Ignore all of the Gareth Bale hyperbole, the stand-out signing for Real Madrid this summer was 21 year-old Isco. The diminutive playmaker has been a revelation since signing from Malaga for roughly 1/3 of Bale's transfer fee but has eclipsed even Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu so far this season. He's so far managed 5 goals in his first 8 games for Madrid, just one less than Ronaldo at this point in the season with both contributing the same number of assists. But Isco didn't join to provide competition for Ronaldo - he came to revolutionise an ageing midfield with the Spanish flair … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2013
La Liga team of the week – Game Week Six
Week six has come and gone and the biggest news was the flurry of controversial refereeing decisions made by Belgian-born La liga referee, César Muñiz Fernández in the game involving Elche and Real Madrid at the Martínez Valero. Barcelona and Atleti keep their 100 percent record while Espanyol record their first loss of the season. For us at La liga Blog, it’s time to once again reward the top performers of the Matchday. Don’t fret guys, Fernandez missed out! … [Read more...]
The changes that made football what it is today
When it comes to embracing change, few sports have done quite so much as football. Today, it’s clear to see that the ‘beautiful game’ is far removed from its humble, amateur roots, achieving popularity all over the globe. Rules and venues in particular have been transformed to make the game far more accessible and easy on the eye. … [Read more...]
Los Che end an incredible week with Djukic on top
Last Thursday Miroslav Djukic looked to be one poor result away from the sack after a dismal loss to Swansea in the Europa League. 7 days later and a newly unified squad, albeit with the exception of Adil Rami, have put an end to their hopeless league form with two wins that have transformed their entire outlook. A last minute winner against Granada, greeted with euphoric celebrations from the players and coaching staff, would have seemed impossible to imagine just last week. Jonas' strike ensured another three points and maintained their position in 7th place … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – game week five
The games are starting to come in thick and fast, as the men are being separated from the boys in La Liga. Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao rounded up matches for Week 5 on Monday night, and here at La Liga Blog, it’s time for us to honour those players who covered themselves in glory and gave a showing worthy of mention, especially in a week laden with goalless games. … [Read more...]
The best La Liga players of the 21st Century
La Liga is arguably the biggest and best league in the world, with the attraction of Real Madrid and Barcelona, along with the draw of a fantastic climate and more lax tax laws, it is easy to see why the Spanish league has the best players in the world participating in it week in, week out, however, the biggest argument against La Liga is the lack of competition outside of the top two, Real and Barca. Since the turn of the millennium, the history of La Liga, I think, can be split into three periods of dominance for various teams, not based on who won the league, but who was seen as “the … [Read more...]
Spaniards in the Prem – Mata omitted as Michu stars
The Barclays Premier League has seen a recent rise in Spanish players, especially during the summer transfer market. Here we provide a round-up of their performances over the weekend. Of all of the Spaniards who played on Saturday and Sunday, the one who made the most headlines was someone not even selected on the bench. Juan Mata found himself out of Chelsea's squad for their game against Fulham which has caused quite an uproar. The diminutive playmaker has all the attributes which has helped Chelsea to two European titles but is being frozen out by Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge. … [Read more...]
La Liga Team of the week – match week four
The league has started to heat-up, as teams start to drop points, play some desperate football and have their character tested. Atletico Madrid and Champions Barcelona still maintain their lead at the top of the table after securing maximum points as Real Madrid and Villareal cancel each other out-resulting in their first dropped points of the season. … [Read more...]
Bale signing creates Ancelotti dilemma
Following months of speculation and negotiations, Real Madrid finally got their man on Sunday evening as Gareth Bale completed his world record move from Tottenham. On current form, the Welshman is arguably the most dangerous player in the world when running at pace and will certainly add an extra dimension to a team who already love to hit their opponents on the counter-attack. … [Read more...]
Real May Regret Ozil’s Sale
The seemingly endless Gareth Bale saga is finally over and Real Madrid have landed their man, but with the last-minute departures of the likes of Mesut Ozil and Kaka, are Carlo Ancelotti’s side really any stronger? … [Read more...]