2017/18 UEFA Champions League first and second qualifying rounds

Sferturile Champions League

Gata tocmai s-au stabilit meciurile din sferturile Ligii campionilor. Ian Rush, ambasadorul Champions League anul acesta a stabilit:

1. Atletico Madrid - Leicester City
2. Borussia Dortmund - AS Monaco
3. Bayern Munchen - Real Madrid
4. Juventus Torino - Barcelona

Au scapat spaniolii si nemtii sa joace intre ei :)

Steaua and Astra in Champions League, televising matches this week

Steaua and Astra will play this week in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League .

Steaua will duel with the Czechs away - Sparta Prague on Tuesday at 21:00. The game will be televised by ProTV.

Instead, Astra will receive a visit Danish champions from FC Copenhagen on Wednesday at 20:30. Confrontation will be televised by Digi Sport 1.

Regarding Europa League matches, Pandurii Tg Jiu will meet Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday at 21:00.

The game will be televised by Digi Sport.

Thursday, Viitorul Constanta will meet from 21:30 away, the Belgian Gent. For this game televising not yet been established.

The return is scheduled next week.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the first Portuguese who win three Champions Leagues

Cristiano Ronaldo, 31, won last night in Milan his third Champions League and became the first Portuguese player to count on your individual record with three "orejonas'.

Ronaldo won his first Champions League in the 2007-2008 season, serving Manchester United in Moscow and Real Madrid scored twice in 2013-2014 in Lisbon and Milan latter, of course 2015-2016.

With this victory, the captain of Portugal, who also holds three balls of gold, more than any other of his compatriots, distanced itself from a large batch of Portuguese champions twice Europe, which are now 17.

Twelve are the golden generation Benfica 60s (the Portuguese club won the European Cup in 1961 and 1962), including not figure Eusébio, who only won the last edition, and the other five are most recent.

The Luso-Brazilian Pepe colleague Ronaldo at Real Madrid, has accumulated two (2014 and 2016), also the same as the Portuguese-Brazilian Deco (2004 and 2006).

The average old center conquered Paulo Sousa on two consecutive occasions with two different clubs: in 1996 with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund in 1997.

Paulo Ferreira and Jose Bosingwa's also won in 2004 with Porto of Jose Mourinho and eight years later with Chelsea (2012).

Florentino Perez thanks Zidane to three European Cups will "linked" to him

Frenchman Zinedine Zidane was recognized by the Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who said that the last three European Cups won by the club, "the ninth, tenth and eleventh, they are tied "to his name.

Zidane has won three European Cups with Real Madrid. In 2002 as a player in 2014 and assistant coach Carlo Ancelotti and this 2016 as coach of the first team.

"I want to thank Zidane, for the ninth, tenth and the European Cup eleventh are linked to your name. This is the first coaching, but in Lisbon were assistant and Glasgow did it with that incredible volley one of the best goals from history, "Florentino said at the Real Casa de Correos, headquarters of the Community of Madrid.

The president of the Community of Madrid, Cristina Cifuentes, described Zidane as "a magnificent player and one of the best of all time, which is an honor to have as a coach."

Finally, from the balcony of the Community of Madrid, Sergio Ramos thanked the work done by Zidane, which said it was "great."

I am convinced that Atletico will win the Champions League

Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid, was happy for the eleventh Champions League title achieved by his team against Atletico Madrid and convinced that the Rojiblancos win the continental trophy the future.

"I want to send a message to a neighbor and friend, who in recent years has shown the level that is team. I feel a little pain for the effort they have done and have not been able to win, but I am convinced they will win the League Champions "Florentino said.

Real Madrid president revealed the conversation he had to receive the cup with Zinedine Zidane.

"For me and for Real Madrid has been important because its arrival changed history in 2001. At that time with the Champions League (the ninth in 2002) told me. 'I got it' and today has told me same, "he said.

Florentino Perez also remembered the Real Madrid fans killed in the attack suffered in Iraq a few days ago.

"In these exciting moments I would like to dedicate the title to fans of Iraq deceased. The feel in the heart, because they did more than support the Madrid and transfer the values ​​of the club in difficult places. My love for those who do madridismo in a complicated situation, "said Florentino, in Antena 3.

Asked if the value of the Champions League is more important than a double of league and Copa del Rey, Florentino said. "The Champions League is in our DNA is the most important to us, we look around the world and we are very comfortable with it. "

King Felipe VI: "Spanish football is almost taking Europe by storm"

King Felipe VI said Saturday in Milan, before the final of the Champions League between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, currently "Spanish football is almost taking Europe by storm ".

"Today is a day to celebrate that two Spanish teams, two teams of Madrid, are in the final of the Champions League, as happened two years ago. The Spanish are almost taking Europe by storm," said King in 'Bein Sports '.

