Best of 2011: The five Cups Barca

If a team tonight will provide a 2011 worth remembering, that is FC Barcelona. The team Barcelona can make it big thanks to the five Cups that has garnered throughout the year and illuminating glass cases with less and less space. Barca has earned global recognition of a ravishing football at the same time has continued in its efforts to achieve success. A year where he has returned to his football combine wins and where art has become a philosophy to reward where they have no place improvisations.

The year began raising its second Messi Ballon d'Or, as it could start in 2012. The award was unanimous Argentinian star, but also here we would have liked it to be one of his two companions to the throne, Xavi and Iniesta, who had imposed the maximum individual trophy. The Flea did not disappoint as they once did other stars, and showed that on a green carpet is still king. His boots were born many of the great results his team has achieved. The world's best scorer, his latest achievement.

That afternoon of our first game at the stadium

One of the things I will encourage the start of the year is that I will be lucky and honored to bring my little cousin for the first time football. At the end of January was wearing the scarf that my mother branquiazul has done to the image of mine and will be released as a game of Deportivo in the Second Division, as so many generations before mine. You may not find out much, (meet the four years to March) but it took several weeks practicing how to celebrate a goal while on YouTube showed him Bebeto goal, Djalminha, Fran, Makaay, Tristan ... The Scream, elbow and fist rather than have them dominated.

One of the things that encouraged me to convince her father to come to Riazor to release the boy is the vision of two videos whose main characters are two children who go to football for the first time. The first, the title of this post, shows the first time a boy named Salvi enters the stage of his team, Racing Club de Avellaneda. In the arms of his father appears by one of the vomitoria and as is within the steps of the cylinder face becomes a poem, in the best poem that no poet could write about football. Just see your smile, how to automatically lifts his arm as a fan more and how, finally, just go crazy with joy.

Best of 2011: Madrid won the Cup 17 years later

The stage of Valencia, venue for the final, Mestalla but was not called Luis Casanova. Madrid was coached by Benito Floro, Iron played in the midfield and was a delegate Chendo, but the right side. The people had no idea who he was and Casillas Raul Gonzalez Blanco added just twelve years. All this happened in 1993, the last time that Real Madrid had won the Copa del Rey. 17 years later, the white team would win the knockout tournament after beating Barcelona in the final and leave behind nearly two decades of trouble in a tournament that has historically not been entirely suitable for a club of Concha Espina.

Because Real Madrid has been the club that has played more times in the final of the tournament with 37 appearances, two more than Barcelona and Athletic, but has won only 18 times and has been defeated in 19. However, the victory of last April not only helped the balance, but it was the first title of Florentino Perez after his return and also the club Mourinho as coach of Real Madrid. Not only that defeated the best club currently showing they are vulnerable and did so with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo , who does not accumulate excessive wealth when you face a Barca shirt.

Best of 2011: The calcium begins to rise

It was the best league in the world in the nineties, when all the big players gave preference to their fleets rather than to any other competition, Milan or Juventus large and dominated Europe and the huge amounts of the sponsors made great Parma or Lazio. However, the last decade was a recession despite the teams continue sending Milan in the Champions League and selection are world champions. The scandals of corruption and match-fixing, the country still trans splashes, the resulting decline in Turin giant's offices and the economic downturn caused the Serie A won lost ground against the League or Premier. However, the 2011 has seen at least athletically, Calcium has glimpsed a path through the fog.

Optimism can not be exaggerated, there is still a long way to go, but the mere fact that Italy is the country that has representatives in the second round of the Champions League is a cause for celebration but neither Milan, Inter Milan and Naples are among the favorites to lift the title. In addition, the Serie A has regained competitiveness and several teams that did not lift his head began to hang out at the top of the table to delight of many. The biggest problem lies off the lawn, where corruption continues to raise scandals that have to be tackled root whatever the name of those responsible. Nothing new, in short, an Italian football that you saw in 1980 how a myth as Paolo Rossi would be involved in a betting scandal two years before being World Champion and Golden Ball

Aguirre will not eat the grapes in Zaragoza

Almost with the table set and half-open bag of party favors, Javier Aguirre warned late Thursday that the grapes do not eat them as coach of Real Zaragoza. This decision, which could well have taken just after the umpteenth defeat the whole hand this season, finally took place at the end of a year in La Romareda movidito, which is becoming increasingly more common these reversals, which nowhere to go nowhere.

In that scenario, Aguirre's dismissal is not the only news that has occurred within the set zaragocista. Agapito Iglesias, the head of the visible face of the club and its deterioration has been pushed aside to make way for a new Board of Directors headed by Salvador sandpit, which aims to six months something like an impossibility: the institution and find the stability lost by the way, pave the way for future buyers. He and the new directors have a certain prestige in the city.

A bad example to follow

Grassroots football must have two maxims above everything else, have fun and learn (Docere et delectare Aristotle said in his Ars Poetica). Winning or losing has to be in the background. Logically, of course I care about winning, in part because losing has little funny, but when it comes to training children there are things more important than the result.

Several stories, including the urban legend and the real story, suggest that the least liked of Don Santiago Bernabeu football were the parents of the players. On the pernicious influence of the fathers upon the children who play soccer (or any other sport) a few weeks ago published a great article in El Pais Eduardo Rodrigálvarez: Dad is a 'hooligan' .

Michel, the new coach of Zaragoza

The Zaragoza does not end the year in the best shape. Last in the standings with just 10 points, the team has the tough task of leaving the posts down. To achieve this goal, the leadership of the club decided to change coach Javier Aguirre left the team and soon Michel will be introduced as new coach.

This morning Javier Aguirre said goodbye to the players of Zaragoza and said he is convinced that "the players will draw it forward." Aguirre also said: "I would have liked to stay until the end, but I understand that these things happen in football." Also do not hesitate to be optimistic for the future to ensure that "this will continue for many years team first."

The charge of his duties will supplant Michel has already reached an agreement with officials of the club will hand over the team until the end of the season. Michel comes to sit on the bench for Getafe in the last two years.

Will be presented shortly as the new coach of Zaragoza and will debut in his new position in the Sardinero against Racing de Santander (on the weekend of 7 and 8 January), just the computer that plays his son Adrian. His next match (on the weekend of 14 and 15 January) will be at La Romareda to his former club Getafe.

Can you save the Zaragoza Michel decline?

The team of the year, according to readers of Mark

Make a team with all players in the Spanish League football is almost like making a selection invincible. That's what readers have played sports daily Marca when they voted the 11 best players of 2011. Then I'll tell you who were in the starting lineup.

Barca 5, 5 a former Real Madrid and Atletico. Top 11 of the year were, for the readers of Make: Casillas, Dani Alves, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Xavi, Iniesta, Di Maria, Kun Aguero, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.

Honestly there are no major surprises, although a few interesting facts to note, especially taking into account the nationality of the players.

Of these 11 have been chosen more than half are foreigners (Messi, Aguero, Di Maria, Dani Alves, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo), a fact that is striking considering that Spain is the reigning world champion. Yes, the midfield is not what anyone pulls that make up the duo Xavi and Iniesta.

Even more striking is to see that the Brazilians still honor his reputation of taking good side: Dani Alves and Marcelo are chosen. It is also noted that most attack-minded players are almost all Argentine Messi, Agüero and Di Maria. Christian is the exception.

Finally we should emphasize that this is a team, on average, relatively young: the average age is 25.8 years. Is there a balance between young players, but not so much (as Aguero, Di Maria and Marcelo with 23) and older players, but not as adults (as Casillas and Xavi who are 30 and 31 respectively).

