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...]
Big Match Preview: Atletico Aim to Blind the Bats
Pre-season is over and if there is one thing we have learned in football, it is that talk is cheap, but players cost a fortune. As Atletico Madrid found out with a summer spending spree of over £110 million. However, it looks like money well spent with the first trophy of the season in the back pocket after Diego Simeone masterminded a European Super Cup triumph over bitter neighbours Real Madrid. Heading into the new La Liga season, there could an unexpected opportunity for Atletico Madrid to repeat their feat of 2013/14 by winning the league title. Real Madrid has already proven … [Read more...]