SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA ROUND 31 SATURDAY NIGHT GAMES RESULTS

SPANISH FOOTBALL tonight with five matches of LA LIGA at the Round 31 stage of the season. Here are all the final results & the scorers.

Sporting - Zaragoza

REAL SPORTING DE GIJON lost 1 - 2 to REAL ZARAGOZA & now are last on the Spanish League classification table with Zaragoza still in the relegation zone but with better chances of escaping the 2º Division "black hole".

Game typical of two teams desperate for the three points with all the nerves & tensions that the situation brings under the circumstances. Real Zaragoza got ahead first via POSTIGA in the 37th min, to which Gijon reacted with an equalizer in the 37th min via EGUREN. From here it was hard fought until in the very last moment, in the 90th min, LAFITA got the winner for Zaragoza.

Hope at Zaragoza tonight, while uncertainty & nerves sets in at Gijon.

Racing - Granada

RACING DE SANTANDER lost 0 - 1 to GRANADA & the former is currently second last on the classification table. Granada deserved the win as they were superior most of the game, while Racing showed flashes of good play. The winner came in the 89th min when a Racing defender fouled Uche & caused a penalty which SIQUEIRA converted for the winner.

Cristiano Ronaldo 2012

OSASUNA lost 1 - 5 to a very direct & effective REAL MADRID with CRISTIANO RONALDO putting in one of his best performances in recent times. The Madrid Club reached its 100th goal this season & is heading into record breaking status. Points to mention:
1. Raul Albiol started & played a solid game in defence
2. Ganero started & did a good job
3. Di Maria came on for 10 mins & got back into the team groove.

Osasuna had some moments but was well beaten by a stronger Real Madrid. The goals came in this order: BENZEMA with a superb volley from a CR7 pass in the 7th min, CRISTIANO RONALDO with a long range power driver in the 37th min, HIGUAIN with a chip over the goalie in the 39th min, CRISTIANO RONALDO from a free-kick (with deflection) in the 69th min & HIGUAIN in the 76th min from a Ronaldo pass.

As you can see CR7 clearly "man of the match". Sergio Ramos got a yellow card & will miss the important Valencia CF "Liga" match next week. 

Iniesta 2012

FC BARCELONA maintains its chase on Real Madrid winning ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO 2 - 0. In fact it was a "done deal" beforehand if Bilbao coach Bielsa before the game decides to leave on the bench 3 of his top players: Fernando Llorente, Ander Herrera & Muniain, which later came on in the 2º half. Bilbao had its mind on this mid-week 2º leg Europa League 2º leg match against Schalke 04 & that may have made things a bit easier for Barça tonight.

Deserved win by Barça with goals from INIESTA with a power driver in the 40th min & a penalty in the 58th min which LIONEL MESSI converted. Bilbao attempted to pull back a goal but their reaction was too late, or lack off.

Malaga - Real Betis

The MALAGA winning streak ended at hands of REAL BETIS which won away 0 - 2. The goals from Betis came via RUBEN CASTRO in the 38th min & DORADO in the 45th min. From here Betis managed their advantage as Malaga had to figure out how to get back, they did´nt.

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ATLETICO DE MADRID | 5 TH ON UEFA RANKING 2011-2012

SPANISH FOOTBALL Club ATLETICO DE MADRID is an irregular performing team in the local Spanish  League competition, in fact I would go further & say, a very frustrating team if your a follower. However, in European competition Atletico has been regular & has been achieving  a string of consecutive victories to which UEFA has the Club 5th Ranked for the 2011-2012 season with a 23,4 coefficient score. The main competition which has given the Spanish team exposure & plenty of playing joys is the Europa League were they were past Champions & are currently in the quarter-finals

Atletico de Madrid 2012

Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Bayern de Munich & Chelsea are the Clubs ahead of Atletico according to victories & the UEFA calculating method.

So for all the Atletico de Madrid followers & fans, at least there is some good news & something to brag about at the pub with the mates :O)

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LIONEL MESSI | THE IFFHS CURRENT TOP GOAL SCORER 2012

The FIFA backed "International Federation of Football History & Statistics" (IFFHS) has accounted all the goals scored in International Club, Continental competitions & World Club Championship games for 2012 so far & has FC BARCELONA forward LIONEL MESSI as the Nº1 Goalscorer with 9 goals.


The accounting factors are important as they explains why some big names are missing, here the local Leagues are not taken into account. The only Spanish player in the Top 10 is Valencia CF forward ROBERTO SOLDADO with 5 goals. Notable absences is Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, along with amp; team-mate Karim Benzema,  & Ibrahimovic (AC Milan), for example.

Here is the IFFHS top 10 list:


1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona/Argentina) 9 goals (3/6)
2. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (FC Schalke 04/Holland) 8 goals (1/7)
3. Philip James Placer Younghusband (Loyola Meralco Sparks/Phillipnes) 6 goals (6/0)
4. Didier Drogba (Chelsea Londres/Ivory Coast) 5 goals (4/1)
5. Roberto Soldado (Valencia CF/Spain) 5 goals (3/2)
6. Arjen Robben (FC Bayern/Holaand) 5 goles (2/3)
7. Radamel Falcao (Atlético de Madrid/Colombia) 5 goals (1/4).
8. Emmanuel Atukwei Clottey (Berekum Chelsea FC/Ghana) 5 goals (0/5).
9. Mario Gómez (FC Bayern/Germany) 5 goals (0/5).
.. Dorlan Mauricio Pabón (Atlético Nacional/Colombia) 5 goals (0/5).

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EUROPA LEAGUE | SPANISH FOOTBALL CLUB 1º LEG RESULTS

Three SPANISH FOOTBALL Clubs had 1ºst leg EUROPA LEAGUE duties tonight that gave some excellent games, plenty of goals & lots thrills with some chills.

Fernando Llorente

SCHLEKE 04 lost to ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO 2 - 4 in a "cracker" of a match. The Germans lead by their "forever young" Spanish Captian RAUL were looking strong & on the verge of taking the match when they were overrun by Bilbao which turned the match around & won to take a strong advantage in the tie.

The Schleke 04 goals came in the 22nd & 60th min via RAUL & his team was dominating the match. Earlier Bilbao forward FERNANDO LLORENTE put the Spaniards ahead first in the 20 th min, but when Bilbao was at their worst & on their knees, LLORENTE scored the equalizer with a superb corner header in the 73rd min.

From here, the Germans lost steam & looked tired as Bilbao resurrected & hammered away to score a third via DE MARCOS in the 81st min & a fourth via MUNIAIN in the 93rd min. Very strong emotions lived by all the fans.

Atletico de Madrid 

ATLETICO DE MADRID won their match 2 -1 against another German Club HANNOVER that was suffered,  & not as easy as the scoreline may suggest. FALCAO put Atletico de Madrid ahead in the 9th min to which Hannover answered via DIOUF in the 38th min.

Very even & hard fought out second half with the Atletico de Madrid goalkeeper Courtois making a save that kept the Spaniards alive, but Atletico tipped the balance in the 89th min when SALVIO got the winner.

The tie is not settled yet as next week the 2º leg gets played at Germany with strong local support guaranteed .

AZ - Valencia CF

AZ ALKMAAR exploited the current VALENCIA CF slump in form to win 2 - 1. A well deserved win by the Dutch who played well & were more effective. Valencia are simple out off sync & Coach Emery looks sentenced for the future, & more so if his team can´t turn this situation around next week.

The Dutch got ahead via HOLMAN in the 46th to which Valencia answered via TOPAL at the start of the second half. But AZ kept at their rhythm, play strategy & got the winner via MARTENS in the 78th min.


The decider next week at Valencia.

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AC MILAN 0 FC BARECLONA 0 | 1ºLEG CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Q/FINAL RESULT

Current European Football Champs & Spanish Football Club FC BARCELONA travelled to Italy to play AC MILAN in the 1º leg of the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE quater-final match. A game that was very entertaining, with notable changes in play dominance & unfortunate only because the game lacked a goal.  

The final result ended in a 0 - 0 draw, that should have been different & overflowing with goals had both sides been more accurate in with their chances & opportunities. This & a couple of calls that did turn as they looked, which included possible penalties on Alexis ( first half) & later Barça defender Puyol in the 78th min that were not called.

The first half was mostly Barcelona which dominated & Milan had a few notable chances. While the second half was Milan that pushed Barcelona onto the ropes, & later saw the Spaniards react to nearly score towards the end.

Now its back to Barcelona at "Camp Nou" to play the return 2º leg game that will be the decider to give one of these Clubs the semis ticket. The match should not be missed.
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APOEL NICOSIA 0 REAL MADRID 3 | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Q/FINAL 1º LEG RESULT

SPANISH FOOTBALL Club REAL MADRID CF had CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 1º leg Quater-Final duties tonight away visiting APOEL NICOSIA. The final result was 0 - 3 to Real Madrid & it basically - barring a "miracle" - puts half a body into the semis for Mourinho & his men. 

