With the race for the title fully underway between the famous old foes of Real Madrid and Barcelona also this season the inclusion of Atletico Madrid, you could be forgiven to not be aware of what is going on at the other end of the table in the fight for survival. With only 5 games to go now is defiantly the time to get some much needed points on the board in an attempt to make the final push so that you can call yourself a player/supporter/owner of a top flight Spanish club! Let’s take a look at the remaining games in attempt to see who has the upper hand and who is for the chop. … [Read more...]
Ronaldo Or Messi: Who Is The Greatest?
Cristiano Ronaldo was overjoyed at winning his second Ballon D'or in Zurich last night, in the process beating Lionel Messi – the record breaking four times winner of the most coveted prize for individual footballers. So who is the greatest, and where doe they stand on the list of all-time greats? Goalscoring The most incredible thing about both players phenomenal goal scoring records is that neither player is a conventional centre forward. Ronaldo is often found out on the wings whilst Messi sits in the centre of midfield or operates as a 'false number 9'.Just look at their stats: Ronaldo … [Read more...]
Djukic a victim of circumstance at Valencia as he pays price for poor form
When club president Amadeo Salvo refused to do a television interview in the aftermath of Valencia's defeat to Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening, he went to wait in the player's changing room for manager Miroslav Djukic. The writing was on the wall after the 0-3 loss and even though the Serb emerged to face the media and to leave the Vicente Calderon with his team, a day later he was gone. … [Read more...]
Ancelotti not right for Los Blancos claims ex Madrid president
Is Carlo Ancelotti the right man to lead Los Blancos? Not according to Ramon Calderon. "It seems to me that Ancelotti does not have the personality and charisma to lead Real Madrid" said the ex-CEO earlier this month. He went on to attack their style of play under Ancelotti saying it wasn’t 'defined' or 'organized' and that they 'concede too many goals'. In Calderon’s eyes, the hiring of Ancelotti was a mistake. … [Read more...]
Atletico Madrid – the Jesus Gil years
In 1987, controversial politician and businessman Jesus Gil became the club president of Atletico Madrid, running the club until his resignation in May 2003. Gil made most of his money in the construction business but also spent time in jail when in 1967 one of his buildings collapsed, killing 58 people. He was eventually released by order of dictator Francisco Franco. When Gil took over at Atletico they had not won a La Liga title for 10 years and were desperate for League success. Straight away, Gil spent heavily, bringing in a number of expensive signings including Portuguese star Paulo … [Read more...]
A difference in style
There is a huge difference between the way football is taught/coached in Spain and England and if you watch the two National teams play regularly you must agree a huge gulf exists. English football is more about strength and playing the ball forward as quickly as possible,whereas in Spain more emphasis is put on controlling the ball,playing the ball to feet and keeping possession of the ball. … [Read more...]
Barcelona’s battle with Lionel Messi
Synonymous with the beloved name of Barcelona around the world, Lionel Messi has set the benchmark over the years for what has been the most successful period in the Catalonia club’s history. Yet, the most obvious question is still queried daily among the followers of Europe’s most prestigious of clubs, how would Barca fare without their superstar ‘false 9’? The re-occurrence of another hamstring injury has resulted in Messi not being available for Barcelona for up to 2 months. Not only is the hamstring injury becoming associated with Messi more frequently, the fact that it ceases to let up … [Read more...]
The demise of Racing Santander
In January 2011 a bright future looked on the horizon as Indian businessman Ahsan Ali Syed took over at the helm of Racing Santander taking an 80% stake in the club. Founder and Chairman of investment company Western Gulf Advisory Ali Syed proclaimed that Racing could challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona as a so called "Third Force" in La Liga. … [Read more...]
The season ahead for Bale – an analysis
"He is calm and ready, waiting to play on Saturday. Everyone knows that, because he didn't have a good pre-season, he suffered from muscle fatigue in the thigh.” That was the confirmation every Real Madrid fan-and neutral-who desperately wanted to see the world’s second most expensive player back on the pitch wanted. After the report by Spanish paper, Marca, last week that the Welshman had a slipped disc, it was a relief to hear Real President Florentino Perez give that assuring statement. Through the week, the speedy former Spurs man has gone on to participate in training without any fuss, … [Read more...]
Barcelona’s New Goalkeeper
It is no secret that Barcelona’s goalkeeper Victor Valdes will be leaving the Nou Camp this summer once his contract expires. Valdes has been Barcelona’s number one since 2002 and has racked up 369 league games for the club. The question now remains, though, as to who should replace him. With Barcelona favourites with Betway Sports for La Liga glory this season, it is clearly a choice that needs to be got right. Who might be the best options at the moment? … [Read more...]