SPANISH FOOTBALL PLAYERS | BEST XI TEAM BY ITALIAN SPORTS PAPER
The Italians have elected their "Best XI Team" for 2011 via the Sports paper "Gazzetta Dello Sport". Below is a neat diagram that shows it all with names/Clubs. As you can see its packed with players (coach) from SPANISH FOOTBALL Clubs. Question that comes to my mind: Schweinsteiger better than Xabi Alonso?
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SIGNING RUMOURS | THE REAL MADRID LIST 2012
SPANISH SPORTS paper "AS" has written an article on REAL MADRID CF & how the SPANISH FOOTBALL Club is scouting the International market for talented players. The main ingredientes are that they be "World Class", young with great potential & "cheap". With the economic times we are all living, the days of "splashing out + 50M€ for one player" are - for now - over. This & that it makes more economic sense to buy low to later build up & sell higher.
One name on top of the desk of Coach Mourinho apparently ( according to the Spanish Paper) is MARCOS REUS, 22 year old midfielder for German Club Mönchengladbach. The player has a 17,5M€ contract release clause & is within "Real Madrid" range.
Said all this, if I was a Real Madrid fan/follower I would take this news as early speculation. Sometimes "filtering" names has alternative strategic motives far & beyond simple signing intentions. The two names that are sounding in "hot mode" are GOTZE ( FC Barcelona is the other competitor) & HAZARD ( other competitors from Premier League).
Below is a list of players that supposedly Real Madrid is closely following:
Hazard; Midfielder ( 20 years, Lille France)
Benatia; Central Defender (24 years old, Udinese, Moroccan International)
Strootman; Midfielder (21 year old, PSV)
Leandro Damiao; Forward ( 22 year old, Portoalegre Brazil)
M'vila; Defensive Midfielder ( 21 year old, Rennes)
Shako; Central Defender ( 21 year old , PSG France)
Walker; ( 21 year old Tottenham Hotspurs UK)
Hummels; Defender ( 23 year old, Dortmund Germany)
Coulibaly; Forward (U-19 Ivory Coast , Tottenham UK)
Shaqiri; Midfielder ( 20 years , Basilea)
Götze; Midfielder "golden boy 2011" ( 19 years Dortmund)
I would place more credit on the the names that are not on this list. Stay tuned!
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One name on top of the desk of Coach Mourinho apparently ( according to the Spanish Paper) is MARCOS REUS, 22 year old midfielder for German Club Mönchengladbach. The player has a 17,5M€ contract release clause & is within "Real Madrid" range.
Said all this, if I was a Real Madrid fan/follower I would take this news as early speculation. Sometimes "filtering" names has alternative strategic motives far & beyond simple signing intentions. The two names that are sounding in "hot mode" are GOTZE ( FC Barcelona is the other competitor) & HAZARD ( other competitors from Premier League).
Below is a list of players that supposedly Real Madrid is closely following:
Hazard; Midfielder ( 20 years, Lille France)
Benatia; Central Defender (24 years old, Udinese, Moroccan International)
Strootman; Midfielder (21 year old, PSV)
Leandro Damiao; Forward ( 22 year old, Portoalegre Brazil)
M'vila; Defensive Midfielder ( 21 year old, Rennes)
Shako; Central Defender ( 21 year old , PSG France)
Walker; ( 21 year old Tottenham Hotspurs UK)
Hummels; Defender ( 23 year old, Dortmund Germany)
Coulibaly; Forward (U-19 Ivory Coast , Tottenham UK)
Shaqiri; Midfielder ( 20 years , Basilea)
Götze; Midfielder "golden boy 2011" ( 19 years Dortmund)
I would place more credit on the the names that are not on this list. Stay tuned!
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SPANISH FOOTBALL BEST 11 TEAM VOTED BY INTERNET READERS
Imagine that you are asked the question: "...what is your "Best XI Team" for 2011. But theres more; forget about tactics, what Guardiola & Mourinho may say & just pick what you like, with money not being a problem, or Winter Market deadlines, managers, fans, media...no problems, just what you would wish your "dream" team to be.
This is precisely what "marca.com" asked & 116,000 internet readers have answered. Bear in mind that they are Spanish based readers & thus the SPANISH FOOTBALL look & flavour is too obvious, but don't let that be an issue.
According to the results of the voting, here is the team:
Casillas; Dani Alves, Piqué, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Xavi, Iniesta; Di María, Kun Agüero, Cristiano; Messi
Five from Barcelona, five from Real Madrid & Sergio Aguero currently at Manchester City. Impressive team indeed.
What I actually think is great is the "cartoon" image whipped up by marca.com to suit the story. Congratulations to the drawer!
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This is precisely what "marca.com" asked & 116,000 internet readers have answered. Bear in mind that they are Spanish based readers & thus the SPANISH FOOTBALL look & flavour is too obvious, but don't let that be an issue.
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| marca.com Best X1 Team 2011 |
According to the results of the voting, here is the team:
Casillas; Dani Alves, Piqué, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Xavi, Iniesta; Di María, Kun Agüero, Cristiano; Messi
Five from Barcelona, five from Real Madrid & Sergio Aguero currently at Manchester City. Impressive team indeed.
What I actually think is great is the "cartoon" image whipped up by marca.com to suit the story. Congratulations to the drawer!
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FC BARCELONA | ANDRES INIESTA
SPANISH SPORTS papers become creative during the Xmas Break as Football "stops" but the selling of papers continue. One inventive daily is Barcelona based "Sport" which comes up with interesting content, this case, an info-graph dedicated to FC BARCELONA crack ANDRES INIESTA.
The diagram is in Spanish but I believe it is intuitive enough for non-Spanish readers to get the gist.
Amazing stats & impressive collection of titles from a player that is amongst the Top 3 Football players in World Football. In fact, many experts consider that Andres Iniesta as THE player on the planet.
Hope the Barça & Iniesta fans around the World find this piece of interest.
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The diagram is in Spanish but I believe it is intuitive enough for non-Spanish readers to get the gist.
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| Courtesy: MARC CREUS / CARLES JAVIERRE |
Amazing stats & impressive collection of titles from a player that is amongst the Top 3 Football players in World Football. In fact, many experts consider that Andres Iniesta as THE player on the planet.
Hope the Barça & Iniesta fans around the World find this piece of interest.
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ATLETICO DE MADRID | DIEGO SIMEONE - SOSA
SPANISH FOOTBALL Club ATLEICO DE MADRID presented officially to the media today their new Coach, ex- player DIEGO SIMEONE. The new Coach comes with Argentine Football title experience & a stint in Italian Football. The man is remember at Atletico for his years of loyal dedication, strong play & for carrying the Clubs shield in many Spanish Football battles. He "represents" that fighting spirit many feel has been lost at the Club.
The Clubs decision to recoup an "old" symbol has poularity written all over it, something the directives totally lack from the fan-base. The latter hopes to lift the team & recreate the "lost spirit", whatever that may be.
From here we wish Simeone all the luck & hope that he can turn around the "lost ship". Anyone is better than the previous Coach Manzano. Said this, & to the credit of the last Coach, the real problems are higher up the Club hierarchy, here nothing has changed.
Local Sports media has commented that the new Coach, Simeone, has already made his first player request for the "Winter Transfer Market", it is 26 year old JOSE ERNESTO SOSA currently playing in the Ukraine. The Coach & player coincided at Estudiantes in Argentina & the player left a good image on the then Coach Simeone.
Lets wait & see, as money isn´t exactly flowing at Atletico, especially now that they have had to fork out money to pay the contract of sacked Coach Manzano. Selling José Antonio Reyes many bring home some bacon, but Simeone has said that he counts with the Spanish midfielder, for now.
Stay tuned!
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The Clubs decision to recoup an "old" symbol has poularity written all over it, something the directives totally lack from the fan-base. The latter hopes to lift the team & recreate the "lost spirit", whatever that may be.
From here we wish Simeone all the luck & hope that he can turn around the "lost ship". Anyone is better than the previous Coach Manzano. Said this, & to the credit of the last Coach, the real problems are higher up the Club hierarchy, here nothing has changed.
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| Sosa for Argentina |
Local Sports media has commented that the new Coach, Simeone, has already made his first player request for the "Winter Transfer Market", it is 26 year old JOSE ERNESTO SOSA currently playing in the Ukraine. The Coach & player coincided at Estudiantes in Argentina & the player left a good image on the then Coach Simeone.
Lets wait & see, as money isn´t exactly flowing at Atletico, especially now that they have had to fork out money to pay the contract of sacked Coach Manzano. Selling José Antonio Reyes many bring home some bacon, but Simeone has said that he counts with the Spanish midfielder, for now.
