Re: Jornada 34 primera division

A ver si veis el penal que NO le han pitado al VLC , ha sido mano clamorosa

Re: Jornada 34 primera division

Los árbitros españoles son de los peores de Europa con mucha diferencia.

Re: Jornada 34 primera division

Atlético Madrid were pushed to the limits by Elche, who had good chances to take the lead in the first half, but either couldn’t take them, or were denied by Courtois. The home side stepped up a gear in the second half, but Manu Herrera denied David Villa from the spot and Elche stood firm. Eventually the visitors were broken by a corner, headed in by Miranda, before a second penalty brought the killer blow in the final minute, fired in by Diego Costa.

The early pressure was with Atlético at the Vicente Calderón, as they looked to quickly stamp their authority on the game against Elche. Diego Costa had a good early chance after a good move with Adrián playing the final ball through 4th minute, only for the striker to fire just wide of goal. Moments later and Diego Costa was again bearing down on goal, chasing a great ball from David Villa, though Elche keeper Manu Herrera was out swiftly, just beating him to it by a fraction of a second.

Still Atlético forced the issue, though Elche were holding as tight as they could, looking to weather the storm. Botía denying another chance for Diego Costa in the 11th minute, just as the Spain international pulled the trigger.

As the game progressed though, Elche began to find their feet going forward and to match the intensity of their opponents. Two quick corners failed to produce anything, though the visitors were able to contain the swift counters from the home side.

More and more, Elche were forcing Atlético back and in the 25th minute, only a superb save from Courtois denied them the lead, after Carles Gil initiated a good forward move and then Márquez struck low for goal. From the resulting corner, another big hand from Courtois, as Sapunaru made the header from the near post.

Atlético offered a brief reaction as Adrián fed the ball for Filipe Luís to strike in the 27th minute, but badly and wide of the mark. Still however, Elche were looking the more dangerous going forward and after a superb pass from Rivera dropped over the shoulder of Filipe Luís, as he got back to defend, Carles Gil lashed a shot at goal and was unlucky not to have scored in the 30th minute.

As the game headed towards the interval, with the backing of the home fans at the Calderón, Atlético were given the added incentive they needed, which urged them forward to attack. Elche managed to hold firm until the 42nd minute, when Juanfran swung in a dangerous cross, Diego Costa flicked the ball on at the near post, then David Villa arrived completely unmarked at the far post, only to fire wide. A great chance gone begging and the final opportunity of the half for the home side.

Simeone made a change at the interval, with Raúl García on for Adrián. Atlético came out firing on all cylinders for the second half and after an intense spell of pressure, Elche full-back Sapunaru conceded a penalty, as Raúl García fell at his feet in the 49th minute. After having missed at Getafe last week, Diego Costa ceded the responsibility to David Villa, but unfortunately for Atlético, the outcome was the same as he struck down the middle and Elche keeper Manu Herrera made the save.

The pressure kept coming though and after Atlético attacked again, a flick at the near post saw Diego Costa arriving with purpose, but just unable to make the connection at the far post in the 51st minute. Then in the 56th minute, the home side did have the ball in the back of the net, but the cheers were soon dampened, as the finish from David Villa was ruled out for offside.

Changes for both sides in the 57th minute, as Diego Ribas replaced Koke for Atlético, then Elche immediately followed suit by replacing Cristian Herrera with Fidel. As the clock ticked past the hour mark, still Atlético were pushing hard, but unable to find the precision they needed in the final third. Simeone felt his final change was required and in the 61st minute, he sent on José Sosa for David Villa.

Referee Clos Gómez had to restore order in the 63rd minute, as Diego Costa tied to surge through, but was held back by Rivera. The Atlético striker tried to keep going, but was then fouled by Botía. Fuming, Costa then squared up to both the Elche players and the final outcome was a yellow card each for Costa and Rivera. Two minutes later and the Atlético striker was again hauled down, this time by Pelegrín, who also earned a yellow for his troubles.

