Dynamo Kiev fires coach Yuri Semin

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Dynamo Kiev fired coach Yuri Semin on Monday, a day after a Ukraine Cup loss to rival Shakhtar Donetsk.

Dynamo spokesman Olexiy Semenenko said that a replacement for Semin will be announced before the team's practice on Tuesday. Semenenko declined to give a reason for the move, but the firing comes a day after Dynamo lost to Shakhtar 4-1. Dynamo also lost by the same score to French club Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League opener last week.

Photo: AP Dynamo Kiev's Yuri Semin reacts during during a group A Champions League round, first leg, soccer match at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012. Paris Saint Germain won 4-1.

 

Shakhtar also beat Dynamo 3-1 on Sept. 2 in the Ukrainian league. Dynamo was beaten in four of its last five games and stands third in the Ukrainan league after nine matches. "FC Dynamo thanks Yuri Semin and the entire coaching staff for their cooperation and wishes him success in his future endeavors," the club said in a statement.

Semin was first appointed coach of Dynamo in 2007, and won the league title in 2009. He then rejoined his old club Lokomotiv Moscow, only to return to Dynamo in 2010.

article source:  http://www.mail.com/int/sports/soccer/1583686-dynamo-kiev-fires-coach-yuri-semin.html#.1258-stage-set1-2

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Yesterday's match, a controversial 2-1 loss to United, was Liverpool's first time back at Anfield since the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's findings.

Yesterday's match, a controversial 2-1 loss to United, was Liverpool's first time back at Anfield since the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's findings. The report absolved Reds supporters of any blame in the 1989 stampede that killed 96 fans, and the day was sure to be an emotional one. It was, at the start—both team captains took part in a release of 96 balloons, and even Luis Suarez and Patrice Evrawere moved to shake hands and bury their (comparatively) petty grudges.

It was only after the match that things turned ugly. When the stadium emptied, the United supporters' section remained full, serenading Anfield with chants of "murderers, murderers" and "it's never your fault, always the victims, never your fault."

 
 

These weren't new chants cooked up for the special occasion. "Murderers" has been a standbyagainst Liverpool over the years, from United and other clubs. (I don't know if that makes it better or worse.) And some United supporters were insistent that yesterday's chants were not in reference to Hillsborough, but the Heysel Stadium disaster of 1985 that resulted in the deaths of 39 Juventus fans. What's more, the witnesses claim, they were goaded by Liverpool fans imitating airplanes—a reference to the Munich plane crash that wiped out United in 1958.

Regardless, it was a complete failure of an attempt at civility. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, in remarks echoed by the Manchester United Supporters' Trust, had called for an end to anti-Liverpool chants, or at least a cessation for this one week.

"We agree 100 per cent with the statement made by Sir Alex Ferguson and wish to leave no room for doubt – we unequivocally condemn chants mocking the Munich air crash, Hillsborough and indeed any other human tragedy," reads the MUST statement.

Yeah, that didn't happen. Now there are calls for lifetime bans for the offending United fans. Then after that maybe they can ban anti-Semitic chants against Tottenham, and all the racist chants against everyone. What I'm saying is, 70,000 Ravens fans chanting "bullshit" is like a ladies' day in the Premier League.

 article source: http://deadspin.com/5945808/manchester-united-fans-chanted-murderers-at-liverpool-in-the-first-match-at-anfield-after-the-hillsborough-report

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Van Persie gives Man United 2-1 win at Liverpool

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Robin van Persie's penalty kick gave Manchester United a 2-1 victory over 10-man Liverpool on Sunday, settling a heated Premier League meeting between the fierce rivals after emotional tributes were paid to the Hillsborough disaster victims.

Van Persie beat Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina in the 81st minute after Antonio Valencia was fouled by Glen Johnson to secure United's first win at Anfield since December 2007. "It has been four or five years since we got a win here. It was an ugly win, probably our worst performance in that time, but we will take that," United manager Alex Ferguson said. "We didn't get going as an attacking force. We were on the back foot for most of the first half and sometimes it creates its own problems."

Liverpool played with 10 men for more than 50 minutes after Jonjo Shelvey's sending-off before half time but still managed to take the lead through Steven Gerrard's volley within a minute of the second half starting.

