The injury will definitely rule Guti out of the game with Osasuna, but also makes him a doubt for the 'clásico' against Barcelona in midweek, although Madrid could already have the league title sewn up before they even take to the field against their great rivals.
Guti suffered a twisted left-knee and was unable to take part in any of Wednesday's training session as he spent the time inside Madrid's facilities undergoing physiotherapy work on the injury.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Guille Franco Eager To Make Comeback
The Mexican ace has been out since his side's April 13th loss at Almería, although it's actually been well over a month and a half since he played more than 15 minutes of competitive football.
As such, he's itching to get back into the swing of things - preferably against Getafe at the Madrigal this weekend.
He told the official Villarreal website, "I'm really keen to join the group again and I'm confident of being able to do in time for Sunday.
As such, he's itching to get back into the swing of things - preferably against Getafe at the Madrigal this weekend.
He told the official Villarreal website, "I'm really keen to join the group again and I'm confident of being able to do in time for Sunday.
Platini: Italy, France & Germany Favourites
With the tournament in Austria and Switzerland just over a month away, the excitement is starting to build among football fans.
"Italy, France and Germany are the big favourites for Euro2008,” Platini told ‘As’
“However it’s difficult to make predictions. Even Portugal and Spain have great teams. Spain, in particular, are a mystery who always fail to overcome the quarter-finals.”
Platini was then asked about the champions who may not be present at Euros, namely Alessandro Del Piero and Raul Gonzalez.
"Italy, France and Germany are the big favourites for Euro2008,” Platini told ‘As’
“However it’s difficult to make predictions. Even Portugal and Spain have great teams. Spain, in particular, are a mystery who always fail to overcome the quarter-finals.”
Platini was then asked about the champions who may not be present at Euros, namely Alessandro Del Piero and Raul Gonzalez.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Ramos Eyes Sensational Berba-Eto'o Swap - Report
The move was mooted in Spanish press last week and has now re-emerged in England as well, with Eto'o being reported as Ramos' number one target to replace Berbatov, who is once again being linked with a move away from White Hart Lane.
The same saga took place last summer and indeed during the transfer window, but each time, despite hints of unrest, Berba chose to stay on with Spurs and has appeared to be happy playing for the club, particularly since their Carling Cup triumph in February.
The same saga took place last summer and indeed during the transfer window, but each time, despite hints of unrest, Berba chose to stay on with Spurs and has appeared to be happy playing for the club, particularly since their Carling Cup triumph in February.
Lotina: Football Is 80% Work, 20% Talent
Depor are on a fantastic winning run, but Lotina, in typical parsimonious fashion, won't count his chickens.
"We must win and win - there's no other way," he muttered.
"About 80% of success - although footballers will say otherwise - is work, and only 20% is talent. That's what life has taught me.
"Dreaming is all well and good, but work is required in order to fulfil dreams. Those in the cloubs do not succeed."
As the ex-Real Sociedad boss explained, "The situation is that we're in the Intertoto Cup, are close to the UEFA Cup - difficult though it may be - and there's even a very difficult possibility of the Champions League.
"We must win and win - there's no other way," he muttered.
"About 80% of success - although footballers will say otherwise - is work, and only 20% is talent. That's what life has taught me.
"Dreaming is all well and good, but work is required in order to fulfil dreams. Those in the cloubs do not succeed."
As the ex-Real Sociedad boss explained, "The situation is that we're in the Intertoto Cup, are close to the UEFA Cup - difficult though it may be - and there's even a very difficult possibility of the Champions League.
Scholes Stunner Clinches It For United
Manchester United went in 1-0 up at the break after a compelling first half which saw Barcelona start the stronger before a stunning Paul Scholes strike from out of the blue put the Red Devils in front.
That was the cue for United to enjoy a spell of dominance but Barca fought back to wrest control back in midfield with some inventive and technically adept football in which Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi and Deco all asked questions of United going forward.
That was the cue for United to enjoy a spell of dominance but Barca fought back to wrest control back in midfield with some inventive and technically adept football in which Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi and Deco all asked questions of United going forward.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Rijkaard: We Can Win At Old Trafford
Barça attacked from the outset in the first leg at Camp Nou but were nonetheless held to a 0-0 draw, giving United a narrow advantage.
Rijkaard, however, remains positive in the face of a trip to the north of England.
He said, "It is a difficult ground and a strong team, but I think that we can get through."
However, he recognises that it will not be easy.
The boss continued, "United are a team that have no fear. They play how they know, with a good attitude, with a lot of individual talent and without complicating things.
Rijkaard, however, remains positive in the face of a trip to the north of England.
He said, "It is a difficult ground and a strong team, but I think that we can get through."
However, he recognises that it will not be easy.
The boss continued, "United are a team that have no fear. They play how they know, with a good attitude, with a lot of individual talent and without complicating things.
Betis Stadium Ban Reduced To One Game
Betis were originally handed a two-match ban from playing in their Manuel Ruiz de Lopera after the incident caused the match between them and Athletic on the 15th March to be called off and the victory awarded to Athletic, who were 2-1 up at the moment the match was stopped.
The club appealed the decision in order to allow them to play their game against Barcelona on the 29th March at their usual ground and now, nearly a month later, the Spanish Committee of Sporting Discipline has decided to reduce the ban to one match.
The club appealed the decision in order to allow them to play their game against Barcelona on the 29th March at their usual ground and now, nearly a month later, the Spanish Committee of Sporting Discipline has decided to reduce the ban to one match.
Sylvinho Set To Sign New Barça Deal
Sylvinho joined Barcelona from Celta Vigo in 2004, making over seventy appearances for the club despite the fact that he has often not been a regular first choice, and will be rewarded for his efforts by a new one year contract that will take him through until the summer of 2009.
The full-back's current deal is set to expire in June, but having shown himself to be able cover for Eric Abidal throughout the campaign, the Barça board felt that it was in their interest to extend the Brazilian's stay at the Camp Nou for another year.
The full-back's current deal is set to expire in June, but having shown himself to be able cover for Eric Abidal throughout the campaign, the Barça board felt that it was in their interest to extend the Brazilian's stay at the Camp Nou for another year.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Marcelino Bemoans Slack Finishing
Racing had the better of the play in the first period at the ONO Estadi, but wasted a number of good opportunities to take the lead, eventually succumbing to an excellent display of counter-attacking football from the Islanders.
"We clearly dominated in the first half, created clear chances and had numerous opportunities to score. But when you waste such opportunities, you are always running the risk that your opponents will punish you by scoring and that is what happened today," he told reporters after the game.
"We clearly dominated in the first half, created clear chances and had numerous opportunities to score. But when you waste such opportunities, you are always running the risk that your opponents will punish you by scoring and that is what happened today," he told reporters after the game.
Laudrup Disappointed With Atlético Draw
Despite his disappointment with the result, he felt that the point was vital as the Azulones seek to avoid relegation.
The Dane told a press conference, "The draw serves us at this stage as points are expensive.
"But in this match a draw was a little bit harsh on us. We did well, especially in the second half."
Reflecting that Geta have finally been able to enjoy a midweek without action, he continued, "We saw the true Getafe this Sunday.
The Dane told a press conference, "The draw serves us at this stage as points are expensive.
"But in this match a draw was a little bit harsh on us. We did well, especially in the second half."
Reflecting that Geta have finally been able to enjoy a midweek without action, he continued, "We saw the true Getafe this Sunday.
Senna Wonder-Goal Sees Villarreal Clear In Second
It was the kind of match that neither side deserved to lose, but one in which a single moment of class made the difference.
Senna's memorable strike from inside the centre-circle made for an away win, but Betis, despite perhaps having slightly fewer chances and seeing less of the ball, certainly had their own opportunities to level the scores.
First Half
Neither side looked particularly settled to start with, meaning that staggered back and midfield lines were susceptible to being ran at by enterprising midfielders. Xisco, out on the left flank, looked the part at one end, while the energetic Marcos Senna did so at the other.
Senna's memorable strike from inside the centre-circle made for an away win, but Betis, despite perhaps having slightly fewer chances and seeing less of the ball, certainly had their own opportunities to level the scores.
First Half
Neither side looked particularly settled to start with, meaning that staggered back and midfield lines were susceptible to being ran at by enterprising midfielders. Xisco, out on the left flank, looked the part at one end, while the energetic Marcos Senna did so at the other.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Jiménez: Our Legs Are Gone
Sevilla failed to show much spark throughout the ninety minutes and Jiménez believes that it is because the squad is paying the physical price for their exertions earlier in the campaign.
"At this point in the season we seem to be playing with heart more than anything else, the legs have gone," he told reporters after the match.
The result leaves Sevilla two points behind fourth placed Atlético Madrid, who play Getafe tomorrow, and Jiménez feels that it they will now face a very difficult task if they are to qualify for the Champions League
"At this point in the season we seem to be playing with heart more than anything else, the legs have gone," he told reporters after the match.
The result leaves Sevilla two points behind fourth placed Atlético Madrid, who play Getafe tomorrow, and Jiménez feels that it they will now face a very difficult task if they are to qualify for the Champions League
Clemente Unhappy With Draw
Sevilla had the better chances in an uneventful game at the Nuevo Condomina, but Clemente was content with the performance of his Murcia players, although no so happy with the result.
"The result I do not like, to tie at zero is not a good result. However, it is the best match we have played," he told reporters after the match.
"It was a very difficult match, very tense, and we played a good Primera Division standard match. The way the team performed was exquisite."
"The result I do not like, to tie at zero is not a good result. However, it is the best match we have played," he told reporters after the match.
"It was a very difficult match, very tense, and we played a good Primera Division standard match. The way the team performed was exquisite."
Valverde: Uefa Cup Is Still Possible
Espanyol have the second worst record of any team in the second half of the league campaign, a run of results that has seen them fall from the top four to their current position of ninth, five points behind current sixth place occupants Sevilla.
Despite their poor form and the fact that they have failed to find the back of the net in each of their last five games, Valverde still feels that they have an outside chance of reaching next season's Uefa Cup.
Despite their poor form and the fact that they have failed to find the back of the net in each of their last five games, Valverde still feels that they have an outside chance of reaching next season's Uefa Cup.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Voro Aims To Clear First Hurdle
Voro was placed in temporary charge for the final five games of the league season following Ronald Koeman's dismissal on Monday and despite sitting just two points above the relegation zone, he believes that the players have the right frame of mind to pull themselves away from trouble.
"They are aware of the situation they are in and from there we were able to set objectives," he told reporters at a press conference on Friday.
"The message that I have tried to communicate to the players is that our current position is real, but that they are fully equipped to handle the pressure of the situation."
"They are aware of the situation they are in and from there we were able to set objectives," he told reporters at a press conference on Friday.
"The message that I have tried to communicate to the players is that our current position is real, but that they are fully equipped to handle the pressure of the situation."
Calderón: Barça's Man Utd Draw Shows Spanish League Is Strong
The president, speaking at the Circuit de Catalunya Formula 1 track, told Marca that Barça showed strength both on behalf of themselves and the Liga.
"The Spanish League isn't as bad ss some were trying to make out," growled Calderón.
"Barcelona played a very good game - they were better than Manchester and deserved to win.
"Manchester are the best team in England, since they top the league, so all this shows that Spanish football isn't bad. Quite the opposite!"
"The Spanish League isn't as bad ss some were trying to make out," growled Calderón.
"Barcelona played a very good game - they were better than Manchester and deserved to win.
"Manchester are the best team in England, since they top the league, so all this shows that Spanish football isn't bad. Quite the opposite!"
Sacchi: Man Utd Betrayed England
Both first legs proved to be matches that will not live long in the memory as Liverpool and Chelsea drew 1-1 at Anfield, before Manchester United shut up shop in their 0-0 stalemate at Barcelona.
"Is it worth Chelsea investing so much money in a team with such little joy and harmony?,” Sacchi asked in the Gazzetta dello Sport.
"As for Liverpool, Benitez is praised for his tactical work, but the technical quality individually and collectively is not high, so goes their ability to dribble, keep possession of the ball and play a fantasy game.
"Is it worth Chelsea investing so much money in a team with such little joy and harmony?,” Sacchi asked in the Gazzetta dello Sport.
