Why Real Madrid will win the UEFA Champions League and become the first team to retain the title in modern era?

11 UCL titles including two in last three years speaks itself for the success Real Madrid have in the UCL. The teams may have not performed well in the league in those seasons but winning UCL is something which runs in the blood of this capital club from Madrid.

This year's team is as complete and deep as any team could thrive for. The quality of the players, their importance and how they benefit the team is simply outstanding. This team has shown their will and attitude time and again on the ground. Every player has contributed for the success and deserve every bit of that UCL crown.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 8 goals in the knock-out stages so far. © Getty images

Not forgetting to mention the coach, Zinedine Zidane, the ultimate tactician. He was criticized earlier this season, sometimes, for lacking sharpness in his team, but the way he tamed his team to first achieve a Liga title  in 5 years and into the final of UCL is something to be applauded. He was able to instil that hunger for success in the team and the never say die attitude.

Real Madrid stand on the brink of history and the night in Cardiff is going to be an unforgettable one. Every player is ready to go and give it all on the pitch. The Old Lady from Turin, will try to complete the treble, they were deprived off a couple of years ago, but Los Blancos won't give in so easily. The defence of Scudetti champions has been impenetrable but they are up against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Isco, Morata etc.

It will be a treat to watch for football fans  around the world.

Real Madrid let two goal lead slip away, as they finish second in the group

It was a frustrating night for Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu as Dortmund sealed the first place in the dying moments of the Match.

Karim Benzema scored a goal in either halves to give Real Madrid a two goal lead. He also reached 50 goal mark in the club continental competition and could have scored a hat-trick but his header was cleared off the line by Marco Reus.

Real Madrid spurned a few chances to put the game beyond reach of the German outfits. Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by the post but everyone in the stadium felt he should have done better.

Dortmund punished Real Madrid for there missed chances as they hit back, courtesy of the goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marco Reus. 

Reus scored in the 88th minute to to complete a brilliant comeback and seal the top spot in the group.

Zidane echoed his frustration after the Match but remained positive as his side's unbeaten run reached to 34 match.

"When you see how the second half went you get a bit angry," Zidane told reporters after the match.

"We had the game in our hands but this is football. You need to carry on right to the end. 

"We had chances to score a third, but that's in the past now. We couldn't do any more. I'll analyse the game and we will see when things have calmed down a bit what we can take away.

"I have mixed emotions. Things happen. We missed a few chances to seal the game but we drew and came second in the group. 

"We gave our all to come first, but didn't do it. I'm very proud of the players, their hard work, the things they did.

"Now we need to rest. The second half saw us lose a bit of intensity but we had chances to score a third."

Zidane congratulated Dortmund on finishing first and felt they deserved it across the six matches.

He said: "They are a strong side who make life difficult and at the end of the day we needed to be a bit more on it, but it is in the past now. 

"The group is probably fair with us second and them first.

"There were a lot of chances to score the third goal. Instead, we got Dortmund back into the game. Dortmund deserved first place and they demonstrated how strong they are.

"We gave our all to come first. We didn't achieve it. We wanted to do it but couldn't. 

"We won't go over it again. We came second and we'll now see who we get in the draw."

Real Madrid could face table toppers like Juventus or Arsenal in the last 16, which will take place in February next year.

The draws will be out on 12 December as some mouth watering fixtures are surely on the cards.

©sportskafun.blogspot.com

Cristiano Ronaldo is not guilty of tax evasion

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was reported to be guilty for using tax havens in order to evade the tax, is not found guilty.

The club official website confirmed the news earlier today, as they call for utmost respect to be shown towards the Superstar.

In the official announcement on the club's website it has been said -

"In view of the stories published over recent days and in consideration of the certificate issued by the Spanish Tax Agency which confirms that our player Cristiano Ronaldo is up to date with all of his tax obligations, Real Madrid C. F. call for the utmost respect to be shown towards Cristiano Ronaldo, whose conduct has been absolutely exemplary throughout all of his time at our club."

So this confirms the fact that he is not guilty and all the allegations which were made just days before El Clásico last week are false.

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El Clásico - It ended all square at the Camp Nou

Sergio Ramos cancelled Luis Suarez opener in the dying moments and rescued a point for Real Madrid.

