La Liga has two representatives in the UEFA Champion’s League semi-finals and an all-Spanish final might occur for the second time in the competition’s history. However, this, we argue, does not reflect the superiority of the Liga BBVA as a whole… ‘Two-horse race’ is often the most common description of the La Liga title race, which, even to those of us who defend the league, appears to be undeniable in recent years. … [Read more...]
All Roads Lead To London For Mourinho
Where will the "Special" or newly self christened "Only One" be coaching next season? Many in Madrid believe they can convince the Portuguese coach to remain at what they consider to be the World's greatest club. However, the evidence would appear to be piling up to a move away and the destination may be very familiar one to all involved in his entourage. Reports are emerging that Jorge Mendes, the coaches agent, had a dinner meeting with his client and Roman Abramovich recently at the super agents Madrid residence. … [Read more...]
Medel’s Madness – Yet another red for ‘The Pitbull’
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...]
Barça Rest Key Players With Bayern In Mind
FC Barcelona will go into Sunday's match away at Real Zaragoza missing a number of 1st team regulars. With the semi-finals of the Champions League in just under two weeks, a number of stars will be rested and rotated in the matches before the two clashes against Bayern Munich. The highest profile absentee is Lionel Messi. The Argentine was on the bench for Wednesday's 2nd leg of the quarter final against Paris Saint-Germain, but was required to make an appearance in the 2nd half with the Catalans losing 0-1 and looking to be on their way out of the tournament. … [Read more...]
Champions League Semi Final Draw Keeps Favourites Apart
Today's UEFA Champions League draw paired Bayern Munich against FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League Semi Finals. The draw is what many in Spain had hoped for with the prospect of a Clásico Final at Wembley still very much alive. A similar situation was presented at the same point of the last campaign, with Barça being drawn against Chelsea and Madrid facing the Bavarians. Unfortunately for the fans of the two Liga giants, their dreams were shattered by the English and German sides who went on to contest the Final at the Allianz Arena. … [Read more...]
El Niño – the renaissance of a troubled star
He once was the most feared striker on the planet. A former goalkeeper, he made his mark as a striker at boyhood club Atletico Madrid, playing a part in the promotion of the team to La Liga. In his second season, at a tender age of 18, he was the 3rd highest goal scorer in the league, netting 19 times in 35 appearances. He also attracted attention from top European sides in particular Chelsea who were ready to spend £28 million on the starlet. That just shows what a phenomenon he truly was. His move to Liverpool proved to be one of the best if not the best decision he has made in his career. … [Read more...]
Five Star Barça Shine Without Messi
At half time at the Parc des Princes in Paris in midweek, the alarm bells were ringing for all who viewed F.C. Barcelona as a one man team. After sending an effort just past the top corner of the PSG goal, Lionel Messi pulled up and started rubbing his right knee and then hamstring. An innocuous knock on his standing leg as he shot had left the 4 time Ballon D'Or winner looking human. At the start of the second half, Barça took to the field with Cesc Fàbregas having replaced the mercurial Messi. The Catalans would take a 2-2 draw from the game, conceding a last kick of the game Matuidi goal … [Read more...]
Málaga Buoyant For Birthday Bash With Borussia
On the 3rd of April, 1904, the Málaga Football Club was formed. 109 years later to the day, the latest incarnation of football in the city, Málaga Club de Fútbol will take to the Rosaleda pitch in the biggest match of the clubs history. The name has changed over those 109 years as have the owners, but never has such success been witnessed in the city and many still believe it is all a dream. The journey began on a warm August evening with a final qualifying round tie against Panathinaikos of Greece to decide who would play in the competition proper. Panathinaikos are an historic name in … [Read more...]
The power of the supporter is the saviour of Spanish football
Spain has an unwavering obsession with football; especially its own. Barcelona and Real Madrid, the crown jewels of the country’s favourite sport, undoubtedly epitomise what every football club in the world aspires to be, paving the way in terms of status and superiority. On top of this, they manage their fierce political rivalry, which passionately divides Spaniards. … [Read more...]
Punto Cuarto – the race for the fourth La Liga spot
The football season has witnessed a lot of ups and downs for many teams. La Liga is no different. With Barcelona having virtually sealed their 22nd domestic crown and the Madrid clubs vying for the 2nd and 3rd spot (automatic qualification to the UEFA Champions League), the fight for the 4th spot (punto cuarto) is all set to be a nail biting affair. … [Read more...]