SPANİSH FOOTBALL NEWS&SPANİSH LEAGUE

First Division - Day 14

2007-12-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT OF REAL MADRID 3-RACING 1 & ESPANYOL 1-FC BARCELONA 1 (2007)
If you missed the goals & the highlights of Real Madrid-Racing & Espanyol-Barça here you are, as it worth the watch to see Real Madrid, Raul, Messi& company who are in brilliant form. Enjoy!

REAL MADRID 3-RACING 1

Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Pepe, Marcelo; Baptista, Diarra (Gago 70'), Sneijder (Saviola 83'); Robinho (Robben 74'), Raúl, Van Nistelrooy. 4-3-3.
Racing: Toño; Sergio Sánchez (Moratón 62'), Garay, Oriol, Luis Fernández; Jorge López, Duscher, Colsa (Jordi 78'), Oscar Serrano; Smolarek (Tchite 71'), Munitis. 4-4-2.

Team changes: Madrid: Baptista, Sneijder for Guti, Gago / Racing: Sergio Sánchez, Smolarek for Pinillos, Tchite.

Goals: 1-0. 03. Raúl. Ran on to Van Nistelrooy through ball and shot low past Toño.
2-0. 10. Sergio Sánchez (own goal). Turned Sneijder cross in from close up.
3-0. 69. Raúl. Curled free kick through middle of defensive wall into net.
3-1. 72. Munitis. Got on end of Tchité's cross to turn shot wide of Casillas.

Real Madrid extended their lead at the top to four points pending Villarreal's game on Sunday after beating Racing Santander 3-1, their fifteenth win in a row at home. Within ten minutes Bernd Schuster's side were two up, Raúl running on to Van Nistelrooy's through ball to open the scoring in the third minute. And after Casillas saved from Scolari at the other end, ex Castilla defender Sergio Sánchez turned Sneijder's cross into his own net to make it two.
Having only let in nine goals all season Racing were not used to that, and they fought back with Duscher bringing a good save out of Casillas and Smolarek firing a shot against the post. Garay had to head a lob from Raúl off the line though with the keeper beaten, and early in the second half Robinho was unlucky to have a penalty appeal turned down after he was brought down by Colsa.
Midway through the second half Raúl though got his second of the night with a free kick which found it's way through an opening in the defensive wall, and the game was beyond the Cantabrians' reach. Munitis got one back against his old club a couple of minutes later after Tchité set him up, but Van Nistelrooy and Robben could both have increased the lead later on. Racing had been beaten for the first time in nine games, but with a four points gap over the rest, at least they will be sure of ending the weekend in seventh spot.

ESPANYOL 1-FC BARCELONA 1

Espanyol: Kameni; Zabaleta, Torrejón, Jarque, Clemente; Valdo (Corominas 64'), Moisés Hurtado, Angel, Riera (Moha 89'); Luis García (Jonathan Soriano 79'), Tamudo. 4-4-2.

Barcelona: Víctor Valdés; Puyol (Zambrotta 70'), Márquez, Milito, Abidal; Xavi, Touré Yayá, Gudjohnsen (Ezquerro 72'); Messi, Bojan (Ronaldinho 64'), Iniesta. 4-3-3.

Team changes: Espanyol: Zabaleta for Lacruz/ Barça: Márquez, Bojan for Zambrotta, Henry.
Goals: 0-1. 06. Iniesta.Turned shot past Kameni on far post after Messi laid ball across.
1-1. 68. Corominas. Got on end of Riera's cross to stab ball wide of Valdés.

Espanyol and Barcelona drew 1-1 in a hard fought derby, which was made all the more interesting by the fact that they started the weekend in fourth and third spots respectively. Relations between the two Barcelona based clubs have not been so good recently, and the two presidents Daniel Sánchez Llibre and Joan Laporta ignored each other as they sat together in the directors' box.
Handbags at six paces aside though, the players got on with the game, and Iniesta gave Frank Rijkaard's side an early lead after a good run by Messi down the right wing. The visitors could have gone further ahead before the break, Messi shooting just wide and Xavi firing a free kick against the bar, Bojan (replacing the out of form Ronaldinho in the starting line up) heading the rebound against the bar on the follow up. And Kameni had to be at his best to keep out Messi again before the half time whistle.
Espanyol's only reply had been a shot from Riera over the top, but Jarque went close with a shot on the turn soon after the restart. Rijkaard finally brought on Ronaldinho, but it was local substitute Corominas who made the difference, getting on the end of Riera's cross to equalise within three minutes of making his appearance.
After that it was up to Kameni to keep the scores level, the local keeper stopping a free kick and a header from Ronaldinho and a late effort from Messi. Valdés also had to be on his toes to keep out an injury time shot from Jonathan, and seconds later it was all over. Sánchez Llibre and Laporta exchanged a brief handshake and that was that. Honours had been shared.

Almería 1 - Sevilla 0

Almería: Diego Alves; López Rekarte, Carlos García, Pulido, Mané (Acasiete 61'); Juanma Ortíz, Soriano (Corona 53'), Felipe Melo, Crusat; Kalu Uche (Natalio 77'), Negredo. 4-4-2.
Sevilla: Palop; Daniel Alves, Mosquera, Fazio, Crespo; Poulsen, Martí; Jesús Navas (Chevantón 91'), Renato (Keita 56'), Diego Capel; Kanouté. 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Almería: Diego Alves for Cobeño / Sevilla: Daniel Alves, Mosquera, Crespo, Martí, Renato for Hinkel, Dragutinovic, Adriano, Keita, Luis Fabiano.
Goals: 1-0. 87. Acasiete. Ran in to head Corona's wide free kick down past Palop.

Sevilla were brought down to earth after their Champions League win over Arsenal midweek, a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Almería leaving them below their opponents down in the bottom half of the table. The hero of the night was local keeper Diego Alves, in the side for the first time in the league as Cobeño was not allowed to play under his loan contract, and he made important saves from Navas and Kanouté before the break and Diego Capel (a local boy from Almería) after the restart.
The turning point of the game came though when his namesake Daniel Alves was sent off for a second bookable offence in the first minute of the second half. Almería took advantage, Kalu Uche bringing a good save out of Palop and heading another chance just wide, and with three minutes to go Acasiete ran in to stoop low and head Corona's free kick into the net. Almería had beaten their regional neighbours, and they are currently the highest ranked of the Andalusian sides in the table.

KAKA - FRANCE FOOTBALL OFFICIAL "GOLDEN BALL" 2007 AWARD WINNER

2007-12-02T07:13:00.000-08:00

SFS picked up the news on the 25th Nov & announced that AC MILANstar KAKA had won the France Football "Golden Ball" Award, as theBest Football Player in the World for 2007. Now its OFFICIAL withKaka picking up 444votes with 2º place going to Cristian Ronaldo(Man Utd) with 277votes & 3º place going to Spanish based Argentinesensation Messi ( Fc Barcelona ) with 255votes.The highest placed Spaniard is Arsenal midfielder CESC FABREGASwith 8th place & 27votes, a great achievement for such a young playerwho can only get better with time.SFS wishes to congratulate the winner & rest of place getters.

For thoses who enjoy the stats & history of the Award, see below the past winner, second & third placed, since it all started.
YR- WINNER- SECOND- THIRD--- ------- ------- -------
07 Kaká (Milan) C.Ronaldo (Manchester)Messi (Barcelona)
06 Cannavaro (Madrid) Buffon (Juventus) Henry (Arsenal)
05 Ronaldinho (Barca) Lampard (Chelsea) Gerrard (Liverpool)
04 Shevchenko (Milan) Deco (Barcelona) Ronaldinho (Barca)
03 Nedved (Juventus) Henry (Arsenal) Maldini (Milan)
02 Ronaldo (Madrid) R. Carlos (Madrid) Kahn (B. Múnich)
01 Owen (Liverpool) Raúl (Real Madrid) Kahn (B. Múnich)
00 Figo (R.Madrid) Zidane (Juventus) Shevtchenko (Milan)
99 Rivaldo (Barcelona) Beckham (Manchester) Shevtchenko (Milan)
98 Zidane (Juventus) Suker (Real Madrid) Ronaldo (Inter)
97 Ronaldo (Inter) Mijatovic (Madrid) Zidane (Juventus)
96 Sammer (B. Dormund) Ronaldo (Barcelona) Shearer (Newcastle)
95 Weah (Milan) Klinsmann (Tott.) Litmanen (Ajax)
94 Stoichkov (Barca) Baggio (Juventus) P. Maldini (Milan)
93 Baggio (Juventus) Bergkamp (Ajax) Cantona (Leeds)
92 Van Basten (Milan) Stoichkov (Barca) Bergkamp (Ajax)
91 Papin (Marsella) Matthaus (Inter) Savicevic (E. Roja)
90 Matthaus (Inter) Schillaci (Juventus) Brehme (Inter)
89 Van Basten (Milan) Baresi (Milan) Rijkaard (Milan)
88 Van Basten (Milan) Gullit (Milan) Rijkaard (Milan)
87 Gullit (Milan) Futre (At. Madrid) Butragueño (Madrid)
86 Belanov (Din. Kiev) Lineker (Barcelona) Butragueño (Madrid)
85 Platini (Juventus) Elkjaer (Verona) Schuster (Barca)
84 Platini (Juventus) Tigana (Burdeos) Elkjaer (Verona)
83 Platini (Juventus) Dalglish (Liverpool) Simonssen (Vejle)
82 Rossi (Juventus) Giresse (Burdeos) Boniek (Juventus)
81 Rummenigge (Múnich) Breitner (Múnich) Schuster (Barca)
80 Rummenigge (Múnich) Schuster (Colonia) Platini (S.Etienne)
79 Keegan (Hamburgo) Rummenigge (Múnich) Krol (Ajax)
78 Keegan (Hamburgo) Krankl (Barcelona) Resembrick(Ander.)
77 Simonssen (Moench) Keegan (Hamburgo) Platini (Nancy)
76 Beckenbauer (Múnich) Resembrick (Ander.) Viktor (D. Praga)
75 Blohkine (Kiev) Beckenbauer (Múnich) Deyna (Varsovia)
74 Cruyff (Barcelona) Beckenbauer (Múnich) Deyna (Varsovia)
73 Cruyff (Ajax) Zoff (Juventus) Müller (Múnich)
72 Beckenbauer (Múnich) Müller (Múnich) Nezter (Moencheng.)
71 Cruyff (Ajax) Mazzola (Inter) Best (Manchester)
70 Müller (Múnich) Moore (West Ham) Riva (Cagliari)
69 Rivera (Milan) Riva (Cagliari) Müller (Múnich)
68 Best (Manchester) Charlton (Manch.) Dzajic (Estr. Roja)
67 Albert (Ferencv.) Charlton (Manch.) Johnstone (Celtic)
66 Charlton (Manches.) Eusebio (Benfica) Beckenbauer(Múnich)
65 Eusebio (Benfica) Facchetti (Inter) Suárez (Inter)
64 Law (Manchester) Suárez (Inter) Amancio (Madrid)
63 Yaschin (D. Moscú) Rivera (Milan) Greaves (Tottenham)
62 Masopust (D. Praga) Eusebio (Benfica) Schellinger(Col.)
61 Sívori (Juventus) Suárez (Barcelona) Haynes (Fulham)
60 Suárez (Barcelona) Puskas (Real Madrid) Seeler (Hamburgo)
59 Di Stéfano (Madrid) Kopa (Stade Reims) Charles (Juventus)
58 Kopa (Madrid) Rahn (Essen) Fontaine (Reims)
57 Di Stéfano (Madrid) Wright (Wolverham.) Kopa (Madrid)56 Matthews (Blackpool) Di Stéfano (Madrid) Kopa (Stade Reims)

Champions League, day 5

2007-11-28T09:30:00.000-08:00

Barcelona and Sevilla are both through to the knock out stage after the opening day of round five. Barcelona drew 2-2 at Olympique Lyon to ensure top spot in group E, and Sevilla also head up group H after beating Arsenal 3-1.

Olympique Lyon 2 - Barcelona 2

Lyon: Vercoutre; Reveillere, Squillaci, Anderson, Grosso; Fabio Santos (Kallstrom 68'), Toulalan, Juninho; Govou, Fred (Keita 60'), Ben Arfa (Remy 82'). 4-3-3. Barcelona: Víctor Valdés; Zambrotta (Márquez 82'), Puyol, Milito, Abidal; Xavi, Touré Yayá, Gudjohnsen; Messi, Bojan, Iniesta (Ronaldinho 71'). 4-3-3.

Goals: 0-1. 03. Iniesta. Connected with Bojan cross to strike angled shot across keeper.
1-1. 07. Juninho. Free kick from wide out which bounced across Valdés into net.
1-2. 58. Messi (penalty). After Messi himself tripped by Juninho inside area.
2-2. 80. Juninho (penalty). After Abidal barged over Keita on left side of area.

Sevilla 3 - Arsenal 1

Sevilla: Palop; Alves, Fazio, Dragutinovic, Crespo (Mosquera 64'); Jesús Navas, Poulsen, Keita, Adriano (Martí 90'); Luis Fabiano (Kerzhakov 75'), Kanouté. 4-4-2.
Arsenal: Almunia; Hoyte (Sagna 66'), Touré, Senderos, Traoré; Gilberto; Eboué (Walcott 78'), Cesc Fábregas (Rosicky 56'), Denilson, Eduardo; Bendtner. 4-1-4-1.

Goals: 0-1. 11. Eduardo. Controlled Bentner pass on chest and drove shot past Palop. .
1-1. 24. Keita. Fired shot back past Almunia after Navas cross not cleared.
2-1. 34. Luis Fabiano. Got on the end of Alves free kick to head wide of keeper.
3-1. 89. Kanouté (penalty). After Kanouté himself brought dowm by Touré.

EURO 2008: SPAIN 1 - NTH.IRELAND 0. SPAIN QUALIFIES GROUP WINNER

2007-11-21T22:33:00.000-08:00

It was rough , hard & difficult but finally SPAIN goes through & qualifies for Euro 2008 as group winner after defeating tonightNTH.IRELAND 1-0. Here is the VIDEO of the winning goal thanks to XAVI HERNANDEZ of Fc Barcelona.

1-0 Spain vs. Northern Ireland EURO 2008 Q
Uploaded by 90tsunni

NO CRISIS AT NOU CAMP - BOJAN

2007-11-19T22:59:00.000-08:00

Barcelona prodigy Bojan Krkic has dismissed suggestions that the Catalan giants are in crisis or that coach Frank Rijkaard is living on borrowed time at the Nou Camp.
Barca have hit the headlines recently due to their dire away form this season, which has seen them win just three of their nine competitive matches on their travels.
However, as 17-year-old Bojan is quick to point out, Barca are still in fine fettle both domestically and in Europe thanks to an enviable home record of eight wins from eight.
"I would not talk of crisis because we are first in our Champions League group, in the league we are very few points from first place and at home we are showing that we are unstoppable," said Bojan, who does admit that their away performances need to be looked at, though.
"There are small details which we need to find solutions to because we cannot lose so many points away from home, but we have plenty of time to improve," he added.
Coach Rijkaard has also come in for criticism this season, even though his side are currently third in La Liga, just four points behind arch rivals Real Madrid after 12 rounds of action.
There has even been media speculation in Spain that Rijkaard has until Christmas to improve things or risk being sacked, with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho being tipped as a possible replacement for the Dutchman.
Bojan does not believe there is any substance in those reports though, and he believes Rijkaard will be at the club for a long time to come yet.
"It cannot be true when they say that he could be fired because he has done a lot for Barca," the Spain Under-21 international said in Marca.
"He has been a coach who has brought the dreams back to this club. As well as that, it cannot be said that we are going through a bad patch because the team is well. I think that Rijkaard is going to continue at Barca for many years."

Second division - day 13

2007-11-19T22:56:00.001-08:00

Second placed Numancia lost a bit of ground on Málaga after a 0-0 draw at Cádiz on Sunday evening, and they ended the weekend three points behind the leaders. Fifth placed Elche also failed to close up on the top three after losing 3-1 at Salamanca, a second minute goal from Michel overturned by a Quique Martín penalty and strikes from Jorge Alonso and David Rodríguez in the last half hour of the match. Celta moved to within a point of David Vidal's side after beating Hércules 0-1, Jesús Perera getting the only goal three minutes after the restart.
Córdoba dropped to seventh after drawing 1-1 with Poli Ejido, a controversial goal from Castell in the fourth minute of injury time cancelling out Arteaga's earlier strike. Tenerife climbed back into the top half of the table after a comfortable 3-1 win over struggling Xerez, moving ahead of Eibar and Castellón who could only draw 0-0. And Alavés distanced themselves from the drop zone after a 3-1 win over Las Palmas, who are now firmly anchored to the foot of the table. (18.11.07)
Four matches in the second division on Saturday, with Málaga consolidating their place at the top after coming from behind to beat Racing Ferrol 4-2. The Galicians were two up at the break thanks to a Gaitán own goal and a strike from Pereira, but two from Hidalgo after the restart levelled the scores, and Gerardo and Peragón wrapped things up later on. Sporting Gijón move back up to third after beating last week's incumbent Sevilla Atlético 1-3. A Lolo own goal and a shot from Kike Mateo gave the Asturians a two goal lead by half time, and although David Prieto got one back for the locals, Barral finished them off near the end.
The game between Gimnàstic and Real Sociedad, two of the sides relegated last season, ended in a 1-1 draw. Delibasic put the Basque side ahead midway through the first half, but they had Víctor López sent off before half time and the Catalans took advantage to equalise through Dani Tortolero with ten minutes to go. Meanwhile Albacete's nightmare season continued with a 1-0 defeat at Granada 74, and the Manchegans sink further down in the drop zone. Borja Criado got the only goal for the home side in the eightieth minute. (17.11.07)

Qualifying group F - Spain 3 - Sweden 0

2007-11-18T04:21:00.000-08:00

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila; Albelda; Iniesta (Joaquín 52'), Xavi, Cesc, David Silva (Riera 66'); David Villa (Tamudo 52'). 4-1-4-1.

Sweden: Isaksson; Nilsson, Mellberg, Hansson, Edman; Wilhelmsson (Bakircioglü 79'), Andersson (Källström 46'), Svensson, Ljungberg; Ibrahimovic, Rosenberg (Allback 59'). 4-4-2.

Goals:
1-0. 14. Capdevila. Turned ball into net after Cesc headed on Xavi's corner.
2-0. 39. Iniesta. Got on end of Capdevila cross to shoot into roof of net.
3-0. 65. Ramos. Poked ball back past Isaksson after Capdevila shot blocked.
Spain have qualified for the Euro 2008 finals after beating Sweden 3-0, a result which takes them above their opponents to the top of group F. As with the last game against Denmark, Luis Aragonés opted to line up with his three play-makers Cesc, Iniesta and Xavi in the line up, with Puyol and Villa coming in to strengthen the side. And within a quarter of an hour they were ahead, Capdevila turning the ball past Isaksson after Cesc headed on Xavi's corner for his first goal with "La Selección".

Villa hit the post with a free kick and Sergio Ramos fired a shot over the top as Spain continued to dominate, and with six minutes to go to the break Iniesta latched on to Capdevila's pass to score his team's second. Ibrahimovic got the ball in the net after hitting the post only to see the strike ruled out for offside, but Xavi and Cesc both went close before Ramos wrapped things up after another Xavi corner, firing the ball back in to the net after Wilhelmsson blocked Capdevila's shot.

The news that Northern Ireland and Denmark were drawing had meant that both Spain and Sweden were qualified for a short while, but Ireland's eventual victory changed the situation, and Spain needed to win to avoid any possible upset against the Irish in Las Palmas next Wednesday. Just to make sure they continued to push forward, Riera coming on and almost immediately hitting the side netting, and Joaquín and Xavi both bringing saves out of Isaksson.

Casillas was finally put under some pressure as Sweden tried for a consolation, but the Scandinavians' best chance came from a Källström free kick which deflected off the defensive wall over the top. They now need a point against Latvia in their last match to go through, but Spain can start to celebrate knowing that their place in Austria / Switzerland is assured.

MESSI COMES TO DEFENCE OF RIJKAARD

2007-11-14T22:41:00.000-08:00

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has expressed his support for beleaguered coach Frank Rijkaard.
Barca slipped to third in the Primera Liga after their defeat at the hands of Getafe at the weekend, leading to renewed speculation about the future of Rijkaard.
But Messi remains a keen supporter of the Dutchman. The 20-year-old told www.marca.es: "I want them to let Rijkaard work so he can solve the problem.
"He has the maturity to find the answers to what is happening to us."

Copa del Rey - Fourth round

2007-11-14T22:37:00.000-08:00

The draw took place today for the fourth round of the Spanish cup, iin which the first division sides participate for the first time. The surviving second division B sides were all seeded to play six of the teams playing in Europe this season, and the six second division A sides also face first division opposition. Matches will take place over two legs, with the first leg in the ground of the lower ranked club on or around 13th November.

First division clubs finally entered the fray in the fourth round, with three games kicking off on Tuesday night. Barcelona beat second division B side Alcoyano 0-3 to take some of the pressure off coach Frank Rijkaard, although they only wrapped things up late on after their opponents had been left with nine men. Henry put them in front midway through the first half, and a Gudjohnsen penalty and a strike by Bojan in the last few minutes virtually sealed the tie.
Cup holders Sevilla were unable to do more than draw 1-1 against a Denia side who are next to bottom of their 2B regional group. Chevantón put the Andalusians ahead with a quarter of an hour to go, but Pablo equalised to send the local crowd wild just a couple of minutes later.
And Athletic Bilbao were held to a 2-2 draw by Andoni Goikoetxea's Hércules, who were two up at half time with goals from Llera and Cámara. Del Horno set up Llorente and then scored himself later in the second half though to give the Basque side the advantage going in to the second leg.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS WILLING TO PAY 40M€ FOR IKER CASILLAS

2007-11-14T22:36:00.000-08:00

Spanish daily "El Mundo" has hang on its web that English PremierLeague club TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS is willing to make an offerto REAL MADRID goalkeeper IKER CASILLAS worth 40M€.

New Spanish coach Juande Ramos is already thinking long-term &considers Iker a vital piece for his "new" side. A difficult wish as Casillasrejected a Manchester Utd offer two years ago & said he wishes toretire at Real Madrid. But that was 2 years ago & the money may....The Tottenham coach also has other Spanish players in mind. For themidfield XAVI from Fc Barcelona & for the forward line DAVIDVILLA from Valencia CFStay tuned as Tottemham is certain to surprise us all.

ATLETICO DE MADRID NEWS

2007-11-14T22:31:00.000-08:00

Spanish daily "Marca" give two news pieces concerning ATLETICODE MADRID today, one concerning QUARESMA & the otherconcerning JOHN HEITINGA of Ajax of Amsterdam.

According to cited paper, Portugues International QUARESMA is tryingto "break" the agreement that his agent has with Atletico as a 1º optionbuy. The day after Atletico President Cerezo announced that Quaresmawas still a possibility for the team, the player ( apparently) has said to hisPortugues team mates & his agents that he wishes to go & play for REAL MADRID.This is an ongoing "yes, no, deal off, deal on, agreement, break agreement..."saga that, quite frankly, is becoming boring & Atletico should move on, in SFShumble opinion.

First division - day 12

2007-11-12T05:42:00.000-08:00

Barcelona kicked off week twelve knowing that a win at Getafe would take them above Real Madrid pending their game on Sunday. However they lost 2-0 to the side who knocked them out of the cup six months ago, continuing their poor form away from home. Manu Del Moral opened the scoring for the Madrid based side midway through the first half, turning the ball past Valdés after Cata Díaz headed over Licht's free kick, and after Zambrotta was sent off for a hard tackle on the left back, Albín wrapped things up with a second goal in the last minute.
Valencia moved level on points with Barcelona and also Villarreal after beating Murcia 3-0 later in the evening. The Chés put an end to a run of four defeats in a row in the Mestalla stadium, with Iván Helguera setting them on their way when he headed home David Silva's free kick in the eleventh minute. David Villa added two more either side of half time, the first after Albelda put him through and the second after Silva played Albelda's pass back into his path, to give new coach Ronald Koeman his first win. (10.11.07)
Villarreal 3 - Sevilla 2
Villarreal: Viera; Angel, Fuentes Cygan, Capdevila; Marcos Senna, Josico (Mavuba 43'); Cani (Mati Fernández 60'), Nihat (Tomasson 74'), Pires; Guille Franco. 4-2-3-1.
Sevilla: Palop; Daniel Alves, Mosquera, Dragutinovic, Casado (Martí 48'); Jesús Navas, Poulsen, Keita, Adriano; Luis Fabiano (Kerzhakov 77'), Kanouté (Renato 46'). 4-4-2.

Team changes: Villarreal: Cygan, Josico, Nihat for Godín, Bruno, Rossi / Sevilla: Mosquera, Casado for Fazio, Crespo.

Goals: 1-0. 30. Guille Franco. Got ahead of Palop to head Senna free kick into net.
1-1. 34. Kanouté. From close up after Luis Fabiano crossed in from right.
1-2. 50. Luis Fabiano. Whipped shot past keeper after corner not cleared.
2-2. 67. Guille Franco. Angled header across keeper from Senna free kick.
3-2. 85. Mati Fernández (penalty). After Fernández himself tripped by Mosquera.

Almería 0 - Atlético Madrid 0
Almería: Cobeño; Bruno, Carlos García, Acasiete, Mané; Juanma Ortíz (José Ortíz 73'), Soriano (Juanito 82'), Felipe Melo, Crusat; Kalu Uche (Corona 65'), Negredo. 4-4-2.
Atlético: Leo Franco; Seitaridis (Eller 46'), Perea, Pablo, Antonio López; Maniche, Cléber Santana; Reyes (Luis García 60'), Maxi, Simao (Motta 73'); Agüero. 4-2-3-1.
Team changes: Almería: Juanma Ortíz, Negredo for Juanito, Natalio / Atlético: Antonio López, Cléber Santana for Pernía, Raúl García.
Goals: None.

Valladolid 1 - Levante 0
Valladolid: Alberto; Pedro López, Rafa, García Calvo, Marcos; Alvaro Rubio, Vivar Dorado; Víctor, Kome (Sisi 58'), Jonathan Sesma (Oscar Sánchez 83'); Llorente (Ogbeche 71'). 4-2-3-1. Levante: Storari; Descarga, Bruno Cirillo, José Serrano, Rubiales; Tommasi (Miguel Angel 83'), Javi Fuego; Juanma (Saúl 72'), Riga, Savio (Geijo 73'); Riganò. 4-2-3-1.
Team changes: Valladolid: Víctor for Sisi / Levante: Bruno Cirillo for Alvaro.
Goals: 1-0. 63. Sesma. Hooked ball past Storari with spectacular shot on turn.

Betis 2 - Zaragoza 1
Betis: Ricardo; Damià, Juanito, Lima, Fernando Vega; Juande (Arzu 46'), Somoza; Rivera (Xisco 46'), Edu, Caffa (Pavone 72'); Sobis. 4-2-3-1.
Zaragoza: César; Diogo, Ayala (Goni 72'), Chus Herrero, Paredes; D'Alessandro (Gabi 84'), Zapater, Luccin, Oscar González; Sergio García (Aimar 60'), Diego Milito. 4-4-2.
Team changes: Betis: Damià, Fernando Vega, Caffa, Sobis for Ilic, Babic, Mark González, Pavone / Zaragoza: Paredes, D'Alessandro for Gabi, Oliveira.
Goals: 0-1. 34. D'Alessandro. Curled free kick over wall and into far top corner of net.
1-1. 80. Pavone. Ran on to Edu through ball and lifted shot past keeper.
2-1. 90. Pavone. Chested ball in from close up after Edu headed back Xisco cross.

Getafe 2 - Barcelona 0
Getafe: Pato Abbondanzieri; David Cortés, Mario, Cata Díaz, Licht; Pablo Hernández (Granero 69'), De la Red, Casquero, Sousa (Pallardó 81'); Manu del Moral (Albín 68'), Uche. 4-4-2. Barcelona: Víctor Valdés; Puyol, Thuram (Zambrotta 46'), Milito, Abidal; Xavi, Touré Yayá, Iniesta; Messi (Bojan 71'), Henry, Ronaldinho (Giovani 62'). 4-3-3.
Team changes: Getafe: Manu del Moral for Kepa / Barça: Milito for Zambrotta.
Goals: 1-0. 27. Manu del Moral. Beat Valdés after Cata Díaz headed back free kick.
2-0. 90. Albín. Picked up Uche's pass and struck angled shot past keeper.

Recreativo Huelva 1 - Osasuna 0
Recreativo: Sorrentino; Pampa Calvo, Beto, Quique Alvarez (Gerard 68'), Poli; Martín Cáceres, Martins (Dani Bautista 86'); Camuñas, Javi Guerrero, Aitor (Marquitos 52'); Sinama-Pongolle. 4-2-3-1.
Osasuna: Ricardo; Izquierdo, Josetxo (Echaide 72'), Javi García, Monreal; Margairaz (Carlos Vela 61'), Puñal; Juanfran, Héctor Font, Plasil (Pandiani 73'); Dady. 4-2-3-1.
Team changes: Recreativo: Pampa Calvo, Quique Alvarez, Poli, Javi Guerrero for Edu Moya, Dani Bautista, Jesús Vázquez, Varela / Osasuna: Izquierdo, Josetxo, Javi García, Plasil for Javier Flaño, Miguel Flaño, Cruchaga, Carlos Vela.
Goals: 1-0. 70. Martins. Drove shot inside Ricardo's near post after Sinama laid ball back.

Espanyol 2 - Athletic Bilbao 1
Espanyol: Kameni; Zabaleta, Torrejón, Jarque, Clemente; Valdo (Jonatas 62'), Moisés Hurtado, De la Peña (Lola 91'), Riera; Luis García (Lacruz 93'), Tamudo. 4-4-2.
Athletic: Iraizoz; Ustaritz, Aitor Ocio, Amorebieta, Koikili; Orbaiz (David López 48'), Javi Martínez; Iraola, Etxeberría (Luis Prieto 88'), Gabilondo; Aduriz (Llorente 62'). 4-2-3-1.
Team changes: Espanyol: Zabaleta, Valdo, De la Peña, Riera, Tamudo for Lacruz, Coro, Lola, Moha, Jonathan Soriano / Athletic: Ustaritz for Susaeta.
Goals: 0-1. 02. Gabilondo. On far post after Aduríz headed on Amorebieta free kick.
1-1. 39. Tamudo. Got on end of Riera's cross to turn ball across Iraizoz.
1-2. 90. Aitor Ocio (own goal). Deflected Clemete's cross up over keeper

Deportivo 0 - Racing Santander 1
Deportivo: Dudu Aouate; Manuel Pablo, Piscu, Coloccini, Filipe; Sergio (Riki 80'), De Guzmán; Cristian (Rubén Castro 80'), Verdú, Guardado; Xisco (Bodipo 67'). 4-2-3-1.
Racing: Toño; Pinillos, Garay, Oriol, Luis Fernández; Munitis (Sergio Sánchez 88'), Duscher, Colsa, Oscar Serrano (Jorge López 57'); Tchite, Smolarek (Ayoze 64'). 4-4-2.
Team changes: Deportivo: No change / Racing: Smolarek for Jorge López.
Goals: 0-1. 67. Tchite. Got on end of Munitis cross to poke shot inside near post.
Valencia 3 - Murcia 0
Valencia: Hildebrand; Miguel, Marchena, Iván Helguera, Caneira; Angulo, Albelda, Baraja, David Silva (Arizmendi 73'); Morientes (Vicente 61'), David Villa (Zigic 79'). 4-4-2.
Murcia: Notario; Mejía (Abel 61'), César Arzo, Ochoa, Peña; De Lucas, Pablo García, Movilla, Regueiro (Jofre 58'); Goitom, Iván Alonso (Iñigo 58'). 4-4-2.
Team changes: Valencia: Miguel, Marchena, Baraja, Angulo, David Villa for Alexis, Moretti, Manuel Fernandes, Joaquín, Vicente / Murcia: Ochoa, Peña, De Lucas, Movilla, Goitom, Iván Alonso for Pignol, Marañón, Gallardo, Richi, Iñigo, Baiano.
Goals: 1-0. 11. Iván Helguera. Got on the end of Silva free kick to head past Notario.
2-0. 26. David Villa. After Albelda won ball off Pablo García and put him through.
3-0. 50. David Villa. Turned ball past keeper after Albelda and Silva passing move.

Real Madrid - Mallorca (Resumen / Higlights)
Uploaded by esoj2121

Real Madrid 4 - Mallorca 3
Madrid: Casillas; Miguel Torres, Cannavaro (Pepe 46'), Heinze, Marcelo; Sneijder (Higuain 75'), Gago, Diarra, Robinho (Drenthe 87'); Raúl, Van Nistelrooy. 4-4-2. Mallorca: Lux; Héctor, Ballesteros, Nunes, Fernando Navarro; Basinas, Pereyra (Borja Valero 51'); Varela (Víctor 90'), Ibagaza, Arango (Webó 76'); Güiza. 4-2-3-1.
Team changes: Madrid: Miguel Torres, Heinze, Sneijder for Sergio Ramos, Metzelder, Guti / Mallorca: Pereyra, Varela for Borja Valero, Jonás Gutiérrez.
Goals: 1-0. 11. Robinho. Guided looping header past Lux from Marcelo's cross.
1-1. 13. Varela. Picked up long pass from Ibagaza and rounded Casillas.
2-1. 16. Robinho. Collected Raúl's deflected pass and shot low inside post.
2-2. 36. Varela. Fired shot into top corner of Casillas's net from outside area.
2-3. 57. Güiza. Drove shot past keeper after Diarra played ball into his path.
3-3. 63. Raúl. Got on end of Robinho cross to turn ball in on near post.
4-3. 73. Van Nistelrooy. Ran on to Raúl pass and curled shot in off far post.

UEFA 2007/2008

2007-11-10T12:42:00.000-08:00

The UEFA cup incorporates a mini-league stage at the second round of the competition once again this season. Some 40 teams have been grouped into eight leagues, with sides playing each other only once. The top three of each group go through to the third round, where they will be joined by the eight teams from the Champions' League who finished third in their own CL groups. Five days have been set aside for the competition, with each team playing two matches at home and two away, and having one day of rest. Details of the full draw and the fixtures involving the three remaining Spanish clubs are set out below, and current league tables can be seen by clicking on the group name once the competition begins. (09.10.06)

Lokomotiv Moscow Bilyaletdinov, Odemwingie (2) 3 - 3 Atlético Madrid Agüero (2), Forlán

League phaseday 1 25 Oct Villarreal 1 - 1 Fiorentina
Capdevila Vieri

League phaseday 1 25 Oct
Tottenham 1 - 2 Getafe
Defoe De la Red, Braulio

League phase day 1 8 Nov Atlético Madrid REST DAY League phaseday 2 8 Nov
Mlada Boleslav 1 - 2 Villarreal
Mendy Nihat, Cazorla

UEFA Cup
Mlada Boleslav 1 - Villarreal 2
Mlada: Miller; Vorisek, Prochazka, Kopic, Sedlacek (Reznicek 58'); Matejovsky, Kalina (Vanecek 46'); Rajnoch, Hrdlickan (Tavorsky 84'), Mendy; Kisela. 4-2-3-1.
Villarreal: Diego López; Josemi, Cygan, Godin, Ángel (Capdevila 82'); Cazorla, Josico, Mavuba, Matías Fernández; Nihat (Guille Franco 73'), Tomasson. 4-4-2.

Goals: 0-1. 33. Nihat. Ran on to Mati Fernández pass and rounded keeper to score.
0-2. 55. Cazorla. Picked up pass from Mati Fernández and beat Miller.
1-2. 89. Mendy. From close up after Reznicek played in Kysela cross.
Report to follow.

Real Madrid News

2007-11-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

The player wishes to play in Real & thats a comforting signfor Madrid officials who are following a "renewal" plan of signning young players with eyes on the future.
Talking of youngsters, BALBOA ( pictured below) hasbeen punished with being left out of the squad becauseof a fight with teammate PEPE in yesterdays training session.Apparently, Balboa punched Pepe after a strong tacklethat was´nt to the satisfaction of the youngster.A very competitive environment at Real were every team place is being fought hard for & tension is at timeshigh. Both players & coach have put "water" on thesituation saying it is part of everyday training.

Champions Laegue

2007-11-07T00:33:00.000-08:00

Champions League

Valencia 0 - Rosenborg 2
Valencia: Cañizares; Miguel, Caneira (Angulo 63'), Iván Helguera, Moretti; Joaquín (Zigic 63'), Albelda, Manuel Fernandes; David Silva; David Villa, Morientes (Vicente 46'). 4-4-2.

Rosenborg: Hirschfeld; Stoor, Kvarme, Riseth, Dorsin; Sapara (Ya 84'); Skjelbred (Storflor 80'), Tettey, Iversen, Traoré; Koné. 4-1-4-1.

Goals: 0-1. 31. Iversen. Picked up Sapara pass and beat Hildbrand with shot on turn. 0-2. 58. Iversen. Header into empty net after Hildebrand misread corner.
Ronald Koeman's reign at Mestalla began disappointingly as Valencia CF succumbed to a rampant Rosenborg BK to leave their UEFA Champions League challenge in the balance and the Norwegian side dreaming of a first knockout stage appearance since 1996/97.
Famous winsThe visitors – who had overcome the Spanish team 2-0 in Trondheim two weeks before – defended heroically and then broke away twice to score through Steffen Iversen and make it a happy debut in the competition for new coach Trond Henriksen. It was only Rosenborg's second UEFA Champions League away win in 21 outings; before Matchday 3 they had just a single victory from their last 21 games in the tournament.
Adventurous approachRosenborg's approach was refreshing. While a draw would have been considered a good result, they were intent on making the most of their possession and pushed forward at every opportunity. It made for an interesting first half with Valencia probing down the flanks, and Joaquín's corners seeming most likely to provide a breakthrough. Twice Iván Helguera got on the end of them, the second time drawing a splendid save from Lars Hirschfeld.
Villa threatDavid Villa, back after an ankle injury, added vital sharpness to the Valencia front line, expertly collecting a long pass from Luis Miguel only to shoot hastily wide. Rosenborg countered with pace and showed they had the means to worry Valencia at the back. When Abdou Razack Traoré swung over a cross, Iversen pursued it beyond the far post and struck the upright with his attempted knock-back.
Iversen breakthroughIt was therefore less of a surprise than it might have been when the away side took the lead in the 31st minute. Per Ciljan Skjelbred started the move after another Valencia attack had fizzled out and Marek Sapara carried it on, passing to Iversen who turned to crack a low shot beyond Timo Hildebrand and in off the post. Stung, Valencia rallied with Hirschfeld smothering at Villa's feet but Rosenborg promptly broke with menace again, the unmarked Yssouf Koné heading down and over the bar. On the stroke of half-time, Hildebrand denied the same player with his legs while Hirschfeld was at full stretch to keep out a Villa thunderbolt.
Morientes offWith Valencia committed to attack, Rosenborg were finding ample space when they had the ball and with their confidence at a high level they looked capable of punishing the home team again. Koeman had withdrawn Fernando Morientes at the interval, the striker seemingly affected by an early challenge which left him requiring treatment. Valencia's frustration mounted. There was little fluency to their game now and their fans sensed more disappointment was round the corner.
Two for IversenIt arrived in the 58th minute when Hildebrand missed Mikael Dorsin's corner, allowing Iversen to nod in his second goal. The final score might have been even worse for Valencia. Iversen and Yssouf Koné were frustrated by Hildebrand and the post respectively in the same second-half move and the latter spurned two golden opportunities – although a famous Rosenborg win was already secured.

Olympiacos 0 - Real Madrid 0
Olympiacos: Nikopolidis; Pantos, Zewlakow, Julio César (Mendrinos 74'), Raúl Bravo (Archubo 53'); Galletti, Stoltidis, Patsatzoglou, Djordjevic; Lua Lua, Kovacevic (Konstantinou 80'). 4-4-2.

Real Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Heinze, Marcelo; Robinho (Balboa 82'), Diarra, Gago, Sneijder; Raúl (Saviola 82'), Van Nistelrooy. 4-4-2.

Goals: None.

Olympiacos CFP produced a determined display to earn a point against Real Madrid CF as their Group C contest at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium ended in a goalless draw.
Lazio winMadrid were twice denied by the woodwork and created a string of chances but the group leaders failed to break the resistance of their resolute Greek hosts. Madrid remain unbeaten and on top of a competitive pool with eight points, while Olympiacos stay firmly in contention despite being joined on five points by their next opponents, S.S. Lazio, who won 2-0 home at home to Werder Bremen.CharacterDespite being deprived of four first-team regulars Olympiacos made a confident start, Lomana LuaLua registering the first effort on goal with an audacious overhead kick in the second minute. Sergio Ramos then launched an early raid down the right for Madrid but his shot from distance was well wide. The Olympiacos coach Panagiotis Lemonis had urged his players to show character and his goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis did just that on 13 minutes when diving low to deny Robinho after the Brazilian was sent clear by a typically crisp Wesley Sneijder pass.
Absorbing contestNext it was Michał Żewłakow who saved the home team with a brilliant last-ditch tackle on Ruud van Nistelrooy six minutes later as Madrid began to dominate. As vulnerable as Olympiacos looked, Darko Kovačević might have given them the lead had he connected with Predrag Djordjević's cross after 21 minutes. The match was by now end to end, and an absorbing contest. Seven minutes later Ieroklis Stoltidis deflected Sneijder's corner on to the post and Madrid came close again on 35 minutes when Sniejder dissected the Greek side's defence to free Van Nistelrooy who cleared Nikopolidis with a deft chip but not the bar and the ball was headed to safety.
Bravo injuryIn between those opportunities, LuaLua incurred the wrath of Djordjević when he fired wide when a simple pass to his on-rushing captain was a better option. No one in red and white was keener to impress than Raúl Bravo, and the former Madrid defender signalled his intent with a rasping long-range drive late in the half which fizzed narrowly wide of Iker Casillas's goal. That proved to be the Spaniard's last noteworthy contribution, as he hobbled off in the 53rd minute to make way for debutant Rodrigo Javier Archubi.
Impressive NikopolidisThe change did not initially affect Olympiacos as LuaLua had a shot blocked and Luciano Galletti miskicked the rebound with Casillas exposed, although Madrid were on top from the hour mark when Van Nistelrooy narrowly failed to connect with a Sneijder free-kick. Still, the home team were not without chances and LuaLua volleyed over on 67 minutes when well placed. Robinho was also guilty of profligacy, although Nikopolidis was the busiest man on the pitch as he repelled Madrid on a number of occasions to keep the scores level.

First division - day 11

2007-11-05T23:34:00.000-08:00

Only one point separates three teams after Sunday's matches. Barcelona comfortably beat struggling Betis 3-0, Henry opening the scoring and Ronaldinho converting two free kicks after the restart. And Villarreal won a thrilling match at Atlético Madrid by 3-4, Nihat scoring twice later on to turn the scoreline around after the hosts had taken the lead for a second time after the break. (04.11.07)
A week is a long time in football they say, but sometimes three days can be an eternity! Real Madrid were brought back to Earth after the thrashing of Valencia midweek, Bernd Schuster's side losing 2-0 at Sevilla on Saturday evening. Keita and Luis Fabiano got the goals in a three minute period midway through the first half.
Meanwhile Valencia bounced back to beat Mallorca 0-2 and move back up to the Champions League spots. Morientes got both the goals, the first on the stroke of half time and the second after the restart, and all that before new manager Ronald Koeman had even taken over. (03.11.07)
Second division - day 11
Málaga are off the top of the table after losing 0-1 to Numancia on Sunday lunchtime. Julio Alvarez got the only goal after the break to take the Soria based side above their rivals.

Atlético ; 3-4 ;Villarreal

Levante ; 3-0 ; Almería

Zaragoza ; 2-3 ; Valladolid

Barcelona ; 3-0 ;Betis

Osasuna ; 0-2 ; Getafe

Athletic ; 2-0 ; Recreativo

Racing ; 1-1 ; Espanyol

Murcia ; 0-2 ;Deportivo

Mallorca ; 0-2 ;Valencia

Sevilla ; 2-0 ; R Madrid

First Division - Day 10

2007-11-01T00:21:00.000-07:00

Valencia; 1 - 5 ;Real Madrid

De eerste echte topper van het Spaanse Primera División ging tussen Valencia en Real Madrid. Spannend was het echter niet; de Madrilenen maakten gehakt van de nieuwe club van Ronald Koeman: 1-5.
Als enige Nederlander startte Ruud van Nistelrooij weer in de basis. Wesley Sneijder werd gepasseerd ten faveure van Fernando Gago, om zo een stabieler middenveld te creëren. Valencia moest onder meer sterspits David Villa missen, en startte met enkele reservespelers. Vlak na de aftrap lag de eerste treffer er al in. Raúl had slechts 39 seconden nodig om doelman Timo Hildebrand te passeren. De thuisploeg leek na de vroege tegentreffer even meer grip op de wedstrijd te krijgen, maar toen Ruud van Nistelrooij op een kwart van de wedstrijd met een mooie lob voor de 0-2 had gezorgd was het afgelopen.
En de Koninklijke ging door. Vijf minuten na de tweede zorgde Sergio Ramos met een hard schot alweer voor doelpunt nummer drie. Even later was Van Nistelrooij opnieuw trefzeker. Guti bereikte Robinho, en nadat de Braziliaan de bal verkeerd raakte belandde deze voor de voeten van de Nederlander, die niet aarzelde en Hildebrand voor de vierde maal passeerde. Na rust nam Real wat gas terug, en dat resulteerde na een klein uur in een tegentreffer. Miguel Ángel Angulo, die Villa in de spits verving, was verantwoordelijk voor het doelpunt van Los Che.
Toch zou het niet lang duren voor de marge weer vier was. De man in vorm bij Real Madrid, Robinho, wist ditmaal wel de kans die hij kreeg te benutten, en vergrootte de misère bij de thuisclub. Real-coach Bernd Schuster geloofde het wel, en haalde Van Nistelrooij naar de kant, met het oog op de volgende topper, bij Sevilla, aankomend weekend. Valencia kon nog altijd weinig uitrichten, zeker toen Raúl Albiol tien minuten voor tijd nog met rood naar de kant moest. De overwinning van Los Merengues kwam nimmer in gevaar. Koeman heeft veel werk te verrichten, terwijl Real ook na deze speelronde nog eerste staat in La Liga.

Valencia CF - Real Madrid CF
5 Raúl González
24' Ruud van Nistelrooij
29' Sergio Ramos
36' Ruud van Nistelrooij
58' Miguel Ángel Angulo
64' Robinho
8' Raúl Albiol (Valencia)

Atlético Madrid 4 - Sevilla 3

Atlético: Leo Franco; Seitaridis, Perea, Ze Castro, Pernía; Maxi (Jurado 88'), Maniche, Raúl García, Luis García (Simao 58'); Agüero, Diego Forlán (Reyes 23'). 4-4-2.

Sevilla: Palop; Daniel Alves, Fazio, Boulahrouz, Crespo; Jesús Navas (Diego Capel 78'), Martí, Keita, Adriano (Diego Capel 78'); Kone (Kerzhakov 67'), Luis Fabiano. 4-4-2.
Team changes:
Atlético: Seitaridis, Pernía for Pablo, Antonio López / Sevilla: Boulahrouz, Martí, Kone for Dragutinovic, Poulsen, Kanouté.
Goals: 1-0. 02. Maniche.
Shot past Palop after keeper saved first effort from Forlán. 1-1. 14. Luis Fabiano. Struck low free kick through defensive wall into net. 2-1. 16. Agüero. Headed ball back into net after Palop saved from Luis García. 2-2. 44. Zé Castro (own goal). Steered header past keeper from Alves cross. 3-2. 70. Maxi. Acrobatic leap to turn Agüero cross in on far post. 4-2. 90. Jurado. Got on end of Simao cross to turn ball past Palop. 4-3. 92. Luis Fabiano. Connected with Duda cross to lift shot over keeper.
Report to follow.

Villarreal 3 - Levante 0
Villarreal: Viera; Angel, Fuentes, Cygan, Capdevila; Cazorla (Javi Venta 82'), Marcos Senna (Mavuba 70'), Bruno, Mati Fernández; Rossi, Guille Franco (Nihat 60'). 4-4-2.
Levante: Storari; Manolo Gaspar (Rubiales 46'), Alvaro, Bruno Cirillo, Descarga; Miguel Angel, Tommasi; Juanma (Saúl 71'), Riga, Courtois (Javi Fuego 71'); Geijo. 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Villarreal: Angel, Mati Fernández, Rossi, Guille Franco for Javi Venta, Cani, Pires; Tomasson / Levante: Bruno Cirillo, Manolo Gaspar, Geijo for José Serrano, Rubiales, Riganò.
Goals: 1-0. 04. Guille Franco. Got on the end of Senna free kick to score from close up. 2-0. 15. Rossi (penalty). After Bruno Cirillo fouled Cazorla inside area. 3-0. 38. Cygan. Got above marker to head Senna free kick past keeper.
Report to follow.

Almería 0 - Zaragoza 1

Almería: Cobeño; Bruno, Carlos García, Acasiete (Pulido 57'), Mané; Corona (Soriano 71'), Juanito; José Ortíz (Juanma Ortíz 65'), Felipe Melo, Crusat; Negredo. 4-2-3-1.
Zaragoza: César; Diogo, Sergio (Chus Herrero 03'), Goni, Paredes; Sergio García (Gabi 81'), Zapater, Luccin, Oscar González; Diego Milito, Oliveira (D'Alessandro 74'). 4-4-2.

Team changes: Almería: Corona, José Ortíz for Soriano, Juanma Ortíz / Zaragoza: Sergio, Goni, Paredes for Ayala, Pavón, Cuartero.
Goals: 0-1. 77. Diego Milito (penalty). After Cobeño pulled down Oscar inside area.
Report to follow.
Betis 0 - Osasuna 3

Betis: Ricardo; Damià, Melli, Lima, Fernando Vega; Juande, Capi (Somoza 60'); Xisco (Odonkor 46'), Sobis (Pavone 46'), Mark González; Edu. 4-2-3-1.
Osasuna: Ricardo; Javier Flaño, Miguel Flaño, Cruchaga, Monreal; Azpilicueta, Margaiz (Hugo Viana 76'), Puñal, Héctor Font; Carlos Vela (Erice 82'), Dady (Kike Sola 67'). 4-4-2.

Team changes: Betis: Lima, Mark González, Edu for Rivas, Fernando, Babic / Osasuna: Javier Flaño, Cruchaga, Monreal, Azpilicueta, Margaiz, Héctor Font, Carlos Vela, Dady for Izquierdo, Josetxo, Corrales, Juanfran, Javi García, Plasil, Portillo, Pandiani.
Goals: 0-1. 43. Melli (own goal). Headed ball past Ricardo trying to clear Puñal free kick. 0-2. 51. Dady. Got on end of César Azpilicueta cross to turn shot past keeper. 0-3. 54. Carlos Vela. Picked up Dady return pass and fired shot into top of net.
Report to follow.

Getafe 2 - Athletic Bilbao 0

Getafe: Pato Abbondanzieri; Pallardó, Mario, Cata Díaz, Licht; Pablo Hernández (Granero 81'), De la Red, Casquero, Sousa; Kepa (Manu del Moral 74'), Uche (Alberto 86'). 4-4-2.

Athletic: Iraizoz; Zubiaurre, Aitor Ocio, Amorebieta, Koikili; Iraola, Orbaiz (Muñoz 80'); Susaeta, Etxeberría (Llorente 46'), Gabilondo (David López 46'); Aduriz. 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Getafe: Mario, Kepa for Belenguer, Manu Del Moral / Athletic: Zubiaurre for Javi Martínez.
Goals: 1-0. 08. Casquero. Fired shot past Gorka after Kepa laid back free kick. 2-0. 29. Uche. Beat keeper at second attempt after cross from De la Red.
Report to follow.
Recreativo;0 - 0 ; Racing

Recreativo: Sorrentino; Pampa Calvo, Beto, Martín Cáceres, Poli; Jesús Vázquez, Martins (Varela 69'); Camuñas (Gerard 68'), Javi Guerrero, Aitor (Rosu 74'); Sinama-Pongolle. 4-2-3-1.

Racing: Toño; Pinillos, Garay, Oriol (Sergio Sánchez 69'), Ayoze (Cristian Fernández 85'); Jorge López, Colsa, Jordi, Munitis (Luis Fernández 69'); Smolarek, Tchite. 4-4-2.

Team changes: Recreativo: Poli, Javi Guerrero for Dani Bautista, Varela / Racing: Oriol, Ayoze, Jordi, Tchite for Sergio Sánchez, Luis Fernández, Duscher, Oscar Serrano.
Goals: None.
Report to follow.

Deportivo;0 - 0 ;Mallorca

Deportivo: Dudu Aouate; Manuel Pablo, Piscu, Coloccini, Filipe; Juan Rodríguez (Taborda 57'), De Guzmán; Cristian (Riki 71'), Verdú, Guardado; Bodipo. 4-2-3-1.

Mallorca: Moyà; Molinero (Lux 40'), David Navarro, Nunes, Fernando Navarro; Pereyra, Borja Valero (Basinas 75'); Varela, Arango, Tuni (Jonás Gutiérrez 62'); Güiza. 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Deportivo: Cristian, Bodipo for Sergio, Xisco / Mallorca: Molinero, David Navarro, Pereyra, Tuni for Héctor, Ballesteros, Basinas, Ibagaza.
Goals: 0-1. 11. Güiza. Tap in from a yard out after Varela shot came back off bar. 1-1. 41. Guardado (penalty). After Moyà sent off for bringing down Bodipo.
Report to follow.

SEVILLE FC NEWS. ANTONIO PUERTA DIES AT 22 YEARS OF AGE

2007-10-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

The player suffered a hereditory heart problem that made pumping bloodto his body difficult, but no one imagined up to what point.
Antonio leaves behind a family, wife & was to be dad in a couple of months.From SFS we wish & feel the deepest condolences for his family & SevillaFC.Here is the VIDEO of his finest moment. The last minute goal that putSEVILLA FC into their 1º final of the UEFA Cup , the semi -finalwith German side SCHALKE 04. We will remember the player like this,as a talented football professional that left his life on the field.
ANTONIO PUERTA R.I.P

ATLETICO DE MADRID NEWS: MISTA ON THE MARKET THIS "WINTER"

2007-10-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

MISTA came as a valuable asset from VALENCIA CF toATLETICO DE MADRID, his current club. However, he has´ntbeen able to shine as he did in his former club at the level thatgave him access to the Spanish National side shirt. Mista has only played 2 official games this season.Spanish daily "Marca" inform that Atletico will put Mista onthe "Winter Transfer Market", & it is possible that he willreturn to his home region & the club REAL MURCIA. Althoughother clubs could manifest their interest as well.What´s clear is that Mista & Atletico are set to part company

REAL RULE OUT KAKA MOVE

2007-10-29T10:49:00.001-07:00

Real Madrid have given up hope of taking AC Milan playmaker Kaka to the Bernabeu.
Ramon Calderon has been keen on Kaka since his presidential campaign and the Brazil international has been constantly linked with a move to Spain.
Milan have always insisted the 25-year-old is not for sale and are thought to have rejected numerous Real advances in the summer.
And Real sporting director Predrag Mijatovic has now confirmed they have shelved plans to lure Kaka and will move on to more realistic targets.
"(Real Madrid) can't allow itself to waste too much time on something that is extremely difficult to obtain," Mijatovic told Marca.
He added: "We've spoken a lot about this player over the past year and a half.
"Everybody likes him, but we know his situation and where he is playing, we'll move on to something else."

SANCHEZ FLORES LEAVES VALENCIA

2007-10-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

Valencia caretaker-coach Oscar Fernandez faces a baptism of fire when Los Che host table-topping Real Madrid on Wednesday in his first game in charge.
Fernandez has been thrust into the hot-seat following the sacking of Quique Sanchez Flores on Monday morning.
The decision, it appears, was based on the recent run of poor form which saw Valencia follow up their Champions League humiliation at Rosenborg with a 3-0 mauling at Sevilla, but Fernandez arguably now faces a tougher side than either of those.
Real come into the clash in formidable form having won seven of their nine La Liga games this season, though Wednesday marks the start of a schedule containing 10 games in 35 days.
Coach Bernd Schuster, however, is not fazed. He said: "We should give our players time to rest because of the schedule that lies ahead for us. The good news is that we will have three 'new' players in defence on Wednesday."
Gabriel Heinze, Fabio Cannavaro and Mahamadou Diarra are all expected to return to the backline, but Pepe will not make his debut.
Schuster issued a warning to fourth-placed Valencia and the rest of the chasing pack.
He said: "It is obvious we are a quality team and that is why we win games. Teams that aren't leaders should worry more than us."
Elsewhere, Sevilla will look to continue their recent good form at high-flying Atletico Madrid.
Off the pitch, Sevilla are still reeling from the loss of coach Juande Ramos to Tottenham, but on it their results have been impressive - winning their last two matches and scoring five goals in the process, including a 3-0 demolition of Valencia on Sunday.
President Jose Maria del Nido hopes the win will convince fans of the credentials of new coach Manolo Jimenez.
He said: "We have begun a new era at Sevilla FC and we have a manager who is held in high esteem by all of the squad. Today we have seen that the Manolo is capable of inspiring the players and I hope this continues."
Atletico, meanwhile, sit five places higher in the table in fifth and are just five points off the lead.
In other games, third-placed Villarreal host rock-bottom Levante and seventh-spotted Mallorca entertain struggling Deportivo La Coruna.
Recreativo Huelva host Racing Santander, Osasuna travel to Real Betis, Getafe welcome Athletic Bilbao, and Almeria play Real Zaragoza.
On Thursday, second-placed Barcelona travel to Valladolid and Espanyol - who sit sixth - welcome Murcia.

La Liga - Casillas: "Las críticas siempre estarán"

2007-10-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

Iker Casillas, portero internacional del Real Madrid, acepta las críticas que está recibiendo el equipo por su juego pero afirma que "ganando o perdiendo" siempre existirán opiniones en contra. 0"

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El Madrid trabaja la victoria ante el Depor
"Aunque se gane o se pierda las críticas van a estar igual. No me molestan. El Madrid siempre está en el punto de mira para todo tipo de opiniones. Si pierdes, porque pierdes, y si ganas, porque lo haces sin convencer", dijo.
"Los méritos están ahí. Ha habido partidos en el que no hemos merecido ganar y hemos ganado, otros que lo hicimos sin salirnos las cosas bien. Hay muchos partidos, muchas maneras de jugar y lo importante es que el equipo se mantenga líder. El equipo es consciente y lo que queremos es mejorar lo que estamos haciendo bien para que las cosas vayan mejor", agregó.
Para Casillas, el nuevo proyecto madridista necesita tiempo y comparó el momento que vive ahora el equipo con Bernd Schuster con el de la pasada temporada con Fabio Capello.
"El año pasado por estas mismas fechas estábamos en una crisis descomunal, fatal, y ahora que somos líderes estamos igual de mal. Hay que darle su tiempo. Mucha gente se ha ido y otros muchos han venido. Hay que aclimatarse, y aún así seguimos ahí arriba, y eso es mérito nuestro. Cuando tenemos que echar garra y coraje lo hacemos, como ante el Deportivo. Ganar nos supone mucha más satisfacción", dijo.
Las críticas que recibe el Real Madrid por su juego, las comparó Casillas con las del Barcelona, para defender a su eterno rival: "Tienen siete puntos en Liga y están a un paso de clasificarse en Champions. Ya me dirás quién está bien".
El Real Madrid afronta esta semana dos partidos a domicilio ante rivales directos, Valencia y Sevilla, que marcarán el nivel actual del equipo.
"El calendario a veces es caprichoso y nos da la oportunidad de jugar ante dos rivales fuertes en su campo. Tenemos que dar la talla ante dos equipos que juegan bastante bien al fútbol. El Sevilla todos sabemos lo que ocurrió a principio de temporada y es algo que cuesta superar. Juegan bastante bien y a la gente le gusta verlo", indicó.
Por último, pese a sonar su nombre entre los candidatos al Balón de Oro, Casillas se mostró incrédulo ante este tipo de galardones recordando el año que Raúl González no lo ganó porque se lo concedieron a Michael Owen.
"Esos premios no son objetivos, hay demasiadas cosas que me hacen ver que no son justos con los futbolistas. Me importa muy poco ser reconocido fuera. Muchas veces he tenido compañeros que se lo han merecido y no se lo han dado y otros al revés. Me parece todo un poco manipulado", sentenció.

REAL MADRID NEWS: KARIM BENZEMA ON THE AGENDA

2007-10-27T09:50:00.001-07:00

Spanish daily "Marca" have come out today with the news scoop.They claim that REAL MADRID has set its sights on OLYMPIQUEDE LYON 19 year old forward KARIM BENZEMA ( pictured below)for next season. With Van Nistelrooy & Raul in their 30s, the club isthinking in the future & in an injection of youth up front.

It seems Real Madrid has "forgetten" about Chelsea forwardDrogba ( due to his age of 30 years) & wishes the younger &upcoming French International.Real also is said to be working on DAVID VILLA. Stay tuned folks!

AC MILAN SEES RONALDINHO AS ITS "SAVIOUR"?

2007-10-27T09:48:00.001-07:00

Lastest news from the local sports press ( "Marca" & "Mundo Deportivo")is that AC MILAN is preparing a 60M€ transfer offer for FCBARCELONA & Brazilian star RONALDINHO.

AC Milan is having a bad start to the season & looks towardsRonaldinho as the "saviour", & the player needed to revitalise
the team. The "Winter Transfer" market opens on the 1st ofJanuary 2008 & AC Milan is said to be waiting to put the cash onBarça´s table. Stay tuned!

TOTTENHAM MAKES AN OFFER THAT SEVILLA FC COACH CANNOT REFUSE

2007-10-27T09:46:00.001-07:00

Its the big news of tonight. Local newspapers have picked up thescoop that SEVILLA FC coach JUANDE RAMOS ( pictured) maybeon the verge of accepting the coaching job of English Premier Leagueclub TOTTENHAM HOTSPURSThe English club has been playing the flute for a while at Juande,but their patience ended after Tottenham´s defeat in thehands of Spanish side Getafe in Uefa, which prompted a HUGEoffer by Tottenham of a 4 year contract with a staggering 7M€/seasonsalary. This would make Juande the best paid coach in the world atthis moment, an offer difficult to refuse.

It sounded as a rumour, until Sevilla president Del Nido has justannounced that the club will not put obstacules & that the departureof Juande is a real possibility. Add to this the news that Juande is inthe Sevilla offices negotiating his contract termination, & it lookslike Tottenham will have a new coach in days.
Juande Ramos is Sevilla FC most successful coach ever, winningback to back Uefa Cups, European SuperCup, Spanish Cup & takingSevilla into the elite part of the local league & Champions LeagueCompetition.More news will come out in the next hours,& SFS will keep you updatedon the developments.LATEST NEWS : CONFIRMED , Juande will be the new coach ofTottenham. He ended his agreement with Sevilla FC late last night.

RIQUELME A STAR IN A BLACK HOLE

2007-10-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hows this for an unsual situation. Imagine your a World Footballstar, an Argentine International considered one of best & decisivein every game, its more, your presence wins titles, like in the case ofBoca Juniors. To add more to the prestigue your voted constantlyby experts as amongst the best in the world, as in France Football"Golden Ball" candidate & FIFA World Players voting.Your name is JUAN ROMAN RIQUELME & you cannot get agame in your club VILLAREAL, your a star trapped in a black hole.

Riquelme has a year & a half of contract still left at Villareal, he trainsdaily with his team & gets paid his salary as agreed, but is never calledup to play for his side.A fierce arguement with his coach Pellegrini has banished Riquelme toexile. The team is doing very well without him & it looks like he willnever play with the yellow canary shirt again.Many clubs are interested in the Argentine, like Atletico de Madrid(who almost bought him, but stopped the operation which sayssomething), Manchester City, Boca Juniors, Fluminense...etc.What halts the operations?The high transfer price, his high salary ( out of reach for most) &a personality that is contagious & infectious for the whole teamin a negative & destructive manner (said by others or those interestedin justifying the situation, eg his current coach & club sources)The player is hoping that when the "Winter transfer market" openson the 1 of January 2008 he situation will change & that he cango elsewhere to play his football. Lets hope so, SFS would like to seethis star escape the gravitational force of his current club, & of hisconflictive personality, & return to shine again in the universe ofFootball.

EURO 2008: DENMARK 1 - SPAIN 3. FINALLY IT FINDS ITS GAME.

2007-10-16T23:21:00.000-07:00

SFS was glad to be wrong, SFS predicted beforehand thatSpain would have a bad night, & it had a grand game.SPAIN defeated DENMARK 1-3 in its all important Euro2008 qualifier & now touches overall qualification.The 1º half was brilliant, SFS was surprised, it was a long time since it had seen such good play. The reason, a greatCESC FABREGAS & IÑIESTA, finally some common sense for coach Aragones. First goal from RAUL TAMUDO, an excellent header.
Second goal, a great chip shot over the goalkeeper
by SERGIO RAMOS
Third goal by RIERA a "cracker".
Match details:
Denmark: Sorensen, Helveg, M. Laursen, U. Laursen,
N. Jensen (78'), Poulsen, D. Jensen, Andreasen (46'),
Rommedahl, Tomasson, Gronkjaer (65'),
Christiansen, C. Sorensen, Wurtz, Kahlenberg (65'),
Bendtner (46'), Pérez (78').Spain: Casillas, S. Ramos, Marchena, Albiol, Capdevila,
Albelda (63'), Joaquín (68'), Xavi, Cesc (78'),
Iniesta, Tamudo, Reina, Pernía, Pablo (63'),
Riera (68'), Silva, Luis García (78').
Goals:0-1 (14'): Tamudo.0-2 (39'): Sergio Ramos.1-2 (87'): Tomasson.1-3 (89'): Riera.Conclusion: Coach Aragones comes out strenghtened &Spain does not need RAUL, DAVID VILLA nor FERNANDOTORRES. Do you agree? :) Oppps, SFS nearly forgot, excellent match from goalkeeperCASILLAS.

JAVIER MASCHERANO OF THE FC BARCELONA AGENDA

2007-10-16T23:20:00.000-07:00

FC BARCELONA has its eyes on CESC FABREGAS for next season,however they realize the difficulties in such an operation & have a planB: JAVIER MASCHERANO.According to "Marca" & "Mundo Deportivo", the 23 year old Argentine& LIVERPOOL FC midfielder costs around 28-30M€ & maybe a viableoption for next season, always asumming that the Fabragas option isnot possible. Stay tuned!P.S SFS is certain that Real Madrid will make it even more difficult forBarça with their intended plans.

MAURO ICARDI. THE 14 YEAR OLD EVERYONE IS FIGHTING FOR

2007-10-16T23:19:00.000-07:00

His name is MAURO ICARDI, he is an Argentine living & playing inSpain with only 14 years of age. He immigrated to Spain with hisfamily escaping the Argentine crisis & plays for the VECINDARIOjunior team. In 5 years of Football the youngster has scored 400 goals & is seen as a potential future star, following the steps of otherslike Messi, Giovanni, Bojan...etc.The interest is so hot for the junior player that FC BARCELONA,REAL MADRID, SEVILLA, VALENCIA, ESPANYOL &DEPORTIVO are currently fighting between themselves to securethe Argentine.A this point it seems Barça is in the front running.Take note of the name, could be the next World star!

THE "NEW LOOK" SPANISH NATIONAL SIDE?

2007-10-16T23:18:00.000-07:00

Spanish daily "Marca" asks the question. Is Saturday´s team the basis of the new Spanish National Team?The paper adds that Xavi Alonso, David Villa & Sevilla goalkeeperPalop are the other 3 missing.The Spanish mentality & personality has a bad habit of over exemplifying "normal" achievements to later fall & hit the ground with reality. Spain did win 1- 3 Denmark, but lets behonest ( & with all respects to Denmark) they are not exactlythe best team around.The local media is inflating beyond reason Saturdays victory,important as it was, lets hope Spain, its Football managers & players keep it all in perspective.

REAL MADRID NEWS: CESC FABRAGAS IS THE MAN

2007-10-16T23:17:00.000-07:00

FC BARCELONA announced that its priority for next season wasCESC FABREGAS.Today, local daily "AS" announce that REAL MADRID has reacted& has put its machinary into action & placed on the top of it´s list theyoung 20 year old ARSENAL player for next season. Real Madridpresident Calderon wants his election promise to be reality & hasordered to do want needs to be done. Real Madrid may place as muchas 25 M€ on the table to convience the English club. Obviously withsuch interest from Barca & Real Madrid the price will not doubt liftto beyond the 30M€ mark. That´s only the beginning, the club & playerwill have to decide if they wish to negotiate.This is at this moment rumours, lets see how things evolve at theend of this season. Its clear that Cesc Fabregas is one of thecurrent "Golden Boys" of Spanish Football.Here´s a picture: The "enemy" in Real Madrid territory. This Atleticode Madrid fan took the opportunity to go down to the Real bench &sit on Schusters chair. SFS was invited to the "Bernabeu Staduim"for business today, & took the picture. How´s that! Cheers.

SEVILLE FC NEWS. ANTONIO PUERTA DIES AT 22 YEARS OF AGE

2007-10-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

SFS IS SHOCKED & SADDENED BY THE ANNOUNCEMENT .
Sevilla Fc, the city of Sevilla, Spanish Football & the whole nation of
Spain are mourning the loss & death of young 22 year old SEVILLA FCplayer ANTONIO PUERTA.The player sufferred a massive stroke that ended the life of the playerat the"Hospital Virgen de Rocio". We remember readers that Puertawas rushed from the "Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium" last Sunday after
collapsing on the field in the game with Getafe.
The player suffered multiple heart attacks that damaged organs, & todayat around 15.30 - 16.00 his body could not take it any longer.Here is how Antonio Puerta collapsed last Sunday:

http://www.youtube.com/index?&session=JfmS1-yWQCkarK0n3dahIP2B6JJn4A_Klp-FjFbzhlS-AFpoCDNrGEWRpiQkVbvCt2Q65jnVvsdMHb7Ld49hhIPeQfCDqfCg9cqrmemn41lZKxHOH97kkoRfzjmnfSBKlqODY7jzN8SDo9337qkMrFj4Qf-ApiXDg9edXUbVFsVJhruUrz8mBkog4Uc6DHSofSo2_EL5aUCZikhwrckxiF7TQElu7Tk_oAI5FHoapjmYwtBRdvTgELph9MgqOloMAHWTKhiYlibYzHDP1iYpM7fTcXlxWqpZUyylXcCaZzlMuuN3fS5_Cm1DHhgVa0E5

The player suffered a hereditory heart problem that made pumping bloodto his body difficult, but no one imagined up to what point.
Antonio leaves behind a family, wife & was to be dad in a couple of months.From SFS we wish & feel the deepest condolences for his family & SevillaFC.Here is the VIDEO of his finest moment. The last minute goal that putSEVILLA FC into their 1º final of the UEFA Cup , the semi -finalwith German side SCHALKE 04. We will remember the player like this,as a talented football professional that left his life on the field.