Who is for you the best Spanish player of all time?: The question of the week in Football Notes

Despite what you're thinking, this question is motivated by the great performance by Raul at Athletic Club on Thursday night. Raul makes a good game and sign two goals should not surprise anyone. The reason for that question and yes it is most striking are the statements about Pep Guardiola in his press conference yesterday morning:

"Raul is the most important Spanish player of all time. What he has done in his career is impressive. For me it was the best. The first goal has done 500 times and the second was a goal. It is an example for all who start "

I think it gives the subject special merit that tell someone that trains every day players like Xavi or Iniesta. And so I think a debate which, although it is something trite, it is always interesting:

Who is for you the best Spanish player of all time?

We do not want to establish "scientifically" who has been the best, but simply to probe the tastes and opinions of our readers. Who do you think is or was the best? Why? Do you think Guardiola exaggeration to point out to Raul or is he right? We want your views in our section of Soccer Notes Responses .

Nando Yosu and the need for the impossible

Racing Santander looks concerned the classification table, looking up and seeing how the stay away as six points, the distance that mark Granada and Villarreal, and share situation with Sporting and Zaragoza, totaling just 25 points. Not the first time the Cantabrian team is the difficulty of having to overcome an adverse situation in order to avoid relegation, but it is true that this year, after all the turmoil institutional, social and sporting discouragement spreads between racinguismo, so the fans turns to greenish-white heroes of the past, the memory of those who achieved the impossible when it seemed that all was lost. So today reminds Racing Nando Yosu to remember that the stay is possible.

Collected on four occasions Nando Yosu the reins of a Racing doomed to fall to get him to safety at the end of season, that's part of the club's history of his life, in which either player. Vizcaino Cantabrian by birth and adoption, also played for Athletic, his other club. It was precisely on the eve of a game against the Lions in 2007, when he received a fitting tribute when he chanted all Sardinero. Facilities in the Albericia, where the team trains every day mountain, bear his name as well as leads, and not see, the coat and shirt of the club.

The Lion roars in Gelsenkirchen

Whoever wrote the script of this game is twisted, as if Shyamalan film they were, like the plot twists that leave one with the face of circumstances. But thought in the viewer, as Athletic Schalke 04 and have given us a ninety-minute show between two teams who did not want anything left over. Such a lofty Raul made ​​a game in football, sacrifice, courage and goals, scoring two goals of his team, but the Athletic remains committed to endorse the Europe League, and scored four. Excessive punishment for a good Schalke, but Bilbao knew German withstanding the onslaught to finish the game and much of the tie in last fifteen minutes to remember.

From the beginning of the match saw both teams will not lead to the reservation and rushed toward the goals. However, as the minutes passed Schalke was taking over the party and Athletic could not find the way to go with the ball under control thanks to the good German pressure. So, put miners helmet and made ​​the game be developed mostly in red and white field. Schalke's offensive triplet formed by Raul, Huntelaar who is completing a great season and Farfan, aided by the talented Draxler and two long-distance side as Uchida and Fuchs, put in check behind Bilbao, enduring the stake as best could.

Barca will have to finish at home to Milan

AC Milan and FC Barcelona signed tables without goals in the match played last night at the San Siro leg of their quarter-final UEFA Champions League. An encounter with a very lively first part and a second in which the rate was steadily decreasing. Rendered on Camp Nou, where Barcelona has never lost a tie after a goalless draw at home.

As was the case in the double grief of the first phase, Milan began as a pack of dogs but their anger was short-lived. At ten minutes, finding no meat in their bites, Allegri tubicines and ordered to retreat bucinatores touch. Two lines of four close together, focusing on the inner game and swinging together with Ibrahimovic tipped as a beacon illuminating. The newspapers say they also played Robinho, I would not put his hand in the fire to such a statement ...

Tie between AC Milan and Barcelona

The AC Milan and FC Barceloan played yesterday one of the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League. The Italian champions and the Spanish league staged an entertaining match that missed the goal.

A goalless draw may not sound like much, especially if it occurs between two big teams like Milan and Barcelona. The truth is that all known Allegri stand well in the field to stop the advance team of Guardiola. Abbiati had an outstanding performance (as Valdés) saving some clear scoring situations: Xavi, Messi and Taylor met with the Italian goalkeeper and Ibrahimovic to the Spanish. Meanwhile, the Rossoneri defense managed to contain most of the game in the Catalan side's attack. In the second half, the locals were able to put more pressure, but were not strong enough to take advantage on the scoreboard.

Special mention two incidents unrelated to the performance of the players on the field: state of the pitch and the referee. The terrain of the San Siro was not in good conditions, which hampered the Barca game and the judge of the meeting, the Swede Jonas Eriksson, was not up to the party and made important decisions as two clear penalties committed on Alexis Sanchez and Puyol .

The day leg of quarterfinals of the Champions League completed the match between Olympique Marseille and Bayern Munich in the German team won by 2 to 0.

Real Madrid Golea APOEL Nicosia

Real Madrid already has one foot in Championes League semifinals. The set of Mourinho won by 3 to 0 the weak APOEL Nicosia in the first leg which was played on Cypriot territory. Chelsea also managed to beat Benfica.

Soon she needed to Real Madrid to guarantee a good opportunity to access one of the semifinals of the Champions. Mourinho's team thrashed by 3 to 0 to APOEL Nicosia of Cyprus with goals from Benzema (twice) and Kaka.

The party did not have vertigo until almost the last 30 minutes that Mourinho put his hand on the bench and pulled out onto the pitch to Kaka and Marcelo (replaced Higuain and Coentrao). The Brazilians were the main responsible for reacting to Madrid. At 73 minutes came the first goal from Benzema, at 81 the second, the work of Kaka and the third and final 89 again Gallic striker claimed in the second half of all the goals that had failed in the first.

With this result, Madrid will set calmly to Cyprus at the Bernabeu knowing you can afford to lose up to 2 to 0 and enter the next phase.

In another confrontation, Chelsea won 1 to 0 against Benfica. The day leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League round matches today between Milan - Barcelona and Marseille Oliympique - Bayern Munich.

Milan and Juventus are at the tip of Calcium

AC Milan continues to lead the standings in Serie A, but his nearest-the Juventus - gives no budge. For starters, milanistas beat AS Roma 2-1 in a match a little less vibrant than expected. The author of the goals was none other than the always dangerous Zlatan Ibrahimovic, one penalty and one head, after controlling the ball and make a Vaseline the opposing goalkeeper. The discount was scored both by Argentine Osvaldo (former Espanyol).

The pace shown by both teams was somewhat weak, but with a greater boldness in the 'Rossoneri' which earned them the victory. They even had some opportunities to further expand the scoring with a shot to the bottom of Muntari and a heads failed by the same Zlatan. The bad news for Milan was the injury of Thiago Silva.

On the other hand, the team that follows the step milanista box also got a win. I refer to Juventus, who beat Inter Milan 2-0. Although nerazzurris fared better at what they were showing lately, goals from Caceres and Del Piero added the proper role of the goalkeeper Buffon prevented a threat to Turin.

Madrid gave no option to APOEL

Real Madrid has made ​​his move to semifinals sentenced the Champions League, as expected, after winning by 0-3, Benzema (2) and Kaka-to APOEL Nicosia. The Cypriot wall lasted until the 75th minute, but once the water broke down the walls began to go everywhere to stop clinched the tie. But we remove no merit to a team that has reached the quarterfinals in his own right, leaving in the lurch teams such as Lyon, Porto and Shakhtar. And he did with games like tonight, closing all doors and using their few occasions. Unfortunately for him, Real Madrid has not granted the least offensive action throughout the match, sufficient almost Pepe and Ramos to thwart every attack, keeping the back in the midfield with the side playing the role of attackers.

But until the first goal, Madrid was very stuck. The static attack has always been a pending issue of this team, and the accumulation of rival men in the area did not allow Mourinho to find the hole. An input Mourinho opted for their two strikers, Higuain and Benzema, giving a message to his players: I want to make this sentence. And although it took, they succeeded.

League Two: football second goal of the first

This week we will review more concise than usual on the last day of the League Two to focus on two real screamers that no one should miss. As for the classification, leader Deportivo is even more at home after beating Cordoba (2-0 and 11 th straight victory in the impregnable Riazor) and take all his pursuers punctured, with the exception of Valladolid (1-4 to Numancia) : Hercules lost at home to bottom club Nastic (1-3 and first time winning two straight games Tarragona), Almeria did not exceed 2-2 in Las Palmas and Celtic equalized late in Huesca (1 -1).

It was matched in the hand and Galicia where they scored the first goal we want to emphasize (the title of this post). The artist is Joan Thomas and its splendid shot from his back to goal. The merit of the goal, besides the exquisite execution, is how quickly Joan Thomas improvises a solution to the ball that comes from a rebound, as the chest control that indicates that you have decided what to do. A goal spectacular.

League Two: football second goal of the first

This week we will review more concise than usual on the last day of the League Two to focus on two real screamers that no one should miss. As for the classification, leader Deportivo is even more at home after beating Cordoba (2-0 and 11 th straight victory in the impregnable Riazor) and take all his pursuers punctured, with the exception of Valladolid (1-4 to Numancia) : Hercules lost at home to bottom club Nastic (1-3 and first time winning two straight games Tarragona), Almeria did not exceed 2-2 in Las Palmas and Celtic equalized late in Huesca (1 -1).

It was matched in the hand and Galicia where they scored the first goal we want to emphasize (the title of this post). The artist is Joan Thomas and its splendid shot from his back to goal. The merit of the goal, besides the exquisite execution, is how quickly Joan Thomas improvises a solution to the ball that comes from a rebound, as the chest control that indicates that you have decided what to do. A goal spectacular.

Notes of the Week 30

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

"The Valencia lost their income

The hunter was hunted. The one day was the real alternative to Real Madrid and Barcelona in the title race, has seen the distance that separated him from the Europa League positions (fifth place) has been reduced to a minimum because of their recent poor results and the good run of Malaga, which is the fourth level on points (47) with Valencia CF. The Levant, his next opponent, follows three.

»Godin causes the maximum penalty

Anyone could have won in La Romareda, but it was a penalty in the last minute extension of time which caused about Godin allowed to continue his climb Zaragoza and Atletico deprived settle in the European area. Believe it or not, the "Cholo" Simeone added the very beginning than its predecessor, Apple: 13 points in 10 games ... and four of Europe.

That magnificent generation of Germany

Germany is always there. With varying success, with more or less bright, but always with the trade, efficiency, professionalism and winning the competitive gene that leads to Mannschaft always be a team to beat favorite and default any competition in the to make an appearance. Just simply talk about the first decade of this century in which there was one of his great generation, but which reached the final of the 2002 World Cup, the European Championship 2008 and the semifinals of the World 2006, to realize that it is always a formidable rival.

