At half time at the Parc des Princes in Paris in midweek, the alarm bells were ringing for all who viewed F.C. Barcelona as a one man team. After sending an effort just past the top corner of the PSG goal, Lionel Messi pulled up and started rubbing his right knee and then hamstring. An innocuous knock on his standing leg as he shot had left the 4 time Ballon D'Or winner looking human. At the start of the second half, Barça took to the field with Cesc Fàbregas having replaced the mercurial Messi. The Catalans would take a 2-2 draw from the game, conceding a last kick of the game Matuidi goal … [Read more...]
Spain’s Euro 2012 Squad
As defending champions and many people's favourites to retain their European crown, Spain head into Euro 2012 under strength. When I say under strength, I don't mean it on England-scale proportions but just that key men, Carlos Puyol and David Villa are absent. Add to that the pressure of holding the 'favourites tag' and playing against 10 man defences and this particular tournament could be Spain's greatest triumph yet. … [Read more...]
Versatility Allows Barcelona to be the Best
Attack minded in every sense of the word, we all know about the stunning capabilities of the strike force of Barcelona. Messi, Villa, Alexis, Pedro assisted by the more than capable Fabregas and Xavi score the majority and steal the plaudits in the process whilst the likes of Pique, Puyol, Abidal and Dani Alves stay out of the TV frame for 75% of the match. Various scoring and passing feats are challenged but this season another aspect of Barcelona has caught the attention of statisticians; their misly defence. Just the 8 goals have been scored past Victor Valdes as Barcelona pose the … [Read more...]
What the Champions League Draw Served Up For the Spanish Sides
Valencia, Villarreal, Real Madrid and Barcelona all awaited the Champions League Group Stage draw eagerly today as the coverage unfolded as smoothly as ever in Monaco. As ever, a predictable pause ensued as last year's tournament was articulately recapped in a montage of highlights and commentary. It proved a mouthwatering supplement to this year's competition as much as it wasted time for equally keen viewers. … [Read more...]
Barca way behind in pre-season preparations
Even the most seasoned of pundits will tell you not to pay too much attention to a side's pre-season friendly results when formulating a prediction for their season. However, the over-whelming success for Barcelona recently has meant this rule has now kind of become exempt in a city where fans are accustomed to success and with two defeats on the bounce to Manchester United and Chivas, Barcelona boss Pepe Guardiola now faces a balancing act if he wishes his players to be ready for their opening away clash against big spending Malaga on the 21st August. … [Read more...]
The Top 10 La Liga WAGS
Now a days WAGS aren't only something exclusively available for the over-paid has-beens of the English national team. With the footballing domination of Barcelona and the Spain in recent times, La Liga stars up and down the country now have the pick of some of the world's finest women. Today La Liga Blog counts down the top 10 very best Spanish football WAGS. … [Read more...]
Can United stop Barca?
With the 2-0 triumph of Barcelona in yesterday's heated El Clasico encounter, it seems all but certain that Pepe Guardiola's men will make next month's Champions League final, most likely to face fellow semi-finalists Man United as they themselves were 2-0 victors away at Schalke in their first-leg clash on Tuesday. … [Read more...]
Is Mourinho planning a move away from Real Madrid?
Jose Mourinho – the self-proclaimed ‘special one’ has enjoyed an impeccable managerial career over the years. After winning silverware at Porto, Inter Milan and Chelsea as well as holding the formidable record of never suffering a home defeat in over 150 fixtures for any club managed – failure is not something the 48 year-old will be accustomed to. … [Read more...]
Barcelona v Arsenal Preview
Barcelona will be looking to avenge their 2-1 defeat at the Emirates a fortnight ago as they host Arsenal in the second leg of this all-important last 16 Champions League clash Tuesday evening. Arsenal triumphed in the first leg of this tie just two weeks ago thanks to goals from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin. Barcelona originally took the lead early through a David Villa strike but Arsene Wenger's men battled back valiantly to claim a 2-1 victory. With injury worries, League Cup heartache and an unconvincing performance against Sunderland last weekend Arsenal will certainly have … [Read more...]