REAL MADRID 0 FC BARCELONA 3 (1 - 4 AGG) | SPANISH CUP SEMI RESULT

The return leg of the SPANISH CUP (COPA DEL REY) semi-final between REAL MADRID CF and FC BARCELONA. The 1ºst leg ended in a 1 - 1 result & the tie was wide open for both teams. Here is a summary of the main events, goalscorers & the final result. 

REAL MADRID started with the above 11 team, with the news beginning the start of Reguilon & Bale left on the bench.  

FC BARCELONA started with the above starting 11 with the news being Sergi Roberto in the midfield.

REAL MADRID played better, but were punished & very severely by the Football axiom: "If you don't take your chances you will end up losing". This is what exactly occured. While The 1º st half was very even & tactical it was Real Madrid which was creating the goal occasions. However, Real Madrid, especially Vinicius Jr failed to define & finish off his (& teams) great work with goals. Too many misses which could have shut the match & given the tie in their favour early. 

However, in the 2º half FC Barcelona suffered but allowed Real Madrid to move up forward & basically knocked them out with counter-attacks exploiting the open spaces left while looking for goal. 

FC BARCELONA attacked three times & scored three times, the exact opposite from Real Madrid which created up to 10 goal chances & did not convert at all. The first goal came from LUIS SUAREZ in the 50th min from a Dembele pass. Here is an interesting story, the French winger was basically ineffective up till this point, Dembele was to be important again in the 2º goal when he passed into LUIS SUAREZ & the ball deflected off Real Madrid defender VARANE into the net in the 68th min.

A knockout blow for Real Madrid that had them reeling, so much so that while they were lifting off the "canvas" another counter-attack turned into a penalty as Casemiro fouled LUIS SUAREZ. The Uruguayan took the penalty & scored the 3ºr goal for Barça in the 73rd min & shut the door, assured the victory & their pass onto another Spanish Cup Final.

FINAL RESULT - REAL MADRID 0 FC BARCELONA 3 (1 - 4 on aggregate)

Some final observations:

• Real Madrid lost because they could not converted their numerous occasions, 
• Vinicius Jr while dangerous & talented needs to "fine tune" his finishes. He missestoo many chances & has no left foot,
• Real Madrid young defender REGUILON was the best on the field, MVP, & is a consecrated revelation. Real Madrid has a substitute for Marcelo & a future Spanish International. Outstanding.
• FC Barcelona was effective, efficient & utilized the law of "minimum effort for maximum results".  

Next Saturday we have another "Clasico" - Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona - this time as part of the LA LIGA fixture. I believe Barcelona has a psychological dominance over Real Madrid & would dare predict that Barça will win again on Saturday. If Barça does win the LIGA title will be virtually assured for them as they would have eliminated Real Madrid from the race only having Atletico de Madrid chasing.

Tomorrow the other Spanish Cup semi tie between REAL BETIS - VALENCIA CF currently 2 - 2 on aggregate. 

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REAL MADRID 1 ATLETICO MADRID 1 | ROUND 31 LA LIGA RESULT

Round 31 of LaLiga has scheduled big games, but the main attention grabber was the REAL MADRID vs ATLETICO DE MADRID derby that has finished in a 1 - 1 draw result. Bad result for Real Madrid as they still have FC Barcelona breathing down their necks for the Liga Championship Title, while Atletico will be happier as they escape Sevilla FC with another point in the race for the precious 3rd ladder place for next years direct ticket into Champions League. 

Deserved result the draw overall as both teams had their chances & the match shifted in favour of both sides throughout the 90 mins. Missed chances for both, especially for Real Madrid in critical moments, & great match saving saves from Atletico goalie Oblak which needs mentioning. Oblak is indeed a very good goalkeeper currently in World class level.

The first goal came from Pepe with a header in the 52 nd min to put his team ahead, while Griezmann managed the equalizer in the 85th min through a brilliant Correa pass.

Speaking of Griezmann, the Frenchman out shinned Cristiano Ronaldo in this match. The Frenchman is a valuable asset & perhaps worthy of his weight in gold. There is rumours of a Real Madrid interest in Griezmann, & though a transfer would be very complicated, a 100-120M€ offer would soften positions, while the player is certainly worth it. Cristiano Ronaldo on the other hand is beginning his "gradual" slide as all players of 30 plus age experience, not as decisive as in the past, although he did have two great goal chances.

Resuming, another great & entertaining city of Madrid clash that keeps La Liga Title race alive & very interesting. 

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EL CLASICO | POSSIBLE FC BARCELONA STARTING 11 LINE-UP

With Champions League obligations successfully acquired last night eliminating Manchester City, Spanish Football Club & current Liga leaders FC Barcelona turn all their full attention to next Sundays "Clasico". The Liga match against Real Madrid could well decide which of these two giants of World Soccer will take this seasons Spanish League title.

Two days ago I posted here the possible starting 11 team for Real Madrid. After yesterdays exhibition against Man City, one can comfortable speculate what will be the starting 11 team for FC Barcelona against Real Madrid next Sunday. The only change is in the goalkeeping area where Claudio Bravo steps in for Ter Stegen:

Bravo, Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba, Mascherano, Ratikic, Iniesta, Messi, Suarez & Neymar

Most local Football observers are unanimous with the above line-up. As always in Soccer, there could be a surprise, but the likelihood is low. 

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REAL MADRID | SOME HUMOUR FROM BARCELONA

Some innocent humour out of the city of Barcelona going viral, precisely from their Sports paper "Mundo Deportivo", after the Liga slip yesterday by Real Madrid drawing 1 - 1 with Villarreal (also lovely called "The Yellow Submarine").

The cartoon says it all, the mentioned result allows FC Barcelona to close the points gap on the Liga table to just two points. The upcoming "clasico" - FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid - scheduled for the 22nd of March begins to heat up early. The winner of this clash may well have the Liga title almost in the bag. Meanwhile, lets appreciate the sense of humour.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL LIGA ROUND 9 SATURDAY - EL CLASICO - GAMES FINAL RESULTS

Spanish Football Liga put on its best cloths today for the World with the all eclipsing Round 9 match between Real Madrid & FC Barcelona. The "Clasico" did not disappoint but there were more Liga games scheduled which will be shown below with the final results & all the goalscorers.

Real Madrid hosted FC Barcelona & won convincingly 3 - 1 in a fabulous game of Football. 

The starting line-ups for both teams were:

Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Isco, Kroos, Modric, James; Cristiano & Benzema

FC Barcelona:Bravo; Alves, Mascherano, Pique, Mathieu; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Neymar & Luis Suarez 

The win gives Real Madrid three points that puts pressure on Barça on the classification table as the former is now breathing on their necks with a point of difference. The result could have been greater for had the locals been able to finish off their numerous counter-attacks, especially in the second half. 

Barça started well, very well, with an early 3rd min goal by Neymar. Real Madrid reacted well & Benzema hit the bar, all adding to the end to end Football with Messi getting a deadly Suarez pass & goal chance, to score the second that Iker Casillas "miracle saved". This was the turning point as Real Madrid took over the game until the end. In a nutshell, Real Madrid was quicker, more direct & vertical in finding the goal, while FC Barcelona relied on their ball dominating & possession Football that made them look slower tonight & lead to errors when pressured. 

Real Madrid in the counter-attack is deadly, perhaps the best team in the World at this moment that practices this method. They pressure the opposition players, cause errors & then speed away to get to the goal in just 3 - 4 touches. This "killed" Barça tonight along with the efforts & sacrifice all match from Real Madrid players James Rodriguez - who was fabulous - Isco & Modric who along with attacking defeated in block. Karim Benzema was class, along with his goal, connecting & setting up his team-mate with an always active & dangerous Cristiano Ronaldo who scored & was more sharing tonight always looking for team-mates to score when perhaps he was better placed. In defence Sergio Ramos was a pillar of strength & Carvajal was excellent putting out Neymar & any one else in his way. 

For Barça, Luis Suarez started & was active putting in some dangerous passes but fizzed out, as did other team-mates like Neymar, Xavi & Messi. The bad news was the injury to Iniesta that will need to see later the extent of the damage.  Overall, a faster & more vertical Real Madrid deservedly took the victory. 

