║║ La Liga Season 2012-13 ║║

[Lionel Messi]

La Liga Preview: Espanyol v Real Madrid

9 May 2013

Real Madrid aim to secure second place in La Liga by extending their unbeaten run against Espanyol to 14 games.

After Jose Mourinho's side emphatically beat Malaga 6-2 on Wednesday, they know that victory over Espanyol will secure second place in La Liga, giving them time to prepare for the Copa del Rey final with Atletico Madrid.

They travel to Barcelona to face the city's second side knowing that they have not lost against them since October 2007, in which time they have scored 23 goals and conceded just two.

Real sit eight points clear of Atletico with three games remaining. They have won 25 out of their 35 games this season and have only dropped one point since their last defeat in February, which came at Granada.

Marcelo is the only doubt for Madrid coming into the game. The Brazilian has been absent with injury for the past month but could make a return to the starting line-up in this game. However, Mourinho may choose not to risk him with the cup final just days away.

When the two teams met at the Bernabeu in December, the visitors took the lead through Sergio Garcia before Cristiano Ronaldo and Fabio Coentrao put Real in control. They looked on course to seal another victory but Juan Albin grabbed a dramatic late equaliser to take a share of the points.

Espanyol come into the game having lost their last two matches - having failed to score in either match - and stand 11th in the league. Javier Aguirre's men have only taken four points from their six matches against the top four sides this season.

On-loan Italian striker Samuele Longo is the only doubt for the hosts - the 21-year-old has been absent since the beginning of March when he was substituted at half-time in the goal less draw with Valladolid.

Victory for Aguirre's side could see them move into the top half of the table. Finishing above Sevilla is not possible due to their inferior goal difference, but if Rayo Vallecano lose if they could move into 10th position.

 

[Higuain]

Good Madrid fans must love Casillas, says Del Bosque

By Miles Chambers
May 8, 2013 4:04:00 PM

The Blancos captain continues to be kept out of Jose Mourinho's side due to Diego Lopez's performances but the Spain coach has come to his defence

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque says that all "good" Real Madrid fans love the benched club captain Iker Casillas.

An injury to the Spain skipper in January forced the signing of Diego Lopez as cover but, with the 31-year-old having recovered, the former Villarreal man's form has confined Casillas to the bench.

However, Del Bosque, who spent 14 years as a player at the Santiago Bernabeu as a player and enjoyed three spells there as a coach, says everyone associated with the club should be grateful to the goalkeeper.

"A good Madrid fan must love Casillas a great deal," he told Colombian radio station W Radio on Tuesday.

"Like Casillas, we are sons of Real Madrid, the club that made us."

Mourinho is said to have a bad relationship with several of his players and Del Bosque feels it is natural that Casillas would prefer working with other bosses.

He added: "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and Iker is within his rights to say he prefers Del Bosque or [former Madrid boss Manuel] Pellegrini as coaches."

Mourinho said earlier in May that he wishes he had signed Lopez sooner than the most recent transfer window, hinting that he will continue to choose him ahead of Casillas but the former Inter boss is set to return to Chelsea.

 

[Higuain]

Soldado fears Valencia sale amid financial crisis

By Alec Fenn
May 9, 2013 9:52:00 PM

The striker wants to stay at the Mestalla for the forseeable future, but is concerned the club may dispense of his services in a bid to ease their financial woes

Roberto Soldado says he is desperate to play for Valencia for as long as possible but fears being sold as the indebted club look to balance their books.

The striker has been the subject of intense transfer speculation for much of the past two seasons as a result of his prolifc goalscoring record at the Mestalla.

But, after again reiterating his commitment to the Valencia cause, the 27-year-old also revealed his concerns over los Che's money worries, which could see him flogged to the highest bidder.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference he said: "My future? I renewed (my contract) last year and my intention is to spend as much time as possible in Valencia, although it is unclear whether the club need money and are looking to sell."

An impending presidential election on June 4 has also brought the future of coach Ernesto Valverde into doubt, with the 49-year-old - who replaced Mauricio Pellegrino on a contract until the end of the season back in December - not due to start talks over a new deal until the club's new chief is in place.

"We are very happy with the coach," Soldado continued. "The results have been there and hopefully the sporting project is submitted as soon as possible as to give us all peace of mind."

Defender Joao Pereira admitted he is also none the wiser over the future of the Valencia boss, but insisted everyone at the club is clear over their most pressing objective at hand.

"What I know is that the coach is preparing to win the four games we have left. We are calm, our life is to play football and that's what we have to do," he added.

"The team and the coach will fight to the death."

Valencia occupy fifth spot in La Liga with just four games remaining and trail fourth-placed Real Sociedad by two points.

