║ La Liga Season 2013-14 ║

Barcelona · Aug 15, 2013

Barcelona · Aug 15, 2013

Barcelona · Aug 15, 2013

Kaka: Madrid first-team football will win me World Cup spot
The 31-year-old has not played regular football lately and hopes new boss Carlo Ancelotti will help him rediscover world-class form this season

Kirchhoff: Pep's planning is meticulous
The 22-year-old joined Bayern Munich from Mainz in the summer and, as well as praising his coach's methods, he hopes to learn from his new team-mates

Negredo: Bale not yet at Messi & Ronaldo's level
The Manchester City and Spain striker believes that the Welshman is not yet on a par with the two Liga stars

Costa signs new Atletico contract
The attacker had also caught the attention of Liverpool, but has decided to stay at his current club instead

Fabregas resumes Barcelona training
The versatile midfielder is set to make his comeback after a brief injury lay-off, while Lionel Messi took part in individual training exercises

Ribery: I considered joining Barcelona
The Frenchman recently signed a new deal with Bayern, but he has revealed that he could very well have ended up at the Camp Nou side

Guaita keen to extend Valencia stay
The 26-year-old youth academy graduate featured only 14 times in la Liga last season but he is determined to fight for his place in the Che starting line-up

Barcelona · Aug 15, 2013

Uefa warns clubs over FFP

Aug 13, 2013 10:33:00 PM

The game's biggest sides have been told that they must comply with their guidelines concerning annual losses if they are to avoid disciplinary action

Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino has warned clubs that they must adapt to Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules or face sanctions.

European football's governing body intend to implement new laws in 2018 that will see clubs required to bring their annual losses below €10 million.

The massive outlay of clubs like Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City this summer have prompted many to ask if the rules will actually be enforced, but Infantino insists that there will be no leniency shown towards any side whose books are not in order.

"Big clubs as well as small clubs, the rules are there," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "A year ago, we warned that this is the last wake-up call for the clubs and that the rules have teeth.

"The break-even rule will enter into force next season, taking into account the figures of this season and last season.

"The clubs know the rules. If they haven't generated enough revenue to perform these transfers, then there will be sanctions - sanctions which could be a warning or a fine or a restriction on registering new players or, finally, an exclusion.

"The Financial Fair Play rules have been introduced and implemented not to punish clubs but to help the clubs."

Meanwhile, Infantino admitted that he hopes that the new regulations might pave the way for supporters having a greater say in how their clubs are run.

"It's important to keep the fans on board," he reasoned. "Fans are the only ones who remain loyal throughout their life to the club.

"Everybody else sooner or later changes - players, managers, even owners - so a dialogue with fans to find the right balance is a good thing."

Barcelona · Aug 15, 2013

Dani Alves defends Neymar for shunning media

By Mark Doyle35
Aug 14, 2013 12:36:00 AM

Much has been made of the revelation that the forward has anaemia, so his Barcelona colleague can understand why the 21-year-old skipped a press conference on Tuesday

Dani Alves has leapt to the defence of club and international team-mate Neymar for deciding against facing the media on the eve of Brazil's friendly against Switzerland.

The forward had been scheduled to appear at the press conference in Basel but he withdrew late in the day, much to the frustration of the many journalists in attendance.

Dani Alves did attend, though, and he asked the media to show a little understanding, given Neymar's physical condition has been the subject of much debate ever since Barcelona announced earlier this month that the forward has anaemia.

"Everyone's talking a lot about these little problems that he is having," the Blaugrana right-back mused.

"So, it's important for him to not get distracted by all these problems being discussed at the moment and not let them interfere with his development.

"You have to forgive the boy. He's focused on what he wants and he is so important for us.

"And it's always been better to work hard and speak little."

Neymar, who inspired Brazil to victory in this summer's Confederations Cup, joined Barcelona from boyhood club Santos for a fee of €57 million.

Barcelona · Aug 15, 2013

Would you risk jail in order to meet your footballing hero? One Ronaldo fan did... and he doesn't regret it at all!

By ELLIOTT BRETLAND

PUBLISHED: 15:14 GMT, 14 August 2013 | UPDATED: 15:14 GMT, 14 August 2013

You're in a packed football stadium and you're favourite player is on the pitch.You've always wanted to meet him and he's just yards away. Would you risk being chased by the police and possible jail by running onto the pitch to grab a few seconds with your football hero?