"As for Liverpool, Benitez is praised for his tactical work, but the technical quality individually and collectively is not high, so goes their ability to dribble, keep possession of the ball and play a fantasy game.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Van Nistelrooy Back In Team Training
tRuud has not appeared in a Real Madrid shirt since the 1-0 home defeat to Getafe on February 24th due to an ankle injury that required surgery.
Now he's one step closer to returning to action in time for the run-in after making his first-team training comeback today at Valdebebas.
The veteran Dutchman, who has made 20 Liga starts this season, will hope to line up in the first eleven soon to add to his tally of 12 goals so far in the 2007-08 Primera campaign.
Now he's one step closer to returning to action in time for the run-in after making his first-team training comeback today at Valdebebas.
The veteran Dutchman, who has made 20 Liga starts this season, will hope to line up in the first eleven soon to add to his tally of 12 goals so far in the 2007-08 Primera campaign.
Hargreaves: We Went For The Draw
United left Catalunya with a 0-0 draw and a fine chance of progression to the final of the Champions League, providing that they can manage a goal at Old Trafford.
Hargreaves explained that this was the plan all along.
He told MUTV, "I think we’d have taken a 0-0 before the game. Defensively I thought we were strong and didn’t allow Barcelona any clear chances.
"They had a lot of possession and kept the ball well, but they didn’t really penetrate us and that was the strategy going into the game."
Hargreaves explained that this was the plan all along.
He told MUTV, "I think we’d have taken a 0-0 before the game. Defensively I thought we were strong and didn’t allow Barcelona any clear chances.
"They had a lot of possession and kept the ball well, but they didn’t really penetrate us and that was the strategy going into the game."
Joaquín: Koeman Did Not Respect Me
During Koeman's tenure at the Mestalla, Joaquín restricted himself to saying that "things have gotten worse", but now he's let loose with a bit of criticism towards his former boss.
"There were many things about his time here, but right now I don't know what to say," he told As.
"It wasn't only by not fielding me, but on other issues, too. I don't think that he was honest with me.
"At no time would he come and talk to me - any time we did so, it's because I initiated with. I had never experienced such a situation with a coach, but I tried to learn from it because it wasn't all bad.
"There were many things about his time here, but right now I don't know what to say," he told As.
"It wasn't only by not fielding me, but on other issues, too. I don't think that he was honest with me.
"At no time would he come and talk to me - any time we did so, it's because I initiated with. I had never experienced such a situation with a coach, but I tried to learn from it because it wasn't all bad.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Salgado: We Want The Title As Soon As Possible
Los Merengues could mathematically retain the championship if they beat Athletic Bilbao on Sunday and both Villarreal and Barça lose their matches or they could clinch it against Osasuna in the Reyno de Navarra the following weekend.
"We are the last team to play then we will know the result, but this week we must be prepared for the game on Sunday," Salgado said. "It would be my fourth title and I have won all the others at home. I have nothing against Pamplona, but it would be much nicer to win it in the Bernabéu.
"We are the last team to play then we will know the result, but this week we must be prepared for the game on Sunday," Salgado said. "It would be my fourth title and I have won all the others at home. I have nothing against Pamplona, but it would be much nicer to win it in the Bernabéu.
Milan To Bid For Unsettled Ramos
The 22-year-old is widely regarded as one of Europe’s best young defenders, however his future at Madrid has come into doubt after he criticised the club for failing to support him after he was sent off against Real Mallorca.
"In truth, I was surprised not to hear any of my partners, or anyone from the club, say anything about the issue,” said Ramos last week.
"I don't expect anything from anyone. I'm happy with myself and I'm just trying to learn.
"In truth, I was surprised not to hear any of my partners, or anyone from the club, say anything about the issue,” said Ramos last week.
"I don't expect anything from anyone. I'm happy with myself and I'm just trying to learn.
Forlan Backing Barca To Beat United
Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan, now with Atletico Madrid, reckons Barcelona will beat his old club to reach their second Champions League final in three years.
Uruguayan forward Forlan spent two years at Old Trafford - arriving from Independiente in January 2002 and leaving for Villarreal in August 2004 - and having been playing in La Liga for the last four seasons he understands the threat posed by Barcelona.
“I always want teams to do well where I have a lot of friends and in this case I have so many friends with United,” said Forlan on the Setanta Sports website.
Uruguayan forward Forlan spent two years at Old Trafford - arriving from Independiente in January 2002 and leaving for Villarreal in August 2004 - and having been playing in La Liga for the last four seasons he understands the threat posed by Barcelona.
“I always want teams to do well where I have a lot of friends and in this case I have so many friends with United,” said Forlan on the Setanta Sports website.
Forlan Backing Barca To Beat United
Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan, now with Atletico Madrid, reckons Barcelona will beat his old club to reach their second Champions League final in three years.
Uruguayan forward Forlan spent two years at Old Trafford - arriving from Independiente in January 2002 and leaving for Villarreal in August 2004 - and having been playing in La Liga for the last four seasons he understands the threat posed by Barcelona.
“I always want teams to do well where I have a lot of friends and in this case I have so many friends with United,” said Forlan on the Setanta Sports website.
Uruguayan forward Forlan spent two years at Old Trafford - arriving from Independiente in January 2002 and leaving for Villarreal in August 2004 - and having been playing in La Liga for the last four seasons he understands the threat posed by Barcelona.
“I always want teams to do well where I have a lot of friends and in this case I have so many friends with United,” said Forlan on the Setanta Sports website.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Eto'o Wanted By Tottenham, AS Claim
The Real Madrid-leaning paper could well have timed the story to coincide with the Blaugrana's encounter with Manchester United in the Champions League and have thrown in a few points in a bid to gain credibility.
According to the report, the Cameroonian international, who has a contract with Barcelona until 2010, is allegedly unhappy with his club's poor season and has been tipped for a Camp Nou exit in the summer transfer window.
Totenham seem convinced that they will be unable to keep Dimitar Berbatov in the squad after the end of the season and Eto'o is reported to be their choice to replace the Bulgarian footballer.
According to the report, the Cameroonian international, who has a contract with Barcelona until 2010, is allegedly unhappy with his club's poor season and has been tipped for a Camp Nou exit in the summer transfer window.
Totenham seem convinced that they will be unable to keep Dimitar Berbatov in the squad after the end of the season and Eto'o is reported to be their choice to replace the Bulgarian footballer.
Spanish Debate: What Now For Valencia?
Koeman was joined by no fewer than four other key figures at the Mestalla in leaving last night. Assistants José Mari Bakero and Toni Bruins Slot walked, as did sporting director Miguel Ángel Ruiz and technical secretary Antonio Fernández.
It was quite a cull, and one that leaves the club's immediate future in some doubt. Salvador Gonzalez Marco 'Voro', a club delegate, has taken over for the next five games, with this appointment almost certainly a short-term interim fix. But with only a skeleton staff, and little prospect of a long-term deal, Voro cannot be seen as the boss for the new campaign.
It was quite a cull, and one that leaves the club's immediate future in some doubt. Salvador Gonzalez Marco 'Voro', a club delegate, has taken over for the next five games, with this appointment almost certainly a short-term interim fix. But with only a skeleton staff, and little prospect of a long-term deal, Voro cannot be seen as the boss for the new campaign.
Calderón Reveals 'Fiesta-Like' Plane Journey
The 2-0 win over Racing means that Los Blancos take a ten point lead over second placed Villarreal into the final five games of the season, with only a spectacular collapse now likely to see the league trophy reside anywhere but the Bernabéu at the end of the campaign.
With the title all but sealed after an important victory, spirits were high as they traveled back to Madrid after the game, with Calderón telling Radio Marca that "there was a festival atmosphere on the airplane," and indicated that it was shared by everyone on board.
With the title all but sealed after an important victory, spirits were high as they traveled back to Madrid after the game, with Calderón telling Radio Marca that "there was a festival atmosphere on the airplane," and indicated that it was shared by everyone on board.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Carboni Pleads For Unity
Carboni, who has been linked with a potential takeover of the club in recent days, described the idea of Valencia playing in the Segunda Division as "unthinkable," and believes that it is important for the squad to stick together in order to get themselves out of trouble.
"We all lament this situation... I have a personal affection for the club due to what it has given to me. We must have confidence. This is not the time for criticism, it is the time to be united," he told reporters at the launch of a Valencian-Italian language guide.
"We all lament this situation... I have a personal affection for the club due to what it has given to me. We must have confidence. This is not the time for criticism, it is the time to be united," he told reporters at the launch of a Valencian-Italian language guide.
Dragutinovic Set For Return
Sevilla shipped four goals at home to Almeria on Saturday, a number of which were due to some lapse defending on behalf of the Champions League hopefuls and with defensive stability clearly a problem, the return of Dragutinovic would be much welcomed by Jiménez.
The Serbian defender has shown good progress in his recovery from injury over the last few days and is expected to make the squad for the weekend tie with Murcia assuming he proves himself fit enough during the next few days of training.
The Serbian defender has shown good progress in his recovery from injury over the last few days and is expected to make the squad for the weekend tie with Murcia assuming he proves himself fit enough during the next few days of training.
Deco: We Have Failed So Far
Barça's 0-0 draw at home to Espanyol at the weekend has all but ended their chances of taking the Spanish title away from Real Madrid and although Deco feels that they have underperformed so far this season he was quick to indicate that their campaign is not yet done with.
"It is evident that we are not happy, but we must continue to play on. We have failed so far, but the season is not yet finished," he told reporters at a press conference on Monday.
"It is evident that we are not happy, but we must continue to play on. We have failed so far, but the season is not yet finished," he told reporters at a press conference on Monday.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Liga Isn't Over Yet - Schuster
In the aftermath of the victory, the German was quick to note that "all is not yet done."
He told RealMadrid.com, "We're not champions until the mathematicians say so. We knew we could move one step closer with a victory. The players are very happy with the match they played.
"It was a good match. We played well against a brave opponent who plays good football and doesn’t just wait to capitalize on mistakes. [Racing] tried to play its form of football, which entails a lot of movement out of the midfield and into attack. That’s why it was a good match, and that’s why they are doing well in the table."
He told RealMadrid.com, "We're not champions until the mathematicians say so. We knew we could move one step closer with a victory. The players are very happy with the match they played.
"It was a good match. We played well against a brave opponent who plays good football and doesn’t just wait to capitalize on mistakes. [Racing] tried to play its form of football, which entails a lot of movement out of the midfield and into attack. That’s why it was a good match, and that’s why they are doing well in the table."
Pellegrini: Now We Must Defend Second
The victory moved Villareal one point above Barcelona with five games left to play and Pellegrini has no doubts as to what his players should be aiming for in the remaining weeks of the campaign.
"We have taken an important step towards our objective by regaining second with today's triumph and it is now our obligation to defend the position," he told reporters after the match.
Pellegrini indicated that Villarreal's objective at the beginning of the season was to win the league, but with now looking out of reach, he is content to settle for second.
"We have taken an important step towards our objective by regaining second with today's triumph and it is now our obligation to defend the position," he told reporters after the match.
Pellegrini indicated that Villarreal's objective at the beginning of the season was to win the league, but with now looking out of reach, he is content to settle for second.
Madrid Outrun Racing To Go Ten Clear
It wasn't spectacular for the entire ninety, but Real Madrid were the better side at the Sardinero. They had to weather a few scares, but overall they were worthy of their two-goal victory, and thus took three points with them back to the Bernabéu to bring the Liga title one step closer to the capital.
Racing, meanwhile, passed up some fine chances from set-pieces, particularly late in the first half, and ultimately rued a lack of cutting edge as they lost out at fortress Sardinero.
Racing, meanwhile, passed up some fine chances from set-pieces, particularly late in the first half, and ultimately rued a lack of cutting edge as they lost out at fortress Sardinero.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Zambrano: We Lost The Battle, But Not The War
Recre went 2-0 down inside twenty minutes against their fellow relegation strugglers and never looked likely to launch a comeback, especially after Marco Ruben was sent off in the closing minutes of the first half.
The result meant that they dropped into the bottom three and although Zambrano was annoyed by the "infantile errors" that he felt cost them a fairly even game, he insisted that the war to beat the drop is still very much on.
