UEFA Champions League 2010-2011 Summary

Here you will remember all the games played for Real Madrid during the 2010-2011 season of the UEFA Champions League that ended with FC Barcelona as champions. The white team was defeated in the semifinals by the champion team, after a great season and a controversial refereeing in the first leg of the semifinal round.

KNOCK-OUT ROUNDS

Champions League 2010-2011

Semifinals (2nd Leg): Barcelona 1 - Real Madrid 1

Semifinals (1st Leg): Real Madrid 0 - Barcelona 2

Quarterfinals (2nd Leg): Tottenham 0 - Real Madrid 1

Quarterfinals (1st Leg): Real Madrid 4 - Tottenham 0

Last 16 (2nd Leg): Real Madrid 3 - Olympique Lyon 0

Last 16 (1st Leg): Olympique Lyon 1 - Real Madrid 1

GROUP TABLE

Group Table

Day 6: Real Madrid 4 - Auxerre 0

Day 5: Ajax 0 - Real Madrid 4

Day 4: Milan 2 - Real Madrid 2

Day 3: Real Madrid 2 - Milan 0

Day 2: Auxerre 0 - Real Madrid 1

Day 1: Real Madrid 2 - Ajax 0

UEFA punished Mourinho with five-game suspension

The Control and Disciplinary Committee of UEFA punished Mourinho yesterday with 50,000 euros and five-game suspension. The fifth is subject to an observation period of three years and will only be fulfilled if he comes to be punished.

UEFA believes that Real Madrid coach violated the principles of conduct reflected in Article 5 of the regulations in the first Champions League match against Barcelona and the subsequent press conference. Mourinho already completed one in the second leg of the semifinals at the Camp Nou and as the fifth is conditional, the punishment is reduced to three matches. That means he can not manage in the Champions League until November.

Jose Mourinho

UEFA also punished Pinto, goalkeeper of Barcelona, with three games, which means he can not be in the final of the Champions League against Manchester United at Wembley. Guardiola will be forced to take a substitute of Barcelona B, for this crucial match.

The other sanctioned was Pepe, who received a penalty of one-game suspension. This is an unusual punishment, since the regulation defines the punishment for the "violent game" (as was defined by the referee, Stark, Pepe's action on Alves for which he was send-off) is three-game suspension. It seems a Solomonic decision of the Control and Disciplinary Committee of UEFA. With the punishment of one match, wants to make amends to Pepe without appearing that is re-refereeing the match.

Real Madrid, which has also received a fine of 20,000 euros "for misconduct of its fans", has announced it will appeal the sanction to its coach in the Appeals Committee, which meets on May 16. Real Madrid thinks that the decision continues to suffer from the same defects that contained the initial disciplinary proceedings that made impossible the right to defend its coach, because the specific statements for which that file is opened and for which Mourinho has been sanctioned, were ignored. The press officer of Mourinho, Eladio Parames, also talked about the penalty: "Jose Mourinho does not speak, but he feels bad. He feels like any person who was assaulted in the home, and above, ends prisoner".

Champions League (Semifinals, 2nd Leg): Cristiano

CRISTIANO RONALDO: " IT WAS MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 4"

"It was Mission impossible 4". So Cristiano Ronaldo described the second leg of the Champions League for Real Madrid. The Portuguese said his team has gone to Barcelona because it is "A gentleman club", but said that "Had been better not to come". "Next season would be better than give the cup to Barcelona directly", he charged.

Cristiano Ronaldo 

"The team is sad, but we knew it was an uphill battle. The name of the match is Mission Impossible 4. Once again it was the referee that didn't allow us to dictate the outcome. We knew we could beat Barça, but the referee didn't let us. Higuain's goal was good. Pique pushed me and I landed on Mascherano. He didn't used to fall to the ground in England, but he's picked up the bad habit of doing it here like everyone else".

"The referee in the first match took away our chances of playing the final. Whoever knows anything about football knows that Barcelona get preferential treatment. We knew something would happen. We knew that if we scored a goal that everything would be done to keep us from going through. This isn't good for football. We should just stay home and allow Barcelona to play alone if things don't change".

"Barcelona have a lot of power off the pitch. We would have drawn 0-0 without the Alves incident and tonight's draw would have seen us through. There are no differences between the teams as was seen thoughout the four matches. We won the Copa del Rey by playing fairly. I don't feel that Barcelona were better than us, but rather that they have a lot of help from the referees".

Cristiano Ronaldo was asked if he kept his idea, launched after the 0-2 at the Bernabeu, that he does not like Mourinho's style of play. The Portuguese called a "tempest in a teapot" these demonstrations. "I feel more comfortable playing in a place than in another. That message is not what I meant. I'm used to the arbitration and the press, we must learn to live with it", he said.

Champions League (Semifinals, 2nd Leg)

FC BARCELONA 1 - REAL MADRID 1

It is very likely that in any possible worlds Barcelona had eliminated Real Madrid. Basically, it plays better football and that way is still shorter. However, we were left not knowing how Barcelona would have faced the disadvantage of a Madrid's goal in minute 48. Annulling that goal, the referee also annulled the possible exploits of Real Madrid. At the same time, this "mistake" charged of reasons those who report referees' aids to Barcelona. Since last night will have a final example, as clear and decisive as the Pepe's send-off.

From this point of view, the worst happened to football. In an indisputable play and without shadows, the Belgian De Bleeckere bent by the most twisted interpretation: Cristiano's fault on Mascherano due to an inadvertent slip, caused also by Piqué's fault on Cristiano. No matter if the referee blew before Higuain scored, because forward and goalkeeper were applied to the fullest and their duel ended in a goal. Never mind that the best chances, until then, had belonged to Barcelona, with dominance and play. From that moment, was drawn a different match and a much more interesting argument for the epic and for the show, was left. From that moment, the match, and by extension the tie, admits an analysis that moves away from football; the more moderate call it distress, and the boldest conspiracy. We will never know what would have happened if Mourinho had not been slain after the Pepe's send-off and we will never have news of the match played at the Camp Nou with Real Madrid ahead.

