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From Zidane’s Volley to Bale’s Bicycle Kick: Real Madrid’s Greatest UCL Moments Ranked

From Zidane’s Volley to Bale’s Bicycle Kick: Real Madrid’s Greatest UCL Moments Ranked(Picture: Getty Images)
From Zidane’s Volley to Bale’s Bicycle Kick: Real Madrid’s Greatest UCL Moments Ranked(Picture: Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s long-lasting supremacy in European football is demonstrated by their remarkable history in the UEFA Champions League.

Los Blancos will play Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley, and they are on the verge of winning their 15th European Cup, which highlights their extraordinary success in the tournament.

Here, we examine Real Madrid’s Champions League triumphs from 2000 onward, rating each according to the situation, the players’ contributions, and the overall impact.

7. Real Madrid 1999/2000

Even though Real Madrid was not yet in the Galacticos era, their 1999–2000 team had a lot of skill. The team’s fortunes drastically changed when Vicente Del Bosque succeeded John Toshack during the season.

With Steve McManaman’s incredible volley leading the way, Madrid trounced Valencia 3-0 in the Champions League final, showcasing the team’s untapped potential.

Their domestic campaign, however, was less successful as they finished third in La Liga, behind Real Zaragoza and Valencia.

6. Real Madrid 2017/18

Even by the high standards of Real Madrid, the 2017–18 season was unusual. Madrid was outstanding in Europe even though they came in third in La Liga, a substantial 17 points behind champions Barcelona.

With the acquisitions of Dani Ceballos and Theo Hernandez, the team took a cautious approach in the summer transfer window, spending little overall and emphasizing youth.

Their Champions League run ended in a historic triumph, demonstrating their ability to perform on the biggest platform despite home defeats.

An unforgettable moment from the final against Liverpool is still Gareth Bale’s incredible overhead kick.

5. Real Madrid 2001/02

The 2001–02 season for Real Madrid was a story of both European dominance and homegrown failure. Though Madrid ended up third in La Liga, nine points behind Valencia, their Champions League run was incredible.

After signing for a record-breaking amount, Zidane made his debut at Hampden Park with a magnificent volley against Bayer Leverkusen.

With this win, Madrid’s European strength was duly concluded in a season that saw them defeat Bayern Munich and Barcelona in the final stages.

4. Real Madrid 2021/22

Real Madrid not only won La Liga in the 2021–2022 season, but they also retook Europe. Madrid took advantage of Barcelona’s shock of losing Lionel Messi, winning La Liga with 86 points.

Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior stole the show in the Champions League final, with Benzema scoring 44 goals, his best-ever season.

Vinicius’s game-winning goal against Liverpool cemented his status as a superstar. This season demonstrated Madrid’s capacity to bounce back and prosper without Ronaldo.

3. Real Madrid 2013/14

Real Madrid’s 12-year Champions League drought came to an end in the 2013–14 campaign. Despite finishing third in La Liga, Madrid was a potent attacking team under Carlo Ancelotti, scoring 104 goals.

Their brilliant and resilient European campaign came to an exciting 4-1 extra-time win over Atletico Madrid in the championship game.

Gareth Bale made his debut this season as well, and he played a crucial role throughout, scoring a memorable goal against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.

2. Real Madrid 2015/16

With Zidane taking over in the middle of the season, the 2015–16 campaign saw a sea change. Madrid had shown promise but had not been consistent under Rafa Benitez.

After Zidane joined the team, they went on a 12-game winning streak in La Liga and came just short of losing to Barcelona for the championship.

Madrid defeated Manchester City in the semifinals of the Champions League and defeated Atletico Madrid in the championship game by a penalty shootout. The trio from BBC (Bale, Benzema, and Ronaldo) was impressive with their combined skill.

1. Real Madrid 2016/17

The 2016–17 campaign was the apex of Real Madrid’s 21st-century Champions League triumphs. Madrid won La Liga and the Champions League under Zidane’s full direction, losing only three games in the entire campaign.

With 42 goals, Ronaldo was at his unstoppable best; Alvaro Morata, who had re-signed from Juventus, added 20 goals, which was vital depth.

Madrid performed a masterful job in the Champions League final, crushing Juventus 4-1 with two goals from Ronaldo.

Madrid’s supremacy in Europe was exemplified by this season, which highlighted both their attacking ability and tactical genius.