 

[Higuain]

Deportivo president: Final day games are fixed

By Stefan Coerts
May 9, 2013 5:32:00 PM

The Deportivo chief has voiced his suspicion that clubs often try to influence results at the business end of the season

Deportivo la Coruna president Augusto Cesar Lendoiro has claimed that final day games in La Liga are often rigged in some way.

Javier Tebas, president of the Spanish Football League (LFP), stated earlier this week that he can prove that the Primera Division match between Levante and Deportivo on April 13 (a 4-0 win for Depor) was fixed, and even though Lendoiro has denied that his side are involved, he did state that match-fixing is rife in Spain's top flight towards the end of the season.

"Almost all of the games at the end of the season are fixed, one way or another. It cannot be, because you see some truly surprising results," Lendoiro told Europa Press.

"That, in the moment of truth, means other teams are forced into relegation through no fault of their own. It's not right.

"Deportivo have never participated, nor our players - and I would put my hand in the fire - nor the board. They have never wanted to enter into any type of fixing, but we all know it has happened all these years."

Deportivo currently sit 18th in the Liga table and are fighting against relegation with four more games to go.

 

[Higuain]

'We're not amused with Mourinho anymore'

By Alec Fenn
May 10, 2013 12:59:00 AM

The Portuguese has brought the club into disrepute with a number of controversial comments and an ex-player says he has now gone too far

Former Real Madrid midfielder Michel claims supporters are no longer amused by Jose Mourinho's outspoken nature, while offering his backing to Iker Casillas.

The Portuguese has courted controversy in recent weeks by firstly claiming January signing Diego Lopez is a better goalkeeper than the Spain N.o.1, before criticising defender Pepe.

Those comments have sparked a media storm in Spain, resulting in the club cancelling their press conference ahead of Saturday's clash with Espanyol.

"Whether you like him or not, Mourinho has always acted in the same way, to win all of his trophies. Maybe we used to be amused by him, but not anymore," Michel told Marca.

"Madrid isn't doing itself any favours with everything that's been going on. I'm a Madrid fan, not a pseudo-Madridista, and that's the way I see it from afar."

Michel - who is now in charge of Greek giants Olympiakos and spent 14 years with los Blancos as a player, then offered his backing to Casillas.

"There are people in Madrid who are untouchable because they have earned it. Then it is the coach's decision. Diego Lopez is outstanding, but Iker Casillas is the best goalkeeper in the world without any doubt, that is my opinion."

 

[Higuain]

<iframe src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xztabf" frameborder="0" height="270" width="480"></iframe>


Atletico Madrid 1 : 2 Barcelona

(Bizarre own goal from Atletico Madrid captain Gabi)


​

 

[Lionel Messi]

La Liga: Espanyol 1 Real Madrid 1

12 May 2013

Gonzalo Higuain rescued Real Madrid with an equaliser against Espanyol, but the 1-1 draw handed Barcelona their 22nd league title.

The Argentina international rose to meet a Luka Modric free-kick just before the hour to cancel out Christian Stuani's first-half opener, however Madrid's failure to secure all three points meant the La Liga title headed to Catalonia.

With the Copa del Rey final a week away, Jose Mourinho made five changes to the side that convincingly beat Malaga. Ricardo Carvalho, Angel Di Maria, Kaka, Alvaro Morata and Higuain all came in as the manager aimed to rest some key players for the showdown with Atletico Madrid.

Espanyol were unchanged from the side that fell to a 3-0 defeat to Sevilla in their previous match.

Di Maria had the best opportunity in the opening exchanges as he cut in from the right hand side and fired a low left-footed shot towards goal. The ball flew between Hector Moreno and Raul Rodriguez but Kiko Casilla saved easily.

The visitors lost impressive defender Raphael Varane in the 19th minute through injury. The 20-year-old Frenchman jarred his knee when tackling Wakaso Mubarak and was replaced by Xabi Alonso, with Michael Essien moving back into defence.

As Madrid reorganised themselves, Espanyol took advantage and punished some average defending to take the lead through Stuani.

Joan Verdu rose at the front post to meet a corner and his header was hooked back into the penalty area by Sergio Garcia, and Stuani pounced to fire beyond Diego Lopez for his seventh goal of the season.

Five minutes after the opening goal, the hosts should have doubled their lead, but Moreno's powerful header was ruled out for pushing. The Mexican rose above Alonso and sent an excellent effort into the top corner giving Lopez no chance, but the defender was adjudged to have fouled Alonso in the build-up.

