Obsession or Passion? - Champions League Semi-Final (Wednesday) B.Dortmund vs. Real Madrid

Obsession or Passion?

Jose Mourinho once spoke of Barcelona's obsession to be better than Real Madrid, to surpass them in everything...their obsession with winning more European crowns than their rivals. Mourinho said an obsession is impure, it is not the right motive to play football. 

Real Madrid last won a European title 11 years ago, Madrid's president brought in Jose Mourinho to stop this drought because since then Barcelona have won the trophy 3 times. Perhaps the obsession for glory is now with Real Madrid. Madrid come up against a familiar opposition, Borussia Dortmund finished top of the group with Real Madrid finishing in second place. Dortmund were able to beat Madrid 2-1 at home and draw 2-2 spectacularly at the Santiago Bernabeu. Both teams were able to grab uncomfortable passages through to the semi-final and will be hoping for less drama tonight. 

Dortmund's journey to this stage has been an incredible ride for the fans, players and staff.

The sweet smell of success coming into this game has some-what been polluted by the sudden news, fans favorite and key man Mario Götze will be leaving at the end of the season to join rivals Bayern Munich. 

The news was bad timing for the club, who were preparing for this big clash...the fans have voiced their frustrations but Jurgen Kloop 

has said, ''Dortmund comes first, this is too big for us to concern ourselves with any other issue''. Although he himself is disappointed with the news, he has called for the fans to back the team on this monumental night, the atmosphere is sure to be electric.

As for Madrid...all looks positive, there doesn't seem to be any major injury scares and the team is still winning and scoring goals domestically. Madrid will also be charged up by the news Barcelona lost 4-0 last night in their semi-final, so all the motivation is there for Los Blancos. The only problem I can see for Madrid is the the thought in the back of their minds, countless occasions they have failed to cross the finishing line in these positions.

Their mentality has become stronger season by season but this will be the true test, Madrid need to be as professional as possible in this tie. Think back to last season's semi-final, Madrid thought they had the game wrapped up but ended up losing on penalties. Jose Mourinho will remind the players about this and ensure they do not make the same mistakes, London is calling and both teams are eager to be there.


Key Players

Real Madrid

I've selected Ronaldo, Ozil and Xabi Alonso. 

Madrid are arguably the best side in Europe when turning defense into attack, Madrid will look to pounce on Dortmund's fragile defending and make their few opportunities count. The defending and tactical awareness will need to be sufficient, Mourinho would have learnt from their previous meetings with Dortmund and look to improve. I believe attack will be the best form of defense, an away goal or two is crucial and Madrid can score goals. Xabi Alonso provides the steal, experience and precise passes for the team. Ronaldo and Ozil provide the creativity and the lethal finishing.

B.Dortmund

I've selected Lewandowski, Mario and Hummels

Dortmund at home are a force to be reckoned with, and they don't have to look that far back on how to beat Real Madrid. The blueprint is there but improvements will need to be made, Hummels is a vital defensive leader. Santana came in last fixture and although scoring the winning goal looked very suspect, with the pace and lethal execution of Real Madrid the big man will be needed to keep things tight. In the attacking areas, Dortmund have no real issues because the link up play between their front 3 is superb. I could not select all three but I believe Lewandowski and Götze will provide the skill and the goals to help drive their side to victory.

Probable Line-Ups 

Real Madrid

Borussia Dortmund

This is sure to be an enticing fixture, hopefully not as one sided as the clash we saw last night between Bayern and Barca. The atmosphere is sure to be an incredible one, best of luck to both teams. My prediction for the first leg, a narrow Real Madrid victory...as much as Dortmund are good at home, I think the motivation and hunger of Real Madrid will be too great for them.

2-1 (Real Madrid Victory)

Thanks for reading and if you'd like to follow me on Twitter catch me @Denisao4

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The Champions Clash 

Uefa Champions League Semi Final 1st Leg 

                           

It’s officially the business end of the season. The time to etch your name in football folklore, or be forgotten. On one side we have Bayern Munich, German champions with a 20 point advantage over their nearest opponents in the Bundesliga. On the other hand we have FC Barcelona, 13 points ahead of their nearest opponents, with La Liga all but wrapped up. Surprisingly though the Catalan Giants don’t head into this tie as favourites (even if they’re the first team to qualify for 6 Champions Semi Finals in a row).

      

Bayern come into tonight’s match in stratospheric form. Having been able to rest many of their star players since clinching the title, they’ve still amassed 3 wins and scored 21 goals in the process including two consecutive 6-1 victories in the league. Many of their fringe players have definitely given the coach a welcomed headache heading into the match tonight.  For Barcelona things haven’t been as easy. Although continuing their winning ways, they needed a late Cesc winner to clinch victory against Levante this past weekend.

The biggest news heading into tonight’s match is of course a certain Lionel Messi. The question on everyone’s lips is whether or not he’s fit tonight, and if so: “How fit is he?”According to the Barca Director Zubizaretta:  Messi has been cleared by the medical staff, with the decision being left to Tito on how to best utilise their little talisman. Bayern fans will be happy to know that Bastian Schweinstieger has shrugged of his ankle knock and will lead the Bavarians from the centre of their midfield. The omission of Mandzukic due to suspension will give way to Mario Gomez, who although hasn’t started many games this season comes into tonight’s tie on the back of a hatrick this past weekend.

 

 Bayern come into this match with a lot to prove. After losing to Chelsea in last seasons’ final at the Allianz Arena, they’ll definitely have the added motivation to rid themselves of the “chokers” tag given to them in recent seasons.

                                                               

A subplot to the seminal is the Spain vs. Germany rivalry. With both clubs providing the core of their respective national teams, the Germans will be looking to get one over their Spanish counterparts, who have leapfrogged them in recent years in the battle of International supremacy.

As favourites tonight Bayern will be going for an all out victory. Bayern coach Heynckes will remind his players just how important a clean sheet is, that’ll put them in a commanding position heading into the 2^nd leg. Barcelona will be looking to contain the Bavarians, looking to get an away goal in the process that will give them motivation heading back to the Camp Nou with their 80000+ “12^th” man to get them through to Wembley.

As kick off looms, I suggest you prepare yourself for a football masterclass.

Possible Line Ups

FC Barca: Valdez; Alves, Pique, Bartra, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Sanchez, Messi, Tello

Bayern:  Neuer; Lahm, Buyten, Dante, Alaba; Martinez, Schweinstieger; Robben, Muller, Ribery; Gomez

Players walking the Yellow card tight rope

FC Barca: Pique, Alba, Song

Bayern: Lahm, Dante, Luiz Gustavo

Kick Off: 20:45 SAST

My Predictions: Bayern Munich 2-1 FC Barcelona

Off The Field - Madrid's Bling-Boyz - (Part 3) Cristiano Ronaldo

CR7 (28 Years Old)

Surely you can't be surprised....right?



The numero uno at Real Madrid, on and off the pitch. To the boo-boys this may sound like a dead obvious answer, but what makes him the best?. There are many aspects that gets you to the top in this department, you need things to go your way & Ronaldo has it all.


Let us begun with where the skillful Portuguese forward started...

GASP!!...yes this is Cristiano Ronaldo, now at this time Cristiano had braces, his hair (which he thought was cool) was not up to scratch and he had the skinny teen look on lock.

Now the day he arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon he wore a jumper of some sorts...odd colors and pattern. His jeans were too big, his hair had some Alien vs Predator vibe going on and...I could go on but this is the point I want to make. He wasn't born perfect...he had to progress to success!

As mentioned Cristiano has always had a drive for perfection, the good people at Manchester did help a lot but he needed to make the changes. Apart from being an outstanding footballer if asked about Ronaldo,  the one thing most people will mention about him is? HIS PHYSIQUE

2004 - Let the transformation begin!

Guess who had been 'shooting in the gym', influenced by his good friend Rio Ferdinand to spend more time in the gym before and after training, Ronaldo blossomed into a crisp-cut athletic build. As Drake says in 'Say What's Real' Transitioning from fitting in to standing out

Here is a link to help you look like CR7 <<<< Click Here

We have established that Cristiano has the physique to be #1 now its time for the machines...

