El Gran Clasico certainly lived up to it’s name with the star names on show. The likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Bale and Neymar all started the world’s most famous fixture. But what was the fallout after Barcelona’s 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou? With none of the four superstars at their dazzling best, it was the Barca possession coupled with Real’s defensive frailties and tactical naivety that widened the gap between the two global icons to six points. … [Read more...]
Neymar outshines Bale in Clasico
The Brazilian striker cost roughly half of what Real Madrid spent on Gareth Bale in the summer but the difference on the pitch was staggering. Neymar opened the scoring and gave the Real defence a horrid evening at the Nou Camp during Barca's 2-1 win whilst Bale was subbed late on after making a minimal impact. The two have endured contrasting periods since signing for their clubs with Bale yet to properly settle in in Madrid. Bale's battle with injury has been well documented as he awaits his first chance to play for Los Blancos as a fully fit member of the squad - a squad he has yet to … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – match week nine
No more 100 percent winning records! That was the big news after Match week nine as Barcelona were forced to a goalless draw by Osasuna in Pamplona and Atletico Madrid lost to Espanyol in Catalonia. As is now our tradition here at La Liga Blog, we recognise the big performers all across the ten Primera Division games that took place last week, honoring and rewarding them with a place in our team of the week. … [Read more...]
5 players who could make the World Cup squad
Vicente del Bosque has a tough task in selecting 23 men out of around 50 world class players, choosing a squad based on form, potential, cohesion and experience so that Spain can retain their FIFA World Cup crown. An unsuccessful Confederations Cup campaign has seen change flourish in the Spanish camp with various newbies coming into the squad, but can any of these outside contenders realistically make VDB's final 23? … [Read more...]
The season ahead for Bale – an analysis
"He is calm and ready, waiting to play on Saturday. Everyone knows that, because he didn't have a good pre-season, he suffered from muscle fatigue in the thigh.” That was the confirmation every Real Madrid fan-and neutral-who desperately wanted to see the world’s second most expensive player back on the pitch wanted. After the report by Spanish paper, Marca, last week that the Welshman had a slipped disc, it was a relief to hear Real President Florentino Perez give that assuring statement. Through the week, the speedy former Spurs man has gone on to participate in training without any fuss, … [Read more...]