Could Barcelona right back Martin Montoya be on his way to Liverpool? The young defender made a rare start for Barcelona last night in their four nil victory over Getafe, even managing to tee up Lionel Messi for his comeback goal in the process, but could it be the last appearance that he makes for the Blaugrana? Montoya is a great prospect, sure on the ball, full of energy and able to play at left back as well as right, but he isn't going to force his way past Dani Alves any time soon. Brendan Rodgers has seen a steady improvement from his Liverpool side this season but improving the Red's … [Read more...]
Messi Returns With A Bang
Lionel Messi made his much anticipated return to the Barcelona team last night and, as expected, he returned with a bang – scoring two goals in Barca's 4-0 victory over Getafe in the Copa del Rey. Some experts had speculated that Messi might start last night's game but, as predicted here on La Liga Blog, he began on the substitutes bench. Gerardo Martino waited until the 63rd minute to send the Argentine maestro on as a substitute for Andres Iniesta but when he did the atmosphere at the Camp Nou lifted. It was the ideal moment for his return. Barcelona were already two nil up by this point … [Read more...]
Messi To Make His Comeback Against Getafe
Lionel Messi makes another step on the comeback trail tonight when he takes his place in the Barcelona squad for their Copa del Rey clash against Luis Garcia Plaza's Getafe side. Arguably the world's greatest footballer (although a certain Real Madrid player may beg to differ), Messi has been missing from action since picking up a thigh injury during a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in November. Many people wondered how Barcelona would cope without their talisman but Neymar and Pedro have stepped up to the plate in wonderful fashion. Nonetheless the Barcelonistas will be ecstatic to see the … [Read more...]
Juan Mata To Move From Chelsea To Atletico
Rumours continue to circulate that the mercurial Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata is set to sign for Atletico Madrid. Mata is still hugely popular among the Chelsea fans but he is becoming an increasingly peripheral, and agitated, figure at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho likes players who work hard and he has reportedly criticised Mata for not tracking back enough and not making enough runs. Mata was substituted on New Year's Day during a game against Southampton and he made no attempt to hide his disgust at the decision. Mourinho insists that Mata is not for sale but we all know that there can … [Read more...]
Valencia 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Valencia earned a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in last night's Copa del Rey match, although they had to wait until deep into stoppage time to earn the draw that their play had deserved. Diego Simeone's side have been in sensational form in La Liga this season. They are second in the table, behind Barcelona, on goal difference only and are currently five points ahead of their city rivals Real. Simeone put out a full strength team at the Mestalla stadium and many people, myself included, expected a facile victory against a Valencia team that has stuggled this season. The biggest surprise, … [Read more...]