║ La Liga Season 2013-14 ║

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

La Liga Preview: Ancelotti and Bale ready for derby, Barca face Almeria
26 September 2013

Carlo Ancelotti and Gareth Bale will get their first taste of a Spanish derby when Real Madrid welcome Atletico to the Bernabeu on Saturday.

The pair will be thrust into the spotlight for the fixture, with Italian coach Ancelotti - who arrived at the club from Paris Saint-Germain in the close-season - set to hand Bale his long-awaited home debut following his world record switch from Tottenham.

The winger has shaken off the thigh injury that forced him out of the warm-up ahead of Real's victory over Getafe last weekend and should take his place in the squad.

A 4-1 win in that game extended Real's undefeated start to the new season, with Ancelotti's side having dropped just two points in a 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

They were, though, made to work hard for their win away to Elche on Wednesday, which came in dramatic circumstances.

Cristiano Ronaldo's opener was cancelled out by Richmond Boakye in the 91st minute at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.

But there was still time for more drama as Pepe was adjudged to have been fouled by Carlos Sanchez in the area, with Ronaldo duly converting from 12 yards in the sixth minute of injury time.

Atletico's early-season form has been even more impressive than that of their arch-rivals, with Diego Simeone's side having won all six of their league games so far, as well as picking up an opening UEFA Champions League victory over Zenit St Petersburg.

That run has been in no small part down to the goals of striker Diego Costa, who has already notched seven times in La Liga this season.

The Brazilian was linked with a move to Premier League outfit Liverpool in the close-season, but his decision to stay in the Spanish capital has thus far paid dividends.

Elsewhere, leaders and reigning champions Barcelona will look to extend their 100 per cent winning start to the season when they travel to the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos to face winless Almeria.

New coach Gerardo Martino has enjoyed a fantastic start to his reign with the Catalan club, and their latest triumph came in a potentially tricky encounter at home to Real Sociedad, as they romped to a 4-1 home win.

Barcelona have already scored 22 league goals this season, and they will be confident of extending that record against an Almeria side that has shipped 15 goals in the league, with only Rayo Vallecano conceding more.

In other matches on Saturday, Vallecano travel to the Mestalla to play a Valencia side looking for a third straight league victory, while Real Sociedad play host to Sevilla, who earned their first league win of the term with a 4-1 drubbing of Vallecano on Wednesday.

On Sunday, Villarreal will bid to extend their bright start to the new campaign when they visit the Estadio Benito Villamarin for their clash with with Real Betis.

Having won promotion back to the Spanish top flight last season, Marcelino Toral's side have won three and drawn two of their five La Liga fixtures and occupy fourth spot.

Meanwhile, early-season strugglers Osasuna have the chance to kick-start their campaign when they welcome Levante to the Estadio El Sadar.

Osasuna have lost five times in the league so far, with their only success coming in a 2-1 triumph over Elche on September 20.

Sunday's other fixtures see Celta Vigo and Espanyol welcome Elche and Getafe respectively.

On Friday, Athletic Bilbao's trip to Granada ends the round on Monday.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

La Liga Wrap: Atletico beat Real, Barcelona ease to Almeria win
29 September 2013

Real Madrid suffered their first La Liga defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid since 1999 as they lost 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

The less-fancied visitors took an early lead as Diego Costa netted his eighth goal of the season following an exquisite through-ball from in-form midfielder Koke.

Costa was a nuisance throughout and was lucky not to receive a red card for squaring up to referee Mateu Lahoz, but Atletico left the door open for Real by not adding a second.

After a poor first half, Carlo Ancelotti threw on Gareth Bale for his home debut at half-time, but the world’s most expensive player was largely ineffectual.

Koke almost added a second late on as he hit a curling shot onto the crossbar, but there was still enough time for the hosts to waste two great chances.

Firstly, Bale saw his scissor-kick palmed away by Thibaut Courtois and then fellow substitute Alvaro Morata could only put his shot into the sidenetting as Atletico held on for a seventh consecutive league win.

That victory keeps Atletico in touch with Barcelona, who secured the club's greatest ever start to a league season by also winning against Almeria on Saturday.

Lionel Messi broke the deadlock in the 21st minute with a wonderful strike after cutting in from the right, but the Argentine had to leave the pitch with a thigh injury before the half-hour mark.

Barcelona’s disappointment briefly inspired Almeria, but the champions eventually doubled their lead in the second period when Adriano poked Cesc Fabregas’ low cross past Esteban in the hosts’ goal.

Elsewhere, Sevilla faced a tricky test at Anoeta against Real Sociedad at the end of a week that saw their winless run away from home in the league stretch to over 12 months.

Sevilla's last away success came against Deportivo La Coruna on September 24 of last year, but they got off to a great start at San Sebastian as Jairo Samperio slotted past Claudio Bravo following Ivan Rakitic’s exquisite lofted through-ball.

However, after Piotr Trochowski incredibly missed an open goal towards the end of the first half, Sociedad equalised through Antoine Griezmann in the second period.

Juan Cala received a red card late on for the visitors, but they held on for a commendable point.

Valencia’s recent resurgence continued in Saturday’s early kick-off against Rayo Vallecano, as they picked up their third consecutive La Liga win after a run of four defeats in all competitions.

Rayo came into the match on the back of five straight losses in the league and Valencia made sure that run would continue.

Jonas’ fourth goal in three games was enough for the home side to clinch three points in order to move into the top six.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Ancelotti slams Madrid attitude

By Enis Koylu277
Sep 29, 2013 12:31:00 AM

The 54-year-old believes his side need to improve in many departments after suffering a 1-0 derby loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday

Carlo Ancelotti has criticised his Real Madrid team's performance during the 1-0 derby loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

The Blancos struggled to create chances during the Bernabeu clash and the Italian feels a lack of urgency cost them in the end.

"We were slow in attack. We didn't have a good game. We have to recover and improve," he told reporters after the game.

"Losing a match at home is not easy. I have to think about solutions. We played well up until last week. We have to continue working with the same system but I'm confident we will improve.

"We must improve a lot of things including our attitude and confidence. I have faith in my players. The problem is not our style of play; it's with our pace."

Despite his disappointment with his team and their performance, the former Chelsea and AC Milan coach was full of praise for Atletico.

"Atletico Madrid deserved to win the game. They were organised and solid in defence. I think Atletico are a very solid team with a lot of quality. They can compete for the league title."

Meanwhile, Madrid defender Sergio Ramos believes his side are still in contention for the Liga title this term.

"We have to keep working hard to win as many titles as possible. The important thing is how the season ends, not how it starts.

"When you do not win and things do not go how you wanted you have to reflect and take something out of the match.

"You cannot live in the past, you have to show every day that the team that makes fewer mistakes takes the win."

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Martino frustrated by Barca performances

By Enis Koylu54
Sep 28, 2013 9:39:00 PM

The Argentine believes his side need to become more consistent after a straightforward 2-0 victory over Almeria on Saturday

BET=CelticCEL£90DRAW£50FC BarcelonaFCB£13.3Bet365Barcelona coach Tata Martino had voiced his frustration with his side's lack of control on their matches this season.

The Blaugrana kept up their 100 per cent record in La Liga thanks to a 2-0 win over Almeria, with goals from Lionel Messi and Adriano.

While the former Newell's Old Boys boss was happy with his side's second-half showing against the Andalusians, he has criticised their performance before the break.

"We did not control the game in the first half," he is quoted as saying by Sport.

"We had many inaccurate passes and lost many balls. The second half was all ours and we solved it well with a goal from Adriano.

"We played well one half and reasonably the other and we have to aim for consistency, because the idea is to control it for the 90 minutes.

"We were also lacking movement to keep the ball and give options to the player who has it."

Neymar was left on the bench at Almeria and did not play a single minute, despite Lionel Messi's first-half injury, but Martino has confirmed that he was planning to give the Brazilian a breather.

"He played three or four days ago, has played eight games in a row and is accumulating lots of minutes," he added.

"If he didn't play today and does on Tuesday it will be a difference of just three days and I don't think he doubts his importance to the team, nor will he lose his form."

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Messi out for two to three weeks

By Cronan Yu577
Sep 29, 2013 11:36:00 AM

The Argentina international has been sidelined with a hamstring injury but the Catalans are hopeful that he will return in time for their meeting with Real Madrid on October 26

Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi will be out of action for between two and three weeks due to a thigh injury.

The 26-year-old Rosario native opened the scoring in the 21st minute of Saturday's Liga meeting with Almeria but hobbled from the field just moments later.

"Leo Messi has a minor hamstring injury in his right leg," read a statement on the Catalan club's official website. "This was confirmed this morning in the Medical Services Sports City.

"The Argentine should be out for approximately two-to-three weeks, forcing him to miss two games that Barcelona has this week: on Tuesday, against Glasgow Celtic, and on Saturday, at Camp Nou, against Valladolid."

Messi, who was severely hampered by a hamstring injury during the final stages of last season, should therefore be in line to make his return to action against Osasuna on October 19.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Messi evidence 'clear and transparent'

Sep 27, 2013 4:53:00 PM

The Barcelona attacker appeared before a judge on Friday and his lawyer Cristobal Martell insists they have cooperated fully with Spanish authorities

Lionel Messi's lawyer insists the Barcelona star has provided "clear" evidence of his innocence, amid accusations of tax evasion.

The Argentina international began court hearings on Friday, to answer allegations over unpaid tax on money from his image rights.

Messi has allegedly used countries outside of Spain - Belize and Uruguay - to sell his image rights, circumventing Spanish tax laws.

His father, Jorge, who made a payment of €5 million to the tax authorities in August, has also been implicated in the case and he too appeared in a separate hearing to his son.

Both men have strenuously denied the charges that date back to 2007 and 2009, which were originally levied against the pair by the Economic Crimes Prosecutor Barcelona in June.

And the pair's legal representative, Cristobal Martell, said Friday's proceedings are an opportunity for the Messi family to cooperate with Spanish authorities in an attempt to clear their name.

"To start a procedure like this we are following just one instruction: to cooperate with the administration to explain my client's actions and provide them with financial information," Martell commented.

"The instruction from the Messi family has been to be transparent, clear and cooperative.

"In terms of transparency, the hearings began today and we have provided evidence to show a complete unwillingness [by my client] to commit fraud, a strong effort to be transparent for the tax office and a desire to avoid entering into any kind of bitter fight with the State about these matters."

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

La Liga: Granada 2 Athletic Bilbao 0
1 October 2013

Youssef El-Arabi's second-half brace has clinched Granada's 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, ending the southern club's five-game winless streak.

The 26-year-old Moroccan striker notched a penalty eight minutes into the second half after Bilbao's Ander Herrera's high boot caught Yacine Brahimi inside the box, while El-Arabi doubled the home side's lead on the hour-mark with a header from a corner.

The victory was Granada's first in La Liga since the opening weekend of the season and took the Andalusians out of the relegation zone, up to eight points and 12th on the table, while Bilbao remain fifth as their inconsistent run continued.

In a fairly dull first half on Monday, Granada's Argentine playmaker Diego Buonanotte produced the game's first serious goalscoring chance when his shot was tipped over by Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz.

The hosts' goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez made two fine stops in the opening half, denying Ibai Gomez and Markel Susaeta.

Just after half-time, Granada broke their scoring duck in September when El-Arabi converted from the spot.

A 60th-minute counter-attack set up the home side's second goal at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes with El-Arabi teeing up Buonanotte for a shot, which deflected out for a corner.

Buonanotte's corner was flicked on by Pape Diakhate and El-Arabi rose highest to nod the ball past Iraizoz.

While El-Arabi was denied his hat-trick soon after thanks to a top save from Iraizoz, Granada held on for victory as the visitors missed the opportunity to break into La Liga's top four.

Bilbao sit two points behind Villarreal, who lost 1-0 to Real Betis on the weekend.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Casillas still confident in ability

By Rob Nichols11
Oct 1, 2013 4:53:00 PM

The 32-year-old is refusing to doubt himself despite his continued absence from the first team at the Santiago Bernabeu

Out-of-favour Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas insists he is still has confidence in his ability despite making just one appearance for the club this season.

The Spain international watched on from the bench last term following the arrival of Diego Lopez during Jose Mourinho's stint in charge and has continued to be overlooked since Carlo Ancelotti took over the reins this summer.

And despite there being little sign of Casillas becoming first choice again at the Santiago Bernabeu anytime soon, Casillas is defiant over what he has to offer.

"I think that believing in yourself is what is most important; never doubting yourself and never letting anyone else make you doubt yourself," the 32-year-old told Head and Shoulders as part of an advertising campaign.

“If people make you doubt yourself then you’ve had it. If you have done it before, why can’t you do it again."

Casillas was handed a recall for los Blancos' Champions League opener away to Galatasaray two weeks ago but a collision with Sergio Ramos's elbow saw him brought off injured just 14 minutes into the game.

Real Madrid are back in Champions League action on Wednesday as they host FC Copenhagen on the back of their 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Saturday.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Del Bosque eyes Diego Costa Spain call-up

By Rob Nichols77
Oct 1, 2013 2:50:00 PM

The Brazilian-born striker could be set to represent la Roja having recently acquired Spanish citizenship

Vicente del Bosque has admitted he is hoping Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa will decide to play for Spain rather than Brazil.

With la Roja's coach set to announce his squad for October's round of World Cup 2014 qualifiers against Belarus and Georgia on Friday, all eyes are on the in-form striker as he mulls over his international future.

The 24-year-old has hit the back of the net eight times in just seven games this season, including a crucial winner in his side's 1-0 win over rivals Real Madrid on Saturday, but is yet to represent the Selecao, meaning he remains eligible to play for Spain having recently acquired citizenship.

“I can’t tell you anything yet," Del Bosque told Jugones. "We're seeing if he can play for Spain, it's in process. That’s the process we’re in at the moment. The squad announcement is on Friday. We'll see.”

Should Costa be called up for Spain, his inclusion could cast doubt over the selection of Fernando Torres or David Villa, with both players yet to find their top goalscoring form so far this term.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Gareth Bale ruled out for Real Madrid until after international break

• Carlo Ancelotti confirms Welshman will miss Levante game
• Bale also likely to miss Wales's qualification double header

Sid Lowe in Madrid
The Guardian, Thursday 3 October 2013 01.12 BST

Real Madrid backroom staff examine Gareth Bale's thigh last month. Photograph: Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Gareth Bale will not play for Real Madrid against Levante on Saturday and is also likely to miss Wales's World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Belgium due to a slight injury to his left thigh, the Real manager, Carlo Ancelotti, said.

Speaking after the La Liga side comprehensively defeated FC Copenhagen 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu, Ancelotti said he was not worried about Bale's injury after he had a scan on Wednesday morning but the world's most expensive player will spend the next fortnight undertaking additional conditioning work following a disrupted pre-season.

After a summer of protracted transfer negotiations, Bale did not move from Tottenham Hotspur to Real until the penultimate day of the transfer window. He played only 45 minutes in one of Tottenham's pre-season friendlies along with a half-hour appearance for Wales against Serbia, and Ancelotti has regularly alluded to his lack of match fitness.

"We are not worried but he was not able to play today because he had a little problem," Ancelotti said. "He had another scan and it did not show anything special. He has just to recover his condition because his pre-season was not so good. Now we have the time because we have 15 days and in 15 days he will be ready to play for us."

Bale has played a total of two hours and 12 minutes so far for Real, with Ancelotti saying it was normal for the Welshman to be unhappy with the stop-start nature of his Real career to date.

"I didn't see him before or during the game but he was with us all day. It is normal that he is not happy because he wants to play and was really looking forward to it. But it is not a problem because now we have time to get him into a good condition."

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Gareth Bale told to rest after injury despite Wales call-up

• Real Madrid forward suffering from thigh problem
• Chris Coleman confirms he will not feature for country

Press Association
The Guardian, Thursday 3 October 2013 12.46 BST

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The Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expects Gareth Bale to use the next 15 days to recover from his latest injury despite the €100m forward being called up for Wales duty.

The 24-year-old, who cost Real £85.3m from Tottenham in September, suffered another setback on Wednesday as a thigh muscle complaint ruled him out of a 4-0 Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen.

Following the resounding win over the Danish club – in which Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel di María scored two goals apiece – Ancelotti moved to allay fears over Bale's condition, promising the winger would use the upcoming international break to reach a "good physical condition".

But on Thursday morning, the Wales manager Chris Coleman called Bale into his squad to face Macedonia and Belgium in World Cup qualifiers on 11 and 15 October. Coleman did, however, confirm the player would not actually feature in either game.

Ancelotti said: "We are not worried, he has not played because of muscle fatigue and it is nothing special. He is waiting to recover his optimal fitness. He was not at 100% but he will get there because he has 15 days of rest and then will be ready.

"He is not happy and that is normal, he wants to play and is eager but it is not a problem. Now we have time to get him into a good physical condition and avoid injuries."

Bale moved to the Bernabéu for a world-record fee in September after missing much of Spurs' pre-season campaign through injury and he has started only once for Los Blancos, scoring on his debut in a 2-2 draw at Villarreal.

A training update posted on Real's website on Thursday morning said Bale was continuing his recovery alongside midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has not played this season due to a broken foot.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

La Liga Preview: Levante v Real Madrid
3 October 2013

Real Madrid will be keen to atone for their recent poor form at Levante when they travel to the Valencian club on Saturday.

In their last four trips to the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia, Madrid have won just once, although that came last season courtesy of a 2-1 triumph, which was sealed by a late Alvaro Morata goal.

Prior to that, Real had not won - or even scored - on their previous three trips to face Levante.

A win will hold even bigger significance for Carlo Ancelotti after last week's 1-0 reverse at home to Atletico Madrid, Real's first league defeat of the 21st century to their city rivals.

But their spirits will have been lifted by a comfortable 4-0 victory over Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, sealed by doubles from Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria.

The game also marked Raphael Varane's first appearance since suffering a knee injury against Espanyol in May and the France international, who also earned a recall to Didier Deschamps' national squad, was delighted to return.

He said: "I'm very happy. I went a long time without playing and I was on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes which was a real pleasure.

"I worked very hard over the past few days in order to achieve this.

"I feel physically quite good and from now on I hope to play well."

Varane's comeback is a timely boost, with Pepe's availability uncertain after he suffered a nasty head cut against the Danish side.

Xabi Alonso (foot) is definitely ruled out, while Gareth Bale (thigh) will also play no part.

Levante are in strong form going into the clash, having lost just once all season, although that defeat was by a 7-0 scoreline at Barcelona.

Since then, Joaquin Caparros' side have drawn four games and won twice, leaving them ninth in the Liga table with 10 points.

Pape Diop could be a doubt for the hosts after missing midweek training with a knee injury, but Caparros is positive over the condition of Baba Diawara and David Navarro after they recovered from a hamstring injury and illness respectively.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

La Liga Preview: Barcelona v Real Valladolid
4 October 2013

Barcelona will look to maintain their perfect record in La Liga this season when they host lowly Real Valladolid on Saturday.

Gerardo Martino's side have won all seven of their league fixtures so far, scoring 24 goals and conceding just five.

By contrast their visitors lie 16th in the table with just one win to their name, a 1-0 home victory over Getafe at the end of August.

Valladolid have suffered defeat against Barcelona in each of the last seven league meetings, conceding 23 goals in the process, while they last tasted victory in this fixture with a 2-1 home success in October 2002.

Overall, Valladolid have won just three times in 30 meetings between the two sides and their last triumph at Camp Nou came in November 1997.

Barca's last league outing ended in a 2-0 win at Almeria, while on Tuesday Cesc Fabregas' header gave them a 1-0 win at 10-man Celtic in the UEFA Champions League.

Martino's charges remain unbeaten in all competitions this season, with only the two draws against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup blighting their record.

By contrast, Valladolid are winless in their last four games and currently sit just two places and three points above the bottom three.

The hosts will continue to be without Lionel Messi, who is out for two to three weeks with the hamstring injury that he sustained in win at Almeria shortly after scoring his 11th goal of the season.

Valladolid midfielder Victor Perez will miss the trip after undergoing surgery on a fractured left tibia and is not expected to return to action until January.

The quartet of Alvaro Rubio, Oscar, Lluis Sastre and Daniel Larsson will all be absent, while Valdet Rama is a doubt after pulling up in training.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

La Liga Preview: Barcelona, Atletico hoping to maintain perfect starts
3 October 2013

Barcelona will look to continue their perfect start to the season against Real Valladolid on Saturday, despite the absence of Lionel Messi.

The reigning champions have taken 21 points from their seven La Liga games, but will be without star attacker Messi - who has already scored eight league goals this term - due to a hamstring injury.

Gerardo Martino's men proved they can perform without their talisman in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League win at Celtic though, and they will look to do so again by extending their unbeaten home run to 25 Liga matches against a Valladolid side without a win in four.

Atletico Madrid sit level on points with Barcelona at the top thanks to their own 100 per cent start to the campaign, and they will be out to build on their 1-0 success over city rivals Real Madrid last time out when they host Celta Vigo on Sunday.

Striker Diego Costa scored the only goal of the game as Diego Simeone's men secured their first league win over Real in 14 years, which they duly followed up with a 2-1 Champions League success at Porto.

Atletico did the double over Celta last term, and the onus is likely to be on Costa - joint top scorer in the division with Messi - to add to his tally and fire them to an eighth straight victory.

Real sit five points adrift of the leading pair following that setback against Atletico, but they will be heavy favourites to get back on track with a win at Levante on Saturday.

Joaquin Caparros's side are unbeaten since their 7-0 hammering at the hands of Barcelona on the opening day, but they have not won in the league at Estadio Ciudad de Valencia since March.

And Real - who stormed to a 4-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday - will be confident of atoning for their derby defeat.

Valencia will be gunning for their fourth consecutive win when they face Athletic Bilbao, while Villarreal can bounce back from their loss to Real Betis against Granada on Friday.

Elche host Espanyol hoping to move up the table following their first win of the campaign over Celta, and two out-of-form sides meet when Real Sociedad take on Rayo Vallecano.

Elsewhere, Malaga face Osasuna, Almeria travel to Sevilla and Getafe meet Real Betis.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Ancelotti: Real weak defensively
5 October 2013

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti feels his squad is lacking defensively, despite conceding just one goal in each of their last four games.

Real sit third in La Liga and have lost just once this season, a 1-0 defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid.

However, rather than being worried about losing attacking players such as Mesut Ozil to Arsenal, Ancelotti believes that his side must improve on their defensive record after conceding eight goals in all competitions this term.

"I'm very happy with the squad. I said 'good luck' to Ozil," he explained.

"I think we don't need Ozil because we have very good players up front.

"That's not the problem, we are scoring plenty of goals. The problem was the balance. We are conceding too many, for a team such as Real Madrid to concede eight goals is too much, so the problem is there."

Real travel to Levante on Saturday but will be without world-record signing Gareth Bale, with the winger suffering from a thigh injury.

The Wales international was called up for his national side on Thursday but he will not feature in either of the qualifiers against Macedonia or Belgium.

Ancelotti expects Bale to remain with Real to work on his recovery and suggested that he could return for the club's home tie against Malaga.

"I think he (Bale) stays here to train the next 15 days," Ancelotti continued.

"It's true we should co-operate with Wales but I think he will stay here the next 15 days and will be ready for the following match.

Ancelotti also explained Bale's frustration, with the 24-year-old yet to complete 90 minutes for his new side.

"He isn't happy, it's normal," he said.

"He was very excited and looking forward to play and went through a difficult moment but it isn't bad from a psychological point of view.

"When a player wants to play and he doesn't it is difficult, but he is alright psychologically speaking. He is calm because it's not that bad, it's a little problem he will forget very soon."

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

La Liga: Levante 2 Real Madrid 3
6 October 2013

A stoppage-time goal from Cristiano Ronaldo spared Real Madrid’s blushes as they came from behind to win 3-2 at Levante on Saturday.

Going into the match, Levante coach Joaquin Caparros had only won a single league match against Real from a possible 12 and his side looked capable of improving on that run as they took a 57th-minute lead through Baba Diawara.

Ramos levelled things before Nabil El Zhar restored the hosts’ lead in the 86th minute, but Alvaro Morata and then Ronaldo scored to give Real what looked like an unlikely win.

The hosts came into the fixture unbeaten in their last six and coach Joaquin Caparros made just the three changes from their win over Osasuna, as David Navarro, Jordi Xumetra and Andreas Ivanschitz returned.

Carlo Ancelotti continued his rotation policy as he made five changes from the UEFA Champions League win over Copenhagen in midweek.

Iker Casillas, Pepe, Marcelo, Dani Carvajal and Asier Illarramendi all dropped to the bench, as Diego Lopez, Alvaro Arbeloa, Ramos, Fabio Coentrao and Isco came into the side.

Levante started the match confidently and on-loan Sevilla forward Baba Diawara tried to catch former team-mate Lopez off his line with an effort from around 35 yards, but the shot flew just over.

A minute before the break Lopez was the visitors’ saviour as Baba hit a ferocious half-volley towards goal from range, but the keeper tipped it over the bar in dramatic fashion.

After cutting in from the right, Ronaldo struck the outside of the post in the 53rd minute with a left-footed shot and Levante made the most of their luck by opening the scoring.

Xumetra chipped a wonderful diagonal pass over the Madrid defence and Baba guided the ball past Lopez for only his second Liga goal since May 2012.

They were not ahead for long, however, as Real restored parity in the 61st minute.

Di Maria whipped an inviting corner towards the back post and Ramos stuck a foot out to direct it past Keilor Navas and into the goal.

Ancelotti’s side were piling on the pressure by the 70th minute and Marcelo should have given them the lead, but he somehow missed the target from eight yards out following an excellent cutback from substitute Alvaro Morata.

El Zhar looked to have won the match for Levante with four minutes left as he held off his marker before shooting past Lopez, but the hosts would end up disappointed.

Morata showed quick feet in the area before firing past Navas and then Ronaldo appeared in stoppage time to find the net via a wicked deflection, extending their unbeaten run away from home to 11 matches.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

La Liga: Barcelona 4 Real Valladolid 1
6 October 2013

Two Alexis Sanchez goals helped Barcelona win their 19th consecutive home match in La Liga with a routine 4-1 victory over Real Valladolid.

The Spanish champions were without the injured Lionel Messi, but the Chile international stepped up in his place as he equalised with a wonderful strike after Javi Guerra's surprise opener.

Valladolid caused their hosts problems in the first half, but it was one-way traffic in the second period as Xavi, Sanchez and Neymar completed the rout to extend their 100 per cent start to the league season.

After their battling win over Celtic in the UEFA Champions League, Gerardo Martino made only three changes as Alex Song, Sanchez and Cristian Tello replaced Sergio Busquets, Pedro and Andres Iniesta.

Valladolid's last match saw them draw 2-2 with Malaga and Juan Ignacio Martinez reintroduced Zakarya Bergdich, Omar Ramos and Fausto Rossi into his starting XI.

The visitors took a surprising 10th-minute lead at Camp Nou as Javi Guerra rose above Adriano to head Patrick Ebert's corner for his fourth league goal of the season, but it did not last long.

Barcelona drew level within four minutes as Sanchez marched towards the area and drilled a fearsome strike into the top corner of the goal.

Barcelona fans were incensed around the half-hour mark as Carlos Pena blatantly tripped Neymar inside the area, but referee Jesus Gil made the questionable decision to give the hosts nothing.

Barca were left frustrated as Sanchez screwed a shot wide and Xavi blazed a free-kick over the crossbar to send the sides in level at the break.

Valladolid came out after half-time undoubtedly looking to keep things tight initially, but Barcelona took the lead within seven minutes.

Neymar surged at the Valladolid defence before picking out Tello to his left, and the winger crossed low into the area for Xavi to direct the ball into the bottom far corner.

A few moments later Tello was involved again as he cut in from the left, but this time he went for goal himself only for his effort to crash off the crossbar.

Barca did add a third in the 64th minute, however.

After an excellent through-ball from Neymar, Sanchez cruised into the area and confidently fired past Diego Marino.

Six minutes later their roles were reversed. Sanchez found himself played into the area, but instead of shooting the Chilean squared to Neymar, who calmly placed a shot into the bottom corner.

The vibrant Neymar went in search of his second of the match as he cut in from the left, but he sent his effort comfortably over Marino's crossbar and Sanchez headed straight at the keeper as the hosts were made to settle for their three-goal triumph.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

La Liga Wrap: Barcelona extend winning run, Real secure late turnaround
6 October 2013

Barcelona continued their 100 per cent start in La Liga on Saturday as both they and Real Madrid came from behind to secure victories.

Gerardo Martino's Barca made it eight wins from eight with a 4-1 drubbing of Real Valladolid at Camp Nou to maintain their position at the top of the table, extending their scoring streak to 28 league goals in 2013-14.

They were given an early score, however, when Javi Guerra put Valladolid into a 10th-minute lead.

But Alexis Sanchez restored parity four minutes later, and they took the lead for the first time in the match through Xavi's 52nd-minute effort.

Sanchez's second gave them a two-goal cushion and Brazil international Neymar completed the comfortable victory with 20 minutes remaining.

Madrid, meanwhile, needed two goals in injury time to secure a 3-2 triumph at Levante.

After a goalless first half, Joaquin Caparros' side took a surprise lead through Babacar Diawara's effort in the 57th minute, only for Sergio Ramos to restore parity four minutes later.

Former Liverpool forward Nabil El Zhar put Levante back in front before Madrid finished the game in thrilling fashion. Alvaro Morata first hit a low drive into the bottom left-hand corner for the equaliser before Cristiano Ronaldo once again stole the headlines to hand Carlo Ancelotti's men victory in the fourth minute of added time.

Real Sociedad's winless league run stretched to seven games as an own goal from Jonathan Viera in the 89th minute saw them lose 1-0 away to Rayo Vallecano.

At the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero, Elche secured back-to-back league victories with a 2-1 success over 10-man Espanyol. A goal either side of half-time from Coro sandwiched Thievy Bifouma's equaliser.

Espanyol's situation worsened in the 87th minute when Victor Sanchez received his marching orders for a second yellow card.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

La Liga Wrap: Atletico keep pace with Barcelona´s perfect start
7 October 2013

Diego Costa scored twice as Atletico Madrid maintained their perfect start to the season with a 2-1 home win over Celta Vigo.

Costa took his tally into double figures for the season with goals either side of half-time, finding the net for the fifth game in a row as Atletico made it eight wins out of eight to join Barcelona at the top of the table, five points clear of rivals Real Madrid.

Nolito pulled a goal back for the visitors in the 71st minute but they could not find an equaliser as their winless run extended to six matches.

Getafe won for a third successive match as they prevailed 3-1 at home to Real Betis.

Pedro Leon struck on 16 and 23 minutes to put Getafe in control and Adrian Colunga soon added a third to seemingly put the game beyond the visitors.

An own goal from Rafa reduced the arrears six minutes into the second half but Getafe held on to their two-goal advantage and climbed to fifth in the table.

They climbed above both Athletic Club and Valencia, who shared a 1-1 draw in Bilbao.

Ever Banega's penalty gave Valencia the lead two minutes before half-time, but the hosts earned a share of the points through Mikel Rico's 76th-minute strike.

Elsewhere, winless Almeria's troubles continued as they were beaten 2-1 away at Sevilla.

Kevin Gameiro gave the home side the perfect start with a goal in the sixth minute, before Rodri levelled the scores midway through the first half.

That looked to have given Almeria just their fourth point of the season but Ivan Rakitic struck a dramatic winner in the third minute of stoppage time to leave the visitors as the only side in the division still awaiting their first win.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Brazil happy to let Costa play for Spain
6 October 2013

The Brazil Football Federation's vice-president has insisted he would be happy to see Diego Costa represent Spain at international level.

Atletico Madrid striker Costa made two friendly appearances for Brazil in March, but was not involved in Luiz Felipe Scolari's FIFA Confederations Cup squad, leaving the door open for him to switch allegiances.

Players' international status is only cemented once they have played a competitive senior game for a nation, which Spain had looked to do with Costa in their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Georgia, but he could not be called up in time.

Spain have long chased the registration of Costa, who has lived in Europe since February 2006, when he signed for Braga.

He moved to Atleti in December that year and has established himself as a key player at the Estadio Vicente Calderon after returning to the club following a brief spell with Real Valladolid.

Two goals in Sunday's 2-1 win over Celta Vigo left Costa top of the scoring charts in La Liga with 10 goals in just eight games, but the CBF's Marco Polo del Nero is happy to wish him well with the reigning world and European champions internationally.

"The CBF believes in free will," Del Nero told O Estado de Sao Paulo.

"If a player wants to play here or there, we will not be the entity that will say no

"That's my position and I'm sure that is also the position of our president (Jose Maria Marin)."