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More on La Liga league 2009/2010 matches:
29 Aug 19:00 Real Madrid v D Coruna
29 Aug 21:00 Real Zaragoza v Tenerife
30 Aug 16:00 Athletic Bilbao v Espanyol
30 Aug 16:00 Malaga v Atletico Madrid
30 Aug 16:00 Mallorca v Xerez
30 Aug 16:00 Osasuna v Villarreal
30 Aug 16:00 Racing Santander v Getafe
30 Aug 18:00 Valencia v Sevilla
30 Aug 20:00 Almeria v Valladolid
31 Aug 21:00 Barcelona v Sporting Gijon
The Galacticos are back, this should be the story in Florentino Perez’ Real as the Madrid based outfit has hit the jack pot buying the best available player in market! Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Benzema are the high lights in Bernabeu that turned Real as the No1 favourite to win the championship and the Champions League title! Players like Xabi Alonso, Arbeola, Granero, Albiol and Garay are also top clash and compose the Galactico armada. But in order to become a ‘real team’, all these star players have to operate as a ‘team’ and this is Pellegrini’s work. The Chilean did excellent work in Villarreal in the last five years and he is most probably the best option for star-packed Real.
But Madrid did not treat some of their players with respect as they have to and these are the Dutch players. Robben was their best player last year and Hudelaar scored important ones. They left next to Sneijder who gave his best for the team and it remains to be seen what will happen with Ruud van Nistelroy who was warmly applauded by 90.000 supporters of the team in the recent friendly against Rosenborg.
Real entertains Deportivo la Coruna in the opening day, in a game where only one outcome is allowed, the victory. Anything except a great victory, will add some chilly in Florentino Perez’ meal and add some extra pressure in the new Galacticos. Miguel Torres and Van der Vaart who are about to leave the club are not in the squad while Sergio Ramos (sidelined), Mahamadou Diarra and Ruud Van Nistelrooy (not in good form) and Pepe (suspended for 4 games) are also missing. Christoph Metzelder could make it.
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The 2008-09 season brought mixed feelings in Deportivo La Coruna. The Galicians played some nice attractive football but weren’t able to return in the European competitions after ending up 7th in the table. Riazor became a fortress again but Lotina’s defensive approach and team’s mentality on the road wasn’t able to add more hopes to the team and make the step above.
Ahead of the new season, Deportivo kept on the same policy as in recent years. No big signings but at least no important players left the team. There were some on loan players who moved in and out with the squad remaining almost the same. In the opening day Depor is traveling in Bernabeu in an attempt to tryout Real’s galacticos! The hardest task possible but with Depor having nothing to lose but much to gain!
New signing Brayam Angulo, Rodolfo Bodipo, Adrián López "Piscu" and Sebastián Taborda were left out of the squad for technical reasons, while midfielder Antonio Tomás and strikers Adrián López, Lassad Nouioui are sidelined.
Prediction: Home win / over
Headline: Zaragoza - Tenerife, Saturday August 29th 22:00 CET
Article:
After a traumatic spell in segunda division following a tragic season in La Liga in 2007-08, Zaragoza returns in the Primera Division and are willing to stay among the elite where they belongs. Their advantages this season are many; the lesson they got after being relegated in segunda, their excellent manager Marselino Garcia who promoted with Huelva in primera and advanced with Racing in the UEFA cup, before moving to already relegated Zaragoza and Ewerthon’s comeback in form during the latter campaign.
Not important players left except from hard working midfielder Zapater who joined Genoa but no big names arrived as well. Still, Zaragoza have the squad to avoid any further troubles in the new season and will fight for the best possible.
Zaragoza welcomes Tenerife with history against. Los manos have only won once in four games hosting Tenerife in the last decade (two times in segunda). Last year they share points. Colombian international midfielder Abel Aguilar retired training and is doubtful.