With this draw Real Madrid increased their winning run to 33 games and maintain six points lead over 2nd placed Barcelona.

The match had all the drama. An early penalty shout by Real Madrid denied by the referee, niggling fouls by both the teams, some nervy moments and of course the two headed goals.

As it all happened, both teams dominated either half of the game and in the end the draw was an apt result.

Real Madrid had fair number of chances in the first half and could have gone up but somehow it remained nil nil.

Barcelona took the lead under 10 minutes into the second half through Luis Suarez after Varane fouled Neymar on the left flank, after the goal they had 3-4 chances gone begging and ultimately paid the price, when Luka Modric's delivery found Sergio Ramos header who saved the day for Los Blancos.

Messi has now gone 6 Clásicos without finding the back of the net. He had a chance in this game but he dragged his shot wide. 

Barcelona needed a win to revitalize their dull season, however for Real Madrid it's job done as they would be happy to leave away with a point.

The draw keeps Los Blancos on top of the table and their streak intact.

©sportskafun.blogspot.com

12 hours to the biggest game in club football- 12 facts to know

With the biggest game just 12 hours away. Read 12 facts about the El Clásico which every enthusiast should know.

Some records are in the sight for both teams and it will be a treat for football fans all around the world to witness them being broken or created tonight.

Barcelona have lost just three of the last 13 Clásicos they have played at home in all competitions (W7 D3). 

Real Madrid have won five of their last nine games aganst Barça in all competitions (L4), including their last trip to Camp Nou (1-2). 

Zinedine Zidane could become the first Real Madrid manager to enjoy consecutive wins in Clásicos at Camp Nou since Miguel Muñoz in 1965 (four in all competitions). 

Should Barcelona win this game, it would be their 50th victory over Real Madrid at home in La Liga.

No Barcelona manager has ever lost two Clásicos in a row at home. 

Barcelona and Real Madrid have not drawn a game without scoring and conceding in La Liga since November 2002, the worst La Liga season for the Culés in the 21ST century (6th).

Messi has gone five games without scoring against Real Madrid in all competitions, his worst such run in El Clásico. 

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored ten of Real Madrid’s last 16 goals at Camp Nou in all competitions.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored all five Real Madrid goals in his last two league games (one hat-trick and one brace).

Benzema has assisted more goals than any other current Real Madrid player in all competition Clásicos (5), with three of them scored by Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Zidane have gone 25 games in a row without a defeat in La Liga (W22 D3), with his team scoring in all of them (an average of three goals per game).

27 points after the opening 13 league games is the worst start for Barcelona since 2007/08 (also 27), when they finished the season in third place.

©sportskafun.blogspot.com

Latest Football News

Mourinho to serve one match ban with immediate effect

Jose Mourinho has been handed a one match touchline ban by the FA's Independent Regulatory Commission on Wednesday afternoon.

The Portuguese is only fined £16,000.

He was sent to the stands after he kicked a water bottle following referee's decision on Paul Pogba against West Ham on Sunday.

With this ban, Mourinho will have to watch the EFL cup tie against West Ham who returns to Old Trafford again tonight.

Coutinho names the three best players in the world

Phillipe Coutinho has named his choices for the three best players in the world. 

According to the Brazilian, the Barcelona trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar are world's best.

Several fans can disagree with this as he gave Cristiano Ronaldo a miss despite him being favourite for 2016 Ballon d'Or.

"My top three players in the world are MSN trio," Coutinho told FourFourTwo.

"Obviously there are others, at Real Madrid too, like Cristiano Ronaldo.

"But those three complete each other. One is fast, the other is skillful and then there is the top scorer. So they really complete each other."

Ronaldo is rested by Zidane with El Clasico in sight

Cristiano Ronaldo is not named in the Los Blancos squad for the 2nd leg of Copa del Rey match against Leonesa.

Several other first team players are also rested as the first El Clasico of this season is just few days away.

Real Madrid won the first leg 7-1 away, about a month ago.

Gareth Bale had a successful surgery

Real Madrid confirmed on Tuesday evening that the Welshman had a successful surgery to his right ankle as the long injury layoff begins.

The forward targets a speedy recovery from his latest injury setback, which he suffered during the match against Sporting CP in Lisbon.