Karim Benzema replaced Morata at the break but more defensive errors nearly gifted the home side a second goal five minutes into the half. Mubarak broke down the left and lifted a perfect cross for Sergio Garcia but before the striker could connect with the ball Nacho made a crucial clearance.

The introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo just before the hour lifted Madrid spirits and within seconds they were level, although the Portuguese forward was not involved.

Luka Modric fired in a free-kick from the left-hand side and Higuain rose above his marker to flick a header into the net, his 14th league goal of the season.

The visitors attacked with much more threat with Ronaldo in their ranks but a resolute Espanyol kept them out to hang on to a point.

The game ended on a sour not as Victor Sanchez was given a straight red-card for a poorly-timed challenge on Higuain.

 

[Lionel Messi]

La Liga Wrap: Barcelona win title as Real Madrid are held

12 May 2013

Espanyol held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw which ended their opponents' title hopes and gifted the La Liga title to city rivals Barcelona.

A Christian Stuani goal gave Espanyol the lead on 22 minutes against an out-of-sorts Madrid, however seconds after Cristiano Ronaldo was introduced from the substitutes bench Gonzalo Higuain equalised with a neat flicked header from a Luka Modric free-kick.

Madrid had to win to keep their feint title hopes alive, so taking only a point from the game gave Barcelona the 22nd title in their history.

Deportivo La Coruna were unable to give their survival hopes a boost, as they were edged out by 1-0 by Valladolid. A Javia Guerra goal on 48 minutes was enough to separate the two sides.

Bottom side Mallorca were left to rue their ill discipline as they left it too late against Athletic Bilbao.

Andreu Fontas and Ximo Navarro were both sent off in a game where Mallorca went 1-0 down after just eight minutes to an Aritz Aduriz goal.

Fernando Llorente put his side 2-0 up on 79 minutes and a Giovani Dos Santos goal two minutes later ultimately proved insufficient, leaving the visitors still rooted to the bottom of La Liga.

A second half goal from Alejandro Arribas proved enough to secure all three points for relegation-threatened Osasuna in what was a surprise win over eighth place Getafe.

With the likes of Mallorca and Deportivo both losing, the defender's 75th-minute goal could prove crucial come the end of the season.

 

[Lionel Messi]

La Liga: Atletico Madrid 1 Barcelona 2

13 May 2013

La Liga champions Barcelona came from behind with 10 men to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday.

Real Madrid handed Barcelona their 22nd title and fourth in five seasons after they were held to 1-1 draw at Espanyol on Saturday.

On a night of celebration, Barca were in a jubilant mood - and despite falling behind to a Radamel Falcao strike and losing Lionel Messi to injury, the visitors hit back courtesy of Alexis Sanchez and an own goal from Gabi to steal three points.

The Catalan side were welcomed onto the pitch with a guard of honour from the hosts, who secured third spot after a 3-1 win at Celta Vigo on Wednesday.

Diego Simeone selected a near-full strength squad but Mario Suarez was sidelined with a ligament injury and Diego Costa started on the bench after he suffered a knock midweek.

Messi had recovered from his hamstring problem to make the starting line-up for Barca, having emerged from the bench to score twice in the 4-2 win over Betis last Sunday, while Cesc Fabregas returned from suspension.

The two sides traded possession during the opening exchanges, before the first half-chance fell to Falcao, who fired straight at goalkeeper Pinto. Fabregas then met a cross from Sanchez inside the area before Messi tried his luck with a free-kick.

Chances were few and far between in the opening 30 minutes but Atletico forward Adrian fired wide of the post, before Cristian Tello was denied by Miranda following a fantastic pass from Messi.

The best chance of the half fell to Barcelona just before the half-time whistle, but Tello curled his effort a few inches wide. The visitors stepped up the tempo after the restart but Atletico managed to break forward and take their first real chance of the game in the 50th minute.

Gabi scuffed a loose ball into the path of Falcao on the edge of the Barca box, and the Colombian striker scored with a clinical finish.

Barca looked to make an immediate response but failed to find a breakthrough - and indeed the home side had a great chance to double their lead in the 66th minute when Falcao found Arda Turan in the box, but the Turkey international could not take the ball in his stride.

Barca's challenge suffered a major blow with 20 minutes left when Messi limped off with an injury, and with Tito Vilanova having already made three substitutions they had to play out the final stages with 10 men.

However, the disadvantage did not matter as the visitors drew level with an unlikely equaliser in the 72nd minute. Sanchez played a neat one-two with Fabregas inside the area before stabbing the ball into the bottom corner for his 10th goal of the season.

And barely had Atletico recovered from that when Barca took the lead in the 80th minute thanks to a slice of good fortune, after Tello raced to the byline and cut a great pass back inside to David Villa.

