SPANISH CUP TUESDAY GAMES FINAL RESULTS

The first of three days of SPANISH CUP FOOTBALL started tonight with two games scheduled of the 1º st leg of the last 32 team stage. Here are the final results & the goalscorers.

Spanish 2º B Division Club LLAGOSTERA hosted VALENCIA CF to go down with dignity 0 - 2. Valencia suffered the first half & only managed to pull away when JONAS scored in the 46th min & VALDEZ scored in the 68th min. The goals came from set pieces & apart from this Valencia did not shine, something habitual all this season.

The home side missed a penalty opportunity in the 89th min when the ball hit the post & the took away an advantage that would have been handy for the return game.

ALAVES hosted FC BARCELONA to a packed local stadium with a starting Barça team  with plenty of the bigger names on the bench. However, a Barça bench is the equivalent of most Top European teams & they went out looking for the victory. Alaves played well, fought & had their chances & they should be relatively happy with their efforts.

It was the on-the-ground Barça stars that did the fine work, starting with DAVID VILLA in the 39th min , ANDRES INIESTA in the 50th min with a magical chipped goal & lastly in the   88th min CESC FABREGAS scored the third.

Another day at the office for Barça. Final result 0 - 3
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SPANISH FOOTBALL | LIGA MONDAY NIGHT GAME RESULT

VALLADOLID hosted REAL SOCIEDAD tonight for the last match of Round 9 of the SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE - LA LIGA.

Entertaining match of Football with both teams dedicated towards the cause & looking for the victory. A see-saw match that saw the result swing to each as the minutes flew pass.

The opener came for Real Sociedad via "man of the match" GRIEZMANN in the 36th min, but Valladolid equalized via ELBERT in the 43rd min. Real Sociedad then got back in the lead with another GRIEZMANN goal in the 56th min & yes, Valladolid equalized thanks to OSCAR in the 74th min. Final result 2 -2.

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SEVEN SPANISH FOOTBALL PLAYERS | FIFA GOLDEN BALL CANDIDATES

FIFA - FRANCE FOOTBALL have handed in their list of 23 candidates that will opt for the 2012 GOLDEN BALL AWARD. Seven Spanish Football players are on the list with
a handful of Internationals working in Spain, like Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Falcao, Ozil etc.

The list gets shortened to three names on the 29th of November. While the winner is announced at an "over the top"ceremony in Zurich on the 7th of January 2013.

List of players-candidates for the FIFA FRANCE FOOTBALL Golden Ball Award 2012

Sergio Agüero (ARG/Manchester City)
Mario Balotelli (ITA/Manchester City)
Karim Benzema (FRA/Real Madrid)
Gianluigi Buffon (ITA/Juventus Turin)
Sergio Busquets (SP/FC Barcelona)
Iker Casillas (SP/Real Madrid)
Didier Drogba (IVC/Chelsea, puis Shanghai Shenhua)
Radamel Falcao (COL/Atletico Madrid)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (SWE/Milan AC, puis Paris-SG)
Andrés Iniesta (SP/FC Barcelona)
Lionel Messi (ARG/ FC Barcelona)
Manuel Neuer (GER/Bayern Munich)
Neymar (BRA/Santos)
Mesut Özil (GER/Real Madrid)
Gerard Piqué (SP/FC Barcelona)
Andrea Pirlo (ITA/Juventus Turin)
Sergio Ramos (SP/Real Madrid)
Cristiano Ronaldo (POR/Real Madrid)
Wayne Rooney (ENG/Manchester United)
Yaya Touré (IVC/Manchester City)
Robin van Persie (HOL/Arsenal, puis Manchester United)
Xabi Alonso (SP/Real Madrid)
Xavi Hernandez (SP/FC Barcelona)

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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA | ROUND 9 SUNDAY GAMES RESULTS

SPANISH FOOTBALL action with Round 9 of LA LIGA  with the Sunday match schedule. Here are all the final results, along with all the goalscorers.

REAL ZARAGOZA managed an important win over SEVILLA FC at home 2 - 1. The home team did the damage in the first 45 mins of the match with two goals, the first from POSTINGA in the 35th min & the second from SAPUNARU. Sevilla then lifted looking for their chances but missed their opportunities until midfielder MEDAL got one back with a deflection in the 70th min. Zaragoza then held out the visitors to get the valuable three points.

LEVANTE have found a positive patch & managed another victory, this time 3 - 1 over GRANADA. Very deserved the win with MARTINS on fire with two great goals, the first in the 11th min & his second in the 60th min. Team-mate PEDRO RIOS then joined the home team party with his effort in the 73rd min.

Granada managed a consolation goal late in the 84th min via EL ARABI.

ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO are a shadow of themselves, compared to last season were their home ground "San Mames" was a stronghold. Tonight Madrid Club GETAFE visited & won 1 - 2 which upset somewhat the local fans who watched how their "Lions" played without any roar.

Getafe dominated most of the game & managed to convert their chances. J.RODRIGUEZ scored first for Getafe in the 12th min & later ALAVRO got the second in the 58th min. Bilbao tried hard but lacked effectiveness until SAN JOSE got a consolation goal in the last moment in the 94th min.

ATLETICO DE MADRID continue their merry way with another victory, this time against bottom Club OSASUNA with a 3 - 1 final result. Good match for the home side with Osasuna having their moments in which they were rewarded via a fabulous LAMAH goal in the 42nd min.

Earlier MIRANDA scored for Atletico in the 31st min & RAUL GARCIA in the 34th min. The second half saw Atletico control & FALCAO scored a "killer piece" in the 73rd min to shut the door on the visitors.

Atletico share top spot of the Spanish League ladder with FC Barcelona.

 REAL MALLORCA hosted REAL MADRID & lost 0 - 5. Mallorca was tonight a shadow of the team we have been accustomed to when they play at home & looked more like the visitors. Loose defensive work allowed Real Madrid to find spaces & they were severely punished. Good night for Modric who was very active from the start, Di Maria was deadly with his precision passing, Ozil active, defender Varane was especially solid along with Ramos & Pepe. The only dimish for Madrid was Xabi Alonso who limped off.

The goalscorers were in the following order: HIGUAIN in the 7th min, CRISTIANO RONALDO in the 26th min, HIGUAIN in the 69th min, CRISTIANO RONALDO in the 72nd min & CALLEJON in the 93rd min.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL CANDIDATES | GOLDEN BOY AWARD

Plenty of Spanish U-21 Internationals & Spanish Football based youngsters are on the list of candidates for this years "Golden Boy Award". The title is handed in by Italian paper "Tuttosport" with the votes of 30 journalists that will claim the "Best U-21 player in European Football". The winner will be announce December at the city of Turin ( Italy ) HQ of the Sports paper.

Muniain, Koke & Isco

List of final caniddates:

Alaba (Bayern Munich); Ananidze (Spartak de Moscú); Atsu (Porto); Bahebeck (Troyes); Campell (Betis); Castaignos (Twente); Courtois (Atlético de Madrid); Coutinho (Inter de Milán); Deulofeu (FC Barcelona B); Draxler (Schalke 04); Dudu (Dinamo de Kiev); El Shaarawy (Milan); Eriksen (Ajax); Gotze (Borussia Dortmund); Guidetti (Manchester City); Isco (Málaga CF); Jesé (Real Madrid Castilla); John (Benfica); Kadlec (Sparta de Praga); Koke (Atlético de Madrid); Kovacic (Dinamo de Zagreb); Lalkovic (Victoria Guimaraes); Lamela (AS Roma); Longo (RCD Espanyol); Markovic (Partizan de Belgrado); Martins Indi (Feyenord); Muniain (Athletic Club); Musa (CSKA Moscú); Obiang (Sampdoria); Oxlade Chamberlain (Arsenal); Ozdoev (Lokomotiv de Moscú); Pogba (Juventus); Salah (Basilea); Shelvey (Liverpool); Sterling (Liverpool); Varane (Real Madrid); Verratti (Paris Saint Germain) & Xhaka (Borussia M'Gladbach).

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SPANISH SPORTS | MARQUEZ - LORENZO CLAIM MOTO WORLD TITLES

While most of Spain slept two Spanish Sportsmen & Moto riders proclaimed themselves 2012 WORLD CHAMPIONS in Australia. The difference in time zones discouraged many to wake up at 04.00 am to watch live the AUSTRALIAN MOTO GP CHAMPIONSHIPS, however the final results & excellent Spanish Sports news were beamed immediately.

JORGE LORENZO needed only 3 points to mathematically claim the 2012 MOTOGP World Championship & he did so after title rival Spaniard Dani Pedrosa fell & withdraw from the race. Jorge Lorenzo finished second behind Australia Casey Stone who wanted to win retiring with a home victory.

Its the second GP World title for Lorenzo making him the Spaniard with most GP titles in the History of the Sport.

Spanish rider MARC MARQUEZ proclaimed himself mathematically 2012 MOTO 2 WORLD CHAMPION after finishing third in his Moto 2 race. Its his second World Title, the first being in the 125cc category. The rider will now jump to the MOTOGP category next season where he will take the place left vacant by retiring Casey Stoner in the Honda team having countryman Dani Pedrosa as team-mate.

