La Liga Results: Villarreal gatecrash Camp Nou Party

Barcelona 1 - 1 Villarreal
(1-0) 7' Pedro, (1-1) 50' Fuster

Whoever wrote the Camp Nou script for Barcelonas celebration of their six trophy bonanza, a draw with Villarreal surely wasn't part of it. That man Pedro got the hosts off to the perfect start after Thierry Henry had slammed a first time shot onto the bar, and he chested down to fire emphatically past Diego Lopez. From then on the Villarreal defence was heroic in the face of wave after wave of Barca attacks, and even after being turned down a nailed on penalty when Dani Alves felled Marcano, David Fuster was in the right place at the right time to slot in Cani's cross. If Real Madrid win tomorrow they go top. Not quite the New Year start Barca were looking for.

Valencia 1 - 0 Espanyol

(1-0) 92' Zigic

Espanyol fought tooth and nail for the away draw, but were undone by a fantastic Valencia move with practically the last touch of the match. Valencia battered Kamenis goal from start to finish with David Villa at the forefront, offering one mazy run in which he bamboozled one defender, nutmegged a second but found the goalkeepers legs with his shot. When Villa didnt find the Cameroon keeper in fine form, he found the woodwork and it looked like it would be Valencias day when in added time, Nicola Zigic headed a ball out wide to Joaquin, who put in a fantastic cross which found the rampaging beanpole who headed in past Kameni and sent the Mestalla into hysterics. 'Los Che' are flying high.

Atlético Madrid 2 - 1 Sevilla

(0-1) 44' Renato, (1-1) 48' Dragutinovic (o.g), (2-1) 94' Antonio Lopez

Antonio Lopez appeared at the front post to head in Simaos 94th minute free-kick and send the Vicente Calderon into raptures, giving Atlético Madrid a morale boosting start to 2010. The Atlético Madrid faithful deserved this last-gasp treat and whilst there were still a couple of signs of defensive frailty, especially just before giving away the corner which lead to Renatos opener, there were also signs that Atlético had improved upon their 2009 version. Quique gave starts to youngsters Ibrahim, Valera and Dominguez and they repaid their boss with fine displays which betrayed their young years. Sevilla were looking good up until half time but an unlucky rebound off Dragutinovic when Forlán had been clean through brought the hosts level and after Duscher had been sent off for a second yellow they gave away a needless free-kick on the edge of the area which was punished with Atleticos winner.

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.
  

Life at the bottom of La Liga: Xerez CD

Having enjoyed the trials and tribulations of a relegation season with Real Zaragoza in 2007/2008, I decided this year I would join the Xerez Club Deportivo bandwagon. They almost got relegated to the third division of Spanish football in 2008 but, incredibly, stormed to the second division title ahead of Real Zaragoza the following year and were set to enjoy their first ever year in La Liga since they were founded in 1947. A small club with a small, but passionately loyal, set of fans. A small stadium and an even smaller budget. It was Cheltenham Town all over again.

Life is tough at the top

Over the summer they made the astute move of parting company with their most successful manager ever, Esteban Vigo, as they were not willing to give him more than a one year contract. Then the season started and the reality of the situation dawned. It took them five games to get a point. In the sixth they scored their first goal, one of the scrappiest you'll ever see. And only on Sunday just gone did they get their first away goal in a 5-1 defeat at Getafe, and it was hardly a scorcher either. Four goals in twelve matches, 21 conceded. Not a fantastic return on my investment. But in many ways this is a far more fulfilling experience than that which I enjoyed with Zaragoza. This is proper grassroots, but at the highest level. An absurd mix.

LA LIGA MATCHDAY 12 PREVIEW: 28.11.09

SPORTING GIJON v VILLARREAL (El Molinon) Sat 6pm

Sporting have turned El Molinon into a fortress this year, and are yet to lose at home. Last week they struggled at Xerez, especially in the second half, and were lucky to come away with a point. Manuel Preciado will hope his team have shaken off that poor performance, with a team on the rise coming to town.

Villarreal have put their dreadful start to the season behind them and have won three of their last four. Nilmar has finally found some form infront of goal and Ibergaza, Senna and Cani are available after injury layoffs. Manager Ernesto Valverde is looking for his first win away from home this season and I believe today will be the day Villarreal put that record to bed.

KEY PLAYER: Nilmar (VILL)

LLL Prediction: 1-2

VALENCIA v MALLORCA (La Mestalla) Sat 8pm

Valencia will be hoping for more of the same after last weeks impressive performance at Osasuna, with the possibility of closing the gap on the top two. Marchena and Albelda shielded the back four impeccably and allowed the famous four to strut their stuff at the other end. Villa, Mata, PH and Silva are probably the finest attacking quartet in world football at the moment, and they'll be too hot to handle for Mallorca's defence.

Mallorca have a perfect record at the ONO Estadi, but away from home they are yet to win. A lot will rest on the shoulders of their two strikers Webo and Aduriz, who have what it takes to punish a makeshift Valencia back four, but will they get the ammunition?

KEY MAN: David Villa (VAL)

LLL Prediction: 3-1

SEVILLA v MALAGA (Sanchez Pizjuan) Sat 10pm

Sevilla enter this Andaluz derby 17 places and 19 points above their regional rivals, and with half an eye on sundays Clasico. If they win, and tomorrows clash finishes in a draw, only a point will separate the top three. Wingers Perotti and Navas are on fire and Luis Fabiano will be looking to continue his goalscoring streak. Should be too much for Malaga.

Malaga seem to have the Sevilla side sussed at the Sanchez Pijuan, after winning five and drawing two of their last eight visits to the stadium. But this so far this season they have been a shadow of last years surprise package, and have resorted to a more physical approach that has yielded 43 yellow cards so far this season. Will be a long night for La Ligas bottom side.

KEY MAN: Jesus Navas (SEV)
LLL Prediction: 4-0

LA LIGA NEWS - El Clasico Special 09/10

The world of Spanish football is whipped up in a frenzy of white, red and blue. Front pages are washed in pictures of Ronaldo, Messi, Casillas and Xavi. El Clasico has arrived. On sunday evening all eyes will be fixed on the Camp Nou as Barcelona and Real Madrid  cross swords at the summit of La Liga. The weeks press has been full of the usual bravado and mindgames. Cristiano stated how he wants to stick ten  past the Catalans and that he wouldn't sign one player from Barca; ambitious and a lie. Piqué keeps harking back to last years triple; predictable. Dani Alves reckons Real Madrid are placing all their eggs in a CR9 shaped basket; most probably true.

Last seasons humiliating 2-6 demolition job has Real Madrid fans and players foaming at the mouth. Revenge is the order of the day. Barcelona are still smarting from being overtaken in the league last week, they didn't see that coming. Iker Casillas joked how he can only see Barca from the comfort of his rearview mirror. He should enjoy it while he can, because for all their efficiency in griding out results and for all their individual class, a convincing win for the Guardiolas men is where the smart money will be heading.

If the reports are to believed, Manuel Pelligrini is going to sacrifice Gonzalo Higuaín for Karim Benzema. What the Chilean is proposing is footballing suicide, and you can only imagine the reaction from the capital if this mindless decision is followed by another Barca rout. His team have performed a miracle in overtaking Barca in the league without their Portuguese record signing, and they deserve an enormous amount of credit for doing so on the back of some incessant pressure from outside the club. But with Ronaldo having only just recovered from his 56 day injury break, it will be asking too much for him to lead Florentinos new band of galacticos to a debut Camp Nou victory.

If Real Madrid are to stand a chance, Higuaín must start. They need Kaká to step up to the plate. The Brazilian star has largely flattered to deceive since his big money move from Milan. They need Casillas and Pepe at their very best. If Iniesta and Xavi are given time and space in midfield, Madrid will be ripped to shreds. Lass will have to hustle and hound more than ever. And they need Barcelona to have an off-night. The last requirement is not entirely unimaginable as Barca have struggled to convert possession into goals in the league at times, especially in the first half against Bilbao last weekend. But normal service was ominously resumed against Inter Milan on tuesday.

Both teams will march into the Camp Nou with a skip in their step. Let battle commence.

For Barca fans some inspiration. For Madrid fans some motivation. Last seasons historic clasico from the Bernabeu.

La Liga Round-up: 22.11.09 Nilmar uses his head

Villarreal 3 - 1 Real Valladolid (El Madrigal)

Villarreal continued their rise up La Liga table with a well deserved win against a dissapointing Real Valladolid. Brazilian striker Nilmar finally displayed the outstanding quality he has shown with the Brazilian national side with two excellently taken goals. The first was a well placed header from a pinpoint Escudero cross in the 6th minute. His second came just after half-time, as he raced onto a Godín long ball to plant a header over the onrushing keeper, Villar, and into an empty net. He also played a part in the third when he set up Rossi's 56th minute bullet with a deft headed flick which completely isolated a lamentable Valladolid defence. The away side did get on the scoresheet when Diego Costa capitalised on a dreadful backpass from Marcano to steal in, take it past Diego Lopez and cooly sidefoot in from an angle. Valladolid see their fine league run put to an abrupt end as Villarreal are finally beginning to look like a team capable of challenging for the European positions.

Mallorca 3 - 1 Almería (ONO Estadi)

Two lates goals saw Mallorca continue their storming home form and charge up to sixth place in La Liga. This from a team that was widely predicted to be within the relegation candidates at the start of the season. Mallorca went ahead in the 48th minute when Gonzalo Castro planted an excellent driven effort inside Alves' nearpost. But Almería were in fiery mood and could have drawn level on numerous occasions but they found the home stopper, Aouate in determined mood with some super saves. They did finally level in the 76th minute when a solo run from Piatti finished with him squaring across for David Rodriguez to slot in from close range. It seemed Hugo Sanchez's men were set to earn a deserved point when two goals in the last two minutes shot them down and left the coach to regret his team's previous profligacy. Victor chested down in the area to smash in on 88 minutes with Castro firing in his second in stoppage time; Manzano's red army march on.


Xerez 0 - 0 Sporting Gijón (Chapin)

• Xerez and Sporting both hit the post twice in a thoroughly entertaining encounter in a charged Chapin atmosphere. I was lucky enough to be there and this was not your typical 0-0 bore draw!
• Sidi Keita was outstanding in Xerez's midfield and was unlucky not to score with an outrageous overhead kick which Juan Pablo clawed out. The Sporting keeper kept his side in it with several top drawer saves.
• If Xerez can't score with the opportunities they had today it is going to be a long hard season ahead. Luck wasn't on their side yet again but they need to start converting their numerous chances into precious goals. 

Espanyol 0 - 2 Getafe (Cornella Estadi)

• Not even the return of local hero Raúl Tamudo was enough to reignite Espanyol´s goalthreat. If this continues they could begin to see themselves pulled into a relegation tussle.
• Casquero marked his return to the side with the goal in the 78th min which effectively won Getafe the match. Pedro Rios scored the second a minute into injury time with a superb diving header.
• Entertaining match that was in stark contrast to the boring Copa del Rey ties. Espanyol unable to exact revenge for their cup exit.

Malaga 1 - 1 Zaragoza (La Rosaleda)

• Two sendings off (Weligton for a punch, Paredes for two yellows) in a physical match that exploded into life after a dull first half. Both teams were after maximum points but had to settle for a point each.
• Lafita 'dive' earned Zaragoza a penalty (49 mins) which Brazilian Ewerthon converted (just). Málaga levelled with a headed goal from impressive debutant centre back Iván González.
• Neither manager will be happy with a game marred with some regrettable behaviour from some players. Apoño spat in Herrera's face, which was not seen by the ref.

Osasuna 1 - 3 Valencia (Reyno Navarra)

• Two sendings off for Osasuna (Padiani and Flaño) epitomised what was a miserable night for the home side. They never looked like getting anything from the match.
• Unai Emery's Valencia side go from strength to strength. Goals from Villa and veterans Albelda (stunning effort) and Marchena (Tony Yeboah style!) had put the game to bed by the 56th min. Consolation goal for Osasuna through a Masoud header after 67 mins.
• Have Valencia got the strength in depth to mount a serious title assault? It's beginning to look like it could turn into a four-horse race.