Is the French influence on the Champions League fading?

With all the talk about the shift of the European centre of gravity to Germany from Spain, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Primera Liga big guns have won nothing in Europe for decades.

Click to read more ...

Before Messi was king (Video)

Although Barcelona are now synonymous with their little Argentine striker, a few years previous saw him regularly used as a substitute out on the right wing. He was still a long haired teenager at the time and just finding his way in a star filled squad of world famous players. At the time there was another player who received all the accolades and love from the fans, completely different in both character and footballing style, but at his peak just as good as Messi.

Click to read more ...

The Revival of AS Monaco (video)

Just 9 years ago, AS Monaco – the French principality’s only professional team – competed in the final of Europe’s premier club competition, losing 3–0 to Jose Mourinho’s Porto. Monaco defied all the odds to reach the Champions League final, beating both Real Madrid and a Chelsea side – then managed by Monaco’s current coach Claudio Ranieri – over two legs.

Click to read more ...