Best of 2011: The Army of the Levant

'You are so few men need more ...

-There are not

-Are those who dwell in the mountains

-Evildoers ... ... call them traitors to fight? They do not respect anything, unaccountable

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

After the taking of Osgiliath Sauron preparing his army across the Pelennor fields in order to storm the last bastion of free men: Minas Tirith. The attack was expected, not without fear in the Citadel, but the Dark Lord for a surprise by sea, where a fleet of privateers would attack without warning. There was no other choice but to trust those who believed forgotten, who had a score to settle with the King. The lift came at first, but survive in the battlefield as a utopia meant men and weapons available. There was no recourse but to call those in which no one trusted, who had already given their best years but still had reserved a last race as the evening seemed to call at their doors.

Should there be football these days? The question of the week in Football Notes

Recognize them: football these days without you are making a longer film evening Alexei Kurkovski. Every year at this time soccer takes a holiday to celebrate the holidays and we are left with the desire to see the ball rolling by fields of the Spanish first division, and then there is a debate that rarely reaches consensus:

Should there be football these days?

The response is expected for the amateur with a resounding yes, what more can turn on the TV and watch the game on your computer, but in this case has to think of professionals trying to avoid falling into demagogic arguments as the money they charge . They are also entitled to celebrate the holidays with his family when in most cases are the year away from their families.

The scores of the Spanish teams in 2011

Sports daily Marca, through its website marca.com, has a unique survey that has involved his readers were asked to rate from 1 to 10 the performance of their teams in 2011. The results, I show you below.

Some 20,000 internet users have participated in this survey made by the sports daily Marca through its online edition. The results have been curious, sometimes so predictable, in other cases so surprising.

First, it certainly ranks with 8.4 Barcelona. The funny thing is that the second position is for Real Madrid but for the Levant, the team has been a revelation in the first leg of the League 2011/2012.

In third place is already Mourinho's Real Madrid with a 7.6 (only 2 points less than the Levante pulled a 7.8) and Valencia fourth appears with a 7.1.

One particular observation: about seven teams have had less than 5 notes. They are the Sporting, Getafe, Mallorca, Racing, Villarreal, Real Zaragoza and Atletico.

Then I leave the full list:

1. Barca 8.4
2. 7.8 Lift
3. Real Madrid 7.6
4. Valencia 7.1
5. 6.5 Athletic
6. Osasuna 6.1
7. Granada 6.1
8. Rayo Vallecano 6.1
9. Betis 5.9
10. Malaga 5.7
11. Espanyol 5.7
12. Sevilla 5.2
13. 5.0 Royal Society
14. 4.8 Sporting
15. Getafe 4.8
16. 4.6 Mallorca
17. 4.0 Racing
18. Villarreal 3.7
19. Zaragoza 3.2
20. 3.2 Athletic

Löw, possible replacement for Mourinho when leaving Real Madrid

Although Real Madrid leadership repeated again and again that Mourinho has ensured his stay on the bench for all white, and there is a name that sounds to replace the day the Luso leave the club: the German Joachim Löw

The profile offensive and modern methods Joachim Löw game have secured the attention of the directors of Real Madrid. Not that they are looking for an immediate remplazante Mourinho, but the day the Portuguese leave the club, and have a candidate to call.

It happens that Mourinho is under contract for two more seasons and, as he himself said recently, his goal is to return a large team of the Premier League when Real Madrid. It is also shown to be a coach who works in the short to medium term.

And for the day Mourinho leave Real Madrid bench, managers think about replacing it with the German coach Joachim Löw who is under contract until mid-2014 at the conclusion of the World Cup in Brazil. On the same date contract expires with Real Madrid Mourinho.

But by that time and much needed. Meanwhile, Mourinho is confident of the directors of Real Madrid to continue doing their job. Florentino Perez does not cease to emphasize that "signing Mourinho is one of the best decisions I ever made." The president of the club merengue, the Luso is better able to coach today sit on the bench for Real Madrid.

Valencia will promote the new Batman movie

Seem to be behind the times where the ball and the player were the protagonists of the function. Today they send bills and everything is negotiable if the price is convenient T-shirts, advertising contracts with the stars of the ball and even the once sacred name of a stadium carry the name of large multinationals. It seemed that the shield of a club was one of the few holdouts insurmountable and incorruptible where the fan could identify without going through the filter lucrative marketing, but that has changed. The charismatic bat Valencia will soon become the Batman in order to promote the film which hits theaters next summer.

The two previous films Batman stands out for its quality and its large viral marketing campaign, especially the second part, The Dark Knight. In Warner's success are aware that our country was the confrontation between Batman and the Joker and have not hesitated to pay a good sum of money to the third part, The Dark Knight: The legend is reborn, get the same numbers if not higher, and what better football ground to promote a movie from our borders.

To Bilardo, Messi falls short of Maradona and Pele

Former Argentina coach Carlos Salvador Bilardo has no doubts. For him, Lionel Messi has the category of great players like Diego Maradona, Pele and Alfredo Di Stefano.

If you have to define Bilardo Messi does not hesitate to qualify as "an extraordinary person and a superjugador" a category that, according to him, you can share comfortably with this sport stars like Maradona, Pele and Di Stefano.

Bilardo says Messi "suega well, score goals, he never complains when it is kicked, always arrive on time to training, works well, signing autographs, never gets angry" in an interview with France Football magazine. And while ensuring that the comparison with players from other eras is difficult, having won everything with Barcelona got Messi assures its discretion, a place among the best in football history.

In the interview, Bilardo also spoke of another great of the sport, Diego Maradona, who fell out after removal of the Argentina in the past South Africa World Cup. "We do not talk. Since 1983 we have been angry with Diego at least forty times. For a year and a half, all over. But you can not say never, "said Bilardo who argues that Maradona should continue to lead the team after the World Cup, although it was impossible to do so with the same coaching staff.

Today is coordinator Bilardo football national teams of Argentina, to which he agreed when Maradona became the coach.

The grotesque surrealism of Gil and Cerezo

-The tragedy is our tragedy.

- For something that will be!

- The grotesque!

Fragment of Luces de Bohemia, play by Valle-Inclan, a paradigm of absurdity

A few days ago that the twelfth anniversary of December 22 when the court intervened Audiencia Nacional Atletico Madrid. Put an end to the Age Gil, it seemed. The trio formed by Jesus Gil, his son Miguel Ángel and Enrique Cerezo fell off a barrage of accusations. However, the process was extended in time until 2004, after so many laps in the case of the shirts, all fell by the wayside. The chiefs resumed their thrones, rejoicing at the grotesque reality: not everything was back as the beginning of the process, but more than now returning to their positions legitimized by the judicial system.

When in 2004 the author of philosophical statements of the caliber of My mistake was to treat the players as people, or If I say black, no problem, But if I say black black black, is very bad ..., took over the reins of Athletic Madrid, for many mattress was only one consolation: At least, we can not get worse. They were wrong. Yes there was something worse than Jesus Gil y Gil, Sultan of Marbella, a two-headed entity arising from the combination of his clever son, Miguel Angel with graciosete Enrique Cerezo. The pure absurdity.

Moourinho is passionate about the Premier League

Although Jose Mourinho says he feels very happy at Real Madrid, it seems that does not forget his successful spell at English football. At least that is clearly shown by his recent statements to the renowned BBC in London, where the Portuguese coach did not hide that would end his career in the Premier League .