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Tenerife are back in Primera division after finishing 3rd in segunda in 2008-09. The islanders will be based on the same squad as last year as no big gun left the team and on the contrary a few but great additions were made. Key striker Alfaro will spend another season in Tenerife on loan from Sevilla, while Dinei (fw – Atletico Paranaense), Roman (md - Espanyol) and Bellvis (df - Valencia) are first choice players. Tenerife are able to produce some upsets in the Primera Division and should not be underestimated. They start the new season in a known ground from the latter campaign in segunda, Zaragoza’s El Romareda where they enjoy good history stats (one lose in four games).
There are no important missings for the islanders. It’s risky to back any side here and odds are definitely low for the hosts.
Prediction: No bet…
Headline: Málaga - Atlético, Sunday August 30th 17:00 CET
Article:
Malaga was the surprise package of the 2008-09 season as the Costa de Sol based outfit ended 8th in the classification against any prediction that wanted them among the relegation favorites. Ex Madrid player Fernando Sanz remain in the presidency and this time it seems that he found more money to invest to the team. Malaga had the lowest budget last season but the 8th place increased the expectations and brought some income.
Malaga were reinforced during the summer with good players such as Duda, Victor Obinna, Benachur, Juanito, Munua, Edinho, Mtiliga and Valdo and some youngsters but the most notable change was in the bench. Juan Ramón López Muñiz who helped Malaga to advance in Primera Division in 2007-08 return in Costa De Sol after spending last season in Racing Santander. Their goal is the permanence and their campaign starts on Sunday afternoon entertaining Atletico Madrid at the ‘La Rosaleda’.
Cuadrado, Hélder Rosario, Apoño and Weligton are not available so this means that Juan Ramón Muñiz has to re-mix his defence.
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Atletico are among the Spanish elite after the reinforcements in the last years and their biggest goal is to make an impact in Europe as well. They made it to the Champions League group phase after eliminating Greek side Panathinaikos with two victories. Abel Resino remains in charge after the successful campaign in 08-09 but this season is his real test. There is no doubt that most of the work done last year was Javie Aguirre’s and his substitution in the bench changed only the morale of the team. Abel was under criticism as well as he took some unorthodox decisions during his time in the team, but finally Forlan and Aguero did the work and Atleti is now in the CL group stage.
Atletico lost none of their big guns and reinforced exactly where they pain the most, in the defence. Keeper Sergio Asenjo from Valladolid is an excellent addition while experienced central defender Juanito from Betis will organize the defence. Miguel Torres from Real is too close to sign to the club and he is an excellent defender especially in the wings. The other arrivals such as Jurado, Roberto, Cleber Santana and Reyes will add more depth to the bench.
Key midfielder Assuncao, young mid Ignacio Camacho and left back Mariano Pernía are out and this means that Cleber Santana will most probably step in replacing the Portuguese. Atletico is the same team as last year and more over they have played officially against Panathinaikos. Malaga need more time…
Prediction: Away win
Headline: Racing - Getafe, Sunday August 30th 17:00 CET
Article:
Racing did not manage to repeat the successful 2007-08 campaign when they advance to the UEFA cup and finished 12th in the 2008-09 classification. The departure of Marselino who was treated like a hero in Santander after the UEFA qualification and Zigic’ transfer in Mestalla was two of the main reasons for the disappointed last season campaign. Zigic returned on loan in January and scored the one after the other helping Racing moving up the table, but now he is missing as well.
Next to Zigic, excellent young striker Pereira left the club to return in Villarreal (on loan) where central defender Marcano also signed. Midfielder Luccin moved to Zaragoza and Garay’s loan from Real Madrid has ended even though he could stay another year in Sardinero. Racing weren’t left empty handed. Some skilful players in every position arrived during the summer, most notable strikers Luis Garcia from Atletico Madrid (ex-Liverpool) and Xisco (Newcastle, ex La Coruna) and defenders Sepsi, Tojerron, Morris and Crespo. Juan Carlos Mandiá is the new man in charge after an excellent season in Hercules, but his great disadvantage is that he has no experience from Primera Division.
