Champions League Final

Yesterday, the Champions League Final was one of the most exhilarating matches I have seen in a long time.  This was to be expected between Bayern and Dortmund as they are two teams that met up many times throughout the season and don't like each other at all.  The first half, and most of the game in fact, was like a hockey game.  It was up and down, box to box, action with scoring chances galore.  Dortmund had a wonderful chance early in the game with a cross into the box and a nice shot from Blaszczykowski, but Neuer made an incredible save.  Lewandowski had mutiple chances in the first half, but couldn't finish any of them off.  After an extremely entertaining first half, the second half was more of the same.  Finally, in the 60th minute, a great cross from Robben found a wide open Mandzukic, who got the easy tap in.  However, Dortmund were rewarded a penalty in the 68th and Gundogan scored his first career goal in the Champions League.  Heartbreakingly, Robben who had numerous chances, scored in the 89th minute to put Bayern up 2-1 and seal the deal for the Bavarians in an extremely great match.  The scenes before the match outside Wembley were electric and it was great to see an all-German final for the first time.  It was a great showcase for German football, but I can only hope the Italians can catch up.  Bayern are hands down the best team in the world and I think they will be for a long time at the way they're going.  I don't know how Pep Guardiola is going to "improve" this squad.

AS Monaco

Recent reports are saying that Monaco is basically spending loads of money on players not that great.  Besides the signing of Falcao, who is a wonderful player, Monaco have spent about 70M Euros on Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez.  P$G didn't even pay Milan that much for Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic.  I can't blame players for wanting to play in Monaco.  It is absolute paradise, but this is one of the most random things I've seen in world football.  Monaco were in Ligue 2 this past season and finished 1st to be promoted to Ligue 1.  Could you imagine Sassuolo signing Edinson Cavani or Mario Gomez?  That's exactly what it seems Monaco is doing and, honestly, I like it.  I love to see immense talent spread out and especially to small clubs like Monaco.  It wasn't that long ago back in 2004 that Monaco made it to the Champions League Final, and by the way they're going about things, it looks like they're trying to get back there.  It'll be interesting to see who else they sign, if anybody, and what they're season will look like.  Just an on-the-spot prediction, I'm going to say Monaco can finish as high as 6th maybe even 5th if they make some more signings next season.  I don't know where the small principality got all this money from, but I'd love to seem them become a successful club and compete in the upper portions of the French league. 

Give me your thoughts on what you think Monaco is going to do @mattlipuma

David Beckham retiring

I know I haven't blogged in a while, I've been really busy, but I'm back so here we go!

Today, some sad news came out of Paris that David Beckham is retiring.  He's not only one of the best midfielders to play, but also a very influential person in the world.  Considering he started out as a young boy helping his father who was a working a lower-class job to becoming one of the most recognized people on the planet is incredible.  I was hoping David would retire with Manchester United, especially with Sir Alex leaving as well, that would've been very special.  It's still good though, since he's retiring as a champion in France with P$G.  I was lucky enough to have seen him play in person once at a Chicago Fire - Galaxy match.  I'll remember David most from when he was at Milan and he, Pirlo and Ronaldinho all stood around the ball for a free kick and the opposing team's terror on their faces would just make me laugh.  I wish David the best of luck with his retirement and hope he stays very involved in the football world.  Maybe some day he'll decide to coach? He's a class act.

Follow me on Twitter: @mattlipuma

Ferguson and Rooney

One of the greatest mangers in the history of sports has retired after managing the biggest club in the world since 1986.  Sir Alex Ferguson managed Manchester United to extreme success and he should be remembered forever by all fans of all clubs everywhere in the world.  Today, it was just reported that Everton's manager, David Moyes, will take over and fill in the biggest pair of shoes in football.  I don't know much about Moyes or why United picked him so soon, but he has a tall order ahead of him and much to live up to.  As if it couldn't get anymore depressing for Man U fans, there's rumours swirling that Wayne Rooney may go to Bayern Munich.  I have no idea why Bayern needs him at all, I'm guessing they're just becoming another Real Madrid or PSG and buying loads of superstars to keep on the bench.  I'd like to see Rooney stay, but apparently he isn't happy about being the "second" man behind Van Persie.  I can't blame him, considering he was Manchester's golden boy and was the guy everybody looked to.  If Rooney does leave this upcoming summer transfer window will be very interesting for Manchester United and with not very many forward/attacking midfielders on the market, it will be tough for United to find a replacement.

Bayern Munich

In my opinion, Bayern the absolute best team in the world and by a huge margin.  Today, they showed that by absolutely stomping on Barcelona for the SECOND time.  After the first leg, which was a 4-0 walk over, I still wasn't sure Bayern would go through.  First of all, they're playing Barca, who are not easy to beat at all and Bayern tends to blow leads rather easily and make you hold your breath.  But, they didn't blow the lead and in fact, they nearly doubled it.  I see no team in the world right now that is even close to Bayern.  I'm predicting Bayern to just annihilate Dortmund and walk away with the trophy no problem at all.  Maybe a 3-0 scoreline?  I don't know what difference Pep Guardiola will make, no clue how you can make this team even better.  Next season, I don't think Bayern will be as dominate, but I still think they'll be the best team in the world unless Barca makes some moves and can catch up. 

Tweet me your thoughts and predictions on Bayern and the UCL Final, @mattlipuma