An unimpressive Barcelona side left it late but eventually managed to pick up all three points against Real Mallorca thanks to the returning Andrés Iniesta, who scored the decisive second in a 3-1 victory.
The Catalan outfit started the evening 27 points ahead of the island team but the gulf in class was not obvious from the start, as Mallorca took the lead with less than twenty minutes gone.
Aritz Aduriz was the scorer as he chipped Víctor Valdés following a superb run from the half-way line and Barcelona looked subdued for much of the first-half.
They did get back into it before half-time though as Thierry Henry smashed home from a corner at the back post, and then with just fifteen minutes left, Iniesta tapped home from close-range, after a move that looked to be offside.
Yaya Touré made the scoreline look more impressive as he smashed home from close range after some ball control in the box.
The performance might well be explained as simply a lack of practice over the Christmas break but no doubt some will look at the fact Barcelona were missing Lionel Messi again, who was only in the stands.
Either way, Barcelona extended their lead at the top of La Liga to 13 points over Sevilla, and Mallorca failed to move clear of the bottom four, despite a plucky display.
New Year, New Changes
The main news from the start was that Lionel Messi wasn't even in the squad following his late return from holiday, and Victor Sánchez made a surprise start at the middle of defence. Barcelona showed some signs of weariness too as they struggled to create anything of note in the opening ten minutes, and Mallorca looked comfortable sitting deep and defending. Indeed, the first real scare was near the Barcelona goal, as a ball over the top looked to be feeding in Aritz Aduriz, only for Víctor Valdés to come rushing out of his box, and Eric Abidal to nip in and take the ball away from everyone.
The home fans had little to cheer about early on, but should have seen their side take the lead when Yaya Touré pinged a long ball into the box towards Samuel Eto'o, only for the striker to volley wide from ten yards. Then, much to the shock of everyone in the Camp Nou, Mallorca took the lead with just fifteen minutes gone. Aduriz was both the creator and the scorer as he dribbled from the half-way line, out pacing Sánchez, and then dinking a delightful little chip over Valdés to put his side ahead. It was a sensational start for the island side, who were the last team to beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou back in May, and they didn't really face any immediate retaliation from the subdued hosts.
Indeed, it took until the 27th minute for Barça to create another chance, as Xavi pulled a corner to the edge of the box and Eidur Gudjohnsen struck a sweet shot that clipped the cross bar. They seemed to up the tempo after that chance though and Mallorca were indebted to Germán Lux as he made a great save to deny Touré from inside the box, following some smart passing from Barcelona. It did not take long for a visibly more confident Barça to take the lead though, as Carles Puyol flicked a corner on to Thierry Henry at the back post and he took one touch then smashed it in off the post across the helpless 'keeper.
Barcelona looked as though they would go on to grab another, the way they were starting to play but they couldn't do so, with Mallorca nearly going ahead when Valdés spilled a free-kick and the ball nearly landed at the feet of Aduriz. Neither team could break the deadlock before the half-time whistle though, although Barcelona did finish stronger as Lux made a good save to deny Eto'o from close range.
Similar Second-Half
The home side came out strongly in the second-half too, with the Mallorca defence doing brilliantly to block an Eto'o shot after Puyol had cut the ball back to him. However, they struggled to create any real clear-cut chances, as the away side defended deep and looked to hit on the counter-act. Henry did nearly manage to feed in Eto'o with a flick over the defence but he was just edged out and his shot flew over the bar.
Indeed, the biggest cheer in the second-half was reserved for the return of Andrés Iniesta, who came on to replace Aliaksandr Hleb with 65 minutes gone. The move proved to be a masterstroke too as the mercurial Spaniard grabbed the goal that put Barcelona ahead with just fifteen minutes left. Xavi started the move as he hit a shot from outside the box, that took a deflection, feeding in Gudjohnsen, who squared for Iniesta to tap in from a few yards out. Mallorca protested vehemently about the goal as it looked like both players could have been in the move, but the referee did not give anything.
The goal sparked a change from Mallorca as they tried to come out of their shell, but they struggled to create anything as the clock wore down. Barcelona on the other hand seemed happy with the result and were content to pass it around their visitors. Henry very nearly rounded off a lovely move towards the end as he flicked in a cross from Alves, but it went just wide of the far post. The end did have a twist for Mallorca, but not in a good way, as Josemi received a second yellow card for dragging down Iniesta with just a minute left on the clock. Things got worse too as Yaya Touré put the icing on the cake for Barcelona by finishing a lovely dribbling move inside the box by smashing past by Lux from close range.