Apoel - Real Madrid

The match was controlled relatively comfortably by Real Madrid as they looked to find the goal early. Sahin started for suspended Xabi & Coentrao was in for Marcelo & the team looked balanced with both palying well & not noticing any real deficiencies. However, with Apoel ultra defensive & looking for the counter-attack opportunity, Real Madrid got to the goal but missed their chances. This, an an inspired Apoel goalkeeper Chiotis frustrated continually the Spanish attacks.

Karim Benzema 

The one way street direction, continued missed chances & crashing into a defensive wall continued for Real in the second half until Coach Mourinho made a double substitute: Kaka for an "injured" Higuain & Marcelo for Coentrao. The changes gave new ideas & more spring for Madrid & they began finding spaces down the left flank.

It was down that wing that Kaka crossed over & found the head of BENZEMA who opened the scoring in the 73rd min, & the second goal came from a Marcelo run with backward cross that found KAKA to score in the 81st min. Real Madrid was dominating play & sealed game ( & possibly Q/Final ) when Ozil passed to find KARIM BENZEMA for his second in the 91st min.

Good night at the "stadium office" for Real Madrid which will host Apoel in Madrid with a authoritative goal advantage.

Tomorrow more Champions League action: AC Milan - FC Barcelona
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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LIGA ROUND 30 MONDAY NIGHT RESULT | GRANADA 0 SEVILLA FC 3

SPANISH FOOTBALL tonight with the Monday Night LIGA match as part of Round 30. Clash between GRANADA & SEVILLA FC with the latter taking the three points with the final result 0 - 3 . The victory for Sevilla lifts their aspirations to attempt to get into the Euro table positions, while the alarm-bells sound at Granada with "relegation zone" risk.

Manu Del Moral scores for Sevilla FC

Sevilla deserved the victory with goals coming from ALVARO NEGREDO in the 39th min & two goals from MANU DEL MORAL( 54th & 94th min ). Granada did not play bad at all & had their chances but the visitors were more effective & efficient with their opportunities.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LEAGUE ROUND 30 SUNDAY GAMES RESULTS

Big day of SPANISH FOOTBALL with six matches scheduled in Round 30 of the SPANISH LEAGUE. Here are all the final results & scorers.

Zaragoza winner.

REAL ZARAGOZA won a vital match for themselves 1 - 0,  in the last moment,  against ATLETICO DE MADRID that takes the former off the last position of the Liga table. Atletico once again spoiled a "golden chance" to jump into Euro positions.

Both teams speculated all match with a tactical set up that gave little spaces. Then in the very last moment Atletico defender Godin committed a penalty which APOÑO scored ( 94th min ) to give Zaragoza the victory. That´s Football.

Raul Garcia for Osasuna

LEVANTE lost 0 - 2 to OSASUNA which jumps into Euro positions on the ladder. Osasuna were more effective & efficient with their chances as Levante was stronger in the middle part of the encounter. The first goal for Osasuna came via RAUL GARCIA in the 15th min & the second via NINO in the 79th min.

Espanyol - Malaga

Great match & comeback by MALAGA FC which defeated RCD ESPANYOL 1 - 2 away & hold 4th place on the ladder, & equal Valencia CF currently third on points.

Malaga rightly deserved the victory as they hit the post twice in the 1ºst half & showed initiative all match. Although Espanyol scored first via the impressive Brazilian youngster COUTINHO in the 23rd min, Malaga kept at their game plan & equalized via VAN NISTELROOY in the 76th min & got the winner in the 78th via DEMICHELIS.

Sporting late equalizer

ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO let slip a victory against relegation zone Club REAL SPORTING DE GIJON drawing 1 - 1. Bilbao deserved much more but paid the price for not converting their chances into goal. Bilbao youngster Muniain missed a penalty in the 35th min & later Bilbao hit the post in the 60th min. Bilbao then redeemed themselves with a DE MARCOS goal in the 76th min but let the victory slip when LORA equalized for Sporting on the 90th min. Bilbao will be disappointed,  & Gijon glad to get a valuable point in their particular relegation zone struggle.

Villareal scores against Rayo

New Coach Lotina has given VILLAREAL a positive push as his team managed another victory 0 - 2 at the hands of Madrid Club RAYO VALLECANO. A deserved victory as Villareal went looking for the match & risked more in doing so. The rewards came in the 28th min via a MARCOS RUBEN goal & a second in the 85th min via ANGEL.

Real Betis - Racing 

Tight match between REAL BETIS & RACING DE SANTANDER that ended in a 1 - 1 draw. Apart from Racing fighting for their "first division life" stuck for the moment in the relegation zone of the table, the match was a battle in the midfield with two details - one each team - effecting the final result. SANTA CRUZ put Betis ahead in the 17th min & STUANI equalized for Racing in the 78th min. Shared points.


MONDAY NIGHT GAME:
Granada - Sevilla FC

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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LEAGUE ROUND 30 RESULTS SATURDAY GAMES

SPANISH FOOTBALL celebrated three games tonight scheduled down in Round 30 of the Spanish League, with the following final results & scorers.

Alexis & Messi

REAL MALLORCA could not manage a positive result with FC BARCELONA down to 10 men from the 56th min & lost 0 - 2. Barcelona rightly deserved the three points as they controlled proceedings for most of the match.

The opener came from a Messi free-kick that ALEXIS finished off in the 25th min, but was given to MESSI as the referee considered that Alexis did not touch the ball. Then the "important" moment came in the 56th min when Barça midfielder Thiago got a second yellow & was sent off. Mallorca could not take advantage of a 10 man Barça side & went further behind with a second goal in the 78th min by PIQUE who rebounded the ball off a Messi post. Barça maintain the chase on Real Madrid.

Real Madrid 2012

REAL MADRID started their match against REAL SOCIEDAD knowing that FC Bareclona had won their game & was at that moment just 3 points behind. This may partly explain the 5 - 1 victory of the current Spanish League leaders to take the gap back to 6 points relative to Barça after a fairly convincing performance & win.


Real Madrid started without Pepe ( suspended 2 weeks ) & Ozil ( suspended 1 week ) & played as if nothing, thanks to young defender Varane who put in an excellent game, Kaka & Higuain, the latter up front with Benzema.


The opener came via HIGUAIN in the 5th min, followed by CRISTIANO RONALDO in the 32 nd min, BENZEMA with a "chipped gem" of a goal in the 40th min, BENZEMA again in the 48th min & CRISTIANO RONALDO with the fifth in the 55th min. Real Sociedad managed a consolation goal via a SERGIO RAMOS own goal from a Prieto free-kick in the 41st min.


Last note is the 15 mins or so given to Real midfielder SAHIN who looked OK & that should lift the players confidence. Real Madrid now concentrate themselves for their next match which will be a Q/Final 1º leg Champions League game at Cyprus. 

Getafe scores against Valencia

Excellent victory for Madrid Club GETAFE 3 - 1 over VALENCIA CF. It all happened in the 1ºst half as Getafe comeback after the visitors scored first. Valencia forward ROBERTO SOLDADO put his team ahead early in the 5th min & all seemed like clear sailing. But Getafe had other ideas & Valencia - very worrying - collapsed as the home side goals poured in. First the equalizer via PEDRO RIOS in the 12th min, then the second from MIKU in the 23rd min & the third an own goal from Valencia defender BRUNO in the 30th min. 

Valencia never recovered from the Getafe "punch" & lost again,  which puts its third ladder position in danger, plus Coach Emery is further under extreme pressure as Valencia fans look for a scape-goat head on a Silver platter. Valencia is going through a very rough patch & serious drop in form. 

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REAL MADRID CF TARGETS ARSENAL FORWARD VAN PERSIE ?

News vibrating out of England - again - has been picked up locally by Spanish Sports paper "AS", that ARSENAL Dutch forward ROBIN VAN PERSIE is a REAL MADRID target for next season. This is not the first "vibrator" impact reached locally as the forward has been splashed on local press during the past seasons, which FC Barcelona also sounding in the past. 

Van Persie

The 28 year old player ends contract June of 2013 & has already notched up 37 goals this season for Arsenal. The rumour from the English press is that Real Madrid is willing to offer 30M€, but Manchester City is also in there as well with a big figure offer.

While this is a story from England, here in Spain,  the centre of the spring of "Real Madrid" Football waters, there ate strong rumours with theses players: Javi Martinez ( At. Bilbao) & the return of Sergio Aguero ( Mnachester City) ...these are real "vibrators" & locally.

So stay tuned as things - as every year - are heating up. Plus lets not forget, with the Euro 2012 competition soon there may arise a "new star" that may have all Clubs running over themselves to sign.  

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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA ROUND 29 THURSDAY NIGHT GAMES RESULTS

Last three matches of Round 29 of the SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE played tonight with the following scorers & final results.

Jesus Navas

RACING DE SANTANDER continue in their bottom of the table "Football Hell" & were defeated 0 - 3 by SEVILLA FC which got back onto the rails. Sevilla FC basically dominated most of the match & had Captain JESUS NAVAS inspired. It was he who scored & opened up proceedings in the 34th min. Then DEL MORAL got two goals ( 54th min & 93rd min ) to seal up things. The red card to Santander player Diop in the 81st min did not help things. 

Real Betis - Espanyol

REAL BETIS drew 1 - 1 with RCD ESPANYOL with the latter equalizing "in extremis". RUBEN CASTRO put Betis ahead in the 78th min in a fair even game. But Espanyol lifted a notch to pressure Betis & the move paid off with a late 93rd min equalizer by PANDIANI. Result: shared points.

Rondon for Malaga

High scoring game with MALAGA winning 4 - 2 RAYO VALLECANO. The goals for Malaga came via RONDON with two ( 34th & 58th min) , MARESCA in the 69th min & a "cracker" from DUDA in the 86th min. For Rayo DIEGO COSTA scored a 4th min penalty & TRASHORRAS scored another penalty in the 84th min.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LEAGUE ROUND 29 RESULTS WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK GAMES

SPANISH FOOTBALL action continued tonight with five scheduled matches of Round 29. Big games with surprising results that will now be quickly summarized with final results & scorers.

Falcao for At.Madrid

ATLETICO DE MADRID managed a very important 2 - 1 victory over ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO that will give the Club a moral boost in their attempts to climb into Euro table positions. The first  half was bad for both side with the tactical dominating the Football.

Things came alive in the 2º half with Atletico taking the initiative & FALCAO lifting to open the scoring in the 49th min, & then again in the 70th min. Then Bilbao "woke-up" & attempted to scratch something back & was totally dominate with JAVI MARTINEZ scoring in the 90th min. It seemed the clock was on Atletico favor, but a win is a win. 

Levante

REAL SOCIEDAD suffered a 1 - 3 defeat at the hands of the visitors LEVANTE which are hanging onto their Euro position with "teeth & nails". Sociedad got ahead via VELA in the 5th but Levante reacted & never looked back. Goal from BAKERO via a penalty in the 11th min, KONE in the 44th min & XAVI TORRES in the 93th min. Must be said that Real Sociedad went down to 10 men with the red card from Eulustondo. However, a  deserved win for Levante.

Real Zaragoza

Here was the surprise result of the night. VALENCIA CF lost to last placed REAL ZARAGOZA 1 - 2 & with the latter down to 10 men from the 20th min with the red card to Alvaro. 


PABLO HERNANDEZ put Valencia ahead early in the 9th min, but they lost spring & effectiveness as the match went on. The equalizer came from APOÑO via a penalty in the 30th min & the winner via APOÑO again in the 76th min. Questions being asked at Valencia tonight.

Sporting  - Mallorca

Bad result for REAL SPORTING DE GIJON struggling second last on the ladder & losing 2 - 3 to REAL MALLORCA. Evenly fought out match with plenty of goals that was won finally by details & perseverance.

Mallorca scored first via NUNES in the 30th & was responded with the equalizer thanks to COLUNGA in the 38th min. Things got "funky" again with a penalty in the 47th min which ORFILA converted. Sporting managed an equalizer in the 66th min via BOTIA & the winner came from ALVARO with a "cracker" for Mallorca in the 77th min.

Cristiano Ronaldo

VILLAREAL has indirectly put the SPANISH LEAGUE on fire with a controversial 1 - 1 draw over REAL MADRID that allows FC Barcelona to cut back 2 more points & now is only 6 points behind ( with a clasico still to play).

Back to the match. Villareal did what they know best fight, play Football & under new Coach Lotina, show more defensive discipline. The first half was even with chances going to both sides.

Then the second half was mostly Real Madrid that controlled things & VIllareal was tiring. The goal came for Real Madrid in the 61st min with a brilliant 1-2-3 between Ozil & CRISTIANO RONALDO who got his 100th goal in Spain. It seemed that things would end this way when the referee - terrible all night & with yellow cards galore - called a free-kick that was´nt outside the box. Once again a late free-kick gave the surprise with a MARCOS SENNA cracker that gave Villareal the equalizer.

