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La Liga – 2016/17 Preview

dim — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 01:53:21 +0000

When discussing La Liga Santander it is very easy to just not look any further than the two football institutions of Barcelona and Real Madrid. Still, there is so much more to the league than that and in reality it is rarely as foregone a conclusion as you would think. Since the formation of the league in 1929 there have been 9 different winners.

But more interestingly, and perhaps surprisingly since the turn of the century 5 different teams have got their hands on the title. Welcome and overdue changes have taken place at a deep level in Spanish football – including the way the clubs are financed. This should open up the chances for more and more teams to have a go at achieving success in the league. This year Spain has 5 teams in the Champion’s League. As well as giving those teams extra financial muscle it is also a very good learning process for the players, clubs and managers alike to keep on improving. It also makes it easier to attract the world’s best talent to the club.

So will it be any different this year? Here we have a look at who the contenders are likely to be, come May.

Barcelona

There isn’t anywhere else to start than with the Catalan giants. Clear favourites with the bookmakers and football fans around the world, Barca are looking to make it three La Liga titles in a row. Luis Enrique may not be everyone’s managerial cup of tea but there is no doubting he has brought success – winning 8 out of a possible 10 pieces of silverware during his tenure at the Camp Nou.

When you have the likes of Neymar, Suárez and Iniesta in your starting 11 it seems crazy to suggest that they are anything approaching a one man team, but the fact remains they are hugely reliant on Messi – currently lying number 1 in the ratings. If anything was to happen to the Argentinian, you have to wonder if they do have enough to succeed in both the league and the Champion’s League, and you have to think Enrique would prioritise the latter.

It will be strange to see Barcelona take to the field without a Dani Alves, and his loss could have an unsettling influence on an already suspect defence. Enrique has addressed this bringing in Lucas Digne at left-back and Samuel Umtiti, while the midfield has been bolstered with Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez.

If everything goes there way, and they are lucky with injuries then it is for Barcelona to lose.

Real Madrid

Barca’s great rivals Real have picked up more points, won more games and scored more goals in the league’s history than any other team. They will be looking to go one better than last time. After just 5 months in the job Zinedine Zidane secured the club’s 11th Champion’s League trophy, and only missed out on the title by 1 point but huge question marks hang over the Frenchman’s head.

Yes they have Ronaldo, but after a protracted transfer affair with Pogba ultimately resulted in them being significantly outbid by Manchester United they have basically been left with the starting 11 that they had last season. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but whereas their rivals have strengthened, they will instead be relying on Zidane to squeeze more points out of his squad over the duration of the season than Benitez managed. That could be a gamble, and that is the reason bookmakers have them firmly in second place. There have been some additions and players have been brought back after successful loan spells – most notably Marco Asensio, but whether they have enough strength in depth to compete on two fronts will remain to be seen.

Atletico Madrid

While a lot of the early focus will be on Barca and Real, this could well play into Diego Simeone’s hands. Atletico have not only managed to keep hold of their best players they have added to an already very good squad. The biggest success over the transfer window was that Euro 2016 golden boot winner Antoine Griezmann committed his future to the club. Having ultimately failed in getting Costa in from Chelsea, they have made several astute signings, all in positions where they needed strengthening. Kevin Gameiro and Nico Gaitán are likely to go straight into the team, while Sime Vrsaljko is perfect cover for both full back positions. The team – and most importantly the squad – now looks like genuine contenders not just for domestic honours, but for European ones as well.

Simeone has shown he is an astute manager, and he gets his team playing for him and the badge. Though he has made no secret of his love of the Champion’s League, and his team are perhaps more suited for the two leg format, it would be no surprise if they were to repeat their league heroics of 2013/14.

The Rest

Is there realistically anyone else who can wrestle the title from those three, or will they simply be looking to get into the European places, while looking for success in the ZTE sponsored Copa del Rey?

The first two obvious candidates are Sevilla and Villarreal. Unfortunately for both these teams, they have lost their respective influential managers. After looking like they had got themselves in a position to push on, this may well set them both back a season or two. Other teams to look out for as those possible contenders to upset the apple cart are Valencia, Real Betis and Espanyol.

Quique Sanchez Flores’ Espanyol side has some old heads in it, but importantly some talented old heads such as Martin Demichelis and Jose Antonio Reyes.

