FC BARCELONA - ATLETICO DE MADRID BOTH WIN | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UEFA Champions League season 2018 - 2019 kicked off tonight with Spanish Football Clubs Atletico de Madrid (Group A) & FC Barcelona (Group B) scheduled for duty. For this season & with TV markets in consideration new kick off times with Barça playing first at 18.45 & At Madrid down for 21.00.  

Therefore the first match summary is the Group B match between FC BARCELONA & Dutch Club PSV EINDHOVEN with the final result a firm 4 - 0 victory for Barça. The Spanish Club has an inhouse pledge between players of going all the way this season in Champions League & they could not get off to a better start. FC Barcelona Captain LIONEL MESSI gave the crowd a show & illustrated his full repertoire of immense skills finishing the night with a HAT-TRICK. The "party tricks" included a precision free kick goal, subtle touches & angle shots plus pinpoint passing & maneuvering. Amazing.

This is the FC Barcelona starting 11 & the later substitutes:

Ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Umtiti, Jordi Alba, Sergi Busquets, Ivan Rakitic (Arturo Vidal, 85'), Coutinho (Lenglet, 81'), Messi, Dembele (Arthur, 83') & Luis Suarez.

Apart from Messi, another name to mention is Frenchman Dembele who was very active & notable tonight playing well & scoring an impressive long range precision second goal that lifted the applause of everyone. Beautiful execution & skill.

As for PSV Eindhoven they were overwhelmed & never really gave Barça any trouble notable to comment during the whole encounter.

Tonights goal scorers: 

1-0, Messi (31'). 2-0, Dembele (75'). 3-0, Messi (77'). 4-0, Messi (88').

Spanish Club ATLETICO DE MADRID kicked off their Group A match against MONACO at 21:00 with the above starting 11. The final result MONACO 1 - AT MADRID 2.

Big expectations regards to Atletico de Madrid from fans & most Football observers after spending big this season acquiring top class players & knowing beforehand that his season's Champions League final will be played in Madrid at the home stadium "Metropolitano Madrid". Big incentive here to attempt to go all the way in the competition.

Said this, those big names were on the bench & the first half was not as good as one would expect from the Spaniards. The team is going through a "mini-slump" with already losing a match & drawing in LaLiga, that is, sitting 9th on the table. 

The first half saw chances but not converted which gave Monaco wings which added with Atletico mistakes allowed Monaco to get ahead first with a goal from SAMUEL GRANDSIR in the 18th min. Atletico managed however to sail this storm & through "grit" & extra work managed the equalizer through DIEGO COSTA in the 31st min. The Spanish Team kept momentum & got ahead in the 45+ min with a corner header from defender GIMENEZ. Important as psychologically it was a blow for Monaco.

With a favourable scoreline for the 2º half Atletico played more comfortably & held the initiative, however again, the lack of effectiveness upfront to "shut the game" nearly caused them serious problems later in the game.

Monaco lead by a courageous & hard working Falcao went looking for the equalizer late in the 2º half. Atletico instead of pushing forward was force back as Monaco began creating goal opportunities. The equalizer for Monaco nearly arrived late in the 90th min when defender Glick headed & gazed the post. Close call indeed.

The 3 points to Atletico in a hard work victory that showed that the team has still a way to go if they are to continue far in the competition. Early days, yes, but overall average performance for what is expected from Atletico.
Tomorrow more UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE games with the two remaining Spanish Football representatives, REAL MADRID (vs AS Roma) & VALENCIA CF (vs Juventus FC) down for their Group matches.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | ATLETICO MADRID LOSE, BARÇA WINS

UEFA Champions League continued tonight with Atletico de Madrid & FC Barcelona down for their Group games. Mix results as we will see in the following quick round up. 

Atletico de Madrid lost 1 - 2 to Chelsea FC after basically giving away their advantage in the second half which eventually lead to a draw & a 94th min goal by Chelsea FC for the English team to take the three points. 

The first half saw a good Atletico de Madrid team dominating the ball & creating chances. They were rewarded with a penalty in the 40th min which Griezmann converted. However, the second half was totally different.

Chelsea FC dominated the second half as Atletico "switched" to a defensive mentality. The Spaniards lost (or gave) control to Chelsea FC which soon took advantage. Alvaro Morata had been warning earlier, eventually drew for Chelsea in the 59th min with a header. The English team continued with their attacking game, while Atletico looked for a counter which never came. In the 94th min Batshuayi scored the winner & gave Chelsea the 3 points. 

