Liverpool Left Real 4 Dead

Liverpool (Eng) 4 (Torres 16; Gerrard 28 pen, 47; Dossena 89);
Real Madrd (Esp) 0

The stage was set when Liverpool apparently ‘robbed’ Real Madrid of their divine right to win games at the Santiago Bernabeu a week ago. Rallying cries were heard ringing in the press. Marca even had the audacity to print out the headlines ‘This Is Anfield, So What?’


But the pure arrogance makes it even sweeter for many as they saw how Liverpool totally dismantled and tore Real Madrid apart. There’s no greater football spectacle than to watch a team full of egoistic and puffed-up players fall with eggs on their faces.

For Fernando Torres, it matters to him more than just a usual Champions League game. ‘Special European Night’ aside for the Liverpool hitman, his history with the Los Blancos links to his former club, his pride, dignity and even his family are involved.

So, for him to score the opening goal was the perfect dose of ‘take that, you lot’. The goal was conjured from a typical route one ball played by Carragher and it gave Pepe and Cannavaro enough problems.

Despite protests of him using his arms on Portugese defender, Pepe, Liverpool’s beloved number 9 started off the rout and made sure that he saw it through. He ran his heart out despite being on painkillers and never will people forget him tracking back 30 yards to tackle Lassanna Diarra near the halfway line.

Liverpool played as if they were the one that are at the wrong end of the 1-0 deficit. They started off in 6th gear from the first minute and gave Real Madrid the ‘time of their lives’. They blitzed Iker Casillas’ goal with no mercy and the goalkeeper should be the only player in white that could’ve left Anfield with head held up high.

If not for the Spanish stopper, it could’ve been much worse.

But he was helpless to stop the marauding Reds, who showed passion, hunger and class throughout. Something rare from a team that just came off a horrific 2-0 defeat in the hands of… Middlesbrough…

For that, Rafa Benitez is often criticized for not transferring his magical touch in Europe into the continental competition. He’s often acclaimed as a genius one day and then an absolute clueless manager the next.

But for that, he didn’t care much. He thought he deserve more credit and for this game, he had a point to prove.

With plans to unsettle Real from the first minute, the visitors were probably shaken even before the game with the Anfield faithful in their usual buoyant self, lashing out chorus after chorus of their hopeful hymn.

If that wasn’t intimidating enough, to see Javier Mascherano on fire would be. The Argentinian midfielder put in tackles after tackles, interceptions after interceptions. His performance was immense. Imperious even. Partnering Xabi Alonso in the centre of midfield, both held firm and gave Steven Gerrard the license to roam and kill.

Liverpool’s second was definitely controversial. Penalty was given when the ball hits Gabriel Heinze on his shoulder. Referee biasness might be the cause but it seemed like everything the Argentinian defender does, it’s a foul and therefore you can’t really blame him.

Steven Gerrard up against the best goalkeeper in the world and he tucked the ball into the net with no frills. One his 100th European game, he looked like he’s an echelon above every else even at this stage. It is how much difference a fired-up player could make.


Juande Ramos must’ve been relieved to hear the half time whistle as his team withdrawn back into their bunkers to devise on a new plan. He must be wondering how if he’s coaching the 9 time European Champions or Tottenham Hotspur in disguise.

And any thought of a comeback where quenched immediately by yet another spectacular Steven Gerrard goal.

Ryan Babel, unpredictable and even irritating at times, was able to deliver a fantastic left foot cross for Stevie G to volley the ball past the hapless Casillas. Surely that must be game over for Juande’s men.

With the strikers devoid of any support and the midfielders totally closed down, Real had to choice but to revert to a suicidal 3-4-3 formation. They had to sacrifice Italian captain, Fabio Cannavaro and to be frank, if he had a choice he would’ve voluntarily walk off anyway.

On came Rafael van der Vaart, whom on 15 Feb ’09 was quoted saying that Liverpool fears Real. Oh yea, definitely.

