La Liga News: 107 Real Madrid youth players across Europe

Barcelona may get plenty of recognition for 'La Masia', the youth set-up at Barca that continues to churn out some outstanding young talent, most recently Pedro and Jeffren, but today 'AS' reported the amazing statistic that there are 107 players playing professional football across Europe that were nutured in 'La Fábrica' at Real Madrid. 51 ply their trade in 'La Liga', 43 in 'La Segunda' and 13 overseas. Out of those who play in the Primera Division, Getafe is home to seven former Real Madrid youth players, with Soldado, Parejo, Belenguer, Adrián, Casquero, Miguel Torres and Codina all at home in the Coliseum.

Abroad you have Jordi Lopez in the Premiership, Javi Garcia and Balboa in Portugal, and it even streches as far as Armenia where Ulises and Pedro Lopez reside. Real Madrid themselves can only count on five at this moment in time, with Raul (contentious inclusion as he was originally an Atlético product), Guti and Casillas the old-timers joined more recently by Arbeloa (purchased from Liverpool) and Granero, with perhaps only Casillas and Arbeloa considered definite starters. If Real Madrid want to bridge the small gap that now separates them from their Catalan rivals, they will need to start turning these prospects into regular first-teamers, instead of letting talent such as Negredo and Soldado slip through their fingers.

La Liga 2009 Top Ten: The best of Spanish Football in 2009

What a year it has been for La Liga and Spanish Football in general. To cap it off in style, here is my 'Livin La Liga Top Ten' for 2009:

1. FC BARCELONA: There's no doubt the lasting memory of 2009 will be the spectacular six trophy haul by Barcelona. That injury time goal from Iniesta at Chelsea, the famous 2-6 victory in the Bernabeu and Guardiolas tears after the World Club Cup win which sealed the unprecedented sextruplet. A special mention should also go to Mr Lionel Messi after leading from the front all year and bagging all the personal awards since. This team has been immortalised in footballing history and then some.

2. SPANISH NATIONAL TEAM: Just the one defeat all year, a faultless World Cup qualifying campaign and the number one ranking in the world. Many thought it would be a tough task for Vicente Del Bosque following their Euro 2008 triumph, but the changeover has been seamless. 47 goals and 15 wins out of 16 matches is all the evidence you need. Simply the best.

3. REAL MADRID SPENDING SPREE: Florentino has been widely criticised for his spending spree (outside of Madrid of course), but I thought it was box office. The summer of 2009 was a journalists dream as Florentino handpicked some of Europes finest to grace La Liga. Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso were the biggest names to join the new 'Galacticos' and turn Spanish Football into the home of the worlds finest. It will interesting to see what 2010 holds in store for Real Madrid.

4. IKER MUNIAIN: 2009 saw the rapid rise of Spanish footballs newest star. Iker Muniain has broken all sorts of records at the San Mames this year, demonstrating along the way a potential that is ready to explode in 2010. With electric pace, a Messi-esque touch, an eye for goal and a fiery never-say-die attitude, the youth set-up at Athletic Bilbao has unearthed another gem.

5. MALLORCA AND GREGORIO MANZANO: The Real Madrids and Barcelonas may get the plaudits, but the job Gregorio Manzano and his Mallorca team are doing is just as noteworthy. With dwindling attendances, boardroom problems, a tiny budget and a set of modest footballers, Mallorca prove the doubters wrong week in week out. After a commendable ninth place finish last season, they are sitting pretty in fifth as 2009 comes to a close. Spectacular from the islanders.

6. PEDRO: It can't be long now until Pedro is a fixture in the Barca starting XI (if he isn't already) after sealing a stunning 2009 with the last gasp goal which kept Barcelona in the World Club Cup final. The match before he wrote his name in the record books as the only player in footballing history to have scored in all six major tournaments in one season. This year also saw him sign his first professional contract with the club, which ties him to Barca until 2014. What a year.

7. ATHLETIC BILBAO CUP FINAL 24 YEARS LATER: With their record of 23 Copa del Rey wins (only behind Barca who have 25) it was fantastic to see the Basque team back in a cup final 24 years after their last appearance in 1985. Although they ended up losing to the best team on the planet, Bilbao was transformed into a red and white wonderland and the excitement it stirred up in the city was spellbinding.

8. ESPANYOLS NEW HOME: Having spent 12 long years in their temporary home in Montjuic, Espanyol were finally given a new home in 2009 as they moved to the fantastic Estadi Cornellà-El Prat. It was always a sad sight to see them play at the soulless Olympic Stadium, which was almost always half-empty, so it's great to see Spains sixth most successful club in a brand-spanking new stadium.

9. XEREZ IN PRIMERA: Xerez, a small club with scarce financial resources, finished above the mighty Real Zaragoza to top 'La Segunda' and reach La Liga for the first time in their 62 year history. The little town in deep Andalucia went beserk and even though they are rock bottom as we enter 2010, the players and fans will always remember 2009 as the year they finally reached the summit of Spanish football.

10. DIEGO FORLAN: Diego Forlan has not looked back since he made his move to Spain from Manchester United and 2009 saw him snatch La Ligas 'Pichichi' title and Europes Golden Boot, both for the second time. He finished last season with 32 goals in 33 league encounters, and among them plenty of contenders for goal of the season. Even this season in a struggling Atlético side, he has netted 6 in 11. The Uruguayan has been lethal.

Jermaine Pennant: Following the trend of English Players abroad

It came as a surprise to many when Jermaine Pennant made the switch to Spanish football after completing his free transfer to Real Zaragoza from Liverpool in July. Maybe it was because he was joining little known Real Zaragoza. Maybe because it was Jermaine Pennant. I believe it was a bit of both and the fact that an English player moving to Europe, unfortunately, doesn't happen very often. But now Jermaines Spanish dream appears to be coming to an abrupt end as Zaragoza have made it clear they want to offload the player back to The Premiership, adding the Nottingham-born winger to a sorry line of English players who have made early exits from their foreign adventures.

Personally, I think he made a great move and it should be encouraged. A change of environment was exactly what the player needed and I'm all for English players trying their luck abroad. When you think about how many have actually tried, you would struggle to get above ten. In addition to the trio of Beckham, Woodgate and Owen at Real Madrid; Luther Blissett, Ian Rush and John Charles (both Welsh), Trevor Francis, David Platt and Jay Bothroyd (now at Cardiff City) all tried their luck in Serie A; Kevin Keegan enjoyed a successful spell at Hamburg in Germany, Glenn Hoddle likewise at Monaco in France. Then you have the fleeting appearances by players in the twilights of their careers, such as Stan Collymores ill-fated spell at Real Oviedo. Out of these, only Trevor Francis lasted five years. Jermaine Pennant is set to last only six months.