Atlético had a sense of urgency about them now and kept piling on the pressure. Raúl García fired over in the 65th minute, then the next attack with a cross from Juanfran, culminated in Diego Costa controlling the ball well, but unable to find the finish. In the 69th minute, still the home side were frustrated, as Diego Ribas moved forward well individually, but couldn’t hit the target either, firing over with his finish.

Elche made their second change of the game in the 70th minute, as Aarón Ñíguez replaced Carles Gil. There was still defending to do for the home side, after conceding a corner a moment later. This time their resistance was broken though, as the ball was swung into the area by José Sosa and there was Miranda to power home an unstoppable header at the far post. Cheers of joy, mixed undoubtedly with relief from the home fans.

The visitors then threatened in the 75th minute from a corner, which was met with a dangerous header from Carlos Sánchez, though Courtois was able to deal with it comfortably enough. Escribá made his last change from the bench in the 77th minute and Márquez was replaced by Boakye, with Elche needing to throw more bodies forward, looking for an equaliser.

Atlético now had defending to do and in the 78th minute, Elche were unlucky not to get back on level terms, after a ball into the area from Damían met with a touch from Pelegrín, but with the goal at his mercy, Botía couldn’t quite reach the required final touch.

Into the final ten minutes and Elche were still trying to force their way back into the game, but as they’ve proven so often this season, Atlético can scrap and remain tight at the back when they’re forced under pressure, whilst remaining ever a threat when they then launch forward on the counter.

Indeed, as well as resisting the pressure Elche were sending their way, it was the home side who looked more likely to add a second goal that would kill the game, but a combination of the offside flag and stubborn resolve from the visitors, was all that stood in their way.

Diego Costa really should have sealed it in the 88th minute though, but clean through on goal, it was Elche keeper Manu Herrera who won that particular duel, reacting well to the shot from the Atlético striker.

There was still to be one final addition to the tale, before its conclusion, as in the 90th minute, Atlético were awarded their second penalty of the game. Through on goal again, Diego Costa was brought down by Sapunaru and the Elche defender was shown a second yellow card, having conceded his second penalty of the game. No mistakes with the spot kick this time and no mooning Getafe fan to cause a distraction either, as Diego Costa fired in the second.

Three more points won and the gauntlet thrown down once more to Real Madrid and Barcelona. Catch us if you can, the clear message from the Vicente Calderón. Elche had their chances, but like many sides before them, they simply couldn’t resist the pressure from their hosts in the end.

Re: Jornada 34 primera division

Osasuna edged themselves ahead thanks to a first-half strike from Oriol Riera and indecisive keeping from Vicente Guaita. Valencia should have had a penalty after clear a handball by Bertrán, but it was inexplicably missed by the referee. The second half needed some drastic changes from the Valencia bench, as Osasuna held tight, but one of the three introductions from Pizzi paid off, as Jonas scored the equaliser inside the final ten minutes.

Though Valencia perhaps looked the better side with their overall play in the opening stages at El Sadar, it was Osasuna who were probing with the most danger, when it came to the early chances.

Osasuna managed to survive the early pressure from Valencia, as well as their own mistakes, then had the first clear change of the game in the 7th minute. De Las Cuevas with a great opportunity, but pausing just long enough before shooting, to allow Mathieu time to recover and make the block.

Though Valencia had their moments, they weren’t penetrating the rival defence with enough precision to cause any real threats and eventually in the 19th minute, it was Osasuna who took the lead. Roberto Torres with the initial chance, which was blocked unconvincingly by Guaita and before he had time to get both hands on the ball, Oriol Riera showed his poachers instinct, nipping in to apply the finish.

Valencia tried to make a reaction and dominated play as the game continued, but impotently so, unable to breach the Osasuna back line with sufficient danger. The visitors maintained their pressure right through towards the end of the half, but still without really creating anything noteworthy in the final third.

