There are some players that will forever be remembered for great Champions League moments. Think Ronaldo taking Manchester United apart at Old Trafford in 2003. Steven Gerrard hauling Liverpool back from the dead to overcome AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005. Lionel Messi bagging five goals in Barca’s 7-1 mauling of Bayer Leverkusen in 2012. Gareth Bale’s incredible performance after coming on as substitute to help Real Madrid to overcome Liverpool in 2018. But arguably the most memorable Champions League moment was produced by Zinedine Zidane in the 2001 final at Hampden Park, his spectacular volley helping Real to beat Bayer Leverkusen and lift Big Ears. Will Zinedine Zidane’s love affair with the Champions League continue? Tipsters at Kenya Online Casino think it can.
And since becoming Real manager, Zidane has enjoyed many more special Champions League moments, having won the competition in three consecutive seasons between 2015 and 2018, becoming the first manager to do so in the process.
Zidane left the Bernabeu following that third triumph, but returned less than twelve months later, and last season, won the La Liga title for the first time as manager. However, they were dumped out of the Champions League in the Round of 16 by Manchester City, and so this season ZZ will have been hoping for a much better campaign.
And thus far, it’s looking good. On Tuesday night, Los Blancos made it through to the last eight, seeing off Atalanta 4-1 on aggregate.
It’s fair to say that Zidane’s men can count themselves lucky to have made it through to the knockout stages of the competition. Although they topped their group, they were beaten twice by unfancied Shakhtar Donetsk, and were thankful for a win over Borussia Mönchengladbach in their final group game to get them over the line. However, their victory over Atalanta in the last sixteen was impressive, and so ZZ and the Real faithful will fancy their team’s chances of progressing further.
But it won’t be easy. Holders Bayern Munich are still in the mix and won’t fear anyone. Chelsea comfortably disposed of Real city rivals and La Liga leaders Atlético Madrid and remain unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel. Paris Saint Germain comfortably brushed aside Barcelona. And Manchester City – desperate for their first Champions League triumph – dumped out Borussia Mönchengladbach impressively, and have been excellent in this season’s competition so far.
Real Madrid have genuine pedigree in the competition though, and have won it more times than anyone else. If Zinedine Zidane and his team can draw inspiration from this, they will have as good a chance as anyone.