Stay tuned!
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SPANISH FOOTBALL SPORTS NEEDS YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HELP
SPANISH FOOTBALL SPORTS is all about you. The mission is to get all the Spanish Football News & Spanish Sports achievements to you in English. Why? Because you may not read Spanish for starters, & because "English" is currently the global language.
With this in mind, I also wish to keep giving a better service & value to you. Don´t forget I am just one guy who loves Football & Sports, & apart also has a life. That is, its a "one man band" & with the moments I can scrap off the clock. I am committed, as the regular followers can testify , & thus wish to improved inside my humble capabilities.
One thing that has taken off in 2011 is "Google Plus". Its another channel & way for us to stay in touch & connected. Spanish Football Sports has already a fabulous "community" in Facebook & Twitter & if your not part of it, please join. Back to "Google Plus", Spanish Football Sports has recently join & is building up a nice community in G+. Its in its infant stage & here is the link : https://plus.google.com/111272543878773735134/posts.
Please join us as in time I will begin posting up different material ( photos especially) as the numbers grow. The joining widget is in the side of the blog. Plus there is a "Google LIKE" button ( as above) on top of each post that you can "like" if you have a gmail account. You joining , & "liking" , helps make grow our Spanish Football Sports Community & spread the word. Hopefully we can all get in & enjoy things more.
I would like your help. As I wrote at the beginning this blog, it is all about you, & I am at your service. I would like to make grow this "new social channel" together during 2012, I cant do it alone. Thanking in advance , & cheers!
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With this in mind, I also wish to keep giving a better service & value to you. Don´t forget I am just one guy who loves Football & Sports, & apart also has a life. That is, its a "one man band" & with the moments I can scrap off the clock. I am committed, as the regular followers can testify , & thus wish to improved inside my humble capabilities.
One thing that has taken off in 2011 is "Google Plus". Its another channel & way for us to stay in touch & connected. Spanish Football Sports has already a fabulous "community" in Facebook & Twitter & if your not part of it, please join. Back to "Google Plus", Spanish Football Sports has recently join & is building up a nice community in G+. Its in its infant stage & here is the link : https://plus.google.com/111272543878773735134/posts.
Please join us as in time I will begin posting up different material ( photos especially) as the numbers grow. The joining widget is in the side of the blog. Plus there is a "Google LIKE" button ( as above) on top of each post that you can "like" if you have a gmail account. You joining , & "liking" , helps make grow our Spanish Football Sports Community & spread the word. Hopefully we can all get in & enjoy things more.
I would like your help. As I wrote at the beginning this blog, it is all about you, & I am at your service. I would like to make grow this "new social channel" together during 2012, I cant do it alone. Thanking in advance , & cheers!
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SPANISH FOOTBALL LEADING GOAL SCORER 2011
Good moment to give the current list of SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE leading goal scorers. The widget on the side of the blog by our friends at "footbo.com" is obviously wrong & it looks like they are not getting their "shit" together. I am even contemplating removing the widget, I will allow a week more to see if they react.
After 17 Rounds (2011) played of LA LIGA the "El Pichichi" ( term given to the Spanish 1º Division Leading Goal scorer) looks like this:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) 20 goals
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) 17
Gonzalo Higuaín (Real Madrid) 12
Roberto Soldado (Valencia CF) 11
Falcao (At Madrid) 9
This will obviously change in coming weeks as either Ronaldo or Messi can score Hat-trick at any moment thus continuing on with their "personal battle", & breaking away from their immediate followers. Other players may enter the list as well, eg Benzema.
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| Cristiano Ronaldo |
After 17 Rounds (2011) played of LA LIGA the "El Pichichi" ( term given to the Spanish 1º Division Leading Goal scorer) looks like this:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) 20 goals
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) 17
Gonzalo Higuaín (Real Madrid) 12
Roberto Soldado (Valencia CF) 11
Falcao (At Madrid) 9
This will obviously change in coming weeks as either Ronaldo or Messi can score Hat-trick at any moment thus continuing on with their "personal battle", & breaking away from their immediate followers. Other players may enter the list as well, eg Benzema.
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FC BARCELONA FULL OF FOOTBALL TITLES
Being a player of FC BARCELONA not only allows you to form part of the "Best Team in World Football, it also guarantees the player Football titles.
Barcelona based Sports paper "Sport" has made up the below infograph to highlight the number-quantity of titles accumulated by each player - those who have a regular place - , while also give the viewer an idea of the collective dimensions. As one can observe its a "gold mine" of titles & highlights that FC Barcelona as a Club has a unique generation of Football players difficult to repeat in the future.
Thus the best advise is to enjoy the "moment" , & the playing style of this current Barça.
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Barcelona based Sports paper "Sport" has made up the below infograph to highlight the number-quantity of titles accumulated by each player - those who have a regular place - , while also give the viewer an idea of the collective dimensions. As one can observe its a "gold mine" of titles & highlights that FC Barcelona as a Club has a unique generation of Football players difficult to repeat in the future.
Thus the best advise is to enjoy the "moment" , & the playing style of this current Barça.
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| FC Barcelona titles |
SPANISH FOOTBALL DOMINATES L´EQUIPE 2011 BEST 11 LIST
The French Sports paper "LÉquipe" has handed in their "Best 11 team" for 2011. As expected the list has a very SPANISH FOOTBALL flavour with the mayority of players from FC BARECLONA & REAL MADRID.
There are two lists: the first chosen by Sports journalists & the second chosen by readers via an internet poll.
Football journalist "Best 11 for 2011":
Neuer (Schalke/Bayern), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Iniesta (Barcelona); Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) & Messi (Barcelona)
Readers "Best 11 for 2011":
Casillas, Alves, Sergio Ramos, Piqué, Eric Abidal, Fábregas, Xavi, Iniesta, Ronaldo, Messi & Benzema.
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There are two lists: the first chosen by Sports journalists & the second chosen by readers via an internet poll.
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| Ronaldo - Messi |
Football journalist "Best 11 for 2011":
Neuer (Schalke/Bayern), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Iniesta (Barcelona); Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) & Messi (Barcelona)
Readers "Best 11 for 2011":
Casillas, Alves, Sergio Ramos, Piqué, Eric Abidal, Fábregas, Xavi, Iniesta, Ronaldo, Messi & Benzema.
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SPANISH CUP DRAW & MATCHES
The last 16 Clubs still left in the SPANISH CUP have been matched up in todays draw held in Madrid. The below image ( courtesy of marca) shows all the interesting games.
The next phase kicks off with the 1º leg on the 4th of January 2012 & the return match the 11th of January of 2012.
There is a possible "collision course" between Real Madrid - FC Barcelona in a Q/Final if both win their next tie.
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The next phase kicks off with the 1º leg on the 4th of January 2012 & the return match the 11th of January of 2012.
There is a possible "collision course" between Real Madrid - FC Barcelona in a Q/Final if both win their next tie.
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NEYMAR HAS PRE-AGREEMENT WITH FC BARCELONA ?
Rumour has it here, via Spanish Sports press, that FC BARCELONA has already put in a down-payment of 10M€ for SANTOS youngster NEYMAR. The rumour has now turned into serious possibility when the press asked Barça directive Tono Freixa, who in turn, did not say that it was not true.
This would suggest that Neymar has signed the dotted line of a pre-agreement where if Santos fails to live up to their word, the Brazilian Club would have to pay back 20M€. Barcelona is happy to allow the young player to evolve in Brazilian Football until 2014, which is what the player wished. Apparently as well, Coach Guardiola has changed his mind on Neymar & now sees real potential.
However, allow me to add some points:
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| Messi - Neymar |
This would suggest that Neymar has signed the dotted line of a pre-agreement where if Santos fails to live up to their word, the Brazilian Club would have to pay back 20M€. Barcelona is happy to allow the young player to evolve in Brazilian Football until 2014, which is what the player wished. Apparently as well, Coach Guardiola has changed his mind on Neymar & now sees real potential.
However, allow me to add some points:
- Can you trust the word of all those who surround Neymar? They have already backed off pre-agreements with Real Madrid.
- The people surrounding Neymar are more focused on money than the future of Neymar
- A 20M€ penalty clause placed by Barcelona seems "small", a Club like Real Madrid, if really decided, could pay the "difference".
- It still smells like someone is making a big deal to take to his/her pocket, or several people.
- Will Guardiola still be Coach in 2014? Or will Rosell still be President?
Still lot left in this saga, that will give us lots of turns, back flips, posts & pages of news.