From here mayhem. Red Card to Mourinho, Red Card to Sergio Ramos & Red Card to Ozil. Things got out of hand & the referee showed that his level is not up to scratch for Liga duties. Said this, lets not take away the brilliant Villareal effort & the acknowledgement that Real Madrid was not 100% & looked nervous tonight. But once again, how Football changes in weeks, minutes & even seconds.

La Liga, it on folks!

Three matches of Round 20 scheduled for tomorrow.
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SPANISH FOOTBALL MID-WEEK ROUND 29 TUESDAY NIGHT RESULTS

SPANISH FOOTBALL begins its mid-week Round 29 LIGA schedule tonight with two games played. Here are the results & the scorers

Osasuna - Getafe

OSASUNA played out a 0 - 0 draw with GETAFE. The match was lacklustre affair. However there was a clear protagonist, Getafe goalie Miguel Angel Moya who made three unbelievable saves to gives his team a point. Man of the Match.

Xavi Hernandez

FC BARCELONA won GRANADA 5 - 3 with the latter shaking the home side in the 2º half & claiming a penalty not given & an off-side goal to Barça (Tello) that should not have gone on the score-sheet. But it is LIONEL MESSI which keeps the Barça ship afloat with precise & timely interventions that makes all the difference. The Argentine scored a HAT-TRICK ( 17th, 68th & 88th min), become the "Highest Goal-scorer in FC Barcelona´s History" overtaking the 232 goals by Cesar & became the current Spanish League leading Goalscorer overtaking Cristiano Ronaldo...all in one night! XAVI put Barcelona ahead in the 4th min to keep his goal spell in line, plus young Barça player TELLO scored in the 86th min.

Said this Granada made a brave comeback attempt in the 2º half with a penalty to SIQUIERA in the 62nd min & another in the 90th min,  with a red card to Alves included. BUT, the Messi man was the man, the main man & the decisive man.

More Liga games tomorrow...Real Madrid must win Villareal.

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IFFHS KEEPS FC BARCELONA AS BEST CLUB OF THE XXI CENTURY

Spanish Football Club FC BARCELONA continues to top the ranking of the "Best European club of the 21st Century" as compiled by the FIFA backed "International Federation of Football History and Statistics", the IFFHS.


After eleven years, the Spanish Club is ahead of Manchester United, while REAL MADRID CF  has progressed from eighth to fourth, & is just behind Arsenal which is in third place. Here is the Top 10 IFFHS table:

.1. FC Barcelona (SP) 2.917,0 pts

.2. Manchester United (ENG) 2.793,0

.3. Arsenal (ENG) 2.618,0

.4. Real Madrid (SP) 2.569,0

.5. Inter Milán (ITA) 2.567,0

.6. Bayern Múnich (GER) 2.544,0

.7. Liverpool (ENG) 2.538,0

.8. Milan (ITA) 2.490,0

.9. Chelsea (ENG) 2.412,0

10. Roma (ITA) 2.140,0

FC BARCELONA 2011-2012

Other Spanish Football Clubs & their postions:

13. Valencia (SP) 2.074,0

18. Sevilla (SP) 1.799,0

23. Villarreal (SP) 1.732,0

38. Deportivo (SP) 1.545,0

47. Atlético de Madrid (SP) 1.404,0

73. Athletic Club (SP) 1.126,0

81. Espanyol (SP) 1.092,0

88. Mallorca (SP) 1.053,0

89. Osasuna (SP) 1.038,0

98. Zaragoza (SP) 966,0

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FC BARCELONA MAKES A FIRST PAYMENT OF 14,5M€ FOR NEYMAR ?

News out of Spanish Radio "Cadena SER" informs that FC BARCELONA has made a 1º st payment to SANTOS of 14.5M€ for their player NEYMAR. The Spanish Football Club apparently came to an agreement late last year with Santos for a figure of around 58-60M€ & with the incorporation of Neymar in 2014. The news also says there is an option of an earlier incorporation to the Barça discipline although many doubt the Brazilian will arrive before 2014.

Neymar

FC Barcelona dismisses this story as untrue ( naturally, does not wish to break FIFA rules ) & insists there is no agreement or payment , but local Brazilian sources cite Santos as "saying" to "another" interested Club that Neymar was already "sold" to Barça.

REAL MADRID has apparently forgetten about Neymar & has set its eyes on another Brazilian, the SAO PAULO player LUCAS MOURA.

Stay tuned!

