The month of April is about to end this weekend and it gave us one last mid-week action before May.
Kelechi Iheanacho came in as a first half substitute as Manchester City played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid at the Etihad. Joe Hart saved the day for the Citizens. Ronaldo was not fit enough to paint Manchester with goals but his mother believes he will be 80% fit for the return leg next week in Madrid. Will Pellegrini lead Manchester City to the final? Can they win the Champions League? Will Iheanacho score the winning goal?
And the god of soccer looked down and saw how Tiki-Taka tormented Europe and Spain especially. And he said, “let us create a team that will stand up to Tiki-Taka” and Atletico Madrid was formed. He went further and said “let there be clean sheets” and Oblak was created. He knew Tiki-Taka will not just bow easily and he said “let there be 1-0” and Diego Simeone appeared. Against Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid was a joy to watch in every department. A clean sheet without Godin, and a goal from Saul gave them an upper head before the return leg. Is this their year?
Woe betide you if Atletico Madrid scores before you – William Shakespeare*
There was an Oriental Derby in the Nigeria Professional Football League and it ended 1-1 in Umuahia between Enyimba and Heartland. High flying Enyimba were tamed and made to go back to the drawing board before Lobi Stars come visiting this weekend. Sunshine Stars hammered Nasarawa United 3-0 in the other rescheduled game on Wednesday. That must be a revenge for breaking Sunshine’s 6+ years unbeaten home record that was broken by Nasarawa United last year.
Rangers International has been trophy-less since 1984 but they have a chance to win the League this season. They are currently 4 points clear at the top following a 1-0 win over Giwa FC that was marked complete by the LMC. The LMC has fined Giwa FC about N3.65m. Will Giwa FC dissociate its activities from Chris Giwa, the proprietor of the team? Giwa has been at loggerheads with the current NFF administration.
To some Arsenal matters, El Neny has been instructed to shoot intelligently by Arsene Wenger, Wilshere claims he can’t change his style and every one is fit for Norwich’s visit. Will Rosicky feature one last time for the Gunners? Do yourself good and read Till Stillman’s post on Arseblog about expected goals.
On Fantasy matters, Bamidele Alli is red on my team. His season has ended after accepting a charge of improper conduct for hitting another player – 3 match ban.
Enjoy your Friday. The weekend will be long.
*Shakespeare never said that*
SoccerGunz 