UCL Round of 16 wrap: Could it be that the the boys separated from the men yet?

When a tournament gets to a certain stage, it is often said that the boys have been separated from the men. Could this be the case already in the Champions League as the last eight have been decided?

Some will say the usual suspects have made it through, other also say that deserving teams have qualified based on their performance. Whatever the case may be, the world has potentials, men with guts and hunger to progress, and above all some exciting football.

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona made it through after defeating Roma and Arsenal respectively. Also from Spain Atletico Madrid fought a battle of their lives in a thrilling encounter with PSV decided on penalty shootout.

Paris Saint German edged Chelsea, Manchester City booked a place in the last eight for the first time in the campaign after seeing off Dynamo Kiev while Benfica also beat Zenit.

German champions Bayern Munich produced a stunning come back against Juventus to progress as fellow Germans Wolfsburg also saw off Gent to qualify.

Eight clubs from five countries will feature in the draw for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals which will be held on Friday, 18th March, 2016, What are your expectations? Ready to see the real men make it though?

Real Madrid and Barcelona get clasico dates in new La Liga fixtures

Google Image: El Clasico

Fixtures for the Spanish Primera Division 2015/2016 season were released on Tuesday, with the El Clasico matches scheduled for Week 12 and 31 of the new season.

Barcelona will visit the Santiago Bernabeu to play Real Madrid on November 8th, and the Whites will travel to the Nou Camp for the return leg on 3rd April 2016.

Last season Madrid beat Barca 3-1 at the Bernabeu, while Barcelona won 2-1 at home on their way to winning La Liga.

In the season opener, Luis Enrique tutored side will begin their title defence away to Athletic Bilbao as Madrid travel to newly-promoted Sporting Gijon.

The new La Liga campaign will start on the weekend of the 22/23 August and finish on 14/15 May. On the final day of the season, Barcelona will host Granada, while Real Madrid finish the campaign against La Coruna.

Galaxy named after Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal and Real Madrid now has a galaxy named after him by the Eastern Southern Observatory, a renowned astrological organization.

Google Image: Cristiano Ronaldo

The ESO described the newly-christened CR7 galaxy as "by far the brightest galaxy yet found in the early Universe."

''#DYK the brightest distant galaxy recently discovered by @ESO has a nickname after @Cristiano Ronaldo? #CR7 http://ow.ly/Otfsz'' - the organization share via twitter.

The name refers to the galaxy's age. The higher the redshift, the further back in the history of the universe the galaxy is being seen from.

The galaxy will share the CR7 name with a line of underwear endorsed by Ronaldo, who even has his very own museum.

While the stars which share his name shine bright, Real endured a less-than-stellar season.

Source: CNN

Ronaldo leads, Barcelona dominates top ten goals of 2014/2015 Champions League season

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal against Liverpool has been adjudged the best goal of the 2014/2015 season amidst dominance by Barcelona in the top ten.

Ronaldo combined well with his teammates Pepe, benzema before feeding James Rodríguez, who played a perfect ball for the Portugal forward to half-volley in at Anfield. 

Barcelona registered five goals in the top ten, including two each from Ivan Rakitić and Lionel Messi.

Top ten goals of 2014/15 as selected by the UEFA Technical Observers

1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Liverpool FC 0-3 Real Madrid CF, 22/10/14)

2 Ivan Rakitić (Juventus 1-3 FC Barcelona, 06/06/15)

3 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona 3-0 FC Bayern München, 06/05/15)

4 Luis Suárez (Paris Saint-Germain 1-3 FC Barcelona, 15/04/15)

5 Ivan Rakitić (FC Barcelona 1-0 Manchester City FC, 18/03/15) 

6 Marco Reus (Galatasaray AŞ 0-4 Borussia Dortmund, 22/10/14)

7 Karim Benzema (Real Madrid CF 5-1 FC Basel 1893, 16/09/14)

8 Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 FC Barcelona, 30/09/14)

