Spanish Football | Soccer

WHAT MOURINHO SAID TO GUARDIOLA | FC BARCELONA INTER MILAN SEMI FINAL

Source: SFS Blog /

Inter Milan had lost Thiago Motta to a red card & was down with 10 men, Mourinho went up to Barça Coach Guardiola, who was giving instructions to Ibrahimovic & said the following in his ear:

"In normal conditions (without the Red Card) we will be Champions”

Portuguese TV did the “lip reading” service.

Other "unofficial" sources interpret the lip moving into :
"This way things are easy isn't it"
Question of the direct translation I suppose, but the message is clear on both counts.

Provocative? Casual Coach talk?

FC BARCELONA HAS AGREEMENT FOR DAVID VILLA NEXT SEASON ?

Source: SFS Blog /
The following news that has appeared today in Spanish Sports Paper “Marca” as an exclusive was actually first made public in the Spanish TV Football programme “Punto Pelota” by journalist Marques. It appears that FC BARCELONA has come to a verbal an agreement with VALENCIA CF to facilitate the selling of Spanish International & forward DAVID VILLA.

The player is said to be in accord & a figure of 40M€ is being speculated (includes two players HLEB & BOJAN) with the deal to be formalized at the end of the current “Liga” season. David Villa was close to FC Barcelona last season as negotiations fell through in the very last moment. This raises serious questions about Ibrahimovic & confirms that there are doubts on whether his signing has been the best choice. The Swede has performed far below his expected level & it will be “interesting” to watch how he handles the competition if Villa does eventually end up at “Camp Nou”. The story concludes that Coach Guardiola has insisted in the signing of David Villa as priority.

Stay tuned!

EUROPA LEAGUE 2009 2010 2º LEG SEMI FINAL RESULT | LIVERPOOL FC 2 ATLETICO DE MADRID 1 | ATLETICO WIN ON AGG GO INTO FINAL | VIDEO GOALS

Source: SFS Blog /

Watch the VIDEO of the goal that took ATLETICO DE MADRID into its first European Final in 24 years & return them to the Europen Football elite:

DIEGO FORLAN scored in extra-time (103rd min) the only goal by ATLETICO DE MADRID in their 2-1 loss tonight to LIVERPOOL FC in the 2ºleg semi-final clash of the EUROPA LEAGUE. Although Atletico lost, their goal in the 1º leg & the one scored tonight served double to eliminate Liverpool FC & put the Spaniards into the Final in Hamburg against English team Fulham. In fact, Atletico notched up their second final this season as they are to meet local team Sevilla FC in the Spanish Cup Final in May. An extraordinary turn of events as Atletico was 2º Division relegation bait 4 months ago when a "Club Crisis" lead to the sacking of Coach Abel. The team made everyone suffer tonight until the last minute - habitual for Atletico - as they held off a brave Liverpool FC who attempted to score their third goal to win the semi.

This Atletico is not the same team that it was 4 months ago, as their is now defensive order & discipline with players who before were "basket-cases" playing at a superb level like Perea, Antonio Lopez & Dominguez. But tonight was a team effort with Reyes back to his best in the right moment, Forlan sacrificing himself along with Simao , Assuncao, Garcia, Aguero...etc.

Liverpool FC had their ideas clear from the start, they need 2 goals at least ( without At. Madrid scoring ) to get through. They attacked from the first minute & had their chances with the game swinging both ways with the Spaniards who were kept out by Liverpool goalie Reina from a Raul Gracia crack at goal that could have been a killer. It was Liverpool Italian midfielder AQUILANO who opened the can for the English in the 43rd min that knocked the Spaniards about so close to the end of the 1º st half. Watch the VIDEO of the goal:

It was a "boxing match" in the second half as MASCHERANO ( Best on the field) stopped everything that Atletico through at them & it was end to end stuff. Extra-time was imminent & both teams accepted it as the inevitable. However, the physical effort of the 1ºst half by Liverpool was costing them at this stage ( & much more latter ) as Atletico grew on the field & was to be decisive later.

Then just 4 mins into extra-time Liverpool player BENAYOUN scored the second & the Spaniards were at this stage out of the Europa League. Watch the VIDEO of the goal:

The key moment was when Atletico Coach Flores took off Assuncao who was exhausted & put on a fresh attacking midfielder Jurado who took over the center & the ball. Then the miracle happened in the 103rd min when Reyes escaped & passed to Diego Forlan who scored. This goal put Atletico back in the picture & into the Europa League Final in Hamburg. From here it was desperate play from both sides as the English attacked & the Spaniards defended to hold out & finally the latter eliminate Liverppol FC.

Amazing stuff & great joy in Madrid (Spain) for a team who has suffered this season, & sadness that the eliminated side had to be Liverpool FC were there exists a certain brotherhood between both teams. A great match, pity only one could only win.

EUROPA LEAGUE 2009 2010 | ATLETICO DE MADRID 90 MINUTES AWAY FROM THE FINAL

Source: Sp Ftbll Sprt /

They are the last Spanish Team standing in Europe. Ironical if you look at season 2009-2010 & realise how terrible things were for ATLETICO DE MADRID 4-5 months ago when Directives were “forced” to sack starting Coach Abel when the team hovered in the relegation positions of the Spanish League. With the arrival of current Coach Quique Sanchez Flores the “Liga” haemorrhage has been contained with the Club now in mid table positions & safe, plus they are Finalists in the upcoming Spanish Cup were they will compete against Sevilla FC for the title. Tonight the play LIVERPOOL FC in the 2º leg of the EUROPA LEAGUE semi-final & start with a 1-0 goal advantage from the 1ºst leg. Atletico are one game away from reaching a European Final. The last time Atletico reached so far in Europe was back in 1986 (24 years ago) when they played Dynamo Kiev in the Final of the European Cup Winners Cup which they lost. A long time for a Club with such a long Football tradition , a Club of its size & with such a loyal fan base.

However, the endeavour at the “mythical” Anfield Stadium will not be an easy affair as Liverpool will be pushed on by their warm & supporting fans which will create an uncomfortable atmosphere for their Spanish visitors. The good news for Atletico is the return of SERGIO AGUERO up front, after he served his one match suspension in the first leg, where he will form a dangerous partnership in the forward line with Diego Forlan, Simao & Reyes.

The players know they have a unique opportunity tonight, they know that their “dream” of reaching a European Final is only 90 minutes away. Tonight could be the night to wipe off a bad season & equilibrate those unexplained swings in fortune that so much leave perplexed fans & observers. It will be very difficult, Liverpool also need a victory tonight to allow them to forget their own terrible season & regain their lost confidence in themselves.

The stage is set, & from here I wish Atletico de Madrid all the luck in the World, but this time they will need more than luck, they will need to believe in themselves that they can win this game & reach the Europa League Final. They are Spanish Footballs last standing Club in Europe, an honouring feat with a huge "responsability" in representing the whole nation.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2009 2010 2º LEG SEMI FINAL | FC BARCELONA 1 INTER MILAN 0 | INTER WINS 2-3 ON AGG GOES INTO FINAL | VIDEO GOAL

Source: Sp Ftball Sprt Blog /

The below late goal by FC Barcelona defender PIQUE in the 83rd min put Barça ahead even if it was off-side, however it was not enough as FC BARCELONA did manage to win 1-0 INTER MILAN but was knocked out of the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE via a 2-3 aggregate advatage to the Italians. Watch the VIDEO of the only goal scored of the game:

It was obvious from the start that Barça would go out & take the initiative looking for the 2 goals that would qualify them for the Final, while Inter would be more observant & would defend their 1º leg goals advantage. However, everything would change in the 27th min when Inter midfieder MOTTA was given a red card (second yellow) after an incident with Barça midfielder Busquets. This left Inter with 10 men & Coach Mourinho had to reorganize & change totally his teams game into "defensive mode".

Inter Milan, lead tactically by their Coach José Mourinho, showed us tonight text book defending. If the "art of defending in Football" is ever to be tought at the University this match will be the classic case study for analisis. Perfect zone marking & total team sacrifice that shut out Barcelona & Inter with only 10 men. This off course was complemented with all the "tricks" of the trade that is famous in Italian Football; like stopping the game, extended time via injuries, side-line ball knock outs, arguing with the referee; in a nut shell "maestros" of the art.

The Italian defence was so perfect tonight with just 10 men that Messi was shut off, Ibarhimovic was cancelled out & later substituted, Xavi was relatively halted & Dani Alves held under control. FC Barcelona had 75-80 % of ball possesion & failed to take advantage to reach their 2 goal objective. This must tell us something, that Inter Milan overall ( 1º & 2º leg) was much better, more intelligent & rightly deserved to go through into the Champions League Final against Bayern Munich the 22nd of May in Madrid.

Perhaps, only perhaps, the "obsession" that Mourinho claimed in the pre-press conference yesterday that FC Barcelona had to get into the rivals (Real Madrid) home ground & win the Champions League, may have blurred Barça´s global vision of things, as tonight they fell straight into the Inter & Mourinho ambush. Coach Guardiola was beaten by "The Special One" who used all his craft - Football & Psychology - to out smart his opponent.

Sad night for Camp Barça & Spanish Football overall, but well played & deserved win for Inter Milan who I wish lots of luck. Now FC Barcelona must get itself together quickly & recompose themselves as they have another fierce battle ahead; the Spanish League Title fight with Real Madrid.

FIFA has released its World Rankings for April 2010 & Brazil has taken over the Nº1 position from Spain who is now Nº2. The Spanish have played “low counting” opponents of late & through the “complex” coefficient system used by FIFA losses points for the month.

Here is the Top 10 standings:

1. Brazil 1.611 pts (+22)
2. Spain 1.565 (-37)
3. Portugal 1.249 (+35)
4. Holland 1.221 (-40)
5. Italy 1.184 (+01)
6. Germany 1.107 (-50)
7. Argentina 1.084 (+09)
8. England 1.068 (-52)
9. Croatia 1.052 (+01)
10. France 1.044 (-33)

The FIFA World Cup begins on the 11th of June in South Africa & it will be here where that a “true” ranking will be established.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW | WHO WILL MEET BAYERN MUNICH IN MADRID?

Source: Sp Ftball Sprt Blog:
SFS BLOG supports FC Barcelona for today.

The question circulating the minds of Bayern Munich, their fans & the World Football Soccer World is which of these two remaining teams, FC BARCELONA INTER MILAN , will be their opponent for the upcoming Final of the 2010 Champions League in Madrid at the "Santiago Bernabeu Stadium" Saturday 22nd of May.

