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Wednesday, 10 July 2013

Villarreal have officially completed the signing of Mallorca winger and Mexican international, Giovani Dos Santos on a four-year deal.

Villarreal confirmed that Dos Santos will  be officially presented on the 18th of July.
 Dos Santos admitted that he was happy to end all the speculation about his future and was delighted to join Villarreal.
“I am very happy to take this step in my career and, finally, to play at Villarreal CF, a great club which I was about to go to last season, but because of their relegation on the final day I, unfortunately, wasn’t able to.
There have been many versions and speculation about my future and I wanted keep that aside, but now that it has agreed all successfully, I want to publicly express my great enthusiasm in going to Villarreal and hopefully can bring everything I can to the club. I am convinced that we will make a great season.''

Friday, 26 April 2013

There has been a lot of speculation about how Pep Guardiola sat through the tie between Barcelona and Bayern. The former Azulgrana manager who is 'culé' through and through, will become the next Bayern manager this summer. MARCA learned that Guardiola had expected a very different first leg semi-final match.
Before the game at the Allianz
Arena on Tuesday, there were even rumours that Jupp Heynckes might ask him for advice about how to prepare for the tie.
But Guardiola remained on the sidelines and out of the media spotlight, fully aware of the interest his opinions and analysis would attract. However, what he wasn't prepared for was the crushing result in Munich and even less the way events unfolded.
He watched the match on television and was able to see the full potential of the team he's taking on. A team that will be strengthened by the arrival of Mario Götze and, as Heynckes agent revealed on Wednesday, by Lewandowski too.
Pep Guardiola expected a much more even match and was surprised by the German steamroller which looks set to win the treble (it has the Bundesliga under its belt, is in the Cup Final and, barring miracles, also in the final of the Champions League).
If Bayern is successful, Guardiola will have extremely high standards to live up to, even before he takes up his new post in Germany.
Various media reports have long been linking Mourinho to Chelsea for next season. The charismatic manager who guided Chelsea out of oblivion and made them a force in World football is all but confirmed to leave Real Madrid and return to London according to German Newpaper Bild.

The German daily claims the Portuguese tactician is set to depart the Real Madrid dugout in June in favour of a return to the Premier League.

According to the reports, the Blues' Russian owner, Roman Abramovich, is set to sign Radamel Falcao as a welcome gift for the 'Special One'. It is worth remembering that the Colombian marksman has a €60 million release clause in his Atlético de Madrid contract.

Wednesday, 3 April 2013

Watch Spanish runaway leaders FC Barcelona draw with French Champions elect PSG in following highlights

Link 1
 Link 2
Link 3

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 PSG 2 - 2 Barcelona

Line ups:

PSG : Sirigu - Jallet, Alex, T. Silva, Maxwell - Lucas Moura, Beckham, Matuidi, Pastore - Lavezzi, Ibrahimovic

FCB : Valdes - Dani Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Jordi Alba - Busquests, Xavi, Iniesta - Sanchez, Messi, Villa


Report
Barca drew with PSG 2-2 after a late Matuidi goal stunned valdes and Barca. Messi who had given Barca the lead after a superb chipped assist by Alves had to be taken off and now misses two-three weeks due to injury. Ibra made it 1-1 after the most ridiculous off-side decisions ever seen on a football pitch. It seemed that the referees had forgotten that they were playing with the offside rule in the game. Alexis' showed why he still can make the difference after he induced an error from impressive Sirigu and won Barca a penalty. Xavi made it 2-1 from the spot.

But just when it looked that Barca were heading for another win, Matuidi struck from long range the last shot of the match which mercilessly deflected off Bartra and into the net leaving Valdes with no chance. Mascrehano added to Barca's woes when he got injured and will be out for another six weeks. Barca still has the advantage thanks to their two away goals and will be looking to make PSG suffer in the crucial return leg slated for the glorious Camp Nou. They will have to do so without Messi, Puyol, Mach, Adriano and possibly Pedro. Good Luck Barca
Lionel Messi has given all Barca and Football fans a fright with his hamstring injury in the first half against PSG. The Argentine failed to re-appear in the second half of the Blaugrana's first-leg clash against PSG after giving his side the lead moments beforehand. Latest reports suggest he is out for 2-3 weeks. While argentine center-back Javier Masceranho is out for six weeks. With Puyol already out it will mean more playing time for Bartra and Abidal at centre back.