SPANISH CUP RESULTS 2ND LEG WEDNESDAY NIGHT GAMES
SPANISH FOOTBALL night with more SPANISH CUP 2º leg results & with lots of surprises. Here are all the results, scorers & briefs.
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| Diego for Atletico |
ATLETICO DE MADRID lost 0 - 1 to ALBACETE ( 1 - 2 agg ) & gets knocked out of the Spanish Cup. The winning goal came in the 1st min via VICTOR CURTO, & from here Atletico did little. A disaster of a match & with the home crowd turning angrily at Directives, Coach & players. Coach Manzano will certainly be sacked as ex-Atletico player Simeone flys to Madrid from Argentina to take over. A "Merry Xmas" indeed for Atletico.
REAL ZARAGOZA lost 0 - 2 to ALCORCON ( 1-3 agg) , & another LIGA Club bites the dust. Goals for Alcorcon by RIERA (87th min) & QUINI ( 89th min)
VILLAREAL lost 0 - 2 to unknown MIRANDES ( 1-3 agg) with both goals by PABLO INFANTE ( 60th & 67th min). The loss has caused the immediate sacking of Villareal Coach Garrido.
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| Van Nistelrooy |
MALAGA drew 2 - 2 with GETAFE but qualified ( 3-2 agg). Crazy match with goals & action that went to the wire. Goals for Malaga from VAN NISTELROOY ( 45th min) & BOUNANOTTE ( 86th min), for Getafe CABALLERO own goal ( 51st) & MANÉ (79th min) . There was a red card to each side; as said, hard fought out game.
REAL BETIS ( yes , a Liga Club) won 2 - 1 to CORDOBA but lost on agg 2-2 with away goal advantage to Cordoba. Goals from Betis by MOLINA ( 33rd & 54th min) & for Cordoba it was BORJA in the 17th min.
GRANADA won 2 -1 REAL SOCIEDAD but lost on agg 3-5. Goals for Granada from SIQUIERA in the 19th min & GEIJO in the 66th min. For Real Sociedad AGIRRETXE scored in the 83rd min.
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| Osasuna -Almeria |
OSASUNA drew 1 - 1 with ALMERIA & qualified with a 4-2 agg. Goal for Osasuna by LAMAH in the 79th min & for Almeria GOITOM in the 85th min.
Goal filled match where RAYO VALLECANO won 4 - 3 RACING DE SANTANDER , but was knocked out on a 6 - 6 agg with the away goal advantage. Goals from Rayo: TORREJON own goal 33rd min, MICHU 36th min, DELIBASIC 40th min & TAMUDO 61st min. For Racing: TZIOLIS 7th min, STUANI 52nd min & STUANI penalty 73rd min.
Cliff hanger with extra-time included for LEVANTE winning 4 - 1 DEPORTIVO ( penalty miss included) that gave Levante the 5-4 agg. Goals for Levante: EL ZHAR 13th min, BALLESTEROS 37th min, SUAREZ 79th min & KONE 100th min. For Deportivo goal from ALVAREZ in the 23rd min.
ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO won 1 - 0 REAL OVIEDO with goal by HERRERA in the 73rd min. Bilbao go through with a 2 - 0 agg.
Two matches left - Thursday Night:
FC Barcelona - Hospitalet
Valencia Cf - Cadiz
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FIFA | SPAIN FINISHES Nº1 RANKED | 4TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
The current FIFA World & European Champions, SPAIN , has for a consecutive fourth year finished Nº1 Rank Football National Team in the FIFA RANKING. The World Football Authority released its Final 2011 list today with Spain on top with 1,564 pts.
Below is the final FIFA Ranking for 2011:
1. (.1) SPAIN 1.564 pts.
2. (.2) Holland 1.365.
3. (.3) Germany 1.345.
4. (.4) Uruguay 1.309.
5. (.5) England 1.173.
6. (.6) Brazil 1.143.
7. (.7) Portugal 1.100.
8. (.8) Croatia 1.091.
9. (.9) Italy 1.082.
10.(10) Argentina 1.067.
11.(11) Denmark 1.035.
12.(12) Russia 971.
13.(13) Chile 970.
14.(14) Greece 964.
15.(15) France 915.
16.(16) Ivory Coast 912.
17.(17) Switzerland 898.
18.(18) Sweden 891.
19.(19) Japan 884.
20.(23) Bosnia 869.
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| Spanish Football Team |
1. (.1) SPAIN 1.564 pts.
2. (.2) Holland 1.365.
3. (.3) Germany 1.345.
4. (.4) Uruguay 1.309.
5. (.5) England 1.173.
6. (.6) Brazil 1.143.
7. (.7) Portugal 1.100.
8. (.8) Croatia 1.091.
9. (.9) Italy 1.082.
10.(10) Argentina 1.067.
11.(11) Denmark 1.035.
12.(12) Russia 971.
13.(13) Chile 970.
14.(14) Greece 964.
15.(15) France 915.
16.(16) Ivory Coast 912.
17.(17) Switzerland 898.
18.(18) Sweden 891.
19.(19) Japan 884.
20.(23) Bosnia 869.
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SPANISH CUP RESULTS | 2ND LEG MATCHES TUESDAY NIGHT
SPANISH FOOTBALL action with four matches played tonight of the 2 º leg of the SPANISH CUP last 32 Clubs. Below is a brief & rapid run through events, final results & scorers.
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| Varane |
REAL MADRID defeated comfortably PONFERRADINA 5 - 1 ( 7 - 1 agg ) with a team full of "reserves" ( Altintop, Callejon, Sahin, Joselu, Varane, Casado, Granero...), which all took full advantage of their playing opportunity & chance.
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| Sahin |
The goal scorers for Real Madrid were, CALLEJON with two ( 25th & 87th min), SAHIN with a header in the 45th min, VARANE in the 49th min & young JOSELU in the 78th min. Ponferradina got a "historical" goal via ARCORAN in the 54th min that at least allows the side to go away relatively happy with the experience.
RCD ESPANYOL won 4 - 2 REAL CELTA DE VIGO ( 4-2 agg) with red cards to both sides, Lucas in the 27th min for Vigo & Amat for Espanyol in the 71st min. The goal scorers for Espanyol were WEISS (30th min), VAZQUEZ (48th min), MELLO (own goal 57th min) & SERGIO GARCIA ( 67th min) . For Celta de Vigo D.RODRIGUEZ got both, first in the 62nd min & the second in the 92nd min)
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| Goal by Mallorca |
REAL SPORTING DE GIJON lost 0 - 2 to REAL MALLORCA ( 0-3 agg). The goal scorers for Mallorca were MENENDEZ with an own goal in the 18th min & NSUE in the 69th min.
Two goals from SEVILLA FC forward KANOUTE gave his team a home 2º leg 2 - 1 ( 3 - 1 agg) victory over SAN ROQUE. Wasn´t totally easy for Sevilla, but they did have the away goal from the 1º leg up their sleeve. KANOUTE scored a penalty in the 52nd min , & in the the 60th min a second, while ADRI put in a great free-kick goal for San Roque in the 79th min.
The bulk of the remaining Spanish Cup 2º leg games scheduled for tomorrow night.
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VIDEO | DAVID VILLA OPERATED & GIVES THANKS TO FANS
DAVID VILLA has 000s of fans around the World. I know that many admirers have been taken back by the serious injury of the FC Barcelona & Spanish International forward with his broken shine-bone. The player was yesterday operated on in Barcelona & Villa has made this video to thank all the well wishers & fans. Its in Spanish , but for our non-Spanish speakers, that message is basically thanks to all, the operation has been a success, that his full of spirit & will work to be back for the Champions League Final ( if Barça makes it) & the upcoming Euro 2012 Championship.
Independent medical professionals comment that his injury will take between 4 - 5 months, & even then he will need strengthening of muscle & bone. Lets not discard the optimism expressed by Villa, although his plans look almost ( repeat almost ) difficult - if not impossible - to reach. Meanwhile from here a cheer & speedy recovery message to David Villa.
PD: Spanish Cup action tonight...surf in late night for details
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Independent medical professionals comment that his injury will take between 4 - 5 months, & even then he will need strengthening of muscle & bone. Lets not discard the optimism expressed by Villa, although his plans look almost ( repeat almost ) difficult - if not impossible - to reach. Meanwhile from here a cheer & speedy recovery message to David Villa.
PD: Spanish Cup action tonight...surf in late night for details
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NEYMAR EXPRESSES HIS FC BARCELONA LOVE ?
Just a bit of gossip from the Spanish Sports papers that I thought you may want to know. Apparently, the hottest "rooster" in Brazil, SANTOS dancing star NEYMAR, expressed his true desires after being danced around by the FC BARCELONA chant & mantra in yesterdays "FIFA Clubs World Cup Final".
