Barcelona showed class and precision on Round 10 in El Clasico to see off the challenge of eternal rivals Real Madrid as they continue their imperious early season form. As expected, this week’s team has a Blaugrana touch to it with two Barca players included. There are also players from big winners Celta Vigo and Villareal. In goal in our Team of the Round 10, we stick with Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes who was once again in inspired form as he made crucial saves to thwart a Real Madrid side that looked potent and poised to score in the second half of the El Clasico. … [Read more...]
Ronaldo blasts Blatter’s ‘lack of respect’
Cristiano Ronaldo and FIFA President Sepp Blatter have been involved in a heated exchange during the past few days after Blatter made derogatory remarks about Ronaldo whilst giving an interview in England. Blatter has since apologised via twitter after the Portuguese striker used social media to vent his anger at the 'joke' whilst also suggesting FIFA have preference for Barcelona over Real Madrid. … [Read more...]
El Clasico Review
El Gran Clasico certainly lived up to it’s name with the star names on show. The likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Bale and Neymar all started the world’s most famous fixture. But what was the fallout after Barcelona’s 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou? With none of the four superstars at their dazzling best, it was the Barca possession coupled with Real’s defensive frailties and tactical naivety that widened the gap between the two global icons to six points. … [Read more...]
Neymar outshines Bale in Clasico
The Brazilian striker cost roughly half of what Real Madrid spent on Gareth Bale in the summer but the difference on the pitch was staggering. Neymar opened the scoring and gave the Real defence a horrid evening at the Nou Camp during Barca's 2-1 win whilst Bale was subbed late on after making a minimal impact. The two have endured contrasting periods since signing for their clubs with Bale yet to properly settle in in Madrid. Bale's battle with injury has been well documented as he awaits his first chance to play for Los Blancos as a fully fit member of the squad - a squad he has yet to … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – match week nine
No more 100 percent winning records! That was the big news after Match week nine as Barcelona were forced to a goalless draw by Osasuna in Pamplona and Atletico Madrid lost to Espanyol in Catalonia. As is now our tradition here at La Liga Blog, we recognise the big performers all across the ten Primera Division games that took place last week, honoring and rewarding them with a place in our team of the week. … [Read more...]
The season ahead for Bale – an analysis
"He is calm and ready, waiting to play on Saturday. Everyone knows that, because he didn't have a good pre-season, he suffered from muscle fatigue in the thigh.” That was the confirmation every Real Madrid fan-and neutral-who desperately wanted to see the world’s second most expensive player back on the pitch wanted. After the report by Spanish paper, Marca, last week that the Welshman had a slipped disc, it was a relief to hear Real President Florentino Perez give that assuring statement. Through the week, the speedy former Spurs man has gone on to participate in training without any fuss, … [Read more...]
Madrid eye a new striker
It may be a consequence of the stiflingly dull international break but media reports have gathered over the past week suggesting that Real Madrid will look to spend big again on a central striker. Reports from Marca today claim that Porto's Jackson Martinez is being lined up for a move at the end of the summer to provide competition for Karim Benzema, who has come under scrutiny recently with The Mirror, The Daily Star and Yahoo Sports all claiming the striker is now available for just £20m. … [Read more...]
Isco could rejuvenate Spain in time for World Cup
Ignore all of the Gareth Bale hyperbole, the stand-out signing for Real Madrid this summer was 21 year-old Isco. The diminutive playmaker has been a revelation since signing from Malaga for roughly 1/3 of Bale's transfer fee but has eclipsed even Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu so far this season. He's so far managed 5 goals in his first 8 games for Madrid, just one less than Ronaldo at this point in the season with both contributing the same number of assists. But Isco didn't join to provide competition for Ronaldo - he came to revolutionise an ageing midfield with the Spanish flair … [Read more...]
Bale signing creates Ancelotti dilemma
Following months of speculation and negotiations, Real Madrid finally got their man on Sunday evening as Gareth Bale completed his world record move from Tottenham. On current form, the Welshman is arguably the most dangerous player in the world when running at pace and will certainly add an extra dimension to a team who already love to hit their opponents on the counter-attack. … [Read more...]
Real May Regret Ozil’s Sale
The seemingly endless Gareth Bale saga is finally over and Real Madrid have landed their man, but with the last-minute departures of the likes of Mesut Ozil and Kaka, are Carlo Ancelotti’s side really any stronger? … [Read more...]