The club confirmed that Messi damaged his right hamstring will undergo tests on Wednesday to determine the exact extent of his problem.

"Messi sustained an injury to his right hamstring. He will undergo further tests on Wednesday to determine the extent of the injury," read their statement.

The Argentine appeared to have suffered the muscle strain towards the end of the first half, with the attacker hugging the touchline and showing limited movement in the closing moments while talking with manager Tito Vilanova . Messi was substitutes with Febregas.

Messi joins Puyol, Pedro, Adriano and Masceranho on the injury list where as Xavi and Alba are also not fully fit. Masceranho also got injured in the same match
Watch lionel Messi's first half strike live here



What a pass by Alves I must say


 
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Tuesday, 2 April 2013

 PSG V BARCELONA Starting Lineups:

PSG Line Up: Sirigu - Jallet, Alex, T. Silva, Maxwell - Lucas Moura, Beckham, Matuidi, Pastore - Lavezzi, Ibrahimovic

FCB Line Up: Valdes - Dani Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Jordi Alba - Busquests, Xavi, Iniesta - Sanchez, Messi, Villa



LIVE STREAMING

PSG V BARCELONA LIVE STREAM 1

PSG V BARCELONA LIVE STREAM 2

PSG V BARCELONA LIVE STREAM 3

PSG V BARCELONA LIVE STREAM 4

PSG V BARCELONA LIVE STREAM 5

PSG V BARCELONA LIVE STREAM 6

PSG V BARCELONA LIVE STREAM 7

PSG V BARCELONA LIVE STREAM 8

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Spain defeated their hosts 1-0 thanks to a pedro goal to reclaim top position from France in their world cup qualifying campaign.

The highlights of the match are available in the link




Leo Messi has never scored against Bolivia with an assist to his name in four games his best contribution. Argentina will be looking to shake off their last humiliation on this very ground when they take on Bolivia tonight


Match starts at 20:00 GMT

Official Line up

Argentina
Romero; Peruzzi, Domínguez, Campagnaro, Basanta, Clemente Rodríguez; Banega, Mascherano, Di María; Messi; Palacio

Live Streams


Bolivia v Argentina Live Stream 1

Bolivia v Argentina Live Stream 2

Bolivia v Argentina Live Stream 3

Bolivia v Argentina Live Stream 4

Bolivia v Argentina Live Stream 5

Bolivia v Argentina Live Stream 6

Bolivia v Argentina Live Stream 7
Spain visit France tonight for a crucial Worldcup Qualifier. If Spain fails to win against their hosts tonight they will need a miracle to qualify directly for next year's worldcup to be held in Brazil. Spain has 8 points after 4 games where as France is the group leader with 10 points in the same number of games.


Match starts at 20:00 GMT

France's Official Lineup: (4-3-3)
Lloris; Jallet, Varane, Sakho, Evra; Cabaye, Pogba, Matuidi; Valbuena, Benzema, Ribéry

Spain's Official Lineup: (4-3-3)
Valdés - Arbeloa, Piqué, Ramos, Monreal - Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi - Pedro, Iniesta, Villa.

Live Streams

France v Spain Live Stream 1

France v Spain Live Stream 2 

France v Spain Live Stream 3 

France v Spain Live Stream 4 

France v Spain Live Stream 5 

France v Spain Live Stream 6 

 



Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Germany entertain Kazakhastan in a world cup friendly tonight at  19 : 45 GMT

Watch La Liga stars Mezut Ozil and Sami Khedira in action right here.