Rumour has it that Neymar whispered into the ear of Barcelona Coach Guardiola, when they had the after-match Sportsman embrace & said: "Take me to Barça". It seems that the kid has seen the light of European & Spanish Football after leaving his team down to 10 men, as he was "invisible" ( but on the field) for 88 minutes. The youngster has been expressing his love for Barça the last couple of days.
Coincidently, the Brazilian Football Federation ( CBF) has said that the new contract until 2014 between Santos & Neymar is not valid because Santos forgot to register it with them. Thats a nice move! Did the Santos & Barça President plan it all to get out of the clutches of Real Madrid & the pre-agreement with Neymar - Santos? Who knows.
What is clear is that everything surrounding Neymar looks everything but clean, & the trust factor isn´t exactly a premium. Not the type of player one can put their faith on for future plans, especially after the non-existent performance yesterday.
Stay tuned!
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| Neymar |
Rumour has it that Neymar whispered into the ear of Barcelona Coach Guardiola, when they had the after-match Sportsman embrace & said: "Take me to Barça". It seems that the kid has seen the light of European & Spanish Football after leaving his team down to 10 men, as he was "invisible" ( but on the field) for 88 minutes. The youngster has been expressing his love for Barça the last couple of days.
Coincidently, the Brazilian Football Federation ( CBF) has said that the new contract until 2014 between Santos & Neymar is not valid because Santos forgot to register it with them. Thats a nice move! Did the Santos & Barça President plan it all to get out of the clutches of Real Madrid & the pre-agreement with Neymar - Santos? Who knows.
What is clear is that everything surrounding Neymar looks everything but clean, & the trust factor isn´t exactly a premium. Not the type of player one can put their faith on for future plans, especially after the non-existent performance yesterday.
Stay tuned!
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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LEAGUE SUNDAY ROUND 17 GAMES RESULTS
SPANISH FOOTBALL continued today/tonight with the final 5 games schedule of Round 17, before the LIGA takes its Xmas break. However, as a reminder, there will be Spanish Cup 2º leg action mid-week so do keep that in mind. Below are brief summaries of the games played, with final results & scorers.
REAL BETIS defeated ATLETICO DE MADRID 0 - 2 & at the home ground of Atletico. If this ain´t another sign to get rid of current Atletico de Madrid Coach Manzano, I don´t know what more is needed. A well deserved victory by Betis which took advantage of the locals defensive mistakes, while Falcao ( or team-mates) for Atletico could not take his opportunities. The goals for Betis came in the 54th min via POZUELO & the second via SANTA CRUZ in the 90th min.
GRANADA won 2 - 1 LEVANTE in an exciting much that made Granada work for their points. Granada got ahead in the 34th min via a penalty which SIQUIERA transformed & Levante equalized in the 45th min via GOMEZ. The game got tense as both side looked for the victory until KONE scored in the 60th min to secure the Granada win.
OSASUNA defeated VILLAREAL 2 - 1 & the latter must be glad their 2011 "nightmare" run" in La Liga at least takes a break. Villareal got ahead first via MARCOS RUBEN in the 64th min , but fell apart with goals from IBRAHIMA in the 75th min & SERGIO in the 83rd min.
RACING DE SANTANDER could not win with REAL SOCIEDAD down to 10 men when in the 54th min Martinez was sent off. The match finished in a 0 - 0 draw & both sides must now be looking forward to the break & see were each can improve: Racing needing more help than Sociedad.
VALENCIA CF defeated MALAGA FC 2 - 0 with forward ROBERTO SOLDADO sending a clear message to Spanish National Team selector Vicente Del Bosque, that he is the man to replace injured David Villa. I personally think , with his current form, that he is the player. Soldado scored both goals for Valencia, the first in the 36th min & the second the 61st min in a convincing fashion with plenty of personality.
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| At.Madrid - Real Betis |
REAL BETIS defeated ATLETICO DE MADRID 0 - 2 & at the home ground of Atletico. If this ain´t another sign to get rid of current Atletico de Madrid Coach Manzano, I don´t know what more is needed. A well deserved victory by Betis which took advantage of the locals defensive mistakes, while Falcao ( or team-mates) for Atletico could not take his opportunities. The goals for Betis came in the 54th min via POZUELO & the second via SANTA CRUZ in the 90th min.
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| Granada - Levante |
GRANADA won 2 - 1 LEVANTE in an exciting much that made Granada work for their points. Granada got ahead in the 34th min via a penalty which SIQUIERA transformed & Levante equalized in the 45th min via GOMEZ. The game got tense as both side looked for the victory until KONE scored in the 60th min to secure the Granada win.
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| Osasuna - Villareal |
OSASUNA defeated VILLAREAL 2 - 1 & the latter must be glad their 2011 "nightmare" run" in La Liga at least takes a break. Villareal got ahead first via MARCOS RUBEN in the 64th min , but fell apart with goals from IBRAHIMA in the 75th min & SERGIO in the 83rd min.
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| Racing - Real Sociedad |
RACING DE SANTANDER could not win with REAL SOCIEDAD down to 10 men when in the 54th min Martinez was sent off. The match finished in a 0 - 0 draw & both sides must now be looking forward to the break & see were each can improve: Racing needing more help than Sociedad.
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| Roberto Soldado |
VALENCIA CF defeated MALAGA FC 2 - 0 with forward ROBERTO SOLDADO sending a clear message to Spanish National Team selector Vicente Del Bosque, that he is the man to replace injured David Villa. I personally think , with his current form, that he is the player. Soldado scored both goals for Valencia, the first in the 36th min & the second the 61st min in a convincing fashion with plenty of personality.
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SANTOS 0 FC BARCELONA 4 | FIFA CLUBS WORLD CUP FINAL RESULT 2011
FC BARCELONA proclaimed themselves the 2011 "FIFA Club World Cup Champion" after defeating Brazilian Club SANTOS 0 - 4. Its the second title of this character for Barça which won their last back in 2009 in Qatar.
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| Lionel Messi |
FC Barcelona demonstrated - if there was any doubt - that the Club is currently the "Best in the World", & their midfielder LIONEL MESSI once again raised for the occasion to be voted the MVP, ie he was prized with the competitions "Golden Ball". I personally would have given Barça defender Dani Alves a prize as I thought he was the true "Man of the Match", however the organizers decided to give XAVI HERNANDEZ the "Silver Ball" & NEYMAR the "Bronze". This last more marketing than for merit in my opinion.
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| Messi scores goal |
Barça scored first after dominating the start of the match & the ball via MESSI in the 16th min. The Barça "dancing" continued & XAVI scored the second in the 23rd min, while the knock-out came via FABREGAS with a third in the 44th min. It was obvious that Barça was too much for Santos who were not even smelling the ball.
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| Xavi scores for Barça |
The second half was more relaxed from Barça´s perspective as they continued maintaining the ball, creating chances & were unlucky not to have scored a bag full, except for a fourth & final from MESSI in the 82nd min. Santos had a chance via Neymar which Barça goalie Valdes stopped with authority. Said this, it was the only dangerous moment that Santos gave Barça.
In fact, it was a "cake walk" for Barça, with their authority stamped all over the Final that eclipsed Santos who´s Football was seen to be way below Spanish Football level, or European level.
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| FC Barcelona |
Last week the World press slammed Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo for not being up to the big occasions, that is, the last "clasico" game against Barça. Barcelona can do this, & it did again, this time with Neymar who was non-existent. The kid was overwhelmed by the stage, lights & the Football Team in front of him. A learning experience for Neymar? Perhaps. The player is still young & learning? Perhaps too.
But allow me to put in my opinion. The player could be just a promise, a prototype of "Robinho" that looked like he would eat the World & ended up eating himself. Perhaps this defeat is good for Neymar to balance his short & explosive career: less show, less dancing & marketing, & more Football; disciplined & thought out Football. He did look like a "rooster" tonight, running around without cause & almost headless ( yes, a bit cruel from my part, excuse me).
By the way, the eye-ball looks between FC Barcelona President Rosell & Neymar at the end with medal presentations smells of "agreement". Said this, I don´t see Neymar fitting into the disciplined team tactics & style of Barcelona Coach Guardiola. However, anything is possible.
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| Neymar - Messi |
Congratulations to FC Barcelona for a great Final & totally deserved title.
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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LEAGUE ROUND 17 SATURDAY NIGHT RESULTS
SPANISH FOOTBALL celebrated it Saturday Round 17 LIGA matches, four down, as the Christmas break is just around the corner. Here are tonight's results & scorers.
