Why results of pre-season tours are not to be worried for?

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea - The champion clubs of their respective leagues did not fare well in the pre-season tour.

The squad they boast doesn't comply with the results that they have produced in these games, they have spent money to bring in new players, some established players have left the team but overall the team's balance is maintained.

Despite having quality players, the teams have not been able to perform that well as expected by their fan bases. This resulted in frustration for some of them who did not think twice before bashing their players, managers and their decisions. They forgot that it's the same players, same manager who guided his team to glory in the previous season.

FC Bayern posing for the shutterbugs before the match

Several fan pages on social media posted their opinions, some were easy on the teams while some went all out in criticising the players, managers and even board.

But do these results really matter ?

We should not forget the fact that teams who lost these friendlies are the ones who go all the way in their domestic competitions and also in the UEFA Champions League.

For example - Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are the champions of their respective leagues. They are champions because of the belief they had in themselves, the support they had from their fans and the performance their players gave on the pitch.

Chelsea FC posing for the cameras before the match

These teams won just a single game in their pre-season friendlies, but it should not blemish their achievements from the last season. 

Pre-season tour is just an opportunity to try new things, a manager experiments by taking some out of the box decisions, some work in favor, some do not. 

It's a game which someone has to lose and another has to win. These results does not show any reality or it does not say the teams will be performing at the same level in the regular season like they did in friendlies.

Some people may argue that other teams which won also experimented, so why didn't they lose. It's not about winning or losing in friendlies, it's about experimenting things so that when in regular season if something wrong happens unfortunately, like any injury, the managers will be able to implement one of these ideas they tried in friendlies, so that the team and it's season doesn't suffer.

Mateo Kovacic in action against FC Barcelona in Miami

So a fan must understand the fact and always be a support to their team. There's nothing wrong in voicing your opinion regarding the team and it's performance but that does not mean they should believe, the performance should be of same level in the regular season as well.

This is my personal opinion regarding the pre-season tour. If you have any different ideas do post in comments.

Read some more of my blogs and comment if you like them.

Picture credits - Official Facebook pages of the teams 

©sportskafun.blogspot.com

Honours even at the Emirates, FC Bayern shocked in Russia and other Champions league results

Matchday 5 had some real drama and some brilliant matches. Some great comebacks and some shock defeats.

Group A

Arsenal vs PSG

Arsenal and PSG were fighting for the top spot in group. Both have not lost any match in group stage this season and gave it all out for a win at Emirates.

PSG started the game on the front foot and it took them just 17 minutes to grab the opener, a nice build up saw Thiago Motta finding Blaise Matuidi on the left, who ran into the box and squared it for Edinson Cavani at the far post, who poked the ball home.

Arsenal struggled to get hold of possession for the major part of the first half but somehow managed to earn a penalty after Olivier Giroud robbed Krychowiak off possession just outside the box and found Mesut Ozil, who played a brilliant reverse pass to Alexis Sanchez on the right, Krychowiak came sliding in after Alexis cut inside and just clipped his right foot. The referee pointed to the spot and Olivier Giroud leveled the score at the stroke of halftime.

In the 2nd half Arsenal looked completely a different team, sustaining continuous pressure on PSG and thus found their reward on the hour mark, when Carl Jenkinson, teed up by Sanchez, fired a cross in the box from the right and Marquinhos clearance ricochetoff shin's of Marco Veratti for an own goal.

PSG didn't hold back and the substitute Hatem Ben Arfa proved to be the culprit for Arsenal. His corner found Lucas Moura free on the far side, who was left unmarked and he sent his header towards goal which took a subtle touch off Alex Iwobi's head and went away from Ospina. Arsenal paid back for the own goal with an own goal thus leveling the score again.

Both managers threw everything to grab a winner but it ended all square at the Emirates and PSG lead Arsenal at top of the table with one matchday left.

In another group A match, Basel and Ludogorets played out a 0-0 draw in Bulgaria. The fight for a place in Europa league is still on.

Group B

The most trickiest group as 3 teams are in contention for the top two places.

SSC NAPOLI vs DYNAMO KYIV

The hosts were left frustrated by the Ukrainian side. After having so many chances, they had only themselves to blame as lack of sharpness in the final third cost them two points. Napoli are still top of the group but they would be really upset as they could have wrapped the group as table toppers.

They face Benfica away on last matchday.

BESIKTAS vs BENFICA

The most incredible match of the night as Besiktas came from three goal deficit to earn a point. Benfica scored three goals in the first 30 minutes of the match and had plenty of other chances but Besiktas rallied in the second half and Vincent Aboubakar leveled the score in the 89th minute to snatch a point and Benfica would really have been kicking themselves as they blew away a three goal lead and the chance to advance to knockout stages.

Group C

Celtic vs Barcelona

Two Lionel Messi goals on either side of the half helped Barcelona win in Glasgow and thus advancing to knockout stages while securing top spot in the Group.

Neymar assisted the first goal as it was a vintage Barcelona build up and Lionel Messi finished it.
In the 2nd half Suarez was brought down in the box and Lionel Messi stepped up to grab his second of the night and thus sealing all three points and top spot in the Group.
Leo Messi is the top scorer in group stages this season with 9 goals in 4 matches he has started. He is chasing Cristiano Ronaldo's record of most goals in Group stages. 

Borussia Monchengladbach vs Manchester City

Pep Guardiola's side last game in Champions league saw them defeat Barcelona at the Etihad.
City could have challenged Barcelona for the top spot but they only managed a draw against a sturdy Gladbach defense.

Gladbach took the lead in 23rd minute through Raffael after mounting early pressure on City's defence.
City equalized after a brilliant play through David Silva in the first half stoppage time.

2nd half saw both teams receiving Red Cards for poor challenges. First Lars Stindl of Gladbach barged into Otamendi and saw red, then minutes later Fernandinho pulled Raffael off the ball and was shown red. Though City protested for their red card as they thought it was harsh.
Both teams shared the spoils in the end and Manchester City with the draw went through to knockout stages behind Barcelona.

Group D

FC Rostov vs FC Bayern 

The biggest upset of the matchday 5 happened in Russia when the mighty Bayern lost 3-2 to FC Rostov.

Rostov produced a brave performance against the 5 times European champions. Althiugh Bayern went ahead through Douglas Costa when Renato Sanches ran into the box past defenders and fired a shot, the goalkeeper saved it but a horrible clearance from Rostov send the ball in the path of Costa who launched a thumping strike into the goal. FC Rostov equalized just 8 minutes later when Costa misplaced a pass and Poloz pounced on it and he send the ball to Sardar Azmoun who showed brilliant composure inside the box , taking advantage of Boateng's slip and send the ball past Bayern goalkeeper.

In the 48th minute a controversial penalty decision was given when Rostov's Noboa goes down under a challenge from Boateng, replay showed he got the part of the ball but referee didn't hesitate in pointing to the spot and Poloz buried the chance to give FC Rostov the lead.
Bayern stored parity just 2 minutes later, after a good link-up play between Renato Sanches and Ribery, who then teed up Bernat to finish home. It was blistering strike into the ceiling of the goal from the left-back.

Rostov continued their confident play and earned a free kick in the 64th minute. The free kick specialist of the team, Christian Noboa, took the charge and sent the ball around the wall and into the goal. It was a stunning strike from the specialist.

Home crowd got behind their team as it was deafening atmosphere in the stadium.
Rostov were leading the match and hold their nerves in the dying moments to beat Bayern.
It was their first ever champions league win and it would go down as the most memorable night in the club's history.

Bayern will now finish second in the group behind Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid vs PSV Eindhoven

Atletico Madrid were the only team to have a 100% record in this season's champion league and they capped it with another comfortable win against the Dutch club.

Atletico won 2-0 on the night with goals from Kevin Gameiro assisted by Griezmann and Antoine Griezmann. Both goals were scored in the 2nd half.
Griezmann was the man of the match for his one assist and a goal.

