Underwhelming is the only way to describe Jose Mourinho's Spanish League debut. Sure Mallorca and Madrid played end-to-end football sure to leave the starters tired, but neither side could break the goalless stalemate.
Given Madrid's stature and bank account, it was a bitter disappointment for the team from the capital. Their star signing this year was super-coach Jose Mourinho, the Special One, winner of the European cup with 2 teams. Yet for all his star power, Mou couldn't come up with a win in his first game.
Some claimed that Madrid had dominated the game, that they had an enormous amount of opportunities, that they were just lacking a little luck. That wasn't the way the game looked to me.
Mallorca gave as good as they took, repeatedly pushing the ball upfield quickly after Madrid's unimaginative opportunities sputtered. In fact, Mallorca had nearly as many good chances on goal as Madrid.
Mallorca's new coach, Brian Laudrup was clear, "Madrid didn't demonstrate its superiority." And, he wasn't the only one who thought so, over 60% of fans on the Madrid-favorable Marca poll thought that Madrid didn't deserve to win.
The Madrid faithful will tell you that it's too early to worry. They're right - but the pressure is on nonetheless.
This is what Madrid does, they take talented coaches, ignore their best decisions and slowly grind them into bloodied meat as the press, the president and the fans take their best shots at the coach. The backbiting has yet to reach fever pitch but you've got to imagine that the atmosphere is tense behind closed doors.
With Christiano Ronaldo (the legendary CR79er), Benzema (it remains to be seen if this is serious) and Lass Diarra all suffering injuries, it's not going to be any easier in the next few weeks.
So, Mou goals are needed. Mourinho somehow has to get los Merengues to play attractive, prolific soccer. Here's to seeing him do that so we can all see the Real Madrid - Barcelona matchup of the century.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Monday, My Lucky Fun Day. La Liga Is Now Played On Monday
La Liga BBVA has decided to expand league fixtures to Monday. So, that means more soccer for you and I. Atletico Madrid plays Sporting de Gijon at 2:00 pm Mtn.
Enjoy...
Enjoy...
Racing Santander 0 - Futbol Club Barcelona 3, Lessons from the Summa Cum Laude
For the last two years there has simply been no better soccer team in the world than Futbol Club Barcelona. The Blaugrana have taken the ball-possession passing games to new highs, literally erasing teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester United from the field.
They gave a recital in that dominance on Sunday, whipping Racing 0-3 on their home field. They owned possession, made several chances count and enjoyed superb goalkeeping - they look light years better than anyone else in the league.
Barca got off to a fast start with a goal by Lionel Messi in just the second minute. Xavi passed straight up the field from deep in his own side, Iniesta relayed the pass slightly past midfield onto Messi's boot 25-30 yards from goal and Messi left his marker in the dust to go 1-on-1 with the goalie - and score.
Andres Iniesta put the blaugrana up 2-0 with a vaselina that floated effortlessly over Racing goalkeeper Tono's head after he had come out to block an earlier shot. The little genius started on the right wing with orders to roam at will and he made his presence felt throughout the game.
David Villa capped the superb game off by scoring in the 61st minute. He opened his account in the league and left each of the Barca front line with a goal.
They looked good! The connection between the midfield and the front line is optimal and the front three's constant movement makes them very, very hard to mark. Should they stay healthy these three could easily have the type of year that Messi, Eto'o and Henry did together two years ago. I fully expect that this Barca team will score even more goals than that Barca team thanks to the addition of a perfectly adapted David Villa and Messi's constant improvement in the system (hard to imagine he can keep improving but he does).
Easily forgotten in the offensive firepower is Victor Valdes. The Barca goalkeeper put on a world-class display blocking a penalty shot by Tchite (after a rather fictitious penalty call on Maxwell's bump on Francis) and several tough shots throughout the game. Valdes tends to play extremely well when his confidence is high and not so well when he has doubts. It looks like Valdes could sell ice to eskimos with his sky-high confidence today.
Here's what Mundo Deportivo had to say about it.
For Barcelona, it looks like all systems go...
They gave a recital in that dominance on Sunday, whipping Racing 0-3 on their home field. They owned possession, made several chances count and enjoyed superb goalkeeping - they look light years better than anyone else in the league.
Barca got off to a fast start with a goal by Lionel Messi in just the second minute. Xavi passed straight up the field from deep in his own side, Iniesta relayed the pass slightly past midfield onto Messi's boot 25-30 yards from goal and Messi left his marker in the dust to go 1-on-1 with the goalie - and score.
Andres Iniesta put the blaugrana up 2-0 with a vaselina that floated effortlessly over Racing goalkeeper Tono's head after he had come out to block an earlier shot. The little genius started on the right wing with orders to roam at will and he made his presence felt throughout the game.
David Villa capped the superb game off by scoring in the 61st minute. He opened his account in the league and left each of the Barca front line with a goal.
They looked good! The connection between the midfield and the front line is optimal and the front three's constant movement makes them very, very hard to mark. Should they stay healthy these three could easily have the type of year that Messi, Eto'o and Henry did together two years ago. I fully expect that this Barca team will score even more goals than that Barca team thanks to the addition of a perfectly adapted David Villa and Messi's constant improvement in the system (hard to imagine he can keep improving but he does).
Easily forgotten in the offensive firepower is Victor Valdes. The Barca goalkeeper put on a world-class display blocking a penalty shot by Tchite (after a rather fictitious penalty call on Maxwell's bump on Francis) and several tough shots throughout the game. Valdes tends to play extremely well when his confidence is high and not so well when he has doubts. It looks like Valdes could sell ice to eskimos with his sky-high confidence today.
Here's what Mundo Deportivo had to say about it.
For Barcelona, it looks like all systems go...
Racing Santander v. Barcelona: Line up surprises from the champ
Racing vs. Barcelona is just minutes away. Surprisingly, Barcelona has decided for a starting defense of Alves, Pique, Abidal (as a center defender) and Maxwell.
I'm surprised Guardiola didn't start Puyol. Is he still fatigued from the Mundial? We need to see Captain Cavemen.
The rest of the line up looks pretty standard with Busquets doing the defensive work as a pivot, Keita and Xavi creating play and Messi, Villa and Iniesta up front. Villa is front and center, Messi is off to the right and Iniesta is the left forward.
Can't wait to watch this game.
Wow! That was quick. Just 3 minutes in and Messi makes it Racing 0 - Barcelona 1. A quick pass up the middle from Xavi to Iniesta just past midfield right onto the boot of Lio Messi. He was even with his defender, outpaced him and made it an easy 1-0. Wow!
I'm surprised Guardiola didn't start Puyol. Is he still fatigued from the Mundial? We need to see Captain Cavemen.
The rest of the line up looks pretty standard with Busquets doing the defensive work as a pivot, Keita and Xavi creating play and Messi, Villa and Iniesta up front. Villa is front and center, Messi is off to the right and Iniesta is the left forward.
Can't wait to watch this game.
Wow! That was quick. Just 3 minutes in and Messi makes it Racing 0 - Barcelona 1. A quick pass up the middle from Xavi to Iniesta just past midfield right onto the boot of Lio Messi. He was even with his defender, outpaced him and made it an easy 1-0. Wow!
Doubting Jose: Will Mourinho's Madrid Convince Fans
The Liga's giants start their campaign today and one of the biggest questions is whether Jose Mourinho's restructured Real Madrid can live up to expectations.
Mourinho, the self-titled "Special One" is an unquestionable winner but his teams rarely play a "pretty" football. His teams often fall back on their strong defenses and rely on quick powerful contragolpes or counter attacks. His all-star squad assembled at Inter won everything but rarely in dominating fashion. How many 1-0s against newly ascended squads and 2-1s over squads that will barely make 30 points can the Madridistas take?
Mou's squad even went down 2-0 against the Galaxy before rallying to take a 3-2 win. Sure, they didn't have Higuain in the game to start but they still had an all-star squad. Many people had expected a blow-out before the game.
The rest of the pre-season delivered much of the same, with few pretty results.
If Mourinho doesn't deliver more than 24 points in the first 10 games, I expect him to face some serious heat from management and the blood thirsty Spanish media.
I'll post more once the games have been played.
Mourinho, the self-titled "Special One" is an unquestionable winner but his teams rarely play a "pretty" football. His teams often fall back on their strong defenses and rely on quick powerful contragolpes or counter attacks. His all-star squad assembled at Inter won everything but rarely in dominating fashion. How many 1-0s against newly ascended squads and 2-1s over squads that will barely make 30 points can the Madridistas take?
Mou's squad even went down 2-0 against the Galaxy before rallying to take a 3-2 win. Sure, they didn't have Higuain in the game to start but they still had an all-star squad. Many people had expected a blow-out before the game.
The rest of the pre-season delivered much of the same, with few pretty results.
If Mourinho doesn't deliver more than 24 points in the first 10 games, I expect him to face some serious heat from management and the blood thirsty Spanish media.
I'll post more once the games have been played.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Valencia Starts Strong, downs Malaga 1-3
No Villa. No Silva. No hometown hero Soldado. No problem! Despite selling the crown jewels of their starting 11, Valencia got off to a strong start, downing plucky Malaga 3-1.
New signing Aritz Aduriz put "Los Che" on the board and Joaquin (Rodriguez) put the fork in Malaga with 2 more, the second of which was a beautiful strike towards the far post with just a bit of help from the defender.
Given the absence of Villa and Silva, I have to think that this is Joaquin's team to lead. Mata is probably still too young (21), Banega is mercurial and Soldado is a huge question mark. It's time for the man from Sevilla to step up.
Joaquin is lightning quick, has a beautiful cross, impressive dribbling skill and a generally audacious form of play. He may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer. Despite his obvious talent, he lost his spot on the Spanish National Team and was out of the line up half the time last season. Here's to seeing more of the man with one name.
It's an interesting start for Valencia, can the Murcielagos contend for the title?
New signing Aritz Aduriz put "Los Che" on the board and Joaquin (Rodriguez) put the fork in Malaga with 2 more, the second of which was a beautiful strike towards the far post with just a bit of help from the defender.
Given the absence of Villa and Silva, I have to think that this is Joaquin's team to lead. Mata is probably still too young (21), Banega is mercurial and Soldado is a huge question mark. It's time for the man from Sevilla to step up.
Joaquin is lightning quick, has a beautiful cross, impressive dribbling skill and a generally audacious form of play. He may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer. Despite his obvious talent, he lost his spot on the Spanish National Team and was out of the line up half the time last season. Here's to seeing more of the man with one name.
It's an interesting start for Valencia, can the Murcielagos contend for the title?
Super Atletico! The "Other" Team from Madrid Conquers Europe's Supercopa
If you've ever watched Athletico Madrid, you know that they're always exciting. The "other" team from Madrid has an amazing capacity to defeat the world's best with fast, exciting football and then struggle pathetically against a Spanish League cellar-dweller.
Athleti showed their best face in Friday's UEFA Super Cup, defeating Inter-Milan 2-0. The Colchonero's weathered the early Inter storm and put it in the back of the net in the 62nd and 83rd minute. Goals by ne'er do well, Jose Antonio Reyes and the supremely talented Kun Aguero capped the win over Inter.
The result is somewhat surprising because of the relative size and prestige of both clubs. Inter, a true giant of world soccer still have one of the world's most impressive rosters left over from last year's triple. Athletico, while boasting a few stars, regularly struggles to sign the world's finest. Yet, the result should be no surprise to those that know Atletico.
Will the result set up Quique Flores' team for a good season? I think so, look for the team from Vicente Calderon to finish in the top 5 of the league this year.
Check out the great wrap-up from Aston Villa Goals
Athleti showed their best face in Friday's UEFA Super Cup, defeating Inter-Milan 2-0. The Colchonero's weathered the early Inter storm and put it in the back of the net in the 62nd and 83rd minute. Goals by ne'er do well, Jose Antonio Reyes and the supremely talented Kun Aguero capped the win over Inter.
The result is somewhat surprising because of the relative size and prestige of both clubs. Inter, a true giant of world soccer still have one of the world's most impressive rosters left over from last year's triple. Athletico, while boasting a few stars, regularly struggles to sign the world's finest. Yet, the result should be no surprise to those that know Atletico.
Will the result set up Quique Flores' team for a good season? I think so, look for the team from Vicente Calderon to finish in the top 5 of the league this year.
Check out the great wrap-up from Aston Villa Goals
Joan Gamper: The Meaningless Game That Meant A Lot
Soccer's pre-season friendlies are usually devoid of anything more significant than getting players ready for the season and showing off new faces to the fans. Yet Barcelona's pre-season match vs. AC Milan was ripe with side stories that colored the match and drew world-wide interest.
First, there was the return of Ronaldinho to Barcelona. The genius between Frank Rijkaard's league and Champion's League-winning squad, 'Dinho hadn't played in front of his old fans since his transfer.
The ever-smiling Brasilian kicked things off on a positive note with a letter to fans expressing his love of the city and appreciation for their support while there.
Once on the pitch, the Brasilian was no longer the unstoppable genius that captured the world's imagination in 2004, 2005 and 2006. However, he did have a nice pass in the box (see video below) and went off the pitch to a rousing ovation.
It was a pleasure to see such a significant player for FCB given the farewell he deserved.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's ties to both clubs might be less important but they generated more headlines. The big Swede's struggles in Barcelona have made him rip fruit for AC Milan to pick - and a perfect way for Barca to get rid of the fruit flies (Mino Raiola) that follow him.
Ibra's position in the starting lineup was probably an effort to showcase him for his potential future team. El Ogro (as some of his less charitable fans call him) turned him his regular performance - numerous lost balls and opportunities with a few strokes of brilliance. Unfortunately, his acrobatic kung-fu goal was ruled offside.
Zlatan's presence did give him the chance to meet Ronaldinho, who seemed to welcome him warmly. With strong personalities on all sides of the negotiating table, it's anyone's guess whether Ibra will move to Milan. It does look like what everyone wants.
Less "mediatico" was the presence of new FC Barcelona fan favorite, David Villa. El Guaje started as a left forward and opened his goal-scoring account in Camp Nou (as a Blaugrana) with a typically classy strike. See it yourself below.
Finally, probably forgotten among the many stars was the return of Clarence Seedorf to Spain. Long a fixture on Real Madrid, Seedorf unleashed a beautiful long pass to set up Milan's only goal - scored with class by Pippo Inzaghi.
For those who actions speak louder than words, it was perhaps Seedorf who spoke the loudest. Will he have the same effect against Madrid in the Champions League?
First, there was the return of Ronaldinho to Barcelona. The genius between Frank Rijkaard's league and Champion's League-winning squad, 'Dinho hadn't played in front of his old fans since his transfer.
The ever-smiling Brasilian kicked things off on a positive note with a letter to fans expressing his love of the city and appreciation for their support while there.
Once on the pitch, the Brasilian was no longer the unstoppable genius that captured the world's imagination in 2004, 2005 and 2006. However, he did have a nice pass in the box (see video below) and went off the pitch to a rousing ovation.
It was a pleasure to see such a significant player for FCB given the farewell he deserved.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's ties to both clubs might be less important but they generated more headlines. The big Swede's struggles in Barcelona have made him rip fruit for AC Milan to pick - and a perfect way for Barca to get rid of the fruit flies (Mino Raiola) that follow him.
Ibra's position in the starting lineup was probably an effort to showcase him for his potential future team. El Ogro (as some of his less charitable fans call him) turned him his regular performance - numerous lost balls and opportunities with a few strokes of brilliance. Unfortunately, his acrobatic kung-fu goal was ruled offside.
Zlatan's presence did give him the chance to meet Ronaldinho, who seemed to welcome him warmly. With strong personalities on all sides of the negotiating table, it's anyone's guess whether Ibra will move to Milan. It does look like what everyone wants.
Less "mediatico" was the presence of new FC Barcelona fan favorite, David Villa. El Guaje started as a left forward and opened his goal-scoring account in Camp Nou (as a Blaugrana) with a typically classy strike. See it yourself below.
Finally, probably forgotten among the many stars was the return of Clarence Seedorf to Spain. Long a fixture on Real Madrid, Seedorf unleashed a beautiful long pass to set up Milan's only goal - scored with class by Pippo Inzaghi.
For those who actions speak louder than words, it was perhaps Seedorf who spoke the loudest. Will he have the same effect against Madrid in the Champions League?
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Barcelona Sets The Bar High (for the 2010/2011 season)
Whoa! Futbol Club Barcelona's 4-0 drubbing of Sevilla in the return leg of Spain's SuperCopa was an impressive way to win another trophy and warning shot to rest of the Spanish league.
Catalunya's favorite club started attacking from the whistle and was up 3-0 by halftime. The Blaugrana didn't stop in the second half either, routinely camping out by the Sevilla goal and drawing near chance after near chance before going up 4-0 a few minutes before the final whistle. Check out some of the highlight's here.
After this showing, I think just about every team in the La Liga BBVA will be worried about Barcelona for the 2010/2011 season.
Catalunya's favorite club started attacking from the whistle and was up 3-0 by halftime. The Blaugrana didn't stop in the second half either, routinely camping out by the Sevilla goal and drawing near chance after near chance before going up 4-0 a few minutes before the final whistle. Check out some of the highlight's here.
After this showing, I think just about every team in the La Liga BBVA will be worried about Barcelona for the 2010/2011 season.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Zlatan Must Go!
All summer long rumors of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's imminent departure have earned top billing on Spanish sports journals. The Swedish giant had trouble catching the gist of Josep Guardiola's passing and movement-heavy offense and was benched towards the end of the season. Should his struggles spell the end of the former Inter star's run in Barcelona?
I can only hope that he is transferred. I believe that the blame for Barcelona's reduced goal totals in comparison to their record-setting 2008-2009 season, lays squarely on the shoulders of Ibra. In 08-09, quick, agile players like Thierry Henry, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi switched position with a mesmerizing speed, creating mismatches, beautifully triangulated passes and lots and lots of goals.
Zlatan's arrival signaled the end of Barcelona's offensive firepower. Passes to the giant Swede resulted in lost balls because of his lack of passing skill or the many fouls he committed against opposing defenses. He was rarely in sync with midfielders either and apart from a brilliant first leg against Arsenal in the Champion's League, was rarely able to create scoring runs.
Things got so bad that when Barcelona needed a clutch striker they turned to the 19-year-old Bojan Krkic - and he made the decision look good. Bojan's pace, understanding of his teammate's passing choices and movement off the ball opened up scoring opportunities for his team and took Barca to the league title.
Now the Blaugrana have Spanish international, David Villa in addition to Bojan and Ibra. A born goalscorer, Villa was a proven 25-goals-per-liga performer with Valencia. At the high pace Barcelona, he's sure to score more. And he just spent all summer developing chemistry with teammates Xavi and Iniesta, Pique and Puyol as Spain won the World Cup.
So, is there any room left for Zlatan? I say no. His lack of chemistry is evident. As he fails on the field, he's sure to become a bigger distraction off the field. His big-mouth agent, Mino Raiola, won't stop spouting off about how his client is the best "9" in football. Rather than have a front-man controversy the Blaugrana should just get rid of this guy now.
It sounds like the problem is that Ibra is just too expensive. Barca paid somewhere upwards of 60 million Euro for the striker and now pay him a reported 12 million Euro a year. No team is willing to pay such an astronomical transfer or salary. And Ibra won't leave because he won't be paid upwards of 10 million Euro a year by any of the other Champion's League entrants.
The loan exceptions may be AC Milan and Manchester City (who are not in the Champions League). I hope one of them can come up with the goods.
When Zlatan is acrobatically toeing in long, searching crosses in the Italian or English leagues, we'll all be better off. He's the perfect striker for a team the plays a fast-paced, athletic counterattack. Let's all say "Ibracadabra" and let this rabbit free to work his magic.
I can only hope that he is transferred. I believe that the blame for Barcelona's reduced goal totals in comparison to their record-setting 2008-2009 season, lays squarely on the shoulders of Ibra. In 08-09, quick, agile players like Thierry Henry, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi switched position with a mesmerizing speed, creating mismatches, beautifully triangulated passes and lots and lots of goals.
Zlatan's arrival signaled the end of Barcelona's offensive firepower. Passes to the giant Swede resulted in lost balls because of his lack of passing skill or the many fouls he committed against opposing defenses. He was rarely in sync with midfielders either and apart from a brilliant first leg against Arsenal in the Champion's League, was rarely able to create scoring runs.
Things got so bad that when Barcelona needed a clutch striker they turned to the 19-year-old Bojan Krkic - and he made the decision look good. Bojan's pace, understanding of his teammate's passing choices and movement off the ball opened up scoring opportunities for his team and took Barca to the league title.
Now the Blaugrana have Spanish international, David Villa in addition to Bojan and Ibra. A born goalscorer, Villa was a proven 25-goals-per-liga performer with Valencia. At the high pace Barcelona, he's sure to score more. And he just spent all summer developing chemistry with teammates Xavi and Iniesta, Pique and Puyol as Spain won the World Cup.