For Full Match Stats Please Click Here...
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Sunday, January 4, 2009
David Silva Double Helps Valencia Defeat Atlético Madrid
Coming into Saturday night's encounter, Valencia and Atlético Madrid could not be separated in the table, but ninety minutes later, Valencia had secured an important win, and second place on the Primera Division.
The big news for Valencia was the return of David Silva to the starting line-up, after he'd made a few appearances as a substitute at the end of last year.
Atletico, meanwhile, lined up as expected, with the exception of Luis Garcia taking the place of the injured Maxi Rodriguez.
First Half
Much was expected from this fixture, and it only took a minute for it to come to life. David Villa went past Johnny Heitinga and slotted past Leo Franco, but the referee ruled that El Guaje had fouled the Dutchman. It was a borderline call, which could have gone either way. Seconds later, Franco was forced into another save, as Villa's shot from distance deflected towards goal.
Soon Valencia had another goal ruled out, and there were only four minutes on the clock! The ball smashed against the crossbar, leaving David Silva with an easy tap in, but the referee ruled that Juan Mata was offside. Whether he was interfering in the play was, as ever, a matter of interpretation, but the referee had no doubts.
There was no doubt as to which side was on top, with Valencia attacking with force at every opportunity. On 17 minutes, Joaquín's cross along the floor found Silva inches out, but his flick trickled agonizingly wide of the far post.
On the half hour, there was yet another moment of contention, as Villa appealed for a penalty, having been dragged down by Luis Perea in the box. Again, the referee waved play on, but on this occasion he looked to have made the wrong decision. That would become a recurring theme, as minutes later, Atleti suffered from an absolutely shocking decision.
The ball was crossed in to the box and Ruben Baraja quite literally threw himself to the floor, while the referee inexplicably blew for a non-existent penalty. Atletico were incensed, and understandably so. David Villa, however, was not bothered, and he cooly slotted home to give Valencia the lead.
The goal had clearly rattled Atletico, and with five minutes left, they were made to pay as Valencia launched an incisive attack. Miguel broke free on the right and set up David Silva, who controlled well into the box and slotted it past Leo Franco with his right foot. There were no doubts about this one, and Valencia looked on course for a comfortable win.
All that changed, however, with a minute to go. Ruben Baraja was adjudged to have fouled Kun Agũero in the box, and Diego Forlán duly stepped up and slotted into the bottom right hand corner. It was a strange incident, given that none of the Atléti players seemed intent on even appealing for the penalty, but they were not complaining, as they went into the break having reduced the deficit.
Second Half
The second half started as the first had finished, with the ball flowing from end to end, without any clear cut chances being created. Both Simão and Joaquín were getting forward at will, but they were being denied sufficient space to make a significant impact.
On the hour, Forlán had the first real chance of the half, but his shot from distance flew just wide of the far post. There was certainly no love lost between the two sids, with plenty of tasty challenges flying in and words being exchanged. Sensing the need for a change, Javier Aguirre sent on Florent Sinama-Pongolle for Luis García, who had endured a fairly disappointing game.
Unai Emery responded by removing Ruben Baraja and throwing on Manuel Fernandes, in an effort to inject some creativity into a game that was starting to get caught up in too many fouls and not enough chances. It did not take long for that to change, as David Silva marked his return to the starting line-up with another goal, this one right out of the top drawer. Receiving the ball from Joaquín, Silva strode forward and let fly from outside the box, and his shot swerved past Leo Franco and in at the near post.
It was a spectacular strike from Silva, who had been a class above everyone on the pitch, and had shown just how much Valencia had missed him. The momentum was with Los Che, and suddenly they looked like the only side capable of scoring. With 15 minutes to go, Atléti had a great chance to pull one back, but Mariano Pernia's free-kick went straight against the wall.
With about ten minutes to go, Emery withdrew a tiring Juan Mata and replaced him with Vicente, ensuring that there would be no respite for the visitors. Sinama soon had a half-chance, but his shot flew wide after jinking past four players on the edge of the box. Emery then made his final switch, taking off the hero of the night David Silva, and replacing him with Edu.