The win saw Atletico Madrid topped the group with one game to spare.

This is how the matchday 5 unfolded and 12 teams have already qualified for the knockouts while remaining 4 positions will be fulfilled on the last matchday.
Some groups are still waiting for their table toppers as the last matchday will surely be an exciting one.

©sportskafun.blogspot.com

Borussia Dortmund wins Der Klassiker

Borussia Dortmund beats Bayern Munich in the German Clasico

A goal inside the first fifteen minutes of the game, helped Dortmund overcome the Bayern challenge.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with the slightest of touches from a Mario Götze cross saw the ball past Manuel Neuer and into the back of the net.
While Bayern enjoyed most of the possession, they just couldn't find a way.

First half ended 1-0.

Bayern came charging in the 2nd half with a clear intent to get the equalizer but saw their number of attempts go haywire. In the 70th minute, Franck Ribery had a goal disallowed due to offside, when he flicked the ball with the inside of his boot at the near post.

Minutes later Xabi Alonso's left footed effort from 25 yards out hit the crossbar.
Meanwhile Aubameyang was gifted an opportunity to double the lead, when Xabi Alonso mishit his pass into the path of Aubameyang and Neuer came to the rescue of Bayern in a one on one situation.

There was also a fight in the Signal Iduna Park between the players.. Ribery and Adrian Ramos were involved majorily and were booked by the referee.
In the stoppage time, Lewandowski had a chance to equalize from his header but it went just wide.

And it ended Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Bayern Munich.

With this loss Bayern are shifted to 2nd place in the Bundesliga table and Dortmund move to 3rd. RB Leipzig top the table with 27 points.

©sportskafun.blogspot.com

The big matches in Europe this weekend

This weekend get ready for some exciting matches as some big matches are coming up after the international break.
For your convenience, sportskafun brings you some interesting facts and build up for the matches.

1. Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid (Madrid Derby)

• La Liga

• Sunday, 20 November, 1:15AM (IST)

• Vicente Calderón, Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo(R)  in action with Atletico Madrid's Juanfran

Since Diego Simeone has taken charge of Atletico Madrid, this derby has become more exciting. With an excellent home record against Real Madrid in recent time this match will be a treat for the fans of both the clubs around the world. 

Atletico have not lost at home to Real Madrid in Liga BBVA since September 2013. A lot has changed since then, Atletico Madrid has won La Liga in 2014 while Real Madrid last won the league in 2011/12. The two sides have met several times in different competitions including twice in UEFA Champions League finals in 2013/14 and 2015/16, with Los Blancos winning on both occasions, on penalties.

After their loss to Real Madrid in 2013/14 UCL final in Lisbon, Atletico Madrid only lost twice to Real Madrid in 12 meetings. Their latest defeat coming in 2015/16 UEFA Champions League final, in Milan. At home, Atletico Madrid's record is something to deal with. They humiliated Real Madrid 4-0 in February 2015. Their last meeting at Vicente Calderon ended in 1-1 draw and their last La Liga meeting was won by Atletico at Santiago Bernabeu. Since then, Real Madrid have gone onto a winning streak which is still on.This season Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane were off to a great start, currently on top of the table with 27 points in 11 matches and with 21 points Atletico Madrid are on 4th losing two of their last 5 matches in La Liga.

2. Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich (Der Klassiker)

• Bundesliga

• Saturday, 19 November, 11:00PM (IST)

• Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund

Robert Lewandowski(L) in action against his former club Borussia Dortmund

Also known as German Clasico, this is the most exciting game in Bundesliga. This classic derby once became the pinnacle of European Football, when the two sides met in 2012/13 UEFA Champions League final in Wembley. Bayern Munich won the treble that season. 
Borussia Dortmund won two back to back Bundesliga titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12. Since then Bayern Munich took charge and won 4 Bundesliga titles on the trot. Their last meeting in Bundesliga ended in a 0-0 draw. Borussia Dortmund has always been the closest competitors of Bayern Munich, and with young players like Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Ousama Dembele, and also the return of Mario Gotze this classic derby will be huge one. Bayern Munich, under Carlo Ancelotti, are still unbeaten and currently lead the Bundesliga table with 24 points in 10 matches while Borussia Dortmund are at 5th position with 18 points. Bayern Munich were last defeated by Dortmund in Bundesliga in April 2014.