Official Germany XI vs. Kazakhstan: Neuer - Lahm, Mertesacker, Boateng, Schmelzer - Khedira, Gündogan - Müller, Özil, Reus - Götze






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As we speak Portugal faces Azerbaijan in a must win qualifier

The team sheets are:

Azerbaijan:
Agayev, Ramaldanov, Shukurov, Mammadov, Aliyev, Sadygov, Abışov, Hüseynov,Nadirov, Medvedev, Ismayilov.

Portugal:
Patrício, João Pereira, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Coentrão, Meireles, Veloso, Moutinho, Vieirinha, Postiga, Danny.


Below are the live stream links

Azerbaijan v Portugal live stream 1

Azerbaijan v Portugal live stream 2

Azerbaijan v Portugal live stream 3






Monday, 25 March 2013





Watch a special Collection of Christiano Ronaldo goals

 A treat for his lovers

Hope u enjoy it


Saturday, 23 March 2013

Here is a treat for all Lionel Messi fans
A compilation of top 50 goals scored by the great Argentine dynamite over the last decade
Here's a collection of his top 50 pearl
See and enjoy




 
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Bad news for Spain and FC Barcelona fans. One of the best left backs around, Jordi Alba has been injured in last night's qualifier against Finlad. Jordi Alba has a small tear in his hamstring and has already been ruled out of La Roja's next match against France, which is a huge blow to Spain's chances for automatic qualification for the next year's Worldcup. It is worth mentioning that when Alba suffered the injury he had to stay in the match as there were no more substitutions .

Barcelona, who are already low on defenders, fear that Alba could miss next weekend’s La Liga clash against Celta Vigo and possibly even the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final match against Paris Saint Germain.

Friday, 22 March 2013


The situation at Malaga is getting more and more difficult for Manuel Pellegrini and it could very well prove to be his last season with the team. The owner Abdullah Al-Thani may be upbeat about his project but it is not  convincing enough for Manuel Pellegrini to continue on the bench. 

 The Chilean coach has been saying for a long time now that his future depends on the project club submits him.  Things will get even more difficult for a Pellegrini stay if the ruling is unfavorable from Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) and Malaga is banned from playing in Europe next season. 

Even then Pellegrini can stay in case Malaga’s project convinces him and he is given a good script to follow. He wants to have full backing of owners so that there is no repeat of the chaotic episodes of this season.  Pellegrini will require more than words.

There is no doubting the fact that its Pellegrini due to which Malaga has survived and are still competing valiantly day in and day out. He is the reason why players of a certain level are still coming to Malaga despite no backing from the owners. 

 The club insists that owner is not going to leave the club.  But the club needs to go further rather than backwards.   Remember that Pellegrini is under contract until 2015 however there are many clubs that want him. It is worth mentioning that future of most of the players at Malaga is also tied to their manager.

On the other hand efforts are being made behind the scenes to sell the club to a new investor. It is believed that the owners offered the club to PSG owners who assured that they have no interest in buying the club.

Despite their off-field problems, Pellegrini has led the club to incredible quarterfinal place in Champions League and a sixth place in La Liga standings. What makes this feat more amazing is that it is the same club which has sold Cazorla, Monreal and Rondon and replaced them with loan or free signings.

Only time will tell whether Pellegrini will stay or go but it will not be the charismatic Chilean who will suffer from departure.



Spain U21 are currently taking on Norway U21 in a friendly game


Starting eleven for Spain U21 with a 4-3-3 formation is

Joel Robles(Wigan)
Montoya(Barca)
Bartra(Barca)
Inigo Martinez(Sociedad)
Muniesa (Barca)

Koke(Athletico)
Illarramendi(Socieadad)
Thiago (Barca)
Tello(Barca)
Muniain(Bilbao)
Rodrigo(Benfica)

At the end of first half Spain U21 lead by 3-1 with two goals from Christian Telllo and one from Rodrigo

Watch the match live here     Live Stream Spain U21 V Norway U21

Thursday, 21 March 2013

According to various sources close to the Spanish national team, following eleven players will take to the field against Finland on Friday.

Valdes, Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Busquets, Iniesta, Febregas, Pedro, Cazorla, Villa.


Among the race to be Spanish No.2 behind Iker Casillas, it seems that its Barcelona's Victor Valdes who has won the race. Valdes will be looking to make good of a rare chance to start a match in a La Roja shirt after doing so well for Barcelona over the years.

In the absence of Carles Puyol, Ramos keeps his partnership at the back with Gerard Pique where as Arbeloa keeps his spot at right back brushing aside exciting Chelsea right back Azpilicueta. Both Xavi and Xabi are unlikely to start given their niggling problems and a midfield of Barca trio Busi, Cesc and Iniesta is on cards.

David Villa will return to the starting eleven after recent fine form for the blaugranas and he is likely to be joined by Pedro who has been in sensational form for Spain this season. Cazorla will most likely get the nod for the other attacking position ahead of other PremierLleague stars Silva and Mata.

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Pep Guardiola looks set to start his Bayern revolution with a player very much his own. Present Barca players are difficult to lure away from Camp Nou so Guardiola has set his sights on one of his former prodigies.

Bayern Munich might have one of the best defences in the world  but they still lack a solid Center half a leader. Guardiola has identified his former La Masia prodcut Alberto Botia for this task. Daniel Van Buyten looks set to play his last season with the Hollywood FC where as Badstuber's progress has been hampered by injuries in recent times. Dante and Boateng are good but not worldclass.

Alberto Botia who is one of the best up and coming Spanish defenders has one cap with the Spanish National team . The 24 year old stands at 1.87 M. He is a  ball playing defender having a very good sense of reading the game.

It is worth remembering that Pep Guardiola was the manager who gave Botia his first team debut with FC Barcelona. Botia was later loaned and then sold with a buy back clause to Sporting Gijon. After initial success , he was relegated with the team. He was strongly linked with a move back to Barcelona but Barca never looked interested in exercising the buy back clause. He signed for Sevilla FC in 2012-2013 season.
Alberto Botia

In the current campaign, he has suffered from indifferent form, although his form has picked up recently.
Botia has so far played 21 gamed for Sevilla FC, 14 in the league and 7 in the cup. He also has two goals to his name.

Botia who is valued at € 6m and is along with Diego Godin of Athletico, Guardiola's preferred choice for strengthening Bayern's defense for next season. Godin is valued at € 15m , a sum much higher than Botia's.

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Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis once said that he loves the fact that Lionel Messi doesnt have a tattoo. I am not sure if he still loves Messi for that but one thing is for sure. Lionel Messi does love his son Thiago.

Lionel Messi getting Tattooed

On the occasion of Spanish Father's day, Lionel Messi didnt waste much time in showing his love for his four year old son. Messi who has repeatedly admitted that his son's birth is the best thing to have happened to him was granted some time off from Argentina training to get himself tattooed with his son's name and hands.
It was the calf of the famous footballer which had the honor to etch the name Thiago surrounded by his two hand prints.

It is worth remembering that this is not the only tattoo Messi has. He already has the face of her mother etched on his shoulders. We leave you here with the exclusive pictures of Messi's latest tattoos.
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Tuesday, 19 March 2013

Jose Mourinho, regarded by many as No.1 manager in football today is surely No.1 in another list. The list published by France Football Magazine has the self proclaimed 'Special One' at top of their richest managers list.

It is worth mentioning here that it is the eighth time the Portuguese coach has finished as the top earner since the magazine began its managers list in 2004.

In the latest list, to be published by 'France Football' on Tuesday, Mourinho earned €14 million; €12 million from his salary and the rest from advertising contracts.

As he did last year, the Madrid coach beats Italian Carlo Ancelotti, second once again even though he took home €12 million, a €1.5 million drop on 2012.

Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande's Italian manager, Marcelo Lippi completes the podium with €11 million, a spot occupied last time round by Barcelona's Spanish coach, Pep Guardiola, who is currently on a year's sabbatical before heading to Bayern Munich next season.

