Atletico created the chances but failed to capitalise on their superiority, as they take a 1-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey. Diego Simeone rested players in this first leg encounter, but his side were still hot favourites to take a convincing lead over Athletic. Despite a strong opening from Atletico, it was Athletic who should have taken the lead after ten minutes. Herrera sliced wide with the goal invitingly before him. It was a miss that would prove costly. Athletic goalkeeper Iago Herrerin was the man of the match, producing fine saves throughout the game. Two particularly … [Read more...]
Manchester City Fail To Land Pepe
It has been a quiet transfer window for Manchester City, and now Manuel Pellegrini has failed to land his number one target – Real Madrid's Pepe. Pepe has established himself at the hear of the Madrid defence this season alongside Sergio Ramos. Indeed, the gifted Portuguese international has made more appearances for Los Blancos this season than any other player. Manchester City are desperate to strengthen their defence. Pellegrini's gung-ho approach is paying dividends in the English Premier League, but he knows that he needs to be more defence minded if he is to build towards European glory … [Read more...]
Kagawa To Leave Manchester For Madrid
Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa will soon be on his way to Atletico Madrid as a knock on effect of the Juan Mata transfer. Atletico manager Diego Simeone had been in the hunt for Mata himself, but has conceded that Manchester United have won the transfer battle. The Spaniard's arrival at Old Trafford will limit opportunities even more for Kagawa and a move to Madrid will be ideal for all parties. Kagawa came to Old Trafford with a fabulous reputation from Borussia Dortmund, but he has endured a very stop-start two years in Manchester. In March 2013 he scored a hat-trick against Norwich City … [Read more...]
Real Madrid Keen On Muller
Real Madrid have made Thomas Muller their main transfer target alongside Manchester United's Wayne Rooney. Muller has been influential in Bayern Munich's rise to the top of European football. The perfect foil to Franck Ribery, he has picked up 52 goals in 150 appearances for them. This season has been Muller's best to date. Bayern have continued to dominate the Bundesliga and Muller has been a huge factor in their success, scoring 7 goals in 16 league outings. Carlo Ancelotti is already blessed with attacking flair at Madrid. Benzema, Ronaldo, Bale, Di Maria, Morata, and it is likely that … [Read more...]
Levante 1-4 Barcelona
Cristian Tello grabbed a hat-trick as Barcelona romped to a 4-1 away victory over Levante in last night's Copa Del Rey quarter final first leg. Arsenal target Tello may have persuaded Arsene Wenger to prise open his purse strings as he put on a fine display, ably assisted by Lionel Messi. It sounds strange to say after a team mate scores three, but the mercurial Mess was my man of the match. He tore the home side apart at every opportunity and laid on all three goals for Tello. It was Levante who took the lead. Nabir El Zhar scored after 31 minutes to have Levante fans dreaming of victory. … [Read more...]