Real Madrid will be targeting their fourth Champions League success in five years on Saturday as they go up against Liverpool in the final in Kiev. Former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti (left) and Real Madrid's then assistant manager Zinedine Zidane. (AFP/GERARD JULIEN) Here, we look at how Real held their nerve at the last stage to lift the cup in 2014, 2016 and 2017. 2013-14: Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid Real had waited 12 years to win their 10th European crown, "La Decima", a feat that had swelled with importance the longer the delay dragged on. Beating city rivals and La Liga champions Atletico, who themselves had reached their first final since 1974, added some extra spice but the match is perhaps best remembered for the arrival of Gareth Bale, in his first season at the club, both at the back post in extra-time to head Real in front and as a star at the club. It proved a knock-out blow for Atleti, who had come within a whisker of pulling off their dream upset, … [Read more...] about How Real Madrid won three Champions League finals in four years
Champions league final 2016
Liverpool out to end Real Madrid’s dominance in Champions League final
Liverpool fans in Kiev - but getting to the Ukrainian capital is proving too difficult, and too costly, for many supporters. (AFP/Sergei SUPINSKY) Real have seen this as their competition ever since winning the first five European Cups in a row, and this is another golden era for them, in which they are dreaming of making it a fourth Champions League in five years. Neither Atletico Madrid (twice) nor Juventus have been able to stop Cristiano Ronaldo from inflicting pain on them in recent finals. But Liverpool's own attacking quality gives them reason to believe and suggests the Olympic Stadium in the Ukrainian capital could be the scene of an unforgettable encounter. In terms of history alone, this is a dream final. Real's 12 European Cup wins puts them way ahead of the rest, but Liverpool have lifted the famous trophy five times themselves, most recently in 2005, defying all the odds against AC Milan in Istanbul. This time, under Klopp, their adventure started against Hoffenheim in … [Read more...] about Liverpool out to end Real Madrid’s dominance in Champions League final
Winning starts for Tianjin, Shanghai in Champions League
SEOUL — Big-name strikers such as Hulk and Alexandre Pato may have drawn a blank as the AFC Champions League last-32 group phase got underway but their Chinese Super League teams kicked off with vital victories on Tuesday. Tianjin Quanjian, making a first appearance in the tournament in which 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four, defeated Kitchee of Hong Kong 3-0. Former French U-21 international Anthony Modeste, signed for over $40 million last summer, opened the scoring in the first half as Tianjin, who finished third in the 2017 Chinese Super League, took control. An own goal and a Sun Ke strike gave Tianjin the win despite the best efforts of Kitchee striker Diego Forlan, the 38-year-old who once starred for Manchester United and Inter Milan. SIPG, semi-finalists in 2017 after spending more than $100 million on Brazilian stars Hulk and Oscar, won 1-0 at Kawasaki Frontale. The team’s less-heralded Brazilian import Elkeson grabbed the only goal of the game … [Read more...] about Winning starts for Tianjin, Shanghai in Champions League
Ronaldinho lifts Champions League trophy in Vietnam
The world's most coveted club competition prize has returned to Vietnam for a third time, accompanied by soccer legends. The UEFA Champions League Trophy, the most well known of all the club football prizes in the world, has arrived in Vietnam, one of the stops in the coveted silverware's worldwide tour to celebrate its unveiling, which is led by former Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho and Dutch twins Ronald De Boer - Frank De Boer. Ronaldinho greeted the press in Vietnamese with his trademark infectious smile. "I am very happy to be here on my second trip to Vietnam. I know the Vietnamese people are very passionate about soccer, just like Brazilians," he said. "I am honored to be bringing the UEFA Champions League Trophy to Vietnam this time, and here I am watching many fans spending the night watching Champions League matches. I feel very happy." The Brazillian star won the Champions League in 2005-2006 with Barcelona. When asked about Barca's chances this season … [Read more...] about Ronaldinho lifts Champions League trophy in Vietnam
No more live Champions League after Vietnam channel fails broadcast right battle
In what will come as a disappointment to Vietnam’s huge base of European football fans, no Vietnamese television stations have been able to secure exclusive live rights to any UEFA Champions League matches for the 2016-17 season. In what will come as a disappointment to Vietnam’s huge base of European football fans, no Vietnamese television stations have been able to secure exclusive live rights to any UEFA Champions League matches for the 2016-17 season. Diehard fans may have to turn to the Internet to watch live broadcasts of the new season, as local TV channels have no chance during broadcast negotiations. It is the first time in many years Vietnam has failed to secure the telecast rights to treat local aficionados of Europe’s biggest club championship. However, industry insiders have said that those websites that have illegally broadcast Champions League matches in the past are the ones to blame. In August 2015, local cable TV operator VTVcab announced at a … [Read more...] about No more live Champions League after Vietnam channel fails broadcast right battle