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But he can count himself extremely unlucky if indeed he does get shipped off this winter. In the games I've seen him play, he has performed well in what is a dreadfully underperforming team, and he has kept himself out of mischief off the pitch. Fans at 'La Romareda' took to him straight away as he proved his worth down the right wing with some stunning bursts of pace and trickery mixed with consistently well-delivered crosses during pre-season and the early part of La Liga season. A hamstring injury knocked him out of his stride a few weeks ago, but he regained his starting place in the first XI, and was seen as a favourite of former coach Marcelino. But now Marcelino is gone and Pennant finds himself an unwanted luxury. Director Gerhard Poschner has stated that the club is disappointed with Jermaines attitude, work-rate and commitment to the club and that he forms part of a four-player group the club want to get rid of this winter. When you look closely at that group (Ayala, Ewerthon and Lopez Vallejo included) all are on astronomical wages, with Pennant reportedly on over £2 million a year.

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It's hardly subtle from the Spanish club, and they could definitely have been more open about the whole affair instead of tainting Pennants 'angelic' character. But with a huge debt hanging over them, and possible relegation to 'La Segunda' on the way, the clueless board have to start thinking about cutting the wage bill. I'd like to think Jermaine will knuckle down with typical english grit and prove he is worth his huge salary at the Aragonese club, much like Beckham did at Madrid under Capello. But with the club out for blood, it could be out of his control and he'll reluctantly join that illustrious list of greats that made the jump, only to make a premature return to Blighty.

FIFA World Player of the Year: Leo Messi crowned undisputable King of Football

As expected, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi snatched the FIFA World Player of the Year Award for 2009, capping an unbeatable year in which he has contibuted to Barcelonas six trophy haul and bagged the coveted Ballon D'Or. The prize was decided by all the managers and captains of the International sides accredited by FIFA and was presented to Leo during a snazzy bash in Zurich headed by the master of ceremonies Sepp Blatter. Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't left empty-handed either, as he was handed the FIFA Puskas Award for the most beautiful goal scored during 2009 for his missile against Porto in last seasons Champions League Quarter-final. A worthy winner.

A little montage of a little living legend.

La Liga News: Barcelona given early Xmas present

Barcelonas xmas came early when news filtered through that their bid for Manchester Citys forward Robinho had been rejected. The euforia surrounding Barcas sextruplet must have gone to Laportas head as he made Man City an offer for their record signing. Luckily for the Catalan club, Man City decided not to cash on on their Brazilian flop, allowing him to sulk a few more months in northern England before being shipped off to the continent. Besides where would he have played? They have the best attacking quartet in World Football, and with talented youngsters Pedro, Jeffren, Bojan and even Gai Assulin waiting in the wings, it would have been a tremendous waste of money.

It's been a busy few days for Barcelona. Today they took on Kazma of Kuwait in a meaningless friendly, with a line-up bursting with reserves and youth teamers. The game ended one apiece, with a Bojan goal (80mins) being cancelled out with virtually the last kick by Abdullah al Dafiri. The match reportedly earned Barca €1.8 million and no doubt endless Asian fans, but it came at a cost as Jeffren was taken off with thigh injury. Guardiola used the friendly to try out Chygrynskiy as a shield infront of the back four as he will be missing Keita and Yaya Toure during the African Cup of Nations. The move didn't pan out too well though as the Ukranian was badly at fault for the Kuwaiti goal. Pep will be hoping Sergio Busquets keeps fit during January.

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Behind the scenes, Joan Laporta has announced that he will be stepping down at the end of this season, and has not ruled out elections before. Firstly he wants to tie Pep Guardiola to the club with a long-term contract: a man he believes is already among the finest managers Barca have ever had, and who will one day be recognised as the best manager ever. The current frontrunner to take over the club is Sandro Rossel, a businessman who has worked in marketing with Nike and was a fundamental part of Laportas 2003 presidential campaign which saw Ronaldinho brought to the club.

La Liga Results/Highlights: Atlético Madrid hobble into Christmas

Tenerife 1 - 1 Atlético Madrid

(1-0) 3' Nino, (1-1) 21' Jurado

• A poor match between two teams that are really struggling to escape the attentions of the relegation zone. Atlético Madrid would have wanted to sign off before Christmas with a much needed three points, but fell behind to an early Nino strike and only managed to salvage a draw. They pushed for a winner in the last ten minutes after Asenjo had saved a Nino penalty but it wasn't to be.
  
• Tenerife can be glad with their position up to now, especially when you take into account the performances of Real Zaragoza who got promoted alongside the islanders, but have a far greater budget. Retaining winger Omar and Ninos goalscoring form will be important to their push for survival.
  

Real Valladolid 2 - 1 Sporting Gijón

(0-1) 13' Luis Moran, (1-1) 29' Nivaldo, (2-1) 90' Medunjanin

• Quality match that flowed from end to end and provided a grandstand finish with Medunjanins brilliant late winner. The Bosnian along with Diego Costa and Cannobio are vital to Real Valladolids hopes in the new year after helping to push their team to relative mid-table safety before the xmas break. A real hit or miss side that will want to find some consistency in 2010.
  
• Sporting took an early lead and contributed to an entertaining match played in freezing conditions. They´ve seen their storming start to the season fade away in recent weeks but they can be happy with the fact that they're closer to the UEFA spots than the relegation zone. They'll be hoping Bilic is back and raring to go in the new year.
  

Villarreal 2 - 0 Racing Santander

(1-0) 49' Llorente, (2-0) 72' Rossi

• The scale of Villarreals revival since hitting rock bottom after 6 matches has meant everyone has forgotten that Ernesto Valverde was one game away from losing his job. The truth is there was always far too much quality in their side to be in that end of the table.
  
• Santi Cazorla came off the bench at half-time to give the home side some added impetus, and together with Cani helped the yellow submarine to the three points through strikes from Joseba Llorente and Rossi. Racing managed to withstand the pressure during the first 45 mins, but with little being offered by Tchite and Xisco upfront the defence folded under the pressure in the second half.
  

Espanyol 2 - 0 Almería

(1-0) 45' Marquez, (2-0) 81' Coro

• Almería fell to yet another defeat which proved to be the straw that broke the boards back and saw Hugo Sanchez sacked as manager. His team lacked fight from the start and Sanchez did little to improve the situation with substitutions that arrived far too late to change the situation.
  
• The three points were vital for Espanyol as they enter the xmas break on a high and four points off the drop zone. Joan Verdú was inspirational in the middle of the park, assisted admirably by Javi Marquez who set his side on the road to victory with a sublime finish on the stroke of half-time.
  

Málaga 2 - 1 Mallorca

(1-0) 23' Fernando, (1-1) 56' Julio Alvarez, (2-1) 76' Forestieri

• If anyone needed three points today it was Málaga. Leaving Xerez firmly rooted to the bottom, the team from La Rosaleda. Young striker Fernando Forestieri came on after 65 mins and ten minutes later scored the goal that keeps his side in touch with the group of teams above.
  
• Mallorca have been the surprise package of the season so far, but suffered from the loss of Borja Valero through injury and two shocking errors from Israeli keeper Arouate which led to both Málaga goals. It will interesting to see if they can continue to challenge for the UEFA spots in 2010.
  