Which showed the fourth Classic was that teams can play against Barcelona bravely, without any further punishment than being a coward. The final draw dignified the performance of Real Madrid which yesterday played attacking (as far as possible), and in foreign field, survived to a cross-kickback that would have broken the waist of a giant. It's a shame that the excuses (reasonable) surround football again. Neither football deserve it, nor the sweat of Madrid. Nor it is fair for the players, who yesterday made ​​a great effort and it is a pity that the final Guardiola had prepared, the happy return of Abidal, was the icing on a bitter cake.

Just talking about football, Mourinho decided to use Kaka and Higuain in the starting lineup, looking for more chances on goal and frequent passing. The Whites pressurised from the start, running to cover all open spaces and chasing all Barcelona players around. This disconcerted the locals in the opening minutes; Real Madrid's efforts on Camp Nou's incredibly fast pitch were extraordinary, as evidenced by Lass and Xabi Alonso's work in defence.

Neither side had chances to score in the first half-hour, but things got crazy in the last 15 minutes of the first half when Barcelona came close to tallying strikes four times through Messi (twice), Villa and Pedro, forcing Casillas to showcase all his quality to save the day. Despite being besieged by Guardiola's men, Real Madrid kept looking to score and came close when Cristiano Ronaldo crossed the ball smack in the centre of the box following a fast counterattack, but Valdes reached it just before Di Maria.

Then, the controversy play, three minutes into the second half: Cristiano Ronaldo was tackled by Pique and made Mascherano trip just as Higuain controlled the ball and scored a strike. Referee De Bleeckere disallowed it, deciding Ronaldo had fouled the Barcelona defender. This crucial decision was followed only six minutes later by Barcelona's goal, which was netted by Pedro following an assist from Iniesta.

Adebayor then came on for Higuain and, on the 60-minute mark, Ozil replaced Kaka. Madrid had to try it all to score. Di Maria reached the goal moments later, hitting the post. The ball landed back on his feet and served it to Marcelo, who managed to defeat Valdes. The Camp Nou was silenced and the game was on. The Madridistas had 26 minutes in which to try the turnaround and they constantly persisted in their search for more goals. Meanwhile, Barcelona's intention was to keep possession for as long as possible in order to lower the pace to Madrid's game, and Guardiola replaced striker Villa with Keita to add muscle to his midfield.

The clock was ticking and Real Madrid still needed two goals. Barcelona decided to wait for them in their half of the pitch, looking for the occasional counterattack with which to seal the match. The dream to reach the final slowly started to fade, but in the end Real Madrid were true to their 109-year history and fought to the very end.

Summary

Stadium: Camp Nou
Attendance: 97,000
Goals: 1-0, m.54: Pedro. 1-1, m.64: Marcelo,

Preview: Barcelona vs Real Madrid (UCL Semifinal)

Real Madrid needs to win to be on next May 28 in the Champions League final (Wembley) and needs to overcome the 0-2 that Barcelona inflicted on white team at the Bernabeu Stadium. Hence, Mourinho will align an offensive starting lineup with Özil, Di Maria, Cristiano and Benzema. The coach will remove the punishment to Portuguese striker and Cristiano will be joined on top by Karim Benzema, the other new. The Portuguese coach will not resort to the three defense midfielders led by Pepe, who is suspended, the system that he has been used in the last three Classics. Lass, who takes the place of injured Khedira, and Xabi Alonso, will handle the game.

Mourinho will change the starting lineup against Barcelona

Paradoxically, Real Madrid lost 5-0 at Camp Nou on November 29 with the same attack formed ​​by Özil, Di Maria, Cristiano and Benzema. But on the positive side is another fact: The team has achieved the two biggest wins in this season: 7-0, against Malaga in the League, and 8-0 against Levante in the last-16 first leg of the Spanish Cup. Both matches were played at the Bernabeu. In total, Mourinho has lined up this attack line in 11 games. The balance is 9 wins and two defeats (Barcelona and Osasuna), 34 goals for and 12 against.

Another aspect of Mourinho's tactical approach is that tomorrow will play an unheard starting lineup in this season. The absences of two indisputable starters as Ramos and Pepe (both by suspension) are the main reason and cause that the defense consists of Arbeloa, Albiol, Carvalho (who returns after suspension) and Marcelo. These four players have played together only in the sixth match of the group stage of the Champions League, against Auxerre. That game was won by Madrid 4-0 with three goals of Benzema, who was the star of the match. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the other.

Mourinho did not hesitate in ensuring after the Wednesday defeat that Real Madrid was eliminated. However, yesterday he harangued his players before training with a different speech. Mourinho wanted to raise the spirits of the troops by pointing out that the comeback is not an utopia. The pass to the Wembley final is difficult but not impossible.

Moreover, Cristiano returns to the starting lineup after his punishment, after seeing from a VIP box as Real Madrid lost on Saturday against Zaragoza. An unprecedented decision by José Mourinho, because he only missed out the second leg of the last-16 round of the Spanish Cup (Levante vs Real Madrid) due to a little cold. But after his remarks criticizing the tactical planning on Wednesday's Classic, Mourinho decided to punish him. Tomorrow will be starter.

In addition, and recalling the arbitration aspect of the game, the players of Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Albiol, Angel Di Maria and Emmanuel Adebayor, are close to suspension and if they were booked on Tuesday, they would not play the final of the Champions League. Interestingly, the Barcelona does not have any player in this situation.

