Why Pep Guardiola's Bayer Failed?

Ultimately it is the results of a match that judge the performance of a team and the tactics of the coach. Pep Guardiola’s possession strategy was not able to contain the lethal counterattacks of a hungry and inspired Real Madrid.

Possession is a great strategy, it has been proved by Barca’s  five-year domination in Europe. However, Barca’s possession was not just passing the ball around, they were fast and they were able to create the spaces needed to find the net.

At Camp Nou Pep had Messi, Iniesta and Xavi who were top players capable of making the difference. Players who grew up within the system of tiki taka and ball possession as the weapon of choice.

Ball possession is actually a great strategy. The ball is the weapon, which is used to keep the order and domination on the pitch. But when that weapon is stolen from you and is used against you is a different story.

Guardiola failed not because Bayer lost but because the way they lost to a bulldozer machine called Real Madrid. Bayer Munich was simply not able to create chances of goals, Madrid defense was great and Casillas could have easily hanged a hammock to take the Spanish siesta.

There is nothing wrong with ball possession because is a system that has been proven to work. Barca’s domination under Guardiola, Spain was crowned world champion at last World Cup in South Africa as a result of ball possession. But the difference was that they were able to put it in the net as well.

Basically Guardiola’s Bayer failed not because of his system or tactics but because they simply could not find the net. When a team strikes once or twice and then keeps possession the opponent becomes tired and exhausted of chasing shadows. The ball needs to find the net, otherwise possession is useless.

Merit to the strength and speed of Real Madrid though. Los Blancos have been working hard to get where they are. They are a great team under the leadership of Cristiano Ronaldo who is capable of single-handedly make the difference. They passed the Bayer test and the so awaited Decima could be just a victory away.

Iker Casillas asked his defenders-- Is there anything going on there?

Defenders No--they’re just passing the ball around.

Let The Beautiful Game Cheer You Up

There are times when you might not be having the best day but if you know you love and enjoy the beautiful game then things can change quickly. The world’s game inflicts that strong feeling that can turn moments into an ecstasy of joy.

I remember once being sad for certain reason but then I started thinking about great goals, great moments from the World Cup, the Champions League or even funny football bloopers --which by the way are hilarious! I suddenly realized that my joy for the beautiful game could turn a frowny face upside down and transform it into a smile.

 

The beautiful game makes me smile!

 The beautiful game can cheer you up whenever you’re feeling sad. But in order for this method to work well you have to remember those joyous moments your team has won great matches and you were able to talk smack to your opponents. It’s just a great feeling isn’t it?

There are simple moments in the game that can cheer you up as well. For instance, those memories when you enter the gate of the stadium then you find your seat and the first whistle has been blown… And the ball is now rolling.

Memorable Goals can cheer you up.

Great goals that come to mind are just that… Great Goals. Andres Iniesta’s iconic celebration, showing the name of his deceased friend and giving Spain its first World Cup title is one to remember for decades to come.

Another great and inspirational goal is Landon Donovan’s against Algeria. Captain America scored a sensational goal in the last minutes of the match qualifying the team for the second round in World Cup 2010.

Messi solo run goal versus Real Madrid in the Champions League Semis of 2011 is one that only comes a few times around.  As if someone has told him ‘go ahead Messi create a goal’ and the Barcelona star took the ball from half field dribbling defenders and defeating goalkeeper Casillas.

Another incredible goal and the most recent one is by Gareth Bale in the Copa del Rey final of 2014. It was just an amazing run in the 85^th minute by the Wales man and Real Madrid winger who scored that goal that gave the team silverware to take home.

Simply remember the great memories of the beautiful game, your favorite goals, bloopers of your favorite players and the simple things in it that can always transform your bad day into a positive one. Cheer up and enjoy the beautiful game.  

What do Barcelona fans have to hope for these days?

Having been knock out of the Champions League and losing to Granada in La Liga has placed the Blaugrana in a bitter situation.  Barca has to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.  It is as simple as that! Because the team has lost the brilliance and speed once had.

The Guardiola era is long gone for Barca and for that reason living off the past is not going to cut it for the team. The fans have become used to seeing a successful Blaugrana team that was able to bring some silverware home every season. But this season is surprisingly different because an aggressive and determined Atletico de Madrid is leading the race for La Liga title.

It is actually really good for La Liga to mix things up and have a different leader this season. Unlike previously scripted seasons where it has been either Barca or Real Madrid who takes the title home, but this year might just be the one for Atletico.

In this circumstance Barca must defeat Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. The options of winning something have clearly run out. Being out of the Champions League in the quarterfinals, and being third place in La Liga means that Barca must hope for the results of Atletico and Real Madrid.

As usual fans want their team to compete well and win everything. The case of Barca fans is not different, if they can’t win La Liga, they would love the following scenario: Barca winning the Copa del Rey, Atletico La Liga title and Guardiola’s Bayer Munich to win the Champions League.

Though that scenario is not written in stones the probability of happening is high. Barca must give everything they got to snatch the Copa del Rey, Atletico is in a very good standing to keep winning the last five matches that they need to win La Liga. Guardiola’s Bayern Munich looks very solid and invincible at the moment which makes the team a clear candidates to win the Champions again.

That is what Barca fans hope for these days…

Soccerfool wishes you a 'Happy April Fools' Day'

Soccerfool interviewed Messi who admitted that he wanted to play for Real Madrid. The Barcelona super star declared that when he was brought down to Earth (because you know he’s out of this world) he was supposed to sign that contract with Los Blancos.

But the Aliens had a different plan; they knew that two years prior to Messi they had brought another super athlete. That is Cristiano Ronaldo who also has admitted that he dreamed of playing for the Blaugrana.

Apparently the aliens make mistakes too. But luckily we were able to get two out of this world soccer players who don’t come around pretty often.

Happy April Fools’ Day!

On another Note!

This is not a joke or it could actually be a joke by Nike! This is the away jersey of the USMNT which is looking more like a Russian version.

Oops! Nike did it again!

Sometimes as fans we do not appreciate certain colors on our teams because they remind us of something else but we still have to support them.

Barca's Away Jersey