TERRY’S ABSENCE A BLESSING IN DISGUISE?

Chelsea supporters might be cursing the rush of blood that led to John Terry receiving a red card in the Champions League semi-final, which means he misses the Champions League final on Saturday. However, Castrol EDGE Performance data suggests that the Blues should not dwell the loss of their captain.

Since Terry’s Champions League debut for Chelsea, he has played in 85 Champions League games and only missed 14. When Terry has missed out, Chelsea have won 57% of their games, compared with less than half (49%) when he has played. Furthermore, they have conceded 0.82 goals per game with Terry in the team, compared with 0.79 when he has not been.

These statistics may show that Terry is often left out for games that Chelsea expect to win but for Chelsea fans it may prove that all is not lost when Terry saw red at the Nou Camp.

Champions League 11/12 – Chelsea with and without John Terry in the Champions League

CHELSEA AND BAYERN LOOK TO WINGERS FOR INSPIRATION

During the Champions League final, Chelsea’s Florent Malouda and Juan Mata go head to head with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.

Castrol EDGE Performance Data shows that Franck Ribery leads the way in the Champions League with five assists and a pass completion rate of 88%. This is particularly impressive considering that he has passed far more than the wide players, with his 608 attempts some way ahead of Mata’s 353. When combined with his 76 dribbles and three goals, Ribery is clearly the man Chelsea need to stop.

Ribery is closely followed by his team mate Arjen Robben. Although the Dutchman has only made seven appearances in the 2011/12 Champions League due to injury, he has scored more frequently than the other three, with his four goals coming once every 137.2 minutes.

Nevertheless, the Bayern duo is not superior in all respects. In particular, Mata and Malouda have crossed 49 and 35 times respectively with success rates of 37% and 40%. This is superior to both Ribery and Robben, who have far lower success rates of 17% and 18%. Interestingly, Malouda has provided as many assists (2) as Robben and Mata and his pass completion rate (87%) is second only to Franck Ribery (88%).

Champions League 11/12 – Malouda v Ribery v Robben v Mata

SCHWEINSTEIGER OUT TO STOP RESURGENT LAMPARD

Bastian Schweinsteiger spoke this week about his respect for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard. Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that he will have his hands full trying to contain the Englishman during Saturday’s Champions League Final.

Schweinsteiger praised the way that Lampard “plays with his eyes” in attack, which is backed up by Lampard’s record of 3 goals, 7 shots on target and 3 assists in the 2011/12 Champions League. In contrast, Schweinsteiger has failed to score despite taking 10 shots, with 6 on target.

However, the German’s passing statistics stack up favourably against Lampard’s. Despite playing 3 games less than Lampard, he has only one less assist (2) and has made 471 passes to Lampard’s 357. This is an indication of the way that Bayern Munich have dominated their opposition in the 2011/12 Champions League.

Unsurprisingly, Schweinsteiger has made almost as many tackles as Lampard (21 compared to 23) despite playing 179 minutes less. His tackle success rate (57% to Lampard’s 39%) reaffirms his reputation as Germany’s premier holding midfielder.

Champions League 11/12 – Bastian Schweinsteiger v Frank Lampard

NEUER V CECH: WILL THE CUP BE IN SAFE HANDS?

Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that in Cech and Neuer, both Chelsea and Bayern Munich have a world class goalkeeper, which could become crucial if the Champions League final goes to penalties.

Both have kept five clean sheets in the competition but it is Neuer who ostensibly has the more impressive record, conceding only 8 goals at a rate of one goal conceded every 128 minutes. By comparison, Cech has conceded 11 goals at a rate of one per 101 minutes.

However, Cech has come under more pressure than the German goalkeeper, having been forced to make 52 saves in total, compared to Neuer’s 32. He can also boast a spotless catch success rate of 18, with no drops.

Champions League 11/12 – Manuel Neuer v Petr Cech

GOMEZ V DROGBA: THE POACHER AND THE TALISMAN

Castrol EDGE Performance data shows us the subtle differences between Bayern Munich’s ruthless poacher Mario Gomez and Chelsea’s talismanic Didier Drogba and indicates their importance to their teams.

Drogba has played four less games and 330 less minutes than Gomez in the 2011/12 Champions League. However, Gomez’ twelve goals still give him a superior minutes per goal rate of 73.3 when compared to Drogba’s five goals at one per 110 minutes. The threat that Gomez poses is reinforced by his record of 39 shots with a shooting accuracy of 72%, which overshadows Drogba’s 20 shots with an accuracy of 40%.

However, Drogba dribbles more often (DD 27 MG 15) and with more success (DD 48% MG 33%). He has also managed two assists in the 2011/12 Champions League where Gomez has none.

Gomez has therefore become a reliable finisher for Bayern Munich but a lot will rest on whether his team can provide him with the opportunities to score. Drogba, on the other hand, will be looking to wreak havoc in the Bayern Munich half and provide the inspiration for Chelsea’s first Champion’s League title.

Champions League 11/12 – Mario Gomez v Didier Drogba

DI MATTEO: CUP CONQUEROR?

Roberto Di Matteo has overseen a revival in form that has led Chelsea to two major cup finals. Castrol EDGE Performance data shows the extent of Chelsea’s formidable cup form, which Di Mateo will be hoping can secure a first Champions League trophy for the London club.

Chelsea’s march to FA Cup glory saw them maintain a 100% win record across 4 games, conceding at a rate of 1 goal per game and scoring 14 times in total, at a rate of 3.5 goals per game.

Similarly, their Champion’s League form has seen them win all but one of their 5 games under Di Matteo, the other game being the impressive draw that they gained at the Nou Camp in the semi-finals.

Champions League 11/12 – Di Matteo with Chelsea in FA Cup & Champions League

NIKE “MY TIME IS NOW” CAMPAIGN CELEBRATES HUNGER OF A NEW GENERATION TO TAKE ITS CHANCE ON FOOTBALL’S BIGGEST STAGE

“Don’t tell me I have potential” is the rallying insight behind the new Nike Football “My Time is Now” campaign.  The campaign launches with a new film on May 18^th that features a global roster of the world’s best players, and celebrates the hunger and impatience of young players ready to tear up the rule book to make their mark in football’s elite ranks.

The film debuted on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and  nikefootball.com for the first time today and will also be on TV on May 19^th during the European Club Final. Featuring many of the elite players who will battle it out in Poland and Ukraine, and later this summer, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Andres Iniesta, Wesley Sneijder, Franck Ribery, Mario Götze, Mesut Özil, Yann M’Vila, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck. Special guest appearances are made by Pep Guardiola, Laurent Blanc and basketball superstar LeBron James.

As the action unfolds, viewers can experience content in a unique interactive way through hidden tunnels designed to share athlete insights about their hunger to succeed and inspire young athletes to be better footballers.  The My Time is Now film will be available at www.nikefootball.com

“Young players will stop at nothing to prove they’re good enough to play with the best in the game,” said Carlos Homedes, NIKE, Global Football Marketing Director.  “Their hunger and impatience to take a chance is playfully apparent in the “My Time is Now” campaign .  A new generation of players is taking their chance and this summer will mark an exciting time as they burst onto the scene in Poland and Ukraine.”

We first join a France v Holland match that is suddenly interrupted by wave after wave of young players, who invade the pitch, ready to show they have the skills and hunger to take on the world’s best. Defined by their impatience and distinctive black and white uniform, they reflect the players Nike is looking for through “The Chance” which is a global talent search for young players to prove themselves on an elite stage and take their game to the next level.

As the young players take their chance they are joined by football’s new generation and iconic stars as the game heats up.  Neymar dazzles with his blinding skills and faints,  Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta, complete in corporate suits from a stuffy boardroom meeting, join the play on pitch.  Even Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to pull on the distinctive black and white uniform sported by the young players, but he’s out of luck as the last remaining jersey is a small size.  He wears it anyway, ready to join the game.

