║ La Liga Season 2014-15 ║

[Jorge]

Atletico Madrid v Rayo Vallecano: Champions look to bounce back

22 January 2015

Atletico Madrid will be aiming to bounce back from their Copa del Rey defeat to Barcelona when they host Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid will hope to get back to winning ways against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday after their Copa del Rey defeat to Barcelona.

Diego Simeone's side suffered a 1-0 quarter-final first-leg loss at Camp Nou on Wednesday, courtesy of Lionel Messi's late goal.

But Liga champions Atletico are sure to fancy their chances of beating Madrid neighbours Rayo before entertaining Barca in next week's second leg.

Atletico currently sit third in the table - four points adrift of arch-rivals and leaders Real Madrid - and hammered Rayo 5-0 in the corresponding fixture last season.

They won their previous league game 2-0 at home against bottom club Granada, with Mario Mandzukic and Raul Garcia getting the goals.

However, Rayo will likely provide them with a sterner test, with Paco Jemez's men heading into the game on the back of a 1-0 win at Real Sociedad last week.

And defender Ze Castro says Rayo are relishing the chance to make it three away Liga wins in a row at the Vicente Calderon.

"It's a game that we play to win," he told the club's official website. "It is a big field, they were crowned champions by merit and at the end of the match we will see who is better.

"Atletico has a well-defined style. We'll play as against Real Sociedad and as against the other teams. We do not hide. We have no other way to play."

Fernando Torres is expected to continue in attack for Atletico.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker, who is on loan from AC Milan, has made five appearances since rejoining his boyhood club at the beginning of January.

Torres scored twice in the second leg of Atletico's Copa victory over Real Madrid last week, but is yet to find the back of the net in La Liga following his return.

 

[Jorge]

Luis Enrique wary of Elche

23 January 2015

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique does not believe victory over Elche is a foregone conclusion, despite a convincing win in the Copa del Rey.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique insists he is not expecting an easy match when he takes his side to Elche in La Liga on Saturday.

The Catalan giants are currently on a five-match winning run in all competitions, having successfully put off-field distractions to one side for the time being.

However, the Camp Nou boss does not believe Elche will be in any mood for rolling over this weekend.

"The league is full of surprises," he said. "There are no easy matches, so we will be well prepared.

"If you play with no intensity, anyone can complicate your life."

Barca triumphed 9-0 on aggregate in the Copa del Rey last-16 clash between these sides earlier this month, but Luis Enrique says previous meetings count for nothing.

"We do not look at anything that has happened in the past," he added. "It will be a difficult match."

 

[MarceloVieira]

Ter Stegen: I hate being backup, I want to be Barca No.1

By Stefan Coerts
Jan 23, 2015 12:35:00

The German has lost the battle for the position of first-choice shot stopper at Camp Nou for now, but he remains determined to win over Luis Enrique

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has admitted that he is unhappy with his role as back-up goalkeeper and has set his sights on the No.1 position at Barcelona.

The Germany international, 22, joined the Catalans from Borussia Monchengladbach in May 2014, but Luis Enrique has so far preferred Claudio Bravo between the sticks in La Liga.

Nevertheless, Ter Stegen remains hopeful of dislodging the Chile international at some stage this season.

"I am happy with the support from the fans and the work I do with my team-mates, but I am not satisfied with my role," Ter Stegen said to TV3.

"The coach has been using me in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, but I also want to play in the Primera Division.

"It will not be easy, though, because Bravo has been doing very well."

Ter Stegen has made 10 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona so far this season, keeping seven clean sheets in the process.

Bravo, meanwhile, has kept 12 clean sheets in 19 La Liga games.

 

[Modric]

La Liga Review: Wins for top three

24 January 2015

La Liga's top sides all had wins on Saturday - but Cristiano Ronaldo saw red for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid recorded victories in La Liga on Saturday.

Gareth Bale's last-gasp penalty stole an unconvincing 2-1 win for Real at Cordoba after Cristiano Ronaldo had been given his marching orders.

Ronaldo was given a straight red card for kicking out at a Cordoba defender with the score deadlocked at 1-1 eight minutes from time at the Estadio Nuevo Arcangel on Saturday.

However, Bale spared his team-mate's blushes when he converted from the penalty spot in the 89th minute after his own free-kick had been handled - with Cordoba's Federico Cartabia receiving a second booking for the offence.

Real remain a point clear at the top, but Carlo Ancelotti will be concerned by his side's performance and the fact Ronaldo - who cut a frustrated figure throughout the clash - could now face a three-game ban for violent conduct.

Neymar and Lionel Messi both scored twice as a ruthless Barcelona hammered sorry Elche 6-0 to stretch their winning run to six games.

Barca had already beaten Elche three times this season - and scored 12 goals in the process - ahead of the La Liga clash at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero and the Catalan giants heaped more misery on Fran Escriba's struggling side on Saturday.

Gerard Pique marked his 200th La Liga appearance with the opening goal in the first half and Barca ran riot in the second, with Messi scoring from the penalty spot before Elche had Faycal Fajr sent off for a second bookable offence.

The majestic Messi then laid on two goals for Neymar, who struck twice in as many minutes to take his goal tally for the season to 19 and Messi added Barca's fifth with his 31st of another outstanding campaign before Pedro got in on the act in stoppage time.

An Antoine Griezmann-inspired Atletico Madrid responded to Wednesday's Copa del Rey first-leg defeat to Barcelona by cruising to a comfortable 3-1 La Liga win over neighbours Rayo Vallecano.

The France international was in lethal form for the champions, scoring twice in the first half and playing a pivotal role in the third - an own goal - as Atletico eased to a routine triumph at the Vicente Calderon.

In other matches, sixth-placed Villarreal beat Levante 1-0 and Real Sociedad overcame Eibar 1-0.

 

[Ochoa]

Ronaldo apologises for red card

24 January 2015

Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a public apology via Twitter following his dismissal in Real Madrid's victory over Cordoba.

Cristiano Ronaldo has moved swiftly to apologise for his actions after he was sent off in Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Cordoba for kicking out at an opponent.

Seemingly frustrated by the close attentions of Edimar, Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo reacted petulantly by swinging his right boot at the Cordoba defender.

A straight red card followed, leaving Real to play the closing stages of Saturday's match with 10 men, although a late penalty from Gareth Bale - awarded following a foul that saw Cordoba's Federico Cartabia dismissed - ensured Carlo Ancelotti's men still claimed victory.

After the match, Ronaldo took to Twitter to express his remorse.

"I apologise to all and especially to Edimar for my reckless act in the game today," said the Portugal captain.

Ronaldo has scored 28 goals in 18 Liga appearances this term, but now faces a spell on the sidelines through suspension.

Should he receive a three-match ban, he will be unavailable for Real's derby meeting with Atletico Madrid on February 7.

Real coach Ancelotti underlined his frustration with his team's performance prior to the interval against Cordoba.

"I didn't like the first half, that's why I was unhappy," the Italian is quoted as saying by AS. "It wasn't easy to play the ball because the pitch was irregular.

"We got the three points to stay top of the league, [but] we got them with some difficulty.

"Cordoba were competing for every ball and playing well on the counter-attack. We suffered to win this match and I congratulate Cordoba, but we got the three points."

Real's latest acquisition Lucas Silva was not signed in time to be able to feature on Saturday, but Ancelotti is excited about the Brazilian midfielder's arrival.

"He's a very good, very young player," Ancelotti added. "He will help us because he has quality and intelligence in his game. He will be very useful."

 

[Ochoa]

Lucas Silva seals Real switch

23 January 2015

Fresh from Real Madrid signing Martin Odegaard on Thursday, Lucas Silva has joined from Cruzeiro.

Real Madrid have announced the signing of midfielder Lucas Silva from Cruzeiro on a deal until June 2020.

Carlo Ancelotti revealed his interest in the 21-year-old at the start of last month and the European champions have now completed the transfer, with the club confirming the news on Friday.

Silva becomes the second player to join Real in as many days after Martin Odegaard sealed his switch from Sromsgodset on Thursday.

Following months of speculation, the 16-year-old was officially confirmed as a Real player, describing the move as "a dream come true".

Despite the media storm around the transfer, Ancelotti has called for patience in expecting too much of Odegaard too soon.