In Barcelona is not expected any tactical revolution. The team will be the same that played in the first leg, with the inclusion of Iniesta, recovered from his injury. So the center of the field will consist of Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta. A team with two-goal lead, at home and playing from memory. Difficult mission for Real Madrid, which will have to fight that ... and maybe against the referee.

Real Madrid: Ten precedents to dream about the comeback

Real Madrid has in its history ten previous matches in which has won by two goals or more against Barcelona in its own stadium. In the Camp Nou (seven times between 1958 and 2002) and Les Corts (three times between 1930 and 1942). There are ten games with which the Real Madrid can dream about the comeback of Mourinho's team. Of these ten wins, four were by 0-2, a result that would allow Real Madrid to go into overtime. With the score of the other six wins, white team would qualify for the Champions League final at Wembley.

UEFA Champions League 2002. Zidane's goal against FC Barcelona

April 23, 2002 it is the closest precedent, also in the Champions League semifinals. In this case, first leg was played at Camp Nou, where Madrid won 0-2 with goals by Zidane and McManaman. The previous precedent was 31 years ago. Team was coached by Boskov and won with goals from García Hernández and Santillana. A great defense with the work of Garcia Remon, San Jose, Pirri, Camacho, Benito, and Del Bosque allowed whites stay unbeaten.

The biggest away win was on January 27, 1963 (1-5) in a Spanish League match, with goals from Di Stefano, Gento and Puskas (hat-trick). Although three years before Real Madrid managed to get five goals in Barcelona (3-5), with goals from Del Sol, DiStefano (2) and Gento (2).

Real Madrid have managed to score 31 goals in Barcelona in ten games to get an advantage equal to or greater than two goals. The top scorer in this series of triumphs of the white team in Barcelona is Puskas, with six goals, followed by Gento (5), DiStefano (3), Del Sol, Alday and Rubio (2), and Garcia Hernandez, Rial, Marsal, Lazcanoand Lopez (1). Especially in the 60's, the Real Madrid showed its superiority in the Camp Nou winning three consecutive years between 1960 and 1963 (3-5, 0-2 and 1-5).

Frank De Bleeckere will referee Barcelona vs Real Madrid

The Belgian referee, Frank De Bleeckere, will be responsible for directing the second leg of the semifinal round of the Champions League next Tuesday, the match at Nou Camp between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in which the white team will look for an epic comeback after the adverse result of the first leg (0-2).

The Belgian is one of the referees that Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho, mentioned at the end of the first leg on his list of referees that, in his view, have benefited Barcelona in recent seasons of the Champions League. UEFA has made ​​the nominations from this season in the hands of Pierluigi Collina. Mourinho will not be very happy by choosing one of his main repudiated.

In particular, De Bleeckere officiated last year's second leg of the semifinal between Barcelona and Inter Milan, coached by Mourinho at that time. The referee send-off Thiago Motta in the first half, but the Italian team withstood the pressure of its opponent and could be classified for the final, despite the defeat that Italian team suffered (1-0).

The match looks very rough for Belgian referee after what happened in the first leg, when the Pepe's send-off bristled Real Madrid and especially its coach, who was also send-off and could be punished by UEFA with several games after his strong criticism at press conference.

De Bleeckere (45) will retire next season. Some people interpreted his nomination as a reward. Others, like a punishment from UEFA to Mourinho for his allegations. He refereed Real Madrid for five times (one win). Barça six (won four). This public relations for company of stairs (he speaks four languages​​) is the third generation in a family of referees and international since 1998. A referee who has already committed several mistakes against Madrid, very significant in Liverpool.

Frank De Bleeckere

Madrid-Barça: Complaints and UEFA disciplinary proceedings

The hangover of the third Classic has left us a cross of claims between Barcelona and Real Madrid and half a dozendisciplinary proceedings opened by UEFA, that should judge an unprecedented lawsuit. The historical dispute of football moves, after waging a bitter war of words, to the sports courts. Now lawyers play.

The events are best explained in chronological order. Yesterday, around 6:00 pm, while the Barcelona Board was meeting in extraordinary session, UEFA unveiled the opening of disciplinary proceedings against Madrid and Barcelona. In the case of Madrid, opened by the invasion of the pitch, throwing objects, the red card for Pepe, the Mourinho's send-off and his statements at the official press conference. In the case of Barcelona, by the Pinto's send-off. Each of these situations will be reviewed by the Control and Disciplinary Committee of UEFA on Friday May 6, three days after the second leg between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Barely an hour later, Toni Freixa, secretary and spokesman of the Board of Barcelona, communicated the filing of a complaint to UEFA because of the statements of Mourinho. According Freixa, the statements are "offenses defined in Article 5, B and D, of the UEFA code of conduct, as a violation of basic norms of behavior and actions that damage the reputation of football and the UEFA ". "It is unacceptable that someone dares to question the story, titles and our relationship with UNICEF", said Freixa. "Barcelona wants to soothe the fire. But this is not incompatible with being inflexible when limits are exceeded and Mourinho surpassed them".

Jose Mourinho

Around 8:30 pm was leaked that Real Madrid was working on a complaint against Barcelona for "willful misconduct" understanding that the attitude of its players responded to a tactic induced by the coach Guardiola.

Real Madrid notes that every pretense was intended to intimidate the referee with the players' claims. To demonstrate this, the club will present the video of the four most significant actions: 1. The clash between Pedro and Arbeloa which resulted in yellow to white defender 2. The clash between Busquets and Marcelo, where Barcelona's player complained of a nonexistent slap in the face 3. The haul from Pepe and Alves (Portuguese red card), where the club will show that there was no contact (Barcelona defense left the field on a stretcher), 4. Keita pushed to Arbeloa at the final of the first half.

