Spanish Football | Soccer

SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA 2008/2009 - ROUND 21 SATURDAY GAMES RESULT

Two games tonight in Round 21 of the Spanish League, here are the
results, images & scorers in a short resume.

ATHLETIC DE BILBAO hosted MALAGA & did a favour to Atletico
de Madrid coming back & winning 3-2 in a wonderful game.

Malaga started well & early via LUQUE (above) with a goal in the 2min
& then later in the 63rd min via LOLO who scored a second giving them
the lead again after Bilbao had equalized earlier.

However, Bilbao have grit & scored via YESTE to equalize in the
36th min, then FERNANDO LLORENTE ( above) scored a beauty
to show his authentic class in the 71st min & SUSAETA scored the
winner in the 86th min.

Great win for Bilbao, a lost chance for Malaga to rise into European
positions on the League ladder.

NUMANCIA hosted REAL MADRID to see how the latter took over
in the 2ºhalf to win 0-2. The first half was Numancia who hit the post
& had their chances.

The 2ºhalf saw Real get its game together upfront & Robben was the
danger. Then a Robben play to Higuaín who shot to have it deflected by
the keeper , saw RAUL scoop it & score the first goal in the 48th min.
A historical goal as RAUL joins legend DI STEFANO as the maximum
goal scorer in Real Madrid history with 307 goals, an amazing mark.

Then ROBBEN got his prize with a brilliant goal in the 55th min after
a great individual play. The man is on fire! From then on the game went
down a few gears & even saw Real Madrid down to 10 men when Gago
go a Red Card. The Madrid team went defensive to secure the result.

Like to mention PEPE who is in fine form & played a great game.
Another 3ºpoints for Real Madrid as they march on.

KOBE BRYANT IS A FC BARCELONA FAN

American Basketball & LA Lakers Star KOBE BRYANT is a FC
BARCELONA Fan! He says so here in a special ESPN promotional
gig, check it out:

As the "crack" says, it was Ronaldinho that got him into Soccer ( sorry
Football) & into Barça. Now Kobe follows LIONEL MESSI as this foto
shows of his locker at Staples Center at Los Angeles.

SFS thinks its a set up, but a good one at that.

Smells agreement between FC Barcelona & Bryant to sell Barça in the
United States, great marketing angle & possible landing of the
Barça franchise at Miami. There is no doubting it, Barça is in fashion &
they are attracting "la creme de la creme" of Sport. Playing like they are
playing, it is simple to understand.

Not like Atletico de Madrid ( SFS loved team) that with its performances
has only Winnie The Pooh as its International fan. Just kidding guys :)

REAL MADRID ANNOUNCE THE INCORPORATION ON LOAN OF WEST HAM JULIEN FAUBERT

REAL MADRID has announced that it has the services of WEST HAM
25 year old right winger JULIEN FAUBERT. The French International
comes on loan for the next 5 months & Real Madrid will have to pay
West Ham 1.5M€. However, Real Madrid has an option to buy if the
player fits 100% in the squad & does an outstanding half season, the
price will then be 6M€.
(photo:Marca)

The news has hit Spanish media by surprise, as usual, as it was believed
that with the failed Antonio Valencia (Wigan) operation that Real Madrid
would not add another player to its squad in this Winter Market.

SFS welcomes Faubert to Spanish Football & Madrid, goodluck!

SFS FLASHBACK: EURO 2008 SPAIN vs. ITALY PENALTY SHOOT-OUT

A SFS Flashback from last years European Nations Cup were SPAIN
came of age & threw off the Q/Final jinx to win ITALY in the vital penalty
shoot-out. Spain, as we all well know, went on to defeat Russia in the
Semi´s & win the European Nations Title against Germany:

TENNIS: NADAL & VERDASCO SHOW THE WORLD THE LEVEL OF SPANISH TENNIS

A pity only one wins. World Nº1 RAFAEL NADAL was pushed
to the limit by fellow Spaniard FERNANDO VERDASCO in their
AUSTRALIAN OPEN Semi-final to finally win 6-7,6-4,7-6,6-7,6-4
after more the 5 hours. In fact it was the longest game in Australian
Open history with Tennis from another galaxy.

Both have demostrated to the World that Spanish Tennis is in
magnificent form & that our players are currently the best. Verdasco
has had an outstanding run & will be a player to keep our eye on in
2009.

Rafael Nadal must now recover from this marathon game & play
Roger Federer in his first ever Aussie Open final, were the latter will
be fresher & may have the psychical advantage - apart the Federer
loves the playing surface.

Here is just ONE of the many increible points played by both Spaniards
(YouTube may take this video off due to Australia Tennis rights)

ATLETICO DE MADRID CALMS SERGIO AGUERO

The news portal “elmundo.com” has revealed that last Wednesday, the
28th of January, the Director General of ATLETICO DE MADRID
Miguel Angel Gil, accompanied by his star player Argentine SERGIO
AGUERO with a close friend & executive of the Club, had a special
lunch at a well known Madrid restaurant to calm the "nerves" of
Aguero.

Alarms rang when various comments & stories came to light that the
Argentine star was frustrated & contemplating "greener pastures". First,
reason is the inconsistent & frustrating performance of Atlético de Madrid who
hasn’t won a game so far in 2009. They finished 3ºrd on the League Ladder
in 2008 & are now struggling to stay 6th & in European positions.
Secondly, there is the psychological pressure from Diego Armando Maradona,
father of his girlfriend/partner & grandfather of his soon to be son, who has
suggested he leave Atlético for a better team, in this case Inter Milan.
Thirdly, there is a “rumour” that the relationship between Aguero & his
current Coach Aguirre is tense. Fourthly, Aguero exploded after
another frustrating game a couple of weeks ago to media claiming that this
is not the way the Club should go, with some indicating that perhaps it
was a message to change Coach. Lastly, a press report from 20minutes.com
reported that Aguero had made a “secret pact” with ex Real Madrid
President Calderon, a reported that was strongly rejected by Atletico.

(photo: elmundo.es)

All this has made nervous the Club & fans with the thought that its star
player maybe thinking of leaving the Atletico. This has prompted the
mentioned “summit lunch” to "calm" Aguero & give him guarantees in the
future that Atlético will be competitive enough to fight for the important
titles.

Apparently, & according to “elmundo.es”, Miguel Angel Gil explained
next seasons plans & promised further investments in signings, such as
a defender & midfielder. This apparently sooth the player & convinced
him to continue forming part of Atletico de Madrid for next season. But
as we all know, everything in Football is relative, what is white today is
black tomorrow.

SPANISH CUP 2008 - 2009 QUARTER FINALS: 2º LEG THURSDAY GAME RESULTS

The last two 2ºleg games of the SPANISH CUP have been played tonight
& have decided which team will join Athletic de Bilbao & Mallorca in the
Semi Finals.

The 1ºst leg saw Valencia win 3-2 Sevilla FC. However, the return 2º

leg was a different affair, as the law of Football applied: "if you miss
your chances you lose".

VALENCIA CF started well with an early goal with the header of Spanish
International MARCHENA (above) in the 7th min. But Sevilla weren´t
going to give in & began to take control. So much so, that KANOUTE
(below) equalized in the 35th min to put Sevilla back in action.

The 2ºhalf was a tough affair, with chances to both side & clear
opportunities for Valencia, but Football can be cruel & while
Valencia were thinking og "Wonderland", Sevilla defender
SQUILLACI scored in the 89th min to take the game into a
2-1 scoreline & knockout Valencia from the Spanish Cup.

SEVILLA FC go onto the Semi-Final, & will meet Athletic de
Bilbao. Great comeback.

The 1ºst leg clash finished in a 0-0 draw. The 2ºleg game was totally

different with goals galour from both sides.

ESPANYOL went to Camp Nou in a defensive mode & created a wall,
until young BOJAN ( above) began his particular parade. He opened

the scoring for FC BARCELONA & the Espanyol defence, in the 35th

min, & again in the 48th min with a brilliant chip over the goalkeeper.

It was the usual clear sailing for Barça & defender PIQUE (above) scored
his first goal this season & Barça´s third in the 55th min with a header.

Then things chanced dramatically, CORO (below) scored in the 58th
min for Espanyol with a defelected shot, Barça defender Puyol injuried
himself & CALLEJON cracked an outside shot in the 69th min to put in
Espanyol´s 2ºgoal & the nerves into the Barça team. So justified were the
Barça worries that a further goal from Espanyol would give them the
semi-final birth, Barça Coach Guardiola brought in the big guns Iniesta &
Eto´o to hold back Espanyol.

It was then 25 mins of sweating blood for Barça as Espanyol tried &
threw everything for the needed decisive goal. But Barcelona held
them out & won the match 3-2 to qualify for the Semi Finals

SPANISH CUP SEMI FINALS
Sevilla FC - At.Bilbao
Mallorca - FC Barcelona

NEW REAL MADRID TEAM PHOTO 2009

The news site "mundo.es" has published the "new" REAL MADRID
TEAM PHOTO 2009. New in the sense that it highlights Coach
Juande Ramos & not Bernd Schuster, plus the new additions, Lassana
Diarra & Huntelaar.

The photo is less than perfect quality. You can see it better on
"realmadrid.com".

REAL MADRID PRESIDENTIAL JULY 2009 ELECTIONS: FLORENTINO WANTS XABI ALONSO

The upcoming REAL MADRID Presidential elections in July 2009, &
the possibility that ex Real Madrid President Florentino Perez will present
himself as candidate, is spurring on numerous rumours here & overseas.

The latest is that Florentino Perez – who by the way is maintaining
complete silence – has LIVERPOOL FC Spanish midfielder XABI
ALONSO as his “number one” priority. This news has been picked
up locally by Spanish daily “Marca”, which in turn has picked it up
from the English paper "Daily Mirror”. Other names being associated
along with Alonso are Arsenal Spanish International Cesc Fabregas &
his current coach Arsene Wegner, plus AC Milan player Kaka.

(photo:"Marca")

Before fans in England & in Italy get heated, firstly Mr.Perez hasn’t
announced he will present himself as candidate for the Real Madrid
Presidency, & lastly players’ names are being thrown around daily from
everywhere. At this moment it is pure speculation & rumour. However,
read this post on SFS by its collaborator Adrian Vogel, titled
“RAFA BENITEZ”, perhaps there is an Alonso “connection” after
all in all this.

Stay tuned!

YATTARA , SURPRISE LOAN TO REAL MADRID?

The name being talked about as a possible last minute loan to REAL
MADRID is WIGAN winger ANTONIO VALENCIA ( see post below).

With two days left in the "Winter Market", Spanish daily "Marca", in their
usual way to differentiate themselves & call attention, have published a
new name in todays paper.

IBRAHIM YATTARA, winger from Club Trabzonspor could come
on loan to REAL MADRID until the end of the season & strenghten
the side. The news says Real has talked to the player to "sound" out
their idea.

A news piece that hasn´t the weight of Wigan player Valencia but a
possible surprise in any case. Stay tuned!

SPANISH CUP 2008-2009 QUARTER FINALS: 2º LEG WEDNESDAY GAMES RESULT

Two games played tonight of the 2ºleg in the Q/FINALS of the SPANISH
CUP with results that have decided which two teams move onto the Semis.

Tomorrow the other two matches will be played & decide which teams
go on to join them.

REAL SPORTING DE GIJON hosted ATHLETIC DE BILBAO after
finishing in the 1ºleg in an 0-0 draw. It was a golden opportunity for
Gijon infront of their loyalty fans to make history. In the 1st min it
seemed that destiny was on their side as CARMELO ( above) scored
for Gijon to put them ahead.

However, the dream turned into a nightmare as they underestimated the
will of Bilbao who reacted & took over. The equalizing goal for Bilbao
came in the 41st min via GABILONDO, an important psychological goal
just before half time.

Then in the 51st min DAVID LOPEZ ( above) scored Bilbao´s
second & finally their semi finals qualifying goal. Athletic stood
firm after their 2º gaol to give them a great victory & send them
onto the next stage.

FINAL RESULT: SPORTING 1 - ATH. BILBAO 2

MALLORCA visited REAL BETIS with a 1º goal advantage, & that was
enough as the game ended in a 0-0 draw. REAL MALLORCA qulaifies
for the Semi Finals of the Spanish Cup!

Tomorrow:
FC Barcelona - Espanyol (1ºleg 0-0)
Sevilla Fc - Valencia CF ( 1ºleg 2-3)

REAL MADRID THINKS ABOUT THE WIGAN VALENCIA OPTION

News from the Spanish daily “AS” today reports that the new REAL
MADRID President Boluda has put himself in contact with English
Premier League Club WIGAN. The former desires to examine the possibility
of gaining the services of the Wigan player & winger ANTONIO
VALENCIA. Real look to convince the English Club to loan the player,
with an option of a buy at the end of the season. SFS doubts that Real will
take this last option, as Real will be in Presidential election mode &
thinking in big costly players like Kaka, Ronaldo (a winger) & others.
The Wigan player would have to make an outstanding last 4 months,
& SFS believes that Valencia is seen at this moment as a solution
“band-aid”.

Real Madrid Coach Juande de Ramos has been “screaming” for that
“band-aid” solution for weeks as he considers Valencia the player needed
to strengthen the wing position & is eligible for Champions League
participation.

President Boluda, under some pressure from Coach & technical staff,
wishes to retake the Valencia option before the “Winter Market Transfer”
window shuts on the 31st of January. Stay tuned!

Latest 29.01.09 - Real Madrid has failed to convience Wigan for a loan
("Marca")

TENNIS: FERNANDO VERDASCO REACHES SEMIS OF AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2009

Spanish Tennis keeps growing with the confirmation of the victory of
FERNANDO VERDASCO 7-6,3-6,6-3, 6-2 over Frenchman Jo-Wilfried
Tsonga in the Quarter Finals of the Australian Open. A historical
moment for Verdasco, as he becomes the 6th Spaniard to reach the
Semi Finals of this prestigious Grand Slam tournament.

Verdasco is the revelation after defeating giants of the calibre of Radak
Stepanek & Andy Murray, to now put him into the Top 10 World rankings
& in the Semi Final were he will meet fellow countrymen & World Nº1
Rafael Nadal. Verdasco has matured & evolved into a fine player after
taking Spain to its Davis Cup Win last year over Argentina were he made
the psychological jump needed to believe in his game & more importantly,
in himself. His "weapons", the big serve & power forehand are working
fine & taking him tio the top.

(upcoming Austrlalian Open all Spanish Semi-final 2009)

What is certain beforehand is that Spanish Tennis with have a Spanish
representative in the Australian Open Final & that Spain & its Sports has

already won.

REAL MADRID WITHDRAWS ITS “SAT THREAT” & CHOOSE LASSANA DIARRA FOR CHAMPIONS

News has just come in via our local Sports daily’s (As & Marca) that REAL
MADRID has decided to withdraw its legal recourse from the “SAT”
(Sporting Arbitrage Tribunal) in reference to the inscriptions of
HUNTELAAR & LASSANA DIARRA for this years Champions League.

(courtesy of "AS")

SFS wishes to recall that Real Madrid signed both players thinking they were
eligible for this years Champions League tournament , to find later that UEFA
only allows one to participate (article 17.18) . Real thought they were in the
right & UEFA in the wrong – or at least make it seem that way - & decided
to argue the case all the way to the SAT & thus overturn the UEFA rule.

Today Real Madrid decided not to continue with this legal course & accept
the UEFA rule of only inscribing one player. That player will be LASSANA
DIARRA who has convinced Coach Juande Ramos to be the more suited
player for his team scheme. Huntelaar will no doubt be disappointed as he
was sold the idea that he would play Champions & will now have to wait.
It seems Real Madrid wishes to avoid a direct confrontation with UEFA over
this issue, & continue with its good relations. The move seems to be a wise
decision with a more logical mid to long term view dominating over a
short term position.

INTER DE MILAN JIMENEZ OFFERS HIMSELF TO ATLETICO

A past ATLETICO DE MADRID desire, Chilean LUIS JIMENEZ
who is currently at INTER MILAN has offered his services to the
Spanish Club, according to local daily "As".

Jimenez is out of favour with his Coach Mourinho & is not playing.
This has prompted the player to look elsewhere & in the "Winter
Transfer Market" window of opportunity. This story is also backed
from Italy via "Tuttomercatoweb.com" who see the players future
in Spanish Football.

The option being put forward is a loan until the end of the season
with option of buying the player if his new team desires.

Stay tuned!

JAVIER SAVIOLA ON LOAN TO PORTSMOUTH?

The Argentine & REAL MADRID forward exploded after his seemlessly
"eternal" stays on the bench with comments: "...my situation is
intolerable". His Coach Juande Ramos replied ( + or - translated)
"...if you wish to play, find yourself a lower level Club". Words that
quiet frankly would sink the spirits of any player.

JAVIER SAVIOLA has been followed by "shadows" since arriving
from Argentine Club River Plate to Spanish Football. The 27 year old
has drifted through many Clubs: FC Barcelona , Sevilla...etc & always
with the same situation, star players already at the Club of arrival
in his natural position. It seemed his destiny is to be the substitute in case
others breakdown. Naturally, without play & game time a Football
player can never reach peak form. The frustration is enough to make
anyone explode, because Saviola has talent & the ability to keep
himself at the top level of World Class players, but if no one gives you
the opportunity little can be done to prove it.

According to English paper "Daily Mail" Saviola will be loaned out
to English Premier League Club PORTSMOUTH. This has been picked
up locally by "AS" who go on to say that the deal could be done within
the next days. The loan would be for the next 6 months & Portsmouth
Coach Tony Adams thinks Saviola will fit in perfectly, thus assuring
beforehand that the Argentine will play on a regular basis.

SFS hope this is true, because the man needs to play Football & the
opportunity to prove to everyone & himself that the past few years have
just been circumstance, & that he can get back to the level that made
him a regular figure in the Argentine National Team.

SFS FLASHBACKS: SPAIN vs YUGOSLAVIA EURO 2000

A classic SFS Flashback & great historical moment for the Spanish
National Team.

Situation: European Nations Cup 2000 Group C clash. The winner of
the Spain vs. Yugoslavia match goes on to qualify for the next stage. The
game is a high scoring affair & goes into extra time. Then, in the last
moments …

Did you see FC Barcelona’s current Coach with the Nº4 shirt? It’s
Guardiola. Plus Raul, Mendieta, Salinas, Alfonso, Canizares, Sergi...

ECONOMIC CRISIS HITS LOWER DIVISION SPANISH CLUBS

The Economic Crisis ( & bad business management) is also hitting Spanish
Football, in this case GRANADA who play in the 2º Division Group 4 &
whose professional players haven’t been paid for the last 4 months. This
weekend in their match against Melilla the players decided to protest &
send a message to their Club President Paco Sanz & everyone … “Paco
Sanz we need to be paid now”!

This situation is also occurring with UD LOGROÑES & other Clubs. In
this occasion GRANADA was given the games gate takings as a sign of
solidarity. Let’s wish them luck, & to all the other Clubs as their players
have to feed their families.

"EL MUNDANO DEPORTIVO" : RAFA BENITEZ

As promised here is the the first article from SFS bi-monthly collaboration:
"EL MUNDANO DEPORTIVO" - by Adrian Vogel.
His article talks about LIVERPOOL Spanish Coach RAFAEL BENITEZ
& some "theories" to his situation at Liverpool & his possible future.
STRIKER
____________________________________________

Rafa Benitez (by Adrian Vogel for SFS)

Disclaimer: This post was originally written before Sunday’s Liverpool vs.
Everton game.

Starting an article with a disclaimer is quite unusual. But it had to be
done since –even in the Premier League- results change all theories.
And I suspect that the great Rafa Benitez can be Real Madrid’s new
coach.

My suspicions (and I could be extremely wrong) are based on different
“circumstantial evidences”:

1. All backs & forts surrounding his Liverpool contract renewal. Yes,
I know that he still has next season to fulfil. So what? How come he
hasn’t renewed yet? I see past, present and (foresee) future problems with
the current owners, who are involved in the Club’s sale accepting a lesser
offer than the original one:Tom Hicks and George Gillett will have to settle
for a profit reduced by $150m (£110m) if they sell Liverpool to Nasser
al-Kharafi, the Kuwaiti billionaire, after their failure to close a deal for
Liverpool last July.

2. There’s a Spanish saying “cuando veas las barbas de tu vecino pelar,
pon las tuyas a remojar” - when you see your neighbour’s beard being
shaved, put yours to soak- and I’m 100% sure that Mr. Benítez has Juande
Ramos in mind when renewing his Liverpool contract. Why? Because he’s
demanding full decision powers. As it has always been the case with
English clubs,"a la Ferguson"(citing the most obvious example) a coach
and a manager hold the same executive position in most Premier League’s
teams. Rafa Benítez knows that Mr. Ramos ousting had to do with
Tottenham’s sale of Keane and Berbatov, without the coach’s approval
(Juande wasn’t the club’s manager). And their replacements where not
players of the same level. Mr. Benítez is fully aware that if the club is not
sold key players will be. Therefore he demands full voice and vote in all
transfers.

3. All signs show that our hero is stressed. The future of the club’s ownership
– and it’s been reported that his relationship with the current American
owners has never been a “hunky dory” situation - may be a cause. His renal
surgeries don’t help either. His wife’s refusal to move to Juventus could
well be another added factor. The “verbal confrontation” with Sir Ferguson
is a symptom. Plus having Manchester United co-sharing the League’s
leadership and the Championship’s confrontation versus “his” Real Madrid
are of no help either.

Few know that Rafa’s first team as a player was at Real Madrid’s
“academy”. He mixed his university studies with his football career with
lower division Spanish teams but injury caused him to prematurely retire.
His coaching debut was also at Real Madrid: he joined the coaching staff
at the age of 26, going on to work as the under 19 and reserve teams
coach, and as assistant manager for the senior team (under Vicente Del
Bosque). But few are aware of the fact that he and Grande (Del Bosque’s
# 2 since Benítez departure) where Raúl’s first coaches at “the White House”.
Raúl scored 71 goals in 33 games with Castilla (Real Madrid B) under
Benítez, which propelled him to the first team (coached by Valdano). In
total Raúl achieved 83 goals in 180 games in all under categories before
establishing himself as a fixture in the senior team. Meanwhile our man in
Liverpool worked at the club for 6 seasons (1993-1999) in the youth teams
(4 Leagues and 2 Cups), Castilla and Real Madrid (as Del Bosque’s
assistant in his first tenure as Real Madrid’s coach).

With the current turmoil that has led to Ramón Calderon’s dismissal
and expected Presidential elections before the summer, a couple of names
are fixtures in all conversations: Florentino Pérez and Rafa Benítez.
Both formerly associated to the Best Club of the XX Century. Mr. Pérez
is remembered as the “galactic” President. But also as the man who
ruled the Club for three “losing” years, whose flight left us in the current
institutional dire straits.

Rumours fly. And if Florentino finally decides to run in the upcoming
elections all polls show him as the sure winner. His candidacy is associated
to two coaches: Arsene Wegner and Rafa Benítez.

The current Arsenal boss is an old Pérez dream. But the Frenchman has
never showed any appreciation for Real Madrid. In my opinion Benítez
should be the man. The right choice to command the post Raúl situation.
He was his first coach at the club and could be the last (if the circumstances
are right). Wegner isn’t a Champions winner. And “our” Rafa is, coaching
Liverpool. His “second coming” could close the virtuous circle.

I’ve left for the closing paragraph a reminder (and I started with a
disclaimer): it’s a well known “secret” that among Florentino’s initial
desires, during his first mandate, were to transfer Raúl and Casillas. With
RB’s arrival he could now satisfy his first wish (plus Benítez and Raul
don’t share reps; Juande and the superstar player do).
_______________________________________________________

Adrian Vogel has his own Blog "El Mundano" written in Spanish which
covers everything from Sports, Politics, Music...to local Culture.

SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA 2008/2009 - ROUND 20 RESULTS

Hi guys SFS is back after a couple of days in the countryside relaxing with
the family. SFS is now here to give you the results, images & scorers of the
Spanish League Round 20 games.

Saturday saw two games & SFS will put VIDEOS of the goals scored in
each clash, starting with FC BARCELONA 4 - NUMANCIA 1. A
controversial game were the referee cancelled a valid goal by Numancia
in the first half & should have call a penalty as well in their favour.
However, the 2ºhalf was all Barça with an unstoppable Messi & partners
in crime Alves, Iniesta, E´to´o...etc, doing the damage. See the video:

Goals:
FC BCN ( MESSI x2; ETO´O; T.HENRY)
NUMANCIA ( BAKERO)

A reverse for VILLAREAL with a 1-1 draw with last placed OSASUNA.
Villareal are dropping places on the ladder as the last couple of results

have been disappointing. The goals came via ROSSI for Villareal &
DADY for Osasuna - see the above video for the goals.

ATLETICO DE MADRID managed to draw 1-1 away against MALAGA
thanks to HEITINGA in the 44th min. Earlier Malaga went ahead via
APOÑO in the 21st min. Both teams will be disappointed as Malaga had

the chance to consolidate itself in European classification places, while
Atletico is struggling not to drop out of the top 6 (Euro) table positions.
No one can explain the disasterous performance of Atletico since it
returned from the Xmas break. They have yet to win a match in 2009 &
are moving backwards

The huge surprise, bottom placed MALLORCA gave a Football lesson
to VALENCIA with its 3-1 victory. Mallorca player JURADO scored
twice ( 7th & 41st min) along with teammate MARTI who converted a
penalty in the 40th. The only goal that came from Valencia was via
VICENTE in the 72nd min.

Important win for Mallorca who needed desperately the 3ºpoints, &

worry times at Valencia as they begin to slip ladder places.

Another team in desperate need of points is ESPANYOL who managed

an equalizing goal from a set piece in the 79th min thanks to SERGIO
SANCHEZ ( above). Earlier VALLADOLID scored first via GOITAM
in the 42nd min. The latter deserved the win, but Espanyol pulled a magical
goal to at least scratch a vital point. Result a 1-1 draw

GETAFE ran riot today, won, got the needed 3 points & SOLDADO
(above) scored a HAT-TRICK for his team. The end result was a 5-1
victory over SPORTING DE GIJON that puts the latter uncomfortably

close to the bottom end teams.

Great game from Getafe who got its act together with Soldado scoring
3 goals ( 15, 57 & 72(p) min) along with teammates GRANERO in the
16th min & UCHE in the 70th min. The consolidation goal for Sporting
came from BARRAL in the 47th min.

RECREATIVO DE HUELVA put REAL BETIS into further troubles

& ladder position worries when Recreativo substitute CAMUÑAS
(above) scored in the 72th min to give Recreativo a 1-0 win over
Betis. By the way , goalscorer Camuñas later fainted, he is under
observation - should be OK.

ALMERIA are slowly beginning to jump up positions & are getting away
from the danger zone under new coach Hugo Sanchez, after defeating
ATHLETIC DE BILBAO 2-1. The scorers for Almeria were J.ORTIZ
in the 25th min & K.UCHE 34th min. The only scorer for Bilbao was
DEL OLMO in the 66th min.

SEVILLA FC hosted RACING & lost, & lost to a gran game from the
latter who went away with a 0-2 scorline: Racing were tactically well
organized & simple took its chances.

C.NAVAS scored first in the 23rd min & then on loan Serbian ZIGIC
returned to score in the 46th min. Racing climbs positions & Sevilla FC
remain 3ºrd on the ladder but miss chances to consolidate that position.
This maybe costly latter in the season.

REAL MADRID has the enormous task ( & nearly impossible) of
attempting to get close to run away League leader FC Barcelona, however
there is another easier objective, to consolidate & ensure a European
Cup position for next year.

Tonight they continue to move in both directions with a 1-0 victory over
DEPORTIVO. Real look stiff , but manage to get the work done & their
Captain keeps scoring , as did RAUL in the 39th min with a header from a
Lass Diarra pass. The chances kept coming with the clearest by Higuaín who

missed a golden chance for his teams second.

This allowed Deportivo to grow in confidence & they hit the post in the
59th min via Felipe Luis, Real then went into defensive mode & suffered in
the final moments as usual in the last few games. However , they have the
3ºpoints & have achieved the objective: to win. Real Madrid are pragmatic
& realistic these days under Coach Juande Ramos, it seems to be working
for them, it now 5 straight victories.

SFS FLASHBACKS: RONALDO WHEN AT FC BARCELONA

Here is an amazing goal by Brazilian RONALDO when he was part of
FC BARCELONA. The goal was scored during a Spanish League game
against Santiago de Compostela. This is Ronaldo at his maximum peak form,
unstoppable.

REAL MADRID 2009 : KAKA; RONALDO & BENZEMA ON THEIR AGENDA FOR UPCOMING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

There are three names being herald as possible candidates for the REAL
MADRID CF Presidential elections for July 2009: Juan Villalonga (ex
President of Telefónica), Eugenio Martinez & Florentino Perez ( President
of ACS & ex President of Real Madrid 2000-2006). The latter is remaining
silent for the moment, but everyone suspects that he will run & is already
moving his cards behind the scenes.

According to “elmundo.es” & basically all other local daily’s the candidates
will attempt to tie up three certain “crack” players for their candidacy:
KAKA, CRISTIANO RONALDO & BENZEMA, & all for next season

(courtesy of "elmundo")

Kaka is associated with Florentino Perez, Cristiano Ronaldo has a “verbal
pact” with Real Madrid for next season & will come who ever wins & lastly
Benzama will be thrown in to add more value & class.

Other speculations being thrown, but lack weight is SERGIO AGUERO
from Atlético de Madrid, this news was given by 20minutes.com, but it’s
difficult to believe, although not impossible.

Stay tuned, as things are beginning to really heat up at Real Madrid
who look set to revolutionize the transfer market, unlike Manchester City’s
attempts that are failing.

FERNANDO TORRES HELPS MATE WITH A TV AD TO PROMOTE "GESSBAR" HAIR SALON

This post is for the millions of FERNANDO TORRES fans. This video is
already wildfire across the Internet, specially in Spain & will no doubt
race into England, USA & Asia.

Here is the story. Fernando has a mate called Juan Carlos who owns &
runs an ordinary hairdressing salon in A Coruña (Galicia, SPAIN) called
“Gessbra”. Juan Carlos simply asks Fernando if he will appear in his very
low budget TV ad so as to lend a hand to the business by exploiting his
popular image. Fernando, a down to Earth sort of guy is willing to help his
mates & says yes, for free!

Here is the TV ad, its very low budget, improvised, full of humorous touches
& it is a HIT! The hairdressing salon is receiving hundreds of calls for
appointments & Juan Carlos is overwhelmed. Fernando Torres shows his
human side & gets the benefit of seeing how this video becomes a VIRAL
MARKETING success, great for his popularity & image that will later give
him more huge millionaire sponsorship contracts. Smart move, smart man
& a nice bloke!

SPANISH CUP 2008/2009 QUARTER FINAL 1ºLEG THURSDAY GAMES RESULTS

The last two 1ºleg SPANISH CUP matches have been played tonight
in a low scoring affair with the return 2ºlegs up for next week &
totally wide open.

ATHLETIC DE BILBAO & REAL SPORTING DE GIJON finished in
a 0-0 draw. Bilbao missed a penalty - that wasn´t - in the 28th min
when Llorente miscued. The game was end to end stuff with each
having their chances, but a touch of conservatism entered both sides
towards the end. Athletic will be disappointed as they had the home
advantage & didn´t capitalise. Sporting will be confident & know they
have a chance in front of their fans. Should be exciting stuff next week.

MALLORCA won 1-0 REAL BETIS with goal from KEITA (above),
& deserved the victory as they always looked better side & had the initiative.
Real Betis were uncomfortable & perhaps thinking in limiting any damage,
to go into the 2ºleg with the home advantage. This is still a wide open tie &
both teams have the opportunity to settle & go into the semis. We will have
wait see next week.

"EL MUNDANO DEPORTIVO": NEW BI MONTHLY COLLABORATION FOR SFS

SFS wishes to announce a NEW section that will appear every 15 Dias.
Titled “El Mundano Deportivo”, it is an honour & a pleasure to count
on the collaboration of a fellow blogger & friend, Adrian Vogel, to enrich
& take SFS to another level. Adrian will share his wealth of Football
(Soccer) knowledge & experience to give SFS readers an “alternative”
view & the behind the scenes reasons to the stories that are shaking
Spanish Football.

Below, Adrian introduces himself with his Curriculum & gives us some
links for investigation. The photo is evidence of the SFS summit where the
“transfer signing” took place over good food & wine under the watchful
eyes of fellow Football connoisseur JORGE as witness.

Adrian will give us his 1ºst “El Mundano Deportivo” post this upcoming
Sunday/Monday were he will give his reasons why LIVERPOOL coach
RAFAEL BENITEZ is taking so long to resign his contract, all from this
side of the fence ( & country) optic.

Please join me in welcoming Adrian to SFS, it will be obligatory reading
for the Global Spanish Football Fan.

STRIKER
________________________________________________________

El Mundano Deportivo – by ADRIAN VOGEL

Striker is an extremely persuasive blogger. And since I appreciate people
with principles like him, I was honoured to accept his irresistible offer: start
a bi monthly collaboration with SFS to be named “El Mundano Deportivo”
(El Mundano is my blog). It’s obvious to say that the financial conditions
smoothed all edges (I’m kidding & he didn’t buy lunch either).

We shared a magnificent “cocido” (typical Madrid Cuisine)with our
common friend Jorge. Which is the best lead for this personal note about
me and my football knowledge: in a not too distant galaxy in the past
century we shared a “quiniela” pool. “Quiniela” is the Spanish official
football bet and for years was the only legal one. You are supposed to
guess the result of 14 games choosing between three choices: 1 for the
home team’s victory, X for a draw and 2 if you decide that the visiting
club is the winner. The three of us worked at Polydor (I was the Managing
Director and both of them joined from other labels due to the efficient
diligence of JLR, my appointed Marketing Director).

(left to right: Adrian Vogel, Striker & Jorge - signing the "deal")

I’ve always believed that you have to “put your money where your mouth
is”. Therefore that weekly “quiniela” is a living proof of my soccer pedigree.
Plus the game flows through my blood. My DNA is 100% football. My
father was a coach (winner with Romania of the first under 21 euro
championship). He and my godfather –Stefan Kovacs- coached the team
that shared the title with Italy, the home team, and the USSR, in the only
tournament in UEFA’s history that saw more than one winner!

Our arrival to Spain was blessed by other easterners that arrived before
like Daucik, Kubala, Kocsis, Csibor and Puskas. The great “Pancho”
Puskas was key for our full integration in Madrid and at Real Madrid
(where my father served in various “unofficial” positions). Subsequently
we linked family ties with Di Stéfano and Santamaría.

You can find more information (and pictures) in the following two blog
entries in ref. to Alfredo Di Stefano’s world tribute:

Finde en Valdebebas 3: El día de La Saeta

El día de San Di Stéfano

REAL MADRID: FLORENTINO PEREZ WOULD WIN IF ELECTIONS HELD TODAY

The race is on as the potential REAL MADRID Presidential candidates
come out of the woodwork. The announcement last week of Ramon
Calderon´s resignation & that new Presidential elections will be held in
July 2009 has stirred the waters & everyone is beginning to position
themselves.

Many are forging alliances with powerful Sporting media, but one in
particular hasn’t announced that he will present himself, is remaining
totally silent & has already won. Ex Real Madrid President Florentino
Perez, in a survey by daily “AS” published today, has a 78% approval
rating amongst Real Madrid followers. That is, if there were elections
today Perez would win by a landslide.

As the man remains quite, interesting enough more news gets filtered about
his new proyect for Real Madrid & his plans. Apart from bringing KAKA,
CRISTIANO RONALDO…he wishes to incorporate to his team & place
ZINEDINE ZIDANE as Football Director in substitution of Pedja
Mijatovic.

If you had to put your money on a winner, it would be Perez; however
the returns would be small as he is the burning favourite. Now everyone
is waiting for the man to say something publically & confirm what
everyone suspects. He are Julius Cesar is awaiting for the moment to

enter Rome - sorry Santigo Bernabeu Stadium - to shouts of hail Perez.

SPANISH CUP 2008/2009 QUARTER FINAL 1ºLEG WEDNESDAY GAMES RESULTS

Two games tonight of the Q/Finals of the SPANISH CUP with the 1ºleg
to decide. Tomorrow another two matches between At.Bilbao - Sporting
Gijon & Mallorca - Real Betis.

A top game played tonight with plenty of goals that saw VALENCIA CF
comeback & turn the result around against SEVILLA CF.

DAVID VILLA scored first in the 5th min to allow Valencia to start
well, however Sevilla reacted & turned up the gears to dominate. Seville´s
hard work paid off via LUIS FABIANO who equalized with a header
in the 53rd min. Sevilla continued to pile on the pressure & went
ahead via ADRIANO (below) in the 67th min. I looked like a done deal
until...

Then the turn around by Valencia in the last 15 mins, starting with
BARAJAS who equalized in the 83rd & MATA in the 86th min to
put Valencia ahead & take the 1º leg victory, finishing the match with
the 3-2 scoreline.

But this is a tricky scoreline, Sevilla have a 2 goal away advantage to
take back home & into the deciding 2ºleg game.

Two things, new Espanyol Coach Argentine & ex-Espanyol defender
Pochettino has injected discipline, grit & the hard work ethic into his
new team ESPANYOL, & second,FC BARCELONA went into this game
with its big names out or on the bench. The end result a 0-0 draw for this
1ºleg game.

The highlights, a very much improved Espanyol who will go away tonight
with a new injection of confidence. The 2ºleg will certainly see a better
armed Barça were we are sure Coach Guardiola will put on his "A side"
just in case, as Espanyol showed its teeth tonight

AND GOD SPOKE TO KAKA..."GO TO REAL MADRID"

Brazilian International & AC MILAN player KAKA isn’t Mosses but he
does speak with God. In fact, it seems God is a Football fan, great taste
as it could not be any other way, plus he is an advisor to KAKA, imagine his
commissions!

News from Italy, England & Spanish sports media say that “The Father”
(not his real representative) advises Kaka to await a call from REAL
MADRID. According to local daily “AS” the words from KAKA were
“…I will stay here (Milan) or I will go to Real Madrid”. The Brazilian
crack adds: “…God has told me to stay with Milan, money is not
everything” & finishes saying “It is a divine signal”.

(courtesy of "AS")

The fact is that the GOD in question is ex Real Madrid President Florentino
Perez. Rumours have it that Mr. Perez has already a pact (deal) with Silvio
Berlusconi & Kaka will be his “Ace Card” for this summer Real Madrid
Presidential elections. Added to this it is speculated that the Coach for the
new Florentino Perez will be ARSENAL French Coach ARSENE
WENGER.

Now that’s a mid to long term project for KAKA, a team with guarantees
that will also bring aboard Cristiano Ronaldo. With players of this calibre the
only destiny is Football Heaven.

By the way the “Dark Side” – FC BARCELONA - is also due to have
elections & a possible candidate & La Porta rival, Sandro Rosell, may think
of doing a Florentino Perez. Will Kaka be attracted to the power of the
Dark Side?

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