Monaco striker Radamel Falcao will move to Manchester United instead of Real Madrid on a season-long loan deal. The Colombian has been a long-term target for Real, but will now play for United subject to a medical at Old Trafford. Having joined the French club for €50 million, it looked as though the only club able to buy the striker would be Real Madrid, but the option of a year-long loan deal has now come up. It is expected that the Colombian's wages and loan fee will be sky-high, but United boss Louis van Gaal wants extra firepower to correct the club's poor start to the season. Van Gaal … [Read more...]
Copa del Rey Final Preview
In what is set to be one of Jose Mourinho's final games in charge of Real Madrid, the Portuguese manager aims to bow out of Spain on a high as he so usually does by beating arch rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey Final. 'The Special One' has led Real to one league title, one Super Copa and a Copa del Rey already in his three years in charge but defeat would mean he ends the season trophyless for the first time in five years. Atletico meanwhile will be vying to overturn their horrific record against Real having not beaten their neighbours in over 13 years. … [Read more...]
Is Falcao on his way to Manchester United?
According to Manchester United's official website, Colombian striker Radamel Falcao maybe on his way to Manchester United next season. Reports from Manchester United and Spanish newspaper Marca are suggesting the 27 year old, whose fine form in front of goal has catapulted his Atletico Madrid side up to third in the La Liga table, is to become a Manchester United player next season despite competition from the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid for his signature. … [Read more...]
Falcao to follow Mou to the Bridge
Radamel Falcao started the Spanish season in spectacular goalscoring fashion for Atlético Madrid and was the centre of much transfer speculation. He was initially linked with a move to cross town rivals Real Madrid and even a big money move to Paris Saint-Germain. Recently, however, stories have emerged of a possible switch to the English Premiership and particularly with a move to current European Champions Chelsea, a side he scored a hat-trick against in the European Super Cup Final in Monaco, catching the eye of owner Roman Abramovich. … [Read more...]
La Liga dominates Ballon d’Or shortlist as 7 Spaniards vie for title
FIFA has announced a 23 man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or award which will be announced at a gala on January 7th 2013. Included in the list are seven players from the victorious Euro 2012 Spanish squad whilst 12 of the 23 selected ply their trade in La Liga. 6 Real Madrid players are named and 5 from Barcelona with Atletico Madrid's Falcao being the sole candidate exempt from the big two teams. FIFA and a group of experts from France compiled the list for national team coaches, captains and various journalists to vote from. … [Read more...]
Can Atletico really challenge for the title this season?
A couple of weeks ago I wrote a piece documenting the recent rise of Atletico Madrid and their desire to qualify for the Champions League next season. However since then, Atleti's form has been nothing short of scintillating, featuring 8 successive league wins and in Europe the club have been similarly dominant with Radamel Falcao at the helm. Currently level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga, Atleti's blistering start has given them reasons to be cheerful amidst rivals Real Madrid's patchy form but can they sustain it throughout the season? … [Read more...]
Atletico’s push for Champions League spot
As Spanish newspaper Marca continues to print stories relating to the inner capitulation at Real Madrid, neighbours Atletico have begun the season in sensational form. Los Rojiblancos are unbeaten in 12/13 and have won five consecutive games since the opening day draw with Levante and appear to seek more than another run in Europe's secondary competition next season. Currently holders of the Europa League, the competition serves as a reminder of their failure to secure qualification to their tournament of preference. Another crack at realistic glory … [Read more...]
La Liga – The race for Europe
9 games remain in this seasons' Primera Liga and while the title will surely head to one of the two Spanish giants, the race for European football next season could provide more excitement. Just 6 spots are made available for teams looking to challenge the continent next season but as Real Madrid and Barcelona sprint towards the title, teams below have a huge few games ahead of them to ensure they manage to finish in the top dozen. Here I survey the contenders; … [Read more...]