Valencia lost a lot of their talent in the summer, and looking at their team you have to wonder whether they have enough to break the better teams in the division down.
The main thing that Real Betis have going for them is their coach Gus Poyet. Poyet is a charismatic figure, and if his team are fortunate with injuries and suspensions and get on a role, you never know.

Whatever happens, it will be a thrilling ride. If Leicester showed us anything last year it is that in football – even over a league season – anything can happen. And if there is ever a dull moment, there is always these to watch and enjoy!

Real Madrid have secured the signing of James Rodriguez

Leon Smolski — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:24:22 +0000

Real Madrid have agreed the details of a transfer for Colombian star James Rodriguez from Monaco. According to various reports, the Spanish giants will pay a fee in the region of €70 to €80 million.

The midfielder has completed a medical at Santiago Bernabeu and has agrred a 7 million/year salary. The transfer leaves the door open for Angel Di Maria, who is linked with PSG and Manchester United.

Photo: goal.com

Toni Kroos has officially joined Real Madrid

Leon Smolski — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 08:36:04 +0000

Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed that the 24-year old midfielder Toni Kroos is moving to Real Madrid.

“We thank Toni Kroos for his time in Munich. We have achieved great success with him here. We wish him and his family all the best in Madrid and with Real.”

Germany international made 176 appearances for Bayern Munich since 2007, netted 23 goals and completed numerous assists. During his time with the German giants, Kroos won three Bundesliga titles, three German Cups and the UEFA Champions League. From 2010 the player has been capped for the national team and was crucial in Germany’s World Cup title winning this month.

Kroos is expected to pocket some £5.3m a year salary in Spain and will likely pair up with Luka Modric in Real’s midfield.

Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid in dramatic fashion to claim the tenth European title

Leon Smolski — Sun, 25 May 2014 09:45:27 +0000

Real Madrid clinched the tenth European Cup after beating city rivals Atletico in dramatic fashion.

Diego Godin opened the scoring on 36 minutes exploiting Iker Casillas’ mistake. The Colchoneros stood firm and were on the brink of completing their successful season with the Champions League title. However, Real Madrid pushed for an equalizer and Sergio Ramos scored a solid header three minutes into the added time. Such was the disappontment of Diego Simeone’s boys that they conceded three more in extra time, from Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real Madrid finally won their first Champions League since 2002 and 10th overall. They are now three titles above AC Milan.

UEFA Champions League final. Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

Leon Smolski — Sat, 24 May 2014 11:36:20 +0000

Two clubs from the same league. Two clubs from the same city. Fierce rivals. This is what 2014 Champions League final looks like.

Last season’s all-German final passes the turn to Spanish clubs. Two Madrid sides, Real and Atletico are set for a showdown in Lisbon, at beautiful Estadio da Luz. Real have made it to the final match for the first time since 2002 and are hoping to get the 10th European title (or decima as they call it in Spain). Atletico have never won the top European competition and are desperate to add the Champions League trophy to La Liga title they secured last week at Camp Nou.

The clubs have met four times this season, Atletico won 1-0 at Bernabeu and drew 2-2 at Vicente Calderon in La Liga, but were outclassed 0-5 on aggregate in Copa del Rey.

Way to final

Real Madrid were comfortable winners on group stage, getting 16 points from Juventus, Galatasaray and Copenhagen. Later on in the tournament Carlo Ancelotti’s side beat three
German teams, Schalke, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

Atletico Madrid won the group with the same margin of 16 points, earned against Zenit St.Petersburg, Porto and Austria Wien. In knockout stage The Colchoneros made it past some of the biggest European clubs, Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea.

Diego Costa seems to have recovered from muscle injury after practising some traditional medicine. Cristiano Ronaldo will also be fit by Saturday night. Xabi Alonso is sidelined with suspension.

The Balon D’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, conceded it’s an obsession for all madridistas to win the title:

“Since the first day we came here, we’ve felt that positive pressure to win the Champions League. Real Madrid have wanted it for a long time. It is a moment that the whole Madrid family are dreaming about - the ‘decima’.”

Champions League semi-finals preview

Leon Smolski — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 15:42:27 +0000

Atletico Madrid host Chelsea and Thibaut Courtois will play between the sticks.

Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea
Jose Mourinho reached the Champions League semi-finals for eighth time out of ten attempts. However, he only made it to the final twice, in 2004 and 2010. Bully Colchoneros are on his way this time around. Chelsea have authorized Atletico to use their in-form goalkeeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is under contract with the British club. Both clubs have few injury concerns with Chelsea only missing Branislav Ivanovic through suspension. Eden Hazard is still doubtful. The hosts can make a perfect line-up. The Portuguese specialist highlighted the importance of European competition for his club:
“We are lucky to be involved in the Champions League, so we are lucky that in the next two days we don’t think about the Premier League and what’s happened and what is going to happen because now we only think about the match.”

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich
Availability of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale are the main concerns for Carlo Ancelotti ahead of a whopping clash with Bayern Munich at Santiago Bernabeu. The Portuguese star is yet to pass fitness test, while Gareth Bale has gone down with flu. Alvaro Arbeloa is unavailable. Bayern Munich has problems between the sticks as two main goalkeepers missed the last two games. Pep Guardiola, who has had many visits to Madrid as a player and a coach, said at the press-conference:
“Every time I have gone to the Bernabeu, I have never in my head gone there as the favourite.
“Madrid deserve a lot of respect for all their history. They are always a strong team whoever is the coach because they have a lot behind them: great players, fans and a great history.”

Gareth Bale wins his first trophy after scoring a late winner in Copa del Rey final

Leon Smolski — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 09:06:46 +0000

Gareth Bale was a hero in Copa del Rey final as he netted a late stunning winner in a 2-1 victory for the capital club.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed out in the final through injury and watched from the stands as Angel Di Maria scored after just 11 minutes. Barcelona then enjoyed vast share of possession, but failed to penetrate in the box with Lionel Messi having another night to forget. It was Marc Bartra who levelled the score with a header on 68 minutes, but Gareth Bale killed the game off with a stunning solo effort minutes before time. The Welshman won his first ever title and the first one in Real Madrid shirt.

Barcelona have had a slump in form and effectively lost all three competitions in just one week. They were knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid, all but lost the Spanish title after a loss to Granada and were beaten by arch-rivals Real in the Cup.

Atletico, Real, Chelsea and Bayern Munich will compete in the semifinals of 2013/2014 Champions League

Leon Smolski — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 08:22:01 +0000

Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich joined Chelsea and Real Madrid in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.

Atletico Madrid knocked La Liga rivals Barcelona out of the tournament with a 2-1 win on aggregate. Barcelona needed to score after a draw at Camp Nou last week, but it was Koke who opened the scoring after just five minutes. The Colchoneros were close to beating Jose Pinto again as David Villa struck the post twice. Lionel Messi was a modest presence in the Catalan side as they failed to deliver anything worthy of an equalizer. Barcelona can now concentrate on Copa del Rey final and the title race in La Liga. Gerardo Martino gave credit to solid opposition:
“In reality, the moments when we couldn’t do what we had planned, what Barcelona normally does, are to do with the virtues of our opponent.”
“Their intensity, the way they defend, the number of players closing ranks near their penalty area.”

Bayern Munich proved too strong for Manchester United despite conceding a stunner from Patrice Evra on 57 minutes. It did not take the Germans long to equalize through Mario Mandzukic, while Thomas Mueller and Arjen Robben put the hosts ahead as Bayern won 4-2 on aggregate. United manager David Moyes rued lack of concentration after Evra’s goal:
“It’s the sort of thing you learn as a schoolboy once you score a goal, make sure you don’t concede”.
“You get into position and do your job. We had concentrated so fabulously well throughout the game.
“The players had done tactically well. Their positioning was good and they did their jobs.
“For us just to give it up on that moment, the goal up, was really disappointing.”

The draw will be held on Friday.

Chelsea make a comeback to knock PSG out of the Champions League

Leon Smolski — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 08:19:39 +0000

Demba Ba sent Chelsea to the semifinals of the Champions League scoring three minutes before time.

Chelsea needed a 2-0 victory to make it past Paris Saint-Germain, and substitute Andre Schurrle, who came in for injured Eden Hazard early in the match, opened the scoring on 32 minutes. The Blues kept pushing for a second goal and the German winger struck the bar in the second half. Oscar was close to converting a free-kick, but the bar player for the visitors again. As the game went closer to the end, Jose Mourinho introduced Demba Ba and Fernando Torres to join Samuel Eto’o in the box and the Senegalese forward hit past Salvatore Sirigu with just three minutes to go. Jose Mourinho has now guided his teams to the Champions League last four stage for five consecutive years.

