Celtic defender Mikael Lustig has defended his tough treatment of Barcelona star Neymar in a Champions League duel between the two players last month. Celtic and Barcelona squared off against each other in the Champions League at Parkhead last week and unsurprisingly, it was the Catalan giants who emerged victorious by claiming a 2-0 victory. However, it has to be said that Celtic put up a good fight during the encounter and the battle between Barcelona superstar Neymar and Hoops’ defender Mikael Lustig in particular, was one of the highlights of the game. Neymar was subjected to … [Read more...]
Messi, The Perfect 10, Sets Yet Another Record
Lionel Messi completed the perfect personal half of a la Liga season on Saturday evening, in the process setting another record, by scoring against all 19 Primera opponents in consecutive matches (coincidentally, 19 was his squad number before being given the coveted number 10 shirt on Ronaldinho's departure from the Camp Nou). Cristiano Ronaldo scored against all 19 opponents in Madrid's record breaking last season, but not in consecutive matches. … [Read more...]
Poor start continues for Sanchez
Quite how Alexis Sanchez merited a starting role against Celtic last night astounded those who have kept an eye on the Chilean winger's recent form as his woeful run continued. He lasted 59 minutes, wasting two wonderful chances, before Vilanova hauled him off in place of David Villa. In truth Villa contributed little to the dismal defeat in Glasgow last night but with six goals already this season, compared to just the single strike from Sanchez, he was surely discontent at facing another spell on … [Read more...]
La Liga: The New SPL?
Okay. It took Revista de La Liga just thirty minutes on Tuesday to mention a topic that has very much become the elephant in the room of Spanish football recently - the domination of Barcelona and Real Madrid and the ever-growing gap between them and their fellow La Liga competitors in terms of finance, performance and control. … [Read more...]
Striking Scottish Referees Seek Assurance From SFA Clubs
Striking referees in the Scottish football association want all SFL football clubs to confirm that their integrity is not in doubt before they can return to their jobs. Match officials have requested the SFA seek written assurances from all 42 clubs from the countries top four tiers by Thursday lunch time. The saga began last weekend when the decision to strike by referees came after intense critcism of decisions, especially those of Celtic boss Neil Lennon after a recent penalty decision was overturned by a match official. All Category One officials will meet this evening to voice their … [Read more...]