The arrival of David Moyes to Real Sociedad may have been considered a surprising managerial move at the time. To many, the idea of a Scot plying his trade in Spain of all places seemed like a strange appointment, a cultural juxtaposition of football playing styles, and a rare trek for someone who prior to leaving for Spain, barely knew a word of Spanish. … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2015
Three Things To Expect From Sporting Gijon Next Season
Following Las Palmas' promotion on Sunday, all 20 teams for next season's La Liga campaign are known. Alongside the Gran Canarians are Segunda champions Real Betis and Sporting Gijon. Plenty has been made of Betis with the return of Pepe Mel causing quite a stir, and it will be interesting to see whether their free-scoring style will continue next season. However, less is known about Sporting, the side that finished second ahead of Girona by a whisker. Here are three things you need to know before seeing them next year. Defensive solidity Although Sporting ended the season in second place … [Read more...]
Late strike sends Las Palmas into La Liga on away goals
Sergio Araujo's 84th minute goal helped Las Palmas beat Real Zaragoza on away goals and promotion into La Liga for the first time in 13 years. Zaragoza travelled to Gran Canaria as favourites having won the first leg 3-1, but Las Palmas recorded a 2-0 victory which saw them through on away goals. Roque Mesa opened the scoring on 33 minutes to give the hosts real belief of finding a second as Araujo left it late to clinch promotion. The moment was sweet for Las Palmas boss Paco Herrera who previously managed Zaragoza between June 2013 and March 2014. Veteran Juan Carlos Valeron, the … [Read more...]
Club Focus: Getafe CF
Out of all the teams in Spain's top flight, Getafe are not the most exciting. Whilst Barcelona are known for their philosophy, Real Madrid for their superstars, Athletic Bilbao for their dogged physicality, Getafe are... well, just Getafe. Despite not being a particularly glamorous club, they have done well in recent years to remain in the top division, fluctuating between the top half and lower ends of the La Liga table spectrum. … [Read more...]
Where are Spain’s women on the feminine football map?
The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada has been a very enjoyable tournament so far, as we draw closer to the last 16. For the first time in it's history, the competition has expanded, with 24 nations represented on the biggest stage in women's football. … [Read more...]
Mandzukic off to Juve as Atletico miss out on Tevez
Mario Mandzukic is likely to complete a transfer from Atletico Madrid to Juventus according to reports in the Italian media. Several newspapers in Italy are claiming that a deal has been agreed and both parties are happy with the €18 million fee. Juve will pay €15 million up front and the rest depending on Mandzukic's performances in Turin. Carlos Tevez was expected to be included in the deal from early negotiations as Diego Simeone chased his Argentine compatriot, but the former Manchester United striker now appears to be heading to Boca Juniors. General Director at Juventus, Beppe … [Read more...]
Zaragoza close in on La Liga with first leg victory over Las Palmas
Real Zaragoza went one step closer to a return to La Liga as they came from behind to win the first leg of the play-off final last night. Goals from Diego Rico, Pedro Sanchez and Willian Jose gave them a 3-1 win over Las Palmas with the return leg to be played on Sunday. Fresh from a dramatic 10 days in the Segunda, Zaragoza found themselves 1-0 down at La Romareda courtesy of a strike from ex-Valencia man Jonathan Viera. However, having come from 3-0 down against Girona in the first leg of the semi-finals, Zaragoza roared back and ensured that they will travel to Gran Canaria with the … [Read more...]
Barcelona off the leash
In Saturday's Champions League final, Barcelona will go up against the Italian Champions Juventus with hopes of continuing their recent domination and completing a historic treble season. With the way the Catalan club has performed over the last few months there is little doubt that they are the prohibitive favorites in Berlin. … [Read more...]
Benitez at the Bernabeu: is it the real deal?
So he has returned, Rafael Benitez's imminent arrival at the club where it all began is sure to be fairy tale. Or is it? The seasoned veteran, whose management has spanned Valencia, Liverpool, and Napoli, to name a few, finds himself taking over from the now departed Carlo Ancelotti at one of Europe's grandest clubs. After leaving the Real Madrid Castilla team twenty years ago to achieve bigger and better things, Rafa's return could be perceived as the tale of a hometown hero. On his journeys he has achieved for the most part, managing some of the continent's elite teams, and managing the … [Read more...]
Why Spanish football’s European dominance looks set to continue
Sevilla CF became the first club to benefit from UEFA’s recent change of regulations which meant that winners of the Europa League from the 2014/2015 season would automatically qualify for the Champions League. This means going into next season, Spain will have a record 5 clubs competing in club football’s elite competition: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Valencia and of course Sevilla themselves. … [Read more...]