Borussia Dortmund were close to sensational turnaround against Real Madrid as Marco Reus scored twice in the first half to put Carlo Ancelotti’s side on the brink of a shock at Iduna Park. Roman Weidenfeller denied Angel Di Maria’s penalty early in the match to inspire his teammates, who fought hard against the Spanish giants. However, the visitors survived in Dortmund and now wait for Friday’s draw.

UEFA Champions League: Borussia Dortmund need a miracle against Real Madrid, Chelsea hope to overturn a two-goal deficit against PSG

Leon Smolski — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 09:49:40 +0000

Borussia Dortmund still have a chance to progress despite trailing 0-3 after the first leg. Jose Mourinho is confident his side will be through to semifinals.

Borussia Dotmund vs Real Madrid
Robert Lewandowski returns to action as he needs to repeat last season’s poker to beat Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park. However, the hosts will miss a handful of first-string players again and might be vulnerable to sharp attacks of Spanish giants. Still, there is a chance that Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the clash with a knee injury. Marcelo, Jese and Alvaro Arbeloa are also unavailable.

Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain
The Blues need to overturn a two-goal deficit at Stamford Bridge to progress to the semis, and Jose Mourinho feels confident his team are capable of doing that: “If Paris are knocked out tomorrow it will be a big disappointment for them; if we are knocked out then it is something that a lot of people are expecting. We have to enjoy the risk of the situation”.

The visitors will play without their key man Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but will be pushed forward by the prospect of reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time. “We need to go into the game with the right spirit and the right motivation to qualify. I don’t know what the probability of us going through is, but these percentages are not important – we have a match to play against a very good side and we know what went on in the first leg and we need to learn our lessons from that”, said Laurent Blanc at the press-conference.

Champions League: Real Madrid beat Dortmund, PSG make a strong bid to knock Chelsea out after the first leg

Leon Smolski — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 09:34:05 +0000

Real Madrid were in cruise control at Santiago Bernabeu as they beat Borussia Dortmund 3-0 and all but make it to the last four. Paris Saint-Germain will travel to London as favourites next week after winning 3-1 at Parc des Princes.

Borussia Dortmund, missing a number of first-string players through injuries and suspension, were nowhere as good as the hosts at Bernabeu last night. Gareth Bale opened the scoring just two minutes into the game, Isco doubled the lead on 27 and Cristiano Ronaldo completed a 3-0 victory on 57 minutes on his 100th appearance in the Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain claimed a 3-1 victory against misfiring Chelsea. Ezequiel Lavezzi scored just four minutes into the game, but Eden Hazard equalized from penalty spot on 27. PSG went in front after an own goal from David Luiz, and Javier Pastore added a third one in injury time with a personal effort. Chelsea have a big job to do at Stamford Bridge to try and turn things around, while Laurent Blanc will be missing key man Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who had been substituted in the second half with a thigh injury.

UEFA Champions League preview: Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund and PSG vs Chelsea

Leon Smolski — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 13:12:34 +0000

Real Madrid host Borussia Dortmund in a replay of last year semifinals, PSG face Chelsea in a clash of two billionaire-funded projects.

Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
Juergen Klopp’s Dortmund beat the Spanish giants 4-3 on aggregate last season to reach the Champions League final. However, the Germans have been plagued with multiple injuries during 2013/2014 season and are unlikely to repeat their success against powerful Madrid side, guided by Carlo Ancelotti. Marcel Schmelzer, Sven Bender, Jakub Blaszczykowski, Ilkay Gündogan, Neven Subotic are all injured. Key striker Robert Lewandowski, who scored a poker against Real Madrid last year, is suspended. Of the starting line-up that excelled last term, only Marco Reus, Lukasz Piszczek, Mats Hummels and Roman Weidenfeller are available. Carlo Ancelotti’s only losses are defenders Marcelo and Alvaro Arbeloa, as well as a forward Jese. Sami Khedira returned to training after recovering from cruciate ligament injury, but is unlikely to feature in Champions League quarter-finals. Real Madrid are running third in La Liga, three points adrift the leading neighbours from Vicente Calderon. Borussia Dortmund compete with Schalke 04 for the runner-up position in Bundesliga.