Also unveiled in the campaign is the Nike Clash Collection of boots worn by elite players for the biggest moments on pitch and clash of rivalries and games this summer. Nike’s Mercurial Vapor VIII, CTR360 Maestri II, T90 Laser IV and Tiempo Legend IV boots will feature performance innovation and color clash design of traditional white with a bold second color signifying each boots style to stand out on pitch.

Nike’s search for the best global young talent: ‘The Chance’ runs in 55 countries through May-August. The best 100 players wil take part in global finals at FC Barcelona’s famed youth academy. The best 16 players will then embark on the ultimate training tour of the most renowned academy teams in world football, including Manchester United, Juventus and a U.S. Youth National Team during a once-in-a-lifetime four week tour.  One player will earn a place at the Nike Academy, now in its second year in partnership with the Premier League, based in the United Kingdom.

The “My Time is Now” film is part of a broader Nike Football brand campaign that features extensive digital, out-of-home and print executions celebrating iconic global players and aspiring footballers hungry to break into the elite game.

The unique look and atmosphere of Munich’s Allianz Arena has been recreated in London to celebrate the Final between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern Munich on May 19.

Fans have been given the chance to experience the magnificent stadium via a piece of unique 3D art which was installed at Westfield London, Shepherds Bush this weekend before moving to Munich for the big match later this week.  The artwork recreated the iconic stadium with its distinctive lit panels that illuminate it’s exterior, and with the trickery of 3D artwork fans had their chance to have their photograph taken inside the artwork for them to upload to Facebook, creating a fantastic supporters image courtesy of Allianz.

“No one knows the Allianz Arena better than Allianz but we knew not everyone would make it out to Munich to experience the game.  We wanted to share our world famous football stadium with all football fans in London and beyond, so this artwork is a fantastic way to be part of one of football’s biggest events,” says Dr Christian Deuringer, Head of Global Brand Management of Allianz SE. Allianz, one of the world’s leading financial services and insurance providers, has its global head office located in Munich.

#RonaldoLIVE

Last year Castrol EDGE presented Ronaldo Tested to the Limit, an award-winning documentary that showed the Portugal and Real Madrid forward showcase his strengths in a series of captivating challenges in the most scientific examination of a player ever undertaken.

Now, to celebrate the release of the documentary for free on iTunes, Castrol EDGE, Castrol’s strongest oil yet, and Ronaldo are counting down to one more epic challenge, and this time – in a ground-breaking twist – Ronaldo’s fans will get to test his skill for themselves live on Facebook.

Castrol EDGE is calling on fans everywhere to take part in the challenge – #RonaldoLIVE – by signing up on facebook.com/castrolfootball to be in with a chance of going head to head with Ronaldo on Thursday 17^th May.

#RonaldoLIVE will be the world’s first interactive football challenge streamed live through Facebook from a state-of-the-art testing facility in Madrid. In the test, inspired by Ronaldo and Castrol EDGE’s Twitter followers, Ronaldo will face a barrage of footballs fired at him from chutes suspended above and he will have to receive, control and shoot each ball into one of four goals that surround him before the next ball is released.

Of the first 100,000 fans that connect to the #RonaldoLIVE Facebook app to watch live, fans will be selected at random to take part in the action, by selecting Ronaldo’s target and choosing the goals that he must shoot into.

Will Ronaldo have the lightning quick reaction speed, shooting accuracy and strength under pressure to control and successfully strike each ball? Or will his fans’ selections prove too much of a test?

All the action will be streamed live on both Castrol EDGE and Ronaldo’s Facebook pages (facebook.com/castrolfootball & facebook.com/Cristiano) on Thursday 17^th May.

Fans can download the award-winning documentary Castrol EDGE Presents Ronaldo Tested to the Limit as a free podcast on iTunes now by visiting: http://bit.ly/testronaldo or by using the QR code.

