There have been five matches in La Liga so far this weekend, with significant results for clubs at both the bottom and top of the Primera Division. Here is the Sunday morning round-up. Athletic Bilbao 6-1 Almeria Ernesto Valverde's Athletic side continued their impressive campaign with a thumping victory over UD Almeria. Bilbao were three goals to the good within half an hour thanks to goals from Rico, Herrera and Laporte. Almeria pulled one back on 34 minutes through on loan midfielder Helder Barbosa but it was a brief respite. Aduriz and Ibai Gomez added further goals after the break before … [Read more...]
Match Preview: Atletico Madrid v Barcelona
Tonight sees the most hotly anticipated game of the La Liga season so far – El Clasico has been knocked, temporarily, off its perch as the eyes of Spain and the footballing world turn to Atletico Madrid v Barcelona. Barca and Atleti sit on top of the La Liga table this morning, five points in front of Real Madrid. They have identical records: both sides have an identical record having won 16, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their games so far. Barcelona are on top thanks to a slightly superior goal difference but that could all change tonight as they travel to the Vicente Calderon. Barcelona are in … [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...]
Atletico title hopes answered
Diego Simeone has continued to play down Atletico Madrid's title hopes throughout the season, despite keeping pace with the league leaders Barcelona. The two meet next week in what could be the acid test as to whether Atletico really are good enough to lift the La Liga crown. … [Read more...]
Four Premier League transfer targets from La Liga
The January transfer window is just around the corner and after the influx of Spanish stars to the Premier League in the summer, more clubs are likely to be monitoring the talent in Spain's Primera Division this winter. At the midpoint of the season just 7 points separate 10th from the relegation zone and the title race looks set to be one of the tightest battles in years after a week in which top spot changed hands three times, so many teams could be looking to spend big to achieve their goals. … [Read more...]
Neymar leads the La Liga team of the week
Matches of the Spanish Primera Division resumed once again with round 16 games after a week-long break during which Copa del Rey games were given precedence. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were surely the big winners of the round as they took full advantage of Real Madrid’s loss of points. As we always do here at La liga blog it’s time for us to reel out our best 11 performers of the weekend in our unique team of the week. Granada shot-stopper Roberto Fernandez was key in his side’s 2-0 away victory at Vallecas against Rayo Vallecano. Roberto kept his side alive in the tie, giving them a … [Read more...]
United in for Koke
Manchester United boss David Moyes was in Madrid last night to take a look at Atletico Madrid youngster Koke ahead of a potential January move. 21-year-old Koke has been impressive for a resurgent Atletico Madrid over the past two seasons and secured himself a spot in Vincente del Bosque's full Spain squad during the last international break. It is well known the problems United have in midfield with Michael Carrick injured and Marouane Fellaini struggling to adapt at Old Trafford and Moyes could make another bid to rescue United's title challenge. Moyes was looking at the Spanish market in … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – round 15
The La liga title race came to life, once again, over the weekend as champions and leaders Barcelona finally fell to that inevitable defeat that had been lurking since their talisman, Lionel Messi got injured. Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory earlier on Saturday means the Whites are now only 3 points behind their eternal rivals as well as city rivals, Atletico Madrid. Time for us to reel-out our Team of the week, honouring those players who have impressed during the past round of matches. Sevilla’s Portugese goalkeeper Beto wins our heart in goal after producing crucial and timely saves to give his … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – round 14
The international break is finally over -at least for the next 5 months-and the return of La liga feels like early Christmas. As has become the tradition right here on La Liga blog, we recognise and salute the outstanding performers after every match week in our unique Team of the Week feature. Unsurprisingly, the team is dominated by players from Atletico Madrid (the round's biggest winners). … [Read more...]