As the new La Liga season cools off after a rip-roaring opening matchday we have been able to witness many similarities and differences likely to feature more predominantly as the season progresses. Whilst Barcelona continued to pulverise the life out of teams bordering below the European qualification line like a well oiled machine even under new management our attention turned to another team shorn of a personality or two. It seemed as if Bilbao had gone away with their buccaneering European dynasty fable of last year and instead endured a tumultuous summer more reminiscent of a game of … [Read more...]
Valencia Season Preview
Can Valencia win La Liga? I was always told it was best to begin with a joke. Maybe humour isn't my strong point... The fact that the question above is usually followed by an instant dismissal of Valencia's title dreams, almost as quick as Messi changes direction, makes glum reading for Valencia supporters. … [Read more...]
Malaga Season Preview
From what appeared to be a season stating their intent, the situation at Malaga has suddenly changed in the past few days. Reports have emerged over unpaid wages and transfer fees which could result in UEFA having to take firm action on the Champions League newcomers. Malaga could incur serious penalties and see players leave just as their illustrious world-conquering dream begins to take shape. Star player Santi Cazorla has been one of Los Boquerones to make his unhappiness known about the current situation has since been sold to Arsenal. A rumoured 30-40% of the players' wages have not been … [Read more...]
Atletico Madrid Season Preview
Monaco is the venue where two managers who were given similar tasks last year will meet to discuss how they fared. Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo managed to steer his beloved club to a maiden Champions League victory against all odds in Munich last May whilst concurrently Diego Simeone guided Atletico Madrid to an emphatic Europa League final win in Bucharest and both will be vying to win the European Super Cup on August 24th. Simeone had only been in charge since the winter break ended in late January but revitalised the club and leads them into … [Read more...]
Real Madrid Season Preview
Before we begin lets make one thing clear. Whether or not Real Madrid retain the title depends greatly on how well Barcelona will perform. It is as simple as that. Barcelona can only take back their La Liga crown based on how well Madrid play. The bafflingly simple logic of the situation mocks the overwhelming importance of the La Liga title yet it proves stunningly elementary. However strong the challenge is from one, the other must match and surpass it. … [Read more...]
Levante Season Preview
Who says La Liga is boring and predictable? Ok the title race proved a pretty elitist affair in contrast to the rest of the division and Real Madrid and Barcelona's finances do explode off the chart compared to their 18 fellow Primera amigos, but when teams like Levante surprise us all by finishing 6th then much of the previous becomes insignificant. To understand the scale of what Levante achieved last year, try to imagine Wigan leading the Premier League for a bit, beating Manchester City in the 3rd game and maintaining their charge to finish in a Europa League position. And that their … [Read more...]
Opening La Liga weekend in threat of strike action for second year in a row
A dispute between 13 La Liga clubs and their broadcasting partners is putting the first round of matches at risk. Should an agreement not be reached then strike action could postpone the opening round of fixtures for the second season in succession. Clubs are unhappy with a number of factors with 11pm kick-off times causing the greatest amount of fuss. Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Betis, Celta Vigo, Espanyol, Getafe, Granada, Mallorca, Osasuna, Vallecano, Soceidad, Sevilla and Zaragoza all attended a meeting in Madrid today demanding changes to agreements between themselves and two media … [Read more...]
FC Barcelona Season Preview
Last season ended on a sombre note for the fans and players of Barcelona. Having witnessed arch rivals Real Madrid storm to the La Liga title in a similar way to which they themselves had done for the past few years, the club bid a fond farewell to one of the most successful and beloved managers of recent years. Pep Guaridola's decision not to renew his contract signaled the end of an era which heralded 14 trophies in quite scintillating fashion. Nevertheless, it has opened the door for understudy Tito Vilanova to prove his credentials. Formerly Pep's assistant, the Barca board promoted him to … [Read more...]
Osasuna Season Preview
It wouldn't take you too long to point out the standout games in Osasuna's season last year. Disappointingly, two heavy defeats to Real Madrid and Barcelona tarnish a campaign where Osasuna finished just behind Levante, duelling for European football. The drubbings stick in our minds as the lasting memories of the 2011/12 season for Osasuna but all we remember are the scintillating performances of Ronaldo and Messi. No one cares for Osasuna. Especially when a team so proudly express their desire to contest others with their widely-regarded brand of 'anti-football'. Why lean towards … [Read more...]
Mallorca Season Preview
Over the past season Mallorca have enjoyed a swift turnaround in their fortunes. Carrying on from the narrow escape in 2011 when new Swansea manager Michael Laudrup managed to keep the club in the Primera Liga by the smallest of margins, Mallorca seemed to have ridden their luck too far in the early stages of the next season. Form dwindled and backroom staff squabbled during a turbulent time on the usually relaxing Balearic Island. As a result of poor financial health, a problem plaguing many Spanish sides over the past five years, Mallorca were not granted a licence to … [Read more...]