• Champions League

No way back for Madrid - Mourinho

ESPNsoccernet staff
April 27, 2011
Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands © Getty Images
Enlarge

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has conceded that his side have no chance of reaching the Champions League final after a 2-0 first-leg defeat to rivals Barcelona at the Bernabeu.

Mourinho was sent to the stands in a tempestous game that saw Barcelona substitute goalkeeper Pinto sent off at half-time, before Madrid midfielder Pepe was dismissed for a tackle on Javier Mascherano. Lionel Messi exploited the space to claim a late brace and now Mourinho feels his side are out of the tie.

"The return game is mission impossible,'' he told the press after the game. ''Barcelona has qualified for the final. Sometimes I feel disgusted about this football world of ours. Yes, we have already been knocked out.

''We had the intention to keep the game at 0-0, then bring on a striker, then a third phase with a No. 10 behind three forwards. But the ref didnt allow it.''

Mourinho continued his post-match rant by targeting Barcelona's record in the competition, most notably their win over Chelsea in the semi-final in 2009.

''I would be ashamed if I was Barca how they won Champions League in 2009,'' he said. ''It was the scandal of Stamford Bridge. This is the scandal of the Bernabeu.

"I don't know if it's because of Villar, the UNICEF publicity or what, but I don't understand why this keeps happening. No one has any chance against Barca. Where does all this power come from? To win like this is very nasty.

"What did I say to the referee? Nothing, I just laughed. If I say what I feel now, my career ends. I just wonder why."

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous as an attacking presence during the game and showed visible frustration with the way Madrid were playing said: "Do I like to play in a defensive team like Madrid? No, but I have to adapt to what the coach wants.

"Playing against ten men isn't easy. 0-0 would have been a good result. 2-0 is very difficult. Messi played very well, but it's easier against ten."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices