All over again

Mourinho, now in the spotline.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]


Even the best team in the history of football has a downfall. It happened to Cruyff's 1974 team, to Cruyff's Barcelona 1990 team, to Zidane's 2006 and we could make an vast epic list. This time it was Futbol Club Barcelona who were the victims of the swift attack of destiny. First of all, my point of view shall remain neutral in order to put a decent discussion on the matter.

Today's match, had its ups and downs. For large and considerable lapses of the game, the Spaniards retained possession and created magnificent efforts from Pedro and Messi. Julio César did his job as Thiago Motta was sent off early after his second booking, not even reaching the half hour mark. After the half time whistle, the home team grasped a whole lot of opportunities, which were not capitalised by any of the attacking players until the 83th minute. Before Piqué's goal, Inter pulled a trick out of their sleeves and kept every attempt at bay.

After the outstanding goal from the Spanish centre-back, there were a couple of clear chances: Xavi's shot and Bojan's disallowed goal. Whether the ball went to the hand of the player and viceversa, the discussion is futile (just as Piqué's position in the previous goal). Here is where all the madness began. If you do remember well, a year ago, the Catalonians were handed a clear win over Chelsea. Tom Henning went that night bathed on insults as rumours of a conspiracy loomed over Stamford Bridge. If the Spanish team was benefited from the poor refereeing, why is it that they complain wholeheartedly now? It is just a matter of convenience.



Sardonic, and even spiteful.
[Photo: Daily Mail]


Even when all the hatred that Mourinho will inspire -an attribute that seems to quench his large repertoire- we must give him some kind of credit, as John Cross states. The Portuguese attitude is certainly disgraceful and his lack of professionalism behaving in such a way is by no means permitted. Nonetheless is not admissible the attitude of someone at the Nou Camp who turned on the sprinklers. In this hypothetical world, if this would have been done to the Catalan team, the world could've entered World War Three.

I just think that in these situations, Mourinho's mastermind and genius overshadowed the beautiful football that the Spanish side provide week in week out. In this case Mourinho is villain and genius. Just to note, the Barcelona fans should not be drowning themselves in tears, there potential could reach far different levels and if we know something is that football is far from being fair.



Mourinho nearly stomped on Váldez.
[Photo: AFP/Getty Images via Daily Mail]


Regarding Andrey Arshavin's latest comments, today Goal.com compiled some of his strangest, dullest and rarest quotes, as his hilarious page continues to produce unutterably laughing stock.

Beyond the boundaries of sport, we know turn to the music. Half a year ago I discovered this site, which mainly contains mini-essays on literature and philosophy, and mainly reviews from a wide range of alternative and indie rock bands. This time it was the turn of Caribou. The comments on the album are accurate if not brilliant. This site has good recommendations regarding music (well, everything except the dreadful and boring M. Ward). Check it, and in case you like the song, here's the complete LP.