These are all the goalscorers in order:

• Neymar 3rd min, 0 - 1
• Cristiano Ronaldo 34th min (penalty), 1 - 1
• Pepe (corner header) 50th min, 2 -1
• Karim Benzema (counter-attack) 61st min, 3 -1 

Last night Round 9 of Liga kicked off with the Celta de Vigo - Levante match. The game went to Celta 3 - 0 with two goals from Larrivey - 26 & 82nd min - & Alex Lopez in the 89th  min. This victory gives Celta three more points & they quietly jump up the classification table into the top positions. Great form & Football from Celta.

Two teams having a "horror" period in Liga & sitting in the bottom places of the ladder met today in a "must win" situation. The three points went to Athletic Club Bilbao winning 0 - 1 away to Almeria. The game gave just one goal & that came in the 56th min from Etxeita. 

Valencia CF welcomed their new owner Peter Lim with a authoritative 3 - 1 victory over Elche. The goals came from fixed plays-corners, starting with Mustafi in the 12th min, followed by Parejo in the 17th min & an own goal from Elche player Lomban in the 64th min. Elche consolation piece was scored by Jonathas from a corner in the 92nd min. 

Extra good news for Valencia CF, Alvaro Negredo got a run in the 86th min. His happy to be finally back after a long injury. Will get better.

Eibar drew 1 - 1 with Granada. The visitors got ahead in the 8th min via Nyom, then Boveda drew for the home team in the 38th min. Shared points.

Cordoba drew 1 - 1 Real Sociedad in a match that went to the wire. The visitors got ahead first in the 22nd min through a Iñigo Martinez goal, but Cordoba drew in the 88th min through Xisco.

More Liga matches tomorrow.

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THE RETURN OF LUIS SUAREZ | FC BARECLONA

The term, "seeing the light at the end of the tunnel", has never been so true for Uruguayan & FC Barcelona forward Luis Suarez. The player ends his 4 month ban from playing football - official games - next Friday. Consequently, the next day Saturday, the first Spanish Football season "Clasico" between Real Madrid & FC Barcelona is scheduled, thus allowing Suarez to be available for Barça Coach Luis Enrique if he decides to use this valuable Football resource.    

The player has expressed to media that he is glad that this "personal nightmare" is coming to an end. Luis Suarez even feared for his Football future that perhaps FC Barcelona may have retired their original signing interest after his World Cup "biting incident".

The logic suggests that Suarez start on the bench next Saturday against Real Madrid & only participate perhaps the last part of the game. However, his Coach Luis Enrique may think otherwise  & go into the clash with all the available fire power up front. 

Either way, everyone is looking forward to seeing Suarez back on the Football field, playing in the Spanish Football Liga & watching his goal skills in action. From here we wish Luis Suarez good luck & can say officially, welcome to Spanish Football.

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POSSIBLE STARTING TEAMS REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA

Big day of Spanish Football & World Soccer today with the Real Madrid - FC Barcelona clash scheduled as part of Round 29 of Liga. The Spanish Sports paper based in Barcelona "Sport" has speculated with what they consider are the likely starting team line-ups. They have betted on Neymar starting over Pedro & Alexis, something that I am not too sure about at this stage. In the Real Madrid camp Benzema is not 100% but is said will be play. 

Courtesy of "Sport"

Speculated Real Madrid starting XI team line-up vs FC Barcelona:
Lopez, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Xabi Alonso, Modric, Di Maria, Bale, C Ronaldo & Benzema.

Speculated FC Barcelona starting X1 team line-up vs Real Madrid:
Valdes, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, Iniesta, Neymar & Messi.

Good luck to both & may the better team win. 

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INTERNET READERS PICK REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA STARTING XI TEAMS

Round 29 of the Spanish Liga is going to bring us one of the biggest matches in World Football, the "Clasico" between Real Madrid & FC Barcelona. A super important match because a win by Real Madrid will open up a 7 point gap in the classification table over their rival, while a win for Barça puts them back in the title race just 1 point away. Said all this lets not forget current 2º placed Club Atletico de Madrid which will be watching this game with certain interest.