Vital three points away for GETAFE which defeated the home side MALLORCA 1 - 2. Mallorca started better & scored in the 10th min via RAMIS, however Getafe reacted & equalized in the 28th min via BARRADA. The same player got the winner in the 44 th min.
REAL SPORTING DE GIJON lost 1 - 2 to RCD ESPANYOL & go on their Xmas holidays in the relegation zone. THIEVY put Espanyol ahead just after 2 min & put the locals under some pressure. Gijon managed their hard worked equalizer in the 60th min via BARRAL , but SERGIO GARCIA scored the winner in the 83rd min for Espanyol
ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO drew 1 - 1 with bottom placed REAL ZARAGOZA with controversy. The "Basque Club" got ahead early in the 7th min with a goal by SUSAETA, but in the 20th min Bilbao player JAVI MARTINEZ was given a red card leaving his team with 10 men & causing a penalty. The video shows that Martinez touched the ball & was wrongly sent off. Zaragoza player PONZI scored the penalty & equalizer in the 22nd min.
Bilbao went into defending mode & with a counter-attacking strategy, & Zaragoza looked to take the extra-man advantage. But, Bilbao at home is a very proud & fighting team & in the 86th min TOQUERO got the winner, blew the roof off the stadium & grabbed the 3 points, & with his team down to 10 men.
Real Zaragoza are last on the ladder for a reason.
REAL MADRID went to SEVILLA FC & won 2 - 6 to go off for Xmas as LIGA Leaders with a 3 point advantage over FC Barcelona. A serious & intense match by both sides that saw two red cards, one to Real Madrid Pepe in the 43rd min ( harsh) & the other for Sevilla De Moral ( harsh as well).
The big difference in the first half that allowed Real Madrid the edge was goalie IKER CASILLAS who make 2 - 3 VITAL stops that could have changed the destiny of the match had the ball gone in for Sevilla. The other key was DI MARIA with pin point passes that were turned into goals. All this & the fact that Sevilla could not "KO" Real Madrid went they had the extra man, they paid for not being effective.
CRISTIANO RONALDO shut some months with another HAT-TRICK , included a goal from long range that was a rocket. He scored in the 10th , 41st & 85th min (penalty). The other scorers for Real Madrid were CALLEJON in the 37th min, DI MARIA in the 66th min & ALTINTOP in the 89th min. Great match from Arbeloa & Xabi Alonso.
For Sevilla, JESUS NAVAS managed a goal in the 69th min & NEGREDO another in the 91st min.
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| Barrada |
Vital three points away for GETAFE which defeated the home side MALLORCA 1 - 2. Mallorca started better & scored in the 10th min via RAMIS, however Getafe reacted & equalized in the 28th min via BARRADA. The same player got the winner in the 44 th min.
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| Gijon - RCD Espanyol |
REAL SPORTING DE GIJON lost 1 - 2 to RCD ESPANYOL & go on their Xmas holidays in the relegation zone. THIEVY put Espanyol ahead just after 2 min & put the locals under some pressure. Gijon managed their hard worked equalizer in the 60th min via BARRAL , but SERGIO GARCIA scored the winner in the 83rd min for Espanyol
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| At.Bilbao score |
ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO drew 1 - 1 with bottom placed REAL ZARAGOZA with controversy. The "Basque Club" got ahead early in the 7th min with a goal by SUSAETA, but in the 20th min Bilbao player JAVI MARTINEZ was given a red card leaving his team with 10 men & causing a penalty. The video shows that Martinez touched the ball & was wrongly sent off. Zaragoza player PONZI scored the penalty & equalizer in the 22nd min.
Bilbao went into defending mode & with a counter-attacking strategy, & Zaragoza looked to take the extra-man advantage. But, Bilbao at home is a very proud & fighting team & in the 86th min TOQUERO got the winner, blew the roof off the stadium & grabbed the 3 points, & with his team down to 10 men.
Real Zaragoza are last on the ladder for a reason.
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| CR7 scores a missle |
REAL MADRID went to SEVILLA FC & won 2 - 6 to go off for Xmas as LIGA Leaders with a 3 point advantage over FC Barcelona. A serious & intense match by both sides that saw two red cards, one to Real Madrid Pepe in the 43rd min ( harsh) & the other for Sevilla De Moral ( harsh as well).
The big difference in the first half that allowed Real Madrid the edge was goalie IKER CASILLAS who make 2 - 3 VITAL stops that could have changed the destiny of the match had the ball gone in for Sevilla. The other key was DI MARIA with pin point passes that were turned into goals. All this & the fact that Sevilla could not "KO" Real Madrid went they had the extra man, they paid for not being effective.
CRISTIANO RONALDO shut some months with another HAT-TRICK , included a goal from long range that was a rocket. He scored in the 10th , 41st & 85th min (penalty). The other scorers for Real Madrid were CALLEJON in the 37th min, DI MARIA in the 66th min & ALTINTOP in the 89th min. Great match from Arbeloa & Xabi Alonso.
For Sevilla, JESUS NAVAS managed a goal in the 69th min & NEGREDO another in the 91st min.
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EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL 32 TEAMS DRAW | SPANISH FOOTBALL CLUBS
The EUROPA LEAGUE draw was celebrated today, along with Champions League, were the last 32 Clubs - including Champions League descarts - have been matched. The away games are scheduled for the 16th of Feb 2012 , with the return a week later. Below are the list of scheduled matches:
SPANISH FOOTBALL CLUBS have fair relatively well with Atletico de Madrid matched with Lazio, Valencia CF with Stoke City & Bilbao with Lokomotiv.
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SPANISH FOOTBALL CLUBS have fair relatively well with Atletico de Madrid matched with Lazio, Valencia CF with Stoke City & Bilbao with Lokomotiv.
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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST 16 DRAW | FC BARCELONA - REAL MADRID
The draw ( match ups ) of the last 16 Clubs in the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE has been celebrated with the following results.
The away games will be celebrated the 14- 15th & 21/22nd of February, with the return matches the 6/7th & 13/14th of March 2012.
FC BARECLONA will first play away in Germany against Bayern Leverkusen, while REAL MADRID will play its first game in Russia against CSKA Moscow.
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The away games will be celebrated the 14- 15th & 21/22nd of February, with the return matches the 6/7th & 13/14th of March 2012.
FC BARECLONA will first play away in Germany against Bayern Leverkusen, while REAL MADRID will play its first game in Russia against CSKA Moscow.
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ATLETICO DE MADRID 3 - RENNES 1 | EUROPA LEAGUE RESULT - GROUP I
ATLETICO DE MADRID finished top of their EUROPA LEAGUE Group I after defeating French Club RENNES 3 - 1. The French side came with more reserves than regular players & thus the match was not as intense for the locals as expected, & thankfully so.
Rennes started well hitting the bar in the 16th min as Atletico looked nervous in front of their "hostile" home fans. The tension eased a bit when Adrian won a penalty in the 37th min which FALCAO transformed. The second for Atletico came via defender DOMINGUEZ with his 42 nd min header from a Diego free-kick.
The second half was scrappy & Atletico goalkeeper Asenjo had to make some important saves, until TURAN scored the third for Atletico with a nice drive in the 79th min. The French team managed a consolation goal in the 86th min via MANDJECK with Atletico a bit relaxed.
In the end a victory for Atletico & top Group spot which enables that they do not get paired with the likes of Manchester City & United & other "fall-out" Champions League Clubs for the next phase of the competition.
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| Falcao scores |
Low attending crowd of around 13,000 supporters that voiced their discontent with the Club, the team, & especially Coach Manzano with chants of "leave the Club". This created an unpleasant atmosphere which persisted all game & highlighted the tense moments that the Spanish Football Club is experiencing.
The play overall was sloppy & irregular with Adrian & Diego highlighting themselves above the rest.
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| Dominguez scores |
Rennes started well hitting the bar in the 16th min as Atletico looked nervous in front of their "hostile" home fans. The tension eased a bit when Adrian won a penalty in the 37th min which FALCAO transformed. The second for Atletico came via defender DOMINGUEZ with his 42 nd min header from a Diego free-kick.
The second half was scrappy & Atletico goalkeeper Asenjo had to make some important saves, until TURAN scored the third for Atletico with a nice drive in the 79th min. The French team managed a consolation goal in the 86th min via MANDJECK with Atletico a bit relaxed.
In the end a victory for Atletico & top Group spot which enables that they do not get paired with the likes of Manchester City & United & other "fall-out" Champions League Clubs for the next phase of the competition.
