Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
Messi can lead Barcelona to a famous comeback against Bayern, says Steve Archibald
The former Scotland striker, who was signed by the Catalan club to replace Diego Maradona in the 1980s, believes Leo can inspire a turnaround on Wednesday
Bayern must win treble to be the best - Ribery
The Frenchman has set his sights on success on all three fronts and is confident the Bundesliga champions will eliminate Barcelona in Europe
Santana: Dortmund fought hard to make final
The Brazilian defender has voiced his delight with BVB's Champions League success and feels they deserve their place at Wembley
Cristiano Ronaldo not the only one who missed chances, says Xabi Alonso
The influential midfielder refuses to hold the Portugal international responsible for Madrid's semi-final exit against Borussia Dortmund
Diego Lopez: Madrid missed a bit of luck
The shot stopper feels the Spanish champions could have made it to the final at Wembley had they had been more fortunate on Tuesday
Barcelona's dreadful transfer business is the cause of their Munich mauling
The Blaugrana looked set to dominate the Champions League after their 2011 triumph - but they have paid the price for failing to strengthen their squad sufficiently and adequately
Final place all that mattered - Lewandowski
The Dortmund striker has admitted that Real Madrid made life difficult for BVB but was quick to stress that progress was all that really counts
Robben: Bayern even stronger than last year
The Netherlands international has set his sights on European success at last and feels the Bundesliga champions dominated Barcelona last week
Dortmund sweating over Gotze fitness ahead of Champions League final
By Stefan Coerts
May 1, 2013 1:03:00 PM
The attacking midfielder could miss the rest of the season - including the Champions League final - due to a thigh injury picked up against Real Madrid
Jurgen Klopp fears that Borussia Dortmund will have to make do without the services of Mario Gotze for the remainder of the 2012-13 campaign due to a muscular problem.
The Germany international picked up a thigh injury in the opening stages of BVB's 2-0 Champions League loss against Real Madrid on Tuesday and limped off the pitch after only 14 minutes of play.
It's not yet exactly known how long the 20-year-old will be out of action due to the knock, but Klopp believes Gotze could face a race against time in order to be match fit in time for the Champions League final on May 25.
"Mario picked up a muscle strain. It's going to be race against time for the things to come," Klopp was quoted as saying on the club's official website.
Gotze is expected to undergo a series of tests once Dortmund return to Germany after Tuesday's match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The attacking midfielder will certainly miss this weekend's Bundesliga game at home against Bayern.
Barcelona 0 Bayern Munich 3 (agg 0-7): No Messi, no comeback as Wembley gets set for all-German Champions League final
By MICHAEL WALKER PUBLISHED: 20:32 GMT, 1 May 2013 | UPDATED: 22:52 GMT, 1 May 2013
No surprises here. It will be an all-German Champions League final at Wembley three weeks on Saturday. In emphatic, persuasive fashion, Bayern Munich sealed the deal begun by Borussia Dortmund in Madrid on Tuesday as all of last week’s claims about the baton passing from La Liga and the Premier League to the Bundesliga had their credibility enhanced.Barcelona had needed some sorcery to overcome the 4-0 lead Bayern raced to in the first leg but for magic you need a magician, and Lionel Messi was on the bench.
Wembley, here we come: Arjen Robben (centre) celebrates after opening the scoring at the Nou Camp
Fussball's coming home: Bayern secured an all-German Champions league final against Borussia Dortmund
No stopping that: Robben (unseen) cut inside and curled a brilliant finish into the far corner of Barca's net
Hamstrung: Lionel Messi (right) was left on the bench despite Barca's need to overturn a four-goal deficit
Without Messi any team would be inferior and it is no different for Barcelona, even if they still had Xavi and Andres Iniesta. But those two were substituted shortly after Arjen Robben had made the aggregate scoreline 5-0 in the 48th minute. Gerard Pique then scored an own goal and Thomas Muller’s header made it 3-0 on the night with 15 minutes left. The Nou Camp has witnessed teams being outplayed many times — just not Barca. Indeed, it is the first time their side have lost both legs of a European tie since 1987, when the opponents were Dundee United.Bayern looked a good team last season in reaching the Champions League final on their own turf. Now they look very good. Strong and skilful, quick but patient, Bastian Schweinsteiger personifies the Jupp Heynckes team soon to be taken over by Pep Guardiola. Schweinsteiger was immense.This will be their third final in four years and after defeats by Inter Milan and Chelsea, there will surely be belief that this is their year. They last won the European Cup 12 years ago, beating Valencia on penalties.