Defender Rafael da Silva equalized five minutes later, curling the ball past Reina, and Van Persie's winner ensured second-place United prolonged winless Liverpool's worst start to a season in more than 100 years.

 


"I thought the players were heroic in terms of performance and the spirit," Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said. "They were brilliant and didn't get what they deserved." The build-up to the match, though, had been about the fallout from the report into the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy that absolved Liverpool supporters of any responsibility and exposed a police cover-up.

Old rivalries between Liverpool and United were put aside before the first match at Anfield since the report was published, with both sets of players emerging on the pitch wearing tracksuit tops featuring the number 96, the number of Reds fans crushed to death 23 years ago.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and United defender Patrick Evra ensured a reconciliatory start as they joined the other players in a pre-match handshake. Last season Suarez refused to shake Evra's hand when the teams played at Old Trafford after the Uruguay international was banned for racially abusing his United rival.

For the first minute of the match three sides of Anfield displayed mosaics featuring "The Truth," ''Justice" and "96." The tributes seemed to inspire Liverpool's players on the pitch, with domination from the hosts.

Once Ryan Giggs had flashed an early shot wide the momentum was all with Liverpool as Suarez's cross-shot was stopped by Anders Lindegaard and headed away by Jonny Evans. Gerrard drove a low effort from Shelvey's corner into the side-netting and Suarez looped a right-footed shot wide before the usual hostilities in the north-west derby ignited.

Shelvey seized possession but as the ball broke free he launched himself at Evans and was shown a red card. Rodgers, however, said both players should have been given the same punishment for that duel.

"Jonjo Shelvey, if he gets sent off then Jonny Evans has to go as well," Rodgers said. "I think both players' feet are off the floor." Ferguson was involved in a heated exchange of words as Shelvey left the pitch.

"He was trying to blame me, I suppose," Ferguson said. "Once he looks at it he can apologize if he likes." Shelvey, though, mainly only apologized to the fans. "No way was I pulling out of that tackle in a game of that importance. Im sorry," Shelvey wrote on Twitter. "I have also apologised to sir Alex, just where I come from people don't grass people up to get someone sent off."

Even with a numerical disadvantage, Liverpool continued to pressure United and Suarez drew Lindegaard into a low save from his free kick. And at the start of the second half, Gerrard received a diverted ball in the area and volleyed home left-footed in front of the Kop.

The lead only lasted five minutes, however, as Shinji Kagawa laid the ball off for Rafael to curl left-footed over Reina and in off the far post. But, even with a man down, Liverpool pushed for a winner with Suso having a shot tipped over by Lindegaard and Suarez continuing to trouble the United defense.

United began to take more control, though, and the winner came from Liverpool giving away possession on the halfway line. Daniel Agger and Johnson collided to allow Valencia to race 50 yards into the area and, although Johnson got back, he brought down the Ecuador winger. Van Persie drilled home despite Reina diving the right way and getting a hand to the ball.

article source:http://www.mail.com/int/sports/soccer/1581522-van-persie-man-united-2-1-win-liverpool.html#.2002-stage-set1-9

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Chelsea secure Luiz's long-term future

"It's a great club and I look forward to winning more trophies here," said Chelsea FC defender David Luiz after signing a new five-year contract with the European champions.

David Luiz celebrates after winning last season's UEFA Champions League with Chelsea ©Getty Images

David Luiz has committed his future to Chelsea FC by signing a new five-year deal with the UEFA Champions League holders.

The Blues announced news of the Brazilian international defender's renewed terms shortly after Saturday's 1-0 win against Stoke City FC. "I am very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea," said Luiz, who joined from SL Benfica in January 2011. "It is a great club and I look forward to winning more trophies here. I love everything about the club and especially the fans, who have made me very welcome and given me great support."

 

Luiz, 25, won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea last season, playing every minute of their final triumph over FC Bayern München. Roberto Di Matteo's side continue their defence at FC Nordsjælland on 2 October, having opened with a 2-2 draw against Juventus on Wednesday.

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Reading midfielder Jem Karacan has signed a new three-year contract

Reading midfielder Jem Karacan has ended any uncertainty over his future by signing a new three-year contract at the Madejski Stadium.

Jem Karacan: Reading midfielder has signed a new three-year contract at the Madejski Stadium

The 23-year-old, who has come through the academy and already made 125 appearances, was due to be out of contract at the end of the season.

The Royals confirmed last week that talks over an extension were progressing well and Karacan has expressed delight at penning fresh terms.

"I'm delighted to finally get it done, we've been in negotiations for a little while so it's nice to put pen to paper," Karacan told Reading's official website.

"Ever since I arrived, I've always wanted to become a first-team regular and in the last couple of years I've managed to do that - to come through the ranks has been brilliant."

Manager Brian McDermott added: "We are delighted that Jem has committed to us, he's been an integral part of what we've been trying to do.

"He's a great lad who is very much one of our own and we're really pleased that he has signed a new deal."

article source:  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8091921/Reading-midfielder-Jem-Karacan-has-signed-a-new-three-year-contract

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Bate Borisov beats Lille 3-1 in Champions League

LILLE, France (AP) — BATE Borisov opened its Champions League campaign with an impressive 3-1 win away to Lille, overpowering the French side with a slick first-half display of attacking football.

Lille failed to make it out of the group stage in last season's Champions League and Rudi Garcia's team was eager to make a strong impression this time around. But midfielder Aleksandr Volodko put the visitors ahead after just six minutes, striker Vitali Rodionov made it 2-0 in the 20th, and Edgar Olekhnovich added another just before the break to pile the pressure on Lille.

Photo: AP Lille's goalkeeper Mickael Landreau reacts during a group F Champions League round of 16, first leg soccer match against BATE Borisov at Lille's stadium in Villeneuve d'Ascq, France, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012.

Center half Aurelien Chedjou pulled a goal back on the hour mark, but Lille failed to create enough chances to salvage even a draw against the Belarus side. "It is a day to forget. We were up against a team who were really keen on playing and they managed to keep the ball at their feet," Chedjou said. "Tonight we learned a lesson in attractive football. "

With Champions League runner-up Bayern Munich also in Group F, Lille faces a tough task to qualify. "It's a setback. There is no real explanation because we know how important the first game is," Lille goalkeeper Mickael Landreau said. "(BATE) can be considered as the weakest team in the group, but they have quality. We didn't start well. This loss hurts. "

Lille had a lot of possession but the visitors clinical attacking, led by former Arsenal midfielder Aleksandr Hleb, proved too much for Garcia's team to cope with. Salomon Kalou returned from suspension to take his place on the right of Lille's attack, with Brazilian Tulio De Melo the lone center forward.

But Lille fell asleep in defense, allowing Volodko to turn in space and hit a shot from 20 yards (meters) that flew past Landreau and into the top right corner. Mathieu Debuchy almost equalized for Lille moments later, but his low shot was pushed away for a corner by goalkeeper Andrei Gorbunov.

Rather than showing a patient approach, Lille poured forward in numbers and was soon caught out again. Hleb started the move, threading the ball through to the midfielder Olekhnovich, who then gave Rodionov a simple tap-in from close range.

Lille midfielder Marvin Martin missed a good chance after Gorbunov came for a cross and missed the ball, leaving Martin with a chance that he wasted, firing the ball high over the crossbar. Things got much worse for Lille when Olekhnovich rifled a shot in at the second attempt in the 43rd to leave Lille with an almost impossible task in the second half.

Garcia made changes, bringing on strikers Nolan Roux and Ryan Mendes, but it was Chedjou who gave the home side hope when he headed in Dimitri Payet's corner on the hour mark. Roux went close with an audacious backheel that rolled just wide in the 79th, but Lille's attacks petered out as the visitors held firm.

article source:http://www.mail.com/int/sports/soccer/1573704-bate-borisov-beats-lille-3-1-champions-league.html#.1258-stage-set1-5

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Shakhtar Donetsk beats Nordsjaelland 2-0

DONETSK, Ukraine (AP) — Henrik Mkhitaryan's expert finish in each half Wednesday gave Shakhtar Donetsk a 2-0 victory over Nordsjealland in the group stage of the Champions League.

In the 44th minute, the Armenian forward lashed a low, hard shot into the bottom corner of the net after receiving an overhead pass from Luiz Adriano. Mkhitaryan pounced on a rebound from his own shot in the 76th minute to make no mistake and side-foot the ball into the goal from just inside the area.