EA SPORTS UNVEILS REVOLUTIONARY SET OF GAME-CHANGING INNOVATIONS FOR FIFA 13

Electronic Arts Inc have unveiled five game-changing innovations that will bring revolutionary changes to EA SPORTS™ FIFA 13 along with the largest and deepest feature set in the history of the franchise.

“We are perfecting the best sports game in the world with innovations that capture all the drama and unpredictability of real-world football,” said David Rutter, Executive Producer for FIFA 13. “These are game-changing innovations that will revolutionize our artificial intelligence, dribbling, ball control and collisions to create a true battle for possession across the entire pitch, and deliver freedom and creativity in attack.”

The most sophisticated artificial intelligence ever achieved for the FIFA franchise will drive FIFA 13 on HD consoles and PC. All-new Attacking Intelligence enables players to analyse space, work harder and smarter to break down defenses, and think two plays ahead. Players now possess the intelligence to create, curve, or alter runs to capitalize on openings as they occur, make runs that pull defenders out of position to open passing channels for teammates, and better position themselves for new attacking opportunities.

In FIFA 13 every touch matters with the most comprehensive and intuitive dribbling system ever developed. Inspired by the world’s best footballer, Lionel Messi, Complete Dribbling enables players to face their opponent and use precise dribble touches combined with true 360° mobility with the ball, so it’s easier to be more creative and dangerous in 1v1 opportunities. Players change direction quicker, are more explosive accelerating with the ball, and are more effective shielding defenders for longer stretches. FIFA 13 1st Touch Control transforms the way players control the ball, eliminating near-perfect touch for every player on the pitch, and creating variety and uncertainty around ball control. Factors such as defensive pressure, trajectory of the ball, and velocity of the pass now impact a player’s first touch, creating more opportunities for defenders to win back possession.

The second generation of the Player Impact Engine expands physical play from just collisions to off-the-ball battles between players. Defenders push and pull for position, and use their size and strength to win possession or force opponents into poor touches and decisions before the ball arrives. FIFA 13 Tactical Free Kicks provides the tools to create dangerous and unpredictable free kicks utilising the most skillful players on the pitch. Position up to three attacking players over the ball and utilise dummy runs and more passing options to create elaborate free kicks. Opponents can counter by adding or subtracting players to the wall, creeping the wall forward, or sending a bullet man to intercept the pass or block the shot.

FIFA 13 will also feature:

- Improved Career Mode with major changes developed in response to requests from the most passionate fans of the franchise.

- New features to enhance the massive EA SPORTS FIFA online offering, including improvements to the wildly popular Head-To-Head Seasons mode

- Multiple new features and benefits to EA SPORTS Football Club, the live service that is the heartbeat of FIFA

- Complete authenticity with more than 500 officially licensed clubs.

Additional new modes and features will be announced in the months ahead.

FIFA 13 will be available in stores throughout South Africa this spring for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system with PlayStation Move support, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system with Kinect™, PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system, Wii™, PC, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo 3DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, iPhone®, iPad®, iPod® touch and other mobile platforms. The game has not yet been rated. Screenshots are available at http://info.ea.com.

Join more than nine million fans in the EA SPORTS football community at http://www.facebook.com/easportsfifa or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/easportsfifa.

As speculation continues ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup Final showdown with Liverpool, Blue Square is rewarding punters who have shown faith in Di Matteo keeping the Stamford Bridge hotseat.

Last week’s resignation of Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola led to increased speculation that the Spaniard was being lined up for the Chelsea job and that Di Matteo was for the exit, but what has he done wrong?

Blue Square spokesperson Alan Alger said: “To be honest if you look at what he’s achieved in the short time he’s been Chelsea caretaker boss it’s utter nonsense that other candidates are even being considered.

“Irrespective of what happens in the FA Cup Final, we think Di Matteo is the man and we’re happy to pay out on him now.”

