Author Topic: La Liga 2008/2009 (Read 89900 times)

Garstonite · « **on:** May 26, 2008, 02:56:15 PM »

Will do a write-up like last year when more things occur, but for now, post all the Spanish related transfer rumourings and confirmations to your hearts content.

Atletico have already bolstered their fragile defence by signing Heitinga and Ujfalusi (sp?), Rochemback has moved from Boro to Racing Santander and Real Madrid have captured the man we were after in January, Garay.

So far, Numancia are the only team confirmed to be in La Liga next season while, of course, Murcia, Levante and, surprisingly, Real Zaragoza, were all relegated.

Thanks to Medley for the work that went in to giving last seasons a colourful, professional look.

Spoiler: Day 1 (click to show/hide)

Quote from: medley on August 31, 2008, 11:23:28 PM

Spain - Primera División de España
Day 1

Espanyol kicked off their Primera Liga campaign with a win for the first time in seven seasons as they beat Valladolid by a single goal on Saturday night. Luis Garcia's second-half strike proved to be decisive as the the hosts managed to hold on to their slender lead. The Barcelona-based side had lost to Valladolid on the opening day last season and were without a win on the first weekend of any of the previous five campaigns. But new coach Bartolome 'Tintin' Marquez had spoken of his desire to buck that trend in the build up to this match and Luis Garcia's excellent strike just after half-time proved enough for the home side in this cagey encounter.

Valencia began their Primera Liga campaign with a resounding victory over Real Mallorca at the Mestalla on Saturday night to extinguish the memory of their embarrassing Supercopa collapse against nine-man Real Madrid last weekend. First-half headers from David Villa and Juan Manuel Mata put Los Che firmly in control before substitute Vicente poked home a third goal from close range seven minutes from time.
It was a comprehensive result in the end but the hosts did appear to be a little nervy in the opening exchanges and it required a controversial refereeing decision to bring the game to life.

Atlético Madrid top the table after the first round of matches of the newly named Liga BBVA, a 4-0 victory over Málaga rounding off a great week for the club. Heitinga started things off deflecting a shot from Ujfalusi past Arnau, and Diego Forlán added two more before the break, the second from the penalty spot. And Sinama-Pongolle completed the rout late on to take his side ahead of Valencia in the table.

Osasuna came from a goal down to snatch a deserved point in a bad-tempered 1-1 game against Villarreal which saw both sides finish with 10 men. Following an evenly-disputed first 45 minutes, Marcos Senna put Villarreal - last season's runners-up - ahead with a stunning free-kick nine minutes after the break. But Iran midfielder Javad Nekounam brought the home side level 15 minutes later from the penalty spot after his compatriot Masoud Shojaei had been fouled by Diego Godin.

Getafe left it late but ultimately got Victor Munoz's reign off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory at newly-promoted Sporting Gijon. Munoz took over the Getafe reins from Michael Laudrup over the summer and had voiced his concern prior to kick-off at how his side would handle the optimism surrounding Manuel Preciado's top-flight new boys. His worries appeared to have been ill-founded in the early stages as Juan Albin opened the scoring for the visitors just before the quarter-hour mark. Diego Castro levelled matters 10 minutes before half-time, however, and it looked like the shares would be spoiled until Javi Casquero's 86th-minute strike proved decisive for Getafe.

A disappointing start as well for Athletic Bilbao, who were beaten 1-3 by Almería. The visitors raced in to a three goal lead with just over half the game gone, Pellerano and Negredo putting them two up before the break and Juanma Ortíz getting the third before half time substitute Ion Vélez got one back. Yeste missed a penalty after that which could have put his side back in the game.

Barcelona began the new Primera Liga season with a shock 1-0 defeat at newly-promoted Numancia. Pep Guardiola's side dominated for long periods but were undone by a defensive lapse after just 12 minutes, when Mario was left unmarked in the area and fired home what turned out to be the winner. There were great scenes of joy at the final whistle as Numancia's fans celebrated a dream return to the top flight. Barcelona's players and fans looked less amused and Guardiola's side will now have to wait until after the forthcoming international break to kick-start a season from which so much is expected.

Racing Santander missed a penalty but came back to earn a point in the 1-1 draw against Sevilla. Ezequiel Garay missed from the spot just before half-time and Racing were made to pay as Sevilla took the lead through Luis Fabiano's 71st-minute strike. However, the visitors' lead lasted only five minutes as Juanjo headed home to rescue a point for his team.

Betis also got off to a bad start, losing 0-1 to neighbours Recreativo thanks to a goal from Adrián Colunga shortly before the interval. Adrián Colunga scored the only goal of the game in the 36th minute but Betis will be wondering how they failed to find the target, with Jesus Capi hitting a post in the 53rd minute in one of his side's numerous chances. Fernandez Poli should have extended Recre's lead in the dying minutes but headed straight at Casto, and in the second minute of stoppage time Juanito headed over the bar as Betis' search for an equaliser proved fruitless.

Real Madrid began the Primera Liga season in disappointing fashion as they went down 2-1 at Deportivo La Coruna for the sixth consecutive campaign.
Alberto Lopo bagged the winner for the Galicians early in the second half, shortly after Ruud van Nistelrooy had cancelled out Mista's first-half strike. And they could have gone two goals ahead after 74 minutes, but Casillas produced a fine save to thwart Joan Verdu. After that, the visitors pushed men forward in search of a point, but Depor stood firm to prolong Madrid's Riazor woes for at least another year.

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Spain - Primera División de España
Day 2

Sunday, 14 September 2008
Almeria v Valencia, 16:00
Barcelona v Racing Santander, 16:00
Getafe v Real Betis, 16:00
Malaga v Athletic Bilbao, 16:00
Mallorca v Osasuna, 16:00
Real Madrid v Numancia, 16:00
Recreativo Huelva v Espanyol, 16:00
Sevilla v Sporting Gijon, 16:00
Valladolid v Atletico Madrid, 16:00
Villarreal v Deportivo La Coruna, 16:00

Spoiler: Day 3 (click to show/hide)

Quote from: medley on September 21, 2008, 10:18:00 PM

Spain - Primera División de España
Day 3

Florent Sinama-Pongolle scored a brace against his former club as Atletico eased to a one-sided 4-0 victory and increase their lead at the top of the Primera Liga. The absence of injured striker Diego Forlan was all but forgotten in the seventh minute, when Sergio Aguero opened the scoring. Nuno Maniche doubled the lead shortly after the interval, before Sinama-Pongolle added gloss to the scoreline with goals after 78 and 89 minutes.

Espanyol's 100% record came to an end on Saturday night as the Barcelona side were held to a 1-1 draw at home by a stubborn Getafe outfit.
Following a disappointing first half, Manu Del Moral gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot just after the restart. But Sergio Sanchez hit back with a scrappy effort 10 minutes later to equalise for the hosts. Espanyol dominated after that, but were unable to bag a second as Getafe defended resolutely. Former Liverpool full-back Steve Finnan came on for the last 10 minutes to make his debut for Espanyol, who stay provisionally top of the Primera Liga.

Villarreal hit back from a goal down to beat Numancia 2-1 and go joint top of the Primera Liga. Gorka Brit gave Numancia the lead just before half-time, but Santi Cazorla and Joseba Llorente struck after the break to give Manuel Pellegrini's side a deserved victory in the third round of Primera Liga matches. Villarreal came into the game with four points, having drawn at Osasuna on the opening weekend and beaten Deportivo La Coruna at home last weekend. But the `Yellow Submarine' had only managed two goals in those matches and their cause had not been helped by injuries to key strikers Nihat Kahveci and Giuseppe Rossi.

Valencia moved into a four-way tie for top spot in the Primera Liga after edging out Osasuna 1-0 thanks to Juan Manuel Mata's late volley. In a game of few clear-cut chances, Unai Emery's men were lacklustre throughout but their persistence paid off when the former Real Madrid winger pounced from eight yards to guide home an excellent lofted ball from David Villa. Osasuna will feel hard done by as they appeared to have done enough to take a point, despite losing full-back Cesar Azpilicueta to two yellow cards in quick succession early in the second half. However, their time-wasting antics ensured they were awarded little sympathy by the relieved Mestalla faithful.

Deportivo La Coruna were held to a goalless draw by Real Mallorca but the scoreline only told half the story on an entertaining afternoon at the Riazor. Both sides ended the match with 10 men after Omar Bravo saw a straight red for violent conduct just before the hour mark while Mallorca also ended a man light after David Navarro picked up two yellow cards. There was also plenty of goalmouth action to enjoy, but Mallorca had goalkeeper Miguel Moya to thank for a string of good saves to keep the scoreline blank. The point will do little to lift the spirits of either side, with Depor desperate for a win after losing to Brann in the UEFA Cup in midweek and Mallorca still without a win after three games.

Athletic Bilbao struck twice after half-time to claim their first win of the Primera Liga season at home to Real Valladolid on Sunday. Fernando Llorente, Athletic's top scorer last year, got his first goal of the new campaign after 50 minutes to get the ball rolling before Spain defender Andoni Iraola confirmed victory with his penalty kick 11 minutes from time.

Real Betis' failure to fire in front of goal continued into a third game to ensure the derby against city rivals Sevilla on Sunday ended goalless. The home side had the better chances to break the deadlock, but just as they had done in their first two games of the season Betis just could not put the ball in the back of the net. While Francisco Chaparro's side might be happy to come away from the often fiercely-contested derby with a point after two defeats in the fixture last season, the lack of goals will surely be worrying the coach.

Alvaro Negredo scored the decisive goal as Almeria beat Malaga 1-0 in an ill-tempered Andalucian derby which saw both teams reduced to 10 men. The former Real Madrid star struck the winner with 15 minutes remaining before Miguel Angel was dismissed for the visitors in the 80th minute and substitute Jose Ortiz received an early bath for Almeria six minutes later. The referee dished out a further five yellow cards in a tempestous encounter which saw Almeria record their second league win of the season.

Second-half goals from Ruben De La Red and Ruud van Nistelrooy gave Real Madrid a 2-0 victory at Racing Santander on Sunday and saw Bernd Schuster's side move to within a point of the Primera Liga leaders. Following an indifferent first-half performance, De La Red put Madrid into the lead eight minutes after the restart and Van Nistelrooy netted his side's second with 17 minutes remaining to ensure a comfortable win for the champions.

Barcelona secured their first league win of the season in style on Sunday as they thrashed newly promoted Sporting Gijon. Goals from Xavi and Samuel Eto'o gave the Catalans a comfortable lead at half-time and an own goal from Jorge Garcia extended their advantage just short of the hour. Francisco Maldonado pulled a goal back for the hosts a minute later but any chance of a Sporting revival disappeared when Gerard was shown the red card for holding back Lionel Messi in the area. Barca made their numerical advantage count as Andres Iniesta netted a fourth after 70 minutes and Messi bagged a late brace to complete the humiliation.

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Spain - Primera División de España
Day 4

Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Barcelona v Real Betis, 19:00
Getafe v Atletico Madrid, 20:00
Osasuna v Deportivo La Coruna, 19:00
Real Madrid v Sporting Gijon, 21:00
Sevilla v Espanyol, 21:00
Villarreal v Racing Santander, 19:00

Thursday, 25 September 2008
Malaga v Valencia, 19:00
Mallorca v Numancia, 19:00
Recreativo Huelva v Athletic Bilbao, 19:00
Valladolid v Almeria, 19:00

Spoiler: Day 4 (click to show/hide)

Quote from: medley on September 25, 2008, 11:32:30 PM

Spain - Primera División de España
Day 4

Wednesday 24th September

Eidur Gudjohnsen's late strike gave Barcelona a 3-2 victory at home to Real Betis after the Catalans had thrown away a two-goal lead. Samuel Eto'o put Barcelona in front after 17 minutes and the Cameroon striker doubled the hosts' advantage shortly afterwards. But Betis improved after the break and pulled a lucky goal back through Luciano Monzon on the hour. And the Andalusians stunned the Nou Camp with a shock equaliser eight minutes later, when Jose Mari took advantage of some poor Barcelona defending to level the scores.

Deportivo La Coruna's run without a goal was extended to four matches but the Galician side will nevertheless be delighted with taking a point from a 0-0 draw with Osasuna. Depor were holding their own in an entertaining encounter until the 54th-minute dismissal of Canada midfielder Julian De Guzman. From there on in, it was one-way traffic but a resolute defensive display from the visitors ensured they secured a deserved draw.

Two first-half headers in the space of four minutes gave unbeaten Villarreal a routine 2-0 victory over Racing Santander at El Madrigal. The Yellow Submarine secured their third straight league win with goals from Joan Capdevila and Joseba Llorente, although visiting boss Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz will be bitterly disappointed with the manner in which his side allowed Angel time and space to put in identical crosses on both occasions.

Florent Sinama Pongolle scored twice as Atletico Madrid displayed their title credentials with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Getafe. Atletico are expected to mount a serious challenge for the Primera Liga crown this season and this result will only serve to increase expectation at the Vicente Calderon. Sinama Pongolle put the visitors ahead in the 30th minute only for Juan Albin to restore parity deep into the second half. It looked as though the spoils would be shared but Frenchman Sinama Pongolle ensured the points returned to the capital with the winner eight minutes from time.

Rafael van der Vaart-inspired Real Madrid heaped more misery on sorry Sporting Gijon with a crushing 7-1 victory at the Bernabeu. Van der Vaart netted a brilliant hat-trick, while Raul (two), Arjen Robben and Gonzalo Higuain were also on the mark as Madrid outdid bitter rivals Barcelona, who thrashed Sporting 6-1 at the weekend. Sporting's solitary effort came from Kike Mateo in the second half but it was scant consolation for a side who have now shipped 17 goals in their past three games.

Sevilla moved up to fourth place in the Primera Liga with a deserved 2-0 win over early pace-setters Espanyol. Italian midfielder Enzo Maresca finally put the hosts ahead after 56 minutes and substitute Ernesto Javier Chevanton added a late second to extend the Andalusian side's unbeaten start to the season and inflict a first defeat of the campaign on Espanyol. Sevilla's early-season performances had not been altogether convincing and there were question marks over the team's ability to compete with the top sides in Spain in the build-up to the match.

Thursday 25th September

Real Mallorca recorded their first win of the new Primera Liga season after scoring early in each half to see off Numancia 2-0 at the Ono Estadi. Mallorca had finished last season with six successive victories but they had to wait until round four of this campaign to finally get off the mark, Jose Manuel Jurado and Pierre Webo with the goals.

Almeria's unbeaten start to the season came to an end as the Andalusian side came unstuck 2-0 against spirited Real Valladolid. Alvaro Rubio struck the opener midway through the second half and Haris Medunjanin added a second in stoppage time to give Valladolid their second home success of the campaign. Rubio was later sent off following a second yellow card in the closing stages, and the game saw more controversy as Almeria were erroneously denied an equaliser by the assistant referee's flag shortly after Valladolid went ahead.

Athletic Bilbao came from a goal down to salvage a point and continue their recent resurgence with a 1-1 draw at Recreativo Huelva. The opening hour of play was tense, but the game sprang to life in the closing stages and Javi Guerrero gave Recreativo the lead after 71 minutes. But Athletic hit back just four minutes later through David Lopez and held on for a valuable point to extend their unbeaten run to three games.

The Juan Mata-David Villa combination again proved deadly for Valencia as Los Che triumphed 2-0 at Malaga. Villa's brace in the final 20 minutes - the second coming in stoppage time shortly after a straight red card for Malaga substitute Salva Ballesta - was enough to see off a spirited challenge by the Andalusians at La Rosaleda.

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Spain - Primera División de España
Day 5

Saturday, 27 September 2008
Espanyol v Barcelona, 21:00
Real Betis v Real Madrid, 19:00
Sporting Gijon v Villarreal, 19:00

Sunday, 28 September 2008
Almeria v Recreativo Huelva, 16:00
Athletic Bilbao v Getafe, 16:00
Atletico Madrid v Sevilla, 20:00
Malaga v Valladolid, 18:00
Numancia v Osasuna, 16:00
Racing Santander v Mallorca, 16:00
Valencia v Deportivo La Coruna, 18:00

M.A.G.M · « **Reply #1 on:** May 26, 2008, 03:03:49 PM »

Keita is now a Barça player, good signing.

http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/destacades/n080526104334.html

medley · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2008, 08:41:04 PM »

Quote from: Garstonite on May 26, 2008, 02:56:15 PM

Thanks to Medley for the work that went in to giving last seasons a colourful, professional look.

Cheers. You've been a bit behind in your payments recently. Quit your slackin'!

-Paddy- · « **Reply #3 on:** May 28, 2008, 09:04:02 PM »

David Villa to Liverpool

abhred · « **Reply #4 on:** May 28, 2008, 10:02:12 PM »

Marcelino to take over at Zaragoza apparently.

Xxavi · « **Reply #5 on:** May 29, 2008, 06:50:02 AM »

I think Ujfalusu would be a quality addition for Atletico. He's Czech National team captain, isn't he?
Not sure about Heitinga though. Was supposed to be good a while back, but disappeared for 2-3 years now.
Anyways, they had useless player as right back, Seitaridis and then some youngster. Surely Heitinga is better than them. And Pablo is very slaw, awkward defender for my liking.

lachesis · « **Reply #6 on:** May 29, 2008, 11:04:25 AM »

Quote from: Xxavi on May 29, 2008, 06:50:02 AM

Anyways, they had useless player as right back, Seitaridis and then some youngster.

He was actually a promising player after Greece won the euros, but hasn't really kicked on at all. Atletico are also being linked with Riise to replace Pernia, De La Red (MF) and Amelia (GK - possibly on loan, if not a 6 million euro bid is thought to be offered) as Abbiati is obviously off. They will be fighting Spurs and West Ham for his signature. If Atleti fail, they are expected to pursue Moya (GK) from Mallorca.

Tiago (JUVE) looks to be offloaded and Atletico have shown an interest in them (11 million euros). maniche will return to Atletico with interest from France, England and Turkey, but may feel he can make a push into a rejigged midfield.

hooded claw · « **Reply #7 on:** May 29, 2008, 11:43:15 AM »

Quote from: Garstonite on May 26, 2008, 02:56:15 PM

Thanks to Medley for the work that went in to giving last seasons a colourful, professional look.

Second that. Nice one.

As far as predictions go, Real Madrid to retain their rightful position as Champions, and Real Valladolid to surprise everyone by storming into CL contention.
One of these may be unlikely.

Juan Loco · « **Reply #8 on:** May 29, 2008, 11:51:29 AM »

Quote from: hooded claw on May 29, 2008, 11:43:15 AM

Second that. Nice one.

As far as predictions go, Real Madrid to retain their rightful position as Champions, and Real Valladolid to surprise everyone by storming into CL contention.
One of these may be unlikely.