Photo: AP Henrik Mkhitaryan, right, of Shakhtar Donetsk celebrates after scoring against Danish FC Nordsjaelland during a group E Champions League round, first leg, soccer match at Donbas Arena stadium in Donetsk, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012.

This was the first competitive meeting between the two sides, and Shakhtar's first home Champion's League victory in five games. The sides appeared evenly matched early on but Shakhtar began to control the game and force Nordsjaeland to retreat further and further back, allowing Mkhitaryan to constantly threaten.

Shakhtar had less possession and worse passing statistics but had more shots on target. "They (Nordsjaelland) were good on counterattacks in the first half," Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu said. "But they got tired after the break. I'm pleased with our defense — the visitors failed to create a single scoring chance."

Defender Ivan Runje was Nordsjealland's most dominant player. He had the Danish side's first shot on target in the first half but couldn't get enough power on a header before goalkeeper Andriy claimed the ball.

"The first hour was OK. But then we had transitions against us," Nordsjaelland coach Kasper Hjulmand said. "The deciding moments were in the first half. We had good opportunities but the goal before halftime was the deciding moment. We didn't create enough chances but I'm proud of my team — they played well. But Shakhtar played better."

Shakhtar is unbeaten in 10 consecutive competitive matches this season in the domestic league and in Europe. "This was my first professional double," Mkhitaryan said. "We needed this victory for confidence in the tournament. It was a difficult match, we did everything possible to ease this match and create as many chances as possible."

Shakhtar midfielder Darijo Srna said the team has learned from last season's last-place finish in the group stage. "If we don't repeat last year's mistakes then we should advance," he said. "Furthermore, we have identical chances to advance with Juventus and Chelsea."

Shakhtar leads Group E with Chelsea and Juventus drawing 2-2 at Stamford Bridge in the other match.

 article source: http://www.mail.com/int/sports/soccer/1573680-shakhtar-donetsk-beats-nordsjaelland-2-0.html#.1258-stage-set1-4

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Begovic: England should recall Crouch

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic says Peter Crouch should be recalled to the England squad and believes more good times are in store at the Britannia Stadium.

PA PhotosAsmir Begovic believes Stoke are growing as a club

• Crouch wants England recall

Stoke continue their daunting start to the 2012-13 season when they visit Chelsea on Saturday but have the confidence of knowing they have emerged unbeaten from games so far against Arsenal and Manchester City.

Begovic helped preserve a point against the champions with two outstanding saves while Crouch, who is not in Roy Hodgson's England plans after he rejected a call-up to the standby list for Euro 2012, scored his third goal in three appearances.

Competition for places is hotting up in the Potteries with Michael Owen's high-profile arrival and the keeper said: "We are trying to grow as a team and this is a good place to be. Steven N'Zonzi was fantastic on his debut and, with Owen coming in, we can look forward to a good season."

He added: "I'm surprised Crouch isn't in the England team. Obviously, I'm biased because I see him in training all week but I think he should be there.

"I see the games they (England) are playing. He's sitting at home and I wonder just why isn't he playing. It's not up to me but he doesn't seem to get the credit he deserves. He's a world-class striker.

"His goal ratio, and everything he has done for teams, just speaks for itself. We know what we have with Crouchie and that's the main thing."

Begovic was delighted with the work of the men in front of him on Saturday and knows more of the same resilience is likely to be required both at Stamford Bridge and beyond.

Stoke have four draws from four Premier League games and visit Liverpool and Manchester United for their first two matches in October.

"We kept the door closed at the back (against City)," he added. "We were really solid. Performances speak for themselves but we want to get to winning ways as soon as possible."

article source:  http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1163727/stoke-goalkeeper-asmir-begovic-backs-peter-crouch-for-england?cc=4716

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Observing the Real Madrid Drama from a Barca Fan's Perspective

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Well, how this Liga has turned.

Many could have predicted that FC Barcelona would win their first four games. Tito Vilanova’s men have played well on offense and a bit shaky at-times on defense, but, overall, the team has done its job and have 12 points and the lead in La Liga.

While a successful Barcelona start to the La Liga season is not surprising, no one—and I mean NO ONE—saw Barça’s eternal rivals, Real Madrid, only having four points after four games.

No one—not even the biggest FC Barcelona fan—thought Real Madrid would lose two out of their first four games.