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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA ROUND 28 MONDAY NIGHT RESULT

LA LIGA continued with the last match of Round 28 with the now habitual Monday Night clash. RCD ESPANYOL hosted RACING DE SANTANDER with the latter losing 3 - 1 & which keeps the Club struggling in the relegation zone of the ladder.


The home side overcame an initial cold start after Racing got themselves ahead with a 12th min STUANI goal, but that was basically all by the visitors. From here Espanyol took over with an equalizer in the 26th  min by VERDU & another goal shortly later by young onloan Brazilian sensation COUTINHO.

Coutinho

Racing started stronger in the second half but ran out of steam & then in the 52nd min went down to 10 men as Gullon was sent off. Espanyol took over again & "killed off" the match with a third goal via HECTOR MORENO in the 79th min.

Take note,  tomorrow with have more Spanish Football with Round 29 kicking off mid-week Liga action.
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SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM | FIVE FORWARDS FOR TWO POSITIONS

Roberto Soldado ( Valencia CF ), David Villa ( FC Barcelona ), Fernando Llorente ( Athletic Club), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla FC ) & Fernando Torres ( Chelsea FC) all have things in common. One, they are all "Centre Fowards", or Number Nines in the traditional Football position, & second, they are all competing for the prized two positions on the final List of Spanish National Football Team Selector-Coach Vicente Del Bosque.

Spanish Football Fowrads

Spanish Sports daily "Marca" has brought up this "healthy" competition between the mentioned forwards in today's issue. It is more than likely that Spanish Coach Del Bosque will include two players for the Number Nine - striker - position. With five candidates now on show three are going to be left out & will unfortunately be unhappy. The National Selector will hand in his "Final List" of players for the upcoming Euro 2012 competition the 15th of May & he has to make some difficult choices & decision.

Right now, Roberto Soldado is "hot", especially after getting a HAT-TRICK against Venezuela in the last International Friendly & a HAT-TRICK this weekend in Liga against Bilbao. The other "in form" player is Fernando Llorente of Bilbao, who is scoring in European competitions & has the added advantage of being possibly the "best header" in European Football at this moment which gives the Spanish Coach options upfront.

However, this are getting quiet competitive as Alvaro Negredo of Sevilla is back from injury & will fight to win back his form & candidacy. David Villa of Barcelona, the fixed forward of the National side, is progressing at an incredible pace in his recovery from a broken tibia bone, & Fernando Torres came alive this weekend scoring two goals for Chelsea FC after a 5 month dry spell.

Difficult choices for Del Bosque, excellent situation for the Spanish Football Team as those chosen will be theoretically the "Best" & "in form" goalscorers at the moment. Who are your choices?

Stay tuned!
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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LEAGUE ROUND 28 RESULTS SUNDAY GAMES

SPANISH FOOTBALL & Round 28 of the Spanish League continued today with four matches scheduled. Here is a summary of the main talking points, along with the scorers & the final results.

Xavi Torres gets the winner

LEVANTE are not going to give up their opportunity to be in the "Champions League zone" of the classification table after winning VILLAREAL 1 - 0. The loss by Villareal cost the job of their Coach Molina who was fired straight after the match.

The winning goal came in the last moment when Levante player Suarez powered a free-kick that hit the post to find team-mate XAVI TORRES who popped the ball in. Just before this Villareal defender Marchena got a red card in the 90th min; here is the "connection".

Pereira scores for Mallorca

REAL MALLORCA inflicted the first loss to ATLETICO DE MADRID under Coach Simeone after winning 2 - 1. Mallorca played well but had some luck their way that swayed the match away from Atletico especially after their first goal which was an own goal by defender Atletico GODIN.

This unfortunate act caused a drop in the Atletico spirits to which Mallorca took advantage with a "cracker" from PEREIRA in the 49th min to score the second for Mallorca. Then Mallorca lost Rami in the 52 nd min to a red card to which Atletico began dominating & inspired to look for a comeback. From that red card Falcao missed a penalty for Atletico, then Atletico midfielder Merida hit the post & finally Atletico pulled one back via FALCAO in the 66th min.

Mallorca then decided to defend & stopped the Atletico advances to secure their three points. Bad set-back for Atletico!