Would have thought you'd be drowning your sorrows after Llorente left for Villarreal?

pinky · « **Reply #9 on:** May 29, 2008, 01:34:51 PM »

Quote from: abhred on May 28, 2008, 10:02:12 PM

Marcelino to take over at Zaragoza apparently.

Shocking decision imho! He qualifies for Uefa Cup with Racing Santander, states that his next step should be an improvement in his managerial career, negotiates with Valencia and fails to agree terms with them, and at the end of the day he ends up coaching Zaragoza in Segunda Division. I would have never expected it.

I read an interview to Munitis, the Racing de Santander player, and he assured the best manager he'd ever worked with was Marcelino. And he's been with very respected ones, like Irureta or Del Bosque! Mates of mine who support Recreativo also talked very well of the job he did there.

I firmly thought he'd end up training a top European club in less than 2 or 3 years. Now I think it will be harder for him.

Red Heaven · « **Reply #10 on:** May 29, 2008, 02:06:37 PM »

Keita should prove a good signing

Xxavi · « **Reply #11 on:** May 29, 2008, 11:36:33 PM »

Quote from: lachesis on May 29, 2008, 11:04:25 AM

He was actually a promising player after Greece won the euros, but hasn't really kicked on at all. Atletico are also being linked with Riise to replace Pernia, De La Red (MF) and Amelia (GK - possibly on loan, if not a 6 million euro bid is thought to be offered) as Abbiati is obviously off. They will be fighting Spurs and West Ham for his signature. If Atleti fail, they are expected to pursue Moya (GK) from Mallorca.

Tiago (JUVE) looks to be offloaded and Atletico have shown an interest in them (11 million euros). maniche will return to Atletico with interest from France, England and Turkey, but may feel he can make a push into a rejigged midfield.

Atletico has some talented youngsters coming through, they should be very careful with their purchases I believe. Their keepers were terrible, both of them, so Amelia or Moya would be an improvement.
Their defense should be addressed, which they did.
Now, talking about central players. I don't know if they need to spend a lot there. They have Raul Garcia and Ignacio Camacho, both young, decent players. May be they need one more to keep possession better and to be a playmaker.
Their wingers were very inconsistent. As talented as they are, Maxi, Garcia, Reyes, Simao... four big names, but all are very inconsistent, the best of the bunch being Maxi.
If they are to do better, Forlan and those wingers have to perform better and youngsters to improve. Otherwise, they're going to be out of CL too soon.

rednich85 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 29, 2008, 11:40:02 PM »

Keita looked really good from what I've seen of him

rednich85 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 1, 2008, 11:20:50 AM »

Villarreal and Deportivo have signed up strikers Acosta, Llorente and Omar Bravo respectively

Espanyol have strengthened their defence with Cristian Alvarez and Beranger.

Real Madrid have agreed to bring back De la Red and Granero from Getafe

Joseba Llorente has signed for Villareal from Valladolid and agreed terms for Edmilsonfrom Barca

Dish shhh · « **Reply #14 on:** July 8, 2008, 10:28:26 PM »

Anyone know when their fixtures are out? Going to Barca in November

denrantum · « **Reply #15 on:** July 8, 2008, 11:35:17 PM »

and Guiza moves to Fenerbahçe

Kyle Soprano · « **Reply #16 on:** July 9, 2008, 12:49:24 AM »

Dani Alves to Barcelona

Mother.F · « **Reply #17 on:** July 10, 2008, 07:51:47 PM »

Quote from: mcauleymichael on July 8, 2008, 10:28:26 PM

Anyone know when their fixtures are out? Going to Barca in November

It won't be out until the end of the month, the only date already scheduled is the opening of the season, Aug 30.

medley · « **Reply #18 on:** July 10, 2008, 08:22:04 PM »

Taken from Soccer-spain.com

As we mentioned previously, the fixture list for the 2008-09 season will not be completed until later this month, when the relevant authorities hold their annual meetings. However key dates have already been set by the League (LFP) and the Federation (RFEF), with the season scheduled to kick off the weekend of 30/31 August and end on 31 May. The Cup Final had been pencilled in after the season finishes, but Spain's success in Euro 2008 means that they will be taking part in the Confederations Cup in South Africa from 14th to 29th June, and the Copa del Rey final will therefore be brought forward to 13th May.