The result meant that they dropped into the bottom three and although Zambrano was annoyed by the "infantile errors" that he felt cost them a fairly even game, he insisted that the war to beat the drop is still very much on.
Valverde Praises Rock-Solid Kameni
The manager told Sport, "For us this is a good result, and I hope that we can use it to re-establish our morale.
"We came into this game off a bad stream, yet we managed to draw with a team that can be the champions of the Liga or of Europe."
He further admitted that the result was something of a relief after a dreadful start to the second round of the league, in which the Perequitos have ground out just three victories.
"We came into this game off a bad stream, yet we managed to draw with a team that can be the champions of the Liga or of Europe."
He further admitted that the result was something of a relief after a dreadful start to the second round of the league, in which the Perequitos have ground out just three victories.
City Ronaldinho Talks Confirmed
City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has previously indicated that the club are looking to sign players that can increase the profile of the club, a bill that Ronaldinho would certainly fit, and Srisumri has confirmed that the Brazilian is on their rader in snippets of an interview reported by Europa Press.
The executive director even went as far as to confirm that the club "has maintained negotiations" with Ronaldinho and requested time "to see if they end successfully".
The executive director even went as far as to confirm that the club "has maintained negotiations" with Ronaldinho and requested time "to see if they end successfully".
Villarreal Eye Double Argentine Swoop
Villarreal have strong ties across South America, having brought a number of players from the region to Spain in recent years and on his most recent visit to Argentina, Llaneza has marked out Diego Valeri of Lanus and Cristian Villagra of River Plate as transfer targets for the summer.
Valeri, 21, is a classy midfield player who was part of the Lanus side that took the 2007 Apertura title, and has impressed in their Copa Libertadores games since the turn of the year, especially in the match that Llaneza watched against Danubio in Uruguay.
Valeri, 21, is a classy midfield player who was part of the Lanus side that took the 2007 Apertura title, and has impressed in their Copa Libertadores games since the turn of the year, especially in the match that Llaneza watched against Danubio in Uruguay.
Spain-Portugal 2018 Bid Gathers Pace
Blatter announced in February that FIFA had received a bid from Spain and Portugal to host the 2018 competition and will now meet with the Spanish Football Federation to discuss the proposal in greater detail.
Spanish Football Federation president Ángel Villar has chartered flights for the forty-two club presidents from the Primera and Segunda Divisions to attend the meeting, along with the nineteen presidents from the autonomous federations.
Spanish Football Federation president Ángel Villar has chartered flights for the forty-two club presidents from the Primera and Segunda Divisions to attend the meeting, along with the nineteen presidents from the autonomous federations.
Sevilla And Valencia Track Jonás
Jonás, 24, has impressed with his performances at Mallorca since he joined the club from Vélez Sársfield in 2005, and it seems that both Valencia and Sevilla have the midfielder on their list of transfer targets for the summer according to reports in the Spanish press.
Valencia would hope to lure Jonás to the Mestalla with the promise of Uefa Cup football, but with Sevilla currently in a stronger situation and with the possibility of reaching the Champions League, it is thought that a move to Andalucia would be his preferred option of the two.
Valencia would hope to lure Jonás to the Mestalla with the promise of Uefa Cup football, but with Sevilla currently in a stronger situation and with the possibility of reaching the Champions League, it is thought that a move to Andalucia would be his preferred option of the two.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Cup Win Will Not Earn Reprieve For Koeman
Valencia sit just six points above the drop zone going into Sunday's match away to Athletic Bilbao, with Marca suggesting that Koeman would have been fired today had there not been such an important game to prepare for at the weekend.
The club's cup run was the only thing keeping Koeman in his position after a terrible run of league form that has seen them win just one of their last nine games, but with the trophy now won, the board see no reason to keep Koeman in charge any longer than necessary.
The club's cup run was the only thing keeping Koeman in his position after a terrible run of league form that has seen them win just one of their last nine games, but with the trophy now won, the board see no reason to keep Koeman in charge any longer than necessary.
Palops Hopes For Double Seville Victory
There is an intense rivalry between the two Seville clubs, but Palop is ready to put his usual allegiances to the side and hope for a Betis victory on Saturday.
"I want Betis to win against Atlético because if we also win we would move level on points with Atlético. You must watch out for your team. If Betis are victorious against Atlético they would be doing us a great favour," he told a press conference on Thursday.
Palop is still hopeful that Sevilla can achieve the top four finish that would qualify them for next season's Champions League, but believes that they will need to win all of their remaining games to do so.
"I want Betis to win against Atlético because if we also win we would move level on points with Atlético. You must watch out for your team. If Betis are victorious against Atlético they would be doing us a great favour," he told a press conference on Thursday.
Palop is still hopeful that Sevilla can achieve the top four finish that would qualify them for next season's Champions League, but believes that they will need to win all of their remaining games to do so.
Spanish Debate: Guardiola's Uphill Struggle
While all is quiet on the Barcelona managerial front at present, few can have forgotten that Pep Guardiola is said to be the heir-apparent for the hotseat. At the very least, it's expected that the former midfielder will take on the assistant's role, but the number one spot is by no means out of the question.
Some members of the board are apparently so serious about the 37-year-old's prospects that they have called upon him to submit a report indicating the main changes he'd make as boss, and this he has done. As
Some members of the board are apparently so serious about the 37-year-old's prospects that they have called upon him to submit a report indicating the main changes he'd make as boss, and this he has done. As
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Koné: It Has Been A Difficult Year
Sevilla paid €12 million to sign Koné from PSV Eindhoven in Holland at the start of the season, but are yet to see a satisfactory return on their investment as the Ivory Coast forward has struggled to adapt to the Spanish game, something that he recognises is the case.
Crosas: Barça Here For Benzema
The young Catalan confirmed earlier reports that Txiki Beguiristáin had been in the French city to run the rule over young striker Karim Benzema.
He said, ""I know Txiki is here, but I haven't yet had the chance to speak with him.
Granero Wants Permanent Resolution
Granero, 20, has been one of the most impressive performers for Getafe throughout the season and Madrid president Ramon Calderon confirmed on Monday that Granero, along with Ruben de la Red and Javi Garcia, would be returning to the club at the end of the season.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Copa Del Rey Preview: Valencia-Getafe
Like every good cup final, this season's Copa del Rey showdown has so many ingredients that mean both teams will be desperate to win it for such very different reasons.
The competition maybe much-maligned among the big boys in the early rounds, but when the sparkle of the trophy comes into view the interest suddenly escalates and given the run up this term, all eyes will be on Vicente Calderón on Wednesday evening.
Aguirre Spurns Mexico's Advances To Stay At Atlético
Aguirre's contract with Atlético is due to expire in June, but the Mexican coach will received an automatic extension if the club qualify for European competition, something that looks in the bag with just six games left to play.
Iniesta: It Is Tough To Break Through
Iniesta was taken into the Barça youth ranks at the age of 12, and is one of a number of 'cantera' products that are currently in the first-team squad, including the likes of Xavi, Victor Valdes and Bojan Krkic.
Monday, April 14, 2008
On Revista de La Liga
Revista de La Liga speak exclusively to sought-after Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini.
Villarreal have fallen away of late, but they still occupy third position in La Liga and have been a revelation this season.
We catch up with their coach, Manuel Pellegrini and he talks candidly about his style of coaching, thoughts on the game and ambition to coach in the Premier League.
With Barcelona losing to Almeria, Real Madrid now hold a commanding nine point lead with five matches to play.
Guillem Balague joins Mark Bolton in the studio to talk about the implosion of Barca as the Champions look set to retain their title.
The Catalan giants will now have to look to the Champions League as a more possible route to success this season.
Standing in the way of their quest for the jug-eared cup are of course, Manchester United.
We look ahead to would promises to be a compelling and exciting tie.
The Ronaldinho rumours mill continues as Inter Milan have now seemingly entered the race for the Brazilian's signature.
Guillem and our man in Spain Graham Hunter will give you their expert view on where Ronaldinho will end up. Milan or Manchester?
Revista also continue their Support Spain campaign and look at the latest pictures of you showing your devotion for Luis Aragnoes' men.
Plus, we continue our look at who is most likely to figure for Spain at Euro 2008 as we discuss the candidates to lead the defence at centre back.
And, don't forget to watch out for more fancy flicks and tricks in Guapa!
La Liga Round-Up: Sevilla Edge It, Depor Thrash Athletic
Saturday 12 April 2008 (all times local)
20:00 Valencia - Racing (live, report)
22:00 Recreativo - Barcelona (live, report)
Sunday 13 April
17:00 Valladolid 1 - 1 At. Madrid (live, report)
17:00 Betis 0 - 1 Levante
17:00 Getafe 0 - 0 Zaragoza
17:00 Espanyol 0 - 1 Osasuna (report)
17:00 Deportivo 3 - 0 Athletic
17:00 Mallorca 2 - 3 Sevilla (report)
19:00 R. Madrid L - L Murcia (live)
21:00 Almería L - L Villarreal (live)
Real Valladolid 1 - 1 Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid wasted a chance to cement fourth place as Valladolid capitalised on their sloppiness to seal a point.
In actual fact, the Pucela were marginally the better side in the first half, but very little troubled Abbiati in the visitors' goal.
This lack of cutting edge came home to roost when a resurgent Atleti took a second-half lead. Maxi Rodríguez fired home 70 minutes in with a fine, Forlán-inspired counter-attack.
But right at the end, Ogbeche hit a close-range volley, entirely unmarked, to even the scores.
Real Betis Balompié 0 - 1 Levante UD
Levante pulled off a shock win in front of a hugely disappointment crowd in Seville.
Within ten minutes, Xisco had a header off the post, but Levante soon roared back into life through the likes of Pedro Leon.
Odonkor had the last chance of the half for the hosts, but right after the break, Pedro León made it 1-0 to the visitors after good work from Javi Fuego and Geijo.
The Béticos had trouble creating any chances after that, and the granota side had a fine away win - although it's clearly still too little, too late.
Getafe CF 0 - 0 Real Zaragoza
Getafe, still weary from their midweek exploits, couldn't quite find the winner against Zaragoza despite being a man up for a considerable spell.
The hosts just about had the best of the first period, but the likes of Zapater were defending well, and fine finishing was at a premium.
Diego Milito had a fine chance at the other end soon after the restart, while De la Red couldn't finish from a yard out as he spurned a miraculous opportunity at the other.
Matuzalem was sent off 20 minutes from time for dissent with a somewhat harsh second booking, but despite being a man down the lions held on.
RCD Espanyol 0 - 1 CA Osasuna
Osasuna had managed to hit the post within 2 minutes of play, and the Pamplonans went on to dominate the early stages.
Still, Espanyol, patient in their play, had a shot from Valdo 15 minutes in, although Raul Tamudo then passed up two great chances.
He was punished half an hour in when Astudillo took advantage of a dreadful Kameni error to scoop the ball into an empty net after a Puñal free-kick.
Kike and Juanfran had a number of chances early in the second half, but Espanyol might have felt aggrieved when Jarque appeared to be held back in the box during a corner, only for no penalty to be given.
Still, the Pamplonans were by far the better side for most of it, and eventually took all three points.
Deportivo La Coruña 3 - 0 Athletic Club Bilbao
Depor took another giant leap towards safety with a resounding win over hapless Athletic.
After a slow start, Armando was called into action by Xiasvo 25 minutes in, and soon afterwards he was picking the ball out of the net.
Coloccini opened the scoring with a fine header after Sergio and Pablo Amo had linked up to switch the ball.
Athletic had plenty of the ball, but were completely unable to break down Depor's back line of five, meaning that the Galicians were able to break and find a second on the hour mark.
Sergio netted from the spot after Riki appeared to be taken down in the box by Amorebieta - much to the visitors' disgust.
Then twelve minutes from time, Felipe Luis buried a third after a great through ball from Riki.
RCD Mallorca 1 - 3 Sevilla FC
Sevilla endured a late scare to emerge as winners in an exciting game at San Moix.
The hosts were actually the better side for the first half, but nonetheless went in 1-0 down after Renato took advantage of an awful error from Moya to shoot home.
Straight after the break, though, Güiza capitalised on a mistake from Fazio to draw the team's level.