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IFHHS NAMES VAN NISTELROOY HIGHEST GOALSCORER OF THE DECADE
The FIFA backed "International Federation of Football History & Statistics" (IFFHS) has named Ducth & MALAGA FC player RUUD VAN NISTELROOY the "Highest Goalscorer of the Decade" ( 2001-2010) with 86 goals. The IFFHS took into account all the goals scorered in International matches, Olympic Games, World Cup Championships, Intercontinental SuperCup games in all Confederations etc. To make things simpler, the local National League goals were not included, that is La Liga, Seria A, Premier league, Budasliga...etc
Plenty of players who have played in Spanish Football Clubs & two Spanish born players: Raul Gonzalez ( 71 ) & David Villa (68). Below is the full list of players with their goals.
1. Ruud van Nistelrooy (HOL)
. (Manchester Utd./Real Madrid/Hamburg) 86 (33/53)
.2. Thierry Henry (FRA)
. (Arsenal/Barcelona) 85 (43/42)
.3. Didier Drogba (CIV)
. (O. Marsella/Chelsea) 83 (45/38)
.4. Miroslav Klose (GER)
. (Kaiserslautern/W.Bremen/Bayern Múnich) 81 (58/23)
.5. Samuel Eto''o (CMR)
. (Mallorca/Barcelona/Inter) 79 (44/35)
.6. Flávio da Silva Amado (ANG)
. (At.Petróleos Luanda/Al-Ahly/Al-Shabab) 73 (32/41)
.7. Dimitar Berbatov (BUL)
. (Bayer Leverkusen/Tottenham/Manchester U.)71 (46/25)
.8. Raúl González (SP)
(Real Madrid/Schalke 04) 71 (26/45)
.9. David Villa (SP)
. (Zaragoza/Valencia/Barcelona) 68 (44/24)
10. Andrey Shevchenko (UKR)
. (Milan/Chelsea/Dinamo Kiev) 68 (32/36)
14. Jared Borgetti (MEX) 58 (41/17)
. (Santos Laguna/Pachuca/Bolton/Al-Ittihad/Monarcas Morelia)
15. Adriano Ribeiro Leite (BRA)
. (Parma/Inter Milán/Sao Paulo/Flamengo) 58 (27/31)
17. Luis Fabiano (BRA)
. (Sao Paulo/Santos/Oporto/Sevilla) 57 (28/29)
25. Diego Forlán (URU) 54 (29/25)
. (Independiente/Manchester U./Villarreal/At. Madrid)
26. Ronaldinho (BRA)
(Barcelona/Milan) 54 (26/28)
.+. Cristiano Ronaldo (POR)
. (Manchester Utd./Real Madrid) 54 (26/28)
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Plenty of players who have played in Spanish Football Clubs & two Spanish born players: Raul Gonzalez ( 71 ) & David Villa (68). Below is the full list of players with their goals.
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| Van Nistelrooy |
1. Ruud van Nistelrooy (HOL)
. (Manchester Utd./Real Madrid/Hamburg) 86 (33/53)
.2. Thierry Henry (FRA)
. (Arsenal/Barcelona) 85 (43/42)
.3. Didier Drogba (CIV)
. (O. Marsella/Chelsea) 83 (45/38)
.4. Miroslav Klose (GER)
. (Kaiserslautern/W.Bremen/Bayern Múnich) 81 (58/23)
.5. Samuel Eto''o (CMR)
. (Mallorca/Barcelona/Inter) 79 (44/35)
.6. Flávio da Silva Amado (ANG)
. (At.Petróleos Luanda/Al-Ahly/Al-Shabab) 73 (32/41)
.7. Dimitar Berbatov (BUL)
. (Bayer Leverkusen/Tottenham/Manchester U.)71 (46/25)
.8. Raúl González (SP)
(Real Madrid/Schalke 04) 71 (26/45)
.9. David Villa (SP)
. (Zaragoza/Valencia/Barcelona) 68 (44/24)
10. Andrey Shevchenko (UKR)
. (Milan/Chelsea/Dinamo Kiev) 68 (32/36)
14. Jared Borgetti (MEX) 58 (41/17)
. (Santos Laguna/Pachuca/Bolton/Al-Ittihad/Monarcas Morelia)
15. Adriano Ribeiro Leite (BRA)
. (Parma/Inter Milán/Sao Paulo/Flamengo) 58 (27/31)
17. Luis Fabiano (BRA)
. (Sao Paulo/Santos/Oporto/Sevilla) 57 (28/29)
25. Diego Forlán (URU) 54 (29/25)
. (Independiente/Manchester U./Villarreal/At. Madrid)
26. Ronaldinho (BRA)
(Barcelona/Milan) 54 (26/28)
.+. Cristiano Ronaldo (POR)
. (Manchester Utd./Real Madrid) 54 (26/28)
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AL SAAD 0 FC BARCELONA 4 | DAVID VILLA OUT 6 MONTHS
FC BARCELONA defeated AL_SAAD 0 - 4 in the semi final of the "FIFA World Clubs Championship" in Japan & will meet Bralizian Club SANTOS in the weekend final.
Barça was never really troubled the whole match & one gets the idea that their opponents, although professional & putting in a very good game, had the joy of playing with their Football Heroes.
The goals came via ADRIANO with two ( 24th & 42 min ) , KEITA in the 64th min & MAXWELL in the 82nd min. The outstanding players were Iniesta ( fabulous as always) & young Thiago putting in an excellent match with passes that turned into goals.
However the victory came at an important cost, as DAVID VILLA broke his "shinebone" in the 36th min & will be out of action between 5 - 6 months. This puts his participation with the Spanish National Football Team during the upcoming Euro 2012 almost impossible.
Cruel bad luck as Villa was main page this week with speculation about his future outside of Barcelona next season. Now all this murmur stops until the player can recover. Sad way to start Christmas & the New Year. From here we wish to man luck & a speedy recovery.
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Barça was never really troubled the whole match & one gets the idea that their opponents, although professional & putting in a very good game, had the joy of playing with their Football Heroes.
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| Adriano |
The goals came via ADRIANO with two ( 24th & 42 min ) , KEITA in the 64th min & MAXWELL in the 82nd min. The outstanding players were Iniesta ( fabulous as always) & young Thiago putting in an excellent match with passes that turned into goals.
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| David Villa moment of injury. broken shinebone |
However the victory came at an important cost, as DAVID VILLA broke his "shinebone" in the 36th min & will be out of action between 5 - 6 months. This puts his participation with the Spanish National Football Team during the upcoming Euro 2012 almost impossible.
Cruel bad luck as Villa was main page this week with speculation about his future outside of Barcelona next season. Now all this murmur stops until the player can recover. Sad way to start Christmas & the New Year. From here we wish to man luck & a speedy recovery.
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PSG 4 - ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO 2 | EUROPA LEAGUE RESULT
EUROPA LEAGUE action tonight with SPANISH FOOTBALL representative ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO travelling to Paris & losing with a 4- 2 result to PSG in their Group F match
PSG deserved the victory BUT it tasted sour & meant little as the French Club DOES NOT continue along the Europa League road, something that Bilbao does do as they secured their participation before this match.
Bilbao scored first in the 3rd min via AURTNETXE, but PSG equalized via PASTORE in the 21 st min & the French then later went ahead in the 40th via BODMER
Bilbao managed to equalize via a tremendous goal from DAVID LOPEZ in the 54th min, but PSG raced away with their third, an own goal from Bilbao player IÑIGO PEREZ in the 85th min & a fourth from HOARAU in the 90th min
Tomorrow: Atletico de Madrid - Rennes ( Group I )
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| PSG - At.Bilbao |
PSG deserved the victory BUT it tasted sour & meant little as the French Club DOES NOT continue along the Europa League road, something that Bilbao does do as they secured their participation before this match.
Bilbao scored first in the 3rd min via AURTNETXE, but PSG equalized via PASTORE in the 21 st min & the French then later went ahead in the 40th via BODMER
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| Pastore-PSG |
Bilbao managed to equalize via a tremendous goal from DAVID LOPEZ in the 54th min, but PSG raced away with their third, an own goal from Bilbao player IÑIGO PEREZ in the 85th min & a fourth from HOARAU in the 90th min
Tomorrow: Atletico de Madrid - Rennes ( Group I )
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FC BARECLONA | DAVID VILLA ON SALE ?
The title of the Spanish Sports paper says it all : "Barcelona puts Guaje on the market" VILLA FOR SALE. A SPANISH FOOTBALL Bombshell? Madrid media propaganda? Destabilizing tactics from Madrid? Interested party testing the waters? The players sending an S.O.S messaje? Bullshit? Truth?