"Martin is a very young and really quality player," he said. "We are very glad we have him as we really wanted to sign him.

"We trust he will have a great future here and what happens next is that we will take it easy.

"He will practice with the first team and then will play with Castilla - this will be coordinated with [Zinedine] Zidane. Everybody is happy he decided to come to Real.

"Odegaard symbolise the future of this team. He has a great future ahead and is a very important signing. It's great to have a young and skilled player."

 

[Jorge]

Luis Enrique backs himself on Suarez omission

24 January 2015

Luis Enrique felt his decision to leave Luis Suarez on the bench was vindicated as Barcelona hammered Elche 6-0.

Luis Suarez's 28th birthday present from Luis Enrique was to be left on the bench, but the Barcelona coach was content with his decision after a 6-0 La Liga thrashing of Elche.

Barca had already beaten struggling Elche three times - and scored 12 goals in the process - this season ahead of the clash at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero and they dished out more punishment to the Liga strugglers, though Suarez was an unused substitute.

In his absence, Gerard Pique opened the scoring, while Lionel Messi and Neymar grabbed two apiece and Pedro wrapped things up, with Faycal Fajr sent off tor the hosts.

When asked about Suarez's omission, Luis Enrique said: "I do not know any player who likes to be taken out, we know that only 11 can play, and the coaches must choose.

"The team reinforces itself in a standout way. It shows what this team and squad has, and what we can be in the immediate future.

"I saw a game which lasted 90 minutes and had different phases. At the start, the opponent is fresh, with big defensive ideas, and that means it is difficult. You try and move the ball around as well as possible.

"Also, the pitch was not in the best condition. The goal took a while to arrive, but we made chances. From then on we were liberated, and controlled the game better.

"These games are usual over the course of the season, and are difficult to resolve. I am happy with the team over the 90 minutes."

The result saw Barca stay within one point of leaders Real Madrid.

 

[Jorge]

Simeone marvels at Griezmann impact

24 January 2015

Atletico Madrid cruised past neighbours Rayo Vallecano, with coach Diego Simeone singling out two-goal Antoine Griezmann for praise.

Antoine Griezmann's work ethic has attracted the praise of coach Diego Simeone after inspiring Atletico Madrid to a 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

The France international scored twice in a lethal first-half display and went on to go close with several other opportunities after the break, while also claiming an assist for their third – a Manucho own-goal.

A hat-trick narrowly eluded Griezmann, with the post denying him a marvellous solo effort in stoppage time

Simeone was delighted by the former Real Sociedad star's display, particularly with regards to his work rate.

"We have been saying it since November - he has grown a lot and is the type of player we need," the Argentinian was quoted as saying by AS.

"But besides his goals, I value his work capacity that he gives the team. He is demonstrating that you can not only play out wide, but anywhere in the attack and he can break with his speed and talent."

Simeone introduced Fernando Torres in the second half and the former Chelsea man enjoyed a lively cameo, with his coach expecting him to flourish once settled into his second spell with Atletico.

"I saw him with the same enthusiasm as always," Simeone added. "He scored two goals in the Bernabeu [in the aggregate Copa del Rey win over rivals Real Madrid], he did very well in the first half against Barcelona and had a couple of chances.

"Little by little he will gel with his team-mates. With spaces in attack, he is a player that is very difficult to mark."

 

[Ochoa]

La Liga Review: Parejo downs Sevilla, Resino starts with a point

25 January 2015

Valencia move up to fourth in La Liga by beating Sevilla 3-1, while bottom side Grenada draw 2-2 at Deportivo La Coruna.

Dani Parejo scored twice as Valencia beat Sevilla 3-1 at Mestalla on Sunday to leapfrog Unai Emery's side into fourth place in La Liga.

Parejo opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Diogo Figueiras was adjudged to have fouled former Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo and the midfielder doubled the home side's lead 32 minutes in.

Carlos Bacca gave Sevilla hope with a spot-kick four minutes later, but penalty-saving specialist Diego Alves produced yet another stop from 12 yards to deny Bacca an equaliser from 12 yards before half-time.

There was no way back for the Andalucian outfit and Javi Fuego struck Valencia's third goal as they extended their unbeaten run to seven Liga games and moved two points above Sevilla.

