After two clásicos in a little under a week, the pressure doesn't relent for Los Blancos with their Champions League return against Manchester United at Old Trafford this evening. With the 1st leg having ended 1-1 at the Bernabeu, one would expect it to be an open game with everything to play for. However, with so much at risk it could well turn into a cagey affair with neither side wishing to take the initiative and play an expansive game. Both will likely set-up with formations that are designed to soak up pressure and break quickly on the counter-attack. … [Read more...]
Transfer Speculation: Is Victor Valdes on his way to a Premier League club?
Victor Valdés could well have played his last clásico for the blaugrana at the Bernabeu today in the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid, The sending off of the Catalan keeper at the end of the match was a clear sign of his frustration at the non-award of a penalty on Adriano in the whites box and Barça’s inability to take anything from a match which lacked the usual intensity of recent clásicos. In the referee’s official match report, the decision was made as Valdés repeatedly told him “you have no shame, you have no shame”. In truth Barça were pedestrian and looked as if they lacked any … [Read more...]
Classic hangover or a need for change for Barcelona?
Tuesday night’s result was one that leaves another hangover for the Catalan club, not long after the Milan disaster, but as with all hangovers they will hope it will pass. After Iniesta’s comments to the media at the conference yesterday, many would say that Tito Vilanova’s absence is now truly being felt by the entire squad. Should Barça act in the interim and bring in someone to cover his absence. Luis Enrique, ex Barça B and Roma coach has been suggested, as has Eusebio Sacristain, the current B incumbent. … [Read more...]
Could Laudrup take over the Bernabeu Hotseat?
Having defeated their greatest rivals on Tuesday, you would be forgiven for thinking that everything was rosy at the Bernabeu and Spain’s self proclaimed greatest club would be celebrating victory. However, the win came in the Copa del Rey and doubts still weigh heavy amongst the Madrid faithful and the special one, or only one as he has re-christened himself, has seen his stock diminish at the capital club. More so in a year when Florentino Pérez wishes to prevail at the polls and have himself re-elected as Madrid President, yet finds his side having been beaten 5 times in the league and 16 … [Read more...]
El Clasico, let the battle commence
Tonight sees the renewal of hostilities between the big two in Spain, el clásico, between Futbol Club Barcelona and Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. Many in the country itself believe that they are the two biggest clubs in the world, many more around the world would find it hard to disagree. Vicente del Bosque, Spain's National Coach and a former Real Madrid player and coach, yesterday received a medal of honour from the autonomous community of Castille and Leon for his services to the game. The great man himself couldn't split the big two and only hopes for a match that will promote the high … [Read more...]