In 1987, controversial politician and businessman Jesus Gil became the club president of Atletico Madrid, running the club until his resignation in May 2003. Gil made most of his money in the construction business but also spent time in jail when in 1967 one of his buildings collapsed, killing 58 people. He was eventually released by order of dictator Francisco Franco. When Gil took over at Atletico they had not won a La Liga title for 10 years and were desperate for League success. Straight away, Gil spent heavily, bringing in a number of expensive signings including Portuguese star Paulo … [Read more...]
Atletico star Koke wanted by Barcelona and Manchester United
Manchester United and Barcelona are in a battle to land the signature of highly rated Atletico Madrid midfielder, Koke, in the January transfer window, claims UK radio station Talksport. The Spanish star, 21, has been a significant factor behind the excellent start Los Rojiblancos have made in their domestic campaign this season, winning their first eight games in succession. His performances in a red and white shirt haven't gone unnoticed however with both clubs willing to pay top price to land the youngster in January. … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – match week eight
Eight wins out of eight for two teams for the first time in the history of the La liga and it’s no wonder Atletico Madrid and Barcelona dominate our pick for the eleven players with the best showing and performance after Match week 8. Time to reward hard work and quality as well as honourable feats and achievements! It’s La Liga Blog’s team of match week eight! In goal this week, we opt for the outstanding Celta Vigo shot-stopper, Yoel. The only player who finished on the losing side in this week’s team, Yoel shone like a million stars stopping Atletico Madrid time and again from finishing … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – match week seven
Match Week seven, and it’s still 7 for 7 for the top two as champions Barcelona and Atletico Madrid defy difficult situations to maintain their 100 percent streaks, club records for both sides. Time for our Team of the Match day here at La Liga Blog, and it’s no surprises that the team has great representation from the ‘big two’……yes, big two. … [Read more...]
Xavi rewrites the history books
Xavier "Xavi" Hernández i Creus became the most successful player in Spanish football history last night with Futbol Club Barcelona's Supercopa de España win against Atlético de Madrid at the Camp Nou, breaking a longstanding record of trophy wins for one player. Francisco "Paco" Gento López held the previous record with 24 trophies, won with Real Madrid and Spain during the 1950's and 60's, including 6 European Cups with Madrid and one European Championship with Spain. … [Read more...]
Falcao, Oligarchs and Super-agents….
So it looks like the world’s most heralded ‘Number 9’ is on his way to the billionaire’s playground that is the Principality of Monaco. Falcao seemingly would have had countless options but it is one of Europe’s new uber-rich clubs that have snared him, going against the grain of the historic superpowers of European football. Do the world’s footballing elite have a lot more options than they once did? Do WAG’s prefer the Carré d’Or to The Trafford Centre? Or does Jorge Mendes literally run the whole of world football?............ … [Read more...]
Copa del Rey Final Preview
In what is set to be one of Jose Mourinho's final games in charge of Real Madrid, the Portuguese manager aims to bow out of Spain on a high as he so usually does by beating arch rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey Final. 'The Special One' has led Real to one league title, one Super Copa and a Copa del Rey already in his three years in charge but defeat would mean he ends the season trophyless for the first time in five years. Atletico meanwhile will be vying to overturn their horrific record against Real having not beaten their neighbours in over 13 years. … [Read more...]
Does LFP need to reformat its premier division?
La Liga has two representatives in the UEFA Champion’s League semi-finals and an all-Spanish final might occur for the second time in the competition’s history. However, this, we argue, does not reflect the superiority of the Liga BBVA as a whole… ‘Two-horse race’ is often the most common description of the La Liga title race, which, even to those of us who defend the league, appears to be undeniable in recent years. … [Read more...]
Is Falcao on his way to Manchester United?
According to Manchester United's official website, Colombian striker Radamel Falcao maybe on his way to Manchester United next season. Reports from Manchester United and Spanish newspaper Marca are suggesting the 27 year old, whose fine form in front of goal has catapulted his Atletico Madrid side up to third in the La Liga table, is to become a Manchester United player next season despite competition from the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid for his signature. … [Read more...]
Falcao to follow Mou to the Bridge
Radamel Falcao started the Spanish season in spectacular goalscoring fashion for Atlético Madrid and was the centre of much transfer speculation. He was initially linked with a move to cross town rivals Real Madrid and even a big money move to Paris Saint-Germain. Recently, however, stories have emerged of a possible switch to the English Premiership and particularly with a move to current European Champions Chelsea, a side he scored a hat-trick against in the European Super Cup Final in Monaco, catching the eye of owner Roman Abramovich. … [Read more...]