However, for Germany to win and now it only has a new generation of talent led by Müller, Özil or more Götze Schweinsteiger veteran, in addition to the classic German reliability, add individual technical quality allows the combined Löw high school football practice. A selection that will certainly be among the favorites to win the next European Championship, perhaps the greatest rival of Spain in defending the title. It is the last great batch of German football, before there were stars like Ballack or Khan, but the last great generation of Germanic country was one that proclaimed champion in Italy 90 and to shine in the decade. Italy, who was then the strongest league in the continent, took careful note of the level of those players, most of which ended up displaying their football in the Calcio.

Jimenez says yes

Just over a month writing a few lines in this blog where defined sense of despair that had settled in La Romareda. And for good reason: the team wandered for the championship, linking defeats, ridiculous and monumental ranting coach Manolo Jimenez, who starred in one of the hottest news conferences and fleeting to be remembered in all tilefish. "No half measures, I feel shame," ruled the Andalusian.

The hands were colistas championship, 11 points adrift of safety. And although mathematically the decline had not been confirmed, virtual footballing no doubt. The best thing that could happen to Zaragoza was to step back, to, later, to take two forward. What is certain is that on the green baize hung more pessimism about the environment even in the stands, where the scarves are focusing on the same: Agapito Iglesias.

Quarterfinals Champions League, Ida: Schedules, TV, gambling and after

Apoel Nicosia - REAL MADRID

• Hours: Tuesday 27 March, 20:45
• Television: TVE 1
• Betting: Apoel (11.50) - Draw (5.50) - Real Madrid (1.25)
• Details: Although the Real Madrid side as clear favorites, do not underestimate an Apoel that has been planted in the quarter-finals on merit. Especially thanks to its strength at home, where if you count the pre games, has won five of their seven games. In the whole of Cyprus will not be Manduca, suspended, or their goalkeeper Constantinou, injured. While in Madrid it seems that Barn replaced the suspended Xabi Alonso, who is not in the call as well as the Lass injured, Alley, Carvalho and Di Maria.

Real Madrid and Barcelona keep distance

Saturday afternoon an approaching football madness, with the possibility that the distance of six points between Real Madrid and Barcelona could shrink or enlarge. Barça played first home. The Whites then at home. Guardiola had the opportunity to get three of the whites. And Mourinho, the obligation to maintain distance from the Blaugrana. In the end, sanity prevailed, none failed and the excitement only lasted five minutes.

And is that Real Madrid came in a rush against Real Sociedad. Knowing the victory, minutes before Barcelona in Mallorca, the white team did not let the San Sebastian and just started their duel, Higuain moved to Mourinho. Benzema Christian and joined a scoring festival that reminded some not so distant. While Guardiola gave the press conference after-party, its main competitor for the domestic championship recovering feelings without trivote.

Emery doubts acrecenta

From Guatemala to GuatePeor. Those were the brave 150 who traveled to Valencia CF Coliseum to see his team measured at Getafe, but many more were ranting swollen aroused between the outcome of the match. Valencia started brilliantly, as set fees, but was losing steam, reactivity, a possible plan B and ended with the whole mad Madrid, who worked a victory that puts him in the European handkerchief.

He argued a few days ago to the hilt the tremendous merit of Unai Emery as head of Valencia always agitated. He avoided that test burn in fire call PSV but returned to his old ways in the league. His worst match some statements on the eve of Saturday's game did a lot of grace to the stands of Mestalla: "We must take a step forward, demanding yes, but you have to say" to see if one day you lift with a party, '"he snapped.

Notes of the Week 29

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

"The nerves of Real Madrid

It is unacceptable for the final attitude of Real Madrid against Villarreal. I should not complain about the set target of arbitration work when watching, you discover that the worst has come to benefit from two penalties against unmarked. It is intolerable that cracks the caliber of Cristiano Ronaldo talk about theft and others such as Pepe to remember the mother of the braid in the tunnel. Unworthy of a great.

"Cervera add their games to defeat

Racing's new coach is not being the turning point that the policy sought Cantabrian. At the moment, has lost the games he has played, at Barcelona (understandable) and Seville. The crux of the matter is that it has lost six points in the Sardinero, which should be the main stage where the parties should not be missed if it is to get out of the relegation zone. Salvation and is four points.

Fool's Champions

Hardly visible, but beyond the haze of the horizon bicefalia hide where eighteen other contestants fight for their goals, and away from the first two peaks. Equality is notoriously difficult to discern as if they are the teams that do not meet regularly as necessary or is the very competition that encourages such a distribution of points. I guess there's a bit of everything. Among the most advanced, some are a surprise, because no one expected his presence in the public area at this point, while others are expected and also lack any that has not come to the event as Villarreal. The goal is no small thing: the third and fourth place giving access to the Champions League.

It seemed that the third name was already assigned as the Valencia seemed to be half a step ahead of the rest, but the irregularity of recent days has allowed the chasing pack approaching. Thus, the Levant and Malaga, ranked fourth and fifth, are now three points, with 44 accumulated. Emery's team, occupying the square from the twelfth day, will fight for something that was taken for granted and was not deprived of merit. The team che, although it might have advanced in the Champions League in a group with Genk, Leverkusen and Chelsea at peak times, is doing in general a good season, Barcelona could only send them out of the Cup and are completing a good performance in the Europa League.

