║ La Liga Season 2013-14 ║

[Lionel Messi]

Sunday February 9 2014

Simeone: No excuses

By Football Espana staff

Diego Simeone has said there are no reasons other than a poor performance for Atletico Madrid’s defeat to Almeria.

Atleti were beaten 2-0 by Almeria and had goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia sent off for the penalty that gave the hosts their second goal, and with Simeone having used all three substitutes, Gabi had to take the gloves.

“It was a game where our opponent tried to play,” Simeone said at his post-match Press conference.

“In the first-half we could have gone in front. We had the chances, but in football these things happen.

“We’re not looking for excuses. We can’t blame the referee, the wind or anything.

“Our opponent did a great job and congratulations to them.”

Atletico have now suffered defeat in their last two games, losing the Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg to Real Madrid in midweek.

Simeone rejected the suggestion that his team were affected by the derby defeat and insisted there was only one way to put results back on track.

“The only way to get back to how we were is working hard, and that’s what we’ll do,” he said.

 

[Lionel Messi]

'This is what happens when you try to hurt Messi's pride' - Martino

Feb 9, 2014 11:48:00 PM

The Argentine was accused of losing his passion for football pre-match, but his coach believes he has been decisive as ever, scoring a double to put Barca top of La Liga.

Gerardo Martino says Lionel Messi has reacted superbly to doubts raised over his commitment to Barcelona by former assistant coach Angel Cappa.

Cappa claimed that the Argentine attacker has lost his passion for the game, words to which the Catalans' No.10 responded to with a classy double against Sevilla on Sunday.

However, Martino believes his strikes, his first goals from open play in the Primera Division since September, have silenced his critics, and that he always has an impact even when not on the score-sheet.

"I would never risk speaking ill of Messi. Unconsciously, people who talk about him are in fact playing with his pride, and if you touch the pride of the best player in the world... the rival pays for that, and that's what happened today," the coach told reporters after the game.

"He is always decisive, even if it's just to draw rivals defenders inside. He becomes the focus of the other team's attention to such an extent that he creates space for others, so his involvement is always positive."

Additional strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas bookended the 26-year-old's goals to give Barca a 4-1 victory, profiting from a wasteful Sevilla side to regain top spot in La Liga.

The Blaugrana fell behind to Alberto Moreno's opener before Alexis equalised, albeit from an offside position, but the Barca coach felt they had good claims for a spot kick.

Martino added: "There was also a penalty on Messi, I saw it very well because I was on that side. Regarding the offside I didn't see it because my view was obstructed."

 

[Lionel Messi]

Schuster angry at ‘invented’ penalty

Malaga coach Bernd Schuster has criticised the officiating in his side’s 4-1 defeat to Rayo Vallecano.

FootballEspana – Sun, Feb 9, 2014 08:13 GMT

Malaga coach Bernd Schuster (Reuters)

Schuster was unhappy with the decision of referee Mateu Lahoz to send off Sergio Sanchez and award a penalty to Rayo, duly converted by Joaquin Larrivey to make it 3-0 before half-time.

Iago Falque, having opened the scoring, added a second just past the hour mark with Oleksandr Iakovenko scoring a late consolation. Anaitz Arbilla was Rayo’s other goal scorer.

“It’s easy to analyse the game,” Schuster told his post-match Press conference.

“We didn’t turn up in the first-half. From the first moments we weren’t in the fight and it became clear how the game was going to go.

“We made it too easy for them and our attitude wasn’t right. Hopefully that’s the last time it happens.

“We weren’t up for the challenge and we were playing at half speed. Nothing is given to you and you have to sweat until the last moment.”

Despite his criticism of his team, Schuster still hit out at Lahoz, who he claimed saw incidents no one else did.

“Our fried Lahoz got involved and when something happens he enjoys engaging.

“The penalty was invented, cards and everything. Terrible.”

 

[Lionel Messi]

La Liga Preview: Barca, Real, Atleti continue title battle

12 February 2014

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will all be vying to make top spot in La Liga their own over the course of the weekend.

All three teams go into their matches on 57 points from 23 games, with only goal difference separating their identical records of 18 wins, three draws and two defeats each.

Champions Barca sit top, and they face what should be a straightforward home match against second-bottom Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

The two sides have only met five times since 2003, but the Catalans have won every one of those encounters while racking up 23 goals in the process.

Rayo, meanwhile, have managed just one goal in those matches - in a 3-1 defeat at Camp Nou last season - and Barca won the reverse fixture this term 4-0, thanks in the main to a hat-trick from Pedro.

Gerardo Martino will be able to call upon Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba this weekend after the duo were suspended for the 4-1 victory at Sevilla last Sunday, but the Barca coach may opt to rest several key players with next Tuesday's UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg at Manchester City in mind.

Second-placed Real Madrid, meanwhile, make the short trip across the capital to Getafe - where they lost last season - on Sunday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side go into the match on the back of a 24-match unbeaten run in all competitions, and Barca remain the only team they have lost to away from home this season.

By contrast, Getafe have failed to win any of their last eight in the league and sit just four points above the drop zone, although they will be buoyed slightly by the absence of the division's top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, who is banned.

Atleti welcome Real Valladolid to Vicente Calderon on Sunday looking to put consecutive defeats behind them.

Diego Simeone's team had gone 23 games without defeat in all competitions until last week, but have since lost both Copa del Rey semi-final legs to Real Madrid, while also falling to a shock 2-0 Liga reverse at Almeria last Saturday.

However, form and logic suggests they will get back on track this weekend, as Valladolid have won just one of their last seven Liga outings and sit in 18th place.

In the battle to finish fourth, Athletic Bilbao entertain Espanyol on Sunday as they look to extend their four-point lead over fifth-placed Villarreal, who host mid-table Celta Vigo.

A win for sixth-placed Real Sociedad at Malaga on Monday could potentially see Jagoba Arrasate's men open up a healthy advantage on both Sevilla and Valencia, who play each other at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Sunday's late kick-off.

Elsewhere, bottom-of-the-league Real Betis travel to Granada for an Andalucian derby, while the region's other representatives - Almeria and Elche - face Levante and Osasuna, respectively.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Barcelona's Neymar on course to face City

Neymar has been cleared to play in Barcelona's La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, raising hopes he will be primed for their Champions League tie with Manchester City next week after being sidelined with an ankle injury.

Reuters – 14 February 2014

Barcelona's Neymar celebrates after scoring a goal against Celtic during their Champions League soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona December 11, 2013 (Reuters)

"He has been training fine, feels okay and has looked strong," coach Gerardo Martino said at a news conference on Friday.

"He is now competing with the rest for a place. I don't like to talk about it as a test for him (against Rayo)."

The 22-year-old has not played since limping off against Getafe in mid-January, and Argentine Martino said it was important he got through the Rayo match before they started thinking about the City challenge on Tuesday.

"It is normal to talk about the Champions League game because it is the most even of the last 16. We are concentrating on tomorrow's game. It was a blow for us to lose the leadership and it was difficult for us to win it back."

It has been a challenging first season of adaption for Brazil forward Neymar, and Barca will now be hoping to get the best out of the him as the season reaches its climax.

He will return alongside a rejuvenated Lionel Messi in attack, whose two goals against Sevilla on Sunday helped Barcelona return to the top of La Liga, albeit on goal difference over Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Messi was also on target on Wednesday as they secured a King's Cup final place against Real after overcoming Real Sociedad on aggregate, indicating he was returning to form after an injury-hampered season.

"I am happy to have the players available as over the season it has been difficult to have a situation like this. We have the players now and it is at an important time of the season," said Martino.

Midfielder Xavi would be rested against Rayo

"He is fine but he is not in the squad."

"Over the six or seven months so far we have been building to this point by having rotations and from now on it will be less so. The idea has been to have the players in good condition for the World Cup as well as for Barcelona."

Martino praised the possession-based tactics of Rayo coach Paco Jemez, although they remain in danger of relegation, sitting in 19th spot, four points off safety.

"He is very brave and I admire all those coaches that go out to play, even more so those with a squad that isn't the strongest individually. It is more than admirable to keep trying even when we are arriving at the end of the season."

 

[Lionel Messi]

Casillas, Lopez feud downplayed by Mejias

14 February 2014

Real Madrid reserve goalkeeper Tomas Mejias insists there is no tension at the Bernabeu between rival pair Iker Casillas and Diego Lopez.

The 25-year-old moved to Middlesbrough on loan in January, but had previously kept goal for and captained Castilla, Real's second-string side.

Since his arrival from Sevilla over a year ago, Lopez has played every La Liga game for the capital, while Casillas has been used for Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League ties.

The rotation by Carlo Ancelotti has led to reports of tension between Lopez and Casillas, who has been a mainstay of the club for the last 15 years.

However, having trained regularly with the duo, Mejias denies that there is any problem at the club, insisting both men are ultimate professionals.

"I wish the best to him (Casillas) and Diego," he told AS.

"They are two great goalkeepers. We did not think about it (rotation). The two are performing and contributing to the team.

"That tension is positive, keeps them alert. You cannot ever relax.

"At Madrid, all are great professionals. It is the highest level. If someone is not fully trained it is impossible."

 

[Lionel Messi]

Posted on Thursday, 02.13.14

5 things to know about the Spanish league

Atletico's Cristian Rodriguez in action with Real's Daniel Carvajal during a semi final, 2nd leg, Copa del Rey soccer derby match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid, Tuesday Feb. 11 , 2014. Gabriel Pecot / AP Photo

By PAUL LOGOTHETIS
AP Sports Writer

MADRID -- Atletico Madrid's Spanish league title aspirations will be under further scrutiny after a week when it lost three matches and saw its slim lead atop the standings erased by Barcelona and Real Madrid.

All three clubs are tied on 57 points going into the 24th round of games, with Madrid on the best run of the co-leaders, going unbeaten in 24 games in all competitions. That includes back-to-back Copa del Rey wins over Atletico to reach the final.

Here's a look at some of this weekend's storyline's:

---

ATLETICO ON THE ROPES

Atletico badly needs a win to get its title aspirations back on track.

After starting the first 35 games with a single defeat, it has now lost its last three straight games.

For a team that had only known success for most of this season, rebounding from the subpar performances is perhaps the biggest test to its season ahead of Valladolid's visit to the Vicente Calderon on Saturday.

Coach Diego Simeone admits that fatigue may finally be catching up with a limited squad that is also still in the hunt for the Champions League.

---

MADRID ON A ROLL

Madrid became the first Spanish club in nearly a century to reach the Copa del Rey final without conceding a goal in the competition, yet that still won't earn Spain captain Iker Casillas a return to the first team come Sunday at Getafe.

Diego Lopez has been the regular Madrid goalkeeper in the league despite Casillas' stellar play in both the domestic cup competition and the Champions League. Casillas has not conceded for close to 900 minutes.

The goalie controversy even led Carlos Ancelotti's daughter Katia to chirp in with her opinion. She backs Lopez.

"I've spoken with the coach and everything is settled," said Casillas, who received an apology from his Italian coach over the matter. "When someone apologizes, the correct thing to do is to accept it."

---

BARCA SWAGGER

The spring in Lionel Messi's goalscoring step has returned of late, and Barcelona is looking all the better for it.

Wednesday's 1-1 cup draw at Real Sociedad put the Spanish champions into the final from one of the Catalan club's most inspiring performances of the season.

Like goal scorer Messi, the team was full of verve and showcased much of the slick, quick combinations that it has come to characterize in recent seasons but that have dropped off under coach Gerardo Martino.

"There's a good feeling in the team," said midfielder Andres Iniesta, who looks fully recovered from recent injury setbacks. "When the team is in good shape, everything goes better."

---

BATTLE FOR FOURTH

Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal are locked in an exciting duel for fourth in the league, which means a Champions League qualifying place.

Bilbao enjoys a four-point lead over the "Yellow Submarine," which has already exceeded expectations by earning promotion from the second division last season.

Athletic is unbeaten in five league games but has drawn its last pair going into Sunday's game against Espanyol. Villarreal, meanwhile, has lost two of three before Saturday's game against Celta Vigo.

Villarreal is without injured goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo, while midfielder Cani is close to returning.

---

VALENCIA SURGING

Beating Barcelona always lifts a team's morale, and Valencia appears to be surging after its own surprise win at the Camp Nou several weeks back.

It is also adding some value to a team looking for a buyer.

Valencia followed up its 3-2 win at Barcelona with a 5-0 drubbing of Real Betis last weekend, just as the club looks to sell with heavy debts and a stadium waiting to be completed.

Opponent Sevilla, meanwhile, is seventh but sliding down the standings after losing three straight. It is without a league win since Jan. 5.

Both teams have 31 points.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Piatti out for up to five weeks

17 February 2014

Valencia forward Pablo Piatti will be out of action for up to five weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury.

The Argentinian suffered the injury to the hamstring in his right leg in training on Friday and was sent for tests on Monday.

And Valencia have revealed that Piatta, signed from Almeria in 2011, is set for another spell on the sidelines after also suffering a thigh problem back in September.

A statement on the Valencia website read: "Tests on Monday morning confirmed that the player (Piatti) has a hamstring injury in his right leg, with a recovery time of 4-5 weeks."

Piatti will now miss both legs of Valencia's UEFA Europa League last-32 tie with Dynamo Kiev, the first of which takes place on Thursday.

The 24-year-old have scored five goals in 18 appearances, with his most recent strike coming in a surprise 3-2 win at La Liga leaders Barcelona at the start of this month.

Valencia also confirmed that on-loan midfielder Oriol Romeu has begun his recovery in London after successfully undergoing surgery last Monday to repair torn cartilage in his knee.

Meanwhile, defender Philippe Senderos has joined Piatti and Romeu on the injury list after scans revealed that the former Arsenal man has sustained a groin strain.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Schuster frustrated by ´silly´ mistakes

18 February 2014

Bernd Schuster knows his Malaga side must cut out silly mistakes if they want to pull away from the relegation zone in La Liga.

A 1-0 home defeat to Real Sociedad on Monday ensured Malaga remain just above the bottom three, with their advantage over Real Valladolid only three points.

A lapse in concentration allowed Carlos Vela to score the only goal after only 10 minutes and Schuster was left frustrated as his side were unable to recover from that early setback.

"We didn't do enough to win," he admitted. "We just couldn't overcome the rival's relatively slow pace on the pitch.

"We always react well when we're behind on the scoreboard, which is a good quality the team has always had, and will continue to do so.

"However, mistakes are costing us dearly, particularly in the situation we're in now."

Striker Roque Santa Cruz felt Malaga had done enough to earn a point, but rued a handful of missed chances that proved costly.

"I think we were unlucky, and the rival keeper was extremely fortunate to save a number of promising shots at goal," he said.

"We lacked a bit of confidence when it came to goal chances, but I think on the whole we performed well.

"I hope we learn from this game and start every match with more intensity."

Malaga have now lost their last two league matches, and face fellow strugglers Almeria and Valladolid in their next two Liga clashes.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Barcelona only choice for Neymar

18 February 2014

Neymar has revealed he rejected interest from a host of clubs, including Manchester City, to join Barcelona at the start of the season.

The Brazilian forward was linked with many top sides in Europe prior to leaving Santos.

Speaking ahead of Barcelona's UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against City, the 22-year-old revealed he had an easy decision as soon as he heard of Barca's interest.

"I could have left Brazil earlier than I did, but I knew for my development it was about joining the right team at the right time," he said in quotes reported by the Daily Mail.

"I knew there were other teams interested - but I would not have chosen Manchester City or anybody else.

"When I knew of Barcelona's interest it was an easy choice - they were in my heart right away. We sat down as a family to make the decision, but there was only ever one choice."

Neymar has scored 12 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions for Barca this season, including seven in his last seven matches.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Valencia hit out at fixture rescheduling

18 February 2014

Valencia have hit out at the Spanish league after their match with Rayo Vallecano was rearranged to accommodate other fixtures.

Juan Antonio Pizzi's side were due to travel to Rayo at midday local time on March 2, but the Liga de Futbol Profesional (LFP) have swtiched the game so that it now will kick-off at 9pm.

A decision was made to move the game due to Villarreal's clash with Real Betis on the same day, but Valencia feel their needs were not considered before this call was made and are prepared to make a stand against the LFP as a result.

"Valencia lament the lack of consideration shown by the LFP and its president, Javier Tebas, to our club and our fans, who have organised a mass trip to the Vallecas stadium," read a statement published on the club's official website.

"Valencia understand that, once kick-off times have been set officially, only a major force should result in this timetable being modified.

"The club objects to times being modified to simply, as in the case in point, accommodate the agendas of authorities or homages to fans from third parties separate from Valencia CF or Rayo Vallecano.

"This opinion has been communicated by president Amadeo Salvo to the president of the LFP, without any rectification or preoccupation for the inconvenience caused to supporters of Valencia CF.

"The LFP, with their actions, have demonstrated a lack of sensitivity to Valencia CF and a lack of respect for the competition, its followers and supporters in general.

"Valencia CF will not participate in the LFP Assembly which takes place in Valencia on February 25, unless the LFP provide a rectification for recent events."

 

[Lionel Messi]

Alba hit with hamstring injury

19 February 2014

Barcelona have confirmed full-back Jordi Alba suffered a pulled hamstring during their UEFA Champions League win over Manchester City.

The 24-year-old defender played the whole 90 minutes of Barca's 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, but now looks set to miss their La Liga clash with Real Sociedad on Saturday following tests upon his arrival back in Spain.

It is the second time this term that Alba has suffered a muscle strain, as he was sidelined for over two months with a thigh problem before the mid-season break.

Barca confirmed the news of his latest injury on their official website, with a statement reading: "After arriving at the Ciudad Deportiva (Barca's training complex) tests have confirmed that the player Jordi Alba has pulled a hamstring in his right leg.

"The results will put his availability for the next match in doubt."

The Spanish champions' win in Manchester puts them in pole position to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League ahead of the second leg of their last-16 tie at Camp Nou next month.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Barcelona welcome tax-evasion investigation

19 February 2014

Barcelona have insisted they will welcome any investigation into potential tax evasion committed in the signing of Neymar.

Neymar was bought from Santos ahead of the current campaign for a sum of €57.1million, although reports last month suggested the figure was nearer to €95m.

Barcelona member Jordi Cases subsequently called for an investigation into the club's president Sandro Rosell, who subsequently resigned over the affair and has been replaced by former vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Spanish media outlets reported on Wednesday that the matter has now caught the attention of the national inland revenue.

However, the club have claimed the transfer was completed with all the relevant documentation and confirmed they will defend themselves against the claims.

A statement read: "In light of reports appearing in today's press concerning the transfer process carried out to bring Neymar to the club, FC Barcelona would like to state:

"1) The club's dealings with respect to this operation, and in light of all information available, was at all times in line with the relevant legal legislation

"2) Represented by its lawyers, the club will appear at the Jutjat Central d'Instruccio (national court of Spain) within the next few days in order to defend its interests and rights.

"3) We express our total willingness to collaborate with the Justice authorities in this matter, as we have done since the first moment the issue arose and in any other area in which our presence may be required."

 

[Lionel Messi]

La Liga Preview: Real look to strike first blow as Barca, Atleti hit the road

19 February 2014

Real Madrid have the opportunity to strike the first blow of the weekend as an absorbing three-way La Liga title battle continues.

Carlo Ancelotti's men are one of three teams sitting on 60 points in the Spanish top flight, with rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also having won 19 matches out of 24 and drawn three.

Real are involved in Saturday's early kick-off this week, with Elche providing opposition at the Bernabeu.

Star forward Cristiano Ronaldo will serve the last of his three-match ban for a straight red card received against Athletic Bilbao on February 2.

Real have continued to flourish in Ronaldo's absence with the likes of Jese Rodriguez and Karim Benzema taking centre stage.

Jese has scored in three consecutive league games, while Benzema followed up a brace against Villarreal on February 8 with another goal at Getafe last weekend, taking his league tally to 14 for the season.

Real are on a 14-match unbeaten run in La Liga, but it is reigning champions Barcelona that currently top the pile by virtue of a superior goal difference.

The Catalan giants face a potentially tricky encounter on Saturday, visiting Anoeta to face last season's fourth-placed side Real Sociedad.