Tonight the city of Barcelona, the region of Catalonia & half of Spain will come to a complete halt at 20.45 as the masses gather to witness the 2º leg semi final clash that will determine who will meet the Germans. The Italian team Inter Milan comes with a great advantage of the 3-1 result from the 1ºleg match in Milan last week, & if they score a goal away they will virtually (repeat virtually - nothing is certain) have the semi in the bag. However, FC Barcelona has mobilized the "fan base" to cheer them on for an expected "come back" that with a 2-0 scoreline will be enough for them - as long as Inter dont score! The scene is set for one of European Football´s great clashes this season & the current Champion attempts to "fight off" the contender.

FC BARCELONA will go out with all their available big guns ( Puyol will serve a one match suspension & Iniesta is still injured).

Barça will be putting its hope in their "deadly" up-front trident of star forwards : Messi, Ibrahimovic & the new Spanish Football sensation, Pedro, to break the strong "wall" defence of the Italians

INTER MILAN are just 90 mins away from getting into the Final of the Champions League, a long time dream off getting them back to the Top of European Football, only if they can keep out the current "Best Team In The World" & the 98,000 screaming Barça fans.

Don´t miss this game. SFS will be posting a full summary with result, scorer/s & videos around 23.15 Spanish local time.

Many the better team win. Visça Barça!

REAL MADRID | METZELDER SIGNS FROM FC SCHALKE 04

Source: Sp Ftball Sprt Blog /
The original rumour was Gern Club Wolfsburg, but REAL MADRID German Central Defender CHRISTOPH METZELDER has signed a 3 year contract with FC SCHALKE 04. The player finishes contract with the Spanish Club & his destination has been speculated the last couple of days.

The 29 year old defender has had his transfer made official by Schalke 04 on their Website after they posted & made public the announcement. Metzelder has had a less than active period at Real Madrid mostly due to his bad spell of injuries that have hampered any continual playing time. This has frustrated the player with long periods of time on the bench, & the loss of his place on the German National Team.

I wish him the player luck in his new adventure at Schalke, as I am sure he will be back to his top form playing Football on a regular basis.

FC BARCELONA 2010 | HEATS UP THE 2º LEG CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLASH WITH INTER MILAN | VIDEOS

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
Huge campaigns happening in the city of Barcelona as FC BARCELONA prepare to host INTER MILAN tomorrow in their 2º leg CHAMPIONS LEAGUE semi-finals clash, with the Italians enjoying a 1-3 aggregate advantage. The Club has called their member to fill up the “Camp Nou” & convert it into the “Personal Hell” for Inter for the 90 playing minutes. They are citing the spirit of the "comeback" & to over come adversity.

The players themselves have thought up their “ENS HI DEIXAREM LA PELL” Campaign …translated from Catalan “Everyone Will Leave Their Skin”, to heat up the atmosphere of the most important game to date for Barça this season.

Below is another video whipped up by the FC Barcelona fan base to add to the atmosphere & "heat up" things via the Internet:

Good luck Barça!

SPANISH FOOTBALL | SOCCER | LEAGUE - LA LIGA 2009 / 2010 - ROUND 34 MONDAY NIGHT GAME RESULT

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
The "Spanish Liga" Monday night game between OSASUNA ATHLETIC DE BILBAO shut Round 34 of the Spanish League with a 0-0 draw.

A just result with the only two real chances going the way of Athletic de Bilbao which they couldn´t convert into goals. It was a typical historical clash between two "hard" teams with a long tradition that played in not giving an inch of ground or "air to breathe" in the midfield to their opponent.

There is basically little more to add to the already mentioned as this game was "flat", predictable, ordinary & it finished as it was meant to end; with the points being shared by both sides.

SEVILLA FC | VIDEO | LUIS FABIANO 2º GOAL GETAFE - "MASTERCLASS"

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
He is one of the Worlds Great Centre Fowards currently in action. The Brazilian & SEVILLA FC player LUIS FABIANO gave us a "Master-class" yesterday with his second goal against Getafe in the Spanish League. Check the control, the coolness of head, the thinking & the execution. Had to post this VIDEO for all the young readers & Football - Soccer - fans around the World:

SERGIO CANALES | VIDEO GOAL VILLAREAL SEVILLA FC | NEW REAL MADRID SIGNING

Source: Sp Ftball Sports Blog /
New Real Madrid signing SERGIO CANALES currently still with Racing de Santander, scored a brilliant goal yesterday against Villareal. The young man is turning out to be some kind of fans sensation & is causing mania within the female sector of the Football - Soccer - audience.

Here is a video of the young man with yesterdays goal & others included:

SPANISH FOOTBALL | SOCCER | LEAGUE - LA LIGA 2009 / 2010 - ROUND 34 SUNDAY GAMES RESULTS

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
The Spanish Football Soccer League continued today with 6 games scheduled in Round 34 of "La Liga". Plenty of games involving teams facing the relegation danger & that brought about some rough matches with some red cards being shown as the nerves became as a consequence part of the games.

Posts, a penalty saved by Malaga Munuá (above) & a final 1-1 draw was the result of the MALLORCA - MALAGA game. The home team managed to equalize "in extremis" with ADURIZ scoring a controversial goal in the 91st min when Malaga claimed a foul on their goalkeeper. Earlier in the 86th min OBINNA scored to put Malaga ahead.

