But in Spain, a country that has already secured its passage for South Africa 2010, the focus will solely be on the return of the exciting Spanish Primera La Liga.
In the capital on Saturday evening, all eyes will turn to the action that will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid host Racing Santander.
The much-anticipated return of the formerly-injured Cristiano Ronaldo and the awkward condition in which Racing Santander find themselves are two things that promise to give another tone to this upcoming interesting encounter…
Today, Live Soccer TV’s Angela Asante statistically assesses both teams ahead of Saturday, November 21st.
Read full article »
The two sides met on several occasions out of the Spanish League competition, but unquestionably, their most entertaining meetings took place this year, as both sides met in the Copa del Rey final, and then went on to decide the Spanish Super Cup title.
In all, Barcelona were definitely the conquerors, humiliating the Basques 4-1 at the Mestalla stadium to clinch their first domestic cup last season, and enjoying an aggregate 5-1 score line later on in the Super Cup.
Of course, these facts prove how well the defending Spanish League champions have often managed to come out on top of Athletic Bilbao.
Read full article »
The league leaders’ crushing 6-1 victory against Real Zaragoza at the Camp Nou made many fans believe that the Catalans were back on track for good, as they had previously failed to get a win in two consecutive games.
Well, after such a brilliant result, it didn’t really look like things were at their very best for the Blaugrana, following a disappointing draw to Osasuna trough a late Gerard Pique own goal.
Barcelona still have more time ahead of them to strengthen their foundation, but it is clear that this weekend’s game at home to Real Mallorca will be a glorious chance for them to prove themselves again in front of their own fans.
Read full article »
LSTV’s writer, Angela Asante, takes her time to preview this big clash by providing necessary facts and analyzing a few points…
Atletico Madrid are third from bottom above Malaga and Xerez and they are on 7 points.
They are unbeaten at home, but they’ve also won only once this season. That was against Real Zaragoza back in October at the Vicente Calderon stadium.
Read full article »
Usually, when FC Barcelona prepare to meet a side in the Spanish League, soccer fans tend to place the Blaugrana as the favorites to win the game. This is certainly because of their ability to humble great and small sides alike, but then, there is no doubt that expectations don’t always get realized.
Surely, the Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is aware of this fact; and as a result, making additional efforts is always his number one solution.
So far in La Liga this season, the reigning title holders have scored 8 goals and conceded only one away from home. This is definitely the evidence of their strength in attack, and remembering the amazing show they gave their fans at the Camp Nou last week when they hosted Racing Santander, one might conclude that this weekend’s match at the Estadio Reyno de Navarra between Barcelona and Osasuna will end up commonly, with Barcelona stealing the spotlight.
Read full article »
Real Madrid analysis
A defeat against Sevilla followed by a victory over Valladolid (somehow tarnished by unnecessary defensive mistakes), and then an unconvincing and controversial goalless draw against Sporting Gijon describe the inconsistent run on which Real Madrid are walking at the moment.
The Spanish giants started the season well, but after only eight match-days, pressure is already hitting them hard in the face.
Read full article »
Midweek losers Real Madrid travel to Sporting Gijon later on as La Liga resumes on Saturday.
Los Blancos are looking forward to recovering from their patchy performances which saw them lose 3-2 to AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League on Wednesday…
Sporting Gijon AnalysisBad results against Barcelona (on match-day 1) and Osasuna (late in September) thought to have discouraged Gijon.
In reality, it perhaps gave them good lessons and experiences to rely on.
Read full article »
This is indeed surprising for a team as wonderful as Barcelona, who had established a 100% record in La Liga earlier on with 18 points out of six 6 games. Nonetheless, they might probably get the chance to redeem themselves on Sunday when they host 13th place Real Zaragoza at the Camp Nou.
There is no doubt most Barca fans believe that their side will be able to humble Zaragoza in other to remain at the top of the Spanish League table. For sure, it could be an easy encounter for Pep Guardiola’s team, but the fact that the Blaugrana could feel under pressure due to their reduced lead at the top of the standings could affect Sunday’s game’s result.
Read full article »In Spain, Real Madrid host Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu and Manuel Pellegrini’s men will be keen to bounce back from the 2-1 defeat which they suffered in the hands of Sevilla before the international break.
Lass Diarra back but six players to be missingLos Blancos will have to deal with the absence of the phenomenal Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese winger, who featured for his country against Hungary, is set to spend up to one month on the sidelines.
Read full article »The Spanish club VCF is currently occupying the fifth place in the standings, and mathematically, even a win at home against leaders Barcelona will not automatically guarantee them a place in the top four places of the table.
With two giants preparing to meet each other, there is no doubt the game will get a lot of attention. Hence, a special outcome could take place, but a disappointing display from both sides could also reduce the excitement towards the big match.
Read full article »