Hazard, Griezmann, De Jong, Vinicius: What's in store for the next era of El Clásico?

Zinedine Zidane manager / head coach of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid and Bayern Muenchen at the Bernabeu on May 1, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.

(April 30, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

La Liga will soon kick-off for the 2019/2020 season. The Spanish League games are sure not to disappoint in delivering edge-of-the-seat kind of football none so more than El Clasico. The highly anticipated El Clasico is a tale of two rival cities, a rivalry that every player that walks into the Camp Nou and Estadio Bernabeu inherits. El Clasico is a local rivalry that has grabbed the attention of millions becoming a staple for football fans across the globe.

The end of an El Clasico era?

The greatest who've ever played the game, played in El Clasico. The list includes the great Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Carles Puyol, and current Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane himself. Throughout the years that El Clasico has excited fans all over the globe, Barcelona and Real Madrid have over the years re-ignited this regional rivalry. Head to head, each side has inflicted some punitive scorelines on the other. While occasionally the arch-rivals have settled for an unsatisfactory draw.  In 242 El Clasico games, Los Blancos have won 95 games while Barcelona have won 96. These stats represent how close the competition is between the clubs.

“The Belgian often likened to Messi, is expected to play at that level, provide much needed goals and instill some fear in opponents. The 28-year old given a chance could pose some rivalry to Lionel in the upcoming season. Hazard, not one to shy away from a challenge on the pitch, if in peak fitness we can expect some reliably solid performances from the magician.  ”

— Margaret Mandeya, FirstTouch Africa

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona delivers a speech prior to the Joan Gamper trophy friendly match at Nou Camp on August 04, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

(Aug. 3, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

In 2018, the era of the Christiano/Messi El Classico rivalry sadly ended while the world was still at odds deciding who between the two football greats was the best. Last season, Barcelona was undoubtedly the stronger side, winning more El Clasico match-ups while embattled Real Madrid failed to deliver football at the standard of one of the biggest teams on the globe. With a thoroughly underwhelming season for Real Madrid behind them, having registered their worst finish in the last 20 years, nineteen points behind Barcelona, the opportunity to write new history cannot come quick enough.

 Barcelona has been thriving, on the other hand. Lionel Messi continues to be the lynchpin for Barcelona. The greatest of all time has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. In the last decade, Barcelona's success has been the work of the greatest player ever to play an El Clasico, Messi. Messi is the most successful player in the match-up with 26 goals and two hat tricks. The 32-year old ran riot in the 2018/19 El Clasicos after Christiano packed for Juventus, leaving a hugely noticeable gap.

 As Gareth Bale and company failed to keep performing consistently coupled with multiple managerial changes, the challenges at the Santiago Bernabeu mounted. Zidane has even made it clear that he will not be working with Bale this season, sealing Bale’s fate at the Santiago Bernabeu. Reports indicate the pair have not spoken since May. The Welshman who has been struggling with injuries over the years was not able to deliver goals for Los Blancos despite being touted to carry the team after the Christiano era.  Karim Benzema ended the season as the top goal scorer whose personal performances managed to save face for Real Madrid over the previous season. Bale who became a regular feature in El Clasico in recent memory could soon leave Madrid. Isco, another veteran of the game is rumoured to be attracting interesting from the English Premiership and Pep Guardiola's Man City.

THE FACES OF THE NEW ERA

False start Bale

The summer signings from both clubs have been impressive, with Real Madrid recruiting the quick feet and explosive attacking intent of Eden Hazard for a sweet €100 million. The Belgian’s signing became the most expensive for the club, only behind Gareth Bale transfer from Spurs. Hazard is effectively next in line to try and fill the astronomical gap left by Christiano Ronaldo who moved his talents to Juventus before the start of the 2018/2019 season. The former Chelsea talisman is hoping to have as significant an impact on the Madrid attack as Christiano Ronaldo during his nine years at the club—34 La Liga hat tricks and 18 El Classico goals for the Portuguese maestro. The Belgian often likened to Messi, is expected to play at that level, provide much needed goals and instill some fear in opponents. The 28-year old given a chance could pose some rivalry to Lionel in the upcoming season. Hazard, not one to shy away from a challenge on the pitch, if in peak fitness we can expect some reliably solid performances from the Belgian magician. 

