After a week of euphoria for Real Madrid, having beaten their greatest rivals F.C. Barcelona in the Cup and League and having progressed at the expense of Manchester United in the Champions League, the whole mood of their season would appear to have changed. … [Read more...]
La Liga surprise XI of the season
It would be too easy and cliche to insert the entire Real Madrid squad here due to their unusual form this season but they would only merit inclusion in this team with respect to their negative performances. Instead the Surprise XI in La Liga this season shall be comprised of those who have shown outstanding qualities when unfancied to do so. Many of the following players have shown steady progress during their careers but experienced a breakout season unlike any of their previous ones. … [Read more...]
Paris St-Germain v Valencia Preview
Valencia go into the 2nd leg of their UEFA Champions League match with Paris Saint Germain declaring their confidence in being able to overturn the 2-1 deficit in the tie. The defeat at the Mestalla was a hard one for Los Ches to take, but the side believe the overall tie is not beyond them. … [Read more...]
Spanish football in numbers: A Statistical Analysis of La Liga
A Guest post by Liam Corbett of www.averageopposition.com - a new stats based site with a difference - it measures the team and player performances not just on the normal numbers, but on the level of opposition. Liam gives us his take on La Liga this week. … [Read more...]
Manchester United v Real Madrid preview
After two clásicos in a little under a week, the pressure doesn't relent for Los Blancos with their Champions League return against Manchester United at Old Trafford this evening. With the 1st leg having ended 1-1 at the Bernabeu, one would expect it to be an open game with everything to play for. However, with so much at risk it could well turn into a cagey affair with neither side wishing to take the initiative and play an expansive game. Both will likely set-up with formations that are designed to soak up pressure and break quickly on the counter-attack. … [Read more...]