One cannot also doubt that the newspaper looks to sell & get some "free marketing" ( as here ), but... The murmurs from "Camp Barça" have been persistent for months. Firstly, a rumour came out that Villa & Lionel Messi do not have the best of relationships, something obviously denied by the Club. The increased time spend the bench by Villa has not helped, along with Alexis winning protagonism & young Isaac Cuenca winning his place. Then apparently the straw the broke the camels back seems to be the no inclusion for the "Clasico" last Saturday.
The "curse" of the Nº9 ( centre forward ) continues: Eto´o, Ibrahimovic, Bojan & now Villa?
The player has been taken away from his natural position since arriving at Barça to play in the wing, here he is less effective but sacrifices for the team. This was not part of the signing promise. Alexis also plays there & now young Cuenca is getting more time & play. The rumours say that Villa is perplexed & understands that this was not what was promised to him before signing.
The news today from "Marca" says that FC BARCELONA will be willing to sell the player if they receive a MEGA OFFER ( he cost Barça 42M€) & will even contemplate a sale in this upcoming "Winter Market". The list of Clubs interested is long : Chelsea FC the most, Liverpool, Aston Villa, plus Italian Clubs. However, I doubt that Barça will sell so soon, if they do intend to sell. If anything the end of the season may be a moment for both Club & player to analyse their situation, it is the custom of Coach Guardiola.
The other theories are that the news has been "filtered" by the player to send a S.O.S message that he is not happy, & that the Club may only be sounding the market. I also don´t discard a marketing move by the paper & a destabilising tactic by Madrid precisely when Barça is about to play for the "Clubs Championships" in Japan.
Either way, worth noting the story, the possible situation & keeping an eye on how things may develop in the coming months.
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One cannot also doubt that the newspaper looks to sell & get some "free marketing" ( as here ), but... The murmurs from "Camp Barça" have been persistent for months. Firstly, a rumour came out that Villa & Lionel Messi do not have the best of relationships, something obviously denied by the Club. The increased time spend the bench by Villa has not helped, along with Alexis winning protagonism & young Isaac Cuenca winning his place. Then apparently the straw the broke the camels back seems to be the no inclusion for the "Clasico" last Saturday.
The "curse" of the Nº9 ( centre forward ) continues: Eto´o, Ibrahimovic, Bojan & now Villa?
The player has been taken away from his natural position since arriving at Barça to play in the wing, here he is less effective but sacrifices for the team. This was not part of the signing promise. Alexis also plays there & now young Cuenca is getting more time & play. The rumours say that Villa is perplexed & understands that this was not what was promised to him before signing.
The news today from "Marca" says that FC BARCELONA will be willing to sell the player if they receive a MEGA OFFER ( he cost Barça 42M€) & will even contemplate a sale in this upcoming "Winter Market". The list of Clubs interested is long : Chelsea FC the most, Liverpool, Aston Villa, plus Italian Clubs. However, I doubt that Barça will sell so soon, if they do intend to sell. If anything the end of the season may be a moment for both Club & player to analyse their situation, it is the custom of Coach Guardiola.
The other theories are that the news has been "filtered" by the player to send a S.O.S message that he is not happy, & that the Club may only be sounding the market. I also don´t discard a marketing move by the paper & a destabilising tactic by Madrid precisely when Barça is about to play for the "Clubs Championships" in Japan.
Either way, worth noting the story, the possible situation & keeping an eye on how things may develop in the coming months.
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SPANISH CUP RESULTS | 1 st LEG MATCHES
Big night of SPANISH FOOTBALL with up to 13 games played of the 1º st leg of the SPANISH CUP. Below are all the results & the scorers. Note that the away goals have double value in case of a draw in the tie.
PONFERRADINA ( Spanish 2º Division B Group II ) hosted REAL MADRID in the 1st leg match of the Spanish Cup tie. A festive atmosphere for the city of Ponferrada ( North of Spain) as its is rare ( very rare ) that the mighty Real Madrid visits , yet alone play.
The final result was 0 - 2 for Real Madrid who did the job without making good Football. The goal scorers were CALLEJON in the 29th min & CRISTIANO RONALDO in the 74th min. The locals put in a good match & they will be proud, while Madrid lost Albiol to a red card in the 70th min. Madrid played with lots of "reserves".
The 2º leg will be at the "Santiago Bernabeu", where in theory, Madrid should wrap up the tie & the Ponferradina players will have a night they will never forget.
More results:
GETAFE 0 - MALAGA 1 ( Juanmi 84th min)
MALLORCA 0 - REAL SPORTING DE GIJON 1 ( Muñiz 79th min)
CORDOBA 1 ( Diaz 90) - REAL BETIS 0
ALMERIA 1 ( Silva ) - OSASUNA 3 ( Lekic 15 m, Nekounman 30 m , Annunziata 39 m)
REAL SOCIEDAD 4 ( Griezmann 4 m, Prieto 7 & 64 m, Ifran 90 m) - GRANADA 1 ( Geijo 72 m)
RACING 3 ( Stuani 5 & 83 m , Ariel 88 m) - RAYO VALLECANO 2 ( Michel 43 m , Michu 64 m)
DEPORTIVO 3 ( P.Alvarez 13 m, Saul 35 & 79 m) - LEVANTE 1 ( Aranda 78 m)
CELTA 0 - RCD ESPANYOL 0
ALCORCON 1 ( Riera 21 m) - ZARAGOZA 1 ( ORTI 7 m)
MIRANDA 1 ( Alain 26 m) - VILLAREAL 1 ( Valero 81 m)
SAN ROQUE - SEVILLA FC 1 ( Kanoute 11 m)
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| Callejon - REAL MADRID |
PONFERRADINA ( Spanish 2º Division B Group II ) hosted REAL MADRID in the 1st leg match of the Spanish Cup tie. A festive atmosphere for the city of Ponferrada ( North of Spain) as its is rare ( very rare ) that the mighty Real Madrid visits , yet alone play.
The final result was 0 - 2 for Real Madrid who did the job without making good Football. The goal scorers were CALLEJON in the 29th min & CRISTIANO RONALDO in the 74th min. The locals put in a good match & they will be proud, while Madrid lost Albiol to a red card in the 70th min. Madrid played with lots of "reserves".
The 2º leg will be at the "Santiago Bernabeu", where in theory, Madrid should wrap up the tie & the Ponferradina players will have a night they will never forget.
More results:
GETAFE 0 - MALAGA 1 ( Juanmi 84th min)
MALLORCA 0 - REAL SPORTING DE GIJON 1 ( Muñiz 79th min)
CORDOBA 1 ( Diaz 90) - REAL BETIS 0
ALMERIA 1 ( Silva ) - OSASUNA 3 ( Lekic 15 m, Nekounman 30 m , Annunziata 39 m)
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| Real Sociedad - Granada |
REAL SOCIEDAD 4 ( Griezmann 4 m, Prieto 7 & 64 m, Ifran 90 m) - GRANADA 1 ( Geijo 72 m)
RACING 3 ( Stuani 5 & 83 m , Ariel 88 m) - RAYO VALLECANO 2 ( Michel 43 m , Michu 64 m)
DEPORTIVO 3 ( P.Alvarez 13 m, Saul 35 & 79 m) - LEVANTE 1 ( Aranda 78 m)
CELTA 0 - RCD ESPANYOL 0
ALCORCON 1 ( Riera 21 m) - ZARAGOZA 1 ( ORTI 7 m)
MIRANDA 1 ( Alain 26 m) - VILLAREAL 1 ( Valero 81 m)
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| Kanoute - Sevilla FC |
SAN ROQUE - SEVILLA FC 1 ( Kanoute 11 m)
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CRISTIANO RONALDO | THE OBSESSIONS
REAL MADRID CF player CRISTIANO RONALDO has been pointed out by fans & the media as one of the principal disappointments of last Saturdays "Clasico" with FC BARCELONA, where the Madrid team was defeated 1 - 3. I personally, here on the blog posted ( story below), that Ronaldo repeatedly "chokes" in the big occasions ( observable experience with nothing against the man personally). The local media has been more severe in their comments & analysis with some even going as far to say that Ronaldo is a "False Great".
Sports papers have attempted to determine what possible cause/s may exist that makes Ronaldo "shrink" in the face of FC Barcelona &/or the big moments ( barring his Spanish Cup winning goal in extra-time last year). The papers have even consulted "sports psychologists" in an attempt to give readers a possible answer, the main consensus is OBSESSION, which leads to anxiety.
So I went to a psychology source for its true definition:
Obsession: An obsession is the inability of a person to stop thinking about a particular topic or feeling a certain emotion without a high amount of anxiety. When obsessed, an individual continues the obsession in order to avoid the consequent anxiety. In the case of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), the individual may have only the obsessions, compulsions or both. An example of an obsession in OCD is a person who can't stop thinking about something in particular at all times.
