If this weekend of La Liga action has taught us anything, it is that anyone can beat anyone, and the title race may be in its infancy, but already it is anyone's for the taking. After all, who would have predicted that in both Barcelona’s and Real Madrid’s last two league games (including this weekends) both sides would only take one point from a possible six? Or that newly promoted Valladolid would provide an early season hammer blow to Villarreal? Well, that is exactly what has happened as we take a look back at the action of week seven so far. Big Boys Struggling The table … [Read more...]
The Hugo Blanco Interview – How La Liga is Changing World Football
Ponerse el overol is a common expression in the footballing lexicon of the Spanish language. To illustrate its meaning, the Bleacher Report pointed to Carles Puyol, a man who went above and beyond for his team, a player that felt and bled the blaugrana colours. In essence, it refers to one who does more than is expected. Above that singular player lies the club, and above the club stands the league. In this instance, LaLiga is the organization whose principal responsibility is to give order and organize the league and cup matches. But it’s also extending its limbs into an ever expanding … [Read more...]
Huesca Learning Quickly That La Liga is a Harsh Place
Fifty-eight years after SD Huesca’s official birth, the football club from the Gates of the Pyrenees in the region of Aragon and to the Northeast of Zaragoza earned its place at the top of Spain’s football pyramid after ending 2nd in last seasons Segunda campaign. After promotion was confirmed, little Huesca was immediately instilled as favourites for the drop by those who enjoy gambling on sports with plenty of reason. After all, this is a club with no pedigree in La Liga and whose highest ever finish prior to the 2017/18 season was a sixth place in the Segunda. Also, with its El … [Read more...]
Who Will Come Out on Top When Valencia Travel to Villarreal?
It is the ultimate battle of the sides beginning with V, as two teams with rich La Liga heritage collide on Sunday in what is, without doubt, the standout fixture in Spain’s top flight this weekend. As the pair have been involved in European exploits mid-week, the playing field has been somewhat levelled with the La Liga soccer betting for this game set to paint a picture of an even contest, but one that you will not want to miss. So, who is going to win? Recent form Villarreal Villarreal’s Estadio de la Cerámica is not one of the larger stadia in Spain, but it does lack for … [Read more...]
Three Games to Watch out for This Weekend
The International break is over with Spanish football riding high after impressive wins over first England, then a 6-0 thumping of World Cup finalists Croatia. Despite the national team’s summer woes, the is the sense that something special could be about to emerge once again as former Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique has started to stamp his authority on the side. That positivity looks set to make its mark on this weekend round of La Liga fixtures as we highlight three games you simply won’t want to miss this weekend. Huesca v Rayo Vallecano - Friday Both these sides have been in … [Read more...]
What next for Rayo Vallecano after Vallecas safety concerns?
Described as a “disaster” in many headlines across the Spanish sporting press, over the last week or so, the closure of the dated Vallecas home of Rayo Vallecano has caused numerous problems amidst speculation that the stadium won’t be reopened until October, once urgent safety work has been completed. The matchday three fixture against Athletic Club Bilbao was postponed just days before it was due to take place. Rayo fans are angry at the leadership of their club, while the club’s directors are pointing accusing fingers at local authorities in Madrid, who they say are ultimately … [Read more...]
La Liga Sides Look to Continue Europa Dominance
Friday saw the draw for the group stage of the Europa League take place in the lavish surroundings of Monaco. Over the last 15 European second-tier tournaments, Spanish top flight sides have dominated the competition winning nine of the fifteen finals. In fact, such has been the dominance of La Liga sides, that five of the last seven victors have hailed from Spain. This decade alone, Sevilla has won the tournament three times as have Atletico Madrid with Diego Simeone’s men the current defending champions. As another Europa League season reaches its group stage, we look at who the … [Read more...]
Who’s Playing Who in La Liga this Weekend?
Two games into the new Spanish season and the table looks much as we all expected it too. Real Madrid and Barcelona occupying first and second and then the rest. We all know it is far to early to read anything into a league table after just 180 minutes of action but we all like to anyway. So, with another actioned packed weekend ahead of us, we take a look at who’s playing who this weekend and look at who will win the weekend battles. Friday The action kicks off on Friday 31st with three games scheduled to play. Getafe host Valladolid in the 7pm kick off in a game that the … [Read more...]
Iberian Derby Thrown into Disarray as lopetegui Gets the Chop
You can almost count the hours on your fingers and toes before arch-rivals Spain and Portugal commence the war of Iberia in Russia in a game that is likely to decide who will top World Cup group B. With Iran and Morocco, the other two sides contesting the group, all and sundry firmly expect both the Portuguese and Spaniards to make it through to the knockout stages with the only thing to be decided is in which order. According to numerous sportsbooks such as https://www.apuestasdeportivas24.org/ Spain were entering the World Cup in a strong position. That was until Spain shook the … [Read more...]
Barca Lookalikes Huesca Earn Promotion to La Liga For First Time
Spanish minnows Huesca are celebrating after achieving promotion to the top table of Spanish football for the first time in the club’s history after a 2-0 victory over Lugo in Spain’s second tier Segunda division was enough to see the side claim enough points to guarantee promotion. With two games still to go, Huesca will now aim to win the Segunda title ahead of Rayo Vallecano who they have a two-point advantage over. A Long Road to the Top The club is notable for their similarity in kits to the mighty Barcelona who they will be mixing it with next season and can trace their heritage … [Read more...]