TOP 10 CANDIDATES LIST UEFA BEST PLAYER FOR 2013 - 2014

UEFA has handed in their list of candidates to compete for the "UEFA Best Player in Europe Award" for season 2013-2014. The top 10 list has Spanish Football familiar players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Diego Costa & now Luis Suarez.  Surprised to see James Rodriguez of Monaco who really exploded onto the World Football scene during the recent Brazil World Cup & was only "normal" in the French Liga. 

Last years winner was Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich.

CR7 candidate for UEFA Best Player Award

The 10 player shortlist for the 2013/14 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award:

• Diego Costa (Spain, Club Atletico de Madrid – now at Chelsea FC)
• Ángel Di Maria (Argentina, Real Madrid CF)
• James Rodriguez (Colombia, AS Monaco FC)
• Philipp Lahm (Germany, FC Bayern München)
• Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona)
• Thomas Müller (Germany, FC Bayern München)
• Manuel Neuer (Germany, FC Bayern München)
• Arjen Robben (Netherlands, FC Bayern München)
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid CF)
• Luis Suarez (Uruguay, Liverpool FC – now at FC Barcelona)

This list will be shortened to just 3 players the 14th of August, & the winner will be announced the 28th of August in Monaco during the UEFA Champions League season 2014-15 Group draw.

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FC BARCELONA WINS ACB LIGA TITLE | SPANISH BASKETBALL

FC Barcelona won tonight the Spanish Basketball League (ACB) after defeating 83-81 Real Madrid & taking the "Best of 5 games" Final with a final 3 - 1 aggregate. Rough & tough game with controversial referee decision along with Real Madrid Coach Pablo Laso being expelled from the game. Very tension as Real Madrid needed to win to stay alive.

FC Barcelona player & Captain Juan Carlos Navarro was named MVP of the Finals, while tonight Barça player Tomic was outstanding with 22 points.

Real Madrid will be very disappointed as they finished the regular season on top of the ACB ladder. But the team went from more to less in the latter part of the season. Real Madrid felt their loss in the Euro-league final & has not did recovered since from the blow. 

Congratulations to Barça for winning the ACB Basketball League Title.

Details of tonights fourth match:

Result: Barcelona 83 - Real Madrid 81

Barcelona: Marcelinho (9), Navarro (14), Papanikolaou (3), Nachbar (10) & Tomic (22) —starting—; Dorsey (2), Sada (2), Abrines (8), Oleson (10) & Lampe (3).

Real Madrid: Llull (8), Rudy Fernández (13), Darden (6), Mirotic (11) & Bourousis (12) —starting—; Felipe Reyes (11), Sergio Rodríguez (5), Carroll (5), Slaughter (-), Dani Díez (-) & Mejri (10).

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PREVIEW EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL | SEVILLA FC POSSIBLE LINE-UP

The first of the two big European Football Finals will be played tonight when Spanish Football Club Sevilla FC meets Portuguese Club Benfica in the Final of the Europa League. Sevilla FC have won this tournament twice, back to back, in 2006 & 2007 while Benfica has a believed "black legend" on the Club - "Curse of Bela Guttmann" - losing its last 7 European Finals that sub-consciously seems to play a part & that they desperately wish to bury tonight. The Portuguese, apart from mystical notions, are considered favourites. 

Therefore, beforehand an expected top match of European Football that Football fans must see, scheduled for 20.45 (Italy time) from Turin. 

courtesy of "sport"

The speculated possible starting XI team line-up for Sevilla FC is:

Beto, Coke, Fazio, Pareja, Navarro, M´Bia, Carriço, Reyes, Ratikic, A. Moreno & Bacca.

There is a "cloud" over Gamiero & Vitolo, but last information suggest they are fit & may be surprise inclusions, or at least get a run if needed.

Good luck to Sevilla FC & may the better team win. 

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SPANISH FOOTBALL LIGA TITLE 2013-2014 | A CLIFF HANGER

With the Real Madrid 1 - 1 away draw against Real Valladolid last night the Spanish Football Liga Title practically goes up in smoke for the former. The other two contenders, Atletico de Madrid & FC Barcelona will most likely decide the Spanish Football Championship in the last Round (38) when both meet. In fact, FC Barcelona was given as "dead" a week back but the Atletico de Madrid loss & the two Real Madrid draws in a row has put Barça back in the race,  & many think as favourites. 

The current situation is as follows:

The current Spanish classification table stands as follows,
1º Atletico de Madrid 36 games 88 points
2º FC Barcelona 36 85

3º Real Madrid 36 84

there are two Round left, just two games.

So what are the possibilities?
1. If Atletico de Madrid win (or draw) all their matches , they will be Spanish Champions
2. If FC Barcelona wins both their two games left (includes vs At Madrid last Round), they will be Spanish Champions
3. If Real Madrid win all their games, Barça lose both their games & Atletico just sums up one point of the two games left for them, they will be Spanish Champions.

