Despite a disastrous World Cup, Spain played their first competitive game since failing miserably in Brazil by defending their European Championships crown. Vicente del Bosque fielded a side vastly different from the World Cup as retirements and injuries kept those who had represented Spain during their golden era out. There was a modicum of pressure on some of the players ahead of the home qualifier against Macedonia, especially as Spain had lost to France in a friendly beforehand, but the side stood up to the test in a half-empty Ciutat de Valencia stadium to win 5-1. Of those new players, … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2014
What the Transfer Ban means for Barcelona
With the 2014 summer transfer window closed, Barcelona’s transfer ban is in effect and the club will not be able to sign any new players till January 2016. With the fast start of academy players like Munir and Sandro combined with the summer signings and departure of numerous players, the club and some pundits claim the team will not be affected by the inability to sign new players and will be able to continue to contend for trophies. However, in football nothing is ever predictable and secure and as such the seriousness of the transfer ban needs to be understood. … [Read more...]
How Angel di Maria and Xabi Alonso’s Absences Will Affect Real Madrid
For anyone associated with Real Madrid CF it must be mystifying how Florentino Perez Rodriguez, their President controls the Los Merengues’ transfer policy, often to the chagrin or bemusement of the coaching staff. Ever since the controversial construction magnate first assumed control of the Real boardroom in 2000 with the unlikely-looking but tantalizing prospect of luring then Barcelona star Luis Figo to their playing staff, the autocratic Perez has established and stuck to his ‘Galactico’ policy, never mind the fact that this has often unbalanced the playing staff. … [Read more...]
Real Sociedad v Real Madrid match report
At full-time its Real Sociedad who take the three points after an inspired comeback. Coming to Anoeta is never easy for any team in the league and Real Madrid will rue all their missed chances that in reality could have ended the game within the first half hour of play. The early 2-0 lead looked to be an indication of a pummeling for Real Sociedad, but the players and the crowd in attendance put up a great effort and upset the European champions. The goalscorers were Ramos and Bale for Madrid and Zurutuza (twice), Vela, and Martinez for Real Sociedad. … [Read more...]
Chicharito to Real Madrid analysis
It’s not Falcao, it’s Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez! Hernandez has officially sealed a move to none other than Real Madrid from Manchester United on season long loan with Real Madrid having the first option to buy next summer. “Chicharito” will wear his habitual number fourteen that was coincidentally previously left vacant by Xabi Alonso. Chicharito provides another attacking option that Real Madrid have lacked since the departures of Higuain and Morata as well as the injury to Jese. … [Read more...]
Homesick Negredo set for Valencia loan
Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo could be about to join Valencia after complaining of homesickness. The Spaniard signed for City last summer but endured a dismal end to the 2013/14 season after injuries and a loss of form. It was initially thought that Negredo would move back to Spain to accommodate a loan deal for Radamel Falcao, but the Colombian chose to play for Manchester United instead. With Stevan Jovetic, Edin Dzeko and the injury-prone Sergio Aguero as City's only strikers, it looked unlikely that Negredo would leave the Etihad. However, the striker has been unhappy in … [Read more...]
Atletico sign Alessio Cerci
Atletico Madrid have today completed a deal to sign Alessio Cerci from Torino after the forward completed a medical with the La Liga champions. Italian international Cerci joins on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. 27-year-old Cerci scored 11 times for Torino last season as he and Ciro Immobile formed a formidable forward duo for the Turin club. He helped them to qualify for the Europa League, but Serie A's leading scorer Immobile departed for Borussia Dortmund, and Cerci followed him out of the Torino door. Atletico, who struggled past lowly Eibar at the weekend, need to reinforce … [Read more...]
Saints close in on Alderweireld
Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld could be on the move this transfer window with Southampton looking the most likely destination for the Belgian. Alderweireld has been out of favour at Atletico since his arrival last season, making just 12 appearances for the La Liga champions. The deal with Southampton is likely to be only on a temporary basis, but will still be good business by the Saints. Alderweireld played for Belgium at the 2014 World Cup and had been a target for Arsenal earlier in the window. Having lost many of their key players this summer, including Luke Shaw, Calum … [Read more...]
Falcao off to Manchester instead of Madrid
Monaco striker Radamel Falcao will move to Manchester United instead of Real Madrid on a season-long loan deal. The Colombian has been a long-term target for Real, but will now play for United subject to a medical at Old Trafford. Having joined the French club for €50 million, it looked as though the only club able to buy the striker would be Real Madrid, but the option of a year-long loan deal has now come up. It is expected that the Colombian's wages and loan fee will be sky-high, but United boss Louis van Gaal wants extra firepower to correct the club's poor start to the season. Van Gaal … [Read more...]
All the goals from La Liga Matchday 2
A round-up of the weekend action as Real Madrid lost in spectacular fashion in Sociedad, and both Barca and Atletico struggled past stubborn opposition. There were also wins for Valencia, Sevilla and Getafe in the final week of La Liga before the international break. Friday 29th August Getafe 1 (Vazquez) Almeria 0 http://youtu.be/6mcOqbJISWQ?list=UUTv-XvfzLX3i4IGWAm4sbmA Valencia 3 (Alcacer, Piatti, Parejo) Malaga 0 http://youtu.be/CyG7uTqowEU?list=UUTv-XvfzLX3i4IGWAm4sbmA Saturday 30th August Athletic Bilbao 3 (Aduriz, Iturraspe, Muniain) Levante … [Read more...]