On Saturday Evening the streets of the Spanish capital will be on lock-down as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will descend on Lisbon to contest this year's Champions League Final. Real have won 2 and drawn 1 of the 4 matches they have played this season, including an impressive 5-0 aggregate win in the Copa Del Rey but I can see the final being a tighter, cagey affair. … [Read more...]
Barcelona’s battle with Lionel Messi
Synonymous with the beloved name of Barcelona around the world, Lionel Messi has set the benchmark over the years for what has been the most successful period in the Catalonia club’s history. Yet, the most obvious question is still queried daily among the followers of Europe’s most prestigious of clubs, how would Barca fare without their superstar ‘false 9’? The re-occurrence of another hamstring injury has resulted in Messi not being available for Barcelona for up to 2 months. Not only is the hamstring injury becoming associated with Messi more frequently, the fact that it ceases to let up … [Read more...]
The season ahead for Bale – an analysis
"He is calm and ready, waiting to play on Saturday. Everyone knows that, because he didn't have a good pre-season, he suffered from muscle fatigue in the thigh.” That was the confirmation every Real Madrid fan-and neutral-who desperately wanted to see the world’s second most expensive player back on the pitch wanted. After the report by Spanish paper, Marca, last week that the Welshman had a slipped disc, it was a relief to hear Real President Florentino Perez give that assuring statement. Through the week, the speedy former Spurs man has gone on to participate in training without any fuss, … [Read more...]
David Villa almost ready to return to action for Barca
Thirty year old FC Barcelona striker David Villa is within touching distance of putting his seven month injury nightmare behind him after resuming full training with his Barca team-mates this week. … [Read more...]
Sporting Braga 2-0 Arsenal Highlights
Arsenal's chances of qualifying for the knock-out stages of the Champions League hang in the balance after two late goals from Nascimento Matheus secured Braga an unexpected victory. To add insult to injury, Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas limped off injured during the second half but the night came to a miserable conclusion for Arsenal after a quick double from Matheus in the latter stages of the match leaves Arsene Wenger's men in trouble with just one match to play. … [Read more...]