In the 42nd minute however, Valencia had a clear shout for a penalty, after Osasuna defender Bertrán handled the ball inside his area. Incredibly though, neither referee Estrada Fernández or his linesman spotted the incident and amidst the furious protests of the Valencia players, play continued without further chances, until the whistle for the interval.

Despite a strong start from Valencia as the game resumed, they still couldn’t make any headway going forward and in the 52nd minute, the next chance came for Osasuna and they were desperately unlucky, not to double their lead. Bertrán with a great run, then feeding the ball for Roberto Torres to strike at goal, beating Guaita but not the post.

Pizzi was running out of patience on the Valencia touchline and in the 58th minute, his first change arrived with Jonas replacing Feghouli and a switch to 4-4-2. Despite the shuffling of the shape and personnel, there were no immediate improvements from the visitors, who were still looking for the same routes to goal, but continually frustrated by sturdy and attentive Osasuna defending.

Eventually though, through perseverance more than precision, Valencia did find a way through in the 62nd minute, as Jonas latched onto an opening. The Brazilian forward couldn’t hit the target though. Two minutes later, Osasuna threatened at the other end and Cejudo’s aim was true, but stopped well by Guaita.

The next Valencia change came in the 67th minute, with Araújo on for Vargas. A counter-attack brought them a good opportunity for Alcácer in the 70th minute, but still no joy, as his effort was blocked by the Osasuna defence. The home side then made their first move from the bench in the 71st minute, as Oier replaced Cejudo.

More changes followed then, as Valencia made a final offensive change with Piatti on for Vezo and keen to throw everything forward, whilst in the 79th minute, Osasuna made their second, with Armenteros on for Roberto Torres.

At long last, the persistence and the changes from Valencia, brought them back on level terms in the 82nd minute. Araújo with a dangerous cross that Arribas couldn’t clear and Jonas, perhaps the most deserving since his introduction into the game, there to apply the finish.

Victory seemingly having slipped from their grasp, there was one final change from Osasuna in the 87th minute, as Acuña came on for De Las Cuevas. Valencia were buoyed by their equaliser though and were now looking for a winner, as Alcácer tried a first-time strike, but couldn’t hit the target in the 89th minute.

Valencia pushed and pushed as the game went into stoppage time, but neither two corners in quick succession, or a final shot from Fede, could grab them all three points.

A European finish for Valencia in La Liga now seems a distant dream, whilst Osasuna again failed to make home advantage count at El Sadar and will be looking over their shoulders, for the rest of the weekend.

Re: Jornada 34 primera division

Lo de Julio César en el Getafe es la primera noticia que tengo.

Re: Jornada 34 primera division

Getafe had more chances to score, but couldn’t make them count against Levante, who saw their best opportunities come towards the end of the game, but the home side unable to make the most of their opponents going down to ten men, for the final ten minutes.

The intention was clear as the game began at the Ciutat de Valéncia, with Getafe looking to breach the ever stubborn lines of Levante as quickly as they could. Sarabia only needed a small gap to thread a ball through for Ciprian in space, who slipped it back towards the run of Colunga to strike well in the third minute, only to see it glance away from goal off a Levante defender.

Getafe maintained their pressure, earning themselves a couple of corners, but the Levante defence had tightened up now and were able to deal comfortably with the set-pieces.

Levante had a chance of their own in the 14th minute, with Barral storming down the flank but wayward with his shot. The ball stayed in play though and Casadesús had the goal at his mercy and Getafe keeper Julio César beaten, but somehow managed to fire wide. A great opportunity gone begging.

Getafe once more resumed control of the game though and in the 18th minute, Pedro León fired in a dangerous cross from the right, with Ciprian making the connection inside the area, but into the hands of Keylor Navas. Lacen then shot over a moment later and then another opportunity came for the visitors with Pedro Léon shooting this time, but the Levante keeper there again to deny.

