Liverpool woes continue, Kaka apologizes, and Beckham’s United return

Published by William | Filed under Champions League, Football (aka soccer), UEFA Europa League

It was a tough week for some of the biggest clubs in football as Liverpool lost its second straight “should have won” match, Real was booted from the Champions League, and Milan was on the receiving end of a beat down in Manchester. Let’s take a moment to break down some of the week’s biggest headlines.

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Hazard’s goal in the 85th was enough for Lille to edge Liverpool in the first leg of their Europa League clash.

Liverpool loses…again


Liverpool failed to win once again against a thought-to-be lesser opponent this week in the first leg of their Europa League matchup with France’s Osc Lille, in which the Reds lost 1-0 thanks to an 85th minute winner by Eden Hazard. They now face an uphill battle to qualify for the Europa League quarterfinals and must add the return leg to their already extensive list of “must-win” matches if they wish to salvage anything from this disappointing season. Liverpool fans must be getting seasick as they ebbs and flows of this roller coaster season continue. Just when they were thought to be turning it around, they flop yet again.


The biggest conundrum associated with this latest falter is the return of leading scorer Fernando Torres from injury has had an adverse effect on the Reds form. Not to say that he is the problem, but they certainly haven’t looked the same since his return. I didn’t catch today’s Europa League fixture due to satellite restrictions, however, from looking at the stat sheet it looks like they were just as dead and lacking fluidity as they did on Monday against Wigan. Liverpool’s game is based off possession and they were unable to retain the ball yet again (57% Lille – 43% Liverpool).


After Liverpool’s horrendous performance today, I’m guessing there is nowhere to go other than up from here. I thought Arsenal was done 3 weeks ago when they lost to Porto but the Gunners showed me when they turned in possibly their best performance of the season in the return leg this week. So the good news for Liverpool is that there is hope. One thing is for sure though and that is if they are to make any sort of move here, they are going to need their captain to step up and lead this team. Steven Gerrard looked really sloppy in their loss at Wigan and if he keeps turning the ball over with errant passes, things could get ugly before they get better.


Regardless of whether the Reds turn it around or not, one could only assume that some changes are going to be made this offseason. Will Rafa be booted? Torres go to Spain? Check out Goal.com’s article on where some of Liverpool’s players may be playing next season. They make some interesting points and predictions.

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Kaka shows frustration in Real’s Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon.

Kaka apologizes to Real fans


Brazilian superstar Kaka hasn’t quite had the season that he and the rest of Madrid had hoped this season after his record breaking transfer from Milan. Now after Real’s early departure from the Champions League at the hands of Lyon, surely someone must take the fall. The midfielder was substituted shortly after Lyon’s go ahead goal for all-time leading Real Madrid goal scorer Raul only to receive whistles and jeers from a not so happy Bernabeu crowd.


Kaka issued an apology today to Real fans asking for their forgiveness in this “difficult moment of his career” and also explained his apparent discontent with being subbed for Raul (Full Story). Kaka is one of the classiest players in the game and just like all athletes do, he is experiencing a level of play that he is not accustomed to. Hopefully the Bernabeu fans can cut him slack as he tries to regain the form that we all have grown to know and love.

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Beckham applauds United fans after Milan’s loss at Old Trafford.

Beckham receives warm welcome from United faithful


David Beckham made his highly anticipated return to Old Trafford this Tuesday, however, thanks to Wayne Rooney and company the reunion wasn’t exactly one to remember. Beckham did not feature in the game until midway in the second half, long after the match was said and done with United winning handily, 4-0. Beckham was however welcomed with a standing ovation from the United crowd as the English international was announced onto the pitch. He showed a falsh of brilliance in the 74th when he ripped a loose ball outside of the box only to be merely tipped away by Edwin van Der Sar. It would’ve been interesting to see what sort of reception that would have gotten had it gone in.


Then after the game, as Milan players exited the field, Beckham stayed on to applaud the fans as they chanted his name. Much to the delight of reporters, Becks wrapped a green and yellow scarf around his neck, the same colors that United fans have been sporting in protest to the Glazer family. Beckham downplayed the gesture afterwords saying it was not an act of protest but merely a sign of his affection to the fans of Old Trafford. (Sureeeeee….) Either way, it was cool to see Beckham show his true love for the club where he started it all.