Thus, Real Madrid is practically eliminated from the Spanish Football League Championship race, while both Atletico de Madrid & FC Barcelona will decide which of both claims the title in the last Round of Liga when both play each other. 

It´s a cliff hanger!

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CHELSEA FC 1 ATLETICO DE MADRID 3 | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI RESULT

The UEFA Champions League Final season 2013-2014 will be an all Spanish Football affair after Atletico de Madrid defeated Chelsea FC 1 - 3 in the 2º leg return semi-final match. Atletico de Madrid will face local City rival Real Madrid in Lisbon on the 24th of May, a true "clasico" multiplied by 10.

The match was very even the first half with Chelsea FC putting in a more "offensive" starting 11 which included Hazard who was dangerous all match. Atletico betted on Adrian over Raul Garcia & Arda Turan also started indicating that ball control was on the Spanish teams tactical board.

Both teams tested each other out in the beginning & Chelsea FC was the first to be rewarded when Fernando Torres scored in the 35th min. It seemed that Chelsea FC would grow, but Atletico remained calm under the circumstance & kept attacking the right flank to later change the game to the other side, or deliver dangerous crosses with the goal area. The prize came in the 44th min when Adrian equalized for the important "away-goal". It was a psychological blow for Chelsea FC ending the half & lifting the spirits of Atletico.

The second half was much more Atletico de Madrid, looking for the goal more & showing more aggression especially from Diego Costa who was a menace all night with the Chelsea FC defenders. In the 58th min Samuel Eto´o who had come on fouled in the penalty area & this gave Atletico the chance to punish. The second goal came in the 60th min when Diego Costa scored the penalty.

In the 63rd min Chelsea FC midfielder David Luiz hit the post, but the sealer for the Spaniards came in the 71st min when Juanfran crossed over to the right flank where Arda Turan got the ball then did his magic - hitting the bar first - to knock a rebound into the net.  Chelsea FC then had no choice but to go all out & attack & managed some chances, but Atletico goalie Courtois was very solid along with his defence which put in a marvellous match standing firm the last 15 minutes while Chelsea FC attempted to turn things around.

Special mentions to Atletico de Madrid midfielder Koke, who had a yellow card & was in danger of missing the Final, but was outstanding & disciplined. Defenders Miranda & Godin solid all night, Mario Suarez with Thiago were authentic "diesel machines" &, not a player, Coach Simeone who was on his feet the whole match.

A historic night for Atletico de Madrid & for Spanish Football which gets two Clubs into the UEFA Champions League Final.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL LIGA ROUND 32 SATURDAY GAMES RESULTS

Spanish Football celebrated this Saturday Round 32 of Liga with all three League top table Clubs in action. Below are all the final results-scores along with the goalscorers.

The Friday Night game was between Almeria & Osasuna both fighting to stay away from the relegation zone of the Liga table. The final result was a 1 - 2 victory to Osasuna that gives the latter 3 vital points that keeps their hopes up to remain next season in the Liga catagory. The two Osasuna goals came from Riera in the 19th min & Arribas in the 32nd min, while Almeria got their only goal in the 73rd min through Soriano.

The loss by Almeria complicates their Spanish League future for next season. 

Atletico de Madrid hosted Villarreal with important players Diego Costa, Arda Turan & Gabi out for this clash. They needed to win to keep their 1 point advantage over FC Barcelona & 3 points over Real Madrid both of which are breathing down the back of Atletico. The final result was a very worked & "suffered" 1 - 0 victory over Villarreal that was controversial as the visitors claimed that the Raul Garcia 14th min goal ( & winner ) was a foul. On the video it seems that perhaps Villarreal had motives to complain.

Atletico then worked even harder to keep out Villarreal for the rest of the match & secure the 3 points that keeps them Liga leaders for another week.

FC Barcelona keeps the pressure on leaders Atletico de Madrid with their 3 - 1 win over Real Betis. The loss by Betis virtually puts the Club headed for the Spanish 2º Division next season as they are anchored in the last place.

Barça won but played below their habitual standards & towards the end looked very tired. Real Betis could have gotten more out of this match have they not made defensive mistakes & taken their goal chances.

FC Barcelona reached their objective, get the three points with whatever means available, in this case with 2 penalties & an own goal. The two penalties were converted by Lionel Messi (15th & 86th min) who takes his Liga goal count to 25 goals, & Real Betis player Jordi gave Barça an own goal. The only goal scored by Real Betis was Ruben Castro in the 68th min.

Real Madrid travelled to Real Sociedad with a must win situation surrounding their visit. A loss here would have virtually seen how the Liga title would have become unreachable. The final result was a 4 - 0 with three important points that keeps the Club in the Liga title running. Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo was rested & Marcelo was out due to injury. The team worked hard & was solid  putting in one of their better games in recent weeks.

Real Sociedad came out strongly & had their chances in the 1st half claiming penalties that were not called ( supposed hand-ball by Ramos & from Illaramendi) . However, Real Madrid managed a psychological goal in the 44th min when Illaramendi knocked in a Benzema shoot that bounced off Real Sociedad goalie Bravo.

The second half was dominated by Real Madrid with goals from Gareth Bale in the 65th min, Pepe in the 84th min & Morata in the 88th min. Real Madrid also hit the bar twice, first from a Ramos header & the second after a Benzema shot a goal. In fact the Frenchman put in a great match. 

Madrid Club Rayo Vallecano "steamed-rolled" Celta de Vigo to win 3 - 0. Rayo keeps up its winning momentum earning them the points to jump out of the dangerous relegation zone of the ladder, & allows them to work towards staying in Liga next season.

The Rayo Vallecano goals came in the following order:

• Rochina 25th min
• Bueno 49th min 
• Bueno 60th min

More Round 32 Liga matches scheduled this Sunday

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REAL MADRID 3 BORUSSIA DORTMUND 0 | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Q/FINAL 1º ST LEG RESULT

The last of the three Spanish Football Clubs in the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals phase, Real Madrid, had its turn tonight. Real Madrid hosted German Club Borussia Dortmund with the home team winning an "undermanned" visting team 3 - 0. Beforehand, one may think Real Madrid has the road to the semi-finals clear, however the return match could be complicated & one must never underestimate Dortmund which will have back from suspension its star forward Lewandowski.

Real Madrid lost Di Maria before the match to a stomach complaint which allowed Isco to start in the starting XI. Borussia was without half dozen players that knocked out Real Madrid from the semis last year, they were not the same.

Real Madrid went full steam ahead from the beginning to pressure the Germans & were rewarded with an early goal in the 3rd min when Benzema & Carvajal combined to find Gareth Bale who toe-poked the opener.

Real Madrid controlled the match & created more opportunities & got their second goal in the 27th min when Isco placed the ball far from the Borussia goalie. In fact, Weidenfeller (the Dortmund goalkeeper) made 3 - 4 vital saves to keep the scoreline down to only 3 - 0. He have a great game.

The second half saw a more paced Real Madrid keep at bay a more determined Borussia Dortmund which wanted a goal at least to take back to the 2º leg return match. They tried hard & created chances but an inspired Real Madrid defender Pepe acted as the "Goal Guardian" along with his defending team-mates.

The third goal came in the 57th min when Cristiano Ronaldo fired home after a German defensive mistake. The Portuguese star scored his 14 Champions League goals this season equalling the competitions record held by Lionel Messi. The Real Madrid forward later left the field with a annoying pain in his knee that will leave the fans waiting until the medical team check it out. Cristiano Ronaldo has been carrying a knee inflammation condition these last matches & tonight his knee may have said "enough", rest is needed. 

Borussia Dortmund finally did better than anyone thought & leaves the tie open with some hope back in Germany. Their second half performance leads one to think that they could complicate & attempt a "turn-around". Until then, Real Madrid has a big & almost decisive advantage.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL LIGA ROUND 31 MONDAY GAMES RESULTS

The last two remaining games of Round 31 Spanish Liga were played tonight with the following final results - scores & goalscorers.

Granada hosted Levante & lost 0 - 2. The two goals for Levante came in the 47th min through David Navarro & in the 87th min with Pedro Lopez. Three points that gives Levante some tranquillity as the middle-bottom Clubs fight it out between themselves to be one of the three teams to relegate to the Spanish 2º Division. 

Real Betis remains bottom of the Spanish Liga table,  & in relegation danger,  after allowing Malaga FC to comeback & win their match 1 - 2. Intense match from both teams that saw Betis score first in the 30th min through Jorge Molina. However, Malaga managed to turn things around & equalized in the 83rd min through Juanmi & with the winner in the 87th min with a goal from Darder. Betis then missed a penalty in the 89th min when Ruben Castro hit the bar, & thus let go the equalizer & a value point at the very least. 

Tomorrow Champions League quarter finals kicks-off with a brilliant FC Barcelona - Atletico de Madrid clash & Wednesday Real Madrid - Borussia Dortmund.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL LIGA ROUND 30 WEDNESDAY GAMES RESULTS

Spanish Football Liga had four games scheduled tonight of Round 30. Below are all the final results - scorers along with all the goalscorers. 

FC Barcelona won Celta de Vigo 3 - 0 but in the process paid a high prize with the loss to a knee injury of their goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Bad news with preliminary diagnosis saying the player could be out 6 months, that is, he will miss the rest of the season & the World Cup. The other note was the two goals from Neymar who shut the mouth of those who criticised him these days including the Barça "sacred cow" Johan Cruyff, who said he earned too much, was not needed & was a problem. Messi continues with his merry goalscoring ways. The loss of Real Madrid tonight put Barça back in contention for the Liga title!

The three goals came in the following fashion:

• Neymar 6th min , 1 - 0
• Messi 30th min , 2 - 0
• Neymar 66th min, 3 - 0

From here I wish a speedy recovery to Victor Valdes, & like Real Madrid youngster Jese, a real pity, damn bad luck.

Madrid Club Rayo Vallecano is slowly but surely climbing out of the relegation zone of the Liga table with a positive 1 - 0 result over Osasuna. Tonight they managed a last minute goal by Larrivey who converted a debated penalty in the 90th min of play. Tough game between two Clubs playing for their Liga survival & which the roles have changed as Osasuna now looks the firm candidate to drop from the elite division. 

Sevilla FC put in the surprise result defeating Real Madrid 2 - 1 & knocking the visitors Liga title aspirations off the their agenda. Tonight FC Barcelona won & so did Atletico Madrid opening a 4 & 5 point gap respectively. Said differently, not very good at all for Real Madrid & many cause the "seams to split" as the nerves take over. 

Real Madrid started well with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring first with a deflected free-kick goal in the 14th min. However, things turned & went progressively wrong as Sevilla improved & took control. An excellent Ratikic steered his team onward & found Carlos Bacca in the 18th min for the equalizer.

As the match went on & Real Madrid we saw how sterile & ineffective their Football was as the nerves & the frustration increased which worsened their play. Then in the 72nd min a Ratikic pulled a "rabbit out of his hat" & found Carlos Bacca to put in the second goal & the eventual winner.

Real Madrid missed Di Maria absent tonight, & defenders Carvajal & Marcelo were below their best. Strangely, even Xabi Alonso looked deformed, Bale is not working & Coach Ancelotti may have "choked" in the latter stage of the match as his bag of ideas went empty.  Rough days ahead for Real Madrid some "critics" are back with the "Casillas debate" & Ancelotti is being questioned, perhaps rightly so. Funny how quickly Football changes things.

Atletico de Madrid maintained their hand steady & did what they needed to do, secure the three points to stay in the Liga title game. Difficult match against a sticky & stubborn Granada who gave the home team a good fight. However the persistence & the home crowd pushing their team saw a Diego Costa 63rd min header goal give the eventual winner. Final result 1 - 0 to Atletico de Madrid & they stay on top of the Spanish League table a point ahead of second placed FC Barcelona.

More Spanish Football Thursday with the remaining Round 30 games.

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EUROPA LEAGUE | TONIGHTS FINAL RESULTS SPANISH TEAMS

Europa League Football action tonight with three Spanish Football Clubs with duties, two of them playing against each other. Below are all the final results - scores along with all the goalscorers.

Valencia CF travelled to visit Bulgaria to play Ludogorets & won 0 - 3 virtually sealing their place in the Q/Finals of the Europa League barring an accident in the return match at Valencia. Top match from the Spaniards that were down to 10 men from the 23rd min when midfielder Keita was sent off with a red card. Valencia pulled together as a team to play better & latter take the match.

The goals came for Valencia CF from Barragan in the 3rd min, Fede in the 33rd min & Senderos in the 58th min.

Ludogorets lost a man in the 80th min when Juninho Quixada received a red card.

Two Spanish Football teams met to fight it out to see which of the two would eventually move into the Europa League Quarter-Finals phase. Not a normal match, back a passionate encounter between the two Clubs that splits the City of Seville: Sevilla FC & Real Betis. A super charged derby that announced intensity & solid Football before the match.

The first blow tonight was given by Real Betis which won 0 - 2 Sevilla FC & puts them in a strong advantage for the return match. Real Betis in European competition is a different team from the Spanish Liga where they are sitting last. A transformed Betis tonight that could have finished with more goals had Sevilla goalie Beto not intervened in critical moments.

Sevilla sinned by not converting their goal opportunities. Their best moments were in the first half were they had Betis on the ropes even though Betis went ahead in the 16th min with a Baptistao goal. Half a dozen missed chances by Sevilla which they paid dearly in the second half. 

The last 45 mins was practically  all Betis with chances & Sevilla defending. The second goal came in the 76th min when Salva scored to cause the rupture of joy in the Betis fans. The last 20 mins of the match were rough & tough with Sevilla getting physical with their Football as the frustration began to show. Real Betis bravely held onto their precious two goals. Top match!

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SPANISH FOOTBALL LIGA ROUND 27 MONDAY NIGHT GAMES RESULTS

Spanish Football tonight with the two remaining scheduled Liga Round 27 matches played. Below are the final results-scores with all the goalscorers.

Osasuna suffered an important & naturally unwanted loss to Malaga FC 0 - 2 with the visitors down to 10 men from the 51st min when Gamez was sent off with a red card. A relief for Malaga FC Coach Schuster who was under extreme pressure to better his team as the threat of being fired was hanging over his head. The goals for Malaga came in the 14th min through Samuel & Amrabat with is goal in the 66th min. 

Great match between Real Sociedad & Madrid Club Rayo Vallecano with a gutsy comeback from the visitors to take the game 2 - 3. Rayo Vallecano are second last on the Liga classification table & are fighting for their "Liga life" & tonight they managed to comeback & get three valuable points that keeps their hopes well alive.

Real Sociedad got ahead first in the 1º min when Iñigo Martinez scored a flick-on header, but Rayo reacted almost immediately winning a penalty that Larrivey converted in the 4th min. Real Sociedad went back ahead in the 45th min with a Ruben Pardo goal, but once again Rayo equalized quickly at the start of the 2º half via Bueno in the 47th min. The match got tense & Rayo got the third & eventual winner through Rochina in the 67th min to which they held off with "tooth & nail" Real Sociedad. 

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SPANISH FOOTBALL LIGA SATURDAY ROUND 27 GAMES RESULTS

Spanish Football action today with four games of Round 27 Liga scheduled. Entertaining games with a mayor upset that we will comment below. Here are all the final results - scores along with all the goalscorers.

Real Valladolid managed to momentarily jump out of the relegation zone of the Liga classification table with three valuable points at the expense of FC Barcelona. Surprise 1 - 0 win to Valladolid & a major upset for FC Barcelona that gives their arch rivals Real Madrid an opportunity to open up a 4 point gap if they can win their game tomorrow against Levante. 

The winning goal came relatively early in the 16th min through Rossi. FC Barcelona never recovered & could not turn around the result. A terrible first half from Barça that was nearly recognizable with disorganization being the norm. At half time Barça midfielder Xavi Hernandez complaint to the local authorities on the state of the pitch & the bad field conditions. I think it was more of an excuse.

The second half saw some improvements but some terrible misses halted the Barça progression. Once again some big names were criticised for "disappearing" like Neymar who received some flack & missed a sitter to beat.

Lets not forget & take away the merits from Valladolid which put in a "blinder" of a match as they are fighting a different "war" to maintain themselves alive in the Spanish League. Positive result for them that should lift their confidence levels.

Another Club fighting to stay alive & within the Spanish Liga next season is last placed Real Betis which managed a vital 2 - 0 victory over Madrid Club Getafe. The goals came from on-loan Atletico de Madrid player Baptistao in the 16th min to put Betis ahead & give him is first goal with Betis. The second came from Ruben Castro in the 39th min. The lift in form from their forward Ruben Castro has coincided with the better performances from Real Betis. A player vital for his Club that has been linked to Atletico de Madrid (& others) next season if Betis should fall to the 2º Division.

All the contrary at Getafe which is having a horror second part of the season & are in relegation danger along with their Coach Luis Garcia who is on the ropes & his job on the line.   

Celta de Vigo hosted Atletico de Madrid & lost 0 - 2 in two Celta defensive lapses in two minutes. For Atletico de Madrid the win was important as they open a 1 point gap with FC Barcelona & they won without their in form forward Diego Costa who was sitting out a suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. David Villa who was back after injury & had all the forward responsibilities on his shoulders tonight lifted for the occasion & scored both goals, the first in the 62nd min after a terrible Celta defensive mistake & the second in the 64th min from a fabulous Sosa pass-assist.

The match before the Villa "explosion on the scene" was fairly even & Celta was putting in a very good match. But the two quick goals caused them to lower their shouters to allow Atletico to finally dominate the match till the final whistle.

Another relative surprising result from a team that was more desperate for the points. That desperation comes from the lower Clubs wanting to get away from the relegation zone of the Liga classification as soon as possible. Granada in the lower end of the table defeated top end Club Villarreal 2 - 0 by simply playing better Football.  The goals came in the 23rd min from Fran Rico when he converted a penalty & the second in the 33rd min from El Arabi.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAMS FINAL RESULTS IN EUROPA LEAGUE

European Football continued tonight with the Europa League competition returning after a break. Three Spanish Football Clubs had European duties & here are all the final results-scores along with all the goalscorers.

Dynamo Kiev had to travel to Nicosa ( Cyprus ) to play their home match against Valencia CF. The current political turmoil in the city of Kiev is not an appropriate stage for International games with the current violence & this encounter was transferred. The stadium was basically empty which gave a strange atmosphere as a handful of locals were present in the stands. The final result was a 0 - 2 victory by Valencia CF.

The game was fairly even until Valencia "Winter signing" Vargas came on with half an hour left & revolutionized his team. The Chilean International scored the first goal in the 80th min & with the momentum gained team-mate Feghouli hooked onto a pass to get the second in the 92nd min.  

Slovanian Club Maribor hosted Spanish Club Sevilla FC with the visitors winning 2 - 2. It was not all easy for Sevilla at the beginning & they needed their Captain Ratikic to lift & steer the team. One could say that the Croatian was pivotal in the Sevilla performance as he was the creator of his sides goalscoring opportunities. Although Sevilla did have a lapse which they will be cursing flying back home.

It was the local team which went ahead at the 33rd min thanks to the goal from Tavaras. This seemed to shake awake Sevilla which began finding their Football & Ratikic came into play. Posts & missed chances later Gamiero equalized early in the second half with a nice 47th min goal. The second goal came in the 71st min when Fazio headed a Ratikic corner. The Croatian continued to create chances & opportunities, but a team lapse in concentration allowed Vrsic to fire home an equalizer in the 81st min.

Spanish Club Real Betis hosted Rubin Kazan in a match that ended in a 1 - 1 draw. Real Betis is currently undergoing a serious crisis in the Spanish Liga sitting in last position & their Football tonight, although heroic, was at the same corresponding level. Rubin Kazin was down to 10 men from the 28th min when Prudnikov got his second yellow card, & the Spanish team was not able to take advantage of the situation & allowed the visitors to grow in confidence to finally draw the game.

The opening goal went to Betis in the 3rd min from Didic, but slowly & surely ( & with a man less ) Rubin Kazan equalized from a 74th min penalty converted by Eremenko. 

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SPANISH CUP - COPA DEL REY - THURSDAY GAMES FINAL RESULTS

The last three remaining Spanish Cup last 16 Clubs - Copa del Rey or Kings Cup - 1º st games were played tonight with the following final results - scores along with the goalscorers.

Real Sociedad & Villarreal played out a 0 - 0 final result match. It was even, equally fought & with chances to both sides. But the true heroes tonight were Real Sociedad goalie Zubikaria & Villarreal goalkeeper Juan Carlos both of whom pulled off some amazing saves all game keeping the scoreline virgen.

Boring & very conservative match between Madrid Club Rayo Vallecano & Levante that ended in a 0 - 0 draw. Both sides were very cautious & preferred to settle things in the 2º leg match next week. The only moment of excitement was a 89th min Levante post.

Real Madrid faced a traditionally difficult Osasuna but managed to keep the visitors under control tonight winning 2 - 0. The highlights were the excellent performances from Modric along with Real Madrid youngster Jese which later went off injured mid second half. Before going off Jese got the second goal for Real Madrid in the 59th min from a Cristiano Ronaldo pass. The first goal came from Karim Benzema who headed home in the 19th min.

Osasuna got to the goal relatively few times but when they did they were very dangerous. Real Madrid could have scored more but was off target, especially Cristiano Ronaldo tonight who tried from all angles with accuracy or luck.

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SPANISH CUP - COPA DEL REY - THURSDAY GAMES FINAL RESULTS

The last remaining  2º leg Spanish Cup - Copa de Rey - games were played tonight with the following final results-scores & all the goalscorers from the 4 matches.

Valencia CF with new "intern" Coach Nico Estevez managed to win 1 - 0 Gimnastic & qualify the Club with a 1- 0 aggregate into the next stage of the Spanish Cup. The winner came in the 37th min from Alcacer. The victory was worked & showed that this Valencia is not well at all & will need lots of work in 2014. Valencia qualifies.

Madrid Club Rayo Vallecano qualified themselves winning Valladolid 3 - 1 ( 3 - 1 aggregate ). The turning point was the red card to Valladolid player Javi Guerra in the 47th min were the visitors were later overrun. Before the sending off Javi Guerra had scored in the 27th min & his team was experiencing a drawn result after the Rayo goal from Adrian in the 32nd min. With Valladolid down to 10 men, Rayo scored via Adrian in the 87th min & Bueno in the 92nd min. Rayo Vallecano through to the next stage of Copa del Rey.

The 1ºst leg ended with a 2 - 2 result. However for the 2º leg match RCD Espanyol secured their ticket for the next round with a 2 - 0 win over Real Jaen ( 4-2 aggregate to Espanyol ). The goals came from Simao in the 12th min & Sidnei in the 85th min. Espanyol qualifies.

Athletic Club Bilbao comfortably defeated Celta de Vigo 4 - 0 tonight, & more so after Celta lost defender Mello to a red card in the 53rd min. The goals came from

• Muniain 21 st min
• Susaeta 44th min
• Muniain 80th min
• Aduriz  85th min 

Bilbao through to the next round of the Copa del Rey with a 4 - 0 aggregate.

