After their defeats at the hands of the top two in Germany last week, the Spanish big two must produce comebacks of epic proportions if they are to realise their dreams of a Clásico final at Wembley in the Champions League showpiece event. For tonight’s match against Borussia Dortmund, a communication went out to all Real Madrid club members asking them to wear their white shirts and have their Madrid scarves at the ready to create as much of a hostile atmosphere in an attempt to intimidate their teutonic opponents. The current Spanish champions will rely on memories of great battling … [Read more...]
Archives for April 2013
Malaga’s Isco linked with Manchester City move
With the current season drawing to a close there has been much speculation over player ins and outs in recent days. Málaga Club de Fútbol have been no exception in this circumstance with their star player, Isco, having been linked with two clubs. His Manager, Manuel Pellegrini, has also been linked with a move away from the Costa del Sol side and it could be all change for the club nicknamed the Boquerones. Isco is one of the hottest properties in European football and his Golden Boy award, the Under 21 equivalent of the Ballon D’Or, this year came as no surprise following his performances … [Read more...]
Pellegrini in the frame for Chelsea and City jobs
Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini looks to be heading to the Premier League next season following a meeting between the Jesus Martinez, the Chilean's agent, and Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City's director of football. Pellegrini has expressed his desire to leave in subtle comments throughout the season, keen to avoid causing offence to Malaga fans and players whilst continuing their push for the top four, but has become increasingly frustrated at the ongoing problems with wage payments. After leading Malaga to minutes of a Champions League semi-final, Pellegrini will be a much sought after … [Read more...]
Amazing Abidal set to start at the Allianz Arena
Éric Abidal is set to start tonight's Champions League semi-final clash for F.C. Barcelona against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in Germany. A defensive injury crisis at the Catalan club has thrust the Frenchman back into Tito Vilanova's plans much sooner than expected. Injuries to captain Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano, along with the lack of European playing time at the heart of defence of Marc Bartra and Alex Song has placed Abidal, with his wealth of experience, at the forefront of the coaching staff's thoughts. … [Read more...]
The Battle against the Drop – who will stay up?
It has become a yearly occurrence for the bottom of Spain's premier division to take us until the final day to find out who has the privilege of hosting Real Madrid and Barcelona again in the next campaign, usually providing much greater excitement than the title race. This year is no different as Barcelona have all but sealed the league championship from Real Madrid, boasting a massive 13 point gap, whilst at the foot of the table six teams are battling for another season in the top flight. Athletic Bilbao are just about safe by our predictions so the three relegation spots are most likely to … [Read more...]
Malaga must face reality after death of Champions League dream
Last Tuesday’s Champions League exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund will stick long in the memory of Malaga fans. Not only was the result a harsh reflection on a great team effort by the Andalusians but also it could mark the start of this team’s decline. The comments by president Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Thani that the 3-2 defeat was down to “racism” have given the fans something to distract them in the aftermath but once the hum-drum of the league kick backs in then it will be time to take stock of what the future might hold. … [Read more...]
Does LFP need to reformat its premier division?
La Liga has two representatives in the UEFA Champion’s League semi-finals and an all-Spanish final might occur for the second time in the competition’s history. However, this, we argue, does not reflect the superiority of the Liga BBVA as a whole… ‘Two-horse race’ is often the most common description of the La Liga title race, which, even to those of us who defend the league, appears to be undeniable in recent years. … [Read more...]
All Roads Lead To London For Mourinho
Where will the "Special" or newly self christened "Only One" be coaching next season? Many in Madrid believe they can convince the Portuguese coach to remain at what they consider to be the World's greatest club. However, the evidence would appear to be piling up to a move away and the destination may be very familiar one to all involved in his entourage. Reports are emerging that Jorge Mendes, the coaches agent, had a dinner meeting with his client and Roman Abramovich recently at the super agents Madrid residence. … [Read more...]
Medel’s Madness – Yet another red for ‘The Pitbull’
Gary Medel's dismissal during Friday night's Seville derby allowed Betis to complete a wonderful comeback late on to draw 3-3 despite being three goals down after half an hour. Medel's earlier error had marked the turning point in the match when Dorlan Pabon clipped the ball past Sevilla keeper Beto to make it 3-1 moments before half-time but the man nicknamed 'The Pitbull' gave Betis the chance to salvage a point after lashing out at Swansea bound midfielder Jose Canas. The red was the 13th of Medel's tumultuous career to date and his fourth dismissal of the season, making the likes of Roy … [Read more...]
Barça Rest Key Players With Bayern In Mind
FC Barcelona will go into Sunday's match away at Real Zaragoza missing a number of 1st team regulars. With the semi-finals of the Champions League in just under two weeks, a number of stars will be rested and rotated in the matches before the two clashes against Bayern Munich. The highest profile absentee is Lionel Messi. The Argentine was on the bench for Wednesday's 2nd leg of the quarter final against Paris Saint-Germain, but was required to make an appearance in the 2nd half with the Catalans losing 0-1 and looking to be on their way out of the tournament. … [Read more...]