Barcelona's win over Eibar on Saturday night was down to the one and only Lionel Messi, however the player it seems most interesting to focus on is his strike partner Neymar. We know all about the Argentinian and his propensity to bewitch, dazzle and destroy opponents, with the Basque minnows his latest victims and the quality of his two goals, a penalty and a header from a corner, does little to reflect the majesty of his overall display. … [Read more...]
Isco the shining light in a gloomy Real camp
Everyone seems to be pointing fingers with Real Madrid at the moment after the humiliation to city rivals Atletico, and this weekend’s win against Deportivo was no exception. One that has evaded the limelight in recent months is Isco, who has put in some fantastic performances since being brought into the side after injuries to Modric and Kroos. … [Read more...]
Real Madrid set record in Champions League win over Ludogorets
Real Madrid made it six wins out of six in the Champions League Group B against Ludogorets and set a Spanish record for consecutive victories. Already through to the last 16 as group winners, Real, who are the holders, eased to a 19th straight victory in all competitions, surpassing the record of 18 they jointly held with Barcelona. … [Read more...]
Carlos Tevez vs Diego Godin: Why this key battle could decide Juventus vs. Atletico Madrid
Juventus know that a defeat to La Liga champions Atletico Madrid leaves them in a precarious position in Group A of the Champions League, so their main man in attack – Carlos Tevez – will have to be on top form to send the Italian giants through. … [Read more...]
Lionel Messi Equals Raul’s Champions League Goal-Scoring Record
Lionel Messi added another record to his fantastic collection on Wednesday, as the Barcelona forward equalled Real Madrid legend Raul's Champions League scoring record against Ajax, with 71 goals. The pint-sized attacker came into the match third on the all-time ranking behind Raul and Cristiano Ronaldo, needing a brace to tie the highest total in tournament history. … [Read more...]
Exclusive: Ronaldo hoping for United European return
Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping that Manchester United can end their European exile and qualify for the Champions League this season. The Red Devils face Manchester City on Sunday, hoping their late draw with Chelsea last week will spur them on against their out of form rivals. Whilst 9 points off of leaders Chelsea, United are looking to firstly step back into Europe, having invested heavily during the summer. Under David Moyes, United missed out on European qualification last season and now find themselves in the unusual position of watching Europe's elite on TV every fortnight. Ex-United man … [Read more...]
Real Madrid v Atletico match preview
The 2014 Champions League season comes to an end this Saturday, with an all Madrid final. Real Madrid overcame the title holders, Bayern Munich, overwhelmingly in the semi-finals, while Diego Simeone’s men beat Chelsea in the other semi-final to set up the first City derby final in the history of the competition. … [Read more...]
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid Prediction
On Saturday Evening the streets of the Spanish capital will be on lock-down as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will descend on Lisbon to contest this year's Champions League Final. Real have won 2 and drawn 1 of the 4 matches they have played this season, including an impressive 5-0 aggregate win in the Copa Del Rey but I can see the final being a tighter, cagey affair. … [Read more...]
All square in the Champion’s League
It's as you were in the Champions League as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid fought out a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou, as predicted earlier on www.laligablog.com. Diego Simeone's side are full of confidence, and it showed. They took the game to Barcelona, never giving Tata Martino's men a chance to get their passing game going. Diego Costa, a slight doubt before the game, was looking a lively threat, but with just under half an hour gone the gamble seemed to have turned sour. Chelsea target Costa pulled up, with an obvious hamstring injury. Atletico fans will be worriedly waiting for injury updates. It … [Read more...]
Yaya Toure downbeat On City’s Chances
As the big game approaches, one man more than any other has an insight into tonight's Champion's League clash between Manchester City and Barcelona. Yaya Toure is a powerhouse in the centre of the sky blue midfield, as equally at home scoring spectacular goals as he is putting in crunching tackles. In his previous incarnation, he was an effective holding midfielder for an all conquering Barcelona team from 2007 to 2010. He was never a first choice midfielder but still contributed to their treble winning success in 2009. Manchester City fans would be expecting Yaya to rally to their cause, but … [Read more...]