1. Is Pep Guardiola one game away from his time at Bayern Munich being described as a failure?
DESPITE BEING ON the cusp of managing Bayern Munich to their fourth German title in a row, and his third with the German side, Guardiola’s legacy at Bayern may well be tarnished if they fail to get past Atlético Madrid and then go on and win the Champions League this season.
It was almost an impossible ask for Guardiola to repeat the success he had at Barcelona with Bayern Munich, after he inherited an incredibly functional team that lacked the individual quality of a Messi, Xavi or Iniesta.
His task became even harder when Jupp Heynckes’ side completed the treble, which included lifting the European Cup at Wembley – Guardiola’s task was now to win it again but win it better.
But Guardiola has failed to get past the semi-final stage in the Champions League with Bayern and is facing the prospect of going out at this stage of the competition for the third successive season against a Spanish team, having lost comprehensively to Real Madrid and Barcelona in the past two seasons.
Although he will be leaving for Manchester City in the summer, the pressure remains against one of the most resilient sides in Europe.
2. Can Sergio Agüero raise his performance to the levels of Messi, Ronaldo and Suarez?
Undoubtedly Sergio Agüero is one of the best strikers in the Premier League despite being left out of the PFA Team of the Year for the fifth consecutive season, but the Argentine has only scored twice in his eight Champions League appearances this season compared to 16 goals in 10 games for Cristiano Ronaldo, eight in nine for Luis Suarez and six in seven for Lionel Messi.
Goalscoring chances could be at a premium at the Bernabeu if the first-leg encounter is anything to go by, and if Manchester City are to go through to their first Champions League final they may need the 27-year-old to show his Premier League form on the European stage and prove he is as good as the best in the world.
3. Real Madrid’s imperious home form in the Champions League will be tested by a City side rejuvenated on the road in Europe
Real Madrid’s home record in the Champions League this season reads; played five, won five, scored 18 and conceded none. An impressive record that’s perhaps negated slightly by the quality of opposition they have faced, with PSG by far their toughest challenge.
City have been much more impressive on the road than previous seasons with important wins at Dynamo Kiev, Sevilla, Borussia Mönchengladbach while drawing 2-2 in Paris in the previous round.
Although with a fit-again Cristiano Ronaldo in their side, it is hard not to see Real Madrid maintaining their 100 per cent home record.
Originally published at 0630
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They won’t be happy with that, the same people who insisted on transporting their animals to races in England during the Foot and Mouth crisis……….
@Sean Higgins: racing was cancelled in England during the Foot & Mouth
@Michael Mcloughlin: ssssh some people don’t like facts
@Sean Higgins: Cheltenham was cancelled that year
@Michael Mcloughlin: Aintree and other meetings went ahead during the Foot and Mouth crisis in 2001
@Sean Higgins: Check your facts
Horse racing is cruel and barbaric. Should be banned permanently.
@Chin Feeyin: what would the horses do if there was no racing?
@Chin Feeyin: The horses are taken care of better than yourself
@Chin Feeyin: there’s always one
@Chin Feeyin: you probably ate a horse burger though.
@Chin Feeyin: Clueless.
@Chin Feeyin: are
@Chin Feeyin: Are you confused with greyhound racing
@Chin Feeyin: Completely agree. Animals shouldn’t be used for our entertainment. It’s cruel.
@Daniel Howard: but its not cruel to slaughter animals and eat them?
@Daniel Howard: What about your pet husky in your picture. Should you be allowed have him as your pet for your entertainment? Perhaps you should return your dog to the wild in Siberia
@Chin Feeyin: take a day off
Bout time
Never forget Cheltenham 2020
@Mossy: I surely won’t. Lost me feckin bollox
@Luap: That’s the best news live heard this week
@Mossy: ya it was good alright, Al Boom Photo doing back to back Gold Cups was excellent, shame the Champion Chase fell apart
The only sport in the world that would disintegrate if it wasn’t for betting.
@Davy Evans: what about the world of marble racing
It’s an ill wind but great news.
The bookies are closed so no sense having horseracing
@George Demo: there is online betting
@George Demo: nothing to do with it whatsoever.
It was only happening to prop up the online betting market. It’s not like there were hordes of people watching it on TV. Only limping along to serve the gambling lobby.
Good, about time.
Why are they closing the golf courses
On line betting
About time. Put health for all over money and betting
About feckin’ time!!!
Another disaster day s tipping for ruby walsh oh hold on he s working for paddy power he s doing a good job so .good value for what paddy power pay him to do.
STATEMENT ISSUED AT 5.20pm – TUESDAY 24th MARCH 2020
Following the recent announcements by the UK and Irish Governments in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, the GUI and ILGU recommend that all golf clubs, practice facilities and courses across the island close with immediate effect until April 19th 2020.
While golf is an outdoor sport that allows players to exercise in the fresh air, the message is clear. People must stay at home to help to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The Unions recognise the need clubs may have for business support at this time. We will monitor options available and engage with the relevant sporting bodies in due course to make representations for our member clubs.
We know that these decisions are difficult ones to make, but right now, it is our shared responsibility to prioritise the health of our local communities by working together to follow the respective Government guidelines. In doing so, this will ensure that we get the opportunity to play the game that we all love as soon as it is safe to do so.
For security and essential maintenance purposes, greenkeeping staff can still attend work.
All work must be carried out in strict accordance with government guidelines on physical (social) distancing. Clubs should divide course staff into two teams where possible and if one becomes unavailable, the other team will still be okay to work.
You will appreciate that this is a very fluid situation with new developments almost daily. We will continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities, and will ensure that our clubs are kept informed as to recommended best practice at all times.
@Cowboy Paddy:
What is the point of this? We have building sites open with 1000+ people on site working closely and they thing a few guys (who observe social distancing) outside could spread this.
This is a reaction to the stupid Boris Johnson, do nothing and then go way over the top… UK is a mess and the reason they banned Golf is because they brought down the max meeting to 2. Yes the guys who had a massive party on Saturday to close the pubs.
Why are we listening to these idiots…
@Cowboy Paddy: well you’re clearly not.
@Verandah: it’s Ivan Yeats incognito. Let the wild bollix have his rant.
@Cowboy Paddy: ejit
Golf ??
The bookies are closed so no sense having Horse racing
@George Demo: I wonder have the bookies closed yet?
@Logan Shepherd: last week
When are they closing the bookies?
@Biscuits Patinkin: all bookies shops have been closed since last week so what do you mean?
The bookies are closed so no sense having horseracing
@George Demo: are the bookies closed yet?
@Chin Feeyin: closed since last week!
Imagine there’s no horsies, it’s easy if you try. No horse below us, above up only sky. Continue with own lyrics until you’re on the floor.
Parasites. All subsidies €100M+ a year to this so-called industry should stop forthwith. #cheltenhamshame
Chin eat your husky you mog