I now add , what is "that something"?
- To be the best...the Nº1.
- To score the most goals
- Be the "star"
- Be adored by all the fans
- Get the most press front covers
- Have the most Social media followers & presence
- FC Barcelona
- Lionel Messi , his direct rival
- Be the hero when Real Madrid finally can defeat Barça
etc. & etc..
If it is in fact all these - I'm just asking - I can understand why Ronaldo can´t perform. No one can with so many obsessions.
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| Cristiano Ronaldo - clasico 2011 |
Sports papers have attempted to determine what possible cause/s may exist that makes Ronaldo "shrink" in the face of FC Barcelona &/or the big moments ( barring his Spanish Cup winning goal in extra-time last year). The papers have even consulted "sports psychologists" in an attempt to give readers a possible answer, the main consensus is OBSESSION, which leads to anxiety.
So I went to a psychology source for its true definition:
Obsession: An obsession is the inability of a person to stop thinking about a particular topic or feeling a certain emotion without a high amount of anxiety. When obsessed, an individual continues the obsession in order to avoid the consequent anxiety. In the case of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), the individual may have only the obsessions, compulsions or both. An example of an obsession in OCD is a person who can't stop thinking about something in particular at all times.
I now add , what is "that something"?
- To be the best...the Nº1.
- To score the most goals
- Be the "star"
- Be adored by all the fans
- Get the most press front covers
- Have the most Social media followers & presence
- FC Barcelona
- Lionel Messi , his direct rival
- Be the hero when Real Madrid finally can defeat Barça
etc. & etc..
If it is in fact all these - I'm just asking - I can understand why Ronaldo can´t perform. No one can with so many obsessions.
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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LEAGUE ROUND 16 RESULTS SUNDAY NIGHT GAMES
Yes, there is SPANISH FOOTBALL Life after the "Clasico". The LIGA continued with its ROUND 16 scheduled matches today. Here is a brief summary of game events, the final results & all the scorers.
RAYO VALLECANO lost 1 - 3 to REAL SPORTING DE GIJON mainly due to defensive mistakes. The locals played better than the final score shows but the goals for the visitors came in via "fumbles" in the 9th min via BARRAL & NACHO NOVO scored twice in the 36th & 66th min. Rayo managed a consolation goal in the 91 st min thanks to MICHU.
MALAGA grabbed a 1 - 1 drew against OSASUNA that tasted little for them. Although Osasuna got ahead first in the 33 rd min via IBRAHIMA, the home side dominated most of the match & was justly reward in the 69th min with an equalizing goal by JUANMI. Malaga had more chances & deserved more...but
GETAFE won 1 - 0 GRANADA in a competitive & hard fought out encounter. CASQUERO got the winner in the 81st min for Getafe, just when Granada was in full steam. Getafe needed the three points to "breathe" better...ufff.
No team wanted a point. However that is just what they both managed after VILLAREAL drew 1 - 1 with REAL SOCIEDAD. Real Sociedad scored first in the 51 st min via ARANBURU, but MARCOS RUBEN equalized in the 70th min for Villareal.
Villareal hoover dangerously next to the relegation zone of the table.
REAL ZARAGOZA lost 0 - 1 against REAL MALLORCA & are currently last on the Spanish League table. Zaragoza has only managed this season 10 points from a possible 42 & the alarm bells are sounding loud. The winning goal for Real Mallorca came in the 40th min when VICTOR scored.
ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO & RACING DE SANTANDER didn't put in the most artistically loving match & the result accompanied with a 1 - 1 draw that did get exciting towards the end. Lets fast forward & pass directly by the first half & straight to the 79th min when Bilbao got ahead with a goal from defender AURTENETXE. It looked like a home side victory & as the fans were lifting themselves from their seats Racing player ALVARO scored the equalizer in the 93rd min. The home crowd frozen with disbelief, so did most except the Racing bench.
The ATLETICO DE MADRID Master strategist , sports motivator & Coach Manzano sat on the visitors bench tonight to watch his team ATLETICO DE MADRID lose 4 - 2 to RCD ESPANYOL ( Notice the vile sarcasm from my end folks?)
Seriously, my perspective is biased as a frustrate Atletico follower, please forgive. I will attempt to put down my ATM glasses & sincerely say that RCD Espanyol deserve the victory as they danced Atletico from the start & most of the game. The goals mostly rained in the first half, starting with VERDU who scored after young Atletico goalie Courtois mad a mistake in the 5th min. Espanyol then stuck the dagger 2 mins later with another goal by VERDU again. Espanyol was "rolling" & ROMARIC got the third in the 19th min with Atletico KOed.
Atletico timidly reacted when Salvio found FALCAO in the 32 nd min & he headed in for a goal that took a while ( bounced off players ) to find the net.
More of the same in the 2º half with Espanyol dominate & Atletico at least attempting to stop the "blood flow". Espanyol scored a fourth via SERGIO GARCIA in the 54 th min & Atletico lifted - late - with an 82 nd min goal by ARDA TURAN.
Great win for Espanyol, & someone at Atletico tell Coach Manzano the proyect is too "big" for his talents ( again sarcasm ...I ´m frustrated guys ).
No Monady Night Football, instead SPANISH CUP 1º leg games mid week.
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| Rayo Vallecano - Gijon |
RAYO VALLECANO lost 1 - 3 to REAL SPORTING DE GIJON mainly due to defensive mistakes. The locals played better than the final score shows but the goals for the visitors came in via "fumbles" in the 9th min via BARRAL & NACHO NOVO scored twice in the 36th & 66th min. Rayo managed a consolation goal in the 91 st min thanks to MICHU.
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| Malaga-Osasuna |
MALAGA grabbed a 1 - 1 drew against OSASUNA that tasted little for them. Although Osasuna got ahead first in the 33 rd min via IBRAHIMA, the home side dominated most of the match & was justly reward in the 69th min with an equalizing goal by JUANMI. Malaga had more chances & deserved more...but
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| Add caption |
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| Villareal |
No team wanted a point. However that is just what they both managed after VILLAREAL drew 1 - 1 with REAL SOCIEDAD. Real Sociedad scored first in the 51 st min via ARANBURU, but MARCOS RUBEN equalized in the 70th min for Villareal.
Villareal hoover dangerously next to the relegation zone of the table.
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| Zaragoza - Mallorca |
REAL ZARAGOZA lost 0 - 1 against REAL MALLORCA & are currently last on the Spanish League table. Zaragoza has only managed this season 10 points from a possible 42 & the alarm bells are sounding loud. The winning goal for Real Mallorca came in the 40th min when VICTOR scored.
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| At.Bilbao - Racing |
ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO & RACING DE SANTANDER didn't put in the most artistically loving match & the result accompanied with a 1 - 1 draw that did get exciting towards the end. Lets fast forward & pass directly by the first half & straight to the 79th min when Bilbao got ahead with a goal from defender AURTENETXE. It looked like a home side victory & as the fans were lifting themselves from their seats Racing player ALVARO scored the equalizer in the 93rd min. The home crowd frozen with disbelief, so did most except the Racing bench.
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| RCD Espanyol |
The ATLETICO DE MADRID Master strategist , sports motivator & Coach Manzano sat on the visitors bench tonight to watch his team ATLETICO DE MADRID lose 4 - 2 to RCD ESPANYOL ( Notice the vile sarcasm from my end folks?)
Seriously, my perspective is biased as a frustrate Atletico follower, please forgive. I will attempt to put down my ATM glasses & sincerely say that RCD Espanyol deserve the victory as they danced Atletico from the start & most of the game. The goals mostly rained in the first half, starting with VERDU who scored after young Atletico goalie Courtois mad a mistake in the 5th min. Espanyol then stuck the dagger 2 mins later with another goal by VERDU again. Espanyol was "rolling" & ROMARIC got the third in the 19th min with Atletico KOed.
Atletico timidly reacted when Salvio found FALCAO in the 32 nd min & he headed in for a goal that took a while ( bounced off players ) to find the net.
More of the same in the 2º half with Espanyol dominate & Atletico at least attempting to stop the "blood flow". Espanyol scored a fourth via SERGIO GARCIA in the 54 th min & Atletico lifted - late - with an 82 nd min goal by ARDA TURAN.
Great win for Espanyol, & someone at Atletico tell Coach Manzano the proyect is too "big" for his talents ( again sarcasm ...I ´m frustrated guys ).
No Monady Night Football, instead SPANISH CUP 1º leg games mid week.
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