The substitute striker scuffed his effort but it took a huge deflection off the leg of Gabi and beat the helpless Thibaut Courtois to make it 2-1.

Atletico poured forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages but Barca managed to hold on and remain on course to match the 100-point haul of Real from last season.

 

[Lionel Messi]

La Liga Wrap: Barcelona celebrate title with victory, Celta Vigo lose

13 May 2013

La Liga champions Barcelona came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid, while Valencia moved into fourth with a 4-0 win at Rayo Vallecano.

The Catalan side's 22nd title was confirmed before a ball had even been kicked at the Vicente Calderon after Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw at Espanyol on Saturday.

Lionel Messi returned to the starting line-up following his hamstring problem but picked up an injury in the 70th minute after Tito Vilanova had already made three substitutions - leaving the visitors with ten men and trailing 1-0 to Radamel Falcao's strike.

However, this did not seem to matter as the newly-crowned champions fought back with a goal from Alexis Sanchez, before David Villa's scuffed effort deflected into the back of the net off Gabi's leg to seal the three points.

Meanwhile, Valencia climbed into the final UEFA Champions League qualifying spot ahead of Real Sociedad's game against Granada on Monday.

Roberto Soldado netted from the penalty spot in the 28th minute, after Daniel Parejo was felled in the area by Roberto Trashorras, before tapping in an Andres Guardado cross six minutes later.

Guardado fired home Valencia’s third in the 62nd minute and Nelson Valdez capped off a strong performance for the visitors with a thumping effort deep into injury-time.

Malaga have remained in the top six despite being held to a goalless draw with Sevilla at La Rosaleda.

The best chance of the game fell the way of Ivan Rakitic, but the Croatian somehow headed wide from Alvaro Negredo's cross in the 77th minute.

Elsewhere, Celta Vigo missed the chance to move out of the relegation zone as they were beaten 1-0 by Real Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

The home side had plenty of chances in the first half, with Ruben Castro and Nosa Igiebor both having efforts disallowed for offside.

Castro eventually broke the deadlock in the 68th minute with a powerful strike from close range, before he saw a header hit the post just eight minutes later.

The result leaves Celta 19th in the table and three points adrift of safety with just two La Liga fixtures remaining compared to their rivals' three.

 

[Higuain]

La Liga: Real Sociedad 2 Granada 2

14 May 2013

Granada have denied Real Sociedad victory in La Liga with midfielder Recio scoring a 93rd-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

Sociedad led for almost the entire second half after Imanol Agirretxe had put the hosts 2-1 up just before half-time but in a dramatic climax to the match, Granada pumped the ball forward and it fell to Recio, who smashed it into the net.

Despite Monday's result, Sociedad regained fourth spot on the La Liga table, and its accompanying UEFA Champions League berth, ahead of Valencia with three rounds remaining this season.

Sociedad dominated the game at the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta with 60 percent possession, although both sides had six shots on target.

Agirretxe opened the scoring for Sociedad in the ninth minute, getting free in the penalty area to head Gonzalo Castro's free-kick past Granada goalkeeper Roberto Alvarellos.

But on the quarter-hour mark Granada drew level on a swift counter-attack with Youssef El-Arabi starting and finishing the move, eventually collecting a deflected shot by Gabriel Torje and volleying it into the net from close range.

Despite the setback, Sociedad recovered and edged ahead in the 45th minute when Agirretxe showed plenty of poise to chest Carlos Vela's cross home.

With Sociedad chasing their first Champions League involvement since the 2003/04 season, the Basque club looked set to move two points ahead of Valencia until a long ball into their penalty area fell to Recio.

The 22-year-old Spanish midfielder had his first shot blocked but quickly side-footed the rebound through a group of players and past the outstretched palm of Sociedad's Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

The result leaves Sociedad on 59 points with plus 19 goal difference with Valencia (59 points, plus 12) breathing down their necks.

 

[Higuain]

Madrid may lose La Liga in Barcelona, while Catalans could win it in the capital
Jose Mourinho's men need to beat Espanyol at Cornella on Saturday night to postpone their rivals' celebrations, but the Blaugrana can clinch the title at Atletico on Sunday

PL sides chase France Under-21 star Thievy Bifouma
The Premier League duo are considering making a move for the 20-year-old forward, who has been one of the revelations in Spain's second tier with his performances for Las Palmas

Valverde wary of Valencia tightrope
The 49-year-old has warned his side that they cannot afford to make anymore mistakes in the final rounds of the season as they hunt for the final Champions League spot

'Anyone would like to play for Barcelona' - Mathieu
The defender insists he is happy at his current club but admits to being tempted by a move to Camp Nou