In addition, the King recalled the successes of the national team: "We are champions of Europe and we will defend the title in France Spanish football is in luck.".

Felipe VI recalled how difficult it was his presence Saturday in the final of Milan.. "It could have been difficult to come here but we conceded, as we have this morning celebrated Day of the Armed Forces If I had been in a place more distant, would have been more complicated. "

Costa Rica stands proudly at his goalkeeper Keylor Navas in Champions League

The press of Costa Rica said today proudly victory achieved by Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas with Real Madrid, who won the Champions League.

The Nation newspaper placed on its cover a photo of goalkeeper raising 'La Romaine' with the headline "The glory passes hands tices" and added that Navas "go down in history as the first Costa Rican to win the Champions League of Europe" .

In its internal pages he indicated that the two posts were "his angels and trusted? When he had nothing to do."

The Teletica channel on its website wrote that "Keylor Navas touches the top of Europe and Real Madrid reached the Champions eleventh" along with a video of the best plays of the game.

In chronic quote: ". If currency to raise romaine Thus the story of goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who on Saturday became the first Costa Rican and Central American to win a Champions League resume".

Meanwhile, the digital portal crhoy.com said "Keylor: the archer of God" raises his cup, Cheers, champion, "adding that the national goalkeeper enters one of the best stages of his career!.

The newspaper La Extra titled "Keylor Madrid are champions of Europe!" and he cited that Real Madrid League champion was crowned European Champions after defeating criminal Atletico Madrid (5-3) in a match in 120 minutes ended 1-1.

Other athletes like the cyclist Costa Rican Andrey Amador, the Spanish team Movistar and Shirley Cruz Costa Rican footballer who plays for French club Paris Saint-Germain, congratulated Navas through social networks.

"Congratulations Keylor Navas for their success and put the flag of our country with Europe's highest Pura vida !!!" Amador wrote on Facebook, while Cruz said "Thank you for this joy Keylor Navas, thanks for putting Costa Rica at the top. "

Zidane: "As I said Ancelotti, is special to win the first Champions"

Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid coach, recalled a phrase that told the Italian Carlo Ancelotti year of the Tenth and Eleventh said after winning the "it's special" win as head coach .

"As I said Ancelotti, if you win the Champions League as head coach, is a special event. I am very happy to have won it as a player, to coach and now as first. It's special," he acknowledged at a news conference.

"I'm happy, it is not easy to get the Champions League. I am very happy for what we have done. We arrived well at the end of season and wear the end we suffered physically, with many cramps players. But it is normal in a match with extra time. Mentally there was a lot of pressure, "he added.

Zidane admitted that fulfilled a dream but asked that no one be compared with coaches who have marked an era at Real Madrid. "I had always dreamed of. I am a positive person and I thought we could do it. The president has given me a great opportunity to coach this great club and we fought and worked for this success."

"With players of this talent you will get something that big. I'm happy because it has given me the opportunity but we will leave Di Stéfano quiet. I am very proud to be part of this great house," he added.

Zidane said that when Atletico Madrid tied for the final stretch of the game did not think it would end in defeat. "I did not see black but marked Carrasco. I always saw the final fifty percent. I did not think of anything negative or Lisbon. There is always who think positive, "he said.

And he gave praise to Cristiano Ronaldo. "He has proven that he was uninjured and has given us the victory. As was always there in the decider to pull the fifth penalty time. He has run a lot, doing a lot of defensive work and always thinking about the team and help their teammates."

"We talked in the field of the position he had to hit the penalty. Happy because he has gotten. I had not seen penalties PSV against Atleti, the players had prepared. When you go to throw penalties we thought one thing but we must ask the players how they feel and what we've done, "he revealed.

Above all, Zizou highlighted the sacrifice of his team. "We mention anything because I think worked so much at work as key to success. The good qualities, quality, and we are so stressed that we have all done a good job."

He ended up showing his undying love to Real Madrid. "It is the club of my life, which has grown bigger around me. It has been and always will be a great club. Being part of this project is an honor for me and have gotten everything I won with Real Madrid" .

Germany enthrones Kroos and minimizes Cristiano

The popular German newspaper "Bild" "enthroned" today the German international Toni Kroos Real Madrid, while minimizing Cristiano Ronaldo, author of penalty that gave the title of the Champions League whites against Atletico Madrid.

"Real won the Champions League final in Milan in the round of penalties by 6: 4. Just Cristiano Ronaldo for 120 minutes was the weakest among the players of Real, he became the last goal," ruling that medium.

Kroos raising the image of the "romaine" -accompanied a video-clip leads the digital edition of the newspaper, the most widely read in Europe.

"The unloved, but worthy champion," headlines meanwhile the online edition of the weekly "Der Spiegel", where it is noted that the Real Madrid "won as usual" while Atletico "lost, as always", to sum which ultimately whites were better.