Liverpool just had to put the game to bed in the most humorous or humiliating way, whichever way you see it. A fourth goal was to be scored and it’s by the much-maligned Andrea Dossena. The Italian defender was able to connect well with Mascherano’s cross and it slipped through under the arms of Casillas.

On another note, Jay Spearing made his European debut. It must’ve been quite an experience playing alongside his childhood heroes and at the same time, rampaging and ravaging the remnants of Real Madrid left on the field. The confused and clueless looks on the faces of Raul and Sneijder should’ve been a good encouragement for him that he was part of a team that made an impact in the European stage.

And for Rafa Benitez, it was a point to prove and proved it he did. Even though his reputation is still at stake with the Man Utd game coming up, the fear that his team strike in the heart of European’s great teams are apparent.

Inter, Barcelona, Juventus and now, Real, have a taste of what it is to be on the end of Liverpool’s sword. Not that nice to be honest and Real just had to have it the toughest way.

Have it, for in Europe, we fear no one.

Preview: Liverpool vs Real Madrid

By Gareth Freeman

I managed to catch the Madrid derby this weekend and it was a brilliant game for the spectator. A whole host of glorious chances were spurned in the 1-1 draw between the two Spanish side, the good news for Liverpool is the majority fell to Atletico. The Argentine Sergio Aguerro missed at least two one-on-one opportunities and Real’s best player was arguably their keeper Iker Casillas.

Having said that a few warning signs have come from the Bernabeu. Real’s stalwart Raul said "We have a clear idea of what we have to do - score twice," and he is always a danger going forward. Raul may not be quite as effective as he was a few years ago but he is still a top forward and capable of scoring in big games. Without Ruud Van Nistlerooy they have relied on him a lot more and the 31-year-old has notched up 14 goals already this season.

Fabio Cannavaro said he believes if Real take their time a goal ‘will surely come’. I’m not so sure myself as the Liverpool defence held out well last time and Benitez will have a plan to stop the Real attack. Huntelaar scored for Real at the weekend and looked a danger, they left him out of the squad though – something they may live to regret. Higuain looked fairly lively against Atletico and Rafael Van der Vart is another player to watch out for but the Liverpool defence has been fairly solid of late and I think they’ll be able to cope.

It would upset the sports betting odds if Real were to triumph given Liverpool’s advantage, all be it a slender one. The away goal was crucial as now Madrid will have to go out and attack from the off, leaving Liverpool the opportunity to counter.

Fernando Torres is still a doubt for the tie but if he is fit his pace will be vital. Benayoun is another doubt, which is a major blow. Yossi has been one of the Reds’ better players since the turn of the year and he was probably the best player in the first leg as well.

I think Bentitez could be the key to this tie, he outsmarted Juande Ramos last time I wouldn’t go betting against him doing it again. I expect the game to be a nervy affair, with the Champions League the best opportunity for both teams of picking up any silverware this season. With a goal advantage and the added bonus of being at home I can’t see Liverpool slipping up in this one.

Rafa Conjures Up Another Major European Upset

UEFA Champions League
1st Knockout Round 1st Leg

Real Madrid 0
Liverpool 1 (Benayoun 82)

13 European Cups between the two sides but for the past 2 decades, the two teams were rarely on the same football wavelength. One was even hailed as the ‘Galacticos’, as if a team representing Earth if ever celestial beings were interested in a game of football.

The other, meanwhile, trudged through the 1990s through mire of uncertainties and then early 2000 with much false hopes.

But the rise of a genius from the Iberian peninsular has brought back some glory days to the fields of Anfield Road. The phoenix has risen from the ashes or should we say, the Liverbird.

He has made Liverpool into a fearsome and organised side in Europe and a side to avoid during the draws. Critics would of course points out his shortcomings with Liverpool’s continual failure to bring back the 19th title back to Anfield but in Europe, this man’s tactical ingenuity is respectable.