Luka Jovic, Benzema’s heir apparent?

Luka Jovic is the unicorn of the summer signings for Los Blancos. The 21-year-old has been at Eintracht Frankfurt where he was labelled an all-rounded powerhouse striker. He's been at the helm of Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 27 goals last season. The youngster is the player enlisted to Los Blancos for around €60 million on a six-year contract. The move for Jovic attests Zidane's strategy to rebuild a strong attack, and the signing is one of the most impressive of the summer. Jovic is the young player to watch this season along with French defender Mendy who joined Real Madrid from Lyon.

Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona is presented with the man of the match award after the Joan Gamper Trophy pre-season friendly match between FC Barcelona and Arsenal at Nou Camp on August 04, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

(Aug. 3, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Griezzy the world champion

Barcelona made their major signing of the summer in Antoine Griezmann. The 2018 world cup winner made his move to Barcelona for a massive €120 million. The Frenchman who plays a similar center forward position as Messi is adamant that his role is not to replace La Pulga. The former Atletico talisman, who rose to become one of the club's top scorers of all time will likely play a supporting role for Messi. With Neymar signing uncertain and unlikely for that matter, Griezmann will form part of the attacking cavalry that Barcelona has needed to strengthen their squad for the season. The pressure on Griezmann as the biggest transfer payout for Barcelona this summer pales in comparison to the expectation that Hazard's move will restore glory to Santiago Bernabeu. The Frenchman’s powerful strike is simply a notable addition to the team at Camp Nou.

Frenkie & Junior, the future

The signing of Frenkie de Jong, another young player who made rounds in Europe for his performances at Ajax adds another face to new El Clasico era. The same Ajax who shocked the world when they made it to the semi-finals of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League season. The 22-year Dutch midfielder is a versatile player able to thrive at both the attacking and defensive midfield positions. Another much talked about Barca signing is defender Junior Firpo from Real Betis for €18 million. The defender is an ideal candidate to bolster the left-back position by proving adequate cover for Jordi Alba and utlimately strengthen the entire Barcelona defence.

CAN ZIDANE RESCUE THE STRUGGLING LOS BLANCOS, JUST IN TIME?

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF controls the ball during the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy between Real Madrid CF and AC Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 11, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.

(Aug. 10, 2018 - Source: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images Europe)

Having played El Clasico for Real, Zizzou has also coached Madrid to three El Clasico wins in this first tenure as Los Blancos manager and now he is back for a second stint. The pressure on the Balon d’Or winner is mounting as Real look to re-emerge as Spain's top club over their arch-rivals. Since his return, Zidane is actually yet to make an impact on the team's performances. After these summer signings, it's clear that the French manager is orchestrating and building a strong attack. The two-time Champions League winner has to inject massive life into the ailing Real Madrid side before the start of the new season. After being given more control over the players that will be coming to Santiago Bernabeu, Zidane has been hands-on. On the radar for the manager is Paul Pogba, who could bring star power to the El Clasico and another face to the new era if the move materialises.

SPANISH TITLE RACE

The Spanish title race has many times been decided on the El Clasico matchup. Barcelona were consistent last season and look the healthiest going into the 2019/2020 La Liga season. Real Madrid needs to round up and do some housekeeping after the controversies between Zidane and Bale. After fundamentally weakening Atletico Madrid with the departure of Griezmann, Barcelona look like the favorites coming into the new season. The question will be if Zidane can pull the morale of the team together and reclaim their position of Spanish Champions over their El Clasico foes. Ernesto Valverde is in a more comfortable position as his squad has only grown from strength to strength even after comfortably clinching a second successive La Liga title. The Spanish manager however needs to gain some more domestic cups titles including the Copa del Rey and most especially the UCL, which may divide their attention more than is needed.

