O n May 11 2020, the crypto world experienced the phenomena knows as Bitcoin halving . For those who are still a little looney-toons regarding this phenomena, here's the lowdown . Moral of the story is that, as the Bitcoin supply decreased and it's 21 million market cap slowly approached, it was widely accepted that the low supply and high demand will increase the price of the cryptocurrency back to its previous highs. Basic business right? Wrong! Source: Equity Trust Company BTC prices actually fell and after briefly holding steady, are only just rising above the 10000 USD range. Surprise eh? Well, we are not done yet. Because while the most valuable crypto coin wasn't showing it's expected gains, some other cryptocurrencies shot to outer space. There was no SpaceX rocket nor a Tesla Roadster involved. These "altcoins" bumped up in their market value thanks to the entire underlying system of cryptocurrency: investor speculation. But what exactly are these ...
'The Champiooooooonsssss!!!' A verse which uplifts the dour spirits of any football fan, the Champions League has been a staple of European football, so much so that even fans of teams who don't qualify, watch it with the sort of diligence or ethic many employers strive for. Truly it becomes a religious matter especially in the February- May period where the Knockout phase begins. Trying to turn off the TV for any fan watching the next goal is like trying to fight a hungry lion ( without a gun). You don't do it unless your dream is to pass away ( very painfully) as a human sacrifice.
This years tournament, however, is much more exciting than watching a typical Liverpool side capitulate against the now 3 in a row winner of Real Madrid. With an exciting group stage and a seemingly large permutation of mouthwatering clashes between heavyweights in the knockout phases is leaving every fan breathless. Here are the teams to look out for :
1. Barcelona
Mes Que Un Club. More than a Club. Barca were perhaps the most successful Champions League teams of the 21st century until their bitter rivals Real pipped them to straight consecutive trophies. Whether it was down to Zidane's skilful ( really?) coaching, down to individual or collective brilliance, catalysed by mischief man Ramos, or just the plain old referee who always seem to miss offsides or fouls, Real Madrid have done it. And that has perhaps made the club and its fans understandably envious. In 2015 when Barca had plundered through most of Europe to the trophy, people thought this would be it. Peak Barca who will then become the first side to not just retain it but win it with a regularity only seen in a few clubs before the modern Champions League era. But Barca fell to miserable defeats to Atletico, Juventus and then Roma. But Barca are back now, stronger with a host of new additions and slightly older members clicking in with Messi and the squad. The new captain wants to desperately win it. And when Messi is on fire, no one saves it.
2. Juventus
Always a strong team, Juventus have shown a recent upturn in their European travails reaching 2 finals in the past 3 years. But they have lost both, once to Barcelona and once to Real Madrid themselves. Earlier this year they were knocked by a stunning Ronaldo performance which left the Turin giants so distraught they went all out and bought Ronaldo themselves. A stunning piece of transfer work, Ronaldo has always had a great Champions League pedigree and is the current top scorer, ahead of Lionel Messi. While he is turning older, his predatory instincts seemed to have honed themselves with his obvious experience. And obviously, he is probably one of the fittest men in the game. Expect Juventus to do well this year, as Ronaldo obviously wants to win it again and again and again. Buffon is probably the saddest goalkeeper right now.
3. PSG
Don't worry Buffon fans, cause PSG is in with a shot as well. While Areola is a top draw goalkeeper, no one can deny that Buffon is one stunning marauder. At 40 years of age, he is reflexively saving shots, showing a well-heeled ability and vigour that many goalkeepers almost a decade younger than him sorely lack. He has performed at the highest level for Juventus and it was sad to seem him go, more so with the arrival of Ronaldo. But with Thomas Tuchel in the dugout providing a different perspective and the fact that PSG Powerpuff front line is always scoring, Buffon could be in with a chance of win Old Big Ears for the first time in his illustrious career. While Buffon could potentially meet with his former mates, there is no denying that Buffon is perhaps the wisest man in the PSG camp and with his years of experience in the art of defence and the superb attacking prowess of Neymar, Mbappe and Cavani, the Champions League will finally travel to French lands (with Qatari hands).
