The Yellow Submarine are having a truly torrid time of things this season. At the time of writing, Javier Calleja’s men find themselves one-point adrift of safety in La Liga having picked up just four wins all season. Since taking over, Calleja himself has claimed just one La Liga win (although it did come against Sevilla) since taking back charge of the club despite having already been sacked by the club this season. In a move similar to that of Monaco this season, the man who had been in charge of the club since May 2017 and guided them into the Europa League this season was … [Read more...]
The 4 Games You Won’t Want to Miss this Weekend
The La Liga table has an unusual feel to it with Sevilla sitting at the top of the pile and Alaves in fourth spot. But, will they still be there come the end of weekend or will it be normality resumed? We take a look to see who’s playing who and pick out the best games you won’t want to miss. Alaves v Sevilla We may as well start at the top as fourth plays first in the most unusual top of the table clash. Alaves have been in sublime form this season but did lose to Leganes last Friday meaning perhaps momentum is dwindling. This is a contest Sevilla would normally look at as a … [Read more...]
Weekend Round Up: Anyone’s for the Taking
If this weekend of La Liga action has taught us anything, it is that anyone can beat anyone, and the title race may be in its infancy, but already it is anyone's for the taking. After all, who would have predicted that in both Barcelona’s and Real Madrid’s last two league games (including this weekends) both sides would only take one point from a possible six? Or that newly promoted Valladolid would provide an early season hammer blow to Villarreal? Well, that is exactly what has happened as we take a look back at the action of week seven so far. Big Boys Struggling The table … [Read more...]
Who Will Come Out on Top When Valencia Travel to Villarreal?
It is the ultimate battle of the sides beginning with V, as two teams with rich La Liga heritage collide on Sunday in what is, without doubt, the standout fixture in Spain’s top flight this weekend. As the pair have been involved in European exploits mid-week, the playing field has been somewhat levelled with the La Liga soccer betting for this game set to paint a picture of an even contest, but one that you will not want to miss. So, who is going to win? Recent form Villarreal Villarreal’s Estadio de la Cerámica is not one of the larger stadia in Spain, but it does lack for … [Read more...]
La Liga Sides Look to Continue Europa Dominance
Friday saw the draw for the group stage of the Europa League take place in the lavish surroundings of Monaco. Over the last 15 European second-tier tournaments, Spanish top flight sides have dominated the competition winning nine of the fifteen finals. In fact, such has been the dominance of La Liga sides, that five of the last seven victors have hailed from Spain. This decade alone, Sevilla has won the tournament three times as have Atletico Madrid with Diego Simeone’s men the current defending champions. As another Europa League season reaches its group stage, we look at who the … [Read more...]
La Liga Final Weekend Breakdown: Whats Left to Play for in the Top 10?
The English Premier League came to an undramatic close last weekend and this weekend it is the turn of Spain’s top flight to close its doors on what has been a season that has seen giants fall, minnows rise, and Barcelona come agonisingly close to an unbeaten season. With just one round of fixtures left, we take a look at what is left to play for between the clubs currently in the top ten. Barcelona – 90 pts Absolutely nothing, especially after suffering that shock 5-4 defeat to Levante last time out, it means the chance to go through the season unbeaten is no more. However, with … [Read more...]
Vitolo & Asenjo – Who Are Spain’s Possible Debutants?
Vicente del Bosque today announced that Vitolo and Sergio Asenjo have won call-ups to the national team squad ahead of games against Ukraine and the Netherlands. There were also recalls for Atletico Madrid midfielder Mario Suarez as well as Athletic Bilbao defender Mikel San Jose. Rayo Vallecano striker Alberto Bueno's hopes of a call-up were dashed by del Bosque, who instead preferred to name Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata in his full squad. Instead, Sevilla winger Vitolo and Villarreal goalkeeper Asenjo will hope to impress the Spain boss and win their first senior caps. Vitolo, a … [Read more...]
Arsenal Transfer News: Villarreal defender in talks
Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista has revealed that his agent is in talks with Arsenal over a potential move to the Premier League. The 24-year-old centre-back has been a mainstay in Villarreal's defence this season as they continue to impress and fight for Europe. Arsene Wenger was tight-lipped on Paulista after Arsenal's 2-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium yesterday, but the Brazilian revealed all after the Yellow Submarine's victory on Saturday. "Whether I go to Arsenal or stay at Villarreal, I won't lose my head," Paulista said. "I'm very calm. My head is at Villarreal … [Read more...]
Ones to Watch in La Liga – Real Madrid to Villarreal
Rounding off the ones to watch are four of La Liga's biggest teams as Real Madrid look to wrangle the title back from their rivals Atletico as it could be a defining year for Gareth Bale. Real Madrid If asked to name members of the Real Madrid squad, there are few who would struggle to list the majority in Carlo Ancelotti's Galactico squad, so in terms of a surprise package, there are few candidates. Madrid's spending in recent years has been so frequent, parting with £70m or £80 million is now almost a thoughtless action. New stars Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez pack an already saturated … [Read more...]
Musacchio close to Spurs move
Tottenham are closing in on Argentine defender Mateo Musaccio after Villarreal took Victor Ruiz on loan from Valencia on Tuesday. Musacchio has been courted by Spurs for a number of weeks now, and could finally make the move with Villarreal having found a replacement. Mauricio Pochettino has been keen on 23-year-old Musacchio, who has impressed the likes of Barcelona with his strong defensive displays on Villarreal's return to La Liga last season. The player himself has also been said to be keen on the move, which explains why he was left out of the club's pre-season friendly against … [Read more...]