Barcelona come into Saturday`s fixture unbeaten in La Liga and have yet to concede a single goal after five outings. This opening certainly seems impressive on paper, however the Catalans received heavy criticism in midweek for failing to register a goal against Malaga at La Rosaleda. A rather limp header from Gerard Piqué was as close as they came to breaching Kameni`s goal in a game where the home side put on a masterful defensive display. … [Read more...]
Close game predicted between Barcelona and Villareal
This evening (6pm GMT) sees Villareal C.F take on last season`s runners-up FC Barcelona Both sides are coming off impressive victories in Jornada 1. Starting with the hosts, let`s take a look at how their squads are shaping up coming into a tie that produced 5 goals and some thrilling action last year. … [Read more...]
Rayo Vallecano v Atletico Madrid: Match Preview
This Monday night sees current champions Atlético de Madrid take on Los Franjirrojos of Rayo Vallecano in a Madrid Derby. Inspirational coach Diego Simeone has seen his outstanding side unsurprisingly picked apart by clubs with financial clout that Atléti simply cannot match. Ace striker Diego Costa recently joined up with defender Filipe Luis and the outstanding Thibaut Courtois at José Mourinho`s new-look Chelsea. Spanish legend, David Villa, also exited the Calderon for his farewell lap in New York City. … [Read more...]
A case for Gerard Pique
Pilloried and scapegoated across almost every Barcelona fansite for the past two seasons has been the name Gerard Piqué. “Too slow” “lacking aggression” “Grandson of influential club director”. It is very easy to assign blame when a team once so dominant is no longer operating at the peak of its powers, and the tall, elegant centre half has quite simply become an easy target. Over the past two or three seasons, it is no secret that a remedy for the high-pressing, possession-obsessed style of football resurrected by Pep Guardiola and his late confidant/successor Títo Vilanova, has been … [Read more...]