With time running out, Villa almost added a fourth when he went on a mazy run, but Perea finally got across to block his left footed shot. Rául García then played a neat one-two with Forlan, before being brought down just outside the box. Pernia rifled in the free-kick, but Renan pulled off a brilliant save low down to his right, thus seemingly extinguishing all hopes of an Atléti comeback. Agũero had not given up though, but his shot from distance was also well saved.
There was still time, however, for Simao and Edu to throw all sorts of insults at each other, but that was the last major incident of the match, as Valencia claimed all three points, moving up to second place in the process.
Valencia 3-1 Atlético Madrid
Villa 34 Forlán 45
Silva 39, 67
Valencia: Renan - Miguel, Maduro, Albiol, Moretti - Joaquín, Albelda, Baraja (Manuel Fernandes 67), David Silva - Mata (Vicente 81), Villa
Atletico Madrid: Leo Franco - Perea, Ujfalusi, Heitinga, Pernía - Simão, Assuncao, Rául García, Luis García (Sinama-Pongolle 63) - Forlán, Agũero
Yellow Cards: Rául García 32, Baraja 44, Albelda 71, Perea 74, Heitinga 77
Arjun Miglani, Goal.com
The big news for Valencia was the return of David Silva to the starting line-up, after he'd made a few appearances as a substitute at the end of last year.
Atletico, meanwhile, lined up as expected, with the exception of Luis Garcia taking the place of the injured Maxi Rodriguez.
First Half
Much was expected from this fixture, and it only took a minute for it to come to life. David Villa went past Johnny Heitinga and slotted past Leo Franco, but the referee ruled that El Guaje had fouled the Dutchman. It was a borderline call, which could have gone either way. Seconds later, Franco was forced into another save, as Villa's shot from distance deflected towards goal.
Soon Valencia had another goal ruled out, and there were only four minutes on the clock! The ball smashed against the crossbar, leaving David Silva with an easy tap in, but the referee ruled that Juan Mata was offside. Whether he was interfering in the play was, as ever, a matter of interpretation, but the referee had no doubts.
There was no doubt as to which side was on top, with Valencia attacking with force at every opportunity. On 17 minutes, Joaquín's cross along the floor found Silva inches out, but his flick trickled agonizingly wide of the far post.
On the half hour, there was yet another moment of contention, as Villa appealed for a penalty, having been dragged down by Luis Perea in the box. Again, the referee waved play on, but on this occasion he looked to have made the wrong decision. That would become a recurring theme, as minutes later, Atleti suffered from an absolutely shocking decision.
The ball was crossed in to the box and Ruben Baraja quite literally threw himself to the floor, while the referee inexplicably blew for a non-existent penalty. Atletico were incensed, and understandably so. David Villa, however, was not bothered, and he cooly slotted home to give Valencia the lead.
The goal had clearly rattled Atletico, and with five minutes left, they were made to pay as Valencia launched an incisive attack. Miguel broke free on the right and set up David Silva, who controlled well into the box and slotted it past Leo Franco with his right foot. There were no doubts about this one, and Valencia looked on course for a comfortable win.
All that changed, however, with a minute to go. Ruben Baraja was adjudged to have fouled Kun Agũero in the box, and Diego Forlán duly stepped up and slotted into the bottom right hand corner. It was a strange incident, given that none of the Atléti players seemed intent on even appealing for the penalty, but they were not complaining, as they went into the break having reduced the deficit.
Second Half
The second half started as the first had finished, with the ball flowing from end to end, without any clear cut chances being created. Both Simão and Joaquín were getting forward at will, but they were being denied sufficient space to make a significant impact.
On the hour, Forlán had the first real chance of the half, but his shot from distance flew just wide of the far post. There was certainly no love lost between the two sids, with plenty of tasty challenges flying in and words being exchanged. Sensing the need for a change, Javier Aguirre sent on Florent Sinama-Pongolle for Luis García, who had endured a fairly disappointing game.
Unai Emery responded by removing Ruben Baraja and throwing on Manuel Fernandes, in an effort to inject some creativity into a game that was starting to get caught up in too many fouls and not enough chances. It did not take long for that to change, as David Silva marked his return to the starting line-up with another goal, this one right out of the top drawer. Receiving the ball from Joaquín, Silva strode forward and let fly from outside the box, and his shot swerved past Leo Franco and in at the near post.
