RSSLa Liga Related Content
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Report
Pep Guardiola was certainly right to dismiss claims about a possible crisis at Barcelona. The Catalans have just defeated Rayo Vallecano 4-0 at the Camp Nou.
It’s no surprise if Rayo didn’t net a single goal tonight. Barcelona’s back line is so composed on home soil that Valdes is yet to concede since the start of La Liga. Pep Guardiola lined up Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano and Eric Abidal in defense. Xavi, Iniesta and Keita filled up the starting XI’s midfield positions. David Villa, Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez completed the coach’s 4-3-3 formation.
From the first minute of the game till the end of proceedings, Barcelona imposed themselves. Rayo Vallecano were sure of enduring a merciless encounter considering the Catalans’ desire of bouncing back from the Getafe defeat.
Barcelona chasing Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico – Editorial
The Real Madrid vs Barcelona showdown in La Liga takes place in a bit more than a week, but Coach Guardiola insists Barca will keep pushing to reduce the gap at the top of La Liga.
Barcelona’s defeat to Getafe came as a real shock to the Catalans, who saw Real Madrid establish a promising six-point margin at the top of the standings. From a neutral point of view, this can seem huge - especially considering Real Madrid’s great form at the moment.From Barca’s prospect though, there could be much hope. Indeed, Guardiola totally understands the current situation in which his team is. The positive side of this fact for a Barcelona fan of course is that the manager - in this case - certainly knows what are the necessary steps to take in order to catch Real Madrid in the race for the league title.
The Spanish boss so far has never had to deal with such an amount of “pressure” so early in a season. In his pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona’s game against Rayo Vallecano, he revealed:
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Preview
Due to their participation in the 2011 FIFA World Club Cup, Barcelona have been scheduled to play Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday night.
The match will take place at the Camp Nou and could see Barcelona close the gap against La Liga leaders Real Madrid to just 3 points. Last week, the Catalans encountered a rare situation as they lost 1-0 away to Getafe. The pressure is strictly on second-placed Barcelona to get a good result on Tuesday considering the mid-table status of Rayo Vallecano. The good news for Pep Guardiola is that his colleague, Tito Vilanova, has been discharged from hospital following a successful operation.
Although the assistant coach will need at least three weeks to get fully fit, his encouraging condition should boost the team’s spirit.
Getafe vs Barcelona Report
It was a bad night for Barcelona, who failed to grab a victory tonight at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. A 1-0 defeat now places them six points behind rivals Real Madrid.
Real Madrid thrashed Atletico Madrid 4-1 in the derby at the Bernabeu earlier on the night; thus it was Barcelona’s task to keep the pressure on their arch-rivals through a win against Getafe. That didn’t happen.It all began as an open match, although Getafe made solid efforts to deny the Catalans comfort and power. Half-time was a moment of suspense, with both teams having chances to open the scoring in the second period.
David Villa was the first to explode, heading the ball just over the bar from a set-piece from Xavi on 48 minutes. Lionel Messi and Dani Alves both went forward afterward, but never were they able to change the indication on the scoreboard.
Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid Report
Real Madrid entered the game knowing that victory over Atletico could take them 6 points above archrivals Barcelona at the end of Matchday 13…
Jose Mourinho interestingly chose a 4-2-3-1 formation with Karim Benzema upfront and Marcelo back in defense for the first time in three weeks. The visitors were in to break their 12-year winless record against Los Blancos and they opened up their chances through Adrian.The young striker finished off a lovely one-two with midfielder Diego with a dazzling strike to stun the home crowd after 15 minutes. However, Atletico Madrid’s good start didn’t last so long.
Thibaut Courtois brought down Karim Benzema in the penalty box and thus received a red card. Cristiano Ronaldo successfully converted the spot kick to equalize for Real Madrid inside the 24th minute.
El Clasico countdown: Will Real Madrid drop points before the Barcelona showdown?
La Liga football fans will be treated with two great fixtures on Saturday. Real Madrid will face Atletico while Barcelona will play away to Getafe.
Los Blancos currently possess a three-point advantage over the Catalans but these are three points that could increase or decrease in a blink of an eye before El Clasico on Matchday 15.Next week, Sporting Gijon may stun Real Madrid as they did last season while injury worries could also rock Los Blancos during the next few days. But at the moment, the focus is on Saturday’s Madrid derby. Much is at stake for both sides as everyone knows.
“We will go for the victory,” assured Atletico Madrid midfielder Gabi.
“There is no reason to fear anyone. This is the moment to show we are a good team. We need to have a good match at the Bernabeu.”
Getafe vs Barcelona Preview
Saturday night’s Getafe match will provide Barcelona with the first of their congested and exciting upcoming agenda.
Barcelona will have to affront Rayo Vallecano on the 29th before playing Levante and Bate Borisov on December 3 and December 6 respectively. They will make a fascinating trip to Madrid for El Clasico on December 10 and then fly to Japan for their opening fixture of the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup which has been scheduled for the 15th. The Catalans don’t want to run out of ammunition during the next few weeks, so are they going to treat each and every game?
“In this championship, you have to work really hard right until the end... everything matters in this competition. All the teams have their virtues, and if we aren't at our best we can drop points,” Pep Guardioa intelligibly stated at a press conference on Friday.
Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid Preview
The Santiago Bernabeu will host the much-anticipated Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid local derby. Kick-off time for this fixture is at 2:00pm EST and 7:00pm GMT on Saturday, November 26.
Jose Mourinho has an array of stars to choose from to compose his starting XI. In midweek, key players such as Iker Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo were offered full rest. Others like Mesut Özil and Xabi Alonso only played a portion of the Dinamo Zagreb match and should be fit enough to feature as starters against Atletico. Meanwhile, Brazilian defender Marcelo may return to the squad after enduring the past three weeks on the sidelines.
Another huge boost for Real Madrid is based upon Radamel Falcao’s expected absence from the derby. The Colombian is currently recovering after sustaining an abductor muscle injury while on duty with his national team. As Atletico midfielder Gabi revealed on Friday, “if there is a chance [for Falcao], he will try to play.”
Valencia vs Real Madrid Report
Like Barcelona, Real Madrid snatched all three points on Saturday night. Los Blancos’ victory, however, happened in more dramatic circumstances.
Karim Benzema continued his progressive form for Real Madrid with a terrific strike in the 20th minute. Diego Alves had absolutely no chance of stopping Benzema’s ball from 15 yards out. The game produced a host of entertaining moments and opportunities for both sides until Sergio Ramos doubled the tally after 72 minutes.Responding to the alert, Valencia pulled a goal back through Roberto Soldado 3 minutes later but Cristiano Ronaldo restored Madrid’s 2-0 advantage. The Portuguese winger punished Los Che’s poor goalkeeping to slot the ball home from a tight angle.
Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi at their best: Big Week Recap
It has been a great week for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. While Ronaldo ensured Portugal qualified for the Euro 2012 finals with ease, Messi netted a goal for Argentina at last.
Earlier this week…
Cristiano Ronaldo proves himself against Bosnia
Before the international session this month, Cristiano Ronaldo had netted four goals in four games for Portugal since August - eventually averaging a goal per game for his country. This was enough for the superstar to be proud of his performance at international level; but it was his achievement on November 15 that sent him to another level under his national team’s jersey.
In an UEFA Euro 2012 play-off match where a non-goalless draw would have been insufficient on aggregate, the playmaker made sure his responsibilities were totally assumed. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a thunderous free-kick after only eight minutes against Bosnia-Herzegovina, before netting an easier goal that bagged him a double.
Barcelona vs Real Zaragoza Report
Barcelona resumed their La Liga campaign in style. They trounced Real Zaragoza 4-0.
Pep Guardiola offered Cuenca yet another spot in Barcelona’s starting XI. The inexperienced striker was unleashed alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Chile’s Alexis Sanchez. In midfield, former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas and maestro Xavi Hernandez had Keita in support. The backline was filled with Dani Alves, Carles Puyol, Maxwell and Gerard Pique.
The latter opened the scoring inside the 18th minute with an easy header. The defender’s goal made justice to Xavi’s excellent curling ball.
Barcelona vs Real Zaragoza Preview
Fourteen place separate Barcelona and Real Zaragoza in La Liga table. The two teams face each other at the Camp Nou as the Catalans hope to keep the pressure on Real Madrid.
Barcelona’s players will be turning their attention back on club football, as they look to continue their mission to get back at their best. Their quest for La Liga title this season dropped to a more difficult mode on November 6, after they surprisingly struggled to draw 2-2 with Bilbao.This marked their fourth draw in the league this season, and the consequences are thus disturbing. This has pushed them three points behind leaders Real Madrid, who seem to be taking things smoothly.
On Saturday though, Barcelona have a chance to occupy the pole position, at least temporarily. Luckily for them, Los Blancos have a tough challenge against Valencia - a club they failed to defeat earlier in their on-going campaign.
Valencia vs Real Madrid Preview
There couldn’t be a more exciting way for Real Madrid to resume their Spanish Primera Division campaign than with a clash away to Valencia.
Playmakers Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Özil had a great time with Portugal and Germany respectively during the international break. Like La Roja record maker Casillas, the two players were part of Real Madrid’s many stars that went on international duty.Against Valencia, Jose Mourinho should have a strong unit of players. Real Madrid paused their La Liga title hunt with an overwhelming 7-1 defeat of Osasuna in their first midday kick-off.
What many might not be aware of is Los Blancos' incredible record after league breaks. They usually pick up wins and statistics tell that they lead the way with 18 points from a possible 21.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Report
Barcelona failed to take away all three points at the San Mames, as they dramatically drew 2-2 with Athletic Bilbao.
The match started well for Barcelona, with Adriano quickly going for goal after only three minutes. Bilbao knew how rewarding it could be to prevent the Catalans from linking too well in the early stages, and they seemed to carry out their plan pretty well.It was only after 13 minutes that Bilbao showed their intent of scoring through Ander. Although his powerful strike went straight into Valdes, he was not denied seven minutes later, when he brilliantly connected with a pass from Susaeta to spoil the visitors’ clean sheet record.
Barcelona responded four minutes later though, thanks to a header from Cesc Fabregas that flew into the top right corner of the net.
Real Madrid vs Osasuna Report
Real Madrid destroyed Osasuna 7-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were on target for Los Blancos.
On Saturday night, Levante lost 2-0 to Valencia—meaning that Real Madrid’s lead at the top of La Liga standings remained untouched ahead of the Osasuna match. The Spanish giants were poised to clinch their 10th consecutive victory in all competitions. They indeed made this happen thanks to a goal fest at the Bernabeu.
Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock midway through the first period thanks to an assist from Angel di Maria. But Real Madrid didn’t hold on to this goal for long as Osasuna’s Ibrahima made good use of his unmarked position to deceive Casillas.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Preview
Barcelona will be facing Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames in La Liga, hoping to make it 10 clean sheets in a row in all competitions.
Barcelona have not conceded a goal since their 2-2 away draw to Valencia on September 21. But they have not made the most of their record, drawing their vital home game with Sevilla last month.With this being their third draw, the total amount of points collected in their other league matches is only enough to place them in second place - a point behind arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Unlike fourth place Levante, Athletic Bilbao are not the surprise package this season. They sit in ninth position with 13 points, having won only three encounters over ten played.
Their defence has also shown much weakness, with 12 goals conceded so far. This deficit at the back could greatly ease the battle for Barcelona, although that is only if Bilbao refuse to play a highly negative game.
Real Madrid vs Osasuna Preview
The Santiago Bernabeu will be the venue for the first match of the day on Sunday, November 6.
League leaders Real Madrid will host Osasuna in the comfort of their home hours before Barcelona get in action against Athletic Bilbao. With a victory, Los Blancos will maintain their position at the top of the standings. They wouldn’t have to worry until November 19 when La Liga will resume.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain are expected to take care of producing fireworks. Between them, they have 20 goals in the Spanish Primera Division. In midweek, Ronaldo clinched his 100th Real Madrid goal and he is poised to add more to his tally.
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Report
An early goal by Gonzalo Higuain was enough to give Real Madrid a win over hosts Real Sociedad.
Cristiano Ronaldo produced a number of great efforts in the match but the stage was set for Higuain to clinch his 10th goal of the season at the benefit of his entire team. Following Barcelona’s emphatic defeat of Real Mallorca, Real Madrid were expected to pursue their high scoring form.Although this didn’t happen, Los Blancos still bagged maximum points. They controlled the game throughout and enjoyed as much as 68 per cent of the ball.
Unless Levante grab their 8th La Liga win on Sunday against Osasuna, Real Madrid will remain on top of the standings. The Spanish giants currently have 25 points and a (+26) goal difference.
Barcelona vs Mallorca Report
Barcelona cruised onto an easy victory over Real Mallorca at the Camp Nou tonight. Lionel Messi clinched a hat-trick to silence his critics.
Against Sevilla, the Argentine forward missed the glorious opportunity of stealing all 3 points for Barca through an injury time spot kick. This time, Messi redeemed himself by successfully converting a 13th minute penalty goal. The occasion rose after Real Mallorca’s Nsue’s handled the ball in the box.
Lionel Messi doubled his tally 7 minutes later with a shot from 6 yards out. Cuenca and Adriano were involved in the buildup.
The visitors struggled to contain the number 10 playmaker. On the half hour mark, Messi completed his first-half hat-trick. Goalkeeper Aouate was left with absolutely no chance.
Barcelona vs Mallorca Preview
Barcelona will be looking to keep the pressure on Levante and Real Madrid at the top of La Liga table, while Mallorca’s aim will be to win their first match in October.
Barcelona seemed to be on a fine path earlier this season, but their shocking 0-0 draw with Sevilla last weekend just pushed them down the standings. Although they were victorious in mid-week away to Granada, they still need to remain focused and be at their best against Granada.Obviously, the title cannot be won if efforts are not made in each and every game; and this is also a partially valid fact for Mallorca. Los Bermellones might certainly not be looking at clinching La Liga title, at least not this season. But it is surely a must for them to take every single match seriously so as to avoid shocks and setbacks that will eventually throw them at the bottom of La Liga table.