When juxtaposed, UEFA Champions League Groups C and D show us the best and worst about the competition’s group phase, with neither group having a monopoly on the good qualities.
The difference in the groups’ depth highlights the problem Champions League accepts with four-team groups. When a tournament spreads its teams into many small groups, [...]

Between them, Real Madrid and AC Milan have 16 European titles, finishing second another seven times. In the 54-year history of the European Cup and Champions League, roughly two-fifths of the finals have featured one of these clubs. Milan’s presence has been slightly less frequent, having made eleven finals appearances (winning seven), but [...]

New Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, upon completing his move from Liverpool.
On Wednesday, Florentino Perez and Manuel Pellegrini got their man. Real Madrid finally completed their £30 million purchase of former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, ending a courtship that had lasted since (at least) the beginning of the summer and nearly turned acrimonious when the [...]

Obscured amidst Real Madrid’s end-of-season slide is a talented core. It’s a bit of a truism to call Los Blancos talented, but given the negativity that surrounded the club after Barcelona embarrassed them at the Bernabeu and the stampede of willing detractors ready to pile on, it bares reminding: This is club still [...]