All eyes are on Lisbon tonight, as Real play Atletico in the most anticipated Champion's League final in years (and be sure to check La Liga Blog later for live reporting and updates at http://laligablog.com/2014/05/24/real-madrid-v-atletico-live/), but Louis Van Gaal is focused on the other side of the Iberian peninsula as he aims to capture both Cesc Fabregas and Xavi from Barcelona. As yet, Van Gaal has been primarily linked with long standing targets Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller along with a handful of Dutch players. But I understand that his number one priority before next season is the … [Read more...]
Ronaldo out with knee injury
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Sociedad on Saturday with a knee injury. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insists that it isn't a problem, but concern is growing that Los Blancos could be without their free scoring talisman in the season run in. Rumours are circulating around Madrid that his injury is worse than initially thought. Every league match is of vital importance now. With only three points separating the three teams at the summit, every dropped point can make a huge difference. Real Sociedad themselves are in fine form, and are trying to chase down … [Read more...]
What’s the future for Barcelona?
Barcelona are still reeling from the news that they have been handed a 14 month transfer embargo by FIFA. They have announced an appeal, but could this be turning into an annus mirabilis for Tata Martino's team, and if so how will they cope with it? Barcelona were always seen as being above the temptations that other teams succumbed to. They didn't chase sponsorship, instead supporting Unicef on the front of their shirts. They weren't interested in corporate Euros. The club was run by fans, and was famous for their spirit of fair play. They were, to coin their immortal phrase, more than a … [Read more...]
All square in the Champion’s League
It's as you were in the Champions League as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid fought out a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou, as predicted earlier on www.laligablog.com. Diego Simeone's side are full of confidence, and it showed. They took the game to Barcelona, never giving Tata Martino's men a chance to get their passing game going. Diego Costa, a slight doubt before the game, was looking a lively threat, but with just under half an hour gone the gamble seemed to have turned sour. Chelsea target Costa pulled up, with an obvious hamstring injury. Atletico fans will be worriedly waiting for injury updates. It … [Read more...]
Chelsea Set To Pounce For Costa
There are two questions hanging over Diego Costa today: will he be fit enough to start against Barcelona in tonight's Champions League tie, and will he be starting a career at Chelsea in the new season. Jose Mourinho, ever one for plain speaking, has made no secret of his disdain for the current Chelsea forward line. Demba Ba, Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto'o have 15 league goals between them this season, whereas the increasingly deadly Costa has already hit 31 for Atletico Madrid. Everton loanee Lukaku has fared better, but Mourinho has burnt his bridges with the young striker and he won't be … [Read more...]
Are Ronaldo And Real Madrid To Divorce?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid. A match made in heaven. But could it be heading for a messy divorce, and if so is there an English third party involved? Ronaldo has been at his imperious best this season, scoring 44 goals in all competitions. He won the Ballon D'Or, and was acclaimed by most as the best footballer on the planet. But rumours persist that all is not well at the Bernabeu. Ronaldo is used to being jeered by opposition fans, especially when at Camp Nou or San Mames. But a new phenomenon has started. CR7 now finds himself being booed by his own fans. During the 5-0 hammering of … [Read more...]
La Liga title race hots up
La Liga's title race is going to the wire, as all three contenders claimed important victories yesterday. In recent weeks they seemed to have been taking it in turns to drop points, but it's becoming increasingly difficult to predict who will claim the crown. The Barcelona derby opened proceedings. Espanyol kept the match tight against their local rivals despite tipping site Gamblingsites.net who write about the importance of gambling safely, predicting a Barca rout. It looked as if Tata Martino's points were in danger of dropping more points, until the wizard came to their rescue again. … [Read more...]
Manchester City Humbled By Barcelona
It was job done for Tata Martino last night, as his Barcelona team convincingly beat Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad stadium. The scoreline was the least that Barca deserved. They controlled the game from the first whistle to the last, at times Manchester City were left chasing shadows. Messi and Xavi in particular were pulling the strings, ably assisted by Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas. The nil nil half time score flattered Pelligrini's side. They tried to attack on the break, but without Aguero they offered little. The breakthrough came on 54 minutes. Lionel Messi was bursting through … [Read more...]
Yaya Toure downbeat On City’s Chances
As the big game approaches, one man more than any other has an insight into tonight's Champion's League clash between Manchester City and Barcelona. Yaya Toure is a powerhouse in the centre of the sky blue midfield, as equally at home scoring spectacular goals as he is putting in crunching tackles. In his previous incarnation, he was an effective holding midfielder for an all conquering Barcelona team from 2007 to 2010. He was never a first choice midfielder but still contributed to their treble winning success in 2009. Manchester City fans would be expecting Yaya to rally to their cause, but … [Read more...]
Manchester City v Barcelona: Preview
Tonight sees a real clash of the Titans. The old guard versus the new kids on the block. Its Manchester City v Barcelona, and at stake is European domination. There are many similarities between the sides this season. Both have new and unproven managers, Pellegrini at City and Martino at Barca. Both like to attack, but can be vulnerable at the back. Both find themselves in a tight tussle at the top of their leagues. So who will win? If it was a matter of pedigree there would be no competition, of course. Barcelona have won the trophy (and its earlier equivalent) four times, Manchester City … [Read more...]