27-year-old Sami Khedira has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bernabeu in recent months with Chelsea and most notably Arsenal credited with interest. Khedira is yet to make a La Liga start this season, with only four appearances as a substitute, but has been told by Ancelotti he will have a bigger role towards the end of the season. … [Read more...]
Sergio Ramos’ 50th Goal for Real Madrid Underlines Longevity and Rare Ability
Among the statistics to emerge from Real Madrid's latest win—their 13th in a row in all competitions—was a special goal in the career of Sergio Ramos. His cushioned finish from a corner, which moved Madrid into a 2-0 lead against Rayo Vallecano, a match they eventually won 5-1, was his 50th goal for the club. And layered within that statistic was another, more revealing, fact. … [Read more...]
It’s Real Madrid 3, Barcelona 0
It was Real Madrid 3 Barcelona 0 today as UEFA announced their official team of the year for 2013. The dream team is voted for by ordinary football fans through social media and via the UEFA website, but they failed a recognise a single Barcelona player, despite their runaway success in La Liga last year. There was another snub for Lionel Messi, who finished 13th in the votes, after losing out to Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or on Tuesday. Even with his injury problems it seems absurd to leave him out of a European league 11. Ronaldo himself made, the squad, of course and it marked the … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – match week eight
Eight wins out of eight for two teams for the first time in the history of the La liga and it’s no wonder Atletico Madrid and Barcelona dominate our pick for the eleven players with the best showing and performance after Match week 8. Time to reward hard work and quality as well as honourable feats and achievements! It’s La Liga Blog’s team of match week eight! In goal this week, we opt for the outstanding Celta Vigo shot-stopper, Yoel. The only player who finished on the losing side in this week’s team, Yoel shone like a million stars stopping Atletico Madrid time and again from finishing … [Read more...]
Mourinho exit rumours put Chelsea’s Roman on red alert
José Mourinho could well have reached the end of his tenure at Real Madrid, considered by many as the world’s biggest club, with his third exit at the semi-final stage of the Champions League against Borussia Dotmund on Tuesday. The dream of winning la Décima, the tenth, European Cup will have to wait another year, but the weight of expectation would appear to have buckled the back of the self proclaimed "special one". … [Read more...]
All Roads Lead To London For Mourinho
Where will the "Special" or newly self christened "Only One" be coaching next season? Many in Madrid believe they can convince the Portuguese coach to remain at what they consider to be the World's greatest club. However, the evidence would appear to be piling up to a move away and the destination may be very familiar one to all involved in his entourage. Reports are emerging that Jorge Mendes, the coaches agent, had a dinner meeting with his client and Roman Abramovich recently at the super agents Madrid residence. … [Read more...]
Raphael Varane – the next great central defender
Not many are able to force their way onto the cusp of the Real Madrid starting eleven these days, but even fewer manage to do so at such a tender age as Raphael Varane. The 19 year old Frenchman has, over the past few months, presented a strong case to manager Jose Mourinho for a regular starting place with a number of assured displays at the heart of the Madrid back four. Madrid's best kept secret is out and now the world is aware of Varane's ability with praise coming from all directions. … [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...]
City win temporarily covers dressing room cracks
Major inconsistency has blighted a campaign which appeared destined to go one better than last season for Real Madrid. In spite of recent cup victories over Barcelona and Manchester City, Mourinho's squad remains divided, rarely performing to the pinnacle of their combined abilities, especially in La Liga. Damaging defeats to teams who were once dominated by Ronaldo and co has plagued the beginning to their title defence. Rumours of rows within the team appear on the front pages of Marca almost daily and post-match criticism from Mourinho fuels added animosity. Two weeks ago Cristiano Ronaldo … [Read more...]
The Top 10 La Liga WAGS
Now a days WAGS aren't only something exclusively available for the over-paid has-beens of the English national team. With the footballing domination of Barcelona and the Spain in recent times, La Liga stars up and down the country now have the pick of some of the world's finest women. Today La Liga Blog counts down the top 10 very best Spanish football WAGS. … [Read more...]