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Copa del Rey protests distract from the game
Published on 2012-05-24 22:23:14
One of the unfortunate sidenotes about the buildup to this version of the Copa del Rey has been highlighted again by the statements that conservative rep. Esperanza Aguirre, the President of the Madrid Community, told Radio Onda Cero this week. Directed at the Basque and Catalan supporters who will likely jeer and whistle both the monarchy and the Spanish national anthem at the Vicente Calderon this week, Aguirre stated that, "insults to the flag or the anthem are a crime under the penal code. I [..] > read more
The Ball is Flat - Summer Book Club
Published on 2012-05-22 19:36:21
Every Summer over the last few years I have done a Summer Football Book Series, a few recommendations of my own to pass the lazy Summers by, but this year I have decided to actually run a book club, where you read in a group, you compare notes, drink tea and crumpets, and wait for the next Oprah show for the next book club recommendations. Unfortunately, since Oprah knows so very little about football (our brand of football I might add) I'll decide the list of books. A Season with Verona: > read more
FC Barcelona Kits 2012
Published on 2012-05-22 19:28:48
The new FC Barcelona kits are available and as you can see there are a slew of options for the typical blaugrana player or the upworldly mobile cule who wants to be mocked on the way to the cinema. First Kit: > read more
The Death of Joga Bonito
Published on 2012-05-21 16:31:59
Everybody talks about it, at least everybody who remembers that 1982 Brazil squad led by Falcao, Toninho Cerezo, the great Socrates and the > read more
Who will rule Liverpool?
Published on 2012-05-20 18:11:04
There is a tendency by Liverpool supporters to group John Henry and his Fenway Sports Group with not only their own rather ridiculous former owners, Tom Hicks and George Gilette, but also the Glazers of Manchester United and Aston Villa's Randy Lerner, and frankly every other absentee owner in the Premier League. It's a facile argument, John Henry and his group are located in Boston and they rarely fly into Liverpool, but I think in the long-run they'll be singing their praises on the Kop and he [..] > read more
The Ball is Flat 06
Published on 2012-05-19 12:04:22
On this the sixth episode of The Ball is Flat Podcast, > read more
A Football Bucket List
Published on 2012-05-18 17:25:25
I have a friend of mine, he is young and sure of himself (mostly) and he writes a very interesting blog about himself and his interests. They are pointed, and as someone who admires honesty they are quite telling. His latest post referred to a bucket list. It's what Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson do in the movie with that title playing cancer patients who run down a list of things they want to do before they die. It all sounds so depressing at first and ends with an uplifting twist and it bec [..] > read more
Bird on a Wire: Selling Espanyol
Published on 2012-05-18 00:26:44
Could it be that RCD Espanyol is on the verge of being sold in the near future? Sport.es seems to think so. I know that the club have had offers before. A few years ago the club were studying amplifying their foreign investments and allying themselves with the Pozzo family that owns Udinese. They instead invested in Granada and what is essentially the Udinese B that has circumvented the rules of playing in the first division and are getting their players first division experience playing in anot [..] > read more
Spanish Clubs in Danger
Published on 2012-05-17 17:05:04
The Spanish economy is in the tank with a possible Greece-like tumble not hard to imagine, which is why > read more
Around La Liga: Transfer Update
Published on 2012-05-15 17:24:43
Athletic Bilbao: rumors are linking midfielder/center-back Javi Martinez with a move to Real Madrid and Iker Muniain to Napoli after the Italian club are likely to lose Argentine winger Ezequiel Lavezzi, but while neither is likely it is odd to me that a great midfielder like Martinez is forced to play further back in Bielsa’s scheme than is necessary. He reminds me of a young Gerrard in his capacity to play anywhere on the pitch, and he is surplus in Bielsa’s system? That more than anything [..] > read more
The Ball is Flat Podcast 05
Published on 2012-05-13 13:21:39
On this the fifth episode of The Ball is Flat Podcast, > read more
What price for your football club?
Published on 2012-05-12 09:59:49
Name your price. What is it? Everyone has one. I'm not talking about Real Madrid or FC Barcelona which are ostensibly owned by a supporter's trust but are in actuality more like government institutions, rewarded with governmental support and safer investments than even banks in these uncertain times. No, I'm talking about those clubs that are pretenders to thrones, second tier clubs that would pay anything, sell anything for the right to be the new darling of the financial set, a new power-broke [..] > read more
AS Roma: a Tower of Babel
Published on 2012-05-09 21:59:06
An interview with the great Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi caught my eye this week when he was interviewed by Il Romanista. The topic was embattled giallorossi coach Luis Enrique who is expected to either step down this weekend willingly or be fired outright as both supporters and media alike have grown tired of the inconsistency of his project. Sacchi has urged the Roma directors, director Franco Baldini in particular, to stay the course: “If one wants to innovate but does not have the support of [..] > read more
Target On: European Football 08.05
Published on 2012-05-08 19:33:21
Mondays are when we focus on, target on, the most important stories in the leagues we cover, That's why we have a target on our site and we promise you that we will give you the best of what come whether we talk about Spain or Italy, or England. England: > read more
Special Fun: Moaninho Minute
Published on 2012-05-06 17:30:15
Jose opened his mouth and out popped sparkly gems and koo-koo nuggets again. What will we ever do with the Portugeyser. Cue the fun-fair music. "My team played some of the best football in history. But there are some luminaries who believe that only one type of football exists on earth. But these people only know football through Google. They swallow knowledge, but know nothing." Oh, Jose, how can we set you straight? Are you > read more
Bird on a Wire: Espanyol Record
Published on 2012-05-02 08:40:46
I had a friend text me the other day. He was wondering what the record for RCD Espanyol was in second halves over the last few years. Going on memory, I agreed with him that it wasn't very good. I spent a few minutes gathering the data and I got this. In the last 5 years in second halves, the club has taken 20 points in 2007-2008, 34 points in 2008-2009, 28 points in 2009-2010 and 18 points in 2010-2011. This year they have 23 points and are slated to take 26 if their current form continues, all [..] > read more
Target On: European Football 30.04
Published on 2012-05-01 08:38:20
Mondays are when we focus on, target on, the most important stories in the leagues we cover, That's why we have a target on our site and we promise you that we will give you the best of what come whether we talk about Spain or Italy, or England. England: is the title race over now? Manchester City did the business on their Manchester rivals beating them at home 1-0. Sir Alex was mad, Roberto Mancini did the happy-talk sign with his hands and they had to be restrained, but this is still going to [..] > read more
The Ball is Flat Podcast 04
Published on 2012-04-29 22:59:33
On this the fourth, belated episode of The Ball is Flat Podcast, > read more
Tito Vilanova, new Barcelona Manager
Published on 2012-04-29 09:37:53
When Pep Guardiola announced this past week that he couldn't go one, the first reaction was whether or not some other manager tangentially connected with FC Barcelona over the last 20 years could be linked with one of the, if not the most influential managerial jobs in world football. Instead, FC Barcelona wasted no time in naming Pep Guardiola's best friend and second in command Tito Vilanova as the anointed one, the one best to secure the project, the one best to continue onward, the one leas [..] > read more
The Other League in Spain
Published on 2012-04-28 02:31:51
Athletic Bilbao: > read more
¿Que Es Lo Que Pasa Aqui?: Guardado, Reyes, Dos Santos Transfer Rumors
Published on 2012-04-28 02:13:00
So what of Pep?
Published on 2012-04-28 01:16:48
Podcast: Champions League, Europa League, Pep Guardiola
Published on 2012-04-27 19:22:49
Elisa and Ravi welcomed Javier from Valencia into the Forzafutbol gang. We discussed the aftermath of Champions League, Europa League and the departure of Pep Guardiola > read more
Futbol Grande Player Spotlight: Marcos Senna
Published on 2012-04-27 16:42:29
La Liga Calendar + USTV: Round 36 European mosh pit
Published on 2012-04-27 00:32:36
A New Coach for FC Barcelona
Published on 2012-04-26 22:09:13
When the story broke today, the webiverse exploded in a tornado of activity. All signs point to FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola calling his coaching tenure at the club to an end. There is some talk from sources that English and Italian clubs have made approaches, and that is certainly an option, but more than likely the Catalan tactician will take his tired and weary self off the Camp Nou hamster-wheel and take a prolonged sabbatical. Who then to take the bench at Barca? This can't have been [..] > read more
Building for the Future? The State of Spanish Stadiums
Published on 2012-04-26 20:19:18
Pep Guardiola to quit Barça?
Published on 2012-04-26 19:54:33
Since Pep Guardiola took charge of the club in 2008, FC Barcelona have seen a historic change in fortune. Football has a short memory, more like a goldfish’s rather than an elephants, so we quite often forget the turmoil that that last year of Frank Ryjkaard’s reign brought the club. Ronaldinho, Deco, the indiscipline and the strife, a third place finish in the league a full ten points behind second place Villarreal and the only year of Joan Laporta's Presidency that the club won no titles. [..] > read more
JCLaLiga betting advice – Anything to play for? Europe!
Published on 2012-04-26 18:55:32
Champions League distress for Spanish Clubs
Published on 2012-04-26 13:59:18
Bayern and Chelsea go through. The expected Champions League El Clasico final is no more. Were they both deserved wins or did, as some of my twitter friends say, football die a bit? They were both deserved. Remember Bayern and Chelsea are big clubs, with great history and an impressive track record history against these opponents in particular. There is no shame in getting the unexpected final instead. It’s no one person's fault either. We can´t blame Messi or Ronaldo, the best players of th [..] > read more
Bird on a Wire: Espanyol in Crisis
Published on 2012-04-25 05:15:32
An explanation of this column I believe is in order. You see, despite accusations of favoritism from one or either camp, I do not in fact care if Real Madrid or FC Barcelona win or lose. They are both good for a story or two here on the site sure, but I am in fact a supporter of RCD Espanyol. Our sister site, EspanyolUSA.info proves it. So other than getting some fleeting satisfaction that the culés are indeed hurting for a day or two, and that I will in fact be rooting for Bayern Munich to bea [..] > read more
Europa League Semi-Final Second Leg: Athletic Club vs Sporting Lisbon
Published on 2012-04-25 01:19:53
¿Que Es Lo Que Pasa Aqui? (What’s Going on Here?): Guardado, Rossi & Suazo
Published on 2012-04-25 00:15:13
Valencia vs Atletico Madrid: Europa League SF 2nd leg
Published on 2012-04-24 23:57:10
Barcelona and Chelsea in Champions League
Published on 2012-04-24 09:34:13
Does it feel to you like we have been in this place before? Like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and again, until life's lessons are learned and the repetitive loop of fate is broken, that here we have Chelsea FC entering the Camp Nou as one of the few teams in Europe that can consider itself Barcelona's equal if not more. They have the record to prove it really; they haven't lost to the blaugrana at the Camp Nou > read more
¿Que Es Lo Que Pasa Aqui? (What’s Going on Here?): Marquez, Vela & Dos Santos
Published on 2012-04-24 03:14:24
La Liga History: Bad Blood in the Bernabeu
Published on 2012-04-24 02:33:09
The Ball is Flat: European Review
Published on 2012-04-23 16:31:09
The Ball is Flat ladies and gentlemen. “There is no there there”, as Gertrude Stein once said. What we are seeing is smoke and mirrors, the left-over burp-smell from a really good meal. Football est kaput. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t cover it or that it isn’t in the slightest bit interesting, rather it seems actually far more interesting the more dysfunctional it gets. Here's what's going on in the flatlands of Europe. Spain: if you read the Spanish papers over the weekend you would [..] > read more
Viva La Liga: Looking At The Demise Of Racing
Published on 2012-04-23 13:11:46
Game On! Barca-Chelsea UCL SF 2nd Leg Preview
Published on 2012-04-23 11:45:42
¿Que Es Lo Que Pasa Aqui? (What’s Going on Here?): Cruyff/Chivas part 2 & Vela
Published on 2012-04-23 02:16:12
The Ball is Flat Podcast 02
Published on 2012-04-22 19:26:58
On this the second episode of The Ball is Flat Podcast, > read more
Champions League Preview: Real Madrid v Bayern Munich 2nd Leg
Published on 2012-04-22 15:32:55
Team-by-team guide: A look at the best young talent coming through in La Liga (part 2)
Published on 2012-04-21 19:46:22
Johan Cruyff’s latest project: Vergara, Ambriz, Rijkaard & Chivas’ Revolving Door
Published on 2012-04-21 11:23:08
JCLaLiga betting advice – El Clasico part 2
Published on 2012-04-20 16:57:47
Interview: Thomas Conn of InsideSpanishFootball.com
Published on 2012-04-20 09:20:18
Elisa talked to Thomas Conn (@ThomasMConn on twitter) of http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/ on how the site came about and the current topics of La Liga We thank Thomas for making time for the interview. Listeners, please bear with us, the abrupt ending at the end of the podcast. We tried our best... > read more
La Vida en Segunda (Life in the 2nd Division) ~ Round 34: Derby Gallego
Published on 2012-04-19 18:24:05
El Clasico – Here We Go Again!
Published on 2012-04-19 16:02:37
La Liga Calendar + USTV ~ Round 35 ~ el Clasico & post Europe blues
Published on 2012-04-19 16:00:04
Podcast: El Clasico Special. A Cule & a Madridista duke it out
Published on 2012-04-19 12:57:23
Elisa and Ravi discussed El Clasico with Bassam @BassamDgheim of Real Madrid Football Blog and Raúl, a big fan of FC Barcelona and the self-proclaimed Cule#1 Download this episode (right click and save) Agenda 1. Intro 2. What is your impression of the season far: 3. What do you expect... > read more
¿Que Es Lo Que Pasa Aqui? (What’s Going on Here?): Beckham, Henry & Dempsey
Published on 2012-04-19 00:58:15
Europa League Semi-Final First Leg: Sporting Lisbon vs Athletic Club
Published on 2012-04-19 00:37:15
¿Que Es Lo Que Pasa Aqui? (What’s Going on Here?) ~ 17.04.2012
Published on 2012-04-18 01:24:34
Europa League Preview: Atletico Madrid vs Valencia 1st Leg Semifinal
Published on 2012-04-17 19:40:14
[Book Review] Malaga Football Club: The Story
Published on 2012-04-17 03:02:36
Forza Futbol welcomes guest writer Paul Grech (twitter: paul_grech) with a book review of Old School Malaga (a flash back pre-Sheik buyout). My have times changed. For an interview with the author go here. Enjoy! > read more
QUANTIFYING INEQUALITY IN LA LIGA: A GINI COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS
Published on 2012-04-17 00:05:51
¿Que Es Lo Que Pasa Aqui? (What’s Going on Here?) ~ 16.04.2012
Published on 2012-04-16 23:35:45
Champions League Preview: Bayern Munich v Real Madrid 1st leg
Published on 2012-04-16 18:53:47
Viva La Liga: A View From A Madrid Sofa – Big Foot Sighting
Published on 2012-04-16 13:17:46
La Liga Scouting Report: Isco Alarcon
Published on 2012-04-16 00:30:26
Caleb Cousens (twitter: Gaffers_Corner) spotlights Malaga CF’s Isco Alarcon as his No 2 Spanish youth player to watch. You can find more of his work and the original piece at www.footballcantera.wordpress.com. > read more
¿Que Es Lo Que Pasa Aqui? (What’s Going on Here?)-15.04.2012
Published on 2012-04-15 19:49:15
Chelsea v FC Barcelona – UCL Semi-Final 1st Leg Preview
Published on 2012-04-15 19:27:12
Did someone say Michu?