Well deserved win for Chelsea which looked for & found reward. Very disappointing for At. Madrid which essentially fizzed out of the game with a more conservative mentality.

FC Barcelona travelled to Sporting Portugal & won 0 - 1. Not the best performance from the Spaniards which had to work harder than usual for the three points. The winner came from an own goal from Coates which Luis Suarez claimed in the 48th min.

Barça held out until the whistle to grab the three points. 

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | SPANISH FOOTBALL CLUB RESULTS

UEFA Champions League 2017-2018 kicked off tonight with Group matches that had two of the four Spanish Football Clubs represented. 

FC Barcelona hosted Juventus FC in their Group D game & Barça won 3 - 0 comfortably. The Italians have reinforced their team with Costa & Matuidi but were disappointing overall tonight. Dybala failed to break lines & did not impress, Higuain was neutralizad & ineffective, while the only bright light was Pjanic in the 1ºst half & the Frenchman Matuidi who is definitely a powerhouse player.

The protagonist & the game breaker was Lionel Messi who was again superb. The Argentine took the team on his shoulders & scored two goals & was involved directly in the third. Apart he hit the woodwork during the match which could have added to his goal tally.

Goals:

• Messi 45th min, 1 - 0
• Rakitic 56th min, 2 - 0
• Messi 69th min, 3 - 0

Excellent start for Barça in the competition who look favourite to finish top of the Group, while Juventus has to show more than what was offered tonight.

Atletico de Madrid travelled to AC Roma for their Group C game which finished in a 0 - 0 draw result. Entertaining match which only lacked goals.

In fact Atletico put on show a marvellous performance the whole 90 mins & deserved a victory result. However, the lack of goal, or better said some incredible missed goal opportunities "robbed" the Spanish Club of a positive result. Said this, the best player for AC Roma was their goalkeeper Alisson who made some outstanding match saving stops!

AC Roma also had their great moments during the 1ºst half but Atletico managed the situation well during the Italian storm.

Great performance from Atletico midfielder Saul, who missed a golden goal opportunity that blemished a brilliant night. Vietto & Correa also missed chances which was the "tonic" of the night for At.Madrid.

Tomorrow, Champions League continues with Real Madrid & Sevilla FC in action.

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AT MADRID 2 REAL MADRID 1 | REAL MADRID THROUGH TO UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Atletico de Madrid defeated Real Madrid 2 - 1 in tonight´s UEFA Champions League semi-final, but was eliminated due to the goal advantage 2 - 4 from the 1º leg match where Real Madrid won 3 - 0. 

Real Madrid once again reaches a final of Champions League & will meet Italian Club Juventus FC in Cardiff, Wales

Atletico de Madrid started stronger, more determined & very intensely to put Real Madrid totally on the back foot. Atletico goalkeeper Oblak did an early save to keep the spirits high for his team & they all reacted with plenty of goal chances. The first came in the 12th min through a SAUL header, while was followed in the 16th min by a second from a penalty that GRIEZMANN converted.

It seemed the dream start for Atletico de Madrid but they began to concentrate more on "rough stuff tactics" & forgot about Football. Real Madrid on the other hand withstood the storm & regained their Football composure.

A piece of magic by Benzema, taking & neutralizing 3 defenders, found ISCO who scored Real Madrid´s only goal in the 42th min. A bucket of cold water as things got uphill for the home side.

The 2º half saw chances to both teams with an Atletico de Madrid opportunity failed by Gameiro, after two superb Kaylor Navas saves, that could have brough back into the match At. Madrid. But overall At.Madrid fizzed out while Real Madrid took control & managed the match to their advantage until the clock ran out. Experience & overall talent perhaps the main factor in this phase of the game.

Overall, Real Madrid was the better Club in the semi-final two match tie & deserve their ticket for the Cardiff final. The Spanish Football Club has the opportunity to make Champions League History if they can beat Juventus & get back-to-back titles.
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REAL MADRID | SEALS DEFENDER THEO HERNANDEZ

The pearl of Atletico de Madrid, young 18 year old central defender THEO HERNANDEZ, has chosen Real Madrid as his next destination. The player currently on loan to Alaves has grown through all the age groups at Atletico & has exploded this year grabbing the attention of the big Clubs.

Although Atletico de Madrid was reluctant to sell initially, the entry of FC Barcelona & Real Madrid set off a price war that made the departure from Atletico less "painful". Theo Hernandez has forced the situation & has elected Real Madrid over Barça after a nice 36M€ & a 5 year contract offer, while Atletico will get around 30M€ for the transfer.

The player has apparently gone through the medical exam already & the signing will possibly be made official the end of the week or next after both At.Madrid & Real Madrid play the 2º leg of Champions League this Wednesday.

With the signing of Hernandez Real Madrid insures that the departure of defender Pepe will be well covered, while Ramos has a substitute in case of emergency. Plus the future is being set up for a Varane-Hernandez central defence set-up full of youth, speed & skill.
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SPANISH FOOTBALL | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS

The last two Spanish Football Clubs with UEFA Champions League Group qualifier duties tonight both finished with positive results. Here are short summaries with goalscorers & the final results.

FC Barcelona hosted Manchester City & won 4 - 0. Manchester City Coach Guardiola was brought in this season to lift the English Club to a higher level with top European Clubs. If Barça is the perfect benchmark, Guardiola & his City has more work to do if they wish to get passed the "working end" of Champions League phases.

The handicap of being left with 10 men, after goalie Bravo was sent off, did not help. But the "party crasher" was Messi who was outstanding & scored a HAT-TRICK. The other scorer was Neymar who made up for his missed penalty.

Here are the goals:

1-0, 16': Messi,
2-0, 60': Messi, 
3-0, 68': Messi, 
4-0, 88': Neymar

Atletico de Madrid travelled to Russia to play Rostov & won 0 - 1. Good result as playing away at Russia is always uncomfortable.

Deserved victory for Atletico which could have scored more had they finished their numerous goal opportunities. The only goal & winner came in the 61st min through in form player Yannik Carrasco.

The win puts At Madrid top of the group 3 points ahead of Bayern Munich.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | SPANISH TEAMS WEDNESDAY RESULTS

UEFA Champions League continued tonight with the last two Spanish Football representatives in action. Here are their final results along with the goalscorers.

Atletico de Madrid defeated 1 - 0 Bayern Munich in their Group game. Deserved victory for At. Madrid which created more opportunities although they failed to convert into more goals. They had numerous shots at goal, Fernando Torres hit the post & Griezmann missed a penalty in the 83rd min.

The only goal of the match, & the winner, came in the 35th min when Yannick Carrasco fired home to beat Bayern goalkeeper Neuer.

Bayern had their chances but At. Madrid goalkeeper Oblak was solid & alert, while defenders Savic & Godin were outstanding. Great overall teamwork from the Spanish team with a perfect tactical set up that did not allow the Germans space or time to breathe.

Important victory for Atletico & a psychological table fist smashing gesture that injects moral & confidence for the rest of the Group games. 

Borussia Monchangladbach lost 1 - 2 to FC Barcelona in their Group encounter. The Germans got ahead first in the 34th min through Hazard & had the Spaniards on the back foot. But the individual talents of Barça came to the surface & they managed to pull the team back together. Without the magic of Messi , Barça had to work harder to create their goal chances.

The goals however came in the 63rd min when Arda Turan equalized, & the winner came in the 73rd min through defender Gerard Pique.

Good play by the Germans, but Barça managed to turn things around.
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DIEGO SIMEONE - BEST COACH 2016

Top 20 Best Football Coach 2016 according to "FourFourTwo"

1. Diego Pablo Simeone
2. Pep Guardiola 
3. Luis Enrique 
4. Jose Mourinho 
5. Unai Emery 
6. Maximiliano Allegri
7. Jurgen Klopp 
8. Claudio Ranieri
9. Ronald Koeman 
10. Jorge Jesús 
11. Joachim Low 
12. Phillip Cocu
13. Carlo Ancelotti 
14. Marcelino 
15. Edgardo Bauza
16. Thomas Tuchel
17. Antonio Conte
18. Lars Lagerback
19. Mauricio Pochettino
20. Marcelo Gallardo

The list takes in factors: titles, tactical habilities, style, attitude & age. Each category has a 5 point mark system.

Top listed Spanish Coaches are Luis Enrique (FC Barcelona , Nº3) & Unai Emery (Sevilla/PSG, Nº5)

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AT MADRID | GAMEIRO VERY CLOSE

Everything indicates that French International & Sevilla FC forward KEVIN GAMEIRO will be heading for Atletico de Madrid. The catalyst occurred days back when At. Madrid agreed to loan-out of their young Argentine forward Vietto, which indicated it was a "gesture".

The negotiations between Sevilla FC & Atletico are down to the forms of payment. Sevilla FC wants to get as close as possible to the contract release figure of 40M€, while Atletico offers 30M€ plus 5M€ more in variables.

It is the typical case of pull & loosen negotiations which is destined more sooner than later to finish in good port. There is some "controversy" between Atletico fans with the age of Gameiro, 29 years, which puts doubts on the price tag. However, the Frenchman has shown over the seasons with Sevilla that he is a fine goalscorer whose game fits in with the At. Madrid way of Football: counter-attack with sacrifice.

Stay tuned!

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AT MADRID | SIGNS SIME VRSALIJKO

News out from Italian paper "Gazzetta dello Sport" announces what has been rumoured all week, that Croatian International defender Sime Vrsalijko is a new Atletico de Madrid signing for next season. The defender has gone medical exams in Paris & Clubs, Sassuolo & At Madrid are soon to make official.

The deal is said to be around 16M€ plus 2M€ in incentives, that takes the deal to 18M€. The Croatian has been signed to give Spanish International Juanfran rest & obviously stiff competition for the right-back position.

Other European Clubs were interested like Napoles, but the player preferred Atletico over all others. 

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AT MADRID MAKE OFFICAL NICOLAS GAITAN SIGNING

Spanish Football Club has made official the signing of Argentine International midfielder Nicolas Gaitan. The 28 year old Benfica player has been a personal wish from Coach Simeone for the new season 2016 - 2017 squad.

The Argentinian player signs for the next 4 years & has cost At Madrid around 25M€ in transfer fee. Other names sounding as possible reinforcements for next season are Diogo Jota & defender Sassuolo Vrsaljko. Stay tuned!

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REAL MADRID WINS ITS 11 TH EUROPEAN - CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CUP

Spanish Football Club Real Madrid defeated fellow city & country Club Atletico de Madrid 5-3 (1-1 after 90 mins) in the penalty shoot out of the Final of the UEFA Champions League. 

Its the 11th European Cup for Real Madrid & it furthers their legendary heritage in this competition. At. Madrid losses its 3rd final in "unlucky" circumstances & also lengthens its "bad streak" in this competition. 

Either team deserved to win, both played to their limits but the penalty shoot out is like a "casino" & a miss by At. Madrid defender Juanfran - hitting the post - was the equilibrium breaker. The winner came from Cristiano Ronaldo who seems to be destined to shine in these important Football occasions.

Real Madrid started well & scored first when a free kick flicked on by Bale found Sergio Ramos in the 15th min to score. After closer look the Real Madrid defender was off-side but the goal stood. From here onwards At. Madrid slowly pulled themselves back into the game & took control.

In the 2º half Atletico Coach Simeone made an important substitution putting on Carrasco for Augusto. This gave Atletico more punch up forward eventual winning a penalty which unfortunately Griezmann missed hitting the bar. Not phased Atletico continued attacking & the equalizer came from a Jaunfran pass that found Carrasco in the far post in the 79th min.

The match went into extra-time & players from both teams began falling like flies with muscle cramps & from fatigue. Players from both teams like Bale, Modric, Koke, Luis Felipe ... were basically out of action while the fresh substitutes like Vazquez, Danilo, Carrasco etc pulled the cart. Few more opportunities not taken appeared for both teams that ended in the "dreaded" penalty shoot out stage.

The equilibrium breaker was when Atletico defender Juanfran failed his penalty hitting the post. This allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to score the winner straight after to take Real Madrid onto its 11th European-Champions League title.

Congratulations to Real Madrid, & very proud of Atletico Madrid. The overall winner is Spanish Football.

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REAL MADRID - AT MADRID POSSIBLE STARTING 11 LINE-UPS

The day before & the Champions League Final 2016 in Milan between Real Madrid - Atletico Madrid is hot & occupying the main sections of the World Sports media. One of the main debates is the speculated start 11 line-ups of both sides, with Football experts debating which players will make up the opening squads.

We can speculate & believe these are the most likely starting 11 line-ups for Real Madrid & Atletico Madrid:

REAL MADRID : Navas, Carvajal, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo & Gareth Bale.