Carlo Ancelotti feels Real will need to show quality to beat the opposition: “They are missing an important player in Lewandowski but they defend well and are dangerous on the counter attack. We have to impose our quality and our ability so as to find positive answers”.

Juergen Klopp conceded that his problems will not deprive Borussia of the desire to beat the favourites: “With our budget and list of injuries… we are the underdogs in the tie. However, I always say that it is not necessary to be the best team in the world but to be capable of beating the best in the world in a one-off contest, and Borussia can beat the best. That is the most important thing for me”.

PSG vs Chelsea
Some pundits dub this encounter as “Qatari money against Russian money”. It might be true, but it definitely will be an amusing rivalry between the leaders of French football and Premier League title contenders.

Jose Mourinho, as usual, was hardly saying anything constructive: “Paris is the kind of match they feel comfortable to play. Big match, great stadium, opponents with top quality, they will be fine. They will be in their natural habitat in that match. They can do a good match there. They have some of the best players in the world playing together in the same team, so they are a very powerful team. They are big, big, big candidates”.

Laurent Blanc refused to enter the mind games: “I will not play this game. It is my choice. Mourinho is going to talk, to comment, it’s the way he operates. We’re going to have to play a great game against a great team and a great coach. He is one of the greatest. I say so because I think so.”

The managers will be able to field all their best players except Samuel Eto’O.

UEFA Champions League results: Real Madrid outclass Schalke in Germany, Galatasaray hold Chelsea

Leon Smolski — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 09:27:36 +0000

Real Madrid showed Schalke they are playing in different leagues, while Roberto Mancini held Jose Mourinho in Istanbul.

Life never meant to be easy for Jens Keller and his players when Schalke had been drawn against Real Madrid. But they definitely hoped to be able to show teeth at home, in Gelsenkirchen. However, Los Blancos tore them apart in the first leg with incredible ease. Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, who returned from a three-match suspension in domestic championship, all netted braces to sink the hosts. Former Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar managed to score a stunning consolation goal in added time but overall Schalke were outclassed by a superior side.

Aurelien Chedjou netted a second half equalizer to deny an early Fernando Torres’ opener to give Galatasaray some hope for making it to the last eight. However, they will now need to score at Stamford Brifdge.

Top 5 matches to see this weekend: Liverpool vs Arsenal and more

Leon Smolski — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 13:42:01 +0000

If you are not following Winter Olympics in Sochi, football has plenty to offer in the upcoming weekend across Europe.

8.02.2014. Liverpool. Anfield.
Referee: Michael Oliver.

Probably the last chance for Brendan Rodgers to claim his title ambitions and leave Everton or Tottenham Hotspur, who meet at White Hart Lane, behind in the race for a Champions League spot. However, the manager has recently played down Liverpool’s chances to win the Premier League this season, but is eager to fight back after disappointing draw with West Bromwich Albion. Daniel Agger, Mamadou Sakho, Lucas Leiva and Glen Johnson are still unavailable.

Arsene Wenger has even more squad concerns with Ramsey and Kallstrom unavailable, Arteta, Wilshere and Vermaelen doubtful and Flamini suspended. Should The Gunners fail to get three points from Anfield, they will most likely drop to third place come Sunday night.

Lazio vs Roma
9.02.2014. Rome. Stadio Olimpico.
Referee: Daniele Orsato.

Roma hosted Napoli in the Coppa Italia semis on Wednesday and Rudi Garcia fielded his strongest side. I Giallorossi won 3-2 courtesy of Gervinho brace and a stunning strike from Kevin Strootman.

Roma are currently nine points behind leaders Juventus, but have one game in hand after their clash with Parma had been suspended last week due to waterlogged pitch. Lazio have not lost a single Serie A match since the appointment of Edoardo Reja as a manager. However, the White and Sky Blues sold their influential midfielder Hernanes to rivals Internazionale and will have to do without injured Ederson and suspended Lucas Biglia. Who’s going to supply Miroslav Klose is a big question.