Mourinho 'emotional' over Ferguson exit
The Portuguese said he was called personally by the retiring Manchester United manager, who knows 'The Special One's' next managerial destination

Atletico president brushes off Falcao rumours
The Vicente Calderon is tired of the speculation around his star forward, who he thinks will be a game-changer in the Copa del Rey final

Bielsa confident Bilbao can beat the drop
The Argentine coach thinks the Basque club have what it takes to avoid relegation this season and is targeting three points against the bottom-placed side on Saturday

Rummenigge: Bayern-Dortmund not like Clasicos
The former die roten player rejects the idea of games between Germany's top two teams will court as much controversy as the biggest game in Spain

Alba: La Liga worthless with Madrid so far behind
The left-back had his tongue firmly in cheek when he criticised the value of victory this year and insisted that Barcelona remain the best in the world

Madrid to make Nacho first signing of next season
The 23-year-old Blancos defender has not always been a favourite of Jose Mourinho's but solid performances in La Liga lately have impressed the Portuguese coach

 

[Higuain]

'Neymar would be an alternative to Messi'
The ex-Barca winger has encouraged the reigning Spanish champions to make a move for the Brazil international this summer

Dropping Casillas was always going to cause a stir - Buyo
The former Spain international has taken the time to discuss Casillas' situation and has urged the goalkeeper to remain patient

'Mourinho felt betrayed by Pepe criticism'
Ex-Atletico Madrid star Paulo Futre believes that the Blancos coach was not amused with his compatriot's comments and thinks that Iker Casillas was dropped for tactical reasons

'Neymar is good, but Messi is number one' - Alba
The 24-year-old says the Brazilian will always be in his team-mate's shadow if he joins the club

Michel bewildered by Mourinho-Casillas feud
The pair's working relationship appears to have completely broken down this season, with the Blancos skipper currently playing serving as goalkeeping understudy to Diego Lopez

Kaka & Ronaldinho left out of Brazil squad for Confederations Cup
The pair are just two of several big-name casualties, with Alexandre Pato, Ganso, Ramires and Rafael also having been omitted from Luiz Scolari's 23-man panel

Higuain is no champion, warns Moggi
The ex-Bianconeri official wants the Turin club to sell Mirko Vucinic and has suggested that Alessandro Diamanti would be a great addition to their strikeforce

Ronaldinho: I didn't leave Barcelona because of Guardiola
The Bayern Munich-bound coach took charge of the Blaugrana during the same summer that the Brazilian left Camp Nou for AC Milan but the latter says there was no falling out

Messi out of action for up to three weeks
The Argentina international could miss the remainder of the 2012-13 campaign after a series of tests have revealed a thigh muscle injury

Valdes is priceless for Barcelona, says Zubizarreta
The Barca director is full of respect for the goalkeeper and has admitted that he did not expect the 31-year-old to refuse to sign a new contract

Casillas-Mourinho conflict obvious, says Granero
The former Blancos midfielder can see no other reason than a dispute behind his former team-mate's continued absence from the starting XI

Deulofeu set to sign Barca extension
The youngster has agreed terms with the Blaugrana to put pen to paper on a new deal which would bind him to the club until 2017

Varane undergoes successful knee surgery
The Frenchman has been ruled out of his side's remaining games this season after suffering an injury during Madrid's 1-1 draw with Espanyol

PSG confirm Madrid approach for Ancelotti
Club owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi has admitted that the Spanish giants have inquired about the Italian but says he told them to respect the coach's contract

Pellegrini's not British, but he has everything to succeed at Manchester City
The Chilean coach is set to take over from Roberto Mancini this summer and, despite some negative press in the UK media, has all the attributes to shine in the Premier League

'I'll cut off my hair if we win the Copa' - Arda
The Turk is confident that Atletico can beat Real Madrid in Friday's final while Tiago Mendes is hoping to cap an excellent season for the club

Vidal: Llorente can be Juventus' Ibrahimovic
The Chilean midfielder believes that the powerful attacker will prove to be a valuable addition for the Serie A champions when he joins in the summer

Pique: Barcelona's Liga campaign a perfect 10
The towering defender has voiced his opinion that Barca have been nearly flawless this season and added that it's important for them to celebrate their success

'I'm not new Manchester City coach' - Pellegrini
The Malaga boss, who is said to be leaving the club at the end of the season, has denied reports suggesting that he has accepted an offer to take over from Roberto Mancini

Fabregas revels in 'dream come true' La Liga triumph
The former Arsenal midfielder was over the moon with Barca's successful league campaign and was satisfied with his role in the title win

