It all started last year, on 27th April, that fateful day no Barca fan will ever forget. It had been a horrible 2 weeks for the Catalan giants, first losing in El Clasico to arch rivals Real Madrid, who eventually went on to win La Liga, and then their shock elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Chelsea. Despite their attacking qualities, it was not enough to break down a much criticised display of resilient defending from their opponents. Barca only had themselves to blame. The tie should’ve been over after the 1st leg. Disappointment followed. Their League and Champions … [Read more...]
Could Laudrup take over the Bernabeu Hotseat?
Having defeated their greatest rivals on Tuesday, you would be forgiven for thinking that everything was rosy at the Bernabeu and Spain’s self proclaimed greatest club would be celebrating victory. However, the win came in the Copa del Rey and doubts still weigh heavy amongst the Madrid faithful and the special one, or only one as he has re-christened himself, has seen his stock diminish at the capital club. More so in a year when Florentino Pérez wishes to prevail at the polls and have himself re-elected as Madrid President, yet finds his side having been beaten 5 times in the league and 16 … [Read more...]
El Clasico, let the battle commence
Tonight sees the renewal of hostilities between the big two in Spain, el clásico, between Futbol Club Barcelona and Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. Many in the country itself believe that they are the two biggest clubs in the world, many more around the world would find it hard to disagree. Vicente del Bosque, Spain's National Coach and a former Real Madrid player and coach, yesterday received a medal of honour from the autonomous community of Castille and Leon for his services to the game. The great man himself couldn't split the big two and only hopes for a match that will promote the high … [Read more...]
The second half of the La Liga season – a brief preview
A new year is upon us, and with it comes the introduction of the ‘business end’ of the season. Managers face their final chance to strengthen their squads during the January transfer window as a scramble begins for the survival, for European spots, and for the title. … [Read more...]
Lionel Messi – The greatest player to ever live
A record 4-time Ballon d’Or winner, with 289 goals for Barcelona in 356 appearances, holder of many records, Leo Messi is surely deserving of all his praise. … [Read more...]
Lionel Messi – is this the peak of his career?
You don't need a Spanish football blog to tell you that Lionel Messi has had an unforgettable year. With 91 goals and a third successive Balon Dor prize in the bag, it's a shame his club side Barcelona put a slight dampener on his incredible achievement by losing out on retaining both the La Liga title to fierce rivals Real Madrid and the Champions League to unlikely winners Chelsea. … [Read more...]
Mallorca’s winless streak continues – could they be going down?
Mallorca missed out on a chance to go three points clear of the relegation zone after another lacklustre performance at the Iberostar Stadium. Their winless streak in La Liga stretched to nine games as they drew 1-1 at home to Real Zaragoza in a game which should have seen them emerge victorious. … [Read more...]
What now for David Villa?
Barcelona forward David Villa has been growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of game time he has been awarded under Tito Vilanova this season, perhaps understandingly so – this is, after all, a man who just two years ago was Spain’s top scorer as they lifted the World Cup for the first time since its inception. … [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...]
What has happened to Athletic Bilbao?
Since losing in two major cup finals last season, Athletic Bilbao have disappeared from the the footballing radar of late. The Basque side are well off of the pace in Spanish La Liga and tumbled out of the Europa League on Thursday despite not travelling to a war troubled Israel for their game. This is the exact team who humbled Manchester United in the competition last season, so why have the club faltered so much lately? Bilbao suffered defeat in both the Europa League and Copa del Rey finals and a summer exodus of their impeccably talented roster … [Read more...]