An entertaining game with Mallorca maintaining its "battle" with Sevilla FC for the Champions League 4th table place, while Malaga are still in the relegation danger zone.

ALMERIA lost 0-1 to RCD ESPANYOL with a superb goal from LUIS GARCIA in the 54th min that secures a little bit more their place in the 1º Division next season. Almeria will be disappointed as they had their opportunities & couldn´t convert.

REAL SPORTING DE GIJON continue with their "rough patch" losing to VALLADOLID 0-2 at home. The visitors played intensely as their future in the 1ºDivision depends on it. MANUCHO put Valladolid ahead in the 80th min & BARAJA the second in the 93rd min. To highlight how tense things were, both teams lost a man to red cards in the 86th min (De Horno for Valladolid & Maldonado for Sporting). Valladolid are now 2 points from getting out of the relegation part of the table.

RACING DE SANTANDER who are in danger of relegation lost 1-2 to VILLAREAL who managed to turn the game around thanks to their midfielder Santiago Cazorla who set up the goals from GODIN (above) in the 70th min & later NILMAR in the 82th min. Earlier the new Real Madrid signing & Racing young sensation SERGIO CANALES scored a "blinder" in the 38th min that showed all his class, but it wasn´t enough.

ATLETICO DE MADRID managed to shake off second-last placed TENERIFE winning 3-1. Atletico left Forlan & Simao on the bench thinking about Liverpool mid week & this allowed SALVIO (above) to start. He took his chance & scored two goals in the 11th min with help from Tenerife goalkeeper & in the 30th min. Tenerife managed in the 2ºhalf to get back the game & dominanted to be rewarded with their only goal by ROMAN in the 60th min. But SERGIO AGUERO scored in the 77th min to secure things & knock the wind out of the Tenerife sails.

GETAFE defeated SEVILLA FC 4-3 in an amazing come back, & on the way did a favour to Mallorca who consolidate a bit more the 4th Chmpions League place on the Spanish League table. Getafe scored first via ADRIAN in the 16th min, but that only inspired Sevilla to take control & they equalized via LUIS FABIANO in the 33rd & then go ahead via KANOUTE in the 38th min, the latter would get a red card in the 88th min.

The 2ºhalf was all champagne Football from both sides. Getafe equalized via PEDRO LEON in the 58th min & Sevilla answered via LUIS FABIANO for his second in the 61st min. Getafe took in a dep breath a went for it & virtually ran over Sevilla when they equalized via MANU in the 75th min, & in the last moment PAREJO (above) scored a penalty & the winner in the 93rd min to bring the house down. Amazing come back, Sevilla will be kicking themselves for going down to 10 men & allowing this game to slip through their fingers. Getafe are only 2º points away from Euro table positions.

REAL MADRID| GREAT TO HAVE YOU BACK RICARDO IZECSON DOS SANTOS LEITE - “KAKÁ”

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
The best thing from yesterdays Real Madrid 1-2 victory over Zaragoza – apart from the 3 points – was the return of Brazilian midfielder KAKÁ. Just to watch the man smile & score his team’s second & vital winning goal sent warmth throughout most fair minded Football fans.

Kaká has been sidelined for 43 days with a very painful pelvic injury that has stopped him dry, & worst of all put his reputation into question. Many people – fans & media – began to question whether Kaká was thinking more about the upcoming World Cup tournament & his participation with Brazil instead about the Club that was paying him. Serious allegations from people outside the Club that must have added pressure, anxiety & sadness to Kaká that he of all people be questioned in such a manner. The man of “Jesus” was being called a “liar” by a few as his injury extended itself in time.

Yesterday was the night the Kaká shut those vicious & malice mouths with a goal that keeps Real Madrid fighting for the Spanish League title & 1 point away from current leaders FC Barcelona. His come back onto the Football field arrives at the best moment for his team.

Nice to have you back Kaká, Football has been missing you!

SPANISH FOOTBALL | SOCCER | LEAGUE - LA LIGA 2009/2010 - ROUND 34 SATURDAY GAMES RESULTS

Source: Spnish Ftball Sprt Blog/
The Spanish Football-Soccer-League celebrated Round 34 today with three games that included the two top teams fighting it out for the "Liga" title. Only 1º point separates the current leaders FC Barcelona from 2º placed Real Madrid as the "status quo" remains after todays results.

Tough match for FC BARCELONA against last placed XEREZ who are fighting for their 1º Division life. The home team won 3-1 but this scoreline "distorts" the reality of this match. Barça had to resort to Messi & Pique in the 2ºhalf in order to bring back a steady "hand" to secure their 3 points.

In the 1ºst half young JEFFREN scored for Barça in the 14th min & that was followed by HENRY with the second in the 22nd min. However, Xerez pulled one back quickly via a fabulous goal from BERMEJO that shifted the balance to the visitors. From here & up until the end of the 45 minutes Barça were against the ropes with a draw looking more a possibility.

But this match was also a rough affair, with lots of physical contact that ended with TWO Red cards given to Xerez (Alastiza & Orellana). This & the inclusion in the 2ºhalf of Messi & Pique shifted the balance again in Barça´s favour & IBRAHIMOVIC scored the third goal in the 51st min to calm the situation & take the match to good port for his side.

