Since the turn of the century Real Madrid’s transfer policy has been to buy the best and the brightest footballing stars in the world. This is highlighted by the so-called “Galactico” era which Madrid went through in the early part of the century. Further evidence can be found in the fact that Real Madrid have signed one of the leading stars following each of the World Cups held since the turn of the century. … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2014
Rayo Vallecano v Atletico Madrid: Match Preview
This Monday night sees current champions Atlético de Madrid take on Los Franjirrojos of Rayo Vallecano in a Madrid Derby. Inspirational coach Diego Simeone has seen his outstanding side unsurprisingly picked apart by clubs with financial clout that Atléti simply cannot match. Ace striker Diego Costa recently joined up with defender Filipe Luis and the outstanding Thibaut Courtois at José Mourinho`s new-look Chelsea. Spanish legend, David Villa, also exited the Calderon for his farewell lap in New York City. … [Read more...]
Ones to Watch in La Liga – Real Madrid to Villarreal
Rounding off the ones to watch are four of La Liga's biggest teams as Real Madrid look to wrangle the title back from their rivals Atletico as it could be a defining year for Gareth Bale. Real Madrid If asked to name members of the Real Madrid squad, there are few who would struggle to list the majority in Carlo Ancelotti's Galactico squad, so in terms of a surprise package, there are few candidates. Madrid's spending in recent years has been so frequent, parting with £70m or £80 million is now almost a thoughtless action. New stars Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez pack an already saturated … [Read more...]
Ones to Watch in La Liga – Getafe to Rayo Vallecano
Part III of our look ahead to the new season focuses on some goalkeepers, Colombians and loan stars from the Premier League looking to impress. Getafe Getafe struggled for goals last season as they eked out their place in La Liga for another year, but boss Cosmin Contra has again promised that the goals will return to the club. He might be right too if Alvaro Vazquez's pre-season form is anything to go by. The former Swansea loanee bagged an impressive brace in Getafe's 3-1 win over Cagliari last week and could be the talisman the club needs to ensure another season of safety. Angel Lafita, … [Read more...]
Ones to Watch in La Liga – Cordoba to Espanyol
Continuing the round-up of players to watch this season, we now feature a couple of players looking to impress whilst on loan, and three clubs having come up from the Segunda. Cordoba An astonishing piece of business was done to bring Valencia starlet Fede Cartabia to the newly promoted club during the close season. The 21-year-old Argentine was tipped to have a better season for Los Che in 2014/15 after fans expected more from the youngster in his debut campaign. However, the bewildering decision to let the youngster continue his development in a team widely tipped to struggle this season … [Read more...]
Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid: Spanish Super Cup review
At full time the final score reads Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid. It was a game that got better and better as the time passed and it was a fair result. Neither team deserved to lose, but neither did enough to win. This score sets it up nicely for Atletico to finish the job in front of the home crowd with the away goal advantage. Carlo Ancelotti might feel that his team should have done better given the possession and fire-power at hand. … [Read more...]
Mobile Betting Becoming The Champions League Of The Industry
For years the Saturday morning walk to the bookies was something of a tradition. A thing passed down from Dad to lad as they strode down the high street to put a pound on City to win 3-1 on their way to Maine Road. But in recent years that tradition has changed. Almost reversed. … [Read more...]
The FC Barcelona query
It is really hard to remember the last time Barcelona were looking into the new season with so many question marks over their head, probably not since Pep Guadiola was first appointed coach. Since then, Barcelona had two mini cycles. First was defined by Pep's legacy, in which the late Tito Vilanova managed to win the title but subsequently failed to repeat that level of performance in the Champions league, whilst dealing with a life threatening disease. Last season Tata Martino made a huge leap away from the Barcelona that was lauded as the 'best Barca team in history', installing new ideas … [Read more...]
Ones to Watch in La Liga – Almeria to Celta Vigo
With the new season just days away, we have assembled a list of players who are most likely to cause an unexpected stir in La Liga this season. La Liga has been the breeding ground for the Premier League for a few seasons now, and some of these future stars could be bound for England next summer. Almeria There was no mistaking which area Almeria struggled most with last season as they survived in La Liga by a whisker, despite conceding a whopping 71 times. If anything, credit must go to the attacking department, for without their contributions, Almeria would have been sent straight back down … [Read more...]
Player Focus – Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)
Last season saw a somewhat rise to prominence for 22-year-old La Masia graduate Sergi Roberto. Making 27 appearances in the first team last season, the young midfielder was often the first choice to rotate into the Barcelona line-up when key first team players – Xavi, Iniesta, Fàbregas – were either injured or being rested. … [Read more...]