Final Thought

One of the best picked up moment by 09sports team was the victory of Real Madrid in 2016 UEFA Champions League final against Atlético Madrid. This final was particularly memorable for several reasons.

First, it highlighted the fierce rivalry between the two Madrid teams, which raised the drama and excitement level during the game.

Real Madrid defeated Atlético Madrid in extra time during their 2014 Champions League final match. Therefore, Atlético felt that this rematch was an opportunity for redemption and retribution.

Second, the 2016 championship game was a hotly contested affair that resulted in an overtime 1-1 stalemate.

Antoine Griezmann gave Atlético the lead in the first half of the game, but Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid’s captain, tied the score later on to send the game into extra time.

Thirdly, a penalty shootout was used to settle the game, which is usually a dramatic and tense method to end a game of this magnitude.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the game-winning penalty as Real Madrid prevailed 5-3 in penalties.

Finally, Real Madrid’s triumph extended their record as the most successful club in the competition’s history and earned their 11th UEFA Champions League win.

Additionally, it was their second Champions League victory under Zinedine Zidane’s direction, who had only joined the team halfway through the campaign.

This Article was written by Anmol, author @09sports.com

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Why Gary Lineker Took a Bold Statement for the upcoming UEFA Champions League Final?

Why Gary Lineker Took a Bold Statement for the upcoming UEFA Champions League Final? photograph: getty images

Gary Lineker, a former player for Barcelona, has announced that he will be rooting for Real Madrid versus Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final.

Given Lineker’s close relationship to Barcelona, a team historically recognized for its rivalry with Real Madrid, this statement has drawn criticism.

But, Lineker’s backing of Los Blancos is based on a more comprehensive socio-political position that calls for more investigation rather than football-related motivations.

The recent sponsorship agreement between Rheinmetall, a company that makes weaponry, and Borussia Dortmund has generated a lot of criticism.

Given the current situation in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine war, Rheinmetall is well-known for providing Israel with precision tank ammunition.

The company also has ambitions to increase its manufacturing of artillery shells. Many, notably Lineker, have taken issue with this sponsorship agreement, which calls for Rheinmetall’s logo to appear on Dortmund’s official merchandise and during press conferences but not on player shirts.

Lineker expressed his dislike of Borussia Dortmund’s affiliation with an armaments corporation in a tweet titled “First time I’ll be cheering for @realmadriden in a Champions League final.”

This decision is consistent with Lineker’s known advocacy for humanitarian causes and his critical stance on issues related to conflict and warfare.

Politics and sports can intertwine in complicated ways. Sponsorships from contentious organizations might damage a team’s reputation and core principles.

Dortmund’s alliance with Rheinmetall in this instance raises a more general moral conundrum: Should athletic organizations support businesses whose actions are thought to be a contributing factor to international conflicts?

Hans-Joachim Watzke, the chairman of Dortmund, justified the sponsorship by placing it in the framework of security and democracy.

Watzke’s claim that “security and defense are fundamental cornerstones of our democracy” illustrates a practical view of sponsorships, particularly in the current climate where sports teams are increasingly concerned with their financial viability.

This viewpoint, meanwhile, could not sit well with supporters and stakeholders who think that such affiliations are immoral.

Lineker’s position demonstrates his dedication to his beliefs. His choice to back Real Madrid in spite of his Barcelona links serves as a reminder of the superiority of moral principles over team allegiance.

Although this action may be viewed as contentious, it highlights an important storyline: the part played by sports figures and sportsmen in promoting social and political causes.

By publicly criticizing Borussia Dortmund’s sponsorship agreement, Lineker is utilizing his position of authority to highlight the wider ramifications of these kinds of alliances.

This show of support for the victims of conflicts influenced by the weapons industry may encourage other sports figures to speak out on moral matters, which will help to develop an accountability and social responsibility culture in the sport.

Rio Ferdinand, a former defender for Manchester United, has, nevertheless, stated that he supports Borussia Dortmund, albeit for different reasons.

Ferdinand’s support is mostly motivated by the tale of Jadon Sancho, a Manchester United loanee who has played a crucial role in Dortmund’s run to the championship.

Ferdinand focuses on the story of perseverance and atonement that Sancho’s comeback from hardships at Manchester United represents.

Ferdinand’s viewpoint presents a more conventional sports-centric viewpoint that emphasizes individual player narratives and on-field accomplishments.

