Re: Jornada 29 - Primera division

Alcaraz: The players know the significance of every game

Granada manager Lucas Alcaraz understands that whilst the historical rivalry with Elche is important for the fans, on the pitch, his team must be calm and focused.

Granada manager Lucas Alcaraz understands the rivalry with Elche, but insists a calm approach is best.

At his press call on Friday, Lucas Alcaraz suggested that he already has his team in mind, for the visit of Elche on Saturday, with the sole exception of midfielder Manuel Iturra, who seems likely to be suspended.

“We’re very clear about all the decisions we’re going to make and how we’re going to work. We know that the situation with Iturra, could work out for or against us.”

Iturra received a somewhat harsh second yellow card against Getafe last weekend. Granada have appealed for it to be rescinded, but the Competition Committee have rejected their appeal. Ahead of Saturday’s game, Granada plan to appeal again, with clear video evidence at their disposal, proving there was no foul and no malice of intent, as the Chilean made his tackle.

The Granada squad is already depleted by injuries and suspensions, but Alcaraz discussed his possible options.

“We’re pending the Competition Committee decision for Iturra, but Ilori and Piti won’t be ready for the game. I think we may be able to count on Ighalo, though he’s not trained much, but we think he’ll be okay.”

Given the historical and competitive rivalry with Elche, Alcaraz acknowledged how important a victory will be for the fans, but also suggested that his team must balance their enthusiasm with a sensible approach to the game.

“The players know the significance of every game, when it comes to the fans. Given the game we’re playing, we can’t separate ourselves from that, but obviously we prepare the same way and we have balance things. The team has to be switched on, with enthusiasm, but not over-excited. The team should confront the game with calm, but along with the intensity needed.”

With players and coaches so often suggesting that an important game is ‘like a final’, Alcaraz doesn’t like games being referred to in such a way, pointing out that in his mind, every game is important, irrespective of opponents, historical significance or rivalries.

“It’s an adjective that’s used for so many games. As far as I’m concerned, every game is a final, regardless of whether this game is surrounded by tradition or recent history, that makes it more attractive for the fans. Every game is important and even more so, when your into the last ten of the season.”

Granada and Elche are 12th and 13th respectively, with just a point between the two. Both will be battling for a crucial three points, towards their aim of avoiding the relegation battle. Alcaraz noted that, but still feels that the outcome of the game on Saturday, won’t be a decisive factor for either team, at the end of the season.

“Every win is important, but right now, there are no decisive victories, mathematically speaking. They are important though, because each win pushes you closer to your objective.”

Looking at opponents Elche, Alcaraz gave his analysis of what he expects his team to face.

“They’re well organised, well managed and are matching the level of seven or eight other teams in this zone of La Liga. They know the importance of working hard on the pitch, they play with plenty of patience. That’s why we’ll have to ensure we develop our own game, ensure that our signs of identity are both recognisable and effective.”

Even with the rivalry between the two teams, Alcaraz believes the best approach, is calm and focus.

“These are intense games, not just because of recent history, but also because everyone is more tense heading into the final ten games. We must show how to manage ourselves well in this situation.”

Re: Jornada 29 - Primera division

Valdés: We’ll confront El Clásico with enthusiasm

Barcelona goalkeeper Víctor Valdés warned that his team will expect the toughest of ties against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, insists his team are full of enthusiasm ahead of El Clásico this Sunday, whilst also backing manager Tata Martino, confident the
Shortly after the draw was made for the Champions League, Víctor Valdés held a press call for Barcelona and having been paired with Atlético Madrid, the goalkeeper underlined that not only is their own draw tough, all the ties are amongst teams who proved themselves as the best in the group stages of the competition.

“We now know it’s going to be a very complicated quarter-final for everyone. All the teams who finished first in their groups, have got through and that says that every pairing will be complicated, so there won’t be any surprises.”

As for the pairing with Atlético, Valdés praised what they have achieved this season and pointed out that undoubtedly, it’s going to prove a very stiff test for Barcelona, if they want to progress to the semi-finals.

“Atlético are a very complicated opponent, because of their intensity, for how they make the most of set-pieces. They defend as a block, they pressure with the intensity their manager wants from them, which praiseworthy of the work he’s doing. They’re where they are for their own merits, so we’ll have to be very focused and hopeful at the same time.”

The first challenge awaiting Barcelona however, is their trip to the Bernabéu on Sunday, where they’ll take on Real Madrid in El Clásico. Trying to downplay the significance of the game somewhat, Valdés pointed observed that his team will be fighting for the points, just like in any other game.

“These are three vital points, just as the ones at Real Valladolid and Real Sociedad were, but we didn’t have the fortune of getting them. We’ll confront El Clásico with enthusiasm. More than ever before, going out there to win is the only way we know how to do things. We have to attack the ball.”

Finally and following all the reports and speculation that Tata Martino won’t be staying on as Barca manager, Valdés gave the Argentine coach his full backing, suggesting that he’s the right man for the job.