ATLETICO MADRID: Oblak, JuanFran, Savic, Godin, Luis Felipe, Augusto, Saul, Gabi, Koke, Fernando Torres & Griezmann.

The Real Madrid speculated starting 11 looks fairly reasonable & correct, while the only doubt is with At.Madrid in whether Savic or JM Gimenez will start along side Godin in defence.

Kick off time 20.45 hours Saturday, a Final not to be missed.

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AT MADRID OFFICIAL SHIRT NUMBERS LIST SEASON 2015-2016

Spanish Liga season starts this weekend & Atletico de Madrid has its full list of shirt-players numbers for season 2015-2016. Barring late signing surprises it reflects the full squad. 

If your an Atletico de Madrid follower & was waiting to confirm the season number of your favourite player, here you have so you can race off & purchase your shirt.

OFFICIAL SHIRT NUMBERS FOR ATLETICO DE MADRID SQUAD FOR LA LIGA SEASON 2015-16:

1. Miguel Angel MOYA
13. Jan OBLAK (SLO)
2. Diego GODIN (URU)
3. FILIPE LUIS (BRA)
4. Guilherme SIQUEIRA (BRA)
15. Stefan SAVIC (MAC)
18. Jesús GAMEZ
19. LUCAS Hernández
20. JUANFRAN Torres
24. José María GIMÉNEZ (URU)
5. TIAGO Mendes (POR)
6. Jorge Resurrección, 'KOKE'
8. RAUL GARCIA
10. OLIVER Torres
14. GABI Fernández
17. SAUL ÑIGUEZ
21. Yannick CARRASCO (BEL)
22. THOMAS Partey (SEN)
7. Antoine GRIEZMANN (FRA)
9. FERNANDO TORRES
11. JACKSON MARTINEZ (COL)
16. Angel CORREA (ARG)
23. Luciano VIETTO (ARG-ITA)

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ATLETICO DE MADRID SIGNS FERREIRA CARRASCO FROM AC MONACO

Spanish press announce that Atletico de Madrid & Monaco have come to an agreement to transfer 21 year old Belgium midfielder Ferreira Carrasco to the Spanish Football Club. The speculated transfer price coming out from France is around 20M€, while the player signs for the next 5 seasons. It is expected that both Clubs will officially announce the operation soon.

Ferreira has been chosen over the other candidate Benfica player Gaitan whose price was higher around the 30M€. The player joins the other 2 new Club signings for the upcoming season : Vietto & Jackson Martinez. 

Do not discount further new incorporations in coming weeks. 

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ARDA TURAN | GET PAID MORE RUN LESS

Turkish International 28 year old midfielder Arda Turan has officially communicated to Atletico de Madrid Directives that he wishes to leave the Club. Reasons? Two:

• Has offers that promises more money,
• Runs too much at Atletico de Madrid.

What !...you may say looking at the 2º  reason, but this is what Spanish Sports paper "Marca" publish. Apparently Atletico Coach Simeone makes the Turk run too much in his tactical set-up. If this is true, its something I haven´t heard before publicly from a Football Player for wanting to leave a Club. Alternatively it could be a "Club thing" to sway public & fan opinion away from the player to allow an easier exit. 

Either way, Turan has apparently a Paris St Germain offer & a possible FC Barcelona offer as well with one of the Club Presidential candidates - Bartolmeo. Also there is rumour that Manchester United may also be asking & talking with the player.

Atletico de Madrid has it clear; for any Spanish Club its 41M€ + VAT (contract release clause), if the offer comes from outside Spain the Club will negotiate the transfer price. 

Stay tuned as we all await to see an official offer from another Club. If no offer arrives, Arda Turan will continue, he has contract with At Madrid until 2017. In this last case, who knows Coach Simeone may make the Turk run a little bit more. 

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KEYLOR NAVAS - IVAN RAKITIC ON AT MADRID AGENDA FOR NEXT SEASON ?

Two players who are having outstanding seasons with their respective Clubs; goalkeeper Keylor Navas (Levante) & Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla FC) are said to be signing objectives of Spanish Football Club Atletico de Madrid for next season.

The first is Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas who Atletico de Madrid sees as the ideal replacement for Courtois if he was to return to Chelsea FC next season. The player has a stiff contract release clause of around 10M€ & Atletico are hoping that Levante will sit down & negotiate.

