La Liga clubs have been splashing the cash in the summer transfer window, but the rumour is despite having already bought in Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo (to name but a few) it seems Real Madrid are not done yet. However, only if they can get rid of a couple of thorns in their side one of them being the world’s best-paid golfer: Gareth Bale. It has been clear for quite some time now the Welsh wizard has fallen out of favour with both the fans and manager at the Bernabeu but with whopping wages, it seems everything is at a stalemate. If Real are to land their other target Paul Pogba this summer, Bale has got to go, but it won’t be easy. After all, it seems no one really wants an injury-prone 30-year-old. That’s a little unfair, clubs do want Bale as he has undeniable talented, but no one can afford to pay the close to £400,000 per week the Welshman earns. And that is the sticking point. Why should Bale take a pay cut to move when there … [Read More...]
Barcelona reveals new away kit for 2019/20 campaign
Barcelona has turned to 1979 for inspiration for their new away kit for the upcoming season. Their new yellow away shirt features a diagonal stripe in the traditional "blaugrana" colours, in what is arguably one of the best throwback kits of the season. The new kit was made available to fans around the world on 9th July. So what has inspired Barcelona's retrospective outlook for the new kit? Well, much of the drive behind the 1979 design is that this year marks the 40th anniversary of "La Masia." Celebrating the history of Barcelona's future "La Masia" symbolises Barcelona's unique past, present and future. The football club and Nike have collaborated to honour the team from an era where, the club claims, it had some of its best-ever players. Barcelona released a statement explaining how, in celebration of this huge anniversary of La Masia's establishment, they wanted to honour the La Masia youth academy, its spirit and … [Read More...]
A Closer Look – RCD Mallorca
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid. Three of Spain’s biggest clubs and three sides that need no introduction. However, there are seventeen other sides who will compete in La Liga next season who are perhaps less well known to European football fans. So, with that in mind, we thought it a good time to dig a little deeper into La Liga’s latest edition RCD Mallorca. The History Founded in 1916, the club based in the city of Palma on the island of Mallorca have had plenty of ups in their history but also some serious downs. Initially they were known as Alfonso XIII Football Club so called in respect of the King of Spain at the time but their first ever home game was a 8-0 thumping at the hands of Barcelona. After toiling around the Catalan Championship for a number of years, it was in the 1960’s that saw Mallorca (changed their name in 1919) make it to Spain’s top flight for the first time and spend a total of five seasons there before the 1970’s hit with … [Read More...]
The Latest La Liga Transfer News
The summer is a never-ending rumour mill which we must admit we simply cannot get enough of. The speculation as to who is going where is sometimes more intriguing than when the action actually gets underway and with so many stories doing the rounds, we thought it time for a little look at some of the big deals that are rumoured to be occurring this summer. Antoine Griezmann At the end of the season, Frenchman Antoine Griezmann made it quite clear to all that he was leaving Atletico Madrid. Many expected an announcement to be made within days of his next destination, but nothing has of yet been set in stone. One such potential opportunity appears to be a move across the city to rivals Real Madrid. However, after Los Blanco signed free-scoring Luka Jovic from Eintracht Frankfurt, will Real be prepared to spend big on a player they may view they simply don’t need? We could see a retraction here and it is more than possible Griezmann may well be staying at the … [Read More...]
Can Real Madrid Win La Liga Next Season?
The return of Zinedine Zidane to the Bernabeu was one of the most surprising turn of events in the La Liga season. However, it did very little to improve their fortunes on the field that much with the club ending the season in third place behind their arch-rivals Atletico and champions Barcelona. The summer window is a massive deal for the club, and they have already indicated their intent with early signings of massive players. However, the lingering doubt of many players will likely decide the mood of the club as they begin their season. Madrid ended the season with three defeats in their last four matches, much to the disappointment of punters who used the Coral promo code to bet on them, but none of the blame with be placed at the door of Zidane. He has arrived back at the club with a clear plan in mind of the direction that the club must go in without the talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo. The arrival of Eden Hazard to the club will have an instant reaction, with the Belgium … [Read More...]
Promoted Team Profile: Osasuna
Although the Segunda division still rumbles on for another two matchdays, as Osasuna boast a six-point lead at the top of the able and a ten-point advantage over third-place Albacete, it is safe to say the minnows from Pamplona will be contesting La Liga next season. But are they? And what will they bring to the division? History The club with the nickname Gorritxoak are no strangers to Spain’s top-flight. In fact, from 2000 to 2014 the side contested every La Liga season and even finished fourth at the end of the 2005/06 campaign. However, relegation followed at the end of the 2013/14 season and although promotion was achieved two-seasons later, it was a one-season spell back in the top-flight before relegation ensued. That is how it has been for the last two seasons after finishing eighth in the Segunda division last year before going on to claim the title this season from Granada. Have they won anything? Four-times Osasuna have claimed Spain’s second-tier … [Read More...]
Copa Del Rey – The route to the final
Barcelona’s bid for domestic dominance could be completed on Saturday but first, they will have to overcome a plucky Valencia side seeking their first piece of silverware since winning this very competition in 2008. So, how did both sides The route to the final Barcelona 5 cultural y deportiva leonesa 1 - (all results given as aggregate totals) The Spanish giants were paired with Segunda B division side cultural y deportiva leonesa for their opening exploits in the competition. Ernesto Valverde’s side breezed through two-legged affair 5-1 on aggregate to get their defence of to the easiest of starts. Barcelona 4 Levante 2 However, the Catalans ran into a dogged Levante in the second round of matches. A 2-1 loss on the road put the La Liga champions under pressure ahead of the second leg, however, true to Barca form, a 3-0 home win ensured progression 4-2 on aggregate. Barcelona 6 Sevilla 3 Barcalona then took on Sevilla in the quarter finals and … [Read More...]
Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla: Crunch time for the visitors
With three games to go in La Liga this season (just two by the time this contest rolls around), one may be forgiven for thinking it is possible Atletico Madrid may take their foot off the gas as they prepare for their summer holidays. Many punters may fancy looking at Sevilla in their football betting because Atletico sit nine-points in front of their great rivals Real Madrid in the table and have secured Champions League football assured for next season. All of this begs the question of what is there left to play for? Err, actually, quite a lot. Atletico may not have a huge amount to play for, but their opponents Sevilla certainly do (although you can beat your life Diego Simeone will not want to do the Sevillistas any favours). Sevilla are currently embroiled in a remarkable battle with surprise package Getafe. The deep blues have come from seemingly nowhere to mount a serious challenge for Champions League football for next season and have gate-crashed the La Liga … [Read More...]