“The manager, as well as being someone I can identify with and his way of training, will certainly stay, although that’s something the club will have to decide. It would be great news though, if he stays, for many more years.”

Re: Jornada 29 - Primera division

Cristiano and Di María back in group training for El Clásico

Cristiano Ronaldo and Ángel Di María returned to normal training, with the rest of the team on Friday, as Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti makes his final preparations, ahead of El Clásico on Sunday against Barcelona.

On Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ángel Di María were notable absentees from the training pitch, during the morning session. Instead, they were doing gym work within the interior facilities at the Valdebebas training complex. Alongside their Real Madrid team-mates on Friday however, the pair were back out on the training pitch for group training.

According to reports from Real Madrid, Di María had been suffering from a flu-related fever, but pointed out that this hasn’t impeded the Argentine midfielder from his training work on Friday. No reasons were given for why Cristiano had spent yesterday’s session doing gym work, rather than participating with the rest of the squad on the training pitch, though it is simply believed to have been straightforward recovery work, following his participation in Wednesday’s Champions League win against Schalke.

Karim Benzema continued to train with normality and will do so again, with the rest of the team at the final training session of the week, scheduled for Saturday morning, as Carlo Ancelotti makes his final preparations, ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico clash with Barca.

Re: Jornada 29 - Primera division

Why Neymar shouldn’t start for Barca in El Clásico

Ahead of El Clásico this Sunday, our statistical mastermind, Javier Hernández, takes a look at the numbers beyond the performances of Barcelona forward Neymar, suggesting that the Brazilian isn’t producing the sort of returns, that warrant him starting against Real Madrid.

Tata Martino has a big problem on his hands. He has to decide one of toughest starting lineups of the season. Barcelona needs to win the Clásico at the Bernabéu to keep the up the pressure in La Liga and Neymar deserves to be in the bench. Would the Argentinean make the brave move of following the numbers and bench Barça’s biggest transfer of the summer? Or will he succumb under the pressure that is benching a big star?

So far the big Brazilian summer transfer has been a big bust for the blaugranas and not only his unclear transfer fees have been a big problem for Barcelona, but also his current performance. In fact, in 2014 Neymar has only scored one goal and assisted another in all competitions, both times coming from the bench.

But Neymar’s poor performance is not only a thing of 2014, playing away from the Nou Camp the Brazilian has only score one goal in nine La Liga matches and provided only two assists. His goal came against the worst league team so far, Betis, and his last assist was against Rayo, also in relegation zone at that time.

Also, considering the results of Barcelona in games that Neymar starts away from home, Tata should perhaps think twice about starting him. Neymar has started seven games on the road in La Liga and in those seven matches, Barcelona has lost three, drawn one and won three.

Considering that the Catalans have only failed to win six games on the road this season, the numbers of Neymar are quite alarming. As was the performance of Barcelona in those games.

The Cules took 48 shots in total in those four games, but only 14 of those shots were on target. They only scored one goal. Neymar’s numbers are just as poor, having taken seven shots and only had one on target, including zero shots against Osasuna.

Barcelona were particularly poor in offense against Athletic, Sociedad and Valladolid, while against Levante they were denied frequently by Keylor Navas, but the team did play better in attack without Neymar, taking 17 shots and achieving six on target. Neymar also didn’t figure in the two big comebacks that Tata’s team had this season, on the road against Getafe were they scored five and against Sevilla were they scored four.

Also, another reason not to start the Brazilian is his lack of association with Messi. The Argentine is not only the biggest star of Barcelona and the team hope in the Clásico, he is also picking up his best form in 2014, having scored 17 goals and assisted eight goals in all competitions in these last three months. However, in none of those goals has Neymar been involved.

Apart from all of these points, Neymar’s competition performance hasn’t made things easier for the Brazilian. Alexis Sánchez has scored 17 goals so far in La Liga and has only one assist less than the ‘Carioca’, with seven. However, the Chilean has scored and assisted only two goals on the road so far this season. Pedro has scored seven times at home and on the road and has also delivered three assists away from the Nou Camp. The right flank at the Bernabéu should be his.

The other spot in the attack, in my personal opinion, should belong without a doubt to Cesc Fàbregas. The former Arsenal skipper has scored seven goals on the road, only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more on the road this season (maybe a reason why he is not as appreciated in the Camp Nou). While the leader of assists in La Liga has also split his passes 50-50 assisting six goals at home and on the road. Only Rakitc has managed more assists away from his home ground than Fabregas this season. Cesc is certainly the best player away from home in La Liga and Tata would make a mistake if he benches him at the Bernabéu.

Re: Jornada 29 - Primera division

Caparrós: We have to challenge for every point in play

Levante manager Joaquín Caparrós has underlined that with thirty points to play for in the last ten games of the season, every one will count, if his team are to reach beyond their expectations and objectives for the season.

