Valencia and Racing Santander play out bore draw

Valencia 0 - 0 Racing Santander

Valencia and Racing Santander played out the third goalless draw of Matchday 25, with the two stars of each team, Sergio Canales and David Villa, both guilty of some poor finishing. Racings young star had two gilt-edged chances, one at either end of the match. Canales' chance in the 89th minute was on a plate, only a metre from the line, but he contrived to send the ball over the bar. David Villa had two chances of his own, with one striking the post (how many is he on now?), but apart from that Valencia were toothless. In fairness, that was a credit to Racings incessant pressure when not in possession, as they sought to nullify the everpresent threat posed by Valencias famous four. But unfortunately the highlight of the second half was David Navarro sending off late on for a second yellow which rules him out of next weeks clash against Barcelona. Those who turned up to the Mestalla will wish they'd have stayed at home. I dont particularly like La Liga mondays either. Never shown on TV and hasn't produced an entertaining match yet. And that Racing away shirt is horrible. Rant over. 

Sergio Canales in a Real Madrid shirt; Jose Antonio Reyes for Spain?

A couple of things that caught my attention this week. First was seeing Sergio Canales appear on television wearing a Real Madrid shirt. Probably not the wisest thing he's ever done, especially as he is still running out as a Racing Santander player. What kind of message does that send out to those who turn up week in week out to watch Racing? How does it make his teammates feel as they hover five points above the relegation zone? Canales is arguably Racings best player, but is his heart still in Santander? He is still incredibly young, and has obviously fallen victim to Marcas complete disregard for any football club outside the Bernabeu, but if I were Miguel Angel Portugal I would be tempted to drop the youngster in favour of someone who has his head and heart in the Sardinero. It's unlikely to happen, but the fall-out from this two-part interview, in which he was forced to admitted he believed Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Messi, could see those fans that adored him only weeks ago turn against the teen sensation. His father had better keep a tighter rein in the future.

My fellow blogger 'GaryMadrid'  from 'MadridAtleticos' made an interesting point under my last article about Jose Antonio Reyes' credentials for the World Cup this summer. As did 'SoccerPower' in favour of Barcelonas Pedro. Two classy players but will either really be on that plane to South Africa? Personally I'd like to see both make that trip, but the harsh reality is that neither are likely to be taken along. Reyes is arguably La Ligas most in-form player right now, as he leads Atléticos charge into the latter part of the season, but you have to think it's a little too late for a push for a World Cup position. But if he were to play a huge role in an Atlético cup double and helped lift them into the UEFA spots in La Liga, would Del Bosque be able to ignore him? As for Pedro, we all know that the lad from Tenerife has a huge future ahead of him, but is he ready for a World Cup squad? He is most certainly capable, and have no doubt he would bring a lot to the table, but he is yet to feature in a Spain squad, let alone in a match. I was also astonished to find out he only has two under-21 caps to his name. Experience may count against him as Vicente makes those finishing touches to the most envied squad in world football.

Sergio Canales: Real Madrid or Manchester City?

The meetings held between Racing Santander and Real Madrid last week, regarding the future of La Ligas newest star, Sergio Canales, seemed to have destined the player for the Bernabeu, but their chances of landing the player now hang in the balance. The players father, and agent, Ángel Canales had spent most of last week in England talking to various clubs, Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City among them, with representatives of the Manchester club even seen arriving today at Santander Airport, in an attempt to strike a deal.

The richest club in the world have slapped a huge offer on the table which has more than tempted Santander president Francisco Pernía, with a large contract on offer  for the youngster. Real Madrid, perhaps wary of how much they sprayed around last summer, have now stated that they will not enter into a costly price-war, and that the player has one week to accept or decline their offer. It's unfortunate that the player is already the subject of a tug-of-war between some of the biggest clubs in Europe so soon after taking La Liga by storm with some classy goalscoring displays in his role just behind the front two, but what seems clear is that wherever he decides to go, he will be given at least one year more to develop at Racing. He also has the benefit of having his father as his agent and not some money-grabbing mercenary who would simply sell him to the highest bidder with little regard for his personal development. The future of Sergio Canales appears in safe hands.

Saturday Liga Results: Sergio Canales sinks Sevilla; Atlético fight back

Sevilla 1 - 2 Racing Santander
(0-1) 25' Canales, (0-2) 37' Canales, (1-2) 61' Romaric

Sevilla sunk to another deflating home defeat as they were ripped apart by a first-half Sergio Canales masterclass. The teen sensation scored two stunning goals, leaving clear signs that he is destined for stardom, as Miguel Angel Portugals Racing team stung Sevilla with some scintillating counter-attacking football. The first goal was a delightful chip over Palop, with the second exquisitely executed as he rounded Palop and waited before slotting past a desparate lunge from Adriano on the line. True cold-blooded finishing from a Racing youth product half owned by Deportivo La Coruña. For Sevilla manager Manolo Jimenez he will be hoping his team can fight through January, dropping as few points as possible as Kanoute, Kone and Zokora compete in the African Cup of Nations and Luis Fabiano recovers from injury. They also need to rectify a home record of four wins in nine if they are to arrest a slide which has already put pay to their La Liga hopes and has seen them slide out of the Champions League positions.

READ ON FOR REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS OF ALL TODAYS LA LIGA MATCHES