Published on 2012-04-15 00:14:42
Craig Williams, our man in Asturias is back with a player spotlight on one of the revelations of the year: Rayo Vallecano’s attacking midfielder Michu. Enjoy! Miguel Perez Cuesta, otherwise known as ‘Michu’, seems to have found his feet, and his goalscoring boots in the bargain, since his move last... > read more
¿Que Es Lo Que Pasa Aqui? (What’s Going on Here?)
Published on 2012-04-14 21:48:05
Forza Futbol welcomes to the family Leo Gutierrez with a daily run down of what’s going on in La Liga with an American and Mexican twist. Rossi suffers setback, to undergo surgery, out for another six months Diego Reyes To Atlético Carlos Vela, Mexican International, Reaches 10 Goal in La... > read more
JCLaLiga betting advice: Three points is all that counts ~ Round 34
Published on 2012-04-13 19:45:36
Team-by-team guide: A look at the best young talent coming through in La Liga
Published on 2012-04-13 14:45:34
La Liga Scouting Report: Iker Muniain
Published on 2012-04-13 01:04:50
La Vida en Segunda (Life in the 2nd division) Round 33
Published on 2012-04-12 19:03:13
La Liga Calendar + US TV: Round 34 More banana skins?
Published on 2012-04-12 17:35:58
Viva La Liga: A View From A Madrid Bakery Line
Published on 2012-04-11 17:05:23
La Liga Scouting Report: The Intro
Published on 2012-04-11 00:08:20
Forza Futbol welcomes aboard Caleb Cousens (twitter: Gaffers_Corner) to the FF family. He will be spotlighting 5 Canteranos as well as spotlighting up and comers. We will be publishing some of his top articles here. You can find more of his work at www.footballcantera.wordpress.com. > read more
Iborra: A New Hope
Published on 2012-04-10 16:51:59
La Liga History: Illa, Illa, Illa, Juanito Maravilla
Published on 2012-04-10 01:17:17
La Liga Title Race Is Back On!
Published on 2012-04-09 12:05:17
Canteranos (Home Grown talent) by Club
Published on 2012-04-09 02:15:26
La Liga Calendar + USTV ~ Round 32 Here comes Malaga!
Published on 2012-04-06 01:01:30
JCLaLiga betting advice – No problems for the big two this weekend – Round 32
Published on 2012-04-06 00:35:40
Spain Tour 2012 VIDEO: Tour of the Santiago Bernabeu
Published on 2012-04-04 23:49:23
Europa League Preview: Athletic Club vs Schalke 04
Published on 2012-04-04 10:54:13
Preamble Athletic won the attacking battle in Germany, and scored 4 very valuable away goals, Llorente once again leading the team to victory (4 shots, 2 of those became goals) and the guys giving their all to get the victory in the Schalke field, in a way the guys have... > read more
Europa League Preview: Valencia CF vs AZ Alkmaar
Published on 2012-04-03 17:47:16
Europa League Preview: Hannover 96 vs Atlético Madrid
Published on 2012-04-03 17:21:55
La Liga History: When Helmut Met Terry
Published on 2012-04-03 11:11:31
Viva La Liga: Zaragoza’s Survival Attempt
Published on 2012-04-02 15:52:56
Champions League Preview: Real Madrid v APOEL Nicosia
Published on 2012-04-01 17:09:04
Champions League preview: Barca v Milan, Game 4
Published on 2012-04-01 10:56:43
La Liga Calendar: Round 31 + USTV Malaga, Villarreal, Espanyol, Levante & Sevilla on the rise???
Published on 2012-03-30 17:16:44
La Liga History: Can We Expect More Fun At The Calderón? Atletico Madrid v Getafe!
Published on 2012-03-29 15:26:26
Europa League Preview: Schalke 04 vs Athletic Club
Published on 2012-03-29 01:56:48
Preamble Athletic has definitely given up on La Liga and ending in the Champions League spots for next year, the team will need to win 7 of the following 9 matches (given that RM and BCN are losses) to make the cut and fight for those, the performances in the... > read more
Europa League Preview: Atlético Madrid vs Hannover 96
Published on 2012-03-28 16:24:10
Viva La Liga: Olé, Olé, Olé, Is It All Going Wrong For Simeone?
Published on 2012-03-26 19:09:10
There were faint shouts towards the end of last season. Quique Sanchez Flores had announced he would not be seeking a new contract and the Atlético board were on the hunt for a new manager. No 48 in the Gil family era. Rafa Benitez said no and when asked again... > read more
Spain Tour 2012: The Yellow Submarine resubmerges in Vallekas
Published on 2012-03-26 11:39:06
Can Valencia win Europa League
Published on 2012-03-25 17:59:05
Valencia started this season in the Champions League like last season but demoted to Europa League after they finished third in their group. Winning La Liga is impossible and Copa Del Rey is gone. So only trophy Los Che can win is Europa League at this moment. Stoke City was... > read more
Will Mourinho’s Scorched Earth Policy Hurt Real Madrid?
Published on 2012-03-25 17:52:14
So Chelsea might be looking to tempt Jose Mourinho back to the Premiership? In itself, that isn’t too earth-shattering an event: managers come and go, and Mourinho doesn’t tend to take root in a job, does he? But if and when he does leave the Bernabeu, an intriguing possibility arises.... > read more
Spain Tour 2012: El Real vs La Real ~ still 6 points
Published on 2012-03-25 06:19:43
JCLaLiga betting advice – Congested fixture list to benefit the big teams this weekend
Published on 2012-03-24 04:01:08
¿Hay Liga?
Published on 2012-03-23 09:53:30
Des bites the bullet with the most famous headline in the history of La Liga journalism and gives his take. If a week is a long time in politics, than three days is a long time in football. Just 72 hours after Real Madrid’s ten point lead over Barcelona was cut to... > read more
Podcast: Real Betis special with Adam Boyle of Ooh Betis
Published on 2012-03-22 21:24:19
Today I have Adam Boyle a Real Betis fan living in Seville. Adam runs a great english blog about Real Betis Ooh Betis Elisa is on here Spain tour and Mando couldnt join today so it is just me (Ravi) talking to Adam > read more
JCLaLiga betting advice – Can Coutinho and Espanyol shine in Seville?
Published on 2012-03-22 03:43:29
JCLaLiga betting advice – Slip up again and the title race Really is back on!
Published on 2012-03-21 12:02:01
Interview: Phil Schoen, GOL TV
Published on 2012-03-13 19:00:23
Ravi had the pleasure to welcome back one of the show’s favorites, Phil Schoen of GOL TV USA. Phil alongside Ray Hudson will be broadcasting the upcoming Europa League round of 16 2nd leg game between Athletic Club and Manchester United. GOL TV USA gave Forza Futbol a great... > read more
Time for some deep soul searching…
Published on 2012-03-13 03:19:26
The stage was set. Ticket prices were reduced to encourage the Yellow Submarine faithful to come out and support their team in droves on a late Monday night. Something to take away the locals from Las Fallas and the even more near and dear, the Magadalena festival (the... > read more
Viva La Liga: A Look At La Liga’s Renaissance Man
Published on 2012-03-12 15:37:05
They had done what Man United failed to do. They beat the mighty Athletic Bilbao. Yes, Bielsa had rested some key players but this was no fluke. Just a few weeks before they had beaten Barça too. They have suffered heavy defeats away but they have always bounced back. Now... > read more
Short Term Solutions
Published on 2012-03-12 06:44:05
They say that form is temporary but class is permanent. Yet oddly, it seems in Spain at the moment that often class is temporary, and it’s a reflection of an alarming trend which suggests that things aren’t quite right under the sparkling La Liga facade. Only a fool would doubt... > read more
The Nou Mestalla
Published on 2012-03-12 06:40:22
Allianz Arena of Bayern Munich and the Juventus stadium are few of the world top class stadiums. But Valencia is building one that is more impressive than the others; a project called “Nou Mestalla” (New Mestalla) Nou Mestalla started to rise from the ground in 2006, a dream project for... > read more
Las Fallas en el Mestalla
Published on 2012-03-12 02:55:33
Forza Futbol brings you exclusive game coverage and photos direct from Spain over the next few weeks as Forza Futbol Spain 2012 Tour begins! Enjoy! One of the biggest and most enchanting festivals in Spain is called Las Fallas (the Failures). It is held in Valencia the... > read more
JCLaLiga betting advice – round 26
Published on 2012-03-09 06:40:48
Apologies for not being able to get last week’s betting previews out in time. I had problems with the internet and had banked on doing them last minute (busy week in the day job). Anyway, I’m back and have offered my thoughts on round 26 below. Good luck if you... > read more
Interview with Alexi Lalas, Senior Analyst for Football at ESPN
Published on 2012-03-08 08:52:46
On my recent trip to the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston, I got a chance to sit down and chat with Alexi Lalas, former player of USMNT, GM of LA Galaxy and a senior analyst for Soccer at ESPN. Alexi was also on the increasingly popular Soccer panel... > read more
Atlético Madrid vs Besiktas – Preview
Published on 2012-03-08 00:52:33
Tomorrow night’s Europa League clash in the Vicente Calderón sees one of Atleti’s most beloved players in recent history returning to take on the club he won the same competition with two years ago. Simao Sabrosa will be doing his best to remain cold-blooded as his current club Besiktas —... > read more
Europa League Preview: Manchester United vs Athletic Club
Published on 2012-03-08 00:42:54
I don’t follow the EPL closely so my good friend Shaun Payne collaborated me with the preview, he’s a big Manchester United fan and helped with the tactics and lineup for his team. Thanks Shaun! Preamble This is the most anticipated clash in this round of the Europa League,... > read more
Barca v Bayer – UCL Last 16 Second Leg Preview
Published on 2012-03-07 13:47:49
Premable FC Barcelona and Bayer 04 Leverkusen reconvene to decide which of the two sides will progress to the quarter final of the UEFA Champions League. Current holders Barca hold a dominant 3-1 lead from the first leg in Germany, where a brace from Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez was added... > read more
The Soccer Panel at SSAC : Recap
Published on 2012-03-06 09:21:17
Panel The 2nd soccer panel at the Sloan Sports Analytic conference was a rousing success. The Ballroom which can fit a 1000 people easy was at least 75% full with people from various parts of US and a handful of people from Europe. The panel was a good mix, starting... > read more
Viva La Liga: A View From A Madrid Sofa ~ Round 26: Champions League Roulette
Published on 2012-03-06 07:54:29
It has the potential of at least €20m in prize money and a chance for a club to mix it up with the big boys in famous grounds across Europe but it appears that no one wants to qualify for next year’s Champions League through the 4th spot in La... > read more
Guardiola To England?
Published on 2012-03-06 07:49:26
With the current vacancies at Chelsea and England, FC Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola is being heavily linked with a move away from Camp Nou this summer. As we all know, Guardiola only signs one year contracts with the Catalans, and as yet he has not signed up for next season,... > read more
Chelsea Directionless
Published on 2012-03-05 07:41:42
Make no mistake about it, Andre Villas-Boas may have gotten the sack today for losing another in a series of long matches, but it was getting run out of Naples that brought the vultures out. Eight months in charge and they were struggling in the Champions League, clawing to stay... > read more
The Soccer Panel at #SSAC : Preview
Published on 2012-03-03 11:27:50
The Soccer panel at the Sloan Sports Analytics conference will get underway in a few hours at 1pM Eastern/10AM Pacific here at Hynes Convention Center in Boston. The Panelists are: Alexi Lalas – former player of the US Mens National Team Drew Carey – owner of the Seattle Sounders FC... > read more
Should Emery stay next year? Inquiring minds want to know…
Published on 2012-03-03 02:19:19
Forza Futbol welcomes guest writer Rezaur Rahman, a Valencianista taking a look at love-hate thing going on with Unai Emery. Should Emery stay next year? There has been a lot of noise regarding VCF manager Unai Emery. Due to poor performance of Los Che in... > read more
Jose Mourinho goes shopping
Published on 2012-03-02 06:07:47
The reports are out that the Special One has been spotted house-hunting in London. With Spurs expected to lose good old Harry Redknapp to the England job come Euro, before or after and with Jose on the outs with the Real Madrid media, establishment and fans supposedly, it’s a short... > read more
Jose, Rafa & Marcelo: The Manager Carousel
Published on 2012-03-02 02:04:31
Forza Futbol welcomes back Dave Reay who takes a look at the Manager carousel. Three Managers – Three Jobs With Jose Mourinho apparently house-hunting inLondonthis week, rumours are rife with speculation about a return to the Premier League. We all know Jose loves the EPL and has... > read more
La Liga Calendar Round 26 + USTV
Published on 2012-03-02 01:09:39
The league is back and we are getting down to business and exciting times. This week the Basque derby returns to San Mames, the begining of an amazing two weeks of intense matches for Athletic Club. Jose Antonio Reyes goes up against his old club at the Sanchez... > read more
La Furia Roja: Tinker, Tailor, Soldado…
Published on 2012-03-01 17:34:09
Forza Futbol welcomes back Craig Williams with a match report of the Spain x Venezuela friendly. La Roja’s last match before the Euro cup. What we learnt from last night’s match… It was a case of tinker, tailor, soldado, Del Bosque as Spain cantered to a 5-0 victory over Venezuela last night... > read more
La Liga History: The Peculiar Legacy of Pato Yáñez
Published on 2012-02-29 17:36:58
I felt rather saddened on Saturday as I watched Real Zaragoza collapse to yet another pitiful defeat. It wasn’t the nature of their loss that troubled me; in fact they threatened to actually compete with Malaga in the first half and held a lead for a decent amount... > read more
New Kit: Spain National Team 2nd Kit Euro 2012
Published on 2012-02-29 00:49:10
The Spanish National Team have released their new away kit, just in time for the Euros and friendly against Venezuela. It looks a little like Uruguay’s kit no? ’La Azul Celeste’. The kit pays homage to past glory with the inscription inside the neck “CAMPEONES DE EUROPA (EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS)... > read more
Olympics 2012: A look at the possible Spain squad
Published on 2012-02-28 12:41:59
As we all know, the 2012 Olympics are on the horizon, and Luis Milla’s Spain team are among the favourites to win the football tournament. La Rojita ensured their qualification to the London games following a dominant charge to the Under-21 European Championships in Denmark last June, and many... > read more
La Liga Power Rankings~Round 25: As the Form turns…
Published on 2012-02-28 00:47:17
Round 25 and the form tables makes a big U turn, Mallorca, Malaga, Granada, and Sevilla on the rise (Go Andalusia), while Valencia, Racing, Getafe, Athletic and Espanyol take a tumble. Some say the league is more competitive, well in a way there is more parity, but a lot... > read more
Forza Futbol Spain La Liga Tour 2012
Published on 2012-02-27 23:49:00
Hola chicos y chicas, yours truly, Elisa from Forza Futbol is heading on a dream trip back to España to drink wine, eat pintxos, take in some Picasso and Gaudi, relax on the beach and most importantly see some LIVE football! La Liga, Europa League, Segunda, La Roja, La Rojita... > read more
Viva La Liga: A View From Two Madrid Grounds ~ Round 25: Disney Films
Published on 2012-02-27 18:36:43
Fours teams, two games. They could have been Disney films. In one ground you had ‘The Prince and the Pauper’ and in the other just down the road we had ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Like in every Disney film there was a common enemy but unlike the films, the... > read more
Spaniards Abroad – Michel Salgado
Published on 2012-02-26 15:07:18
For the latest Spaniards Abroad article, I have decided to turn the spotlight on ex-Real Madrid legend Michel Salgado, who is currently on the books of Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League. With nearly 550 club appearances and 53 caps for Spain to his name, he has been... > read more
“I would never become a Levante Fan”
Published on 2012-02-26 11:51:27
‘Nunca me haría socio del Levante’ (I would never become a Levante fan) - Catalunya Radio during Espanyol-Levante this Saturday evening Somehow, I was not even the least bit offended by this insult directed towards us, Levante supporters, in the waning seconds of Levante’s epic, last-minute 1-2 triumph in Cornellà-El... > read more
Spanish Leadership: Top 46 players and ‘desired’ career path
Published on 2012-02-26 04:54:42
With the current financial crisis in Spain and debt ridden clubs, our friends from Spanish Leadership (twitter: @spanishleaders) foresee many of the best Spanish players moving to the Premier League unless they play for Barcelona or Real Madrid. As such they continue to track the brightest and best Spanish... > read more
La Roja and La Rojita Call Ups ~ Euros & Olympics preparation
Published on 2012-02-25 00:34:09
Vicente Del Bosque released the pre-Euro squad for the February 29th friendly against Venezuela. The big shock is no Torres. For the first time Del Bosque has not called up Torres due to form. Other players not mentioned are Pedro and Raul Albiol. New to the list at last,... > read more
Podcast: Barça: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World w/Graham Hunter
Published on 2012-02-24 23:47:30
On today´s episode of Forza Futbol we have Graham Hunter back on with us to talk about his recently published book Barça: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World from BackPage Press Limited. We talk about Cruyff´s years at Barcelona as a player and his subsequent return as... > read more
The Riddle of Bilbao
Published on 2012-02-24 09:08:59
Odd as it might sound, as I live in North Wales, I was desperate to see Athletic Bilbao triumph over Lokomotiv Moscow. It would bring them to within sixty miles of my house in the next round, and if there’s one team in the world I’d like to see... > read more
La Liga Calendar + USTV: Round 25 (Bogey teams)
Published on 2012-02-24 08:47:20
The league has gone topsy turvy some may say, while others might call it parity. The points gap between 4 and 18 is marginal. Every week is a battle for positioning and dog eat dog fights. This round brings us some very tasty ties to be sure. Levante visits... > read more
La Vida en Segunda (Life in the 2nd Division): Round 25
Published on 2012-02-23 16:48:05
Our resident Segunda expert Martin Devlin (@PucelaEscosia) with a wrapup of week 25. Enjoy! Liga Adelante Week 25 Round-up Friday 17th February 2012 Numancia 5 Juanjo 45; Miguel Bedoya 57; Sunny 62; Nano 77; Julio Alvarez 88 Cordoba 0 Numancia kicked off the Week... > read more
JCLaLiga betting advice – round 25: David v Goliath in Madrid
Published on 2012-02-23 09:45:14
Lord knows I’ve chopped and changed the scheme several times – sometimes dependant on how much time I’ve got available got to write the previews – but I’m going to stick to the following for the rest of the season: The bets in games I like the most... > read more
Europa League: Valencia x Stoke ~ Ready or Not, here we go!
Published on 2012-02-22 20:11:46
By Cesar Benoit (twitter: @amunti) Valencia’s visit to Stoke City and their noisy Britannia Stadium last week went much better than their weekend match-up against league rivals FC Barcelona. While Los Che escaped the cold, wet English night 1-0 winners courtesy of a Mehmet Topal wonder... > read more
Europa League: Athletic Club vs Lokomotiv – Comeback or Die!!
Published on 2012-02-22 18:06:27
By Natalia Urdangarin (twitter: @arkulari) Preamble: The first knockout match went sour for Athletic, the team lost 2-1 in Moscow and now it’s time to comeback or say goodbye to the Europa League. Seems like the Luzhniki stadium was bad for all teams visiting (Zenit beat Benfica,... > read more
Levante UD: “We’ve hit rock bottom!”
Published on 2012-02-22 13:49:38
By Dean Burrier Sanchis (twitter:@BurrierSanchis) {website: DescubriendoADean} Valencia, Spain This week has been a whirlwind of emotions and reactions following Levante’s surprising 3-5 defeat against Rayo Vallecano this past Sunday in Ciutat de València Stadium. Having travelled more than 4,500 miles to Valencia on Thursday, vomiting from motion... > read more
Podcast: La Liga round-up with Dermot Corrigan
Published on 2012-02-22 07:43:59
Elisa and Ravi chatted with Dermot Corrigan, a freelance journalist living in Madrid and writing on football for Sport360, WSC, Fox Soccer & Football Ramble and travel, technology and environment for others. Dermot’s website is http://www.dermotcorrigan.com and you may reach him on twitter at @dermotcorrigan We covered the length and breadth of... > read more
Second leg with a foot in the door: Atlético Madrid vs Lazio aka Catch 22
Published on 2012-02-22 05:05:19
This Thursday in the Spanish capital Atlético Madrid and Lazio conclude the second leg of their Europa League fixture on banks of the city’s Manzanares river. Last week the Italians were humbled on their home turf, and as far as order measurements go, theirs is going to be... > read more
Ramblings on the “Spanish” game
Published on 2012-02-21 08:05:41
Craig Williams brings us a lovely piece on his love of Spanish Football. Enjoy! I guess one of the luxuries of living in Spain, outwith the sun, the woman and the food, is the football. Or perhaps have I got my priorities wrong? Anyway, soaking up... > read more
Viva La Liga: A View From A Madrid Sofa ~ Round 24: In Pochettino we trust
Published on 2012-02-20 23:32:56
In 2009 a man went for a walk. Well it was more of a hike. At the end of the hike he stood in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary and begged for a miracle. Mauricio Pochettino took over at Espanyol when there were 3rd from... > read more
JCLaLiga betting advice – round 24: 2 vs 3!
Published on 2012-02-18 10:49:46
There’s a chance that I may change it to fit in with standard points betting systems, but for now my scheme works as follows: 1 point = £10, 2 points = £20 etc. Of course, change to Euro’s, dollars etc as applicable, and if you bet in 100’s or... > read more
Stoke City x Valencia – How Valencia outdid Stoke at their own game
Published on 2012-02-18 09:24:49
Mark Griffiths debuts on Forza Futbol with this fabulous piece on the 1st leg of the Stoke City v Valencia Europa League Round of 32 fixture. Mark is fascinated by Spanish football. You may read more of his writings here. As Marco, the Italian immigrant dock worker in Arthur Miller’s... > read more
La Liga Calendar ~ Round 24 + USTV: Europa League hang over?
Published on 2012-02-17 01:36:32
After European competition, some of the big boys might display some lack luster performances. Athletic Club face a European dreaming Malaga in San Mames. Atletico Madrid have a dangerous tie away against Sporting Gijon who are fighting relegation with new route one coach, Javier Clemente. Meanwhile Barça face Valencia... > read more
Cantera Focus: Football Draft Awards Part 1
Published on 2012-02-16 16:00:01
One of the best things about Spanish Football is La Cantera and Youth Development, seeing young locally developed talent prosper, grow and mature to become top notch players. Every year I look foward to the Football Draft, an internal ‘scouting’ mechanism/contest to honor the best home grown players. Since... > read more
La Vida en Segunda (Life in the Spanish Second Division): Round 24
Published on 2012-02-15 23:09:45
Martin Devlin (twitter: @PucelaEscosia) is back with a wrap up of the Spanish Second division. Enjoy! Liga Adelante Week 24 Round-up Friday 10th February 2012 Celta 4 Martinez (OG) 55; Iago Aspas 68,89; Fabian Orellana 87 Recreativo 1 Pablo Sanchez 40 Celta’s prize for overcoming Recre at Balaidos was... > read more
Europa League: Lokomotiv vs Athletic Club ~ time to shine!
Published on 2012-02-15 22:26:26
Preamble: The first round of the knock-out stage and Athletic’s draw wasn’t that bad (well the next round would be REALLY hard but this one was benign considering all the Champions League dropouts), which can be a blessing in disguise since the team’s performance in La Liga has dropped considerably... > read more
Forza Futbol Pub talk – Vintage style.
Published on 2012-02-15 18:39:51
Elisa, Mando and Ravi get together for a vintage edition of the ” forza futbol pub talk”. We went around the stories of La Liga. Download this episode (right click and save) Agenda 1. The Cinderella story of Mirandes 2. Barça – Valencia: Valencia’s trouble with lack of creativity in... > read more
Europa League Preview: Lazio vs Atletico Madrid ~ Old Friends & Acquaintances
Published on 2012-02-15 16:05:04
Having recently received a hero’s welcome on his return home to the Vicente Calderón to help get his beloved Atlético Madrid’s season back on track, Diego Simeone is now preparing himself for a trip back to yet another cherished old hunting ground from his playing days, the... > read more
Stoke City vs Valencia: Europa League Preview ~ ‘a cold wet night in Stoke!’
Published on 2012-02-15 00:21:19
Valencia CF’s only chance of winning silverware this season lies in the UEFA Europa League, Europe’s secondary club competition behind the prestigious Champions League. This season’s incantation sees the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Lazio vying for the prize. Los Che will have their work cut... > read more
La Liga Matchmaking
Published on 2012-02-14 14:09:21
It’s St. Valentine’s Day today in the U.S., I guess it is no matter where you are in the world I might add whether it’s celebrated or not in your corner of the world, but in mine, people’s thoughts are on love and happiness, unity and togetherness. Or that’s what... > read more
La Liga Power Rankings ~ Round 23: City of Madrid in pole positions!
Published on 2012-02-14 00:08:12
Round 23 was certainly a wild week, so much fluctuations in the form table. Several teams had their mini runs come to an abrupt end. Meanwhile, surprisingly Rayo, Villarreal, and Real Sociedad return to a bit of good form. Perhaps the most shocking is that Atletico and Rayo... > read more
LIFE AT THE TOP: THE BIG TWO GET EVEN BIGGER
Published on 2012-02-13 23:51:53
Forza Futbol welcomes back our Money expert Allen Dodson from VillarrealUSA.com (twitter:@groguet01) who gives us his take on the Football Money League. Deloitte’s Sports Group has released its annual “Football Money League” report, and it’s sobering reading, especially when so much of the football news these days concerns clubs... > read more
VIDEO: Athletic's hymn in English!
Published on 2011-07-06 01:26:00
Just in time for the summer friendly against Tottenham? No, but a brilliant rendition of el himno del Athletic Club in English! Honoring the history of Athletic Bilbao and celebrating the current crop of young, talented players. Enjoy! Gives me c > read more
Getafe CF Kits 2011-2012!!
Published on 2011-07-05 23:27:00
Getafe officially presented their new kits for the 2011-2012 season. Joma is the kit maker and Burger King is still the sponsor of the club. The home or first kit is traditionally blue, however the second and third kits have changed to yellow and pin > read more
Forza Futbol podcast 151: Summer break
Published on 2011-07-04 15:38:00
On today´s podcast episode, Ravi, Elisa and Mando discuss the latest news and rumours from La Liga, team by team as we prepare for a one month long summer break. Oh we won't disappear! There will be blogging, tweeting, U19s, U20s, Copa America, and > read more
Greece is the word for Spanish Players part 2
Published on 2011-07-04 00:39:00
La Primera Division is the best league in the world, but many players and coaches from Spain find shelter in Greece. A few comments on the Super League before we get into the Spanish players and coaches who plied their trade in Greece this past seaso > read more
2011 Gold Cup Final - Remember the Alamo?
Published on 2011-07-03 13:39:00
The last time that Mexico faced the USA in Los Angeles was in 2001. It was Landon Donovan’s debut and the score ended up being 2-0 in favor of the USA. I was there and it was a great day for American soccer. The US Men’s National team generally > read more
Espanyol Kit 2011-2012 sneak peak?
Published on 2011-07-03 00:24:00
RCD Espanyol has released their new home kit. It is available for sale online at the official website and at various outlets. The 2nd and 3rd kit are still to be revealed.The 1st kit is designed with the traditional blue and white stripes, with tou > read more
Real Madrid & Barça ~ Back in the USA!
