Re: Jornada 32 - Primera division

Enrique: We’re paying special attention to direct rivals

Celta Vigo manager Luis Enrique underlined the need to victory, as his team head to Vallecas on Saturday, to take on one of the teams he most admires for their football: Rayo Vallecano.

Luis Enrique prepares Celta Vigo for the trip to Vallecas
Celta manager Luis Enrique loves how Rayo play their football, but is hoping to beat them on Saturday.
Luis Enrique has pointed towards the importance of securing three points at Vallecas on Saturday, but warned that given his team lost at home against Rayo last time out, a much better performance will be required.

“We consider the game at Vallecas as the first of seven finals. Hopefully we can beat a team that in the first half of the season, beat us comfortably because they performed at a better level than we did.”

Although aware that each of their final seven games will be important, Enrique stressed that what matters most is the most immediate encounter, against a direct rival in the fight for safety in La Liga.

“We’re staying with the mentality of taking things one game at a time and thinking about the importance of taking points against all opponents, but whilst paying special attention on getting points against direct rivals. Rayo are obviously one of those.”

As for what it will take to secure permanence, Enrique suggested it’s questionable to settle for lower points targets, preferring to gain as many as possible to avoid going into the final games, with more pressure to contend with.

“In the last ten years, the average needed for safety has been 40 points. That doesn’t mean however, that some years, teams with 42 or 43 points can still go down. We want to avoid any difficulties at the last minute, by getting beyond that figure.”

“Right now, this league is maintaining a trend that roughly a point per game can be enough for safety, but we also have the experience that in recent years, the teams lower down in the table always secure more points in their final ten games.”

Finally and speaking of Rayo Vallecano, Enrique admitted he’s a huge admirer of the football their manager Jémez remains faithful to, whilst reiterating the need to beat them this weekend.

“They’re a team I really love, I like them a lot because they’re courageous and always go for the win. They’re a club with whom I have great sympathy, but for us it’s a stimulus to play against a direct rival in a game that’s a real six-pointer.”

Re: Jornada 32 - Primera division

Jémez: 38 to 40 points will be enough for safety

Rayo Vallecano manager Paco Jémez believes that his team are within touching distance of securing permanence in La Liga, whilst expecting a more open game against Celta Vigo this weekend, that will better suit the chances his team will have to claim another three points.

Ahead of hosting Celta Vigo on Saturday night, Rayo manager Paco Jémez explained that despite their heavy defeat against Real Madrid last weekend, he was still pleased with the effort of his team, whilst this weekend’s game sees a return to “normal” action, against a direct rival and one against whom they can realistically claim points.

“We went to the Bernabéu with the best of intentions, they were a complicated opponent and we were able to compete. Beyond the result itself and given nobody likes losing, we enjoyed ourselves and the team did things well.”

“Now we’re back to a more normal game and so we’ll see if we’re capable of following on from the previous run of five games without losing, because we want to make our finish to the season in La Liga, as tranquil as possible. We don’t want to carry on suffering.”

Although Rayo have lost heavily against the “big two” this season, Jémez believes the quality of their play in general, hasn’t suffered. That’s something he insists that their same approach will work, against teams of a similar standing to themselves.

“Many times, what doesn’t work against Barcelona or Real Madrid, works well to compete against other teams. If we do things the same way, we could win, because those same things against other teams of the same level, can work.”

Jémez then analysed what he expects to face against Celta Vigo on Saturday, highlighting their more open, attacking-minded game.

“Celta are a complicated opponent, difficult and who like ourselves, want to have a calmer finish to the season. They’re not going to make anything easy for us, they have quality and they know how to play good football. When Celta play with their best qualities, they’re really good and we’ll be trying to make things uncomfortable for them.”

That attacking game of Celta could prove favourable to Rayo, feels Jémez, who believes that it will mean his team can make the most of the space they’ll be afforded to play their own game, more effectively.

“When they get forward, they do so with a lot of players and we’ll see a different game compared to the one against Osasuna. In this respect, this might make things less difficult for us. It’s always easier playing against an opponent who allows spaces and play a more offensive game, because they want to win. This means that we could also create dangerous situations against them. We want to prevent the first phases of their play and make things uncomfortable for them, whilst also trying to ensure we find enough spaces to find our way to their goal more easily. In the Primera though, every team can make things difficult for you.”

Looking at the final stretch of the season, Jémez then gave his analysis on what he feels will be the safety line in terms of points, in the tight battle amongst the teams in the bottom half of the table, to avoid relegation.

“I think that right now, given the form of teams around us, we possibly have the best options to get out of the scrap at the bottom. There’s also teams that are trying to hang on in there, along with teams who have few options, like Betis.”

“Some need to paddle a little more than others, and some have a more difficult fixture list than others, but what matters most, is that we’re capable of getting out of there, getting to 36 points and being in the middle of the table, with one game less to go.”

“The teams down there are starting to win games, a little bit at a time. I think that more or less, 38 to 40 points will be enough for safety. The aim is to get these points as soon as we can, so we don’t have to play with so much pressure, because in the final games of the season in La Liga are always complicated. We don’t want to reach them depending on results elsewhere.”

Re: Jornada 32 - Primera division

de momento 0-2 almeria-osasuna min 15 segunda parte

1—2 y el Almería aprieta.

Mañana empalmada: Norwich / Westbrom, Barça / Real Betis, R. Sociedad / R. Madrid.

Va a estar bien porque el Madrid va a tener la oportunidad de alcanzar al Barça y tiene una salida difícil...

Re: Jornada 32 - Primera division

Gracia: The team’s performance was impeccable

Osasuna manager, Javi Gracia was elated with his side’s 1-2 win over Almeria to escape the relegation zone and stated that he was anxious from the first minute to the 90th.

Javi GraciaIn his post-match press conference, Gracia spoke about the match and the result that could keep them in the Primera for another year.

“I was very nervous, because until the very end it was very even.

“After going up 0-2 and then the uncertainty they caused by making it 1-2 forced us to defend close to our goal with options to exploit the counterattack against a team that was pressing high.

“We firmly held our place, we controlled our opponent’s attacking options and tried to creat danger in our opportunities on the attack. We knew the importance of this match. The team’s performance was impeccable. They had everyone attack and we stood our ground. They made a great effort and earned the reward, but now we’re thinking about Valladolid, yet another final.”

Re: Jornada 32 - Primera division

Francisco: This negates months of hard work

Almeria manager, Francisco was visiblly upset following his side’s 1-2 home loss to Osasuna on Friday evening and admits that months of hard work has been for naught.

FranciscoIn his post-match press conference, Francisco spoke about the loss, which featured two early goals conceded by his side, something that had warned about and the team has focused on the entire week in training.

“Our errors led to the going up 0-2. We had people in place to make sure that didn’t happen and we lacked defensive defensive force to win the game.

“We took it to them from the first whistle, looking for a goal that would get us into the game, but we didn’t have enough time. The game got away from us because we weren’t able to match the defensive strength of our rivals on the individual level.”

Francisco went on to add that while they are down, all is not lost and they are still alive.

“We are concerned because it isn’t a result anyone wanted and its negated months of hard work.”

Re: Jornada 32 - Primera division

Schuster: What we really want is to win at home

Málaga coach Bernd Schuster outlined the Andaluz derby with Granada as an ideal opportunity for his team to secure three points at home, whilst also giving the fans at La Rosaleda something to cheer about.

Ahead of Sunday’s regional derby against Granada, Málaga manager Bernd Schuster stressed the importance of securing the home victory, as an important step towards having a more comfortable finish to the season in La Liga.

“Since Wednesday we have been focusing on tomorrow’s game. It’s a great opportunity for us and I hope we can take it. It’s a game we need, but in general terms. We don’t want to reach the end of the season with any doubts, suffering or things going badly. We’ve suffered enough this season. We have a great opportunity to play well, win the three points and be much calmer afterwards. Then, we’ll win other games for sure.”

“What we really want is to win at home, with our fans. It’s an important moment for us. We have to win over our fans and our attitude on the pitch will have much to do with that. The fans, with what little we’ve shown, are still with us, but obviously we need to win a game like this for them.”

Analysing opponents Granada, Schuster was well aware of the threats they can pose for his team, but felt that if his own team can get into their own rhythm of play, they can dominate the game.

“Their midfield and attack is very dangerous, they’ve shown that every weekend, but there will also be possibilities for ourselves. If we find the right balance, which we’re doing better all the time, pressuring our opponents, having more control of the ball, being in charge of the game will be the key factor.”

