La Liga Season 2011/2012

Ricardo Kaka · Sep 15, 2011

Thursday 15th September 2011

Ronaldo: Who is Mario Gotze?

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo admitted he does not even know who Borussia Dortmund's Mario Gotze is.

The 19-year-old German has been a rising star in world football after helping the Bundesliga side to win their domestic league last season, and has even caught Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's attention, with the Gunners considering a big money bid for the playmaker.

However, when asked by Bild about his thoughts on Gotze, Ronaldo replied: "Who's Gotze?" The 26-year-old winger admitted sheepishly: "In what position does he play? Is he good? I have little opportunity to see Bundesliga games." The Portuguese star admitted he was not interested in other footballers, and was only keen on focusing on himself and his own game.

"I'm not interested in what people say about me," he crowed. "I am always in top form. I work hard on myself. That's why nobody makes an attack on my sporting abilities." After Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb, the star laughed a tirade at the man in black, labeling him an "embrassment".

"He was an embarrassment," Ronaldo said, in quotes published by Marca. "I hope this referee never takes charge of another of our games because he is an embarrassment." The wing wizard has scored four goals in his first two La Liga games of the season for Real Madrid.

Ricardo Kaka · Sep 18, 2011

Malaga eye swoop for Granero
Malaga are pondering a move for out-of-favour Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero.

Real, Betis look to keep perfect start
Real Betis striker Jorge Molina has highlighted his side's never-say-die attitude as the promoted outfit head into the weekend with their 100% record intact.

Ricardo Kaka · Sep 18, 2011

La Liga wrap: Messi on target as Barca crush Osasuna

18 September 2011

Lionel Messi struck a hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Osasuna 8-0 on Saturday - their biggest home win in La Liga since 1996. Barca had been forced to accept draws in their past two matches against Real Sociedad and AC Milan, and they appeared to take out that frustration on the hapless visitors to the Camp Nou.

Argentina forward Messi grabbed the first goal as early as the fifth minute, prodding home from close range after good work by Sergio Busquets and Dani Alves. Cesc Fabregas doubled the lead seven minutes later, volleying home to complete a delightful exchange of passes with Messi.

And David Villa rounded opposing goalkeeper Andres Fernandez in the 34th minute to make it 3-0 in the hosts' favour. Osasuna did not help their cause by conceding an own goal through Roversio five minutes before the break. Messi netted his second a minute later with another simple finish, giving Barca a commanding 5-0 lead at half-time.

Osasuna survived 11 minutes of the second period before Xavi Hernandez got in on the scoring act, lifting the ball over Andres after being played in by Messi. Villa nabbed his second on 75 minutes, with Fabregas the provider following a mix-up in the Osasuna defence. And four minutes later Messi completed his hat-trick, accelerating beyond the visitors' backline before finding the net, rounding off the thrashing at 8-0.

It was Osasuna's joint worst defeat in La Liga history; they were also beaten 8-0 by Real Madrid in 1958. In other matches, Valencia continued their 100 percent start to the league season courtesy of a 1-0 win at Sporting Gijon, with Roberto Soldado claiming the only goal in the 29th minute of the match.

Valencia move top of the table, with Real Madrid able to return to the summit if they defeat Levante on Sunday. Martin Demichelis' first-half strike helped Malaga to a 1-0 win away at Mallorca. And promoted Granada defeated Villarreal by the same scoreline. Ikechukwu Uche struck what proved to be the winner for hosts Granada in the 56th minute, while Giuseppe Rossi missed a late penalty for the visitors.

Frederic Kanoute's strike early in the second half helped Sevilla see off Real Sociedad 1-0 to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. In a game of few chances, Mali striker Kanoute netted a close-range finish in the 53rd minute to send Sevilla into third place on seven points.

Falcao · Sep 19, 2011

La Liga wrap: Levante humble Real, Falcao fires Atletico

19 September 2011

Real Madrid suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat away to Levante in La Liga on Sunday, as Real Betis and Atletico Madrid both won. Levante lost 8-0 to Real in the Copa del Rey last season, but gained their revenge at Estadi Ciutat de Valencia, inflicting a first defeat of the campaign on Jose Mourinho's side.