Published on 2011-07-02 00:38:00
Here is a list of the friendlies taking place in the USA. No surprise, the two biggest clubs in Spain and the World will be returning to this side of the pond as part of the World Football Challenge. 3 games will be played by each team respectively. > read more
Valencia CF Kit 2011-2012: It's Official
Published on 2011-07-02 00:13:00
Valencia released their new kit today with a bang and plenty aplomb. The four models: Soldado (in home gear), Albelda (in away gear) Aduriz (in 3rd outfit) and Guaita (in Goalie garb) modeled the latest from new Spanish sportswear maker Joma. The 1 > read more
Copa America: La Liga's finest in action
Published on 2011-07-01 17:26:00
The 2011 Copa America is upon us. And, as always, La Liga is well represented. Leo Messi, Kun Aguero, Dani Alves, and Diego Forlan are among the stars. Let's meet some of the supporting cast... Gary Medel -- ChileTo fans of La Liga Gary Medel may be > read more
Friends of Forza Futbol 6.30
Published on 2011-06-29 21:49:00
On today's episode of Friends of Forza Futbol, we give a proper shout-out to all our friends who have been with us on the Forza Futbol Virtual Spanish Pub. On the World Stage: If you are looking for some great candid pics and great coverage o > read more
Spain U-20 World Cup Call-up
Published on 2011-06-29 13:45:00
The RFEF finally got the list of players that will play the upcoming U-20 World Cup in Colombia, the base group continues with those players that didn't move up to the U-21 level.C. ATLÉTICO DE MADRID SAD: Jorge Pulido Mayoral and Jorge Resurrecció > read more
Atletico Madrid Kit 2011-2012
Published on 2011-06-28 18:07:00
This is what I wrote almost three weeks ago when pictures were leaked of the Atlético Madrid kits for 2011-2012. What can I say that hasn´t already been said by people much more in tune and with a much higher emotional stake in Atléti than I? If > read more
Real Sociedad Kits 2011-2012
Published on 2011-06-28 17:54:00
They released the Real Sociedad kits for 2011-2012. You can see by the picture below that it is even scarier than at first imagined from the unveiling. It is a typically beautiful blue-and-white striped shirt, I am particular of course to blanquiazul > read more
Transfer Policy: Real Madrid
Published on 2011-06-28 13:22:00
I know the spotlight has been on FC Barcelona the last few weeks considering their intent to sign Alexis Sanchez from Udinese, who is considered by many football pundits to be the next break-out star in world football, and slew of others like Giusepp > read more
Barcelona Bulletins 6.27
Published on 2011-06-27 23:18:00
Sport.es Barcelona: Cesc Fabregas: Cesc is Here: On Vacation: He arrived yesterday in Barcelona and he does not expect to return to London. Cesc Fabregas arrived yesterday evening to spend part of his vacation with family and with the objective to si > read more
Madrid Messages 6.27
Published on 2011-06-27 22:15:00
As.com Real Madrid: Benzema: ¨I Have Never Seen Myself away from Madrid¨: `I will return to form. I work daily, I swim and I bike. Neymar and Kún? The only forward I fear is Ronaldo.´ Varane: passes his physical and will sign at the Bernabéu. Al > read more
Sporting Gijón's 2011-2012 kit preview?
Published on 2011-06-27 00:26:00
Sporting announced back in May that Kappa, the Italian sport company, would dress the Asturian team for three years, effective the summer of the 2011-2012 season. Kappa previously dressed Valencia CF. The official presentation is expected in July. > read more
Sevilla FC´s new sponsor
Published on 2011-06-25 11:48:00
Sevilla FC had announced back in March that they were considering an offer to change shirt companies. They dropped their long-term sponsors Joma for a five year deal with the Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning. The Chinese firm has had limited contra > read more
A Report Card for Rosell
Published on 2011-06-23 09:29:00
Last week was the one year anniversary of Sandro Rosell's victory in the FC Barcelona Presidential elections. It was a landslide victory, winning more than 60% of the votes, a testament to his abilities as an organiser and a politician, and in a foot > read more
Forza Futbol 150: Focus on Athletic
Published on 2011-06-22 18:23:00
On today´s episode of the Forza Futbol: Virtual Spanish Pub, Elisa and Ravi are joined by Jack from the Athletic Bilbao Offside Blog. They talk about the historic club, San Mamés, the famed Lezama cantera and they even get topical by focusing on > read more
Morning Papers 6.21
Published on 2011-06-21 09:28:00
As.com Real Madrid: Neymar: Santos Now has Madrid´s Offer: Luis Álvaro de Oliveira, the club´s President:¨After the Copa Libertadores, if anyone wants to talk with Neymar, they can do it then.¨ Cristiano: ¨We´ll take Barca off their perch this > read more
Barca's Transfer Policy Leaves A Lot To Be Desired
Published on 2011-06-21 02:36:00
After the countless stories that inevitably emerge during the summer months, one thing has struck me. If there are any truth to the rumours circling Camp Nou, then Cules everywhere, myself included, should be worried.The three players that have been > read more
Athletic Bilbao Elections
Published on 2011-06-20 18:54:00
So Marcelo Bielsa has been offered the Athletic Bilbao job, or at least that’s the way the half-hearted journalists who cover the sport are playing it. Yes, Jose Urrutia, the challenger in the upcoming Presidential elections at San Mames, has (shou > read more
Athletic Bilbao 2011 - 2012 Second Kit
Published on 2011-06-20 01:37:00
With the regional flag kits, the latest rage in Spain. I realized that I forgot to give Athletic Bilbao's presentation of their second kit for the 2011 - 2012 based on the Ikurriña (Basque region or Euskadi flag) from April, it's proper due. Curre > read more
Valencia Kit 2011 - 2012 - leaked?
Published on 2011-06-20 00:55:00
Is this one of the new Valencia kits for the upcoming season? Is the Senyera (Valencia flag) coming back in style? The official presentation of the new kit has not happened as of yet. Valencia is most likely still finalizing a sponsor, but the off > read more
Forza Futbol 149: A Financial Mess
Published on 2011-06-15 09:12:00
On today's episode of Forza Futbol, Elisa and Ravi are joined by resident legal correspondent Jose Antonio and they talk about SAD's, La Ley Concursal which relegates administration and bankruptcy for clubs in Spain, clubs going through that process > read more
Morning Papers in Madrid 6.15
Published on 2011-06-15 03:01:00
Marca.com Real Madrid: 30 Mil for Kaka: The player: "I'm not going, I'm not going." A huge offer from Inter for the Brasilian. Leonardo has asked for him specifically. Moratti wants to deal an effective blow to Milan. There have already been contacts > read more
Sex, Alcohol and Cumbia: Lionel Messi?
Published on 2011-06-15 01:01:00
Sprinkle this liberally with a grain of salt, but there are some tabloids in Argentina that are linking Lionel Messi of all people with an influx of botineras or what we call Wags into his very exclusive luxury hotel room over-looking the Rio La Plat > read more
Around La Liga 06.14
Published on 2011-06-14 23:25:00
Valencian Community: Valencia: French defender Adil Rami who played at Lille for the last few years has signed with los che for around 6-10 million euros. With Llorente paying it's probably more 6 than 10. Villarreal: the club have stated that no o > read more
Transfer Window Nonsense: Madrid and Barca
Published on 2011-06-14 05:26:00
Is it me or are we in the midst of a transfer window that is more ridiculous than any of us thought going in and certainly as ridiculous as any in recent memory? I know that Real Madrid have contributed to some rather outrageous expenditures for play > read more
Levante Kit 2011-2012
Published on 2011-06-13 18:46:00
Levante UD came out with their new kits for 2011-2012 today; announced as you can see at the Valencia Aquarium. The microfiber material blend is from kit provider Luanvi, a local sportswear company from Valencia, Spain, and the Valencian Community is > read more
Mourinho: Reasons for Success
Published on 2011-06-13 11:26:00
Apart from needing such a long title to describe the content of this article (Mourinho and The Reasons He Will Be A Success at Real Madrid), Jose Mourinho could possibly be the best thing that could ever happened to Real Madrid in the last 10 years o > read more
USA v SPAIN - a fan's perspective!
Published on 2011-06-13 00:01:00
A few months ago, I heard the news that the Spain National team would come to the US to play the national team in Foxboro Massachusetts and well, I just had to be there. The last time that I had seen La Roja live was during the group stages of the G > read more
Forza Futbol 148: Summer Fun!
Published on 2011-06-12 00:12:00
From Forza Futbol On today's episode of Forza Futbol, we welcome a new voice to Forza Futbol: Ravi, the rabid Villarreal fan, is the new permanent member of Forza Futbol:. It truly is now a better lens at Spanish Football. As it were the, we talk th > read more
Transfer Targets: Liverpool FC
Published on 2011-06-11 01:12:00
There is no club in England with more of a devoted following nor with a more storied past: Anfield, the Kop, 18 League titles and 5 European Cups. Yet it all seemed so far away this time last year. A group of small-market American owners with a small > read more
Atletico Madrid Shirt 2011-2012
Published on 2011-06-08 18:23:00
What can I say that hasn´t already been said by people much more in tune and with a much higher emotional stake in Atléti than I? If you were cross-eyed, far-sighted and maybe even color blind you might possibly think this was this short of passabl > read more
Around La Liga 06.07
Published on 2011-06-07 19:49:00
Valencian Community: Valencia: ex-Real Madrid midfielder Dani Parejo is about to be signed straight-away from the grasp of Getafe Club Dubai. Fun to say that. Are they going to change the Burger King logo by the way? Villarreal: In a weird bit of m > read more
VIDEOS: Valencia CF Goes to Hollywood?
Published on 2011-06-07 00:52:00
Creative Marketing indeed. Valencia CF is going all out this year. First, with their 2011-2012 shirt and new kit designer Joma. Los Che is building the hype and anticipation with a video called Valencia gets naked(!). Add to that the fact that we > read more
Coaching Carousel in Spain
Published on 2011-06-04 17:19:00
It was always bound to be an interesting off-season for coaches in La Liga. Atletico Madrid head Quique-Sanchez Flores had been falling out with players and with club functionaries since practically the season started. All this for the coach that had > read more
Marcelino new Sevilla FC coach
Published on 2011-06-04 11:01:00
As expected, former Recreativo de Huelva, Sporting de Gijon, Real Zaragoza coach Marcelino Garcia Toral will sign with Sevilla for one year with an option for a second year beyond that if he meets certain criteria, a third place berth and an automati > read more
Real Betis Kits 2011-2012
Published on 2011-06-03 17:57:00
Real Betis Balompie have announced their new RBb kits for 2011-2012. Home Kit: The colors continue to be the traditional green and white with white shorts and the traditional green socks. Away Kit: A darker full-green top; "Celtic" green if you wo > read more
Forza Futbol 147
Published on 2011-06-03 00:36:00
On this week's episode of Forza Futbol, we wrap up the season in a nice little bow with our awards assembly, we talk the coaching carousel through to its ridiculous end and we share some of the plans that Forza Futbol has for the Summer. Stay tune > read more
Amunt Vicente
Published on 2011-06-03 00:29:00
written for Forza Futbol by Cesar Benoit Vicente Rodriguez’s last moments as a Valencia player at the Mestalla were like scenes from an awkward comedy. In the midst of his team mates swarming the field after a dull 0-0 draw against local rivals Lev > read more
Malaga CF 2011-2012 Kit
Published on 2011-06-01 08:46:00
Malaga CF have announced their new kits for 2011-2012. The kits are designed by Nike instead of Li-Ning this time around. Home Kit: The colors continue to be the traditional blue and white. Rather than last year´s experiment of dark blue stripes > read more
Around La Liga 5.31
Published on 2011-05-31 22:07:00
Valencian Community: Valencia: Vicente Guaita has extended his contract with the club until 2016. Whether that means that he will be a starter or will continue to backup Cesar for one more year is still to be determined. Villarreal: Signed for > read more
Damn lies and Statistics: La Liga Year End Stats!
Published on 2011-05-30 21:58:00
It's that time of the year again. The end of the 2010-11 La Liga season and I love the numbers game. I wanted to share a few interesting stats, along with the usual suspects. So hear we go! Stadium Attendance aka Where the atmosphere lives!: Wha > read more
Real Madrid Kit 2011 - 2012
Published on 2011-05-30 20:49:00
The new Real Madrid jersey for the 2011-2012 has been released fairly early this year. As usual Adidas will produce the uniform. The biggest change in the new design is the gold color stripes, instead of blue. There will also be small detail change > read more
VIDEO: Hips don't lie Barça style!
Published on 2011-05-30 01:24:00
Check out the Barça boys celebrating on stage with Shakira. Love the moves of Pique, Xavi, Villa, Pedro, Bojan and Busquets! These boys know how to boogie. Campeones! Fun stuff! Enjoy! > read more
Another Portuguese to Madrid?
Published on 2011-05-30 00:31:00
The actual start of the transfer window hasn't yet begun, but Jose Mourinho has certainly been busy bringing a few players to the Real Madrid. Nuri Sahin, Hamit Altintop and Jose Callejon have already been picked up by the club looking to build on th > read more
La Lambretta Radio: La Liga Bilingual Podcast #10
Published on 2011-05-29 22:37:00
The Roundtable guests today: the Miami "vice", Edu aka @lalambretta, elblaugrana.com's Inma aka @inmazv, Antonio the "real" Málaga Sheik aka @Ant_Lambretta, Valladolid fanatico Eugenio aka @EUGENIOJGASCON, Seattle's very own Ravi aka @aupasubmarino, > read more
Real Madritis?
Published on 2011-05-28 13:04:00
by Raül Pope Fargüel for Forza Futbol: Football fans are notoriously fickle and the more successful a club is, the more fickle the fans. This is no more clearly manifested than in the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona, whi > read more
Forza Futbol: Community of Valencia Podcast
Published on 2011-05-28 07:15:00
Javier, Kyle and Ravi from Valencian Community On today´s episode of the Forza Futbol Virtual Spanish Pub series, Elisa is joined by Javier from the Valencia Offside website, rabid Villarreal fan and multi-linguist Ravi from the weekly La Lambrett > read more
Betis Float Up!