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SPANISH CUP - COPA DEL REY - WEDNESDAY MATCHES FINAL RESULTS

Spanish Cup - Copa del Rey - 2º leg return games action tonight with 6 encounters scheduled. Following is a brief summary of events, with all the final results-scores along with all the goalscorers.

Atletico de Madrid hosted San Andreu to win 2 - 1 & take tie to a 6 - 1 aggregate to qualify for the next stage of the Copa del Rey. San Andreu gave some initial fight & action that earned them the opening goal from Carroza in the 14th min. However from this point up until the end Atletico took control & even missed a penalty in the 28th min from Adrian. The equalizer for Atletico came in the 78th min when youngster Hector scored & the second came in the 93rd min when defender Anderweireld headed home. Great game from young Atletico midfielder Oliver.
Atletico de Madrid qualified.

Real Sociedad won 4 - 0 Algeciras & totally wrapped up things qualifying themselves for the next stage & a 5 - 1 aggregate. The rain of goals started in the 40th min with Javi Ros, followed by Seferovic in the 67th min, Griezmann in the 70th min & Vela in the 75th min. Real Sociedad go through.

Real Betis won 2 - 2 Lleida & had a fright along the way as the visitors could have gone through instead of Betis. However the 1º st leg result was enough & gave Betis the 4 - 3 aggregate total. Betis scored two goals early with Paulao in the 5th min & Amaya in the 10th min. From here onwards the visitors made a brave comeback & attempt to turn things around with goals from Monforte in the 38th min & Mata 55th min. In the end, a close call for Betis which goes through to the next stage of the Copa del Rey.

Real Madrid won 2 - 0 Xativa to qualify for the next stage on a 2 - 0 aggregate. Except for the first 10 minutes Real Madrid dominated the whole match & ensured the objective. The goals came from Illaramendi in the 16th min & a penalty which Di Maria converted in the 28th min. The locals then played it out without much action & it was disappointing to watch that a team of the status of Real Madrid could not give more entertaining goals t their packed home fans. Names to point out Nacho who defended well & Casemiro who was solid, while on the other hand Di Maria should a lethargic attitude that is not good a sign nor very professional. The Argentine is having a "tug-of-war" with the Club were he has more to loss than Real Madrid. Conclusion, Real Madrid qualified.

Sevilla FC Coach Emery had warned his players before this game that Racing de Santander was dangerous that the Club is a historic Spanish Cup competitor & that the first leg result which favoured them 1 - 0 was risky. It was so, as Racing won 0 - 2 to knock out Sevilla in the last minute with the home team also down to 10 men. 

Things began positively but slowly began complicating itself as Sevilla failed to score. Racing grew in confidence & with their Football & was rewarded with a penalty in the 63rd min which lead to a red card to Sevilla defender Mbia & a goal to Miguelez. With Sevilla at a disadvantage on the field with a man less Racing went in for the kill & in the 90th min Kone got the winner for Racing to qualify his team for the next round & eliminate Sevilla. Racing de Santander 2 - 1 on aggregate. 

Spanish Cup action continues tomorrow night with the remaining 4 games.

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SPANISH CUP FINAL RESULTS OF TONIGHTS 2º LEG RETURN GAMES

Spanish Cup - Copa de Rey -  2º leg return matches tonight with 6 matches scheduled, with 6 games scheduled for tomorrow & the remaining on Thursday. Here are all the final results-scores, goalscorers & the Clubs knocked out.

Osasuna drew with Malaga FC 1- 1 in the 2º leg return game. The 1º st leg was another draw 3 - 3 result which gives the tie to Osasuna ( 4-4 agg, away goals ) & knocks out Malaga FC. Goalscorers tonight Malaga defender Wellington with a 1st min own goal & Eliseu who drew for Malaga in the 62nd min. 

Getafe won 4 - 1 Girona in their 2º leg game with goals in the following order:

• Sarabia 1st min , 1 - 0
• Colunga (pen.) 4th min , 2 - 0
• Latifa 33rd min, 3 - 0
• Jandro (pen.) 59th min, 3 - 1
• Lisandro 73rd min , 4 - 1

Getafe  knocks out Girona with a 5-2 aggregate

Levante won their 2º leg clash against Recreativo de Huelva 4 - 0. Goals

• Mate 3rd min
• Ruben Garcia 17th min
• Ivanschitz 50th min
• Camarasa 54th min

Levante go through to the next stage with a 5 - 0 aggregate

Elche lost their 2º leg match 0 - 1 to Villarreal & their 55th min goal from Perbet. Villarreal knock out Elche & go into the next stage of the Spanish Cup with a 3 - 2 aggregate.