The pressure remained persistent from Getafe and Colunga drew another save out of Keylor Navas in the 23rd minute. Things didn’t seem to be going the way of Levane at all, when in the 25th minute, central defender Navarro suffered a pull and couldn’t continue. Caparrós had to reshuffle things quickly from the bench, sending on El Adoua on as his replacement.

Gradually, the game started to become more balanced, as play swung in both directions without consequence in the final third. Casadesús pulled the trigger for Levante in the 37th minute and from the edge of the area, but with neither power or accuracy, as his effort bobbled wide of the target.

As the first half concluded, Levante had the better of the game, forcing Getafe back into their half, but without being able to really test Julio César and El Adoua coming closest on the overlap, but seeing his shot deflected away from danger.

Levante had the best of the early chances as play resumed in the second half, with Xumetra making an excellent pass from the right, but Casadesús a little two physical powering his way to connect, fouling Alexis in the process.

Between that and the game reaching the hour mark, there were more yellow cards than chances at goal, with referee Teixeira Vitienes decidedly harsh in dealing with what at best, merited little more than a word with the players concerned. Then came the changes, as both managers sought some fresh impetus to break the deadlock. First Babá replaced Casadesús for Levante, then Diego Castro replaced Pedro León for Getafe.

It was the Levante attacking substitute who would see the next chance of the game in the 66th minute. A long ball forward, Babá brought it down well, turned past the Getafe defenders and rocketed a shot towards goal, but just wide of the post. At the other end, Getafe had a good chance when Juan Rodríguez got in a header on target, but Keylor Navas was equal to it, clutching the ball with both his very secure hands.

Barral caught a good ball from Diop on his chest, controlled well and volleyed at goal, only to be denied by a deflection off a Getafe defender in the 70th minute. That was then immediately followed by another flurry of activity from the bench. Levante making their final change, with El Zhar on for Xumetra on the flank, then Getafe making their second, with Sammir on for Ciprian.

At one end, Getafe were almost gifted a goal, following confusion between Juanfran and his keeper, Keylor Navas, but the danger was hoofed clear eventually. Then at the other in the 74th minute, Levante attacked well and Rubén García fired in a good cross for El Zhar to strike, but off target under pressure from Escudero.

Both sides battled hard for the ball and in the 80th minute, Alexis had fought a little too hard for the liking of the referee, fouling Babá in a tussle for possession and collecting his second yellow card in the process. Getafe would have to see out what remained with ten men, so Contra quickly made his final move from the bench, sending on Valera to shore things up in place of the more attacking minded Sarabia.

The pressure was all with Levante in the final stages of the game, but their urgency also lead to wastefulness in the final third and they couldn’t press home their numerical superiority. Getafe held on and escaped the Ciutat with a point.

Re: Jornada 34 primera division

Almeria came into Sunday afternoon’s match desperately looking to spring a trap on Celta and grab three points in their fight for survival, but Luis Enrique’s side are one of the strongest squads on the road and three points would mathematically secure their survival in the Primera Division, avoiding a fate such as last year, which came down to the final day.

Almeria, bolstered by their home squad, came out swimming with Rodri going wide just minutes into the match and continued to pressure the Galicians for the first 15 minutes of the match.

But it was Celta Vigo who were biding their time and after a warm up shot from Krohn-Delhi, Rafinha set up Nolito for the opening goal of the afternoon.

Celta continued to turn the tables on the home side, with Alex Lopez forcing Estaban to make two brilliant stops.

They always say that the best offense is a good defence and in Almeria’s particular case, this rang true, after Estban’s stops Rodri took it the other way and scored the equaliser just before the break.

Following the half, it was all Celta Vigo, as Nolito tested the waters before the masked striker, Charles fired in the second goal of the afternoon for the Galicians.

Almeria manager, Francisco made several tactical chances, which didn’t provide immediate dividends and in the meantime, Nolito fired his second goal of the evening with 20 minutes remaining in the match.