Congratulations to both from Spanish Football & Sports, great day for Spanish Sports.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA | ROUND 9 SATURDAY GAMES RESULTS

Top level SPANISH FOOTBALL via LA LIGA with four games  schedule today of Round 9. Here are all the final results with all the goalscorers.

RCD ESPANYOL drew 0 - 0 with MALAGA FC. Malaga rested some key players after mid week Champions duties & Espanyol failed to take advantage of this situation. Espanyol won their first game of the season last week that raised some hopes, but they slipped back into their "old ways".

REAL BETIS won 1 - 0 VALENCIA CF & put back the pressure on the visitors. Real Betis opened proceedings with a goal from SALVA SILVA early in the 8th min. The first half was all Betis, & the second half was all Valencia which failed to get a goal. Its the fourth loss for Valencia & there are nerves within the Club, while Betis gets up on the Spanish League ladder.

Big "Galicia region" derby between CELTA DE VIGO & DEPORTIVO A CORUÑA. Fierce rivalry that ended as most big derby games in a draw, in this case 1 - 1. The match had intensity, lots of opportunities for both sides with chances for victory going either way. There was even a red card, given to Cabral of Celta in the 51st min that left Celta with 10 men. Top match that deserved more goals.

The goals scorers were MARIO BERMEJO in the 8th min for Celta & J. DOMINGUEZ for Deportivo in the 29th min.

Madrid Club RAYO VALLECANO hosted FC BARCELONA & lost 0 - 2. Barcelona played with a reorganized defence with Busquets - Adriano as central defenders while forward David Villa started. Although the Barça is not as solid in defence as past season ( injuries etc. ) they make up for this with their fire power upfront.

DAVID VILLA opened the scoring in the 20th min from an excellent Fabregas pass. Then LIONEL MESSI got his 12th goal of the season scoring the second for Barça in the 47th min.  Towards the end , Rayo Vallecano fell apart with another three rapid goals for Barça via XAVI HERNANDEZ in 79th min,  CESC FABREGAS in the 81st min & MESSI again in the 88th min extending his seasons goal tally to now 13.

Rayo Vallecano had some opportunities but failed to convert which is an almost sure way to lose against Barça. 

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WHY PEP GUARDIOLA LEFT FC BARCELONA | TRUE ?

Many suspected something similar, but today comments from Football representative Francois Gallardo to media added more to the rumours.

One of the main reasons Pep Guardiola left FC BARCELONA is because the Club - via President Rosell - refused to accept one of his prime demands to continue training Barça: to sell Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique, Dani Alves & David Villa. The Club refused because they feared a fan base backlash, thus Guardiola said goodbye. 

Guardiola-Cesc Fabregas

In the case of Pique & Alves, Guardiola felt they lacked compromise with the Club & his proyect. With Cesc Fabregas he felt fraud as the player he helped sign & return to Barcelona failed him as a person ( perhaps lack of discipline ). The case of David Villa is solely Sporting as in the scheme of Guardiola´s field settings & team structure Villa was out of place.
Interesting insight indeed.
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REAL MADRID EYES CLOSELY GARETH BALE

The headline is nothing new. REAL MADRID, as other Clubs notably FC Barcelona, has been watching for sometime Welsh International & TOTTENHAM HOPSPURS player GARETH BALE. Today Spanish Sports paper "As" publish that Real Madrid is seriously thinking in going "after" Bale for next season.

Gareth Bale

The 23 year old has enormous talent & pace, speed to run down the wing, a position he is playing now more after starting his stroll down Football fame as a left-back. The endeavour of getting Bale to Madrid will not be easy at all, unlike ex-team-mate Modric, Bale has no intention of rebelling & at this point the only element of persuasion is cash, around 50M€ it is speculated in Football circles.

The Madrid strategy is clear, Bale can fill in if Marcelo or Cristiano Ronaldo are out of action due to injury. However, dark rumours also suggest that Real Madrid maybe rethinking seriously on whether to renew the contract of star player Cristiano Ronaldo. It is still a "dirty" rumour, but if so, Bale would be an almost perfect substitute.

Still a long time away from next summer, but we will keep a close eye on things in this interesting front.
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EUROPA LEAGUE RESULTS | AT BILBAO - LEVANTE - AT MADRID

Three Spanish Football Clubs had EUROPA LEAGUE Group duties with the following final results & with the following goalscorers.

LYON basically "killed off" the Europa League campaign for ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO after winning 2 - 1 in their Group B game. Bilbao deserved more, much more, but failed in the crucial moments which is becoming habitual. The French had their chances & scored via LISANDRO in the 54th min & BRIAND with the winner in the 85th min.

Tall Bilbao forward Fernando Llorente came on in the second half & set up IBA GOMEZ for their only goal in the 78th min. Sad to see Llorente not being used as much due to internal Club conflicts, its Bilbao´s loss.

LEVANTE won 3 - 0 TWENTE & puts them second in Group L . Deserved & well won with goals from MICHEL from a penalty in the 59th min, & two goals from PEDRO RIOS in the 78th & 88th min.

ATLETICO DE MADRID shifted into top gear in the second half against AC COIMBRA in their Group B match to score & finally win 2 - 1. The Spanish Club let some of the more regular men have a rest to give many "second-line" players a run. They played just as solid as the regular 11 & got the first in the 47th min from DIEGO COSTA, then Turk ERME scored a beautiful free-kick in the 67th min.

Coimbra got their goal & managed to win back some spirit when SAM scored in the 84th min from a fine free-kick pass ( lob ) that beat the Spanish defence to which he headed in.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WEDNESDAY GROUP RESULTS | MALAGA FC - REAL MADRID

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Group duties for the SPANISH FOOTBALL CLUBS, Malaga FC & Real Madrid. Ying & Yang outcomes tonight for Spanish Football with mixed & surprising ends. Here are the final results & all the goalscorers.

Saviola

MALAGA FC hosted AC MILAN in a Group C clash with the Spaniards winning 1 - 0. Evened game which was decided only by a class piece of action by JOAQUIN in the 64th min. Earlier that same player had missed a penalty in the 44th min, to which he basically redeemed himself of that lost opportunity: from villain to hero.

In summary,  the first half went to Milan with more chances, while the second half Malaga FC was more effective with the only match goal as their reward & thus the victory prize. Historical night at Malaga where the European magic keeps on happening.

Goal by Dortmund

German Club BORUSSIA DORTMUND take top spot of the difficult Group D table after defeating REAL MADRID 2 - 1. Deserved victory by the German which put in a textbook game of tactical discipline & effective upfront definition. 

Real Madrid was thin on ideas & out of tune with a bad start in the 19th min with Khedira off injured with a muscle pull. His substitute Modric was dim as was Ozil & Xabi Alonso. The Real Madrid engine just did not burn as effectively tonight as other occasions & their game suffered.

The German got ahead first with a great counter-attack after a silly Real Madrid defensive mistake found  LEWANDOWSKI free for a precision pass that was hammered home in the 35th min. Then Real Madrid enjoyed a "golden minute" when Ozil found with a long pass CRISTIANO RONALDO who equalized in the in te 37th min. But that was all for Real...

The Germans continued grinding the Spaniards straight into & all the second half until they got their second & winning goal after a "poor" Iker Casillas punched out ball which was reaped up by SCMELZER who booted into the goal net.

Great night for Dortmund, but Real Coach Mourinho will not be happy.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP RESULTS | VALENCIA CF - FC BARCELONA

Will apologize from the onset for this post which will be brief & not as extensive as usual. Tough & long day at the office, past midnight & just got in.

However, enough about my woes, your here for Spanish Football news & Clubs, & two of them had Champions League Group duties tonight with good results. Here are the final results & the goalscorers.

Soldado

VALENCIA CF won away to BATE BORISOV 0 - 3 in their Group G match. The Spanish team keeps the momentum of recent good play & results & their forward ROBERTO SOLDADO starred with a HAT - TRICK. Three great goal scored in the 45th, 55th & 68th min.

Iniesta

FC BARCELONA won their Group F game against CELTIC GLASGOW 2 - 1 & in the 94th min via the JORDI ALBA winner. The Scots played a great match, brave & withstanding. They gave Barça a few shakes including the opener by SAMARAS in the 18th min. ANDRES INIESTA put things back in place with his 45th min equalizer.

FC Barcelona played better & controlled the ball more & Celtic goalie Foster was a "wall" keeping out numerous clear opportunities from Barcelona. Even the post got into the party against Barça wishes , but they managed the victory which is what finally counts.

Deserved win by Barça,  but by a hairs breath. 

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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LIGA | ROUND 8 MONDAY NIGHT MATCH

Round 8 of the SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE - LA LIGA - ended tonight with the Monday SEVILLA vs REAL MALLORCA match. The final result was a 3 - 2 victory to the home side which made a comeback in what finished being an exciting game og Football. 

Sevilla - Real Mallorca

Real Mallorca Coach Caparros returned to the staduim & Club he once Coached to received a warm local welcome. It was Mallorca that went ahead first via BIGAS in the 25th min to see minutes later Sevilla forward NEGREDO equalize in the 29th min.

Real Mallorca then reacted quickly with HEMED scoring in the 29th min to give the visitors the edge. From here it was even & hard fought in the midfield. Sevilla managed to equalize again via NEGREDO in the 56th min & CICINHO got the winner in the 75th min. Three points to Sevilla.

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WORLD SOCCER BEST OF CANDIDATES

Football magazine “World Soccer” has released its list of candidates for the “Best of Awards” for Players, Managers  & Clubs/Teams. As expected there are plenty of names that are either Spanish or work in Spain in the Liga. Apart, the Spanish National Team gets a candidacy in “Best Football Team of the Year”.

The winners are given via the voting of the readers, plus this time around journalist & “Football experts” from around the World place their votes. The winner in the player category here could give us clues to the upcoming “FIFA World Player” scheduled for the 7^th of January 2013. 

Here are the full lists of candidates in each category:

Players:

Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Chelsea/Shangai Shenhua.

Radamel Falcao (Colombia), Atlético de Madrid.

Eden Hazard (Bélguim), Lille/Chelsea.

Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Barcelona.

Leo Messi (Argentina), Barcelona.

Neymar (Brazil), Santos.

Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Juventus.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Real Madrid.

Yayá Touré (Ivory Coast), Manchester City.

Xavi (Spain), Barcelona.

Managers/Coaches:

Marcelo Bielsa (Argentina), Athletic de Bilbao.

Vicente del Bosque (Spain), Spain.

Roberto di Matteo (Italy), Chelsea.

René Girard (France), Montpellier.

Jürgen Klopp (Germany), Borussia Dortmund.

José Mourinho (Portugal), Real Madrid.

Hervé Renard (France), Selección de Zambia.

Diego Simeone (Argentina), Atlético.

Luis Tena (México), Selección olímpica de México.

Tite (Brazil), Corinthians.

Teams/Clubs

Atlético de Madrid (Spain).

Borussia Dortmund (Germany).

Chelsea (England).

Corinthians (Brazil).

Juventus (Italy).

México National Team.

Montpellier (France).

Spain National Team.

Universidad Católica (Chile).

Zambia National Team

"World Soccer" will also announce their "World Best XI".

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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LIGA ROUND 8 | SUNDAY GAMES FINAL RESULTS

SPANISH FOOTBALL action continued today with the Round 8 "LA LIGA" matches. Here are all the final results along with all the scorers.

Getafe - Levante 

Important win today for LEVANTE away to Madrid Club GETAFE 0 - 1 which allows the former to jump up the Spanish League ladder. Hard found out game with chances to both sides which was finally settled towards the end by a MICHEL 87th min goal.

RCD Espanyol

Great match between bottom placed RCD ESPANYOL & Madrid Club RAYO VALLECANO which finished with a 3 - 2 result & gave Espanyol their first season victory. Rayo got ahead first via LEO in the 10th min, but Espanyol player VERDU was inspired today & equalized in the 36th min & scored again in the 48th min. Then LEO equalized for Rayo in the 63rd min , but STUANI got the winner in the last moment in the 92nd min. Emotional stuff & rough as both sides had a player sent off with red cards.

Real Zaragoza scores

GRANADA lost to REAL ZARAGOZA 1 - 2 which allowed the latter to jump over Granada in the bottom part of the Liga ladder. Real Zaragoza forward POSTINGA got an early goal in the 2nd min & Zaragoza grabbed another via VICTOR RODRIGUEZ in the 26th min. Granada reacted & lifted their game & was rewarded with a 77th min goal by EL ARABI. But Zaragoza held out to grab the three points.

Osasuna - Real Betis 

Did not see this match guys. Cannot really give you an exact summary of the main events except the both OSASUNA & REAL BETIS finished their game in a 0 - 0 draw.

Falcao

REAL SOCIEDAD hosted ATLETICO DE MADRID in an evenly played game were the locals had opportunities to score. Atletico goalie Courtois had a busy night keeping out the ball under wet conditions at San Sebastian. Just when everyone thought the match would finish in a 0 - 0 draw, FALCAO appeared in the 90th min to put in a magical free-kick for the winner. Three points for Atletico & sharing the Top of La Liga ladder with Barça. Final game result 0 - 1.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL - LEAGUE ROUND 8 | SATURDAY ROUND 8 FINAL RESULTS

SPANISH FOOTBALL returned to LA LIGA after a two week break due to International matches. Round 8 had scheduled four top matches, with the following final results & with the following goalscorers.

Goal celebration

REAL MADRID hosted CELTA DE VIGO with a reorganized defensive line with Ramos & Essien sharing defensive wings. The locals won 2 - 0 which was deserved & the scoreline could have been more had Cristiano Ronaldo, Ramos & others not missed so much.

Celta had two clear chances but Real Goalie Iker Casillas did his usual saving tricks to keep the visitors out. Other highlights was the good work from Modric who found his groove today.

The goalscorers were GONZALO HIGUAIN in the 11 th min with an extraordinary goal & CRISTIANO RONALDO in the 67th via a penalty.

Midfield tussle

Intense match at VALENCIA which hosted ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO. The locals started on the back foot & ex-Valencia player ADURIZ put Bilbao ahead in the 18th min. Valencia under pressure & against the grain equalized via a penalty which SOLDADO converted in the 26th min. But the Valencia attempts were cancelled out when ADURIZ again put Bilbao ahead in the 30th min.

The key moment came in the 67th min when Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera got a red card which left Bilbao at a disadvantage which allowed Valencia to breathe again to come to life. The home side took the advantage & in the last moments turned the match around with goals from TINO COSTA in the 88th min & the winner via VALDEZ in the 90th.

Bilbao Coach Bielsa will not be pleased at all.

Joaquin

MALAGA won 2 - 1 with a late goal from JOAQUIN in the 87th min when minutes before he missed a penalty. VALLADOLID went ahead first in the 8th min via MANUCHO & were looking good. But their efforts went from strong to weak as Malaga began taking control. In form Spanish U-21 International & Malaga player ISCO was again determinate & he got the equalizer in the 36th min.

Malaga hold onto the 3rd spot of the Spanish League ladder for now.

Tello

DEPORTIVO A CORUÑA nearly managed to pull the surprise in a brave & gutsy attempt to halt FC BARCELONA which lost Mascherano to a red card in the 50th min,  & left Barça at a disadvantage. However Barcelona has LIONEL MESSI who assured the victory for FC Barcelona with a HAT-TRICK.

The match of the day see-sawed as Deportivo came back from all the Barça punches. JORDI ALBA got Barça ahead first in the 3rd min, then TELLO continued on for Barça with the second in the 8th min & MESSI put Barça away with a third in the 18th min. But Deportivo recovered from this early "bashing" & PIZZI pulled back a goal in the 27th min along with team-mate BERGATIÑOS in the 37th min to then watch how MESSI again scored in the 44th min just before half time. 

The second half was as magnificent as the first with PIZZI scoring the third for Deportivo in the 47th min & then Deportivo lifted further as Mascherano was sent off with a red card giving Deportivo the numerical advantage.

MESSI managed to ease the pressure with his third & teams fifth in the 78th min, but Deportivo was not finished as yet as they got their fourth via a JORDI ALBA own goal. From here Barça suffered but managed to withstand the onslaught to go on & win the match 4 - 5 & take the three points.

Lionel Messi again "saves" FC Barcelona from another "sticky" situation.

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REAL MADRID - DE GEA PLANNING A MOVE?

Spanish International U-21 & MANCHESTER UNITED goalkeeper DAVID DE GEA is going through a rough patch at his English Club. This & the fact that De Gea has just signed to "Super Manager" Jorge Mendes ( Ronaldo, Falcao, Pepe, Marcelo, Mourinho etc & etc ) has opened up a "can of rumours"

David De Gea

There is a close relationship between Manager Jorge Mendes & REAL MADRID for obvious reasons, one of the many being Coach Jose Mourinho. The Real Madrid Coach is looking for a "Top" goalkeeper to pressure & be a competent substitute for current goalie Iker Casillas.

The bad moments at Manchester for De Gea is making some think that Jorge Mendes could be planning a chance of "airs" for his new client  The young goalkeeper cost Man Utd 25M€, while Real Madrid is said to only consider this option for less than 20M€

I personally don't give much credit to this local rumour at this moment. Why? Manchester United would be foolish to let go this talent, independently of his "mistakes", as many believe De Gea is the "heir" to the Spanish National Team Goalkeeper position when Casillas gives it up.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL | SPANISH CUP DRAW 2012 - 2013

The last 32 Clubs in the SPANISH CUP went into the draw today with the following results:

Spanish Cup draw 2012-2013

Home & Away : 31 Oct. - 28th Nov 2012:
1. Alcoyano - Real Madrid
2. Llagostera - Valencia
3. Cacereño - Málaga
4. Alavés - Barcelona
5. Eibar - Athletic
6. Jaen - Atlético
7. Melilla - Levante
8. Las Palmas/Racing - Rayo
9. Sporting - Osasuna
10. Almería - Celta
11. Córdoba - Real Sociedad
12. Ponferradina - Getafe
13. Valladolid - Betis
14. Deportivo - Mallorca
15. Zaragoza - Granada
16. Sevilla - Espanyol

Final of the Spanish Cup: 18th of May 2013

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REAL MADRID | DEFENSIVE PROBLEMS

"Houston, we have a problem". Or this in the REAL MADRID case,  a defensive wing problem on both sides. Regular flankers have been injured with National Team duties, left-back MARCELO with Brazil & out 3 months, his natural substitute COENTRAO injured with Portugal & right-back ARBELOA injured agianst France & out around 3 weeks.

This will force Coach Mournho to reset his defensive line & move around players. For the left-back position there are two juniors which could possibly be called up: Casado & Nacho. For the right-back Sergio Ramos or Essien look more in line to fill this spot , with Varane in as the central with Pepe. Having said this, Varane or Albiol could be put in the right-back position, & some even think that Di Maria may do.

Whatever of the multiple combinations Real Madrid has a situation that needs to be cleared & solved as they have Liga this weekend & Champions mid-week. The defence is perhaps the "weaker" aspect of their game & the opposition teams may exploit this "quick entry point". It will be interesting to see what formula Mourinho cames up with to mend the "split" defensive line.

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SPAIN 1 FRANCE 1 | GROUP I WORLD CUP 2014

SPAIN drew 1 - 1 against FRANCE in their Group I WORLD CUP 2014 qualifier. Bad night overall if you consider that Spain lost the match in the last moment & two players went off injured. To add to all this, Spain failed a penalty & luckily for them, France was disallowed a possible on-side goal that avoided a true "shock" result.

Sergio Ramos

The first half was a Spanish monologue of possession Football - up to 75% - & created many chances. France was pushed into their own half & hardly went forward while the Spanish Football Team was basically running riot.

The first sign of "bad luck" was the injury to David Silva, which with hindsight some may consider an omen of things to come. SERGIO RAMOS put Spain ahead in the 25th min after hitting the post & then getting onto a pass from a team-mate.

From here everything went downhill slowly, CESC FABREGAS missed a penalty & France grew in confidence. So much so that they were unlucky to have been disallowed a goal by Menez that would have put France in a draw at half time

Cesc Fabregas

In the second half Spain was pushed & counter-attacked out of the match. Defender Arbeloa was substituted injured & that changed the field set-up. France left behind the defensive mode & went ahead looking for the goal. Now Karim Benzema & Ribery were in control & Spanish goalie Iker Casillas making important saves along with the defenders to keep Spain breathing & alive.

Ribery

Then in the 94th min with French substitute GIROUD just on, Spanish defender Juan Fran lost a stupid ball in the Spanish half to which France controlled found Ribery who ran at the defence  crossed & found the head of Giroud who scored the equalizer. Spain was shot in the head, Football speaking. 

A deserved goal & draw as France was the dominating team in the second half while Spain for some unknown reason lost control.

For the Real Madrid fans, bad match as well. If the Spanish Club lost Coentrao to injury with Portugal & Marcelo with Brazil, tonight Arbeloa went off injured along with Frenchman Benzema. Four key players during FIFA duties.

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ARSENAL FC EYES ATHLETIC CLUB FERNANDO LLORENTE ?

Spanish International & ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO forward FERNANDO LLORENTE will be a "free agent" as of the 1 st of January 2013. That is he will be free to chosen the Club that he wished to play for when he finishes contract at the end of the season after not renewing & on top the new signing Club does not need to pay a transfer fee. Absolute bargain.

Fernando Llorente

The Bilbao player is undergoing a personal "hell" being marginalized by his Coach, Club & insulted by fans. His choice of not renewing has been seen as "betrayal" & Llorente is feeling this mindless outrage on regular basis. Under this condition anyone would wish to leave & he has many interested European & Spanish Clubs knocking at his door.

FC Barcelona & Real Madrid have sounded heavily, as has Italian Club Juventus, but the Club that is sounding now strongly is ARSENAL FC. The hitch is that if solicited in the upcoming "Winter Market" the English Club would have to pay at least his contract release clause which is 36M€, as saids above, he finishes his current contract the 30th of June.

This does not mean that Arsenal will wait & may perfectly take up the option of paying & getting the forward for the rest of the remaining "half" season. Either way there will be a "tussle" to entice the man with local giants Barça & Madrid possibly asking the player to withstand his local "nightmare" until the end of the season & then comfortably choose with an attractive salary package.

Stay tuned!

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ANDRES INIESTA | HIS "IDEAL" PROFILE OF FOOTBALLER

Interesting story out of Spanish Sports paper "Marca" on what FC Barcelona & Spanish International ANDRES INIESTA considers the "profile of the perfect (ideal) Football player".

Iniesta: profile of the perfect Footballer

He picks 6 players & a specific aspect of their abilities to fit his "idea" profile:

• The heading technique of Falcao
• The personality of Carles Puyol
• The right leg of Xavi Hernandez
• The left leg & ability of Leo Messi
• The tactical positioning of Busquets
• The goal scoring instinct of Cristiano Ronaldo

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FC BARCELONA | PARIS ST GERMAIN LOOKS AT NEYMAR

Brazilian International & SANTOS player NEYMAR was back in the Spanish Football news this week. Most Football observers & fans wish to know when the player will be landing in Spanish Football & at FC BARCELONA.

However, this is still speculation & rumour as Spanish Football commentator José Petón let know in late night Spanish TV. According to his information, Neymar will not be leaving Santos until after the 2014 World Cup to be held in Brazil, the Brazilian will wait & not renew his current contract with Santos in order to chose his destiny freely & without the pressure from Santos. Lastly, there is no agreement at all between Neymar & FC Barcelona as published locally & affirmed months back.

Neymar

In that same late night TV Football programme, journalist Alfredo Duro, added to his fellow commentator with more juicy news. Duro affirmed that there is no Neymar-Barça agreement & that PARIS ST GERMAIN is moving in to fill the vacuum. So much so that PSG Football Director Leonardo met with ex-PSG player & Brazilian International Rai to give the later the mission to convince Neymar to consider PSG as his next destination.

The contacts between Neymar & Barcça have existed but have halted in recent times allowing the French Club to be the protagonist, so much so, that Barça is in danger of losing its much laboured influence & front running position. 

Thus to conclude & give you the latest on this saga, Paris Saint Germain is working seriously & determinedly to convince Neymar in joining them & to landed in French Football.

Stay tuned, this ongoing story still has plenty of pages left to write on.
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SPAIN DEFEATS BELARUS 0 - 4 | 2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

BELARUS lost 0 - 4 to SPAIN in their Group 2014 World Cup qualifier. The Spanish population was deprived from the TV coverage due to a conflict in watching rights. What we missed seeing was a total Spanish National Football Team dominance & a HAT-TRICK by FC Barcelona forward PEDRO. Spain also hit the wood-work twice.

Next match vs France next week.

Hat-trick man PEDRO

Match summary:

Belarus 0: Veremko; Martynovich, Shitov, Plaskonny, Bardachov, Filipenko; Dragun (Chukhley, min.79), Volodko (Kisliak, min.46), Hleb, Tigorev; & Rodionov (Bressan, min.65).

Spain 4: Casillas, Arbeloa, Busquets, Ramos (Albiol, min.72), Alba; Xabi Alonso, Xavi (Villa, min.75), Cazorla; Silva (Iniesta, min.56), Pedro & Cesc.

Goals: 0-1, Jordi Alba, min.10. 0-2, Pedro, min.20. 0-3, Pedro, min.69. 0-4, Pedro, min.72.

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EURO U- 21 QUALIFIER | SPAIN 5 DENMARK 0

Excellent night for the SPANISH U-21 NATIONAL TEAM & in particular for foward RODRIGO who managed a bag full of goals. SPAIN defeated DENMARK 5 - 0 in the play off elimination qualifier home match for the upcoming European Championships Finals in Israel

Rodrigo scores

Spanish forward RODRIGO scored a HAT-TRICK with four goals, in the 14th - 17th - 20th & 66th min, with Malaga player ISCO scoring the fifth in the 79th min. A game totally dominated by Spain that cancelled out the Danes & when they were dangerous Spanish goalie De Gea made important saves. 

Spain now goes into the upcoming away match with 100% security & with great chances of qualifying for Isreal. 

Starting 11 of both sides:

SPAIN 5 : De Gea; Montoya, Bartra, I. Martinez, Plana; Oriol, Illarramendi; Isco, Muniain, Tello & Rodrigo

DENMARK 0 : Ronnow; Fenger, Vastergaard, Jorgensen, Kirkeskov; Albaek, Delaney, Christiansen, Kusk; Emil Larsen & Helenius

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