Abel Resino was unable to mastermind a victory in his first game back in charge of Granada, but Robert Ibanez's late strike at least salvaged a 2-2 draw at Deportivo La Coruna.

Resino returned for a second spell as coach of the bottom side in La Liga this week and Piti raised hopes that he could start his reign with a win when he opened the scoring after seven minutes.

Granada had not won in 15 games prior to Resino's arrival, though, and two goals in the space of four first-half minutes from Jose Rodríguez and Lucas Perez saw them fall behind.

However, Depor were unable to hang on as Ibanez rescued a point before the home side had Luis Farina sent off in stoppage time.

Christian Stuani scored twice and Felipe Caicedo was also on target as Espanyol consigned struggling Almeria to a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, winning 3-0 on home soil.

Athletic Bilbao's winless run was extended to five matches courtesy of a 1-1 home draw with Malaga - who are also without a win in five - in the other game to be played on Sunday.

 

[Modric]

Neymar: Barca have no interest in Real results

25 January 2015

As the battle at the top of La Liga intensifies, Neymar insists Barcelona's focus is on themselves and not leaders Real Madrid.

Neymar insists Barcelona are paying no attention to Real Madrid's results in their bid to overhaul the Liga leaders.

The Brazil international played a starring role with two goals in Barca's 6-0 demolition of Elche on Saturday.

However, a late Gareth Bale penalty ensured Real Madrid remained top of the table by one point with a game in hand as they defeated Cordoba 2-1.

Neymar, though, is unconcerned by how Carlo Ancelotti's side fare and is instead purely focused on Barca's own form.

"We have to just get on with our business and do it well," he said.

"After that, we'll see what the rest of the teams do. We always depend on ourselves, on what we do on the pitch.

"Playing as we are, it'll be hard for us to lose."

Neymar's brace against Elche took him to 14 La Liga goals in 17 appearances in what has been a fine campaign so far.

And the forward is revelling in his excellent form.

"I'm very happy with the season I'm putting in," he added. "I'm playing every game and I'm loving it."

 

[Casillas]

Edimar wants ´normal´ ban for Real star Ronaldo

25 January 2015

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo could be in hot water for his kick on Edimar, but the Cordoba defender has called for a lenient sanction.

Cordoba defender Edimar hopes that Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is handed a "normal" suspension for his petulant red card in Saturday's La Liga clash.

FIFA Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo kicked out at Edimar in the closing stages after seemingly becoming frustrated by the close attention of the Brazilian.

The Portugal international was immediately sent off, leaving leaders Real to play out the remainder of the game with 10 men, although a late Gareth Bale penalty did rescue a 2-1 victory for Carlo Ancelotti's men.

Ronaldo subsequently took to Twitter to apologise for his indiscretion, but it remains to be seen if the forward will receive any additional punishment.

However, Edimar insists that he has forgiven Ronaldo and knows that acts of frustration can happen on the pitch.

"Cristiano should receive a normal suspension, nothing more. I don't want to hurt him and I hope that he remains the best player in the world," he told AS.

"It was not an attempt at aggression. He hit my legs and my mouth, nothing more. What I mean is that those responsible understand that things happen on a football pitch.

"It was a play in which Cristiano was a little hot-headed and a little frustrated because things were not going well. But it is something that can happen to any of us. I think it happened, and that's it. I forgive Cristiano Ronaldo. I hold no grudge.

"It was at a time when his head was a little hot. Things were not going very well for Real Madrid and they were a bit nervous because things were not going the way they usually do for them."

 

[Ochoa]

La Liga Review: Parejo downs Sevilla, Resino starts with a point

25 January 2015

Valencia move up to fourth in La Liga by beating Sevilla 3-1, while bottom side Grenada draw 2-2 at Deportivo La Coruna.

Dani Parejo scored twice as Valencia beat Sevilla 3-1 at Mestalla on Sunday to leapfrog Unai Emery's side into fourth place in La Liga.

Parejo opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Diogo Figueiras was adjudged to have fouled former Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo and the midfielder doubled the home side's lead 32 minutes in.