Past 10:00 pm, Real Madrid issued a statement confirming the allegations against Barcelona and defended Mourinho, "who, beyond the opinions expressed in the exercise of his freedom of speech, expressed his rejection of sporting victory at any price and the infringement of the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship that embody the art. 7 of the Preamble of the Statutes of UEFA and art. 5 of its disciplinary regulations".

Now is the turn of the UEFA, which has already punished RealMadrid this season. It was in December when Xabi Alonso and Ramos caused his send-offs, resulting in an exemplary punishment. Mourinho was penalized with a game "for misconduct". UEFA was more forgiving with Iniesta. On April 6 the commissioner of the Barcelona-Shakhtar reported that the player would have forced a yellow card. Barcelona's claims were met and theplayer was without penalty.

Champions League (Semifinals, 1st Leg): Adebayor

ADEBAYOR: "THEY ARE ALWAYS CRYING LIKE BABIES"

Emmanuel Adebayor during the match

Yesterday, Emmanuel Adebayor, like the rest of his teammates, was very angry after the semifinal match of the Champions League against Barcelona. The Togolese complained bitterly about the referee and also the attitude of his opponents. "Football is a game of men". "Whenever you play against Barcelona, whenever you touch them, they are on the floor crying like a baby. Whenever you make contact in a 50-50 they are on the floor, crying, putting their hand over their face, and their manager, their fans, they are always crying", said Adebayor.

"I have played against them three times and each time we have to play with ten. Everyone talks about Barcelona fair play, but I think they are far from fair play. With any contact in a body to body or in a disputed ball, they drop themselves and start to cry, pressing their hands on their faces", he says. "His coach, his fans and bench players are always crying. Barcelona is a great club which makes a fantastic football, but they have to stop that".

CRISTIANO: "WE WILL FIGHT IN BARCELONA"

Cristiano Ronaldo also spoke about the match and the strange circumstances around it: "I don't understand. It is very difficult to play in such circumstances. We had a strategy. It was a 0-0 game and Kaka was warming up so we would attack more in the last 20 minutes. We weren't playing well. but we were playing for a 0-0. This has happened in the last four years. Barcelona have power, a lot of power. The same thing happens every year. It happened against Chelsea, Inter Milan... and now against Real Madrid. I don't know how this can be fixed".

"I am a professional footballer and I like to enjoy myself when I play. But these situations suck all the joy out of you. We're sad because it's the same every year. Mourinho is right. Referees know football. I wish I had the chance to face a team of 10. It is very different to face a team of 11 and a team of 10, especially against Barcelona". "It is very difficult to turn a 2-0 score around away from home, but anything can happen in football. We will fight in Barcelona".

Champions League (Semifinals, 1st Leg): Mourinho

MOURINHO: "GUARDIOLA? I WOULD BE EMBARRASSED TO WIN LIKE HIM"

Jose Mourinho was visibly angry

Jose Mourinho was visibly angry after his team's defeat against Barcelona and started ...

"Why does this happen? Barcelona are a fantastic team. I don't understand why Pepe was sent off. It paved the way for Barcelona to finish the tie".

What did you say to the referee to be expelled?
"I said nothing to the referee. I just laughed and applauded his decision without saying anything. I'd rather say no more because if I tell him and UEFA what I really think my career would end here and now. Since I cannot say it, I'll ask a question: Why? Why Ovrebo? Why Bussaca? We are talking about an absolutely fantastic football team. Why couldn't Chelsea reach the final two years ago? It was a miracle that Inter reached the final last year. Why kill a tie that could end 0-0 after three hours? I don't understand why".

Is Real Madrid eliminated from the Champions League?
"If it's already difficult to make a comeback on purely sporting grounds, it is absolutely impossible when our opponent is helped in this manner. It seems they must reach the final. I don't understand why such a fantastic team needs this. Football is a sport in which the same rules apply to all; then the best team wins. We will showcase pride and respect for our world of football in Barcelona. We will travel without Pepe, who did nothing wrong. We will travel without Ramos, who did nothing wrong. The coach won't even be able to sit on the bench and the aggregate score is against us. The system will kill us once more if we happen to score a goal and open up the tie".

The approach of the game against Barcelona...
"Our scheme had different stages for different moments in the game. We had to play together and then use a centre forward. Then I would use a number '10' behind the two forwards. It is the scheme for a 0-0 game, trying to capitalise on the frustration of our opponent. But the referee didn't let us unfold our plan. Barcelona's power should have been simply of a football nature. They have that power. Why use more?".

Have the statements of the two coaches influenced the referee?
No. I do not think that the atmosphere was very warm. I commented the words from Josep Guardiola. I have the freedom to do because they were statements. He has responded with a little politics and I do not like. The referee would have to make a normal game, but has not done. When he did not whistle the penalty on Lyon, I thought he did not see it. Maybe he did not want we got to the quarterfinals and it was agreed. I do not know. The referee has been incredible.

Guardiola said he gave you the Champions of the press room. What is your opinion?
No, I won two Champions and I won it on the field with two teams that were not Barcelona. Porto, a country that does not usually win the Champions League, and Inter after 50 years whitout win the title. We won sweating, struggling. Guardiola is a football coach and has won a Champions League that I would be embarrassed, because he won with the scandal at Stamford Bridge. And if he wins this year will be with the scandal at the Bernabeu. I respect him and wish that one day he could win a Champions League only with football. I wish that one day he could win a clean Champions, without scandals.