The match was all but over six minutes later, when Orellana got in on the action, scoring Celta’s fourth and final goal of the evening.

Yet, Almeria refused to roll over and play dead, fighting until the end with Oscar Diaz scoring a golazo in the 88th minute to make the score a bit more respectable.

With that win, Celta are now guaranteed an additional year in the Primera, while Almeria need just two points to get out of the drop zone with four weeks remaining in the season.

Re: Jornada 34 primera division

Granada were their own worst enemies, making countless mistakes and Sevilla, the willing executioners, as the home side strengthened their bid for fourth place in La Liga with a convincing victory.

Sevilla were wasting no time getting into the game at the Sánchez-Pizjuán, with plenty of intensity and attacking purpose against Granada, earning three corners in the opening five minutes.

The first clear chance of the game came from a free-kick for Granada in the 10th minute, but though the effort from Piti had the power, it was straight into the hands of Beto. Sevilla resumed their stronger attacking pressure and after Gameiro sent in a speculative cross in the 14th minute, Granada defender Mainz had nowhere to turn and sliced the ball into the back of his own net.

Granada tried to make a quick response, but a good effort from just outside the area by Recio in the 15th minute, caught enough of a Sevilla defender to deflect the ball just a fraction over the crossbar.

Sevilla had much of the play from that point on and were the more dangerous going forward, though Granada managed to hold on, trying unsuccessfully to launch counters of their own.

Gameiro came close in the 33rd minute, with a driving run into the area, pulling the trigger and his shot taking a wicked deflection, but Granada keeper Karnezis reacted well to save at his near post.

What remained of the half was a battle for possession and territory, with few opportunities on goal, but Sevilla went into the interval with the crucial advantage.

The second half began with heavy rain and Granada looking to get themselves back on level terms, but though Piti tried his best to forge an opening through the middle in the 47th minute, his route to goal was swiftly blocked by three Sevilla defenders.

In the 51st minute, after a swift move through the middle, Gameiro pressured Granada defender Ilori, who slotted the ball back for keeper Karnezis, but there was a clear lack of communication and the ball rolled towards his own goal, with Gameiro there to make the final tap over the line.

After Granada replaced Recio, who was still struggling with and was replaced by Bravo in midfield, things went from bad to worse for the visitors. In the 58th minute, a low driven ball across the area was fired in by Mbia, as he arrived completely unmarked to make the finish.

Granada then had perhaps their most promising spell of pressure in their opponents half, but without precision in the final pass or shot, or their attacks were snuffed out by the attentive Sevilla defenders.

In the 65th minute, Sevilla made their first change of the game with a like for like swap in attack, Bacca on for Gameiro. With that seemingly an injection of freshness, the home side attacked once more and after Granada hesitated to clear and fell apart at the back, Vitolo nipped in without challenge, slotting the fourth goal past Karnezis. Another mistake from the visitors, punished to the maximum by Sevilla.

Amidst the cries of “olé” from the home fans, Sevilla then toyed with Granada, passing the ball around for nearly two minutes, with the away side unable to get near them. More changes then, as Sevilla replaced Vitolo with Jairo in the 73rd minute and Granada immediately followed suit, with Ighalo on for Piti.

The final changes weren’t long in following in the 77th minute. Trochowski replaced Rakitic for Sevilla, whilst Foulquier replaced Nyom for Granada. After Navarro collected a yellow card in the 79th minute, one of the Sevilla coaches was dismissed from the touchline for complaining, by the referee.

Into the final ten minutes and with the game more than over as a contest, an utterly demoralised Granada were permitted chances to attack, but unconvincingly so and without any real definition in the final third. Sevilla had the game where they wanted and took the opportunity to pass the ball around at their leisure, when they had it in their possession.

The heavy rain dampened neither the spirit of the fans or the team at the Sánchez-Pizjuan, as they now turn attention towards their Europa League tie against Valencia on Thursday. Meanwhile, the chance for fourth places is still on,

Granada will have to wait a little longer to get more points towards permanence in La Liga, with their attention now fixed on doing that at home against Rayo Vallecano next weekend.

Re: Jornada 34 primera division

Almeria manager, Francisco chose to put a positive spin on things as his relegation side lost 2-4 to Celta Vigo at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos on Sunday evening, stating that despite the loss they are two points from safety and have four games left to do it.

FranciscoIn his post-match press conference, Francisco admitted that the defense let the team down and should’ve been more “aggressive and intense.”

“We are two points away from safety and we must keep fighting.

“Before the game we spoke about how Getafe and Valladolid are the ones we need to take account of and we have to put the pressure on them. We’re disappointed because we didn’t secure the home victory as we had anticipated.

“The defence should’ve been more aggressive and we failed in that regard.

“We competed well in the first half but the second goal by Celta killed us. It was the lack of aggressiveness on defence.”

Re: Jornada 34 primera division

Barcelona mounted a late comeback to see off visitors Athletic Club Bilbao at the Camp Nou as Lionel Messi scored the winner from a blistering free kick.

Barcelona began their match by facing a lot of pressure from their visitors. Athletic Club sent players high early one and forced their hosts to play long balls and the opening minutes were hectic.

However, the Catalans would slowly begin to take control of the match and were able to start creating great chances.

After 12 minutes of action, the first big chance would come for Barcelona. Pedro found himself in behind the defense with only the keeper to beat, but Gorka Iraizoz would parry away the chance. Only one minute later, Messi would find himself alone with only Iraizoz in the way, but even the Argentine was unable to put his shot past the Basque keeper.

The Athletic defense held strong and dared Barcelona to attack them. Adriano sent in a blistering effort just outside the box that could have opened up the scoring, yet Mikel Balenziaga was waiting on the goal line to clear it away.

With frustration mounting, the Catalans would then be put on the back foot.

Beautiful buildup play and tight passing eventually led to a terrific chance for Los Leones. A strong cross was sent into the Barcelona box and Aritz Aduriz rose to scissor kick the ball right off of the post. In complete disarray Barcelona countered with Alexis Sanchez then sending his effort off the crossbar as well.

As the first began began to come to a close there would be another flurry of chances. Gorka Iraizoz managed to make yet another big save from a strong shot before clearing away a point blank effort from Alexis Sanchez with his heel. With the Basque keeper on his game and Athletic not afraid to go forward, the second half promised to be even more thrilling.

The second half began with tempers and emotions a bit calmer than the first as both sides were feeling each other out. As Barcelona began to step on the gas, the Basques responded with a great run of chances that eventually saw them open the scoring.

In the 50th minute Aduriz would take the ball off of Marc Bartra and make his way toward goal. With Ander Herrera pulling the defenders out of position, Aduriz settled and slotted home the opening goal to give Athletic the 1-0 lead.

The entire Camp Nou was stunned and silent in the coming minutes as Barcelona found themselves down yet again with Athletic putting on even more pressure.

As the Basque giants looked to double their lead the Blaugrana defense would hold strong. Both sides began to trade shots back and forth, yet the home side would soon make their presence felt.

In the 72nd minute Dani Alves would dance around three defenders to get into the box and make a tight pass to Fabregas. The midfielder immediately slotted over to Pedro who was waiting in front of an open net and restored parity between Barcelona and Athletic.

It looked as though the game was one and there would be a thrilling end to the match, yet the home side didn’t wait long to score again.

Two minute later Barcelona were awarded a free kick just outside the box. Messi stepped up and blasted his shot past Iraizoz to give Barcelona the 2-1 lead and force Athletic to now play from behind.

Ernesto Valverde responded by bringing on Benat and Gaizka Toquero who had an immediate impact. Athletic went on the offensive and create a few promising chances as they looked to equalize late.

The linesman soon motioned that there would be three added minutes and the Basques looked to strike. Mikel Balenziaga played a beautiful low cross into the box which found Rico. The midfielder struck at an empty net but Mascherano was there to block the effort.

Soon the final whistle sounded with Barcelona having mounted a comeback to win 2-1 at the Camp Nou and keep their title dreams alive. But for Athletic the real test is on as the now hold just a three point lead over Sevilla for fourth place, and will host their rivals on Sunday at the San Mames.

Re: Jornada 34 primera division

Malaga manager, Bernd Schuster has stressed that Monday evening’s match against Villarreal at La Rosaleda was crucial for the team’s survival, but has concerns about the Yellow Submarine’s speed in the attack.

In his pre-match press conference via the club’s official website, Schuster urged the fans to come out in full force to support the team.

“This match will be like a grand final for us, and it will be great to have a capacity crowd tomorrow.

“It’s absolutely fundamental to move as far away from the relegation zone as possible. Although this match is on a Monday at 10 p.m., it’d be amazing to see a full house tomorrow like we had against Granada. This match will be like a grand final for us. We need to play well in order to keep the three points at home and give ourselves peace of mind ahead of the last four matches of the season. We must make tomorrow’s match our own.”

The German will have both Jesús Gámez and Duda back following their suspensions and is excited to see what they are able to do after the layoff.

“I’m so pleased both Jesús and Duda are back in action following lengthy suspensions. They are important players, although we did cover their absence well. We’re all thrilled they’re back in the line-up, and we have more options overall. They’ll both be a big help tomorrow night. Duda is raring to go and will be a part of the starting-11; he plays a crucial role in midfield and supports the team a great deal. He’s really looked after himself over the past few weeks and I’m certain he’s match-fit. He’s capable of going the extra mile.”

Schuster spoke about the weapons Villarreal possesses and the importance of the matches.

“Their speed on the pitch concerns me, particularly with Cani in midfield, he passes the ball well and is a strong finisher. Every Villarreal player likes to focus on ball possession and maintain speed during play, which is something we need to be wary of. They’re having a great season. We need to work together, and play well when we haven’t got the ball. It’s vital that we avoid triangulations and try and prevent the rival from keeping possession. We’ve prepared well for this match, so we’re determined to give it our all tomorrow night.

“I don’t know how much importance is being given to this match, but the main thing is that we all stick together. The sooner we can secure our place in the First Division next season the better. We’re not out of the woods yet, and the last thing I want is to have any unpleasant shocks at the end of the League competition.”

Re: Jornada 34 primera division

Barcelona midfielder, Xavi Hernandez was somewhat critical of the fans following his side’s 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday evening, stating that they are very result driving and that the team was unfairly criticised for their recent run of poor results considering what they’ve accomplished over recent years.

In his post-match interview, Xavi spoke about the match and the reaction of the fans.

“We could have killed the match long before. They played a good match. It was important to get these three points and keep our hopes alive in La Liga. In the end, the team showed what they can do and played a great game. It was very difficult but we showed our character.

“We knew how important this match was going into it and we knew that it all depended on ourselves. It’s important to win and wait. Overall, we did well, both in attack and defence. We’re eliminated from the Champions League and we lost the Copa del Rey. Those were two devastating blows for the team and we needed to overcome them. We need to continue playing at our highest level because this team still has to fight.

“We need to work hard, run, fight and win in order to reverse our situation, knowing all the while that things are out of our hands. We need to do our job and win the four remaining games.

“The fans are very result driven. We lost the Copa del Rey and the Champions League and the fans began to doubt us. We continue to work knowing what the fans expect from us.”

Xavi then spoke about the form of Leo Messi, who scored the game-winner.

“Today, once again, Messi decided the result. Too much is asked of him on too many occasions. We need to keep him calm and let him do his work.”