Literally, Mou said: "I am very, very happy at Real Madrid is a great experience for me. I think is probably the best club football history and I would not miss the opportunity to work here, but my passion is England and my next step will be back there, and if possible for long time. "

"The Special One", and was baptized just on their way to England, he knows that his current time at Real Madrid is very good, despite some polishing missing details, but does not hide his preference for the Premiership. Who knows if Mourinho can return to the UK, in view of his words it seems that sooner or later it will.

But before we get ahead of the facts, let's give it time to see what this original strategist in the state gets Madrid. So far we have obtained a title: the Copa del Rey. But knowing his great ambition and vocation that will not rule out winning the Champions League and La Liga, albeit at the expense of powerful Barcelona.

Frank Rijkaard and Luis Aragones, parallels

Guardiola mailboxes and Del Bosque will surely have had a busy activity in recent days, full of Christmas cards and commendations merit based on their good work in front of Barcelona and the Spanish. Champions League, among others, and World are all technical credentials that would take into his service, and both coaches enjoy a reputation that transcends the borders of our country. A country that rises to the idols of the mind but has little memory of past heroes. Surely Frank Rijkaard and Luis Aragones will not have had the same number of Christmas cards, even though it was they who planted the tree with care care today their existing responsibilities.

Their stories are different, but important points in common. One came young and inexperienced the helm Nou Camp, while another accepted the position of coach with a track record on his resume. Rijkaard came to Barcelona Laporta a Gaspart hand was plunged into chaos sporting, social and institutional. Luis Aragones was preparing to coach a national team with an invisible barrier installed in the quarterfinals of the major championships proved unable to overcome, but at Euro 2004, in Iñaki Sáez's hand, had not even moved from the first phase. Difficult enterprises, a challenge for both coaches.

The advantages of synthetic turf football

Any football purist will say that this sport is played on grass natual. Sn it is important to note that the artificial turf can be a supericie as apt to play football like natural grass. A comtinuación tell you its advantages.

The natural grass is usually a headache for those who are responsible for maintaining the football fields. Not pregnant, all that is left behind with the artificial turf because it is fairly resistant to changes in temperature which gives a much longer life than usually natural grass. Even when used intensively is able to keep soft green much longer, which lowers costs amortized investment.

Another advantage is the fact that it is more permeable so rain after a dry faster. Also worth noting that does not leave stains on clothing and non-toxic, besides being available in a wide range of colors.

It is certainly more comfortable surface to play football so both amateur and professional way, as are advantages for the players as to who should be responsible for maintaining the field.

So if you have a playing field or you are interested in building one, please consider using artificial turf surface. If you want to know more about this area You can visit the site TodoCespedArtificial.es ® where you will find an ample supply of this product.

Results of the draw for round of the Cup: Madrid and Barca can see their faces again in the quarterfinals

This morning was held in the City of Las Rozas Soccer, home of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the draw for the finals of the Copa del Rey, defining the crosses from the eighth to the final. The draw was pure, ie, there was no seeding and anyone could touch him either.

So, the draw has brought two very uneven parts of the box as far as the level of equipment is concerned. The first sector, which goes to the SEMIFINAL 1 has a team of Liga Adelante, the Cordoba (which is to get rid of Betis), and two clubs in Segunda B, Miranda (just eliminate Villarreal) and Albacete (which is loaded at Atletico), plus without wanting to detract from anyone, the team's most authentic part of the picture this is the Athletic Club, the second most successful copera history with 23 titles. Just do not forget that Espanyol and Mallorca Cup champions have been in the last decade.

Villarreal put in the hands of Molina

The stinging defeat at El Madrigal in the second leg of the knockout Cup final before a second-B as Mirandés (0-2) had a withering effect for Juan Carlos Garrido: that night was fired as coach of Villarreal. The cessation of the coach is an extreme measure in a club like Villarreal CF as its president, Francisco Roig, is one of those few leaders who show patience and confidence to all the coaches it hires.

This time the situation is not invited to leave the decision for later. Villarreal has been removed from Europe, was last in their Champions League group, without reaching any point, such as the Copa del Rey and, more worryingly, in the league BBVA up 17 °, with 15 points of 48 possible, the same as Sporting Gijon, which marks the height of descent as 18 º. So, with the Christmas break ahead, it seems that the wisest and the determination was taken to change the helmsman of the ship.

Arjen Robben, splashing and splashing happily in the water

If there is something that we are on in Spain is for rogues, gulfs, rogues, rascals, rogues and Bourbon Sorry, rogues. Here that does not run, fly and last fag! In our football field, more or less at ease, a number of urchins that, according to which team is one, are rated from complimentary to derogatory cheating scoundrel. Although there who spend so much of smartass is no longer in his own defense or hobby-as in the case of Alves, sportsmanship exbético Riki or Dani.

However, it has had to come the Dutchman Arjen Robben to give us a masterclass in how to achieve a global level by inventing a ridiculous penalty nonexistent. His move has everything you need to have a good piscinazo: Dodge does well and jumps well his opponent's leg, but the mysteries of life, instead of looking for the shot, I had it open, or the pass, the good Robben heard a little voice inside your head: Drop, Arjen, drop! I whistle penalty, ejected the guy and you run out of hero: let the opponent by ten and you put the penalty goal. And that was Robben, the great Robben, and gave us the most ridiculous and brazen piscinazo throughout the year. After the game he apologized to his fans and rival. Those who are happy are the Dutch piscineros guild: they already have for this Christmas season.

Video | YouTube

Who is most to blame for the bad season Atletico Madrid?: The question of the week in Football Notes

A few hours ago the Vicente Calderon was again witnessed a new Atletico Madrid's ridiculous. The mattress set was not only able to trace the result against the leg against Albacete, but was defeated by 0-1, and through-engaging the goal after thirty seconds. But the worst was not the result but the pathetic image of a dying computer completely without soul or desire. Atletico has failed to respond, its players have not connected or four passes in a row, Apple has failed to fix the situation from the bench, and adds a new Athletic ridiculous with matches against Espanyol and Betis, means two weeks of hell. And we will launch the following question:

Who is most to blame for the bad season Atletico Madrid?

Because Cup elimination and poor record in the league in a season highlight being bad and getting worse every day. There are several points to which you turn your head trim, and probably all guilty. The directive is most noted for many years. Manzano demonstrated in this second opportunity that the club is definitely great, and it looks like Thursday will be dismissed. But players are not spared from burning because of their sacrifice and no lack of attitude.

In England if they are serious about racism

In the last hours we met two stories that give an idea of how seriously they are taken in England the problem of racism. On the one hand we have the case of the Liverpool player Luis Suarez, who has been sanctioned by the FA with eight-game suspension for having uttered racial slurs Patrick Evra, Manchester United footballer. On the other side is an even more serious: the British prosecutors have accused the Chelsea captain John Terry, "a crime of disorderly conduct racially aggravated". The Office considers it proven that the defense gave a blue xenophobic insult against Anton Ferdinand, Queens Park Rangers player, so it has asked the police to take action on the matter.

Terry leaves to get into another one. Early last year came to light that one of his extramarital affairs with women had been a former teammate, a mess that he got into the thick of the press, both rose as the sports-sometimes difficult to differentiate - to the point that England coach Fabio Capello of Italy, took the highly controversial decision to set aside to Terry of the captaincy of Team Rose. Now that he had recovered the bracelet of the national and the press had already moved to exploit other reefs, Terry is back on everyone's lips for a very ugly.