At his Friday press call, Levante manager Joaquín Caparrós outlined that his team will not relax, that they’ll keep battling for every point that they can get, between now and the end of the season.

“Until the 18th May, until the end of the season in La Liga, we have to challenge for every point in play.”

Caparrós did lament that his team hadn’t been able to take the points last weekend, at home against Celta Vigo, their second consecutive defeat, following on from their trip to the Bernabéu the previous week.

“We’ve shown that we’re a team of streaks, both positively and negatively. In football, you have to make the most of opportunities and we didn’t make the most of ours, last weekend at home.”

Currently lying in 10th place, ten points clear of the relegation zone and eight points behind Sevilla in 7th place, rather than think of the team as either safe or in no man’s land, Caparrós believes that his team can still keep pushing for a European place.

“There’s still thirty points to play for, which means that we could achieve much more than the objectives we’ve set out. On Saturday we have three points that we should work hard and fight for, with a good game, to ensure that our opponent doesn’t have options.”

A trip to the Cornellà and taking points off Espanyol on their own turf, won’t be easy however, though Caparrós is an admirer of how his opponents get themselves stuck into games.

“They’re going to demand that we’re at a high level, in a place that’s very hard to visit. They’re a team that gets involved, is committed and that’s what I like most about them.”

Finally, there were words of encouragement and praise, for Greek defender Nikos Karabelas, who agreed terms on a new contract this week.

“Nikos is one of those kinds of players who keeps quiet, makes a lot of sacrifice and works hard in training. That’s why he’s earned his contract renewal.”

Re: Jornada 29 - Primera division

Aguirre: I’m only thinking about Levante, not the derby with Barca

Espanyol manager Javier Aguirre insists that his team are focused purely on beating Levante on Saturday, not the derby match against Barcelona, the following weekend.

Ahead of a busy schedule of games over the next week, Espanyol manager Javier Aguirre made it clear that there are no thoughts about the derby against Barcelona, given that their minds are firmly fixed on taking points at home against Levante this weekend.

“All I’m thinking about is the match against Levante and getting the three points. I’m not thinking beyond that, nor about the derby. What matters is Levante. They’re a very well organised team, physically powerful and they’ll make things difficult for us.”

Levante won the first encounter this season, at the Ciutat de València 3-0. Basic mistakes lead to that punishing defeat, but Aguirre assured that his team have improved since then.

“I think that after the first half of the season, we’ve been able to correct things. Errors are an inherent part of football, but we’re hoping we won’t be repeating them.”

During the week, several Espanyol players have pointed out they’re keen to avenge that last defeat against Levante, as they didn’t feel it represented a good image of their team. That the players are so keen to utilise that as motivation, is something Aguirre has nothing against.

“It’s a positive thing, that the team are keen to remove the thorn from their sides, after what happened the last time we played them. I’ve not even mentioned that game during any of the talks we’ve had this week. The players have referred to it though, because they want to erase that bad memory. If that serves to make them more motivated for this game, then I’m happy for them to keep pushing forward that way.”

Joer, el málaga.

Re: Jornada 29 - Primera division

Menudo jugadorazo el tal Roque. Juega arriba, abajo, distribuye, reparte juego, defiende....vamos, lo que se llama estar cojo.

Re: Jornada 29 - Primera division

Empata el Valladolid, 1-1 con el Rayo al final de la primera parte.

Re: Jornada 29 - Primera division

Athletic Bilbao tightened their grip on fourth spot in the Primera Division with a narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe on Saturday.

Markel Susaeta hit the only goal of the game in the 39th minute and although Athletic were easily the better side, they were unable to extend their lead.

The win sees Ernesto Valverde's men move a step closer to Champions League qualification, while Getafe remain dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Granada moved a step closer to securing their top-flight status for another season with a 1-0 win over 10-man Elche at Los Carmenes.

Yacine Brahimi's strike midway through the second half settled the contest in favour of Granada, who made it three home victories on the bounce following their successes over Villarreal and Real Betis.

It could have been a more comfortable victory for Granada in the end but Fran Rico missed from the spot in the 73rd minute after visiting defender Cristian Sapunaru had been sent off for bringing down Youssef El Arabi.

Real Valladolid and Rayo Vallecano, meanwhile, shared a 1-1 draw which did little to help either side in their fights to avoid relegation.

The hosts took an early lead through a Ze Castro own goal, but Alberto Bueno levelled things up with a goal against his former club before half-time.

The result means Valladolid will end the weekend still in the drop zone, three points worse off than their opponents and with just one win in their last eight matches.

In the day's other game, Espanyol and Levante shared a goalless draw.

Re: Jornada 29 - Primera division

Gol mal anulado al Almería, que era el 2-1


Y en la jugada siguiente GOLAZO de la Real 1-2 (GOLAZO QUE TE CAGAS)

Re: Jornada 29 - Primera division

Pues le acaban de compensar al Almería


Penalty y gol para el Almería que era claramente fuera del área