Published on 2011-05-28 00:40:00
Special Guest Writer Adam Boyle from the awesome Ooh Ooh Betis Blog is chufed, stoked, and over the moon that Betis is back in La Primera! Fabulous Pictures courtesy of Selu Vega from Manquepierda Blog. Enjoy!Fans of Real Betis are walking on air. T > read more
Two seasons with Rayo Vallecano
Published on 2011-05-27 18:11:00
Author: Raül Pope Fargüell When I first started going to watch Rayo Vallecano those were exciting days. We bought our Rayo season tickets for 90€ and a friend and I met another Rayo fan, randomly, in a bar across from where we worked and wher > read more
Jorge Valdano sacked by Real Madrid
Published on 2011-05-27 08:48:00
I know it is de riguer to bash Jorge Valdano in these parts. It’s easier now as he’s been given the heave-ho, so-called madridistas coming out of the woodwork to criticize the man for his lack of support for Jose Mourinho this past term, and it w > read more
Around La Liga 05.24
Published on 2011-05-24 18:55:00
Valencia Valencia: Unai Emery has renewed his contract with Valencia CF for one year. Which means either that he capitulated, failing in his attempt to secure an extra year for finishing third, or that he won the battle to start selling the likes of > read more
Unai Emery signs on for another season and the future is bright
Published on 2011-05-24 14:43:00
Putting days of speculation about his future to rest, Unai Emery has signed a one year contract extension which will keep him at the club till June 30, 2012. This would be his fourth season in charge of Los Che, where he has ensured that the club qua > read more
Will Guardiola Ever Leave Barca?
Published on 2011-05-24 07:10:00
I know what you will be thinking when you read that headline. Of course he will, he has said he will. And my answer would be: Yes, he has said he will, three times now. Or at least it has been reported three times now.The first time was after taking > read more
Barçelona: Pagan Sacrifices?
Published on 2011-05-23 23:56:00
Today we have a special guest writer, Marc Goldin, a Barça supporter with a different perspective. Thought provoking and a joy to read. Enjoy!Enough ink has been spilled on Barcelona’s winning ways, their style of play and sheer dominance of pos > read more
Rayo Vallecano Promoted
Published on 2011-05-23 08:58:00
With three points this weekend, Rayo Vallecano, that working-class club from the Madrid neighborhood of Vallecas have been promoted to the first division for the first time since the 2002-2003 season. It has been a long road for supporters and player > read more
The Sad Demise of Super Depor
Published on 2011-05-22 05:05:00
Saturday May 21st, and the end of a dream happened as Deportivo La Coruna were relegated from La Liga, just eleven years after winning the title. That side, nicknamed "Super Depor," had some outstanding players, the likes of Jacques Songo'o in goal, > read more
La Liga 2011-12 ~ Matador Awards!
Published on 2011-05-22 00:09:00
It's that time of the year and we want YOUR input. Who was the best of the best in La Liga this year? Best by position. Best young player. Best all around player. One selection per poll. We are opening the polls and will announce the winners on > read more
Stars that La Liga desperately need to stay
Published on 2011-05-20 22:58:00
Yes, ultimately we know that either Barcelona or Real Madrid will win the 2011-2012 la liga title. At the end of the day however, there is still 18 other teams that are either fighting for a place in Europe or desperately trying to avoid getting rele > read more
Espanyol: Ivan De La Peña retires
Published on 2011-05-20 09:24:00
As expected, the great playmaker and recent Espanyol captain retired after having played only 5 games in the last two years. His mind was willing but his body resisted he said. At the beginning of the season I wrote a fitting tribute here on Forza Fu > read more
Transfer Targets: Chelsea FC
Published on 2011-05-20 09:12:00
After years of relatively tepid summer buying, unless you consider the talent binge that Manchester City have been on, this looks to be a slightly better than average transfer market, especially for the big clubs in England. While any other year the > read more
Forza Futbol 145: This is Atleti
Published on 2011-05-19 21:53:00
On this week´s episode of the Forza Futbol Virtual Spanish Pub, we have Gary from Madrid Atleticos, Derrick from Atletico Fans, and Ricky from This is Atléti and its spanish equivalent Esto es Atéti. We talk Atlético Madrid of course but we al > read more
Looking Ahead to La Liga 2011-2012
Published on 2011-05-18 05:08:00
I know this is usually the time when we assess where we have been and what was accomplished, especially with a long Summer uninterrupted by International competitions (well, three weeks in July at the Copa América aside), but instead of looking at a > read more
Alcorcón: A Division Below But Leagues Ahead
Published on 2011-05-17 23:18:00
Today we have a very special guest writer from MadridAtleticos, Gary Madrid, on assignment at the Alcorcón match, from this past weekend. With the playoffs looming it's time for some Liga Adelante aka Segunda A action. Enjoy!Just outside Madrid, o > read more
Mando Interviewed by RCD Espanyol
Published on 2011-05-17 09:23:00
For those interested in this sort of thing, I was interviewed the other day for Rcdespanyol.com, I figured it would be a little blurb, but they really went all out. My thanks to Andrés Merello and everyone at RCD Espanyol. It is for these sorts of r > read more
Poll: Who will win La Liga 2011-2012
Published on 2011-05-16 19:34:00
SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH: Futbol Draft & U21S
Published on 2011-05-15 23:27:00
Fútbol Draft 2011 announced the Gold, Silver and Bronze finalists. The best canteranos of the year who will be honored in a year end gala and all star game. As you can see from the 33 finalists, the majority play in the first division in Spain, 9 > read more
Barcelona Shirt 2011-2012
Published on 2011-05-15 14:10:00
It´s been an open secret that the new FC Barcelona shirt would feature their new shirt sponsor, Qatar Foundation, to replace or support their current arrangement with Unicef, but if this is the current design that Nike have produced, then we can see > read more
La Lambretta Radio: La Liga Bilingual Podcast #8
Published on 2011-05-15 13:24:00
La Tertulia guests today: Mix Master Emcee, Edu aka @lalambretta, Writer extraordinaire from elblaugrana.com, Inma aka @inmazv, Ravi aka @aupasubmarino from Seattle via India, el Colchonero y cantador from @thisisatleti and @estoesatleti podcasts, Ri > read more
Forza Futbol 144: A Fantasy League
Published on 2011-05-14 20:53:00
On today´s episode Elisa is joined by Laurence Alexander of Fantasy Football: La Liga, a site that helps in understanding Spain's Primera Liga through opta stats and the highs and lows of contesting Yahoo's Fantasy Football Liga competition. Li > read more
Around La Liga 5.14
Published on 2011-05-14 10:39:00
Valencia: Valencia: Vicente Guaita will not participate in the Valencian derby because of a viral illness. Bed rest and will be rechecked next week. Villareal: the club will play Atlético Madrid in a friendly match to raise funds for the victim > read more
Which League is the best in Europe?
Published on 2011-05-13 17:23:00
A few days ago, I was having a conversation with a friend about football, as you do. Now, it is no secret that I am a big Barca fan. With this in mind, the whole Premier League vs La Liga debate raised it's head. He asked me, in a fairly patronising > read more
Forza Futbol 143: Relegation!
Published on 2011-05-12 08:03:00
This week's podcast is actually a show that we recorded last week, but due to unforeseen health and technical issues, we are posting up this week. Not much has changed really, other than that Barça won the league and Hercules are actually being d > read more
Transfer Targets: Manchester United
Published on 2011-05-11 20:14:00
Now we enter the time where speculation starts, the betting houses take sports betting tips or specifically in this case football betting tips on the destination of some crafty winger from Russia, a stern defender from Germany or a precocious young s > read more
David Silva:City's shining light
Published on 2011-05-09 19:22:00
Ask most football journalists about David Silva moving to the Premier League last year and they would maybe have a grin on their face saying that its to competitive and physical for him. Ask that same question to some Manchester City fans right about > read more
Monday Morning Papers 5.09
Published on 2011-05-09 08:31:00
Marca.com Insatiable Cristiano: 87 Goals: Madrid strikes fear when they play the attack. With 47 goals, Cristiano launches himself towards the Pichichi, the Golde Boot and the record of Zarra and Hugo. His goals scoring form against Messi´s is the g > read more
Barcelona Derby Preview
Published on 2011-05-08 11:28:00
Espanyol had not won for 111 days; practically the entire second half of the season. Barcelona had gone 174 without losing coming into that match at the Camp Nou two years ago. Espanyol had not won there for 27 years. Barça were comfortably in first > read more
Nuri Sahin to Real Madrid
Published on 2011-05-08 09:39:00
It´s a start. We´ve said before that the Spanish League has a lot to learn from the successes of the Bundesliga. So buying Borussia Dortmund´s nifty midfielder Nuri Sahin, especially for only 10 million euros from the German champions, is a good m > read more
La Lambretta Radio: La Liga Bilingual Podcast #7
Published on 2011-05-07 22:47:00
Roundtable guests today: The man at the controls, Miami Sound Machine aka Edu, Real Valladolid fan boy aka Eugenio, and La Jefa aka resident Malagueña, Inma, from La Lambretta Radio de España. La Lambrettinos are joined by Villarreal groguet Ravi > read more
Calling all Madridistas to the West Coast!
Published on 2011-05-07 21:04:00
Pre-season friendly time is nearly upon us and some fantastic news, Real Madrid is returning to the West Coast of the USA. They will be based at UCLA for pre-season training and staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel. They will play three friendlies. Th > read more
Is The Special One Becoming Unhireable?
Published on 2011-05-03 10:56:00
He is the self proclaimed Special One. He has won pretty much everything at club level. And yet is Jose Mourinho in danger of alienating himself from every big job in the future?His rant after last week's Champions League first leg defeat to FC Barce > read more
The Real Madrid and Barcelona Divide
Published on 2011-05-02 09:32:00
While many were tweeting or f´booking their versions, real or imagined regarding the sleights on either side of the clásico fence, pushing on the talking points about referee bias or lack of sportsmanship, the harsh play, cheating or the diving, ma > read more
Summer Exodus of Spanish Players Abroad
Published on 2011-05-02 00:13:00
The Spanish Player's Union (AFE) recently announced that there were 300 unpaid players, the majority in Second division and that if nothing is going to change, a strike would be eminent the first week of the 2011-12 season.The Spanish economy is not > read more
FORZA FUTBOL on La Lambretta Radio - Spanish Football Bilingual Podcast no 6
Published on 2011-05-01 22:32:00
Today, la tertulia or gathering grows when el conductor Edu, el Real Malaga Jeque (aka Sheik) Antonio and el Pucelano Eugenio from La Lambretta Radio, join Villarreal fanatico Ravi aka @aupasubmarino from Seattle, and yours truly Elisa to talk about > read more
The Trapdoor Is Opening
Published on 2011-05-01 12:06:00
After my last article on the promotion race in La Liga Adelante, I decided to have a closer look at the Primera Division relegation battle.With just four rounds of fixtures left to play, the relegation picture is still somewhat unclear. While Almeria > read more
Valencia must not let Emery go
Published on 2011-04-30 20:41:00
For a club ridden with debt, Valencia had no choice but to let David Villa go in the summer even if it meant making an already strong rival "stronger". When one learnt that even their very own David Silva and Carlos Marchena were sold to Manchester C > read more
Will Kaka Leave?
Published on 2011-04-30 06:18:00
On June 9th 2009, Ricardo Kaka becomes a Real Madrid player after siging for a fee around £57 million. This marks the begining of what looks to be a huge spending spree by returning president Florentino Perez. Perez pledges big money transfers to th > read more
Friends of Forza Futbol 4.29
Published on 2011-04-29 21:23:00
A new feature here at Forza Futbol, FFF or Friends of Forza Futbol, will be a weekly article that publicizes the best blogs in English about the Spanish game. World: First of all, before you do anything, point your clickers to Futbolita´s site. > read more
Forza Futbol 142: Arch Bell from La Liga Weekly
Published on 2011-04-29 19:44:00
On today´s episode of the Forza Futbol Spanish Pub, with Elisa away without leave on a sunny beach on the west coast of Mexico, Mando welcomes old friend and guest Arch Bell from La Liga Weekly. We talk the first leg Champions League clasico deba > read more
Old friends to return?
Published on 2011-04-29 04:32:00
As the season is drawing to a close, I thought I would try and find out a little bit about the Spanish Segunda Division. Being based in England, you have to go hunting for info on the second tier, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to educa > read more
Madrid Morning Papers 4.28
Published on 2011-04-28 09:12:00
Marca.com Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona: ¨Why?¨: an exaggerated red to Pepe leaves Madrid with 10 for the fourth time against Barca. A genius Messi takes advantage of the superiority of Barca. A stingy first half for Madrid. Mou, thrown-out, sees it im > read more
I Hate you, El Clasico.
Published on 2011-04-28 04:11:00
And no, it's not because Real Madrid lost. Well maybe a little but anyways, let me explain my point.I've been an avid Real Madrid fan for about 6 years now and to say they have been all rosy is a huge, massive overstatement. I'm sure a few Barca fanb > read more
UCL: Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona
Published on 2011-04-28 00:34:00
People are going to argue about Pepe being sent off, the yellow cards to Ramos and Arbeloa, and the perceived lack of favor that the arbiters had for anyone dressed in white over blaugrana, but it´s quite clear what happened in the Champions League > read more
Selling Cesc Fabregas
Published on 2011-04-27 08:31:00
The Sun tabloid in England are reporting that Arsenal are set on selling Cesc Fabregas in the summer, and despite reports that Real Madrid and Inter Milan have both come knocking on the ex-La Masia midfielder, the player is adamant that he will only > read more
Spanish Football TV Audience Share
Published on 2011-04-26 22:19:00
As a follow up to my recent post on TV Revenues and the recent strike threat, I wanted to take a look at Football TV audiences, as reported by the LFP. The most recent report is of last season - 2009/2010 and includes the one open or free game per w > read more
Barcelona: Injury Crisis
Published on 2011-04-26 17:48:00
In these times of injury crisis: The areas that Barca need to strengthen come next season: As we approach the business end of the season, Barca find themselves in an uncomfortable position after injuries to key players have rocked the team. Real Madr > read more
El Clasico del Mundo: facts and Statistics
Published on 2011-04-26 04:25:00
Hearts will pound, bodies will sweat and blood pressure will rise when Barcelona and Real Madrid meet tomorrow at the “white castle”; Santiago Bernabeu. Keeping with the competitive frenzy here are some facts and statistics that was accumulate > read more
FC Porto – Villarreal CF
Published on 2011-04-26 04:25:00
Will the Yellow submarine from Vila-real slay the Dragon from Oporto? Europa League 2011 Semifinals Schedule1st leg – 9.05pm CDT 28/4/2011, Estadio do Dragao, Oporto, Portugal. 2nd leg – 9.05pm CDT 5/5/2011, Estadio El Madrigal, Vila-real, Spai > read more
The SemiFinals of all SemiFinals!