The prestigious "Frankfurter Allgemeine" pays attention to Kroos, like "Bild" and notes that it is so far the only German who has won the Champions League with two teams Bayern Munich and -the Real Madrid.

"A party cramps," sums up this newspaper, with a collection of photographs of exhausted players from both sides at the end of the final that was defined in the round of penalties.

"Real triumphed on penalties," headlines meanwhile sports daily "Kicker" which like the rest of the German media reflects the result of the Champions League through their digital edition.

Atletico takes the first step towards Bayern

They say that history owes an Atletico and possibly started to collect from the Calderon won a great match thanks to a work of art Saul and could sentence with another of Torres . But Bayern, which claimed two penalties, and crashed to Oblak and sticks, will make him suffer at the Allianz Arena.

If against Barca, Atletico went outside to wait, crouching in their field, as if he feared Messi and company, against Bayern did the opposite. Simeone began biting and high pressure. Without any fear, inconveniencing ballplayers Guardiola and looking approach Neuer domains.

First they did shyly through Saul Torres, but its intensity was growing as the minutes passed until the eleventh scored off an attack on a goal that certainly is the best of many have seen in this edition of the Champions .

Saul, that pearl that is polishing Simeone with care, dressed Messi. And if a year ago Boateng , this time in the tier Calderon was the victim of Argentina, this time the dam ilicitano turned Alaba , which Pep he had chosen as left central holder sacrificing his darling Kimmich.

Well, after leaving behind Bernat, Thiago and mower Xabi Alonso, Saul seasick Austrian to hip movement to later, when it was almost on his knees , place with a magical touch of his prodigious left foot the ball into the far corner without Neuer could stretch enough to prevent the goal.

A goal that led to ecstasy to Calderon pinching by the wonder he had just witnessed , and against Bayern, led by King Arthur, quickly rebelled. In two minutes, the Chilean first forced Gimenez send a corner a lost ball at the small area that he stalked and then Oblak to clear such a hurry a center, watching the action several times, not really know if he touched first the ball or head of Vidal

But the English Clattenburg did not want problems in the area as demonstrated soon after the 27 minutes when Augusto hit a ball with his arm shot Lahm . Play, play, he came to speak English despite the German ...

Were the worst minutes of Atletico, however, he was about to score the second on the stroke of half an hour. In a counterattack house brand, Griezmann stood alone before Neuer who deflected a corner with a poisoned leg kick.

It was the last before the break, for Saul , he again, empowered Koke at the near post and his shot, very well run, ended up sending Javi Martinez a corner.

But upon returning from the locker room, everything changed. The Bayern forgot the doubts of the first half and lunged for the tie. Based to move the ball quickly and exploit the wings was crushing Atletico defending himself like a scalded cat in your area . Although from outside it came the best chance of Guardiola.

A Alaba still smarting from the genius of Saul pulled a shot from 40 meters hit the crossbar . It was the prelude to an attack on Bayern waterspout, he tried by land, sea and air with extreme overflows, arrivals of Vidal and the titanic struggle of Lewandowski with Gimenez .

But there was no way. So Pep was the first to move the bench and ushered the veteran Ribéry by Coman. Experience and quality for speed and daring. Shortly thereafter, Thomas Muller replaced Thiago. Touch and pasted. And a tactical substitution. Bayern went from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1. All heavy artillery in search of a goal ... that did not come despite occasions (Douglas 70 'and Vidal 73'), but yes that nearly put Atletico.

It would have been the sentence, but the right post spat an exquisite shot with the outside Torres that, again, he made ​​a suit to an overflowing Alaba . Koke, who became the clearance, could not beat Neuer, who stopped his innocent shot back.

Until the end he continued the siege of Bayern, but the score did not move . The eliminitoria be decided in Munich after the first assault between stylists and fajadores who won the latter with ... a goal of fine stylist, that of Saul , who dressed Messi.

Bayern - Atletico Madrid ... in 1974

Atletico Madrid will face against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinal. There is only one precedent of confrontation between the two teams, and ended badly for the rojiblancos, although today it is remembered as something heroic.


They had sweated ink to get there. Not only they were imposed on the Liga Spanish last year , a feat already remarkable, but had to stop on the way to some of the best in Europe . Galatasaray very tough in the first round, resolved in overtime; the only slightly more affordable Dinamo Bucharest later; the fearsome Red Star in the quarterfinals; and especially Glasgow Celtic, one of the giants of the time, it sold very expensive semifinal.

But there was the Atletico Madrid , cited the story in the old Heysel in Brussels, willing to take the first European Cup to his credit . Opposite, another rookie in these conflicts, but whose name commanded respect: Bayern Munich , with Beckenbauer, Müller, Maier and other people as talented as unpronounceable.

