Reviews

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Sam Maidenberg

Champions League Final

Via BBC

Each year, Europe's finest soccer teams compete in the Champions League. To qualify for the

prestigious league, teams are required to finish around the top of their domestic leagues.

Coming into the 2018 Champions League, Real Madrid were back to back champions. Lead by arguably the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid were determined to become the first team ever to three-peat in the Champions League. Madrid swept aside all competition leading up to the final, and were to face an underdog Liverpool side.

Real Madrid in the Champions League final has become a common occurrence. However, Liverpool had not been in the final since 2005, when they beat AC Milan while completing a famous second half comeback. Although Madrid and Liverpool was a surprise final, it was amped up to be one of the most exciting finals in years as both clubs were known this season for their explosive attacking prowess. While Madrid features all time great attackers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, Liverpool’s main man, Mohamed Salah, broke the record for the most goals ever scored in a single Premier League season.

The beginning of the game did not disappoint. The opening 30 minutes were as expected, with Liverpool pressing high up the field and both teams having clear goalscoring opportunities. However, in the 30th minute, the game took an unexpected and controversial turn. As Liverpool forward Salah received the ball and looked to turn, he was tackled to the ground by Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos. Salah rolled around in pain after the tackle, clutching his right shoulder. A foul was awarded, but no card. As medics rushed onto the field it was clear Liverpool’s main hitman would be unable to carry on. After the replay of the foul ran on television multiple times, it became evident that Ramos locked arms with Salah and took him to the ground, ending up in a position similar to an arm bar. The first half ended 0-0 and the controversy surrounding the play erupted during halftime.

“He’s got close as any defender should do and sometimes when you do get that contact you do inter-link arms,” said Frank Lampard, former Chelsea player and current BT Sports reporter. “It was just unfortunate in the end in the way that he fell,” continued Lampard who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012. Agreeing with Lampard is former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand, who was commentating with Lampard. “I thought it was very good defending from Ramos and I don't think he's meant to do that.” he said.

I disagree with both Lampard and Ferdinand. Although soccer is a physically game, and injuries are common, Ramos went too far. Instead of simply dragging Salah to the ground, the Spanish defender locked arms and ended in a tangled position used in sports such Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Not to mention, both Lampard and Ferdinand were apart of teams who hated Liverpool and were happy to see the Reds getting roughed up.

CHS students Ethan Pidgeon ‘19 and Adam Krakower ‘19 agree with me and think Ramos is at fault. “It was definitely excessive and dirty,” said Pidgeon. He also acknowledged Ramos’s reputation for being a dirty player saying, “He knows that playing like that will help his team win, and he does it all the time without hesitation.” Concurring with Pidgeon is Adam Krakower ‘19, who said, “Ramos is known for plays like that. It totally threw off the game.

Real Madrid went on to win the game 3-1 after two huge mistakes by Liverpool goalie Loris Karius and a wonder goal by Madrid’s forward Gareth Bale. The game, which promised two attacking forces going toe to toe, ended up being overshadowed by a controversial foul on one of soccer’s most beloved players, the Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah.