Manchester City in my opinion are not in 'crisis' as many pundits like to state. But the side could be well fall into oblivion should they fail to sign significant players in the upcoming window. Since 2012 signings have been of a sub-par standard. Javi Garcia, Jack Rodwell, Scott Sinclair, Nastasic all arrived following the title winning heroics. And none served to enhance the success of the side. … [Read more...]
El Clasico – Barcelona v Real Madrid prediction
As we all know, the biggest game in club football occurs tomorrow when Barcelona host Real Madrid. Depending on the person, the fixture symbolises alternative things. For some, it is Republicanism versus Monarchism, while others regard it as Spain versus Catalonia but for me it is simply footballing juggernaut versus a fellow footballing juggernaut. … [Read more...]
La Liga teams to dominate the Champions League again?
Given the fact the three premier Spanish sides reached the last 8 last season with relative ease, many believe nothing has changed thus history will repeat itself once more. Actually, I believe Barcelona would have reached last year's semi final had they been given a tie against PSG or Chelsea rather than a fellow Spanish side in Atletico. So, this would have give La Liga three Spanish sides in the final 4 and not for the first time. … [Read more...]
The double standards at Real Madrid
Gareth Bale's statistics are highly impressive for somebody who has to play second fiddle to another player. He already has ten league goals this season. The fact, he's rarely afforded opportunities to take free-kicks and penalties mean his goal tally is automatically impeded. His defensive work rate also leads me to regard him in high esteem. Does Ronaldo ever track back? The answer is no, yet nobody in Madrid seems to mind. Bale covers more blades of grass in one match than Ronaldo does in three, the statistics reinforce this. … [Read more...]
The best La Liga XI of the 21st Century
La Liga has hosted many of the modern day greats. Yet, many pundits in the United Kingdom are keen to criticise the apparent monopolization of resources by Barcelona and Real Madrid. Is this really any different to Manchester United and Liverpool until recently, anyway? Or in Germany where Bayern Munich essentially buy off the competition? Or about in Italy where Juventus appear to be on track for a fourth Serie A title? Since 2000, five, yes five different teams in La Liga have won the league. This number is more than all the other major leagues, including England. Valencia, Deportivo, … [Read more...]
Has Torres been reborn?
Every self-respecting football fan is well aware of Fernando Torres' sad decline over the last four years. He went from being a Euro 2008 winning player. And match-winner in that final, to a misfiring shell of his former self. While, I believe we saw a slight resurgence of Torres under Rafa's brief stewardship, it was nothing to get too excited about. More importantly, he'd show signs of class but that'd quickly disappear. However since returning 'home' to the Vincente Calderon, a new wave of optimism has been borne. His two goals against Real Madrid have largely contributed to this. In his … [Read more...]
Atletico looking for a winning start against Rayo Vallecano tomorrow evening
Paco Jemez has proven himself to be an extremely dynamic individual. Rayo over the past two seasons have played decent football and have given youth a chance. This has been forced on the manager as investment into the club has not been forthcoming. Last season the side failed to improve on the 8th place attained in the 2012-2013 campaign but nonetheless still avoided being bogged down in a relegation dogfight. … [Read more...]
Valencia’s lack of identity
Only three seasons ago Valencia CF was unanimously viewed as being the third foremost powerhouse in Spanish football. Unfortunately the combination of an absence of romanticism at the Mestella, coupled with serious financial woes, resulted in La Liga's "big two" expanding irrevocably. Furthermore sides such as Atletico Madrid, Bilbao and Sevilla have all overtaken Valencia domestically and in European competition thus stripping Los Che of its prestige. … [Read more...]