In a statement on their official website, the club confirmed: "Our player Gareth Bale has successfully come through the operation he underwent today after suffering an injury to the peroneal tendons in his right ankle.

"The operation was carried out at London's King Edward VII Hospital by Dr James Calder and Real Madrid Sanitas' Dr Mikel Aramberri, under the supervision of Dr Jesus Olmo, head of Real Madrid's medical department.''

Gareth Bale injury bolted a big blow on Real Madrid as the season enters a crucial part with the first El Clasico awaiting this Saturday.

©sportskafun.blogspot.com

Cristiano Ronaldo closing in on another record

After starting this season tad slow, Cristiano Ronaldo has been among the goals recently. A hat-trick at Vicente Calderon then followed by a brace against Sporting Gijon. he is already leading the race for the Pichichi. 

Ronaldo has established himself as a prolific goal scorer since joining Real Madrid in 2009. He is already the leading goal scorer for Real Madrid. His movements in the box coupled with his finishing and heading skills makes him a deadly in front of the goal.

A player who was more of a midfielder at his previous club, Manchester United, has transformed himself into one of the best strikers in the world.

Cristiano is just 12 goals away...

All his goal scoring has brought him to this position and now he has just two men ahead of him.
In the all-time record of top goal scorers from the top 5 European leagues, only Gerd Muller 365 goals and former Spurs man Jimmy Greaves with 366 goals are ahead now.

The goal scoring ratio Cristiano has he can beat this record in about 10 La Liga matches. Leo Messi isn't too far behind either and he must also have somthing to say on this record.
Well time will tell who breaks more record between Ronaldo and Messi.

Most goals ever in top 5 leagues Europe:

366 ― Jimmy Greaves
365 ― Gerd Müller
354 ― Cristiano Ronaldo
321 ― Leo Messi
317 ― Steve Bloomer

©sportskafun.blogspot.com

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks yet another record

Real Madrid stood tall last night to beat Atletico Madrid on their home turf, with the help of a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick.

With this hat trick Cristiano broke yet another record. He becomes highest all time top scorer in the Madrid derby.

Cristiano went into this match with 15 goals and was on 3rd on the list of all time top scorers in a Madrid derby. 

When he scored his first goal, through a free kick which saw a deflection and went past Jan Oblak, he drew level with Santillana.

Ronaldo needed two more goals to overcome Real Madrid legend Di Stefano's record of 17 goals. 

In the second half, when he earned a penalty and put it into the back of the net he went level with Alfredo Di Stefano.

And minutes later, when he put a Gareth Bale cross past Oblak and grabbed his hat trick, he created the record for most goals in a Madrid Derby.

With this win Real Madrid extended their unbeaten run to 29 games.

And Cristiano got back in Pichichi race, drawing level with Messi and Suarez, with 8 goals this season.

Cristiano has now scored 374 goals with Real Madrid till now.

©sportskafun.blogspot.com

Madrid is white!!!

Real Madrid wins at Vicente Calderon in a convincing manner.

It was an emotional night for Atletico as they were playing their last Madrid derby at Vicente Calderon following the fact that they will move to their new stadium from next season. 

Los Blancos completely outclassed Atletico Madrid on their turf after producing an exceptional performance.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat trick in one of the most important games of the season. He was subbed off in the 83rd minute. He silenced all his doubters by scoring 3 goals on the night when it mattered the most.

Real Madrid pressurized Atletico's defense in the 1st half, and in the 23rd minute when Savic brought Lucas Vasquez down in a dangerous area. Ronaldo rose to the occasion and his free kick took a deflection off Savic and into the back of the net.
Real Madrid ended first half on a high.

Diego Simeone  incited something magical into his boys as they came out firing in the second half. A plethora of attacks on the Real Madrid's goal for the first 20 minutes of the second half. But Zinedine Zidane's boys stood firm and foiled every attack.

Ronaldo earned a penalty when Savic brought him down in the box as he chased a long through ball. 

He calmly put the ball into the net and celebrated with a mannequin celebration.

As Atletico were chasing the game, Los blancos took full advantage of it as Isco freed Bale on the left flank who sprinted down the wing and crossed it for Cristiano who with the simplest of finishes completed his much important hat trick. Cristiano answered all his critics in style.

