It's semi final first leg week in the Copa Del Rey, and both games promise to be exciting, and difficult to predict. Wednesday evening will see Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona v Real Sociedad. Barcelona are red hot favourites to progress through to the King's Cup final, but Sociedad were a team in form prior to their thumping by Atletico at the weekend. Sociedad were unlucky to lose the fixture 4-0, and it may be that their players had one eye on this game and next week's return. Tata Martino's side were distraught at losing to Valencia on Sunday. The result leaves them in a poor … [Read more...]
An Emotional Night As Atletico Go Top
Atletico Madrid stormed to the top of La Liga with a 4-0 thrashing of Real Sociedad on Sunday. It was a night their former manager and player Luis Aragones would have been proud of. The scoreline is a little flattering, Sociedad are an in-form side and more than held their own in the first half. A David Villa goal, from a Diego Costa cross, on 38 minutes was all that separated the teams. Simeone's team were much better after the break. It was Costa himself who scored the second on 72 minutes. The naturalised Spaniard is finding his goal scoring touch again after a mini drought. Miranda headed … [Read more...]
Ronaldo Sees Red As Real Are Rocked
Cristiano Ronaldo received a farcical red card last night, as Real Madrid were held 1-1 by in form Athletic Bilbao. It was a cagey first half, Madrid had more attacking intent but lacked the killer touch in front of Iraizoz's goal. Benzema and Ronaldo both looked out of sorts. Gareth Bale was missing again, despite Ancelotti having indicated that he should be fit for the match. Bilbao seemed determined to hang on to their proud home record. They are yet to lose in the league at their new San Mames home. The match was becoming increasingly tetchy. Madrid knew that a win would take them into … [Read more...]
Shock Defeat For Barcelona
Barcelona suffered a shock 3-2 defeat at home to Valencia last night, and threw the La Liga title race wide open. Barcelona went into the game on top of the league, but on a sticky run of form. They had won just one out of three in the Primera Division, but were still red hot favourites against a mid table Valencia side. It seemed like business as usual on 7 minutes when Alexis Sanchez scored what only be described as a fortuitous goal. Valencia refused to lie down, they equalised just before half time through Parejo. Three minutes after the break, Los Che took the lead, Piatti outjumping Dani … [Read more...]
Luis Aragones, 1938-2014
Spain, and the world of football, is today mourning the loss of the legendary Spanish coach Luis Aragones. Aragones died in Madrid this morning, at the age of 75. He had suffered a short illness, and his passing took many by surprise. His loss will be particularly felt by fans and former players of Atletico Madrid. He managed Atleti on four occasions, winning them the La Liga title and lifting the Copa Del Rey three times. Atletico will be holding an emotional minute's silence before their game against Real Sociedad on Sunday. As a player, Aragones made nearly 400 appearances for Atletico. A … [Read more...]