By: Casey Rhine
Ohhhh El Clásico, where to begin. One of soccer's most heated, yet most deeply cherished rivalries.Few of you readers get to experience El Clasico, in Barcelona, while it's happening. This was my mission on December 23rd and should be your mission on May 6th if you are not lucky enough to go to the game in the Camp Nou.
A video of the Antonio Rüidger run after scoring the game-winning penalty kick vs. Atlético Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 has gone viral.
Certain players have trademark moves or skills named after them. The “Rüdiger run” isn’t a term people use, however if you say that phrase everyone will know what you’re talking about.
When sprinting at full speed the German defender loves to get his knees as high up as possible. After scoring the winning penalty he did his iconic run and nearly all of his Real Madrid teammates followed suit.
UEFA said the correct decision was made to disallow Julian Alvarez's penalty in Atletico Madrid's Champions League loss to city rivals Real Madrid on Wednesday but European soccer's governing body would enter discussions to review the rule.
A livid Atletico enquired with UEFA after Alvarez had his shootout penalty ruled out by the referee in their last-16 tie that saw Real reach the quarter-finals of Europe's elite club competition.
The second leg of the Madrid Derby in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday had high drama with the main focus being a Julián Alvarez penalty being disallowed during the shootout which Real Madrid won 4-2 after drawing 2-2 on aggregate.
Alvarez appeared to convert Atlético Madrid’s second penalty when he powered his penalty kick into the roof of the net despite slipping.
BARCELONA — Raphinha scored twice and Lamine Yamal netted with a stunning strike as a superb Barcelona dismantled Benfica 3-1 in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate victory.
It was an inspired evening for teenager Yamal who was virtually unplayable running up and down the right channel, creating most of Barca's scoring chances.
Lamine Yamal goal vs Benfica
MADRID — Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz scored a second-half winner as the hosts edged out neighbors Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a scrappy first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie on Tuesday after Julian Alvarez had cancelled out Rodrygo's opener.
Real started on fire when Rodrygo scored a fine opener four minutes after kick-off but Atletico slowly got into the game and Alvarez equalized with a stunning strike in the 32nd minute.
Julian Alvarez goal vs Real Madrid
United States men’s national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso played a key role in Real Betis’ 2-1 upset victory against Real Madrid on Saturday. The American headed in an equalizer from close range in the first half.
With Madrid leading 1-0 early in the first half, Johnny chose perhaps the best time to score his first LaLiga goal of the season. In the 34th minute a Betis corner was swung into the box and a wide-open Johnny was there to smash in the equalizer.
Johnny Cardoso goal vs Real Madrid
Real Betis forward Antony received great news on Wednesday when he learned he will be eligible for his side’s match vs. Real Madrid on Saturday after winning a red card appeal.
Antony was sent off in his last LaLiga game vs. Getafe with a straight red card following a tackle on Getafe's Juan Iglesias. Betis appealed to the Spanish Football Federation and won, meaning Antony is cleared to face off against Los Blancos.
Here was the moment Antony learned the news.
Antony reaction to red card overturned
BARCELONA — Atletico Madrid clawed back from two goals down to rescue a 4-4 draw at Barcelona in a rip-roaring battle in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Tuesday.
Atletico stunned the home side early on, taking a two-goal lead with Julian Alvarez opening the scoring inside the first minute and Antoine Griezmann extending their advantage five minutes later.
Barcelona vs Atletico highlights
The Champions League last-16 draw threw up some mouth-watering matches with holders Real Madrid playing local rivals Atletico Madrid while Bayern Munich were drawn against Bundesliga title challengers Bayer Leverkusen on Friday.
Champions League draw bracket