That's all we kneed: Gerard Pique (third right) scored an embarrassing own goal in the second half
Hang your head: Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes screams in frustration after Pique's gaffe
Salt in the wounds: Bayern's Thomas Muller (centre left) headed in a third goal late on
The warm Catalan day began with optimism: Barca had to cancel out a four-goal lead just to take the game to extra-time, but the statistics said that on 84 occasions in the last four seasons Barcelona had scored four. Moreover, 59 of those had been at the Nou Camp and 14 in the Champions League.
Against that was the ominous record of Bayern: it was over a year since they last failed to score on the road. And that was before the Messi news. If as Pique said on Tuesday, ‘football is very psychological’, it was advantage Bavaria before a ball was kicked.
'Proud of Barca!': Barcelona's fans packed out the Nou Camp in the hope of seeing a comeback
London calling: Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (left) and his team-mates have a final date
The absence of Messi from the starting XI meant Heynckes could leave three of the six players he had on yellow cards on the bench — Dante, Luis Gustavo and Mario Gomez. Messi’s omission also meant that Fabregas was Barca’s No 9, or ‘false 9’.
There was one authentic striker, David Villa. But when he was robbed of the ball in the seventh minute by David Alaba, Bayern went on an 80-yard move featuring Philipp Lahm and Schweinsteiger that revealed the confidence of the visitors, not the menace of the hosts.
Crowded out: Andres Iniesta (right) attempts to shoot past Daniel Van Buyten and Jerome Boateng
No way past: Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (left) blocks a shot from distance
Heated: Bayern head coach Jupp Heynckes, (right) talks to midfielder Franck Ribery
There had already been a couple of unusually tentative touches from Barca players and the sense that Bayern felt un-intimidated grew when Schweinsteiger set Robben free behind the back four. It required a last-ditch tackle by Pique to prevent Robben scoring. And it was only the 11th minute. It would be the 23rd before Manuel Neuer was forced to make a save, from a 25-yard drive by Villa.
The crowd roared approval but this was a different atmosphere to the previous night in Madrid.
The decibel level then reflected the expectation in the air; here they needed a first-half breakthrough more and one problem was Bayern’s obvious desire to score and kill off the remote chance of a Barcelona triumph.
What's gone wrong? Gerard Pique, David Villa and Cesc Fabregas were left scratching their heads
Going down: Marc Bartra comes off second best in a challenge with Mario Mandzukic
Eye on the ball: Barcelona defender Gerard closes down Bastian Schweinsteiger
The effect was that Barca had to go forward looking over their shoulder; they were also confronted by massed defence when they did. And the man for that situation was on the bench.
That is where Messi stayed after half-time. Within three minutes of the restart, the point of him coming off it was all but gone.
Robben’s left foot may not be Messi’s but it is pretty deft and when he cut inside in that trademark fashion two Barca defenders, balanced perfectly, it was clear Robben was going to bend the ball towards the far corner. He did so, and Valdes was beaten.
All that morning Catalan optimism was buried and now there was a question as to whether the new German champions would ram home their superiority.
Robben and Muller promptly fluffed promising openings. They were just about the only two mistakes Bayern made across two legs.
Messi was not injured, says Vilanova The 44-year-old also intimated that the Argentine would have made an appearance had he believed his side still had a chance of progressing
Robben: Beating Barcelona wasn't tough The Netherlands international scored in each leg of the semi-final against Tito Vilanova's side, and was delighted that his team progressed to the final at the Blaugrana's expense
'I don't think things would have been different with Messi' - Pique The central defender admitted that 'la Pulga' is key to his side's chances, but did not attribute Wednesday's punishing defeat to the Argentine's enforced absence
Barcelona have a lot to learn from unbelievable Bayern The Bavarians tore their hosts apart to complete a battering over two legs that must prompt a serious reshuffle in Catalunya
We owe Madrid supporters, says Casillas The goalkeeper was full of praise for the home support, who produced a deafening atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night
'Madrid were nasty, provocative & powerless' - Rangel The defender was scathing in his assessment of los Blancos following their European exit on Tuesday night
Piszczek delays surgery until after Champions League final The full-back admits he may need an operation on his hip but will put it off until after the May 25 European showpiece at Wembley which BVB qualified for on Tuesday
'Madrid fought until the end' - Butragueno proud of Madrid despite defeat The Blancos director and club legend was proud of the side's efforts, despite a failure to reach the Champions League final for the 11th year in a row
Rummenigge: Bayern want to be the best in the world The 57-year-old German legend says he dreams of the Bavarians becoming the most feared club side on the planet, ahead of their Champions League clash with Barcelona at Camp Nou
Piszczek: Dortmund rejoicing at final spot The BVB full-back says the whole club can feel proud of themselves after reaching the showcase of Europe’s premier competition
'I don't think things would have been different with Messi' - Pique
By Daniel Edwards
May 1, 2013 10:30:00 PM
The central defender admitted that 'la Pulga' is key to his side's chances, but did not attribute Wednesday's punishing defeat to the Argentine's enforced absence
Gerard Pique refused to blame the absence of Lionel Messi for Barcelona's 3-0 Champions League semi-final defeat to Bayern Munich.
The defender's own goal was sandwiched between strikes from Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller, as the Bavarians ran out 7-0 aggregate winners and set up an all-German final with Borussia Dortmund.
Messi played no part in the game, remaining an unused substitute following a recurrence of an old injury, but Pique believes the Argentine could have done little to turn the tie around.
"Messi is the best in the world. Obviously it's not the same without him on the pitch but I don't think things would have been so much different with him," he explained after the final whistle.
"It's not pleasant living a situation like this one. We tried in the first half but after the first goal we just fell apart. The last 45 minutes were so hard."
Barca president Sandro Rosell, meanwhile, highlighted Messi's absence from the second leg, while admitting that Bayern were superior.
"If the best player in the world is not on the pitch, the team is not the same but all players play hard and believed and we showed that Barcelona know how to win and how to lose. It's the coach who decides with the staff and the doctors. They take the decision and we just accept it," the chief explained.
"We have to congratulate Bayern. They were clearly the better team and deserve to be at the final in Wembley."
Xavi was another Blaugrana representative with high praise for the Germans, who he believed were worthy winners against his club.
The midfielder told Canal Plus: "We had many problems in defence with [Carles] Puyol, [Eric] Abidal, [Javier] Mascherano, [Sergio] Busquets and [Lionel] Messi too... but we can't look for excuses, Bayern were better.
"It's not fair saying German football is better than Spanish only because of these matches. Our team is still a good team and one that can keep on winning for many years, even if we didn't know how to play against Bayern or Real Madrid."
'Barcelona are a different team without Messi' - Heynckes
By Joe Wright
May 1, 2013 11:23:00 PM
The 67-year-old coach hailed his side's "clever" performance on Wednesday night, but feels they were fortunate not to have had to contend with the Argentine ace
Jupp Heynckes believes Bayern Munich were lucky that Lionel Messi did not feature for Barcelona in the Bavarians' 3-0 win at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
The Argentine watched on from the substitutes bench as Arjen Robben's stunner, a Gerard Pique own goal, and Thomas Muller's late strike condemned his side to a 7-0 aggregate defeat in the Champions League semi-final.
And while Heynckes was proud of his team's focus in the tie, he acknowledged the Blaugrana are a different prospect without their talismanic attacker.
"I think it was clearly noticeable that my team entered this game extremely focused," he told reporters after the match. "We played great right from the start. However, there is no denying it – Barcelona is a different team without [Lionel] Messi.
"Still, I am sure no one expected us to win 7-0 on aggregate. I would not say that we witnessed an end of an era tonight. Barcelona were missing a lot of players and we showed a clever performance."
Bayern will now contest the final on May 25 against Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund, and Heynckes feels BVB's place at Wembley is fully deserved, albeit a little surprising.
"Dortmund deserve to be in the final, as they are playing a great season as well," he continued. "Sure, it is a small surprise that they reached the final. I obviously hope that we can be successful in Wembley. We will now reflect on what we achieved tonight, enjoy the moment and then put our focus on the game against Dortmund on the weekend [in the Bundesliga]."
Much has been made of the future of Heynckes as the arrival of Pep Guardiola draws ever closer, but the 67-year-old has stressed there has been no contact with Real Madrid over a possible return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Madrid have not been in contact with me," he remarked to Marca after Wednesday's match.
"On May 9 I turn 68, I think I should be thinking about taking a break."
The 44-year-old also intimated that the Argentine would have made an appearance had he believed his side still had a chance of progressing
Tito Vilanova has revealed that injury was not the reason behind Lionel Messi's absence during the second leg of Barcelona's Champions League semi-final with Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
The Argentine attacker was a surprise omission from the Blaugrana starting line-up against the Bavarians, with many speculating that he suffered a recurrence of his recent hamstring knock prior to the 3-0 defeat.
However, this was not the case according to his coach, who also claimed that Messi would have made an appearance in the second half had he thought the Catalans still had a chance of making the final on May 25.
"Messi was not injured, but he was not feeling okay, and I thought that in his situation he would not help the team," Vilanova told reporters.
"He played in Bilbao because he was in much better condition, but at the end of the game he contracted some strange sensations.
"We would have taken the risk of playing Leo towards the end of the match if we still had a chance of making the final."
Reflecting on his side's performance at Camp Nou, Vilanova admitted that Barca were "massively" outclassed by Bayern but insisted that widespread personnel changes would not be necessary during the close season.
"Bayern are physically at a great level. The difference today between the sides was massive and I congratulate them on their progression, but also thanks to our fans for their support," he added.
"We've been suffering with injuries all season and at this level you pay for that. Every squad needs to be changed, but we have a good squad already.
"We don't need to make a lot of changes as we have some players who are still recovering."
Meanwhile, David Villa supported Vilanova's assertion that Messi was not in the right physical condition to start at Camp Nou, but nonetheless urged his team-mates to move on quickly from their European humbling.
"They were better during both matches, we must admit it. We're sad because we were close to Wembley but they deserved it and we must congratulate them," the Spain striker remarked.
"We tried to attack from the beginning in order to quickly reduce the aggregate, but the difference was too big in the end.
"Messi wanted to play but during the day he knew he wouldn't be able to do it. It's not an excuse, even if he is the best player in the world.
"Now we must forget about the Champions League and focus on La Liga. There are still many happy moments that we are yet to experience and we are close to winning the league title."
Hummels: Dortmund's attack among Europe's best
The Germany international has praised his side's strength in attack and believes they fully deserve their place in the Champions League final
Kehl wants to ruin Bayern's season
The BVB skipper has stressed that the pressure is on the Bavarians and is optimistic about his side's chances of causing an upset on May 25
Schweinsteiger: I will step up to the spot again
The Germany international insists he bears no scars from last season's penalty miss and will happily take responsibility again
'Champions League can save Dortmund's season' - Weidenfeller
Jurgen Klopp's side have failed to get the better of die Roten domestically this term but that will count for nothing if they win at Wembley on May 25
Muller: Gotze deal adds extra spice to Champions League final
The 20-year-old playmaker is to move to the Allianz Arena, with die Roten having agreed to meet the Germany international's €37 million buy-out clause
Heynckes drops retirement hint
The veteran coach has revealed that he will say farewell to the Bundesliga once the 2012-13 campaign comes to an end, while admitting that a move abroad is unlikely
I hope Gotze will play the final - Rummenigge
The Bayern Munich supremo wants the Germany international to shake off his injury problems in time for the match against his future club
Klopp: Bayern won't beat us like they beat Juve & Barca
The Borussia Dortmund boss is adamant that his side will put up a better fight that the Italian and Spanish giants in the Champions League final
Lahm: Bayern targeting treble glory
The Bavarians skipper is brimming with ambition and has his sights set on both a European title and the German cup to add to their league triumph
Hamann fears for Bayern's Champions League 'scars'
The retired Germany midfielder questions the mental strength of the players at his former club, concerned that the team might have a complex after their recent final defeats
Buffon: Bayern two steps ahead of the rest
The legendary Italian goalkeeper saw first hard just how good the Bavarians are during his side's 4-0 aggregate loss to Jupp Heynckes' men last month
Gotze edging closer to comeback ahead of Champions League final
The Germany international is set to make the next step in his recovery process as he targets a comeback before the Champions League final
Thiago Silva wants to win Champions League & World Cup double in 2014
The defender admits he feels the pressure in his role as captain at domestic and international level but is aiming high for next year
Rummenigge: Bayern-Dortmund not like Clasicos
The former die roten player rejects the idea of games between Germany's top two teams will court as much controversy as the biggest game in Spain
Hitzfeld: Muller, Gotze or Lewandowski can dethrone Messi
The former Bayern and BVB coach thinks that a Bundesliga player could win the Ballon d'Or this year following their fine results in Europe
Neuer: Dortmund equal to Bayern
The Bayern goalkeeper has warned that their Bundesliga rivals will prove to be a tough opponent in the Champions League final
'Heynckes is the real Special One'
Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has lavished praise on the outgoing coach while insisting the club have learned from recent Champions League final losses
Weidenfeller hopes for 'perfect' storm against Bayern
The experienced German shot-stopper believes his side will have to perform to their peak abilities when they meet the Bundesliga champions on May 25
Beckenbauer: Hoeness has Bayern backing
The Germany legend feels the Bavarians are well and truly behind the 61-year-old, despite his current personal problems
Boniperti: Juventus too weak to win Champions League
The 84-year-old believes his ex-team will struggle to compete with the continent's best until they become more physically imposing
