Currently sat mid table in La Liga, Levante are a side who have been on the up this millennium having spent more time in Spain’s top flight since the year 2000 than they have out of it. But it wasn’t always that way for the side who have spent their entire history largely in the shadow of their city rivals Valencia. In the beginning Levante formed in 1909, the same time as neighbouring club Gimnástico. During the Spanish civil war, Levante’s ground was destroyed although the club’s players largely remained together. By contrast, Gimastico had a ground but had lost most … [Read more...]
The 3 mid-week La Liga games not to miss
What a time to be alive as this week we get a double dose of La Liga action with mid-week and weekend games set to take place. With so much La Liga action to choose from, we have selected the three mid-week games you simply won’t want to miss with so much at stake in such a hectic season. Getafe v Granada – Thursday 31st Oct – 20.15 It feels slightly weird saying this, but Getafe have the honour of hosting league leaders Granada this weekend. Yep, you heard me right, Granada. Head coach Diego Martínez has worked miracles this season and guided his newly promoted charges to the … [Read more...]
La Liga Final Weekend Breakdown Part Two: 11th – 20th
In our previous article, we decided to take a look at what the sides in Spain’s top 10 have left to play as the season enters its final round of fixtures. Now, we take a look at what the sides in the bottom half of the table can still achieve heading into the final weekend of a thrilling season. Girona – 48 pts Just avoiding the drop has earned tiny Girona many plaudits but they still have the ability to finish inside the top ten in their debut top-flight season. However, defeat to Las Palmas on Saturday could see them slip to fifteenth but no matter happens, the season has been an … [Read more...]
Barcelona Probable Lineup vs Levante: Rakitic back into the squad
Venue: Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, Valencia Date: 07/02/2016 Kick-off: 11:00 AM GMT / 06:00 AM EST Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will once again be making way for Claudio Bravo in the starting lineup this weekend. Bravo will have been aware of ter Stegen’s fine performances during cup matches and the Chilean international will surely have to continue his good run of form as well, in order to stave off the competition from the German youngster. Defence Manager Luis Enrique decided to hand the likes of Aleix Vidal and Jeremy Mathieu a start during the midweek drubbing of Valencia but it is … [Read more...]
Levante vs Barcelona: Preview, Predicted Lineups and Prediction
Venue: Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, Valencia Date: 07/02/2016 Kick-off: 11:00 AM GMT / 06:00 AM EST Match Levante News Levante were considered as one of the favourites for the drop this season and unsurprisingly, the Valencia-based outfit have endured a very difficult season so far. Rooted to the foot of the table, Levante look like certainties for relegation this season and manager Rubi will be well aware of the fact that his side are running out of time. Despite the doom and gloom, Levante have managed a respectable 2 victories in their last 3 La Liga matches and the minnows will know that … [Read more...]
Ones to Watch in La Liga – Getafe to Rayo Vallecano
Part III of our look ahead to the new season focuses on some goalkeepers, Colombians and loan stars from the Premier League looking to impress. Getafe Getafe struggled for goals last season as they eked out their place in La Liga for another year, but boss Cosmin Contra has again promised that the goals will return to the club. He might be right too if Alvaro Vazquez's pre-season form is anything to go by. The former Swansea loanee bagged an impressive brace in Getafe's 3-1 win over Cagliari last week and could be the talisman the club needs to ensure another season of safety. Angel Lafita, … [Read more...]
Barcelona Messiless yet Merciless Against Levante
It was five and easy for Barcelona, as they crushed Levante 5-1 to move into the Copa Del Rey semi-finals 9-2 on aggregate. The match was as good as over after their 4-1 victory in Valencia last week. Certainly, that was the way the Catalan fans felt. The stadium was barely a quarter full to watch what amounted to little more than a practise match. Tata Martino rested key players like Lionel Messi but it made little difference as Levante were put to the sword yet again. Surprisingly, it was the away side that took the lead. Vyntra headed the goal on 9 minutes, although it had a suspicion of … [Read more...]
Levante 1-1 Barcelona
It was a glorious Sunday for Real Madrid boss Claudio Ancelotti, and his side didn't even kick a ball. Surprise draws for both Barcelona and Atletico leave Ancelotti's side just one point behind the co-leaders of La Liga. Plucky Levante put thoughts of the season opener, when they were thumped 7-0 at Camp Nou, out of their head. They played a pressing, containing game designed to shut off supply to the returning Lionel Messi – and Joaquin Capaross's plan worked to perfection. Whilst they defended superbly they also found time to break with menace, and it was the home side who opened the … [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...]
Spanish football in numbers: A Statistical Analysis of La Liga
A Guest post by Liam Corbett of www.averageopposition.com - a new stats based site with a difference - it measures the team and player performances not just on the normal numbers, but on the level of opposition. Liam gives us his take on La Liga this week. … [Read more...]