A Madrid-Milan that never delivered the standards that are expected from a Champions League match. For me a bittersweet match as I had to watch two of my beloved clubs cross each other’s path. One club delivered a victory that they so desperately needed while the other continued their shameful walk through Europe. Here’s how I saw it as a Madridista with a soft spot for Milan.

The Front Page of La Gazzetta Dello Sport:

"What A Milan!: Pirlo and a Fantastic Pato Make Kaka's Madrid Cry"

Finally Milan remembered what it was like to play like the champions that they are. Finally Milan broke through and put the rossoneri name up high for all of Europe to remember that class never dies. Finally Milan demonstrated their Champions’s DNA, putting aside the horrible images of the game against Zurich. Paolo Maldini, Kaka, and Ancelotti may have left the team but the spirit of a great club still remained and Madrid were just the team to awaken those spirits.

By far Madrid were the superior team pushing Milan into the back of the ropes creating several so-so occasions. If it weren’t for the ghastly mistake by Dida (now dubbed the ‘Didastro’) and the always sharp eye of Raul (more on him later), the first half would have closed with an insipid 0-0. However, the second half would awaken the Champions League beast inside of Milan which transformed the team from a dog in heat into a rebellious ‘old’  but wise wolf. The Spanish media criticized the age of this team but those who underappreciated their elders will have to eat their words later. Milan with more attitude than football managed to stun the neo galacticos with three goals. Thanks to the mistakes given by the wobbly defense of the merengues Milan soared through the Bernabue snatching three very valuable points.

However, beyond the horrors of the Madrid defense it has to be recognized that it is the virtue of players like Pirlo, Seedorf, and a superb Pato who made this Milan look like the ‘Champions Milan’ all the rossoneri desired. In particular I want to focus on the stellar performance given by the ‘Mighty Duck’, who became the youngest player to score in the Champions league. Only 20 and the player who all the rossoneri have their hopes placed on. The start of the season has not been the best for the young Brazilian but in just two games(Roma and Madrid) he has already scored three. He is the fresh of breath air to this Milan who need of his youth and skill to keep this team alive. Like I said he is only 20, but because of the situation Milan currently find themselves he has had to mature quicker than normal. If only the club would wrap him around players who could help exploit the qualities of a crack like Pato. Hold on to him and protect him, Milan!

The front page of Diario AS:

 

"Raul, Yell At Them More!"

Juventus goalkeeper Buffon was reported saying earlier today that Madrid every year give Italians something to smile about. Not only that but for the past five seasons Madrid not only make Italians smile but also the sound of chuckles come from all over Europe when this team fails. Everyone wants to watch the big club fail and especially this season with the major investment made to bring the neo galacticos.  Like mentioned this Madrid did dominate for the majority of the match but lacked the depth to do much damage to one of the weakest Milan’s of the past ten years. Neither Kaka, Xabi, or Benzema could pull through as is demanded from the new neo- galacticos. Would things have  been different with Ronaldo? Of course, Madrid had relied on his speed and goals but even then it still does not hide the fact  that this Madrid’s football is going nowhere. I am a strong believer that Pellegrini should be given enough time to construct this team but as it is well-known los merengues have never been known to have patience, and if things do not begin to click then Pellegrini will be in deep trouble. My biggest problem with el Mister is the horrifying defending Madrid have been suffering from. That last line is absolutely appalling that it is contagious, for even Casillas caught the fever of shockingly bad performances. It’s these defensive errors that should have been smoothed over by at least the fourth week of the season.

On a final note, those who talk negatively of the White captain Raul have to duck their heads in shame. They say he walks rather than runs or that he is the plague eating up Madrid, but one good look at yesterday’s performance it is easy to say that he was the only one ready to face this Milan squad. Once again with his goal, his passes, his leadership, and his presence, he becomes the shining light of a team who is in the dark. Benzema take note of the captain that plays next to you for you can learn a million wonders from this man. A tip of  my hat to the eternal captain… keep showing them how wrong they are!

via MARCA.com

It is one of those lovely European nights where the smell of pure football floats around the air. Tomorrow two kings of Europe meet: Milan with 7 European cups and Madrid with 9. Some of the worlds greatest have worn their club’s jerseys and around the world people have been fascinated by their style, culture, and history. They both meet experiencing different moments and form in their respective league. Real Madrid are second behind Barcelona, having lost only one game against Sevilla. They currently are the most offensive team in the league but do not let this fool you because there is still heavy criticism on the current style of play. Easily dominated by lesser opponents and terrible defending have led there to be certain doubt over Pellegrini’s tactics. In the Champions, they are undefeated but again the issue of thier football comes into play.