The Christmas Truce, a football game in the middle of the war

The Eve of the soldiers had come at last, and was hardly the time or a place to feel grateful for that

Frederick W. Heath, English soldier

It is impossible, especially for someone who lived it, to convey in words the horror of war. Blood and death lurking at every dead-end roads that make up the confrontation between men who were not born to kill their fellows. However, in the darkness, the light is more crisp and bright. One of the most appalling chapters in the history of humanity as was the First World War led to one of the most beautiful episodes that have never been told about the man, and a football saw that beautiful passage. Known as the 'Christmas Truce', British, French and German weapons pose decided to celebrate Christmas this December 24, 1914.

Occurred in the western sector of the front, south of the Belgian city of Ypres located on the Franco-Belgian border. Known as the "trench warfare", the German lines faced the Allies, French-and British-in fortifications dug into the soil became narrow hell where hunger and cold were as deadly as the weapons wielded the soldiers. From both sides there was a territory, with 50 feet away, known as No Man's Land, where men unnatural landscape and vegetation fell had been extinguished by the fighting, covered by mud, snow and the bodies of dead soldiers in combat.

Notes of the Week 17

Every week we scored Football Notes, from 1 to 5, least and what we liked most of the day the first division. These are the notes of the seventeenth day of the season.

"Garrido, how Valverde?

On January 31, 2010 Ernesto Valverde, then Villarreal coach was fired after losing to Osasuna at El Madrigal. His replacement was Juan Carlos Garrido, although the team straightened out to take it to the Champions League this year has failed to hold in as high a set that has the same points as the first of what would fall. He fell into the kingdom of Navarre, against the same opponents than its predecessor and the situation is the limit. ¿Suffer the same fate?

"Atletico again

Unfortunately, it has emerged as one of the regulars of these notes, especially in the lowlands. While Apple insists that it is able to move the project forward mattress, yet another defeat against Betis has been raising his voice to the supporters of Calderón. Not just ask the head coach, responsible but not guilty of the situation, but calling for the resignation of the above. Good wish for Christmas.

Barcelona continues to make history, winning the Club World Cup

Pep Guardiola's Barcelona continues to make history. After winning the Club World Cup yesterday on the set FC Barcelona achieved the fifth title of the season and the number 14 was Guardiola.

The Barcelona demonstrates every day that is able to overcome himself, won by 4 to 0 at Santos (Brazil) to be crowned champion Neymar Club World and add one more title to its heavy achievements. It is the fifth time the team won the championship in the year. He had previously won the Spanish League, the Supercopa of Spain, the Champion League and Super Cup. In 2011 only failed to win the Copa del Rey competition they were runners-up after falling by 1 to 0 in the final against Real Madrid (whom intervention in the Supercopa of Spain).

The Blaugrana thus closes a year nearly perfect, though not the best of the Guardiola era: in 2009 managed to win everything he played and ended the year with 6 titles (all won in 2011 plus the Copa del Rey).

Looking ahead to 2012, Guardiola's team will begin the second half of the season in second place in the classification of the Spanish League (three points separate him behind leaders Real Madrid) and, having ranked first in its group, in Champions knockout must be measured against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, a smaller caliber team for Pep.

Will repeat in 2012 the club's successes this year? Will it match the record of 2009? Time will tell.

Two years later, Casillas has done it again

If the goalkeepers they had the recognition they deserve, in a fictional 'Yashin Award' which celebrates the best stops of the season, the shelter of 'Puskas Award', which brings together the best goals of the year, the intervention has done yesterday Iker Casillas in the Sanchez Pizjuan occupy a privileged position to clinch the trophy. In an important moment of the match, Casillas flew into the small area to clear a ball that seemed ready to greet the networks. The fact still takes more importance when we remember that two years ago and at the same stage, but at the other end, the goal Real Madrid made ​​a similar stop. Equally impossible.

Thirteen minutes had passed and the Madrid game and was ahead on the scoreboard by Cristiano Ronaldo. After a cross from the right, Manu Del Moral met an early Christmas gift in the form of French ball ready to be hosted on the net. Nothing seemed to stand in the way of the ball, but then came the figure of Iker Casillas making display of agility and reflexes to stretch towards the ball and avoid what looked like a draw. To add more drama to the moment the ball hit the crossbar after being deflected by goalkeeper gloves.

UEFA Champions League: Lokomotiv-Athletic, Stoke-Valencia and Atletico Lazio-final knockout

The final phase of this edition of the UEFA Europa League presents more interesting and attractive than ever. In fact, if you truthfully say that the younger sister of Champions will feature a handful of qualifiers that will hook a lot more than many of the crossings of the top European competition . Spanish clubs took their seeded status to avoid frightening the other teams, with both of Manchester in the lead. Our representatives will have to deal with rivals of very different styles, each with their pros and cons.

The Athletic Club will face Lokomotiv Moscow, which entails having to fight with General Winter, ruthless bastard who ate the two great military powers of the past two centuries. As will happen to Madrid with the CSKA Those of Bielsa will host a place in the next round with a team that is in full pre-season preparation for the second phase of the Premier Russian-ended the first as 6 °, 12 points behind the leader-which implies that the Muscovites have no accumulated fatigue but also competitive pace. In your template highlight the exzaragocista Zapater and another known in the Spanish League, Felipe Caicedo, formerly of Malaga and Levante.

On the alleged veteran AC Milan

It has 112 years, and over a few drinks, but remains so enviable. It may not look like in the eighties when it was the queen of the catwalk, in the spring of 94 when Fabio Capello led his designs or a few years ago when he came to reign in the old Europe, but the beautiful Rossoneri, who yesterday met years living a good time after recovering the Italian throne after five years of absence from the highest ranks. A common criticism received by the Milan was the advanced age of your template as usual reason for the lack of results, a topic which still rooted endures today becoming a half-truth.

The presence in recent years in the eleven players like Inzaghi, Pirlo, Gattuso, Nesta, Seedorf, Zambrotta, Favalli, Oddo, Jankulovski or Ambrosini, plus the taste of the sport by signing veteran leadership, contributed to Milan was called nursing and the like regularly. However, in two or three years the team has been gradually regenerating clocking youth players or a good point in their careers, thereby achieving lower the average age of its workforce. On the other hand, some veterans like Jankulovski, Oddo, Pirlo or just one of the last he had to have gone, have left the club and others have begun to see the bench more regularly.

Barcelona - Santos, the final of Club World Cup

This takes place next Sunday's final World Cup. FC Barcelona's Pep Guardiola will have to face against the best American team in 2011, Santos Brazil. The Catalans come to meet with the low responsive David Villa (who broke one of her warm in the semi-final clash against Al Sadd of Qatar). Meanwhile, Santos reaches a decisive stage Neymar next tune.

The next Sunday promises to be a close final between the winner of the Champions League and Copa Libertadores champion. FC Barcelona will seek its second title in this competition (the first got it in 2009 when he won the final set Estudiantes de La Plata Argentina). Santos for his part never managed to win this competition, although it is noteworthy that Intecontinental did win the Cup (the tournament that replaced the Club World Cup). He did it on two consecutive occasions: in 1962 and 1963 at the hands of Pele.

Barcelona is the favorite to clinch the match. This is demonstrated by the trends in the sportsbook as Beftair in place http://apuestas.betfair.com paid 9.2 for the victory of Santos, 6.2 for a draw and just 1.36 for the victory of Barcelona.

Barcelona Will honor their favorites and win a second World Club? Will the Saints of the surprise team? If so would break a streak of 4 years without an American team can win this win this tournament (the last was the Porto Alegre International dedicated in 2006, beating just to Barcelona).

Playing at home (VII)

Football this week has been totally marked by the Classic last Saturday. Try to avoid writings to find on other issues turned out to me quite absurd because a company's best articles of the last seven days circling all around the Madrid-Barça. In addition, our esteemed John Carlin must walk rental, it does not publish anything from day 4. So, in this seventh edition of Playing at home we invite you to review some of the best writing on the Classic.

• Last week I highlighted the excellence of Martí as an analyst Perarnau games. This time has given us an article focusing on the causes and consequences . If you accept his invitation to visit old posts as you go read that I link you'll end up exhausted at his feet.

UEFA Champions League: FC Barcelona Bayer Leverkusen, CSKA Moscow and Real Madrid in the second round

We know the pairings for the knockout round of this year's UEFA Champions League following the draw held this afternoon in Nyon, Switzerland. The two representatives of Spanish football have dodged the coconuts from Pot 2 but also has touched the weakest. FC Barcelona will play their seat for rooms with Bayer Leverkusen while Real Madrid will do the same with the CSKA in Moscow.

So, both have avoided the strongest teams, which were none other than those who had qualified as second in another Spanish group, therefore, a priori, the possibility harder for Milan and Madrid was the same Olympique Lyonnais can be said for the club. Bayer Germans made ​​a great last season orders Jupp Heynckes (now in Munich) and is currently sixth in the Bundesliga, eight points behind the leader. The last time Barcelona and Bayer was faced off in the second group stage 2002/03 edition Blaugrana and with wins in two games.

Nonconformity or defect as a virtue

It is very easy to deduce what are the technical results as Mourinho or Guardiola have to draw from their respective templates: the maximum. In teams like Real Madrid or Barcelona win only matters, and when victory comes not know who are doing the wrong things, although it is very easy to talk, with victory in his pocket, quarry and style. The matter is complicated when it comes to other clubs where it's difficult to tell what bumper that you can get the template is available to the technician, on the other hand will always be the head when things do not come well given. Otherwise people will be happy, however, there are always voices to ensure that, in other hands, could reach even higher levels.

And he comes to a head the Athletic Club. With Joaquin Caparros, the Bilbao club experienced a clear improvement over previous years and again to savor the taste of European competition. But not everyone in San Mamés were happy with the work of Jokin, voices demanding more than the patadón at the head of Llorente and the usual tricks teams coach Mallorca today. With President Urrutia came Bielsa, whose teams always characterized by a good deal to the ball, the opposite to what was seen every Sunday in the Cathedral. Today, the Atletico moments of excellence achieved by the hand of Argentina, however, numbers, cold but do not lie, say that last year at this point, Athletic had more points in the box.

Barcelona thrashed Al Sadd to access the Club World Cup final

Logic ended up giving in the World Clubs: Pep Guardiola's Barcelona crushed the modest Al Sadd of Qatar in the semifinals of the tournament and now face in the decisive match against Santos in Brazil where he plays Neymar.

Expected results in the second semifinal bulky Club World and Barcelona did not disappoint: he got four Qatari team Al Sadd. Adriano opened the scoring at 25 minutes. Before the end of the first half, Adriano scored again.

In the second half, Keita (at 64) and Maxwell (to 81) completed the rout to give appearance of this new set victory Guardiola.

With this result, the Catalans must now face the Saints, American representative in the competition that has classified after winning the Copa Libertadores this year. In that team plays the Brazilian star Neymar, coveted by both Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Note that for this decisive match, Barcelona will be without David Villa who has suffered a severe injury in the match played today: a fractured tibia in his left leg in the final minutes of the half. Alexis Sanchez replaced him during the game and has emerged as the Guaje substitute for the rest of the season. It is estimated that Villa will be sidelined for at least 4 months and, if he returns to play for the remainder of the season, it would in the final of the Champions (if Barcelona agree to that instance).

Club World Cup 2011: Villa's injury becomes pyrrhic victory of Barca

When football was a Pyrrhic victory speech often to explain a victory for the minimum, especially a 1-0. But the origin of this phrase (and the first meaning DRAE ) Is the victory of Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, on Rome, and refers to those successes where the winner suffers more damage than the vanquished. That's what happened this morning at FC Barcelona has won the Al-Sadd and has qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup final but the road has left David Villa.

The Guaje title again after a few weeks a lot of buzz around their substitutions, enhanced by its absence in the team that won 1-3 at the Bernabeu and ridiculous exaggerated to the desert for that credibility is the sports daily Marca. Villa formed at the tip of the attack and not to seek the goal stood amid the tangle defensive Qatar. He spent a couple of times circling the goal and a stupid move, a career like so many others vying for a chance shot with two defenders rivals, Seven and Selection Barca broke.

Tomorrow begins the Club World Club Cup for FC Barcelona, ​​which won a competition two years ago only in the final when he beat the Argentine team Estudiantes de La Plata. This time must pass to Al Sadd of Qatar to reach the final where he now awaits Brazil's Santos defeated today in the Kashiwa Reysol of Japan.

Barcelona wants to lift the trophy the Club World Cup as it did in 2009. To achieve this the team must overcome tomorrow Qatar's Al Sadd, a clearly inferior opponent in quality with respect to the set of Pep Guardiola. So much so that the bookmakers like Bwin leave no room for doubt: Al Sadd paid 29, 12 and Barcelona draw only 1.04.

History also plays for Barcelona, ​​since he began to play the Club World Cup in 2005, all European teams have managed to enter the final. Of the 6 editions in 4 of them has won the representative of Europe (Milan in 2007, Manchester United in 2008, Barcelona in 2009 and Inter Milan in 2010) and the 2 remaining the champion was South American (Sao Paulo in 2005 and Internacional of Porto Alegre in 2006).

Access to the final Barcelona will relish a match with an extra: will be the first in which he faces Neymar Barcelona and many are wondering if next year the match will be repeated with the Brazilian wearing the Real Madrid shirt.

Who has been the great survivor of the classic and why: The question of the week in Football Notes

We talked at length about the Real Madrid - FC Barcelona last Saturday. We evaluated the best and the worst of the game, we talked about the possible psychological barrier white and no reaction of Mourinho on the bench. Both clubs are already immersed in new fronts, but before we finally pass the surf classic, Football Notes we take our question of the week for everyone to contribute their views on a topic that has been much talk .

Who has been the great survivor of the classic and why?

The options multiply if we talk about who was the great sign, for worse, last Saturday. Some say that Mourinho for not knowing how to react. Others point to Christian and his poor performance in the big races. Some say that the big loser was Ozil, and that he may have escaped the ownership for Kaka. But some believe that the great hurt was in the Barca side. Specifically, in a David Villa who lives his worst moments as Barca, and now is starring in a controversial cover .

Club World Cup 2011: Neymar submits its application to the world throne

The best excuse for Neymar and justified. If there was a reason why the Brazilian player refused, again and again, to jilt her suitors during the summer (especially at Real Madrid), that was the World Club and Santos's insistence that not lost an historic event. After beating around the bush, after reiterating its 'no' to Florentino Perez and company, after renewing the "Peixe", came one of the most anticipated days: the premiere at the Kashiwa Reysol in the semifinals of the tournament that after his big premiere , is a candidate to the throne world.

Neymar led a team that dreams of facing Barcelona in the final and win. For now, will be in Sunday's final, and if the team wins this Thursday culé Al-Sadd will duel with Messi: vs. pupil. mentor, or better: pure magic. Whatever the case, and although the Saints defeated the Nippon champion, the truth is that the final 1-3 is somewhat misleading. The Kashiwa deserved more for his bold approach and sometimes, but when in front has a player with the imbalance of '10 'and the extreme motivation, cross your fingers and hope is not enough.

Cup: Looking for 'Albacete effect'

The victory (2-1) at the Albacete over Atletico Madrid on Thursday is the example to follow several of the still modest in the Copa del Rey will reference tonight called evil because if KO tournament were so, the whole manchego would already be in the second round, but this system butler, who makes the rounds are played over two legs (the back, also in the large field), prevent many times you have bombs Atletico possible elimination.

After the Oviedo lost at Athletic and L'Hospitalet do the same against Barcelona in games developed for the bulk of the first leg of the knockout phase takes place on Tuesday. While there are modest to seek glory, or simply improve their coffers at the expense of the presence of a set of reputation, others, others modest (or both) of the top flight of football look at the Copa del Rey this valve that will achieve a title to the sometimes desert showcases.

Club World Cup 2011: Table, schedules and how to view television

FC Barcelona, ​​after his victory at the Santiago Bernabeu , quickly departed for Japan to contest the World Club FIFA 2011. Whether it's the little we know of rivals, the odd hours of the parties and the scene so far in which is mostly played this tournament always catches us a little lost. Serve this post to prevent it, and to inform us of who participates, what are the playoffs, what days and what times the games are played and how we can follow on television.

The stillness of Mourinho between courageous approach and strategic uncertainty

The general diagnosis is that Mourinho was brave to the lineup. The eye of the beholder, of course. If we reduce the question to put a playmaker or a third pivot, yes, it was brave, because he played Özil. However, if the courage is staying true to the ideals of personal spite or need to ask the fans, Mourinho was not.

In the imagination of the fans, logical thing, the party that was drawn was that of a courageous Madrid, always offensive, drowning and crushing rival with a win. Mourinho knew I could give them that win, but his path was different. He has traveled many times, in Porto, London, Milan. Whenever his teams lead the charge cryptic handles cunning. Since it is the opponent who has to go for it, choose the terrain and the scenery is best for you: create a fortress around your goal, raw defensive troop presence and only gets two or three cavalry turma responsible for mortally wound the enemy when he neglected his rear.

Argentine teams that will compete in the Libertadores and Sudamericana

Apertura Final in Argentina. With Boca undefeated champion, the last date was at stake only entrance to the tops of 2012. Then I tell you that Argentine teams will play the Libertadores, which the South American and which were left with the desire to join one of these two competitions.

Velez and Boca earned their place in the Libertadores in 2012 for winning the Clausura and Apertura respectively. Meanwhile, Lanus (which tied for the final day with Newell's 2 to 2) and Godoy Cruz (who beat Atletico Rafaela by 2 to 0) enter the competition for the sum of points between the two championships. Finally Arsenal is the fifth Argentine team played this cup because it has been the best of this country in the current Copa Sudamericana. Racing resigned his chances of joining the Libertadores to fall by 1 to 0 against Velez at the final day.

The Copa Sudamericana the teams played are located between the fifth and ninth in the table is the sum of points of the two tournaments that were held in Argentina in 2011. These teams are: Independiente, Racing, Tigre, Argentinos Juniors and Colon (although it could instead occupy Arsenal and losing in the first phase of the Copa Libertadores). Note that there is a sixth place for the Argentine soccer in the Copa Sudamericana that will take the Cup champion Argentina, currently in dispute.

Should Mourinho change the game for Real Madrid?

Pep Guardiola's Barcelona him set foot in the land to the Real Madrid of Jose Mourinho. The Blaugrana team ran over at the Bernabeu and merengue him down from his cloud of greatness to which he had climbed after a long winning streak. After this setback with the eternal rival, should review the operation Mourinho's team?

It seemed that Mou had found the formula for perfect performance for Real Madrid ... until he met with Barcelona. Xavi, Inistea, Messi and company laid bare the weaknesses of the white set so far, remained seemed invincible.

The next classic will come only after March, meanwhile, should review the scheme Mourinho team? On the one hand you have to think that the operation of Madrid until the match with Barcelona, ​​was exemplary. Won, goleaba and liked. And that would be a valid argument to keep it the way you play and try to leave behind as soon as possible the memory of Saturday.

However, it is likely that the next classic League competition was critical so polarized between these two clubs and the rest of the teams. Also, good Spanish walk from both sets more than likely that these teams will see the faces in the Champions League. Should I start trying to think of these variants Mou games?

For now, both teams share the top of the classification of the League, but it is worth noting that Real Madrid has a game in hand.

Notes of the Day 16

Every week we scored Football Notes, from 1 to 5, least and what we liked most of the day the first division. These are the notes of the sixteenth day of the season. We miss the derby between Real and Barca, as we have already devoted a special Notes.

"Manzano and Atletico, a week of ridiculous

Atletico came to Cornella-El Prat after losing a second B and Albacete 2-1 in Copa opportunity to recoup, yet the picture was even worse. Players coming out defeated from the costumes, which at seven minutes and lost 2-0, and a coach on the bench who can not react. Manzano hanging by a thread that is already overstretched. The problem of the athlete is much more serious than the occupant of the bench, but it is clear that the situation Manzano beyond him.

The least common of the senses

Like any self-respecting season, Atletico Madrid and live that moment of identity crisis, paradoxically, its differences. Few teams can boast a history as predictable from year to year: in summer and lightning starts a new project, but the stars will come new, comes a technician that soon a storm of criticism and, as such, will not eat and nougats. Ambition fades with the passage of days and with it vanishes confidence in the coach on duty.

For weeks at the Vicente Calderon did not rely on Gregorio Manzano, a great coach unable to convert a good group of players on a good team. To make matters worse, problems such as the possible departure of Jose Antonio Reyes have a direct impact on the environment of the template, since the Seville, so prone to speculation about his future, has been punished for trading with Galatasaray. Another good player who is about to assemble the bag and leave, if not before its approval does not own Apple.

The muted Barcelona at the Bernabeu ... again

Nothing presaged the 23 seconds after a goal from Benzema, that the euphoria of a sudden he was staying at the Bernabeu last which takes the overwhelming logic of imposing its law football. With nothing in common, the faces of Victor Valdes and Karim Benzema reflected the strength and tenderness of football at a time. But far from collapse, Barcelona played the time knowing that he played in his favor. Instead of looking at 1-0 in the light, he watched even reached the first minute of play. And that was before, at least another 89.

The mission was not easy: he played a dip in the sea of doubt that Real Madrid, at the very beginning, we had raised. Unbearable pressure, counter banner, and find the Barcelona defense tickle through the spaces were the weapons by which Mourinho opted gambling is blaugrana stand up to the table. The fate might have in store a smiling white target, but the opponent is fond of the ball, perhaps not so early as usual, and he chose to follow the cortege to make it inseparable.

Real Madrid - FC Barcelona: Football Notes baton

What would the Real Madrid - FC Barcelona club without the typical Football Notes? As always we are witnessing a large party among the great, the editors briefly left our forecast, in this case for the classic Saturday morning. Surely not successful, as usual, but add a touch of emotion to a party which is now left of it. And of course, comments are at your disposal for which we also leave your result. On Sunday we pass by here to see if anyone has hit the mark.

