Ben Botelho

1 month ago | glory.media | Ben Botelho

Well, that did not go as planned. Last night, the city of Toronto was gleaming with optimism—finally, a chance to win a series in five games and get the much-needed rest required to succeed in the next round. Instead, everything went wrong in the worst way possible. Let’s get this out of the way: if you thought this series was going to be easy, it’s time to start taking playoff hockey at face value. It’s difficult, and as a fan, you rarely get the best possible result.

1 month ago | glory.media | Ben Botelho

For the first time in the “core four” era, the Toronto Maple Leafs are playing playoff hockey like a genuine contender. Game one demonstrated Craig Berube’s considerable impact on the team; he has transformed the Maple Leafs into a gritty, clinical, and disciplined Stanley Cup threat. Of the many positives that came from Sunday night’s playoff opener, the environment at Scotiabank Arena was a sight to behold.

1 month ago | glory.media | Ben Botelho

For as far back as I could remember, Real Madrid were the undisputed kings of the Champions League (queue Tony Bennett’s “Rags to Riches”, and a voiceover ripped straight from a Martin Scorsese script). Except, instead chronicling the rise and fall of Henry Hill’s life in the criminal underworld of New York city, the film would follow Real Madrid’s feeble attempt to overcome an insurmountable 1st leg deficit. However, the real challenge isn’t the comeback—it’s finding a lead.

2 months ago | glory.media | Ben Botelho

Canada’s all-time leading goal scorer for the men’s national team stole the show once again last Sunday, sealing a 2-1 victory over the United States with a stunning goal. In the 59th minute, after receiving a pass from Ahli Ahmed, Jonathan David deftly maneuvered past USA defender Mark McKenzie before curling a beautiful strike into the left corner.

2 months ago | glory.media | Ben Botelho

Real Madrid defeated Atlético Madrid on penalties last night to secure a spot in the Champions League Quarter Finals, but the match’s defining moment was marred by VAR controversy. As Julián Álvarez stepped up for Atlético’s second penalty in the shootout, few could have anticipated an intervention from the dreaded Video Assistant Referee. Whether you’re a fan of Los Blancos or Los Rojiblancos, this ending felt unworthy of the intense 120-minute battle that preceded it.