It looks certain that Valencia midfielder Sergio Canales will be heading to the English Premier League this week – the only question is where will he be heading? Everton and Fulham are battling for his signature. Canales is a 22 year old attacking midfielder on the fringes of the Valencia team. He started his career at Racing Santander and was seen as one of the hottest prospects in Spanish football when he moved to Real Madrid in 2010. It was then that he picked up his first major injury – a knee ligament injury that sidelined him for six months. He returned for Madrid, but five games later … [Read more...]
Malago 0-0 Valencia
With an exciting week of Copa Del Rey football over, La Liga action returned at La Rosaleda last night where Malaga and Valencia played out an entertaining nil nil draw. Malaga manager Bernd Schuster will have been pleased with his sides efforts but they are now winless in three games and looking anxiously over their shoulders on 21 points. The home team started well, with Valencia, much improved under new manager Juan Antonio Pizzi, slow out of the blocks. Samu and Ignacio Camacho both came close but Malaga could not find the early goal that their play deserved. Valencia wakened from their … [Read more...]
Atletico Progress To Quarter-Finals
Atletico Madrid progressed to the round of 8 in the Copa del Rey last night, keeping alive their hopes of glory on three fronts. I was in Spain to witness their 2-0 victory over Valencia, and was impressed by their composure and ability to move up a gear when needed. Last week's first leg had ended 1-1 thanks to a late Valencia equaliser from Helder Postiga. With another draw against Barcelona last Saturday it was imperative that they returned to winning ways, but Valencia had set out their stall to frustrate Atleti. They look a stronger, more organised team under new coach Juan Antonio … [Read more...]
Valencia 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Valencia earned a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in last night's Copa del Rey match, although they had to wait until deep into stoppage time to earn the draw that their play had deserved. Diego Simeone's side have been in sensational form in La Liga this season. They are second in the table, behind Barcelona, on goal difference only and are currently five points ahead of their city rivals Real. Simeone put out a full strength team at the Mestalla stadium and many people, myself included, expected a facile victory against a Valencia team that has stuggled this season. The biggest surprise, … [Read more...]
Djukic a victim of circumstance at Valencia as he pays price for poor form
When club president Amadeo Salvo refused to do a television interview in the aftermath of Valencia's defeat to Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening, he went to wait in the player's changing room for manager Miroslav Djukic. The writing was on the wall after the 0-3 loss and even though the Serb emerged to face the media and to leave the Vicente Calderon with his team, a day later he was gone. … [Read more...]
Los Che end an incredible week with Djukic on top
Last Thursday Miroslav Djukic looked to be one poor result away from the sack after a dismal loss to Swansea in the Europa League. 7 days later and a newly unified squad, albeit with the exception of Adil Rami, have put an end to their hopeless league form with two wins that have transformed their entire outlook. A last minute winner against Granada, greeted with euphoric celebrations from the players and coaching staff, would have seemed impossible to imagine just last week. Jonas' strike ensured another three points and maintained their position in 7th place … [Read more...]
Valencia miss out on Champions League – and possibly lose Roberto Soldado
With Valencia’s 4-3 defeat to Sevilla on the last day of the La Liga season, Los Che missed out on a place in next season’s Champions League, being pipped at the post by Real Sociedad. The blow for the Mestalla club is obvious – however the biggest repercussion of Europa League, rather than Champions League football, could well be the departure of star striker Roberto Soldado. … [Read more...]
Punto Cuarto – the race for the fourth La Liga spot
The football season has witnessed a lot of ups and downs for many teams. La Liga is no different. With Barcelona having virtually sealed their 22nd domestic crown and the Madrid clubs vying for the 2nd and 3rd spot (automatic qualification to the UEFA Champions League), the fight for the 4th spot (punto cuarto) is all set to be a nail biting affair. … [Read more...]
Messi, The Perfect 10, Sets Yet Another Record
Lionel Messi completed the perfect personal half of a la Liga season on Saturday evening, in the process setting another record, by scoring against all 19 Primera opponents in consecutive matches (coincidentally, 19 was his squad number before being given the coveted number 10 shirt on Ronaldinho's departure from the Camp Nou). Cristiano Ronaldo scored against all 19 opponents in Madrid's record breaking last season, but not in consecutive matches. … [Read more...]
English Euro Crisis Boosts Spanish and German Fortunes
With no representatives in Friday's quarter final draw of the UEFA Champions League, can the English Premier League still seriously lay claims to being the best league in World football, or is it time to acknowledge that they have slipped behind La Liga and the Bundesliga (with 3 and 2 clubs representing each respective domestic league). … [Read more...]