from their recent disappointments and there is no way falling back for this star studded team. The Catalans appear to have healed from their champions league exit and currently only have the league in mind.

The Madrid teams are still active in the Champions League but and an exit before La Liga ends may trouble them psychologically. 

I see no major changes in the table at the end of the league with Barca claiming the title on a head-head advantage over Atletico with Real maintaining their third spot.

5 talking points from Champions League action

Barcelona Players dissapointed after their 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night(FCBacelonawebsite).

 Arguably the most followed tournament in the World after the World Cup is now on its latter stages after an intensifying showdown in the quarterfinals that saw big names exit the competition. All the way from 32 teams, the race is now narrowed down to four teams. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid lead the line from Spain accompanied by Bayern Munich from Germany and Manchester City, the only English club surviving in the tournament.

Many things were evident in the return leg matches played on Tuesday and Wednesday, however, the most shocking headline was the elimination of World and European giants Barcelona by their Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid leaving the World’s deadliest trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in total despair and badly wounded. Another surprising result saw PSG axed by City while Real survived a narrow escape past Wolfsburg, thanks to a spirited show by Cristiano Ronaldo. Bayern on the other hand had to struggle to move past Benfica.

Well, how sweet is football with these surprises and setbacks? Here are some key points to note about the midweek matches.

        The curse of retaining Champions league still stands

Many teams have tried to achieve this fete but none has come to break the deadlock, maybe its meant to stay like this for long with the latest casualty being Barcelona. From the start of the season and all the way to the last 16, there was no doubt that this Barcelona team led by their triumvirate of Messi, Suarez and Neymar were on the road to break this spell.

However, the tables started turning around for the Catalans after their El Classico loss to Real Madrid. Although they pulled a 2-1 win over Atletico in 1^st leg at Camp Nou, the Vicente Calderon battle was far from their reach. A well planted defensive unit anchored by a dangerous counter attacking force was enough to send Luis Enrique’s men out the competition, loosing out 2-0 and 3-2 in aggregate. This just proves how hard it is to repeat this success and not even the World’s best player Messi could save the champions. This is undoubtedly deemed to last for as long as we live and maybe forever.

        Bayern looking below par

      Hailed as one of the tournament favorites, Bayern Munich is yet to play to its expected standard having displayed a dismal performance over Benfica. The two teams drew 2-2 in Portugal but the German giants sailed through thanks to a 1-0 home win in the first leg. Similar to the Catalans, Bayern are poor defensively something that can be exploited by an opponent like Atletico.

Without Jerome Boateng, Holger Badstuber, Benatia and Javi Martinez, Pep Guardiola need to worry much about his defensive line as they enter crucial stages in the competition. However as it stands, the German side may yet again lose opportunity to claim the title under Guardiola who is on his way out.

        Man City the unlikely survivors

Having registered poor run in the domestic competition, few would bet for City to go all the way to this stage in the Champions League. However, football never come without surprises and this season’s slot is occupied by City.

The Citizens knocked out French giants PSG with a plausible display in both legs, and now are fired up to even achieve more for their outgoing manager Manuel Palegrini before Guardiola takes over the helm at the club. Another key concern is whether this side will replicate Chelsea’s triumph back in 2012 despite being graded as underdogs.

          Real regain power under Zidane

The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid manager to replace Rafa Benitez received diverse reactions with several football pundits labeling ‘Zizou’ unfit for the job. Barely four months later the decision to appoint the Frenchman is now paying. A victory in El Classico, a revived hope in La Liga title with four points behind leaders Barcelona as well as close to 180 minutes to reaching the finals of Champions league were far from the thoughts of Madrid fans.

The tables are now turned around, all the smiles are now shifted to the Madrid capital from Barcelona and a slight slip in the remaining six matches will prove costly to the Catalans in what looked like a bright season for them. Lets see if Zidane will lead Real to their 11^th Champions League title this year.

 All eyes on Friday’s draw

The draw of the semi-finals of the Champions League is set to take place on Friday with football World waiting eagerly to see who meets who. There is no chance of getting a weaker opponent because none of the four is an easy run. However, none of Real Madrid, City or Bayern would like to face Atletico in the draw who to me are my favorites after knocking out the fearsome Barca.

My Predictions

Well, my picks would go Real Madrid against Bayern Munich and Man City with Atletico. I foresee a final of Bayern and Atletico with the Spanish sides eventually emerging winners for the first time in their history after coming within few minutes to claiming the glory against Real in 2014.

