The Footee Mag

            Look at it: that’s something to play for. Deep breath. You’re allowed one, or two. Could you call this the perfect final? In this miracle of a European season, two sides who epitomise the never-say die, line up in Central Spain. Liverpool v Tottenham. Salah v Kane, Klopp v Poch , Merseyside v London.     You could be forgiven for thinking you’re still dreaming: pinch yourself . Divock Origi’s steer into Ter Stegen’s top corner sparked crazy celebrations round Melwood, round the globe. The most improbable of comebacks, could it actually be Liverpool’s year?       Did someone say improbable ? Lucas Moura, arguably, represents the sheer heart of this North-London side: passion, desire, grit. Considered surplus to requirements under Unai Emery, and by Tite for his national side: the Brazilian came up with a hat-trick. It’s not just that: his side were three goals down. They were bearing down another bottl...

      (c) https://www.teamtalk.com/  Cue Mo Salah.        Whew. Taken a breath yeah? This is why we love the game. It’s never over till AY says so, or the lady. What a 48 hours it’s been. This season has shown us one thing on different occasions: fortune really does favour the brave.     Brave? Or a case of the never-disappearing bottle. Barcelona threw away a 3-0 lead, again. Jürgen Klopp having another Istanbul-like night. Borussia Dortmund suffered the same in 2016. What makes this more special, is the fact that they did it without Mo’ Salah and Firmino. When you’re backed up against the wall, it seems that’s when true character is shown. Hats off for Liverpool, and to Jürgentainment Klopp. Who’d have thought too much passion would be a good thing?  (c) https://www.businessinsider.com/     Mauricio Pochettino did not sign a single player in the last two transfer windows, didn’t have the Kane Man, an...

               One more game to the final at the Wanda Metropolitano. Some in hope, some well probably over the moon already. Oh yeah, Missandei kinda died.          Liverpool will be without Roberto Firmino and Mohammed Salah, the latter pole-axed inadvertently by Martin Dubravka on Saturday. Divock Origi got them through to the victory off the bench in place of the Egyptian. Can he and Sadio Mané conjure up a surprise? Swiss magician Xherdan Shaqiri will most likely be introduced as Klopp may either play with two up top and Shaqiri in the pivotal 10 role. Or they go 4-3-3, leaving Origi and Shaqiri out wide. The last time Barcelona had a 3-goal advantage in the first leg, they got knocked out.         That’s what Jürgentainment will be saying to his players. As brilliant as this Barcelona side are, they don’t seem to be able to live with sides who harry and press them. The first le...

         It’s squeaky bum time alright.   Manchester City’s hard fought win v a stubborn Burnley side inched Pep Guardiola Closer to what could be an alternative treble. Klopp? His side brushed aside already-relegated Huddersfield Town 5-0, with Mo’ Salah and Sadio Mané hitting braces. Two more games to go, who’s your money on?      Lionel Messi may just have done Liverpool a favour: the manner of Wednesday’s defeat could spark a reaction from the Merseysiders, as James Milner recently hinted. They’ll have to line up against the man who gave them their last UCL victory. You guessed right: Rafael Benitez. His team sit in 13th, free of the scrapple down below. Mind you, the Geordie would love a fight, and that’s what Liverpool don’t cope with too well. Their away record is questionable for champions-elect, but they’re still in there. A point behind Manchester City. 7:45 pm Nigerian time tomorrow. Time to stand up and be counted. ...

Europe’s elite club competition served up another dose of rich entertainment, not for everyone though. It seems you shouldn’t disrespect an almost-hallowed football ground.      Giant-killing Ajax Amsterdam added another victim to the list, with a deserved 1-0 away win at Spurs’ new ground. Donny Van De Beek afforded far too much time in the 18-yard as Hugo Lloris was left exposed. Spurs huffed and puffed as the game came to a close, with Dele Alli only forcing a save from André Onana. Special mention to Jan Vertonghen who recovered after taking a whack which left him bloodied for a bit. Pochettino still has hope as Son Heung-Min would be back from suspension. Ajax looked rattled for a bit as Sissoko and co chased and harried.       Fear it, dread it, run from it: Destiny still arrives. Did you really think Leo Messi was going to let this one slip?      Liverpool got taught the lesson of the famous smash and grab: Liverpool pl...