3. AC Milan vs Inter Milan (Derby di Milano)

• Serie A

• Monday, 21 November, 1:15AM (IST)

• San Siro

Milan Derby got abandoned when Inter fans threw flares on the ground

This classic Milan derby has a very rich history. With the two clubs meeting 164 times till date, Inter has upper hand with 61 wins to that of Milan's 51. Both the clubs have won 18 Serie A titles. With such a close rivalry, the Milan derby has always been a treat to watch. Legends like Paolo Maldini, Andriy Shevchenko, Javier Zanetti, Roberto Baggio have all been a part of this derby. 

AC Milan last won Serie A in 2010-11 while Inter last won the Scudetto in 2009-10.Milan won their last meeting in Serie A 3-0 in February. 

Currently AC milan are on 3rd position with 25 points in 12 matches while Inter are way below them on 9th position with 17 points.

Irrespective of the positions in the table this classic Milan derby will be exciting.

4. Manchester United vs Arsenal

• Premier League

• Saturday, 19 November, 6:00PM (IST)

• Old Trafford

Termed as one of Premier League's greatest rivalry, this battle between the two big clubs from England is going to be one of the matches of the season. Arsenal last won the Premier league title in 2004, as ' The Invincibles', while Manchester United won it in 2012/13 when Sir Alex Ferguson had managed the Red Devils for the last time. Since the departure of SAF, Manchester United have struggled failing to finish outside top 4 for the first time in Premier League since its inception in 1992.Manchester United have tried rebuilding their team with some big money moves, appointing different managers but they have still not found their rhythm, Arsenal on the other hand have improved season by season finishing above Manchester United in all previous 3 seasons. 

Manchester United's largest win against Arsenal

This match is also going to be exciting because of the two managers Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger who always are in for a battle of words against each other. Arsenal are currently 4th in the table with 24 points while Manchester United are on 6th with 18 points. 

So gear up Football fans for one of the most exciting weekend. 

Also read : War of words between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho

©sportskafun.blogspot.com

RB Leipzig- Surprise package of this season's Bundesliga

Winning 24 of the possible 30 points this season so far and currently 2nd in the Bundesliga table, behind Bayern Munich only on goal difference, this club is doing wonders this season.

This club has made the best start to the season since MSV Duisburg in 1997/98. They have taken Bundesliga by storm and after beating Borussia Dortmund on matchday 2, the club has gone strength to strength to stand shoulder to shoulder with mighty Bayern Munich at the top of the German league.

RB Leipzig beat Borussia Dortmund 1-0

They are still unbeaten along with Bayern Munich and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, forming the unbeaten trio.

They have the top form table winning their last 5 matches on the trot and with no European or Cup football to distract them they can focus solely on the Bundesliga.

Some Facts about RB Leipzig : 

Swedish International Emil Forsberg

• They are officially Bundesliga's youngest club, founded in 2009. They became top flight's 55th club when they started this season in August.
• Coach Ralph Hasenhütl took over this club in summer 2016 after keeping his previous club Ingolstadt in Bundesliga.
• They have a youthful squad with only one exception in the form of Marvin Compper who is 30 years old.
• Promoted as 3. Liga runners up in 2013/14, Leipzig continued their impressive ascent up the divisions last season, beating Karlsruher SC 2-0 on the final day and achieved their ambition of reaching the top flight within 8 years.  

Marvin Compper(R) is the only exception in the squad.

With a squad full of young prodigies this club has made its mark in style. 

Their next is an away match against Bayer Leverkusen, and with a win at Bayarena they can go top of the table, temporarily.

Source : Bundesliga

©sportskafun.blogspot.com