Blue Moon Rising: City's 1st league crown since '68

The "noisy neighbors" have done it, and in a most dramatic fashion. Manchester City came into the day even on points with their cross-town rivals Manchester United, but with a massive differential on goal advantage (Man City +8)--however, they were tied and then trailing a majority of their match, while United took an early lead on a Wayne Rooney goal and never looked back. With City fans biting their nails and looking as if they were about to rip their hair out, saying "oh no, here we go again", trailing 2-1 to the nearly relegated QPR heading into stoppage time--que Edin Dzeko in the 91st minute...and then Sergio Aguero in the 94th (and final minute of stoppage, aka their last gasp) with the match winner, and you have a near miracle!

Watch the full match highlights on the video above.

The City fans have waited a very long time for this, and have watched the Red Devils celebrate title after title right in front them, certainly not easy for any fan to watch. They were well stocked this season with the best talent in the world of soccer that money could buy, and it showed, with their two key purchases during the past year (Dzeko & Aguero) paying huge dividends when needed the most! Their manager, Roberto Mancini, deserves major credit for this league title, as he was the glue holding this squad together, effectively dealing with the Carlos Tevez situation and the often volatile Mario Balotelli.

For the reaction from the English media, check out the BBC's take on City's crown.

What are your thoughts on Man City's future--is this the beginning of a dynasty for them, or a "one and done" title reign?

Europa League final today: Predictions?

Well it isn't quite the Champions League final (coming up on May 19th), but today's final will be an interesting watch between two Spanish rivals, pitting the gentlemen of the Basque region against the Capital city's "other" major club. Both of these sides have defied the odds this season (for example, most did not expect Bilbao to defeat the "mighty" Manchester United). It will feature two lethal strikers (both earning their #9s), in Llorente and Falcao. The Colombian striker, Falcao, has truly had a breakout year, quickly distinguishing himself as one of the most predatory finishers in the world. I'm sure that the Summer will be a very busy time for Senor Falcao, with offers galore expected, and a Europa league title certainly wouldn't hurt his bargaining power. Fernando Llorente (aka El Rey Leon) is trying to cement his spot on the Spanish national side for the upcoming Euros this Summer. I'd also keep an eye on Adrian Lopez, the #7, as a potential difference maker for Atletico. As many of you die-hard fans out there, I'm getting excited for this one, and will blog a post-match recap later on tonight complete with a breakdown of video highlights and stats. The match will be aired on Direct TV in the U.S. Here is the TV schedule for the rest of el mundo.

Another good article on the experience factor in this Final.

UPDATED with the result and highlights: 

Bilbao had the majority of possession, 60% to 40% for Atletico, but the quality chances went to the Madridistas and their 19 year old keeper, Courtois, was brilliant! Here is a solid breakdown of the match stats: Europa League Final stats

In case you missed it earlier, welcome to the "Falcao Show"...

...y otra vez!

The proverbial icing on the cake, courtesy of Diego. Atletico Madrid wins the Europa League crown in convincing fashion, 3-0. In the process, Falcao loudly reminds the soccer world that he is the next big thing!