The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges, with Karim Benzema and Kaka both going close. The match turned with the sending off of Germany midfielder Sami Khedira in the 39th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo was introduced off the bench but it was Levante who began to dictate terms, as Vicente Iborra and Juanlu both tested Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

In the 68th minute the hosts forced a breakthrough, with Ivory Coast international Arouna Kone collecting Javi Venta's cutback and firing into the roof of the net. The 10 men of Real failed to find an equaliser in the time remaining, and the defeat leaves them fifth, three points behind leaders Valencia and one back from champions Barcelona.

In other matches, Colombia striker Radamel Falcao claimed a hat-trick as Atletico Madrid defeated Racing Santander 4-0 to record their first win of the season. Falcao struck twice in the first half, with the second from the penalty spot, and once in the second period at Estadio Vicente Calderon, with Adrian netting the other.

Promoted Real Betis maintained their 100 percent start to the season and joined Valencia on nine points following an eventful 3-2 win away to Athletic Bilbao. Visitors Betis led 3-1 by half-time through goals from Benat and Perez Nacho, together with Salvador Lopez Sevilla's penalty at Estadio San Mames.

Oscar had pulled one back for the home side with seven minutes remaining in the half, and they received a boost when Betis defender Mario was shown a red card in the 75th minute.
Athletic got another goal back courtesy of David Lopez's 85th-minute penalty.

But they were unable to find a third and also finished a man down when Fernando Amorebieta was dismissed five minutes into injury time. Elsewhere, Real Zaragoza picked up their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory at home to Espanyol. Zaragoza led from the 29th minute through a goal from Luis Garcia.

Javi Lopez equalised for the visitors with 20 minutes to go, before he was shown a red card in the 84th minute. Luis Garcia's penalty miss with three minutes remaining appeared to have cost the hosts a chance of victory, but he made amends by netting a 93rd-minute winner. And Miguel Perez Cuesta's third-minute goal was enough for promoted Rayo Vallecano to bag their first win of the season, a 1-0 triumph away to Getafe.

Falcao · Sep 19, 2011

Mourinho behind Ade Spurs move
Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed Jose Mourinho advised him to join Tottenham, whose fans he has forgiven for the abuse they used to aim at him.

Ramos: We're all to blame for defeat
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has refused to put the blame on Sami Khedira after his side were shocked 1-0 by Levante on Sunday.

Falcao · Sep 19, 2011

Monday 19th September 2011

Neymar: What Real Madrid move?

Brazil striker Neymar has refuted reports that he is on the brink of signing for Real Madrid.

The Santos star has been reported by Brazilian papers to be due to sign a contract with the Spanish giants after passing a medical in Sao Paulo on Friday.

But the 19-year-old has insisted that is the furthest thing away from the truth.

"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.

"That is all speculation, there is no deal."

Neymar, however, did admitted he was at the hospital on Friday, but revealed it had nothing to do with a potential move to Madrid.

"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.

Falcao · Sep 21, 2011

Reyes: Impossible to fight Barca, Real
Atletico Madrid forward Jose Antonio Reyes has become the latest to voice his opinion that Barcelona and Real Madrid cannot be challenged currently.

Thiago: La Liga not two-team race
Barcelona midfielder Thiago claims it is a "big lie" to say La Liga has become a two-team competition.

Manzano: More to come from Falcao
Atletico Madrid coach Gregorio Manzano believes that Radamel Falcao's hat-trick against Racing Santander is only the beginning for the Colombian ace.

Neymar pledges to stay at Santos
Brazil striker Neymar has denied reports he is on the verge of a big-money move to Spain and instead pledged to remain at Santos for at least another year.

Mourinho to honour Robson memory
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has donated his most prestigious personal trophy to be auctioned in memory of his mentor Sir Bobby Robson.

Falcao · Sep 21, 2011

La Liga wrap: Villarreal find form, Sevilla miss out

21 September 2011

Villarreal shrugged off their slow start to the La Liga season on Tuesday, posting their first win with a 2-0 triumph over Mallorca.

After a 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League was followed by a 1-0 defeat to promoted Granada, boss Juan Carlos Garrido was desperate for three points when his side entertained Mallorca at Estadio El Madrigal.

His men did not disappoint, and they took the lead in the eighth minute when Giuseppe Rossi latched on to a through ball from Jose Catala before firing a shot past Dudu Aouate in the Mallorca goal.

