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Can Valencia finish in the top two in La Liga this season?
Valencia seems to always fight for a third-place finish in La Liga. Can they finish in the top two this season?
Valencia was trailing Barcelona by just four points just two weeks ago. When they fell 0-1 to Real Sociedad last week, they allowed Barca to skip ahead and form a seven point bridge. One fact will give Valencia some hope. This season, Barca is dropping points quite often. They even squandered a 2-0 lead against Real Betis before going on to win 4-2.While Barca might have lost only once, they have dropped points in no less than six matches. Valencia has dropped points in eight matches which include four losses. When the two sides played each other, Valencia led 2-1 but had to be satisfied with a draw thanks to Cesc Fabregas. Valencia was the better team for the better part of that match and later rued missing so many opportunities.
Barcelona vs Real Betis Report
Under pressure, Barcelona welcomed Real Betis at the Camp Nou with dangerous intentions. But the Andalusians showed great resistance throughout the game, despite a 4-2 result in the end.
An early attempt and an attacking style of play quickly conveyed Betis’ aim of taking the lead. 10 minutes was enough though for Pep Guardiola’s side to reduce the level of stress inside the stadium, as Xavi nicely netted the opener following a chance created by Cesc Fabregas.Lionel Messi then rushed to add his name to the scoring sheet. A wonderful cross from Alexis Sanchez perfectly found the Argentine, who only had to convert from close range.
This quick succession of goals vitally revived Barcelona’s spirit, and soon after, the home side’s display clearly got boosted by a high level of confidence. They subsequently dominated the play, giving the home crowd much more to anticipate.
Barcelona vs Real Betis Preview
Barcelona will be trying to keep the chase on Real Madrid when they face Real Betis, after their 1-1 draw in the Catalan derby last weekend.
Real Madrid edged past Real Mallorca 2-1 on Saturday evening, moving six points at the top of the table temporarily. This means that anything less than the three points for Barcelona against the Verdiblancos would expand the gap to seven or even nine points.But Guardiola is positive that his side will keep fighting till the end to defend their Liga title. “There are 63 points left to play for,” the manager reminded during the Saturday press conference.
“That's a lot of points and my sole objective is to get across to the players that we need to make these 63 points count. We've got an opportunity so why shouldn't we go for it?”
Mallorca vs Real Madrid Report
Real Madrid are very serious about snatching La Liga’s trophy from Barcelona’s hands. They defeated Real Mallorca on Saturday night to open a temporary 8-point gap at the top of the table.
The game was as tight as the score line can suggest. The Spanish giants had to toil the ground until everything changed during the last quarter of match. Towards the end of the first period, Tomer Herned put the hosts in front. Real Mallorca were deserving on this lead. Anti-Madridistas could join the home crowd in anxiety; how long would Mallorca hold on to this victory?
At the break, the home team was still in front. Sergio Ramos’ 45th minute effort was not accurate enough to cross the line. His firm header clashed against the post.
Mallorca vs Real Madrid Preview
In Saturday’s penultimate fixture in La Liga, Real Madrid will be away to Real Mallorca. Mallorca vs Real Madrid will begin at 7:00pm GMT (2:00pm EST).
This game will be Los Blancos’ second encounter away from home this week. Fatigue may be an issue within the squad but Jose Mourinho has an array of top names to choose from. In-form striker Karim Benzema played just over 20 minutes against Malaga in midweek whereas Kaka, Marcelo and Özil went through 45 minutes of action each.Don’t be surprised if Mourinho doesn’t offer Cristiano Ronaldo 90 minutes of football against Real Mallorca. The Portuguese striker looked angry, frustrated and quite ineffective during Real Madrid’s last two matches in all competitions.
Valencia vs Real Sociedad Preview
Los Che have every reason to prepare for Saturday’s 9:00pm GMT (4:00pm EST) kick-off against Real Sociedad with total concentration despite their opponents’ small size on paper.
Real Sociedad are fiercely battling against the prospect of falling into the relegation zone. As things stand, they occupy the 16th spot in La Liga. However, things are very tight in the bottom half of La Liga’s table. Only three points separate the 11th position from the 17th place. Primera Division survival is not guaranteed for Sociedad so Valencia must prepare to face a stubborn side this weekend.
Although it could be hard to believe, the truth is that Real Sociedad haven’t lost in La Liga since November 6 when Rayo Vallecano destroyed them 4-0 in front of 12,500 spectators. The team’s 6-match unbeaten run includes goalless draws against Espanyol, Racing Santander and Osasuna as well as 3-2 wins over Real Betis and Malaga.
Espanyol vs Barcelona Report
With Real Madrid demolishing Granada 5-1 on Saturday night, Barcelona needed nothing less than 3 points against Espanyol to keep the pressure on their rivals.
Los Cules wasted no time in imposing themselves through their usual passing game. Espanyol however fired first, with Joan Verdu twice testing the Barca defence in a single intense moment. At their turn, the hosts attempted to keep possession and control the game; but they suffered a scare on 13 minutes when Messi set up Fabregas for the opener - only to see the referee rule out the goal for handball. It was eventually a yellow card for Messi, but Barcelona quickly responded with a clean goal on 16 minutes, again from Cesc Fabregas.
A powerful header from the Spaniard following an assist from Dani Alves was enough to give the visitors the lead; yet, Alvarez could blame himself for bad goalkeeping. Both sides afterward tried to pressure each other; but somehow, it was the FIFA Club World Cup winners who seemed to be on top of the game.
Villarreal vs Valencia Preview
Villarreal and Valencia will engage in a 5:00pm GMT (12:00pm EST) battle at El Madrigal on Sunday.
This will be the day’s second fixture as Getafe vs Athletic Bilbao is set to take place two hours before. The excitement ahead of the action at El Madrigal is huge, and understandably so. Villarreal vs Valencia is mostly interesting because of what the 2011/12 La Liga standings reveal.The Yellow Submarines are in a terrible situation. They picked up only three wins in 2011 and they now start the year 2012 in the relegation zone. Villarreal are precisely 18th on the table with 15 points like nineteenth-placed Sporting Gijon. Even minnows Rayo Vallecano and Granada seat above them.
Villarreal are urgently in need of a turnaround. Starting the league campaign with an emphatic 5-0 defeat to Barcelona was in fact the sign of a miserable run this season.
Real Madrid vs Granada Report
Real Madrid managed a straightforward victory at home to Granada on Saturday night.
The home crowd could expect a flood of goals right from the start of the game as Jose Mourinho paired Higuain and Benzema in the starting XI.The latter didn’t lose much time to assume his duties. He broke the deadlock after 19 minutes to complete Özil and Ronaldo’s excellent team work on the offensive.
Granada equalized through Mikel Rico quickly after but Sergio Ramos put Real Madrid back in front inside the 34th minute. The Spaniard, who returned to action earlier than expected, sent the ball home with a bullet header.
Espanyol vs Barcelona Preview
Barcelona’s quest for the top spot in La Liga continues on Sunday when they face Espanyol at the Cornella El Prat in the highly anticipated Catalan derby.
After being named the best club coach in the world for the second consecutive time, Pep Guardiola can aim for another achievement against his city rivals. According to the International Federation of Football History & Statistics, Guardiola received 201 points in the survey, while Jose Mourinho came second with 112 points and Sir Alex Ferguson came third with 107 points.But this weekend, Guardiola can prove why he is the best in the business, with what could be a historic triumph against Espanyol. Indeed, if ever Real Madrid were to lose their game against Granada on Saturday evening, then Barcelona could steal the pole position and lead the table on goal difference for as long as they can.
Jose Mourinho praises Granada as Real Madrid resume La Liga’s title hunt
Since their 6-2 humiliation of Sevilla in December, Real Madrid have not played a league game. Tonight, Los Blancos will host minnows Granada.
Real Madrid vs Granada will be Jose Mourinho’s second match in charge in 2012. The Portuguese boss, who is enjoying the challenge at the Bernabeu, is looking forward to the clash. Avowing his respect towards Granada, Mourinho told the press on Friday:“Granada are a good team that defends well and is dangerous in attack. I wish to congratulate their supporters for travelling such a long way for the team's first match at the Bernabeu in 36 years.
“I would be proud of them if I coached or played for Granada.”
Real Madrid vs Granada Preview
Minnows Granada will face Real Madrid in the Spanish capital on Saturday. Will the visitors give a headache to the current La Liga leaders?
The Santiago Bernabeu crowd was recently treated with an eventful game which ended in favor of the hosts. Real Madrid successfully denied Malaga from achieving victory in the Spanish Copa del Rey. Second half goals from Sami Khedira, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema played the trick as Los Blancos’ defense got exposed during the first period of the match. This time out, Jose Mourinho would want his team to exhibit their potential right from the start of the game before suffering a possible upset to Granada.
Of course, the Spanish giants don’t need to fear much. Their home record and their form are too good to leave room for doubts against a lower opposition like thirteenth-placed Granada.
Barcelona could meet Real Madrid in January 2012 after Osasuna in Copa del Rey
January 2012 is not just any month for FC Barcelona. They have a bunch of tough games awaiting them, and already, Osasuna are poised to give the giants a dreadful start to the New Year.
The Barcelona vs Osasuna fixture in the Copa del Rey, kicking off on 4 January 2012 at 4pm EST, will be played over two legs. The return leg takes place eight days after; that means only four days after the big Catalan derby in the Spanish La Liga: Espanyol vs Barcelona.This is a game the defending league champions would not want to lose. With a draw against their rivals certainly not being part of their plans for this month, much effort will be needed to keep Barcelona in La Liga title race.
This goes without saying that they will have to snatch a huge advantage against Osasuna on Wednesday, just so they can have a chance to use minimal energy on January 12 at the Estadio Reyno de Navarra. Three days after their last Copa del Rey match in the Round of 16 this season, Barcelona face Real Betis.
Sevilla vs Real Madrid Report
Real Madrid got back to their best on Saturday night, putting their defeat in El Clasico behind. 10-man Los Blancos forced 10-man Sevilla to a 6-2 defeat.
Following his impotent display against Barcelona at the Bernabeu, Cristiano Ronaldo became the center of attraction ahead of the Sevilla encounter. But the Portuguese number 7 responded to his critics with an energetic performance throughout.Ronaldo broke the deadlock inside the 10th minute after combining well with assist maker Di Maria. Varas was left with absolutely no chance. A couple of minutes later, Manu went extremely close to leveling the score for Sevilla.
Casillas, however, had the last word. The Spaniard’s acrobatic save denied the hosts from getting a goal. Javi Varas suffered punishment for a second time in the game as Callejon continued his great form by netting a 37th minute strike.
Sevilla vs Real Madrid Preview
The Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan will be used by two wounded clubs – Sevilla and Real Madrid – on Saturday night.
Real Madrid’s many records related to their long winning streak collapsed all at once under the supremacy of Barcelona last weekend. It’s back to zero for Los Blancos but the situation is not critical. The fight to regain the top spot in La Liga is well in their hands, since newly-appointed league leaders Barca have played one game more.“There is no inferiority. They have the same amount of points as us, and on Saturday, they can have one or three points fewer,” Mourinho reminded in an encounter with the press last weekend.
Jose Mourinho might not ask for a flurry of goals from his team. Even a 1-0 win would suffice Los Blancos; their sole intention right now is to prove to the world that what happened in El Clasico stays in the past.
La Liga's El Clasico LIVE on ESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio and ESPN3
Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona Saturday, December 10 at 3:55 p.m. ET from Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
ESPN continues to provide unmatched multi-platform coverage of Spain’s La Liga, presenting live coverage of El Clásico - Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3:55 p.m. ET from Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on ESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio and ESPN3.
The two Spanish giants ranking at the top with only a few points different – Real Madrid, 37 and Barca, 34 - are currently the most prolific teams in the league. With Ronaldo and Messi both the top goal-scorers, this head-to-head battle of El Clásico will have all the drama and excitement fans have come to expect from this rivalry.
PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
GolTV to broadcast “El Clasico” showdown between La Liga superpowers Real Madrid and Barcelona on December 10
MIAMI – GolTV, the exclusive 24/7 bilingual TV network and online community for real soccer fans, will broadcast live coverage of one the world’s most-watched soccer matches, Spain’s bi-annual El Clásico between La Liga’s Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona.
The match will be broadcast from Madrid’s legendary Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, December 10 at 4 p.m. EST with full pre- and post-game coverage from GolTV beginning at 3 p.m. EST. “With millions of soccer fans tuning in, El Clásico is one of the best and longest rivalries in the sport featuring top international soccer superstars,” said Rodrigo Lombello, COO at GolTV. “GolTV will give obsessive soccer fans extensive pre- and post- game coverage with expert commentary and the latest news on each team and its players.”
Additionally, real soccer fans can not only connect with others just like them and chat about El Clásico on GolTV’s official Facebook page, but they can also learn about GolTV’s official “Watch and Win” contest to air during the match, with the grand prize winner receiving a trip for two to either Las Vegas or Miami Beach.
Sporting Gijón vs Real Madrid Preview
Real Madrid will enter El Molinon on Saturday night as La Liga leaders. Could Sporting Gijon cause an upset to Mourinho’s in-form Blancos?
Sporting Gijon will have home advantage but it remains to be seen how well they’ll use it. They’ve already lost 13 points at El Molinon in 7 matches. Recently in La Liga, they suffered a thumping 4-0 defeat away to Levante. However, their last home encounter turned out positively thanks to a 2-1 victory over Getafe.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will need to be careful about their fitness. Jose Mourinho definitely wants to have his stars all fit for El Clasico on December 10.
Barcelona vs Levante Preview
Barcelona have to close the gap on Real Madrid, but they face a tough task. Levante come to the Camp Nou with good reasons to spoil the Catalans’ plans.
Barcelona occupy the second position with 31 points, but they have played a game more than leaders Real Madrid. In midweek, they thrashed Rayo Vallecano 4-0, but they still sit three points behind their arch-rivals.They have a big game ahead of them, as they face Real Madrid in El Clasico on December 10. But Coach Pep Guardiola prefers to focus on his match against Levante. His club’s official website quoted him saying:
“The most important match is always the next one, against Levante.
“When you are behind, you must have the ambition of trying to catch the leader. It's normal.”
La Liga title race: Real Madrid cautious and focused ahead of El Clasico
Barcelona are certainly too good for Real Madrid to feel safe at the top of La Liga standings…
Xabi Alonso, who won’t feature against Sporting Gijon this Saturday due to suspension, refuses to get carried away by the excitement surrounding El Clasico. The former Liverpool midfielder told Realmadrid.com:“Our manager will decide what to do in the Clasico and he'll prepare the match deeming what's best for the team on the day.
“We're only thinking about our match on Saturday in Gijon. We'll then play in Amsterdam and, finally, in the Clasico.”
Iker Casillas also joined Xabi Alonso’s call to take things step by step. The goalkeeper is having a great season.