He has placed Liverpool back in the upper echelon of European football, which many fans thought it was a God-given right. They failed to see how much hard work this man put in.

Sack him, they say. Like how the Jews echoed ‘Crucify Him!’ This is a genius either you love or you hate. Even the press wasn’t kind to him. Rumours were rampant throughout the week, with the build-up to this match not about whether Steven Gerrard would start or the face-off of the Prince of Madrid and El Nino, the Kid.

It surrounded his uncertain future at Liverpool, the contract that was left on his table untouched, his apparent quirks and the conflict with the Yank owners.

But we know Liverpool has a survival instinct not many teams possessed. They usually come up with their best when they’re besieged and beleaguered. Craig Bellamy and his golf club took centre stage in the press 2 years ago just prior to a colossus encounter with Barcelona.

Fast forward and we saw the similarities. And it was during these times where we saw the team unify and solidify their resolve.

In the glittering lights of the Santiago Bernabeu, they dug in against an overwhelming force. ‘No chance’, many says. 10 goals from their last 2 league games and unbeaten in 9. Surely Liverpool would be steamrolled over?

But the Reds trenched in, nullified the so called superstars and made them look ordinary. The press would say the Galacticos had an off-day but how often is it that big teams have theirs and it’s usually when they’re against Liverpool?

The art of nullifying and suffocating is hard to grasp, especially from the point of view of a football fan watching for entertainment. But it is at a canter for Rafa Benitez and his men.

Real Madrid spoke of the 3 goals that would come and of course Liverpool being fearful. But I guess that was exactly what the Reds would want to hear. The disdainful arrogance was all they need to inspire themselves.

The visitors were set up perfectly, albeit the injury of their skipper forcing him to start on the bench, they were like a flawless machine.

With the in-form Raul and Gonzalo Higuain leading the line, they must’ve been a handful. But how Liverpool gave them hardly a sniff is quite a feat. None of them were found anywhere near the penalty box.

Pepe Reina, whose allegiance is to the other side of Madrid, was a virtual spectator with only Arjen Robben causing any sort of concern. Other than that, Liverpool looked comfortable and were hardly threatened.

On the other hand, Liverpool were not adventurous understandably. The first 20 to 30 minutes, they bid their time to settle down in front of a intimidating crowd before giving Real Madrid something of a concern.

Fernando Torres tested Iker Cassilas with a stinging shot. His effort was a culminated by some poor defending; something Real never had a reputation of. Then he was once again tested by Xabi Alonso from the halfway line; something the Spanish midfielder has a reputation for.

With chances few and far between, Real were thoroughly frustrated and worse still, impatient. Studying their body language, Rafa must have been smiling on the inside. Because we all know teams who are impatient and frustrated usually gives away something.

With Fernando Torres withdrawn due to injury, it seemed more unlikely for them to grab an all-important away goal. Yet it is times like these, as I’ve mentioned, that they rise above their circumstances and make things happen.

An unnecessary foul by a supposed Liverpool-bound Gabriel Heinze gave Fabio Aurelio a chance to show what he does best. The Brazilian full-back impressed on the night with solid defensive work, stopping Robben while also provided an attacking outlet with controlled runs.

It was a peach of a free kick and just as the camera pans to show us the emotion on his face, it was full of belief and conviction.

Seconds later, with everything moving in slow motion, Yossi Benayoun rose the highest to head home from 10 yards out. Casillas had no chance of stopping it. The Israeli captain was left unmarked in a crowded penalty area and he made them pay.

Without Gerrard and Torres, Liverpool found their saviour from the land of Zion. Though not necessary a religious figure, he gave the visitors something to cheer for and obviously, a strong belief that they’ll make it into their 3rd quarter finals in 4 seasons.

And it was all too late for Real to conjure up any sort of comebacks. They were suffocated and by the time the Reds took the lead, they had no more fight in them. Juande Ramos had options on the bench but it’s just not worth the hassle.

