In this week’s football review we congratulate Juventus, commiserate with Real Madrid and simply do not understand Boca Juniors fans. To help with understanding you can find explanations of key vocabulary in bold below.This week’s football review – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Juventus, Real Madrid and the Superclasico
Good
Few people gave Italian side Juventus a hope of making it through to the Champions League final but make it they did after drawing 1-1 in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium last Wednesday. The draw meant Juventus went through 3-2 on aggregate after their 2-1 home victory the week before in the first leg. This is the first time Juve have reached the final since 2003 and they will be hoping to add to their two titles from 1985 and 1996 thanks to the precious equalising goal from former Real player Alvaro Morata. Juventus can still win the treble – just like their Champions League final opponents Barcelona.
Bad
It has been a bad week for Real Madrid. They failed to make the final of the Champions League after their home draw with Juventus but earlier on in the week another home draw – this time against Valencia in La Liga – meant that rivals Barcelona are now four points clear at the top of La Liga and can win the title this weekend. Two poor home performances in four days have seen the end of Los Blancos season and according to news reports it could also be the end for the coach and some of the players.
Ugly
The Copa Libertadores last 16 second leg game between Buenos Aires rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate – the third superclasico in two weeks – was suspended after half-time when some of the River Plate players were sprayed with pepper spray by home fans. The game was eventually abandoned and it looks as if Boca will face a very strict penalty including a suspension from this year’s tournament and possibly a ban from next season as well. Ugly stuff indeed.
Vocabulary
making it through to: Qualifying
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium: Real Madrid’s home stadium
on aggregate: In total
the treble: The domestic League and Cup along with the Champions League.
Los Blancos: Nicknmae of Real Madrid
was suspended: Stopped
abandoned: Called off
