I must confess, I knew very little about Athletic Bilbao before I witnessed their footballing master class against Manchester United in the Europa League earlier this year. How glad I am that I flicked over to Channel 5 that night to gaze in awe as the Basque side put English football’s finest to the sword. Quite a spectacle it was. … [Read more...]
La Liga – The race for Europe
9 games remain in this seasons' Primera Liga and while the title will surely head to one of the two Spanish giants, the race for European football next season could provide more excitement. Just 6 spots are made available for teams looking to challenge the continent next season but as Real Madrid and Barcelona sprint towards the title, teams below have a huge few games ahead of them to ensure they manage to finish in the top dozen. Here I survey the contenders; … [Read more...]
The top 10 La Liga players of the 21st century
In football terms, few would argue that the 21st century has so far belonged to Spain. The national side has risen from the ranks of perennial under-achievers to become undeniably the dominant force in the international game, winning the European Championship and World Cup tournaments in succession. European football fans have drooled over the sublime technical skills of Spanish clubs featuring stellar line-ups of home-grown talent mixed with modern greats of the game. Catalan giants FC Barcelona developed a side which has not only won every possible major honour in club football, but they've … [Read more...]
Simeone has transformed a stagnating Atletico side into stubborn contenders
Far from pretty, a lifeless Atletico Madrid secured 3 valuable points against lowly Granada in the race to contest in Europe next year with a 2-0 win at the Vicente Calderon. Toward the end of the game, enigmatic coach Diego Simeone could be seen trying to fire up the home fans in spite of a game which would fail to inspire even the most seasoned of supporters. Generating a reaction from the players however has been moderately successful as Madrid has since lost just one of his 13 games in charge following the departure of Gregorio Manzano in December. … [Read more...]
Torres omitted from Spain squad
Fernando Torres has been left out of Vicente del Bosque's squad for the Venezuela friendly next week due to his woeful form for Chelsea in front of goal this season. The Spanish striker has scored just 4 times in 29 games this season adding to his sole goal at the end of the last campaign, and has failed to find the net in over 5 months. Del Bosque told Spanish media that his performances of late had 'been a bit irregular' and that he would like to reward other strikers who merit a place in the squad more than the man who's goal won the Euro 2008 Final. As a result, Roberto Soldado, Iker … [Read more...]