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Michezo magazetini leo...
Michezo magazetini leo...
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UCL News Champions League Trophy handed to London
The UEFA Champions League final in London moved closer into view as the trophy the Wembley winners will receive was handed over to the host city by UEFA President Michel Platini.
The countdown to the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium continues apace after one of the stars of the show – the trophy – was handed over to the city of London at a special ceremony in the UK capital.
On a glorious spring day in south-east England the medieval-style Great Hall of the historic Guildhall – parts of which date from the 15th century and which remains the ceremonial and administrative venue for the City of London – staged a prestigious event at which footballing dignitaries joined players past and present to witness the arrival of one of sport's most prestigious prizes: the UEFA Champions League Trophy.
In a symbolic act heralding London's role as host city, last season's winners FC Internazionale Milano – represented by ambassador Luís Figo, former goalkeeper Francesco Toldo and Ernesto Paolillo, the club's managing director and chief operating officer – handed the much-coveted silverware to UEFA President Michel Platini, who in turn presented it to mayor of London Boris Johnson.
"I'm very proud to receive the cup from a great club like Inter and to give it to a great football city like London," Mr Platini said. "We will have a great week, beginning with Grassroots Day on the Wednesday, continuing with the women's final on the Thursday, and on Saturday the Champions League final at a beautiful stadium. And over it all we have the Champions Festival."
"I want to thank UEFA very much for choosing London as the venue," Mr Johnson added. "Football has done fantastic things for the people of this city and London does great things for football. That's why we're so proud to welcome UEFA for this great final and to be organising an eight-day festival of football in Hyde Park and other iconic locations. Thank you for bringing the cup for London – may the best team win."
The showpiece occasion on Saturday 28 May will be the sixth time London has staged a European Champion Clubs' Cup final – the last was the 1992 edition, FC Barcelona defeating UC Sampdoria 1-0 after extra time – and the first in both the UEFA Champions League era and since the revamped Wembley stadium was reopened in 2007.
Football Association (FA) chairman David Bernstein expressed the FA's pride in helping to meet the challenge of organising what is not just a final, but a week-long programme of activities featuring the UEFA Champions Festival (21-28 May), UEFA Grassroots Day (25 May) and the UEFA Women's Champions League final at Craven Cottage, home of Fulham FC (26 May).
"Despite the fact there are no longer any London clubs left in the competition, the final is very much for the whole of London," he told an audience that included event ambassadors Hope Powell and Graeme Le Saux, England manager Fabio Capello and lord mayor of London Michael Bear.
"As Madrid, Rome and Moscow in previous years will no doubt confirm, the Champions League final is a wonderful event, not just for the host stadium but also the host city, and whether it be at the Champions Festival that will be taking place over eight days in Hyde Park, the Women's Champions League final at Craven Cottage, or the Wembley arch that will be lit on matchday for all of London to see, we believe that Londoners will be able to connect to this year's final like never before."
The UEFA Champions League Trophy goes on tour in London from 21 April until 21 May, when it moves to the UEFA Champions Festival in Hyde Park. The tour begins at Duke of York's Square on the celebrated Kings Road on Thursday.
The UEFA Champions League final in London moved closer into view as the trophy the Wembley winners will receive was handed over to the host city by UEFA President Michel Platini.
On a glorious spring day in south-east England the medieval-style Great Hall of the historic Guildhall – parts of which date from the 15th century and which remains the ceremonial and administrative venue for the City of London – staged a prestigious event at which footballing dignitaries joined players past and present to witness the arrival of one of sport's most prestigious prizes: the UEFA Champions League Trophy.
In a symbolic act heralding London's role as host city, last season's winners FC Internazionale Milano – represented by ambassador Luís Figo, former goalkeeper Francesco Toldo and Ernesto Paolillo, the club's managing director and chief operating officer – handed the much-coveted silverware to UEFA President Michel Platini, who in turn presented it to mayor of London Boris Johnson.
"I'm very proud to receive the cup from a great club like Inter and to give it to a great football city like London," Mr Platini said. "We will have a great week, beginning with Grassroots Day on the Wednesday, continuing with the women's final on the Thursday, and on Saturday the Champions League final at a beautiful stadium. And over it all we have the Champions Festival."
"I want to thank UEFA very much for choosing London as the venue," Mr Johnson added. "Football has done fantastic things for the people of this city and London does great things for football. That's why we're so proud to welcome UEFA for this great final and to be organising an eight-day festival of football in Hyde Park and other iconic locations. Thank you for bringing the cup for London – may the best team win."
The showpiece occasion on Saturday 28 May will be the sixth time London has staged a European Champion Clubs' Cup final – the last was the 1992 edition, FC Barcelona defeating UC Sampdoria 1-0 after extra time – and the first in both the UEFA Champions League era and since the revamped Wembley stadium was reopened in 2007.
Football Association (FA) chairman David Bernstein expressed the FA's pride in helping to meet the challenge of organising what is not just a final, but a week-long programme of activities featuring the UEFA Champions Festival (21-28 May), UEFA Grassroots Day (25 May) and the UEFA Women's Champions League final at Craven Cottage, home of Fulham FC (26 May).
"Despite the fact there are no longer any London clubs left in the competition, the final is very much for the whole of London," he told an audience that included event ambassadors Hope Powell and Graeme Le Saux, England manager Fabio Capello and lord mayor of London Michael Bear.
"As Madrid, Rome and Moscow in previous years will no doubt confirm, the Champions League final is a wonderful event, not just for the host stadium but also the host city, and whether it be at the Champions Festival that will be taking place over eight days in Hyde Park, the Women's Champions League final at Craven Cottage, or the Wembley arch that will be lit on matchday for all of London to see, we believe that Londoners will be able to connect to this year's final like never before."
The UEFA Champions League Trophy goes on tour in London from 21 April until 21 May, when it moves to the UEFA Champions Festival in Hyde Park. The tour begins at Duke of York's Square on the celebrated Kings Road on Thursday.
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UCL News Mourinho helps Madrid break barrier
Semi-finalist profile: After six successive round of 16 defeats, José Mourinho has led nine-time title winners Real Madrid CF back to the latter stages with a superb home record.
Having enjoyed a special relationship with the European Champion Clubs' Cup since the tournament's inception, fans of Real Madrid CF are in emphatic agreement with their coach José Mourinho when he says the club "is back where it belongs" – among the continent's top four sides.
Madrid president Florentino Pérez plucked the Portuguese tactician from UEFA Champions League holders FC Internazionale Milano with the view of aligning the nine-time European Cup winners with the man who led both the Italian side and FC Porto to glory. Yet with the Liga title slipping into the distance with FC Barcelona, Mourinho will now be expected to use his immense UEFA Champions League experience to outfox Josep Guardiola in the semi-finals for the second successive year and propel the Merengues into the Wembley final.
UEFA club competition honours (runners-up in brackets)
• European Champion Clubs' Cup: 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002; (1962), (1964), (1981)
• UEFA Cup: 1985, 1986
• UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: (1971), (1983)
• UEFA Super Cup: 2002; (1998), (2000)
Domestic honours (most recent triumph in brackets)
• League title: 31 (2008)
• Spanish Cup: 17 (1993)
Previous European Champion Clubs' Cup semi-finals
21 (won 12, lost 9)
UEFA club ranking
7 (opponents FC Barcelona are 2nd)
Leading scorer
Liga: Cristiano Ronaldo 29
UEFA Champions League: Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo 6
Strengths and weaknesses
The Santiago Bernabéu has been a fortress under Mourinho this season, with Madrid winning all five of their UEFA Champions League games. A solid defensive structure that contains holding midfielders Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira was further consolidated by Pepe, normally a centre-back, for Saturday's 1-1 Liga draw with Barcelona, the hosts seeking to avoid a repeat of their 5-0 Camp Nou defeat in November. The system may not inspire attractive free-flowing football but it has proved difficult to break down in Europe. Cristiano Ronaldo has delivered with 41 goals in all competitions this term but concerns remain over the inconsistent form of strikers Karim Benzema, Emmanuel Adebayor and the fit-again Gonzalo Higuaín.
