Articles
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Real Madrid: 2017-18 UEFA Champions League Final Preview
The biggest match of club football is a few days away: the Champions League finals. The story couldn’t be different as to whom we expected to be in Kiev. On one side, the majority did not expect Liverpool to appear in Kiev. In fact, one could argue that Liverpool were not the favorites to represent…
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Gianluigi Buffon: The End of an Era?
After 17 years of the Bianconeri, Gianluigi Buffon is ready to hang up his jersey. Concluding a highly successful career at Juventus, his time has come to an end after playing his final game against Hellas Verona last Saturday. Taken off at the 63rd minute to a stadium ovation full of tears and heartbreak, the…
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Unrequited Love (For Who?)
“La deuda la tenemos con nosotros mismos, a la gente no le debemos nada.” Those words by Lionel Messi still stand out like an ice sculpture in the Sahara. “The debt we owe is to ourselves, we don’t owe anybody else anything.” It was, perhaps, the boiling point of a decade-long battle between the…
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Lucien Favre Faces The Hard Task of Rebuilding a Dortmund side lost in Transition
On one of the most exciting and dramatic finales of the season, Borussia Dortmund managed to secure a Champions League qualification by the skin of their teeth. After an abject performance and a 3-1 loss against Hoffenheim, the Black and Yellows just about finished 4th thanks to goal difference. The minimum and most important goal of…
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Arthur, el controlador que Barça necesita
Arthur Henrique Ramos de Oliveira Melo. Este niño, de 21 años, fue el líder del centrocampista gremista en 2017. El controlador, Arthur fue responsable de desarmar, iniciar jugadas, dictar el ritmo del equipo y, jugando más adelante, dar pases precisos a sus compañeros. Al recibir la pelota, Arthur parece somnoliento, un “falso lento.” Con el…
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Azerbaijan Premier League 2017-18 Review
For the fifth straight season, to Qarabağ ran away from the rest of the league by Easter. A bitter Azerbaijan Cup semi-final loss to Sumgayit and an even more painful Champions League exit may have soured the mood for the Horsemen, but over a 28-week schedule Qarabağ once again proved simply too good and too…
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Why Trent Alexander-Arnold Should Start In Russia
At the start of this season, it seemed like a surefire bet that Kyle Walker and Nathaniel Clyne would be England’s right backs for the upcoming World Cup. However, with the former’s conversion to a right center back under Gareth Southgate, and the latter’s lengthy injury, the right wing-back spot, should Southgate continue with his…
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A Golden Generation Crippled By Veterans?
The World Cup’s perennial dark horses go into this year’s competition boasting one of the most talented squads they have ever taken to a major competition. A delightful blend of youthful flair, pace and exuberance coupled with seasoned, experienced veterans of the game has prompted many of the Portuguese faithful to have high hopes ahead…
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Newcastle Must Keep Hold Of Rafa Benitez
It was a long time coming. And it was much-needed. As referee Lee Mason blew for full time at the London Stadium, faith and belief in the hearts of Newcastle fans was reinstated. This was their first win in over ten games and amidst relegation troubles and massive issues surrounding the club’s ownership, the win…
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From hero to zero: The demise of Neftchi Baku
Many football supporters like to think that their team is “more than a club”. In Neftchi Baku’s case, the claim is true. For much of its 81-year history, its accomplishments were a source of pride for supporters throughout Azerbaijan, if not for supporters of Qarabağ FK, Azerbaijan’s other big club. Off the pitch, Neftchi was…