This season’s UEFA Champions League has been full of surprises. It is apt then that the two teams set to face each other in the Final on the 19th of May are a surprise. Chelsea have turned what was looking like a pretty miserable season into right around and stand on the brink of finally tasting European glory. First however they will have to overcome Bayern Munich – in their own backyard.

Bayern Munich’s home, the Allianz Arena in Munich, will play host to this seasons UEFA Champions League Final and, thanks to Allianz, we have able to give you a great behind the scenes look at the world class stadium.

The iconic stadium is known for the distinctive illuminated ‘cushions’ on the exterior facade, which change to red, blue or white depending on who is playing inside – so red and blue for the Final.

Allianz performed a key role in the Arena development, with its research laboratory, the Allianz Center for Technology (AZT), conducting all fire resistance tests of the outer material. The Allianz Arena took three years to build, and since its official opening on May 31, 2005, has hosted nearly 15 million fans and over 300 matches – including the opening match and semi-finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. 66,000 attend each major match.

The Allianz Arena in the Bavarian capital, Munich has already provided the stage for more than 175 football matches – all of which have been sold out over the past few years.

Capacity

• Total: 69,901 capacity undercover (66,000 seats)
• 106 VIP boxes of various sizes accommodating 1,374 guests

Parking

• 9,800 parking places in four x four-storey Esplanade car parks (the largest in Europe)

Inside the Arena

• 6,000 m² of catering facilities including; 28 kiosks, restaurants and a Business Club
• offices and conference rooms
• a nursery
• 4 changing rooms
• 2 warm-up rooms, each 110m²

Pitch

• Pitch: 68 m x 105 m, Pitch gross: 72 m x 111 m
• Total surface (barrier to barrier): 120 m x 83 m
• Spectator distance from pitch: 7.5 m minimum
• Pitchside barrier height: approx 1.2 m

Façade

• Façade and roof: 66,500 m² in total, comprising 2,760 inflated panels
• 1,056 (of  2,760) illuminated panels (in the colors with, blue and red)
• Illuminated area 25,500 m²

Fans are encouraged to go to Football for Life on Facebook to post comments and share their piece of advice to the players and teams as they prepare for the Final.

“Football is an international language, spoken by millions around the world,” says Christian Deuringer. “We look forward to sharing our insight and knowledge with fans all over the world and welcoming them to this great stadium and to Munich on May 19.”

On the 19th of May the two teams will walk down the tunnel and come up from under the stands and we are hoping that the football they produce on that night is a breath taking as the Allianz Arena.

Today adidas and Major League Soccer announced that the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game on July 25 in Philadelphia will be the world’s first “smart soccer match” and will feature the new micoach professional soccer team tracking system, the next step in player performance analysis technology.

The micoach professional soccer team tracking system provides coaches with real time performance metrics on the field of play including player position, power output, speed, distance covered, intensity of play, acceleration and GPS heat mapping.

“adidas has always been known as a pioneer, an innovator and an industry-leader when it comes to the sport of soccer,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “It is an honor that they have chosen to debut their new game-changing and revolutionary technology at this year’s AT&T MLS All-Star Game in Philadelphia. adidas has quickly become a leader in sports analytics and we believe our All-Star Game will serve as the perfect opportunity to introduce the new micoach professional soccer team tracking system.”

Tested and developed in collaboration with MLS and its clubs, multiple national teams, and clubs in Europe, the micoach professional soccer team tracking system is a step further into the future from the world’s leading soccer brand. This announcement follows the launch of the world’s first smart cleat – the adizero f50 micoach.

“Our leading innovations help athletes and coaches on the field of play and we are finding ways to use these innovations to create more immersive sporting environments and experiences that will revolutionize the way we view sports and engage and excite fans,” said Patrik Nilsson, president of adidas America.  “The new micoachteam  tracking system combines state of the art technology with real time analysis bringing the game the most significant advancement in soccer coaching in the modern era.  MLS understands digital innovation is the future of team sports and we are proud to make the MLS All-Star Game the world’s first smart competition with our new micoach team tracking platform.”