It was a spectacular strike from Silva, who had been a class above everyone on the pitch, and had shown just how much Valencia had missed him. The momentum was with Los Che, and suddenly they looked like the only side capable of scoring. With 15 minutes to go, Atléti had a great chance to pull one back, but Mariano Pernia's free-kick went straight against the wall.
With about ten minutes to go, Emery withdrew a tiring Juan Mata and replaced him with Vicente, ensuring that there would be no respite for the visitors. Sinama soon had a half-chance, but his shot flew wide after jinking past four players on the edge of the box. Emery then made his final switch, taking off the hero of the night David Silva, and replacing him with Edu.
With time running out, Villa almost added a fourth when he went on a mazy run, but Perea finally got across to block his left footed shot. Rául García then played a neat one-two with Forlan, before being brought down just outside the box. Pernia rifled in the free-kick, but Renan pulled off a brilliant save low down to his right, thus seemingly extinguishing all hopes of an Atléti comeback. Agũero had not given up though, but his shot from distance was also well saved.
There was still time, however, for Simao and Edu to throw all sorts of insults at each other, but that was the last major incident of the match, as Valencia claimed all three points, moving up to second place in the process.
Valencia 3-1 Atlético Madrid
Villa 34 Forlán 45
Silva 39, 67
Valencia: Renan - Miguel, Maduro, Albiol, Moretti - Joaquín, Albelda, Baraja (Manuel Fernandes 67), David Silva - Mata (Vicente 81), Villa
Atletico Madrid: Leo Franco - Perea, Ujfalusi, Heitinga, Pernía - Simão, Assuncao, Rául García, Luis García (Sinama-Pongolle 63) - Forlán, Agũero
Yellow Cards: Rául García 32, Baraja 44, Albelda 71, Perea 74, Heitinga 77
Arjun Miglani, Goal.com
Guardiola Savours Barcelona's Tough Win Over Mallorca
Josep Guardiola has praised Barcelona's performance during their 3-1 win over Mallorca, stressing the importance of such victories.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Barca coach described the win as "more useful than a 5-0 victory".
"We created more chances, and therefore it is a fair victory," continued Guardiola. "The team showed a great work ethic. These games, just after the holidays, are always dangerous, but we showed patience and organisation."
Guardiola then sang the praises of his opponents, saying, "They shut down the space in the middle well, and were always a threat with the pace and talent of players like Aduriz and Arango." He added that their spirited performance did not come as a surprise.
Barca's second goal was highly controversial, but Guardiola simply stated, "I never comment on the referees."
Among the crowd at the Camp Nou was Argentina coach Diego Maradona, but instead of watching Lionel Messi play, he had the chance to talk to him, sat as he was in the seat next to him.
When asked whether or not he had any interaction with Maradona,Guardiola said, "I have not had the luck to meet him, and I don't have his phone number." He added that there was no meeting scheduled.
The Barca coach then confirmed that Rafael Marquez was withdrawn due to physical problems, but it was fatigue rather than injury.
Finally, Guardiola signed off with his signature line: "We have not won any titles yet."
Arjun Miglani
Guardiola Pleased Yet Sad With Barcelona Defeat
Cup run gives Red Bulls new vision
Lionel Messi To Play In Argentina Friendly
ACC shines as College Cup takes shape
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Atlético Madrid Can Aspire To Be The Best - Aguirre
Atlético Madrid might be without both Maxi Rodríguez and Maniche for their match with Valencia this weekend, but confidence is still high in the camp.
The Champions League side finished last year in the third in the league, and according to coach Javier Aguirre, they can achieve great things in the New Year.
"The 23 players all have my confidence. I am very pleased with the team and with this squad we can aspire to be the best," he told AS.
"The start of the season took it's toll, but we have worked well, and I am feeling very good."
Indeed, Atlético are unbeaten in the league since mid-October when they lost to arch-rivals Real Madrid, and a win against Valencia would see them move second in the league.
Ahead of the match Aguirre said that he believes his team have had a successful break, and are raring to go.
"I believe that the break has meant that the team returns physically and mentally better when they left last year; we are better than ever," he mused.
Aguirre also spoke briefly about his opposite number this weekend, Unai Emery, and his fellow countryman Hugo Sánchez, who has taken over at Almería.
"Unai Emery is a very well prepared coach. It will be a good match this weekend between two teams competing for the top places," he declared. "Hugo Sánchez is a man who has generated expectation both as a coach and a player, his numbers tell everything."