Deportivo La Coruña 0 - 0 Valencia

• The battle for the Champions League spots promised much beforehand but delivered little on the night. Valencia will be the happier of the two as they go into the break occupying that lucrative fourth place while Depor lie below Mallorca in sixth.
  
• Both teams signed off what has been a fantastic start to the 2009/2010 season with a drab encounter. Juan Carlos Valeron was the games best player and he nearly got Depor the goal which would probably have been enough for the points with a header which smacked against Cesars crossbar.
  

La Liga Results: Rampant Real Madrid put Zaragoza to the sword

Sevilla 1 - 2 Getafe

(0-1) 12' Soldado, (0-2) 33' Soldado, (1-2) 51' Negredo

• Giving that I was in Seville and there were cheap tickets I decided to go along. It was freezing and Sevilla never really woke up from their early slumber which saw Roberto Soldado tuck away the two chances that came his way. The second was cooly taken and he's now on ten for the season.
  
• I was particularly looking forward to seeing Getafes Pedro Leon after the rave reviews he's been getting and whilst he didn't light up the match there were some lovely touches and a magical run which almost resulted in a wonder goal late on. Perotti was Sevillas biggest threat with some weaving runs on the left but they lacked a focal point upfront. Luis Fabianos guile was sorely missed.
  
• Michel must have seen survival as Getafes aim at the start if the season, but who could blame him for upping that to UEFA qualification. They were solid at the back and broke out on the counter with real purpose. Sevilla will be bitterly disappointed with more points dropped at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
  

Real Madrid 6 - 0 Real Zaragoza

(1-0) 3' Higuaín, (2-0) 26' Van der Vaart, (3-0) 29' Van der Vaart, (4-0) 34' Higuaín, (5-0) 50' C. Ronaldo, (6-0) 71' Benzema

• I'm beginning to wonder why Real Zaragoza even bother turning up for away matches. They look beaten before a ball has been kicked. But that's not to take anything away from a majestic Real Madrid who took Zaragoza apart at will. Higuains second and Cristiano Ronaldos goal were stunning.
  
• If Jose Aurelio Gay keeps his job he simply cannot persist with Ayala and Pavon. Both were at fault for pretty much every goal with some utterly shocking defending. Pavon allowing Benzema to steam past him for the sixth was criminal. The board should be ashamed of how they've let a great club turn into the laughing stock of Spanish football.
  
• Real Madrid close the gap at the top to two points and on this performance they will push Barca to the edge. There are promising signs for the partnership between Higuain and birthday boy Benzema. Van der Vaart also staked his claim for a spot in the team with a solid performance and two goals.
  

Athletic Bilbao 2 - 0 Osasuna

(1-0) 1' Yeste, (0-2) 12' Llorente

• Athletic Bilbao came flying out of the blocks and were two up after 12 minutes. Yeste tapped in after 50 seconds after some dogged work from Llorente. That signalled the start of a onslaught from the home side and the big striker then made it two with a sweet strike from outside the box.
  
• Bilbao were rampant in the first half and they could have gone in 5 up at the break. Fran Yeste put in a fantastic shift and the Osasuna defence couldnt handle Llorentes strength up top. The game was over after 12 minutes and although Osasuna improved after the break they never troubled Athletic who now find themselves in the UEFA positions. Joaquin Caparros will be a happy man.
  
• Camachos team were missing a whole host of first teamers and really struggled against a free-flowing Bilbao. They had enjoyed a good start to the season and had been occupying the safe spots in mid-table until today. If tomorrows results go against them they could end up close to the relegation zone and the alarm bells would start ringing.
  

Messi leads Barcelona to World Club Cup Glory

Barcelona have completed the historic clean sweep. Todays 2-1 victory in the FIFA World Club Cup final against Estudiantes gave Barca their sixth trophy of what has been a monumental year for the Catalan club. There isn't a superlative that hasn't been used to describe this Barcelona side, and you have to wonder when this trophy winning bonanza will end. Guardiolas outfit dominated the final from start to finish, but had to rely on a last-gasp Pedro goal in the 89th minute to cancel out Bosellis first half  header and send the final into extra time.

In the second half of extra time, Leo Messi downed his countrymen with a goal which proved he can score with pretty much any part of his body, as he chested in a Dani Alves cross. Pep Guardiola burst into tears at the final whistle, which was odd, but the emotion of leading his childhood club to an unprecedented sextruple was too much for the normally mild-mannered manager. We'll be talking about this Barca side for years to come, and it is an absolute privilege to watch them play the beautiful game in their uniquely magical manner. Xavi, Messi, Puyol, Pique, Iniesta and the rest of Barcelonas starstudded squad have written their names in footballing folklore. No club has ever managed to win every single tournament they've entered in one season and it's unlikely that we'll ever see it again. All hail the almighty Barcelona.

La Liga Photo of the Day: Pepe in Pyjamas

I could compile a lengthy list of the things I love about Spanish Football. Towards the bottom of that list you would find the attention to detail offered by the sporting media. You get to know what the players eat, when they eat, the times they train, the names of their dogs, the times of their appointments and the doctors name alongside ridiculously detailed medical analysis of their injuries. They don't miss a trick. You also get bizarre photos like this of Pepe in pyjamas giving a thumbs up following his successful knee op. What makes it for me is the forced smile. Get well soon Kep.

Champions League Last-16 Draw favours Spanish sides

Looking at that Champions League draw, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla must be licking their lips. None of them were pitted against any of the English sides, and even dangerous teams such as Bayern Munich, Fiorentina and Inter Milan have been avoided. Perhaps the toughest tie is that of Real Madrid, who will face Karim Benzemas old team, Lyon, who effectively knocked out Liverpool along with Fiorentina. Barcelona will fancy their chances against a limited Stuttgart team, whilst Sevilla probably got the easiest draw of them all against CSKA Moscow, although a trip to Russia in winter is never pleasant! Having all finished on top of their respective groups, all three Spanish sides will play the second leg at home. Sweet deal.

Elsewhere, David Beckham will return to Old Trafford for the first time since he left in 2003, whilst all eyes will be on Jose Mourinho as he goes back to Stamford Bridge with his Inter Milan team. Fairytale stuff, although I`m sure the English clubs would have wanted easier ride at this stage of the tournament.

What has puzzled me is the plan to play the ties over four matchdays, with one set of matches one week and then the following set the week after. Not sure what the reasoning for that is. So this year, the matches will take place:

FIRST LEG: 16-17 February and  23-24 February

SECOND LEG: 9-10 March and 16-17 March

*Europa League Last-32 Draw:

Club Brugges - Valencia
Villarreal - Wolfsburg
Athletic Bilbao - Anderlecht
Atlético Madrid - Galatasaray

UEFA Europa League: Valencia complete Italian Job

Genoa 1 - 2 Valencia

(0-1)  45' Bruno, (1-1) 51' Crespo, (1-2) 90' Villa

Valencia came through a thrilling encounter in Genoa to finish the group unbeaten, but more importantly on top of the pile, which means they avoid the Champions League rejects, and those other teams that finished top in their groups. The game was end-to-end stuff, with Valencia soaking up some incessant Italian pressure and punching the home side on the counter whenever they were given the ball. Perhaps just as entertaining was Unai Emerys theatrics on the touchline. The man is bonkers, but he is doing a sterling job. David Villa ran his heart out all night in an attempt to offer an escape route for the Valencia midfield and was rewarded with the goal that gave his side a notable victory against a well-organised and dangerous Genoa led by veteran Hernan Crespo.