Carlos Bacca gave Sevilla hope with a spot-kick four minutes later, but penalty-saving specialist Diego Alves produced yet another stop from 12 yards to deny Bacca an equaliser from 12 yards before half-time.

There was no way back for the Andalucian outfit and Javi Fuego struck Valencia's third goal as they extended their unbeaten run to seven Liga games and moved two points above Sevilla.

Abel Resino was unable to mastermind a victory in his first game back in charge of Granada, but Robert Ibanez's late strike at least salvaged a 2-2 draw at Deportivo La Coruna.

Resino returned for a second spell as coach of the bottom side in La Liga this week and Piti raised hopes that he could start his reign with a win when he opened the scoring after seven minutes.

Granada had not won in 15 games prior to Resino's arrival, though, and two goals in the space of four first-half minutes from Jose Rodríguez and Lucas Perez saw them fall behind.

However, Depor were unable to hang on as Ibanez rescued a point before the home side had Luis Farina sent off in stoppage time.

Christian Stuani scored twice and Felipe Caicedo was also on target as Espanyol consigned struggling Almeria to a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, winning 3-0 on home soil.

Athletic Bilbao's winless run was extended to five matches courtesy of a 1-1 home draw with Malaga - who are also without a win in five - in the other game to be played on Sunda

 

[Ochoa]

Lucas Silva ready for life at Real

26 January 2015

New Real Madrid signing Lucas Silva insists he is prepared to be thrust into the spotlight at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Lucas Silva is not overawed by signing for arguably the biggest club in the world as the 21-year-old prepares to start life at Real Madrid.

Silva completed his move to the Spanish capital from Cruzeiro on Friday, agreeing terms on a deal until 2020, for a fee thought to be in the region of €14million.

Having described the switch as "a dream come true", the midfielder outlined his hopes for the future as he was officially paraded as a Real player on Monday.

"I felt cold in my stomach when I stepped onto the Bernabeu, but I am prepared," he said.

"I am very technical player, I am able to keep the ball and recover it, I always try to keep balance in the middle of the pitch."

Silva faces stiff competition to earn himself a first-team spot, with the likes of Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos just two of Carlo Ancelotti's options in an embarrassment of riches.

"It would be a pleasure for me to play alongside so many great players in Real Madrid, mainly in the centre of the pitch with Toni Kroos, I am very proud to play with him," said Silva.

"His level is very high but my objective is to try get more responsibility and follow his footsteps as who knows at one point play alongside him.

"I have had one week of pre-season with Cruzeiro. I did a lot of physical work as well as with the ball I feel prepared.

"I think that physically I am over 80 per cent fit, I will train this afternoon because I want to be with my team-mates as soon as possible, so I can adapt quickly and be ready to play."

 

[Ochoa]

Neymar happy with life at Barca and Messi relationship

26 January 2015

With his understanding with Lionel Messi getting better all the time, Neymar is loving life at Barcelona in his second season.

Neymar insist he is having the time of his life at Barcelona and believes his on-field relationship with Lionel Messi is getting better with every game.

Barcelona have endured a turbulent season so far, with speculation surrounding the future of both Messi and coach Luis Enrique, as well as the removal of sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, contributing to a host of off-field distractions.

Nevertheless, the Catalan giants sit second in La Liga, one point adrift of leaders Real Madrid, and Neymar is enjoying every minute.

"This is my best moment at Barca," he said. "I am getting better all the time, but there is still a lot left for me to do here. I want titles and many other things.

"I am very happy with my season and hope to continue like this.

“I feel important here. I think all players need to feel that way.

"When you score you feel much better with yourself. This is my second season here and I feel great both on and off the pitch."

Neymar - who has scored 14 goals in 17 league appearances for Barca this season - forms part of a menacing South American attacking three, along with Messi and Luis Suarez, and the Brazilian hailed his relationship with his Argentine team-mate.

"We are feeling better and better together," he continued. "If you have a good relationship off the field then you have a good relationship on it.

"It's much easier playing next to the best players in the world."

Asked whether he had any words of wisdom for Suarez, who has struggled to reproduce the goalscoring form that saw him catch the eye at Liverpool since arriving at Camp Nou, Neymar quipped: "Me give advice to him? He's older and more experienced than I am.

"There is nothing I need to say to help him. He's doing fine for us, scoring goals and making important passes. He'll help us to win titles."

 

[Ochoa]

FIFA: No disciplinary proceedings against Real

26 January 2015

FIFA is yet to open disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid, amid rumours of an investigation into the club's youth dealings.

Amid speculation of Real Madrid coming under investigation for deals involving under-18 players, FIFA is yet to open disciplinary proceedings against the club.

AS reported on Monday that the club are being examined by world football's governing body and Real's director of public relations Emilio Butragueno stated that they would co-operate fully.

"Firstly, we are in agreement with FIFA on this matter," he said.

"We will continue to work with them in every aspect they ask of us. We are absolutely relaxed about the procedure involving Real Madrid."

Real's fierce rivals Barcelona have been the subject of a similar investigation and, after being found to be in breach of the rules, were hit with a transfer embargo until 2016.

When contacted by Perform regarding the Real speculation, a FIFA spokesperson said: "FIFA is currently gathering all the relevant information and documentation in order to be in a position to properly assess the matter.

"No formal disciplinary proceedings have been opened at this stage.

"No further information can be provided for the time being."

 

[Ochoa]

Real hit back at media reports over transfer dealings

26 January 2015

Real Madrid released a statement on Monday, rubbishing allegations of wrongdoing relating to their transfer dealings involving foreign minors.

Real Madrid have spoken out against reports about their conduct relating to transfers involving players who are under the age of 18.

AS reported on Monday that the club are being examined by FIFA and Real's director of public relations Emilio Butragueno stated that they would co-operate fully.

When contacted by Perform regarding the speculation, a spokesperson for world football's governing body said: "FIFA is currently gathering all the relevant information and documentation in order to be in a position to properly assess the matter.

"No formal disciplinary proceedings have been opened at this stage. No further information can be provided for the time being."

The Spanish giants subsequently released a detailed statement on Monday strenuously denying some of the allegations that have been levelled against them.

"Real Madrid have responded diligently, supplying all the information required...within the established deadlines and in complete documentary detail," a statement on the capital club's website read.

"Both Real Madrid and the RFEF [Spanish Football Federation], through which the informative investigation is being processed, have been left totally satisfied with the information supplied and have verified the strict adherence to the registration regulations in absolutely every case."

Real's fierce rivals Barcelona have been the subject of a similar investigation and, after being found to be in breach of the rules, were hit with a transfer embargo until 2016.

FIFA requested information regarding 51 players - although, according to Real, one player appeared twice on the list - and the La Liga outfit addressed the situation regarding each of them, explaining how they had done nothing wrong.

"[Our statement] shows the extraordinary diligence that Real Madrid has maintained at all times in the transfer and registration of foreign minors, and the unfounded and purely speculative nature of certain reports published on the matter," Real said.

 

[Jorge]

Barca overhaul youth system

27 January 2015

After being hit with a transfer ban for breaching rules at youth level, Barcelona have pledged to make changes to their system.

Barcelona have promised to change the way they conduct their business at youth level, having been hit with a transfer ban for their previous transgressions.

The club are prevented from making any signings until 2016, after FIFA found them guilty of breaking the rules regarding their dealings involving youth players.

Barca appealed the embargo, but that was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in December.

It has since been announced that former assistant at first-team level Jordi Roura has been appointed to oversee Barca's youth system, as the Catalan giants pledge to change their strategy.

"Jordi Roura has been named as the new director of youth football at FC Barcelona," a statement read.

"In a board meeting on Monday, the club board decided to give the former assistant coach of the first team the responsibility of overseeing the youth set up from the very youngest level all the way to Barca B.

"The board meeting also included details of the processes involved in contracting players at youth level, the subject of which the club was recently subjected to a ban from FIFA which was ratified by CAS.

"The board has adopted measures to avoid the mistakes of the past being repeated in the future."

 

[Jorge]

Alcacer commits future to Valencia

27 January 2015

Despite reported interest from Chelsea, Real Madrid and Liverpool, Spain forward Paco Alcacer has extended his Valencia contract.

Highly rated forward Paco Alcacer has signed a new deal at Valencia, committing him to the Mestalla club until 2020.