Hitzfeld tips Bayern to win Champions League final
The former coach of both clubs believes the Bavarians are favourites to beat rivals Borussia Dortmund on May 25 at Wembley, but warns BVB have nothing to lose
Conte: Signing Suarez, Higuain or Ibrahimovic not enough to win the Champions League
The successful coach feels signing a top striker is not the way to close the gap with Europe's elite and is looking to emulate Bayern Munich instead
Sammer: All-German Champions League final is extraordinary
The former Germany international has voiced his delight with the up-coming clash between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, and downplayed his touchline spat with Jurgen Klopp
Bundesliga is number one, says Bierhoff
The former striker has suggested there may be a "changing of the guard" in European football on the back of a successful season for German clubs in the Champions League
Iniesta: Bayern defeat still hurts
The Spain international says Barcelona's fans and players are still shocked by the 7-0 aggregate loss to the Bavarians in the Champions League
Dortmund receive 500,000 Champions League final ticket applications
The Ruhr club have only 24,042 seats for the Wembley clash with Bayern Munich at their disposal but have received an overwhelming amount of demand
Blaszczykowski warns Bayern & Dortmund players to keep cool heads in Champions League final
The Poland midfielder wants football, rather than any conflict, to take centre stage at Wembley when the fierce rivals clash for the biggest prize in European football
Robben: The pressure is on Dortmund
The Dutchman does not believe Bayern will be affected by expectation when they take on BVB in the Champions League final this month
Heynckes targets historic treble
The 67-year-old is fully confident in Bayern Munich's chances of pulling off an unprecedented coup having already secured the league title and two finals ahead
Bayern humiliation confirms that Barcelona are not the greatest club team of all time
There has been a growing consensus over the last few years that the current Barca are the best in history but Carlo Garganese disagrees following Wednesday's thumping
Champions League - Dortmund's Goetze winning fitness fight for final
Borussia Dortmund's Mario Goetze is expected to recover from a muscle injury in time for the Champions League final against German rivals Bayern Munich on May 25, Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp said on Wednesday.
Reuters – 23 hours ago
Eurosport - Mario Goetze
The talented 20-year-old attacking midfielder, who has already agreed to join Bayern from next season, picked up the muscle injury early in Dortmund's semi-final second leg against Real Madrid on April 30.
"Right now it looks like Goetze could be ready for the final," Klopp told reporters. "His recovery is going according to plan.
"We will intensify training gradually during the week and the plan is for him to join the team training next week. Then we will see if it is good enough."
The Germany international was instrumental in helping Dortmund secure successive league titles from 2011 and helping guide the side to this year's Champions League final at Wembley.
However, Goetze shocked Dortmund fans when his transfer to Bayern was announced a matter of hours before last month's first leg against Real Madrid.
Champions League - Bayern cannot just brush past us, says Klopp
Bayern Munich crushed European heavyweights Barcelona and Juventus en route to the Champions League final but they should not expect the same to happen against Borussia Dortmund, Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp said on Monday.
Reuters – Mon, May 13, 2013 12:05 BST
Eurosport - Jurgen Klopp, left, heaped praise on his young Borussia Dortmund side
Bayern face their Bundesliga rivals in the first all-German Champions League final in London's Wembley Stadium on May 25.
The Bavarians beat former European champions Juventus 4-0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals before exploding past Spain's Barcelona 7-0 in a sensational run to their third final in four editions.
"Bayern swept Barcelona and Juventus out of the stadium so that they had trouble finding the exit," Klopp told kicker magazine on Monday. "This is hardly possible against us."
"We know how good we are. We are uncomfortable opponents for any team," said Klopp, who led Dortmund to the 2011 league title and the 2012 German league and Cup double.
Bayern, who have already won the Bundesliga this season, are attempting an unprecedented treble of titles for a German club with the Champions League and the German Cup in their sights.
"We have drawn both games 1-1 in the Bundesliga this season and we lost in the German Cup 1-0 where we had a very bad day," said Klopp of this season's clashes against Bayern.
"The gap between Bayern and us is not so big as to say we cannot be that bit better on the day of the final."
Is a bona fide battle for a major European league title less important than qualifying for next year's Champions League?
Last modified: 16 May 2013 14:36
Lee Wellings
What have Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Real Madrid got in common?
It's not just that they were drawn together in the toughest group in the European Champions League this year.
They also all finished a distant and disappointing second in their domestic leagues.
Dortmund can be excused of course. They have achieved miracles in the Champions League, and who'd really be able to keep up with Bayern Munich the way they have played throughout 2012/2013.