Following the debut of the micoach professional soccer team tracking system at the MLS All-Star Game, the new technology will be rolled out globally in the coming seasons.

Adidas micoach is leading digital sports innovation and changing the wayathletes, coaches and fans use performance data.  Through a range of devices and software, adidasmicoach is setting new standards for capturing, evaluating and sharing performance data during training and competition.

With just over 100 days to go until the start of the Olympic Games, adidas has revealed their biggest UK campaign ever entitled Take the Stage. An all-new 60 second TV ad kicks off the multi-channel campaign on Saturday 7^th April that will showcase that there is a stage for everyone in 2012,whether you are in to Sport Street or Style.

Featuring Team GB athletes Victoria Pendleton, Louis Smith and Tom Daley alongside entertainment stars such as music artist Example and comedian Keith Lemon, the narrative of the advert tells the story of how you can go from the top deck of the bus to the top of the charts overnight.

Steven Gerrard

The 60 second TVC leads the campaign and is shortly followed the week after (14^th April) by 3 x 30 seconds TV spots which show how the adidas brand is going to help people Take the Stage. Through these 30 second adverts, fronted by global icon David Beckham, music star Wretch 32 and US Basketball player Derrick Rose, adidas is giving the Great British public truly amazing once in a lifetime opportunities to Take the Stage and showcase their talent. Beckham calls for the public to submit their own photography to win the opportunity to be the photographer on set with him. Wretch 32 is in search of one lucky music artist to open on tour for him this year and one lucky winner will get the chance to play ball in the States with NBA star Derrick Rose.

Ashley Young

Recording artist Wretch 32 was commissioned by adidas to create the exclusive soundtrack for the 60 second TVC, which is based on insights from young people across the country and is focused on the different ways in which talent today can be showcased.The 60 second ad will premiere to an audience of millions at 20:12 on Saturday night during the first commercial break during Britain’s Got Talent and will then be available to watch, alongside additional content on the adidas facebook and YouTube channels.

Gareth Bale

Whilst the 60 second ad celebrates all things London, adidas, the Official Sportswear partner for London 2012,isalso giving people across Britain their own chance to Take the Stage through their website www.adidas.com/all2012. The brand will be offering up a series of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, across Sport, street and style in this year long campaign.

Gareth Barry

adidas Marketing Director Nick Craggs said: “Our new take the stage campaign is designed to showcase London but also the talent that exists within Great Britain. adidas is providing  young people across Britain once in a lifetime opportunities that could change their lives. We feel the campaign is a great way to celebrate London and inspire the rest of Britain.”

Jermain Defoe

To give an insight into the life of an Olympian and to get behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in sport adidas is delighted to announce that they are giving comedian and TV presenter Keith Lemon an all access pass to everything the brand will be doing in 2012. Keith will be tasked with creating his own very special brand of content that shows members of Team GB like you’ve never seen them before – watch this space!

Jack Rodwell

This weekend adidas sponsored players including Gerrard, Bale, Young, Barry, Rodwell, Defoe and Stuart Downing will all take to the pitch in their very own personalised boots which will include their name and the campaign hash tag #takethestage to set this weekend’s fixtures alight (Please see attached imagery). The Chelsea squad are also involved in the occasion with #takethestage embroidered onto their warm up training jersey’s ahead of the game. The weekend will see the brand ‘take the stage’ at all of adidas’ sponsored teams stadiums including Liverpool, Chelsea, Swansea and West Brom to utilise their presence and highlight the campaign through the clubs LED boards.

Stewart Downing

To find out more about adidas and their “Take the Stage” campaign visit www.adidas.com/all2012and stay tuned to @adidasUK on twitter for the latest brand news.

On-court, Rafael Nadal’s supremacy is almost unrivalled. But against Cristiano Ronaldo and the new Mercurial Vapor VIII, he faces a challenge like never before.