Málaga C.F. face F.C. Porto at the Rosaleda in tonight's return leg of their last 16 clash in the Champions League having never been defeated at their home stadium in European competition. This is the clubs second European adventure and they will hope the legend of la Rosaleda will continue against the Portuguese giants. … [Read more...]
Video: Brilliant strike from Duda maintains Malaga’s unbeaten Champions League run
Duda's fantastic first half finish was the main highlight in Malaga's 2-2 Champions League draw against Anderlecht this evening. The winger's brace extended his side's unbeaten run in the competition and with qualification to the knock-out stages already done and dusted, Manuel Pellegrini's side can take heart from this well-earned draw at La Rosaleda tonight. … [Read more...]
Spain secure second consecutive European final appearance
Spain beat Portugal on penalties last night to reach yet another major international final where they will face either Italy or Germany. The 4-2 spot-kick victory over Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal was preceeded by some pretty mundane activity but nevertheless Spain's quality ensured they prevailed at their Iberian neighbours' expence. Here is what we learned from last night's game. … [Read more...]
Lessons learnt from Spain vs Ireland
I dissect the latest Euro 2012 game in which Spain ran riot against Giovanni Trappatoni's Republic of Ireland side. Goals from Fernando Torres (2), David Silva and Cesc Fabregas sealed a 4-0 victory for Spain, but what else did we learn? Too easy for Spain as they win at a canter Nothing new to learn from this game, simply revision. Imagine you were reading the ‘Spanish handbook to winning football matches’; on … [Read more...]
Disappointing European week for Spanish sides
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Valencia all lost in European competitions this week in a shocking few days for the Spanish league. On the plus side however, Atletico Madrid recorded a positive 4-2 victory but only at the expense of their La Liga rivals, Valencia. Beginning on Tuesday, Real Madrid slumped to defeat in Munich as Bayern scored a late winner to give them the advantage going into the second leg next Wednesday. Franck Ribery fired the hosts ahead in the first half but Mesut Ozil leveled the score just after half-time. Real seemed … [Read more...]
La Liga – The race for Europe
9 games remain in this seasons' Primera Liga and while the title will surely head to one of the two Spanish giants, the race for European football next season could provide more excitement. Just 6 spots are made available for teams looking to challenge the continent next season but as Real Madrid and Barcelona sprint towards the title, teams below have a huge few games ahead of them to ensure they manage to finish in the top dozen. Here I survey the contenders; … [Read more...]
Simeone has transformed a stagnating Atletico side into stubborn contenders
Far from pretty, a lifeless Atletico Madrid secured 3 valuable points against lowly Granada in the race to contest in Europe next year with a 2-0 win at the Vicente Calderon. Toward the end of the game, enigmatic coach Diego Simeone could be seen trying to fire up the home fans in spite of a game which would fail to inspire even the most seasoned of supporters. Generating a reaction from the players however has been moderately successful as Madrid has since lost just one of his 13 games in charge following the departure of Gregorio Manzano in December. … [Read more...]
Reyes Returns to Seville
Ex-Arsenal and Atletico Madrid winger Jose Antonio Reyes has finally rejoined his first club, Sevilla, in a 3 and a half year deal worth €3.5million. It comes after days of intense speculation in relation to his future at Madrid and desire to return to Andalucia. Reyes, 28, had a well documented public disagreement with former Atleti boss Gregorio Manzano but insists that had nothing to do with the transfer. “Sevilla have a great sporting project,” Reyes maintained. “I left there when I was very young and I think it’s time to return. … [Read more...]
What the Champions League Draw Served Up For the Spanish Sides
Valencia, Villarreal, Real Madrid and Barcelona all awaited the Champions League Group Stage draw eagerly today as the coverage unfolded as smoothly as ever in Monaco. As ever, a predictable pause ensued as last year's tournament was articulately recapped in a montage of highlights and commentary. It proved a mouthwatering supplement to this year's competition as much as it wasted time for equally keen viewers. … [Read more...]
Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal
Arsenal's Champions League dream is well and truely over after they crashed out the competition suffering a 3-1 defeat against Barcelona at the Nou Camp this evening. Despite a stern defensive display from Arsenal the hosts atypically controlled proceedings throughout the tie and eventually took the lead on half-time when Lionel Messi latched onto a Cesc Fabregas error and provided a neat finish flicking the ball over Arsenal Keeper Fabianski and volleying home from close-range. … [Read more...]