4. Manchester City
It truly was a disappointment to see Man City go out in the quarter-finals earlier this year. Yes, Liverpool deserved to win, showing a great hunger to shred Pep's pal to smithereens but one cannot deny that the matchup should have been reserved for the semi's or the finals. Still, Pep's miraculous achievement at winning the league by almost 19 points has left everyone scared, and this season they have had a good start, only dropping points against a surprisingly impressive Wolves. They sure have the firepower in Aguero and Sterling, and their defence is no doubt much wiser after their humbling at Merseyside. And with Jesus with them, no one can deny that if Pep and Co. turn on the style, not many teams will be left standing.
This years tournament, however, is much more exciting than watching a typical Liverpool side capitulate against the now 3 in a row winner of Real Madrid. With an exciting group stage and a seemingly large permutation of mouthwatering clashes between heavyweights in the knockout phases is leaving every fan breathless. Here are the teams to look out for :
1. Barcelona
Mes Que Un Club. More than a Club. Barca were perhaps the most successful Champions League teams of the 21st century until their bitter rivals Real pipped them to straight consecutive trophies. Whether it was down to Zidane's skilful ( really?) coaching, down to individual or collective brilliance, catalysed by mischief man Ramos, or just the plain old referee who always seem to miss offsides or fouls, Real Madrid have done it. And that has perhaps made the club and its fans understandably envious. In 2015 when Barca had plundered through most of Europe to the trophy, people thought this would be it. Peak Barca who will then become the first side to not just retain it but win it with a regularity only seen in a few clubs before the modern Champions League era. But Barca fell to miserable defeats to Atletico, Juventus and then Roma. But Barca are back now, stronger with a host of new additions and slightly older members clicking in with Messi and the squad. The new captain wants to desperately win it. And when Messi is on fire, no one saves it.
2. Juventus
Always a strong team, Juventus have shown a recent upturn in their European travails reaching 2 finals in the past 3 years. But they have lost both, once to Barcelona and once to Real Madrid themselves. Earlier this year they were knocked by a stunning Ronaldo performance which left the Turin giants so distraught they went all out and bought Ronaldo themselves. A stunning piece of transfer work, Ronaldo has always had a great Champions League pedigree and is the current top scorer, ahead of Lionel Messi. While he is turning older, his predatory instincts seemed to have honed themselves with his obvious experience. And obviously, he is probably one of the fittest men in the game. Expect Juventus to do well this year, as Ronaldo obviously wants to win it again and again and again. Buffon is probably the saddest goalkeeper right now.
3. PSG
Don't worry Buffon fans, cause PSG is in with a shot as well. While Areola is a top draw goalkeeper, no one can deny that Buffon is one stunning marauder. At 40 years of age, he is reflexively saving shots, showing a well-heeled ability and vigour that many goalkeepers almost a decade younger than him sorely lack. He has performed at the highest level for Juventus and it was sad to seem him go, more so with the arrival of Ronaldo. But with Thomas Tuchel in the dugout providing a different perspective and the fact that PSG Powerpuff front line is always scoring, Buffon could be in with a chance of win Old Big Ears for the first time in his illustrious career. While Buffon could potentially meet with his former mates, there is no denying that Buffon is perhaps the wisest man in the PSG camp and with his years of experience in the art of defence and the superb attacking prowess of Neymar, Mbappe and Cavani, the Champions League will finally travel to French lands (with Qatari hands).
4. Manchester City
It truly was a disappointment to see Man City go out in the quarter-finals earlier this year. Yes, Liverpool deserved to win, showing a great hunger to shred Pep's pal to smithereens but one cannot deny that the matchup should have been reserved for the semi's or the finals. Still, Pep's miraculous achievement at winning the league by almost 19 points has left everyone scared, and this season they have had a good start, only dropping points against a surprisingly impressive Wolves. They sure have the firepower in Aguero and Sterling, and their defence is no doubt much wiser after their humbling at Merseyside. And with Jesus with them, no one can deny that if Pep and Co. turn on the style, not many teams will be left standing.
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