Key moment
With Madrid having been eliminated from the competition at the last-16 stage in their previous six campaigns, there was a collective sigh of relief among Madridistas when the team reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 2004, Olympique Lyonnais their victims. Crucially, Madrid were not on the losing side for the first time in four visits to Lyon's Stade de Gerland, Benzema's goal against his old club earning a 1-1 draw. Marcelo, Benzema and Ángel Di María then scored in a 3-0 second-leg success for Mourinho's men.
Unsung hero
After catching the eye at the 2010 FIFA World Cup where he helped Germany to a third-place finish, Mesut Özil took little time to settle at the Bernabéu following his transfer from SV Werder Bremen. From an attacking midfield role, the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship winner has produced a tournament-leading six assists in this season's UEFA Champions League, while his tireless performances and clever combination play with Ronaldo and fellow newcomer Di María have caused headaches among opposition defences.
Form
League position: 2 (Last five games: WWLWD)
Many pundits in Spain believe Madrid's failure to beat Barcelona in Saturday's Liga fixture made the Azulgrana's eight-point lead at the top unassailable. Morale had also been damaged in the surprising 1-0 reverse to Real Sporting de Gijón – Mourinho's first home league defeat in 150 games. The onus is now on the former Porto and Chelsea FC boss to focus his side on achieving UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey glory.
Killer stat
Madrid have yet to concede a goal after 450 minutes of UEFA Champions League football at the Bernabéu this term.
What their opponents say
Josep Guardiola, Barcelona coach:
One of Mourinho's strengths is that he knows how to play in different ways. His team are better than they were in the first half of the season and they are also better than us in a lot of things.
Semi-finalist profile: After six successive round of 16 defeats, José Mourinho has led nine-time title winners Real Madrid CF back to the latter stages with a superb home record.
Madrid president Florentino Pérez plucked the Portuguese tactician from UEFA Champions League holders FC Internazionale Milano with the view of aligning the nine-time European Cup winners with the man who led both the Italian side and FC Porto to glory. Yet with the Liga title slipping into the distance with FC Barcelona, Mourinho will now be expected to use his immense UEFA Champions League experience to outfox Josep Guardiola in the semi-finals for the second successive year and propel the Merengues into the Wembley final.
UEFA club competition honours (runners-up in brackets)
• European Champion Clubs' Cup: 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002; (1962), (1964), (1981)
• UEFA Cup: 1985, 1986
• UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: (1971), (1983)
• UEFA Super Cup: 2002; (1998), (2000)
Domestic honours (most recent triumph in brackets)
• League title: 31 (2008)
• Spanish Cup: 17 (1993)
Previous European Champion Clubs' Cup semi-finals
21 (won 12, lost 9)
UEFA club ranking
7 (opponents FC Barcelona are 2nd)
Leading scorer
Liga: Cristiano Ronaldo 29
UEFA Champions League: Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo 6
Strengths and weaknesses
The Santiago Bernabéu has been a fortress under Mourinho this season, with Madrid winning all five of their UEFA Champions League games. A solid defensive structure that contains holding midfielders Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira was further consolidated by Pepe, normally a centre-back, for Saturday's 1-1 Liga draw with Barcelona, the hosts seeking to avoid a repeat of their 5-0 Camp Nou defeat in November. The system may not inspire attractive free-flowing football but it has proved difficult to break down in Europe. Cristiano Ronaldo has delivered with 41 goals in all competitions this term but concerns remain over the inconsistent form of strikers Karim Benzema, Emmanuel Adebayor and the fit-again Gonzalo Higuaín.
Key moment
With Madrid having been eliminated from the competition at the last-16 stage in their previous six campaigns, there was a collective sigh of relief among Madridistas when the team reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 2004, Olympique Lyonnais their victims. Crucially, Madrid were not on the losing side for the first time in four visits to Lyon's Stade de Gerland, Benzema's goal against his old club earning a 1-1 draw. Marcelo, Benzema and Ángel Di María then scored in a 3-0 second-leg success for Mourinho's men.
Unsung hero
After catching the eye at the 2010 FIFA World Cup where he helped Germany to a third-place finish, Mesut Özil took little time to settle at the Bernabéu following his transfer from SV Werder Bremen. From an attacking midfield role, the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship winner has produced a tournament-leading six assists in this season's UEFA Champions League, while his tireless performances and clever combination play with Ronaldo and fellow newcomer Di María have caused headaches among opposition defences.
Form
League position: 2 (Last five games: WWLWD)
Many pundits in Spain believe Madrid's failure to beat Barcelona in Saturday's Liga fixture made the Azulgrana's eight-point lead at the top unassailable. Morale had also been damaged in the surprising 1-0 reverse to Real Sporting de Gijón – Mourinho's first home league defeat in 150 games. The onus is now on the former Porto and Chelsea FC boss to focus his side on achieving UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey glory.
Killer stat
Madrid have yet to concede a goal after 450 minutes of UEFA Champions League football at the Bernabéu this term.
What their opponents say
Josep Guardiola, Barcelona coach:
One of Mourinho's strengths is that he knows how to play in different ways. His team are better than they were in the first half of the season and they are also better than us in a lot of things.
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UCL News Possession primordial for Barcelona aces
Semi-finalist profile: FC Barcelona dominate possession like no other side but also owe a debt of gratitude to goalkeeper Víctor Valdés as they target their fourth European crown.
FC Barcelona's UEFA Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid CF has the football world agog with excitement, but it is a tie FC Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola would rather have saved until the final.
Not for reasons of grandstanding, nor due to the demands of four Clásico meetings in the space of 18 days – rather, because Guardiola's respect for Madrid coach José Mourinho's tactics and experience is so high. The two men worked together at Barcelona during the reigns of Sir Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal. Just as pertinently, perhaps, it was Mourinho's FC Internazionale Milano who eliminated Barcelona after two epic semi-final contests last year.
Guardiola has also stated twice, since renewing his contract until 2012, that he is "closer to the end than the beginning" of his tenure. So this could be his penultimate chance to lead Barcelona to what would be their fourth European crown.
UEFA club competition honours (runners-up in brackets)
• European Champion Clubs' Cup: 1992, 2006, 2009; (1961), (1986), (1994)
• UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1979, 1982, 1989, 1997; (1969), (1991)
• UEFA Super Cup: 1992, 1997, 2009; (1979), (1982), (1989), (2006)
Domestic honours (most recent triumph in brackets)
• League title: 20 (2010)
• Spanish Cup: 25 (2009)
Previous European Champion Clubs' Cup semi-finals
11 (won 5, lost 6)
UEFA club ranking
2 (opponents Real Madrid CF are 7th)
Leading scorer
Liga: Lionel Messi, 30
UEFA Champions League: Lionel Messi, 9
Strengths and weaknesses
The instinct to retain possession seems almost programmed into the genetic makeup of a Barcelona player. The Catalan club have seen more of the ball than their opponents in every single match, home and away, since a 4-1 loss to Madrid in May 2008. In terms of individuals, Lionel Messi is the obvious jewel in their crown, the Argentina forward having struck 49 goals for the side in all competitions this term, including nine in ten UEFA Champions League outings. The loss of Éric Abidal with a liver tumour and the three-month injury absence of fellow defender Carles Puyol represent their Achilles heel, however.
Key moment
For all their scintillating creativity and relentless scoring, Barça's presence in the last four owes much to Arsenal FC striker Nicklas Bendtner missing a late chance at Camp Nou which could well have sent the hosts out two rounds ago. Arsenal dispossessed Adriano down the right, Andrey Arshavin fed Jack Wilshere and he picked out Bendtner in the middle, only for a heavy touch from the forward to allow Víctor Valdés to gather the ball. "If Bendtner's control had been better, we would probably have been out," Guardiola reflected.
Unsung hero
It has to be the remarkable Valdés. The Azulgrana press so high up the pitch that many of his saves tend to come from one-on-ones, when the onrushing attacker would usually be expected to score. The 29-year-old's concentration levels need to be extraordinarily high too, given he can often go an hour or more without having to do any serious work – and then suddenly be required to produce split-second reactions. He has conceded just 16 times in his last 21 appearances in the competition and his litany of saves during the quarter-final will probably give FC Shakhtar Donetsk's forwards nightmares for months to come.
Form
League position: 1 (Last five games: DWWWD)
The dominant Spanish team of the last three seasons, Barcelona may finally be paying the price for playing so many high-tempo, high-stakes games at club level, with Guardiola's key men also performing regularly for their national sides as well. They continue to dominate possession yet appear to have lost some cutting edge in front of goal, while a lack of pace at the back has allowed opponents to generate more chances than is customary. Despite them sitting eight points clear in the league, and having a Copa del Rey final against Madrid on Wednesday, there is a suspicion that the Liga leaders may be ever so slightly vulnerable.
Killer stat
In addition to their 137 goals in all competitions this term, Barça's players have also hit the woodwork 26 times.
What their opponents say
Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid player:
Barcelona are good but they are not from another world.
Semi-finalist profile: FC Barcelona dominate possession like no other side but also owe a debt of gratitude to goalkeeper Víctor Valdés as they target their fourth European crown.
Not for reasons of grandstanding, nor due to the demands of four Clásico meetings in the space of 18 days – rather, because Guardiola's respect for Madrid coach José Mourinho's tactics and experience is so high. The two men worked together at Barcelona during the reigns of Sir Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal. Just as pertinently, perhaps, it was Mourinho's FC Internazionale Milano who eliminated Barcelona after two epic semi-final contests last year.
Guardiola has also stated twice, since renewing his contract until 2012, that he is "closer to the end than the beginning" of his tenure. So this could be his penultimate chance to lead Barcelona to what would be their fourth European crown.
UEFA club competition honours (runners-up in brackets)
• European Champion Clubs' Cup: 1992, 2006, 2009; (1961), (1986), (1994)
• UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1979, 1982, 1989, 1997; (1969), (1991)
• UEFA Super Cup: 1992, 1997, 2009; (1979), (1982), (1989), (2006)
Domestic honours (most recent triumph in brackets)
• League title: 20 (2010)
• Spanish Cup: 25 (2009)
Previous European Champion Clubs' Cup semi-finals
11 (won 5, lost 6)
UEFA club ranking
2 (opponents Real Madrid CF are 7th)
Leading scorer
Liga: Lionel Messi, 30
UEFA Champions League: Lionel Messi, 9
Strengths and weaknesses
The instinct to retain possession seems almost programmed into the genetic makeup of a Barcelona player. The Catalan club have seen more of the ball than their opponents in every single match, home and away, since a 4-1 loss to Madrid in May 2008. In terms of individuals, Lionel Messi is the obvious jewel in their crown, the Argentina forward having struck 49 goals for the side in all competitions this term, including nine in ten UEFA Champions League outings. The loss of Éric Abidal with a liver tumour and the three-month injury absence of fellow defender Carles Puyol represent their Achilles heel, however.
Key moment
For all their scintillating creativity and relentless scoring, Barça's presence in the last four owes much to Arsenal FC striker Nicklas Bendtner missing a late chance at Camp Nou which could well have sent the hosts out two rounds ago. Arsenal dispossessed Adriano down the right, Andrey Arshavin fed Jack Wilshere and he picked out Bendtner in the middle, only for a heavy touch from the forward to allow Víctor Valdés to gather the ball. "If Bendtner's control had been better, we would probably have been out," Guardiola reflected.
Unsung hero
It has to be the remarkable Valdés. The Azulgrana press so high up the pitch that many of his saves tend to come from one-on-ones, when the onrushing attacker would usually be expected to score. The 29-year-old's concentration levels need to be extraordinarily high too, given he can often go an hour or more without having to do any serious work – and then suddenly be required to produce split-second reactions. He has conceded just 16 times in his last 21 appearances in the competition and his litany of saves during the quarter-final will probably give FC Shakhtar Donetsk's forwards nightmares for months to come.
