Oldie But Goodie

The age old striker Dimitar Berbitav was at his old tricks again this past weekend. The former Manchester United and Fulham striker, who now plays for Monaco in the Ligue 1 in France, bagged the only goal of a 1-0 win. This win sealed a champion’s league spot for Monaco meet year. Berbitav made it look easy, just as he does on numerous amounts of goals. The striker in this instense had taken the ball from over the top and was a little outside the far right side of the six yard box. Berbitav brought the ball down and let it bounce, and with a cool and calm composure, he chipped it up and over the keeper and into the far post netting. The keeper could do nothing but swing at air as the Monaco fans watched in jubilation as the ball went in. Monaco continued to dominate the rest of the game and it was a shock to many that the game only ended 1-0 because there were so many chances that could have been put in the back of net. After the match Berbitav wanted to remind everyone out there who had written him off and forgotten about him that he was still around and just as sly and great a striker as ever.

Not only was this a great day for the individual player, but it was a great day for Monaco itself. Just a year removed from being promoted to the Ligue 1 from Ligue 2, the big French club made some major signings in the summer and has seen them pay dividends as the team has now clinched a spot in the 2014/2015 UEFA Champions league for the first time in over a decade. Not only that but they have risen to 2^nd in the Ligue 1 behind only the power house team of Paris Saint Germaine. This is an amazing story of just what having a lot of money in soccer can do for you as the club was able to rise from the bottom thanks in part to huge sponsorship deals that left a lot of money to be spent on much needed players. Key signings in the summer included former Athletico striker Falcao, as well as midfielder James Rodriguez. A big congrats to Monaco, and I'm very excited to see the commotion they can create in next year’s champions league.  It's something very exciting to look forward to.
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