But as for Real and City ... The harsh truth is that it's not good enough. Manchester United and Barcelona deserve their titles, but they also needed more challenging. Roberto Mancini should have no complaints about his sacking at City, with sympathisers having confused two trophies with 'only two trophies for a club with incredible resources and talent'.
The title races in the other top European leagues have not been title races - yes, Napoli deserve huge credit for second in Serie A but they lost touch with Juventus months ago. Did anyone other than PSG look like winning Le Championnat?
And yet the absence of a bona fide battle for a major European league title has not been noticed or bemoaned. Why? because European league football has been effectively rebranded. Qualifying for a place in the Champions League qualifiers is treated with an importance that gold medal winning champions in other sports would give anything for.
Fourth is the new first.
Is it really acceptable that the battle for fourth place in the English Premier League has been treated with such reverence? What nonsense that the match between Chelsea and Tottenham last week, with a Champions League place on the line, was given such high status.
It's all you hear from fans, managers and owners of the big clubs. We have to finish top four, or top three depending on your UEFA co-efficient. Maybe top two. Whatever happened to top one?
A cautionary tale
Here's a cautionary tale for all those who feel fourth is better than winning an FA Cup, or indeed any trophy, which is surely the point of football competition!
In 2005 Everton finished fourth in the Premier League above Merseyside rivals Liverpool thanks largely to the brilliant management of David Moyes, recognised of course by his new employers Manchester United. They subsequently qualified for the Champions League
But Liverpool won the tournament in the unforgettable comeback against Milan. How could they not be allowed to defend their trophy was then the question. The ensuing furore put huge pressure on the English FA and UEFA and eventually a solution was found that even the most anti-English supporter would accept was fair in the circumstances. The rules would have to be changed but for now both Liverpool and Everton would qualify. Five English teams in Europe for 2005/06.
After so much hot air Liverpool's defence of the trophy didn't quite go to plan. In fact the manner of their exit to Benfica lacked all the heart and determination they had put in to their request to defend the trophy in the first place.
But it's Everton in that precious fourth place I want to use as the example of false Champions League expectations. They came up against a very good Villarreal team in the final qualifiers. The standard of football for early in the season was excellent, and Everton played well. They also have had cause to complain about the performance of Pierluigi Collina, who was usually impeccable. But Everton lost. European season over. In August.
Why must the talk about 'top four' dominate a season. There is no glory in finishing fourth, and I mean no glory. We are back to money yet again. A place in the Champions League earns a club millions of dollars in guaranteed money with more to come as the tournament progresses. Along with the knock-on effects of ticket sales, merchandising etc. and the boost to the club's image. But only if the club qualifies for the group stages.
And that is far from guaranteed for those facing the qualifying process. Even then, getting through to the group stages does not result in a successful season. When Manchester United were knocked out in the 2011 groups their shares suffered. So after that precious qualification from domestic competition there is plenty of hard work still to do.
Champions League football also means the highest quality of players can be attracted. But please let's not presume all players would turn down a higher wages club just to play in this competition. Or rather that their agents would allow it. Manchester City have the money to pay high wages that makes them and north of England attractive to the world's top players - but six games in the group stages of the Champions League are not the first thing on the negotiating table when the Abu Dhabi-owned club sign players. Carlos Tevez certainly didn't seem to treat the trophy with the same respect as the money men during his Munich hissy fit of 2011.
It is of course easy to romanticise over the days when the European Cup really was a Champions League. How a club as relatively small as Nottingham Forest could rise to become kings of Europe, beating Malmo in the 1979 final, then successfully defending their trophy. What chances of Forest or Malmo ever reaching the final again?
The Champions League is of course really the Europa League. The coming together of as many of Europe's top clubs as possible, making huge amounts of money. Yes it's brilliant competition. I've covered a lot of the knockout stages this year and events in Germany on semi-final first leg week as the German clubs humiliated the Spanish giants were momentous and thrilling.
The final between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich will be quite something too. Getting to Wembley is a real achievement.
But let's remember how far those who finish fourth, or third, or even second in their domestic leagues still have to go to be proper winners.
