Official 07-08 La Liga Thread (Barcelona sign Seydou Keita)

News/Rumors

Sport claims that Javier Saviola (Real Madrid) may yet end up with Bolton Wanderers after their sale of Nicolas Anelka to Chelsea. Saviola who joined RealMadrid from Barcelona on free transfer over the summer has yet to find consistent playing time.

FC Barcelona have joined the hunt for Karim Benzema (Olympique Lyonnais.) Barcelona Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain traveled to France to negotiate theloan deal of Mark Crosas to Lyon. In negotiations, Txiki pushed for first option on Benzema so that it be included as part of the Crosas loan. However, LyonPresident Jean-Michel Aulas who is known for his tough negotiation style absolutely refused.

Fiorentina offered 10 Million Euro for Real Madrid Left midfielder Royston Drenthe. Real Madrid have no intention of selling Drenthe because they consider hima player with an extremely bright future. However, Pedrag Mijatovic has placed a price on the player. If Fiorentina want Drenthe.. they will have to cough up30 Million Euro. 25 Million Euro is the lowest that will do.

Barcelona search for a new back up goal keeper in Portugal as Txiki Begiristain tours Lisbon for one.

Fabio Cannavaro: "Iker Casillas can win Balon D'Or"

Valencia have told David Albelda that if he wants out of his contract, he will have to pay his release clause fee.. 60 Million Euro. Albelda who wasValencia's captain had been blacklisted by Ronaldo Koeman.The player who was heartbroken after giving so much to the club demands that Los Che allow him toseek a new club.

Raul Tamudo (Espanyol) will complete 300 games as an Espanyol player vs. Almeria.

Manchester United General Director, David Gill has labeled Cristiano Ronaldo as untransferable after rumors of Spanish interest (Real Madrid and Barcelona.)

Valencia's star signing, Ever Banega was presented to the Media yesterday.

Internazionale Milano President, Massimo Moratti "We are very close to acquiring Maniche (Atletico Madrid)"

Robert Pires (Villareal) wants to continue to play in La Liga with Villareal past his current contract. His current deal runs till June 30th 2008.


Tomorrow (Saturday January 12th)

Barcelona vs. Murcia

Athletic Bilbao vs. Sevilla
 
La Liga Round 19 Round up

FC Barcelona 4, Murcia 0

Barcelona Goals Gudjohnsen (27'), Bojan (52'), Eto'o (77'), Eto'o (87')

Athletic Bilbao 2, Sevilla 0

Bilbao Goals: Yeste (28'), Susaeta (68')

Almeria 1, Espanyol 0
Almeria Goal: K.Uche (87')

Osasuna 0, Racing Santander 2
Racing Goals: G.Colsa (82'), Alvarez (83')

Real Betis 3, Getafe 2
Betis Goals: Pavone (4'), Edu (34'), (OG) Belenguer (60')
Getafe Goals: De La Red (62'), Manu (78')

Real Zaragoza 2, Mallorca 2
Zaragoza Goals: D.Milito (24'), D.Milito (37')
Mallorca Goals: Varela (17'), Guiza (62')

Real Valladolid 3, Recreativo Huelva 1
Valladolid Goals: Llorente (7'), Llorente (22'), Llorente (87')
Recreativo Goals: J.Camunas (44')

Villareal 4, Deportivo La Coruna 3
Villareal Goals: G.Rossi (30'), Nihat (65'), Nihat (68'), Tomasson (80')
Deportivo Goals: G.Sergio (27'), Pablo Amo (58'), Guardado (90')

Levante 0, Real Madrid 2
Real Madrid Goals: v.Nistelrooy (76'), v.Nistelrooy (88')

Atletico Madrid 1, Valencia 0
Atletico Madrid Goal: S.Aguero (28')


News/Rumors

Real Zaragoza has fired their Coach, Victor Fernandez after their 2-2 draw with Mallorca. The temporary replacement will be released to thepublic tomorrow.

With their 2-0 win at Levante.. Bernd Schuster's Real Madrid have completed the best first half start to a season ever since the 3 point per win system wasintroduced. The current 07-08 Madrid squad have eclipsed the former holders of the record, 05-06 Barcelona.

After 14 days of recuperation/rest, Ronaldinho has returned to training.

Ever Banega made his La Liga debut for Valencia vs. Atletcio Madrid.

Barcelona Sporting Directo Txiki Begiristain has confirmed that Celta Vigo goalkeeper, Jose Manuel Pinto remains an option. Barca continue to search for abackup goalkeeper as a replacement for Alberto Jorquera.

Chelsea are linked to Valencia fullback Miguel.

Tottenham Hotspur Boss, Juande Ramos is rumored to have his eyes set on Almeria duo: Negredo and Mane.

Sevilla's Frederick Kanoute is open to a return to the English Premier League. Specifically to join his ex-Coach, Juande Ramos at Tottenham Hotspur.

Mallorca ace Juan Arango is flattered by the rumored interest of Liverpool.

FC Barcelona are set to give Andres Iniesta a bumper deal to his contract after rumors of Chelsea interest. Barca are worried that ex Barcelonaassistant//current Chelsea assisant Coach Henk Ten Cate has tipped the Blues to lure Iniesta to Stamford Bridge.
 
I agree. I think everyone just assumed they would play like clockwork. The reality so far has been Henry hasnt been playing up to his standards (although hewas ballin vs. Murcia.) Eto'o had his signature long term injury. Ronaldinho still isnt the player he should be at this point. Messi was taking charge andplaying crazy but he suffered an injury himself. Deco was also injured but when hes playing, hes nothing like his former self. That being said.. I dont thinkits as bad as everyone says it is. They' have a good draw in the Champions League, Henry played well vs. Murcia, Messi is going to come back soon, andEto'o (African Cup of Nations) was in form before he left. Also, Bojan has been impressive for his age.



Madrid wise, the first half, result wise, was excellent. To be in first place after away trips to Espanyol, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Villareal is great. Ididnt expect the team to be in its current position because we hired a new coach, and brought in a bunch of new players. However, after the Barcelona game, wehavnt played well. Injuries have hit our defense hard (Heinze, Metzelder). Diarra has gone to African Cup of Nations. The last 2 League games, we've beencarried by the brilliance of Casillas and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Still, I think the form will come.



anyways, Barcelona vs. Sevilla - Copa Del Rey Knockout round Leg 2! (1-1 Agg) on right now! Only one can survive
 
Man United should get Huntelaar just for the hell of it....i mean we need another striker and berbatov wont be happy playing on the bench
 
Barca goes through
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Real Madrid eliminated from Copa Del Rey!

Madrid dominated the game but simply could not finish. Saviola is the worst.. His finishing was atrocious.. I would've buried at least 2 of thoseopportunities
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Oh and please, please send Baptista back to midfield where he belongs.

on the positive side.. Royston Drenthe and Gonzalo Higuain were awesome. Again.. our team lacked finishing but credit to these guys for putting on a show.

Anyways, heres how the Copa Del Rey looks Now:

Getafe vs. Mallorca

Valencia vs. Atletico Madrid

Villareal vs. Barcelona

Racing Santander vs. Athletic Bilbao
 
Round 20 La Liga Round Up

Real Betis 1, Recreativo Huelva 1
Real Betis Goal: Edu (56')
Recreativo Goal:� J.Guerrero (57')


Real Zaragoza 3, Murcia 1
Zaragoza Goals: Oliveira (33'), D.Milito (61'), D.Milito (81')�
Murcia Goal: Ivan Alonso (92')

Levante 2, Mallorca 2
Levante Goals: Geijo (19'), Alvaro (88')
Mallorca Goals: Guiza (30'), Guiza (77')

Valladolid 2, Espanyol 1
Valladolid Goals: Llorente (00'), Llorente (33')
Espanyol Goals: Torrejon (58')

Almeria 1, Deportivo La Coruna 0
Almeria Goals: Pulido (87')

Osasuna 2, Athletic Bilbao 0
Osasuna Goals: Dady (67'), Vela (68')

Atletico Madrid 0, Real Madrid 2
Real Madrid Goals: Raul (00'), v.Nistelrooy (41')

FC Barcelona 1, Racing Santander 0
Barcelona Goal: T.Henry (30')

