Why I Love Sports (Soccer Edition)

2 singular moments, a mere 58 seconds of real time ended the Champions League Campaign for both Spanish sides.  

Barcelona and Real Madrid were both in pole position in each of their respective Champions League semifinal second legs.  Momentum was with the sides.  The wind was at their backs.  Both teams were “flying,” as they say, when 1 moment of a lack in concentration, and one rash move led to their demise.  

Barcelona- In the 46th minute of the first half, it took just 4 seconds for the ball to leave Lampard’s foot and cross the goal line from Ramires’ chip, giving Chelsea the vital away goal that would see them through to the final.  Chelsea were down 2-1 on aggregate, and down to 10 men at this time.   

Real Madrid- Heading west to Madrid on Wednesday, another solitary moment would sink Real’s chances at “La Decima” (their 10th Champions League trophy, they currently have won the most titles in all of Europe with 9 since the competition began in 1955.)

In the 26th minute, Pepe inexplicably wrapped up Gomez in the area to award Bayern a penalty, and the vital away goal that would help them advance to a home final date with Chelsea.  54 seconds from the time of the foul to Robben converting the spot kick, Real Madrid were eliminated.

There is little doubt the events on Saturday hindered both clubs.  There was also clearly plenty of time and drama left in each game, however, the fact remains without these 2 events, without a mere minute in time, we would be heading towards a Clasico to end all Clasicos.  I also don’t think there is any denying that Personally, I feel it’s refreshing to see a unique match up for the final and being a Newcastle supporter; can anyone help with the German translation of “Come on you Bayern!”

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