The clash is schedule for Sunday night at 21.00 Spanish time in the "Santiago Bernabeu Stadium" ( Madrid ).

The atmosphere is already charged & every Football fan is talking about the game. One of the hot topics is who will start, or said differently, what will be the final staring XI teams. Spanish Sports paper "AS" asked its readers via Internet & this is the final result, as shown above with players name & corresponding vote.

The more the 40.000 voters obviously placed their personal interest & Real Madrid goalie Iker Casillas won Diego Lopez. It will be a fact that Diego Lopez will start tomorrow over Casillas. The rest of the team looks right & is the habitual team that Coach Carlo Ancelotti has been starting with in past weeks. 

FC Barcelona fans have also voted what looks like the habitual starting XI team. The only doubt currently on Coach Martino´s mind is whether Alexis & Pedro start over Neymar, or Neymar starts sacrificing either Alexis or Pedro. If goal numbers is to be a decision factor Neymar would stay on the bench.

Therefore, excluding Iker Casillas from Real Madrid & leaving open the position of Neymar we could say that the above image is very close to the starting XI teams of Real Madrid & FC Barcelona for tomorrows "Clasico". 

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PREVIEW | SPANISH FOOTBALL | REAL MADRID - ATLETICO DE MADRID | POSSIBLE TEAMS LINE-UPS

Spanish Football has its first big Liga game tomorrow as part of Round 7. The divided city of Madrid will hook onto the TV around 22.00 hrs to watch the Real Madrid - Atletico de Madrid derby.

Real Madrid come in as the less in form team, with Atletico de Madrid enjoying an undefeated streak & are sharing the leadership of the Liga classification table with FC Barcelona. Atletico are favourites & seem to have finally gotten the upper hand over their city rivals after winning the Spanish Cup last season at the "Santiago Bernabeu Stadium".

However true this may be there is nothing more to "fear" than when the "enemy" is wounded. The last three games - Granada, Villareal & Elche - has seen a relatively poor Real Madrid pushed around & in occasions against the ropes as their star player Cristiano Ronaldo has needed to came to their rescue. The team is not working.

The Real Madrid defence is not solid, there are midfield issues to still be resolved & upfront Benzema is not proving to be the Number Nine the Club needs & is looking for this season. The squad lacks intensity & concentration & because of this Coach Ancelotti will concentrate his players tonight to begin the psychological strengthening. 

The other news is that Gareth Bale is fit & looks like he will play tomorrow which may give Real Madrid another useful resource, however no one is sure if he will start or come on in the second half.

A speculated & possible Real Madrid starting 11 team line-up against Atletico de Madrid could be:

Diego Lopez, Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao, Khedira, Modric, Isco, Di Maria ( Gareth Bale ), Cristiano Ronaldo & Karim Benzema*

Atletico de Madrid are in top form with Football observers claiming that perhaps they are currently the best team in Spanish Football. Their Spanish Cup win form at the end of the season has been carried on with the Spanish Super Cup were they drew twice with the all-mighty FC Barcelona squad. They are undefeated so far in the Spanish Liga.

They have excellent & inform players on all lines. Defensively perhaps the best in European Football at this moment, in the midfield they are solid & hard working & upfront the Costa-Villa duo is working magnificently. An aggressive & intense team that pressures their opponents leading them to make mistakes which lead to fast counter-attacks...& goals.

Youngsters like Goalkeeper Courtois is stopping everything along with midfielder Koke who has evolved into a mature player already called up & playing with the Spanish National Team. Forward Diego Costa is the "trending topic man" with 7 goals so far sharing the top goalscorer rankings. If there was ever a moment to win & knock off their pedestal their City rival it is tomorrow night in the Stadium of the "enemy".

The speculated & possible Atletico de Madrid starting 11 team line-up against  Real Madrid could be:

Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis Felipe, Thiago, Koke, Gabi, Arda Turan, Diego Costa & David Villa* 

Historically most derby games end in draw. May the better team win tomorrow, I am going with Atletico de Madrid. Aupa Atleti!

* both line-ups are speculations & may well change close to kick off time.

Latest:
Final score here in Liga Round up

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