Three maximum valuable points that allows Barça to now plan the big Champions League game against Inter Milan & keep for now the Spanish League top spot. By the way, as an informative note, Barça equals its historical points in a season with 87.

REAL ZARAGOZA are looking at the 2º Division abyss & they haven´t the idea of beautiful Football in their heads at this precise moment. Instead they are fighting with tooth & nails, & tonight gave Real Madrid a torrid & very physical match that nearly paid off for them. REAL MADRID were pushed & slapped around all game with chilling physical tactics that cost Zaragoza in the end a red card in the 2ºhalf, & this played an important part in their 1-2 defeat.

Real Madrid lost Van Der Vaart to injury in the 14th min & this allowed Captain RAUL to get a good run tonight. As always he took his chance & scored his teams opener in the 51st min from a Ronaldo pass. However, with Zaragoza down to 10 men & even more "angry" COLUNGA managed to surprise the Madrid defence & equalize in the 60th min.

Certain panic entered into the Real Madrid game as they were witnessing before their eyes how the Spanish League title was slipping from their hands. Then in the 82nd min Cristiano Ronaldo passed to KAKÁ, who was back after a long spell from injury, to score the winner & give his team the precious 3º points along with a huge sigh of relief for all Madrid followers.

With this worked victory Real Madrid continues to keep the pressure on FC Barcelona & will go home thinking that tonight was indeed a close call.

VALENCIA CF won 1-0 DEPORTIVO & in the process retain the 3ºrd place on the Spanish League table & keep at bay Mallorca who are a close third breathing down their necks. The winning goal came in the 33rd min after a hand-ball was given in the penalty area in favour of Valencia to which DAVID VILLA converted for his 21st personal goal this season.

FERNANDO TORRES | RAFAEL BENITEZ : MANCHESTER CITY & JUVENTUS BUYERS IN THE LIVERPOOL FC "GARAGE SALE"?

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
English press - Telegraph - claim that MANCHESTER CITY is about to put a 70M€ (60MGBP)carrot in front of LIVERPOOL FC so it can ease their money problems & on the way sell them Spanish International forward FERNANDO TORRES. If this goes ahead, which I personally doubt, Fernando Torres could became the highest paid player of the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Torres was seen ( pic by Sports paper "Marca") finally on his feet after being operated for his knee problem in Barcelona. The player now has to get himself ready & fit to be in shape in time for the upcoming World Cup for the Spanish National Football (Soccer) Team.

Staying with Liverpool,Italian press are convinced that Spanish Coach RAFAEL BENITEZ will end up at Italian Club JUVENTUS. So hot is the story, that "La Gazzetta dello Sport" publish that Juventus President Jean Claude Blanc is expected to fly to Liverpool next week for his man. Here too we have an incentive in the cash figure of 4M€/season (net) & an extra million€ in bonuses.The speculation mill turns here as well as the Italian press mention that Benitez could come accompanied with Fernando Torres, Mascherano & Kuyt. Liverpool FC fans sit tight it is still all rumour - for now!

Stay tuned!

FC BARCELONA: IS ASTON VILLA ASHLEY YOUNG THE CHOSEN ONE?

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
Spanish Sports paper “Marca”" has a "hit & miss" reputation as they at times transmit the idea that selling papers in more important than substance. However, they are "well" connected & when they do score they score well. Today’s issue publishes that FC BARCELONA have a substitute in mind for Thierry Henry who is speculated will leave Barça for US Soccer next season. His rumoured chosen substitute is ASTON VILLA winger ASHLEY YOUNG & Barça is willing to put on the table 25M€.

There is a line waiting to "talk" with the Aston Villa Club & player which include Tottenham, Manchester United & Chelsea FC, but FC Barcelona is said to have accelarated negotiations to keep out the rivals from their plans.

Stay tuned!

WORLD FOOTBALL | SOCCER | FINANCE : 5 SPANISH BASED PLAYERS IN "THE WORLD´S BEST PAID PLAYERS " LIST

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog: /
Ever wondered, just because you’re a curious person, how much you’re Football – Soccer – idols makes a year in money, that is, what they actually earn taking into account salary, bonus, sponsorship deals…etc. ? The prestigious American Financial Magazine “Forbes” continues with its look into the Football – Soccer – World publishing the list of highest earners. Yesterday (& posted below) Forbes examined the Clubs, today they put the focus on the players, with 5 Spanish based players on the top list.

Spanish Football Sports Blog_Cristiano Ronaldo

The 35 year old Englishman David Beckham still reins Nº1 with earning of 40M US$ (30M€) thanks to his multiple sponsorship deals. He is followed by Portuguese & REAL MADRID player CRISTIANO RONALDO with earnings of 30M US$ (22,5M€) & third is Brazilian & team-mate KAKÁ with income of 25M US$ (18,7M€). Three other Spanish based players are also mentioned, all from FC BARCELONA, who in the Messi case, he may be the highest salary earner in World Football - Soccer - but falls in the sponsorship area relative to those here mentioned.

The Top List of players is then made up by Ronaldinho, THIERRY HENRY (FCB), MESSI (FC), Frank Lampard, Terry, ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC (FCB), Steven Gerrard y Wayne Rooney.

EUROPA LEAGUE 2009 2010| 1º LEG SEMI FINAL | ATLETICO DE MADRID 1 LIVERPOOL 0 | VIDEO GOAL

Source: SFS.Blog /
ATLETICO DE MADRID take a big step forward in their objective in reaching the final of the EUROPA LEAGUE after defeating LIVERPOOL FC 1-0 at home in the 1º leg semi-final match. The Spanish team played possibly one of their best games of the season with Sergio Aguero absent sitting in the crowd serving out his one game suspension. Liverpool seem to look conservative tonight, very observant & may have been happy to go back home with this score to put in "their game" at Anfield. Atletico de Madrid had their chances, clear opportunities that should have been put home & we hope they don´t remember them later.

But, tactics apart, Atletico deserved to win & it is certainly a moral boosting shot in the arm for the return 2ºleg that promises to be a huge affair.

The only & winning goal came early in the 9th min with a "freakish" second attempt by DIEGO FORLAN after missing the easy first time opportunity. Watch the below video to see this "unusual" but effective goal:

(Allow Video to load -may take a while):

From here, Atletico remained calm & disciplined throughout the match with a superb game from REYES who was everywhere, UJFALUSI who was solid in defence with team-mates DOMINGUEZ & PEREA; in fact I should mention the whole team as it was just this; a grand team effort. Atletico managed to hold out Liverpool whom came to life late & had their chances as well. Here Liverpool goalie REINA deserves a mention for his couple of "life saving" saves.

We all know, Atletico knows & Liverpool will assure us that the Anfield clash next week is going to be hard. Atletico is still far from a "dream" final after a "terrible" season with lots of downer moments & suffering. But , this 1-0 victory tonight is a start, a step forward , a moral booster & with Sergio Aguero back for the next game, a stage set-up for everyone here in Spain & Atletico de Madrid fans to be able to dream on. Congrats Atletico for tonights effort!

FOOTBALL FINANCE: REAL MADRID CF & FC BARCELONA IN FORBES TOP MOST VALUEABLE CLUBS IN THE WORLD

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog/
Prestigious Financial magazine “Forbes” has published an article about Football – or Soccer in lots of Anglo-Saxon countries – analyising the Top 20 Clubs in Value in the World for 2009. Here is the link if you wish to read the original (World Football- Soccer).

The magazine looks at the change from 2008 to 2009 & takes into consideration TV rights, merchandising, sponsorship, ticket sales...etc, to come up with a close estimate of the Clubs market value (this term is relative as foreign exchange deviations change figures). In global terms, from 2008 to 2009 the value of the Top 20 Clubs fell 8,5% mainly by the economic crisis. The top 2 Clubs - Man Utd & Real Madrid - fell 2%, FC Barcelona with its 6 titles went up 4% , while AC Milan lost 12% in a year.

Manchester United leads the table with (1,835 M US$, ie. 1.8 BillionUS$ - 1,400M€), followed by REAL MADRID second, Arsenal third, FC BARCELONA fourth & Bayern Munich fifth.

Here is the Top 10 list of Clubs according to Forbes with their estimated market value in $US:

1. Manchester United (England) - 1,835 M $US / 1,400 M€
2. REAL MADRID (Spain) - 1,323 M $US / 991 M€

3. Arsenal (England) - 1,181 M $US / 884 M€
4. FC Barcelona (Spain) - 1,000 $US / 746 M€

http://Spanishfotballsports.blogspot.com

5. Bayern Munich (Germany) - 990 M $US
6. Liverpool FC (England) - 822 M $US
7. AC Milan (Italy) - 800 M $US
8. Juventus (Italy) - 656 M $US
9. Chelsea FC (England) - 646 M $US
10. Inter Milan (Italy) - 413 M $US

REAL MADRID: MANCHESTER CITY ENTERS THE DI MARIA PICTURE

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog/
News coming out from neighbouring country Portugal, concretely from their Sports daily “A Bola”, is that REAL MADRID has "intensified" their interest in Argentine 22 year old International & BENFICA player ANGEL DI MARIA. This piece of information has been picked up locally by Spanish daily “AS” who add that the also shown interest by English Premier League Club MANCHESTER CITY not only has set in the renewed “urgency” in the matter but has inflated the price of the player.

http://spanishfootballsports.blogspot.com

The Portugues source claims they have evidence that Manchester City has already put on the Benfica table 40M€, while Real Madrid had originally & previously suggested 25M€, the difference is important. The advantage that the Spanish Club may have over the English team is that the representative of Di Maria is Jorge Mendes, the same agent as Cristiano Ronaldo, the similiarities in lanaguage & culture & lastly the fact the Real Madrid has more prestige, respecting Manchester City & its long tradition.

Mentioned this, as always in Football & around this time of the year, one should take these “news flashes” in their speculative stage & consider them still rumour. Stay tuned for developments in the coming months as not only this name with get media space but many others will as well especially after the World Cup.

R I P | SPANISH & WORLD SPORT LOSES JUAN ANTONIO SAMARANCH AT 89 YEARS OF AGE

JUAN ANTONIO SAMARANCH has died today at the age of 89 in Barcelona. I would be falling short saying that this man is directly responsable for where SPANISH SPORT ( in all its disciplines) is today. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President from 1980 until 2001, he was the man who worked his heart out to give Barcelona & Spain its wonderful 1992 Olympic Games, apart from modernizing the Olympic Games as they are today.

Very sad day for Spain, Spaniards, Sportsmen/women & Spanish Sports as it loses a person who dedicated his life to Sport & who we will have to wait a very long time to see anything similiar again. Thank you José Antonio & RIP as you will be missed.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2010 TROPHY IN MADRID - SPAIN

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog/
UEFA is kindly allowing the citizens of the city of Madrid to have a chance to get real close to the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2010 Trophy, the same one that will be given to the European Football - Soccer - Club that wins the Final Saturday the 22nd of May at the “Santiago Bernabeu Stadium”. The fact the Stadium is the home ground of Real Madrid & obviously in the city of Madrid, has given UEFA the excuse to promote this fact as you can see by the photo below of the travelling bus:

My wife & I took a stroll down to the “Puerta de Sol” (Centre of Madrid) & waited 40 minutes in line to get finally into the above pictured bus “showroom” & see first hand the 2010 Champions League Cup real close. Here are the photos we took:

The bus will be travelling around Madrid until the 14th of May so that everyone gets an opportunity to see European Club Football’s greatest prize. Also travelling in the same bus – “showroom” – is the female Champions League Trophy, as shown by this photo:

Yes, the picture with the Champions League Trophy is “yours truly” & the lady with the female “Champions League” is “Mrs. Striker”.

Beautiful, isn´t it!

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2009 2010 1ºLEG SEMI FINAL | INTER MILAN 3 FC BARCELONA 1 VIDEO GOALS

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
The 1º Leg of the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE semi - final clash between INTER MILAN & FC BARCELONA has fallen 3-1 the way of the home team who put in a solid defensive game cancelling out the Barcelona key players & they taking their opportunities with precise definition. However the third Inter goal was controversial as it clearly looked off-side to most & with the repeated camara angle replays. However, Barça did have their chances as well, but found a solid Inter goalie Julio Cesar, the veteran Zanetti & Brazilian defender Lucio who all did a good enough job to keep the Spaniards out from scoring more goals.

It was FC Barcelona who put the shock into the Italians body when Maxwell made a superb run down his flank to pass inward & backwards to find young PEDRO who scored in the 19th min. Watch the VIDEO of the goal:

Barça had their chances later & didn´t take the opportunities given to them until ex-Real Madrid player WESLEY SNEIJDER equalized in the 29th min for Inter with a Barça defence split in half as you can see in the below VIDEO:

The italians in the 2ºhalf then caught out a "sleeping" Barça in the 49th min when MAICON put Inter ahead & take the Spanish team there after into defensive mode. The Barça stars were not shining at all tonight with an ineffective Ibrahimovic who was latter substituted, a well held out Xavi & Messi who was blocked from all angles. Watch the Maicon goal :

Then came the controversial third goal for Inter when DIEGO MILITO scored in the 60th min from a counter-attack in what appeared to be an off-side situation. Watch the below VIDEO & you decide:

Barcelona had no choice but to go out an attack to only find Inter had gone themselves into the famous "Italian defensive" mode of operations.

A hard blow for Barcelona who have it stiff for the 2ºleg in a game that will test their condition & courage to be able to pull back this difficult situation with all the cards currently in Inter Milan hands.

ATLETICO DE MADRID: SERGIO AGUERO PREFERS CHELSEA FC?

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
There is a Spanish saying that goes… “Si suena el rio…”, which translated roughly says… “If the river sounds…”, there must be water. The ATLETICO DE MADRID & Argentine International, SERGIO AGÜERO, river has been sounding continously for the last months.

Again from England we get news from the paper “Daily Express” in reference to comments made by Aguero were he supposedly praises the city of London & CHELSEA FC. This has been “analyzed” by local media as a “sign” of the desire by Aguero to “land” next season in London. The idea gains weight if you take into account his alleged further comments that he would prefer the Premier League before Serie A & that Manchester City is still a bit “green” for his objectives. Thus if you add that Chelsea FC has already made a 60M€ offer ( that is his contract release clause) to which Atletico de Madrid refused to accept pre season 2009-2010, we certainly see pieces of the puzzle that may match.

There is no doubt that the rumours of a Sergio Aguero departure from Atletico de Madrid are gaining strength as time goes on. There is a line of Clubs knocking on his door apart from Chelsea FC which include Manchester United, Manchester City, Inter Milan, & even Real Madrid is following closely “Kun”.

SPANISH FOOTBALL | SOCCER | LEAGUE - LA LIGA 2009 / 2010 - ROUND 33 MONDAY NIGHT GAME RESULT

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
The Spanish Football - Soccer - League has finished with Round 33 with the last game played this Monday night between MALLORCA & OSASUNA with the former winning 2-0. Mallorca
take the 4th place on "La Liga" classification table & are currently sitting in Champions League positions. Mallorca is having an outstanding season & this victory gives them the brilliant figure of 14 wins at home. Not bad for a "modest" Club.

The goal scorers tonight were RUBEN in the 36th min & KEITA in the very last moment in the 91st min. It looks as if Mallorca will be fighting it out with Sevilla FC in the remaining 5 Rounds for the valuable 4th & Champions League classification place.

NATIONAL U/19 FOOTBALL TEAM: AZERBAIJAN 0 - SPAIN 4 - QUALIFIES FOR U/19 EURO

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog
The Spanish National U/19 Football Team has defeated Azerbaijan 0-4 a seals its qualification for the European U/19 Championships to be held in France this July. The first 5 national sides placed in this tournament will automatically have their place secured for the U/20 World Championships the following year. Spain becomes the first side to qualify along with France who are the hosts.

The star was young Barcelona player ROCHINA who scored twice & he was joined by Thiago (penalty) & Rodrigo. Good news from the junior level front!

Details:
Azerbaiyán- 0: Aghayev; Garayev, Guliyev, Seyidov, Abasiyev (Karamli, 46'); Abdullayev, Yagubzade, Isgandarov (Sattarly, 72'), Guluzade; Hasanov y Ahmadov.
España - 4: Álex; Montoya, Pulido, Mayor, Planas; Oriol Romeu; Keko (Kiko, 70'), Isco (Tello, 74'), Thiago, Pacheco; y Rochina (Rodrigo, 69').
Goals: 0-1 (29') Rochina. 0-2 (31') Rochina. 0-3 (36') Thiago p. 0-4 (70') Rodrigo.

EUROPEAN GOLDEN BOOT AWARD 2010 | CURRENT STANDINGS | WHO WILL WIN?

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
The race is on, & the competition is “fierce”, in the “European Football Golden Boot Award" for season 2009-2010. With the season coming to its end in Europe, two Spanish based players & Argentineans, Lionel Messi & Gonzalo Higuain, are in key positions & with serious options to be crowned Europe’s Highest Goal scorer.

As you may already know, the goals scored in each league are given a weighted coefficient, thus differentiating the stronger competitions for the “weaker” ones. The Spanish, Italian, English, French & German have their goals x by 2, while the Dutch – for example – has the goals scorer in their League x 1, 5.

Here is how things currently look at this stage of the season:

1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) 27 goals (x 2) = 54 points
2. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) 26 goals (x 2) = 52 points
3. Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid) 25 goals (x 2) = 50 points
3. Didier Drogba (Chelsea FC) 25 goals (x 2) = 50 points
5. Luis Suarez (Ajax) 33 goals (x 1, 5) = 49, 5 points

Things could change radically in the coming last rounds (weeks), but what is obvious is that Messi & Higuain are in there as firm candidates. Stay tuned these coming weeks as its going to be real exciting to watch these World Class forwards “fight” it out.

SEVILLA FC: GOALKEEPER ANDRES PALOP FORGETS HE CAN USE HIS HANDS?

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
Has SEVILLA FC Goalkeeper ANDRES PALOP forgotten that goalies can use their hands?

Of course he remembers, its great improvisation & excellent reflexes.

SPANISH FOOTBALL | SOCCER | LEAGUE - LA LIGA 2009 / 2010 - ROUND 33 SUNDAY GAMES RESULTS

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
The Spanish League continued with Round 33 tonight with six games played with results that sets up an exciting finish run between the Top teams & the bottom sides who wish to avoid relegation. Here are the results & scorers of tonights Spanish Soccer games:

REAL MADRID defeated 2-0 VALENCIA CF to give them the 3 points & close the gap to just 1 point with reference to Spanish League leaders & arch rivals FC Barcelona.

The match saw a home team go out strong, fast & furious from the first minute with numerous shots at goal & complete dominantion of the ball & match. The reward had to come & it did in the 24th min when Guti gave HIGUAIN a superb pass which the latter fired & scored his 25th goal this season. From here Valencia CF began to improve & recomposed themselves to take the initiative & create chances until the end of the first half.

The 2ºhalf was mostly Valencia in a more aggressive mood with Real Madrid failing to find the second goal to "kill off" the match & find some ease in their play. Valencia began to achieve opportunities with a notable near miss by David Silva that could have changed the course of the game. But in the 78th min Marcelo dribbled pass the Valencia defence & passed a ball into the goal square where CRISTIANO RONALDO was waiting to fire home the second & all calming goal for his side. Special mention to Guti & Marcelo who put in fine games tonight.

A win for Madrid who ain´t giving up the Liga title just as yet.

MALAGA & VALLADOLID played out a 0-0 draw with chances that were not converted. Both are still with problems with the 2º Division threat still hanging over their heads.

DEPORTIVO & ALMERIA also played out a 0-0 draw with Deportivo now notching up 8 straight games without a win.

The chain of draws continued with ATHLETIC DE BILBAO finishing in a 0-0 result against REAL ZARAGOZA. The latter have big problems as they lag at the bottom of the table.

TENERIFE is fighting to avoid relegation & managed to defeat at home 3-2 GETAFE. The goals for Tenerife came from their "Man of The Match", NINO, who scored a HAT TRICK ( 30th, 69th & 76th min). For Getafe PEDRO LEON scored in the 10th min & CASQUERO in the 75th min. Vital victory for Tenerife!

XEREZ are certainly fighting with "tooth & nail" to stay in first Division & are a tough act to beat as RACING found out with the late 2-2 draw result. The goals for Xerez came via ORELLANA in the 6th min & VICTOR SANCHEZ in the 72nd min who managed the draw with his goal. For Racing TCHITE scored his teams two goals 43rd & 57th min.

Round 33 will continue tomorrow with the Monday night game between Mallorca - Osasuna

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