David Beckham: From Hero to Zero

The mind games commence

2013-06-13 20:48#111960 KingPadster : The mind games commence

Indeed

It was a busy March for Bayern Munich as they continued their winning streak in the Bundesliga, while also fighting their way past VfL Bochum and Hamburger SV to advance to the DFB Pokal Final. Bayern also lead the Champions League Quarter Final 3-2 on aggregate after beating Real Madrid in the first leg, bagging 3 vital away goals at the Santiago Bernabeu.

FC Bayern Munich Player of the Month

Eneko Diez has put in some excellent, solid performances in defense this month and if he keeps his form up, the Spaniard's importance to the squad will soon fly from 'rotation' to 'first team player'. Diez contributed a goal to the 4-0 thrashing of Dresden and also sealed the vital winner against Real Madrid with a searing shot in the Champions League.

Player Worthy of a Mention

When it looked like Bayern Munich were not reaching the DFB Pokal Final after all, Will Hughes stepped in to fire his team to glory, bagging a brace to equalize 2-2 with Hamburger SV. This led to a penalty shootout, following extra time, where Bayern Munich ultimately triumphed.

Well done Will Hughes!

What are mind games to a result now Mr Mancini?

Well ok you may not of got the £100 million cookie, but you can have £1 million a potato, if you finish unbeaten.

Another good set of results, especially against Real Madrid!

I love how your first post said you were going to have a go at a long term story and it was your last shot...I think you managed that!

Bayern Munich vice-captain Manuel Neuer will return to the first team this month following his recovery from a sports hernia that kept him out for 4 weeks - meaning that it is time for second-choice Seyhmus Seckin to return the gloves.

In one of Bayern Munich's Champions League group games early in the season, Seckin conceded 5 goals against Sampdoria. Heavily criticzed by his manager and the fans, it didn't seem the Turkish goalie would feature in another match for Bayern again.

However, he has been in excellent form this month, conceding only 1 goal and keeping 3 clean sheets in 4 Bundesliga appearances - a real improvement from the stuttering youngster in between the sticks at Sampdoria.

Seckin was also vital in the DFB Pokal Semi Final match against Hamburger SV, showing his might in saving penalties, managing to keep out 2 penalties from HSV in the penalty shootout to help his team to the Final.

He also played against Real Madrid, where he put up a good effort, denying both Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain.

It seems that he has done enough to redeem his Bayern Munich career, with captain Toni Kroos praising his skill.


"Seyhmus (Seckin) has worked very hard this month. Filling the space left by someone like Manuel (Neuer) is something that's very hard to do, but Seyhmus did it successfully. He's going to become a very good goalkeeper in the future."

Seckin also told FCB TV that he was "happy to return the gloves".

He said, "It has been a very enjoyable month for me. It was such an experience, playing in the Bundesliga and against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

"But I am glad that Manuel (Neuer) is back. He is the true number one. I am happy to return the gloves to him. Hopefully these gloves will be handed down to me sometime soon."

Louis:

Paddy: Totally got his ass kicked

MS:

James: Yes, I always think about that! Never thought I was actually 'never going to be writing another story for months'!

Bayern Munich have advanced to the Champions League Semi Finals after beating Real Madrid 4-3 on aggregate.

The Bavarian giants won 2-3 in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, and held Real to a 1-1 draw in the second leg at the Allianz Arena.


The result will come as a real embarrassment for Real manager Roberto Mancini, who had claimed that his side were going to "crush Bayern" and that they would "show David Beckham and Bayern Munich what is competitive football".


Bayern have now essentially 'conquered Madrid', having beaten Atletico Madrid in the First Knockout Round. Coincidentally, Bayern also squared off against, and beat, Real and Atletico in last year's Champions League, in the First Knockout Round and Semi Finals respectively.

Although Beckham again refused to be drawn into making fun of Mancini's pre-match confidence, he did leave a smug comment.

"I always feared facing Real and Atletico. But frankly, after this game, I won't mind playing another Madrid side every other week."

Nice win! WTF is Mancini doing at my beloved Madrid :'(

Can beat Real Madrid 3-2 on the road, loses to Sampdoria 5-0.... #FMLogic

The Champions League Semi Final draws have concluded and after four unfortunate teams were kicked out of Europe's top competition, the four remaining squads will compete for the title of Europe's best.

Very surprisingly, Barcelona were crushed by Russian champions Zenit. Real Madrid were knocked out by Bayern Munich as well - ruining any hopes of an all-Spanish Champions League Final.

Liverpool were also outwitted by Aston Villa, while Arsenal once again failed to triumph over their long-time rivals Manchester United.

Bayern Munich will have a tough ask to win against Manchester United in the Champions League Semi Finals.

Although they didn't enjoy a good start to the season at all, Jose Mourinho's Red Devils are now on form and 2nd in the table. With dangerous men like Eden Hazard, Jonjo Shelvey and Gareth Bale, United will be very menacing opponents. The fact that they managed to crush Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium has proven that they have more than a chance of crushing Bayern's quadruple dream.

Aston Villa managed to defeat Liverpool, putting an end to their Champions League run.

The Villans will be relying on Ciaran Clark and Daniel Montero to defend against the likes of Hulk, who contributed massively to Zenit's 7-3 aggregate crushing of Barcelona.

Zenit are tipped to be the one advancing to the Champions League Final, but Aston Villa and Malky Mackay are always capable of pulling surprises.

The fixtures will be broadcasted on ITV and Sky Sports.

Some really exciting Champions League fixtures to savor here. Who will advance to the ultimate match of the year - the Champions League Final?

Leave your predictions in the comments section below.

Jeremy: He's been there for years! Not much success in winning things though.

Neal: Ikr

ASTON VILLAAAA :D Let's see a Bayern-Villa final!!