Incredible.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to disrespect Getafe or Sevilla, as they are tough teams and are capable of upsetting any team, including Barcelona. But with all due respect to those teams, Real Madrid is far superior in talent and has a superior manager in Jose Mourinho.

That being said, Getafe and Sevilla showed all of us that talent doesn’t always win, that the number of trophies a manager has in his resume doesn’t matter and that anything can happen in football.

And that anything has happened for Real Madrid.

Real’s 1-0 loss to Sevilla on Saturday is the team’s second-consecutive loss and leaves them eight points behind FC Barcelona in La Liga standings.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

To put this into perspective, think of this: Real Madrid has lost eight points in La Liga already. Last season, the historic 100-point Real Madrid team didn’t lose eight points in La Liga until December 10^th.

Did I mention that this 2012-13 Real team is essentially the same team as last season’s historic team?

Will the “real” Real Madrid team please stand up?

No Barcelona fan is crying a river about Real’s struggles, as it’s all part of the rivalry. Last season when Barça began to fall apart, Madridistas celebrated and mocked Culés as el blaugrana lost La Liga, culminating with the 2-1 Real Madrid victory in the Camp Nou.

It’s OK.

Well, as usual in this rivalry, the tables have turned.

After the loss to Sevilla, Jose Mourinho talked to the media about his team. But apparently, the team must have been stolen or they ran away from Mou, because he said he has no team.

“At the moment, I have no team,” said Jose. He added on, “For me it's about the state of our collective spirit.”

“No team”? “Collective spirit”? What is going on? So when did their collective spirit leave? It looks like they had it when they defeated Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup a few weeks ago.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

I’m sorry, but for me, Mou is making more excuses then he’s famously known for. He has a team—a terrific team for that matter. But does his team have “chemistry”?

Maybe that’s what Mou is trying to say. But even if that’s what Mou meant to say, it’s still an excuse because other than Luka Modric and Michael Essien, the core of this Real Madrid team has been together a few years now.

Perhaps it’s Jose Mourinho whose state of spirit is not well.

Something to think about.

This is the last thing this club needed coming out of the Cristiano Ronaldo “sad” saga, which may or may not be over. Florentino Perez must be scratching his head, as it just seems like this team shoots themselves in the foot, both on the pitch and off.

While Real Madrid were collapsing on the pitch at Sevilla, Barcelona players were watching the game and celebrating Sevilla’s win. According to Carles Escolan of Radio Marca (Spain) via his twitter account, the Barça players were clapping and cheering, saying “Vamos, mi Sevilla” (Let’s go, my Sevilla), which is one of the Sevilla chants.

I agree with Escolan when he mentioned later on twitter that it has been a while since these Barcelona players have shown such happiness and emotion to the media.

Under Pep Guardiola, the Barça players were always taught to stay calm and not show too much emotion in seeing a rival lose. But now with Tito Vilanova at the helm, the players are relaxed and are able to express themselves and their emotions freely.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

As much as I loved (and still love) Pep Guardiola, he tried too hard to be neutral, both in what he said in the media and even in the treatment of his players.

He couldn’t help it, that’s just how he is.

In my opinion, Pep worried too much about the media as well. He worried about what the media thought, said and would report about his team. He said he never cared, but I never bought it.

During those four years, players like Xavi and Victor Valdes—players who have been very vocal in the past—were not as vocal. Now with Tito in charge, all the players are loose, and the media and their “image” of FC Barcelona is not a concern as it was when Pep was in charge.

Let’s get back to Madrid.

I don’t think Real Madrid is going to struggle all season-long. This team is too talented, and they obviously know how to win. But one thing that I would be wondering if I was a Real fan is why does this team constantly shoot themselves in the foot?

And it’s not necessarily a Jose Mourinho thing.

Even under Manuel Pellegrini in the 2009-10 season, Real would have these kinds of games like they had last Saturday.

One thing I must emphasize is the comment made by Mourinho when he said he doesn’t have a team. Is it just me, or isn’t this the second time in his Real Madrid managing career that Mou thew his team under the bus like a Copa Del Rey trophy dropped by Sergio Ramos?

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Please don’t give me the excuse of “He’s not the one that’s on the pitch playing. Stop blaming him.”

