Cesc Fabregas is close to completing a £30m move to Stamford Bridge following Barcelona's decision to sell the Spanish international. The Blues are the favourites for Fabregas' signature after former club Arsenal rejected the chance to re-sign him. There was an option in Fabregas' contract that Arsenal would have the first option to buy the player if Barcelona were willing to sell, but Arsene Wenger has refused to take up the offer. Instead it appears as if Chelsea are holding off Manchester City and United in the race to sign Fabregas. Jose Mourinho has openly admitted that he is interested … [Read more...]
Costa passes Chelsea medical ahead of £32m move
Diego Costa has undergone a medical with Chelsea ahead of a heavily-anticipated £32m transfer from Atletico Madrid. The Spanish striker scored 32 times as Madrid won La Liga and reached the Champions League Final in a fantastic season at the Vicente Calderon. Costa was part of the Madrid team that knocked Chelsea out in the semi-finals of the Champions League, and even scored from the penalty spot in the 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge. He has been linked with Chelsea for months and looks set to end the speculation over his signing if he completes personal terms with the club. The deal looks set … [Read more...]
Can Spain succeed without Diego Costa?
If recent rumours are to be believed, Diego Costa’s ongoing injury may ensure he is not included in Spain’s final World Cup roster. The Spanish national team coach, Vicente Del Bosque, has said that all players traveling to Brazil must be 100% fit by June 2nd, something that now seems impossible for Costa. After the past year of confusion and debate over Costa’s switch to Spain, his omission would seem strange and highly unexpected. However, could his absence be a blessing in disguise for Spain and their hopes of repeating as World Champions? … [Read more...]
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid betting preview
It's the Champions League Final, it's a Madrid Derby, and it could confirm Diego Simeone as the greatest manager in the history of football (in some eyes). There's a lot to play for, the crown as European Football's Kings, as well as the ultimate bragging rights over City neighbours, and...if you fancy a flutter, there could be some money to be made too. Now I realise that Simeone will have to go some way to beat the achievements of Bryan Robson's 1996-97 season (relegation and defeat in two cup finals), but he'll be doing a pretty impressive job nonetheless. … [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...]
Champions League Final Preview
On the back of a historic week, Atletico Madrid must mount one final surge to cap off a season which has defied all expectations. Having won the La Liga title just seven days ago, Diego Simeone will lead his side out in a Champions League final against city rivals Real Madrid, who are gunning for their tenth European Cup. … [Read more...]
Spanish national team looking to conquer the world yet again
The Spanish national team, some might say arguably the best national side of all time. Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012. Need we say anymore? As the FIFA World cup 2014 inches closer, let’s take a look at whether defending champions Spain have the ammunition to rule the footballing world yet again as they did in scintillating fashion 4 years ago. Unless you've been living under a rock for the past half a decade or so, every football fan worth his salt would know that the Spanish national side have adopted a free-flowing, one touch footballing philosophy (Tiki-Taka as it's informally … [Read more...]
Diego Costa on his way to Chelsea
Chelsea are set to sign highly rated Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa this summer according to UK newspaper, the Metro. The 25 year old has been in sensational form this season, more than capably filling the void left by his departed predecessor Radamel Falcao with 35 goals in all competitions for Atleti. … [Read more...]
Chelsea Set To Pounce For Costa
There are two questions hanging over Diego Costa today: will he be fit enough to start against Barcelona in tonight's Champions League tie, and will he be starting a career at Chelsea in the new season. Jose Mourinho, ever one for plain speaking, has made no secret of his disdain for the current Chelsea forward line. Demba Ba, Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto'o have 15 league goals between them this season, whereas the increasingly deadly Costa has already hit 31 for Atletico Madrid. Everton loanee Lukaku has fared better, but Mourinho has burnt his bridges with the young striker and he won't be … [Read more...]