Racing welcomes Geta in the opening day and are playing two on the road games against Atletico and Malaga right after. Winger Edu Bedia injured in a pre-season friendly and will stay sidelined for three months, while centre back Morris is also out.
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After spending five excellent season in Primera Division Getafe had to suffer in the last one escaping relegation in the very last day! Schuster’s and Laudrup’s spells in Madrid have by far gone and Getafe had to sign former Real player, Michel, to renew their ticket in Primera Division.
Getafe lost only one of their stars ahead of the new campaign, midfielder Esteban Granero who moved in Real Madrid and signed some decent players such as Pedro León, Parejo, Boateng, Mane and Rios who can step in the starting XI at once. There is enough quality in the squad and taking in mind the bad form of some of their big names during the latter campaign; it is almost certain that Geta will field a stronger and more competitive team this year.
Their goal at the time being is to avoid relegation as soon as possible and they start their new season in the ground where they sealed the permanence last year, Racing’s Sardinero in Santander! A draw seems like the most possible outcome here.
Prediction: Draw
Headline: Osasuna - Villarreal, Sunday August 30th 17:00 CET
Article:
Osasuna narrowly escaped relegation in 2008-09 and this have to do with the bad timing and the surprising substitution of Mr Ziganda early in the campaign. Los rojillos started bad the season but it was mainly their bad luck to blame and the results were soon to come. All of a sudden, the administration board sucked Mr Ziganda to sign Jose Antonio Camacho and this wasn’t the best option at the time it happened. The players didn’t adapt soon at his philosophy and Osasuna had to suffer till the very last day.
Things are expected to be better in the new season, as Camacho knows the team better and had all the time to prepare Osasuna from scratch. During the transfer window nothing spectacular happened. Osasuna lost some players who had no big time in the field and Chezh star midfielder Plasil who had already lost his place in the starting XI under the former Spanish NT and Real coach. On the contrary some great individuals arrived such as Huelva’s midfielder Camunas and very good striker Carlos Aranda from Numancia.
Osasuna starts with three important games the new season. They are entertaining Villarreal at the Reyno de Navarra in the opening day, they play against new promoted Tenerife in the 2nd day and welcomes Sevilla afterwards. The game against Villarreal shouldn’t be lost in any cost. A draw should be a fine outcome for los rojillos.
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A new era starts in Vila-Real as the successful manager Emanuel Pelegrini left the club to join Madrid’s Galacticos. Even without their master, los yellow submarines have any right to feel optimistic as Ernesto Valverde, a young and quite ambitious manager, is now in charge. Villarreal advanced without problems in the group stages of the Europa League and their goal this season is to win a title, domestic or European.
The submarines were reinforced during the summer transfer window. They lost Nihat who wasn’t a first choice player anyway and signed some excellent players such as striker Nilmar (Porto Alegre, Villarreal’s most important signing), defender Marcano (Racing), while promising striker Pereira returned in the squad after taking key role in Racing during the latter campaign.
In the opening day Villarreal are travelling at the Reyno de Navarra to face Osasuna’s rojillos. The Reyno is a hard ground for the submarines who lost four times and won twice in the last seven years. Defender Diego Godín got injured against NAC Breda but he should be ready by Sunday, while centre back Marcano is definitely out and another cd Gonzalo Rodríguez is doubtful.
Prediction: Draw
Headline: Athletic - Espanyol, Sunday August 30th 17:00 CET
Article:
Athletic’s greatest achievement in the latter campaign was the copa final finish which allowed the Basques a place in the Europa League. Athletic made it to the group phase but they had to struggle against Tromso and Young Boys and despite the fact they starter their preseason preparations early enough they weren’t not even close to 70% for their European campaign. As long as they made it, there is no problem and in fact it is better they aren’t in good shape now as they will find their form during the process of the hard 09-10 campaign.
Their police to sign only Basque players didn’t change of course and Athletic will be based in its won talent. Already, a new start arises in the name of Muniain. Athletic didn’t lost any of their big stars and signed some decent players to full their roster. It will be the same team. In the opening day they are entertaining Espanyol at the San Mames.