But twenty minutes later, Kanouté re-established the visitors' advantage with a fine header after a Daniel Alves corner, and Alves himself seemed set to wrap it up with a sensational long-range effort.
Webó fired back a header one minute from time after Arango's free-kick, but that wasn't enough to spur the Barralets on for a point.
20:00 Valencia - Racing (live, report)
22:00 Recreativo - Barcelona (live, report)
Sunday 13 April
17:00 Valladolid 1 - 1 At. Madrid (live, report)
17:00 Betis 0 - 1 Levante
17:00 Getafe 0 - 0 Zaragoza
17:00 Espanyol 0 - 1 Osasuna (report)
17:00 Deportivo 3 - 0 Athletic
17:00 Mallorca 2 - 3 Sevilla (report)
19:00 R. Madrid L - L Murcia (live)
21:00 Almería L - L Villarreal (live)
Real Valladolid 1 - 1 Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid wasted a chance to cement fourth place as Valladolid capitalised on their sloppiness to seal a point.
In actual fact, the Pucela were marginally the better side in the first half, but very little troubled Abbiati in the visitors' goal.
This lack of cutting edge came home to roost when a resurgent Atleti took a second-half lead. Maxi Rodríguez fired home 70 minutes in with a fine, Forlán-inspired counter-attack.
But right at the end, Ogbeche hit a close-range volley, entirely unmarked, to even the scores.
Real Betis Balompié 0 - 1 Levante UD
Levante pulled off a shock win in front of a hugely disappointment crowd in Seville.
Within ten minutes, Xisco had a header off the post, but Levante soon roared back into life through the likes of Pedro Leon.
Odonkor had the last chance of the half for the hosts, but right after the break, Pedro León made it 1-0 to the visitors after good work from Javi Fuego and Geijo.
The Béticos had trouble creating any chances after that, and the granota side had a fine away win - although it's clearly still too little, too late.
Getafe CF 0 - 0 Real Zaragoza
Getafe, still weary from their midweek exploits, couldn't quite find the winner against Zaragoza despite being a man up for a considerable spell.
The hosts just about had the best of the first period, but the likes of Zapater were defending well, and fine finishing was at a premium.
Diego Milito had a fine chance at the other end soon after the restart, while De la Red couldn't finish from a yard out as he spurned a miraculous opportunity at the other.
Matuzalem was sent off 20 minutes from time for dissent with a somewhat harsh second booking, but despite being a man down the lions held on.
RCD Espanyol 0 - 1 CA Osasuna
Osasuna had managed to hit the post within 2 minutes of play, and the Pamplonans went on to dominate the early stages.
Still, Espanyol, patient in their play, had a shot from Valdo 15 minutes in, although Raul Tamudo then passed up two great chances.
He was punished half an hour in when Astudillo took advantage of a dreadful Kameni error to scoop the ball into an empty net after a Puñal free-kick.
Kike and Juanfran had a number of chances early in the second half, but Espanyol might have felt aggrieved when Jarque appeared to be held back in the box during a corner, only for no penalty to be given.
Still, the Pamplonans were by far the better side for most of it, and eventually took all three points.
Deportivo La Coruña 3 - 0 Athletic Club Bilbao
Depor took another giant leap towards safety with a resounding win over hapless Athletic.
After a slow start, Armando was called into action by Xiasvo 25 minutes in, and soon afterwards he was picking the ball out of the net.
Coloccini opened the scoring with a fine header after Sergio and Pablo Amo had linked up to switch the ball.
Athletic had plenty of the ball, but were completely unable to break down Depor's back line of five, meaning that the Galicians were able to break and find a second on the hour mark.
Sergio netted from the spot after Riki appeared to be taken down in the box by Amorebieta - much to the visitors' disgust.
Then twelve minutes from time, Felipe Luis buried a third after a great through ball from Riki.
RCD Mallorca 1 - 3 Sevilla FC
Sevilla endured a late scare to emerge as winners in an exciting game at San Moix.
The hosts were actually the better side for the first half, but nonetheless went in 1-0 down after Renato took advantage of an awful error from Moya to shoot home.
Straight after the break, though, Güiza capitalised on a mistake from Fazio to draw the team's level.
But twenty minutes later, Kanouté re-established the visitors' advantage with a fine header after a Daniel Alves corner, and Alves himself seemed set to wrap it up with a sensational long-range effort.
Webó fired back a header one minute from time after Arango's free-kick, but that wasn't enough to spur the Barralets on for a point.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
La Liga Preview: Deportivo La Coruña – Athletic Bilbao
Both teams are in great shape, having won four of their last six outings. Athletic - somewhat remarkably - is for the time being the best team in La Liga, with 14 out of 18 possible points, while Depor are also surprisingly high, in third place with 13 as the domestic heavyweights continue to flounder.European places are certainly within reach for both these teams, should they get the same great results in what is remaining of the season.
In their last outing, Depor won a hard away game against fifth place holders Racing. This puts them just one win from visiting Athletic in the table and on much safer ground. Depor has finally left the bottom third of the table!
The win in the ‘Sardinero’ was the end of three consecutives home wins for Racing, and it could be the end of their Champions League hopes as Atlético consolidated their fourth place with a convincing 6-3 home win against Almería.
Xisco scored Depor’s first goal in less than two minutes. The player is on a roll with five goals in just two matches, two of them against Racing. Furthermore, Depor continued to show great effectiveness in front of goal. Three out of four shots on target resulted in goal!
Athletic had not lost a game in five matches, and neither they did loose against visiting Espanyol. The visitors were highly motivated in order to keep the European places within reach, and to prevent the home team from closing in on them.
Instead, they lost their ninth game out of twelve and the European dream seems more and more out of reach for the Catalunyan team.
Both Epanyol and Athletic will have a hard time reaching the Uefa Cup places, but the difference between them is that Athletic is in great shape. If they can maintain it for the rest of the season nothing is impossible.
RECENT FORM
Deportivo
| Match | Result | Date | Championship |
| Racing-Deportivo | 1-3 | 06/04/2008 | LA LIGA |
| Deportivo-Murcia | 3-1 | 30/03/2008 | LA LIGA |
| Mallorca-Deportivo | 1-0 | 22/03/2008 | LA LIGA |
| Deportivo-R. Madrid | 1-0 | 15/03/2008 | LA LIGA |
| Valencia-Deportivo | 2-2 | 09/03/2008 | LA LIGA |
| Deportivo-Sevilla | 2-1 | 01/03/2008 | LA LIGA |
Athletic
| Match | Result | Date | Championship |
| Athletic-Espanyol | 1-0 | 06/04/2008 | LA LIGA |
| Recreativo-Athletic | 1-1 | 30/03/2008 | LA LIGA |
| Athletic-Getafe | 1-0 | 23/03/2008 | LA LIGA |
| Betis-Athletic | 1-2 | 15/03/2008 | LA LIGA |
| Athletic-Valladolid | 2-0 | 09/03/2008 | LA LIGA |
| Almería-Athletic | 1-1 | 02/03/2008 | LA LIGA |
TEAM NEWS
Deportivo
The Swede sensation Christian Wilhelmsson is back from injury and will most assuredly reclaim his place on the right flank. Centre-back Lopo will also return after last week’s suspension.
Probable Starting XI: Aouate - Filipe Luis, Coloccini, Pablo Amo, Lopo, Manuel Pablo - Lafita, De Guzmán, Sergio, Wilhelmsson - Xisco
Athletic
Del Horno will be out for at least two weeks due to injury. He will most probably be replaced by Koikili.
Probable Starting XI: Armando - Koikili, Amorebieta, Aitor Ocio, Iraola - Gabilondo, Susaeta, Yeste, Javí Martín - Garmendia and Llorente
PREDICTION
The home advantage will likely be decisive when these two teams in great shape battle it out. So far, almost half the games in La Liga have been home wins. This game should not be an exception, specially since neither team are in a great position to take on the European places.
La Liga: Controversy as Barca slip up
Despite some sharp-shooting from Samuel Eto’o, Barcelona were held to a 2-2 draw at Recreativo de Huelva that leaves their hopes of claiming the Primera Liga title in tatters. Barca are now six points behind Real Madrid and one ahead of Villarreal having played one game more than their rivals, and a run of one win in seven games has severely dented their title hopes. With Real playing struggling Murcia on Sunday, a nine-point gap with six to play looks likely.
The night started well for Barca though as Eto’o took just 62 seconds to put his side in front as he headed home from a Giovani dos Santos cross.
Controversy then erupted at Estadio Nuevo Colombino as Marco Ruben drew the teams level in deeply disputed circumstances after 42 minutes.
Victor Valdes appeared to keep Ruben’s header from crossing the line but the assistant referee awarded a goal, much to Barca’s fury.
After half time, Eto’o bettered his first half exploits when scoring within 43 seconds of the restart with a thumping finish from outside the box.
Lionel Messi made his comeback from injury as a substitute on 65 minutes but his arrival merely precipitated an equaliser from Recre as Ruben added his second with a superbly taken header that floated over Victor Valdes from a tight angle after the Barca keeper slipped.
Meanwhile, Racing Santander’s excellent season continued as they defeated struggling Valencia 2-1 to move level with Atletico Madrid in fourth place.
Gonzalo Colsa opened the scoring after 61 minutes as he swept the ball past Timo Hildebrand, but Ronald Koeman’s men quickly equalised through David Villa.
The Spain international scored from the penalty spot after Fernando Morientes had been fouled by Aldo Duscher in the box.
Former Liverpool striker Morientes then struck the bar and post before Mohamed Tchite struck the winner for Racing with seven minutes remaining.
La Liga Preview: Getafe - Real Zaragoza
Getafe and Real Zaragoza go into Sunday's game with seven points separating them in the table and having enjoyed - or endured in Zaragoza's case - differing fortunes throughout the campaign.Los Azulones brought back a point from an organised performance away to Barcelona last weekend, while Zaragoza suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to Real Betis.
A late strike from the now departed Andres D'Alessandro cancelled out Francisco Sousa's opener and secured Zaragoza a share of spoils when the two teams met at La Romareda earlier in the season.
So Close...
Getafe come into the match with Zaragoza having suffered a cruel exit from the Uefa Cup at the hands of Bayern Munich in midweek, and having played much of that game with ten men, some fatigue is sure to creep into Sunday's game, regardless of whether coach Michael Laudrup decides to make changes to the starting eleven.
Having lead 3-1 going into the second half of extra time, Getafe crumbled after goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri made a horrendus error to let Bayern back into the game, with Luca Toni adding an equaliser with the last play of the match to send the Germans through on away goals.
The draw - in somewhat unfair terms - means that Getafe have failed to win any of their last six games in all competitions and although Laudrup should certainly be commended for the fine job he has done so far this campaign, he really needs to steer them to victory over Valencia in next week's Copa del Rey final in order to secure some silverware and add some gloss to a good season.
Getafe's future in the Primera Division will be totally secure with just another couple of victories, so it is likely that Laudrup will prefer to concentrate on the Copa del Rey final for now, even though he will protest that they are taking each game as it comes when he talks to the media.
Despite that, with Zaragoza in such dreadful form, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that even an understrength Getafe side could take the three points on Sunday, especially considering the support they are likely to have from the home crowd, ready to show their support to the team after their galiant performance on Thursday.
Still Sliding
Things seem to be going from bad to worse for Zaragoza as they capitulated to a 3-0 home defeat against Betis last weekend, a result that extended their winless run to four games, and left them three points shy of safety, which currently comes in the form of 17th placed Recreativo.
Zaragoza have picked up just four points from the last twenty-seven on offer, a shocking run of results, which has put their top flight status in serious danger and which needs to be halted as soon as possible if they are to avoid what currently looks like the inevitable fall to the Segunda.
Coach Manolo Villanova has done little to stem the tide since taking over from Javier Irureta, save their 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in his first game in charge, and it seems that his appointment was not a fourth time lucky for a Zaragoza board that went into this campaign hoping to see their side challenge for a top four finish.
With the players that Villanova has at his disposal, the results should be a lot better than they currently are, and he will be left to hope that the return to fitness of Pablo Aimar manages to stir some sort of reaction from his team in the remaining games of the season.
A cursory glance at Zaragoza's team-sheet would seem to indicate that they are the proverbial team that is 'too good to go down', but unless they spring into life, and do so pretty sharpish, there could be a lot of renowned footballers looking for a new club come the end of the campaign.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Benfica thumped by Bwin Liga strugglers
Benfica may not have a Bwin Liga title to play for anymore, but they are locked in a massive tussle for a Champions League qualifying spot after being thumped 3-0 at home by Academica on Friday.
The result means Benfica remain tied with Guimaraes on 45 points, having played an extra game.
Meanwhile, victory for Academica does their plight wonders at the bottom of the table, taking them seven points clear of the relegation zone.
The damage was done in the first half as Antonio Teixeira Ferreira Miguel Pedro gave the visitors the lead on four minutes, before Markus Berger made it two before half time.
Luis Bernardo Burgos Aguiar then made things safe 20 minutes into the second half, confirming a truly awful result for Benfica.
La Liga Weekend Preview: Round 32
Saturday 12 April 2008 (all times local)
20:00 Valencia - Racing
22:00 Recreativo - Barcelona
Sunday 13 April
17:00 Valladolid - At. Madrid
17:00 Betis - Levante
17:00 Getafe - Zaragoza
17:00 Espanyol - Osasuna
17:00 Deportivo - Athletic
17:00 Mallorca - Sevilla
19:00 R. Madrid - Murcia
21:00 Almería - Villarreal
Valencia CF - Real Racing Club
Troubled Valencia kick off the weekend with more than mere relegation woes on their mind.
In fact they have something just as important coming up midweek: a trip to meet Getafe at the Vicente Calderón in the Copa del Rey final.
Still, they cannot ignore their league duties: after another severe loss last week, they're in real relegation trouble.
Racing, for their part, aren't yet out of the Champions League race, but a "derby" defeat at the hands of Depor hasn't helped their case any.
Recreativo de Huelva - FC Barcelona
Next up, Barça will look to get over the disappointment of last week's draw at Getafe as they visit Recre.
They've already gone some way towards mending the wounds with a hard-fought win over Schalke midweek in the Champions League, although it wasn't the most impressive of games.
Still, with Manchester United some weeks away, they'll be fully focused on this Liga encounter.
The Decano picked up a close-fought win themselves last week, beating Osasuna in Pamplona to ease their relegation woes considerably, but it's worth remembering that last time the two sides met, the blaugrana dished out a thrashing at Camp Nou.
Real Valladolid - Atlético Madrid
The Pucela, for their part, beat Levante last week to help their own case in terms of moving up the Liga, but no doubt Atleti will prove a tough match.
Still, Javier Aguirre's men are as inconsistent - and entertaining - as ever, being pulled back to 3-3 by a hideously depleted Almería side last week before finally emerging 6-3 victors over nine men.
The rojiblancos are utterly determined to secure that fourth place, though, and won't accept anything less than a win at what can in fact be a quite intimidating arena.
Real Betis Balompié - Levante UD
The Béticos have found points easier to come by later as they strive towards mid-table, but even Levante can't be taken lightly.
The Valencians are essentially doomed already, and even the most ardent granota fan won't believe that a win here will take them on a wonder-run to safety.
Still, that won't stop the squad - a mixture of the die-hard squad members left after winter's financial disaster and youths eager to impress - from attempting to pull off a shock.
Getafe CF - Real Zaragoza
Getafe welcome German giants Bayern Munich to suburban Madrid on Thursday evening for arguably the second-biggest game in the club's short history.
Their biggest match was last season in the Copa del Rey final, where they fell just short against Sevilla. Thankfully for the Azulones, they have the chance to make amends against Valencia next week.
This may mean that they're somewhat tired and distracted for this encounter - something that the maños will seek to take advantage of.
After Betis thrashed them on their own patch last week, getting away from the deeply unhappy Romareda may actually help their case. We'll see.
RCD Espanyol - CA Osasuna
Espanyol's free-fall towards mid-table continues - sad news for a side once on the verges not only of the Champions League, but in fact the summit of the Liga itself.
Still, they have the bounce Osasuna, a side whom they joined in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals last season.
Their paths have diverged since then, with the rojillos spending much of the season in the wrong half of the table, but they'll still fancy themselves safe if they pick up all three points here.
Deportivo La Coruña - Athletic Club Bilbao
Depor may soon be Super Depor once again if they keep this up. Just like last season, they're striding into form heading into the final straight.
A 3-1 win in Cantabria was just the tonic for a side that occupied 19th spot for a considerable length of time, and it's one that they'll be keen to build on in front of the long-suffering Riazor fans.
The Lions are themselves top half now, though, after no shortage of good form from the Basques. However, they are traditionally home specialists: how will they fare in Galicia?
RCD Mallorca - Sevilla FC
Mallorca's home draw with Real Madrid was nothing if not exciting, but they now face another tough clash in the form of Sevilla.
The Andalucians had a do-or-die event against Villarreal last week, and do they did, securing a merited 2-0 home win over one of the Liga's form sides.
That's boosted the confidence by no small measure heading into the final straight, and that's just what they need considering that, unless Champions LEague football is assured, this great squad could be broken up by wealthy suitors.
Real Madrid - Real Murcia
Among whom may be Real Madrid. The blancos, despite dropping two points last week, seem to be en route towards a second successive league title, and they'll fancy all three points against Murcia.
The Pimentoneros, cursed with poor form, bad luck and more than one example of bad refereeing, are still adrift in 19th, but they know that the merengues are no longer infallible.
Still, the odds on an away win here are quite understandably long...
UD Almería - Villarreal CF
Finally, Almería - still excelling all expectations in their debut top-flight season - welcome Villarreal to the coast.
The Yellow Submarine are licking their wounds after that loss in Seville last week, but they remainb oth on-form and on target for third or second place.
But this is, to use a dreadful cliché, a potential banana-skin for Pellegrini's side, who will note that even mighty Madrid have been humbled here already this season. No room for complacency, then.
20:00 Valencia - Racing
22:00 Recreativo - Barcelona
Sunday 13 April
17:00 Valladolid - At. Madrid
17:00 Betis - Levante
17:00 Getafe - Zaragoza
17:00 Espanyol - Osasuna
17:00 Deportivo - Athletic
17:00 Mallorca - Sevilla
19:00 R. Madrid - Murcia
21:00 Almería - Villarreal
Valencia CF - Real Racing Club
Troubled Valencia kick off the weekend with more than mere relegation woes on their mind.
In fact they have something just as important coming up midweek: a trip to meet Getafe at the Vicente Calderón in the Copa del Rey final.
Still, they cannot ignore their league duties: after another severe loss last week, they're in real relegation trouble.
Racing, for their part, aren't yet out of the Champions League race, but a "derby" defeat at the hands of Depor hasn't helped their case any.
Recreativo de Huelva - FC Barcelona
Next up, Barça will look to get over the disappointment of last week's draw at Getafe as they visit Recre.
They've already gone some way towards mending the wounds with a hard-fought win over Schalke midweek in the Champions League, although it wasn't the most impressive of games.
Still, with Manchester United some weeks away, they'll be fully focused on this Liga encounter.
The Decano picked up a close-fought win themselves last week, beating Osasuna in Pamplona to ease their relegation woes considerably, but it's worth remembering that last time the two sides met, the blaugrana dished out a thrashing at Camp Nou.
Real Valladolid - Atlético Madrid
The Pucela, for their part, beat Levante last week to help their own case in terms of moving up the Liga, but no doubt Atleti will prove a tough match.
Still, Javier Aguirre's men are as inconsistent - and entertaining - as ever, being pulled back to 3-3 by a hideously depleted Almería side last week before finally emerging 6-3 victors over nine men.
The rojiblancos are utterly determined to secure that fourth place, though, and won't accept anything less than a win at what can in fact be a quite intimidating arena.
Real Betis Balompié - Levante UD
The Béticos have found points easier to come by later as they strive towards mid-table, but even Levante can't be taken lightly.
The Valencians are essentially doomed already, and even the most ardent granota fan won't believe that a win here will take them on a wonder-run to safety.
Still, that won't stop the squad - a mixture of the die-hard squad members left after winter's financial disaster and youths eager to impress - from attempting to pull off a shock.
Getafe CF - Real Zaragoza
Getafe welcome German giants Bayern Munich to suburban Madrid on Thursday evening for arguably the second-biggest game in the club's short history.
Their biggest match was last season in the Copa del Rey final, where they fell just short against Sevilla. Thankfully for the Azulones, they have the chance to make amends against Valencia next week.
This may mean that they're somewhat tired and distracted for this encounter - something that the maños will seek to take advantage of.
After Betis thrashed them on their own patch last week, getting away from the deeply unhappy Romareda may actually help their case. We'll see.
RCD Espanyol - CA Osasuna
Espanyol's free-fall towards mid-table continues - sad news for a side once on the verges not only of the Champions League, but in fact the summit of the Liga itself.
Still, they have the bounce Osasuna, a side whom they joined in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals last season.
Their paths have diverged since then, with the rojillos spending much of the season in the wrong half of the table, but they'll still fancy themselves safe if they pick up all three points here.
Deportivo La Coruña - Athletic Club Bilbao
Depor may soon be Super Depor once again if they keep this up. Just like last season, they're striding into form heading into the final straight.
A 3-1 win in Cantabria was just the tonic for a side that occupied 19th spot for a considerable length of time, and it's one that they'll be keen to build on in front of the long-suffering Riazor fans.
The Lions are themselves top half now, though, after no shortage of good form from the Basques. However, they are traditionally home specialists: how will they fare in Galicia?
RCD Mallorca - Sevilla FC
Mallorca's home draw with Real Madrid was nothing if not exciting, but they now face another tough clash in the form of Sevilla.
The Andalucians had a do-or-die event against Villarreal last week, and do they did, securing a merited 2-0 home win over one of the Liga's form sides.
That's boosted the confidence by no small measure heading into the final straight, and that's just what they need considering that, unless Champions LEague football is assured, this great squad could be broken up by wealthy suitors.
Real Madrid - Real Murcia
Among whom may be Real Madrid. The blancos, despite dropping two points last week, seem to be en route towards a second successive league title, and they'll fancy all three points against Murcia.
The Pimentoneros, cursed with poor form, bad luck and more than one example of bad refereeing, are still adrift in 19th, but they know that the merengues are no longer infallible.
Still, the odds on an away win here are quite understandably long...
UD Almería - Villarreal CF
Finally, Almería - still excelling all expectations in their debut top-flight season - welcome Villarreal to the coast.
The Yellow Submarine are licking their wounds after that loss in Seville last week, but they remainb oth on-form and on target for third or second place.
But this is, to use a dreadful cliché, a potential banana-skin for Pellegrini's side, who will note that even mighty Madrid have been humbled here already this season. No room for complacency, then.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
La Liga round-up
Leaders Real Madrid seemed to have everything under control thanks to Sneijder’s 42nd minute goal at their away match in Mallorca. However things changed when the home side’s Navarro took a dive in anticipation of a Sergio Ramos challenge which hoodwinked the ref and saw the departure of the Madrid defender. Mallorca were level within minutes and the game became a real nail biter as Madrid hung on for a 1 - 1 draw. Second placed Villarreal missed their chance of closing the gap at the top when they were beaten 2 - 0 by sixth placed Sevilla and what’s more Barcelona really fluffed their chances to catch up as well with an amazing goalless result at home to Getafe. In what proved to be a really frustrating game for both sides. Barça players saw all their goalbound efforts thwarted either by some brave defender or the goal posts whilst Getafe were denied at least two penalties with the most obvious being in the seventh minute when Milito unceremoniously dragged De la Red to the ground by his hair!
Unexpected win
Even though last weekend’s results meant that none of the top seven clubs changed places, fifth placed Racing Santander slipped three points adrift of Atlético Madrid a place above them when they were unexpectedly beaten 1 - 3 by lowly Deportivo de la Coruña. Atlético on the other hand boosted their chances of a top four finish when they came out as winners in a nine goal thriller against Almeria beating them 6 - 3. Two goals and one player down after all of four minutes Almeria fought back well to be level by the quarter hour. But they were 4 - 3 down and another player less before the half time whistle. Having two fellows missing for the second half proved to be far too much for the visitor and Atlético dominated the remaining 45 minutes securing their victory with two further goals.