So, is there any room left for Zlatan? I say no. His lack of chemistry is evident. As he fails on the field, he's sure to become a bigger distraction off the field. His big-mouth agent, Mino Raiola, won't stop spouting off about how his client is the best "9" in football. Rather than have a front-man controversy the Blaugrana should just get rid of this guy now.
It sounds like the problem is that Ibra is just too expensive. Barca paid somewhere upwards of 60 million Euro for the striker and now pay him a reported 12 million Euro a year. No team is willing to pay such an astronomical transfer or salary. And Ibra won't leave because he won't be paid upwards of 10 million Euro a year by any of the other Champion's League entrants.
The loan exceptions may be AC Milan and Manchester City (who are not in the Champions League). I hope one of them can come up with the goods.
When Zlatan is acrobatically toeing in long, searching crosses in the Italian or English leagues, we'll all be better off. He's the perfect striker for a team the plays a fast-paced, athletic counterattack. Let's all say "Ibracadabra" and let this rabbit free to work his magic.
The Season Starts 8/29
It's coming. The return of the best futból the world has to offer is set for August 29th, 2010. That's when the first round (jornada) of the Spanish League or LigaBBVA is played. And, with the return leg of the Supercopa scheduled for Saturday the 21st, you have less than a week to wait to see the exquisite ball-control passing that makes Spanish soccer so special.
The Supercopa's opening leg saw early dominance by Barcelona erased in favor of the swift attacks of Sevilla's classy veteran forwards, Luis Fabiano and Kanouté. The Blaugrana enjoyed an overwhelming advantage of possession and scored off an acrobatic strike by Zlatan Ibrahimovic but were undone by their understrength team. The Barça squad counted with only 3 or 4 likely starters because of the date's coincidence with international friendlies.
The return leg promises to be an interesting game as Barcelona will be playing at home and can count on the return of their international stars. Xavi, Villa, Pique and Messi should all start feature prominently for a goal-hungry side.
I hope that the game is broadcast on U.S. cable.
The primera jornada of the Liga BBVA should be interesting.
The most interesting game could easily be the Mallorca - Real Madrid matchup. Madrid is now coached by football genius and journalist favorite Jose Mourinho, who brings his huge ego, expectations and results to the table. His team features the star power of Christiano Ronaldo, always-on-form Gonzalo Higuain and newly signed Mesut Ozil. This squad should be impressive.
Despite Madrid's payroll advantage, spunky Mallorca has been a regular thorn in their side. Eliminating them from the Copa del Rey and providing stiff competition in La Liga. The fans from the Balearic Islands speak Catalan and have little love for the team from the capital. Now coached by Michael Laudrup, the men in red should come out with something to prove.
I'll post about a few of the other games and some of the off-season's major transfer news soon.
Hasta Pronto!
The Supercopa's opening leg saw early dominance by Barcelona erased in favor of the swift attacks of Sevilla's classy veteran forwards, Luis Fabiano and Kanouté. The Blaugrana enjoyed an overwhelming advantage of possession and scored off an acrobatic strike by Zlatan Ibrahimovic but were undone by their understrength team. The Barça squad counted with only 3 or 4 likely starters because of the date's coincidence with international friendlies.
The return leg promises to be an interesting game as Barcelona will be playing at home and can count on the return of their international stars. Xavi, Villa, Pique and Messi should all start feature prominently for a goal-hungry side.
I hope that the game is broadcast on U.S. cable.
The primera jornada of the Liga BBVA should be interesting.
The most interesting game could easily be the Mallorca - Real Madrid matchup. Madrid is now coached by football genius and journalist favorite Jose Mourinho, who brings his huge ego, expectations and results to the table. His team features the star power of Christiano Ronaldo, always-on-form Gonzalo Higuain and newly signed Mesut Ozil. This squad should be impressive.
Despite Madrid's payroll advantage, spunky Mallorca has been a regular thorn in their side. Eliminating them from the Copa del Rey and providing stiff competition in La Liga. The fans from the Balearic Islands speak Catalan and have little love for the team from the capital. Now coached by Michael Laudrup, the men in red should come out with something to prove.
I'll post about a few of the other games and some of the off-season's major transfer news soon.
Hasta Pronto!
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