The first division will be known as the "Liga BBVA" next season after a three year sponsorship deal signed with one of Spain's largest banks, and the second division will be known as the "Liga Adelante" after one of the bank's business divisions. The composition of the second division is still not clear though after relegated Cádiz appealed against the result in their last match at Hércules, claiming the three points on the grounds that the Alicante based side fielded an ineligible player. The appeal was turned down by the disciplinary committee, but the club will be appealing to a higher level. If successful, Córdoba could go down in their place, although there is a possibility as well of a league with 23 or even 24 clubs (to make up even numbers), in which case Racing Ferrol would be reprieved as well.

The make-up could also be affected as well if any of second division sides fail to meet their contractual commitments with players by the 31 July deadline, in which case they would be relegated. Real Sociedad and Celta are well behind with payments, but both have decided to file for protection from creditors under the Spanish "Ley Concursal". Unlike other countries there is no sporting penalty for doing so, and for example Las Palmas and Alavés both avoided the drop this way in recent seasons as the courts ruled that they could not pay players whilst the club was under administration. Levante could follow suit if a deal with potential new owners falls through, and other teams such as Salamanca, Albacete and Elche have also been reported to the players' association AFE for non-payment of wages and salaries.

GinKop · « **Reply #19 on:** July 10, 2008, 08:27:22 PM »

Gregory Coupet to Atleti too - I'm really liking the look of their team now, they've got some great players in there and have just brought in an International keeper with bags of CL experience for a snip over £1m (according to reports). Really hope they do well next year, met loads of Atleti supporters in Madrid last month and they're a great bunch.

Manila Kop · « **Reply #20 on:** July 11, 2008, 03:05:55 AM »

Quote from: GinKop on July 10, 2008, 08:27:22 PM

Gregory Coupet to Atleti too - I'm really liking the look of their team now, they've got some great players in there and have just brought in an International keeper with bags of CL experience for a snip over £1m (according to reports). Really hope they do well next year, met loads of Atleti supporters in Madrid last month and they're a great bunch.

Yeah, watched the Spain-Germany final with some Atleti supporters and they just worship Torres. Good bunch. I think I'm adopting them as my La Liga team now.

rafathegaffa83 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 11, 2008, 03:16:43 AM »

Quote from: GinKop on July 10, 2008, 08:27:22 PM

Gregory Coupet to Atleti too - I'm really liking the look of their team now, they've got some great players in there and have just brought in an International keeper with bags of CL experience for a snip over £1m (according to reports). Really hope they do well next year, met loads of Atleti supporters in Madrid last month and they're a great bunch.

Good pick-up for them

woz92 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 11, 2008, 11:19:59 AM »

the spanish league are loosing player , daco, ronaldihno , villa

ect.

Helsinki Red · « **Reply #23 on:** July 11, 2008, 11:24:27 AM »

Quote from: woz92 on July 11, 2008, 11:19:59 AM

daco, ronaldihno

Who are they?

Degs · « **Reply #24 on:** July 11, 2008, 11:26:58 AM »

Atlético need to improve their mentality. Enough of this "cursed" bollocks, they have the team to challenge for the title this year.

Heitinga and Coupet could be the final pieces to their jigsaw.

Raul! · « **Reply #25 on:** July 11, 2008, 11:28:20 AM »

I see big things for de la Red. Good skills and confident to boot.

Hierro · « **Reply #26 on:** July 11, 2008, 09:02:45 PM »

I have a fondness for Atleti, a world apart to their arrogant neighbours (who I used to like). Bit of a Barca fan, but my Spanish team is Balenthia. I'm hopeful of a much better season this time around - I heard the new manager is Unai Emery?