Although finalists in this season’s King’s Cup Valencia’s pretty awful League season continued as they suffered a 1 - 0 loss to second bottom Murcia. This was their fourteenth defeat so far and equals Zaragoza who went down 0 - 3 at home to a resurgent Real Betis. As a result Zaragoza have dropped into the bottom three, leapfrogged by Recreativo who won their vital relegation struggle 0 -1 at Osasuna.
Deportivo La Coruna – The fall
The date is May 19th 2000 and the Spanish province of A Coruna is absolutely rocking. Infinite celebrations echo from all around as resident’s come together to celebrate a historic moment, the areas highest profile football club, Deportivo La Coruna, has that very day just won their First La Liga title in ninety four long years. In doing so they certainly seemed to have banished inconsistencies of past years and certainly capitalised on the sixth placed finish of the previous year, and most saw this as the start of Coruna announcing themselves as one of Europe’s top sides. How wrong that prediction would turn out to be. The apparent demise of Deportivo did not begin directly after their La Liga win however, far from it in fact. The 2000/2001 season saw them make their long awaited debut in the Champions League. A campaign which saw them dispose of the likes of Milan and PSG, the latter seeing them mount a historic comeback from 3-0 down to win 4-3, on their way to a more than respectable quarter final finish (coincidentally they were knocked out eventually by fellow fallen giants Leeds United). Impressing in Europe was matched by an impressive runner up spot in La Liga that year also behind Real Madrid, and in Diego Tristan they had a player who looked capable of achieving great things, as nineteen goals that year, his first, certainly suggested.
The following season saw the progression of the Club continue further still, with them again claiming second spot in an ever improving La Liga and fighting their way to another very respectable Champions League quarter final finish, although they could easily have gone further. However despite the impressive league campaign and a solid European venture, by far the most defining moment of the 2001/2002 season occurred on the 6th March 2002, when Deportivo faced a highly fancied Real Madrid side in the final of the Copa Del Rey. The date of the game fell exactly on the 100-year anniversary of Los Meringues, and despite many touting a comfortable win in favour of the birthday boys, Deportivo held their never and achieved their second Copa Del Rey triumph.
All the signs looked promising once again for the club, with Tristan notching himself 21 goals in that season and Juan Carlos Valeron had become a pivotal man in the side at last. So expectations were at an all time high come the 2002/2003 season. And after a mixed campaign on the domestic and European front which saw the squad torn apart by injury they managed to finish an overall respectable third in La Liga and a slightly disappointing second group stage exit from the Champions League (although they did manage to record a historic 3-2win in Munich against Bayern).
Despite that European disappointment the season was regarded however as a relative success considering the injury hardships, and they were amongst the top three clubs in Spain for a fourth consecutive year. As expected, the talismanic frontman Roy Maakay departed Deportivo for the bright lights of Munich at the end of that season after being at the heart of all recent successes and it remained to be seen whether the Galicians could cope without him. 2003/2004 proved to be the final season of the proclaimed “glory days” of Deportivo La Coruna. An absolutely phenomenal Champions League campaign saw them reach the Semi finals for the first time in their history. Coupling the absolute shameful embarrassment of an 8-3 defeat to eventual finalists Monaco and a 4-2 defeat in the San Siro with an unbelievable second leg turn around at home defeating AC Milan by an empathic 4-0 scoreline. The adventure eventually culminated in a last four defeat to winners Porto, which let Deportivo focus on finishing strongly domestically. They achieved this and for the fifth season running featured in the top three, third on this occasion.
Since that fairytale season, Deportivo have truly fallen a long way out of Europe’s elite and now find themselves staring down the barrel of relegation and the thoughts of starting the 2008/09 campaign back in the Segunda Division look ever more likely. The big question I seem to hear being frequently asked among fans unfamiliar with the ins and outs of Spanish football is why Deportivo have fallen so rapidly from grace in such a frighteningly short space of time. Those of you reading who perhaps remain cynical about Spanish football may not be so surprised to learn that many place the blame firmly at the door of an over ambitious club president, in this case a Mr Augusto Lendoiro.
Ever since he took the helm Lendoiro proved himself to be a very ambitious, flamboyant character who was keen to bring a high calibre of player to the club and see them compete with the very best. For years the man was a hero to all at the Club, he fulfilled promises by firstly stabilising the finances of the club and increasing attendance’s, before finally getting the club back into the top flight of Spanish football. Then bringing in big names such as Bebeto and Mauro Silva and eventually the likes of Andrade Rivaldo and Maakay, spending lots of money efficiently. And so this continued and Lendoiro eventually presided over the glory days of Coruna, financing the new young talent that arrived at the club during this time. He had done now what he had set out to achieve, he had let Deportivo to the top European stage.
It looked for a while like there was no end to Deportivo’s potential and ability, until the summer of 2004 manager Javier Irueta made it known that he required the squad to be strengthened in order to really compete once again. But now the cash was not coming from Mr. President, and instead Lendoiro blocked funds for major signings and even went about releasing a number of key players. At the time, the president claimed that he wanted the Club to follow a different path, rather than constantly spending and buying big players he wanted the club to instead focus on developing its youth. And despite Lendoiro’s insistence that this was a choice he had made rather than something he had been forced into, it soon became painfully apparent that his extravagant spending had totalled up debts in excess of more than 130 million euros, which was simply disastrous for a club such as Deportivo.
What followed explains the sorry state of affairs Deportivo find themselves in today, many of the high earners at the club were released which in turn significantly weakened the standard of the squad and manager Irueta jumped ship immediately, which all led to results getting worse and worse. Hence Deportivo being where they are in La Liga now, and a good chance of the m taking a place in the Segunda divison come the time next season comes around. So perhaps he is to blame, although you have to remember what the man did for the club previously. Ultimately I think, the underhand lying he did was his downfall.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Spanish Debate: Top 10 Best Liga Signings 07/08
Now that the ten worst signings are out of the way (see yesterday's debate here), let's turn our attention to happier matters and see which players have excelled in their new surroundings. They could be big-name transfers who justified their reputation and expense, young guns who have wasted no time in settling in, freebies who have proven to their former side that letting them go may have been a mistake, or young loanees itching to make a good impression.
10) Simão Sabrosa
We've not yet seen the best of him, and he cost a pretty penny, but the Portuguese international has an undeniable touch of class about him that sees him a worthy member of the top ten.
Keeping Luis García out of the first eleven, the former Barcelona man has marked his return to Spanish football with a series of fine displays, even allowing for the fact that he's not always been in his exact preferred position. Following on from his time at Benfica, he's not entirely lost his eye for goal, netting 7 times in 22 starts in La Liga.
Along with Diego Forlán, then, the Portuguese ace is one of the big-money signings who has managed to show his worth at the rojiblancos this season, but his true value is in the fact that there is yet more to come. If Javier Aguirre can encourage him to up his game a notch, he will unquestionably be one of the Liga's top players. For now, he's not half bad.
9) Seydou Keita
Sevilla climbed to success last season off the back of two hard-hitters in central midfield and numerous options ready to come off the bench in order to attack. But what would be better than to be able to combine such qualities in the form of one player?
Enter Seydou Keita, an imposing Malian signed from Racing Club Lens of Ligue 1. In what has been a difficult season for Sevilla overall, he has been one of the more consistent performers, offering both a dominant midfield presence and the willingness to stride forward and support the attack.
Having coaxed the captain away from Lens, he has three more years to go on his Sevilla deal after this one, and considering that he's just 28, the lion-hearted influence may in fact be in Nervión for the long haul.
8) Mata
Valencia's dire season will be one quickly glossed over by any triumphalist histories of Los Che, but one name who'll definitely enter the annals is Juan Manuel Mata.
The 19-year-old forward moved from Real Madrid Juvenil A to Real Madrid Castilla at the start of last season, and his first campaign in proper league football saw him excel in an attacking role. However, his prospects of making the final, biggest jump to Real Madrid proper seemed slim, so when Valencia came calling, he was off like a shot.
And while Real Madrid look on with glum realism at their limited striking options after Ruud van Nistelrooy and Raúl, Mata has wasted no time in settling in at the Mestalla. Already a Spanish U-21 international, he's hit three goals in twelve starts, providing some assists as well. He's likely only to get better, and considering that he no doubt cost very little to sign and wage, his signing seems to have been a rare masterstroke from the bungling paymasters at Valencia.
7) Carlos Martins
Recreativo de Huelva operate with one of the lowest - perhaps even the lowest - budgets in the Liga, so when they shell out for players, they need to get it right. In Carlos Martins, they most certainly did.
A popular figure among the fans at former club Sporting Clube, continued injury problems and fallings-out with the coach eventually saw him head southeast for Huelva, where he wasted no time at all in battling his way into the supporters' good books. He's also a mainstay of the first eleven, having started 28 Liga games so far - more than anyone else except for the goalkeeper Sorrentino, forward Camuñas, and fellow successful signing Martin Cáceres. A tenacious midfielder, he fills something resembling a box-to-box one, one augmented by some fiendishly good ability from set-pieces.
Sporting still own 40% of his rights, but Recre fans will hope that he's in Andalucia for the duration.
6) Pepe
That's right: Pepe. Yes, yes: he cost the earth, he had a laughably bad start, and he's been injured a lot. But in a season in which Fabio Cannavaro has all too often fallen short, he has overcome both his difficult beginnings and shaken off the monkey-on-his-back that was his ludicrous price tag to become an integral part of the Real Madrid line-up.
The 25-year-old cost an absurd €30m when he was signed from Porto in summer, but while other players may have treated such a price tag as an ever-present albatross, Pepe seems scarcely affected by it. Barring injury and his slow start, he has been largely consistent, and seems to be a long-term replacement for Fabio Cannavaro. Who would have thought that Madrid's most expensive, least lauded and most questioned summer signing might just have turned out to be the best?
5) Andrés Guardado
Deportivo La Coruña are not a club recently famed for austerity, but massive debts have seen the recent title-winners revert to their status of small-town club, with small transfers to match. Nonetheless, they did manage to claw €7m from down the back of the sofa to buy Andrés Guardado from Mexican side Atlas in summer, and they'll be infinitely glad that they did.
The 21-year-old had enjoyed just two seasons of first team football before arriving at the Riazor, but he settled into a left-wing Liga role as if it was a comfortable pair of slippers. Despite currently being injured, he remains the club's second-top scorer in the Liga this season with five strikes, and although Depor's best form this season has coincided with his spell on the sidelines, he showed enough of a spark earlier in the season to be considered a vital member of the squad already.
4) Giuseppe Rossi
Another youngster, this one came from the glittering surroundings of Old Trafford before finding himself at the Madrigal.
It's not too many 21-year-olds who have played in the Premiership, Serie A and La Liga, but that's precisely what New Jersey-born Giuseppe Rossi has done. Granted his prospects in the English league were dim, but he managed almost a 1:2 goal:game ratio with Parma before being snapped up by the Yellow Submarine at the start of the current campaign.
The Italian U-21 international has since hit 11 goals in 17 starts, with his pace and link-up play providing much joy for Villarreal in the absence of departed Diego Forlán. Manchester United retain a buy-back clause for the player, who cost the Madrigal side around €10m, but Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping that they don't exercise it.
3) Rubén de la Red/Esteban Granero
Two players, one success story. De la Red south across the city to Getafe on a "permanent" deal - albeit one augmented with a re-buy option, while Granero joined up with new boss Michael Laudrup on a loan deal. Both have excelled as Getafe go from strength to strength both in Europe and in the Copa del Rey, joining Cata Diaz as being tremendous summer signings for the Azulones.
There is talk of one, possibly both of them returning to the Bernabéu for the new campaign, with de la Red said to be in with a significant chance of establishing himself as a first-team player in the white shirt. He would be delighted to do so, but whether or not Madrid exercise their buy-back option is, for now, anyone's guess. Should he find himself called up for Spain's Euro 2008 squad, that would help his prospects significantly. Granero, meanwhile, could be loaned out to Geta again, and Azulones everywhere will hope that this is the case.
2) Daniel Güiza
Mallorca's sole entry on the list takes the number two spot. Daniel González Güiza is back in Mallorca, and this time he's making a success of it.