That was where the score stayed until seven minutes after the break, when Brazilian striker Nilmar put them two ahead with a neat finish.

In other results on Tuesday, Real Sociedad climbed to fifth when a spectacular strike from Daniel Estrada handed them a 1-0 win over Granada.

Estrada was spotted by Carlos Vela on the right flank and the 24-year-old produced a curling effort with the outside of his foot that swerved past Roberto in the Granada goal.

Sevilla moved into third on the La Liga table courtesy of their 0-0 draw at Osasuna, though Marcelino Garcia Toral's side could have gone top with a win.

Falcao · Sep 21, 2011

Maradona: Aguero perfect for Real
The legendary Diego Maradona believes son-in-law Sergio Aguero would have been a perfect fit at Real Madrid.

Ogunjimi did not want England move
Belgian international Marvin Ogunjimi insists he never thought about moving to England once he knew he could seal a switch to Spain.

Emery: We can beat Barcelona
Valencia coach Unai Emery insists his side will go all out for a win against Barcelona at the Mestalla on Wednesday.

Falcao happy with Atletico start
Colombian star Radamel Falcao says he is settling in very well at Atletico Madrid.

Diarra wants to stay at Real Madrid
Lassana Diarra insists that he wants to see out the remaining two years of his contract at Real Madrid.

Marcelo: Levante loss could be decisive
Real Madrid defender Marcelo fears his side's 1-0 defeat to Levante could prove decisive in their bid to land the La Liga title.

Falcao · Sep 22, 2011

La Liga wrap: Barca, Real drop more points

22 September 2011

Barcelona and Real Madrid continued their stuttering starts to the La Liga season with both sides held to draws on Wednesday.

Barca were held to a 2-2 stalemate at Valencia - who are now level with Real Betis and Sevilla on top of the La Liga table - as their form away from home continues to disappoint.

Pep Guardiola's men have thrashed Villarreal 5-0 and Osasuna 8-0 at the Nou Camp this season, but have been held to 2-2 draws in both their road trips.

Valencia took the lead after 12 minutes at the Estadio Mestalla thanks to an own goal from Barca defender Eric Abidal but the visitors hit back almost immediately through Pedro.

Valencia went 2-1 up with a Pablo strike at the 23-minute mark and despite their pressure, Barcelona had to wait until the 77th minute to draw level through Cesc Fabregas.

Real were unable to break the deadlock in their 0-0 draw at Racing Santander, and Jose Mourinho's side have scored just one goal from their last three games.

Newly promoted Rayo Vallecano's impressive start to the season came to a halt as Levante ran out 2-1 winners at Estadio del Rayo Vallecano.

First-half goals from Sergio Ballesteros and Valdo meant Raul Tamudo's second-half strike was nothing more than consolation.

Malaga made it three wins in succession and resigned Athletic Bilbao to another defeat as they ran out 1-0 winners at La Rosaleda.

Santi Cazorla once again made the difference for the hosts with his spectacular free-kick just after the hour mark.

Atletico Madrid followed up last weekend's thumping win over Racing by handing Sporting Gijon a 4-0 thrashing at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

Star striker Radamel Falcao was once again the star, netting twice in the last 20 minutes to take his total to six goals in the last week.

Falcao · Sep 22, 2011

Ricardo Kaka · Sep 23, 2011

Canales: Valencia must keep working
Despite Valencia's lofty position atop the La Liga table, Sergio Canales has refused to let his side become complacent.

Manzano pleased with Falcao impact
Coach Gregorio Manzano has lauded the impact that Radamel Falcao has made on Atletico Madrid in such a short time.

Real away blues trouble Mourinho
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho admits he is worried by his side's poor away form as they slumped to a goalless draw at Racing Santander on Wednesday.

Guardiola happy just to make point
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola admitted his side's 2-2 draw at Valencia on Wednesday was a fair result.

Mourinho hails Ozil's perfect blend
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho believes Mesut Ozil's Turkish-German background has made him the player that he currently is.

Ricardo Kaka · Sep 24, 2011

Real Betis 4-3 Real Zaragoza
Real Betis moved to the top of La Liga with an enthralling win over Real Zaragoza thanks to a brace from Roque Santa Cruz.

