Column by Andrés Marocco: Road to the final

All of us who feel a special bond with this sport are in Champions mode. The “do not disturb” notice must be hung on the doorknob of the television room. The most important tournament on the planet is in the final stretch, beginning to see the checkered flag in the background. 15 years ago this competition was seen out of the corner of the eye in our country, but today it has more fans than any other event at this time. In addition, with the particularity on this occasion that the three favorites, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Liverpool, also in our distant lands have a large number of supporters.

The “citizen” for everything that “Guardiolismo” means, in all the corners that follow his legacy from that unforgettable Barcelona; Real Madrid, which persists harvesting fans everywhere, who always find a reason to celebrate and here has become a cult team, and the “Reds”, today adding all our emotions around Luis Díaz.

Real, already with the air that another League recently won comfortably, has all its chances intact to seek a comeback at the Bernabéu after losing the first leg by just one goal, in another splendid night for Karim Benzema. The English are kept boiling by the beastly face-to-face in the Premier. In the absence of four dates, just one point separates them, which may be enough for the Celestials to win the title and incidentally to their DT, to renew it for three more years, or they will be overcome if they stumble over the reds who never walk alone. Both want to dispute the “orejona” with each other on May 28 in Paris.

The three best technicians of the moment were also found, and a fourth that is not far behind in achievements. Pep, Ancelotti and Klopp know how to emerge victorious in these instances and without a doubt Emery, who has already celebrated in Europe as well. Villarreal, who still have the series alive, cannot be ruled out in any case, although the star list should be seen one step higher.

But going back to the trio, they are united by the fact that they never give up attacking, especially the British, taking into account that this version of the White House is somewhat more cautious, among other things, because it does not have as much left over. Carletto he is more reactive than his other two colleagues, supported in his strategy because his bank is limited. With all this he is already champion in his house and is more than alive to reach another continental final. Not to mention that he has the defining player of the competition. To tell the truth, the one with the best face is Jürgen Klopp’s team. He suffers less at the back, has more game variations and seems full of confidence. Those led by Pep Guardiola, on the other hand, have been encountering obstacles in their performance, and although they have all their warriors, they do not look as strong as they started.

Of the triumvirate they are the most vulnerable at the back and must score many goals to guarantee that the results end up being given to them. In any case, we are really enjoying this card that makes us forget the sadness of not going to the World Cup and that promises a happy and exciting ending. May the one who doesn’t betray himself win and amuse us to the fullest, please.