Indeed, it's strange that he was allowed to leave the club at all. First arriving from hometown club Xerez in 1999, he played a mere handful of games at the top level, enjoying first team action on loan at Dos Hermanas instead, before being punted to Recreativo. An unhappy spell in Huelva followed before he ended up with young upstarts Ciudad de Murcia, with whom he truly hit form.
Afterwards he was landed by Getafe, but it was only after two fine seasons there that Mallorca truly realised what they'd missed out on. With the player - tempted by an increased pay cheque, as well as Mallorca's status as a "bigger" club than Getafe - eager to return, the club managed to sign him for a relatively modest fee said to be no greater than €6m.
What a bargain that has turned out to be. Dani is fast establishing himself as one of the most natural goalscorers in Spain - his Liga tally of 17 goals is second only to that of Luis Fabiano, and unlike the Brazilian, he's not a penalty taker.
How long they can keep him is open to question, given that he's set to join up with Spain for Euro 2008, but he seems happy enough in Mallorca - for now.
1) Touré Yaya
Barcelona's best signing of the summer, and one of the top defensive midfielders on the continent today, Ivorian ace Touré Yaya gains the number two spot after a fine start to his blaugrana career. His €10m fee, in fact, is beginning to look like a massive bargain.
Despite having to marshall the defensive midfield virtually all by himself, Touré has shown some excellent damage-limitation skills since arriving from AS Monaco in summer, outshining some of the more gritty opposition sides with relative ease. Further, and unlike some of his contemporaries as Camp Nou, he offers a range of passing in addition to his defensive duties.
At the age of just 24, the blaugrana hierarchy will hope that there is yet more to come from Yaya, and that he can cement as his own a spot that the likes of Marquez and Edmilson have juggled over the past tumultuous year.
Well done to Touré Yaya, and congratulations to Barcelona. Their summer signings haven't all paid off, but in the case of the Ivorian, they have an asset to be proud of.
10) Simão Sabrosa
We've not yet seen the best of him, and he cost a pretty penny, but the Portuguese international has an undeniable touch of class about him that sees him a worthy member of the top ten.
Keeping Luis García out of the first eleven, the former Barcelona man has marked his return to Spanish football with a series of fine displays, even allowing for the fact that he's not always been in his exact preferred position. Following on from his time at Benfica, he's not entirely lost his eye for goal, netting 7 times in 22 starts in La Liga.
Along with Diego Forlán, then, the Portuguese ace is one of the big-money signings who has managed to show his worth at the rojiblancos this season, but his true value is in the fact that there is yet more to come. If Javier Aguirre can encourage him to up his game a notch, he will unquestionably be one of the Liga's top players. For now, he's not half bad.
9) Seydou Keita
Sevilla climbed to success last season off the back of two hard-hitters in central midfield and numerous options ready to come off the bench in order to attack. But what would be better than to be able to combine such qualities in the form of one player?
Enter Seydou Keita, an imposing Malian signed from Racing Club Lens of Ligue 1. In what has been a difficult season for Sevilla overall, he has been one of the more consistent performers, offering both a dominant midfield presence and the willingness to stride forward and support the attack.
Having coaxed the captain away from Lens, he has three more years to go on his Sevilla deal after this one, and considering that he's just 28, the lion-hearted influence may in fact be in Nervión for the long haul.
8) Mata
Valencia's dire season will be one quickly glossed over by any triumphalist histories of Los Che, but one name who'll definitely enter the annals is Juan Manuel Mata.
The 19-year-old forward moved from Real Madrid Juvenil A to Real Madrid Castilla at the start of last season, and his first campaign in proper league football saw him excel in an attacking role. However, his prospects of making the final, biggest jump to Real Madrid proper seemed slim, so when Valencia came calling, he was off like a shot.
And while Real Madrid look on with glum realism at their limited striking options after Ruud van Nistelrooy and Raúl, Mata has wasted no time in settling in at the Mestalla. Already a Spanish U-21 international, he's hit three goals in twelve starts, providing some assists as well. He's likely only to get better, and considering that he no doubt cost very little to sign and wage, his signing seems to have been a rare masterstroke from the bungling paymasters at Valencia.
7) Carlos Martins
Recreativo de Huelva operate with one of the lowest - perhaps even the lowest - budgets in the Liga, so when they shell out for players, they need to get it right. In Carlos Martins, they most certainly did.
A popular figure among the fans at former club Sporting Clube, continued injury problems and fallings-out with the coach eventually saw him head southeast for Huelva, where he wasted no time at all in battling his way into the supporters' good books. He's also a mainstay of the first eleven, having started 28 Liga games so far - more than anyone else except for the goalkeeper Sorrentino, forward Camuñas, and fellow successful signing Martin Cáceres. A tenacious midfielder, he fills something resembling a box-to-box one, one augmented by some fiendishly good ability from set-pieces.
Sporting still own 40% of his rights, but Recre fans will hope that he's in Andalucia for the duration.
6) Pepe
That's right: Pepe. Yes, yes: he cost the earth, he had a laughably bad start, and he's been injured a lot. But in a season in which Fabio Cannavaro has all too often fallen short, he has overcome both his difficult beginnings and shaken off the monkey-on-his-back that was his ludicrous price tag to become an integral part of the Real Madrid line-up.
The 25-year-old cost an absurd €30m when he was signed from Porto in summer, but while other players may have treated such a price tag as an ever-present albatross, Pepe seems scarcely affected by it. Barring injury and his slow start, he has been largely consistent, and seems to be a long-term replacement for Fabio Cannavaro. Who would have thought that Madrid's most expensive, least lauded and most questioned summer signing might just have turned out to be the best?
5) Andrés Guardado
Deportivo La Coruña are not a club recently famed for austerity, but massive debts have seen the recent title-winners revert to their status of small-town club, with small transfers to match. Nonetheless, they did manage to claw €7m from down the back of the sofa to buy Andrés Guardado from Mexican side Atlas in summer, and they'll be infinitely glad that they did.
The 21-year-old had enjoyed just two seasons of first team football before arriving at the Riazor, but he settled into a left-wing Liga role as if it was a comfortable pair of slippers. Despite currently being injured, he remains the club's second-top scorer in the Liga this season with five strikes, and although Depor's best form this season has coincided with his spell on the sidelines, he showed enough of a spark earlier in the season to be considered a vital member of the squad already.
4) Giuseppe Rossi
Another youngster, this one came from the glittering surroundings of Old Trafford before finding himself at the Madrigal.
It's not too many 21-year-olds who have played in the Premiership, Serie A and La Liga, but that's precisely what New Jersey-born Giuseppe Rossi has done. Granted his prospects in the English league were dim, but he managed almost a 1:2 goal:game ratio with Parma before being snapped up by the Yellow Submarine at the start of the current campaign.
The Italian U-21 international has since hit 11 goals in 17 starts, with his pace and link-up play providing much joy for Villarreal in the absence of departed Diego Forlán. Manchester United retain a buy-back clause for the player, who cost the Madrigal side around €10m, but Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping that they don't exercise it.
3) Rubén de la Red/Esteban Granero
Two players, one success story. De la Red south across the city to Getafe on a "permanent" deal - albeit one augmented with a re-buy option, while Granero joined up with new boss Michael Laudrup on a loan deal. Both have excelled as Getafe go from strength to strength both in Europe and in the Copa del Rey, joining Cata Diaz as being tremendous summer signings for the Azulones.
There is talk of one, possibly both of them returning to the Bernabéu for the new campaign, with de la Red said to be in with a significant chance of establishing himself as a first-team player in the white shirt. He would be delighted to do so, but whether or not Madrid exercise their buy-back option is, for now, anyone's guess. Should he find himself called up for Spain's Euro 2008 squad, that would help his prospects significantly. Granero, meanwhile, could be loaned out to Geta again, and Azulones everywhere will hope that this is the case.
2) Daniel Güiza
Mallorca's sole entry on the list takes the number two spot. Daniel González Güiza is back in Mallorca, and this time he's making a success of it.
Indeed, it's strange that he was allowed to leave the club at all. First arriving from hometown club Xerez in 1999, he played a mere handful of games at the top level, enjoying first team action on loan at Dos Hermanas instead, before being punted to Recreativo. An unhappy spell in Huelva followed before he ended up with young upstarts Ciudad de Murcia, with whom he truly hit form.
Afterwards he was landed by Getafe, but it was only after two fine seasons there that Mallorca truly realised what they'd missed out on. With the player - tempted by an increased pay cheque, as well as Mallorca's status as a "bigger" club than Getafe - eager to return, the club managed to sign him for a relatively modest fee said to be no greater than €6m.
What a bargain that has turned out to be. Dani is fast establishing himself as one of the most natural goalscorers in Spain - his Liga tally of 17 goals is second only to that of Luis Fabiano, and unlike the Brazilian, he's not a penalty taker.
How long they can keep him is open to question, given that he's set to join up with Spain for Euro 2008, but he seems happy enough in Mallorca - for now.
1) Touré Yaya
Barcelona's best signing of the summer, and one of the top defensive midfielders on the continent today, Ivorian ace Touré Yaya gains the number two spot after a fine start to his blaugrana career. His €10m fee, in fact, is beginning to look like a massive bargain.
Despite having to marshall the defensive midfield virtually all by himself, Touré has shown some excellent damage-limitation skills since arriving from AS Monaco in summer, outshining some of the more gritty opposition sides with relative ease. Further, and unlike some of his contemporaries as Camp Nou, he offers a range of passing in addition to his defensive duties.
At the age of just 24, the blaugrana hierarchy will hope that there is yet more to come from Yaya, and that he can cement as his own a spot that the likes of Marquez and Edmilson have juggled over the past tumultuous year.
Well done to Touré Yaya, and congratulations to Barcelona. Their summer signings haven't all paid off, but in the case of the Ivorian, they have an asset to be proud of.
Inter Close In On Diarra - Report
The Mali international has been tipped to leave Madrid for quite sometime now due to his frosty relationship with Coach Bernd Schuster. Diarra has not been featuring too heavily recently, and at the weekend he only played the last 20 minutes in the 1-1 league draw at Mallorca.
Inter have identified the signing of a top-class centre midfielder as their priority in this summer's transfer market, and coach Roberto Mancini's first-choice is Diarra.
The feeling in both Spain and Italy is that Madrid will sell Diarra in the summer, and the player’s agent Frederic Guerra has admitted that his client likes Inter.
“We will see after the match with Barcelona on May 7,” said Guerra.
“He is not happy to play so little and this is a worrying situation.
“It is true that he likes Inter but there are also two other clubs from the Premiership that like him.”
Diarra joined Madrid from Lyon in the summer of 2006 for €26m, however he has never really hit top form in the Spanish capital.
Mijatovic Meets Cristiano Ronaldo's Agent
Madrid's fixation with the Portuguese superstar rolls on as Ronaldo's Manchester United side aim to finish the job against Roma this evening.As a prelude to that, Mijatovic arrived in Manchester on Tuesday evening to discuss with Jorge Mendes the preliminary possibilities of a transfer for the young hitman.
Mijatovic wished to know from the horse's mouth, as it were, how willing Ronaldo would be to leave Manchester in summer in favour of the Spanish capital.
However, it appears that the 23-year-old is eager to remain at Old Trafford for another season at the very least.
As he's enjoying a record-breaking season with the Red Devils, and one that will no doubt be capped off with an array of individual awards, he is in no hurry to leave.
What's more, United would no doubt reject any approach for their star player out of hand.
Nine-Figure Bid Talk
Meanwhile, Spanish TV station La Sexta claims that Real Madrid are nonetheless considering a summer offer of €125m for Cristiano.
Should this be accepted, it would be without question the highest fee ever paid for a football player, and it would exceed the reported bid of €120m from last year.
However, even if the above is true, all indications are that Manchester United would not even be tempted by such a figure for the time being as they are instead determined to hold onto their marquee player for now.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Forlán Pleased To Make Liga History
The former Villarreal striker hit Spanish goal number 68 in his side's 6-3 win over UD Almería on Sunday afternoon to outdo Jose Luis Zalazar, who managed 67 strikes over seven seasons with Albacete.Thus Forlán enters the Spanish and Uruguayan history books, much to his delight.
He told Marca, "There are different positions, different teams and different moments.