Brave: Despite knowing he'd get into trouble, Ronald Gjoka ran onto the pitch to meet Cristiano Ronaldo

Once in a lifetime: Gjoka spent a night in jail after entering the field of play but got a hug from hero Ronaldo

Ronaldo hugs pitch invader
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<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/V4dBvZklLNc?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>

Well that was the opportunity which presented itself to 19-year-old Ronald Gjoka during the International Champions Cup final between Real Madrid and Chelsea and he took it - even getting a hug from the player many think is one of the best in the world.Undeterred by the trouble he'd get himself into, the huge Cristiano Ronaldo fan entered the field of play and approached his hero.'Honestly, first thing was look straight, find Cristiano and don't look back. Just go,' Gjoka told Local10.'I decided to add a little knee slide on it just for a little celebration. I think Ronaldo always does that celebration so I thought that he would find it funny, and he did, he gave it a little laugh.

Brace: Ronaldo scored twice to help Real Madrid to a 3-1 win over Chelsea in the International Champions Cup

'But after that, I gave him a big hug, told him you're one of my biggest idols, always followed you and I said, "Please, Ronaldo, don't let the cops take me," and that's when Ronaldo gave me a very big hug.'Unfortunately though, the La Liga superstar was unable to help him and Ronald spent a night in jail having been arrested for trespassing and disorderly conduct. However, given the chance, he says he'd do it again!'I got the opportunity to talk to Ronaldo. It was a unique opportunity and I had to take it. It was worth the detention.'The former Manchester United frontman scored twice in the 3-1 victory over Jose Mourinho's men six days ago.

Barcelona · Aug 15, 2013

Scolari slams Barcelona over Neymar treatment

By Stefan Coerts209
Aug 14, 2013 11:48:00 AM

The veteran coach is not amused with the way the Catalans have managed the former Santos star since his arrival at the club

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has hit out at Barcelona over their treatment of Neymar and feels the Liga champions are responsible for the tricky attacker's health problems.

The 21-year-old was diagnosed with anaemia earlier this month after undergoing surgery to have his tonsils removed back in July and Scolari has slammed the Blaugrana for advising the forward to go under the knife and for the way they have managed Neymar since his arrival from Santos.

"It’s unacceptable that Neymar now has anaemia," Scolari said at a press conference.

"He was with Barcelona before the Confederations Cup and he was perfectly fine. At the moment it’s clear he’s not the same, though, because he underwent surgery.

"It seems it was that lot [Barcelona], who know everything, who think they are always right.

"It was always obvious Neymar was going to lose weight after the surgery."

Neymar joined Barca in a €57 million deal from Santos earlier this summer and has reportedly lost up to seven kilograms since his operation.

Barcelona · Aug 15, 2013

Liga - Spanish transfer gossip: City continue pursuit of Pepe

Manchester City are continuing their pursuit of Real Madrid centre-back Pepe, according to reports.

FootballEspana

Pepe (Reuters)

Marca have claimed that Manuel Pellegrini is desperate to sign the Portugal international after the injury to Matija Nastasic.

The youngster is set to miss at least the next six weeks, and the Premier League side are keen to bolster their defence. City have named the 30-year-old as their prime target for this transfer window, however the Santiago Bernabeu team are not willing to sell.

Following Raul Albiol’s move to Napoli, Madrid have only three senior central defenders on their books, and do not want to lose one this late in the window. Carlo Ancelotti’s men may consider offers over €30m (£25.6m) though, the paper insists.

Atletico Madrid could make a move for Fiorentina playmaker Adem Ljajic, but must first off-load Adrian. The Spain international has been heavily linked with a move away from Vicente Calderon this summer, with Valencia and several Premier League clubs believed to be interested.

And with 25-year-old looking increasingly likely to leave, the capital side will hope to fill the gap in their squad with the Viola youngster, according to AS. The Serbia international scored 11 goals in 28 League games last term.

Flake · Aug 15, 2013

Eric_Lum said:
i am a moron :(

Also a gong cheebye because ultimately the forum host is the one who allowed the football betting advertisers here. fuck u. lol

Leongsam said:
Banner sponsorship has reached a level where all the monthly overheads are now covered. I would like to thank all those here for helping to make this happen.

Sky Sports News Reporter Nick Collins Falls Over Live On Air From Wembley

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Nick Collins takes a tumble outside Wembley while reporting on Michael Carrick's injury live on Sky Sports News.

It is not clear what caused the fall, though the sound indicates he may have been standing atop a ladder or platform.

Back in the studio, Jim White just about holds things together in lieu of his ailing colleague.

Barcelona · Aug 15, 2013

Barca start title defence with questions

15 August 2013, 08:21
Reuters

Barcelona begin the defence of their La Liga crown on Sunday amid doubts over the strength of their backline, Neymar's adaptation to European football and how new coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino will perform.

Argentine Martino was a surprise choice to replace Tito Vilanova, after Pep Guardiola's former assistant suddenly announced he was to step down due to ill health just before the start of the pre-season a litle over three weeks ago.

The 50-year-old moved from Lionel Messi's former club Newell's Old Boys to his first European post as a disciple of the club's possession-based style of football.

Although relatively unknown in Spain, his low-key approach appears to have won over the senior figures in the dressing room.

"He is a leader, capable, well-prepared and experienced," midfielder Xavi told newspaper Sport this week. "He has very clear ideas and is very precise in what he wants.

"We are recovering a little the intensity and rhythm that perhaps for diverse reasons we lost towards the end of last season.

"The philosophy remains the same."

Martino takes charge of a settled and experienced side who equalled the league record points haul of 100 to win the title last season, their fourth in five years, and little has changed in terms of personnel.

NEYMAR PROMISE

Striker David Villa has left for Atletico Madrid and midfielder Thiago Alcantara for Bayern Munich, but the €57 million capture of young Brazil forward Neymar promises plenty of excitement up front.

The 21-year-old has scored a couple of goals in pre-season friendlies and looked lively linking up with his teammates, albeit against mediocre opposition.

How the slightly-built Neymar will fare in more physically-demanding matches remains to be seen as Barca persist with a forward line consisting of pint-sized technical wizards with Pedro, Alexis Sanchez and Messi completing the strike force.

"He is still a kid," Barca and Brazil defender Dani Alves told Mundo Deportivo, as he asked for fans to be patient.

"Neymar has come excited at the prospect of learning from the best in the world, and with this enthusiasm and attitude it is hard to see things going badly. He is quite humble. If he isn't, then he has come to the wrong place."

Cesc Fabregas continues to search for a settled role within the team, but it is Barca's failure to land a central defender which has captured most of the pre-season headlines.

The Catalans tried and failed to lure Brazil's Thiago Silva away from Paris St Germain and have been told by Chelsea and Liverpool respectively that David Luiz and Daniel Agger will not be moving either.

Time is running out as the transfer window draws to a close and their surprisingly poor handling of the search leaves Barca contemplating the campaign with the thinnest of resources at the back.

France left back Eric Abidal, who could cover in the centre, was not offered a contract extension and has left, while injury-prone captain Carles Puyol, who turns 36 during the season, still has not returned from knee surgery.

ONLY PIQUE

That leaves Gerard Pique as the only specialised centre back in the side, supported by Argentina's converted midfielder Javier Mascherano.

To date, the club have shown little faith in their youth team product Marc Bartra, though Martino has been impressed with another youth team player, 18-year-old Cameroonian Frank Bagnack.

For a side expected to compete on every front it is a risk to have to rely on cover from Cameroon midfielder Alex Song, Brazil full back Adriano and even Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets in the centre of defence.

Latest reports are that Martino has said he is happy with what he has for the moment after a whirlwind induction to the club, and would prefer to take his time to choose a signing if he deems it necessary.

After a disrupted pre-season that included trips to Israel, Palestine, Thailand and Malaysia and few games against tough opposition, Martino's Barca approach Sunday's visit of Levante without the best preparation.

They have looked sharper in their pressing game, however, have tried to get the ball forward quicker and scored goals as ever, but the defence continues to look shaky at times.

Next week's Spanish Super Cup first leg away to King's Cup winners Atletico will be a sterner test, but after consecutive seasons where the league champions have racked up 100 points, a slow start and dropped points could quickly prove decisive in the title race.

Barcelona · Aug 15, 2013

Player exodus accentuates La Liga divide

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho gestures after their Spanish first division soccer match against Osasuna at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid June 1, 2013. REUTERS/Javier Barbancho

By Mark Elkington
MADRID | Thu Aug 15, 2013 4:44am BST

(Reuters) - A mass exodus of talent from La Liga means the 2013-2014 campaign looks more than ever to be an exclusive battle for the title between wealthy Real Madrid and Barcelona.

For years, the Spanish league has drawn players from all over the world but while Real and Barca, the world's richest clubs by revenue, continue to attract the biggest names, the trend seems to be swinging the other way for financial reasons.

There are 14 Spanish players alone who have moved to the English Premier League for the new season, including internationals Alvaro Negredo, Roberto Soldado and Jesus Navas.