A classic Liverpool performance in Europe and yet another goliath of European football fell under Benitez. Even though it is only half time and there’s still a second leg to play for, it is indeed a result that Liverpool fans should be thankful for.

It was supposed to be a result that sends shockwave across the board yet Liverpool does it ever so often that one have to wonder how did they always have to live up to just a mere underdog.

Though they prosper under such title, perhaps it’s time people take notice of what the Reds are about. If they could transpire this form over 38 games in the Premiership, maybe Sir Alex would have something to worry.

CL Preview: Liverpool vs Real Madrid

By: Gareth Freeman

From a Liverpool point of view the draw for the first knock out stage of the Champions League could have been a lot kinder on Rafael Benitez but from a football point of view this is a mouth-watering contest.

I’m inclined to agree with Pepe Reina, who earlier this week said Liverpool were well matched with Real and there was little to chose between the two sides. I’m going to run through the Spanish giants’ strengths and weakness and see if I can offer any betting tips along the way.

Real may have lost a lot of ground to Barcelona in the league this season but they are still a decent side and are the form side in Spain. They’ve won their last nine league games in a row, including a 6-1 drubbing of Real Betis in their last match. Rafa’s boys will have to be at the top of their game to take Juande Ramos’ side down.

The good thing for the Reds is that in cup competitions league form counts for very little. Benitez is also a master tactician and I’m sure his game plan will be spot on by the time these two meet at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night. Steven Gerrard has also passed a fitness test to face Real and this is just the kind of boost Liverpool need going into a tie like this.

The Madrid midfield is where the real danger men are in the Spanish side. The Dutch duo of Sneijder and Van der Vart are exceptional players going forward and Sneijder in particular is deadly from set-pieces. I’m sure everyone will remember Arjen Robben from his Chelsea days and if anything his game has improved since he moved to Spain, expect him to cause a lot of problems.

For me Real’s right-back Sergio Ramos is a very dangerous attacking threat. However, his defending can be questionable at times and that should allow Albert Riera space down the left-wing to cause Real problems. Real also opted to include Lassana Diarra in their Champions League squad over striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar, which could be a bonus as the Liverpool lads will know more about the former Pompey midfielder than the Dutch striker.

Ruud Van Nistlerooy will play no further part this season and that should come as some relief to the Liverpool defence. However, they do have Raul and Gonzalo Higuain who are more than capable of scoring goals and it will be a difficult task for Carragher and co to keep the Madrid attack quiet.

Personally, I think a draw is on the cards in this match. Rafa’s priority will be to defend and perhaps nick an away goal so I think he’ll line up the Liverpool defence as tight as possible so they can take advantage of home advantage in the second leg. If you’re thinking of having an online football bet on any of the other games on Wednesday night I think Bayern Munich should be too strong for Sporting Lisbon, even if it is in Portugal, and there should be fairly decent odds on that as well.

The Reason Why....

You shouldn't celebrate after a goal. Yes, I mean er, the defenders.

The All-Spanish Update

Will History Repeats Itself After Real Sack Capello?

Shock and horror. Real Madrid decides to get rid of the title winning Italian coach, Fabio Capello, despite the prestigious club winning the coveted Spanish La Liga title for the first time in 4 years.

For a club with it's stature and history, being barren for 4 whole years is not a good reading, especially being pipped by Catalan rivals, Barcelona, for the last 2 years.

I might not watch the La Liga matches as religiously as I watch Liverpool but I do read about them on various websites and watches the highlight show on TV. 4 weeks before Real Madrid were actually crowned the champion, I already knew they were going to win it.

Written in the stars? Last gasp winners? Perhaps even because it was Beckham's swan-song? But to some extent, it was Capello who breathe new breath into the once glorious club, stabilised the rocking ship and ultimately getting to the holy grail.