CONCLUSION

The El Clasico has a history stretching back to the beginning of the 20th century and each decade brings a new era and star players who carry the spirit of rivalry and ignite the passion all over again. The game is about the pride of a region and to settle which city is truly the home of football in Spain. A period of transition for both sides and while Real Madrid's transformation has been bumpy the prospects for an improved outfit are real. Do you think that Madrid can top Barcelona this coming season? Who will be victorious when the two meet?

The Ivorian attack can give anyone a run for their money at AFCON 2019

Maxwel Cornet of Olympique Lyonnais celebrates as he scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester City at Groupama Stadium on November 27, 2018 in Lyon, France.

(Nov. 26, 2018 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

The 32nd edition of the Total Africa Cup of Nations is now just a few months away and it wouldn’t be premature for the battling nations to start oiling their machines nor is too early to start talking about it. Before the Egypt, June finals there are still some elusive AFCON spots up for grabs as the qualifiers come to a conclusion in March 2019. Of major interest to us right now, is the potential Ivorian forward line. It’s just something to behold.

The Elephants of Ivory Coast have already confirmed their place among the June 2019 finalists after an impressive qualifying campaign that have them lying second in Group H, three points behind Guinea. Of course the two-time AFCON champions have quality players in every position in their squad with the likes of Manchester United’s Eric Bailly, Tottenham’s Serge Aurier, Franck Kessie of AC Milan, Jean Seri of Premier League’s Fulham among many others. Quite notably, is their front line, thronged with individuals who have been grabbing headlines everywhere.

Wilfried Zaha

Mr. Crystal Palace needs no introduction. Zaha has overtime become the Premier League side’s most important player and the dread of any defender in the English top flight. The 26-year-old has since scored 25 goals and assisted 16 others from wide positions ever since joining the Selhurst park residents in the 2014/15 season, helping them stay alive in the Premier League. He actually became the record-scorer for Palace in the English top flight league when he banged his 24th goal for the club against Watford back in 2018. Endowed with great lower and upper body strength, quick feet and sizzling dribbles; Zaha is unplayable on his day. No wonder, Liverpool and English international, Trent Alexander Arnold, labelled him, the most difficult opponent, ahead of even Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

“On the day, I’d say Zaha was the hardest. Just his athleticism. You can’t get the ball off him, hard to tackle, fast, skilful, can score goals, set them up, a match-winner. With Neymar and Ronaldo, you can see they are very intelligent players, people who know their trade, different movements, but they never got much of the ball against us. Obviously Zaha is not at a level of Ronaldo and Neymar, but for me on the day Zaha was probably the hardest.”

— Trent-Alexander Anorld, Liverpool and England Defender

He has even been a subject of big money transfers rumors to the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham before penning a new deal with Crystal Palace in 2018. With only 2 international goals to his name since switching allegiance from England to Ivory Coast, you can be assured that Zaha will be hungry whenever he puts on that orange Elephants shirt.

Nicolas Pepe of the Ivory Coast controls the ball during the International Friendly match between the Ivory Coast and Senegal at the Stade Charlety on March 27, 2017 in Paris, France.

(March 26, 2017 - Source: Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe)

Nicolas Pepe

The 23-year-old is my personal favorite. The Lille forward is one of the hottest names around in world of football today. He has become the French Ligue 1 side’s wildcard in their unlikely Champions League qualification spot pursuit. Pepe has already scored 13 league goals and assisted 7 others so far in the 2018/19 season for LOSC Lille. He is actually just one goal shy of top scorer, PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and very much in the race for the league’s award to the most prolific player. Pepe also boasts of the highest tally of 52 shots with 33 of them hitting the target. Even in the January transfer window, his name has carried a price tag as high as €100 million with the likes of Arsenal rumored to have been interested in the winger. As Ghanaians would say, Nicolas will surely “score you and put pepe(chilli) in your eyes”.

Maxwell Cornet

This particular one is less popular but just as lethal. The 22-year-old used  2018 to cement his position in the young Lyon team that has been devastating and with an equally entertaining style of play. Cornet made major headlines after banging a crucial goal that helped Lyon upset Manchester City, 2-1 at the Etihad on matchday 1 of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League group stage. As luck would have it, his two other goals in the European competition came at home in the return leg against City, helping Lyon secure an important 2-2 draw. Cornet is that physically built wide man who is able to cut inside, score both from close and long range and more similar to Zaha than he is different.