The second is Croatian international & Sevilla FC midfielder Ivan Rakitic. This option is even more difficult as Sevilla does not wish to let their current Captain go & there are English Premier League Clubs also interested. The player ends contract in 2015 & knows that Atletico de Madrid is very interest in his services for next season. Atletico would wish to negotiate with Sevilla but prefers to wait until the player himself takes the initiative & pronounces his desire to go to Madrid. 

Both cases are excellent signing prospects which would make any Football Club stronger, & more so the already powerful Atletico de Madrid team which looks to reinforce & consolidate its jump in quality & in European Football.

Stay tuned! 

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SPANISH FOOTBALL FLASHBACKS | EUROPA LEAGUE 2010 FINAL

Here is a SPANISH FOOTBALL Flashback moment on video, the Europa League 2010 Final at Hamburg with finalist ATLETICO DE MADRID & English Club FULHAM. Historical night for Atletico & Spanish Football with a 2 - 1 victory for the Spaniards.

Great match by both teams that went into extra-time. Two goals from Diego Forlan ( 32 & 116 mins ) for At Madrid & Davies for Fulham ( 37 th min ). This game marked the take - off for Atletico that lifted them later into the European Football elite. The last IFHHS ranking puts Atletico in N º2 position behind FC Barcelona in European Club rankings.

Atletico de Madrid had back then two of the Best Forwards in World Football, Forlan & Aguero. Enjoy the highlights!




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ATLETICO DE MADRID | DE GEA TO RETURN ?

ATLETICO DE MADRID are very happy with their current Goalkeeper Courtois. The player has settled in perfectly with the Spanish Club, City & Culture & he is performing magnificently, so much so, that Courtois is a favourite amongst Atletico fans.

However, there is a slight problem, Courtois is a CHELSEA FC player currently on loan to Atletico de Madrid & his brilliant form is making the English Club think that it is time to recall the youngster to prepare him to take over the mantle of Petr Chec.

With this possible scenario in the air, News coming out of England is that MANCHESTER UNITED Spanish goalkeeper DAVID DE GEA may comeback to Atletico de Madrid as a loan. Here we have the opposite case, young De Gea has put in good performances with some bad ones, his inconsistency has lead Manchester to believe that perhaps its better that De Gea continue evolving elsewhere, at least in an environment familiar & loved. It is written that Manchester United has already contacted with Stoke City goalie Begoic.

Atletico de Madrid has another option up their sleeve, OSASUNA goalie ANDRES FERNANDEZ , an option currently being also studied.

Back to De Gea. While it seems he is more out than in at United, FC BARCELONA are looking for a keeper & the name of De Gea is sounding.
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EUROPA LEAGUE RESULTS | ATLETICO - BILBAO - LEVANTE

EUROPA LEAGUE Group matches tonight with three SPANISH FOOTBALL representatives. Here are the final results & all the goalscorers.

At Madrid

Current Europa League title holders ATLETICO DE MADRID travelled to Israel to play TEL AVIV & won comfortably 0 - 3. The Spanish team left Falcao at home & put on the field a B - side to give the other team members - those which play less - a run.

It was all Atletico during the match with goals from RODRIGUEZ in the 37th min, DIEGO COSTA in the 39th min & RAUL GARCIA in the 62nd min. The Spanish team could have scored more but missed chances - especially Adrian - & Costa had a goal disallowed.

Talking about Costa, excellent performance & is knocking on the door to convince Coach Simeone to be regular starter.

At Bilbao

ATLETIC CLUB BILBAO hosted HAPOEL KIRYAT for their Group I match. The final result was 1 - 1 with an exciting finish that could have given Bilbao the win.

The visitors started well, much better as Bilbao was still "finding themselves". Hapoel was rewarded with a goal in the 13th min via LENCSE. From here Bilbao began to find their place & groove & played better dominating the ball. They too were rewarded for their efforts in the 40th min when SUSAETA equalized on the 40th min.

Bilbao then went for the victory & created chances which they failed to convert. They even put on the questioned Fran Llorente to beef up the forward line & he too failed to convert his chances. In the end,  a sweet & sour experience & result for Bilbao.

Levante

LEVANTE hosted HELSINBORG & won 1 - 0 in a contested Group L match. Very even affair all night & the difference was that Levante took their chance & converted. The winner came in the 39th min when JUANFRAN scored.

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