Monaco mega-offer sets up Falcao move
Chelsea had been in pole position to sign the prolific Colombian after agreeing to meet his €60 million clause but have been trumped by the big-spending French side

Luiz hoping to link up with Rooney & Mourinho at Chelsea
The versatile Brazilian has admitted he would be happy if the Portuguese boss joined from Real Madrid and brought the wantaway Manchester United striker with him

Messi to undergo tests on hamstring injury, confirms Vilanova
The Argentine is believed to have sustained another hamstring injury and his coach has revealed that he will face further examination on Monday

'We will miss Mourinho' - Dani Alves
The Brazilian feels the Portuguese's projected exit from Real Madrid would be a bit loss to La Liga and has paid tribute to Tito Vilanova and Eric Abidal

Iniesta: We couldn't afford to let Madrid challenge
The 29-year-old believes Barcelona could ill-afford to give their old the belief that they could successfully defend their Liga title this season

Messi leads Barcelona jubilation following title triumph
The Blaugrana wrapped up the Spanish championship on Saturday, and an array of the side's stars have taken to social media to express their delight with securing the league

Madrid fans deserve Copa del Rey joy, says Butragueno
Los Blancos director wants his side to give supporters a lift after losing their Liga crown and is pessimistic about the injury Raphael Varane picked up against Espanyol

Simeone: Barcelona are best in the world
The Blaugrana were routed by Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the Champions League but the Rojiblancos boss still believes that Catalans are a cut above the the rest

Albiol sympathy for injured Varane
The France international's season appears to be over after he suffered a knee injury in Saturday night's 1-1 draw with Espanyol at Cornella

Barcelona chief reveals summer spending plan
The Blaugrana, who were confirmed as champions of Spain on Saturday night, are hoping to bring in a replacement for goalkeeper Victor Valdes, centre-backand striker

Tito's title: How Vilanova overcame cancer to topple Mourinho's Madrid
The Barcelona boss battled back from serious illness to lead the Catalan club to a tremendous triumph as his side were crowned champions of La Liga on Saturday night

Carvalho: Madrid will do everything to win Copa del Rey
The Blancos centre-back has urged his team-mates to banish the memories of this season's league and European disappointment by beating Atletico Madrid on Friday

Xabi Alonso: Nobody tells us what we have to say
The Blancos midfielder insists that there has been no gagging order put in place at the Santiago Bernabeu and that he and his team-mates are free to speak their minds

Mourinho congratulates Barcelona on Liga success
The Portuguese trainer offered praise for the new Liga champions, before addressing Raphael Varane's injury and Pepe's exclusion from the team

Barcelona win La Liga title
The Catalans have had their troubles in recent weeks, but they have now clinched a fourth league title in five years

Vilanova: We've fought finest Madrid side in history
The 44-year-old has reserved high praise for his side's fierce fierce rivals, despite all but clinching the title weeks ago

I may not be able to stay at Malaga, says Pellegrini
The Andalusians are facing financial issues meaning the Chilean's departure from La Rosaleda looks increasingly likely with Manchester City in the frame for his signature

Juventus agree terms in principle with Higuain
The striker has set his sights on a move away from Madrid at the end of this season and Juventus are leading the race for his signature

We will speak to Barcelona first if we want David Villa, says Atletico president
The Vicente Calderon side could make a move for the Spain international amid ongoing rumours that he is looking to leave Barca this summer

 

[Higuain]

Real Madrid stars play 'football golf'

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/j7xCz811feI?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>

May 15, 2013 9:47:00 AM

Mesut Ozil, Gonzalo Higuain, Raphael Varane and Fabio Conetrao ditched the traditional course equipment to try out an intriguing sporting concoction...

A selection of Real Madrid's stars were let loose on a golf course, although the traditional selection of clubs, bags and balls were left behind in favour of footballs!

Mesut Ozil, Gonzalo Higuain, Raphael Varane and Fabio Coentrao let off some Liga steam by playing 'football golf' - check out the video for how this combination of the two sports works...

 

[Lionel Messi]

Xavi: 'Amazing' Neymar would fit in at Barcelona
The Brazil international is rumoured to be on the verge of moving to Catalunya, and the Spain star has welcomed the notion of linking up with the starlet

Isco to join Manchester City - if they hire Pellegrini
The Spain starlet is ready to snub a move to Paris Saint-Germain and follow his Malaga coach to the Etihad Stadium as the beaten FA Cup finalists look to strike a €30 million deal

Xavi: Casillas has had terrible treatment at Madrid
The Barcelona star has been unhappy to see his Spain team-mate suffer such a controversial season at the Bernabeu, while also discussing his determination to keep playing

Tottenham launch €12m David Villa bid
The Barcelona star wants to leave Camp Nou but any deal could hinge on Champions League qualification, with the Londoners ready to sell Emmanuel Adebayor

Ancelotti: Fifty per cent chance I'll leave PSG
The Parisiens have already confirmed that they have rejected an approach from Real Madrid for the Italian coach, who landed the Ligue 1 title last weekend

Neymar to discuss future after Paulista final
The 21-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to Europe this summer and his father says talks with Santos will be held later in May

Higuain out to exploit Atletico 'weak points'
The Rojiblancos have only conceded 30 goals in La Liga this year but the Argentina international believes that the Merengues have to players to break Diego Simeone's men down

'Barcelona and Neymar need one another'
The ex-Atletico Madrid star claims the 21-year-old would be a perfect fit at Camp Nou as the move would satisfy both parties and thus prove beneficial in the long run

Vilanova's absence hit us hard, claims Messi
The Barcelona star was ecstatic to have claimed the Liga title given the upheaval of Pep Guardiola's departure and the present coach's battle with ill health

Xavi against Barcelona overhaul
There are those that believe the Blaugrana need to revamp their squad but the influential midfielder is confident they have sufficient quality in their ranks

Ronaldo: If we play well, we will win Copa del Rey
The Portuguese believes that los Blancos are in good form going into their mammoth derby clash and feels that victory is theirs for the taking

Galliani denies transfer talks between Milan & Madrid
The Rossoneri have been linked with several Blancos players, including former San Siro favourite Kaka

Godin: Copa del Rey final is 50-50
The Uruguayan defender is adamant his side can triumph at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite failing to beat their arch-rivals in any competition since 1999

 

[Higuain]

'Falcao is 90 per cent coming to Monaco'

By Mark Doyle
May 16, 2013 9:36:00 AM

The French club's goalkeeper has claimed that the Colombia international is certain to move to the Stade Louis II unless the Blancos make a late bid for the striker

Atletico Madrid forward Radamel Falcao is "90 per cent coming to Monaco" and only Real Madrid can prevent the deal from going through, according to les Rouges et Blanc goalkeeper Danijel Subasic.

The newly-crowned Ligue 2 champions are willing to meet the Colombia international's €60 million buyout clause, as well as offer the in-demand forward a net salary of €10m per season.

Atletico and Falcao have thus far refused to comment on the mounting speculation, but Subasic has been informed by Monaco that the deal is all but done.

"I will tell you what I have heard, and that is that Falcao is 90% coming to Monaco," the Croatia international told Sportske Novosti.

"For sure, it is what they have told us, with only a small possibility that Monaco could only lose him if Real Madrid were to come in, but that is now unlikely.

"If he does not leave for the Bernabeu, he will come to Monaco."

Falcao, 27, has scored 69 goals in 87 games in all competitions since arriving at the Vicente Calderon from Porto two years ago.

 

[Higuain]

Hugo Sanchez: Atletico should work with psychologists to break Madrid hoodoo

By Mark Doyle
May 16, 2013 4:24:00 PM

The legendary Mexican striker has claimed that the Rojiblancos have long suffered from an inferiority complex when it comes to taking on their illustrious city rivals

Hugo Sanchez has advised Atletico Madrid to enlist the help of psychologists in order to overcome their fear of facing Real Madrid.

The legendary striker, who played for both clubs during his illustrious playing career, is looking forward to Friday night's Copa del Rey final clash between the two sides at Santiago Bernabeu.

However, given los Blancos have not lost a derby in any competition since 1999, he is tipping Jose Mourinho's men to prevail, admitting that Atletico have a serious hang-up when it comes to facing their city rivals.

"The same thing happened when I played there," he told Radio MARCA. "There was a lack of certainty and confidence. The Atleti players should work with psychologists.

"My prediction is 2-1, with a [Radamel] Falcao goal for the Rojiblancos."

Sanchez acknowledged, though, that even if Madrid do lift the Copa, it will not be enough to banish the feeling that the Merengues' season, and indeed Mourinho's spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, have been anything but underwhelming.

"People thought he was going to win them their tenth Champions League, but in the end he can only win the cup," the Mexican pointed out.

"I think that Mou has come through, but more was expected of him. And if Real doesn't win, there will be a lot of tension at the Bernabeu."