Monaco vs PSG
9.02.2014. Monaco. Stade Louis II.
Referee: Stephane Lannoy

Quintessence of Ligue 1. Two nouveau riche clubs sponsored by foreign money that have become the biggest forces in French football, face each other at Mediterranean coast after a 1-1 draw in Paris back in September. Unfortunately, Monaco main star Radamel Falcao, is out of action for the rest of the season and the visitors, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front, look favorites. Should they get three points in Monaco, they will all but secure the French title. However, the southern club might start their new forward Dimitar Berbatov, who had arrived from Fulham.

Real Madrid vs Villarreal
8.02.2014. Madrid. Santiago Bernabeu.
Referee: José González

Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been sent off for unsporting conduct in the match against Athletic Bilbao, is set to miss three La Liga games, including the clash against Villarreal. The referee, who showed him the red card, was suspended for a month, though, and banned from serving Real Madrid matches until the end of the season. Gareth Bale will be available with Angel Di Maria and Jese in great from. The Argentine midfielder was crucial in Wednesday 3-0 win against arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in Copa del Rey semifinal. Villarreal lie fifth in the table but could climb to fourth with a win at Bernabeu.

Benfica vs Sporting
9.02.2014. Lisbon. Estádio da Luz.

Benfica, who top the Portuguese league, will play the crucial clash with city rivals Sporting without Nemanja Matic, who left for Chelsea. Ezequiel Garay is strongly tipped to move to Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg after the derby. Sporting Lisbon are in the title race for the first time in many years and could jump past Benfica should they win at Estadio da Luz.

Top 5 best scoring teams in Europe

Leon Smolski — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 14:52:18 +0000

Ahead of the UEFA Champions League play-off games that start on February, 18, and inspired by Manchester City’s new British record of scoring the first 100 goals of the season as early as at the end of January, we looked at the best European domestic championships to find all free-scoring teams.

5. Atletico Madrid
2,54 goals/match

Diego Simeone has made an incredible work on building efficient and solid defence that saw Los Colchoneros concede only 14 goals in Primera by February. But it would be unfair to attribute the ‘catenaccio’ badge to his team’s performances. They also netted 56 goals in 22 matches and the newly nationalized Spaniard Diego Costa is the main hitman with twenty goals. David Villa follows with eleven. Clarence Seedorf should be aware of this as Milan host Atletico on February 19 in Champions League last 16.

4. Barcelona
2,68 goals/match

Alex Sanchez, Pedro, Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Neymar. These names make the rivals dizzy as all of the five blaugrana players are capable of delivering brilliant assists and clinical finishing. Their goals make Barcelona the fourth best scoring team in Europe.

3. Bayern Munich
2,68 goals/match

Bayern Munich currently boasts the roster that outclassed all opponents in 2012/2013 season both on domestic arena and in Europe and could dominate the world football in the years to come. They have not lost a single game in Bundesliga this term and look equally solid in attack and in front of their own goal. Likewise the Catalan powerhouse, Bayern Munich have five players who inflict constant threat on opposing teams with Mario Mandzukic, Thomas Mueller, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Mario Gotze scoring most of Bayern’s 51 goals this season. A massive test for Arsenal in the Champions League.

2. Real Madrid
2,77 goals/match

If you have Cristiano Ronaldo in the team, you’ve got to disappoint opponents every game. The Player of the year 2013 has already scored 22 goals and made 6 assists in La Liga. However, he was harshly sent off against Athletic Bilbao and will miss several matches. Karim Benzema follows with 11 successful strikes. Gareth Bale is just behind the Frenchman with 8 goals.

1. Manchester City
2,83 goals/match

Despite being held by Chelsea at Etihad, Manchester City remain the top-striking team in Europe. An incredible average close to three goals a game comes as a result of hugely aggressive performance from Manuel Pellegrini’s men. Dominating in midfield courtesy of Yaya Toure and Fernandinho efforts, the Citizens create space and opportunities in all areas. And with plenty of exceptional forward-minded players, the Premier League title contenders score easily both at home and away. Sergio Aguero is the best striker with 15 goals, Yaya Toure has added 12 goals to his midfield work, Negredo and Dzeko come up with 9 and 7 goals respectively. This makes the round of 16 clash against Barcelona incredibly anticipated as two of the best five scoring teams in Europe meet each other.

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Leon Smolski — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 12:29:52 +0000

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Manchester United and Manchester City beat Shakhtar Donetsk and Bayern Munich in Champions League

Leon Smolski — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 09:31:50 +0000

Manchester City fight back to beat Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena. Manchester United finish top of the group at Shakhtar’s cost.

