Gary Medel's dismissal during Friday night's Seville derby allowed Betis to complete a wonderful comeback late on to draw 3-3 despite being three goals down after half an hour. Medel's earlier error had marked the turning point in the match when Dorlan Pabon clipped the ball past Sevilla keeper Beto to make it 3-1 moments before half-time but the man nicknamed 'The Pitbull' gave Betis the chance to salvage a point after lashing out at Swansea bound midfielder Jose Canas. The red was the 13th of Medel's tumultuous career to date and his fourth dismissal of the season, making the likes of Roy … [Read more...]
Is Emilio Nsue the one to save Mallorca?
He was once the golden boy of Mallorca's youth system but in the four years following his introduction into the first team, Emilio Nsue has failed to live up to the extreme potential forecast as a youngster representing the Spanish youth teams. As a striker Nsue had pace and skills to dazzle opposing defenders and an early goalscoring record that suggested a bright future at the head of Mallorca's formation, but his progression failed to materialise in the way many expected. Since making his international debut however, Nsue has produced signs of his early career with four strikes in his last … [Read more...]
Top clubs eye Sociedad star Griezmann
According to a number of sources, Real Sociedad youngster Antoine Griezmann is a wanted man. Griezmann, who turned 22 on Thursday, is reportedly being chased by Tottenham, Arsenal and Barcelona thanks largely to a number of brilliant performances which, coinciding with Sociedad's good form, has taken them up to fourth in the league. However, the French international spoke to Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo about his desire to remain in the Basque Country. … [Read more...]
La Liga surprise XI of the season
It would be too easy and cliche to insert the entire Real Madrid squad here due to their unusual form this season but they would only merit inclusion in this team with respect to their negative performances. Instead the Surprise XI in La Liga this season shall be comprised of those who have shown outstanding qualities when unfancied to do so. Many of the following players have shown steady progress during their careers but experienced a breakout season unlike any of their previous ones. … [Read more...]
Atletico Madrid – a club destined for success
Many say that there are only 2 teams in a very one-sided La Liga division; Barcelona and Real Madrid. But I implore you to take a good long look at the rest of the teams that occupy Spain's top division. Valencia for example, who won their last league title in 2003/04. Málaga, who are showing what a good club they are and finally Atlético Madrid, the team I will be analysing today. … [Read more...]
Leo ensures Rayo aren’t missing Michu
Having scored 17 goals in 2011/12 to save Rayo Vallecano's troubled Spanish La Liga status in their debut season, Michu was always set to leave the minnows of Vallecas. Fans bode no grudges towards their former saviour but felt almost consigned to imminent relegation after staving off the drop by only a matter of seconds just months before. Michu had been the surprise of the season, having joined for free from Celta Vigo the summer before, and stunned La Liga with a stream of goals that ensured Rayo were allowed to tread water for ample time, but the 2012/13 season would be near impossible to … [Read more...]
La Liga Youngsters – My Starting Eleven
La Liga - many of you watch it, many of you don't. But whether you like the football in Spain's top division or not, the players that make their money in Spain are incredible to watch. What impresses me more is the rate at which La Liga is churning out brilliant youngsters. The academies of these clubs and the various 'B' teams in lower leagues really seem to be helping the youngsters along the line. Even taking in loanees, they help advance them incredibly. … [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...]
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...]
Athletic Bilbao Season Preview
The escapades of last season surely ranks as one of the greatest years in Bilbao's recent history as they watched their prodigious squad reach two major finals (Europa League & Copa del Rey) as well as challenge briefly for Champions League qualification. Alas however Los Leones failed in all three pursuits, having the carpet pulled from underneath just as glory beckoned. Pride remains the predominant keyword associated with Bilbao despite the agonising lengths the club went to in their unsuccessful efforts for victory. Born and bred Basque blooded battlers both on and off … [Read more...]