Barca do so buoyed by a 6-0 demolition of Rayo Vallecano last weekend, a match that saw Lionel Messi set the record for goals scored at a single Spanish club, breaking the previous tally of 335 set by Athletic Bilbao legend Telmo Zarra.

Neymar was also able to make a goalscoring return from injury, before a cameo in Barca's 2-0 UEFA Champions League win at Manchester City on Tuesday, sealed by goals from Messi and Dani Alves.

Elsewhere on Saturday, strugglers Almeria and Malaga go head-to-head, while Getafe will look to ease their own relegation fears at Celta Vigo.

Diego Simeone's Atleti side hit the road on Sunday to face Osasuna, a side they have beaten in seven of their last eight league meetings.

Atleti arrested a run of three straight defeats in beating Real Valladolid 3-0 last Saturday, two of those losses coming against their city rivals, Real in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.

Striker Diego Costa was on target against Valladolid, and continued his improving form after a barren run at the turn of the year with a late winner at Milan in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

In one of Sunday's other fixtures, Athletic Bilbao will aim to boost their hopes of a top-four finish by winning at rock-bottom Real Betis, whose position in the top flight appears ever more perilous.

Strugglers Rayo Vallecano host Sevilla, while Valencia have a home encounter with Granada.

Valladolid and Levante kick-off the latest round of games on Friday, with Espanyol and Villarreal rounding it off on Monday.

 

[Lionel Messi]

La Liga: Real Valladolid 1 Levante 1

21 February 2014

Real Valladolid continued their resilient home form by holding high-flying Levante to a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla.

Following Friday's stalemate, Juan Ignacio Martinez has seen his side avoid defeat in their last five home league games as they closed the gap between themselves and Malaga to two points.

Valladolid, who remain in 18th place, fell behind to Victor's first-half header as the visitors looked to keep their hopes of European qualification alive.

However, Javi Guerra's strike seven minutes after the break ensured the spoils were shared.

The visitors, unbeaten in six La Liga games prior to kick-off, went ahead through Victor after 25 minutes, as the former Real Mallorca man registered his first goal for the club.

The forward, who arrived at the club in January, got on the end of Andreas Ivanschitz's free-kick from the left to head powerfully past Diego Marino.

However, early in the second half, Valladolid drew level through a goal the visitors will feel they could have dealt with better.

Guerra's shot found its way through a crowd of Levante defenders and nestled in the far corner of Keylor Navas' goal as Valladolid recorded their 10th draw of the La Liga season - more than any other side in the division.

Levante now sit seven points off Villarreal and Real Sociedad, who occupy the UEFA Europa League spots, with the pair due to play on Monday and Saturday respectively.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Ancelotti frustrated by Ronaldo appeal process

21 February 2014

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has grown frustrated by the lengthy appeal process over Cristiano Ronaldo's three-match ban.

The Portugal international was sent off in the 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao earlier this month, having appeared to strike Carlos Gurpegi in the face following an altercation between the pair.

Real appealed the Spanish Football Federation's three-match ban and, when this was rejected, took their case to the Spanish Disciplinary Committee for Sports.

Having already missed league clashes with Villarreal and Getafe, Ancelotti remains in the dark as to whether Ronaldo will be available for Saturday's visit of Elche.

"We have to wait for the committee's decision regarding Cristiano. I hope he can play," Ancelotti explained on Friday.

"I don't think it's logical to wait this much for the committee's decision.

"I hope the committee makes a decision before my meeting with the team.

"I think it's incredible that Ronaldo gets suspended for three games for what he did against Bilbao. He will be called up.

"I hope the committee will not meet after Elche's game because it will be very late."

Ancelotti also confirmed in his press conference that Asier Illarramendi and Raphael Varane will come in for Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos for Saturday's fixture.

The Italian went on to deny speculation linking him with a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois - currently on loan at Atletico Madrid - stating that he was satisfied to have Diego Lopez and Iker Casillas.

"Ilarra has improved a lot and has more confidence. He counts on Xabi (Alonso's) important support," Ancelotti continued.

"Illarra has proved in the last two games (so) that he can play alongside Xabi Alonso.

"I don't think we will sign Courtois. We have two great goalkeepers. We are solid in goal."