Europa League Results:

Villarreal 0 - 1 FC Salzburg  (Villarreal finish second and qualify for the next round)

(0-1) 6' Svento

Athletic Bilbao 0 - 3 Werder Bremen (Athletic Bilbao finish second and qualify for the next round)

(0-1) 13' Pizarro, (0-2) 20' Naldo, (0-3) 36' Rosenburg

Real Zaragoza: Deja-Vu in La Romareda

When I arrived in Zaragoza a little more than two years ago, I knew very little of Real Zaragoza apart from their mythical European Cup Winners Cup win over Arsenal in 1995 and THAT goal from Nayim which turned David Seaman into a blubbering wreck and propelled the ex-Tottenham midfielder into footballing folklore. They had finished a very respectable 6th in the 2006/2007 season, even smashing six past Real Madrid in a cup tie, and the UEFA Cup awaited.


Agapito Iglesias, the man with the plan, had spent big and I witnessed the arrivals of Ricardo Oliveira, Roberto Ayala and Matuzalem. They had a wide array of world-class talent with Diego Milito a guaranteed goal machine and Sergio García rapidly making a name for himself on the right wing. It was their 75th anniversary, there was genuine excitement around the club and a feeling that they were on the edge of greatness.

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But what an absolutely disastrous season 2007/2008 was. The first match was a sign of things to follow as they succumbed to a miserable away defeat to Murcia. They were promptly knocked out of the UEFA Cup by Aris of Greece and almost knocked out of the Spanish Cup by little Pontevedra. Sergio Garcia saved them that night with an injury time goal, but they went out straight after to Racing Santander. Without Milito, Oliveira and Sergio Garcia they would have been down by Christmas. Players such as Gabi and Luccín offered nothing in midfield except mindless 'huff and puff', and Cesar (now enjoying a swansong in Valencia) was left exposed by a defence that made a habit of committing comic errors. They promptly sacked Victor Fernandez, considered only months previously as one of the most promising managers in Spain. Ander Garitano and Javier Irureta both came and went in quick succession, before they went down on the final day of the season in Mallorca with local hero Manolo Villanova in charge.

Barca through to FIFA World Club Cup final: Atlante 1 - 3 Barcelona

Barcelona are on the verge of the six-trophy haul, but they had to come from behind to seal their place in saturdays final of the 2009 FIFA World Club Cup in UAE. Guillermo Rojas took advantage of some hesistant defending from Barca in the 4th minute to lob the ball over Victor Valdes and nick it into the net just before the ball went out of play. Marquez and Puyol forgot the basic rule of defending and let the ball bounce after a hopeful punt upfield and it proved costly. But from that moment on it was a procession, and Barca could have easily ended up sticking six past Atlante.

Guardiola had to wait until the 34th minute before his side got back on level terms, when Sergio Busquets slotted past keeper and defender from inside the area following a Xavi corner. Judging from the celebration there is a mini-Busquets on the way. Dani Alves and Ibrahimovic both had chances to put Barca infront, before Leo Messi came on and turned the game on it's head with a sterling goal. The little genius had only been on the pitch a minute when he raced onto an exquisite pass from Ibra, took it past the goalie and squeezed a shot between defenders and into the net. Absolutely glorious.

Ten minutes later the game was over, and little Pedro entered the history books as they only player in football history to have scored in 6 different tournaments in one year (La Liga, Spanish Cup, Champions League, Spanish Supercup, European Supercup and now the FIFA World Club Cup). That's one for the pub quizes in a few decades time. The goal itself was another work of art, with Iniesta winding his way into the area, swaying one way then the other before delivering the killer pass to Pedro, who was left with the relatively simple task of firing past Vilar. So job done and Juan Sebastian Veron and his team, Estudiantes of Argentina, await in Saturdays final. I'd place a considerable amount of cash on Barca making it six out of six for 2009, and what an achievement that would be.

La Liga News: The search for Pepes replacement

Whilst the news that Real Madrid defender Pepe will miss the rest of the season is tragic, the rumour that they will be looking to replace him with a full-back is mystifying. Or at least at first sight. The theory is that Madrid are well-covered in the centre of defence through Garay, Albiol, Metzelder and Sergio Ramos (accident waiting to happen), with Arbeloa on the right and Marcelo to be asked to retreat to left-back. The Brazilian has worked wonders upfield, always offering a threat with his pace and trickery (second goal against Valencia was all his work), but whilst there are worries about his tactical nous at the back, the Madrid hierarchy are prepared to take the risk. But even so, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo in the same back four without big Pepe? Iker Casillas will be a busy man.

BARCELONA LANDED IN ABU DHABI late last night, with both Leo Messi and Seydou Keita doubts for their World Club Cup semi-final match against Atlante of Mexico. Guardiola will be looking to lead his team into a likely final against Estudiantes of Argentina, but the Mexicans won't be a push-over, with their 32 year-old goalie Federico 'The Boss' Vilar every bit a legend in South America, after leading his team to CONCACAF Champions League glory. Meanwhile, back home the debate is still rife about THAT penalty. Espanyol defender Baena has come out and denied that he admitted dragging back Xavi. 'Why would I? I never touched him'. The truth is he did 'touch' him, but if they give a penalty for every similar action in the future, there'll be twenty a match.

STRIKER ALEJANDRO 'CHORI' DOMINGUEZ, recently voted as Russias Player of the Year for 2008/2009, has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with Valencia after arriving on a free transfer. The Argentinian was a hit in Rubin Kazan and former club Zenith St Petersburg, where he formed a formidable partnership with Arshavin which lead the club to UEFA Cup glory in 2008. Are Valencia preparing for life after David Villa? Or is it just the beginning of the end for back-up strikers Zigic and Miku?

La Liga Results-Highlights: Matchday 14 - Atlético Madrid in freefall

Atlético Madrid 1 - 2 Villarreal

(1-0) 36' Simao, (1-1) 48' Fuster, (1-2) 90' Llorente

• For Atlético Madrid things go from bad to worse to catastrophic. If it's not Ujfalusi it will be Perea. If it's neither of them, Pablo will have a go. Today Juanito took centre stage with two errors that gifted Villarreal their two goals. This defence is guaranteed relegation material.
  
• The match could have been over after half an hour were it not for Sergio Asenjo and some poor finishing from Villarreal. Even after conceding, Villarreal set about the home side with a menace that has characterised their rapid ascent up La Liga in recent weeks, with a 90th minute winner their reward. Villarreals patience with manager Ernesto Valverde is beginning to bear fruit.
  