23 red cards for Real Madrid in the Mourinho era

Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho is doing a presentation at the League remarkable, not only from the game, but from the numbers. Solid in his opponent's goal, the winning streak and the amount of goals from their strikers show record numbers. However, the merengue team is also leading a ranking less happy than those mentioned above: the expulsions.

Many positive things can be said about the Real Madrid of Mourinho, although even the most fervent arguments Madrid has to say something negative to say about this team: the meringues are used to seeing a red card on a frequent basis. Since the Luso sat on the bench for Madrid in mid-2010, there have been 23 players ejected.

Pepe and Sergio Ramos are the players who were more often red (were expelled four times), Arbeloa had to go to the showers early on three occasions and Marcelo Carvalho, Ozil and Di Maria were sometimes ejected each . Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Casillas and Albiol are expelled everyone in the Mourinho era.

A curious fact is that almost a third of those expulsions were in the classic against FC Barcelona of the 23 red cards accumulated in Madrid was Mourinho, 7 occurred at all Pep Guardiola.

Finally it should be noted that of the 23 expulsions, 7 were red card and the remaining 16 for a second yellow.

The desire to Madrid

After such a long stick that has been the man in recent days, today Lotina be a happy man: he was probably already having found a gap between the bench top, but also start a tie at Real Madrid was a dream debut. The problem is that no one now talks about football, his bad luck. The menu today is seasoned with arbitration, expulsions, alleged theft and penalties do not pitados. And they say that Mourinho does not recognize the merits of the rival, but who does? If no one speaks today of what he did for Villarreal! They talk about the amorality and the perfidy of the white club, turning every questionable act in a hunt. It is an indisputable fact: at Madrid he wants.

That explains why each answer those who ask irrational reasoning when Madrid skips the script right, exaggerating everything to infinity. Cristiano Ronaldo was criticized for talking about theft and request a hard punishment. Equally reprehensible is that those players who show great aid to the end everything is the same: to question the cleanliness of the competition. They also call the head of Pepe for insulting the referee. Unfortunately, look what you ... finally new demand a return to the historical values ​​of the club, those who before were related to Franco and used at the whim as a weapon.

Celtic-Depor, a kidnapped derby

On November 13 Deportivo La Coruna and Celta de Vigo see their faces again after nearly five years without it. It had to be in League Two, at the worst time in decades Galician football. Finished off the match 2-1 in favor of herculinos thanks to a goal of Lassad. But what is supposed to be the biggest football party Galicia, was very far from it. The violent minorities out of love annihilated any possibility that the relationship between the two clubs take the path of brotherhood instead of hate and confrontation.

Several buses of Celtic, both the team as some of the displaced fans to A Coruña, were subjected to various rain of projectiles (stones, bottles, etc.), which meant that the police were forced to make several charges to disperse mass violently. Then during the match, after the provisional equalizer Celtic fans, located in a corner upstairs, threw objects (pieces of seats, etc.) to the bottom tier. Therefore, the Sports Federation of Peñas has encountered a difficult problem: any bus company is willing to rent a fleet to the displacement of sportsmanship to Balaídos.

The Madrid creates an unnecessary war

The Real Madrid lived quiet with a lead of ten points in the league that left her apparently doomed. A week later, the landscape has changed considerably. The setbacks in two games that should have won - that of being at home Málaga and Villarreal against an opponent to be very down-at-have reduced the advantage with FC Barcelona to six points. Given that missing ten games, including the Camp Nou, you can not say another thing: there league.

And there league because Madrid has determined that there is. Because what the Malaga on Sunday was an accident: while not a great performance, received the equalizer in the last minute, having failed many times that normally do not forgive. But the atmosphere last night at El Madrigal smelled burnt beforehand, and Mourinho and company were responsible for pouring gasoline in case.

A tomahawk Vučinić takes Juventus to Cup final

It was above all a spectacle which was offered last night Juventus and Milan, Juventus Stadium in the semifinals round of the Italian Cup in a match filled with tension, excitement and goals between two rivals this season seem destined to face. But while the league seems to be Milan who takes the lead in Copa opposite has happened since, despite losing 1-2 at San Siro in the first leg, the Rossoneri managed to tie the tie forcing the overtime, but then came the figure of the Montenegrin Mirko Vucinic to, long range and all-weather capability, throw a tomahawk, tie the game and give Juventus a spot in the final.

He had a good start with a Milan Juventus came out from the outset decided to turn the tie, and almost struck the first blow but for the intervention of the target Storari to Ibrahimovic, who was heading to Although a flu. However it was Del Piero, which takes place in the top eleven, who advanced after beating his team with ability to Amelia. Pinturicchio resists not continue to increase his legend. The Bianconeri therefore changed the fate of the match and it was Juventus who dominated until the end of the first part.

League Two: Depor is released to First

Deportivo La Coruna and Celta de Vigo, Galicia both teams the League Two, have managed paths gusts that launched the career of the upgrade to First. The Galician dominate the Silver Division occupying the top two positions, those involving promotion to League BBVA at the end of the course. However, the bursting of the sky on the last day allowed to open branquiazuis hole.

Today, Celtic Depor exceeds 5 points and, more importantly, it takes 11 to third. Such a distance is a cushion of more than three punctures to the Corunna, who also play at home again this weekend, before Cordoba, currently ranked 6 th. Of Depor Oltra is the team with the most points (63) has accumulated at this stage of the championship in the entire history of the Silver Division. The advantage is substantial but keep in mind that herculinos still face a period of four consecutive games against direct rivals for promotion: Celtic (V), Elche (L), Almeria (V) and Valladolid (L).

The Celtic runner, broke a run of excellent results falling at Estadio de Gran Canaria to the UD Las Palmas (3-1). The defeat has meant that their northern neighbors again to distance in 5 points but Celtic has a good distance from his pursuers thanks to a tie between Valladolid and Almeria (1-1). So, the sky will take 6 points to Valladolid (52), 7 to Hercules (51) and 8 to Almeria and Cordoba (50 both). Return to First is in your hands and still faces a match against Depor Balaídos to continue to dream of advancing to the Corunna and be first in the League Two.

Messi (∞)

After the Spanish Civil War, Barcelona took the services of Cesar Rodriguez. The year was 1939 and 'The Wig', as it was known a posteriori because they said that for every header was down a hair from his bushy hair, had to pack up because just around the corner waiting for him military service. He went on loan to Granada, where he was recruited to fulfill its obligation as a citizen, also witnessed an unparalleled front did a promotion with the Nasrid box before returning to Barcelona to see the sea ... and to make history. He scored 232 goals, not 235 as had been allocated so far, and this sympathetic character Leon became the top scorer in the history of Barcelona. Almost 60 years later, a quieter player, familiar with the ball and he came to Barcelona with the signature on a napkin, spray has an astronomical figure. His name is Leo Messi, and is, and will be until you see another like him, the worthy successor of the historic striker Leon. Their quality is beyond the dictionary of adjectives and after learning that the record is at hand, did not hesitate in making his umpteenth hat-trick to total 234.

Even begins to peer

Playing in the ranks of Real Madrid and be identified by a legend like Di Stefano as the best squad of the club is something that speaks of the worth of the recipient of those words, but also obliges. Parejo is known to all the quality that holds in his boots, but still has not shown anything that pointed in Valdebebas. After paying a very high level in Getafe seemed that his move to Valencia would be the step needed to stand out in a club of substance, but his arrival at Mestalla has been marked by the substitution and lack of confidence of Emery. However, in recent games has begun to appear in the starting and Coslada has used the stake to let you know that can have its place in the Valencia team.

He was not easy since he left the Castilla. In a strange decision of Calderon and Mijatovic ended up on loan at Queen's Park Rangers in the English second division (which did not please Don Alfredo), where he barely played. He returned to Madrid in December to play in the first team, but did not have many minutes. In that summer would leave Getafe trying to follow the path of Granero and De La Red, and the two seasons at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez showed his talent by winning the Valencia signing for payment of five million.

Notes of the Week 28

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

"Clement does not improve the Sporting

After several days in which fit some excuses, Sporting Clement visited the Granada, one of his rivals to avoid relegation, any consideration for a team that needs to react now. When the technician decided to leave his slacker Barakaldo initial approach, and trailed by two goals and no reaction (Colunga pulled one back in 92). The Sporting is in the UCI .

"The Aleti no regularity

Atletico no longer comes with the stale effect Simeone. The improvement in his game, especially at the defensive, not just to achieve the regularity needed for the team to give the final leap in quality that takes you to get into positions of Champions. They are as capable of big games against rivals dwarfed as they are, a priori, below. Needs to improve if he wants to get into European competitions.

Cazorla shakes hands with Barcelona

Everything seemed sentenced to 90 minutes of the game. Real Madrid had closed a result which gave 3 new career points for the cup, however, no one could foresee that the Malaga achieved tie at 92 'from the hand of a spectacular free kick from Cazorla. The end result, a tie for both teams and a happy smile for Barcelona.

Thus, the table gives two important merengue at home and reduce the gap with rivals. The Barcelona Cazorla should thank for the help this weekend, and although the mattress is 8 points leader yet, there is no doubt that the following dates will be a heart attack.

The match between Real Madrid and Malaga had the top seed to table merengue, who had succeeded in the first leg defeat your opponent by 4 points to 0. This result was imagining a bulky marker at the Bernabeu but the thing has been very different and in the end the main beneficiary has been the picture of Pep.

This week the club will have to measure forces with Granada while Madrid will do the same against Villarreal. The league keeps getting more exciting.

Villarreal is put into the trembling hands of Lotina

Yesterday my friend told us that Castellanos Villarreal CF had dismissed Jose Antonio Molina as first team coach and said the names of three possible replacements rather disparate profiles: Luis Aragones, Bernd Schuster and Miguel Angel Lotina. Finally chosen was Lotina, who was unemployed since last season down to Deportivo.

Lotina is by 405, the 13th coach with more games in First Division. Meñaka coach began his career in Logroñés B and rose to fame in 1996 with that Numancia which, after elimination of three First, he stood in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey, where he was eliminated by the club. A few years later, in 1999, was promoted to first team with Soriano. Then, did the same with Osasuna, who returned to the top flight of football. A few years later led to Celta Vigo qualify for the Champions League and in 2006 won the Cup with Espanyol.

However, not everything that glitters is gold in these years, much less in subsequent years. When Celtic took him to the top European competition, but was not able to move at such heights and was dismissed about to contest the second round by the poor state of equipment in the domestic championship. Celta finished down to second.

Muamba battle for his life after collapsing on the field

Fabrice Muamba, Bolton Wanderers footballer and England international U21, collapsed on Saturday on the lawn of the White Hart Lane stadium during the match that his team was playing for Tottenham Hotspur. From the outset it was feared the worst, seeing that the television was broadcasting the game the player while avoiding approach was being treated by doctors, focusing on the faces serious, concerned and fearful of the players of both teams and fans in the stands.

Muamba suffered two heart attacks on the lawn, where he was stabilized and transferred minimally to the hospital urgently. As usual in these cases, doctors announced that the first 24 hours were key to the survival of the Zaire-born player. After that period of time, the player remains stable within the critical state in which it is located.

In the end it's all a state of mind

It had been thirty days of the new year and Real Madrid had placed seven points ahead of Barcelona in what was becoming a distance and considerable but not insurmountable. However, among the FC Barcelona there was much disappointment after seeing the rival Zaragoza a 3-1 win while his team Villarreal equalized to zero. It's been just over one and a half and this difference has increased in addition to a point within seven days, or whatever it is, seven times to reduce the cushion of points. However, despite this, today sees a small slit Barcelona where you can see a little hope to contend for the league to Madrid, why do today if more than a month ago seemed impossible? You may have something to do with the fact that Barcelona comes to winning in Seville while Madrid has lost points in the visit of Malaga . This time they have cut points. Valdano said it best: football is a mood.

I would repeat arguments regarding that post where I said that seven points were nothing, because there is still a long way to go to a competition in between as demanding as the Champions League. Barca have to win it all and give Madrid too, but I suppose in Barcelona, ​​whatever they say in a press conference, still retain the hope of lifting the league, however minute. It is also good news that the day 27 has some excitement in a competition that seem so defined the first three places.

'Cazorlazo' on the horn to encourage the League

For Real Madrid, a draw that tastes like defeat. For Malaga, a tie that tastes victory. Maybe that's the current mood of two sets that staged a hotly contested stake in which whites received their own medicine: forgave and forgave before Knight and end on the horn, Cazorla's squad nailed a spherical Casillas win the League makes a dash of excitement. Mourinho lost the two points and the leading mattress goes from 10 to 8.

The difference remains, frankly, substantial. The Cazorlazo in 92 'can close the gap to Barcelona after not fail at the Sanchez Pizjuan and although the main sin Madrid at the Bernabeu was not hit upon before the opposing goalkeeper, maybe this tie could weigh in the face not so distant future stakes, because in a week there will be three league games. In fact, on Tuesday the club is measured at the Granada and Madrid, on Thursday, travels to Villarreal.

The coach of Villarreal takes its second victim: Molina

Villarreal are bad times. Not the least optimistic imagined a few months ago, which at this point in the season three would be the bench groguet tenants. With the primary absence of Santi Cazorla, Villarreal of this exercise is not a shadow of who dazzled on earlier. No sign of good football, no news of good results, hampered by injuries. In the absence of eleven days for completion of the domestic championship, the Yellow Submarine is the seventeenth, three points from relegation.

And that, as long as the Racing does not win on Monday at Espanyol Cornella-El Prat, for then end the day level on points with the Cantabrian antepenúltimos with 24 points. The defeat in the regional derby against Levante in the last minute (1-0) has led to the turning point in the path of Molina, removed hours later, and has followed the same steps as his predecessor, Juan Carlos also ceased Garrido, who left in late December after being dismounted from the Copa del Rey by Mirandés.

The truth is that the results were not the main guarantee of Molina when he was chosen. Rather scarce economic resources of the entity and knowledge Castellon club exportero were the arguments that led him to the bench of El Madrigal . And Molina, when it replaced Garrido, fought with the yellow subsidiary to avoid relegation to Segunda B. With the same amendment has been attempted in the first team that has been denied : good results.

Fernando Torres hit the reset

"The problem is more psychological Torres, only he can unlock. If you need me, I'll be always there, but obviously change can only come from him. " On Tuesday, Roberto di Matteo and thirteen explained to 'The Sun' a key for which the Child, and old enough, has not exploited in the year and a half at Stamford Bridge carries. The Italian superstitions obviated the day of his statements and these, five days later, have become a nice omen.

Chelsea striker has not only unlocked the inner struggle that even led him to yield to Kill a penalty kick against Birmingham (with the result 2-0 and after five months without scoring), but both has collapsed a wall that has prevented him from being who was for more than 150 days. Nobody was going to say to '9 'blue on 19 October, in a duel of Champions at the Genk (5-0), that these two goals would be the beginning of a drought this evening, at last, been soaked.

Barca does not fail if Madrid fails

Michel said in a press conference before the game against Barcelona to Sevilla needed the points more than his rival because "Madrid will win the league the same." Guardiola, at the conclusion of the match at the Sanchez Pizjuan (0-2 ), again stated that his players can not fight to the end for the championship, "Forget, not win this league," said the return to be asked about the subject. But hours after Michel's statements and minutes before Pep, a team that does not throw in the towel despite a distance of ten points, to close the gap again, if the leader, in one of those, given by stumble.

Know if the Barcelona players are oblivious to the pre and post match statements. If not, understand that those of Michel motivate them. A technician can tell you that you will not win the league, or whatever, in your very nose, motivates. Motiva because salts to eat it, to make him swallow his words. Empachado Michel had to leave their own field, and not the sausage yesterday decorate the benches of the stadium Seville. Rather by who underwent yet another binge Barca to a rival, especially in the first half hour. Colossal 30 minutes were enough to get ahead and defend an income that does not escape them.