He notes that Dortmund will face a formidable opponent in Real Madrid, but he also emphasizes how Sancho’s triumph could serve as an inspiration for upcoming players.

Lineker and Ferdinand’s divergent points of view perfectly capture the complex nature of sports storylines. Lineker’s position serves as a potent reminder of how sociopolitical issues affect sports, but Ferdinand’s perspective highlights the human side of sports narratives.

Both viewpoints are legitimate and present various aspects of the reasons fans and analysts could root for a specific team.

With the Champions League final drawing near, these storylines heighten the tension in the game. For supporters, this is a convergence of larger ethical, political, and personal narratives rather than merely a match between two footballing titans.

Wembley Stadium’s match will be followed not only for the football on show but also for the stories that have defined the build-up to this historic occasion.

Gary Lineker made a brave and moral decision to side with Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final, one that goes beyond conventional sports allegiances.

It draws attention to the moral conundrums that sports teams face in their business dealings and emphasizes how sports figures can impact public opinion on sociopolitical matters.

Rio Ferdinand’s backing of Dortmund, motivated by the motivational tale of Jadon Sancho, serves as a reminder of the human and personal aspects that contribute to the appeal of sports.

These varied viewpoints deepen our knowledge of the game and its influence off the field as we anticipate the championship.

This Article was written by Anmol, author @09sports.com

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Football Sports News

Roma Come Out on Top in Seven-Goal Thriller with Milan: Chris Smalling’s Reaction

Roma Come Out on Top in Seven-Goal Thriller with Milan: Chris Smalling's Reaction

Roma overcame Milan 5-2 in a thrilling friendly encounter played in Perth, Australia, providing spectators at Optus Stadium with an exciting show.

In the absence of normal captains Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Cristante, and Gianluca Mancini, Chris Smalling, an English defender for Roma, led the team in the heated evening’s play.

There were seven goals in the game as both sides displayed their offensive capabilities. Tommaso Baldanzi gave Roma the early advantage, but Theo Hernandez gave Milan a quick reply.

The back-and-forth match went on until Roma’s late goals in the second half finally sealed the victory.

First Half:

  • 27th Minute: Roma struck first when Tommaso Baldanzi found the back of the net, putting the Giallorossi ahead.
  • 37th Minute: Milan equalized through a well-taken goal by Theo Hernandez, leveling the score at 1-1.
  • Just Before Half-Time: Tammy Abraham restored Roma’s lead with a crucial goal, making it 2-1 heading into the break.

Second Half:

  • 54th Minute: Angelino extended Roma’s lead with a goal, bringing the score to 3-1.
  • 55th Minute: Milan immediately responded with Noah Okafor reducing the deficit to 3-2.
  • 57th Minute: Paulo Dybala added to Roma’s tally, pushing their lead to 4-2.
  • 77th Minute: Sardar Azmoun sealed the victory for Roma with the final goal, ending the match at 5-2.

Following Roma’s 5-2 victory against Milan in a friendly in Perth, Chris Smalling comments:

Chris Smalling was thrilled with the team’s performance and the whole experience after the game. He remarked, “We are happy, there were many goals, and overall it was a good game,” in an interview with Roma TV.

I think everyone had a great day. It was a fantastic pleasure to perform in front of our fans so far from Rome, despite the short duration.”

Smalling praised the caliber of the game and emphasized the significance of providing the supporters with something to be proud of. “We wanted to give the supporters something to be happy about. The show was good, he continued.

Both teams were free to try out different lineups during the friendly match, which resulted in a lot of substitutions, particularly after halftime.

These adjustments preserved the intense tempo of the match while giving numerous players important additional playing time.

The EUROs and Copa America, two major international competitions, were preceded by this friendly.

Roma saw it as an opportunity to evaluate the depth of their squad and be ready for the upcoming campaign.

Australian supporters also got a rare chance to watch European football stars play throughout the match.

When international duties end, Smalling stressed the value of resting and getting ready for the upcoming season. “Now it’s time to take a break, there are the EUROs, there is the Copa America, we will recharge for next season,” he said.

Final Thought

Roma defeated Milan 5-2 in the thrilling friendly match that took place between the two teams. In the match, players like Sardar Azmoun, Paulo Dybala, Tammy Abraham, and Tommaso Baldanzi put forth outstanding performances.