Published on 2011-04-25 08:08:00
Guest Blog: Rapheal HarryGladiators Ready: The arenas have been prepared, seats cleaned, even the gods will be taking two days off this week to watch the gladiators from Barcelona, Gelsenkirchen, Madrid and Manchester take on each other in the first > read more
In Barca We Trust Part I
Published on 2011-04-25 07:51:00
This is part one of a two-part article discussing Barcelona and the upcoming El Clasio which is written by our guest writer Masoud Rahal. We are obliged to agree that Barcelona is very well capable of returning to their winning ways soon enough as > read more
El Clasico 3: From Valencia with Love!
Published on 2011-04-25 03:39:00
After showing a steel of nerves, shrewd and incredible counter-attacking football on Wednesday to defeat their arch rivals for the Copa Del Rey, Real Madrid went to Valencia and did another thing worthy of mention….if not praise. Jose Mourinho trie > read more
La Copa del Rey - It's not what you think
Published on 2011-04-24 13:35:00
The Copa del Rey trophy was destroyed the very night Real Madrid won it. News programs snatched up footage of Sergio Ramos dropping the trophy from atop the team bus, only for the prize to become lodged between the front wheel and bumper as the unwit > read more
Agüero to leave for Chelsea?
Published on 2011-04-23 23:16:00
Every year, there are always reports that Sergio Agüero may be on his way to Chelsea. Most people may feel reading the topic that this is just another year where eventually el Kun ends up staying at Atletico. This summer though, may be different. As > read more
Getafe Team Dubai
Published on 2011-04-21 11:01:00
It is official, on Thursday Royal Emirates Group has signed a deal to buy Getafe and what is most telling is that the Dubai firm are targeting a top six finish next season. "We were offered two or three La Liga clubs and we also looked into Eur > read more
Friends of Forza Futbol 2.0 the Podcasts
Published on 2011-04-21 10:02:00
I am a podcast addict. I have a long commute in LA and I need my daily fix of Spanish Football news, drama, and game talk. If I can't get it daily, I will take it weekly. I want to take this opportunity to recommend my favorite podcasts on Jueg > read more
Forza Futbol 141: Clasico Review
Published on 2011-04-21 09:41:00
On today´s episode of Forza Futbol, we are joined again by Eduardo Perez Alvarez of ESPN Soccernet and we review with him his experiences being at Mestalla yesterday for the final of the 2010-2011 Cop del Rey between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelo > read more
Copa del Rey: Barcelona 0-1 Real Madrid
Published on 2011-04-20 18:40:00
Real Madrid deserved the win. Cristiano Ronaldo, who played much of the game in what seemed a perpetual state of poutiness, took a quick cross from Di Maria and headed it past a diving Pinto. They played with anger and with heart, a bit over the top > read more
Team Dubai in Spain: Getafe, Zaragoza, or another club?
Published on 2011-04-20 07:30:00
For a league that was almost ludicrously devoid of foreign investment a mere 16 months ago, it seems that someone at the RFEF has opened up shop and has been inviting potential investors to offer their bids. First Malaga by the Qataris, then Racing b > read more
Monday Morning Papers 4.18
Published on 2011-04-18 10:30:00
Marca.com Real Madrid: Pepe: ¨With 11 we´ll win, certainly¨: The new leader in white: Mourinho will repeat the trivote in the Cup final. Ramos and Carvalho as central defenders. Arbeloa as left winger. Puyol: ¨the manner in which Real Madrid play > read more
TV REVENUES - A Comparative View
Published on 2011-04-17 22:01:00
There were threats of a strike in Spain by the club owners, but it never happened. The Spanish clubs are still pursuing laws that will ensure that the clubs get a piece of the internet gambling pie. In addition, the clubs will revisit the weekly fr > read more
FORZA FUTBOL on La Lambretta Radio - Spanish Football Bilingual Podcast no 4
Published on 2011-04-17 13:28:00
Today, Edu and La Jefa Inma Zaragoza from La Lambretta Radio, Villarreal fan Ravi from Seattle, and yours truly Mando AND Elisa talk about the following topics:o El Clásico: Mou's and Pep's tacticso Malaga's recent win and the return of Julio Baptis > read more
Real Madrid 1-1 FC Barcelona
Published on 2011-04-17 09:58:00
It was not a classic match. It was however, one of the most enjoyable matches I have seen all year. Clearly a contrast in styles, Mourinho threw away all semblances of attractive football, built a wall to stop Barcelona from playing their slow build- > read more
Four Clasicos
Published on 2011-04-16 03:58:00
by Raül Pope FargüellFour “clásicos” in eighteen days? I’m too busy doing anything else.In our house since the semi-finals of the Champions League were confirmed, where Barcelona and Madrid would lock horns in la liga and the final of the > read more
Forza Futbol 140: Vaishali Bhardwaj
Published on 2011-04-14 11:18:00
Vaishali Bhardwaj from Four Four Two On today's episode of Forza Futbol, Elisa welcomes Vaishali Bhardwaj to the program. Vaishali writes for Four Four Two, Clean Sheets All Around, and is on the Round Up Show on NuSound Radio 92.3 a UK radio s > read more
Cristiano Ronaldo to AC Milan
Published on 2011-04-13 10:00:00
I think it's gone on long enough. There is transfer nonsense and then there is transfer nonsense. Every window opening brings on true whoppers of invention, but have we heard anything like the sort of ridiculous rumor coming out of Italy that Silvio > read more
Friends of Forza Futbol 4.12
Published on 2011-04-12 22:01:00
A new feature here at Forza Futbol, FFF or Friends of Forza Futbol, will be a weekly article that publicizes the best blogs in English about the Spanish game. First of all, we hope everything is alright for the guys at LaCelesteBlog.com, they are ta > read more
Transfer Alert: David De Gea to Manchester United
Published on 2011-04-12 18:17:00
It´s not a new story, not by any stretch of the imagination, but Onda Cero in Spain are reporting that a 5 year/20 million euro deal has been struck with Manchester United, sending the promising keeper to Manchester effective this Summer. Atlético > read more
Hala Madrid: Clasico Meldown
Published on 2011-04-11 08:37:00
The stage is set. Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona are going to experience a level of pressure and rivalry that has never been experienced. No, I am not one to throw that sort of hyperbole around. Starting next week and quite possibly, still consideri > read more
Forza Futbol & La Lambretta Radio - Spanish Football Bilingual Podcast no 3
Published on 2011-04-10 13:01:00
Today, Edu from La Lambretta Radio, el Doctor Julio from Santander, and yours truly Elisa talk about the following topics:o Relegation battle and remaining fixtureso Edu's trip to Madrid to see Sporting v Real Madrid with Inmao Where should Fernando > read more
Sunday Papers 10 Apr
Published on 2011-04-10 08:57:00
Marca.com Athletic 0-3 Real Madrid: "Like Motorcycles": Mou's 'planB' functions, too. Kaka resuscitates with two goals (from the penalty spot). Cristiano now has 40 goals this season: two shy of his Manchester United record. Pepe played as a central- > read more
Forza Futbol 139: Andy Mitten
Published on 2011-04-06 22:22:00
Andy Mitten from Yahoo-Eurosport On today's episode of Forza Futbol we welcome back Andy Mitten, author of Mad for It amongst many other books. He covers Manchester United and La Liga for Yahoo-Eurosport, and joins us here for a chat about the S > read more
Focus on: Manolo Preciado
Published on 2011-04-05 07:19:00
The league was lost on Saturday in Madrid. I realize that mathematically there is still a chance, but with so few games left and with the lack of real competition, it is a safe bet to say that there will be no more remontadas, no hay liga, in short t > read more
Special One 1.2: Jose's Record
Published on 2011-04-03 01:01:00
It was a tragic occasion at the Bernabeu last night. After nine years, four teams, four leagues and numerous awards, countless titles, and a peer-less record in the Champions League, Jose Mourinho's far-fetched winning streak, one that began all thos > read more
Guardiola leaving Barcelona?
Published on 2011-04-01 19:05:00
Image via WikipediaIt's the so-called story of the day. Pep Guardiola gets interviewed by an Italian reporter covering the anniversary of Pep's former club Brescia. Look beyond the fact that since taking over the first team Pep hasn't given one-on-on > read more
Barcelona: an extra bit of fantasy
Published on 2011-03-31 03:56:00
There's this great statistic that I found, in Marca of all places, that in the last 166 matches no other teams has beaten Barcelona for possession. Only Ryjkaard's blaugrana (against Unai Emery's Almeria of all opponents) were held to less than 50% p > read more
La Liga Strike Averted
Published on 2011-03-29 19:46:00
According to Jose Ramon de la Morena, on his daily program El Larguero on Cadena Ser, there has been an accord reached between General Secretary in charge of Sport, Jaime Lissavetzky and representatives from the LFP and the League office to lift the > read more
Forza Futbol 138: Paul from La Liga UK
Published on 2011-03-29 06:59:00
Today we are joined again by friend of the podcast Paul Wilkes of La Liga the Midlands, a rabid Liverpool FC fan from (inexplicably) the Birmingham area of England. Turned on to the Spanish League by the Costa del Merseyside era at Liverpool, w > read more
Monday Morning Papers 3.28
Published on 2011-03-28 21:16:00
As.com Real Madrid: 'We play more than Madrid and we're not tired': Van der Vaart: dismisses the calendar complaints of Mourinho. Mourinho: 'I am neither for nor against the strike disagreement. Atletico de Madrid: Mario Suarez: 'the season is not wh > read more
Forza Futbol on La Lambretta Radio - Spanish Football Bilingual Podcast no 3
Published on 2011-03-27 13:02:00
Today, Edu from La Lambretta Radio and yours truly Elisa talk about the following topics:o USA v Argentina friendlyo Spain v Czech Republic Euro Qualifiero Second Division in Spain - La Liga Adelanteo Edu's trip to Madrid to watch Real Madrid v Sport > read more
Forza Futbol 137: Eduardo Alvarez
Published on 2011-03-26 14:01:00
Eduardo Alvarez ESPN Soccernet On today's special episode of Forza Futbol, we have Eduardo Alvarez of ESPN Soccernet. He writes a weekly column called La Quiniela, where he predicts the week's action in the Spanish League. We talk La Furia Roja, R > read more
USA v SPAIN - International Friendly coming to the US!
Published on 2011-03-25 23:24:00
Fabulous news today, the Spanish National team will be coming to the East Coast of the US to play a friendly agains the US Men's National team. They will be playing June 4th in Foxboro, Massachusetts near Boston, at Gilette Stadium, the home of the > read more
La Liga Locked-out
Published on 2011-03-23 20:47:00
There has been frequent talk recently about a work stoppage before the next round of games in the Spanish League, brought about not by any mismanaged relationship between owners and players like is so often commonplace here in the United States, but > read more
Hunt for Hercules' New Coach
Published on 2011-03-22 19:59:00
With Hercules bottom of the table at 26 points now, despite being the only club to have beaten top team FC Barcelona and losing 0-4 last weekend to fellow strugglers Osasuna, the club decided to fire coach Esteban Vigo. The club's first choice, Juan > read more
Forza Futbol 136: Graham Hunter Interview
Published on 2011-03-22 09:32:00
Graham Hunter Revista La Liga On today's episode of Forza Futbol we have a very special guest, Graham Hunter from Revista La Liga, ESPN Soccernet and many other venues. Based out of Barcelona, Graham covers the Spanish League like no other journa > read more
Monday Morning Papers 3.21
Published on 2011-03-21 06:32:00
Marca.com Real Madrid: Pepe Renewed: signed on Friday to extend his contract by four years. The portuguese defender will charge 4 kilos net per year. He'll be the sixth best paid defender in the world. Mou considers him key for his project. Cristiano > read more
FORZA FUTBOL on LaLambrettaRadio Bilingual La Liga Chat
Published on 2011-03-20 14:12:00
We had the pleasure of doing a LIVE bilingual Internet Radio show on La Liga today with our friend Edu Pérez Suárez from La Lambretta Radio.Topics covered:o Live commentary on the March 20th La Liga early fixtures of Jornada 29o Chatting about the > read more
SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH: International Callups and more
Published on 2011-03-19 22:36:00
U-21 Friendlies vs France and BelarusSpain U-21 coach Luis Milla has the luxury of calling up two different squads to each game. What can I say but the Spanish clubs are doing an amazing job at producing the next generation of footballers. The game > read more
PREMIERSHIP RUMORS: Summer Transfers
Published on 2011-03-19 13:06:00
Rumblings and rumors out of Spain are pointing towards several tasty transfers that could take place this summer. What are your thoughts on the following speculation?Raul Albiol to Chelsea? The central defender is no longer a starter for Jose Mourin > read more
LA FURIA ROJA: Euro 2012 Qualifiers - Call ups
Published on 2011-03-19 11:48:00
This week Vicente Del Bosque announced his squad list for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers: March 25th in Granada against the Czech Republic and March 29th in Kaunas against Lithuania.In form Athletic Bilbao right back, Andoni Iraola is returning t > read more
UEFA Champions League: The Closers
Published on 2011-03-19 10:57:00
With the draw for the final eight teams announced this week, most fans of La Liga probably let out a sigh of relief: Barcelona square off against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, while Real Madrid face a tough but not exactly daunting opponent in Tot > read more
Champions League: Two Finals Before the FINAL
Published on 2011-03-19 09:16:00
Yesterday in Nyon, the remaining 8 gladiators were brought together and opponents were choosen for the final rounds of battle. Everyone now has an idea of how to get to Wembley so there's no need for some GPS. Time to start servicing the engines, che > read more
Week 29: Heroes in the fight for survival
Published on 2011-03-18 12:37:00
Duda, Malaga Hercules' Farinos, Malaga's Duda and Almeria's Albert Crusat have the power to change the fortune of their relegation threatened sides this weekend and should be seriously considered as hot prospects for any fantasy football manager. La > read more
Champions League Draw: Quarter-Finals
Published on 2011-03-18 07:08:00
The Champions League draw was held today on UEFA.com and the stage is set for next month's ties. Real Madrid CF v Tottenham Hotspur FC: an interesting set of matches, but still seems to me an advantage to Real Madrid. Spurs are a much-improved side > read more
Forza Futbol 135: La Lambretta Radio
Published on 2011-03-17 22:00:00
Edu Pérez Suárez from LaLambrettaRadio.com On today's episode of the Forza Futbol Virtual Spanish Pub, we are joined by the imminently capable Edu Pérez Suárez from La Lambretta Radio and we talk Champions League, Europa League and the state > read more
Luis Enrique steps down at Barcelona B
Published on 2011-03-15 09:38:00
Multiple sources in Spain are reporting that Barcelona B skipper Luis Enrique has decided, for "personal" not "professional" reasons to step-down at the end of the season. No offers have come in for the ex-Real Madrid, Sporting de Gijon and Barcelona > read more
Cesar Menotti hospitalized
Published on 2011-03-15 09:20:00
This weekend Atletico Madrid forward Kun Aguero took time out of his busy schedule to send a twitter message of all things. "Fuerza César! Mis deseos de recuperación para el Flaco Menotti." Strength to you Cesar, wishes for your recovery, for el Fl > read more
Sevilla 1-1 FC Barcelona
Published on 2011-03-13 23:39:00
It was a hard fought 1-1 match that two or three years ago would have been like giants wrestling with each other, but that was another time and another set of players for either side. In a perfect world those matchups would have continued but Barcel > read more
Special Fun 1.1: Jose's Meldown
Published on 2011-03-12 07:35:00
When Jose Mourinho opens his mouth, out pops sparkly gems and koo-koo nuggets. What will we ever do without the Portugeyser. Cue the fun-fair music. It's another Special Fun event. As we've all been observing, for the last few weeks Jose Mo > read more
Hala Madrid: what to do with Kaka
Published on 2011-03-11 19:31:00
When Cristiano Ronaldo put his Real Madrid kit on, it was as if the club finally had a Galactico in this version of the squad to match the likes of Zidane or Ronaldo, but when Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, Kaka, put on his kit there was a sense o > read more
Forza Futbol 134: Champions League & More
Published on 2011-03-11 00:11:00
Mando & Elisa from Forzafutbol.com On today's episode of Forza Futbol, Mando and Elisa talk about Spanish clubs in the Champions League: the exciting match between Schalke and Valencia that saw Los Che bow-out in Europe, and Barcelona's fie > read more
Revenue Sharing: a Rebuttal
Published on 2011-03-11 00:01:00
A few weeks ago we sent out some fliers regarding the revenue sharing proposal that we have attached ourselves to, this idea of a Fair and Just League (even though the original players may have disappeared off the face of the Earth mind you). For tho > read more
Spotlight on Youth in La Liga
Published on 2011-03-10 23:51:00
The Case for a Level Playing FieldBetter late than never? Well, the transfer of Jon Miquel Toral to Arsenal from Barçelona has come and gone. Another youngster has been lured to the money and glamour of the Premier league. Toral is half English, > read more
Who gets Pep Guardiola's seat?