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The 2008-09 season found Espanyol in the 10th place thanks to an amazing two months finish. Los Periquitos spend most of the campaign in the bottom of Primera Division but Pochettino’s arrival changed the rout of the team. It was a campaign that ended in style but the preseason of the new one turn to a tragedy for the Catalans…
Newly proclaimed captain of the squad, Daniel Jarque died in Italy because of a heart attack. The shocking news left the whole Europe speechless and Espanyol to mourn for their captain and one of their most valuable defenders. Having in mind Sevilla’s tragedy with Antionio Puerta and the effects in the team it is no exaggeration to say that Espanyol will need some time to get over it. But it wasn’t only Puerta’s death that brought Sevilla in the swamp, so comparing these two circumstances future sounds better for Espanyol.
In fact there is good news in the pericos camp and it has to do with the new UEFA 4-star rated stadium in Cornellà-El Prat - just outside Barcelona! Espanyol were always searching for their ‘home’ and they found it in the new stadium. Espanyol were reinforced during the summer. They signed players in every position most notable Nakamura, Ben Sahar and Juan Forlín. The opening day in the new season finds them travelling in Bilbao to face Europa League group staged Athletic.
Even though Athletic have four official games in their legs, their performance allows a shot at Espanyol’s away win, as the periquitos are eager to play for their captain, Dani Jarque as well.
Prediction: X2
Headline: Mallorca - Xerez, Sunday August 30th 17:00 CET
Article:
After spending the entire first round in the bottom of La Liga, Mallorca turned things around and with an amazing second round run; they finished 9th in the classification! Mateo Alemany - the president of success - bought the 93 percent of the shareholding in January and then the winning streak started. He has now sold his share and Mallorca is under new owner putting an end to an almost one year negotiations, rumours and instability.
Getting a new owner, it seems like there are immediate statements of ambition but at the time being Mallorca seem to be at the same position as one year ago when they lost most of their star players. Moya, Arango, Jurado, Santana and Navarro, five first choice players have left the club and there are no arrivals at the same level. There is great news for promising young player Sergio Tereja who advanced from B team (was bought from Chelsea for 500.000 euros) but there is barely other good news.
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Xerez advanced in Primera Division for the first time in their history but their future in the Spanish elite is rather dark. First of all, they have no experience to compete against the La Liga teams, secondly they lost their manager who joins Hercules and thirdly they have an almost new and mediocre squad because most of their players were and are on loan from other teams. Cuco Ziganda who did great work in Osasuna in the last years took the reigns and he could put things in order because he has worked with young players, as the majority of Xerez are, many times in the past.
Xerez is among the favourites to return in segunda division and this makes them the underdog against Malloarca in Palma. Still, the Andalusians can take advantage of this fact and cause an upset in Mallorca who is not ready yet and lost many of their star players. This game is a historic one for Xerez and will give their 100% to win it.
Prediction: Away win
Headline: Valencia - Sevilla, Sunday August 30th 19:00 CET
Article:
The new season arises with optimism for los Che who saw their economic woes eased! The return of the former president Vicente Soriano, backed by Uruguayan organisation Dalport Investments made some cash flow but the depth remain still and there is a deadline for the pay out. Let’s hope that there will be no bad news in the near future.
The solution to the economic problems effected to the squad where except central defender Albiol no other key player has left the team. Moretti, Morientes, Angulo and Edu had no future in Mestalla and are seeking for another opportunity away from Spain. Villa, Silva and Mata stayed and the new signings are more than able to give solutions to positions that Valencia suffered recently, the defense, especially the wings. Moya (glk), Bruno, Mathieu, D Navarro (dfs), Zigic (fw), Banega (md) are the most notable arrivals.
***
The 2008-09 season was an amazing season for Sevilla from any aspect. They returned in the Champions League competition leaving far beyond the big troubles of the 2007-08 campaign when Antonio Puerta died and Juande Ramos abandoned the ship. As it seems, Manolo Jimenez, who was many times under big pressure and criticism, find the winning formula and Sevilla played some effective and attracting football.
