Real Madrid went into last Saturday evening's match with Rayo Vallecano having lost their last two matches but very few people expected it to become a third. Their neighbours from the capital's suburb of Vallecas were obliging opponents as Real sought to keep pace with title rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid who had both won earlier in the day. The scoreline was 5-0, keeping Real 3 points behind Atletico and 40 ahead of Vallecano who sit in mid-table still conscious of the threat of relegation. … [Read more...]
Ronaldo out with knee injury
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Sociedad on Saturday with a knee injury. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insists that it isn't a problem, but concern is growing that Los Blancos could be without their free scoring talisman in the season run in. Rumours are circulating around Madrid that his injury is worse than initially thought. Every league match is of vital importance now. With only three points separating the three teams at the summit, every dropped point can make a huge difference. Real Sociedad themselves are in fine form, and are trying to chase down … [Read more...]
What’s the future for Barcelona?
Barcelona are still reeling from the news that they have been handed a 14 month transfer embargo by FIFA. They have announced an appeal, but could this be turning into an annus mirabilis for Tata Martino's team, and if so how will they cope with it? Barcelona were always seen as being above the temptations that other teams succumbed to. They didn't chase sponsorship, instead supporting Unicef on the front of their shirts. They weren't interested in corporate Euros. The club was run by fans, and was famous for their spirit of fair play. They were, to coin their immortal phrase, more than a … [Read more...]
All square in the Champion’s League
It's as you were in the Champions League as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid fought out a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou, as predicted earlier on www.laligablog.com. Diego Simeone's side are full of confidence, and it showed. They took the game to Barcelona, never giving Tata Martino's men a chance to get their passing game going. Diego Costa, a slight doubt before the game, was looking a lively threat, but with just under half an hour gone the gamble seemed to have turned sour. Chelsea target Costa pulled up, with an obvious hamstring injury. Atletico fans will be worriedly waiting for injury updates. It … [Read more...]
Chelsea Set To Pounce For Costa
There are two questions hanging over Diego Costa today: will he be fit enough to start against Barcelona in tonight's Champions League tie, and will he be starting a career at Chelsea in the new season. Jose Mourinho, ever one for plain speaking, has made no secret of his disdain for the current Chelsea forward line. Demba Ba, Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto'o have 15 league goals between them this season, whereas the increasingly deadly Costa has already hit 31 for Atletico Madrid. Everton loanee Lukaku has fared better, but Mourinho has burnt his bridges with the young striker and he won't be … [Read more...]