Atletico Madrid said adios to a poor run of form, with a 3-0 home victory over Real Valladolid, that returned them to the top of La Liga for a brief period. Atletico had endured a torrid seven days. Surprise defeat by Almeria had seen them drop from first to third, and they had been humbled by city rivals Real in the Copa Del Rey. To cap it all they were fined for the behaviour of their fans in that game. Diego Simeone had urged his players to get their season back on track, and they responded. Their intent was obvious from the kick off. Slick play, and all out attack. It took just three … [Read more...]
Real And Barcelona Take Commanding Leads
Real Madrid and Barcelona both took commanding leads last night, in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-finals. Real Madrid won 3-0 at home to cross city rivals Atletico. This wasn't the flowing match that I'd expected. Ancelotti's side took a much more pragmatic approach. They marked Atletico's danger men closely. It was a rough and tumble match, with the home side in particular testing the referee's patience. Diego Costa was kicked at every opportunity. Finally losing his temper, he kicked back, and received a yellow card that will keep him out of the return. An injustice at every … [Read more...]
An Emotional Night As Atletico Go Top
Atletico Madrid stormed to the top of La Liga with a 4-0 thrashing of Real Sociedad on Sunday. It was a night their former manager and player Luis Aragones would have been proud of. The scoreline is a little flattering, Sociedad are an in-form side and more than held their own in the first half. A David Villa goal, from a Diego Costa cross, on 38 minutes was all that separated the teams. Simeone's team were much better after the break. It was Costa himself who scored the second on 72 minutes. The naturalised Spaniard is finding his goal scoring touch again after a mini drought. Miranda headed … [Read more...]
Atletico set up mouth watering semi-final
Atletico Madrid won a close encounter with Athletic Bilbao 2-1 to progress into the Copa Del Rey semi-finals. There was little to separate the teams on paper. Atletico are still joint-top of La Liga, but it is Athletic who have been in the better form. Atletico held a 1-0 win from last week's first leg but as Athletic had never been beaten at their new Sam Mames arena, it was the Bilbao team who were favourites in many people's eyes. Athletic started the match full of confidence. Atletico's on loan keeper Thibault Courtois keeping them in the game against a tide of aggression. Diego Simeone … [Read more...]
Saul Own Goal As Liverpool Look On
Liverpool representatives were in Vallecano last night, but transfer target Saul Niguez scored an own goal as Rayo Vallecano lost 4-2 at home to Atletico Madrid. It was a welcome return to winning ways for Atleti, after two La Liga draws in a row. The win put them level on points with Barcelona at the top, one point above a resurgent Real Madrid. The three way battle should continue until the last round of the season. Atletico were full of attacking intent from the start. Turkish international Arda, having a fine season on the opposite flank to Koke, was menacing Vallecano at every … [Read more...]
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Athletic Bilbao
Atletico created the chances but failed to capitalise on their superiority, as they take a 1-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey. Diego Simeone rested players in this first leg encounter, but his side were still hot favourites to take a convincing lead over Athletic. Despite a strong opening from Atletico, it was Athletic who should have taken the lead after ten minutes. Herrera sliced wide with the goal invitingly before him. It was a miss that would prove costly. Athletic goalkeeper Iago Herrerin was the man of the match, producing fine saves throughout the game. Two particularly … [Read more...]
Match Preview: Atletico Madrid v Barcelona
Tonight sees the most hotly anticipated game of the La Liga season so far – El Clasico has been knocked, temporarily, off its perch as the eyes of Spain and the footballing world turn to Atletico Madrid v Barcelona. Barca and Atleti sit on top of the La Liga table this morning, five points in front of Real Madrid. They have identical records: both sides have an identical record having won 16, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their games so far. Barcelona are on top thanks to a slightly superior goal difference but that could all change tonight as they travel to the Vicente Calderon. Barcelona are in … [Read more...]
Spain select controversial Costa
Vicente del Bosque has called up Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa to his Spanish side for the first time following the striker's recent switch of allegiance from Brazil to Spain. The selection marks the end of the tussle between the two countries for Costa who has caused friction between the two confederations and fans of La Roja. … [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...]
La Liga team of the week – match week seven
Match Week seven, and it’s still 7 for 7 for the top two as champions Barcelona and Atletico Madrid defy difficult situations to maintain their 100 percent streaks, club records for both sides. Time for our Team of the Match day here at La Liga Blog, and it’s no surprises that the team has great representation from the ‘big two’……yes, big two. … [Read more...]