Spain's Thiago Alcantara has gone to Bayern Munich, Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain to Napoli, and Colombia striker Radamel Falcao to Monaco.

Champions Barca, under new coach Gerardo Martino, can perhaps shake off the loss of Thiago with the depth of talent in their midfield, but have strengthened anyway by splurging 57 million euros (49 million pounds) on Brazil striker Neymar.

Real also have a new coach in Carlo Ancelotti and should be able to cover for the missing Higuain. They have lavished over 75 million euros on players such as Spain Under-21 internationals Isco and Asier Illarramendi.

They start their campaign at home to Real Betis on Sunday (8 p.m. British Time), while Barca are at home to Levante earlier in the day (6 p.m. British Time).

LEADING LIGHTS

Real and Barca benefit from individual television deals which give them around half of the total revenue generated by La Liga and help them to maintain squads whose second XIs could probably finish in the top half of the table.

Their closest rivals, such as Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Real Sociedad, Sevilla and Malaga, have all lost their leading lights.

The money they have taken in from sales has had to be used in belt-tightening exercises as they strive to meet the new Financial Fair Play rules being imposed by European soccer's governing body UEFA, rather than invested in new players.

Atletico, who start out at Sevilla on Sunday (10 p.m. British Time), finished third last season to qualify for the Champions League and gave the top two a run for their money before faltering near the end of the season.

They sold top scorer Falcao for some 50 million euros but hope to have landed one of the bargains of the close season - Spain striker David Villa for a fee that could rise to only 5 million euros.

"The club's great work recently has been to maintain the structure of the team," coach Diego Simeone told a news conference on Wednesday.

"Although important players have gone, this structure remains."

With Brazilian forward Leo Baptistao and Argentina defender Martin Demichelis also low-cost additions, they could arguably have a stronger squad than last year.

They take on a Sevilla side that has been completely overhauled to start from scratch again under Unai Emery.

Negredo and Navas have been sold to Manchester City and the club are hoping long-standing sports director Ramon 'Monchi' Rodriguez's renowned scouting structure can deliver the goods once again.

NEW COACHES

Sociedad were surprise fourth-placed finishers last term but face up to the new season, starting at home to Getafe on Saturday (6 p.m. British Time), without midfield mainstay Illarramendi, who was lured away to the Bernabeu.

The Basque side are sticking with pretty much the same squad and hoping the untried Jagoba Arraste, promoted from within, can carry on the good work of previous coach Philippe Montanier, who has returned to France.

The weekend's other outstanding match features Valencia hosting Malaga on Saturday (10 p.m. British Time), last season's fifth and sixth-placed finishers respectively.

New Valencia coach Miroslav Djukic will hope the 3-million-euro Helder Postiga can fill the boots of departed top scorer Soldado.

New Malaga coach Bernd Schuster will have his work cut out to emulate Manuel Pellegrini's time at the club without the many players who have left, including Isco, Joaquin, Julio Baptista, Javier Saviola and Jeremy Toulalan.

(Reporting by Mark Elkington; Editing by Sonia Oxley)

Barcelona · Aug 17, 2013

Villa predicts goal rush at Atletico
The Spain international struck just 10 times in la Liga for Barcelona last term but he is expecting to both start and hit the back of the net more often with the Rojiblancos

Isco: Bale would be a 'blessed problem' for Ancelotti
The Spaniard says that los Blancos would welcome the Wales winger with open arms at the Santiago Bernabeu, saying he would give their Italian coach a welcome selection headache

Xavi: Barcelona rediscovering intensity under Martino
With the Liga opening encounter against Levante this Sunday, the 33-year-old has praised the Argentine coach and has little doubt he will succeed at the Camp Nou side

Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid contract renewal does not worry me
The prolific attacker remains calm over his contract situation at the Santiago Bernabeu side and is happy with the way things are developing

Bale not talking to Tottenham team-mates, reveals Villas-Boas
The Spurs manager says the Wales international is keeping quiet about a possible transfer to Real Madrid, while maintaining the stance that his key player is not for sale

Khedira not leaving Madrid, insists agent
The holding midfielder has recently been linked with a summer move, but his representative has stressed his client is going nowhere

Granero joins Real Sociedad on loan
The 26-year-old has returned to La Liga on a season-long deal with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign

Dos Santos: Barcelona must focus on themselves, not Madrid
The Mexico international, who is expecting more game time this season, has been impressed by los Blancos' transfer dealings but has faith in the Blaugrana's potential

Marcelo: Neymar won't be my friend
The Brazil international says he will treat his compatriot like any other opponent when they go head-to-head in La Liga this season

Puyol nears Barcelona comeback
The Catalans' skipper is still some distance from reaching full match fitness, but is delighted to have returned to the training pitch

Barcelona · Aug 17, 2013

Mourinho's 'not worth it' - Ronaldo

Aug 15, 2013 6:14:00 PM

The forward is still refusing to talk about the former Real Madrid coach, but had words of praise for new Bernabeu boss Carlo Ancelotti

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to speak about Jose Mourinho following recent comments in the press from the former Real Madrid boss, suggesting his compatriot is "not worth it".

