Lionel Messi made his much anticipated return to the Barcelona team last night and, as expected, he returned with a bang – scoring two goals in Barca's 4-0 victory over Getafe in the Copa del Rey. Some experts had speculated that Messi might start last night's game but, as predicted here on La Liga Blog, he began on the substitutes bench. Gerardo Martino waited until the 63rd minute to send the Argentine maestro on as a substitute for Andres Iniesta but when he did the atmosphere at the Camp Nou lifted. It was the ideal moment for his return. Barcelona were already two nil up by this point … [Read more...]
Messi To Make His Comeback Against Getafe
Lionel Messi makes another step on the comeback trail tonight when he takes his place in the Barcelona squad for their Copa del Rey clash against Luis Garcia Plaza's Getafe side. Arguably the world's greatest footballer (although a certain Real Madrid player may beg to differ), Messi has been missing from action since picking up a thigh injury during a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in November. Many people wondered how Barcelona would cope without their talisman but Neymar and Pedro have stepped up to the plate in wonderful fashion. Nonetheless the Barcelonistas will be ecstatic to see the … [Read more...]
Juan Mata To Move From Chelsea To Atletico
Rumours continue to circulate that the mercurial Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata is set to sign for Atletico Madrid. Mata is still hugely popular among the Chelsea fans but he is becoming an increasingly peripheral, and agitated, figure at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho likes players who work hard and he has reportedly criticised Mata for not tracking back enough and not making enough runs. Mata was substituted on New Year's Day during a game against Southampton and he made no attempt to hide his disgust at the decision. Mourinho insists that Mata is not for sale but we all know that there can … [Read more...]
Valencia 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Valencia earned a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in last night's Copa del Rey match, although they had to wait until deep into stoppage time to earn the draw that their play had deserved. Diego Simeone's side have been in sensational form in La Liga this season. They are second in the table, behind Barcelona, on goal difference only and are currently five points ahead of their city rivals Real. Simeone put out a full strength team at the Mestalla stadium and many people, myself included, expected a facile victory against a Valencia team that has stuggled this season. The biggest surprise, … [Read more...]
Fabio Coentrao Agrees Manchester United Terms
Confusion reigns over the future of Real Madrid left back Fabio Coentrao. Reports from the North West of England suggest that Coentrao has agreed personal terms to join Manchester United but Carlo Ancelotti is unwilling to let his versatile defender leave. Coentrao has been a peripheral figure at the Bernabeu, injuries have hampered his progress this season and he has made just a handful of La Liga appearances. His frustration has been evident as he accused Madrid fans of being against him since he signed and practically begged for a transfer. Chelsea and Inter Milan have also been linked … [Read more...]
Di Maria’s Groin Grab Controversy
Carlo Ancelotti took the time honoured escape route when asked about Angel di Maria's gesture to the Real Madrid fans last night by claiming that he hadn't seen it. Speaking in the press conference following Madrid's unconvincing 3-0 victory at home to Celta Vigo, Ancelotti said: “I have not seen the gesture. I shook his hand and then I don't know what he did. It is news to me if he responded to the crowd and it is a mistake if he has – but life goes on." Ancelotti may have had the temporary blindness that so many managers seem to suffer from but I did see the gesture and it could land Di … [Read more...]
Real Madrid 3-0 Celta Vigo
Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo closed the gap on leaders Barcelona and Atletico on an emotional night at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid sealed a 3-0 victory over Celta Vigo but the win wasn't as comfortable as the scoreline implies. The highlights of the match were the return from injury of record signing Gareth Bale and Ronaldo scoring his 400th career goal, but there was little else to lift the spirits of Los Blancos. Celta Vigo, in a relegation battle near the foot of La Liga, gave the match a real go. They created chances early on but found it difficult to test Lopez in the Madrid … [Read more...]