CR7 has a vast collection of vehicles from a Bently, Aston Martin, Ferrari California, Audi Q7, Maserati etc but none compare to the 'Batmobile'.



When CR7 turned 27 he bought himself a birthday present, the Lamborghini Aventador...this bad boy does 0-100 in 2.9 seconds, costs a hefty R3.6-4.5 Million. When he arrives to training, you won't just see him, you'll hear him from a mile away. Ronaldo isn't one to shy away from the spotlight, he is a superstar...he enjoys the limelight. 

What else makes CR7 the outstanding front runner?...to live this life you have to earn big and this lad certainly does. Forbes recorded in 2012 that CR7 is worth a cool 45Million US, let us do a quick tally up.

• Salary Winnings : $20.5 Million
• Endorsements : $20.Million (Nike, Castrol & Konami) Major sponsors 

Ronaldo has the highest football salary in any league, including bonuses. He earns even more off the pitch, thanks to deals with Nike, Castrol, Konami and others. The Portuguese winger has more Facebook fans than any other athlete in the world. He is the 9th highest paid athlete in the world, and overall 44th celeb in the world. 

(Laughing all the way to the bank amigos)

We could stop there, but it is only right to fully establish why CR7 is #1

Ronaldo has come a long way from the dreadfu,l weird jumper days, he has transcended into a fashion and style icon. Ronaldo has a love for fashion, having started his own brand of clothing with his sisters in Portugal. The line is called CR7, the stores are mainly based in Portugal. The style is similar to what Ronaldo likes to wear, there are women's and children's sections as well.

Ronaldo has a massive collection of clothing, he enjoys a formal-casual style with a slight twist of dapper. Much like his other team-mates, Ronaldo enjoys to rock the Italian brands, with a mix of his own line CR7.



Nike have also made a range of CR7 clothing, Ronaldo is not really seen wearing any of these items but models and creates interest for others to buy.




In 2010 Ronaldo joined forces with legendary designer Giorgio Armani, CR7 modeled briefs & jeans for the brand, taking over from David Beckham. 

CR's favorite clothing brand is Gucci, you will often see him wearing a Gucci scarf, belt or hat. In terms of style, CR7 is always in trend because he often sets it. With his hair, ear-rings, watches you name it. Ronaldo has been successful in this game because he has not been afraid to change, but still keeps it unique, flashy and personal. He has appeared in countless magazine shoots, adverts you name it...he has done it.

In the dressing room with the lads, the topic that's usually up for discussion is, who do you fancy? or who are you dating?. 

At Real Madrid Ronaldo wins here yet again, she is the rival to Iker's beautiful lady Sara but she has to take the crown. Meet Irina Shayk...

Irina is a model, made famous by her appearances in Sports Illustrated swimsuit shoots, the two have been together for a good time now and reports suggest the two are engaged. Nothing has been confirmed, but it seems more likely that the two love birds will tie the knot at some stage.

In the off-season Ronaldo enjoys spending time at the beach tanning. He also enjoys partying and spending quality time with his gilfriend, team-mates, family and friends. His party days have been limited since dating Irina but he does enjoy a good time out now and again.

There we have it, that's what makes Cristiano Ronaldo our #1 Bling-Boy at Real Madrid, he has it all but as mentioned he had to work hard to get here. It is hard to find the balance of doing the business on the field and of it but CR has found the secret. He refuse to settle for anything less than the very best, it is a mentality that is unquestionable. Parabens (Congratulations) CR7 you are indeed the ultimate swagger-king in your team.

If you would like to follow Cristiano you can do so on his various social network handles 

• Twitter : @Cristiano
• Facebook : CR7

Here is a special 'All Access' video report of Cristiano Ronalo (CNN)

Thanks again for reading, I hope you have enjoyed our off the field editions this week.

