Re: La Liga

Real Madrid goalkeeper, Diego Lopez was happy with his side’s 1-0 win over Malaga on Saturday evening at La Rosaleda, while also stressing that he has a good relationship with club legend and second choice keeper, Iker Casillas and appreciates the kind words said about him recently.

In his post-match interview, Lopez spoke about the difficult win and the upcoming ‘El Clasico’ against Barcelona.

“We had plenty of chances to score more goals. We controlled the match will in defence. The score gave us a bit of uncertainty until the end and it’s clear that it wasn’t our best game, but we also had to deal with a lot of problems. The match was controlled.

“With the score a 0-1, they could’ve equalised at any moment. We should have killed the game earlier. They pressed high, we struggled and they played well. From here on out, all games will be like this and we need to continue playing the same way and earn points.

“We’re going game by game and we have 10 more. ‘El Clasico’ won’t be the end all be all, although it would make a massive difference. Having a four point distance would be significant. We’re going into it strong and eager. It’s a great opportunity, it’ll be difficult but it’s our stadium and in front of our fans. The team is fine.”

Lopez went on to describe the relationship between he and Iker Casilias.

“I respect all opinions. I defend my team and my club, when they’re doing better or worse. We defend the unity, like Iker did the other day. He is the captain and a symbol and I appreciate the kind words he said about me (“If we’re leaders, it’s in large part to Diego Lopez]. I appreciate him as well. We’re just competing for a spot on the best team in the world. I am the most self-demanding of everyon and we must keep growing.

“I always respect the manager. He has three goalkeepers to choose from and I think Iker and I are doing too well.”

Re: La Liga

Loaned-out Rafinha’s return to Barcelona might prove pivotal

While Barcelona has struggled to keep up with eternal rival Real Madrid in La Liga, in Vigo, the loaned-out Rafinha Alcantara has played arguably the greatest football of his career and was also named the player of the month in February by the LFP.

The stand-out performances throughout the campaign have made Rafinha a transfer target for clubs in England, some of which are reportedly willing to pay his buy-out clause of 30M, but the one that may need him the most next season is Barcelona itself.

Rafinha has played practically everywhere on the pitch this season. Mainly known as an attacking midfielder, he has also impressed on the right flank, and in a 1-0 loss to Elche he spent most of the first half as a false 9. The player has been praised for his versatility and ability to unlock defenses with dribbles – much like his Barcelona idol Andrés Iniesta – and the praise has been well deserved.

While the halo around the Brazilian has kept growing, the comparison with brother Thiago – now at Bayern Munich – has been inevitable. The older Alcantara brother’s departure left a hole in Barcelona’s midfield – whether they like to admit it or not – and Rafinha has been tipped to fill that hole once he returns to wear the red and blue stripes. But although the brothers undoubtedly share a close relationship, they’re not exactly the same at all.

As far as their career choices go, the two couldn’t be much more different. Both have the nationalities of both Spain and Brazil, and while Thiago chose to represent Spain on an international level – to his Brazilian father Mazinho’s disappointment – Rafinha has chosen the “Seleção Brasileira”. While Thiago chose to leave Barcelona for Bayern in quest of playing time (and of course, to play a big role in the club’s success), Rafinha chose to leave on loan to gain experience and to return to Barcelona to fight for his spot in the team

The playing styles of the two resemble each other: Both like to get the ball to their feet, both pass it with precision and like to open the field up with a dribble every now and then. However, while Thiago is – on top of his attacking abilities – capable of orchestrating the midfield from a deep position, Rafinha likes a more advanced and attacking role, at least for now. On the other hand, while both share a good stamina and are relatively pacy, it’s Rafinha who perhaps possesses the greatest physical attributes and is not only taller, but also has a more physical presence that has seen him win most of his physical battles on the field as well.

So while the two share some of the same traits and even the same kind of posture on the field, they’re not the same kind of players. Thus, perhaps it’s not Rafinha who will fill the hole left by Thiago. Perhaps it’s unrealistic to expect him to slot into an orchestrating role straight away, although considering the versatility he has already displayed, such could easily happen one day in the future. But after all the conclusion is easy to make. Rafinha is Rafinha, not a “Thiago 2.0″.

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, is it? There’s still a plenty more that Rafinha will bring to Barcelona, and conveniently for the blaugrana, some of those things are exactly what the Catalan giants need at the moment.

No one will argue that the likes of Xavi and Andrés Iniesta have been instrumental in shaping the current Barcelona, and that Cesc Fábregas has been one of the best midfielders in Europe this season, but what’s also difficult to argue is that the Barcelona midfield has struggled against its most physical opponents and the usage of Alex Song next to Sergio Busquets hasn’t resulted in great success. The Catalans need another option in the midfield, someone dynamic, someone physically up for the challenge both in attack and defense, and of course, someone good enough with the ball for Barcelona’s standards. Rafinha fits the bill.

Not only does Rafinha have 4 goals and 4 assists to his name, average 1.5 key passes and 2.5 dribbles per game, he also averages 2.4 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game. The defensive figures are over twice as high as Barcelona’s Xavi and Cesc’s, for example, and while the statistics alone are misleading due to the differences in Barcelona and Celta’s game, they go to show the physical side of Rafinha’s game that makes him far from a liability in the defensive end.

The latest reports suggest that Barcelona are willing to welcome the Brazilian back with open arms for next season, and while that may put question marks over the future of the likes of Sergi Roberto and Alex Song, Rafinha is a player Barcelona desperately needs for next season. Not only to allow Xavi more rest, but to add something of his own. And while one Alcantara brother was let go of, Rafinha is someone the Catalans must hold on to.

What still remains very much open is how Rafinha would be used should he return to Catalonia. Would he be converted into a deeper, Xavi-esque role, in order to develop his abilities in that position for a future takeover? Or would he be allowed to use his greatest strength, the ability to turn a midfield possession into a penetration to the attacking third, and in that case, would Barcelona perhaps consider a different type of midfield purchase in form of the like of Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan? Lots of questions remain, and Barcelona’s announcement on the ability to purchase 4-6 players in the summer surely doesn’t make the speculation any easier.

What is easy, however, is to conclude that Rafinha’s performances make him one of the greatest prospects in European football, and just as easy it is to forget that the La Masia graduate is only playing his first season in the Spanish top flight. Offers from various different clubs are likely to pile up on top of his desk when the summer arrives, and whoever gets to enjoy from Rafinha’s performances in the following season will have quite a capture in their hands. Barcelona, having made a renewal with their jewel until 2016, have all ropes in their hands as they try to make sure that they’re that precise club.

Re: La Liga

Last night i dreamed Malaga scored 2 goals against Madrid at the end of the match.

Re: La Liga

Valverde: I see people making a fool of themselves by talking about referees

Athletic Bilbao manager, Ernesto Valverde feels that managers who speak about the referees are making fools of themselves, and feels they should be more focused on their matches than complaining about how they were hard done by a official.”

In his pre-match press conference, Valverde spoke about the manager of their upcoming match, Villarreal’s Marcelino as one of the managers who complains about the referees and their favouritism srowae

“It seems to be in fashion, including the teams that win. I see people talking about the referees and I think they’re making fools of themselves. Sometimes they’re right and sometimes they’re wrong. I’m not going to do this ridiculous thing of complaining about referee, when all I have to do is worry about Athletic.

“I’m not going to get into this, because he minced words and corrected it. Marcelino is a coach I have a lot of respect for and he’s doing an incredible job at Villarreal.”

Re: La Liga

Carlo Ancelotti believes Real Madrid are ready for Barcelona next week

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes his side are fully prepared for El Clasico next week after they maintained their three-point lead atop the Primera Division.

Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half goal gave Real a narrow 1-0 win in Malaga on Saturday night as they extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 30 matches, but sterner tests lie ahead this week.

While only a miracle would deny the Spanish giants qualification to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, as they currently lead 6-1 in their last-16 clash with Schalke after the first leg, their next assignment in the league is against fierce rivals Barcelona.

In the reverse fixture, the Spanish champions became the last team to beat Real after recording a 2-1 victory at the Nou Camp on October 26, but Ancelotti is confident his side can earn revenge next Sunday at the Bernabeu after seeing them go on a magnificent streak since then.

"This team is playing consistently," he said. "There are matches in which we have to play to different strengths.

"Our players' attitude in defence was great and they worked hard. I think we are ready to play the Clasico."

Ancelotti was pleased to walk away with all three points at La Rosaleda on Saturday, with Ronaldo firing home a low strike after beating three Malaga defenders in the 23rd minute.

Real could not kill the game off, however, and were given a few nervy moments late on, but managed to keep a clean sheet to claim all three points.

"This was a very good and important result because winning here wasn't easy but we managed to do it," Ancelotti said. "We had plenty of chances to kill off the game but were lacking in terms of the final ball.

"It was a normal game against a very motivated side, like all the teams are at this stage of the season. We also have to praise Malaga. They played a good match in which they put a lot of pressure on us and worked really hard.

"You can't always win 2-0 or 3-0. I am happy because the team was solid, had a good attitude and worked hard together, which is a good thing."

There was a slight concern for Real when Karim Benzema was withdrawn after half an hour, but Ancelotti later confirmed the France international was simply suffering with a knock.

Re: La Liga

Granada forward Yacine Brahimi – The King of the Dribble

Granada forward Yacine Brahimi knows how to get fans on their feet, with more successful dribble attempts in La Liga this season, than even Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

France Football have shone a spotlight on the magical dribbling ability of Algerian international Yacine Brahimi, who was born in France and is currently showcasing his talents with La Liga side, Granada.

Using statistics from WhoScored.com and comparing his feats with with other notable players in the game, “The King of the Dribble” is the title they bestow to Brahimi, who with 5.1 successful dribble attempts per game on average, is currently the cream of the crop in La Liga, when it comes to taking on opponents. This even leaves Lionel Messi (4.6), Neymar (3.1) and even Cristiano Ronaldo (2.5) in his wake.

Meanwhile, Brahimi also also compares favourably with other top European talents, with Franck Ribéry just ahead in the dribbling stakes, at 5.7 successful attempts per game on average.

Whilst the ability to beat his opponents has been an exciting feature when watching Granada this season, his end product doesn’t always match his obvious talent, running with the ball and taking on opponents. This season, Brahimi has netted just once from the penalty spot, whilst also providing four assists.

During his first season at Granada, though it was clear he still had much to learn about linking up with his team-mates, he did enough to encourage the Andaluz club to exercise their option to make his move permanent, during the summer.

This season the 24-year-old has made a marked improvement in his team awareness, with his overall team-work has improved a great deal. His linking up with players around him has got better, despite the low end product with shots at goal and assists, though with the latter, he has been providing more telling passes, without the player on the receiving end being able to convert the chance into a goal. Only such chances scored, ultimately count in the statistical charts as an assist. One of the most creative players in the Granada team, his dribbling feats have propelled him into the spotlight, as one of the most exciting players for the fans and most unpredictable to contain for opposing teams.

Other clubs are keeping a keen eye on the progress of the Algerian international though, which Granada are very well aware, but they remain hopeful that save for being made an offer they simply cannot refuse this summer, he’ll carry on twisting and turning his way through opponents, next season at Nuevo Los Cármenes.

Local news portal Ideal.es also noted the praise the player has been receiving this season, from far and wide, including Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia referring to Brahimi as “The Garrincha of Granada” after a demonstration of his skills, even as his side fell to a 4-0 defeat against Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

With Algeria heading to Brazil for the World Cup this summer, Brahimi will also be looking to showcase his talents on the greatest stage of them all.

Re: La Liga

Sevilla willing to negotiate sale of Alberto Moreno

Javier Moya, the agent to Sevilla defender Alberto Moreno recently announced that the Andalusian club would willing to negotiate the sale of the player this summer, but only if the buyer were able to meet their terms.

In an interview with Tuttonapoli, Moya revealed that Serie A side, Napoli had submitted a bid for Moreno this past January, but it was deemed too low and rejected by Sevilla.

“Yes, Napoli submitted a bid in January, but it wasn’t high enough.”

Moya went on to admit that there is interest from Real Madrid, but nothing is set in stone.

“Nothing is done [with Real Madrid] and my client is focused on Sevilla. Sevilla are willing to negotiate, but on their terms. However, that’s not to say that he will leave for the full €30 million release clause.”

Re: La Liga

Evaristo: Scolari would be a good manager for Barca

Former Brazil international Evaristo Macedo, who spent fives seasons at Barcelona, before moving on for two at Real Madrid, believes that if the Catalan club are pondering a replacement for Tata Martino, they should look no further than his countryman, Luiz Felipe Scolari.

80-year-old Evaristo Macedo knows a thing or two about winning trophies. During his playing heydays in the 1950′s and 1960′s, after winning the Rio State Championship with Brazilian side Flamengo three seasons running, he moved to Barcelona. With the Catalan club, he marked a firm place for himself in their history books, wining the Fairs Cup twice, the Copa del Rey and La Liga twice.

Joining an elite and hardy group of souls who have switched allegiances between the ‘big two’ over the years, a row over his refusal to obtain Spanish citizenship lead to him joining Real Madrid, where he went on to win three more La Liga titles.

Needless to say, having experienced life on both sides of El Clásico, Evaristo is as qualified as anyone to share his views on the goings on at both clubs. Speaking with Catalan radio station, La Xarxa ‘Esports’, he gave his thoughts ahead of this Sunday’s clash of the La Liga titans.

“In a Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona, there are no favourites. It’s a game of great determination and you can’t say that Real Madrid or Barcelona are the favourite.”

Evaristo also feels that Argentine star Lionel Messi, is now back to his best and could make a great impression at the Bernabéu for Barca this weekend.

“The situation of Messi is important, as he had some injuries and these injuries impeded him from being the Messi we all know. Now he’s completely recovered and could tip the balance in a game like this.”

Speaking of fellow Brazilian, Neymar, there were no doubts from Evaristo that he’s a player that must be involved in the game for Barcelona, right from the start and alongside Messi.

“Neymar has to be in the starting eleven, because he’ll be a worry for Real Madrid. When you have players like Messi or like Neymar, they must play. Who are the best players? The best are the ones that should be playing. They’re both players for their national teams.”

Interestingly, amidst all the recent talk of a possible managerial change at Barcelona next season, should Tata Martino decide to leave, or be pushed out, Evaristo also added his thoughts to the debate.

“Scolari is a good manager, he has great experience. I think he’s a really good guy, would be very good for Barcelona and if Barcelona were to sign him, he would be a very good choice.”

Re: La Liga

Croatian starlet Alen Halilovic is due for his medical next week at Barcelona, set to complete his move to the Catalan club. Meanwhile though, a revelation emerges that Real Madrid could have signed him in 2010.

Dinamo Zagreb sporting director, Zoran Mamic, has confirmed that 17-year-old Alen Halilovic, declared by many as ‘the next Luca Modric’, will arrive in Barcelona next week for a medical, ahead of completing paperwork that will seal his move.

“Halilovic will pas his medical examinations in Barcelona next week and from there, everything will be made official.” – Quotes Catalan journal, Sport.

The talented youngster will then link up with the Barcelona squad for pre-season, ahead of the 2014-2015 campaign, once both clubs have completed the formalities of officially announcing the transfer, thought to be for a sum of around €10 million.

Amidst this news however, is also the revelation that Real Madrid, who were also making strong motions to sign the player this summer, could have done so much earlier.

According to news portal Terra, Halilovic had trials with Real Madrid in 2010, when he was just 14-years-old. Though very keen on the player and very much aware of his developing talent at the time, there was a reluctance to sign the youngster at the time.

This, suggest the reports, was due to apparent annoyance on the part of Dinamo Zagreb, that Halolovic’s father was touting him to other clubs, therefore Real Madrid felt it was inappropriate to interfere in a situation that may have seen them accused of poaching the player from the Croatian club.

Re: La Liga

Pedro: We’re fired up, focused and united for El Clásico

Barcelona striker Pedro Rodríguez gave an interview ahead of El Clásico this weekend, talking about his role in the team, memories of his first goal against Real Madrid, whilst confident that his team are fired up for the clash at the Bernabéu.

Spain international Pedro Rodríguez is keen to be a part of the Barca team that takes on Real Madrid in El Clásico this weekend and in an interview recorded for Barca TV, he underlined that he’ll be doing his utmost this week in training, hoping that he’s in Tata Martino’s starting eleven for the game.

“I’ll fight until the end and work hard, because these are unique games and you never want to miss out on them. I have to stay calm. In the end, the task the manager has is difficult, because he has twenty-three players and choosing an eleven is hard. I have to accept the decisions he makes. My aim is just to give 100% of myself, when I get to play.”

“It’s difficult to get into this team and I always aim to make the most of my chances. This has been a good season for me and hopefully in the end, it will also be for the team. Every season there’s been great competition for places, because the players we have in attack here, are the best in the world.”

As for the game itself, clearly the result could play a huge part towards determining which way the title may head this season, but Pedro insists that his team have hit top form at the right time.

“The team is firedWe’re fired up, focused and united. The team have always performed well in the important games and at a very high level. The big win against Osasuna has helped us gain confidence and find our rhythm.”

“A bad result would be difficult for us to overcome. We go there in good form, we’re almost playing for everything there. We want to have a great game and get the win, so that we’re still alive in all three competitions.”

Most bookmakers have Real Madrid as favourites and whilst acknowledging home advantage and recent form may indicate a certain edge, Pedro suggested that when it comes to El Clásico encounters, history has proven time and again, there are no clear favourites.

“Perhaps they’re slight favourites because they’re playing at home and are leaders, but we know that in games like these, there are no clear favourites, because anything can happen.”

When it comes to how his team must combat Real Madrid, Pedro pointed towards their lethal counter-attacking as something to be wary of, but confident that they’ll pose enough problems to keep their opponents occupied.

“They have very fast players in attack. They’ll wait for us to make any creative mistakes, trying to get behind us and go on quick counter-attacks. We’ll have to take their play into account, their virtues and from there, make the most of our own. Our aim is to keep the ball moving around quickly.”

Having scored five times in El Clásico, Pedro has been a key player in past encounters. Asked which was the most memorable of those goals, he recalls the very first one most fondly, at the Bernabéu in the 2009-2010 season.

“You never forget the first and even less when it’s at the Bernabéu. I remember the move very well; that pass from Xavi that found me in space and beating Iker with the finish. Scoring against Real Madrid is always important for any player. They’re unique moments.”

Re: La Liga

Romeu: We’re running out of options, all we must do is win

Valencia midfielder Oriol Romeu is looking forward to his possible return to action this week, either against Ludogorets on Thursday, or Villarreal on Sunday. Utmost in his thoughts however, is his team recovering the form they’ve lost over their last three La Liga encounters.

Only three points will do against Villarreal this weekend, stressed Oriol Romeu.

Two defeats and a draw is hardly the form that will help Valencia achieve their aim of a European finish this season in La Liga. Speaking at a press call on Tuesday, midfielder Oriol Romeu underlined that only winning will help the team reach that objective and nothing less will do this weekend, when they host Villarreal at the Mestalla.

“We’re running out of options, all we must do is win. We have to start by doing that against Villarreal, so we can fight for sixth or seventh place and would put us back in Europe.”

“We’ve reached a stage of the season where only wins are worth anything to us. A draw against Villarreal wouldn’t put us any close to Europe, so the only option for us is to win.”

Ahead of their La Liga encounter, there’s the matter of finishing the good job Valencia started with a comfortable win in Bulgaria in the Europa League against Ludogorets. This Thursday’s second-leg will be the first step towards achieving the ultimate aim, which is to win the competition.

Romeu pointed out though, that whether they win the Europa League or not this season, his team must ensure that they finish high enough in La Liga, to secure themselves a return to European competition next season.

“Right from the start of the Europa League, our aim has been to get to the final and have the chance of winning the competition. It’s not the only option open to us though. Everything starts with winning this weekend and getting the three points.”

Having shown much better form with the arrival of Juan Antonio Pizzi as manager, the team have stuttered of late. Rediscovering a consistent run of wins, is crucial believes Romeu.

“We’ve had some very good games, where we’ve shown mobility, good football and the way we should be playing, but in other games we’ve lost that. It’s difficult to get consistency and continuity of wins, which is the key. We have to put in plenty of intensity.”

Romeu resumed full training at the start of last week, having been sidelined following knee surgery. The midfielder is looking forward to getting himself back in action on the pitch, hopeful that his return could be as soon as Thursday’s game against Ludogorets.

“It’s a huge joy to be back. I’m working hard to get back into the team as soon as I can. Hopefully I can do that on Thursday, but if not, whenever the manager thinks is best.”

Currently on loan from Chelsea, having previously signalled his desire to stay with Valencia, prompted for thoughts as to whether that can become a reality, Romeu simply responded: “We’ll have to see at the end of the season.”

Re: La Liga

Arbilla: We’re in positive form, the pressure is on Valladolid

Rayo Vallecano defender Aniatz Arbilla feels that with the excellent form of his team, as they head to the José Zorilla this weekend, all the pressure in the relegation battle, is on their opponents.

Aniatz Arbilla is delighted with the recent form his team have been showing, with Rayo Vallecano having climbed out of the bottom three and having won their last two games. The next challenge that awaits is the trip to Real Valladolid on Saturday, but he feels that it’s their opponents that will be feeling the strain most of all.

“If we can keep taking things forward, we’ll be on the right track. We’re in spectacular form at the moment. We’re not making the sort of mistakes we did before, which is something we had to cut out of our game. We’ll be going to the death against Valladolid. There’s more pressure on them.”

The victories against Valencia and Real Sociedad have clearly been a massive boost for Rayo, not just in escaping the relegation zone, but also for confidence. That, believes Arbilla, will make the difference between now and the end of the season.

“That win gave us a lot of morale. First beating Valencia, then afterwards beating Real Sociedad, that’s given us more security and it’s shown that we’ve continued our positive form. We must keep going like that. We haven’t changed how we play, our football remains the same and we have to stick with it. Hopefully we’ll reach safety as soon as possible.”

“There’s no better place to be at this stage of the season, than being in positive form, rather than negative. Rayo have been on an ascending dynamic and I prefer being in our situation, to that of the other teams. It’s true that we’ve gone through some difficult times, but our fans understand that. With everyone together, Rayo will be saved.”

Over a thousand Rayo fans are expected to make the trip to the José Zorilla this weekend. Arbilla hopes his team can put on a good display, but warned that Real Valladolid are no easy opponents.

“Hopefully lots will, that will help us and we’ll be trying to give a good account of ourselves. Real Valladolid are a team that don’t give anything away and have good players. They know how to play good football, if you let them. Javi Guerra, for example, is in really good form and we can’t concede any ground to him.”

As for highlighting someone from his own team, Arbilla pointed at the goals of Larrivey being important, but also stressed that it’s how they perform as a unit, that matters most.

“It’s not like we have a Messi… but Larrivey is in great form in front of goal at the moment and they’re going in, but here, it’s all of us together.”

Re: La Liga

Colotto: Every game is going to be crucial

Espanyol defender Diego Colotto feels that there’s nothing wrong with achieving a mid-table position this season, with permanence in the Primera always having been the primary objective, though if that’s achieved over the next three games, he wouldn’t rule out a bid for a European finish.

Speaking at a press call following training on Tuesday, Espanyol defender Diego Colotto underlined that heading into the final ten games of the season, every game has added importance, with every team scrapping for what points they can get.

“We have to reach for our objectives from now on, in the fight for La Liga, be it permanence or reaching a European position. Every game is going to be crucial, every game is like a final, because the need for points is there for everyone and although getting three points gives a sweet taste, it’s getting harder all the time.”

Starting with Levante at home on Saturday, Espanyol head into a busy schedule of games that is quickly followed by a trip to Málaga on the Wednesday, then the Catalan derby against Barcelona the next Saturday. Colotto believes that this eight-day stretch of games, could be decisive in how the season unfolds for his team.

“There’s a lot of points at stake and this could help us mark how the season finishes. We’ll be trying to get as many as possible, focusing on our first objective of permanence.”

As for how the team has progressed this season, Colotto feels that despite them hovering around mid-table for much of the campaign, that’s not a bad thing, given that safety in the Primera is always the first aim. From there however and over the next few games, good result could still see Espanyol in with a chance of a European finish.

“We’ve been doing well, consistent and that’s how we should evaluate things. We can’t think that we’re in no man’s land, that can’t be our analysis. Other years we’ve been four points off the relegation zone and in the final days of the season, everything has been so tight.”

“We’re in a very respectable position, in the face of our first objective, of achieving permanence. Hopefully we can achieve that as soon as possible, then we can take a look at what’s left to go for.”

Focusing on the first opponent they face in this busy schedule of games though, Colotto remains confident that the points are there for the taking against Levante, tough as they will be.