Champions League (Semifinals, 1st Leg)

REAL MADRID 0 - BARCELONA 2

German referee Stark came off yesterday in the gallery of monsters of Real Madrid. His name will be recited with the memory that is dedicated to historical starting lineups as justification for a playoff loss and as a summary of favors to Barcelona and Real Madrid grievances. His mistake was to confuse with a red card what should have been yellow, but his worst sin was to leave us without football, match and sport, and left us with the wrong theater, the worst drama.

Pepe's red card

Pepe's send-off explains the match that was, but not the one which had been played an hour earlier. To be objective, to justify everything in terms of that red card, obviously excessive, means to say only a part of the truth. The truth is that Real Madrid, until that moment, had not played to win but had matched the initiative of a Barcelona that judged as good a scoreless tie. What would have happened with Pepe on the field, is impossible to say, but the projection logic of events leads to a match without goals. Think that the entry of Kaka by Lass (planned for the last 20 minutes) would have altered the destination, is a wonderful exercise in faith. But the Real Madrid players had that faith on the 60 minute.

Pepe paid his bad reputation and the weight of three consecutive Classics. Over him burst the tension on a game increasingly hot. Pepe is a victim who only put the boot in a harsh action. But when Mourinho's scheme turns around a player like him, the Real Madrid takes sports risks ... and also the referees make mistakes.

After arbitration injustice, half an hour ahead, Barcelona took the numerical and psychic advantage. Seven minutes from that convulsion, Villa tested the goalkeeper Casillas and the rebound bounced off the head of Pedro, who was very close to scoring the first goal. Soon after came a goal from Messi. Afellay, who replaced Pedro, faced with Marcelo. Both were looking into the eyes, when the side defense lost balance slightly. It was the split second Dutch player took to reach the last line and pass on pleasure. Messi, attentive and faster than Sergio Ramos, scored at the near post.

Then Messi controlled a ball in midfield and relied on Busquets as Maradona did on Henrique, furniture accessory in that cosmic goal in Mexico'86 Wolrd Cup. In this case, Messi advanced, escaped from Lass, beat Albiol and finally slipped from Sergio Ramos. At last, in front of Casillas, shot with the right leg and the ball went meekly to the net after touching in Ramos.

The second goal ended with thirty minutes where were concentrated all the accidents of the match, therefore, regarded as decisive. However, it does not hurt to review the above, the time lost, the sacrifice for the benefit of the result. When a team plays for a tie for so many minutes, is exposed to an error of his own, a wise of others, a meteor, a butterfly that flaps its wings in Singapore ... or a German referee named Stark.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 75,000
Goals: 0-1. Min. 76. Messi. 0-2. Min. 87. Messi.

Preview: Real Madrid vs Barcelona (UCL Semifinal)

Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Another war, another party, another riddle. Third match between Real Madrid and Barcelona in twelve days; First leg of the Champions League semifinals. Anyone who says this has nothing to do with the previous matches, will be right. Anyone who says otherwise, too. The competition is different and the approach includes 180 minutes that would be 210 in case of an overtime. Less urgent, in theory. Unless the teams reserve a surprise: to solve it today. To try it, anyway.

There is every possibility, even the most unexpected. No one imagined a Madrid entrenched in the first assault. No one was able to assume that Pepe and Khedira would advance their position in the Spanish Cup, becoming the defensive pressure in attacker pressure. Only Barcelona has remained unchanged. Until Saturday. That day, after winning Osasun painfullya, Guardiola decided to play another type of match, the psychological. His comment about the tall grass was just a preview. Yesterday released toads and snakes, provocative. Tonight we will know if there is translation to the field, if Barcelona comes out more aggressive or remodeled by Iniesta injury and gives the ball to Madrid. Then the risk will be that the ball will be orphaned in midfield.

In principle, it seems that Mourinho will play with the base of the Cup team, with the obligate innovations; Albiol and Lass, by Carvalho (suspended) and Khedira (injured).Two tweaks that would not necessarily alter the essence of the scheme. In addition, the game of attack would be delivered to the creativity of Özil, key part in the first part of the Cup final, to Di María's speed and to Cristiano's strength, who will play as false striker (or not so faalse).

The reference to Cristiano leads us to consider the following game to play: The cracks' game. After the duel between coaches, or even earlier, Cristiano and Messi have a personal fight. At the moment the Portuguese win. He would be the best player of the world if is judged by the last two games.

Messi, meanwhile, has found tactical problems that has failed to solve. If acting is knowing the role and not trip over the furniture (Spencer Tracy said), Messi was tangled with the text and chairs. Without space, he has run out of air, but it is the duty of those who seek flat at the Olympus overcome these obstacles. Others did.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi

Physical condition is the last key. The approach of the Madrid explains a lot, but Barcelona has come to this part of the season without fresh and free refills. Remember: Four months ago, Barcelona would not have missed an advantage, would not have forgiven an enemy on the ropes. Mascherano's position in the center of the defense points to a problem of planning, staffing, perhaps arrogance. In that position will repeat the Argentinian while Puyol will move to the left to cover the place of Maxwell, injured in the last League match.

Real Madrid is not only stronger physically, many of its starters rested on Saturday. They did it while substitutes scoring six goals to Valencia. So great is the bench and so many possibilities it offers. Calculate: Kaka, Benzema and Higuain on the bench.

The Champions League does not lie: the equality is true, although the Madrid comes with better air. Eight wins and two draws. No goal conceded at home. Barcelona have won seven games, drawn two and lost one in the Emirates against Arsenal. Twenty-four goals scored by each team, but Madrid conceded less, three by seven of Barcelona.

