#rmsoccer

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Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal 05052026

PREMATCH

Simply a must win, no matter how. Atletico Has the ability, it is about execution. The squad was rested for this day.

FIRST HALF

in comments

HALFTIME

Execution is key, it isn't about skill or talent. I think alvarez nor lookman have executed so well. Nothing is over, Atleti have to score two goals, and win in london

SECOND HALF

in comments

FINAL THOUGHTS

CONGRATS to Arsenal ! I said the match was about execution, on the night, Alvarez[misplaced strke]+ Lookman[poor touches]+Griezmann[couldn't find the way through]+Sorloth [flubbed free strike at goal ]

Last UEFA CL game for Griezmann at Atleti , maybe Koke's end as well. Big summer for Atleti. GRiezmann is talismanic and will need to be replaced, neither Alvarez nor Lookman have that utilitarian talismanic ability like griezmann.

Now to focus on 3rd in laliga and the next era at the club. When I look at this season while atletico madrid have scored more goals than in any other uefa champions league edition per minute, they have let in more goals than any time before per minute so the defense has to get better. What players can help that happen... I am not exactly sure until I see who stays or goes over the summer.

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Brazil vs Morocco 06132026

PRE MATCH

The two things I have not seen is Vini + Raphinha work well together. Vini works brilliantly with rodrygo, raphinha works brilliantly with yamal. But can these two work brilliantly with each other.

PAqueta is in the ten role. He has to be his best, most creative, while not losing the ball.

Morocco is a team on a mission. Their recent run in the cup of nations ended in such a dislike by other members of CAF, Morocco will not want to exit the world cup. The good news for all strong teams is the group stages have the first two and the best six of the third place so , moving on to the next stage is only not going to happen for the poorest of the poort in this edition.

Lastly, I prefer Endrick as the number nine, but we will see...

FIRST HALF IN COMMENTS

HALFTIME

Slow start from brasil. Morocco's coach was told to make morocco more attacking but winning isn't about attack.

Casemiro + Ibaenez out , Danilo + Fabinho in

https://www.tumblr.com/rmfantasysetpieces1/819344871191199744/brazil-vs-morocco-06132026/replies/819348879324676096

SECOND HALF IN COMMENTS

END THOUGHTS

Lovely match, Brasil started the tournament cooly, Morocco started hot, but at the end, an even game.

Things teams need to improve

Brasil

Got to start sharp and fast paced. But has to have more clinical finishing. Thiago missed two assist , one a cross from Vini the other a throw in from Paqueta, he has to be on target for a number 9. I like thiago's pressing, but his finishing isnt enough. I will like the youth movement to go against Haiti + Scotland.

Morocco

Have to get better in scoring from distance. Have to defend crosses and number 9's better. I know the coach was told to make an attacking side but morocco's defense was exposed. They don't defend through possession , and they don't defend absent the ball well enough to handle being attacked.

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OL LYONNES vs FC BARCELONA 05232026

Here we go. Whichever team wins will have won all possible trophies . This is the third meeting in the uefa champions league final.

Considering what OL is going through OL LYONNES needs to win this, not only for PResident Kang's first great successful season but also to hopefully keep OL LYONNES safe from any machinations in UEFA that want to hamr OL LYONNES by connection to OL

PREMATCH

big match for HEgerberg + Renard + ENdler, all three are healthy and surrounded by electricity + skill. Execution is key, play better on the day, it is that simple.

FIRST HALF

in comments

HALFTIME

Even half, and i expected an even game, OL Lyonnes have been sharper, had more opportunities, forced barca to foul them. I argue if they keep it up, they will have the same opportunities and maybe one of these will not be called away by VAR. Barca has ten fouls to OL's three but no yellow card on any barca player... I think barca's shirt has to stop having so much value in the womens game. I know media outlets want barca to win. France winning the womens and mens goes against the narrative that french soccer is less than.

SECOND HALF

in comments

FINAL THOUGHTS

Missed DIani in all earnest, missed her badly and she was injured against Arsenal in the pror leg. This summer, OL Lyonnes may have departures in Hegerberg/ Renard/ Katoto/Diani potentially. Heaps is crying, so maybe she is gone, which i don't want but we will see. But OL Lyonnes have to replace every player that leaves with the highest quality , pay the million each if need be. I like the look of Julie Brand, she looks pissed!!!:) Good look, I like hatred at the end. Work hard, work on your scoring, each player. In my iew, OL LYonnes as a squad have no reason to fear any club in the world, so... train harder, and push. Kang has to wait another year for her UEFA Womens Champions League. I hope she is willing to invest big time.

Congrats to Barca.

Caroline Graham Hansen: "They've been tough years, we're not going to lie. Money has been lacking on all fronts, but we've maintained a top level thanks to years of good work from La Masia"

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Senegal vs Morocco 01/18/2026

The final of Afcon2026 in Rabat Morocco

PREMATCH THOUGHTS

WIth this final Senegal has been in three of the last four CAF Cup of Nations finals. Why isn't Senegal considered the strongest in CAF? The other five teams all were in it once in the last four seasons: algeria/egypt/ivory coast/nigeria/morocco

And Nigeria achieved nine bronze's which means Nigeria have podiumed more than any other team. Egypt has ten finals appearances but only three bronze, which means thirteen podiums. But, Nigeria has been to the final eight times and has nine bronzes so that is seventeen podiums, more than any other in CAF.

1ST HALF audio commentary from https://x.com/Thetenner10

https://x.com/i/spaces/1lPJqvmDDYnxb?s=20

2ND HALF thoughts in comments

FINAL THOUGHTS

Great final, in the end, the drama by Senegal put too much weight on BRahim Diaz.