Group A
Phil Jones relieved pressure on David Moyes as United were on the verge of continuing goal drought at Old Trafford. The midfielder scored on 67 minutes to give Manchester a narrow win over Shakhtar and secure finishing at the top of the group. Bayer Leverkusen beat reckless Real Sociedad courtesy of Toprak effort and leapfrogged Ukrainian champions in the table.

Manchester United 1-0 Shakhtar Donetsk
Real Sociedad 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen

Group B
Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to action with a goal and missed penalty against Kobenhavn as Real Madrid outplayed the hosts 2-0. The clash between Galatasaray and Juventus was suspended due to heavy snowfall and postponed for Wednesday afternoon.

Galatasaray vs Juventus suspended
Kobenhavn 0-2 Real Madrid

Group C
Olympiacos made it to the round of 16 after beating poor 8-man Anderlecht. Javier Saviola and Vladimir Weiss failed to convert penalty kicks before Anderlecht goalkeeper Proto was sent off deep in the extra time and Alejandro Domínguez finally scored from the spot against a defender between the sticks as the Belgian side had used all their substitutions by that time. Benfica’s victory over PSG was not enough to progress and Jorge Jesus will look for another Europa League final after losing to Chelsea last season.

Benfica 2-1 PSG
Olympiacos 3-1 Anderlecht

Group D
Manchester City looked set to be brushed by Bayern another time after trailing 0-2 twelve minutes into the game. However, David Silva, Aleksandar Kolarov and James Milner turned the game over and marked an inspiring victory at Allianz Arena. Despite finishing second in the group, Manuel Pellegrini and his players return to England with heads held high.
Viktoria Plzen snatched a late win from 9-man CSKA Moscow to reach Europa League play-off.

Viktoria Plzen 2-1 CSKA Moscow
Bayern Munich 2-3 Manchester City

Champions League: Manchester United batter Bayer Leverkusen to secure the round of 16

Leon Smolski — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 10:27:50 +0000

Manchester United, Real Madrid and PSG secured participation in the round of 16.

Group A
Manchester United went riot in Leverkusen and hit five past Bernd Leno. Wayne Rooney shone again and provided three assists. Goals came from Antonio Valencia, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, Nani and Bayer defender Emir Spahic. United secured participation in the following round but are yet to claim the first spot in the group in the last match against Shakhtar Donetsk at Old Trafford. The Ukrainian champions also thrashed their opponents from Sociedad courtesy of goals from Brazilian players Luiz Adriano, Alex Teixeira and Douglas Costa, twice.

Bayer Leverkusen 0-5 Manchester United
Shakhtar Donetsk 4-0 Real Sociedad

Group B
Real Madrid saw little competition from Galatasaray despite being down to 10 men for the biggest part of the match after Sergio Ramos’ dismissal on 26 minutes. Gareth Bale opened the scoring from a free kick on 37 minutes but Umut Bulut equalized just one minute later. Alvaro Arbeloa, Angel Di Maria and Isco completed another humiliation of the Turkish side in the second half and Real Madrid secured the first spot in the group. Arturo Vidal hat-trick saw Juventus win for the first time in current campaign and Antonio Conte now needs to get a point in Turkey to qualify for the round of 16.

Juventus 3-1 Kobenhavn
Real Madrid 4-1 Galatasaray

Group C
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani scored for PSG as Laurent Blanc’s side are now out of reach at the top of the group. Benfica keep hope to finish second after beating Anderlecht but the Greek champions are in a better position before the last round.

PSG 2-1 Olympiacos
Anderlecht 2-3 Benfica

Group D
A record for Bayern Munich as they complete a tenth straight victory in the Champions League in Moscow beating CSKA 3-1 in tough frosty conditions. Arjen Robben, Mario Gotze and Thomas Muller got on the scoresheet while Japan international Keisuke Honda pulled one back for the hosts. Manchester City keep up in the group but needed to work their socks off to beat stubborn Viktoria Plzen. Sergio Aguero converted a penalty kick on 33 minutes but Hořava equalized just before the break. Samir Nasri put the hosts ahead on 65, but the visitors drew level again courtesy of Tecl strike. It was two late goals from Negredo and Džeko that gave City a hard-fought victory on the night. Manuel Pellegrini can still hope to finish top of the group but needs to beat Pep Guardiola’s side in Munich.