"But I had no idea that I could achieve this record until I hit goal 67 [against Levante at the Vicente Calderón] and ever since I got there, I wanted to hit number 68.
"So, by scoring goal 68 I entered the history of the Spanish Liga. I'm very proud, because there have been some great forwards here over the years.
"It's very important, especially with all the great players from my country who have passed through Spanish football. I'm very proud."
Diego is also the holder of the EFE Trophy for the best Latin American player in Spanish football.
La Liga Week 31: Real Madrid take relief from rival’s failures
The top three all failed to win this week but Real Madrid who played badly will be the happiest with their 1-1 draw at Mallorca which leaves them seven points clear with seven games to go. Barcelona played better than in recent weeks but will be most disappointed with their 0-0 draw at home to Getafe, especially after hitting the post three times. Villarreal stay in second place on head-to-head goal difference despite losing 2-0 at Sevilla.Real Madrid can consider themselves fortunate to escape with a point from their game at Mallorca. Three important decisions all went Madrid’s way towards the end of the first half which had the Mallorca fans waving their handkerchiefs in protest. First Aggelos Basinas was given offside when he had a clear run on goal, replays showed that he started his run from inside his own half. Shortly afterwards Sergio Ramos and Juan Fernando Arango challenged for the ball which then came out to Fernando Navarro who stroked the ball past Iker Casillas; to the crowd’s dismay the referee blew for an inexistant foul by Arango. In the 43rd minute Madrid took the lead when a great run from Arjen Robben left the Mallorca defence in a mess, Robben’s cross was touched by goalkeeper Moya but the ball went straight to Wesley Sneijder who had a simple job to put the ball home. Soon after Mallorca were again furious when the ref didn’t concede a penalty after the ball hit Cannavaro on the arm, however, this time the ref made a good decision as there was clearly no intention from the Madrid defender.
Madrid controlled things a bit better in the second half until Sergio Ramos saw his third red card of the season in the 65th minute. Arango had two good efforts in a minute and this was immediately followed by Mallorca’s equalizer. Ibagaza played the ball in to Arango who flicked it into the path of Borja Valero who burst into the area and curled a right-footer past the diving Casillas. Mallorca sensed victory and it nearly came through Dani Güiza who is normally quite lethal in front of goal, with Casillas beaten, however, Güiza’s shot hit the floor and bounced up and over off the crossbar.
Barça once again failed to take advantage of Madrid’s slip, and a mixture of bad luck and too much anxiety in their play meant they were unable to break down a hard-working Getafe defence. Barça might have scored a hatful but Eto’o, Giovani dos Santos and Xavi all hit the post and Getafe keeper ‘Pato’ Abbondanzieri made fine saves to thwart Milito and Gudjohnsen. It was all too much for the Camp Nou faithful and the supporters vented their frustration at the end with a protest against president Joan Laporta. Click here for a full report on Barça-Getafe.
Villarreal were unable to continue with their recent good form, going down 2-0 at Sevilla. The sevilla coach Manolo Jiminez changed things around by bringing in youngster David Prieto into defence and playing Fazio in midfield, he also left Kanoute on the bench which meant Sevilla played an unfamiliar 4-2-3-1 formation. The experiment paid off and deserved to take an early lead when Luis Fabiano fired home his 23rd of the season. In the dying minutes Villarreal keeper Diego Lopez brought down Navas, and Kanoute sent him the wrong way from the penalty spot.
There have been some crazy games this season at the Vicente Calderon stadium but none more so than this week’s 6-3 victory for Atletico Madrid over nine-man Almeria. Antonio Lopez got the game off to a tremendous start with a belter of a free kick after just two minutes to put the hosts in front. Two minutes later Almeria were reduced to ten men when Ruben Pulido brought down Kun Agüero when he looked like scoring, Diego Forlan made it 2-0 from the penalty spot.
Almeria, however, came back fighting and by the 17th minute they had drawn level through Felipe Melo and Jose Ortiz. Almeria then had chances to take the lead before Simao Sabrosa put Atletico back in the lead on 32 minutes, but Almeria equalized again four minutes later thanks to Alvaro Negredo. Then in the 40th minute Almeria lost Juanito to two yellow cards. With only nine men Almeria could not resist any longer and Simao got his second of the game to make it 4-3 just before the break. Two second half goals from Agüero sealed the points for Atletico who remain in 4th place in the table.
Racing Santander stay fifth despite being surprised 1-3 at home to Deportivo. Young striker Xisco scored a hat-trick last week against Murcia and this week added two more to his account, the first after just two minutes was followed by Coloccini’s effort in the 25th minute as Depor took a 0-2 lead. Jorge Lopez pulled one back for Racing, but Xisco made it 1-3 before half time. Depor’s order and concentration in the second half saw them hold on comfortably for three points which move them up to 13th in the table.
Espanyol’s miserable second half of the season continued with a 1-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao. Athletic had the better of the first half and went in front through a Garmendia header after 13 minutes. Espanyol had the better of the second half but Tamudo missed their best oportunity, blasting a penalty over the bar with 15 minutes to go.
Despite being in the Copa del Rey final Valencia are having a terrible time in the league. This week they lost 1-0 at lowly Murcia and now find themselves down in 14th place with the threat of relegation if they don’t sort things out quickly. Ivan Alonso scored the only goal of the game in the 34th minute to give Murcia a glimmer of hope for survival. Ronald Koeman must be wondering if he will still be coach when Valencia face Getafe in the final on April 16th.
Even worse off are Zaragoza who are now looking odds-on for the drop after going down 0-3 at home to Betis. Two early goals from Mark Gonzalez left Zaragoza against the ropes and a second half goal from Pavone provided the killer punch. Betis are much improved after their early season problems and move up to tenth place.
Valladolid greatly improved their chances of staying up with a 0-3 win at bottom placed Levante. Joseba Llorente got his 14th of the season to give the visitors a 0-1 lead at half time, and two cracking second half goals from Victor and Borja sealed the victory. Levante now have no chance of saving themselves and could well be relegated next week if the fail to win at Betis.
Finally, Recreativo earned a vital victory at Osasuna to go three points clear of the relegation zone. Sinama Pongolle scored the only goal of the game in the 36th minute to give his team a 0-1 win.
Top Six: Real Madrid 66, Villarreal 59, Barcelona 59, Atletico Madrid 53, Racing Santander 50, Sevilla 48.
Bottom Six: Valladolid 38, Osasuna 37, Recreativo 36, Zaragoza 33, Murcia 29, Levante 19.
Top Scorers: Luis Fabiano 23, Güiza 17, Raul 16, Diego Milito 15 Nihat 14.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Soccer-Primera Liga reports
OSASUNA 0 RECREATIVO HUELVA 1
Osasuna were unable to turn their domination into goals and fell behind when French striker Florent Sinama Pongolle chased a long punt out of defence to score just before the break.
Although the win lifted Recre out of the drop zone both teams remain embroiled in the scramble to avoid relegation.
- - - -
REAL MALLORCA 1 REAL MADRID 1
The league leaders were up against it in Mallorca until Dutch winger Arjen Robben's low cross was pushed into the path of compatriot Wesley Sneijder who scored just before the break.
Their hold on the game was broken when defender Sergio Ramos was dismissed for a second booking in the 65th minute and soon after former Real youth team player Borja Valero curled in a spectacular equaliser.
Real were hanging on at the end as Mallorca striker Daniel Guiza hit the bar with the goal gaping.Playing Sunday: (kickoffs 1500 GMT unless stated): Athletic Bilbao v Espanyol Atletico Madrid v Almeria Barcelona v Getafe (1900) Levante v Valladolid Racing Santander v Deportivo Coruna Real Murcia v Valencia Real Zaragoza v Real Betis Sevilla v Villarreal (1700)
Friday, April 4, 2008
La Liga Preview: Mallorca - Real Madrid
With a six point cushion in the league, Real Madrid will travel to Palma to take on Mallorca on Saturday night. The Barralets come into the match in fine form with only one loss in their last 12 league matches. Los Blancos will have revenge on their mind as Mallorca knocked them out of the King’s Cup back in January.Historic Result
Mallorca recorded their first ever win at the Mestalla last weekend as they drubbed a disinterested Valencia side. They were led by striker Daniel Guiza who bagged a brace which sandwiched a brilliant free kick goal by central defender Ivan Ramis.
Guiza’s recent form has been very impressive as he has netted six times in Mallorca’s last five matches which has brought his league total to 17. The 27 year old Spanish international seems determined to make it impossible for Luis Aragones to overlook him for Spain’s squad for Euro 2008. If he continues to perform at this high level, the speculation will only grow that he will be moving to a bigger club in Spain, England or Italy this coming summer.
With three wins in their last four matches, Mallorca has assumed their customary mid-table spot where they sit comfortably seven points above the drop and only five points from a spot in Europe. While they lost a 4-3 thriller to Madrid at the Bernabeu in the league earlier this year, Mallorca should feel confident going into this match after knocking Los Blancos out of the King’s Cup back in January.
A Quiet Week
After a rousing victory over Sevilla last Sunday, Madrid enjoyed a very quiet week with none of the constant speculation over Bernd Schuster’s future at the club which has dominated the headlines in previous weeks. In fact, Schuster let his guard down in front of the press as he talked about this coming summer’s transfer activity for the club as well as his desire to improve his relationship with the press.
Madrid’s biggest challenge will be to maintain their focus as after last week’s results, archrival Barcelona are no longer their primary pursuers as Villarreal have leapfrogged the Blaugrana in the table. With only eight matches remaining, Los Merengues would like to pick up another three points on Saturday which will put an enormous amount of pressure on Villarreal and Barcelona going into their matches on Sunday.
FORM GUIDE
RCD Mallorca
Valencia - Mallorca 0 - 3 30/03/2008 LA LIGA
Mallorca - Deportivo 1 - 0 22/03/2008 LA LIGA
Espanyol - Mallorca 2 - 1 16/03/2008 LA LIGA
Mallorca - Recreativo 7 - 1 09/03/2008 LA LIGA
Getafe - Mallorca 3 - 3 02/03/2008 LA LIGA
Mallorca - Betis 1 - 1 24/02/2008 LA LIGA
Real Madrid
Real Madrid - Sevilla 3 - 1 30/03/2008 LA LIGA
Real Madrid - Valencia 2 - 3 23/03/2008 LA LIGA
Deportivo - Real Madrid 1 - 0 15/03/2008 LA LIGA
Real Madrid - Espanyol 2 - 1 08/03/2008 LA LIGA
Real Madrid - Roma 1 - 2 05/03/2008 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Recreativo - Real Madrid 2 - 3 01/03/2008 LA LIGA
TEAM NEWS
Mallorca
No major injuries or suspensions to report as defender Sergio Ballesteros returns from a two match ban. Mallorca coach, Gregorio Manzano, is expected to name an unchanged side from last week’s win over Valencia.
Possible Starting XI (4-4-2): Moya – Navarro, Nunes, Ramis, Hector – Jonas, Basinas, Ibagaza, Varela – Guiza, Arango
Madrid
Pepe is expected to return from a knock that he had received on the last international break. Other than Metzelder and van Nistleroy who are both still unavailable due to injury, Schuster should have a full squad to choose from. Given Madrid’s recent inability to score goals in away matches, I expect him to drop Marcelo at left back and go with the more defensive option in Heinze.
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Casillas - Heinze, Cannavaro, Pepe, Ramos – Guti, Gago, Sneijder - Robben, Raul, Higuain.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mallorca
Arango – It’s not a surprise that Mallorca’s recent run of good form has coincided with Juan Arango rediscovering his scoring touch. The Venezuelan international has scored five goals over his last five matches. While he is listed as a striker, he will drop into midfield and serve as an effective playmaker. Madrid’s defense will have to pay careful attention to him at all times.
Madrid
Raul – In what has been a very inconsistent year for Madrid, the one constant has been the high level of performance from their captain. Raul has been in very good form with six goals in his last six matches for Madrid. Stopping him will be the highest priority for Mallorca.
PREDICTION
While Madrid’s form has been very difficult to predict lately, they have won four of their last five league matches at Ono Estadi. With a chance to really put the pressure on the other title chasers, I would expect Los Blancos to collect all three points here.
Mallorca 1 – Real Madrid 2
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