This time the Champions League qualification and the income of the group stages put a stop to the selling policy of the last years when Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves and Keita moved away from the Andalusian capital. No big names left but no big names came as well, in exception of excellent striker’s Negredo from Real (ex-Almeria) who has to fight Fabiano and Kanoute for a place in the starting XI.
Sevilla is meeting Valencia at the Mestalla stadium in the opening day and most probably Luis Fabiano will make it to the squad after suffering lumbago in the last days, while winger Adriano Correia is doubtful.
Prediction: No bet…
Headline: Almería - Valladolid, Sunday August 30th 21:00 CET
Article:
Expectations are high at the Juegos Mediterraneos where Almeria welcomes Valladolid in the opening day of the new season. The 11th position in 08-09 means that the Almerienses are under extra pressure to prove their worth but strengthen their morale as well. Hugo Sánchez did excellent job replacing Emery Unai but now he has to do without star striker Alvaro Negredo whose spell in Almeia ended. The Andalusians were reinforced with some good players to cover the losses.
New signing striker Henok Goitom, who is supposed to cever Negredo’s loss, is losing the game injured.
***
History repeated for Valadolid who were in heaven during the first round, sitting comfortable in the first half of the table but were doomed to suffer to renew their ticket in La Liga till the very last day. The same happened two years ago, when the Pucela almost got relegated in segunda. The fact that Valladolid reach to a decent form level early in the campaign is Mendilibar’s fault and they collapse in the crucial final stages.
The new season finds Valladolid with many new faces in the squad. Keeper Asenjo and midfielder Pedro Leon left the club next to many other teammates but many arrived and it remains to be seen how soon they will adapt in the team. You can not say that the Pucelanos are weakened, on the contrary they sign excellent players like Sisi (returned after a spell in Recre), Manucho (ex Man Un), Hector Fond (Osasuna, ex Villarreal), Marcos Garsia and Arzo (Villarreal).
Mr Mendilibar is facing no important losses ahead of the opening game in Almeria.
Prediction: Draw
Headline: Barcelona – Sporting, Monday August 31st 21:00 CET
Article:
The 2008-09 was an amazing season for Barcelona! Joseph Guardiola’s armada won every title possible and this was a result of the hard work and the thrilling individual talent. Guardiola at 38, in his first ever season, he has built a team playing creative, technical football. He demanded that his team play high, asphyxiating the opposition and with Messi in amazing form (best striker and player of the 2008-09 CL campaign), Xavi’s excellent assists and steering abilities (best midfielder of the 2008-09 CL campaign ) and Iniesta’s talent, the Catalan giants left no room for doubtless.
The new season finds Barcelona almost the same, with only one remarkable change. Trouble-maker Eto’s left the team and Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrived in a team which has no reason to change anything in the roster and the 4-3-3 formation. Barcelona welcomes Sporting de Gijon at the Camp Nou, in the opening day of the new campaign.
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The 2008-09 season started the same terrible way as they previous one in segunda, for Sporting De Gijon. After spending about two months in the bottom places, Sporting started climbing up the table and finished in the middle when the campaign ended. It was an excellent season for new promoted side who returned in the Spanish elite eleven years after they were relegated in segunda.
With one year of primera division action in their shoulders, Sporting are hoping for a better campaign in 2009-10. Coach Manuel Preciado has almost all his first choice players available (Canella and Michel haven’t left the team even though some clubs are interested in signing them) while Miguel de las Cuevas (Atletico), Rivera (Betis), Gregory Arnolin (Guimaraes) and some promising youngsters arrived.
Sporting starts the new season in a hard ground such as the Camp Nou. The good news is that Manolo Preciado can count on a full squad, as key midfielder Diego Camacho is 100% ready. The line which suffered the most during the latter campaign, the defence, shall be tested really hard against the Catalan giants!
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Aug 24 2009, 10:59 PM, updated 17y ago
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