“They’re a very complicated opponent, but we think we can get more points at home. We’re in good shape, we’ve achieved a good number of points and we’ve won important games like this.”

Re: La Liga

Garry: We’ve got ten finals left, starting with Granada

Elche winger Garry Mendes Rodrigues hopes to be a key part of the action, during the final stretch of the season, ahead of the first of ten crucial games for his team, at Granada on Saturday.

Speaking at a press call on Tuesday, Cape Verde international Garry Mendes Rodrigues underlined just how important this last stretch of the season will be, with Elche fighting to secure another season in the Primera, ahead of the trip to face Granada on Saturday.

“We’ve got ten finals and we have to go into every game we play, to win, starting with the game this weekend.”

Since his arrival in the January transfer window Garry has made just tow appearances from the bench for Elche, but he’s already captivated by the strength of support from the fans.

“I want to return the affection of the fans, with my play. Since I came here, I’ve noticed how much the fans really get behind the team. Seeing so many people at the Martínez Valero has been great. We need them, if we’re to keep winning at home.”

Although obviously keen to see more action, Garry understands that what matters most, is the needs of the team, before any individual.

“I’m working hard every day, so I can get to my best level and make a positive impact in the team. Hopefully I can play on Saturday at Granada, just as I hope to play in all games, but reaching this stage of the season, the most important is that the team can win every point in play.”

Finally, given the historic rivalry between Elche and Granada, particularly when the Andaluz side beat the Ilicitano club in the Segunda promotion play-off final of 2011, Mendes admitted he knows little of that, preferring to focus on the challenge that lies ahead and that he could be participating in.

“I don’t really know much about the background. People have commented about what happened, but I know this will be a tough game.”

Re: La Liga

Alba: Every Clásico is important… but this one even more so

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has made it patently clear, that with his team behind Real Madrid in La Liga, this Sunday’s El Clásico encounter at the Bernabéu, will be one of the most important clashes ever.

Appearing at a press call on Wednesday, Jordi Alba spoke about this weekend’s El Clásico encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu, beginning with his observations about what he expects to face against Real Madrid.

“On the counter-attack, they’re very difficult to stop. We have to get back well when defending and in attack, play the way we know. I don’t think we need to change the way we play. Real Madrid have also shown they like having the ball this season. They’re not only a team that play on the counter. They don’t need much to score a goal against you.”

Alba doesn’t believe one team can be declared as favourites, but pointed out that with his team behind Real Madrid in the title race, his team must win to keep themselves close, but even if they can’t do that, he doesn’t believe that the challenge will end there.

“I’m certain it’s going to be a very difficult game. There’s no favourites in a Clásico. The only difference is this time, we need to win so we can aspire to win La Liga. Our only intention is to win. We know that this is a very important game. We don’t know what will happen afterwards, we only want to win and that’s all.”

“If we lose, then we’ll be a lot of points behind, but you never know. We’ll have to see what happens between now and the end of the season.”

The preference will clearly be to win however, so that their destiny is in their own hands, stressed Alba.

“We’re really keen to have a good game. Every Clásico is important, but this one even more so. From this point onwards, every game is like a final for us.”

Asked what he expects from his own team, Alba acknowledged that even though there have been some unexpected defeats, their style will always remain the same.

“I don’t know what version we’ll see at the Bernabéu, but hopefully it will be the best one. We’ve had two or three dips and that’s why we’re behind them. In the end, Barca always wants to play well, but at time it’s not always possible. We’re going there with the intention of giving everything we’ve got.”

A given that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will be the centre of attention, as they go head to head, Alba was asked which is the better player of the two.

“Both are world class players, but I’ll stick with Leo and not just because he plays for my team. I’d already said that when I was at Valencia. Cristiano is a beast, a very important player for Real Madrid. We have Leo and other players, but I’ll stick with the team, with the group we have at Barcelona.”

Refereeing decisions in every Clásico encounter always come under fierce scrutiny, but that’s something that should be secondary, insisted Alba, who feels that the players should be the protagonists, whilst reiterating the importance of a win for his team.

“We must forget about what happens with the referee. The ones playing the game are the players. Our aim is to be better than Real Madrid, who are a great team and at a great level this season. For our aspirations for La Liga, we have to win at the Bernabéu.”