Sunday, May 19, 2013

Mourinho & Ronaldo sent packing as Atletico win Copa del Rey

A thrilling Copa del Rey final saw Atletico Madrid come from behind to beat their city rivals Real 2-1 at the Bernabeu.

Los Rojiblancos had famously failed to beat Real since 1999 but an extra-time header from Miranda ended their miserable run and ensured their 10th Copa crown.

It was a miserable evening for Jose Mourinho’s men who looked on course for yet another victory after Cristiano Ronaldo had put them ahead after just 14 minutes.

However, Diego Costa levelled the tie after the break, after some great play by Radamel Falcao, before Miranda’s late heroics.

There was further misery too for Real as they hit the woodwork three times and saw Mourinho sent from the dugout before Ronaldo was controversially sent off late on.
 

Friday, May 17, 2013

Beckham joins Fergie, Scholes and Neville in Man Utd retirement home

David Beckham once again hit the headlines all over the world on Thursday when he announced his decision to retire from football.

The PSG midfielder has enjoyed a stellar career beginning at Manchester United before taking in Real Madrid, AC Milan and LA Galaxy.

Along the way he has become the world’s most famous footballer, and a global brand, but is now set to hang up his boots after 21 years at the top level.

He is not alone, of course, as his decision follows that of former Manchester United colleagues Sir Alex Ferguson and Paul Scholes, who will also bow out of the game on Sunday.

Benitez bolsters CV as Chelsea celebrate Europa League glory

Chelsea secured their second European title in two seasons on Wednesday, seeing off Benfica in Amsterdam to win the Europa League final.

Fernando Torres opened the scoring for the Blues and although Oscar Cardozo equalised for Jorge Jesus’s men, Branislav Ivanovic’s late header won the title for Rafael Benitez’s men.

The win follows last season’s Champions League triumph and means Rafael Benitez has now become just the fourth manager to win the Europa League (or Uefa Cup in its previous incarnation) more than once.

Relegated Wigan fall into the void

Just three days after securing their first ever FA Cup triumph with a memorable win over Manchester City at Wembley, Wigan have been relegated.

Roberto Martinez’s men lost 4-1 at Arsenal and tumbled out of the Premier League after an eight-year stay and will join QPR and Reading in the Championship.

The defeat means the Latics also pick the unwanted record of becoming the first side ever to win the FA Cup and be relegated in the same season.

Speaking after the game Roberto Martinez said he “never expected” to get relegated as the FA Cup winners tumble into the void.