Respect, yes, but not fear, that the rojiblancos were far less lame . Was Queen , Don Miguel, the father of Pepe, covering the goal. Was Cacho Heredia , the Argentine tank, leading a defense as impregnable as the current one . He was Adelardo , the great captain, escorting a certain Luis Aragones in midfield. It was the swiftest Irureta with Garate , perhaps the most elegant football player Spanish football has seen, and the Spanish-Brazilian magic Ufarte on the front of attack. Despite the low (Ayala and Baker Diaz were sanctioned after the riots in Glasgow), the outfit led by Juan Carlos Lorenzo from the bench could trust his chances.

He also played 15 May, the day of San Isidro , patron of the city of Madrid. Thousands of Spanish fans, many of them immigrants, packed the stands of the Belgian stadium. Everything seemed propitious to shield the Bear and the Madroño reign on the continent. The Germans, of course, also craved victory and were not going to put anything easy. Hence, after a very tactical game and, why not say, somewhat boring, it was reached at the end of 90 minutes 0-0 for the first time in the history of the old European Cup.

The extension passed along the same path until a flash of genius would decant into the Spanish side. Foul on the edge of the area, skewed to the left of the goal Maier. Ideal for zapatón right - hander Luis Aragones. The Hortaleza settled the ball on the ground, took some career, kicked , and when the ball was still flying the barrier, luxury jumping for joy celebrating the goal, more cool than eight wearing the shirt was allowed. A second later, the ball is dug into the top corner.

With 1-0 on the scoreboard and only seven minutes left, the Atleti and looked winner . Bayern, wounded pride, strove to avoid such a glorious end to the locals as painful for them. In this that, seconds before the whistle craved, he dropped ball at his feet to Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck central defender as powerful as difficult to name. He walked without anyone being able to stop them after two hours of football, and when he was forty meters from the goal of Queen gave a ball, to see what happened . It happened that he came the shot of his life, satin, next to the post, impossible to stop, and the match ended with a tie .

Louis himself would spend years reproaching himself not to have retained the ball in the corner to waste time and have left that mission Garate, "too good person", whom they stole it fast. The number 9 never forgave not have scored a second goal shortly before , despite the cramps just allow him to stand. Adelardo regret having gone to make another rival and have not been in place in the midfield, where perhaps could have hinder the pitcher. Miguel Reina suffers every time he remembers that failed narrowly to stop the shot . If it still hurts so many years later, at the time the pain had to be terrible.

They were, of course, the ideal conditions to face a penalty shootout, but if there had been, the Atleti would still have been able to entrust the fate that had just left. Unfortunately, at that time the habit of solving end from the spot was not yet widespread. The UEFA decided that the party had to repeat the same scenario, a couple of days later.

With tempers tatters after having been so close and have seen how escaped, this second assault was more of a slaughter in which the Bavarians, the same that formed the basis of the German world champion a few months later, no they had mercy. Two of Müller, two Hoeness , and the cup for the trophy room of the Olympiastadion. For history is, however, the feat of having got there and touching the sky for seven minutes.

"Madrid was satisfied with the draw," says Pellegrini

All reactions after Manchester City - Real Madrid 0-0

Vincent Kompany (player Mancheter City )

"It's hard to keep a clean sheet against such a good team up. We can be proud of what we have achieved in this first match."

Keylor Navas (player of Real Madrid )

"I think my teammates did a good job. All were ordered and that it should not have had problems , "he told Atresmedia .

"We all wanted to win the game and we had chances but it's nice not to have conceded goals. At first we did not want to make mistakes and were taking control with the passage of minutes. "

"We have to win, give everything to be in the final and this is achieved winning."

"The colleagues showed that when given an opportunity to respond".

Zinedine Zidane (coach of Real Madrid )

"It can be but in the end I think it's a good result, it has been a tough game and worked although you can always want more player. It has been a good match with the second half better than the first , "he told Atresmedia.

"The important thing is that the result is good but with the chances we had was better to score a goal. The second leg will be 50-50 and we will prepare well. Now we have to rest, we have run a lot. "

"He has suffered in training and do not want to risk everything with Christian. He was not comfortable but we want to recover as quickly. Would that be with us in the back and the idea is that it is ".

"In the end it has also suffered from something, it's a shame because he wanted but he has suffered and so we took it to rest. Let's see what happens for Return ".

"All the players know they are important. When players like Cristiano and Karim missing there are others who play and do well and that's the mentality of this group. We're going to get together. "

Press conference

"I'm happy the game, because it has not been easy. We defended very well. In the second half we had chances to score. Somewhat disappointed by these occasions, but happy because it was a game worked. "

"It could put goal, but tucking it does not ensure you to be in the final. Before it was 50-50, and now. We have a home game, we know what we can do, and until the end will be. We're going to have to work like today. "

"In the second half we put more pressure, we had more of the ball, and the opponent is always more difficult to defend. We had more possession, and we lacked the goal. For the return it is open and we will try to do well like today. It's a semifinal of Champions, but I'm happy with the result and work ".