Dutchman Guus Hiddink, at the helm of Russian outfit Anji Makhachkala, is fourth in the rankings with €10.8 million, while Scot Kenny Dalglish had time to pocket €10 million before being fired by Liverpool last June.

Completing the best paid top ten are Arsenal's French manager, Arsène Wenger (€9.4 million), Russian national team coach, Fabio Capello (€9.2 million), Manchester City's Roberto Mancini, United's Alex Ferguson and China's national team coach and the only Spaniard on the list, José Antonio Camacho (€6.1 million).
The last Englishman to win European player of the year, in 2001, Micheal Owen announced to retire from professional football at the end of the season. Currently plying his trade in EPL with Stoke City, Owen featured for Real Madrid in 2004-2005 season. Despite having a good goal scoring record, he was never able to establish himself at the Barnabeu . He was sold to Newcastle where he played four seasons. He later played for Manchester United as well before joining Stoke but was never able to recapture his form which made him the poster boy of world football a decade ago.

Owen who has just one goal for Stoke this season is the fourth highest scorer for England with 40 international goals. He has 220 Club goals to go with that. Owen had following to say on his retirement:

"It is with an immense amount of pride that I am announcing my intention to retire from professional football at the end of this season,"
"I have been very fortunate in that my career has taken me on a journey I could only have dreamed of.

"None of this would have been possible without the tremendous support I have received from managers, coaches, fellow players, back-room staff, the supporters and my own personal sponsors. I would like to thank each and every one for the huge role they have played in helping me reach the top of my profession.

"Most of all though, I would like to thank my family. To my beautiful wife Louise, for her continued love and support through the many ups and downs in my career and for affording me the most precious gift of all, our children.

"To my Mum who has always taken the brunt of my frustrations yet continues to keep our family so tight-knit, a trait that has formed the foundations of my own success.

"Her dedication to me and my brothers and sisters is immeasurable. I'd like to thank Terry, Andy, Karen and Lesley for being so understanding and creating the perfect environment to grow up in.

"Last but not least, my Dad. We did it my old mate! From those freezing local parks to terrorizing the best defenders in the world on the biggest stages of all. I couldn't have done it without you."

We will leave you with some of the best goals of Micheal Owen:


The sight every Barca and indeed World football fan wanted to see. Eric Abidal, king of comebacks, is back on the field playing football. Here is the proof


Eric Abidal has finally returned to football pitch. He featured for Barca B against French Ligue 2 side Istres along with first team player Jonathan Dos Santos. It is pertinent to mention here that number 22 of Barca along with JDS and Pinto are training with Barca B due to the absence of other first team players who are away on national duty.

When it was announced that Abidal had relapse of Cancer, many thought his career was all but over. But Abidal had other ideas. He wanted to live and he only knew one way of living. To play football. It is worth mentioning here that Abidal only started training again on February 22 and in less than a month he has played his first match. Now all the eyes of Barca fans will be on King Abi to make his comeback to first team action and may be lifting another Champions League trophy in May. Who knows
Spanish Catalan daily, Sport, today came up with breakdown of Lionel Messi's Laliga goals this season which make up for a very interesting reading. Leo Messi has so far scored 42 goals in Laliga this season. Only one time so many goals have been scored in a full season. By Lionel Messi himself, when he scored 50 goals last season.

If a closer look is taken at the analysis, it is learnt that out of 42, half the goals have been assisted by various Barca players. Out of these 21 assists, 4 given by Iniesta are the most by any player to Messi this season. Alexis Sanchez might have come for a lot for stick from Camp Nou faithfuls this season, but he is the player with second most assists for Massiah with three. Xavi Hernandes and Dani Alves who are generally thought to be main providers for Messi have only two and one assists for Messi this season in the league.

Out of the 42 goals, 36 have come with Leo's world famous left  foot and only 6 with his 'weaker' right foot. No goal has been scored via a header this season. Four of his goals have come from penalties. A figure much lesser than his direct rival for Pichichi, CR7.