Now, being individually brilliant is one thing and jellying together as a unit is an entirely different story. These three actually have attributes that make them naturally intertwined and an infallible force when they play together. Zaha and Cornet on either wing and Pepe leading the frontline, its need for speed and goals galore regardless of who they play. The real question is will Ibrahima Kamara play them together? Would you?

Moussa "The Beast" Marega, Africa's biggest winner in the UCL so far?

“His slick combination up top with Algerian, Yacine Brahimi has seen him bag three Champions League goals and an assist in just four matches. As a result, Porto are unbeaten in group D, occupying first position and needing at most a point to qualify for the knockout stages.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

One of the most watched football tournaments in the world, Europe’s UEFA Champions League is currently underway and even yet to reach the climax. Like in times past, where names such as Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba and George Weah stole the show, many African footballers continue to headline this tourney. After matchday 4/6 of the 2018/19 group stage, Malian Moussa Marega is arguably the biggest winner as far as impact and continuity is concerned.

Hakim Ziyech of Ajax is challenged by Ljubomir Fejsa of Benfica (L) and Gedson of Benfica during the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between Ajax and SL Benfica at Johan Cruyff Arena on October 23, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(Oct. 22, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

The most celebrated Africans participating in Europe’s elite club competition in Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have started slower than expected and are very much at risk of bowing out early in their Liverpool colors, even though they were finalists in the 2017/18 UCL season. An impressive 3-2 win against PSG at home blindsided everyone to think it was all going to be a walk in the park for Jurgen Klopp and his Redmen. We know how Senegalese international, Kalidou Koulibaly and Napoli stopped them in their tracks in Naples, though eventually responding in the ensuing match by thrashing Red Star Belgrade, 4-0 at Anfield. Now, on Tuesday, the pendulum swung once more and Liverpool’s inconsistency manifested again in  a shock 2-0 loss away at Red Star in Serbia. Both Sadio Mane and Mo Salah have been deserving of the praise and stick for the two sides of Liverpool we have seen so far in the Champions League. None of them qualifies to be the main man, they are still yet to hit that 2017/18 record-breaking form.

We have also seen some African talents, relatively new to the UEFA Champions League, showing up big time for their sides. Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech and Cameroonian goalkeeper, Andre Onana who represent the Eredivisie’s Ajax look like they are on a brink to reach the knockout stages after some disciplined performances in the first four games. Ajax is still yet to lose a champions league game this campaign and one more win will most certainly guarantee them a spot in the last 16. The Dutch League’s 2017 Player of The Year has been doing his playmaker job very well for Ajax while 22-year-old Andre Onana has been commanding from between the sticks as they rubbed shoulders with the likes of Bayern Munich and highly rated Portuguese side in Benfica. Koulibaly, arguably the world’s best center back, has been equally instrumental for Napoli who unfashionably top group C, above both Liverpool and PSG. All he is been up to requires a separate piece and even though some we have written on the Senegalese “man mountain” go a long way in describing him and his many talents.

Moussa Marega of Porto runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League group G match between RB Leipzig and FC Porto at Red Bull Arena on October 17, 2017 in Leipzig, Germany.

(Oct. 16, 2017 - Source: Martin Rose/Bongarts)

Ultimately, my pick of the African who has had the most going his way is none other than the Malian Beast, Moussa Marega. I had always thought that Adama Traore, the fastest player on FIFA 19, is the only buff and lightning fast Malian, I was actually so wrong. Marega looks like he is the big brother of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Traore. In the absence of FC Porto’s main striker, Cameroonian Vincent Aboubakar due to injury, Marega has stepped up and done just as good a job. His slick combination up top with Algerian, Yacine Brahimi has seen him bag three Champions League goals and an assist in just four matches. As a result, Porto are unbeaten in group D, occupying first position and needing at most a point to qualify for the knockout stages. After having a slow start to his career that featured several loan spells and short stints at several French and Portuguese lower league and top flight clubs, Marega’s wait is now paying dividends. The ‘’Beast” is shining at the biggest stage of them all. Seeing that a last 16 place is most certain for Porto, it will be interesting to see how far Marega will lead the Portuguese side’s frontline.