Not exactly shocking but more baffled by the decision of the Real Madrid president, Ramon Calderon, to sack the manager after only one season at the club.

You have to ask whether have they learned anything from the past decade. Underachieving, massive ego problems, player power and cliques within the 'Galaticos'. Just when it all finally seemed to settle down, Mr. Calderon decides to drop a bombshell that will rock the ship again.

Seeing the news actually brought back comparison with their former manager, Vicente Del Bosque, who was sacked back in the 2002/03 season despite winning the league and reaching the semi finals of the Champions League.

From then on, Real Madrid's road to glory went pear shaped and like a ship tossed to and fro in the stormy seas, they struggled to steady it. Changing 5 managers in 4 years tells a story about the stability of the club, that they never manage to settle down with someone.

Different coaches brought in different styles of play and the way each manager works are totally different from the rest. Therefore I believe it is important to stick with the same guy for the job for as long as possible. Winning the league for them is a good enough job, so why the sacking?

Unless they have someone better in place?

Arsenal fans, I can hear your heart rate going up. Because Arsene Wenger is one of the managers in line for the job but I myself don't feel good at all, with Rafa Benitez constantly linked with a move to the Spanish capital.

Bernd Schuster, the German manager of the high-flying Getafe, is also heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernebéu.

Whether this decision proves to be a success or not is still to be seen. Capello's handling of the Beckham affair makes him look rather silly while his authoritarian style might be going against the principle of Real Madrid and it's superstars.

What's next for Real Madrid? It's going to be worrying for them because the image that they portray to the public is that they are constantly looking to chop and change things and the pressure of the job is going to be so great that it might scare some potential managers off.

To me, a bad move. Whoever they'll appoint for next season, they're going to have a tough time readjusting to the new style brought in and new life under the coach.

With Barcelona already signaling the intent to up the ante with the signing of Thierry Henry and perhaps, Eric Abidal & Cristian Chivu, Real Madrid needs to build a consistent team with a leader that will be there throughout, not for a short period of time.


Liverpool Sign Mikel San Jose & Nikolay Mikhailov

Another 2 youngsters into the academy squad. Not much known about them but I take it as an intent from Rafa Benitez that he is here to stay for as long as possible, to oversee the development of these young gems.

San Jose is a youngster from Athletico Bilbao and plays in defence as well as in the anchor role. Seems like we're having absolutely no trouble in that position, eh? Keeping a collection of defensive midfielders is always good I guess...

Mikhailov is from Levski Sofia and is a Bulgarian goalkeeper, son of the head of Bulgarian FA. A talented goalkeeper in training, his attitude seemed to be the problem many people have highlighted.

He has got Champions League and international football experience under his belt despite only celebrating his 19th birthday today.

Performance wise, he has certainly not set the world alight with some careless mistakes like the one where he failed to control a backpass and the ball ending up in the back of his own net. Other notorious incidents including conceding 5 goals against the Scots *cough cough*.

Whatever it is, we shall welcome these kids with open arms and hopefully, they'll turn out to be something we expect them to be.

Valdano Bitchslaps Iberian Duo

I know I'm seldom a whiny person that goes around complaining what people say but it's just going worst. It's getting on my nerves.

Maybe jealous, maybe a little sour grapes. But Real Madrid legend, has came out blasting Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez for their team's extremely boring game at Anfield last week.

But I personally thought it was uncalled for and the man clearly doesn't understand that football is no longer what he think it is now.

Yes, we all could tell that it wasn't the best game on TV all season long and when Chelsea drew Liverpool, everyone probably went 'oh no not again'. It was a game of two extremely organised and disciplined side, going head to head and it was about finding the right opportunity, pouncing on opposition's mistake and punish them.

But how insulting it is to go on and say the Anfield crowd will probably cheer even if a stick with a sh*t hanging out of it? He probably needs to come down to Anfield to actually experience it himself or he's just outside looking in.