A recurring theme for Schuster throughout the season, has been a frustrated view of how his team seems to suffer unfairly with refereeing decisions. He believes little should change as to how they approach games.

“We’re getting too many cards. Looking at the quantity of cards we’ve had, I can’t really say what the problem is. I see differences in some games, between a foul by Málaga and that of our opponents. We’re aware of this, but without changing ourselves too much. If we have to commit a foul, then it’s what we have to do.”

Re: Jornada 32 - Primera division

Atlético Madrid 1-0 Villarreal: Raúl García keeps Atléti top of La Liga

A single strike from Raúl García proved enough for Atlético Madrid, in a tightly contested encounter against Villarreal at the Vicente Calderón, with the home side keeping themselves firmly fixed at the top of La Liga.

There were a flurry of early attacking intentions from both sides, in the opening moments of the encounter between Atlético Madrid and Villarreal, at the Vicente Calderón.

A corner apiece inside the opening five minutes, with Atlético coming close from theirs as Diego fired just wide. At the other end, Villarreal attacked well and looked for space down the flank, but Courtois was alert to a particularly dangerous cross from Perbet.

Atlético were being made to suffer defensively, whenever Villarreal hit swiftly on the counter, but they were holding firm despite the obvious threats. Eventually however, it was the home side who took the lead in the 14th minute, as Raúl García jostled with his marker to earn a little space, heading a dangerous ball into the area past Asenjo.

Villarreal would then have defending to do, as buoyed by their lead, Atlético sought to pressure them more. By the half-hour mark of the game though and with few clear opportunities to score for either team, Mario whizzed in a great cross from the right for the visitors, but not a one of the three advanced Villarreal players in the area, reached to make the connection, that would have brought them the equaliser.

Solid defending at either end of the pitch was restricting chances on goal as the game continued and neither side could find a way through. The main battle between the two teams was for possession and in the middle of the pitch. Numerous fouls and stoppages were also hindering the rhythm of the game as it headed towards the interval as still neither side could crack a shot off on target.

Villarreal came out for the second half showing plenty of purpose, but after being unable to find a direct route to goal, they had to settle for a corner. Atlético held firm however, clearing with little difficulty.

In the 52nd minute and at the other end, Atlético had a good chance to extend their lead, with David Villa trying to dip a shot just under the crossbar, but saved by the capable hands of Asenjo. A moment later another opportunity, this time Asenjo out of his area, to deny David Villa again, as he went clean through on goal.

The first change of the game came from Atlético, as Simeone sent on Tiago in midfield for Cebolla in the 57th minute. Past the hour mark and still with the visitors very much in the game and hunting an equaliser, another Atlético change as Adrián came on for David Villa. That was followed in the 64th minute with the first for Villarreal, as they brought on Aquino for Joan Román.

After Perbet almost came close to snatching the equaliser, firing agonisingly just over the crossbar with a good effort, the second change came for his team in the 68th minute, with Pereira on for Trigueros as manager Marcelino went with another attacking option. A moment later, Atlético made their final substitution, with José Sosa on for Diego Ribas.

With the shuffling from the benches over for a while, Villarreal were having more of the ball, but unable to really create anything dangerous in the final third. Atlético meanwhile, saw a good chance come their way with a good forward move, culminating in Raúl García forcing a save from Asenjo in the 73rd minute.

Atlético were sat deeper as the game progressed and whilst Villarreal were seeing more and more of the ball, their possession ultimately remained sterile when it came to forging themselves any real chances. Once more, Atlético were the next to create danger, as José Sosa showed great Industry as he sought to find a way through on goal in the 77th minute. The final effort was blocked though and on the rebound, Tiago fired over the crossbar.

Into the final ten minutes and with Atlético trying to keep the ball more under their control, Villarreal made their final change of the game, with Moi Gómez replacing Cani. The visitors managed to force a corner, but again Atlético were able to deal with that Villarreal option, with little difficulty.

On the touchline, Simeone urged the fans to keep their team going, as Villarreal still posed a threat in the final moments, but again without any impact in the final third. That support from the 12th man was needed, as the visitors made their final push for a point. In the 90th minute, a dangerous cross from Moi Gómez caused problems and as Alderweireld swung his boot to clear, it almost went into the back of his own net, but fortunately for the home side, just a fraction wide of the post.