Best Senegal player in defense was Sarr. Best Senegal player in offense was Sadio Mane. Most electric Senegal player in attack is Mbaye side Ndiaye, both were electric. Most stable midfield shepard of Senegal is Gana Gueye. Goal of the tournament is from Pap Gueye.

17 of morocco was the best player in attack for Morrocco in attack . Bono was brilliant as a keeper, his double save in this match means he is goalkeeper of the tournament. BRahim Diaz + Hakimi were poor in the match.

Next year in East Africa for

Next Cup of Nations, no VAR based on this tournaments final and semifinals.

I quote Rasheed Wallace "Ball Don't Lie"

Kombe la Mataifa ya Afrika 2027 hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in August 2027.

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Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad 04182026

PREMATCH

Atletico have to win, no excuse

FIRST HALF

in comments

HALFTIME

The Lookman goal

https://www.tumblr.com/rmfantasysetpieces1/814260330035314688/atletico-madrid-vs-real-sociedad-04182026/replies/814261347187605504

Both goals form Sociedad focused on Russo, he moves quick but has height issues, the first goal, oblak is taller, and he can react slowly in crosses, the second goal. I argue the defense of either crosser to sociedad could had been better for atleti but Russo has to look at himself. The oblak's Neuer's Courtois's save those situations. I think SImeone will keep the squad but will be wary of fatigue or low energy players. Alvarez has to do better for me.

SECOND HALF

in comments

REGULAR TIME

Alvarez goal

https://www.tumblr.com/rmfantasysetpieces1/814260330035314688/atletico-madrid-vs-real-sociedad-04182026/replies/814266770314723328

The mistakes in the first half led to extra time being needed. Atleti began with a stronger side goal wise, but not as dominant in the triangles. they end with a squad, not as strong goal wise, but stronger in the possession game

EXTRA TIME

In comments

FULL TIME

Russo almost gave the game away again https://www.tumblr.com/rmfantasysetpieces1/814260330035314688/atletico-madrid-vs-real-sociedad-04182026/replies/814268327421689856

Alex Baena could had the assist to win the game, but went against it https://www.tumblr.com/rmfantasysetpieces1/814260330035314688/atletico-madrid-vs-real-sociedad-04182026/replies/814268417211269121

Russo's two mistakes led to a penalty shootout at the end of the match . Simeone trusted the squad which he has done his whole career at atleti. He is a nice man, keeping Koke in, well , onto penalties.

If Atleitco Madrid don't win , no excuse, for me, atleti had to win this final.

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Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona 04142026

PREMATCH- this match and the next match, the copa del rey final against sociedad are must wins for me. Atletico can defeat any team in laliga when we play our best, it is that simple . Be consistent.

First Half

in comments

HALFTIME

LEnglet does what lenglet does and led to two goals for barca, in all earnest. Simeone played him because of card accumulation + rotation. But playing the weekend, yamal+pedri look tired. Yes, two goals let in but over the course of two matches, atleti are leading by a gal and if atleti score one more goal it is back to a two goal lead. Simeone rested griezzman/alvarez/guiliano to put in a shift this match, they have, lets see what they do in the second half, again, no excuse.

Second Half

in comments

FULL TIME

Even though Lenglet tried his best to helpbarcelona, Lookman came through. Again, I like Alvarez but when you look at Atletico Madrid it is an interesting mix, Lookman is arguably the most dangerous player in big games, but sorloth has the unique ability as a true center forward, while alvarez can do it all with griezzman. Guiliano like Lookman handle the wide play. Thoe five players is the main offense. And it worked out again. Ok, no excuse, have to beat Sociedad!!

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Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona 04082026

PREMATCH

Alvarez nor Lookman played in the weekend, so both are fresh and need to deliver. Last season Atletico Madrid went on a losing streak against Real Madrid + FC Barcelona at this time. This is a hurdle.

FIRST HALF

in comments

HALFTIME

1-0 tight match, Raphinha's absense is telling. in the same way Alvarez+ Lookman's absense was telling in the first of the three amtch against barca in two weeks. Atleti learned from match one to trust the help defense. Barca is still dangerous down to ten men for they have an attack that doesn't wait for the team but plays who is available in a situation. Lookman offers great balance with guiliano who has learned well how to run centrally from wide with griezman + alvarez up top. Essentially the lock piece player for atleti is lookman who rarely plays Ruggeri in, which is clearly coaching to get the possession up. Atleti can score more but I am looking for a clean sheet + a full compliment of players.. When alvarez scored Simeone stood thoughtful. He has seen Atleti begin the scoring against barca and not win.

SECOND HALF

in comments

END MATCH

Round 1 went to Barcelona absent Lookman or Alvarez , Round 2 went to Atletico MAdrid and Barcelona's best defender Cubarsi is out for the next match throgh red card and Raphinha is out through injury.... same story for atletico madrid, Lookman + Alvarez have to get it done. Sorloth will come off the bench and do what the beast does:) I want another clean sheet in the next match and goals.

Next match is against Sevilla and then round three against Barca with a two goal advantage and then the cpa del rey final. for me, win the next three matches and a good turn around from last season when we went on a huge losing spree

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CAF teams summary by 07012026

South Africa , Senegal, Ivory Coast, DR COngo, all are out. All of them were competitive, none were overwhelmed, but none got the job done.

Morocco won but Morocco for me isn't a CAF team. They are a UEFA team that because of geography plays in CAF. they are like Turkey.

That leaves Cape Verde, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana.