Who says La Liga is boring and predictable? Ok the title race proved a pretty elitist affair in contrast to the rest of the division and Real Madrid and Barcelona's finances do explode off the chart compared to their 18 fellow Primera amigos, but when teams like Levante surprise us all by finishing 6th then much of the previous becomes insignificant. To understand the scale of what Levante achieved last year, try to imagine Wigan leading the Premier League for a bit, beating Manchester City in the 3rd game and maintaining their charge to finish in a Europa League position. And that their … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2012
Opening La Liga weekend in threat of strike action for second year in a row
A dispute between 13 La Liga clubs and their broadcasting partners is putting the first round of matches at risk. Should an agreement not be reached then strike action could postpone the opening round of fixtures for the second season in succession. Clubs are unhappy with a number of factors with 11pm kick-off times causing the greatest amount of fuss. Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Betis, Celta Vigo, Espanyol, Getafe, Granada, Mallorca, Osasuna, Vallecano, Soceidad, Sevilla and Zaragoza all attended a meeting in Madrid today demanding changes to agreements between themselves and two media … [Read more...]
FC Barcelona Season Preview
Last season ended on a sombre note for the fans and players of Barcelona. Having witnessed arch rivals Real Madrid storm to the La Liga title in a similar way to which they themselves had done for the past few years, the club bid a fond farewell to one of the most successful and beloved managers of recent years. Pep Guaridola's decision not to renew his contract signaled the end of an era which heralded 14 trophies in quite scintillating fashion. Nevertheless, it has opened the door for understudy Tito Vilanova to prove his credentials. Formerly Pep's assistant, the Barca board promoted him to … [Read more...]
Osasuna Season Preview
It wouldn't take you too long to point out the standout games in Osasuna's season last year. Disappointingly, two heavy defeats to Real Madrid and Barcelona tarnish a campaign where Osasuna finished just behind Levante, duelling for European football. The drubbings stick in our minds as the lasting memories of the 2011/12 season for Osasuna but all we remember are the scintillating performances of Ronaldo and Messi. No one cares for Osasuna. Especially when a team so proudly express their desire to contest others with their widely-regarded brand of 'anti-football'. Why lean towards … [Read more...]
Mallorca Season Preview
Over the past season Mallorca have enjoyed a swift turnaround in their fortunes. Carrying on from the narrow escape in 2011 when new Swansea manager Michael Laudrup managed to keep the club in the Primera Liga by the smallest of margins, Mallorca seemed to have ridden their luck too far in the early stages of the next season. Form dwindled and backroom staff squabbled during a turbulent time on the usually relaxing Balearic Island. As a result of poor financial health, a problem plaguing many Spanish sides over the past five years, Mallorca were not granted a licence to … [Read more...]
Sevilla Season Preview
Oh how tight the margins in football can be at times! Falling just short of Champions League qualification the previous season has setback Sevilla significantly and threatens to derail the perennial European challengers. Losing out to Villarreal meant Europa League football last season for the Andalucians but unexpectedly the club fell at the first hurdle. There's no shame in losing to Germans Hannover but failing to grasp the financial incentives which begin at the group stage proved to be the fatal loss. Consequently the exodus began. Zokora, Sanchez, … [Read more...]
Athletic Bilbao Season Preview
The escapades of last season surely ranks as one of the greatest years in Bilbao's recent history as they watched their prodigious squad reach two major finals (Europa League & Copa del Rey) as well as challenge briefly for Champions League qualification. Alas however Los Leones failed in all three pursuits, having the carpet pulled from underneath just as glory beckoned. Pride remains the predominant keyword associated with Bilbao despite the agonising lengths the club went to in their unsuccessful efforts for victory. Born and bred Basque blooded battlers both on and off … [Read more...]
Getafe Season Preview
Despite extravagant links with Dubai-based businessmen, Getafe haven't made the sort of progress they had anticipated. The Royal Emirates Group had, according to reports, agreed a deal for the club back in 2010 paving the way towards Champions League football and more for the Madrid minnows. However those hopes quickly evaporated as it became clear that the group had no intention of shovelling money into the club. Instead Getafe look on in envy at Malaga who begin their first European quest into the Champions League, heavily backed by their Qatari owners. It's a case of what might have been … [Read more...]
Cazorla set for Arsenal move thanks to some horrendous decision-making by Malaga owner Sheikh Al Thani
As a Los Boquerones aficionado it really does pain me to say it but Malaga FC are a complete and utter joke right now. After a momentus season in which they exceeded all expectations by securing Champions League football, it seemed like the sky was the limit for the Andalusian football club. With a formiddable roster of stars to boast about including, Martin Demichelis, Santi Cazorla, Joaquin, Jeremy Toulalan and many more, things were going so right for Malaga FC on the pitch yet clearly VERY wrong off of it. … [Read more...]
Real Sociedad Season Preview
Media hype and excitement has been largely focused around two or three teams in the build up to the new La Liga season and that probably suits Sociedad. In fact if it could continue for the remainder of the season then I don't imagine hearing too many complaints from Philippe Montanier as his team aim to slip beneath the radar. Levante surprised us with their determined stance last season and it appears that Sociedad are well placed to follow in their path with a vibrant squad centred around an attacking quartet which could bring many admirers. … [Read more...]