Ultimately, Atlético held out for the three points and more crucially, lays down the gauntlet to both Barcelona and Real Madrid, temporarily opening up a four point gap at the summit of La Liga. Villarreal gave it their best shot to claim points themselves, but just didn’t have enough penetration in the final third.

Re: Jornada 32 - Primera division

Rayo Vallecano 3-0 Celta Vigo: Rayo razor sharp, whilst Celta squander their chances

Rayo Vallecano pushed themselves six points clear of the relegation zone, as their revival resumes, taking their chances in much more clinical fashion than a wasteful Celta Vigo, who had plenty of their own.

Plenty of intensity from the two sides, as both Rayo and Celta looked to get their foot on the ball, play football and find routes to goal. Though there were half-chances at either end, there was little to trouble the keepers.

The first clear opportunity of the game came in the 12th minute for visiting Celta. A well worked corner caught the Rayo defence off their guard, allowing Íñigo López a free header at goal, but fortunately for the home side, straight into the hands of their keeper Rubén.

Both sides were taking it in turns to attack and the pace of the game didn’t drop, with Rayo and Celta battling for every ball and possession. More half-chances came and went, but eventually in the 25th minute, it was Rayo who took the lead and with a touch of fortune. A rebound inside the Celta area fell at the feet of Rochina, who quickly struck for goal, with his effort taking a wicked deflection off Íñigo López and Yoel no chance of preventing it heading into the back of the net.

Five minutes later and on the half-hour mark, Rayo pushed for a swift second goal, but though Arbilla got forward down the right and on the overlap well, his low drive from the edge of the area, didn’t cause Yoel any problems in the Celta goal.

Nolito was causing the most mischief for Celta down the left flank, giving Rayo plenty of problems to deal with, but they were just about managing to contain his threats and remain cohesive at the back.

Towards the interval, Rayo also made good use of both their wide men, with Rochina and Falque giving their opposing Celta full-backs, Jonny and Mallo plenty to contain. Eventually it was through the middle that the home side found their next breakthrough, in the final minute of the half as Larrivey met a cross well with his head, but just a fraction wide of its intended target.

As the teams came out for the second half, Celta manager Enrique had made a change to his side. On came Álex López to replace Orellana, who had made little impact in the first period.

When play resumed, Celta looked to take the ball more under their control, trying to dominate possession, but by the 49th minute they found themselves a second goal behind. Quite literally out of nowhere, Rayo attacking midfielder Bueno happened to spot Yoel off his line, took a pop at goal and although the Celta keeper managed to make contact, he couldn’t stop it heading into the back of the net.

Given the advantage and looking to take the sting out of the game, Rayo manager Jémez made his first change in the 55th minute, opting for the more defensive minded Baena in midfield, replacing Rochina. That wasn’t at the expense of continuing to create attacking opportunities however, as they scored a third in the 60th minute. Trashorras with the original shot, then Bueno sticking out a boot to steer it past Yoel in the Celta goal.

The game slipping further away from them, Celta made their second change, sending on the height and experience of Bermejo in attack, replacing Augusto. A moment later though, Carles was caught with an arm in the mouth from Rayo full-back Rat, with the pair nowhere near the ball or the play in progress. After the Celta striker received lengthy treatment, in the 63rd minute, the referee called over the Rat and produced a straight red card.

Forced to shuffle his pack with a man less on the pitch, in the 66th minute, Rayo manager Jémez sent on Nacho for Trashorras. Celta meanwhile were trying to make the most of the extra space, after defender Íñigo López stayed forward in attack, slipped the ball ball for Álex López to take a crack at goal, only to send it wide of the mark. That was followed in the 69th minute with the final Celta change, with Charles unable to continue and replaced by Santi Mina.

The next chance in the 70th minute came for Celta, throwing everything forward now and with the ever dangerous Nolito finding more space for his runs. He burst through and shot powerfully, but Rayo keeper Rubén managed to get the ball safely in both hands, at the second attempt.

Celta kept pushing hard, but Rayo held tight and looked for their own opportunities to counter. In the 76th minute, the home side made their final move from the bench, as Bueno was replaced by the fresher legs of Viera.

Heading into the final ten minutes, Rayo were content to hold tight, whilst Celta continued to seek a way back. Krohn-Dehli with a good effort from the edge of the area, causing Rubén some difficulty to save at two attempts. Nolito once more with a dangerous ball in the 82nd minute, this time for Rafinha, but he couldn’t do better than sky his finish over the crossbar.

Rayo weren’t out of the hunt for more goals though, as Saúl did well with a good individual run to win a corner, then after that came to nothing, Baena found a way into the Celta area in the 85th minute, but fired straight into the hands of Yoel. Krohn-Dehli blasted another opportunity over the crossbar in the 87th minute. The visitors squandering yet more chances.

Half-chances at either end in the final moments and stoppage time, but Rayo had done sufficient in the first hour of play to kill the game, despite suffering the dismissal of Rat, to secure another valuable three points. Celta were wasteful with their opportunities and even against ten men, couldn’t find the killer touch in front of goal.

Re: Jornada 32 - Primera division

Málaga 4-1 Granada: Málaga find their force against lacklustre Granada

Málaga found their groove with an excellent display, against a Granada lacking in attacking ideas, with the Costa del Sol club taking a big step away from the relegation scrap, whilst leaving their regional rivals very much in the midst of the mire.

Málaga were the hungrier looking side for the lunchtime kik-off at La Rosaleda, quickly looking to press Granada back in their half. Amrabat an early thorn in the sides of the visitors, but they managed to hold firm in the opening exchanges.

Granada sought to break forward quickly when they had the opportunity and a great chance came for them in the 10th minute. Brahimi bursting clean through and rounded Málaga keeper Willy, only to fire his finish into the side netting.

Riki suffered a muscular problem in the 11th minute and couldn’t continue for Granada. As he headed off and the substitutes warmed up, Málaga made the most of the extra man. In the 14th minute, a ball from the left saw Camacho leap highest to head the home side into the lead.

Granada sought to find a way back, mainly on the counter and in the 15th minute, Piti slipped a dangerous ball through for El Arabi, but Angeleri and the Málaga defence marshalled the Moroccan striker well, clearing to safety.

After Brahimi beat two Málaga defenders and went down inside the area in the 22nd minute, his penalty appeal was rejected and the home side began to dominate more. Santa Cruz with a good opportunity, but snatching at his shot in the 27th minute, sending it wide.

Amrabat again causing Nyom problems down the Málaga left, firing in crosses, but without Santa Cruz able to get on the end of it in the 31st minute. Piti at the other end for Granada forged another opening for El Arabi in the 32nd minute, but once more, the Málaga defence held firm.

As Málaga cranked up their attacking pressure once more, a corner lead to their second goal of the game. Camacho once more with the leap, steering the header past Roberto in the 35th minute.

Granada attacked dangerously in the 42nd minute and El Arabi won a penalty, a lifeline for the visitors. Up he stepped and struck the ball powerfully, by Willy chose the right direction and saved superbly. Nothing was going right for Granada.

Clear that his side had to attack, Granada made their second change during the interval, as Alcaraz replaced Fatau with Buonanotte. Málaga maintained their pressure though and in the 48th minute after having won a corner, they won a penalty from the resulting play. Amrabat made no mistakes with the spot-kick, putting Málaga three ahead.

Granada sought desperately to find a way back and immediately, El Arabi had a chance to shoot inside the area, but his effort was well blocked by Willy in the 52nd minute. From the resulting corner, Ilori headed for goal, only to see his chance cleared off the line by Gámez.

Málaga were much more fluid with their play, the fans in the stands were enjoying their display and La Rosaleda was a cauldron of noise. Granada simply had no response as the game passed the hour mark.

Still Granada were having no fortune when they managed to create openings. Buonanotte crossed well for El Arabi in the 63rd minute, but he headed his chance wide of goal. In the 64th minute, Málaga made their first change of the game, as Juanmi replaced Samuel. Four minutes later the home side made their next change, with Eliseu on for Pérez.

Iturra had a good headed chance for Granada after Fran Rico swung in a dangerous free-kick in the 71st minute, but after Willy tipped it over the bar with an excellent reaction save, the Málaga fans responded with a Mexican wave around La Rosaleda.

The cheers went up another notch from the home side in the 73rd minute, when Juanmi was sent clean through, he rounded Roberto and slotted in the Málaga fourth. There was no way back for Granada now and in the following minute, they made their final change of the game, with Foulquier replacing Nyom.