The new Chelsea manager struck a nerve with the forward when he said he was not the 'real' Ronaldo earlier in August, with the Santiago Bernabeu star subsequently ruffled but wanting to stay out of a public slinging match.

Although Mourinho has since sought to clarify the issue, saying his initial quotes were blown out of proportion, Ronaldo is still refusing to answer questions regarding his fellow Portuguese.

"I will not mention the name of that person [Mourinho]," he said to reporters following Portugal's 1-1 draw with Netherlands, in which he scored a late equaliser. "He's not worth it."

Ronaldo did, however, laud his current Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti and says he is hoping that Madrid can complete La Decima and win back the Primera Division title from Barcelona this season.

"Ancelotti is a great coach, a great man and I am very happy to work with him," he added.

"We will try to win La Liga and the Champions League. It is difficult but this team is good, we have a great coach and we will try to make it happen."

Real Madrid kick off their 2013-14 campaign against Real Betis on Sunday.

Barcelona · Aug 17, 2013

Ancelotti to Xabi Alonso: You owe me the Champions League

By Stefan Coerts60
Aug 16, 2013 12:53:00 PM

The new Real Madrid boss has not forgotten about the remarkable 2005 Champions League final where Liverpool beat AC Milan, while the midfielder has defended Jose Mourinho

New Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has jokingly told Xabi Alonso that he 'owes' him a European Cup following the 2005 Champions League final.

Ancelotti was head coach of the AC Milan side that gave away a three-goal lead against Alonso's Liverpool in the showpiece in Istanbul eight years ago, and the Italian coach has not forgotten about the events at the Ataturk Stadium.

"The first thing Ancelotti said to me after his arrival was that I owe him a European Cup," Alonso revealed in an interview with El Mundo.

The midfielder then went on to defend Jose Mourinho against recent criticism and stressed that the Portuguese coach always respects his players as long as they give their all.

Alonso added: "Mourinho always respects the players who work hard for the team. My father used to be a coach, so I grew up in an environment where there was a lot of respect for figures like him. It is very difficult to control 25 players."

Alonso also had his say on former Madrid greats such as Fernando Redondo and Fernando Hierro and stated that he learned a lot from both.

"Hierro taught me a lot about what it means to be captain. Redondo as well from everything I hear about him and his period here," he said.

"These are players who won European Cups and knew they could compete once they'd made it to the quarter-finals."

Madrid are currently preparing for their Liga opener against Betis on Sunday.

Barcelona · Aug 17, 2013

Messi an injury doubt for Barcelona opener

Lionel Messi is Barcelona’s main injury doubt for the La Liga opener with Levante at the Camp Nou on Sunday.

FootballEspana Aug 16, 2013

Lionel Messi smiles during a training session (Reuters)

The Argentine picked up a slight injury in training on the club’s pre-season tour to the Far East, which was later identified as a thigh strain.

The Catalan club have confirmed that he has performed rehabilitation work with his physiotherapist and remains a doubt.

Barcelona are set for a busy start to the new campaign, with three League games and two Supercopa de Espana matches in the first two weeks.

Boss Tata Martino will be reluctant to take any risks with his star forward, Messi, who will not be rushed back until he is fully fit.

Barcelona · Aug 17, 2013

Barcelona · Aug 17, 2013

Casillas is the best in the world, says Isco
The attacking midfielder has hailed the experienced goalkeeper, while also taking the time to praise Diego Lopez

Pedro enjoying Neymar competition
The 26-year-old is full of praise for the Brazilian star and believes the battle for places in the Barcelona attack will pay dividends this season

Barcelona · Aug 17, 2013

La Liga Preview: Barcelona v Levante
17 August 2013

Lionel Messi remains a serious injury doubt as Barcelona get their La Liga title defence under way at home to Levante on Sunday.