Form
League position: 1 (Last five games: DWWWD)
The dominant Spanish team of the last three seasons, Barcelona may finally be paying the price for playing so many high-tempo, high-stakes games at club level, with Guardiola's key men also performing regularly for their national sides as well. They continue to dominate possession yet appear to have lost some cutting edge in front of goal, while a lack of pace at the back has allowed opponents to generate more chances than is customary. Despite them sitting eight points clear in the league, and having a Copa del Rey final against Madrid on Wednesday, there is a suspicion that the Liga leaders may be ever so slightly vulnerable.
Killer stat
In addition to their 137 goals in all competitions this term, Barça's players have also hit the woodwork 26 times.
What their opponents say
Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid player:
Barcelona are good but they are not from another world.
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UCL News Trophy Tour attracts huge turnout in Hong Kong
Thousands of football fans turned out in Hong Kong as the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour, presented by Heineken, made the final stop of its spring excursion through Asia.
Another fantastic UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour, presented by Heineken, is behind us, with a memorable final leg in Hong Kong bringing the curtain down in style on the silverware's journey around Asia – a football hotbed with a huge appetite for the competition.
The prize that the world's greatest players all want to win has travelled to Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea in recent weeks – and on its last leg in Hong Kong fans were treated to the sight of the iconic trophy being paraded through the streets of the bustling metropolis, on one of the island's restored historical trams, with Trophy Tour Ambassadors Gianfranco Zola and Jay-Jay Okocha.
A total of 12,100 visitors joined the queues to have their photograph taken with the trophy and to attend the autograph sessions at the apm shopping mall with ex-Italy forward Zola and Nigeria's Okocha, one of the greatest African players of all time. Both former players had enjoyed the rarified atmosphere of the UEFA Champions League – Zola with Chelsea FC and Okocha with Fenerbahçe SK.
"It's a privilege as a fan to come out and see this trophy, because it's difficult to have the opportunity to come close to this cup and to be able to touch it or see what it really looks like," said Okocha.
"Even as a player it's tough, because it's only when you reach the final that you're able to see it, so I think fans should feel privileged that UEFA has taken this initiative of associating with fans all over the world," he added.
The trophy is a global icon that reflects the quality of the UEFA Champions League. Accordingly the media presence in Hong Kong was highly impressive. For the major European clubs and their star players, the silverware also symbolises the ultimate achievement in this continent's club game.
Some fans also brought their own football memorabilia to be signed by the Trophy Tour Ambassadors, while Hong Kong celebrity, actress and television presenter Chrissie Chau was on hand to boost the festival atmosphere.
Thousands of football fans turned out in Hong Kong as the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour, presented by Heineken, made the final stop of its spring excursion through Asia.
The prize that the world's greatest players all want to win has travelled to Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea in recent weeks – and on its last leg in Hong Kong fans were treated to the sight of the iconic trophy being paraded through the streets of the bustling metropolis, on one of the island's restored historical trams, with Trophy Tour Ambassadors Gianfranco Zola and Jay-Jay Okocha.
A total of 12,100 visitors joined the queues to have their photograph taken with the trophy and to attend the autograph sessions at the apm shopping mall with ex-Italy forward Zola and Nigeria's Okocha, one of the greatest African players of all time. Both former players had enjoyed the rarified atmosphere of the UEFA Champions League – Zola with Chelsea FC and Okocha with Fenerbahçe SK.
"It's a privilege as a fan to come out and see this trophy, because it's difficult to have the opportunity to come close to this cup and to be able to touch it or see what it really looks like," said Okocha.
"Even as a player it's tough, because it's only when you reach the final that you're able to see it, so I think fans should feel privileged that UEFA has taken this initiative of associating with fans all over the world," he added.
The trophy is a global icon that reflects the quality of the UEFA Champions League. Accordingly the media presence in Hong Kong was highly impressive. For the major European clubs and their star players, the silverware also symbolises the ultimate achievement in this continent's club game.
Some fans also brought their own football memorabilia to be signed by the Trophy Tour Ambassadors, while Hong Kong celebrity, actress and television presenter Chrissie Chau was on hand to boost the festival atmosphere.
- Status