The Catalan Review: 4 things to take from the weekend El Clasico

 Barcelona Striker Luis Suarez reacting after missing a chance in Saturday's El Clasico match against Real Madrid. Barca lost 2-1 in the tie (Photo Courtesy /BarcelonaWebsite).

Nothing pains a Catalan or Barcelona faithful than losing an El Clasico tie to their Arc-Rivals Real Madrid, the same would go for the opposite side. Perhaps one would trade a Clasico win with the title simply because it brings pride and dominance over the other. Of course this does not exclude the long rivalry between the club’s best attackers (Messi and Ronaldo) who have for almost decade made headlines sparking debates of who is the best between the pair. 

The 231^st edition of the historical encounter went in favor of the visitors who made their first Clasico win at Campo Nou since Mourinho achieved the same fete furing his tenure. Gerard Pique who has always found himself on the wrong side with Madrid fans brought the away fans to silence with a fine header. Everything was heading towards Barca’s favour before Karim Benzema slotted home the equalizer. However, the usual assassin for the Catalans, Cristiano Ronaldo slotted home the winner five minutes to time shocking the home crowd in the turn of events.

Let us look at key points to take from the match.

Zidane breaking the hoodoo

No Real Madrid manager has won their first Clasico debut since 2007, something that had left Catalans riding in high hopes that the French man would be no different with the others considering their coaching experiences. Juande Ramos was the first victim of the curse receiving a 2-0 beating at Camp Nou in 2008. Current Manchester City boss Manuel Palegrini followed in the line with a 1-0 loss at Camp Nou. Next in the list came ‘the special one’ Jose Mourinho who met a merciless Barca side led by Pep Guardiola orienting him with a 5-0 thrashing. La Decima winning manager Carlo Ancelotti later queued with a 2-1 loss before the latest casualty Rafa Benitez collected four goals at Santiago Barnabeu in the first leg.

Zinedine ‘Zizou’ Zidane entered the game having lost once and drawn twice in his 11 matches in charge of the Los Blancos. ‘Zizou’ knew very well about the catastrophe that has met his five predecessors but his reactions from the stands clearly showed how determined he was to pull something different. Although Real looked more defensive (at least that’s how to stop Barca) posing less threats to the Catalans upfont, the strategy did pay off at later stages of the game. Forget the three points or Clasico head-to-head record, Zidane’s reasons to be happy is probably breaking this curse. Have real found what they have been missing in Zidane? Well, plenty of more to come to prove that.

Enrique’s miscalculated subs

 Another mistake and three points are thrown, what a hard lesson to learn from your won mistake? The two teams were tied at 1-1 with Barcelona dominating most of the game. With the atmosphere growing wild as Real started showing signs of recovery, Enrique took off Ivan Rakitic and brought in Arda Turan. This was arguably a wrong decision by the manager having in mind the intensity of the game and that being Turan’s first Clasico debut. The Turkish could not pick up as quick as expected which allowed Real utilize his weakness to press Barca more to the wall. It took patience for The Los Blancos to find the winner despite being reduced to 10-men following Sergio Ramos’ send off.

A similar decision was made against Villarreal, bringing in Jeremy Mathieu who helped the hosts come from 2-0 down to draw level while Marc Bartra and Vamalean were available. Enrique however defended his decision later having in mind Rakitic had picked a yellow card and maybe he would have joined Ramos in the dressing room. But why choose Turan rather than Sergi Roberto much was much fit and available considering his experience in attack and tracking back? Some lessons for the big boss to take.

Madrid’s league title still alive

The win however left Real at third spot with 69 points, one adrift of second placed Atletico Madrid with 70 points. Barca still lead with 76 points with seven matches to go. Mathematically compiling the statistics, there are 21 points to trade for, a smaller margin that can turn the tables as it stands. A little slip on the way will prove costly to Barca and all they need now is concentration and continue with their job. 

It is with no doubt that the players feel the same burden as fans do and this is why Dani Alves passed a message of peace through the social media and well with some writings in his shirt before the match to calm down their fans spilling beats of hope. ‘PEACE IN THE WORLD PLEASE’ read the writings on the Brazilian shirt.

What remains to be seen is whether Zidane will lead Madrid to the league title as well as the Champions league where Wolfsburg awaits them in the last eight. Barca meanwhile need to forget the night and focus on Atletico Madrid, another huge test for Enrique, maybe even worse at this point where they are nursing injuries.