The match was fast paced from start to finish. 

And Real Madrid dominance showed why they are top of the pile.

©sportskafun.blogspot.com

Cristiano Ronaldo stats compared to last two seasons : It's not convincing

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players of all time. The 3 times Ballon d'or winner has won Euro Championship this year with Portugal although he couldn't play the match because of getting injured during the match. But it was his first International trophy. He also won UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid earlier.

But his stats in 2016/17 season is not so good and suggests that he may be on a decline.
He has just scored in three games in La Liga this season.

A comparison of statistics was shared by PJ_Stock on Reddit. And it shows the notable difference between this season and last two seasons..

Have a look:

The stats are worrying and Zinedine Zidane may begin to think about his star man.
But Cristiano Ronaldo has the capability to silence his critics.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest goalscorer in Real Madrid history.

©sportkafun.blogspot.com

Gareth Bale names his greatest ever teammate

Cristiano Ronaldo may have won Ballon d'or three times but still he misses out.

In an interview to Foot locker, Gareth Bale was asked that who his greatest teammate ever was, and he chose not to give a straightforward answer.

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs may have had an incredibly illustrious career himself, but he failed to win Ballon d'or, something Cristiano managed to do three times.

Greatest teammate ever

Who is the greatest player you have played with or played on the pitch?

"For me the greatest player is Ryan Giggs. He was my hero growing up and is a legend in world football. It also helps he's a fellow Welshman."

Both players have played together on two occasions, and both stars scored in 3-0 win over San Marino in 2007.


©sportskafun.blogspot.com

El Clásico - The biggest football game in the World

"El Clasico" as the name suggests itself, means The Classic. It is the name given to the rivalry between the two biggest clubs in this world, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Termed as probably the biggest game in club football, it is one of the most viewed match in this world. 

These two top clubs from Spain, whenever they play, the world stops. They have the largest fanbase and are the most followed team at present. According to Forbes, these are world's two most valuable teams.

History says this rivalry has surpassed every limits. Lots of controversies, on and off the field, politics, transfers etc. You will come to know about some interesting facts as you read through.

First El Clasico In history 

The first ever El Clasico was played in 1902 on the home ground of Real Madrid. It was a club competition game and Barcelona were the winners, winning by a scoreline of 3-1. 

After this although they played against each other in several friendlies it was in February of 1929, when they first met in Spanish competition La Liga, this time at Barcelona's home ground. 

Los Blancos won the match 2-1.

Real Madrid leads the head to head battle win 93 wins to Barcelona's 90. The two are teams are also never relegated from La Liga since its inception in 1929.

CONTROVERSIES

Some major controversies which involved both the clubs are : 

• 1943 Copa del Generalisimo semi-finals - When Barcelona won the first leg 3-0. Real Madrid complained about the goals which referee allowed for Barcelona. Whilst home supporters whistled against Real Madrid for applying rough tactics and against referee for allowing them to. A campaign began in Madrid and Barcelona fans were banned from traveling to Madrid. Real Madrid beat Barcelona 11-1 in the second leg.  It was one of the most controversial match.

• Alfredo di Stefano Transfer - The rivalry reached new heights when both clubs tried to sign Di Stefano in 1950s. Both clubs claimed to own his registration but when intervened by the FIFA president, it was decided the teams will share the players in alternate seasons. But eventually Di Stefano moved to Real Madrid and became an integral part of the club's success in the 60s.

• Luis Figo Transfer - In 2000, when Luis Figo moved from Barcelona to Real Madrid, this was the transfer surrounded by a lot of politics and controversies. It led to a hate campaign against him when he visited Barcelona in Real Madrid shirt. Banners with "Judas", "Scum" and "Mercenary" were hung around the stadium.

These are some of the notable controversies. 

More details at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Cl%C3%A1sico

Recent 

In recent years, this rivalry has been overviewed as the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and after signings of players like Luis Suarez, Neymar by Barcelona and Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema by Real Madrid, it has broadened as the rivalry between the two trios BBC vs MSN.

Some Stats 

Top Goal Scorers in El Clásico

It's been some time since Lionel Messi scored against Los Blancos but he leads the overall tally. 

