Sevilla CF became the first club to benefit from UEFA’s recent change of regulations which meant that winners of the Europa League from the 2014/2015 season would automatically qualify for the Champions League. This means going into next season, Spain will have a record 5 clubs competing in club football’s elite competition: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Valencia and of course Sevilla themselves. … [Read more...]
A Castilla Conundrum – will Morata make his way back to Real Madrid?
Were it not for the intense speculation regarding Carlo Ancelotti’s position at the helm of Real Madrid (speculation which as everyone knows is common at the Bernabeu), more might have been made of Alvaro Morata’s performances for Juventus over the two legs of the Champions League Semi Final. … [Read more...]
Ancelotti sacked at Real Madrid – an analysis
Another summer, another manager gone at Real Madrid.It didn't matter that the locker room wanted him to stay or that he was at the helm when the club won it's 10th Champion's League title or that he is one of the most successful and sought after managers in world football. None of that made any difference because right now, all that matters in Madrid is Florentino Perez. … [Read more...]
Can we expect Spanish domination in Europe this year?
We've reached late April and three Spanish clubs have a chance of silverware in Europe. For Sevilla, a Europa League semi-final is becoming familiar ground, for a club who have thrived in the competition in recent years. The Europa league holders overcame a stern test in Russia as they triumphed over Zenit St Petersburg, despite a shaky display from goalkeeper Beto. Kevin Gameiro hammered in the winner to make the score 2-2 and put the Spanish outfit through on aggregate. The Andalusians will face Fiorentina in their semi-final showdown. … [Read more...]
Modric and Bale injuries could damage Real’s season
Both Luka Modric and Gareth Bale came off injured during yesterday's 3-1 win over Malaga at the Bernabeu. Bale was the first to come off, lasting just five minutes before suffering a calf strain, whilst Modric hobbled off with knee ligament problems. It has emerged that the Croatian will miss the remainder of the season, though Bale should return after a few weeks. These injuries took the gloss off of another win that keeps Madrid hot on Barcelona's heels at the top of La Liga, and Cristiano Ronaldo's 50th goal of a stellar campaign. With Atletico Madrid coming up in the midweek Champions … [Read more...]
El Clasico – Barcelona v Real Madrid prediction
As we all know, the biggest game in club football occurs tomorrow when Barcelona host Real Madrid. Depending on the person, the fixture symbolises alternative things. For some, it is Republicanism versus Monarchism, while others regard it as Spain versus Catalonia but for me it is simply footballing juggernaut versus a fellow footballing juggernaut. … [Read more...]
Gareth Bale double brings Madrid’s winless streak to an end
A Gareth Bale double helped Real Madrid end a run of four games without victory and close the gap on Barcelona at the top of La Liga. … [Read more...]
Is this a blip for Bale or the end?
The Welshman has endured a difficult second season in the Spanish capital to date, but is his poor form anything more than a tough spell? After a successful first year, the emphasis was very much on further improvement from Gareth Bale for this season. However injuries hampered the early sections of the current term for him and despite displaying some positive form on recovery originally, has been generally fairly poor. … [Read more...]
Cristiano Ronaldo is more likely to join Manchester United this summer than Gareth Bale
That is the opinion of The Sun’s Antony Kastrinakis, who on Sunday morning broke the story that Sir Alex Ferguson has been trying to convince Ronaldo to return to Old Trafford. … [Read more...]
Isco the shining light in a gloomy Real camp
Everyone seems to be pointing fingers with Real Madrid at the moment after the humiliation to city rivals Atletico, and this weekend’s win against Deportivo was no exception. One that has evaded the limelight in recent months is Isco, who has put in some fantastic performances since being brought into the side after injuries to Modric and Kroos. … [Read more...]