On the other hand, Milan currently lie in 8th place and are looking at the Champions league as the place to reinvindicate themselves. Their league form is to cry for as they have managed more embarrasing defeats and ties than victories. If Madrid’s defending is terrible then Milan’s is just laughable. If not look at the job done in the first half against Roma. If it weren’t for the majestic Nesta then who knows what would be made of this Milan. Their attack is composed of quality players like Pato, Huntelaar, Dinho, and Inzaghi, but so far in the league they barely have managed to score. If Pato and Dinho can find a way to click from the get go then Madrid will certainly have problems. In the Champions League, their home defeat against Zurich is enough to say how sorry this current Milan really is.

However, there are times where current form does not matter. Europe has been in recent years a blessing for Milan and a nightmare for Madrid. Will the roles be switched this Wednesday? Whatever happens it promises to be one very special European night.

Preview Highlights:

Ronaldino lived one of his most glorious moments of his career in the very grounds of Bernabeu. He demolished Madrid with his runs and his goals delighting the cules and leaving the Madridista’s on their knees. He became one of the few Barcelona players to be given a standing ovation by the Madrid crowd. At this very moment it is a very different Dinho who continues to struggle to find that magic that made him one of the best players in the world. Can he rediscover his football tommorrow night? The rossoneri sure hope so.

Seedorf returns to the Bernabeu where he spent four glorious years until his eventual move to Inter, making 121 appearances and scoring 15 goals.. With the white outfit he won a Champions League and a league title. He became a crowd favorite and in my opinion left the white house too soon. With Milan he has continued to deliver at the highest level and is still an essential player in the squad. He returns and the madridista’s are ready to greet with much love the phenomenal Seedorf

 

Kaka will face his former club and his performance against them will be looked at under a microscope. He spent six years with the diavolo and his exit from the club was not to the liking of the fans. No one ever thought that the day would come when Kaka would wear another club jersey that wasn’t the red and black but here we are ready to see him play his former club. Certainly emotions will be running high but Kaka has said that he will try to score as many goals as possible against Milan. Still he promises not to celebrate those goals. Kaka can be the key player in bringing down his dearly loved club as he knows their flaws and virtues. Kaka will have his biggest moment to date with the white shirt against the club that gave him everything and vice versa. Pellegrini has stated that he sees a special glimmer in the Brazilian’s eyes and certainly those words should worry the Milanista.

 

The super battle between Madrid and Milan is not only showdown of European egos and overflowing trophy cabinets, but it will also bring face to face two heavyweight strikers who are fighting for the top spot of all time European scorer. This will be the first time that Super Pippo Inzaghi will encounter his main competitor the White Angel of Madrid Raul Gonzales Blanco. Two of my all time favorite striker will meet and hopefully both will find the back of the net. Pippo has 68 goals in all European competitions with Raul trailing him by three. It is great occasion for these two strikers to make their legend grander and what better place than the Santiago Bernabeu.

 Iker Casillas will play his 100^th match in Europe and really no better rival to play your centenary game. That night in Paris we first caught glimpses of the young Casillas coming in for the injured Cesar, there he proved that he was made for these grand occasions. There the image of the boy who would soon be known as San Iker started writing history and hasn’t stopped since.

Past Epic Matches:

Milan’s 5-0 thrashing of Madrid is one to remember. La Quinta del Buitre were humiliated at the hands of a thrilling Milan with the likes of Ancelotti, Rijkaard, Gullit, Van Basten, Donadoni each scoring a goal.

Then there is Milan’s centenary match where Madrid delivered the favor and clocked in 5 past the rossoneri. The final result was 1-5 where Guti displayed one of his best nights ever with two goals at the San Siro.

 

Need more info in this heavyweight battle? Of course you do. Marca and Gazzetta dello Sport have teamed up to bring you the best coverage available on this battle of the titans. Marca includes wonderful pics and interviews while Gazzetta also has interesting commentary and videos

Yes I myself cannot believe it. Barca reach another milestone: their 100th defeat in Europe. They sure do break records right and left.

Athletic Bilbao presented their model plans for the new San Mames, which promises to be the new marvel of their city. Construction is set to begin in 2010 and finished in 2015, and the total cost of the new stadium is estimated at around 160 million euros.

It is quite sad to hear that the Cathedral will be demolished in order to bring in a spankin new modern stadium. The Cathedral is such a beautiful stadium with so much history and mystique behind it that the idea of destroying it seems sacrilege. There are certain things that just cannot be replaced.

If you score a fantastic goal why not celebrate it? Matthew Russell, from the modest Castleton Gabriels sure did. His club the modest Castleton Gabriels were losing 3-0 against FC United when he scored a superb goal, and could not help but get the urge to go onto the empty stands and applaud his own masterpiece. A bit egotistical? Nah… if a goal looks like that I probably would have done the same.