FC Barcelona won their 2º leg match 3 - 0 against Cartagena with goals from Pedro in the 30th min, Tello in the 68th min & Neymar in the 88th min from a fabulous Iniesta pass. The visitors went out of the Spanish Cup with a brave exhibition playing well & hitting the post twice. Barça wins this tie with a 7 - 1 aggregate.

Granada won 0 - 2 Madrid 2º Division Club Alcorcon away in the 1st leg, however Alcorcon managed to even - equalize - the tie ending the 90 minutes of the 2º leg match with a 0 - 2 scoreline over Granada. The goals for Alcorcon came from Verdes in the 41st min & Nagore in the 81st min to take tonights match into extra-time.

But the excitement was still to come when both sides forced the penalties after keeping the goal sheet clean after the extra 30 minutes. In the penalty knock-out it was the team with the nerves of steel shooters that managed to get their side through into the next round. The Club that finally took the penalty shoot out was Alcorcon , Granada eliminated on penalties.

Tomorrow more Spanish Cup - Copa del Rey action scheduled.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL | LIGA | ROUND 10 MONDAY NIGHT GAME RESULT

Spanish Football with its Round 10 of Liga ended tonight with Madrid Club Getafe hosting Athletic Club Bilbao. The end & final result after 90 intense minutes was a 0 - 1 victory to the visitors which further consolidates their upper table position. 

The opener came via Bilbao player Laporta in the 8th min which "blocked" thereafter the home team which later worked to get back into an effective playing groove. Gradually Getafe gained the initiative & was awarded with a 43rd min penalty. However Getafe forward Diego Castro - usually a sure bet under these circumstances - missed in the 44th min the equalizing opportunity. 

Getafe spent the rest of the second half attempting to regain their lost "golden moment" . Although Getafe created many chances Bilbao managed competently to foil them while the home side lacked the final execution finesse to take a point at least.  Bilbao will be singing victory on the way back home.


There is mid-week Spanish Football starting tomorrow - Round 11. Tweet

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SPANISH FOOTBALL | LIGA | DIEGO COSTA CURRENT LEADING GOALSCORER

After 8 Rounds of the Spanish Football League - La Liga - though it would be interesting to take a look how the "Top Goalscorer" for season 2013 - 2014 is currently looking.

Atletico de Madrid forward Diego Costa is currently leading the goalscorer tally with 10 goals. The player who has "wandered" through Clubs like Valladolid, Rayo Vallecano etc began taking off last season under Coach Simeone & is now knocking at the doors of the Spanish Football Team. The second & third places are with "old" well knowns Lionel Messi currently recovering from injury & Cristiano Ronaldo who is picking up pace as the season goes on.

We can well suppose that Messi & Ronaldo will overtake & increase drastically their numbers in the coming months, but for now Diego Costa is enjoying the limelight & being rewarded for his extraordinary form. The Spanish-Brazilian player is a vital piece of the Atletico de Madrid squad & has taken onto his shoulders the responsibility of driving his team in Liga & Champions League so far. 

Here are the Spanish Football - Liga - Top goalscorers after Round 8:

1.Diego Costa (Atletico de Madrid ) 10 goals
2.Messi ( FC Barcelona) 8 
3.Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)  7
4.Rodri (Almeria) 5
5.Pedro (FC Barcelona) 5

I will periodically be updating this list to keep you updated.

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FC BARCELONA | AMAZING TOUCH FOOTBALL AGAINST REAL SOCIEDAD | VIDEO

Some debate this week over if FC Barcelona under Coach Martino had "abandoned" the ball possession philosophy so characteristic of the Clubs identity in recent years. The "Barça way" of Football has a long tradition that stems back from former Coach Cruyff & reaches sublime heights under ex Coach Josep Guardiola.

Last weekend Liga match against Rayo Vallecano caused "alarms" to sound when Barça only registered 49% ball possession & we witnessed numerous long balls by-passing the midfield. FC Barcelona won & well, & some players insist that Barça needs to add repertoire to their Football offering seeing most opponents have studied well the "Barça way" & have come up with neutralizing tactics. Real Madrid & Bayern Munich of last season come to mind.

What the Rayo Vallaecano match also showed us is that the vital play makers of the "ball possession" method did not start: Busquets & Iniesta for example. Yesterday against Real Sociedad Coach Martino put on from the start all together Busquets, Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Messi  & a new element in Neymar that brought back all the ingredients & parts of the Barça touch Football way. The result was a exhibition of Football -especially the 1º half - that delighted spectators & a gave 4 - 1 win. 

Below is a video that highlights "touch Football" taken to the maximum expression  



FC Barcelona is adding repertoire, new options in case the situation calls for something different. Yesterday showed us all that Barça has not forgotten their "ball control" ways nor the rapid one touch manners which has made the Club famous & given numerous titles over the past years dominating World Club Football.

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