FT Pause Moment: Should "dummies" be considered as assists? Inspired by Suarez

Well, the UEFA Champions League matchday 2 is behind us now, but some moments stay with us forever. One such performance would obviously be vintage Messi showing up big time for Barcelona but schooling Tottenham Hotspur on the fundamentals of GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) behaviour. The 31-year-old created all of the four Barca goals and scored two as the La Liga champions registered a 4-2 victory at Wembley. Croatia’s Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho were also on the score sheet, banging some seriously ridiculous goals. One player not on the scoresheet or having a cute statistic for example, an assist, but equally crucial to the overall performance was Luis Suarez.

Two dummies, two goals

Luis Suarez of Barcelona shoots while under pressure from Davinson Sanchez of Tottenham Hotspur during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on October 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

Assists and goals have become some of the most important stats in the modern game. GOATs have been crowned based on such and the value of players continue to be influenced greatly by statistics more than anything else in the digital age, leaving many assuming the role of being unsung heroes. An assist in particular is simply awarded to the person who makes the final pass before a goal is scored. They are considered to have “assisted” the goal, laying it up on the plate for the scorer.

Now, what about those who do the same without touching the ball? On two occasions, Jordi Alba squared the ball into the box that found Messi after Suarez had skipped past the ball, in other words dummying, to draw out the defenders and give Messi the space to find his favorite spot in the net without pressure. In fact, on the first instance, Coutinho and Suarez had to both dummy the ball, confusing the Spurs defenders and aid Messi to deliver his masterpiece. Credit to Alba for delivering the assists by delivering the ball into the box, but what of Suarez’s awareness to know where Messi would be in a glance and drive all the defenders out of the “heat area” without touching the ball but with just simple cheeky movements. What brilliance!

The Uruguayan will not be in the record books for such, now and in the future and maybe even get criticized for not scoring as many goals as a striker. Alba laid up the ball for Messi, but Suarez increased the odds for Messi scoring exponentially. Looks like an assist to me, maybe even more.

“Jordi Alba squared the ball into the box that found Messi after Suarez had skipped past the ball, in other words dummying, to draw out the defenders and give Messi the space to find his favorite spot in the net without pressure.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

UCL Road To Kiev Final: Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid

These two European giants seem to meet in the knock out stages quite often. With this being their 25th meeting, it is now the most played tie in Champions League history. Last season, it was Madrid that emerged victorious over the two-legged quarterfinal affair, and they will again rely on the sensational form of Cristiano Ronaldo to provide the decisive edge for them. Bayern, however, have been consistently good since the arrival of Jupp Heynckes this season. He knows how to get the best from his best players and Muller and James, in particular, have performed better under his management. With the Bundesliga already wrapped up for Bayern, they have had the luxury of rotating their better players. Madrid have also engaged in such rotations, albeit because the deficit is so large between them and Barcelona in first place in La Liga. Real Madrid are one knockout tie away from a third final in 3 years. Zidane deserves massive credit for managing what has always been a demanding Madrid job to deliver Champions League success twice in two seasons. Having been to a record eight straight semi-final ties, Madrid will feel that the final in Kiev is theirs to arrive at.

Bayern have lost their last three semi-final ties, however, they had won the previous four. Madrid have won their last two semi-final ties, however, they lost 5 of the previous 6.

Jupp Heynckes may prove to be Bayern’s luck charm having always won the competition whenever he previously coached in it. Two previous victories; one when he previously coached Real Madrid in 1997-98 and the other one during his last season as Bayern coach.

Lewandowski has been subject to increasingly consistent rumors that a move to Madrid will be on the horizon in the summer. Cristiano has been the in-form player of this Champions League campaign with a number of decisive goals and an unprecedented streak of scoring in every single CL game. Which player will prove to be more influential during this tie?

James will be playing against his former teammates after being loaned out to Bayern this season. Having lost favor with Zidane, James has found a new lease on life in Munich and will certainly be extra motivated.