Klopp: I started to believe after Malaga
The Borussia Dortmund boss says his side's dramatic victory over Manuel Pellegrini's men gave everyone reason to aim for the Champions League title
Weidenfeller: Dortmund want to reach legendary status
The success of the Bundesliga giants 16 years ago has not been forgotten, and Jurgen Klopp's No.1 is hoping that the omens in their favour come good
Bayern are in an awkward situation, says Kahn
The legendary goalkeeper has suggested the Bavarians' recent final defeats could weigh on their minds on Saturday
Klopp 'surprised' by Dortmund run
The 45-year-old says the 1-1 draw with Manchester City earlier this season gave his side the belief that they could compete with Europe's finest teams
Frei tips Dortmund to win Champions League final
The former BVB striker has followed the club's progress in Europe and is confident that they can beat their Bundesliga rivals at Wembley
Schweinsteiger: Gotze absence weakens Dortmund
The 20-year-old was ruled out of the European showpiece on Wednesday with a thigh problem and the midfielder feels his side's opponents will suffer as a result
Dante: Lewandowski best striker in the world
The Brazil international is wary of the Poland international and is full of respect for Jurgen Klopp's men ahead of Saturday's showpiece
Van Marwijk: Bayern are the new benchmark
The 61-year-old believes the Allianz Arena side are now the team to beat in Europe and thinks Borussia Dortmund will struggle to contain them on Saturday
'Dortmund are facing the best Bayern team of modern times' - Riedle
The former BVB star believes the Bavarians are clear favourites for the Champions League final but hopes his old side can upset the odds
'Farewell Mario, you will never get the chance to redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
Low wishes Euros were this year
The Germany coach admits a Champions League triumph for either Borussia Dortmund or Bayern Munich could have been a huge lift for his side had occurred 12 months ago
Mario Gotze to miss Champions League final
The 20-year-old has been struggling with a thigh injury and has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Bayern Munich at Wembley
Sammer: Klopp can say what he wants
The Bayern Munich sporting director has stressed everyone's right to an opinion after the BVB coach said the Bavarians are like Bond villains
Bayern are simply stronger than Dortmund, claims Ribery
The attacker realises that BVB will not be pushovers, but is convinced the Bavarians will conquer Europe this time around
I don't want to be branded a loser, says Muller
The versatile attacker is desperate to make amends for the previous defeats against Inter and Chelsea
Bayern must repeat Barcelona performances - Ribery
The Frenchman feels that the Bundesliga winners will be tough opposition for Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final if they play as they did against the Blaugrana
Reus: Champions League final is career highlight
The BVB star is hoping that European triumph against Bayern Munich on Saturday can cap a memorable first campaign with Jurgen Klopp's side
Klopp: I couldn't speak after Gotze sale
The Dortmund boss has claimed that he would not even speak to his wife after the 20-year-old informed him of his decision to join Bayern Munich
Bayern know everything about Dortmund, says Boateng
The Germany international is optimistic about his side's chances at Wembley and has stressed that they are aware of BVB's strengths and weaknesses
Kuba: Dortmund know how to beat Bayern
The Poland winger is eagerly anticipating this weekend's showpiece and has little doubt BVB have the quality to emerge victorious
Blanc: Bayern are like a steamroller
The former France coach believes the Bavarian club hold the edge on their Bundesliga rivals but feels the Champions League final is finely poised
'Klopp is positively crazy' - Podolski
The Arsenal forward feels there is no favourite for the Champions League final, but believes the Borussia Dortmund boss is capable of motivating his players in unconventional ways
Lahm: Bayern hungry for success
The Roten star insists there will be no hint of complacency in the Champions League final despite their domestic supremacy this season
Robben desperate to end final curse
The winger has lost a number of big games in the past few seasons, but is confident that things will end better for him this time around
Lewandowski: Hoffenheim defeat will not affect Dortmund ahead of Champions League final
The Poland striker has insisted that BVB's recent performances will not mean anything when they take to the pitch on Saturday
Hummels confident he will be fit for Champions League final
Ther centre-back's coach feared he might not be fit to face Bayern Munich next week but the defender and club doctor have confirmed he is likely to feature
'Champions League is something special' - Beckenbauer
The legendary German defender won the European Cup three times in a row with Bayern Munich in the 1970s and believes the first trophy is the most important
Lizarazu: Current Bayern team not best-ever...yet
The Bavarians are on course to claim a historic treble this season but their former left-back believes they are some way off from being regarded as the finest iteration
Tymoshchuk: Champions League defeats still on Bayern's mind
The experienced midfielder is determined to avoid more European heartbreak when they take on their Bundesliga rivals at Wembley
Sammer calls for 'cool' Bayern heads
The former Germany international feels it's too early to focus on next week's match at Wembley and has made it clear FCB must stay relaxed
Dortmund are mentally stronger than Bayern, claims Kehl
Jurgen Klopp's men have gone six league games without defeat against die Roten and the club captain believes this will affect the Bundesliga champions going into the game
The governing body has approved new measures to combat prejudiced abuse in football, with any individual found guilty to receive a hefty suspension
Uefa has announced that players or officials found guilty of racism will be given a minimum 10-match ban.
