Cardiff was the place to be on Saturday as Real Madrid retained the Champions League trophy after an emphatic 4-1 victory over Juventus. It was Real Madrid’s third Champions League trophy in four years.
The reigning Spanish and World Champions opened scoring in the 20th minute from the reigning FIFA Footballer of the year – Cristiano Ronaldo. His goal was cancelled out by a wonderful goal by Mario Mandzukic. That goal is worth another watch.
In the second half, the Italian champions took their foot off the gas and Real Madrid bombarded them. A team that is know to concede very few goals (3 in 12 previous Champions League games) gave way after so much pressure. Two quick goals from Casemiro (61st min) and Ronaldo (64th min) took the sail of Juventus’ wings. The Old Lady was going down and they went down to ten men after Cuadrado got a second yellow card no thanks to simulation by Sergio Ramos. Shameful act from Ramos. very shameful. Marco Asensio wrapped up the scoring in the 90th minute.
Congratulations to Zidane and Real Madrid – Kings of Europe. Mesut Ozil’s goal against Ludogorets has been voted the best goal of the 2016/17 Champions League.
On the flip side in Africa, Rivers United were beaten 2-1 in Kampala by Kampala City Council Authority FC. It was a CAF Confederation Cup game and Nigerians expected the 2015/16 Runners-up to at least pick up a point from Uganda but it was not be. Rivers United must beat KCCA FC black and blue in their next game. Survival from the group may be determined by goal difference. More goals please.
In the NPFL, it was all home wins except in Enugu where the reigning champions were held 1-1 by Nasarawa United. It seems the Flying Antelopes have not recovered from their victory last season. They have been struggling since the beginning of the season. Will they be relegated at the end of this season?
Talking of relegation, Shooting Stars defeated Sunshine Stars 1-0 in Ibadan in a bid to leave the relegation zone of the NPFL. Abu Azeez made his debut but couldn’t add to the 1-0 tally. There were home wins for Katsina United, Kano Pillars, MFM FC, Wikki Tourists, bottom places Remo Stars and two-time African Champions Enyimba.
Time to run.
AmosCP
SoccerGunz 