• There was further bad news for Quique after his most consistent performer in recent matches, Jose Antonio Reyes, was taken to hospital after a nasty fall following a collision with Diego Lopez. One point off the relegation zone and in one hell of a mess. Atlético chose the perfect time to release their own brand of bottled wine!
  

 

Sporting Gijón 0 - 1 Sevilla

(0-1) 8' Kanoute

• Sevilla leapfrog back above Valencia after they became the first team to walk out of El Molinon with three points in the bag this season. It was a virtuoso performance but they just about did enough for the win after resisting a late charge from Sporting.
  
• The goal came from a glorious move involving Kanoute and Jesus Navas. Manolo Jiminez will be happy that the man from Mali is finding the back of the net, especially with the injury to Luis Fabiano and Alvaro Negredos continuing goal drought. The Spain striker was guilty of a shocking miss today, but he'll come good.
  
• Sporting rallied late on but failed to turn their dominance into goals. They missed Bilic more than Sevilla missed Fabiano, and without their Croatian hitman they will struggle to convert their chances. But with 20 points on the board and a solid home record, I can't see them struggling too much this season.
  

Racing Santander 3 - 2 Xerez

(0-1) 3' Bermejo, (1-1) 25' Lacen, (2-1) 48' Arana, (2-2) 68' Antoñito, (3-2) 82' Xisco

• Same old story for Xerez as they become the first away team to lose at the Sardinero this season. I'll take some comfort in the fact that they scored two away from Chapín, and put up a mighty good fight. But the truth is they simply don't have the quality to compete in the Primera Divisíon.
  
• Mario 'The Gladiator' Bermejo put Xerez ahead just after kick-off, but the signalled the start of Santanders procession towards the three points. Antoñito gave Xerez hope as he struck the goal to make it 2-2, but their defence went missing yet again as Xisco headed in Santanders late winner.
  
• Miguel Angel Portugal is doing a sterling job at Racing and has managed to lift them out of the danger zone. Meanwhile, 'Cuco' Ziganda is under intense pressure. Plenty of Xerecistas are calling for his head, but I honestly don't believe anyone else could do much better in his position. Although why he persists with Abel and Bergantiños is beyond me. To survive in this division you need a half-decent defence and a goalscorer. Xerez have neither.
  

Getafe 2 - 1 Tenerife

(1-0) 38' Albín, (2-0) 68' Albín, (2-1) 81' Juanlu

• Two goals from young Uruguayan Juan Albín were enough to send Getafe into the top half of the table, only 5 points off the European spots. Him and Pedro Leon carried their team to victory, with Leon in particular sensational down the right side.
  
• Míchel can be happy with how the season is panning out for his Getafe side. Eighth in the league and still in the Copa del Rey. The club from Madrid has become the new breeding ground for young managers. Quique, Schuster and Michael Laudrup have all passed through the gates of the Coliseum. How long will Míchel last at Getafe? Not long if he keeps this up.
  
• Tenerife will be quietly content with their battling display but two lapses of concentration cost them dear. First was keeper Aragoneses misjudging a corner; the second was the fault of dallying defender Manolo Martínez. Criminal at this level and they find themselves 2 points from the relegation zone.
  

Real Valladolid 1 - 1 Malaga

(0-1) 34' Duda, (1-1) 68' Jesús Gámez (o.g)

• Both teams were desparate for the win, so it was only to be expected that the game would end in a stalemate. Málaga now havn't won since the first day if the season, and quite how Muñiz is still in a job is a mystery, especially with the fans having started to call for his head some time ago.
  
• Real Valladolid perhaps shaded it on the day, with Portuguese striker Diego Costa easily securing man-of-the-match. They now find themselves in the middle of a eight-team group from 11th down to 18th; all within four points from the last relegation spot. It sure is tight down there.
  
• Málaga came out all guns blazing in the first half, but only had Dudas 34th minute goal to show for it at the break. The second half belonged to Real Valladolid, but in the end it was an own goal that put them on level terms. Both teams are definite relegation candidates.
  

Almería 1 - 1 Deportivo la Coruña

(1-0) 58' Uche, (1-1) 74' Pablo Álvarez

• An entertaining match that saw plenty of opportunities but only two goals. Uche scored a cracking header and Pablo Álvarez finished off a scintillating move from Deportivo. Lotinas three substitutes all played a part in the goal. Hugo Sanchez is being lynched for a lack of substitutions.
  
• But to be fair to the Almería manager he got his tactics spot on, stiffling Deportivo with his players asserting pressure in all areas of the pitch. But a lack of fresh legs towards the end saw Almería tire horribly. Hugo could be given the boot soon if his presidents post-match interview is anything to go by. Christmas is fast approaching and La Ligas fat cats are getting nervous.
  
• Deportivo, on the other hand, are flying high and remain in the UEFA Europa League spots. Today they had one decent attack and they scored from it. Apart from that they profited from a profligate Almería attack. They did what all good teams do, punctuate even when playing poorly.
  

Osasuna 0 - 1 Mallorca

(0-1) 60' Castro

• Gregorio Manzano for president! Today he sat Martí and Suarez infront of his back four and it worked wonders as Osasuna weren't given a sniff. Mallorca win their first match away from the ONO Estadi and are only three points from third. An unbelievable achievement for the islanders.
  
• 'Chori' Castros goal was an absolute corker, easily goal of the week. After a tasty run he cut in from the right and sent an arrow of a shot into Ricardos top-left corner. Unstoppable, and well worthy of the three points. But even more impressive were the Mallorca defence, thet fough fire with fire and repelled everything Osasuna threw at them.
  
• It's not quite panic stations yet for Camachos team, as they head that eight-team group who lie within four points of each other. But a couple more setbacks like this could see them drawn into a mammoth relegation fight with pretty much the whole bottom half of the table.
  

La Liga Results Matchday 14: Who needs Kaká and CR9?

Valencia 2 - 3 Real Madrid

(0-1) 54' Higuaín, (1-1) 60' Villa, (1-2) 65' Higuaín, (2-2) 80' Joaquín, (2-3) 83' Garay

• Many, including me, expected Valencia to spring a surprise today, especially with Kaká and CR9 missing. Real Madrid were having none of it as they put in a perfect counter-attacking display, lead by Higuaín, to stun 'Los Che'.  The only negative was the shattering news that Pepe might have suffered knee ligament damage after falling awkwardly in the first half.
  
• David Villa got his goal but it was to no avail as Gonzalo Higuaín proved he is just as lethal in the area with two brilliantly taken goals. Benzema set up the first with a lovely chipped cross and had a busy night, always offering an outlet upfront and hounding the Valencia defence. All that's failing him right now is the final pass or shot, but that will come with time.
  
• Valencia fought back twice but seemed a little out of sorts in the second half after a lively opening. Mata and Pablo Hernandez couldnt quite get into the match, but that was probably down to solid defensive work from Arbeloa, Ramos and Lass. Iker Casillas had an absolute shocker with both Valencia goals, but Garay got him out of jail and sent Real Madrid 6 points clear of Unai Emerys team. Only two in it now? I fear so.
  

Barcelona 1 - 0 Espanyol

(1-0) 39' Ibrahimovic (p)

• The formbook was well and truly ripped up in this one as Espanyol gave as good as they got against their illustrious neighbours in a heated Catalan derby. Forlín and Parejo played blinders for the visitors as Iniesta and Xavi were squeezed out of the match, leaving Ibrahimovic to feed off scraps. The only thing Espanyol lacked was a presence upfront. They desparately need a goalscorer in January.
  
• Leo Messi was presented with his Ballon D'Or prior to kick off but he was sorely missed during the match. There had been a massive debate this week in Spain about who is most negatively affected: Barca without Messi or Real Madrid without Cristiano. Perhaps tonight gave a slight clue.
  
• Pep Guardiola has claimed that Baena had conceded that he did give away a penalty. I have my suspicions about that, as Xavi tripped himself up. Zlatan blanked out the controversy to smash in the pen. Has anyone noticed that all of his goals have come from first touches? Flicks, volleys, headers, pens and free-kicks. He is a sublime footballer.
  

Real Zaragoza 1 - 2 Athletic Bilbao

(0-1) 60' San Jose, (0-2) 81' Susaeta, (1-2) 91' Diogo

• Real Zaragoza are in deep trouble, especially as news broke minutes after the match that coach Marcelino had been given the boot. It seems the Zaragoza directors havn't learned their lesson from 2007/2008 when they went through four coaches and got relegated. Marcelino had been working miracles with what he had at his disposal. The defence is a laughing stock.
  
• But that won't bother Joaquin Caparros and his men as they continue their solid start to the season with a fine away win. Iker Muniain came on in the 58th minute with the score locked at 0-0. 25 mins later it was 0-2 after two inch perfect assists from the little star. What a future he has ahead of him.
  
• So what now for Real Zaragoza? Ex-player Jose Aurelio Gay takes temporary charge as they search a replacement. Money has to be made available to the new manager in January, as Ayala and Pavon just don't cut it at this level. Neither does Arizmendi upfront, but with limited funds they might have to make do.

Spain 2010 World Cup Anthem: PODEMOS!

The stadiums are ready (right?), the tickets are out, the draw has been made and Spain has its World Cup anthem. For those who don't live in Spain, you are probably blissfully unaware of the reason why they won Euro 2008. Forget David Villa, Torres, Xavi, their 'tiki-taka' brand of football or Luis Aragones' unorthodox, but ultimately successful, managerial methods. None of that malarchy. What won it was the Spain Euro 2008 smash hit: 'Podemos', or 'We Can'. Spains very own Channel 4, 'La Cuatro', created a jingle which quickly became a national anthem in the summer of 2008, and it undoubtedly drove the national team to produce the goods.

So in order to secure next years prize, they've created 'Podemos 2010' (First Europe, now the World). It's pretty much exactly the same as the original, bar some melodic South African backing music and a cool little intro. It's going to be a monster of a tournament, and with this beauty being repeated a million times over back home, Vicente del Bosque and his Spain team will be pumped. They can....and they most probably will.

FIFA 10 Blind Keepie-Up Challenge: Ronaldinho keeps it up like no other

To promote the new FIFA 10 computer game, EA Sports conducted a blind keepie-up challenge, with Xavi, Karim Benzema and Ronaldinho among the participants. Some of the attempts are comic genius, but then up steps Ronaldinho and pulls off 44. And just look at how he finishes it off.

 

Not gonna lie, he had me going for a minute. Fair play to Xavi though, 8 is a cracking effort. It's all about the knee-ups.

Villas mission, Messi's ankle and another kid from Bilbao

Twice a year David Villa has to come out infront of the cameras and state he has nothing to prove. Strangely enough it always seems to happen on the eve of a Valencia - Real Madrid match. Of course it's no coincidence. Real Madrid have been after Valencias hottest property for some time, and after a failed attempt to sign the hitman last summer, all eyes will be on Señor Villa as he plots to down his possible future employers, and 'prove' his future €50 million price tag. As if he hasn't done that already!

One thing from his biannual interview did get me thinking though. He stated he was disappointed that Kaká and Ronaldo will miss the game, as playing against the best players always motivates you to perform on the day. Now I never know what to believe. Are they telling the truth? Or do they just feel obliged to say that, but deep down are delighted that they'll miss the match as it gives their team a huge advantage?

_

It won't just be Kaká and Cristiano who will be missing this weekends matches. As well as tens of others who I am not aware of, Lionel Messi will also be absent from matchday 14 having suffered a slight sprain in his ankle shortly after delivering that sumptuous free kick against Dynamo Kiev. It's not surprising really, those Kiev midfielders were hungry for blood that night, and poor Leo took the brunt of their aggression. Luckily for Guardiola its only the derby this weekend. After a quick flick through the formbook,  they could rest Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Ibrahimovic and still run out easy winners. But derbies don't work like that, as Espanyols win in the Camp Nou last year proved.

_

Not content with producing one highly promising teenager this season, Athletic Bilbao are set to release yet another kid into the unforgiving world of Spanish football. Jonás Ramalho is his name, and the young defender has been placed on Bilbaos list for the next stage in the Europa League and there are even whispers that he could be given his La Liga debut soon. The 16 year old is of Angolan descent but 'qualifies' to play as his mother is Basque. It should also be made clear that Athletic have relaxed their rule a little to allow 'foreign' players to play for the club, provided they were developed in the area. Ramalho made his debut in a friendly aged just 14 years (funnily enough in the same match in which Iker Muniain made his debut), and made the headlines for being the first black player to represent the club. Another Basque kiddo to look out for.

Champions League 09.12.09: Barcelona and Sevilla top dogs

Dynamo Kiev 1 - 2 Barcelona

(1-0) 2' Mylevsky, (1-1) 33' Xavi, (1-2) 86' Messi

• After Valdes' clanger two minutes in, it looked as if Barca could be frozen out of the Champions League; literally. Xavi ensured that wasn't to be the case as he dictated the pace of the match from the centre of the park and nipped in for the equaliser from Abidals cross. Has anyone ever seen him lose possession?.
  
• It looked damn cold, with pants and gloves a plenty. Barcelona combatted the freezing temperatures and a violent Dynamo side by grabbing hold of the ball and not letting go. Right now there is no side that comes close when it comes to ball retention. Just look at the possession stat 30 seconds into the highlights!
  
• Leo Messi was hounded by Kiev's pack of wolves, but picked himself up from an umpteenth foul to curl in a delicious free-kick with his left peg. Top of the group, but thats not much of a blessing these days as Bayern Munich, Lyon and AC Milan are potential rivals in the next round.
  

Sevilla 1 - 0 Rangers

(1-0) 7' Kanoute (p)

• Sevilla and Rangers didn't put on a show befitting the presence of Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, but the Spanish side got the job done. Three points and top gun in group G; a group intially designated as one of the tougher ones to call when the draw was made. Kanoute stuck a penalty away early on and that was enough to beat a desparately poor Rangers.
  
• Jesus Navas was Sevillas best player down the right. On his day he is majestic; one of those players who glides across the turf. I would just like to see him producing the goods on a more consistent basis. But the potential is most definitely there.
  
• Maybe more importantly for Sevilla they proved that there is life after Luis Fabiano. Luckily for Manolo Jimenez the Brazilian will be back in action when the Champions League fires up again in the new year.
  

Champions League 08.12.09: The Cristiano Show

Olympique Marseilles 1 - 3 Real Madrid

(0-1) 5' Cristiano Ronaldo, (1-1) 11' Lucho, (1-2) 60' Albiol, (1-3) 80' Cristiano Ronaldo

• You just cannot keep the man out of the headlines. Cristiano Ronaldo helped his team to the top of Group C with a spectacular double against Marseilles. The first was stunning; a 35 yard free-kick that dipped and swerved all over the place. The second was opportunist, but brilliantly executed after picking himself off the floor to sweep in from outside the box.
  
• Credit should also go to Marcelo who I thought had a fantastic match on the left, not his accustomed side of the pitch. Real Madrid handled an intimidating Stade Velodrome atmosphere and a physical Marseilles side superbly. Their reward is avoiding the big sides in the next round. Job done.
  
• They could even afford to give away a penalty after Albiol had put them 1-2 ahead, as Casillas misjudged a through ball,  but Lucho slammed it against the bar. So Real Madrid march into the knockout stages, and towards a possible final in the Santiago Bernabeu.
  

Atlético Madrid 0 - 3 Porto

(0-1) 2' Bruno, (0-2) 14' Falcao, (0-3) 75' Hulk

• There are no secrets to Atlético Madrid. Their defence is hardly worthy of the second division and it needs sorting ASAFP. Their fans must be pulling their hair out, because with the forward line that they have they could go places, but the likely scenario is that they will lose them by next summer to repay their growing debt.
  
• The only plus came from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea held Apoel Nicosia to a draw which means Atlético qualify for the Europa League. But in all honesty they won't be expected to go far in that competition playing like this. Quique has a massive job on his hands.
  
• If I were an Atlético fan who turned up to the Vicente Calderon, I'd try to see the positives of tonights match. Porto scored three beauties, including a screamer from the delightfully named Hulk. I love that guy.
  

FIFA Puskas Award 2009: Most Beautiful Goal of the Year

It's obviously that time of the year. A time for giving. A time for recieving. And a time for voting. As well as FIFA World Player of the Year, UEFA Team of the Year and so on, perhaps the most interesting of all will be who wins the inaugural FIFA Puskas Award, given to the scorer of the 'most beautiful' goal between July 2008 and July 2009. With goals from Iniesta and Torres among the ten, my vote would probably go to Grafite for his effort against Bayern Munich back in April. Actually having said that, taking into account the occasion and significance, maybe Iniesta should get it!

READ ON TO SEE VIDEOS OF ALL THE GOALS:

UEFA Team of the Year 2009: VOTE NOW!

Today UEFA published a list of 60 candidates that will form the UEFA Team of the Year 2009. Eleven players and one manager will be chosen by fans from across the world to represent the best of European football over the last year, and the team announced on January 8th 2010. Their are eleven Spaniards on the shortlist along with nine others who ply their trade in La Liga. You can vote for your team at UEFA Team of the Year To make it more interesting, I have chosen an XI not using more than one player from any one team. See my team in the comments below!

GOALKEEPERS: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United) Iker Casillas (Real Madrid) Víctor Valdés (Barcelona) Júlio César (Inter Milan) Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04)

RIGHT BACKS: Daniel Alves (Barcelona) Maicon (Inter Milan) Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donestsk) Javier Zanetti (Inter Milán) Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)

LEFT BACKS: Patrice Evra (Manchester United) Ashley Cole (Chelsea) Eric Abidal (Barcelona) Aly Cissokho (Lyon) Marcel Schäfer (Wolfsburgo)

CENTRE BACKS: John Terry (Chelsea) Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) Gerard Piqué (Barcelona) Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus) Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) Carles Puyol (Barcelona) Dmytro Chygrynskiy (Barcelona) Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal) Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen) Bruno Alves (Porto)

RIGHT WINGERS: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan) Miloc Krasic (CSKA Moscow) Jesús Navas (Sevilla) Marek Hamcík (Napoli)

MIDFIELDERS: Xavi Hernández (Barcelona) Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) Yaya Touré (Barcelona) Sergei Semak (Rubin Kazan) Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) Kaká (Real Madrid) Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux) Zvjezdan Misimovic (Wolfsburgo) Diego (Juventus)

LEFT WINGERS: Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich) Andriy Arshavin (Arsenal) Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona) Mesut Özil (Werder Bremen)

STRIKERS: Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan) Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburgo) Grafite (Wolfsburgo) Lionel Messi (Barcelona) Fernando Torres (Liverpool) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) David Villa (Valencia) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) Diego Forlán (Atlético Madrid) Marcus Berg (Hamburg)

MANAGERS: Josep Guardiola (Barcelona) Mircea Lucescu (Shakhtar Donestsk) Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) Laurent Blanc (Bordeaux) Horst Hrubesch (Germany Under-21)

Valencia: La Liga candidates?

It's early doors but last weekends win over Athletic Bilbao in the San Mames has suddenly catapulted Valencia into the spotlight, with the press eager to announce their arrival as La Liga candidates. What's certain is that they´ve jumped up to third place in the table and have only lost once so far this season. The two home draws against Sporting and Mallorca are the only reason they aren't right at the top challenging Barca. Away from home they have been impeccable, with six wins out of seven and in David Villa they have the most lethal marksman in the league.

Since the Rafa Benitez era, 'Los Che' have suffered, with the reign of Ronald Koeman almost relegating them to the second division in 2008. Yet after an uncertain start, Unai Emery has put smiles back on faces at the Mestalla, with the club even going strong in the UEFA Europa League and the Copa del Rey. He has found a formation that works; a 4-2-3-1 with the old guard of Albelda and a rejuvenated Marchena protecting the back four and allowing the potent attacking force of Pablo Hernandez, Juan Mata, David Silva (now injured and ably replaced by Joaquín) and David Villa to do the rest. With quality on the bench in the form of Zigic, Banega, Maduro and Miguel, they have the squad to fight on three fronts.

_

I have my doubts whether they will be able to present a serious challenge for the league, simply because after the loss of Raul Albiol to Madrid, their defence isn't quite up to scratch. Third place is well within their means providing they keep hold of David Villa and David Silva. However they can definitely have a say in who does win La Liga, starting with next weekends match against a Ronaldo-less Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: A defining weekend

It's a question that has probably been asked a billion and one times. Who is better; Messi or Ronaldo? It's a question I've always found impossible to answer. It's the modern day 'Pele or Maradona' or 'Beckenbauer or Cruyff'? They are the two best players in the world right now without a shadow of doubt. But they are two completely different players and besides, how do you define better? The most entertaining? Whoever scores the most? Do you use figures and stats or simply what you see on your television screen? But leaving all that aside, I think this weekend has shown me who I would rather have in my team.