Does he not know what is the passion of football all about? Does he think that football is all about skills, flicks and tricks? Absolutely not.

Because we know in this age, money has flooded into the game and the financial implication of a loss in cup games is a huge undertaking for clubs, especially at the top level. Losing is probably never an option so teams set out to try and not lose games. It's understandable.

In Europe, you can risk and play football the 'beautiful' way and get punished. How many teams can tell you that? Ultimately, people remembers the winners, not the losers. Barcelona plays better football than Liverpool to be honest, but it's the result that matter at the end of it.
And this is of course, out of the mouth of a sporting director of Real Madrid, of all places. They've tried to build the 'galaticos' and play beautiful football but how the mighty have fallen. When was the last time they won the league 'beautifully' with all the money spent?

I'm no preacher of the negative direct football of both Jose and Rafa but I don't think anyone has the right to criticise a certain style. Formations and tactics move on with times and we no longer see the 3-4 forwards, which was commonly used back in the 60s.

We've got to understand that football tactics have evolved and with so much at stake, it's understandable as to why certain managers are more careful with their formations. As cliche as it sounds, a team usually is a the direct representation of their manager. So why is it wrong?

And the last part of it was the worst when it became a personal attack on both Jose and Rafa. He mentioned as to how both of them failed to make it big in football, as if ridiculing them for not being able to make it as footballer while he himself is a World Cup winner.

Thing is, winning you the World Cup doesn't give you the right to have a right pop at people with their style.

Probably yes, their failure previously made them who they are. But I do not think he is in any position to criticise how people should and should not deal with their team. I do not love Jose and I do not really want to defend a t**t but there's always a bigger one out there.

Yes, it's hard to watch. But welcome to 2007, where every win matters and every lost is probably something more. And I for one, can't stand what he said about our fans. We have the right to sing and be passionate about so why take it away from us?

Saying that is questioning the intelligence of the fans. We do not need some obnoxious, ignorant, self righteous and high on pedestal person to preach to us how to play football.

I hope that keeps his mouth shut, World Cup winner. But hey, even Kleberson is one!

Montse > Rafa

Well, if you're not aware, Montse is Rafa's wife and today, Benitez finally admitted about rejecting Real Madrid's approach publicly and one of the reasons why he turned it down is because of his wife!

He fully commits his future to the club and reiterated his desire to stay at Liverpool for as long as he could because of an exciting future prospect.

"Madrid may be my town, but I am happy here and pleased with everything. We want to stay because of the new ideas and the new owners are very exciting.

"It is so positive for the future. And I could not ignore the noise and support I received from the supporters last week against Eindhoven, it was tremendous and moving. I repeat, I am very happy here.

Rafa also highlighted that there is now, a new mission for him after Liverpool's takeover by George Gillett and Tom Hicks. The two men are obviously pleased with his management and will do whatever they can to keep Rafa.

Rafa though, highlighted a major problem in his life at Liverpool, which is of course the scouse accent.

"I do not like to talk about my family, but they are really happy here at Liverpool and I am prepared to have my daughter with a Scouse accent, even though it is sometimes a problem for me!

And if Rafa really wants to move to Madrid, he'll better be buying a lot of watches for Montse!

"I Swear, He's The Next Zidane"

Well, because he IS the next Zidane! He's Zizou's son, Enzo Zidane and he plays for the Real Madrid youth team. Look at those tricks and that crying Barcelona boy at the end. Brilliant future, eh?

Hopefully, Materazzi's son doesn't meet him..

Spanish Commentators Are The Best

Just listen to them go crazy during the recent 'El Classico'. If only we have this every week for the Premiership




GOALLLLLLLL GOAL GOAL GOAL GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

The Old Ajax....

Watch them play:



Look at the speed at which the players spread the ball to the flanks and then attack from there. It's watching Arsenal's build up and ManYoo's clinical finishing. Great to watch.