Victor Valdés could well have played his last clásico for the blaugrana at the Bernabeu today in the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid, The sending off of the Catalan keeper at the end of the match was a clear sign of his frustration at the non-award of a penalty on Adriano in the whites box and Barça’s inability to take anything from a match which lacked the usual intensity of recent clásicos. In the referee’s official match report, the decision was made as Valdés repeatedly told him “you have no shame, you have no shame”. In truth Barça were pedestrian and looked as if they lacked any … [Read more...]
Why La Liga is not the best league worldwide
La Liga dominated the Ballon d'Or gala with all eleven players in World Team of the Year coming from the Spanish league. Despite some odd inclusions such as Dani Alves and Gerard Pique, both of whom spent large parts of 2012 out injured and out of form (Javier Mascherano arguably performed better at centre back than Pique last year), the system of voting was carried out in the most democratic way possible - selected by fellow professionals from every FIFA nation. As a result it led to pundits proclaiming La Liga to be the 'best league in the world', which can be instantly dismissed due to the … [Read more...]
How to level the financial playing field in La Liga
The first thing you usually hear when someone mentions La Liga to you is the response: "oh, well, it's just Barcelona and Real Madrid competing every year for the title". And while those two teams are undoubtedly the best in the planet, most football fans would agree that La Liga is not the deepest league. Serie A and the English Premier league have more teams capable of doing well in Europe and going after world class players. Outside of Malaga and the Big Two, we don't see great players going into other teams. Instead we see players like Juan Mata, David Villa, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and … [Read more...]
La Liga Transfer Latest
Proceedings are well and truely under way in this summer's La Liga transfer window and some clubs notably Malaga are already showing the colour of their money with some lucrative additions to their squad this month. In this feature, La Liga Blog scours online Spanish football site Marca and analyses the pick of this week's transfer news and gossip. … [Read more...]
Bolton v Aston Villa Preview
It's Coyle v Houllier as Bolton Wanderers take on Aston Villa at the Reebok Stadium this afternoon. With just a third of the season left to contest both sides will be looking for a valuable three points for different reasons. Villa who have massively underachieved this campaign, will welcome a win to help put to bed any danger of an unexpected relegation fight whilst Bolton who sit in 7th place in the Premier League have European football well and truely in their sights. Both Bolton and Villa will have an array of attacking talent on display this afternoon with in-form striker Daniel … [Read more...]
Man City v Aston Villa FA Cup Preview
Gerard Houllier is hoping to banish memories of what he has called 'the worst moment' in his career with an FA Cup victory over Manchester City this evening. Villa and City have met twice already this season and when the sides clashed at Eastlands in December Gerard Houllier's men were thumped 4-0 in a game the Frenchman has described as an all time career low. USA international Michael Bradley looks set to make his first start for the club whilst midfielder Barry Bannan has also been rewarded with a place next to him in central midfield after his exceptional performance in a Villa shirt in … [Read more...]
Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United
Chelsea kept their domestic season alive thanks to a second-half comeback against current league leaders Manchester United at Stamford Bridge this evening. Despite taking the lead thanks to a venemous Wayne Rooney strike in the first period, Manchester United were unable to hold a one goal lead and eventually lost the tie 2-1 after second-half goals from David Luiz and Frank Lampard. The hosts made a lively start to the match and could have taken the lead early on when French international Florent Malouda came racing into the area with the ball but could only direct his shot safely within … [Read more...]
Young Made Captain In Attempt To Keep Star At Villa Park
Ashley Young was made captain yesterday during Aston Villa's convincing 4-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers and it is thought to be a move by boss Gerard Houllier to help convince the star to stay at the club come the end of the season. Young was Villa's top performer yesterday after providing two goals in his side's home win over Blackburn which will no doubt ease the Midlands clubs' relegation worries. With just one year left on the midfielder's contract and long-term interest from clubs such as Manchester United, Man City and Tottenham Hotspur, manager Gerard Houllier is hoping that giving … [Read more...]
Arsenal Sign Wonder-Kid Jon Toral From Barcelona
Arsenal today have yet another addition to their youth academy after signing sixteen year-old wonder-kid Jon Toral from Barcelona. Toral who has been tipped as a future star thanks to some impressive midfield performances for the Barcelona youth set-up has followed in the foot-steps of current Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas by making the switch for the North London club. It is estimated that Arsenal and boss Arsene Wenger have had to fork out £350,000 for the player and it seems his mother who is of English origin may have had some influence in the youngsters move to the Premier … [Read more...]
Blackpool 3-1 Tottenham
Blackpool ran out shock 3-0 victors over Tottenham Hotspur this evening thanks to goals from Charlie Adam, DJ Campbell and Brett Omerod. After their fine display in Milan last weekend Tottenham Hotspur struggled to replicate their European triumphs on the Premier League stage as hosts Blackpool put in an assured display in front of their home crowd at Bloomfield Road this evening. Blackpool were strong from the outset and highly-sought after midfielder Charlie Adam was the man to give his side the lead as he calmy converted a Blackpool penalty following a clumsy Sebastien Bassong … [Read more...]