Mourinho vs Guardiola: The war has begun

Jose Mourinho came with the speech well prepared and well structured to the press room at the Santiago Bernabeu: set out the facts, arguments and obtained conclusions in a crowded press room. The setting and Mourinho's tone promised and did not disappoint. The argument, the famous words of Pep Guardiola on the goal, clear offside, in the Spanish Cup Final.

Guardiola vs Mourinho

But the script of the Portuguese coach had never included an ironic tone so critical against the coach of Barcelona. Following the hearing of the Real Madrid coach, was generated a huge buzz to see the reply of Guardiola. Pep did not disappoint anyone. Accepted the challenge and talked about Mourinho as had ever done. Yesterday people saw the true Guardiola. That visceral person who has his temper and a lot to say when is harassed.

Chronological order. At 2:45 pm hours appeared Mourinho with Marcelo at a crowded press room. The appearance lasted over half an hour in front of media, but the great part of time was captured by the coach, who attacked Guardiola very start of the press conference: "With the words of Pep, we enter a new era. So far, there were two groups of coaches. A small group where coaches do not talk about referees and a large one in which I am, where we are critical when mistakes are important because we are people do not control frustration. Now we have a third group which has only one person, Guardiola, who criticizes the referees when they are right. I had never seen that in the world of football", he said.

Real Madrid coach remembered and ironically recalled the time in which he was training at Chelsea and Inter Milan was adversely affected by arbitration decisions: "His message has depth. For me it is a consequence of one thing, that in his first season as coach he lived the scandal of Stamford Bridge and from that time are not happy with the success of the referees. Last year Barcelona played against Inter over an hour with one more and this year in the Spanish Cup, he criticizes a fantastic and correct decision of a referee", he said. Mourinho did not stop there, also said that "This year Barcelona was almost eliminated against Arsenal and we all saw what happened".

Five hours and fifteen minutes later, at 8:00 pm Guardiola appeared in a press room so crowded like Mourinho's, without any player, because Javier Mascherano had talked to the press an hour and a half before. He wasted no time: "We will face in the field. He has won out of the field. I give his this particular Champions. He has won all season. I will not go out with comparative grievances because we would never end. I have no secretaries or people that point me. In this room, he is the fucking boss, the fucking lord. And I will not compete", he said.

Barcelona coach continued his broadside against Mourinho and also recalled that "He knows me and I know him. We were four years together. If he wants, he can pay more attention to the press full of Florentino's friends and the dairy that our friendship. Let him do as he pleases". He also had words to Sergio Ramos, who on Monday was expressed in the same line as Mou and criticized him for his statements about the refereeing team in the Spanish Cup final: "I have seen the words did not come out of him, The words were goated on him". However, before concluding, he returned to attack the Portuguese. "He won the game out of the pitch.There he is a phenomenon. I do not know how to play this game. He is always casting doubt on every issue. We come to compete", Guardiola commented.

Interview: Luis Figo

LUIS FIGO: "THIS SEMIFINAL WILL REMAIN IN THE HISTORY OF FOOTBALL"

Luis Figo

Luis Figo played for Barcelona and Real Madrid during his brilliant career, winning a pair of Spanish League titles with each of them and one European Cup with the white team. 

What are your memories of the classics?

These are matches that you always remember. They are played every year, but are remembered for the history behind them. There is great rivalry between them, both in the football sense and socially. That is why there is so much rivalry.

In matches so tense, do you feel the force of the fans?
But it is important to note that it is only a football match and people have to understand that. The stronger team that day, the team that will win.

What team is the favorite to the semifinal of the Champions League?
You can not think what has happened in previous matches. You should look to the next. Both reach the semifinals at a high level. In my opinion are the two best teams in the world at this time. For that reason, this semifinal of the UEFA Champions League will remain in the history of football.

Did Madrid finish the Barelona's cycle by winning the final of the "Copa del Rey"?
Football is always something cyclical. When I was at Real Madrid, we had a few years when we won all. And now it seems that is what is making the Barcelona. It is something that depends on the generations that come.

Guardiola's Barcelona is the best team in the world today?
I think Barcelona is playing the best football of the moment. It has a very definite philosophy and his players, who have some amazing skills, know how to play together and adapt the system. That is why it is so difficult to win them.

You know José Mourinho very well. What is your opinion about him?
It is a very successful coach. His teams do things well by the way that he makes them play so I think his presence will help to Real Madrid. Mourinho has achieved ​​a lot of wins playing a certain way so I think that he will keep winning.

Wolfgang Stark will referee Real Madrid vs Barcelona (UCL)

German referee Wolfgang Stark will be responsible for refereeing the first leg of the semifinals of the Champions League on Wednesday that will face Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

He was born November 20, 1969 in Landshut, Stark refereed this season the match Lyon vs Real Madrid (1-1) for the first leg of the last-16 knockout round. German referee did not note a clear penalty made by Gourcuff, which caused great anger in the Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourino, who did not hide his anger and attacked Stark at press conference after the game: "I am very angry, the referee must view the penalty. The action came five meters from the referee and the assistant. Four eyes were not able to see what everyone saw".

Wolfgang Stark. Lyon vs Real Madrid

Stark has refereed Real Madrid six times, with a record of three wins, one draw and two defeats. In matches of the group stage of the Champions League. Real Madrid beat Marseille, Rosenborg and Juventus and lost against Juventus and Lyon. The only draw came this season in the last-16 round duel against Lyon.

Last season, he directed the second leg of the last-16 knockout stage of the Champions League that Inter, then coached by Mourinho, won against Chelsea 0-1. The English team claimed two penalties, one especially clear by Walter Samuel on Drogba. The Ivory Coast striker was sent off after committing a foul on Motta. Chelsea also claimed a red card for Stankovic.