Sahin is payable to ostracism

Although the palm Coentrao was economically, Sahin took it in football. The Portuguese cost 30 million euros, but his arrival was seen as a quirk of his compatriot on the bench. Today, and even a usual schemes Mourinho has not yet repaid a whopping million cost and with which he rubbed his hands his former club Benfica. Meanwhile, the Turks came to Real Madrid as a real bargain. And is that the best Bundesliga player a season ago only cost 10 kilos. While Borussia Dortmund miss it at all seems to be more white.

Sahin has moved to corner lights and stenographers to subscribe to the ostracized sharper. He arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu star band, player determinant of offensive midfielder capable of delighting a crowd that demand characteristics in its vanguard. But there came touched, diminished by an injury that prevented him from finishing the course with their exequipo and apparently has burdened: "The injury is evolving very well and not to worry. People can rest assured that I will not have any problem to play for Real Madrid ", commented in May , to meet his signing.

The Spanish are avoided in the Europa League

The truth is that there has been lucky in the draw for the quarterfinals of the Champions League: Spanish teams ranked three different rounds played. Lucky for the neutral fan wants to see them go as far as possible, but also for themselves, who thus avoid some of the most complicated equipment hype. So, Atletico Madrid will face Hannover 96 German, Dutch AZ Alkmaar Valencia and Athletic, which has had less success at Schalke 04, Raul and jury. The first legs will be on March 29, and back on 5 April.

We promised them to us happy with this year's Europa League due to the high level of the contending teams, both coming from the group stage and the third in the Champions League, including Manchester giants, but in knockout round has been a renowned computer screen has faded in the scenario part of the tournament. Manchester United, Manchester City, PSV , Udinese, Besiktas or Valverde's Olympiacos were left out, leading to several surprises. Although, if in the Champions League, why would not occur in the younger sister.

Abidal will have to play a second part of its vital game

Éric Abidal, FC Barcelona side and the French team, you need a liver transplant. A year ago, when it was detected a cancerous mass (and had surgery on it), it was announced that the evolution of the disease might require a liver transplant. That time has arrived and the Gallic player must undergo surgery in the coming weeks.

The news has brought a jug of cold water in a template that misfortune follows him. First was the Abidal itself a year ago and subsequently in November, he was diagnosed with a tumor in the parotid gland to the second technical, Tito Vilanova, to which must be added the long-term low Afellay, Villa and Fontás. A host of ills can be overcome only through the union of the team.

Athletic! Athletic! Zu Nagusia zara!

Athletic, you are great! That is the cry that all of us, each in your language, screamed at some point last night. A week ago the Athletic Club was a little distinguished the now legendary Old Trafford, not just the result (2-3), or deployed for the big game, but especially the landmark displacement of the 8000 unconditional began a dream in the best possible scenario. But last night was even bigger, a show with all you need to be inscribed in golden letters in the history of football.

A spectacular team with an average age around 23-24 years, with players who mix strength and touch, passion and control, tradition and future. A coach who in just half a year has managed to convince everyone that yes, there may be born in Chile, but the football frenzy ancestry is Bilbao. A packaging rival, Manchester United, Premier leader, twice Champions League finalist in the last three years, with so much history that the stadium and fans have nicknames noble and frightening. All this in San Mamés, in the Cathedral, before an audience unmatched: 40,000 lions roaring together, eager for glory.

Do you think there will be Spanish final in Munich?: The question of the week in Football Notes

As you know, this morning held the draw for the Champions League , leaving even the established crossings. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona would not be a hypothetical faces until the end, but first have to fight with rivals that do not make things easy. While in the Barca side have a greater number of tough opponents in Madrid next opponent is in theory easier (Apoel), but also the most fearsome (Bayern).

Do you think there will be Spanish final in Munich?

It is our question of the week. What is your hunch? Do you think we have a historic final between Madrid and Barcelona in Munich? Do you think will be eliminated by a rival in particular? What do you consider the strongest rival to prevent a hypothetical Spanish final? On the other hand, would you like that were the case or do you think would cause too many problems? Respóndenes to all these questions in our Notes section Football Responses .

UEFA Champions League Draw: Madrid (vs. APOEL) and Barcelona (vs Milan) are avoided to a hypothetical final

This morning was held in Dublin the draw for the final stage of this year's UEFA Champions League. The draw has brought mixed fortunes for the two Spanish representatives, that would not be the faces to a hypothetical end.

Real Madrid CF has been fortunate to be paired in the quarterfinals with the Cinderella of the drum, the APOEL Nicosia, a team he played against nine-time European Champion is a reward in itself. In addition, the first leg will be played in Cyprus, which the white team will field factor. FC Barcelona will have to see the faces again with AC Milan, with whom he faced in the group stage (2-2 at Camp Nou, 2-3 in San Siro). Like Madrid, Barca will have the advantage of playing at home the second leg.

Eight vessels in search of the Scepter

Patient waiting, located in Munich, awaiting the moment when the winner who takes up one of the eight candidates who pretend to reach the German city but only two to finally reach the last square. It will be on May 19 when the European scepter finally choose the one that conquers the victory, and they have come ships from various corners of Europe, seven countries will be represented in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Something that happened since 1997 when the Champions League was still contested by the champions league.

The following year changed the rules and in the last eight and slipped three German armies, but the winner would eventually defeating Real Madrid to Juventus. This year, only Spain will be represented by more than one computer with two liners, while the other ships have different nationalities. Italy has lost two ships after the elimination of Inter and Chelsea insurrection against Napoli yesterday, when she was sunk in battle downwind after major role in the offense of San Paolo . A point was the Italian fleet also lost his ship Rossoneri, but withstood the onslaught from the Gunners.