If you would like to follow me on Twitter and Facebook please do so

@Denisao4

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Off The Field - Madrid's Bling-Boyz - (Part 2) Sergio Ramos

Off The Field

Sergio Ramos (27 Years Old)

The one they call 'The Gypsy Kid' has come a long way from his days at Seville, he has been at Real Madrid since 2005 and from day one, he has settled in as a star. From the day he signed he made it clear he wasn't going to slip up in the style scene, rocking up to his first press conference in a dapper tailored suit, hair slicked back and wearing a pair of Ray-Ban shades.

  
At that time Sergio Ramos had a lot of players he could pick up style tips from, including Zidane, Figo and the king Mr. David Beckham. He has since learnt how to make his mark off the field, the Spanish right back is now one of the leading forces within the scene.



If you would like to catch Sergio on the road, you will need to drive fast. He has a particular taste in his cars and these are the vehicles you can see him driving.

Sergio will often be spotted in a Audi R8 coupe or covertable spyder, this machine costs a cool R2.1 Million and if that isn't enough, he can be seen in a Ferrari 458 Italia Spyder (White as well) The Spanish lad obviously has a thing for white cars. The Ferrari will set you back a good R3.4/4 Million, as the saying goes, 'boys will be boys'.

As mentioned in the previous Off The Field, we highlighted the friendship between Sergio Ramos and Mesut Özil. The two have become very close off the field, attending events together, taking pics together and even sharing cars. Here Ramos is spotted driving Özil's Ferrari....

Sergio has helped groom Mesut off the field, the older brother of sorts helping the younger.

 As we now focus on the fashion side of Sergio Ramos, from the picture you clearly already see the style and tastes of the player. Sergio Ramos is wearing a white golf-tee by Giorgio Armani, Ray-Ban shades, a pair of denim jeans and a Gucci belt. 

Sergio Ramos is a big fan of Italian designer clothes, you will often see him rocking Giorgio Armani, Gucci and Dolce & Gabana. Ramo's style is mostly the dapper, formal & casual look. 

Sergio has a love for cardigans, scarves and sunglasses. You will often seen him with these at any given opportunity, nothing he wears is ever baggy or hanging. He prefers a tight fit or just a perfect fit for any item of clothing he dons, Ramos' style off the field has not gone unnoticed. 

The Spanish defender has modeled for a number of brands and appeared in a number of style, fitness and fashion magazines.

Sergio Ramos recently appeared in a Spanish edition of Men's Health. From the front page you can see he is a big fan of skin art, he is highly decorated. Each one with a specific significance to his life, with a collection of just over 10 tattoos Sergio is indeed chopped-up.












Sergio Ramos is currently dating Pilar Rubio, a Spanish TV presenter and reporter. Reports say the two were spotted shopping for engagement rings, so perhaps she could be Pilar Rubio Ramos Garcia in the foreseeable future.

Although Sergio maybe tied down at the moment, the Spanish lad has had a reputation in the past...'Heart-breaker'. The ladies might not be happy to see him taken, but at least us other guys now have a chance with women around the world.

Sergio Ramos loves to spend his off season time with his friends, family and girlfriend. You can usually spot him at the beach, he isn't a huge fan of night clubs but when he is...trust me it is a PARTY!.

Don't miss Friday's edition for the last member of the 'Bling-Boyz' club, I am pretty sure a lot of you know who it is already. A little clue for those who don't know, look at the pic above...

If you would like to follow Sergio Ramos you can hit him on his various social network platforms!

• Twitter : @SergioRamos
• Facebook : SergioRamosOficial

Here is a short clip of the best of Sergio Ramos in 2012-2013 

Thanks for reading, don't miss Friday's post. If you would like to reach me you can do so on Twitter & Facebook!

@Denisao4

OfficialDenisao44

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Nike Tiemp Legend IV (Sunburst) Review

The Tiempo is probably one of Nikes oldest boots silos and it has show that it can adapt and change along with the generation of the players as well as the game. Now Nike have reached the fourth generation of the tiempo and the boot is definitely showing its worth and popularity in world football. With Players, of calibre like Andrea Pirlo, Ramires, Sergio Ramos and Javier Pastore wearing this boot it has shown that
the players have belief in one of the oldest boot silos in the Modern day football.