The 26-year-old sustained a minor thigh strain during the Spanish champions' pre-season tour of the Far East - an injury that kept him out of Argentina's 2-1 win over Italy in Rome on Wednesday.

Messi has undergone rehabilitation training with Barcelona's medical personnel in a bid to be fit for selection in Gerardo Martino's first competitive fixture in charge.

But with a hectic schedule in the next two weeks, which includes a two-leg Supercopa de Espana final with Atletico Madrid on August 21 and 28, Martino may decide to rest his star player.

Manchester United target Cesc Fabregas is also doubtful after he sprained his ankle in the club's 3-1 pre-season victory over a Malaysia XI on August 10.

Nevertheless, history is on the side of Martino - who took over from Tito Vilanova last month - as six of Barcelona's eight previous managers have tasted success in their first league match, with only Pep Guardiola losing in a 1-0 defeat away to Numancia in 2008.

And the new boss could hand a competitive debut to Brazil international Neymar, who signed from Santos in May in a move worth around £50million.

Levante have never won at the Camp Nou, but they were unlucky in their last visit when a late Fabregas goal consigned them to a 1-0 defeat on April 20.

After a sixth-placed finish and subsequent UEFA Europa League qualification in 2011-12, Levante slipped to 11th last time around.

In a bid to improve on that performance, the club brought in Joaquin Caparros to replace former manager Juan Ignacio Martinez.

And Caparros has been busy in the transfer window so far, bringing in the likes of forward David Barral from Orduspor, midfielder Jordi Xumetra from Elche and goalkeeper Javi Jimenez from Murcia.

However, the new manager may not be able to call on ther services of Ruben Garcia and Papakouli Diop at the Camp Nou, as both are struggling for fitness.

Barcelona · Aug 17, 2013

La Liga Preview: Real Madrid v Real Betis
17 August 2013

Carlo Ancelotti’s mission to bring the Liga title back to the Santiago Bernabeu begins with the visit of Real Betis on Sunday.

Last season, under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho, Real saw the league crown stolen from their grasp by Barcelona.

Having finished the campaign without a major trophy and 15 points behind their fierce rivals, they will need to demonstrate significant improvement under their new Italian boss if they are to claim their 33rd top-flight title.

Ancelotti, who led Paris Saint-Germain to their first Ligue 1 title in 19 years last term, has already made his mark on the squad with a host of new signings.

The former Chelsea manager acted quickly to bring in Isco from Malaga, while fellow midfielder Asier Illarramendi - who is a doubt for the Betis game through injury - has also been drafted in from Real Sociedad, both for sizeable fees.

One transfer target who Ancelotti has not yet been able to land, however, is Welsh winger Gareth Bale, who remains with Premier League club Tottenham.

Madrid already boast a wealth of attacking options, though, as evidenced by the 103 league goals they scored in the 2012-13 campaign, bettered only by Barcelona’s 115.

Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo was their most prolific goalscorer, notching 34 in as many La Liga outings.

He has been the subject of transfer speculation in the close-season, with former employers Manchester United reportedly interested in bringing him back to Old Trafford.

But the 28-year-old still has two years to run on his deal and has recently stated that he is happy in the Spanish capital, despite reports to the contrary.

Ronaldo is certain to be part of Ancelotti’s starting line-up on Sunday, but a number of first-team regulars are doubtful, including Xabi Alonso, Raphael Varane, Fabio Coentrao and Pepe.

Real Betis enjoyed their best league finish in six years when they placed seventh last term, earning a spot in the UEFA Europa League play-off round.

Pepe Mel does not have the same resources at his disposal to strengthen in the same way as his Madrid counterpart, but the Betis boss has still brought in 13 new recruits.

Most have arrived on free transfers, but Mel did dip into the club’s coffers to lure Getafe midfielder Xavi Torres.

However, the departure of Benat Etxebarria for Athletic Bilbao will have come as a significant blow to their hopes of building on last season’s achievements.

And Betis’ chances of getting a positive result at the Santiago Bernabeu have been lessened by the absence of Ruben Castro, who scored 18 goals in La Liga last season. The striker has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

In the corresponding fixture last season, the home side ran out 3-1 winners.

Montagut · Aug 19, 2013

KotexFreedom said:
i am a moron :(

Also a gong cheebye because ultimately the forum host is the one who allowed the football betting advertisers here. lol

Where is your prediction? None because u are a freeloader and a loser lol

Leongsam said:
Banner sponsorship has reached a level where all the monthly overheads are now covered. I would like to thank all those here for helping to make this happen.

║ La Liga Season 2013-14 ║

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