Leo Messi has scored more goals outside the Camp Nou than inside it which in itself a stunning record. Messi has 20 goals in Camp Nou and 22 away from it.

Below is the picture published in the Sport today




Monday, 18 March 2013

Diego Costa scored both the goals and overshadowed Falcoa as Osasuna were piped on their home ground. Highlights cans b seen in the link



The biggest news of the Round 30 was the loss of Almeria who dropped out of automatic promotion zone and are now third just one point above Girona. Girona themselves solidified their push for an automatic promotion after their away win at Recre.  Alcorcon are now second behind runaway leader Elche. Villareal are amongst it again and just four points away from second position and in play off positions. They won 1-0 at Huesca. Las Palmas thrashing of Barca B help them replace the young Blaugranas into sixth position. Barca B drop out to seventh. The bottom four remain unmoved although Hercules, the only side among them to win over the weekend, is now five points away from climbing out of the dreaded zone.



Fc Barcelona keeps its thirteen points advantage over great rival Real Madrid after both teams won. Real Sociedad jump into top four after disappointing defeat of Malaga and Sociedad's triumph over the weekend.
Malaga drop down to sixth and into the Europa League positions. At the bottom, Depor remain firm on last position despite a rare win whereas Zaragoza is in real danger now as it is only two points away from the relegation zone after another drubbing.



Lionel Messi might have been around for such a long time at Barcelona but it was only yesterdasy when he got the chance to be a Barca captain for the very first time. Messi benefited from the fact that three of regular Barca Captains were not playing. Puyol and Xavi were both injured where Valdes was suspended. Fourth and last captain, Iniesta was the leader on the pitch. But when Roura decided to give Don Andreas some rest in 63rd minute, Iniesta handed the captain's armband to a shy looking messi. Watch for yourself the historic moment when Messi captained Barca for the first time in his life in these pics.





 

Barcelona 3 - Rayo Vallecano 1

Lineups
Barcelona: ( 4-3-3) Pinto; Adriano (Dani Alves 22'), Piqué, Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Fàbregas (Alex Song 81'), Busquets, Iniesta (Thiago 63'); Alexis, Messi, David Villa

Rayo: (4-2-3-1)Rubén; Tito, Gálvez, Jordi Figueras, Arbilla; Adrián González (Lass 61'), Trashorras; José Carlos, Chori Domínguez (Isaac 84'), Piti; Delibasic (Tamudo 69').

Goals:
1-0. 25. Villa. Fired angled shot past Rubén after Messi passed across.
2-0. 40. Messi. Turned shot past keeper after Villa passed ball through.
3-0. 57. Messi. Ran on to Villa through ball and lifted shot over keeper.
3-1. 70. Tamudo. Turned shot past Pinto close to goal from Piti cross.

Yellow cards
: Piti 17', Trashorras 28', Tito 62', Rubén 68', Pinto 90'.

Match Report:

 Lionel Messi struck twice to extend his incredible scoring streak to 18 consecutive league games, but it was his understanding with David Villa that was the highlight of the match .The game started with Barcelona applying the high intensity and tempo which allowed the magical comeback against Milan from the initial whistle, while Los Vallecanos opted for an aggressive approach, with tackles flying around the park and pressing much higher than most Camp Nou visitors dare.


Villa got the ball rolling 25 minutes in by confidently slotting home a pass from Messi, who himself slid in the second five minutes before half-time after latching onto the Spain striker's through ball.

The Argentine would clip home a brilliant third shortly after the hour mark, though Barca were not able to hold onto their clean sheet when Raul Tamudo poked home a consolation for Rayo with 20 minutes to go.

Unsurprisingly, the Blaugrana took advantage of the many spaces left behind their opponent's back-line and managed to unbalance the game as a result.

As the scoreline reflects, the Messi-Villa connection worked perfectly, with both players clearly on the same wavelength and constantly enhancing each other's game, always aware of how their coordinated movement would create mutual spaces.

Villa got the ball rolling 25 minutes in by confidently slotting home a pass from Messi, who himself slid in the second five minutes before half-time after latching onto the Spain striker's through ball.

