Subscribe: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
This week we congratulate Barcelona and AC Milan for winning the Spanish and Italian leagues respectively, while we also feature some bad and ugly stories from Spain and Scotland. You can listen to these and other stories on our weekly podcast and can find explanations of key vocabulary in bold below.
The Good
A
Good news for Italian side AC Milan as they won their 18th Scudetto after a 0-0 draw with Roma left the Rossonerri 6 points clear of crosstown rivals Inter. Usually a title win for Milan is based on defence but this title was all about the firepower of Ibrahimovic, Pato and Robinho who managed 40 goals between them. Incredibly Ibra has now won 8 consecutive league titles with 5 different clubs: Ajax, Juventus, Inter and Barcelona.
His old club Barca also celebrated this week with their third La Liga title in succession after they drew 1-1 with Levante. This was the Catalan side’s 21st league success and the fact that they wrapped up the title with two games to spare means that they may be able to rest some players before their big Champions League final against Manchester United. Star of the season? Leo Messi of course with over 50 goals but they also had the midfield genius of Xavi and Iniesta, the goals from Pedro and Vila and a defence lead by Piquet and Pujol that was at times unbeatable. Worthy winners indeed.
The Bad
Though he must be happy with his side’s league win, Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets may be a little worried after UEFA have opened an inquiry this week over allegations that the Spanish international midfielder racially abused Real Madrid defender Marcelo. Madrid claim that they have a video that shows Busquets abusing Marcelo and if found guilty he could miss the upcoming Champions League final and face a fine.
The Ugly
Celtic manager Neil Lennon was again in the news last night as a Hearts fan attacked him on the touchline while the game was going on. This attack is the latest in a series of violent actions against the former Northern Ireland captain – he recently received a parcel bomb in the post, he has also previously received bullets in the mail, on top of a series of death threats. Something needs to be done in Scottish football to break the current ugly atmosphere that exists.
Vocabulary
Rossonerri: The nick name of AC Milan
the firepower: The strikers, those who score the goals
Ibra: Nickname of Ibrahimovic
in succession: In a row, consecutively
they wrapped up the title with two games to spare: Barcelona were so far in front that they won the league with two games remaining
an inquiry: An official investigation
allegations: Claims (not yet proven)
on the touchline: On the side of the pitch, where the managers stand watching the game
death threats: Some fans claimed that they would kill Lennon if he continued to work for Celtic