A thick Madrid CSKA also Golea

As expected, Real Madrid solved their place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League by a 4-1 beating to CSKA Moscow. However, the whole of Jose Mourinho left slight doubts at the meeting, at least if we look through the prism of what should be a top candidate to victory.

We expected an overwhelming Madrid from the start, eager to settle the tie quickly with the help of his audience to relax as soon as possible. The problem was that this relaxation appeared earlier than expected. Almost from the beginning. It seemed that both players and fans believed the pass to the quarterfinals would be a certainty after 90 minutes, and therefore does not see the need to empty from minute one.

It's strange, because if anything we are used to Madrid Mourinho is to maintain a huge intensity from start to finish, regardless of the opponent and marker. But whether excess relaxation, or physical fatigue, Madrid did not play at the pace of previous weeks. In fact, the first few times put a CSKA that although he enjoyed little of the ball, could drive good kickback, always looking behind the side of Madrid that had been weakened by the rise of the sides.

Notes of the Week 27

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

"Zaragoza, hopelessly

The team's rollercoaster rolled, lost a week so loud, the other gets three points in the last minute and when it seems that begins cutting distances, which succumb. The hands were thrashed in Anoeta against Real Sociedad, showing an image back again disappoint his coach and fans and salvation, almost chimera, is 9 points.

"Molina is still not enough

If the Zaragoza still has some life despite their last place ranking is in part thanks to the blunder of Villarreal, who reprises the 'needs improvement' through the hands. And is that the yellow submarine again show its constant irregularity falling at home to Getafe. Regular, year after year to be in the high, the pressure to stroke the relegation overwhelms him. A three-point Racing and Sporting.

Inter and causes of the disaster

It was not in the forecasts Marseille eliminated Inter in the knockout stages of the Champions League, but in a world in which the APOEL eliminated Olympique Lyon, Basel leaves out the Manchester United and put against the wall at Bayern Munich before falling, 7-0, anything is possible. Inter tried to overcome that 1-0 against Marseille brought to matching even the tie, but a goal from Brandao eventually ruin all options Nerazzurri. The 2-1 final victory did nothing to complete the classification of the Milanese. A disposal only confirms the bad time of Ranieri, eliminated from Cup and Champions league without options including outside the European places. Here are some of the causes of the disaster nerazzurro:

Four technicians in two years: If Inter are characterized by some years ago was by instability in both the template and the coaching staff, but that changed with the arrival of Roberto Mancini in 2004, remaining four seasons in front of the club and recovering the Calcium domain. Then came Mourinho also to maintain hegemony in Italy achieved the ambition of Moratti: Champions League. But the progress of the Portuguese was the beginning of the disaster. Despite lifting the Coppa, the Supercup and the Club World Cup, losing the Scudetto and the painful elimination against Schalke in the Champions League with 2-5 defeat at San Siro included, weighed down the season. Benitez was first dismissed and then decided to go to Leonardo PSG as sports director

Mascherano puts the record straight to the press

Javier Mascherano is a rare bird in the world of football. A professional amateur soul. A guy who, as captain of Argentina and two Olympic gold medals hanging from his neck, asked about the very young owner who takes the job and says: I look at him and try to learn.

The little chief belongs to that strange and very numerous type of players who always speaks clearly. If you do not want to answer a question, he does so openly, without giving a thousand around the bush or use predefined formulas. And if you have something to say, it does directly, without euphemisms, of openness and accountability. In the last press conference where a reporter has been involved with that of wine Do not you think you are talking too much about the referees? And Mascherano not only did not fall into the trap, but returned the ball with a Zas , across the mouth! of applause that start made ​​in USA , Those that start slowly and end up in standing ovation:

For the coach, whatever it takes

Football is measured in tangible and intangible values: between the first may have issues with the ball, those who depend on the ball between the keeper of interventions, good use of space, the appropriate pressure rival or the wisdom of midfielder, made that. The latter are not as obvious as the first, not presented to the eye the same way, but equal and even surpass in importance those. Today, and always has been, presuppose, a coach must undertake a dual role to play in preparing their teams to victory: he must train with the ball, educate them on tactics and let them know what to do in the field, but also have to identify with its win of their own, show their authority, earn their respect and make believe in his message.

As a general who sends his men into battle to fight for an ideal, a sea captain with his fleet of privateers exposed to inclement faithful ocean or a king right with yours, if a coach gets his players leave the field game ready, and convinced, under an idea and guidelines, a team is more likely to win his willingness to mention tactics or individual quality of each. As this group of pawns, bishops and horses ready to fall for that to safeguard the interests of the king, at last, after all, is the interest of the whole. If a coach gets his group will be with him a long way to walk, otherwise it can mean the beginning of the objective is vanish hands.

A skeptical third place

It is time for Fallas in Valencia at the Mestalla and mascletà. The party that prevails in the capital of the Turia contrasts with the skepticism that parades with increasing force in the black and white stage. Unai Emery, despite being the figurehead leader of the other league, is increasingly in the spotlight. And is that your hobby is not resigned to take third place this season is for sale for equality in the classification ... and because the game of Valencia CF is far from satisfactory.

The straw that broke the camel was the last draw (2-2) at home to Mallorca. Not at this point scored, but the two losses. In a match under control, which came to rest with a comfortable income from two goals, the Emery fell asleep on its laurels and ended up watching the opponent endorsing them two goals that ultimately would be the instigators of the widespread mosqueo Mestalla who booed their players pulling out white handkerchiefs to light.