"They were 100%, but had to do the last training. After the session, Cristiano suffered from something. And he did not play, because we did not want to risk. And Karim was a little different, but in the end as the match went on, I was a little worse. We did not want to risk him. We know about its importance. Hopefully we hope all who are in the second leg. But let's see every day. "

"We played a good game defensively. The 'Kun' is a good player, we have not left much room, and that was the idea. We got what we wanted before the game. "

"We will try to play the second leg two, Ronaldo and Benzema. It is the idea. But today I can not tell if it will come. It is our idea, but I can not say anything. We go every day to see how they will be. "

"Pellegrini says he did not come to win? We always go out to try and win. Maybe in the first half we were a little low. But in the second if we score a goal, as we took the win. "

"If they had been Benzema and Ronaldo would have won? I can not say anything. It better be 100% on the field, but then can not decide. If you have discomfort, we can not risk. Those who played did very well. That is important. Now let's see how to recover them. Hopefully they are both in the second leg. "

Manuel Pellegrini (Manchester City coach)

" I did not expect more because they are games of 180 minutes, the Madrid settled for a draw and we went to get the game from the beginning. We had a couple of shots and they also had a corner with a good save from Joe Hart. It was the Madrid expected ", valued at Atresmedia.

"The teams they lacked creativity in the final third of court but we wanted to win more than Madrid. Outside we have had good results, and we beat PSG, Dinamo and visiting Sevilla ".

"Whoever plays at home always wants to win the game. All draws favor us at the Bernabeu. "

"Without Silva we lost control of the ball. We'll see how he reacts in the week for return. "

Emilio Butragueno (director of institutional relations of Real Madrid)

"The team deserved to win. We had two clear chances from set pieces which was a shame that we have not taken advantage of, what to do in these games. Now we must seize the Bernabeu but it will be a very even game. "

"We're going to wait. We have to play a final every three days and obligations are great and everyone wants to help. We will see in the coming days evolution. "

Pepe (Real Madrid)

"Mark that our goal. I had that chance but the goalkeeper comes out very fast and has made ​​a great stop. We have made ​​a good game the whole team. In the first part we left a little seeing that happen because we knew we could not make mistakes and studied his game a little. In the second part I change and went much higher. We have tried to score but sadly we have not succeeded , "he analyzed Atresmedia .

"I congratulate colleagues who have entered because it is not easy to replace Christian. Lucas is doing a great job. We have a game at the Bernabeu and we want to give joy to our fans. "

Marcelo (Real Madrid)

"Clearly it is difficult to play against a strong team that wanted the ball. In the first half we defended more and in the second attack. We have not come to draw. "

"Silva is a great player, is a major low but they have great players and they will not notice."

"Florentino has congratulated us and supported us as usual."

Lucas Vázquez (Real Madrid)

"Very grateful for the times they are giving me and go on like this"

"The 0-0 might be a little misleading because with any goal we complicate things. We will go and win is the goal"

"For me I think is what Otamendi penalty. I'll get the ball overwhelms me, but the referee does not see it."

BBC aims to Joe Hart

Zinedine Zidane could not have received better news prior to the semifinal match of the day Champions League : Your attacking trident is one hundred percent to face Manchester City .

The Real Madrid arrives at its best the game with the BBC in a great scorer moment, although with some physical problems. Bale missed the game against Villarreal and ended the match against Rayo touching the soleus. Ronaldo retired sore from hamstring against Villarreal and did not play against the de Vallecas. Meanwhile, Benzema left the field 42 minutes into the game last weekend as a precaution.

However, all three have passed medical and stress tests and are fit for the battle, with the only goal to beat Joe Hart .



Manchester City goalkeeper and England took the baton from David James , known as " Calamity James " (Calamity James), for his habit of conceding goals because of terrible mistakes. It is true that in both cases the archers have not weighed him their reputations to achieve forge great careers, but there is something that will not fit entirely when a keeper of a great club fails in more than a decade to end the sambenito to be unreliable.

Cristiano Ronaldo knows exactly what this is about. In the last match played by both teams in the 2012-2013 season, Real Madrid turned it over to a party that the City had to face twice, thanks to a goal from Ronaldo in the last minute. Firing the Portuguese had much more power than placement, as I seemed to run into the hands of Hart, but the goalkeeper --without one knew very well how-- let the ball pass through it in his arms and become the 3-2.

In addition, the three forwards have scored Hart him (Benzema in that game, Ronaldo also, in addition to many others with Manchester City and Bale while playing for Tottenham), so they know how to celebrate before the England international somewhat.