As captain, Chris Smalling gave a favorable reflection on the occasion and the significance of the game for the supporters.

In addition to being entertaining, this battle offered insightful information as both sides prepare for their next ventures.

This Article was written by Tushar, author @09sports.com

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Football Sports News

Tottenham’s Teen Sensation: The Rise of 16-Year-Old Prodigy Mikey Moore

Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach - Sportsfile/UEFA via Getty Images

When it comes to the gifted 16-year-old forward Mikey Moore, Tottenham Hotspur’s academy director Simon Davies has counseled patience and “calm”.

For the Spurs U18s, Moore has been a standout player who has attracted a lot of notice for his outstanding performances.

His recent performance in the U17 European Championships, where he scored four goals in the group stage, further cemented his reputation as one of England’s brightest stars in his age group.

Last summer, Mikey Moore committed to a professional contract with Tottenham.

He trained with the first team towards the end of the season and made two cameos in the Premier League, making him the youngest Spurs player to do so.

His potential has created a buzz among fans, who are eager to see what he could achieve if his development continues positively.

The Youth Development Reality

Football youth development is uncertain, despite the excitement. Many gifted young people show early promise but, for a variety of reasons, never quite live up to their potential.

There are numerous instances in Tottenham’s past of players who were highly regarded yet failed to have a significant impact at the highest level.

This emphasizes how crucial it is to set reasonable expectations for young players and give them the assistance and opportunities they need.

The Viewpoint of Simon Davies

The person in charge of Moore’s development, Simon Davies, emphasizes the importance of patience. Although he notes that Moore is still extremely young and has a long way to go, he appreciates his potential.

Davies agrees with head coach Ange Postecoglou’s strategy of bringing in young players to the senior team when they are prepared to make a meaningful contribution.

“I speak to the manager regularly and he’s got a real thirst for youth development.

He understands the fans’ and the club’s ambitions to have several – not just one – but several of our own in the first-team.

“But it’s my job to make sure those players are at the level of Ange.

It’s not a given. We’re Tottenham, we want to be a Champions League club that’s fighting at the top end. So we have to make sure the players are at the right level.

“It’s not fair to ask a manager at any club to give young players a go when they’re not at the level. I know Ange is ready for young players to go in the first team.”

Managing Expectations and Development Strategy

Davies takes a cautious but upbeat stance in his remarks. The main goal is to make sure Moore’s growth is managed properly to avoid burnout or an early plateau.

Moore is too old to be sent on loan for the upcoming campaign. Rather, he might stay in Tottenham’s development system and advance to play football at the U21 or U23 levels.

This slow development is essential to his long-term development.

“It’s encouraging that the manager sees something in Mikey but it is just potential at the moment. He’s a 16-year-old boy.

He’s not 17 until August, so he’s a young boy with high potential. We have several of them in the academy. It’s exciting for the academy to have a player so young on the bench.

But we have to stay calm and consistent. Because at the moment, it is just [potential].

“I spoke to him this morning while he was having his breakfast about staying calm and consistent and keep working hard every day, do the small things right [because] the small things get noticed.

“He’s super mature for a young boy so let’s hope his potential is fulfilled but unfortunately we haven’t got a crystal ball. So we just have to do all the things right every day and stay consistent and calm.”

The Current Crop of Young Talents at Tottenham

Mikey Moore plays for Tottenham among a group of young players with talent. Excitement is also being generated by names like Ash Phillips, Tyrese Hall, Alfie Dorrington, Alfie Devine, and Jamie Donley.

Like Oliver Skipp, a few of these players might end up being mainstays on the first squad.

The team must, however, be realistic and acknowledge that not all of these individuals will develop to the necessary caliber to become Tottenham stars. Some may be traded to other teams so they can reach their full potential.

Final Thought

Moore’s future prospects and present course seem favorable. He might push his way into first-team discussions, particularly during Europa League or preliminary cup competitions.

To avoid pushing him too soon, Davies and the coaching staff will probably take a gradual approach. With the knowledge that he is still a child making his way through professional football, the focus is on long-term growth.

To sum up, Mikey Moore is a ray of sunshine for Tottenham’s future. There is no denying his brilliance, but as Simon Davies points out, it takes time and cautious handling.

Moore needs time and room to grow into a future superstar, so fans should be patient and have faith in the process.

*This Article was edited by Anmol, author @09sports.com

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