Cristiano Ronaldo not so far behind though.

Head to Head

 League Matches

  Copa Del Rey Matches

  UEFA Champions League Matches

Spanish Super Cup Matches

Summary of all competitive matches 

Friendlies

Summary of all competitive matches

Next Match

Upcoming El Clasico is on 3rd December. Real Madrid currently is on top of the table while Barcelona is on 2nd.

Sources

•  http://www.elclasicolivestream.com/real-madrid-vs-barcelona-head-to-head-all-time-stats.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org

©sportskafun.blogspot.com

               

Results - World Cup Qualifiers

Sunday was a good day for Portugal, Belgium and Netherlands as all were winners.
There was no dearth of goals as all teams look to strengthen their position and thus giving no chance to oppositions.
Big stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Arjen Robben, Eden Hazard were all in action last night.

UEFA 

Portugal vs Latvia (4-1)

In Group B, Portugal were up against Latvia, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring from the spot after Nani was brought down in the box in the 28th minute. Portugal earned one more penalty after Andre Gomes was tipped from behind inside the box. And surprisingly Ronaldo missed the penalty, He steps up with typical confidence but his attempt came off the inside of the post, not struck well by his standards. Latvia made Ronaldo and Portugal pay for the miss as Arturs Zjuzins equalised against the run of play in the 67th minute to give Portugal a scare.  

It looked like Latvia's confidence was flowing after the equaliser but William Carvalho scored a minute after to save the blushes of the home side by heading a lovely cross from Ricardo Quaresma, who was brought in as a substitute. Portugal went ahead in the 70th minute.
Portugal sealed victory in the 85th minute and it was another Quaresma cross which Ronaldo volleyed low into the corner and made amends for penalty miss. Cristiano equalled Gerd Muller and Robbie Keane on 68 international goals and is now joint-fourth in Europe's all time list.

Game, set, match for Portugal as Bruno Alves added a fourth heading home a cracking cross from Guerreiro at the back post. Portugal are 2nd placed with 9 points.

Switzerland vs Faroe Islands (2-0)

Group B toppers ran out comfortable winners against 4th placed Faroe Islands. Goals on either side of the half, helped Switzerland making 4 wins out of 4. Eren Drediyok and Stephen Lichtsteiner scored the goals.

 Switzerland sits on top with 12 points.

Hungary vs Andorra (4-0)

Bottom placed Andorra were up against Hungary. Hungary dominated the game in terms of possession and two goals in each half helped them reach 3rd in the table. 

Luxembourg vs Netherlands (1-3)

In Group A encounter, the visitors opened the scoring in 36th minute of the game through Arjen Robben after a lapse in concentration from Luxembourg's defence when they tried playing Robben offside. 

Luxembourg responded bravely and earned a penalty just before half-time to equalise. Maxime Chanot slots past Stekelenburg. Netherlands started second half confidently.

Half-time substitute Memphis Depay scored a bullet header in the 58th minute and in 84th minute score his second goal of the game with a well-taken free kick and saved the visitors.

Bulgaria vs Belarus (1-0)

Bulgaria scored the only goal of the match in the 10th minute. 

France on top in Group A with 10 points. Netherlands and Sweden tied on 7 points but Netherlands ahead on goal difference and sits on 2nd. 

Belgium vs Estonia (8-1)

Belgium run riot in this Group H encounter. Dries Mertens stole the show by having a hand in 4 goals. He scored a brace and set up another two. Belgium were dominant from the start to finish in a deserved victory. Eden Hazard, Yannick Carrasco, Romelu Lukaku all got on the scoresheet. Belgium scored 5 in second half.

With this win Belgium go top in Group H with 12 points.

Greece vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (1-1)

Greece equalised late to earn a point after visitors went ahead in the 32nd minute through an own goal. The match also had two sent-offs as Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Eden Dzeko saw red in the 80th minute. Dzeko questioned his red card after the match. 

Greece with 10 points is 2nd in the table.

Cyprus vs Gibraltar (3-1)

Cyprus comfortably beat bottom placed Gibraltar.

CAF- 3rd round results

Group A- Guinea 1-2 DR Congo

Group E- Egypt 2-0 Ghana


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