Barcelona's defensive difficulties were well documented over the summer and coach Martino is on record as saying he will reassess the situation in January, as the Catalan club look for the long-term replacement for Carles Puyol. A player they have reportedly watched closely is David Luiz of Chelsea, Luiz has been in and out of the Chelsea starting 11 this season and with the return to form of stalwart John Terry, come January the Brazillian defender could well be available. Luiz is not your typical 6' 4" Premier League centre half, he is more forward-thinking and confident on the ball and his … [Read more...]
Barcelona’s battle with Lionel Messi
Synonymous with the beloved name of Barcelona around the world, Lionel Messi has set the benchmark over the years for what has been the most successful period in the Catalonia club’s history. Yet, the most obvious question is still queried daily among the followers of Europe’s most prestigious of clubs, how would Barca fare without their superstar ‘false 9’? The re-occurrence of another hamstring injury has resulted in Messi not being available for Barcelona for up to 2 months. Not only is the hamstring injury becoming associated with Messi more frequently, the fact that it ceases to let up … [Read more...]
The demise of Racing Santander
In January 2011 a bright future looked on the horizon as Indian businessman Ahsan Ali Syed took over at the helm of Racing Santander taking an 80% stake in the club. Founder and Chairman of investment company Western Gulf Advisory Ali Syed proclaimed that Racing could challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona as a so called "Third Force" in La Liga. … [Read more...]
Messi will need time to return to his best
Lionel Messi has suffered many setbacks during the last six months and faces his longest battle yet to recover from injury in time for the second half of Barcelona's season. Messi suffered his third injury of the season, tearing his left hamstring just 20 minutes into the match against Betis on Sunday and will be on the treatment table for 6-8 weeks. It is the longest spell Messi will have been injured for and this recent spate of injuries has marked a new chapter in his career. … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – match week ten
Barcelona showed class and precision on Round 10 in El Clasico to see off the challenge of eternal rivals Real Madrid as they continue their imperious early season form. As expected, this week’s team has a Blaugrana touch to it with two Barca players included. There are also players from big winners Celta Vigo and Villareal. In goal in our Team of the Round 10, we stick with Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes who was once again in inspired form as he made crucial saves to thwart a Real Madrid side that looked potent and poised to score in the second half of the El Clasico. … [Read more...]
El Clasico Review
El Gran Clasico certainly lived up to it’s name with the star names on show. The likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Bale and Neymar all started the world’s most famous fixture. But what was the fallout after Barcelona’s 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou? With none of the four superstars at their dazzling best, it was the Barca possession coupled with Real’s defensive frailties and tactical naivety that widened the gap between the two global icons to six points. … [Read more...]
Neymar outshines Bale in Clasico
The Brazilian striker cost roughly half of what Real Madrid spent on Gareth Bale in the summer but the difference on the pitch was staggering. Neymar opened the scoring and gave the Real defence a horrid evening at the Nou Camp during Barca's 2-1 win whilst Bale was subbed late on after making a minimal impact. The two have endured contrasting periods since signing for their clubs with Bale yet to properly settle in in Madrid. Bale's battle with injury has been well documented as he awaits his first chance to play for Los Blancos as a fully fit member of the squad - a squad he has yet to … [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...]
AVB turned down chance to manage Barcelona claims Spanish TV show
Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas Boas reportedly turned down the opportunity to manage Catalan giants FC Barcelona in the summer claims Spanish football show, Punto Pelota. The ex Porto and Chelsea boss was also heavily linked with PSG a few months back but snubbed both the French giants and Barcelona and opted to stay put with the North London outfit for at least a season more. … [Read more...]