Getafe 3, Sevilla 2
Getafe Goals: Casquero (31'), Albin (57'), Contra (91')
Sevilla Goals: L.Fabiano (15'), Dragutinovic (88')

Villareal 3, Valencia 0
Villareal Goals: Pires (5')., Capdevila (63'), Nihat�(69')
 
News/Rumors


Real Madrid and Manchester face off to sign 15 year old Brazilian Prodigy, Neymar (Santos.) Neymar de Silva of Santos is already being dubbed the new Robinho. The youngster is considered extremely talented drawing comparisons to some of the best players on the planet. Real Madrid are the frontrunners in the chase for Neymar because they have agreed a pre-contract with his agent, Wagner Ribeiro. Ribeiro also represents Robinho so discussions were natural. The agreed deal will have Neymar signed till 2011. The problem, however, is that nothing has been agreed upon with Santos. The Brazilian club realize that Neymar cannot sign a professional contract until he is 16 thus have finalized a deal for his image rights until 2015. This would mean that Santos would be owed around 13 Million GBP should Neymar be transfered. Other clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona have been alerted by this development. Again, Real Madrid remains the frontrunner.

Internazionale Milan are reportedly considering a move for Barcelona's Ronaldinho. The story was leaked to the media by AC Milan Chief Executive, Adriano Galliani. Galliani claims that Barcelona President, Joan Laporta revealed that Inter was following the Brazilian via direct contact. Inter's prized striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has called for Ronaldinho to join him at Inter. Inter Boss, Roberto Mancini remains interested in Ronaldinho saying ""I don't think it would be a problem fitting him into a squad. Ronaldinho is a great player." Most recently, Internazionale President, Massimo Moratti has denied any linking to the player saying "Galliani maybe knows more than I do, but it's not true."

Internazionale Milan have told Chelsea and Barcelona to forget about trying to lure Maicon. Inter could hand the Brazilian fullback a new contract to ensure his committment to the club.

Chelsea Striker, Didier Drogba has revealed he dreams of playing alongside Samuel Eto'o. Drogba who is more and more linked to a move away from Stamford Bridge this upcoming summer would be "very happy" if a deal is struck between Chelsea and Barcelona. He mentions that Barcelona will have to pull out the checkbook to secure his services. In a related note.. his Ivory Coast teammate and Barcelona player, Yaya Toure claims that Drogba is keen on a move to Barcelona. Toure also said that Drogba is interested in a move to AC Milan or Real Madrid.

Barcelona Striker, Samuel Eto'o reveals that he nearly moved to Chelsea after there were secret talks between himself and Jose Mourinho. He claims he met with Jose Mourinho to discuss the move but an agreement was not reached. He also mentions "it was a while ago."

Barcelona have signed GK, Jose Manuel Pinto from Celta Vigo. Barca pay 500,000 Euro for the right to have the keeper on loan for the rest of the season.

Valencia outcast, David Albelda demands answers to why he has been ostracised by the club. The Spanish midfielder revealed that he is not needed by Valencia Coach, Ronald Koeman. However, Albelda is confused as to why Los Che will not let him seek another club. Everytime the subject is brought up, Valencia claim that he may only leave for 60 Million Euro, the amount of his release clause.

Real Madrid CB, Pepe will be sidelined 3-4 Weeks after suffering a reinjury during the Madrid Derby. Meanwhile, Cristoph Metzelder is focusing on returning before next week's match vs. Villareal.

Valencia have signed Ajax midfielder, Hedwiges Maduro. The reported fee is 3 Million Euro. Ajax welcome the sale because Maduro's contract was expiring this season.

AS reports that Sergio Ramos used his teammate, Ruud van Nistelrooy's left boot during Real Madrid's game vs. Atlecio Madrid. The Madrid defender's injury prevented him from running without pain in his normal shoes. Ruud's boot is one size bigger and they both are Nike Athletes. The extra room in the boot allowed Ramos to play without pain, and frustration.

Barcelona Legend, Johan Cryuff has criticized Lionel Messi's trip to Qatar. The Dutchman calls Messi' trip to a football Academy while injured unacceptable.

AS interviewed Cristiano Ronaldo's Mother. She says "I want to see my son in a Real Madrid shirt before I die." She is an avid Real Madrid supporter and dreams of seeing her son play at the Bernabeu.

Barcelona's Zambrotta once again linked to AC Milan.

Atletcio Madrid are rumored to be monitoring the situation of Juventus Midfielder, Tiago.

"Ive never thought about leaving Real Madrid" - Royston Drenthe
 
Valencia are rumored to be interested in CSKA Moscow striker, Jo Alves. Rumors indicate they may have already have agreed to personal terms.

Atletico Madrid considering swooping Juventus outcast, Tiago.

AC Milan confirm interest in Barcelona RB, Zambrotta,

Robinho was surprised with a party in Madrid to celebrate his 24th birthday. Special guests included Julio Baptista, Royston Drenthe, Marcelo, Pepe, Simao, and David Bustamante. Ronaldinho was invited but declined the invite because he is concentrating on returning to form for Barcelona. Happy birthday Robinho!

"Im not going to Milan" - Sergio Ramos

Real Madrid are rumored to be negotiating the transfer of Tiago Luis (Santos.) The brazilian forward impressed

Daniel Opare has confirmed that he will be joining Real Madrid from Ashanti Gold. The 17 year old Ghanaian is reportedly thrilled by the news.

Espanyol are targeting Real Madrid striker, Roberto Solado. Espanyol's captain and best forward, Raul Tamudo suffered an injury keeping him off the field for 2 months.

According to Sport, Chelsea are interested in bringing Deco (Barcelona) to Stamford Bridge.

During Valencia's home defeat to Almeria, the Mestalla crowd chanted "Koeman, Go away!"

Ricardo Quaresma's future may lie in the Spanish Capital as Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are both rumored to be interested in the Portugese Winger.

Cristoph Metzelder, Arjen Robben, and Roberto Soldado return to Real Madrid training after recovering from injuries.

Liverpool Boss, Rafa Benitez rumored to be interested in Zaragoza playmaker, Pablo Aimar.

Robinho credits Bernd Schuster with his improvement.

Andres Iniesta has signed a contract extension with Barcelona till 2014.

Athletic Bilbao 1, Barcelona 1

Bilbao Goal: Llorente (77')

Barcelona Goal: Bojan Krkic (34')

Valencia 0, Almeria 1

Almeria Goals: Felipe Melo (20')

Mallorca 1, Atletico Madrid 0

Mallorca Goal: Arango (20')

Espanyol 1, Betis 2

Espanyol Goal: Luis Garcia (51')

Betis Goals: Rivera (45'), Edu (90')

Sevilla 2, Osasuna 1

Sevilla Goals: Poulsen (54'), Luis Fabiano (93')

Osasuna Goals: Sola (68')

Real Madrid 3, Villareal 2

RM Goals: Robinho (08'), Robinho (52'), Sneijder (76')

Villareal Goals: Rossi (15'), Capdevila (75')

This was an awesome game for all (including neutral supporters.) Both teams played free flowing football. Diego Lopez (Villareal keeper) had an excellent match. Man of the Match: Robinho, honorable mentions to Guti and Gago.Barcelona drew with Bilbao so the point gap between 1st and 2nd place increases to 9 points.
 
Copa Del Rey Semi-Final draws:

FC Barcelona vs. Valencia CF

Racing Santander vs. Getafe CF



Marca reports that Karim Benzema (Olympique Lyonnais) is a priority for Real Madrid. Apparently, the Spanish Giants are searching for an early agreement orfirst option with Lyon for the Frenchman.

Sport.es believes Cristiano Ronaldo would be the ideal replacement for Ronaldinho at Barcelona.

Bojan Krkic (Barcelona) has been called up by Spanish Coach Luis Aragones for the upcoming Friendly vs France.

Carles Puyol (Barcelona) is out for a month after suffering a torn leg muscle vs. Villareal.

Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla) has been named the African Footballer of the year 2007. He beat out Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Michael Essien (Chelsea), EmmanuelAdebayor (Arsenal) and Mahamadou Diarra (Real Madrid) for the award. Congratulations Fredi.

Barcelona have joined the race for Racing defender Ezequiel Garay. The other contenders include Real Madrid, Manchester United, Lyon, and Tottenham.

The heated debate of whether Raul deserves to be called up for Spain by Luis Aragones continues. Many believe the Real Madrid legend deserves a call up toparticipate in what could be his last opportunity to compete in a Major International tournament. Raul was not called up for the upcoming friendly vs. France.

Real Madrid legend, Zinedine Zidane is rumored to have expressed interest in returning to Real Madrid (not as a player.) There are contradictions to whetherReal Madrid offered themselves to him or whether he offered himself to Real Madrid. In any case, Ruud van Nistelrooy has said that "he must train withus."

Zinedine Zidane received the "Marca Legend" award from the Madrid based newspaper, Marca.

AC Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti has fueled speculation that if he is fired as AC Milan coach, he could become the next FC Barcelona Coach.


Almeria vs Real Madrid on now (2pm Eastern!)
 
^^ I heard Zidane is interested in MLS, following Beck's footsteps... Yeah, as a player.
 
yeah, there have been rumors of other former Real Madrid "Galacticos" going to the MLS. Zidane, one of them.

I think we'll see Luis Figo go to MLS after this season. Ronaldo still feels he has something to prove with Milan but if he doesnt earn a contractextension - we could see him in MLs as well. Zidane.. im not sure yet. He seems to be interested in returning to football but we dont know what capacity. Hissons are in the Real Madrid youth system so there are rumors that he could become a youth coach for the club. I'd love for any of these players to come tothe United States.

Almeria 2, Real Madrid 0

What do you get when you put 2 second choice fullbacks (Michel Salgado and Miguel Torres) + a jet lagged Mahamadou Diarra + didnt practice Ruud van Nistelrooy+ Wet Field + Bad refereeing? a Real Madrid disaster. The whole team was pretty much garbage today. I felt the referee was terrible.. he completely botched aplay when Almeria's Goal keeper deserved a red card for taking out Sergio Ramos. Fabio Cannavaro was clearly having an issue with the wet pitch as heslipped once to give Almeria the first goal.. then fell/slipped to give Almeria a penalty. To make the performance even worse.. Ruud van Nistelrooy left thegame at half time with an ankle problem. Hopefully its not that serious.

The race for La Liga is very much alive as Barcelona can cut the difference to 6 points with a win tomorrow vs. Osasuna.
 
Gago was in form but he was suspended due to accumulation of yellow cards. He would have been better suited for this game because Diarra was jet lagged//didntpractice with the team this week as he just returned from African cup of Nations. Diarra had a subpar game.

Guti was terrible. Once again proving that hes one of the most inconsistent players in the world. I honestly think hes best as a super-sub. Coming of the benchgives him something to prove.

Ruud had Gastroenteritis which kept him away from the practice field. Im not so bitter about this case because Ruud is the best even though he didnt practice.The problem was he left at half time due to an ankle problem.

The defensive injuries of Gabriel Heinze (who was playing awesome) and Pepe (who was playing awesome) mean that Sergio Ramos has to move to Centreback. Ramosadds a whole new dimension when hes on the right side because of his offensive ability. When hes on the right, its like having a right winger. It also meansMichel Salgado and Miguel Torres have to start. Salgado wasnt terrible today. Torres was. Hes too slow to be a fullback imo. I think hes better suited to be aCentreback. Marcelo wasnt ready to play.

Almeria definitely outplayed Real Madrid (particularly in the first half.) Credit to them as they deserved the victory. However, the referee was absoluteTRASH.

The positives of such a game are: it brings Real Madrid back to earth.. the Media and some fans had already proclaimed the teams champions when in realitytheres ALOT of La Liga left. They need to maintain the hunger that won the League last year. Javier Balboa showed signs of brilliance in the short time heplayed. I think he deserves playing time. Hes fast. Lets not forget Barcelona have a tougher schedule than ours.
 
Olegeur is turrible

As good as Sevilla have been, they need to do a fatality right now

I cant believe what Ronaldinho has become
 
full time.. Sevilla 1, Barcelona 1

It seems that Sevilla only has that killer instinct when they play Real Madrid

Man of the Match: Capel
 
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