Be a shame if they lose Villa and Silva (although not that bad if they end up with Liverpool). Need to see a settled team next season, and hopefully with Albelda involved once more. Not heard of many players being linked with them though.

-Paddy- · « **Reply #27 on:** July 11, 2008, 09:22:29 PM »

Quote from: Degs on July 11, 2008, 11:26:58 AM

Atlético need to improve their mentality. Enough of this "cursed" bollocks, they have the team to challenge for the title this year.

Heitinga and Coupet could be the final pieces to their jigsaw.

Just goes to show how elitist our league is these days.

This team were down a division 5 years ago, they're now in contention for the title.

Degs · « **Reply #28 on:** July 11, 2008, 09:35:32 PM »

Quote from: The Paddinator on July 11, 2008, 09:22:29 PM

Just goes to show how elitist our league is these days.

This team were down a division 5 years ago, they're now in contention for the title.

They've spent big money though.
If Villa spent the same they'd be in a similar position.

rafathegaffa83 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 11, 2008, 10:49:14 PM »

Quote from: Raul. on July 11, 2008, 11:28:20 AM

I see big things for de la Red. Good skills and confident to boot.

Probably won't get much of a sniff if he's back at Real Madrid though.

abhred · « **Reply #30 on:** July 12, 2008, 08:42:39 AM »

Still think Atletico need a general in midfield. Weren't they heavily linked with Lucho Gonzalez?

anfield · « **Reply #31 on:** July 14, 2008, 10:25:31 AM »

Valencia will make a bid for De La Red and Xavi according to Marca. From almost bankrupt to flushing with cash.

TheRedBull · « **Reply #32 on:** July 14, 2008, 10:43:20 AM »

Quote from: anfield on July 14, 2008, 10:25:31 AM

Valencia will make a bid for De La Red and Xavi according to Marca. From almost bankrupt to flushing with cash.

Xavi of Barca or our own Xabi???

anfield · « **Reply #33 on:** July 14, 2008, 12:10:50 PM »

Quote from: TheRedBull on July 14, 2008, 10:43:20 AM

Xavi of Barca or our own Xabi???

Xavi.

lachesis · « **Reply #34 on:** July 14, 2008, 01:07:50 PM »

Atletico sign Florent Sinama Pongolle and Paulo Assuncao (think he has a pretty decent set piece if it's the same fella I'm thinking of). They are also interested in Mikel Arteta from the bitters for £16 million, although early knockbacks indicate that they will switch their attention to Silva.

Looks to go with the new faces the focus is now on decent delivery and set pieces.

Ecuared · « **Reply #35 on:** July 15, 2008, 08:53:38 PM »

Getafe have made the best signing for value of the transfer window so far, picking up Ecuador winger Joffre Guerron from Liga de Quito for only 2.3 Million pounds. Guerron led Liga de Quito to the Copa Libertadores championship and has since been voted the player of the tournament. He has got crazy good potential. Anyonw who watched the Libertadores final can attest to his skill.

BlaugranaPride · « **Reply #36 on:** July 16, 2008, 03:36:01 PM »

First games 08-09

Racing - Sevilla
Athletic - Almería
Espanyol - Valladolid
Numancia - Barcelona
Atlético de Madrid - Málaga
Valencia - Mallorca
Deportivo - Real Madrid
Betis - Recreativo
Osasuna - Villarreal
Sporting - Getafe

Franck Le Poof · « **Reply #37 on:** July 16, 2008, 03:40:13 PM »

Valencia- Mallorca should be interesting

pinky · « **Reply #38 on:** July 16, 2008, 04:02:01 PM »

~~El Clásico~~ El Derbi is on December 14. At the Nou Camp, Barcelona-Real Madrid.

Vinay · « **Reply #39 on:** July 17, 2008, 11:13:28 AM »

I would love it if Barca beat RM and win La Liga this year.