Published on 2011-03-10 01:35:00
It seems ever since Pep Guardiola was given the vacated seat behind the Barcelona bench from departing Coach Frank Ryjkaard that, whether it has been the FC Barcelona, or the Madrid media, or even Pep himself, someone or another has been predicting w > read more
Champions League: Schalke 3-1 Valencia CF
Published on 2011-03-09 22:52:00
What did we learn from the 3-1 drubbing of Valencia CF in Germany as Felix Magath's troubled side did one over on Unai Emery's? We learned that this is, as yet, not a finished product for neither Unai Emery nor Los Che. We learned that they had at le > read more
Racing Santander: A House of Cards?
Published on 2011-03-09 20:20:00
Try this link. It seems to be another in a line of wikileaks type whistle-blower sites but the difference here is that the prime subject of their investigations is Western Gulf Advisory or WGA, which is important here because WGA's head honcho is Ahs > read more
Champions League: Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal
Published on 2011-03-08 21:39:00
The highlight of the match will fall to one off-side call. Robin Van Persie, who had gotten caught behind the Barcelona defense, was whistled and in frustration he kicks the ball behind Victor Valdez's goal. A second-yellow, companion to another bit > read more
Forza Futbol 132
Published on 2011-03-06 15:09:00
Five years putting together a weekly podcast about Spanish football and we are still going strong. On this week's episode, it's just Elisa and Mando talking about Spanish football, it's blessing and failures and about the stories that are gripping > read more
Around La Liga 3.06
Published on 2011-03-06 02:33:00
FC Barcelona: Tito Vilanova: "I told him, calm down Pep, I'll get up, but he couldn't sit still." The Barcelona second-in-command has no doubts that Pep will be ready for Arsenal at the Camp Nou as Guardiola was feeling much better than last we > read more
Can WAGs and team rankings provide reliable statistics?
Published on 2011-02-27 16:42:00
Let me set one thing straight: I deal in stats -- cold, objective data. Anything you can think to track about a sport, I find interesting. I'm not talking about just the basics, such as how many passes were completed or who scored and assisted. I'm t > read more
Hala Madrid: Special Fun
Published on 2011-02-27 14:13:00
When Jose Mourinho opens his mouth, out pops sparkly gems and koo-koo nuggets. What will we ever do without the Portugeyser. Cue the fun-fair music. It's another Special Fun event. After Madrid played at the dreaded Riazor against a slipshod Depor s > read more
Forza Futbol 132: SportsHaze
Published on 2011-02-27 09:53:00
Simon Jalie fromSportsHaze.com On today's episode of the Forza Futbol Virtual Spanish Pub we have Simon Jalie from SportsHaze.com to talk Spanish football, the state of the league, Real Madrid and Barcelona, plus many other topics from one of th > read more
Week25: what a difference a Xavi makes
Published on 2011-02-26 08:04:00
Barca will be without Xavi at Mallorca this weekend, but how much will they really miss him?A forensic look at the impact of Barca's midfield master. A new column by Laurence "Johnson" Alexander, looking at La Liga through the fantasy football lens > read more
VIDEO: Adidas & the RFEF announce sponsorship renewal
Published on 2011-02-26 00:43:00
As a huge La Roja fan, I really like this Video in honor of the Spanish National team & the RFEF sponsorship renovation of their agreement. A 30 year long sponsorship deal and 30 years of suffering as a Spain fan. Memories of Luis Enrique in 1995, > read more
LA LIGA Team of Round 24
Published on 2011-02-22 00:16:00
The relegation battle continues, fixture congestion ensues. It's the business time of the season and only 17 goals this past weekend in the Spanish league. Osasuna win with a festival of goals? What the heck is going on? GOAL KEEPER: DANI ARANZUB > read more
Monday Morning Offsides
Published on 2011-02-21 07:09:00
Every Monday in La Liga, whether it be the Madrid press or the Barcelona press since there is no difference, there is always one article concerning either referee interference or a vaguely off-side goal to consider. If you read them as often as I do > read more
VIDEO: For a dignified Atléti, Tell them to Go!
Published on 2011-02-21 00:26:00
A brew is boiling. Spanish football fans are feeling impowered and starting to question and demand change. We mentioned the website Liga Justa on Forza Futbol (aka For a Fair League), which has mysteriously gone silent. Now Atlético Madrid fans are > read more
VIDEO: Depor's Goalie Aranzubia ~ Goal of the Week!
Published on 2011-02-20 23:15:00
The first Goal Keeper to ever score on a header in La Liga. Dani Aranzubia looked like Fernando Llorente out there. Check out the perfect power cabezazo netted in the 95th minute, to split the points! Golden goal for relagation battling Deportivo L > read more
Welcome to La Otra Liga
Published on 2011-02-19 23:19:00
More than halfway through the season in La Liga and surprise, surprise, Barcelona and Real Madrid are at the top of the league, with very little chance of dropping any points. Hence the title race in Spain is over for any other team but the duopoly. > read more
Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao: dare to think the unthinkable?
Published on 2011-02-19 05:44:00
David Lopez holds the key for BilbaoA new column looking at La Liga through the fantasy football lens.The match of the weekend? Barcelona are wounded and will be sweating to get back to winning ways. Bilbao never win against Barca, but three of their > read more
Forza Futbol 131: Focus on Spanishfootball.info
Published on 2011-02-19 00:14:00
Richard and Jamie from Spanishfootball.info Today we are joined by our good friends Jamie and Richard of Spanishfootball.info, sort of our Forza Futbol dopplegangers from across the pond. We talk Champions League, Europa League and the state of t > read more
Real Madrid Legend: Hugo Sanchez
Published on 2011-02-18 23:37:00
With so many quality Spanish players playing in La Liga, we often forget that there are players of great quality coming out of other regions, other traditions. Argentina and Brazil are well-represented, but we disreard how much North Americans have h > read more
Champions League: Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona
Published on 2011-02-16 17:53:00
It was an evenly matched affair between two squads that hold firm to the ideal that football should be played with the ball at the feet, with joy in the heart, and not just with fire in the gut. It was an uncharacteristically gutsy performance by Ars > read more
La Liga Team of Round 23
Published on 2011-02-16 00:14:00
Round 23 was very exciting and a hard fought bunch of games. There were several relegation 6 pointers, as well as some difficult away fixtures for the top 4 teams. Only 22 goals this week and 4 clean sheets. Here is my best of the weekend:Goal Kee > read more
Beating Barcelona
Published on 2011-02-15 20:20:00
It's easy to think that the surface coverage of La Liga coming from the English sites is minuscule at best, slanted with suppositions at worst, and giving an anglo-centric viewpoint that has little to do with the reality of the Spanish game. You woul > read more
Ronaldo has left the building
Published on 2011-02-14 10:44:00
His latter years were a bit of a caricature, the fatnomeno, the exposed belly on a too tight kit, wheezing after sprints at the Santiago Bernabeu, crumbling in a heap after his ultimate, decisive knee injury at the San Siro or shambling around in a C > read more
The Torres Saga: Who's the real winner ?
Published on 2011-02-14 08:54:00
Having allowed the dust to settle or my emotions to be more appropriate, I thought now would be a better time to write my views on all things Fernando Torres. I could have spent the last 2 weeks commenting on various articles some good and some not s > read more
VIDEO: New Racing Santander Owner Celebrates in El Palco!
