Fast and furious
HE football action has been fast and furious over the past week.
Barcelona proved that miracles only happen once after being knocked out by a resolute Juventus team. The Italian giants (affectionately referred to as the Old Lady) managed to keep Barcelona scoreless over two legs in the Champions League’s quarter finals.
After their incredible comeback against PSG in the previous round, the home fans were still hopeful despite trailing 3-0 after the first leg away in Italy but Juventus gave a defensive masterclass, comfortably holding out for a scoreless draw.
Simon, a friend and avid Barcelona supporter who attends regular matches at the Nou Camp, is of the view that their recent recruitment policy has been unproductive and their weaker midfield is not providing sufficient ammunition for their dangerous offensive line.
With Luis Enrique departing at the end of the season, the new manager will have a major rebuilding task. I hope that rebuilding does not start with Philippe Coutinho joining Barcelona from Liverpool!
Juventus will play surprise package Monaco in one semi- final while Spanish giants Real and Atletico Madrid clash in the other match. I’m hoping for a Juventus and Atletico Madrid final.
In the Europa League it was a bitter-sweet result for Manchester United. The Red Devils scored a narrow 3-2 aggregate win over Anderlecht but lost Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the rest of the season after he fell awkwardly and injured his knee. There are even concerns that this injury could end his playing career.
United have drawn Celta Vigo in the semis and will rely on young Marcus Rashford to steer them to a top 4 finish or win the Europa League to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
With league matches still against three of the other top six teams to come, the latter may be United’s best route to the Champions League. Zlatan’s injury may also provide Wayne Rooney with an ideal opportunity to resurrect his United career, if he can bang in the goals in the remaining matches.
THE FA Cup didn’t disappoint with Chelsea placing themselves in prime position to achieve a League and Cup double after defeating Spurs in a 4-2 thriller. Eden Hazard came on as a second half substitute to turn the game Chelsea’s way. In the second semi-final, Arsenal relieved the pressure on Arsene Wenger with a come from behind 2-1 victory against Manchester City. The pressure is now on Pep Guardiola, who will end trophy-less for the first time in his managerial career. A further defeat in Thursday’s Manchester Derby could prove disastrous for City.
With Chelsea and Spurs almost certain of the first two league positions, the weekend results have thrown the cat amongst the pigeons.
United’s victory plus Liverpool’s loss at home to Crystal Palace means the pendulum for the remaining two places has shifted. Christian Benteke came back to haunt his former employee with two goals.
United, who have spent the majority of the season in 5th/6th spot can move into 3rd place with a big win against City.
However, with Man City, United and Arsenal still to play each other, Liverpool could still creep into the top four. We can expect an exciting and nail biting end of season schedule as the four giants fight it out for the 3rd
and 4th places.
BARCELONA put their recent woes behind them to claim a deserving 3-2 victory against arch nemesis Real Madrid.
In one of the most enthralling El Clasicos of recent times, Lionel Messi scored a classic brace with the winner coming with the last kick of the match. Messi’s 500th goal for Barcelona took them level on points with Madrid who have a game in hand.
THE IPL is in full swing and whilst I am not a fan of the short format of the game, I watched highlights of Hashim Amla’s scintillating century.
I have heard contrary views about Amla’s suitability for 20/20 cricket but I believe that he is one of the cleverest players out there and he'll succeed in any format.