I’m not saying it’s his fault entirely, but it’s not about “blaming," it’s about “responsibility.” There’s a difference. I'm not blaming Mou for the drama, I'm just saying he shouldn't have thrown the team under the bus by saying he has no team.

Regardless of Jose's comment, this Real debacle is truly not all his fault.

Mou took responsibility if any of his players were not motivated. Mou did very well there. Unfortunately for Jose, some of his players are not responding to whatever his motivational tactics are.

Karim Benzema is still struggling terribly; Gonzalo Higuain missed plenty of chances against Sevilla; And Cristiano Ronaldo continues to act like the prima donna that he's always displayed of being—whining, complaining and showing his frustration towards his teammates for the whole world to see.

Mesut Ozil is also having a down season so far.

Real seems to not have the motivation need to win many Liga games. It just seems like their opponents have an intensity that Real lacks. It can't all be Mou's fault, can it?

Honestly, I think some Real Madrid players don't give a damn about Jose Mourinho and what he coaches. Some players have completely checked out and will not listen to him; Some players just flat-out don't like him at all, and some just don't like the football he preaches.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

El Pais (Spain) football reporter Diego Torres went even further when asked about the state of Real Madrid. Torres believes the players have already thrown in the towel.

The players are very pessimistic. They believe that the league is practically lost and that (Jose) Mourinho will not finish the season.

The players are far more discouraged than last year. They have lost the stimulus they had before which was to win a title that had eluded them, and believe it is impossible to win the league playing under Mourinho because he is determined to play in a way that is no longer a surprise to Spanish teams.

Torres later suggested that Mou’s press conference comments could be hinting at his eventual departure.

Personally, I hope Mou goes nowhere.

Yes, he's an arrogant man with a Napoleon complex, but he makes the rivalry so much fun. His ego may be too big for all of this drama, but the players have plenty of responsibility in the drama as well. If Iker Casillas or Sergio Ramos has an issue with their manager or his strategies, they need to talk to him.

Mou may not want to listen, but an effort needs to be made by the players.

Has Mou finally lost the locker room? Or is it the players who are responsible for the mess in Madrid?

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Who knows what will happen with this team this season and in the future.

Let me just say one last thing, if Real Madrid is down eight points or more heading into the October 7^th Clasico at the Camp Nou, Real Madrid are essentially playing for their Liga defense. If Barcelona pulls out a victory that night, an 11-point lead will be too much, even for a team as strong as Real Madrid, to overcome.

Yes, there’s plenty of Liga left after that game, but let’s be realistic: 11 points is too much for any team to make up.  Not to mention, they would have to try and catch up to a team with the world’s best player in Lionel Messi, and, arguably, the best midfield in the world in FC Barcelona.

Barça were down 12 points last season, and even with a historic season by Lionel Messi and all the talent the team had, 12 points was too much for Barcelona.

Real Madrid will face the same fate as well.

If all stays the same points-wise heading into El Clásico and Barcelona takes an 11-point lead with a win, La Liga is over for Real Madrid.

If history tells us anything, it tells us that La Liga is already over for Real Madrid. Los Blancos have never overcome a seven-or-more point deficit to win La Liga.

There’s always a first time for everything, though.

Real can definitely come back in points, and Barcelona is capable of slipping up prior to El Clásico. But if Barcelona defeats Real Madrid and Mourinho’s team goes down 11 points, there will not be a repeat championship for Madrid.

Photo courtesy of http://vk.com/id97015751

The question after that would become does Jose Mourinho stay or go after next season? Some people would say that the same could be asked of Cristiano Ronaldo.

For Real Madrid, this Liga season will be a continuous battle of trying to find stability. For FC Barcelona, this is a Liga season that is now, more than ever, theirs for the taking.

Real Madrid is a constant soap opera.

And all FC Barcelona and football fans are thankful for that.

Thanks for reading.

Remember, I will begin “FIFA Thursdays” every Thursday beginning September 27. I will be online from 10 p.m. to midnight ET playing against my readers.

So if you want to play against me and beat me at FIFA 13, I'm on Xbox 360 and my username is Xoel7. Find me there, as I look forward to beating many of you on FIFA 13.

And you can guess which team I’ll always pick.

It’s a small way of saying thanks for checking out my articles, and thanks for reading Bleacher Report.

article source:  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1337968-observing-the-real-madrid-drama-from-a-barca-fans-perspective

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