 

[Lionel Messi]

Martino settled on best XI

21 February 2014

Barcelona head coach Gerardo Martino intends to employ less squad rotation as he bids to help the club retain the La Liga title.

Injuries to star players such as Lionel Messi and Neymar have forced Martino to make full use of his squad this season.

However, with the Camp Nou outfit level on 60 points with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the summit of the La Liga, Martino intends to be more consistent in his team selections for the rest of the season.

"We have changed as many as nine players between games in the past but this will become less common from now on," he said.

"You won't be seeing as many changes, although there will always be modifications to maintain the tension among the players and for everyone to feel that they're playing their part."

Barca triumphed 2-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash at Manchester City on Tuesday, but Martino insists it is time to focus on La Liga ahead of the trip to Real Sociedad on Saturday.

"Now we have to concentrate on the league," he continued.

"We have to aspire to winning every game we have left…It would be improper not to perform well in San Sebastian. Our intention is to play well and win.

"We have to keep growing as a team. Now is when things get decided, it's the end of the season."

In reference to the on-going legal dispute surrounding the transfer of Neymar, Martino insisted the player was showing no ill-effects on the pitch.

"What's happening with Neymar is not normal, but in terms of the playing time is getting and the way he's performing, there's nothing wrong," he added.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Villarreal face €4,000 fine for tear-gas incident

21 February 2014

Villarreal are facing a €4,000 fine after a tear gas canister was hurled onto the field of play during their 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo on Saturday.

The incident happened in the closing stages of the match, shortly after Fabian Orellana had given the visitors the lead at El Madrigal, and halted play for almost 25 minutes.

Villarreal are now set to be punished following a recommendation from Spain's Anti-Violence Commission (CSD).

A statement from the CSD read: "(The Commission) has agreed to propose a fine of 4,000 euros to Villarreal CF SAD and expresses its strongest condemnation against the events at El Madrigal on Saturday 15 February when, during the match Villarreal CF SAD v Real Club Celta de Vigo SAD, an individual - not yet identified - launched a tear smoke canister on to the field of play that produced a thick cloud of white smoke in the stadium.

"This fact caused the temporary suspension of the match and the evacuation for security reasons of all the spectators who were inside the sports arena.

"(The Commission) reminds football clubs they should make use of all measures to control the access of spectators into their stadiums to avoid events like those witnessed at Villarreal happening again at a sporting spectacle.”

The Commission also praised the work of security personnel at the stadium following the swift evacuation.

 

[Lionel Messi]

La Liga preview: 5 things to watch this week

Friday 21 Feb 2014 8:33a.m.

By Paul Logothetis

Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid continue their duel at the top of the Spanish league, with each of the title hopefuls looking to take advantage of any slip-ups and open up a gap.

Barcelona and Atletico go into the 25th round off the back of morale-boosting Champions League victories, while Madrid will prepare for its continental matchup at Schalke.

Barcelona is technically top on goal difference. Atletico is at Osasuna.

Here are five things to know about the Spanish league this weekend:

NEYMAR'S FRUSTRATIONS

Neymar's return from injury has given Barcelona a boost, despite the Brazil forward feeling some of the pressure concerning the investigation into his contract and transfer from Santos last summer. Neymar took to social media to blast his former club and support his father, who has come under scrutiny for reportedly earning 40 million euros ($55 million) from the 57 million euro (then $77 million) transfer. "I'm tired of this crap. I'm a fan of my father and I'll always be grateful for having taken me to where I am today," Neymar wrote, "and if he made millions over that, what's the problem?" Prosecutors in Spain allege Barcelona avoided paying 9.1 million euros ($12.5 million) in taxes through Neymar's transfer, which the club denies. Former president Sandro Rosell is also being investigated over the deal. Barcelona faces a tough trip to Real Sociedad, which is just four points off fourth place and the league's final Champions League qualifying place, on Saturday.

LOOKING TO BALE

Neymar isn't the only new Spanish league recruit having problems adapting. Madrid forward Gareth Bale's season has been wracked by injuries, and when he is playing he's had few bright spurts. Former Madrid coach and sport director Jorge Valdano chalks up Bale's form to nerves.