Manchester City 4-2 Viktoria Plzen
CSKA Moscow 1-3 Bayern Munich

Manchester City make it to the last 16 of the Champions League and other results

Leon Smolski — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 09:02:18 +0000

Bayern Munich and Manchester City secured participation in Champions League play-off round after victories against Viktoria Plzen and CSKA Moscow.

Group A
Real Sociedad held Manchester United to a goalless draw in San Sebastian and got he first point in the current campaign. The Red Devils missed some good chances as Javier Hernandez missed the empty goal from several yards and Robin van Persie struck the post twice, including the missed penalty after a soft foul on Ashley Young. Shakhtar Donetsk and Bayer Leverkusen could not score either and all four clubs are still in the race.

Real Sociedad 0-0 Manchester United
Shakhtar Donetsk 0-0 Bayer Leverkusen

Group B
Juventus have improved the chance of qualifying despite failing to beat Real Madrid in Italy. Arturo Vidal converted the penalty late in the first half after Raphael Varane had brougt down Paul Pogba. Cristiano Ronaldo equalized on 52 minutes and Gareth Bale scored another eight minutes later. Fernando Llorente earned a point for the Old Lady on 65 minutes. However, Kobenhavn managed to beat Roberto Mancini’s side in Denmark as Daniel Braaten hit the back of the net six minutes into the game and Juventus are now just one point behind both opponents with two matches in hand.

Juventus 2-2 Real Madrid
Kobenhavn 1-0 Galatasaray

Group C
Anderlecht surprisingly managed to get their first point in Paris despite being well beaten at home two weeks before. Demy de Zeeuw scored on 68 minutes but Zlatan Ibrahimovic managed to equalize two minutes later. Olympiacos improved their chances of qualifying with a narrow win over Benfica courtesy of an early goal from Kostas Manolas.

PSG 1-1 Anderlecht
Olympiacos 1-0 Benfica

Group D
Bayern Munich and Manchester City got deserved victories on Tuesday and will now play for the first spot in the group. Mario Mandzukic header from Philipp Lahm’s cross was just enough for Pep Guardiola’s side, while Manchester City hit five past Igor Akinfeev. Alvaro Negredo scored a hat-trick and Sergio Aguero added a brace to make it to the last 16 of the tournament for the first time in history. The Russian champions responded with a double from Ivorian striker Seydou Doumbia. CSKA Moscow and Viktoria Plzen target Europa League.

Manchester City 5-2 CSKA Moscow
Viktoria Plzen 0-1 Bayern Munich

Zlatan Ibrahimovic poker and more Champions League news

Leon Smolski — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 09:39:09 +0000

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was definitely the man of the day in the Champions League as he scored four goals against Anderlecht, including a long-range wonder strike and another backheel beauty.

Group A
Manchester United have obviously impoved their performance but only managed to score once courtesy of Martinez’s own goal two minutes into the game. Bayer Leverkusen outclassed the Ukrainian visitors at BayArena to go second in the group. Stefan Kiessling, Sidney Sam and Simon Rolfes were on target.

Manchester United 1-0 Real Sociedad
Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 Shakhtar Donetsk

Group B
Real Madrid beat Juventus after a controversial Giorgio Chiellini sending off. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace early in the first half, Fernando Llorente hit the back of the net for Juve. Galatasaray took their chance to run second and beat Kobenhavn with Felipe Melo, Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba on target.

Real Madrid 2-1 Juventus
Galatasaray 3-1 Kobenhavn

Group C
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a cornerstone in last night’s rout in Brussels as he scored a poker against Anderlecht in an extremely stylish manner. Oscar Cardozo saved Benfica from home defeat minutes before the end of the match after Alejandro Domínguez opened the scoring in the first half.

Anderlecht 0-5 PSG
Benfica 1-1 Olympiacos

Group D
Perfect Bayern Munich thrashed Viktoria Plzen as Franck Ribery scored twice, David Alaba, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gotze were also on target. Manchester City had a tough night at poor ground outside Moscow but managed to get three points courtesy of Sergio Aguero brace increasing the chance of progression.

CSKA Moscow 1-2 Manchester City
Bayern Munich 5-0 Viktoria Plzen