The Argentine would clip home a brilliant third shortly after the hour mark, though Barca were not able to hold onto their clean sheet when Raul Tamudo poked home a consolation for Rayo with 20 minutes to go.

Statistics:



Osasuna 0 - Atlético Madrid 2

Line ups:
Osasuna:( 4-2-3-1 )  
Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Arribas, Miguel Flaño, Damià (Llorente 79'); Lolo, Puñal (Cejudo 72'); De las Cuevas (Nino 60'), Oier, Armenteros; Masoud

Atlético: (4-2-3-1 )
Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Cata Díaz, Filipe Luis; Gabi, Mario Suárez; Koke, Diego Costa (Adrián 74'), Arda Turan (Cristian Rodríguez 85'); Falcao.

Goals:
0-1. 35. Diego Costa. Headed rebound past Andrés after keeper saved first shot.
0-2. 48. Diego Costa. Got on the end of Koke free kick to turn ball in from close up.

Yellow cards: Juanfran 06', Damià 39', Diego Costa 47', Koke 57', Gabi 89'.

Match Details:

 Atletico Madrid triumphed in El Sadar to keep the pressure on neighbors Real for the second spot in LaLiga. It was a team effort from Simeone's man in a game where Osasuna had little to no opportunities.

Cata Diaz was the only exception to an otherwise same prefered eleven of Simeone. He replaced Godin. The start was promising for both sides with three early chances. The first, for Atletico, with a dangerous cross into the area from Arda which was destined for Falcao but Andres Fernandez arrived first. 3 minutes had elapsed and the next chance fell to Oier who got his head on a cross before in the 7th minute a Masoud shot scraped the post.

Slowly Atletico grew in to the game but they had to wait until the 34th minute before opening the scoring. Gabi found Koke unmarked and the spain youngster picked out Diego Costa who made it 1-0 to the visitors.

That was how the first half ended and Atletico Madrid made sure the game was beyond the team from Pamplona when in the 47th minute, Diego Costa on one of his mot successfull grounds struck again. A free kick delivered by Koke was met at the back post by Miranda who headed the ball back across the goal for the Brazilian to fire home. The goal really knocked the stuffing out of Mendilíbar’s side and put Atletico well and truly in the driving seat.

Atletico were looking to kill the game by scoring the third goal and a header from Falcao went close and Koke almost finished things off with a spectacular effort that the keeper deflected wide. The visitors managed to play out the rest of the game and collect an important 3 points coupled with a clean sheet on the road. A good result at a difficult ground like El Sadar for Athletico.

Athletico remain third only one point adrift of Real whereas Osasuna are four points away from relegation zone in fifteenth position.


Statistics:


According to a number of Catalan papers, these will be the new barca kits for the season 2013-2014. After various experiments with their shirts over the past years, Barca returns to its narrow stripes style which has been world famous. But the moment of real excitement for Catalan club's fans come in the shape of  away day kits. The away day kits are made up of Senyera,Catalan flag's colors. In fact it resembles Senyera a lot. For a club which has always been the voice of Catalonians all over the world, this away day kit is more than just a shirt. It is a symbol of their national pride and their strong resilience against Spanish federation. Remember Barcelona, as an autonomous region of Spain is trying for total freedom from the Iberian state.

Here are the kits:



HIGHLIGHTS

Fc Barcelona vs Rayo Valeecano, Camp Nou, 17 March 2013


Watch the Highlights from Sevilla Fc's 4-0 Demolition of Real Zaragoza 17.03.2013








Sevilla FC  (4-2-3-1)

Palop; Coke, Fazio, Fernando Navarro, Alberto Moreno (Cala, minuto 56); Medel (Maduro, m.66), Kondogbia (Del Moral, m.77); Jesús Navas,  Rakitic ,Reyes; Negredo. 


Real Zaragoza (4-2-3-1)
 Leo Franco, Sapunaru , Loovens, Álvaro, Abraham ; José Mari, Montañés (Rodri, m.74), Babovic, Víctor (Rochina, m.57), Pinter ; Hélder Postiga (Bienvenu, m.57). 