"Bale has a rare anxiety because you don't notice it in his game," Valdano said. "When you're anxious, you play at a faster pace than what you normally do, but he seems absent. The team is bailing him out." The world's most expensive player, who cost Madrid a reported 100 million euros ($132 million), has scored two goals this calendar year.

NO RONALDO, NO MATTER

Real Madrid has shown no ill effects from the absence of Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who serves the final game of a three-match ban on Saturday against Elche. Madrid is unbeaten in 25 games in all competitions, stretching back to October, with Ronaldo going into Tuesday's Champions League match fresh after sitting on the sidelines for two weeks. Madrid will be without midfielder Luka Modric to a ban when its plays at its Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

CELTA'S LITTLE SECRET

Celta Vigo should be thanking Barcelona for its mid-table position after earning promotion to the topflight. Playmaking midfielder Rafinha arrived in Vigo on-loan from the Spanish champions and has been instrumental in directing Celta's attack with his vision, deft touch, and forward's instinct. But Rafinha, whose brother is Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Munich, is already looking to get back to Barcelona once the loan ends, according to his father and agent Mazinho, who helped Brazil win the 1994 World Cup. In the meantime, the 21-year-old midfielder can continue his and Celta's upstart season - the Galician club is 11th - at home to Getafe on Saturday.

ODD FINES

The Spanish league's disciplinary committee's procedures for imposing fines is under scrutiny following a number of contrasting, and baffling, sanctions. Atletico was fined 600,000 euros ($820,000) after Cristiano Ronaldo was struck in the head by a cigarette lighter, while the league wants to pay homage to Villarreal's fans despite one throwing a tear gas canister onto the Madrigal field during a 2-0 loss to Celta. Meanwhile, second-tier Real Jaen striker 'Jona' was slapped with a 2,000 euros ($2,750) fine for displaying a shirt with words of support for world child cancer day, with children battling the disease in attendance. "I just wanted to get them smiling," Jona was quoted as saying in sports daily Marca. Spanish league president Javier Tebas is quoted as saying the fine should be dropped.

 

[Lionel Messi]

La Liga Preview: Osasuna v Atletico Madrid

21 February 2014

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone faces a selection dilemma over whether to include Diego Costa for Sunday's La Liga clash with Osasuna.

Costa has been instrumental in Atletico's excellent campaign so far, scoring 27 goals in all competitions and helping Simeone's men keep pace with Barcelona and Real Madrid in an enthralling title race.

Atletico are level with Barca and Real on 60 points ahead of the trip to Osasuna, who are winless in their last eight games against the capital club.

Costa heads into the match in good form, having found the net in Saturday's 3-0 success over Real Valladolid and the 1-0 UEFA Champions League win at Milan on Wednesday in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

With 21 top-flight goals to his name in 2013-14, the 25-year-old is just one behind Cristiano Ronaldo - suspended for Real's meeting with Elche on Saturday - in the La Liga scoring charts.

Costa could overhaul Ronaldo this weekend by replicating the double he scored against Osasuna in a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture in September.

But with the Brazilian-born forward one yellow card away from suspension, Simeone may opt to rest Costa and save him for the potentially pivotal derby clash with Real a week on Sunday.

Defender Filipe Luis and midfielder Tiago are poised to return for Atletico, but Javier Manquillo is still out with a neck injury.

Meanwhile, Osasuna remain without midfielders Miguel de las Cuevas (toe) and Patxi Punal (leg), while long-term absentees Nino and Sisi (both knee) are still on the sidelines.

Javi Gracia's men are only five points above the relegation zone, but have lost just two of their last nine La Liga outings, holding Real to a 2-2 draw at the start of that run.

Despite their improved form, Osasuna remain highly vulnerable at the back, as evidenced by recent 5-1 and 3-1 defeats to Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal respectively.

Osasuna's last win over Atletico came back in 2009, Walter Pandiani netting a double in a 3-0 triumph.

And winger Cristian Lobato knows his team-mates need to be more ruthless in order to secure a rare win over Simeone's men.

"We have to be aggressive and take every opportunity if we want to claim the points," Lobato said.

"Atletico is a team with great players, but we have to go for it."