Real Madrid also knows --A Lot more after the match against Wolfsburg - the importance of scoring away from home and BBC is only focused on the goal boring Joe Hart.

Raul wants to see Atletico and Real Madrid in the Champions League

The season finale will be spectacular for Spanish football, either in the national championship or the Champions League.

In the domestic event, the defeat of Barcelona to Valencia on Sunday (17), made with Atletico Madrid equaled the Catalans in the points lead. Furthermore, the US is only one point of finishers.

In the Champions League, the duo of Madrid fight for places in the big decision scheduled for Milan. Idol of the Santiago Bernabeu team, Raúl González want to see the European end of 2014 repeated.

"I hope to see the Spanish teams in the final, because it is the best for the Liga BBVA. Bayern Munich and Manchester City are two good teams, but my wish is that the final Lisbon repeat in Milan, "he said at an event of the Laureus Foundation.

Eternal 7 shirt of Real Madrid also talked about the chances of the Blancos in La Liga. According to the former striker, a possible reaction towards the title would not have many similarities to what happened in 2007 when the meringues were trained by Italian Fabio Capello.

"This championship is very different to 2007, and can not be compared because they are three teams fighting for the title. I expect a great end to the best league in the world, "said Raúl.

Torres: "We want and believe that the best is yet to come"

Fernando Torres , striker Atletico Madrid , focused look on Monday in the immediate match against Athletic Club in the new San Mames, with his team level on points with the leadership of Barcelona , in a "very nice" moment and in a "good position to continue to believe, nothing more."

There is nothing else in his mind that this meeting. Neither renewal nor the semifinals of the League of Champions, nor the Spanish selection. He is happy to play with Atletico: "To me, every time I hear about Luiz Pereira, Garate or Adelardo makes me feel more proud to be athletic for the values ​​they represent."

"I love the message athletic, humility and euphoric moment we are living, but always knowing that the most important thing is what comes immediately and that is fine dream, but you have to be wide awake, so we will look at on Wednesday in the match in Bilbao, and we will have time to fix what comes next, "he explained in an act of 'LG'.

Atletico will "party to party" and matched with Barcelona on points at the top of the League and the semifinals of the Champions League. "We must take the steps one by one, not skip any because you may not get in. We have some very nice ahead starting on Wednesday. It is what we have to look at. Whatever comes hereafter is far," said striker

The question was whether looked at Euro 2016. "I see Wednesday in Bilbao," then said the attacker, who, minutes later questioned again by the Spanish team, he replied: "I'm only interested today Atleti".

And his team, Atleti, has two fronts: the League and the Champions League. "It is normal that the fans are excited. We are all excited and we are enjoying a very nice time. But we want and we think the best is yet to come. Do not settle for what we have achieved, but always want more from work and from humility. we have shown that we understand that the important thing is the team. it's what led us to this situation. we believe in what we do and in this way, " he said.


"Do not stop believing,. In football anything can happen Who would say a month ago that the situation today would be where it is if lower arms and begin to look at another competition, to another site. may not be in the situation we are in. we believe that with our work we can approach, we have been fortunate that Barcelona has left points and there the situation is very different. Do not stop believing, "he said.

"The greatest exponents and most believe this is our hobby, which has been believing from the first day and there are rewards. The second leg with Barcelona was spectacular and have a prize more than are the semi - finals , " he continued Torres .

Although focused on Wednesday's match at San Mames, Torres also spoke of the European match against Bayern Munich: "The Champions League is a very nice challenge will be a fantastic game, where all athletic will enjoy a lot, but it is. something that is far away. we still have two games ahead and the better you do in the league, get the three points in Bilbao, we will get closer and better the next Champions ".

"It serves to think about what will come next without focusing on what comes immediately. But beyond that is something we are all excited. It's a very nice situation, a time to enjoy and have to keep it," said Torres, whose team has before it two title chances in the league and in Europe.

A 'double' already lived it as canterano, when I was ten, when Atletico won the league and Copa del Rey in 1996.

"To reach this situation are many parties to solve ahead. I was lucky to live the double (1995-96) and memories I have are very recent. I will not forget the details, the emotion of the people. It's a dream that I have to live as a player, but that is a lot. This last month is going to be very intense and we can not look away from the most immediate, " he said.

His ambition, his challenge and his dream is to win titles with Atletico, the club of his life. When he returned to rojiblanco in December 2014, Torres knew that coming to fight for titles "was something real."

"It's the only thing left me to live in this club. It would be great to have that memory in a few years when you look back and see what you've got in the club that gave you the opportunity to play football. And the only way to that's the job. we are in a good position to continue to believe, nothing more. it is a lot of work ahead, "he said.