Atlético will be without midfielder Éver Banega for the match with Valencia this weekend, as he is not allowed to play against his parent club whilst on loan. However, Aguirre still took time to praise the player today, despite the fact many Atlético Madrid fans have not been convinced by him.
"Éver, along with our five other signings, have been a success. We have improved in quality with these six players and they have settled quickly. The quality has given us more, and I am very pleased with him," he concluded.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Generation adidas team announced
Atlético Madrid Clash Will Not Be Like The League - Lionel Messi
Maxi And Agüero Fit To Play Against Valencia
The Champions League side finished last year in the third in the league, and according to coach Javier Aguirre, they can achieve great things in the New Year.
"The 23 players all have my confidence. I am very pleased with the team and with this squad we can aspire to be the best," he told AS.
"The start of the season took it's toll, but we have worked well, and I am feeling very good."
Indeed, Atlético are unbeaten in the league since mid-October when they lost to arch-rivals Real Madrid, and a win against Valencia would see them move second in the league.
Ahead of the match Aguirre said that he believes his team have had a successful break, and are raring to go.
"I believe that the break has meant that the team returns physically and mentally better when they left last year; we are better than ever," he mused.
Aguirre also spoke briefly about his opposite number this weekend, Unai Emery, and his fellow countryman Hugo Sánchez, who has taken over at Almería.
"Unai Emery is a very well prepared coach. It will be a good match this weekend between two teams competing for the top places," he declared. "Hugo Sánchez is a man who has generated expectation both as a coach and a player, his numbers tell everything."
Atlético will be without midfielder Éver Banega for the match with Valencia this weekend, as he is not allowed to play against his parent club whilst on loan. However, Aguirre still took time to praise the player today, despite the fact many Atlético Madrid fans have not been convinced by him.
"Éver, along with our five other signings, have been a success. We have improved in quality with these six players and they have settled quickly. The quality has given us more, and I am very pleased with him," he concluded.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Generation adidas team announced
Atlético Madrid Clash Will Not Be Like The League - Lionel Messi
Maxi And Agüero Fit To Play Against Valencia
Rijkaard Congratulates Barcelona
Frank Rijkaard may not have left Barcelona on the best of terms last summer, but the Dutchman is certainly remembered fondly by fans of the club, and today he showed his respect for the Catalan side and their new coach.
Speaking to AS, the former AC Milan player sent his congratulations to the club for their great start to the season, and said he hopes they can continue to excel.
"I am happy seeing how everything is going and I want to congratulate the staff and the players," he declared.
"The fans are enjoying it, the team is functioning well, they are in a positive mood, and the dynamics are strong, I like that.
"I hope that they can continue like this until the end of the season."
Rijkaard left Barcelona last summer following a trophy-less season, and one which saw the Catalan side finish only third in the league table.
Since then he has been out of a job, but today he admitted that he will probably coach again 'next season', although he is not yet sure 'what team.'
The only clue he did give, which will please Barcelona fans no end, is that he won't be taking over at Real Madrid, saying the 'history' is linked too much to that of the Blaugrana, whom he coached for five seasons, winning two league titles and the Champions League.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Barca’s Offer For Villa Rejected
Messi Looks Forward To Success With Barcelona
Crew name Warzycha new head coach
Speaking to AS, the former AC Milan player sent his congratulations to the club for their great start to the season, and said he hopes they can continue to excel.
"I am happy seeing how everything is going and I want to congratulate the staff and the players," he declared.
"The fans are enjoying it, the team is functioning well, they are in a positive mood, and the dynamics are strong, I like that.
"I hope that they can continue like this until the end of the season."
Rijkaard left Barcelona last summer following a trophy-less season, and one which saw the Catalan side finish only third in the league table.
Since then he has been out of a job, but today he admitted that he will probably coach again 'next season', although he is not yet sure 'what team.'
The only clue he did give, which will please Barcelona fans no end, is that he won't be taking over at Real Madrid, saying the 'history' is linked too much to that of the Blaugrana, whom he coached for five seasons, winning two league titles and the Champions League.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Barca’s Offer For Villa Rejected
Messi Looks Forward To Success With Barcelona
Crew name Warzycha new head coach
Inter Add Samuel Eto’o To Striker Wish List
Samuel Eto'o has been in tremendous touch this season as he is the current top scorer in La Liga, and has been pivotal to his side’s dominant start this term, as they hold a ten point buffer atop the Primera Divisióntable.