The boot has a very standard look which is good because its not the flashiest boot and still maintains a modest and modern look. The boot is usually worn by midfield maestros because the boot gives the player
 a sumptuous touch. However, with the ever changing game of modern football players all over the pitch have been found wearing the tiempos because of the way that it improves a players first touch and this will enable them to manipulate the ball to the best of their ability. When you first put the boot on your foot you instantly notice the level of comport, this is down to the inner sole Nike have developed and installed in the boot along with the material that the upper is
 made from. These two together form a comfortable cushion both below and on top of your foot for maximum comfort. Next you'll notice how the boot molds around your foot, this is down to the cushioning or the upper that Nike have created, its meant to give you a better feel of the ball to make the touch more noticeable.
 
 The colourway on the upper is quite unusual for a tiempo, nonetheless
 it has been well received by the footballing world. The bright red and
 orange with a white swoosh has given a new look to a classic boot and
is very much in tune with the new look of football boots in the modern
 game.

 The feel of the boot when playing in them is much more different to any other type of Nike boot, it gives me the feeling of an enhanced touch on the ball and it makes the ball easier to manipulate. My contact with the ball makes me feel like I am more in control and it is very good for picking out a pass, placing the ball in the net and just having a great touch in general. My overall view on the boot is that it is very good and that it can actually adds a new weapon to your footballing arsenal.


I recommend that you grab yourself a pair of
this very hot boot before its too late and you're left disappointed.


My Rating is a 9/10


If you would like to follow me on Twitter hit me up on 

• Twitter @TCoker12

By Femi Coker

Off The Field - Madrid's Bling-Boyz - (Part 1) Mesut Özil

As the saying goes...All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Likewise with professional athletes. With all the money in the world, these athletes have some time to enjoy the rewards from their hard work.

Off the field kicks off its first edition this week, we are focusing on the top 3 'Bling Boyz' at Real Madrid.


Mesut Özil (Age 24)

We all know what he is capable of doing on the field, but the young German play-maker has been earning his badges off it too.


Özil can be seen driving around Spain in a black or white Ferrari 458 Italia, this powerful vehicle will set you back a good R3.4 Million.  The Italian sports-car is fast, expensive and sexy...the perfect car for those quick drives from the paparazzi. 

 Özil has had his seats customized with the his initials M.Ö, including custom interior, sound and paint job. He may be German but he clearly loves his Italian Super car, then again who wouldn't.

Posing here next to his machine, the German intentional is rocking a pair of chinos, black tee and leather jacket. Black and white sole Van sneakers, with a fitted cap.  (Trend My Son)















Özil doesn't have a distinctive fashion style, he more a less wears what he likes and thinks is cool. Of late he has stepped into the more dapper trend but often has his casual trends here and there. Heavily influenced by his team-mate and best friend Sergio Ramos, the two share very similar styles. 

Mesut can be seen wearing a host of different brands, from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Armani, Alexander McQueen and Dolce & Gabana. You wouldn't call him the most fashionable footballer, but he has made big strides from his younger days in Germany. Since coming to Spain he has developed and grown, even appearing in his home lands GQ edition.


Not entirely sure who Mesut is dating, reports say it is a certain Anna Marie Lewe...not confirmed or denied if they are still together. Mesut is a lad who likes to enjoy his off-season time, partying and chilling with his friends. If you are lucky enough to catch him around during that time, you will understand what I mean. 

Make sure to check out the blog page on Wednesday to find out who is the second 'Bling-Boy' at Real Madrid. 

If you would like to follow Mesut, you can reach him on his various social media platforms.

• Facebook : mesutoezil
• Twitter : @MesutOzil1088

The lifestyle may be glamorous but the hard work isn't, to live the way Mesut does you have to work very hard. As the great Muhammed Ali said, ''Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion''. 

Here are two clips of just what hard work and dedication results in.

(Part 2 available on YouTube) 

  



Thanks for reading and if you'd like to follow me, you can reach me on

• Twitter : @Denisao4
• Facebook : Denisao44

Peace & Love