You can almost count the hours on your fingers and toes before arch-rivals Spain and Portugal commence the war of Iberia in Russia in a game that is likely to decide who will top World Cup group B. With Iran and Morocco, the other two sides contesting the group, all and sundry firmly expect both the Portuguese and Spaniards to make it through to the knockout stages with the only thing to be decided is in which order. According to numerous sportsbooks such as https://www.apuestasdeportivas24.org/ Spain were entering the World Cup in a strong position. That was until Spain shook the world with the news that they had sacked head coach Julen Lopetegui just hours before the big kick-off. After it emerged that Lopetegui was to take over as Real Madrid boss after the World Cup, it has been confirmed that the Spanish FA were furious that they were only informed five minutes before Real made the announcement and made the decisive move to axe the man who has never lost a match as the … [Read More...]
World Cup Warm Up: Tunisia v Spain
The World Cup countdown is well and truly on and as we enter days as opposed to weeks until the tournament begins, the 32 teams set to enter sports biggest stage get one last chance to experiment before the grand kick off. On Saturday, Tunisia and Spain meet at the Krasnodar Stadium in Russia, with a final chance to fine-tune squads and give run-outs to those on the fringe. But what can we expect from an International friendly so close to the World Cup finals and how have the pair fared in the run-up to Russia 2018? Spain’s Recent Form It is of little surprise that 2010 World Cup winners Spain are among the favourites to lift the FIFA World Cup for a second time with 888sport. With players such as David Silva, David De Gea, and La Liga heavyweights Sergio Ramos, Diego Costa and Andrés Iniesta in the Red Fury’s ranks, it is not hard to see why Spain has been impressing against some tough opponents of late. That was highlighted by the 6-1 drubbing of Argentina in March … [Read More...]
Zidane Walks, So What Next for Madrid?
When Real Madrid announced a press conference would take place just hours after Zinedine Zidane was due to sit down with club president Florentino Perez, social media went into overdrive and just a few hours later, it was confirmed, the man who guided Los Blancos to three Champions League titles in a row would be vacating the hot seat. When Frank Lampard and Marco Silva were making headlines in England for joining new clubs Derby County and Everton respectively, Zidane was making headlines for the opposite. As expected, much like landing a Bitcoin Bitzstars bonus, the rumour mill and bookmakers have been quick to react with a number of names linked to the vacant managers' post with a few surprise names thrown in. But who are they? And are they a realistic target for arguably the most sought-after seat in European club management? Arsene Wenger Frenchman Arsene Wenger has only just left his post at Arsenal after 22 years at the helm but has automatically been instilled … [Read More...]
Barca Lookalikes Huesca Earn Promotion to La Liga For First Time
Spanish minnows Huesca are celebrating after achieving promotion to the top table of Spanish football for the first time in the club’s history after a 2-0 victory over Lugo in Spain’s second tier Segunda division was enough to see the side claim enough points to guarantee promotion. With two games still to go, Huesca will now aim to win the Segunda title ahead of Rayo Vallecano who they have a two-point advantage over. A Long Road to the Top The club is notable for their similarity in kits to the mighty Barcelona who they will be mixing it with next season and can trace their heritage to Barce as the club was formed in 1910 by fans of the Catalan giants before folding just sixteen years later. However, that would not prove to be the end as 1960 came around, the club re-emerged as Sociedad Deportiva Huesca. A total of 30 seasons in Spain’s fourth tier have since followed with sixteen seasons in Segunda B and eight seasons in Segunda before finally reaching the promised … [Read More...]
La Liga Final Weekend Breakdown Part Two: 11th – 20th
In our previous article, we decided to take a look at what the sides in Spain’s top 10 have left to play as the season enters its final round of fixtures. Now, we take a look at what the sides in the bottom half of the table can still achieve heading into the final weekend of a thrilling season. Girona – 48 pts Just avoiding the drop has earned tiny Girona many plaudits but they still have the ability to finish inside the top ten in their debut top-flight season. However, defeat to Las Palmas on Saturday could see them slip to fifteenth but no matter happens, the season has been an overwhelming success. Alaves – 47 pts Alaves are another side like Girona who will be happy with their season's work and have now established themselves as a mid-table side after ending last season in ninth. If things go well and Alaves win away at Sevilla on Saturday, then it is possible for a repeat of last season ninth place finish. However, there is also the danger of ending the … [Read More...]
Ernesto Valverde Tries to Calm the Storm Surrounding Liverpool Target
Few would have expected Barcelona’s unbeaten league run to end against a team that was in a relegation battle not too long ago. However, the 5-4 loss against Levante does not tell the whole story, as Levante had a four-goal lead just a few minutes into the second-half. Barcelona probably came in with their worst defensive performance in recent memory. The result gives rise to several questions for manager Ernesto Valverde, who should have been basking in the limelight after leading the club to a La Liga title. Defender Yerry Mina has had to face a barrage of criticism for the last few days. The 23-year-old was brought in from Brazilian outfit Palmeiras for a substantial €9 million. Even though he did not concede a goal in his first two appearances for Barcelona, the horrendous showing against Levante may have effectively brought curtains to his Barcelona career. There have already been rumours about Liverpool making an offer for the defender, who has had a very little first-team … [Read More...]
La Liga Final Weekend Breakdown: Whats Left to Play for in the Top 10?
The English Premier League came to an undramatic close last weekend and this weekend it is the turn of Spain’s top flight to close its doors on what has been a season that has seen giants fall, minnows rise, and Barcelona come agonisingly close to an unbeaten season. With just one round of fixtures left, we take a look at what is left to play for between the clubs currently in the top ten. Barcelona – 90 pts Absolutely nothing, especially after suffering that shock 5-4 defeat to Levante last time out, it means the chance to go through the season unbeaten is no more. However, with the League title in the bag as well as the Copa Del Rey it has not been a bad season and ending the campaign some fifteen points ahead of great rivals Real Madrid will feel like another piece of silverware. Barce officially end the season with a home tie against Real Sociedad on Sunday evening. Atletico Madrid – 78 pts The fight for second is going to the wire as Deigo Simone’s men sit … [Read More...]
Manager of the Season: Our Contenders
The 2017/18 La Liga season has just four games left for a majority of the sides and for some, the campaign has been an overwhelming success no matter what happens in the remaining games whilst for others, it has been a disaster. However, as we like to focus on the positive side of the game, we thought what better time than now to check out who deserves a shot at the manager of the season accolade after nine months of hard work. Ernesto Valverde – Barcelona We may as well start at the top and you simply cannot exclude the man who wins the league title. Granted, the league title is not officially in the bag just yet but victory over Deportivo on Sunday will take care of that and Barcelona’s domestic dominance has made the rest of the league look paltry. Valverde has also added the Copa Del Rey to the Barce trophy cabinet just to compound his sides domestic dominance. Although Valverde may have come in for some criticism for his sides early Champions League exit at the … [Read More...]