Tonight sees a real clash of the Titans. The old guard versus the new kids on the block. Its Manchester City v Barcelona, and at stake is European domination. There are many similarities between the sides this season. Both have new and unproven managers, Pellegrini at City and Martino at Barca. Both like to attack, but can be vulnerable at the back. Both find themselves in a tight tussle at the top of their leagues. So who will win? If it was a matter of pedigree there would be no competition, of course. Barcelona have won the trophy (and its earlier equivalent) four times, Manchester City … [Read more...]
Getafe 0-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid raced to a 3-0 victory at local rivals Getafe on Sunday. It's as you were, with a three way tie at the top of La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti had seen co-leaders Atletico and Barcelon turn in impressive victories the day before. Barcelona's 6-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano was particularly impressive, especially when goal difference could play an important part in the outcome of the championship race. His side weren't going to allowed their rivals to get away. Young hotshot Jese opened the scoring on 5 minutes. It was his third goal in as many games, and he is looking increasingly … [Read more...]
Record Breaking Messi Puts Barcelona Top
Barcelona destroyed Rayo Vallecano 6-0 on Saturday, to move back above Atletico Madrid on goal difference. Barca, and Lionel Messi in particular, are now moving back into top gear at just the right time of the season. It was an abject performance from Valladolid, who find themselves above only the already doomed Real Betis. Adriano scored the opening goal of the first half after only two minutes. Messi scored the second half an hour later. A superb long pass from Cesc Fabregas found Messi in space, and he wasted no time in lobbing Vallecano keeper Martinez. A two goal lead didn't do justice to … [Read more...]
Atletico Madrid 3-0 Real Valladolid
Atletico Madrid said adios to a poor run of form, with a 3-0 home victory over Real Valladolid, that returned them to the top of La Liga for a brief period. Atletico had endured a torrid seven days. Surprise defeat by Almeria had seen them drop from first to third, and they had been humbled by city rivals Real in the Copa Del Rey. To cap it all they were fined for the behaviour of their fans in that game. Diego Simeone had urged his players to get their season back on track, and they responded. Their intent was obvious from the kick off. Slick play, and all out attack. It took just three … [Read more...]
Atletico Madrid Get A Slap On The Wrist
Atletico Madrid were today handed a €600 fine after Cristiano Ronaldo was struck on the head by a cigarette lighter as he walked off the Vicente Calderon pitch on Tuesday. The incident happened as the teams walked off at half time in their Copa Del Rey semi-final. It was a tempestuous atmosphere. Atletico were being humbled by their biggest rivals, and the always lively Atleti crowd were in no mood to contain their anger. Ronaldo, as always, was the target of the fans abuse. This time, it went much too far. RFEF explained the paltry nature of the fine by saying that it had been an isolated … [Read more...]