Today's UEFA Champions League draw paired Bayern Munich against FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League Semi Finals. The draw is what many in Spain had hoped for with the prospect of a Clásico Final at Wembley still very much alive. A similar situation was presented at the same point of the last campaign, with Barça being drawn against Chelsea and Madrid facing the Bavarians. Unfortunately for the fans of the two Liga giants, their dreams were shattered by the English and German sides who went on to contest the Final at the Allianz Arena. … [Read more...]
Archives for April 2013
Malaga lose late on as Chairman screams of ‘racism and injustice’
If Tuesday's Champions League quarter final second leg wasn't dramatic enough, the response to the defeat from Malaga's Qatari chairman gave fans some added action to follow on twitter after the game. Sheikh Abdullah N Al Thani, who has funded Malaga for the past couple of years, posted several farcical tweets to the social networking site blaming racism and UEFA for targeting the Spanish club from the beginning of the season, clearly irked by the substandard officiating during the game and Malaga's impending ban from European competition. … [Read more...]
Is Falcao on his way to Manchester United?
According to Manchester United's official website, Colombian striker Radamel Falcao maybe on his way to Manchester United next season. Reports from Manchester United and Spanish newspaper Marca are suggesting the 27 year old, whose fine form in front of goal has catapulted his Atletico Madrid side up to third in the La Liga table, is to become a Manchester United player next season despite competition from the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid for his signature. … [Read more...]
El Niño – the renaissance of a troubled star
He once was the most feared striker on the planet. A former goalkeeper, he made his mark as a striker at boyhood club Atletico Madrid, playing a part in the promotion of the team to La Liga. In his second season, at a tender age of 18, he was the 3rd highest goal scorer in the league, netting 19 times in 35 appearances. He also attracted attention from top European sides in particular Chelsea who were ready to spend £28 million on the starlet. That just shows what a phenomenon he truly was. His move to Liverpool proved to be one of the best if not the best decision he has made in his career. … [Read more...]
Five Star Barça Shine Without Messi
At half time at the Parc des Princes in Paris in midweek, the alarm bells were ringing for all who viewed F.C. Barcelona as a one man team. After sending an effort just past the top corner of the PSG goal, Lionel Messi pulled up and started rubbing his right knee and then hamstring. An innocuous knock on his standing leg as he shot had left the 4 time Ballon D'Or winner looking human. At the start of the second half, Barça took to the field with Cesc Fàbregas having replaced the mercurial Messi. The Catalans would take a 2-2 draw from the game, conceding a last kick of the game Matuidi goal … [Read more...]
Málaga Buoyant For Birthday Bash With Borussia
On the 3rd of April, 1904, the Málaga Football Club was formed. 109 years later to the day, the latest incarnation of football in the city, Málaga Club de Fútbol will take to the Rosaleda pitch in the biggest match of the clubs history. The name has changed over those 109 years as have the owners, but never has such success been witnessed in the city and many still believe it is all a dream. The journey began on a warm August evening with a final qualifying round tie against Panathinaikos of Greece to decide who would play in the competition proper. Panathinaikos are an historic name in … [Read more...]
The power of the supporter is the saviour of Spanish football
Spain has an unwavering obsession with football; especially its own. Barcelona and Real Madrid, the crown jewels of the country’s favourite sport, undoubtedly epitomise what every football club in the world aspires to be, paving the way in terms of status and superiority. On top of this, they manage their fierce political rivalry, which passionately divides Spaniards. … [Read more...]
Punto Cuarto – the race for the fourth La Liga spot
The football season has witnessed a lot of ups and downs for many teams. La Liga is no different. With Barcelona having virtually sealed their 22nd domestic crown and the Madrid clubs vying for the 2nd and 3rd spot (automatic qualification to the UEFA Champions League), the fight for the 4th spot (punto cuarto) is all set to be a nail biting affair. … [Read more...]
Is Emilio Nsue the one to save Mallorca?
He was once the golden boy of Mallorca's youth system but in the four years following his introduction into the first team, Emilio Nsue has failed to live up to the extreme potential forecast as a youngster representing the Spanish youth teams. As a striker Nsue had pace and skills to dazzle opposing defenders and an early goalscoring record that suggested a bright future at the head of Mallorca's formation, but his progression failed to materialise in the way many expected. Since making his international debut however, Nsue has produced signs of his early career with four strikes in his last … [Read more...]
San Iker No Longer Worshipped By “The One” And All
Iker Casillas finds himself at the centre of most of the media talk in the Spanish capital this week, but for reasons he would rather not be concerned with. All of the talk in the press, radio and TV is about why Casillas is not in Mourinho's plans and might he not even feature again this season? The rumours have created many a heated debate and the Madrid faithful appear to be worryingly split down the middle. With the medical green light for him to start training having been given a couple of weeks ago and the doctors and technical staff allegedly having given him the go ahead to start … [Read more...]