Goals :
1-0, m.27: Coke; 2-0, m.52: Coke; 3-0, m.63: Reyes; 4-0, m.68: Negredo.

Match Details

Sevilla move upto tenth position after their home demolition of Real Zaragoza who are in real danger now. Zaragoza is now only two points above the relegation zone and are in a free fall. On the contrary Sevilla are only nine points behind Sociedad who are fourth in the table.

Sevilla went into game with a make-shift defence but it was rarely tested. Albert Moreno started at left back, a rare start for the youngster whereas Fernando Novarro started at center back. Sevilla raced into the lead on 28th minute when the right wing back Coke struck a  right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner following a set piece. The game changed when referee sent off Zaragoza's Stefan Babovic for second bookable offence just after the half hour mark.

Sevilla attacked with more zest and were rewarded when Coke scored his second of the day from an effort outside the box on the 52nd minute.Just after the hour mark, impressive Reyes made it three for Sevilla after a fast break resulted in Navas passing to Reyes. Soon it was 4-0. Alvaro Negredo who might be playing his last season with the club, scored after another swift counter-attack.

Sevilla travel to Levante whereas Zaragoza face Real Madrid of all people at their home on Matchday 29.


Stats



Official Line ups

FC Barcelona (4-3-3)

                   Pinto;
Adriano  Pique  Macheranho  Alba
Iniesta     Busquets        Cesc
Messi       Villa           Alexis

Subs: Oier, Alves, Bartra, Song, Thiago, Pedro, Tello

Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1)

                 Rubén
Tito    Gálvez     Figueras    Arbilla
     Adrián   Trashorras,
 José Carlos    Chori       Piti
                Delibasic

Sunday, 17 March 2013


Malaga 0-2 Espanyol
(Colloto 49, Sergio Garcia 66)

Match Highlights


Malaga 2 - 0 Espanyol
(Colloto 49, S.Garcia 66)

Espanyol continued their revival under Mexican Javier Aguire where as Malaga paid the price for thier lack of bench strength as they succumbed to a home defeat which could prove to b pivotal for their Champions league hopes next season.

Malaga started the game without several first team players with an eye on Champions league quarterfinals against Brossia Dortmund. Diego Lugano started with Welligton as Demichellis was missing. Lucas Piazon and Seba Fernandez were given a chance to impress in place of Joaquin and Julio Baptista. Roque Santa Cruz continued his rotation with Javier Saviola after netting the goal which took Malaga to their first ever quarterfinal appearance in ECL.Espanyol started with their usual starting eleven as expected. With Wokaso on the left and Sergio Garcia as the lone striker.






 

It was Espanyol who started the brighter side as Verdu in 3rd minute and Mattioni in 5th minute tested Caballero. Antunes and Santa Cruz then saw their efforts saved by Casilla. Santa Cruz and Joan Verdu also tried their luck from distance but to no avail. Piazon on 38th and Antunes on 40th minutes saw their long range efforts go wide.

However in the beginning of the second half, Goalkeeper Willy Caballero, who has probably been the best goalkeeper in LaLiga this season, made a rare mistake when he fumbled a corner in the 49th minute and Diego Colotto volleyed the visitors in front. Malaga looked out of sorts and probably energy too given the high demands of playing in two competitions at this stage of the season. In the 66th minute it was Espanyol who made it 2-0 thanks to  Mubarak Wakaso who burst down the left and crossed for Sergio Garcia to volley a superb second into the top corner.

Malaga fans kept singing chanting and applauding to show why they are one of the best fans all over spain. Malaga failed to create any clear cut opportunity toward the end and match ended 2-0 to Espanyol. Malaga remain sixth behind Sociedad and Valencia with 44 points. They have not won in four LaLiga BBVA encounters now. Espanyol remain 13th with 35 points and within an outside chance to qualify for Europe. This is quite a turn-around for a team who were staring at relegation before Aguire came.