On the other hand, Guardiola not only commands his players to attack on the pitch. He has put on the breastplate, has taken the shield and sword and has begun to distribute hits with a single target: to put pressure on referees and Real Madrid.

When Guardiola uses irony is incisive. So when the press said the possibility that the referee Pedro Proença (Portugal) was commissioned to referee the match on Wednesday, his answer was blunt and direct: "Mourinho should be very happy". Pep only talked about his passion, football, now he changes the speech and talk about the referees.

Champions League (Quarterfinals, 2nd Leg): Mourinho

Jose Mourinho addressed the media after Real Madrid's 0-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in the Champios League Quarterfinals. He spoke about the team classification for semifinals but also about the matches against Barcelona in the coming days.

Jose Mourinho

"We are a young team without much experience. This project is still under construction, but I nevertheless think it's normal for us to reach the semifinals because it's part of Real Madrid history to do so".

"Each one of our games against Barcelona will be different. I don't think they should have an effect on each other. My theory is very basic: you play one and then start to prepare for the next. Tomorrow, I'll start to think about Saturday's Clasico, not about the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) Final".

Mourinho told reporters that he will have to "practice with 10 players" to deal with the Catalan side, referring to the expulsions that his teams have suffered when faced Barcelona. "I will test with 10 players and play with 10, because I always have sent off a player against them. It happened with Chelsea and Inter, and can happen again", said the Portuguese coach.

"You should ask journalists if we've achieved our goals, since they know about so many things and always generate opinions. I know how football is: you have nothing if you don't win. That's why it isn't enough to reach the Copa del Rey final or the Champions League semis. You need something else".

"I get suspended if I do something to clear my men from bookings. I didn't want to do so after our 4-0 victory at the Bernabeu. My greatest concern was having three defenders with a booking. I didn't even call up Albiol for the first leg, Pepe was the next to fall, and now it is Carvalho who will not play the first leg of the semifinal; but he will be in the return match. Some manage to clear players from their bookings and others don't".

"Only the President of Real Madrid can put a stop to Milan's endeavours to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. He is a tremendous player and I don't think anyone can afford to pay what he's worth, but only Florentino Perez has the final say in this".

Champions League (Quarterfinals, 2nd Leg)

TOTTENHAM 0 - REAL MADRID 1

Cristiano combed in old way, with a side parting, to perform at White Hart Lane. He came with a bright head, well-slicked and manufactured by the hairdresser for the occasion. The shine of his appearance helped the Tottenham fans to receive him as the wanted enemy to return. The tide of fans that packed the stands of the London field, charged the match preliminaries with passionate songs, hymns, invocations to heroism, and booing the Portuguese striker. The audience was the most emotional of a night without competitive tension on the grass. To reach his status as local villain, Cristiano stoned the tie five minutes after the restart. It was in his fourth shot from outside the area. The first to goal. Gomes came out to clear it with his fists, as afraid to try the blocking, and the ball, which has aspirited effect, ended up inside his net. The tie ended in that instant. But even then, at White Hart Lane was heared the local version of "When the saints go marching in".

Cristiano scored at White Hart Lane

Public seemed to ignore that in the first leg his team had received a 4-0. The will to have a good time, could it all. People pushed their players with feverish determination, but in exchange they returned very little hope. The Spurs never threatened the dominance of its rival. Real Madrid played the first minutes with a barricade, with the kind of stout disposition that characterizes white team, very orderly without the ball. As yesterday was enough to defend a strong position, Madrid had enough to be patient and do not neglect the duties of defense.


Mourinho introduced another innovative starting lineup, especially in the midfield, where he gives the impression that he experienced with the mind set in duels that lie ahead against Barcelona from next Saturday. In Bilbao Pepe was placed ahead of the central defense as "libero". Yesterday, Mou put Marcelo as left midfielder, ahead of Arbeloa, who closed the left side dfense. It was impossible not to think of an essay. Not to stop Lennon and Corluka, but to cut the road to Alves and Pedrito. Marcelo's presence in this area makes no offensive sense. When he can not play from behind, either to initiate or to disrupt the play, it is difficult to him contact with the ball.

If things were difficult for Tottenham, Real Madrid began taking the ball. It had the ball with more rhetoric than attacking intent. Madrid detained the ball in midfield until it reached Özil, who met once opportunity and miscarried it with a soft shot to the hands of Gomes. The English team responded with very little. Dawson melee with Adebayor and Cristiano, Bale challenged Ramos and Van der Vaart tried to guess the moves of Pavlyuchenko. Well placed, Carvalho and Albiol cleared the few attempts, filtered by their fellow members' pressure on the center line. In the only two occasions they did not come, Pavlyuchenko missed the shot. First, he was alone with Casillas and sent over the crossbar. Then Casillas stopped the ball.

Few teams in Europe defend better than Real Madrid. It is difficult to see its defenders in problems. During the first part, just had to clear some pass from Bale or Lennon. However Lennon invited Carvalho to commit an inexplicable mistake in a player of his experience. The Portuguese defender knocked the midfielder at the edge of the area, in an irrelevant movement. The referee showed him the yellow card and Carvalho will miss the first leg of the semifinals at the Bernabeu. It was the only counterproductive fact to Madrid that circulated in the quarter-final with more placid than in most of the days of the Spanish League.

Casillas put ​​three hands to deflect shots from Tottenham and the match languished without consolation for the dedicated British fans. The scoreboard set in stone, it was bad news for the local team. Madrid was not moved. Xabi and Cristiano, who went to the locker room discussing, showed the organizational mismatches when administering the ball to go on the attack. This situation was aggravated by the change in the lineup, but it was a detail that did not affect the course of the tie because Madrid did not need to go and get a result. After the break, Cristiano threw a poisoned shot and the quarter-final was over. Madrid passed to the semifinals for the first time in eight years.

