Spain will face Australia in the final Group B game in Curitiba, hoping that their passage to the knockout stages has already been processed. In the first profile of the three teams in Group B, La Liga Blog takes a look at whether the Socceroos can cause any trouble for the reigning World Champions. … [Read more...]
Champions League Final Preview
On the back of a historic week, Atletico Madrid must mount one final surge to cap off a season which has defied all expectations. Having won the La Liga title just seven days ago, Diego Simeone will lead his side out in a Champions League final against city rivals Real Madrid, who are gunning for their tenth European Cup. … [Read more...]
De Gea likely to get Spain nod over Lopez
Manchester United keeper David de Gea is likely to be selected ahead of Real Madrid's Diego Lopez for the 2014 World Cup this year despite contrasting seasons with their clubs. With Victor Valdes ruled out due to a knee injury picked up in midweek, one spot remains, and the United youngster is expected to take it. … [Read more...]
One to Watch – Paco Alcacer
Valencia have long been a selling club, making huge profits on the likes of Juan Mata, Roberto Soldado, David Silva, Jordi Alba and David Villa - and Paco Alcacer could be the latest to join that elite group. The 20-year-old forward has been on fire since the end of January and is one of the reasons as to why Valencia could form a powerful push for European football this season. … [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...]
United in for Koke
Manchester United boss David Moyes was in Madrid last night to take a look at Atletico Madrid youngster Koke ahead of a potential January move. 21-year-old Koke has been impressive for a resurgent Atletico Madrid over the past two seasons and secured himself a spot in Vincente del Bosque's full Spain squad during the last international break. It is well known the problems United have in midfield with Michael Carrick injured and Marouane Fellaini struggling to adapt at Old Trafford and Moyes could make another bid to rescue United's title challenge. Moyes was looking at the Spanish market in … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – round 14
The international break is finally over -at least for the next 5 months-and the return of La liga feels like early Christmas. As has become the tradition right here on La Liga blog, we recognise and salute the outstanding performers after every match week in our unique Team of the Week feature. Unsurprisingly, the team is dominated by players from Atletico Madrid (the round's biggest winners). … [Read more...]
5 players who could make the World Cup squad
Vicente del Bosque has a tough task in selecting 23 men out of around 50 world class players, choosing a squad based on form, potential, cohesion and experience so that Spain can retain their FIFA World Cup crown. An unsuccessful Confederations Cup campaign has seen change flourish in the Spanish camp with various newbies coming into the squad, but can any of these outside contenders realistically make VDB's final 23? … [Read more...]
Spaniards in the Prem – Mata omitted as Michu stars
The Barclays Premier League has seen a recent rise in Spanish players, especially during the summer transfer market. Here we provide a round-up of their performances over the weekend. Of all of the Spaniards who played on Saturday and Sunday, the one who made the most headlines was someone not even selected on the bench. Juan Mata found himself out of Chelsea's squad for their game against Fulham which has caused quite an uproar. The diminutive playmaker has all the attributes which has helped Chelsea to two European titles but is being frozen out by Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge. … [Read more...]
Pellegrini denies City link but reports suggest a move is imminent
Despite a weekend of mounting speculation, Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini has denied claims he has already signed a contract to become Manchester City's new manager, replacing Roberto Mancini who is expected to be sacked within the next few days. Pellegrini spoke after Malaga's 0-0 draw in the derby with Sevilla on Sunday and, contrary to the media reports, refused to give details of any links to the Manchester club. "I categorically deny that I am the new Manchester City manager," Pellegrini said on the official Malaga website. "Nothing has been signed and no agreement reached". … [Read more...]