* Daniel Iglesias: If you try to guess the outcome of a classic is always a loose cannon, I think this time is more difficult than usual. I do not remember a classic with so many doubts in relation to previous onces of both teams, not just by name but by scheme. Mourinho put Guardiola trivote or defense play with three, are factors that change the landscape of the game completely. I think that Madrid comes in a more solid career, but I also think that the club will bring their best version of motivation helped the stage. More pronounced than ever consider the equality of both sets, so I bet on the tie. My prediction: 2-2

* Bruno Sanxurxo: The party which I imagine is like to see. A lot of intensity from the first minute, two teams seeking to dominate and going for the win unequivocally. It will advance the Madrid and Barcelona against the ropes, but when they appear to be dead, the Blaugrana the match back to 1-3. Halfway through the second half, arreón end of Madrid, that puts the score 2-3 at the Bernabeu and crazy to push his team to one of his now legendary comebacks. This does not occur: the rain holds Barca, Valdes makes impossible a couple of stops and puts the League final 2-3 on fire.

* Gabriel Knight: While it is true that just a little fed up with both classic in April that more dazzling Super in August, I prefer the positive to see that, squabbles aside, we saw moments of good football in a classic that often characterized by tension and drama. We hope to repeat. Real Madrid gets half a step ahead with a settled team and several players in a great moment, but Barcelona have Messi. Back in the Super top Madrid saw a star tripping by Argentina, which is grown in these scenarios, and will know neutralized much of the white options. Although I think the size makes it difficult to impose its will know Madrid live football to win 3-2.

* Fernando Castellanos: I have a feeling we got the classic of classics more evenly played since joining Barcelona Guardiola on the bench and, therefore, is precedent-setting as the 2-6 or the 0-5 they still accounted for a slap stings in the White House. However, I believe that as in the big races, all culé be imposed on the adversities that may cause boiler dress Bernabeu and Real Madrid dressed as storm in recent weeks. I wish there goals, many goals, and above all, that football shine above any possible tension so natural in this type of bets. So my prediction is 2-4, with Barça comeback, goals by Messi, Villa (2) and Isaac Cuenca, Jeffren as you did in your day, write down the last of the boat to apostille the dream that goes underwater.

In NDF | Real Madrid - FC Barcelona: getting the opponent's strengths against him become
In NDF | Real Madrid - FC Barcelona: it all depends on the pressure line
In NdF Questions | Do you now Real Madrid at the height of Barça?

The final victory Doctor

I want to die on a Sunday and the champion Corinthians

Socrates, in 1983 responding to the question: How would you like to die?

Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira, born in Belém in 1954. Don Raymond, his father, a lover of philosophy, thinkers gave them names of his three sons, Socrates, Sophocles, and Sosthenes. As a young university, his father was forbidden to play football because he did not want to be attentive of his medical studies. Socrates, unable to resist the call of the ball, playing hide and seek. So, one afternoon when Don Raymond went to Botafogo encountered an unexpected surprise: in the starting XI Fogão was his own son. But Socrates did not disappoint his father and his doctorate in medicine, hence its nickname: The Doctor. And again, some time after the fourth commandment honored and graduated in philosophy.

In 1978 he signed for his beloved club, Corinthians. With its 192 centimeters tall dwarf supported on two feet, size 37, slow and smart football jumped quality that made ​​him the head of the Timão and took him to the Selecao. And as he grew as a player, he left his gigantic figure as a social reference.

A Cup of Real Oviedo health

A few hours ago has played the first leg of the knockout phase of the Copa del Rey between Real Oviedo and Athletic Club Bilbao. With Carlos Tartiere as stage, before some 15,000 spectators, the set of Marcelo Bielsa was victorious with a score of 0-1, with a goal by De Marcos. A Marcelo Bielsa who settled on the lawn to his eleven Asturian dress as a sign of respect not only the competition, but the opponent and the fans.

I can talk about how the game has passed. How the Oviedo has controlled the game despite their rudimentary weapons, yet are virtually eliminated. Of how the blues have remedied the lack of quality in excess of heart, and yet have not tickled Gorka. How a hobby once accustomed to the elite has to make do with seeing a first team ten years later, his breath yet has not declined.

Copa del Rey: Athletic wins, loses Athletic

Day leg of the knockout phase of the Copa del Rey. The Albacete surprised Atletico Madrid to overcome it by 2 to 1 and Athletic managed to win against Oviedo, as a visitor, for 1 to 0.

Atletico Madrid could not raise my head. Outside the European Cups positions in the league, the team at Apple not get good results even in the Copa del Rey. The Albacete managed to get the lead after 31 minutes with a penalty goal Street. Then Adrian had a chance to even the score, but fell through a penalty. At 62, Lefty decided on 2 to 0 and 8 minutes later, Adrian was redeemed scoring the goal that gives hope to reverse the situation Atletico at the Vicente Calderon. Note that both teams ended with 10 players for the expulsion of Alvaro Dominguez and Miguel Nunez.

In Oviedo, Marcelo Bielsa Loco team managed to win by 1 to 0 against the home team, Real Oviedo. The goal was scored by De Marcos 10 minutes: after a Muni pass, reaches the edge of the area and despite to enable Toquero, De Marco, confident, top and sends it to the inside to the top. Later the same player had more chances to score again, but the score did not move, in part thanks to the Paradon de Lledó. Final result: 1 to 0 in favor of the Basques.

Real Madrid - FC Barcelona: getting the opponent's strengths against him become

One of the many lessons contained in The Art of War -book with more than a football fan would be surprised, is the one that says if you use the enemy to defeat the enemy, you will be strong anywhere you go. Real Madrid is chaining fifteen consecutive victories, tying a record of fifty years ago. It has come to an optimal state so that costs to find defects. For this reason, perhaps the key is to make their virtues turn against him.

One of the innovations that Mourinho has introduced that has sat well with its 2.0 Madrid is the place to Sergio Ramos as central. Taking advantage of its greater speed compared to Carvalho, the duo that makes up the beds with Pepe gives your team the chance to advance more lines, relying on the capacity of its plants to cover the large space left behind.

Real Madrid - FC Barcelona: it all depends on the pressure line

In the two games of Super Real Madrid left the timid style with which succumbed to FC Barcelona in the semifinals of the Champions League earlier. At the Bernabeu came out with the team starting from a position far ahead and drowned out the ball from the Blaugrana, metiéndoles on many issues. The bet went right ahead and Özil their own, but the club pulled glued to overcome in the last ten minutes of the half.

The two final tie Mourinho forced to stand at the Camp Nou with the obligation to win the match and repeated training of attack pivot Khedira-Alonso, a second line with Di Maria, Özil-Christian and Benzema up front. Combining superbly pressure lines differences, Madrid drew the tie in 81 minutes and only guest appearance of a new Messi upset the race. In response to that seen in the Super Cup and see how Madrid has been improving during the first three months of the championship, it seems that Mourinho must insist on the approach. Regardless of the two or three names that may change in the lineup, style and attitude should be the same as exhibited in the summer tournament and has been polishing up the brightness in the fall.

UEFA Champions League: a thrilling final day leaves a surprising knockout hype

Yesterday topped the Group Stage of this year's UEFA Champions League night and brought us some surprises that will be unusual for a bass drum round draw. We will discuss all groups and surprises, from the elimination of two teams from Manchester to the classification as group of humble Apoel Nicosia.