The game has been marred by a series of incidents, including Liverpool striker Luis Suarez's insults towards Manchester United's Patrice Evra, which earned the Uruguayan an eight-game suspension.
However, the governing body is determined to crack down on racism in football and has introduced harsher punishments for offending clubs and individuals.
"The new disciplinary regulations include the following sanctions in the event of discriminatory behaviour," a statement read.
"By spectators: a partial stadium closure for the first offence and a full stadium closure for the second such offence coupled with a €50,000 fine. By players or officials: a minimum 10-match ban."
Roma were recently fined €50,000 when their fans were found to have racially abused AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli during a 0-0 stalemate at San Siro.
Germany's capital will play host to the competition's showpiece for the first time in its history, with the Europa League set to be contested in Warsaw
Uefa has announced that the 2015 Champions League final will be held in Berlin's Olympiastadion.
The stadium was built when the German capital hosted the 1936 Olympic Games but has never staged the final of Europe's top competition.
However, the continent's governing body has confirmed that the showpiece will return to Germany just three years after Chelsea claimed the title at Munich's Allianz Arena.
German Football Federation president Wolfgang Niersbach said: "I already told [Uefa counterpart] Michel Platini at the 2012 final in Munich that we wish to host this worldwide event again soon.
"The fact that it happened so quickly is credit to our ability to organise things and be a good host. I am looking forward to a big football party in Berlin."
Meanwhile, the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland will host the 2015 Europa League final.
The arena was purpose-built for last summer's European Championship and hosted five matches, including the opening fixture of the tournament, one quarter-final and one semi-final.
The 41-year-old will officiate the all-German showpiece at Wembley at the weekend
Uefa has announced that Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli will be the man in charge of Saturday's Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
The match at Wembley will be Rizzoli's fifth Champions League game of the season and his 27th in total. His last European game was Malaga's 2-0 round-of-16 win over Porto back in March.
The 41-year-old, who has been an international referee since 2007, previously officiated the 2010 Europa League final between Atletico Madrid and Fulham, and also refereed at Euro 2012 last summer in Poland and Ukraine.
At the final in London, Rizzoli will be assisted by his countrymen Renato Faverani and Andrea Stefani. The fourth official will be Damir Skomina from Slovenia and the two additional assistant referees, Gianluca Rocchi and Paolo Tagliavento are also from Italy.
The 20-year-old has been struggling with a thigh injury and has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Bayern Munich at Wembley
Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that Mario Gotze will miss Saturday's Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
The 20-year-old sustained a thigh injury during the 2-0 semi-final second-leg defeat to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, but had been hopeful of recovering in time to feature at Wembley.
He returned to training on Tuesday but was seen grimacing and underwent scans on Wednesday to determine whether he would be fit to play on Saturday.
However, he has now been ruled out of the clash against the Bavarians and apologised to fans.
"The final was my big goal and I fought hard for this in the past weeks," he was quoted as saying on the club's official website.
"I'm incredibly sorry that I can't help the team in this crucial game. I trust our team totally and will of course be heading to London to support the lads off the field."
The Champions League final would have been Gotze's final game for Borussia Dortmund as he has already agreed a summer move to Bayern Munich.
The 1997 Champions League winner is eagerly anticipating Saturday's final and thinks the Bundesliga champions face a tough task given their recent record against Borussia Dortmund
Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Steffen Freund believes Bayern Munich are under tremendous pressure ahead of Saturday's Champions League final following their defeat against Chelsea in last year's showpiece.
Bayern head into the clash at Wembley as the favourites after impressive victories against Juventus and Barcelona earlier in the competition, but Freund has warned that BVB will be up for the fight in a potentially hot-blooded encounter.
"I have a feeling it's going to be pretty physical and hot-blooded," the Tottenham assistant coach told the official Bundesliga website.
"Bayern may be the favourites, but for the most part Borussia have looked pretty good against them recently. And that will be in the back of both teams' minds.
"The pressure on Bayern is tremendous. Dortmund obviously don't want to walk off the pitch as losers, so they're under a certain amount as well, but taking the overall situation in the run-up, it's Bayern who are carrying the heavier burden of expectation.
"This is Bayern's third final in four years. Last year they were very, very unlucky to lose at home to Chelsea after being much the better side. In 2010, they were well beaten by Inter. This season, though, Bayern have impressed at every level and taking form into account they're absolutely the favourites."
Freund was part of the Dortmund squad that won the Champions League in 1996-97, when they beat Juventus 3-1 at the Olympiastadion in Munich.
