Champions League Match Round-Up: Olympique Lyonnais vs. Real Madrid

Los Merengues, Real Madrid, were looking forward to this match-up against Les Gones (The Kids), Olympique Lyon, in this intense round of 16 match. The star-studded Real Madrid, with a line-up consisting of fierce attacking power with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Gonzalo Higuain leading the pack, were much anticipated to be winners this evening. Unfortunately, the underdogs in this match came through, with the French side keeping their 100% home record at the Stade de Gerland in this 1-0 win.

The game was pretty even overall, both sides making an impression on each other and wonderful saves by Lyon keeper, Hugo Lloris, who won man of the match honors, keeping the momentum up for the home side. The key moment in this match came in the second half when midfielder, Jean Makoun provided a sensational effort that was a screamer as it made its way past Madrid keeper, Iker Casillas. The only goal of the game was scored at the beginning of the second half where Lyon caught the Galacticos sleeping.

Real Madrid brought on former Lyon hitman, Karim Benzema, to make a difference, but the young Frenchman couldn't provide the extra edge against his former teammates to bring the spark that Madrid needed. The only key chance in the second half for Real Madrid came from Cristiano Ronaldo, who had an audacious shot saved by Lloris, keeping Lyon in the match throughout. This was a great result for the French side, who now need to go to the Bernabeu in Madrid hoping for a win or tie and nothing short of a 1-0 loss to keep their hopes alive. As for Real, they must win at home, and they will do everything capable of winning as this year's Champions League final will be hosted in their home stadium and they want to make it more than anyone else at this stage in the competition!
The next leg in this encounter will be a very exciting one!

Champions League Match Round-Up: A.C. Milan vs. Manchester United

A much anticipated game was played this evening between two of soccer's most powerful teams in Europe, Italian giants, A.C. Milan, versus, the glorious Manchester United from England. The rivalry between these two teams is exciting as each game is filled with intensity, passion, and grit, with both teams vying for the desperate win ahead of the next leg which will be held at Old Trafford, United's home ground.

The San Siro in Milan was beaming with pride and anxiety as fans witnessed to see which team would prevail in the first encounter. This was also a special game for David Beckham, who was keen on showing flashes of his former glory he demonstrated during his prolific time spent at the club that made him, Manchester United.
The Rossoneri (Milan) took advantage of that in the first three minutes of play when Ronaldinho converted a powerful volley which deflected of United's, Michael Carrick, into the back of the net. Pictured is Ronaldinho celebrating his goal with his trademark Brazilian "samba" dance.
The dream start for the Rossoneri soon came to an end when midfielder, Paul Scholes luckily pulled a goal back for the Red Devils at the 36th minute mark. The first half ended one-a-piece with the Rossoneri playing the better of the two teams on the park. They should have been up four goals with the chances they had!

The second half deemed to be the end of the night for Milan though. Pushing for the go-ahead goal, the Rossoneri were too unlucky with a well hit free kick by Andrea Pirlo being parried away by the United keeper, and Brazilian striker, Alexandre Pato missing some quality chances. Wayne Rooney brought United back to life on a wonderfully lobbed header over Milan keeper, Dida, off a beautiful cross by winger, Antonio Valencia, on the counter-attack. In attempt of gaining the equaliser, Milan once again found themselves on their heels when Darren Fletcher delicately threaded a cross to the unstoppable Wayne Rooney, who once again powered a header past Dida to put the Red Devils up 3-1 away from home. Milan pressed United throughout the remainder of the match, and with a few changes in introducing midfielder, Clarence Seedorf, and striker, Pippo Inzaghi, Milan was brought to life. Seedorf pulled a goal back for Milan with a cheeky back-heel effort late into the match (86') and Inzaghi almost put the icing on the cake in the final minutes to tie the game, but his effort missed the net by an inch!
The game finished 3-2 in United's favor and the away goals will be precious for them heading home for the second-leg to be held in Manchester. Milan must sort some tactics out to prevail in this match-up as it will be very difficult to pull through with three goals at Old Trafford.

Scandalous John Terry Has Jumped Off The BRIDGE!

John Terry (6), pictured with former best-friend and teammate, Wayne Bridge, is paying the price for a scandalous four-month affair he had with Bridge's former girlfriend, French model and actress, Vanessa Perroncel (pictured below).



A married man and father of two, Terry has consequently made one of the stupidest and biggest mistakes of his life, as this has cost him in being stripped of England national team captaincy by manager, Fabio Capello, ahead of the World Cup in South Africa this summer. "As a captain with the team, Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour," said Capello. "However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad. What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice and Terry was notified first." Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United will now fill in his boots as England captain.

In looking at this scandal, the conduct of John Terry is ridiculous. He has branded himself as the "Tiger Woods" of soccer, and this will take a toll on the rest of his career as he will be known as a "cheat". Not only has he lost captaincy of the England squad, but he has lost his best-friend, has lost the respect and support of friends, teammates and fans, and has put himself in jeopardy with his personal life and family. I personally think he is foolish and it disgusts me to see that he would do that to his best friend and wife and kids.

It is more than obvious to see that Terry has gone over the BRIDGE on this one. It will be a difficult time ahead for him, and he must remain focused on the pitch. Let's see how the next few months go for Terry on and off the field and what speculation may arise next!

Adidas Releases Official Matchball of the 2010 World Cup

Adidas has recently released the official matchball for the upcoming 2010 World Cup which will be hosted by South Africa. They have named the ball Jabulani, which translates to mean 'Celebrate.' Adidas used this name by deriving it from Zulu, which is one of the 11 languages of South Africa. The number 11 is pretty fundamental for the ball as its design has 11 colors to honor the 11 languages and it also adds on to the 11 communities of South Africa.

This is Adidas' most advanced soccer ball made to date. With new "Grip'n'Groove" technology, this provides player's with great ability in range of striking the ball, allowing for the best accuracy possible. It also applies players with perfect grip in all conditions due to the texture of the integrated grooves on the ball's surface. The Jabulani has been designed for impeccable swerve, control, and power in striking the ball. It is the complete ball and will play a fantastic role in this summer's World Cup.

Although the ball seems pricey, selling at $150.00, it will still be a huge seller with buyers wanting the best quality in which it has to offer.