Fernando Torres is "happy" at the moment the team, his, with four goals in the last four games, and for being a "continuity": "That's what happier makes me have gotten have in recent games a site on the computer, make goals that help get points and get closer to the goals of the club. "

Already it has the priority, through to the Champions League next course directly. "And from there, whatever comes will grow," said Torres, that "every time" fixed "less criticism or pounce" and talk about work, work and work, "the only way to achieve successes and goals. "

"It's what has brought you to me in this situation and what will never miss. Work. And as things go wrong, more work. It's what they taught me in this club when I came ten years and is the road that'll take until one day raise your hand and this is over, that it is a lot, "he said.

Torres insisted that his renewal with Atletico "is not important" at this time: "I just worry enjoy and play on the computer that I want to be; enjoy a beautiful moment of my colleagues and we can get everything ahead in the best way. and the rest, there will be time to talk. "

Raul Gonzalez wants a Real Madrid - Atletico in Champions League final

This season finale will make the total Spanish soccer star, so the tight end La Liga looming , with Barcelona , Atletico and Real Madrid separated by just a point - and semifinals of Champions League where two Madrid sets are present.

Raul Gonzalez , legend of Real Madrid , wants the European final two seasons ago repeat itself . "I see the Spanish teams in the final because it is best for the Liga Bayern Munich and Manchester City are two good teams but my desire is that in Milan the final of Lisbon repeat , "says an act of the Laureus Foundation.

Raul does not want to compare the comeback of 2007 Real Madrid Fabio Capello with which could come this season: "This league is very different from 2007 and can not be compared because there are three teams fighting for the title I expect a great final. to the best league in the world , "he concludes.

Guardiola wins the battle and Bayern goes to semifinals

The Estadio da Luz became a pressure cooker , as feared Thiago Alcantara, but the mirage lasted 38 minutes. Benfica had to give in to the powerful Bayern Munich, and that Pep Guardiola Lewandowski sat on the bench to opt for a hat trick attack clearly addicted to the average tip.

The Portuguese, with the significant drop of the Brazilian Jonas , managed to sow panic in the German box to mark the Mexican Raul Jimenez, former Atletico Madrid. But before the break put Arturo Vidal(again, as in the way) things in place.

That's hopes vanished in Lisbon and Bayern began to show his safety, his conviction that will be on Friday in the draw for the Champions League semifinals.

When Thomas Müller scored the second both, and it became too difficult for the team Rui Vitória, specialist harangue his players with more thrust and heart than anything else.

He gambled by withdrawing the Luso coach Pizzi to get the Brazilian Talisca, who soon prove his punching power with a goal from a free.

But hardly it had time for a comeback, as two goals with just over 10 minutes required to play.

The Estadio da Luz recovered the illusion with the draw, but hung in the air a climate of resignation directly proportional to the German fortress.

One can speak at all ride for Bayern , but it became clear that it is more team and once again deserves to appear in the hype of the last heat, prior to the final at San Siro on May 28.

Guardiola ended strategy paying off, certifying that is an expert in bringing their pupils born winner (as it did in Barcelona) at the top of the top European competition.

The club and the public Lisbon had to settle for at least not lose the match, proof that they have maintained the type in the aggregate.

MATCH

Benfica : Éderson; André Almeida, Lindelof, Jardel, Eliseu (Jovic, m.88); Renato Sanches, Fejsa, Pizzi (Gonçalo Guedes, m.56);Salvio (Talisca, m.67), Carcela and Raul Jimenez.

Bayern : Neuer; Lahm, Kimmich, Javi Martinez, Alaba; Arturo Vidal, Xabi Alonso (Bernat, m.90), Thiago Alcantara; Douglas Costa, Ribéry (Gotze, m.92) and Müller (Lewandowski, m.82.

Goals : 1-0, M.26 Raul Jimenez. 1-1, m.37 Arturo Vidal. 1-2 m.52 Müller. 2-2 m.76 Talisca.

Referee : Bjorn Kuipers (HOL). He admonished Carcela (M.70), André Almeida (m.90) and expelled the coach Rui Vitoria with astraight red (m.76) by Benfica and Javi Martínez (m.74) by the Bayern.

Incidences : Second leg of quarterfinals of the Champions League match at the Stadium of Light (Lisbon) to about 63,000 spectators (full).

Atletico - The fifth assault on the Champions League

Atletico Madrid with a 2-0 win against Barcelona in the return of the quarter-finals and 2-1 in the first leg (global 3-2) for the fifth time has reached the semifinals of the Champions League, the second under the name Champions League.

Two years after the end of Lisbon Champions League 2013-14, which fell against Real Madrid in extra time 4-1, Atletico group led by Diego Simeone Argentina is again among the best four teams the continent.

Like two years ago, Atletico won the ticket to the semifinals defeating Barcelona in this season overcoming the adverse 2-1 brought the Camp Nou with a 2-0, thanks to two goals from Frenchman Antoine Griezmann in the Vicente Calderon the second penalty in the 89th minute.