Afellay set for knee surgery
Barcelona and Holland midfielder Ibrahim Afellay will undergo surgery Friday after suffering knee ligament damage in training.

Benitez: Valencia can challenge for title
Former Valencia coach Rafael Benitez believes his old side can give Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid a run for their money at the top of the La Liga table.

Espanyol 1-0 Getafe
Walter Pandiani scored his first goal since returning to Espanyol deep into stoppage time to give his side a deserved La Liga victory over Getafe.

Ricardo Kaka · Sep 24, 2011

Friday 23rd September 2011

Xavi admits to tactical difficulties

Barcelona lynchpin Xavi admits that the 3-4-3 system that the team has employed in recent matches has not been as successful as they have expected.

Following injuries to a number of key defenders, Barca coach Pep Guardiola has turned to a 3-4-3 system in recent weeks.

And while it worked wonders in last weekend's 8-0 thumping of Osasuna, the Catalan outfit were brought back down to earth when Valencia held them to a 2-2 draw at the Mestalla on Wednesday.

In particular, Los Che right-winger Pablo Hernandez was seen tearing down the flank regularly in the first-half, before his influence was limited in the second period after Guardiola shifted Dani Alves back to the right-side of defence.

While Xavi believes Barca's new formation does have its benefits, he admits it leaves them exposed at the back.

"This system is quite good," Xavi said on Barcelona's official website. "Considering we are a team that maintains a lot of possession of the ball, it is a good idea to have an extra man in the middle.

"[However], it does make it harder in defence." The Spain international also revealed his belief that claiming a point away to unbeaten Valencia was not the worst possible result for Barca.

"We could have come back with all three points, but it's also true that Valencia could have won the game in the first half. "It was a very nice, dynamic match with constant changes of tactics and goals.

"Although I don't like to draw [games], a point isn't bad given the circumstances." One shining light for Barca this season has been the form of summer signing Cesc Fabregas, who has fit into the team seamlessly.

And while many initially questioned whether Fabregas would be compatible playing alongside the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta, the Barca vice-captain believes there is no such problem.

In fact, Xavi has even suggested the Fabregas' arrival has improved his own game. "We are very happy on the pitch. I think we complement each other quite well.

"[When] he goes up I stay back and cover for him, and vice versa. We have shown that many times this year. "I think Cesc makes my football better."

And Xavi was also quick to dispel suggestions that La Liga was now effectively a two-horse race between Barca and Real Madrid, calling it an insult to the other 18 clubs in the competition.

"I don't think there are only two teams in this league. "The other clubs train hard, they have quality, strategies, fitness and talent. "Saying that is a cruel insult to many good professionals.

"We are all very close here, and I don't believe in a bipolar league." Barcelona have another tough test coming up at the weekend, when they play hosts to in-form Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Ricardo Kaka · Sep 24, 2011

Friday 23rd September 2011

Santos realistic about Neymar stay

Santos coach Muricy Ramalho admitted that his club could very well sell Neymar in 2012, despite their attempts to keep him at the Vila Belmiro.

Although there has been strong interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid and several other big clubs for the player, Santos have managed to hold on to their prized asset.

However, speaking to Globoesporte, Ramalho admitted that the player was bound to leave Santos sooner or later.

"It is almost certain that in the next year [Santos] will not be able to hold on to [Neymar]", he said.

"There is a lot of harassment around the player. It is impressive that the club has managed to hold out this long," Ramalho sighed.

He gave kudos to both the club's adminstrators as well as the player himself for displaying class and loyalty throughout.

"They are doing everything right, without too much talk and leaving you guys [referring to reporters] in doubt. The kid has also done well, he has come through a tough run of games playing well."

Santos continued a run of four straight victories on Wednesday evening after defeating America MG 2-1, with Neymar showing his quality by setting both their goals up from set-pieces.

Ricardo Kaka · Sep 25, 2011

La Liga wrap: Hat-tricks power Real, Barca

25 September 2011

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both netted hat-tricks as Barcelona and Real Madrid had big wins in La Liga on Saturday.

Reigning European champions Barcelona were in thrilling form as they thumped Atletico Madrid 5-0 at the Camp Nou.

Messi struck three times, and further efforts from David Villa and a Miranda own goal sealed an excellent performance from the Catalan giants.