Published on 2011-02-13 11:12:00
10 men Racing Santander beats the mighty Sevilla 3-2 in the 90th minute, with a last gasp 40 yard monster goal! New Owner, Ali Syed erupts and the VIP seats go wild!Ok, why is this such a big deal? Well, tradition is that the Owners, Presidents and > read more
Sunday Morning Headlines 2.13
Published on 2011-02-13 05:22:00
As.com Sporting Gijon 1-1 FC Barcelona: Hay Liga! (There is a League): Preciado: "We left our lives. This draw should be valued at more than one point." Mourinho: did not train and went to France to spy on Lyon. Marca.com Sporting Gijon 1-1 FC Barce > read more
Sporting de Gijon 1-1 FC Barcelona
Published on 2011-02-13 04:31:00
Anyone who was surprised by the result at El Molinon either doesn't know La Liga, Sporting de Gijon or just doesn't know FC Barcelona. Yes, La Liga is far more competitive than pundits give it credit. Check that talking point for your friends and nei > read more
Forza Futbol 130: Focus on La Liga Talk
Published on 2011-02-12 13:40:00
Andy Pineda La Liga Talk On today's episode of La Liga Talk, I mean Forza Futbol, I mean wow, it's like going back to the schoolyard or something, like going back to an old hangout or a high-school reunion. We welcome Andy Pineda from La Liga Tal > read more
VIDEO: Crazy Unai Emery on the Sidelines
Published on 2011-02-12 00:24:00
One of my favorite characters, I mean coaches, in La Liga is Valencia's Unai Emery. Check out this very funny video of dear Unai on the sidelines when Valencia played Espanyol and eventually won 2-1. He goes through various gestures and theatrics: > read more
The Most Expensive Spanish Player Transfers of All Time
Published on 2011-02-10 23:57:00
In honor of the 2011 Winter Transfer Market, I thought that I would do some anoraking and find out who are the most expensive Spanish Player transfers ever. Some of them are the well know Spanish Internationals, others hit the highest heights, but f > read more
Best of Jornada 22 in La Liga
Published on 2011-02-09 00:38:00
Time to pay homage to those players that really impressed this past week.GOAL:Just for that awesome save that was just out of this world, My hat goes off to Vicente Guaita from Valencia. Incredible piece of skill and timing against Hercules in the d > read more
Racing Santander sack their Manager
Published on 2011-02-07 19:39:00
Miguel Angel Portugal must have heard the whispers. The new owner needed a new coach. Ignore the fact that Portugal had been in the upper echelons of Real Madrid management and knew the Spanish league like the back of his hand. It didn't matter. The > read more
Monday Morning in Contrast 2.07
Published on 2011-02-07 18:59:00
Marca.com Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad: A Festival of Kaka, Adebayor, Ozil and CR7: The DiStefano of the 21st Century: Pique Cristiano - Messi: the lusitanian recovers the Pichichi after his double. Kaka celebrates hist start with a goal. Adeb > read more
The Ones That Got Away: Real Madrid Cantera
Published on 2011-02-06 22:06:00
The transfer policy of Real Madrid is supposed to be a balance of Super Star imports, the best Spanish players that money can buy and the cantera. Well of late, the first two criteria have been very true, but the cantera or youth academy/development > read more
La Liga vs Europe: FIRST BLOOD
Published on 2011-02-06 21:08:00
We are back from the break. Nice as it may have been, most of us couldn't wait for battle to resume amongst the Gladiators on the Big Arena of Europe. La Liga's Gladiators return to the big stage in their quest for the ultimate prize for club footba > read more
Forza Futbol Podcast 129: Mando Rants
Published on 2011-02-05 14:58:00
With our hosting site down and the games coming fast and furious, I decided to at least catalogue this week's episode, a series of rants that I recorded about the state of the Spanish League as we speak, on Archive.org for your enjoyment. It won't be > read more
LA LIGA Team of Round 21
Published on 2011-02-02 23:44:00
Let's go with a 4-3-3 this week. Yes finally 4 defenders! This week is a tribute to some of the journeymen in La Liga.IN GOAL: DIEGO LOPEZ (VILLARREAL)The Spanish International was on his game, in a thrilling 0-1 win at fortress Cornellá Prat. Th > read more
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid
Published on 2011-02-02 07:54:00
When I welcomed Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid I thought he would do well and he has. He has brought a new spirit, a better sense of camaraderie and unity, or at least since Fernando Hierro was sent off to Bolton. They look impenetrable in most games i > read more
Fernando Torres leaves Liverpool
Published on 2011-02-01 01:23:00
Was anyone at all surprised by the fact that Fernando Torres left Liverpool? 50 million pounds for the 26 year old World Cup winner on a five and a half year contract to Stamford Bridge? He provides instant cover for the aging Didier Drogba and he > read more
Footballer´s in Financial Crisis
Published on 2011-01-31 23:25:00
Everyone wants to be a footballer, right? The glamor, the fame, the idea of getting paid to play around for a couple of hours a night, and no one has to mention the women. It must be the ideal life, but is it? In a recent report in the Diario de Nav > read more
Monday Morning for Real Madrid 1.31
Published on 2011-01-31 09:11:00
As.com Real Madrid: Osasuna 1-0 Real Madrid: The League has died. Long live the Cup! Long live the Champions! 7 Points, Too much Material: A very poor Madrid failed against the constant effort of Osasuna. Adebayor came out in the 64th minute and cont > read more
Forza Futbol 128: Segunda Focus
Published on 2011-01-29 00:27:00
On today´s episode of the Forza Futbol Virtual Spanish Pub, we have an old friend on with ours on, Arch Bell from La Liga Weekly´s Segunda Focus, and we talk about the second division of the Spanish League. Listen Now: &nbs > read more
LA LIGA Team of Round 20
Published on 2011-01-27 00:36:00
GOAL KEEPER: PISCU CUELLAR (SPORTING GIJON)His goal mouth took a pounding from Diego Forlan and company. But the unheralded GK from the original rojiblancos stood firm against Los Colchoneros. A well earned clean sheet to boot.DEFENDERS: SERGIO SA > read more
REAL ZARAGOZA Team of the Decade: 2000 - 2010
Published on 2011-01-27 00:16:00
Continuing our series, guest blogger, Spanish virtual pub fellow podcaster, and friend of Forza Futbol, Steven Abrams of livinlaliga.com give us his best Maños of the Noughties:GK: CESAR LAINEZDuring the last decade there have only been two notewor > read more
Copa del Rey: Sevilla 0-1 Real Madrid
Published on 2011-01-26 18:45:00
The Sevillistas are angry at the turn of events in a closely fought battle between Real Madrid and Sevilla FC at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, when a Luis Fabiano goal that might have counted on any given day against any other club, was disallowed prima > read more
Adebayor signs for Real Madrid
Published on 2011-01-25 20:30:00
Real Madrid finally got their number 9. Emmanuel Adebayor, the Togo front-man and former Arsenal target man, signed on-loan from his current club Manchester City after the club were turned down by both Hamburg for Ruud Van Nistelrooy´s and his servi > read more
Monday Morning in Counterpoint: 01.24
Published on 2011-01-24 19:22:00
Marca.com Real Madrid 1-0 Mallorca: And in the Sixteenth Match... He Scored!: A great goal by Benzema who hadn´t seen the back of the net since the 21st of September. Xabi and Ozil came out after the break and resuscitated the team. St. Iker s > read more
50 Highest Paid Players in World Football
Published on 2011-01-24 00:48:00
Sport Foot Magazine has come out with their 50 highest paid players in World Football. It is an extremely interesting list as you can see their are may overpaid players playing in the Richest leagues in the World. A lot of veterans and a lot of und > read more
A Ransom for Racing Santander
Published on 2011-01-21 19:02:00
Last week the Spanish papers were following a story that saw Racing President Francisco Pernia was in Bahrain negotiating with the business interests of an Indian financier named Ahsan Ali-Syed for the take-over of the Cantabrian club. This was the s > read more
Villarreal Best XI of the Decade
Published on 2011-01-21 02:08:00
Continuing our series, this time we go to Forza Futbol Virtual Pub friend, Sid from Villarreal USA for the top players of the decade from the Yellow Submarines.GK: Diego López. A tough choice between him and Pepe Reina, who makes the bench, but Lóp > read more
Forza Futbol 127: Camino de La Liga
Published on 2011-01-20 23:45:00
Jamie McGregor: El-Camino-de-La-Liga On today's episode of the Forza Futbol Virtual Spanish Pub, we are joined by Jamie McGregor of amongst other websites Spanishfootball.info but here we talk to him about his site El Camino de La Liga. The challe > read more
Messi beats Cristiano Ronaldo
Published on 2011-01-19 22:37:00
Around La Liga 1.19
Published on 2011-01-19 18:59:00
Valencia: Valencia: While neither Lorient nor Almeria have given their ok to Valencia signing striker Kevin Gameiro and goalkeeper Diego Alves respectively, the club is not worried as they have verbal agreements in place with the players and th > read more
World Best Goal Getter
Published on 2011-01-19 00:55:00
According to the IFFHS, the International Football Federation of History and Statistics, based in Germany, the World's Top Goal Scorer for 2010 is:1. Bader Ahmed Al-Mutawa (Al-Qadisia SC Kuwait-City / Kuwait)2. Samuel Eto'o Fils (FC Internazionale Mi > read more
Around La Liga 01.17
Published on 2011-01-17 22:55:00
Around La Liga is a twice-weekly column where we explore news, features and transfer rumors from all around Spain. Monday's column covers the northern half of the league and Wednesday's covers the southern half. Athletic Bilbao: striker Urko Vera ha > read more
BEST XI of ROUND 19 in LA LIGA
Published on 2011-01-17 21:17:00
The hallway point in La Liga and there were a lot of thrills, spills, and surprises. Let's take a look at who were the best of the bunch of this past weekend's matches. GOALKEEPER DAVID DE GEA (ATLETICO MADRID) had an incredible game against Mall > read more
Monday Morning in Madrid 01.17
Published on 2011-01-17 19:13:00
Marca.com At 4* and without 9: The 'Mou Team': Now doesn't depend on itself (*which in reality is actually 5 unless Madrid beats Barça 6-0 at the Bernabeu) UD Almeria 1-1 Real Madrid: Granero saved a point for a Madrid without firepower. Indirectly > read more
Barca and Real Madrid: Victimization Complex
Published on 2011-01-17 11:02:00
Read either paper today, any one of a number of Barcelona and Real Madrid papers will do, but focus on Marca or Sport. es and you will get inundated with phantom calls that should have been penalties, clear chances that were rewarded and shouldn´t h > read more
A Place for Pep at Liverpool?
Published on 2011-01-16 16:37:00
These sorts of stories, fairy-tales really, usually start this way. They look back to a storied past, once upon a time when we were young like that, and they predict a return if the time is right and the stars are aligned and the need is great. Well, > read more
Real Madrid: In Search of a Number Nine
Published on 2011-01-16 08:43:00
It is a mantra that has been repeated too often this year to even matter anymore: Real Madrid need a number 9. Jose Mourinho asked for one in his first press-conference. His handlers at the club have been talking him down ever since. Repeated often e > read more
Forza Futbol 126: Focus on Real Betis
Published on 2011-01-14 09:33:00
Adam from Ohh Betis Blog On today's menu for the Forza Futbol Virtual Spanish Pub, we are serving immense portions of cucumbers, along with the sparkling conversation with our friend Pepino Joe Meemo or Adam from his Ooh Betis: Real Betis Balompi > read more
World's Best Playmaker 2010
Published on 2011-01-13 23:57:00
Continuing our look back at the year that was 2010, IFFHS (International Football Federation of History and Statistics), based out of Germany, has come out with various other accolades. This one is near and dear to my heart, Best Playmaker in the Wo > read more
Athletic Club de Bilbao Team of the Decade (2000-2010)
Published on 2011-01-13 23:19:00
Continuing our series of the best players of the noughties, we travel up north to the Basque Country courtesy of Paul from bilbao.theoffside.com The past decade has been relatively unspectacular for Athletic. For most of the decade, the team finished > read more
2010 Club World Rankings - how does La Liga fare?
Published on 2011-01-13 00:48:00
The IFFHS also came out with it's Club World Ranking. I am going to list the Top 20 and then mention where other Spanish League clubs are listed below 20. Points are allocated based on win, lose or draws in cup and league competitions. The points a > read more
Getafe's Best Players of the Decade
Published on 2011-01-13 00:26:00
Continuing our top ten or best XI of the decade series, we go to Ewan Macdonald from Getafe-escocia!The following XI was compiled with the gracious assistance of the fans at Getafeweb. PatoContra - Belenguer - Alexis - PerníaPedro León - > read more
Valencia CF's Top XII of the Decade.
Published on 2011-01-12 00:27:00
Continuing our series of best players of the decade, we bring you Cesar Benoit from First Touch.The 2000’s were an exceptional decade for Valencia CF. From Spanish league titles to Champions League finals, Valencia supporters were spoiled rotten. T > read more
Best League in the World
Published on 2011-01-11 21:37:00
According to the IFFHS (the International Federation of History and Statistics), the Spanish league was announced today as the best national football championship, narrowly beating the English Premier League. La Liga accumulated 1,092 points to Engla > read more
Best XII of Round 18 in La Liga
Published on 2011-01-10 23:57:00
Week 18 in Spain, brought us lots of goals, 34, in fact. The home teams were very prolific in fact, for the most part. Lots of thrills, and a big Monday upset.Here is my best XII from the round in a 4-4-2 formation.GOAL KEEPER:Ricardo (Osasuna)- the > read more
The Top Ten Atléticos of the Noughties
Published on 2011-01-10 23:40:00
Continuing our top players or best team of the decade series, this time we turn to our friend Peter Anderson from MadridAtleticos.It is hard to comprehend that a decade which finished seeing Los Colchoneros winning the Europa League, the European Sup > read more
Real Club de Mallorca Best XII of the Decade
Published on 2011-01-10 00:01:00
Continuing our series of looking at the best players of the decade, we turn to our friend Jeremy Tanner from the Mallorca Offside blog for his Best XII.I am going with a 4-3-1-2 formation based on the strengths of the club. Let's start with the two s > read more
The Top 50 Most Influential people in World Football of 2010
Published on 2011-01-09 23:07:00
Don Balon has come out with their 50 Most Influential People in World Football of 2010. Please note that this is a Spanish paper/magazine/media source and is very Spanish and Latin centric. Well here are the powers that be, the movers and shakers i > read more
Player Value: Under 23's
Published on 2011-01-08 17:59:00
Transfer Market just came out with their top 20 U-23 players with the most market value. Let's take a look at the list at hand.1. Gonzalo Higuaín FWD age 23 (Argentina & Real Madrid) 38.000.000 €2. Kun Agüero FWD age 22 (Argentina & Atlético de > read more
Ronaldinho - The Barca Years
Published on 2011-01-08 09:59:00
With his impending move back to his native land of Brazil due to take place this week, I thought now would be as good a time as any to look back at a time when he was more than a well-known name he was also a superstar on the pitch.It was the summer > read more
THE BEST OF THE DECADE. Real Madrid XI.
Published on 2011-01-08 02:15:00
The last ten years have seen the Los Blancos at it's highest and lowest points. The club has been at the top of it's game in such a way that their biggest rivals (on the local and Continental stage) are envious. Real's dominance was so powerful that > read more
Best XI of Jornada 17 in La Liga
Published on 2011-01-07 01:02:00
Spanish Football returned to our HDTVs, computers, and local stadiums. Here is my list of top performers from the first round of games in 2011.Goal Keeper: RCD Mallorca's Dudu Aouate easily saved and contained all of Hércules shots on goal. Consi > read more
Forza Futbol Podcast 125
Published on 2011-01-07 00:01:00
On today´s episode of Forza Futbol, we take a break from the Virtual Spanish Pub series and we get back down to the nitty-gritty of Spanish Football as seen from our perspective. We talk about games, the victimization complex that the big teams i > read more
Whatever happened to Andres Guardado?
Published on 2011-01-06 08:10:00
In April of 2008, after playing a full 90 minutes in a midweek friendly playing for México in London and then topping that with a weekend match against Real Murcia, Andres Guardado re-injured his right leg in the biceps femoral muscle; his hamstring > read more
A very Catalan problem
Published on 2011-01-05 14:43:00
Christmas in Catalonia is a very traditional affair: a shitting wooden log that’s hit with a stick and taunted with a song threatening a further beating if he doesn’t shit out gifts for everyone (caga tió); a small defecating figure hidden a > read more
Barça players of the decade
Published on 2011-01-04 23:47:00
1) Ronaldinho The first choice is easy and maybe it will be slightly surprising to some, but Ronaldinho set the tone and was the undoubted figure head of the team that won the Champions League under Frank Rijkaard. He started things that we see the f > read more
Monday Morning Headlines 01.04
Published on 2011-01-04 18:00:00
Marca.com Real Madrid: Four Great Nights: A great game for CR7 who distances himself even more from Messi after two more goals. The excellent sensations that Kaká transmitted, after 240 days. The excellence that Madrid had at Getafe: Parejo, and the > read more
Published on 2011-01-04 05:56:00
KBNWGYZK3EMV > read more
Just the Stats if you please: La Liga Statistics 2010-11
Published on 2011-01-02 14:27:00
At the midway point of the season, I do enjoy to take a look at a bit of the statistics. I know that stats are not a precise indicator of success, especially in football. But I was pretty impressed and surprised with a few particular Spanish League > read more
Mid-Season Review: Best Players of each La Liga Team~from A to Z
Published on 2011-01-01 18:31:00
As we begin 2011, let's take some time to reflect and give some kudos to the best player in each La Liga team as of the 2010-11 season, so far.Almería: Brasilian goal keeper Diego Alves - is there any wonder bigger teams are vying for his services? > read more
Greece is the Word for Spanish Players & Coaches
Published on 2011-01-01 17:46:00
Greece is an amazing place to visit and live. It has nice beaches, good food, and a passionate soccer culture. This is something that the Spanish footballers and coaches seem to know. In the last few years, many Spaniards have come to Greece to play > read more
Silva finding his feet at City
Published on 2011-01-01 15:38:00
It is often hard to make conclusions from the festive football period in England. With players understandably physically and mentally tired from playing four games in 10 days results often come down to a survival of the fittest or, as results over th > read more