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Tag: Borussia Dortmund

  • Real Madrid Squeaks Through To Semifinals

    Real Madrid Squeaks Through To Semifinals

    Real Madrid fans the world over were treated to one of the most tense matches they’ve likely ever endured.

    After safely dominating Borussia Dortmund at home, many anticipated that the Whites would cruise into the semi-finals. The German home team had been practically written off before the match even began.

    Perhaps they took it to heart, because the aggressive spirit BVB showed the startled visitors and resulted in a near upset.

    Real Madrid had the chance to snatch an away goal following a hand ball by Lukasz Piszczek. Scoring the penalty would have more than guaranteed their trip to the next round. Unfortunately, Angel Di Maria was not up to the task. His effort was comfortably saved by Dortmund’s goalkeeper.

    The penalty miss would come back to haunt Real Madrid as the visitors found themselves trailing 2-0 by the 37th minute. This meant that the game was at 3-2 when both legs were counted. Dortmund was one goal away from pulling themselves back into contention for a trip to the next round.

    There were near misses and hair-raising moments in the second half, but when the dust settled the scoreline remained 2-0.

    Somehow, Real Madrid was able to hold on for the rest of the match and walk out the winners.

    Dortmund, despite a brilliant effort, would be missing out on the next stage of the Champions League after all. Given the lack of heart shown by Real Madrid, some may feel that BVB’s fighting spirit should have been rewarded.

    As for the La Liga team, it was clear that they were missing their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo had been benched as a precaution due to a slight injury.

    It’s uncertain whether or not the poor performance is blamed on nerves or exhaustion. Having been fortunate enough to make it through the semifinals of the tournament, Real Madrid will have to bring their A game. There’s a good chance they may be facing a major rival as FC Barcelona or Atlético Madrid will be joining them in the next round.

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  • Borussia Dortmund Crushed By Rampant Real Madrid

    Looking back at how things stood when these two Champions League competitors last met, the reversal is staggering.

    Borussia Dortmund had then been a formidable Bundesliga team on a single-minded mission. Real Madrid CF was a team divided thanks in large part to the antics of Jose Mourinho, the club’s former manager.

    Mourinho has since moved on to Chelsea FC, a London side struggling to get to the next stage of competition.

    Amidst the turmoil was Dortmund, who danced around Real Madrid with ease to go on and face Bayern Munich in the finals.

    This year it was a far different story as Real Madrid soundly defeated Dortmund 3-0.

    Cristiano Ronaldo was succinently on form. His goal in the 57th minute that allowed him to equal the record for most Champion’s League goals scored in a single campaign.

    The goal record was previously held by Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona.

    Dortmund have to do better than the 4-1 home victory that helped them advance last year. There is a great deal of skepticism as to whether or not the Bundesliga team can beat the odds.

    “Do you think I am an idiot?” was Klopp’s response when asked in the post match interview about Dortmund’s ability to turn things around in the second leg.

    “We lost 3-0 and now we have to shut up. This is not a situation for hope or big speeches.”

    It was hardly a rival to the Saint Crispin’s Day speech to say the least. It is instead a sign that Dortmund may have already psychologically conceded defeat ahead of Real Madrid’s trip to Germany.

    Real Madrid has been named a heavy favorite in the Champions League at this late stage of competition. Rivals Atlético Madrid and Barcelona are set to face each other next week.

    There is a good chance that the semifinals or final itself could feature a derby or clasico.

    The possibility has many already looking forward to the next stage of the game. Such anticipation means that Dortmund has already been written off.

    How much things can change in a year’s time.

    Image via YouTube