Bayern hunting for their Treble

Bayern’s domestic dominance is so thorough that the UEFA Champions League is more significant to the club and its fans. They are chasing the dream of winning the treble again which they managed to win back in 2013. Where is this buzz coming from, you may ask? This is because of the fact that the man who led them to glory in that year, Heynckes, is the very same person who took over from Ancelotti this season and has brought back the confidence and the swagger to the dynamic Bayern Munich team. Heynckes marked his last season in football with a famous treble for the German champions before he retired. The club had to beg him to come out of retirement and help their club one more time since they could not find a more suitable replacement for Ancelotti. They have not been disappointed. The coach has since seen his club dominate with a league title almost certain to be sewn up in early April while a cup semifinal is a few weeks away. They have now focused their attention towards dispatching Sevilla in the quarterfinals of the UCL. The club is looking to build up on their last win against local rivals Dortmund whom they humiliated in a 6-0 win on Saturday. Sevilla however, are also focused on fixing their defensive problems after surrendering a 2 goal lead to Barcelona and were on-course to become the first team to beat the Catalans in the league this season. Both teams have been performing well this season and this will be an interesting clash. Will Heynckes succeed in claiming another treble this season? Only time will tell.

Messi plat du jour yet again

“We are all so blessed to get to watch Lionel Messi play every week”. This is a statement that I am almost forced to repeat week in and week out. It’s very similar to that of a LeBron James. For writers, it is a pleasure to talk about these generational talents. Every week is a new chance to attempt to describe the almost extraterrestrial- like skill we get to witness every single time they both lace up their shoes. Tonight was merely another example that Messi is playing a different game than the rest of us, as he lit up the Camp Nou with another vintage Champions League performance.“

Messi is now the fastest to 100 UEFA Champions League goals after a two-goal display against Chelsea in the second leg of their Round of 16 fixture. The Argentinian forward scored his 99th goal within the first three minutes of the competition; a nearly impossible goal with his right foot through the legs of Courtois. No manners from Lionel, as he seems to keep inventing new ways to disgrace goalkeepers. Even though it may have appeared a fortunate goal, I have believed for a while now that Messi is so inhuman, that the concept of luck is foreign to him. I remember the exact date when he convinced me that even his most fortunate looking piece of skill was executed intentionally, almost as if to prove he could do it. It was 16 January 2014, where, after dribbling around a set of defenders, then passed it forward into the box in front of him. I could have sworn he was giving a through ball to Cristian Tello. Rather it was to himself, before rounding the keeper and slotting it home, giving Barcelona its second goal of the game that evening, which you can relive for yourself here.

I think that his best and most vintage moment during the second leg against Chelsea came 19 minutes and 29 seconds in when Messi jumped on a mistake from Fabregas in midfield before quickly exing out two Chelsea defenders then continuing on to set up Barcelona’s second of the night through Dembele. That burst that he showed to shift the ball once around Christiansen, and then a second time around Azpilicueta, before he found himself in Chelsea’s eighteen-yard box assisting Dembele. I honestly haven’t seen this burst every week in La Liga this season. Not because he is declining physically, but rather it seems most of the time, his game is now at a level where he doesn’t need to hit top gear to impose his will on matches. 

Ray Hudson’s muse rounded out the goals, with another vintage left-footed finish, yet again megging the Belgian shot-stopper and scoring his 100th goal in Europe’s top competition. He now joins Cristiano Ronaldo as the only other player to achieve this feat. Chelsea never stood a chance tonight, and I’m sure Conte found his own way to communicate that to his men post-match.

Klopp Calls on the 12th Player to Make All the Difference

In their last Champions League outing, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool gave up a 3-0 lead to eventually draw 3-3 with Sevilla in Spain suspending their qualification to the next round. Many questions have been asked of Liverpool’s defence and mentality but Klopp believes that the atmosphere in the stadium at Sevilla contributed immensely to the result. He is counting on the Anfield atmosphere to do the same in tonight’s final group match against Spartak Moscow. Liverpool just need a point to guarantee qualification. Head on over to SuperSport to see the rest of Klopp’s comments leading up to the Champions League fixture.