Another racism row flared up during the Seville derby on Sunday evening as 'supporters' (a loosely used term) of Betis turned on their own player, Paulao, apparently racially abusing the Brazilian centre-back. It is not the first time racism has been seen in Spanish football and it has been happening without sufficient punishment for too long. The incident at Betis needs to be Spain's watershed moment and the country should rally and appreciate that the issue of racism in football has to be addressed. … [Read more...]
How La Liga stars got on in the World Cup play-offs
The international break has shown its face for the last time until March (thank goodness!) with plenty of celebration for the La Liga contingent in the World Cup qualifiers. Victory was around in abundance, none more so than in the Portugal camp where Cristiano Ronaldo was once again the shining light, after his late goal in Lisbon he grabbed a hat-trick in the second leg in Stockholm sending Portugal to the World Cup finals in Brazil. Pepe and Ronaldo’s Real team-mate Fabio Coentrao also played a part in the thrilling match which finished 3 – 2, seeing Portugal victorious by a 4 – 2 … [Read more...]
Could David Luiz be off to Barcelona?
Barcelona's defensive difficulties were well documented over the summer and coach Martino is on record as saying he will reassess the situation in January, as the Catalan club look for the long-term replacement for Carles Puyol. A player they have reportedly watched closely is David Luiz of Chelsea, Luiz has been in and out of the Chelsea starting 11 this season and with the return to form of stalwart John Terry, come January the Brazillian defender could well be available. Luiz is not your typical 6' 4" Premier League centre half, he is more forward-thinking and confident on the ball and his … [Read more...]
Chelsea and Manchester United interested in Xabi Alonso
Both Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring the situation of Spanish international Xabi Alonso as he looks set to become a free agent next summer reports Give me Sport. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti remains adamant however, that Alonso will put pen to paper on a new deal very soon, claiming the holding midfielder is still very much a 'vital' player for the club. In spite of this, both United and Chelsea are reportedly putting together offers of their own in attempt to coerce the ex Liverpool player back to the Premier League next year. … [Read more...]
Real Madrid face battle with Chelsea to sign Benfica star, Nemanja Matic
Both Chelsea and Real Madrid are in competition to sign Benfica's talented playmaker Nemanja Matic in the January transfer window reports the Correio da Manha. The Serbian's footballing stock has risen dramatically over the past twelve months after a string of impressive displays for the Portuguese giants both domestically and in Europe. … [Read more...]
Barcelona’s battle with Lionel Messi
Synonymous with the beloved name of Barcelona around the world, Lionel Messi has set the benchmark over the years for what has been the most successful period in the Catalonia club’s history. Yet, the most obvious question is still queried daily among the followers of Europe’s most prestigious of clubs, how would Barca fare without their superstar ‘false 9’? The re-occurrence of another hamstring injury has resulted in Messi not being available for Barcelona for up to 2 months. Not only is the hamstring injury becoming associated with Messi more frequently, the fact that it ceases to let up … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – match week 13
It’s time again for us at La liga blog to celebrate those Liga players who impressed after match week 13. In goal for this round, Almeria goal keeper, Estaban wins our hearts after taking charge in his side’s 1-0 away win against Osasuna in Pamplona. Estaban was full of life and made 7 crucial saves as Almeria surprisingly increased their winning streak to 3 after being winless in their previous 10 games. … [Read more...]
Sevilla starlet Moreno a target for United and Chelsea
Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Sevilla full-back Alberto Moreno and planning a January swoop for the 21-year-old. Moreno has been in Sevilla's first team for only a few months but his impressive performances have seen him make his full Spanish debut and become a prime target for Europe's top clubs. Moreno is still eligible for the Champions League this season due to Sevilla not qualifying so a transfer in January would give both Chelsea and United extra depth for the knockout stages should they qualify. … [Read more...]
Spain select controversial Costa
Vicente del Bosque has called up Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa to his Spanish side for the first time following the striker's recent switch of allegiance from Brazil to Spain. The selection marks the end of the tussle between the two countries for Costa who has caused friction between the two confederations and fans of La Roja. … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – match week ten
Barcelona showed class and precision on Round 10 in El Clasico to see off the challenge of eternal rivals Real Madrid as they continue their imperious early season form. As expected, this week’s team has a Blaugrana touch to it with two Barca players included. There are also players from big winners Celta Vigo and Villareal. In goal in our Team of the Round 10, we stick with Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes who was once again in inspired form as he made crucial saves to thwart a Real Madrid side that looked potent and poised to score in the second half of the El Clasico. … [Read more...]