Group A millionaire City falls to the first

The precisely known as the Group of Death lived up to its name, leaving both teams with injuries of varying degrees. Our Villarreal, depleted by casualties and an air of depression, has been fired in Europe without achieving a single point. Last group, will not play nor the Europa League. The other is eliminated Manchester City, Premier leader coming into the pools of potential alternatives to Madrid and Barcelona. His sentence was lost in Naples and the win against Bayern did not help anything that did the same in Napoli Vila-real.

Do you now Real Madrid at the height of Barça?: The question of the week in Football Notes

There are only three days before you roll the ball at the Santiago Bernabeu and, of course on the eve of a classic, the game has been dyed with dye-finals, as both play more than three points. Real Madrid aims to widen the rift between them exists today in terms of points (three that could be six and that whites have played a game), and Barcelona will look to close the gap with the leader in the knowledge that would, also a good psychological blow to the rival. It is for Saturday's match at Football Notes that launched this week, the next question.

Do you now Real Madrid at the height of Barça?

Although polls show as a favorite to group led by Jose Mourinho, the statistics in the last classic suspenders gives advantage to the Pep Guardiola. Last season, the league already resolved in favor of the Catalans, the result was 1-1. Earlier in the first round, the Catalans managed a spectacular 5-0 at the Camp Nou. In 2009/2010, Barcelona won both derbies also the first 1-0 and the second 0-2. In the 2008/2009 2-0 at the new stadium and a staggering 2-6 at the Bernabeu again to swing the balance towards Barcelona. That is why the question lies in the ability of Real Madrid to end the losing streak in the classics. Can Barca knock out white? Are they up to the rival? As always, we appreciate your justifiquéis your answer in the Answers section .

Real Madrid to round pristine

Real Madrid was a direct witness to the elimination of Ajax while confirming his move to second round as Group D leader in the first phase of the Champions League. It was a game where the targets, with the head start in the next stake league, came out with an eleven of circumstances. His rival, Frank de Boer set, they played their future is in the top domestic competition, and although clearly was hurt by the decisions of the referee, in the end lacked ambition to add, at least one goal.

With Adam in goal and players like Varane, Sahin, Barn or alley in the starting lineup, the best of the whites was, again, the exespanyolista. The midfielder, as happened with Dynamo Zagreb, scored two of the three goals conceded Vermeer and has become the Spanish player Madrid template most goals (five) has scored this season. Mourinho, though, not dispensed with the two reference rams, Benzema and Higuain. The first was very sharp, while the latter scored the second of many visitors.

Get tickets for Real Madrid - Barcelona

Get tickets to see the derby between Real Madrid and Barcelona can be a difficult task since it is one of the biggest games around the world (perhaps the more important now that both teams lead the world club ranking) . Fortunately for all fans of the merengue group, team and FC Barcelona football fans in general there Ticketbis, the site where you can easily buy tickets for the game next weekend and the return match to be played in the Camp Nou.

Next Saturday will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium one of the most important classics of world football: Real Madrid of Jose Mourinho will receive at home to FC Barcelona Josep Guardiola. The league leaders will face rivals which is 3 points in the standings (with a party of more) in what promises to be a clash of high intensity.

Get tickets for Real Madrid Barcelona is one of the most simple because of the magnitude of the match, but fortunately Tickerbis facilitates this task through its Web site where you can get tickets for the match with just one click.

Also, you can get tickets for the Barcelona Real Madrid to be held next year (the weekend of 21 and 22 April to be exact) at the Camp Nou, a party that promises to be decisive for the outcome of the Liga.

Isaac Cuenca, the wise know to expect

When talking about Isaac Basin simply do their shamelessness and audacity is an understatement. With just half a dozen parties in the elite has been much more. When the press conference after the match against Levante Basin Guardiola talked about most of the media chose to tomato with the comment about her appearance instead of staying with what is really interesting: Pep said one of his virtues above all and was neither Dodge nor the center or the auction.

Pep said that Cuenca knows sit still for the sake of others, a reflection that says more than it seems. If this guy is coming to where so many others do not is their intelligence. He was smart (and brave) to descend to catch the Segunda B train transfer uncertain when he left the course moved to Sabadell (with whom he reached the League Two) and was again this year to stay in B after make the preseason with the first team. Who could say when he went to Sabadell to take fifteen months after three assists in the Champions League?

Valencia wanted but could not

We all knew it would not be easy. We were wrong. The Valencia wanted, but could not take advantage of theoretical Chelsea bad time. A bad time dictated by the latest results and cubed by the press. Therefore, in the press conference after the match, André Villas-Boas has not missed the opportunity to send a message poisoned: "My players have given a slap to those who criticized them." Final score of 3-0, just win of the blues, but too bulky-marker, which goes into second round at Chelsea and as head of series, taking advantage of Bayern Leverkusen stumble on his visit to Genk.

The domain of Valencia ball for 90 minutes was completely sterile. Lack of speed, rhythm, ideas and resources. The possession of the ball sometimes not translated, except for some band admitted by Jordi Alba or Barragan. The best chances of Valencia were thwarted by a providential Cech. Quite the opposite of a totally misplaced Mathieu, who dismissed more than most.

The boys give a Conciertazo conservatory

The quote from FC Barcelona to the BATE Borisov was merely a formality mandatory where the Blaugrana not played more than 600,000 euros a victory that gives champions. But far from being an uncomfortable encounter, the party led a party for a hobby that can not help feeling some nervousness for how life has been complicated in the League BBVA when just barely release the month of December. To which must be added the inevitable anxiety that the turning point, for better or for worse, is the classic on Saturday against Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola took the frame of mind to leave in the stands at most of his Praetorian guard, except for Piqué, who dressed but did not play, Peter, who did participate, as it is needed minutes, and Thiago, who liked acting as a chief operations which until recently were their peers. Most remarkable of all is that of the fourteen Blaugrana off to the pitch today and Maxwell Pinto only have come from the quarry.

Chelsea defeat Valencia is out of Champions

Valencia says goodbye to the Champions League. Unai Emery's team said goodbye to the continental competition after falling by 3 to 0 against Chelsea. The player Didier Drogba was the great figure of the night and scored twice.

In London, Valencia said goodbye to the Champions League first round. The set of Emery had the opportunity to access the second round of the competition, but a solid hit Chelsea, at the hands of Didier Drogba, secured the top spot in Group E with a win by 3 to 0.

Although he had the ball most of the game, Valencia was unable to generate hazard in the goal defended by Cech and succumbed to the strength of the whole of London. The first goal was made by the Ivorian just started the meeting: 4 minutes opened the scoring. 17 minutes later (at 21) Ramires and finally increased the score at 74, returned to say Drugs on the net of the goal defended by Diego Alves to kill off the game.

With this result the Valencia leaves the Champions League with a total of 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses, which places him third in their group with 8 points. Chelsea ranks as the group winner with 11 points (3 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss) and Bayer Leverkusen is ranked second with 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses). The Genk finished last with 3 points awarded after harvest 3 draws and 3 defeats.

Notes of the Week 15

Every week we scored Football Notes, from 1 to 5, least and what we liked most of the day the first division. These are the notes of the fifteenth day of the season.

"Zaragoza, new red lantern

The victory Racing Santander Real Zaragoza has left the red lantern as the new League BBVA . The loss of Javier Aguirre on his visit to Granada Mexican coach has left a very delicate situation, and the next two games against Mallorca and Athletic before Christmas break, there are keys to its continuity. Before the great the picture was not all bad and deserved more, but the days go by and not added. 1 point of the last 21 possible loot is too small if you want to save the category.