Valencia CF Soldado was "hot" today

The Europa League effort & euphoria paid its price today on ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO losing 0 - 3 to a very serious & determined VALENCIA CF which has reacted to the criticism received these last days. Valencia was simply more effective & had an inspired ROBERT SOLDADO who culminated two precision counter-attacks into goals ( 41st & 57th min). Then Bilbao went down to 10 men after defender Iraola received two yellow cards & was sent off in the 68th min. Obviously this made things more uphill for Bilbao. So much so, that ROBERTO SOLDADO got his HAT-TRICK with his third 85th min goal. Valencia stamping their authority & holding tight to their third place on the ladder.

Benzema for Real Madrid

REAL MADRID let slip 2 points in their 1 - 1 draw against MALAGA & thus allows FC Barcelona to get closer to which now  is just 8 points behind. This takes Real Madrid out of the "comfort zone" as a future loss would bring on the nerves as there is a "clasico" at Barcelona still to play in this League. But lets not get too ahead in the future...

Real Madrid was troubled a few times in the first half to which Casillas had to make some saves. But Real Madrid dominated most of the game & just did not manage to finish off their moves. BENZEMA put Real Madrid ahead in the 35th min from a brilliant Ronaldo pass onto the head of the Frenchman.

From here & onwards it was chance after chance for Madrid that both Ronaldo, & more Benzema, just could not get into the back of the Malaga goal. Part of the reason was also Malaga goalie Caballero who made three vital saves. Then in the 92 nd min a free-kick from CAZORLA  found the back of the net as there was nothing Iker Casillas could do about it.

Minor slip for Real, or the beginning of a "bad cylce". Stay tuned, Barça fans will be more confident tonight.


MONDAY NIGHT GAME:
RCD Espanyol - Racing de Santander

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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LEAGUE ROUND 28 SATURDAY GAMES RESULTS

SPANISH LEAGUE action with five matches scheduled this Saturday as part of Round 28. As habitual with "LA LIGA" there was plenty of action & goals. Here are all the final results.

Granada scores against Sporting Gijon

The GRANADA versus REAL SPORTING DE GIJON was a vital game for both as they hoover in & around the relegation zone of the ladder. The final result of 2 - 0 gives Granada some oxygen while it sends Sporting into some more "deep shit" that will be difficult to get out.

As expected it was hard fought, tense & with some controversial moments, as to expect with these types of matches, that was won by better effectiveness & higher determination.

Granada had more of these elements & their two goals came via MARTINS in the 2º nd min with a superb free-kick & by SIQUEIRA in the 23 rd min. Sporting realized the problems that a loss would involve for them & reacted with a late COLUNGA goal in the 92º nd min. But late & not enough, now they are second last on the ladder.  

Getafe - Real Sociedad

GETAFE won 1 - 0 REAL SOCIEDAD in a match settled by an unfortunate action for one of the sides. Both teams were evenly matched all game, with chances appearing to both outfits. However, a 81 st min own goal by IÑIGO MARTINEZ (rebound included) gave the victory & the three points to Getafe. That´s Football!

Zaragoza - Osasuna

Speaking of luck, last placed REAL ZARAGOZA did not see it tonight at all & drew 1 - 1 against OSASUNA. Zaragoza hit the post twice & was only rewarded for their brave & gutsy performance with a goal by POSTIGA in the 85th min, to which Osasuna replied & equalized via ROVERSIO in the 88th min. When things go bad, everything goes bad for Zaragoza.

Xavi celebrates his goal

SEVILLA FC hosted FC BARCELONA with the former attempting to lift from their past poor performances, unsatisfied expectations & strong player criticisms  from Club President Del Nido. The final result did not solve or change things as Barça won 0 - 2 


The "damage" by Barça was done in the first half were they dominated the game & Sevilla kept giving away the ball. XAVI put Barça ahead in the 18th min with a fantastic free-kick goal. Then LIONEL MESSI did his magic & "nutmegged" a Sevilla defender & then chipped keeper Palop in the 25th min.

Sevilla reacted in the 2º half but missed all their chances. This is a sign of Sevilla´s problems of late, that they are not able to finish off their opportunities. Barça held tight & even had a Messi goal disallowed.

Diego Costa

Madrid Club RAYO VALLECANO is a difficult team to beat in their home stadium & again this was proved after defeating REAL BETIS 3 - 0. Deserved win that puts them close to the Euro positions on the ladder which was not even contemplated at the start of the season.  Now their hard work & their tight outfit allows the Club to dream about getting within the top 6 teams.

The goals came in the second half via ARMENTEROS in the 50th min from a Diego Costa pass, DIEGO COSTA then headed a free kick in the 78th min & substitute TAMUDO scored in the 90th min to give the Madrid team the three points. Good game.

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