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...]
La Liga team of the week – game week five
The games are starting to come in thick and fast, as the men are being separated from the boys in La Liga. Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao rounded up matches for Week 5 on Monday night, and here at La Liga Blog, it’s time for us to honour those players who covered themselves in glory and gave a showing worthy of mention, especially in a week laden with goalless games. … [Read more...]
Manchester United v Real Madrid preview
After two clásicos in a little under a week, the pressure doesn't relent for Los Blancos with their Champions League return against Manchester United at Old Trafford this evening. With the 1st leg having ended 1-1 at the Bernabeu, one would expect it to be an open game with everything to play for. However, with so much at risk it could well turn into a cagey affair with neither side wishing to take the initiative and play an expansive game. Both will likely set-up with formations that are designed to soak up pressure and break quickly on the counter-attack. … [Read more...]
My Top 5 Ballon d’Or Nominees
As we get closer to finding out who the winner of this year's Ballon d'Or will be, I have narrowed my list down to 5 people, from the 23 man shortlist. … [Read more...]
El Clásico – More than a game
Since the 1950's Spanish football has been thoroughly dominated by just two clubs – Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. The knock-out format of cup competitions may throw up a surprise winner here and there but La Liga has for a long time been considered a two-horse race. These two clubs have won Spain's Primera Division 52 times between them, with Real's 31 championships leading the way. Barca however just pip Real on total tournament wins with 75 and hold all the current bragging rights, with their recent tournament wins setting them apart in Spain, Europe and the World. So it's no surprise that … [Read more...]
The top 10 La Liga players of the 21st century
In football terms, few would argue that the 21st century has so far belonged to Spain. The national side has risen from the ranks of perennial under-achievers to become undeniably the dominant force in the international game, winning the European Championship and World Cup tournaments in succession. European football fans have drooled over the sublime technical skills of Spanish clubs featuring stellar line-ups of home-grown talent mixed with modern greats of the game. Catalan giants FC Barcelona developed a side which has not only won every possible major honour in club football, but they've … [Read more...]