Barcelona dominated early and were 3-0 up after 26 minutes, before Messi netted twice in the second half.

The Argentine completed his hat-trick late on, making a run down the left and drilling a shot through Thibaut Courtois' legs.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo led Real Madrid to a 6-2 win over newly promoted Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Two of them came from the penalty spot, while Gonzalo Higuain, Raphael Varane and Karim Benzema were also on the scoresheet.

Jose Mourinho's team had gone behind after 17 seconds - the fastest ever goal at the ground - when Michu scored the first of his brace for Rayo.

Elsewhere, Frederic Kanoute struck the winner as Sevilla took a 1-0 win over Valencia.

The former Tottenham and West Ham United striker netted in the 18th minute, before three players - Sevilla's Piotr Trochowski and Julien Escude and Valencia's Aritz Aduriz - were sent off in the second half.

A second-half goal from Nilmar helped Villarreal secure a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao.

The Brazilian cancelled out Gabilondo's 43rd-minute goal, before Villarreal failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage for the last nine minutes after Borja Ekiza was sent off.

Ricardo Kaka · Sep 26, 2011

Messi closing in on Barca record

Lionel Messi's hat-trick in Barcelona's 5-0 rout of Atletico Madrid has seen him move closer to overhauling Laszlo Kubala in the club's goalscoring charts.
Messi, who hit his 12th career hat-trick against Atletico, has now scored 192 goals for Barca, just four behind Kubala's haul of 196.

Barca's Pique prefers 3-4-3 system
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique insists he has no problems with coach Pep Guardiola employing a 3-4-3 system for home matches.

Perez sticks up for Jose Mourinho
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez used the club's general assembly to defend controversial coach Jose Mourinho.

Guardiola: We are not invincible
Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola insists his team are not unbeatable even if it sometimes appears that way.

"Real Madrid are not in crisis"
Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno has rubbished the idea that the club is in crisis after a string of poor results.

Messi, Ronaldo notch La Liga hat-tricks
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo struck their second La Liga hat-tricks this season against Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano.

Ricardo Kaka · Sep 26, 2011

La Liga wrap: Levante move third, Malaga in stalemate
26 September 2011

Levante have moved into third in La Liga after a 3-1 win over Espanyol, while Malaga were held by Real Zaragoza on Sunday.

Ruben Suarez fired the locals in front from the penalty spot after Rui Fonte had brought down Juanlu on 14 minutes, and the midfielder added a second from 12 yards out just before the hour mark after he was fouled by Jordi Amat.

Amat was sent off, but there was hope for Espanyol as Hector Moreno directed Walter Pandiani's wayward effort into the net on 72 minutes.

But just four minutes later, Jose Javier Barkero sealed the win with a lovely strike from the edge of the area.

Veteran Uruguayan striker Pandiani was then shown a second yellow for head-butting Nano, leaving Espanyol with nine men.

Big-spending Malaga missed their chance to go top after playing out a 0-0 draw at Real Zaragoza.

Zaragoza goalkeeper Roberto produced a strong performance, denying former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy for Malaga's best chance in the first half.

Elsewhere, Mallorca broke a three-game losing run with a 2-1 win at home to Real Sociedad.

Victor and Gonzalo Castro helped Mallorca to the three points after Imanol Agirretxe had put the visitors ahead in the first half.

Fran Rico cancelled out Raul Garcia's opener to help Granada to a 1-1 draw against Osasuna.

Sporting Gijon and Racing Santander remain winless after they drew 0-0.

Ricardo Kaka · Sep 27, 2011

La Liga: Getafe 1 Real Betis 0

27 September 2011

Newly promoted Real Betis have suffered their first defeat of the La Liga season, going down 1-0 away to Getafe on Monday.

Betis had won all four of their games since their return to the top flight, but their winning run came to an end at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Getafe's form had been the complete opposite to Betis', losing three straight matches heading into Monday's clash.

But they turned around their form in the best way possible, with midfielder Diego Castro scoring the only goal of the match in the 31st minute to secure the three points for the hosts.

The win moves Getafe out of the relegation zone into 16th place, while Betis still enjoy a one point advantage over Barcelona in top spot.'

Ricardo Kaka · Sep 27, 2011

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