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...]
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...]
GUEST POST: Making the game Beautiful again…Thanks Tito Vilanova
I like many La Liga Blog readers first knew about Tito Vilanova from seeing him take over as Barcelona manager in 2012 although I began getting properly into Spanish football thanks to the Barcelona team run by his predecessor, Pep Guardiola. That team was absolutely brilliant and It's only since beginning to follow Spanish football properly that I realised just how big a part to play Tito Vilanova had for Barca. So I wanted to thank him for making the beautiful game beautiful once again... Barcelona to me have always been one of the really big clubs. However for years I always had them on a … [Read more...]
Ronaldo out with knee injury
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Sociedad on Saturday with a knee injury. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insists that it isn't a problem, but concern is growing that Los Blancos could be without their free scoring talisman in the season run in. Rumours are circulating around Madrid that his injury is worse than initially thought. Every league match is of vital importance now. With only three points separating the three teams at the summit, every dropped point can make a huge difference. Real Sociedad themselves are in fine form, and are trying to chase down … [Read more...]
Are Ronaldo And Real Madrid To Divorce?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid. A match made in heaven. But could it be heading for a messy divorce, and if so is there an English third party involved? Ronaldo has been at his imperious best this season, scoring 44 goals in all competitions. He won the Ballon D'Or, and was acclaimed by most as the best footballer on the planet. But rumours persist that all is not well at the Bernabeu. Ronaldo is used to being jeered by opposition fans, especially when at Camp Nou or San Mames. But a new phenomenon has started. CR7 now finds himself being booed by his own fans. During the 5-0 hammering of … [Read more...]
De Gea likely to get Spain nod over Lopez
Manchester United keeper David de Gea is likely to be selected ahead of Real Madrid's Diego Lopez for the 2014 World Cup this year despite contrasting seasons with their clubs. With Victor Valdes ruled out due to a knee injury picked up in midweek, one spot remains, and the United youngster is expected to take it. … [Read more...]
La Liga title race hots up
La Liga's title race is going to the wire, as all three contenders claimed important victories yesterday. In recent weeks they seemed to have been taking it in turns to drop points, but it's becoming increasingly difficult to predict who will claim the crown. The Barcelona derby opened proceedings. Espanyol kept the match tight against their local rivals despite tipping site Gamblingsites.net who write about the importance of gambling safely, predicting a Barca rout. It looked as if Tata Martino's points were in danger of dropping more points, until the wizard came to their rescue again. … [Read more...]
Getafe 0-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid raced to a 3-0 victory at local rivals Getafe on Sunday. It's as you were, with a three way tie at the top of La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti had seen co-leaders Atletico and Barcelon turn in impressive victories the day before. Barcelona's 6-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano was particularly impressive, especially when goal difference could play an important part in the outcome of the championship race. His side weren't going to allowed their rivals to get away. Young hotshot Jese opened the scoring on 5 minutes. It was his third goal in as many games, and he is looking increasingly … [Read more...]
Ronaldo Loses His Appeal
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Real Madrid's vital game against Villareal on Saturday, after losing his appeal against the red card he received last weekend against Athletic Bilbao. Real Madrid sit just three points behind Atletico, but in a tight three way race they can't afford to drop any more points. Ronaldo will be a big miss, but Gareth Bale may well be back after the latest in a string of injuries. Ancelotti insists that Bale will play tomorrow, but Los Blancos fans have heard that all too often. The red card was a farcical one. Ronaldo brushed Iturraspe's forehead, and he promptly went … [Read more...]
Pochettino Interesting Real Madrid
Surprising news is coming from the Bernabeu today. Reliable sources say that Real Madrid are considering replacing Carlo Ancelotti with Mauricio Pochettino. Managing Real Madrid is never the most stable of jobs. The manager receives huge financial support, and inherits a world class squad, but in return he has to deliver. The prize that the Real Madrid want, year after year, is not the La Liga title, but the Champions League. Ancelotti is likely to win some silverware this year. They are three points behind Atletico in the league, but in better current form despite a weekend defeat. They also … [Read more...]