9 Robert Lewandowski (FC Bayern München 6-1 FC Porto, 21/04/15)

10 Vincent Aboubakar (FC Porto 4-0 FC Basel 1893, 10/03/15)

Best set-piece goals of 2014/15

1 Son Heung-Min (FC Zenit 1-2 Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 04/11/14)

2 Aaron Ramsey (Galatasaray AŞ 1-4 Arsenal FC, 09/12/14)

3 Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC 1-1 FC Basel 1893, 09/12/14)

4 Casemiro (FC Porto 4-0 FC Basel 1893, 10/03/15)

5 Andrea Pirlo (Juventus 3-2 Olympiacos FC, 04/11/14)

Click here to watch Video of the goals.

Transfer: Khedira joins Juventus

Courtesy: Juventus.com

Juventus Football Club has completed the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira.

The German international will move to Juve on a free transfer on 1 July 2015, having agreed a four-year contract which expires on 30 June 2019.

Ancelotti's assistant at Real Madrid resigns

Real Madrid assistant manager Paul Clement has announced he is leaving the club following the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti this week.

The Englishman took to social media via Twitter to confirm his departure. 

"It has been an honour to have worked with Carlo at the Number 1 Club in the World," he wrote. "Thank you to all the Players, Staff and Fans. Hala Madrid." 

Clement worked with Ancelotti at Chelsea and Paris St Germain before the duo moved to the Spanish capital in 2013 and has recently been linked with the vacant manager's positions at Derbyand Sunderland.

Source: Skysports

Real Madrid confirm no bid has been made for Pogba

Real Madrid has openly denied reports linking the club with Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

Italian newspaper La Stampa reported this week that Real had offered the French international a five-year deal worth €10m per season.

According to the statement released by Real Madrid, the club has not made any contact with either the player, his club or agent.

''Following the reports published in the Italian newspaper La Stampa concerning an alleged offer from Real Madrid for the player Paul Pogba, the club wishes to state the following: Real Madrid have had no contact either with Juventus or the player’s agent and, as a consequence, the reports published in this newspaper are completely false.''

Pogba had a fantastic season and he is the hottest midfielder for now.

Carlo Ancelotti's Sack: What is wrong with Real Madrid?

By Amos Joseph

It is often said that to whom much is given, much is expected. This is often the situation with ''big'' clubs like Real Madrid. The club management sign top quality players and managers both for on and off the field business which explains why the demand is usually high.

Google Image: Carlo Acelotti

Carlo Ancelotti won the much coveted La Decima (10th Champions league title), Copa Del Rey, Eufa Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup in in December 2014, yet he was axed simply because the club ended the season without a trophy. He delivered what ''the special one could not deliver in his first season.

What is Arsene Wenger still doing in Arsenal despite the call for his sack year after year by fans of the club? You may ask. Answer: Obviously the philosophy and target are not the same. 

Between 2004 till date, the Whites have employed the services of over nine coaches with Jose Mourinho as the longest serving enjoying three seasons at the club.

"I would like to inform you that the board has taken the decision to relieve Carlo Ancelotti of his post as Real Madrid coach," Perez said at a press conference on Monday.

"It was a very difficult decision to make; the demands at this club are the utmost because Madrid always wants to win silverware.

"The affection that the players and the fans have for Carlo is the same as the affection I myself have for him.

"What did Ancelotti do wrong? I don't know. The demands here at Real Madrid are very high."

It could therefore be stated without fear of contradiction that affection is not enough at Real Madrid, as one can liken the club to that girlfriend who is too demanding despite efforts by her boyfriend to give her the ''best''. 

Flowing from the above, one is then tempted to say that Real Madrid is a difficult terrain. So for any coach coming to the Bernabeau, he must be ready for the exit door if he dare fails to win laurel as spelt out in the words of the club president.

We also hear that Raphael Bernitez could be the possible replacement for Ancelotti. Right move or wrong move, time shall tell. 

Please note: This is my submission. You are entitled to your opinion.

Bale's agent lambaste Roy Keane over Real Madrid star flop comment

Gareth Bale's Agent has Jonathan Barnett has slammed Manchester United legend Roy Keane over his comment on the Real Madrid winger. 

Keane criticized Bale's performance in Tuesday's Champions League 2-1 loss against Juventus in Turin  saying that ''he gave absolutely nothing''.

"Why should we take any notice of comments from people who don't know what they are talking about - and from people who have failed in management?" Barnett told BBC Sport.

"This is only an issue in England. Gareth is at the biggest club in the world. He is one of the best players in the world. He is fine.

"He only listens to relevant comments. He is 100% focused on Real Madrid."

source: Tribalfootball.com

UCL: Real Madrid, Juventus make last four

Real Madrid and Juventus have qualified for the semi final of UEFA champions league after seeing off their opponent with slim margins respectively on Wednesday night.

On-loan striker Javier Hernandez finished completed the deal for Real Madrid against Atletico edging their fellow city rivals by 1-0 after a scoreless first leg.

The other fixture on the night produced Juventus who drew goalless with Monaco in France but progressed on the 1-0 advantage they grabbed in the first leg in Turin.

Both Real Madrid and Juventus join the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich as semi finalist in the world's most prestigious club tournament.

Draw will be held on Friday.

Champions League: Simeone confident ahead of Madrid derby

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has stated that his side is not under any pressure ahead of tonight clash against fellow city rivals, Real Madrid.

Real Madrid were held to a scoreless draw when both sides met last week in the first leg of the UEFA Champions league quarter final match.

The Argentine remains hopeful that his side would do enough to cause an upset against Carlo Ancelotti's men at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night as they battle for a place in the semis to join the like of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Champions League: Barcelona dismiss PSG as Bayern cruise into semi final

The atmosphere at the Camp Nou last night could be likened to a training session for Barcelona as they finished the job they started a week ago against French Champions Paris Saint German.

The Spanish side defeated the visitors on all fronts with Brazilian forward Neymar scroring twice to seal a semi final spot for Barcelona as they won 5-1 on aggregate.

In the other semi final on the night, Bayern Munich punished FC Porto winning  5-1 to cancel the the Portuguese side's first leg 3-1 win.

Bayern still did not have a handful of players but were enough to run riot on Porto to progress to the semi finals as well. Thiago Alcantara, Jerome Boateng, Robert Lewandowski and Xabi Alonso all made the scorers sheet.

Tonight will see Real Madrid battle city rivals Atletico Madrid in the return leg inside Santiago Bernabeau to continue the drama which ended scoreless in the first leg while Juventus travel to Monaco with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.

Modric, Bale, Benzema Injured! Worries in Real Madrid Camp ahead of Champions League tie against Atletico

It is not all smiles in the camp of Spanish giants Real Madrid at this point in time as club Doctors confirmed that Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric are injured.

According to reports, Bale has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left soleus he limped off the field in 3-1 win over Malaga at the weekend, midfielder Modric picked up Knee ligament sprain which may keep him out for five to six weeks while Benzema is yet to recover from Knee injury while 

Real Madrid will entertain city rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in the second leg tie quarter final UEFA champions league. 

The Whtes have lost four out of the twenty-four games they’ve played without Luka Modric this season.

Ronaldo cleared for Eiba weekend clash

Cristiano Ronald has been cleared to feature against Eibar after the yellow card he recieved in midweek win over Rayo Vallecano was rescinded.

The Portuguese incurred a one-match suspension after he booked for diving when he was actually brought down by a Rayo defender.

A statement on Real Madrid website confirms the Spanish Football Competition Commitee.

''The RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) Competition Commitee has upheld the appeal submitted by Real Madrid against the yellow card shown to Cristiano Ronaldo in the match against Rayo Vallecano, agreeing to "rescind the caution imposed on the player by the referee". 

The forward will therefore be eligible to play in the La Liga matchday 31 game against Éibar.

Real Madrid Coach Zidane spotted in Bayern Munich Training

Former France international Zinedine Zidane visited German club Bayern Munich during one of their training sessions.

All pictures shared by @Realmadridplace via twitter

Reasons for his visit is unknown but the Real Madrid Castilla coach seemed to be enjoy the warm welcome.

What could they be discussing? Pep to Real Madrid? You never can tell.

Real Madrid escapes Schalke upset, qualifies for next phase of UEFA Champions League

Champions League title holder Real Madrid were beaten 4-3 Schalke at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night but qualified for the next round of the UEFA Champions League on 5-4 aggregate.

With a 2-0 lead from the first leg, Real Madrid were favourites for the ticket to the next phase but the Germans showed character, confidence and took advantage of the flaws at the back-line of the Whites.

The visitors drew the first blood in the 20th first half but Cristiano Ronaldo rose to the occasion to level thing up for the Spanish club and also getting his second later in the game to boost his Champions league goal record to 76 goals in 115 games.

Klaas Jan Huntelaar and 19-year old substitute Leroy Sane were thorns in the flesh of the hosts survived the scare.

Pictures from Cristiano Ronaldo's Birthday Party after Atletico Madrid humiliation

Image: khaleejtimes.com

Cristiano Ronaldo's Agent Mendes believes that the Portuguese should not be condemned for going ahead with his birthday celebration despite the heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Reports have it that captains of the club Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos didn't buy the idea of celebrating after such a debacle but the player's agent sees from another angle.

"He was very angry," Jorge Mendes told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser as reported by ESPN "Any player that loses a game and more so Ronaldo, who is a great professional, who continues to be the best professional in the world would be angry.

"The fact is that his birthday party had been organised more than a month ago and he had family coming from abroad. He didn't want to cancel out of respect for the people that came.

"What is inadmissible is that somebody takes advantage of a private affair to release a video. Ronaldo was devastated after the defeat and people spent two hours trying to cheer him up."

Ramos to miss Madrid derby, ruled out for five weeks

Real Madrid will this weekend without centre-back Sergio Ramos who faces five weeks on the sidelines with a torn hamstring.

The Galaticos will play Attletico Madrid in a derby this Saturday at the Vicente Calderón.

He picked up a knock in the early stages of their match against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu and has undergone a series of tests and Madrid have now confirmed the centre-back faces a spell on the sidelines due to a torn hamstring.

"Following tests carried out on Sergio Ramos by the Real Madrid medical service at the Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital, the player has been diagnosed with a torn hamstring in his left leg. His progress will be monitored," a statement on the club's official website reads.

The Spanish international has been a rock for the Real Madrid defense  and will be a blow for the side in the coming days.

Real Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti names 19 for Sevilla clash

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has released a 19-man list in the squad to confront Sevilla in a La Liga match on Wednesday evening.

The league match which was postponed due to the World Cup will not feature World's best, Cristiano Ronaldo who is currently serving match ban.

Below are the players to feature in the fixture:

REAL MADRID SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Keylor Navas and Pacheco.
Defenders: Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Carvajal, Arbeloa and Nacho.
Midfielders: Khedira, Kroos, James, Bale, Lucas Silva, Isco and Illarra.
Forwards: Benzema, Chicharito and Jesé.

Cristiano Ronaldo gets two match ban following red card against Cordoba

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for two games and will now miss league games against Real Sociedad and Sevilla as a result of the red card he picked up in Saturday's game.

Ronaldo was red carded in the match against Cordoba with his side having to struggle to win 2-1 with 10-men

Frustrated Ronaldo didn't make much impact in the match and he lashed out his hand at Jose Crespo, which the referee missed, and then minutes later kick out at Edimar, for which he was sent off.

"I apologise to everyone and especially to Edimar for my thoughtless act in today's game'', - Ronaldo said in an apology after the match.