The Spain international has signed a five-year extension with his hometown club to end speculation of a move away - with Liverpool and Real Madrid among the clubs reportedly keen on his signature.

Alcacer has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season, netting eight goals as Valencia have charged up to fourth in La Liga, as well as scoring three goals in five Spain outings since his debut in September.

Now the 21-year-old hopes to guide Valencia back into the Champions League where they can battle with Europe's elite.

"I am delighted and proud to be continuing at Valencia for five more seasons," he told the club's official website.

"I want to thank the club for the confidence in me that they are showing.

"What I have to do now is pay them back by scoring goals and giving everything that I have to help the team.

"I am going to continue working, in order to become a better player and to take Valencia back to where the club belong.

"The Champions League is the main objective and I personally want to play an important role for the team."

 

[Modric]

Zidane urges Real to tie Ancelotti down

27 January 2015

Carlo Ancelotti is the right man to lead Real Madrid forward and should be handed a new contract, says Zinedine Zidane.

Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has urged president Florentino Perez to tie head coach Carlo Ancelotti down to a long-term contract.

Since arriving at Santiago Bernabeu in 2013 the Italian has won four trophies, including last season's historic 10th UEFA Champions League.

The Italian is halfway to ending a two-year wait for a Liga title with Real sitting top of the table by one point, with a game in hand over second-placed Barcelona.

The 55-year-old's current deal lasts until June 2016, but Zidane - who coaches Real's 'Castilla' second team - believes that should be extended before other clubs come calling for his services.

"Carlo is very important to the team and is the best possible coach for Madrid," the former France told Marca.

"I'm not surprised at how he has gone about things because he's very professional and knows what he wants.

"I'd renew his contract right now because he is someone who gets on with this group of players very well.

"He has a clear vision and handles the players well, which is the biggest challenge these days.

"He knows how to get things across and talk to people."

 

[Ochoa]

La Liga Preview: Real want revenge against Socieded

28 January 2015

Having already suffered at the hands of Real Sociedad this season, La Liga leaders Real Madrid will be wary at the Santiago Bernabeu.

La Liga leaders Real Madrid will be keen on revenge when they take on Real Sociedad in Spain's capital on Saturday, while Valencia face a tough trip to Malaga.

Sociedad stunned Carlo Ancelotti's side 4-2 in San Sebastian in just the second round of the 2014-15 season - the first of two consecutive defeats for the capital club as they lost 2-1 to cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid a fortnight later.

Real responded with a 22-match winning run in all competitions, helping them to the top of La Liga, but have been criticised in the first month of 2015 for a perceived lack of form.

Having lost a friendly to Milan before the Spanish top flight resumed in January, Real followed that defeat with a loss at Valencia and elimination from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Atletico.

But Gareth Bale, who scored the winner in Real's 2-1 triumph at Cordoba last week, believes all teams go through rough patches and is confident he and his team-mates will improve soon.

Real's record since the winter break is three wins, two defeats and a draw in all competitions.

"I'm not too sure [why there has been a slump]," Bale told Cadena SER.

"If we knew we could easily fix it.

"There are phases in a season and the main thing is to know how to deal with it."

Sociedad have lost on their last five trips to the Santiago Bernabeu but if they manage to avoid defeat, second-placed Barcelona – just a point behind the European champions - will look to pounce when they host Villarreal on Sunday.

Valencia, who defeated Sevilla 3-1 last week to leapfrog them into fourth in the table, will face another test when they travel to seventh-placed Malaga on Monday.

While Malaga have only won one of their past four league matches at home, Valencia have not tasted success at the Estadio La Rosaleda since 2010.

But as they are in the midst of a seven-game unbeaten run in La Liga, Valencia will be confident of knocking off Javi Gracia's team.

Sevilla will look to bounce back from their loss to Valencia when they host Espanyol, while Celta Vigo - who are on a 10-game winless run - desperately need three points against Cordoba.

Rayo Vallecano will start the round on Friday with a match against Deportivo La Coruna, while reigning champions Atleti visit Eibar on Saturday.

Bottom club Granada will take on Elche, who sit just above the drop zone, Levante host Athletic Bilbao and Getafe visit Almeria.