Summary

Stadium: White Hart Lane
Attendance: 36,240
Goals: 0-1. Min. 50. Cristiano Ronaldo

Preview: Tottenham vs Real Madrid

An hour after landing at Stansted, Jose Mourinho appeared in front of reporters at White Hart Lane, the stadium where will return the usual starting lineup of Real Madrid on today match. Marcelo Carvalho, Alonso, Özil, Cristiano and Adebayor, on the bench on Saturday in Bilbao, will return to the starting team against Tottenham. This was confirmed by the Portuguese coach, who refused to talk about the "classic" in the league against Barcelona, but threw a new warning, this time by the issue of forced cards: "Others have permission to do things that we can not do", he said.

Sergio Ramos and Angel Di Maria accumulate two yellow cards and one more will prevent them from playing the first leg of semifinals. This threat does not affect the possible Mourinho's team: "I'm not changing players thinking they have two yellow cards", the Portuguese commented, conscious of the importance of the match. "The result is very good, but not definitive. It will be a huge match, so we must respect the Spurs and football. We come to play a serious game, because the work is not done", Mourinho said and believes thta "Five goals will not be enough for Tottenham, because we're going to score".

Xabi Alonso and Mourinho at press conference

For Real Madrid, the mission at a packed White Hart Lane, is access to the semifinals, eight years after that tie against Juventus. And if it is possible with a good result, much better: "We will be the only undefeated team because today we add seven wins and two draws", recalled the coach. "Also, next year we will be seeded".

Mourinho does not want his foot off the accelerator nor look beyond London: "I'm not thinking in the classic on Saturday. The most important so far, is the game against Tottenham. After this match we will think about the match against Barcelona in the League and then the Spanish Cup", he said.

Xabi Alonso demanded a maximum level of concentration: "People here are tight and we can take a scare. The important thing is to have balance between defense and attack" said the former player of Liverpool, who admitted he felt sorry for Crouch after his red card a week ago at the Bernabeu: "While I felt for him, I was happy for us, because it influenced in the match. In fact, it changed the game".

The English team has been dreaming of such intensity that in the last training, tested the penalty shots. "Of course I believe in miracles, otherwise I would have given permission to my players to go shopping", said Harry Redknapp about the remote possibility that hisTottenham can eliminate Real Madrid this evening at White Hart Lane.

It is expected more from Tottenham after its poor play at the Bernabeu. It is also expected more of Sandro (the new Dunga) Modric (the young Cruyf) or Bale (the futuristic left side). Lennon will play at last. By the way, only three teams have overcome a such unfavorable result in European competition: Leixoes, Partizan and .. Real Madrid.

Tottenham vs Real Madrid: A 22 million euros match

Real Madrid not only will play in London for the pass to semifinals of the Champions League. After sporting achievement is hidden a succulent money prize. If Madrid asserts the result of the Bernabeu and gets into semifinals (round that team could reach for the first time since 2003), will receive a prize of 4.2 million euros. Amount which must be added those obtained by whites since the tournament began on 15 September 2010, with a win at the Bernabeu against Ajax.

If Real Madrid overcomes the tie with Tottenham, would remain like the team that has won more money from the UEFA Champions League this year, thanks to its performance in the group stage. In it, white team earned, as the other 31 teams, 3.9 million euros fixed and a bonus of 550,000 euros per game played (in total, 3.3 million more). And Madrid added 4.4 million by results (five wins and a draw).

UEFA Champions League

By qualifying for the last-16 knockout stage, the prize was 3 million, which now must be added the 3.3 of the quarterfinals. If we add the 4.2 by playing the semifinals, Madrid would have won no less than 22.1 million euros. An amount that could still increases by 5.6 million, if Madrid reachs the final and loses, or 9, if team manages to lift the trophy in the final at Wembley on May 28.

To this amount must be added the 'market pool' or market share that each club receives in terms of the agreements reached with the television stations that broadcast the tournament in their countries. This fee, which will not be known until the conclusion of the tournament, tends to be higher in countries like Germany or England. For example, in 2009, Barcelona (tournament champion) joined by this concept about 8 million euros for the 18 of Manchester United (runners-up).

Last season, Inter won the title and led the money list with 48.7 million euros; 29 by sports scores and 19.6 of its 'market pool'. Bayern, runner-up, earned 44.8 million, with 19 from the TV. In any case, it is a second incentive that converts a good European campaign in a highly profitable investment.

Mourinho will dose the efforts against Tottenham

Mourinho will dose the efforts of his team against Tottenham. The reason is that he wants all players ready and fresh for the first two matches against Barcelona; in the League and the Spanish Cup final. On Wednesday is expected ​​a surprise "Made in Mourinho", like in San Mames.

Jose Mourinho

With 4-0 in the first leg, the Portuguese has his mind at Barcelona. The logical thing would be that Cristiano, who is apperceived of sanction, will be reserved for the semifinal round of the Champions League against Barcelona. Nor will play Pepe, who is suspended. Ramos, Carvalho, Albiol and Di Maria are also apperceived of sanction. Is expected to see the return of Benzema, but in the second half. He came back injured after playing with France and has spent ten days off. He did not travel to Bilbao as a precaution, but he will be against the Spurs.

Best of all is that Mourinho has prepared all his artillery to the 11 games that lie ahead (seven League games, three of Champions and the Spanish Cup final). And the white team could play the Champions League final.

What the Portuguese feared is that the injuries could decimate the template in the most important moment of the season. He saved that obstacle just when team plays for everything. Only Gago and Pedro Leon are still limping, but on the mend. The rest players are perfect. The best news for Real Madrid.