Luis Enrique’s Barcelona are the 2015 champions of Spain (the club’s 5th title in the last 7 seasons) and still could win the treble with a victory in the King’s cup and in the Champion’s League final. That is a statement no one thought would be typed just four months ago. … [Read more...]
New Spanish TV Deal – A fairer system?
A new collective central TV deal will come into enforcement in 2016 for La Liga, after legislation was created last Thursday. This will help to distribute the wealth in the Spanish First Division, as inequality of income for television deals is prominent in the league. … [Read more...]
Is Jurgen Klopp heading to Barcelona?
The shocking yet in reality not surprising news that Jurgen Klopp is leaving Borussia Dortmund was announced this past Wednesday. And before his office seat was even cold and before the official press conference even happened, the excitement over Klopp’s next major press conference this summer had already started. … [Read more...]
Simeone for City job?
After Atletico’s emphatic win against bitter league rivals Real, closing the gap between 3rd and 1st to just 4 points, attention has been drawn to the man behind the success, Diego Simeone. … [Read more...]
What has happened to Iker Muniain?
Three years ago, Iker Muniain found himself being lauded as a major part of a talented Athletic Bilbao side who wowed worldwide audiences as they ripped through Manchester United on the way to the Europa League final. Playing as part of a front three alongside Fernando Llorente and Markel Susaeta, Muniain flourished and was heralded as one of the best young players in the world. Although Bilbao were defeated in the Europa League final by Atletico Madrid, Muniain’s stock went through the roof. Soon links with the world’s biggest clubs were being made, hyperinflated valuations were being placed … [Read more...]
Five things the Premier League can learn from La Liga
For once let us not get into this subjective and yet a futile debate on whether La Liga is better than the Premier League and vice-versa. Why can’t we be happy with the notion that both are great leagues in their own right and have enriched the beautiful game in various manners. … [Read more...]
Has Torres been reborn?
Every self-respecting football fan is well aware of Fernando Torres' sad decline over the last four years. He went from being a Euro 2008 winning player. And match-winner in that final, to a misfiring shell of his former self. While, I believe we saw a slight resurgence of Torres under Rafa's brief stewardship, it was nothing to get too excited about. More importantly, he'd show signs of class but that'd quickly disappear. However since returning 'home' to the Vincente Calderon, a new wave of optimism has been borne. His two goals against Real Madrid have largely contributed to this. In his … [Read more...]
Sevilla’s fine form
Top of the La Liga form table during the last six games, picking up 16 points out of the possible 18, the oldest club in Seville are on fantastic form. Upon facing Valencia at the weekend, Sevilla sit 4th in the table behind Atletico and Barcelona and just six points from leaders Real Madrid. Their top scorer, Carlos Bacca, is also 4th in the standings for the La Liga golden boot. … [Read more...]
Nahuel Leiva: Will the Messi Story be rewritten?
Our story begins with an exciting young Argentine talent, whisked from the footballing hotbed of Rosario to arrive in (an equally) sunny Spain, barely entered into his formative teen years. It doesn’t take too long before the young prodigy begins to showcase his considerable talent, and the interest and attention of scouts and media invariably begin to peak. … [Read more...]
Have Atletico Madrid replaced Diego Costa?
Some may argue that the 17 May 2014 was the finest day in Atletico Madrid’s history. Los Rojiblancos secured the draw away at Barcelona which gave them their first La Liga title for 20 years. A week later they had the chance to create more history when they faced city rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final. … [Read more...]