It's fair to say that Eto'o hasn't always been the most stable character at Barcelona, but this season he certainly seems to be reformed.
Since Pep Guardiola’s arrival at the helm of the club, the Eto’o of old, who sometimes played for himself rather than the team, seems to have gone, and he is once again scoring goals for fun.
Despite this however, rumours surrounding his future continue to emerge, with Inter Milan being the latest to reportedly express their interest in the star striker.
According to the Catalan daily Sport, Inter are considering a move for the Cameroonian international, adding to the likes of Diego Milito, Didier Drogba, Carlos Tevez and Michael Owen; players that the club have been linked to in the past.
The reports suggest that the Barcelona hitman is at the top of Nerazzurri president Massimo Moratti’s wish list, but only from next season, when Adriano could realistically make a move away from the club.
These latest reports are yet to be confirmed, and if you are an Inter fan, don’t get your hopes up just yet, as the future of this player may very well be in Barcelona, especially if the Catalans offer him a new multi-million dollar contract.
Adrian Del Monte
Barca’s Offer For Villa Rejected
Barcelona Resume Training Without Messi, Alves, Eto’o
Cunningham hungry for success
It's fair to say that Eto'o hasn't always been the most stable character at Barcelona, but this season he certainly seems to be reformed.
Since Pep Guardiola’s arrival at the helm of the club, the Eto’o of old, who sometimes played for himself rather than the team, seems to have gone, and he is once again scoring goals for fun.
Despite this however, rumours surrounding his future continue to emerge, with Inter Milan being the latest to reportedly express their interest in the star striker.
According to the Catalan daily Sport, Inter are considering a move for the Cameroonian international, adding to the likes of Diego Milito, Didier Drogba, Carlos Tevez and Michael Owen; players that the club have been linked to in the past.
The reports suggest that the Barcelona hitman is at the top of Nerazzurri president Massimo Moratti’s wish list, but only from next season, when Adriano could realistically make a move away from the club.
These latest reports are yet to be confirmed, and if you are an Inter fan, don’t get your hopes up just yet, as the future of this player may very well be in Barcelona, especially if the Catalans offer him a new multi-million dollar contract.
Adrian Del Monte
Barca’s Offer For Villa Rejected
Barcelona Resume Training Without Messi, Alves, Eto’o
Cunningham hungry for success
Friday, January 2, 2009
Real Betis' Juande Out For Ten Days
Following a poor start to the season Real Betis will be relatively pleased with how they finished 2008, despite the fact they have picked up just one point from their last four games.
Los Verdiblancos start the new year with a tricky trip to Almería and Marca reports today they will have to do without midfielder Juande.
The young Spaniard has played just a handful of games this season, and he will now miss the first three of 2009 with injury.
The player has not trained since his return from the winter break, and whilst doctors did rule out any serious injury, they confirmed today that he does not have a problem with his pubis.
He will now miss the match with Almería, as well as the Copa Del Rey clash with Real Unión and the La Liga match with Málaga.
The good news is that whilst Juande is out, Sergio García and Damiá look like they could recover from injuries to play against Almería.
Real Betis currently sit 13th in the La Liga table, but are just five points above the relegation zone at the start of year.
Coach Paco Chaparro will be hoping that his side can rediscover some of the form that saw them win three of their five matches in November.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Canizares: Tottenham Didn’t Understand Juande Ramos
Spanish Debate: Is The Liga Over?
Injuries derail Chivas USA’s Cup quest
Los Verdiblancos start the new year with a tricky trip to Almería and Marca reports today they will have to do without midfielder Juande.
The young Spaniard has played just a handful of games this season, and he will now miss the first three of 2009 with injury.
The player has not trained since his return from the winter break, and whilst doctors did rule out any serious injury, they confirmed today that he does not have a problem with his pubis.
He will now miss the match with Almería, as well as the Copa Del Rey clash with Real Unión and the La Liga match with Málaga.
The good news is that whilst Juande is out, Sergio García and Damiá look like they could recover from injuries to play against Almería.
Real Betis currently sit 13th in the La Liga table, but are just five points above the relegation zone at the start of year.
Coach Paco Chaparro will be hoping that his side can rediscover some of the form that saw them win three of their five matches in November.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Canizares: Tottenham Didn’t Understand Juande Ramos
Spanish Debate: Is The Liga Over?
Injuries derail Chivas USA’s Cup quest
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