Sanchez spent four seasons at the Vicente Calderon before crossing the city divide in 1985 to join Madrid.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Falcao delighted with Copa del Rey win
The Atletico Madrid striker was over the moon with his side's 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, while Arda Turan was equally thrilled with their surprise triumph

Sergio Ramos: Atletico deserve their win
The defender has rued his side's missed chances in the wake of their surprising loss and had admitted it has been a disappointing season for Madrid

Simeone: We no longer fear Real Madrid
The Argentine boss acknowledged the contributions of every one of his players as the Rojiblancos exorcised their derby demons to lift the Copa del Rey

Mourinho rues 'worst-ever season' following Copa defeat
The Portuguese did not hesitate to write off the campaign as the least successful of his life to date but insisted Atletico Madrid were "lucky" to have triumphed

Madrid see red after Copa carnage
Cristiano Ronaldo was dismissed as los Blancos lost their heads during a dramatic 2-1 final defeat by their city rivals in an epic final at the Santiago Bernabeu

Santos: Neymar only wants Barca
The Brazilian club's vice-president has confirmed the youngster's interest in a move to Camp Nou but is expecting a massive counter-offer from Real Madrid

Courtois: I have not spoken to Mourinho about Chelsea
The 50-year-old is set to return to Chelsea in the summer but has not contacted the young Belgian, who is on loan at Atletico Madrid from Stamford Bridge

Ancelotti: I have not spoken to Madrid
The PSG coach says only journalists are talking about a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu as speculation over his future in France grows

Del Bosque: Casillas has my full support
The Spain boss says he is "obliged" to back the Real Madrid goalkeeper, who has found himself rooted to the bench in recent months

AC Milan ponder €15m swoop for Xabi Alonso
The experienced midfielder is unsure about his future at the Santiago Bernabeu and the Rossoneri are closely monitoring his situation

Ramos: Which clubs can bid €1 billion for Ronaldo?
The Spain defender feels that his team-mate is happy at Real Madrid despite persistent rumours of a move to Paris Saint-Germain

Mourinho: We will all miss Ferguson
The Real Madrid coach pays tribute to the retiring Manchester United manager, remembering the Scot's graciousness when the Red Devils were beaten by his Porto side

Falcao ignoring Monaco speculation
The Colombian has stressed that he is under contract at Atletico Madrid, despite rumours that the principality club have secured his signature

 

[Lionel Messi]

La Liga Preview: Barcelona v Valladolid

17 May 2013

Barcelona may have limped over the line in securing their 22nd La Liga crown, but they will celebrate at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Valladolid are the first visitors to Barcelona since last weekend's results confirmed the destination of the title and, having already avoided relegation, are probably expected to roll over for the newly-crowned champions.

In truth, with Tito Vilanova's side having lost just two league fixtures all season, the visitors have little choice.

Valladolid's last away win over the Catalan side came in November 1997, when goals from Alen Peternac and Eusebio Sacristan earned a shock 2-1 victory.

They had no such luck in the reverse fixture at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla in December though, suffering a 3-1 loss in front of their own fans.

One of the goalscorers for Barca that day, Lionel Messi, will miss this game after suffering a recurrence of the hamstring injury that has plagued him in recent weeks.

Despite that, the Argentine looks a certainty to secure the Pichichi trophy - awarded to the league's top scorer each season - having netted 45 goals to Cristiano Ronaldo's 34 with three games remaining.

Miroslav Dukic's men, meanwhile, have no new injury worries as they bid for a top-10 finish with the campaign reaching it's conclusion.

Valladolid have in fact scored five goals in total against Barcelona's great rivals Real Madrid this term, but were unfortunate to find themselves on the wrong end of 4-3 and 3-2 defeats.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Simeone: We no longer fear Real Madrid

By Livio Caferoglu
May 18, 2013 1:00:00 AM

The Argentine boss acknowledged the contributions of every one of his players as the Rojiblancos exorcised their derby demons to lift the Copa del Rey

Diego Simeone has applauded his Atletico Madrid players for banishing their fear of arch-rivals Real Madrid in their 2-1 Copa del Rey final victory at the Santiago Bernabeu on Friday.

The Rojiblancos needed an extra-time goal from defender Miranda to end their 25-match winless run against their city neighbours and triumph in the domestic cup competition for the first time in almost two decades.

And their coach was delighted with the commitment made by each and every one of his players on the night and in the wider context of their "incredible" progress since his appointment in December 2011.

"It was an incredible game. We had the luck needed to win the trophy. What these players have been doing for the past year-and-a-half is incredible," Simeone told reporters.

"They finally lost their fear and the hearts of each player combined to win the match, and it was amazing. We were fortunate because in football, teams that win have a slice of luck. We believed that we'd win the game.

"What brought us these achievements has been this - you see Diego Costa running 50 metres back, see Koke, [Radamel] Falcao and Gabi all sacrificing themselves for the team.

"I'm speechless. Now we have to think about the next game if we want to keep on developing. That's the only way we know."