_

Cristiano was devastating at times against Almería, slicing through their defence with superhuman ease. He set up Sergio Ramos' header with instant one-touch control and a wonderfully flighted cross. He won a penalty with a fantastic burst of pace and he scored the fourth with a superbly timed run. All this only two games into coming back from two months out injured. But whilst what happened after he missed his penalty is all too easy to condemn, I think it has shown Real Madrid an element of Ronaldo's personality that they were perhaps unaware of before. Or at least they turned a blind eye to it.

_

His undeterred drive for individual success before all else. I would never criticise him for that, because it's exactly what has got him where he is. Yet ever since I saw him fall to the ground after John Terry had missed the penalty which handed Man Utd the 2008 Champions League, in an ever so slightly disrespectful show of self-pity having missed his own, it's been very clear exactly where Ronaldos loyalties lie. But no manager will ever complain when he's banging in 45 goals a season and leading his team to league and Champions League glory. Neither will his teammates complain. They are all after the same thing, and who wouldn't want Cristiano in their side?

_

But then you have Lionel Messi. Equally devastating, but willing to give up a chance to score so that someone else can take the glory. That shy smile when he has just tucked away another of his wondergoals, or just been presented with another trophy. If he doesn't score or even if he doesn't play well, this all plays second fiddle to team success. As long as Barcelona are winning. It's that humble attitude; his unease at being the centre of attention; that look of shock when he is given man-of-the-match. It just makes me warm to Messi more than Ronaldo, and simply for these reasons (because in terms of trophies and personal gongs they've both won it all) I would rather have him in my team. If I had to choose of course.

La Liga Results/Highlights: 06.12.09 - Valencia best of the rest

Mallorca 4 - 1 Real Zaragoza

(1-0) 38' Aduriz, (2-0) 67' Aduriz, (3-0) 74' Mario Suárez, (4-0) 82' Keita, (4-1) 85' Ander

• Real Zaragoza are in freefall and if they don't sort out their away form soon, they could be heading for another relegation scrap. Their defence isnt great at the best of times, but with an ageing Ayala and little Goni playing as centre backs, they are always going to leak goals.
• Mallorca continue their stunning home form; this their seventh win in a row at the ONO Estadi. Aritz Aduriz showed his preditory instincts infront of goal, whilst Borja Valero controlled proceedings from the middle of the park. Gregorio Manzano has his team sitting pretty in the upper realms of La Liga.
• Angel Lafita, Ander Herrera and Jermaine Pennant created most of Zaragozas best chances, but it's the defence that Marcelino will need to work on. January will give him a chance to bolster that area of his team, but with an ever-growing debt it remains to be seen if they can afford real quality.
  

Espanyol 0 - 4 Racing Santander

(0-1) 47' Henrique, (0-2) 51' Canales, (0-3) 67' Tchité (p), (0-4) 72' Canales

• Another team in freefall are Mauricio Pochettinos Espanyol. They conceded four goals in 25 minutes in the second half which condemned them to another dismal home loss. Questions have to be asked about why their 'stars' Tamudo, Nakamura and Iván Alonso didn't start the match.
• Racing ended their run of ten matches without a win in style as rising star from Santander Sergio Canales, scored two and set up one in a man-of-the-match performance. Miguel Portugal appears to be turning the tide at the Sardinero.
• The Espanyol players were met with a wall of boos and jeers at the final whistle. Having conceded eight in the last two matches and lost four in a row they need to turn things around quickly before next weeks derby trip to the Camp Nou. Continue like this and they could be in for a hiding.

Malaga 1 -1 Osasuna (0-1) 47' Masoud, (1-1) 83' Apoño

• Osasuna seemed to surprise themselves by taking the lead, but once they did they were happy to sit on it and soak up whatever Malaga threw at them. A dangerous tactic and it backfired when Apoño fired in with seven minutes remaining. Thats four draws in a row now for Malaga.
• Malaga knocked the ball around well, but they lack a natural goalscorer. Nigerian stiker Obinna had numerous chances to open the scoring but failed on each and every occasion. Muñiz will surely be looking to sign a proven hitman in January, as they lurk dangerously around the relegation zone.
• Former Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho has his Osasuna team sitting comfortably in mid-table although he contributed in their slip-up today by taking off his two best players on the day; Camuñas and Aranda. The Iranian connection of Javad Nekounam and Masoud keep the Osasuna wagon rolling.

Tenerife 2 - 1 Sporting Gijón (0-1) 5' Diego Castro, (1-1) 55' Ricardo, (2-1) 66' Nino

• Vital three points for Tenerife as they fought back from a goal down to sink Sporting. Omar was a constant danger for the home side once again, and I'm sure the big guns in La Liga will be keeping tabs on him as the transfer window approaches.
• Once they scored Sporting retreated into their own half and didn't dare venture forward. Their defence has proved inpenetrable at times this season, but today they failed to deal with Nino and co. are were downed by two goals in ten minutes. The injury to striker Bilic is a massive blow.
• Tenerife knew how important this match was and set upon their opponents with a vigour that could still see them achieve their objective of staying up. The fact that Nino is beginning to find the net bodes well for the rest of the season.

Villarreal 3 - 2 Getafe
 
(0-1) 2' Pedro Leon, (1-1) 16' Capdevila, (1-2) 52' Soldado (p), (2-2) 66' Cazorla, (3-2) 86' Capdevila

• Villarreal are slowly but surely returning to the sort of form that has seen them achieve so much over the last few years. They suffered today, especially as they had to play with ten men for the most part of the second half and had to come from behind twice before scoring the decisive third goal.
• Getafe contributed to an entertaining match but Michel will be worried that they failed to take advantage of Cani's sending off. Roberto Soldado continues his goalscoring streak but in vain.
• Ernesto Valverde was on the brink of getting sacked not too long ago, but his sides recent run has lifted them up to 11th and they are closing in on the European spots which must surely be their aim for the season. Having a freescoring full-back like Capdevila will help their cause. And what a strike that was from Cazorla! Good to see him back.
  

Athletic Bilbao 1 - 2 Valencia

(1-0) 57' Muniain, (1-1) 60' Villa, (1-2) 82' Mathieu

• Valencia established themselves as the best of the rest, as they overtake Sevilla with three hard-fought points in the San Mames. A belter from David Villa, who already has eleven for the season, and a goal from French defender Mathieu was enough to beat a well-organised Bilbao outfit.
• Iker Muniain is on a one-way path to stardom and he enhanced his growing reputation with the opening goal and a performance which enthralled the San Mames after he came on early in the second half. A player with a huge future ahead of him.
• Unai Emery has lifted his team to third position, three points behind Real Madrid who visit the Mestalla next week. That game promises to be an absolute cracker and it's Valencias chance to put a marker down for the rest of the season. With Villa in this sort of form I wouldnt bet against them beating Pelligrinis side.