There were four matches in the Copa del Rey last night and La Liga Blog, your first stop for all the latest Spanish football news, brings you the details here. AD Alcorcon 1-0 Espanyol The Madrid based minnows Alcorcon made light of their Segunda Division form, they are currently in a lowly sixteenth position, by taking a one nil victory over Espanyol in the first leg of this round of 16 match. The goal was scored by second half substitute Dani Pacheco, once of Liverpool, but they will have it all to do on their return leg in Barcelona next week. Real Betis 1-0 Athletic Bilbao Real Betis, at … [Read more...]
Liverpool Interested In Barcelona Defender
Could Barcelona right back Martin Montoya be on his way to Liverpool? The young defender made a rare start for Barcelona last night in their four nil victory over Getafe, even managing to tee up Lionel Messi for his comeback goal in the process, but could it be the last appearance that he makes for the Blaugrana? Montoya is a great prospect, sure on the ball, full of energy and able to play at left back as well as right, but he isn't going to force his way past Dani Alves any time soon. Brendan Rodgers has seen a steady improvement from his Liverpool side this season but improving the Red's … [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...]
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...]
Cesc Fabregas and Mascherano make our La Liga team of the week
After 17 rounds of excitement, twists and surprises, it’s finally time for a much deserved break in the Spanish La liga. Before the break though, it’s another great opportunity to recognize those outstanding 11 players who made the biggest impact in match week 17 in our La Liga team of the week feature. … [Read more...]
Four Premier League transfer targets from La Liga
The January transfer window is just around the corner and after the influx of Spanish stars to the Premier League in the summer, more clubs are likely to be monitoring the talent in Spain's Primera Division this winter. At the midpoint of the season just 7 points separate 10th from the relegation zone and the title race looks set to be one of the tightest battles in years after a week in which top spot changed hands three times, so many teams could be looking to spend big to achieve their goals. … [Read more...]
Mel no longer a contender for Baggies job
Former Real Betis boss Pepe Mel has ended negotiations with West Brom concerning their vacant managerial position after a reported disagreement over backroom staff. Mel, who guided Betis to promotion in his first season and European qualification in his second, was looking the most likely candidate to succeed Steve Clarke but negotiations have broken down and Mel has returned to Spain. … [Read more...]
Mourinho targeting Musacchio
Mateo Musacchio is being lined up for a surprise transfer to the Premier League as Chelsea look set to bolster their defence by signing the Villarreal centre-back. Musacchio, 23, has excelled as Villarreal have impressed since their re-introduction to La Liga this season and was on the scoresheet in the Yellow Submarine's narrow defeat to Barcelona on Saturday. … [Read more...]