Lionel Messi gave Barcelona fans a late Epiphany present by saying that he intends to spend the rest of his career at the club. The global superstar returned from injury in spectacular style on Wednesday night, jumping off the bench to score two goals in a four-nil Copa del Rey win over Getafe. Speaking at a press conference yesterday the mini maestro said: “I want to retire here. While people want me I want to spend my whole career at FC Barcelona.” This is music to the ears of the Barcelonistas. It seems incredible but there had been talk of a rift between the club and their star player, … [Read more...]
Copa Del Rey Round-Up
There were four matches in the Copa del Rey last night and La Liga Blog, your first stop for all the latest Spanish football news, brings you the details here. AD Alcorcon 1-0 Espanyol The Madrid based minnows Alcorcon made light of their Segunda Division form, they are currently in a lowly sixteenth position, by taking a one nil victory over Espanyol in the first leg of this round of 16 match. The goal was scored by second half substitute Dani Pacheco, once of Liverpool, but they will have it all to do on their return leg in Barcelona next week. Real Betis 1-0 Athletic Bilbao Real Betis, at … [Read more...]
Liverpool Interested In Barcelona Defender
Could Barcelona right back Martin Montoya be on his way to Liverpool? The young defender made a rare start for Barcelona last night in their four nil victory over Getafe, even managing to tee up Lionel Messi for his comeback goal in the process, but could it be the last appearance that he makes for the Blaugrana? Montoya is a great prospect, sure on the ball, full of energy and able to play at left back as well as right, but he isn't going to force his way past Dani Alves any time soon. Brendan Rodgers has seen a steady improvement from his Liverpool side this season but improving the Red's … [Read more...]
Messi Returns With A Bang
Lionel Messi made his much anticipated return to the Barcelona team last night and, as expected, he returned with a bang – scoring two goals in Barca's 4-0 victory over Getafe in the Copa del Rey. Some experts had speculated that Messi might start last night's game but, as predicted here on La Liga Blog, he began on the substitutes bench. Gerardo Martino waited until the 63rd minute to send the Argentine maestro on as a substitute for Andres Iniesta but when he did the atmosphere at the Camp Nou lifted. It was the ideal moment for his return. Barcelona were already two nil up by this point … [Read more...]
Messi To Make His Comeback Against Getafe
Lionel Messi makes another step on the comeback trail tonight when he takes his place in the Barcelona squad for their Copa del Rey clash against Luis Garcia Plaza's Getafe side. Arguably the world's greatest footballer (although a certain Real Madrid player may beg to differ), Messi has been missing from action since picking up a thigh injury during a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in November. Many people wondered how Barcelona would cope without their talisman but Neymar and Pedro have stepped up to the plate in wonderful fashion. Nonetheless the Barcelonistas will be ecstatic to see the … [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...]
Cesc Fabregas and Mascherano make our La Liga team of the week
After 17 rounds of excitement, twists and surprises, it’s finally time for a much deserved break in the Spanish La liga. Before the break though, it’s another great opportunity to recognize those outstanding 11 players who made the biggest impact in match week 17 in our La Liga team of the week feature. … [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...]
Mourinho targeting Musacchio
Mateo Musacchio is being lined up for a surprise transfer to the Premier League as Chelsea look set to bolster their defence by signing the Villarreal centre-back. Musacchio, 23, has excelled as Villarreal have impressed since their re-introduction to La Liga this season and was on the scoresheet in the Yellow Submarine's narrow defeat to Barcelona on Saturday. … [Read more...]
Liverpool open talks with Montoya
Liverpool have made the first move to sign Barcelona defender Martin Montoya after the Reds opened talks with the Nou Camp youngster. Montoya is out of contract in the summer and Barcelona look ready to offload the La Masia graduate in January. Talks have been ongoing between Montoya and Barcelona with the 22-year-old keen on staying at the club but Liverpool Managing Director Ian Ayre has flown out to discuss a potential fee. … [Read more...]