In the 2013-14 season, when they played the semi-finals last time, the red and whites came to achieve a 1-1 (goals from Diego and Neymar) draw in Barcelona and served them a 1-0 (Koke) to overcome the crossing. After they beat Chelsea in the semifinals, to meet with Real in the final.

The former Atletico precedent in the semifinals of the showpiece of European football clubs have to find it under the name European Cup in 1973-74 season, just at the other end that Atletico have played in this competition, that of infamous memory for their fans against Bayern Munich German.

In the quarterfinals of 1974, the athletic victim was the Serbian Red Star, which defeated Atletico 0-2 in Belgrade (goals from Luis Aragones and José Eulogio Gárate) and served with a 0-0 in the return in Calderon. The semi-final opponent was the Scottish Celtic Glasgow, passed after a qualifying row to face Bayern in the final.

Three years earlier, Atletico overcame the quarter-final against Legia Warsaw thanks to the double value of away goals. The rojiblancos achieved a 1-0 in the first leg at the Calderon (goal Adelardo Rodríguez) and lost 2-1 in Warsaw (Ignacio Salcedo made ​​the Atletico goal, Pieszko and Stachurski scored for the hosts). They lost in semifinals against Dutch Ajax, where he played the recently deceased Johan Cruyff.

The first experience in the semifinals of the European Cup for Atletico was in the 1958-59 season , in which he beat in the quarterfinals German Schalke 04 with a 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu (goals from Vava, Gonzalez and Peiro) and 1-1 in Gelsenkirchen (Nowak for German, Vava for Atletico). They fell in the semifinals against Real Madrid, in a tie that required a playoff game.

Rojiblanco signed with their eighth victory in the quarterfinals of this competition, which has come consecutively in the last three editions. He was eliminated in the quarterfinals in three seasons: 2014-15 (Real Madrid) 1996-97 (Ajax) and 1977-78 (Bruges).

Luis Enrique: "The team is sad"

Luis Enrique, Barcelona coach praised Wednesday following the elimination of his team in the quarterfinals of the Champions League with Atletico Madrid (2-0), his team has to "rise" of defeat and "improve" in the final stretch, which are "two objectives," referring to the League, of which he is leader, and the Copa del Rey.

"The team is like can only be a team that aspires to win the title was one of our goals, no doubt;. A goal that flattered us a lot, but this year will be no such a possibility.. The team is sad " he said at a news conference after the 2-0 loss at the Vicente Calderon.

"Our goals are always the highest and is proud that the club is always favorite at all, but you have to accept defeat, understood as something of sport, such self-criticism to improve and we have two competitions on the horizon in which we have to will improve our performance if we want to win them options ", reviewed.

"Any coach of any league in the world if you win those two titles (League and Cup) would be a great season, but we need to improve, I am the first , " continued Luis Enrique, who insisted that "yet" there are "two very interesting targets "and took" one hundred percent "of the blame for the defeat on Wednesday.

"For that I am the coach, the head and not intended to have any points less than one hundred percent , " he added the coach, who, when asked by Argentine Lionel Messi, declared that "the only undeniable is that it is very unfair individualized a player when there is a loss, because this is all, of all the players. "

The coach stressed the "excellent attitude of all" players in the return leg tonight at the Vicente Calderon, but admitted: " What is evidence is that we are not at our best, but in terms of attitude'm so proud of my players . "

"Sorry for the Catalans fans and my players. Our goal was to conquer all, but get up. This is a test for the team," continued Luis Enrique, also questioned the why and if he saw that this bad time could arrive.

"Because there are rainy days and other days the sun rises. We controlled parameters that are important to view the status of the players, but I have no magic ball to know how we will be if we'll be lucid ... What yes it is clear is that we can improve. it's not our best version. and from that analysis and things to improve, consider the season finale with logic and ambition that is going to have this team, "he said.

Luis Enrique admitted he expected "Atletico Madrid maybe a not so quiet" at the start of the match, "as waiting in a medium retreat". "I expected a higher pressure. We had the ball calmly and that has allowed us to have controlled the match in what is playing out against Atletico," he said.

"I think the game has gone well in the idea they had. They have taken advantage of their time in our error, have been ahead on the scoreboard and have played what they do best, to defend their own country. They do very well. they have it played a very complete match. To us it lacked perhaps more finesse and daring "he said.

"We wanted a party control through ball wearing rival. The course was not to offer frills, non-excuse me, it was difficult to stand. We had control, but not depth. We have not generated occasions. We understood that make a goal it would be very important, but it has not happened, "he added.

"In the second half, and yet it lost, we have gone with a lot more people ahead of the ball to create more situations but it cost us a lot. Congratulating Atletico Madrid and wish him the best of luck," he said.