Granada finally managed to get a breakthrough in the 78th minute, as Buonanotte struck a perfect through-ball and El Arabi provided the finish. That was immediately followed by the final Málaga change, with Rescaldani replacing Santa Cruz.

Whilst Málaga seemed content with the ample score, Granada continued to push forward, but without any further precision as the game headed into the final five minutes. The home side were relaxed in what remained, they had done their jobs well, giving the home fans the sort of victory at La Rosaleda they’ve been waiting for.

Re: Jornada 32 - Primera division

Arroyo: All I can say to Getafe fans, is keep believing

Getafe defender Álvaro Arroyo has urged the fans to keep the faith, that he believes the team will get the results they need to survive in La Liga, despite the blow of losing points in the dying seconds of their defeat at Elche on Sunday.

Speaking at a press call on Monday, Getafe defender Álvaro Arroyo lamented the painful way in which his team had lost their encounter at Elche on Sunday, suggesting they had been unfortunate.

“We didn’t deserve to lose, but there’s a world of difference in every game. Sometimes football gives you the rewards, but sometimes also takes them away. It was our turn to lose the way we did on Sunday and hopefully in our next games, the reverse will happen.”

Also willing to look at the performance of Getafe in a self-critical way, Arroyo acknowledged that his team could have perhaps done more.

“Maybe we lacked a little faith in certain stages of the game, but we’ll keep striving to do better. We shouldn’t have lost the game on Sunday and even a point at this stage, would have been good.”

The 25-year-old doesn’t believe there’s any cause to panic just yet and even though Getafe face a very stiff challenge next week against Atlético Madrid, insisted that they must keep up their efforts to secure the points they so crucially need.

“It’s times like this when we should keep calm. We’re depending on ourselves and we have to take things one game at a time. We now have to focus on the game against Atlético and it’s not worth plucking numbers out of thin air or anything like that, because a thousand things could happen. All we have to do is give our lives for these three points, because they’re vital.”

“We’re working well, competing and feeling better, but we have to reflect that out on the pitch. We’ve demonstrated that before and we have to do it again now. In our next game, we have to work, work, work. There’s no other way.”

As for the impact of Cosmin Contra, Arroyo believes the Romanian manager has had a very positive influence on the team.

“The manager is giving us the encouragement that we can take this on, he’s correcting our mistakes and tells us that it’s all in our own hands, to be ourselves, pick ourselves up and gives us enthusiasm, because he talks to each and every one of us.”

Finally and keen to send a positive message to the Getafe fans, after more than 300 travelled to Elche, Arroyo urged them to keep the faith and the players will respond in kind.

“All I can say to the fans, is keep believing. The fans were incredible, so I want to tell them that we’ll give everything we’ve got, to get ourselves out of this, so they have to keep supporting us with everything they’ve got. We’re with them and hopefully, they’re still with us.”

Re: Jornada 32 - Primera division

Rochina: We’ve taken a giant step

Rayo Vallecano forward Rubén Rochina was delighted with the three points gained against Celta Vigo, that pushes his team even closer to permanence, but also insisted that there’s more to come in the final six games of the campaign in La Liga.

Giving his reactions to an excellent 3-0 victory against Celta Vigo on Saturday, Rubén Rochina told the official Rayo Vallecano website that it was a crucial three points for his team, ahead of the final stretch of the season.

“We know that this was an important game and we’ve taken a giant step. We’ve still got six more games though, that will also be very important and I’m sure the team will be giving them everything.”

“We were perhaps a little lucky with the first goal. Celta started the game really well, but we pushed ourselves in front, then had the fortune to go three ahead and that gave us calm. I think we did really well.”

Rochina also showed his appreciation for his family and the lively support of the Rayo fans, who have backed their team through thick and thin, having scored the opening goal of the game.

“I’m dedicating the goal to my family, who have supported me all the way here from childhood, as well as the fans, who deserve the best from us.”

Looking ahead and although seemingly a sure bet to avoid relegation, given their recently resurgent form, Rochina underlined that Rayo are keen to finish as high as they possibly can.

“We’ve got 36 points with six games to go and that gives us calm, but we’re not going to give anything up, we’re going to keep going as we have up to now and keep improving.”