Barcelona’s forward options look set to get stronger as they confirmed the signing of Turkey international Arda Turan. The former Atletico Madrid man has always been a solid performer in La Liga, and on the Champions League stage, playing a significant part in Atletico’s journey to the final in the 2013-14 tournament, especially with an impressive performance away to Chelsea in that campaign. Despite his noticeable class however, he has not featured as regularly as many would imagine. Will his playing time increase at Barcelona? … [Read more...]
The British influence on Basque football
The arrival of David Moyes to Real Sociedad may have been considered a surprising managerial move at the time. To many, the idea of a Scot plying his trade in Spain of all places seemed like a strange appointment, a cultural juxtaposition of football playing styles, and a rare trek for someone who prior to leaving for Spain, barely knew a word of Spanish. … [Read more...]
Three Things To Expect From Sporting Gijon Next Season
Following Las Palmas' promotion on Sunday, all 20 teams for next season's La Liga campaign are known. Alongside the Gran Canarians are Segunda champions Real Betis and Sporting Gijon. Plenty has been made of Betis with the return of Pepe Mel causing quite a stir, and it will be interesting to see whether their free-scoring style will continue next season. However, less is known about Sporting, the side that finished second ahead of Girona by a whisker. Here are three things you need to know before seeing them next year. Defensive solidity Although Sporting ended the season in second place … [Read more...]
Late strike sends Las Palmas into La Liga on away goals
Sergio Araujo's 84th minute goal helped Las Palmas beat Real Zaragoza on away goals and promotion into La Liga for the first time in 13 years. Zaragoza travelled to Gran Canaria as favourites having won the first leg 3-1, but Las Palmas recorded a 2-0 victory which saw them through on away goals. Roque Mesa opened the scoring on 33 minutes to give the hosts real belief of finding a second as Araujo left it late to clinch promotion. The moment was sweet for Las Palmas boss Paco Herrera who previously managed Zaragoza between June 2013 and March 2014. Veteran Juan Carlos Valeron, the … [Read more...]
Club Focus: Getafe CF
Out of all the teams in Spain's top flight, Getafe are not the most exciting. Whilst Barcelona are known for their philosophy, Real Madrid for their superstars, Athletic Bilbao for their dogged physicality, Getafe are... well, just Getafe. Despite not being a particularly glamorous club, they have done well in recent years to remain in the top division, fluctuating between the top half and lower ends of the La Liga table spectrum. … [Read more...]