Xavi remained coy when asked about the possibility of Athletic Bilbao manager, Ernesto Valverde becoming the coach of Barcelona.

“They play in this style, a manager who has a good attacking system. It’s not my place to talk about future events.”

Re: Jornada 34 primera division

Barcelona manager, Tata Martino was elated by his team’s performance in their 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday evening and defended Leo Messi for silencing the critics, after one of the most difficult weeks the four-time Ballon d’Or winner has endured in recent memory.

In his post-match press conference, Martino spoke about the significance of the match, having to come back and claim the victory after one of the most difficult weeks in recent memory.

“After the first half, I thought that the game wasn’t meant for us. It’s not normal for a team to have that many scoring chances and no convert. But the players played with a lot of heart and turned it around. It was difficult but they always had a lot of courage. In regards to Alexis and Pedro, you asked me about them and I answered. You feel committed to these played because they give everything, they play for the team, they are united. Today we played with both of them together and they weren’t distracted. I saw them both exhausted from running, but they were committed to the team and the goal.

“I don’t think it was a victory beyond football. Barcelona is very difficult to beat without playing well. We played with a lot of heart and wanted to reverse very difficult week, which grew even more after Athletic scored.

“This situation of having a lot of chances and not converting, due to our failure or hitting the crossbar of the goalkeeper, isn’t normal. We faced a great team and coming off the week we’ve had made it that much more difficult. What happened today could’ve happened in Granada, but it didn’t. Today we had higher quality in our approaches and we were able to turn things around.”

Martino then spoke about the individual performance of several players, including the whistles at Cesc Fabregas, the rumoured falling out with Alexis Sanchez and Leo Messi’s performance after a week of criticism.

“I have no opinion on the whistles directed at Cesc. He has a great character and always wants to play, he always wants the ball, always offers it up, he’s not afraid to try and make mistakes and try again. He is catagorised by his courage.

“I’m certain that Alexis was annoyed [after the Copa del Rey final], but like any player who was left out of the line-up in a game as important as that. I wasn’t even aware of the report that was published. Yesterday in training he made a joke and told me, ‘We’re fighting now…’

“Bartra’s level? This is getting redunadant. The feeling we have is that he’s a centre-back that’s been with Barca for a long time and has been waiting for his chance. He had his chance, took advantage of it due to the losses of Pique and Puyol and has been an important part of the team. He plays well, with a lot of desire and provides answers that the team needs.

“Messi’s work ethic after criticism? We need to interpret how our rivals play. This is has been Barcelona’s problem for quite some time now. When there are teams that defend with a load of players close to the penalty box, It makes things very difficult. I don’t think that Messi should change his style of play, but that he finds a game where he feels better. I didn’t have to say anything to him, nor do I have anything to say to him next week. We talk about other things. I was happy he scored. But for him and because the team won. In Messi’s case, I’m pleased that he can respond in that way that he did. He has a great advantage; he doesn’t defend himself with his mouth, he defends himself with the football. As he doesn’t speak, he does his talking on the pitch. Out of 100 games, he plays well in 99 and always gives his answers there. What happened this week was a little hard for him and that’s why I was happy.”

Re: Jornada 34 primera division

Málaga were in top form at La Rosaleda, with an excellent display against a Villarreal side who could offer little resistance. The visitors struggled to contain the threats and simply couldn’t offer any of their own, as Los Boquerones secured three points that practically assures their safety in La Liga.

Málaga sought to make things as uncomfortable as possible, as quickly as possible at La Rosaleda against Villarreal and they were rewarded for their pressure with an early goal. In just the 6th minute, Samuel unlocked the visitors defence and Santa Cruz flicked the ball beyond Asenjo with the finish.

Villarreal were struggling to get themselves into the game and to contain the continued pressure, particularly for Mario, who was being given a torrid time by Amrabat. Nothing was coming together for the visitors and Málaga continued to threaten, as Santa Cruz almost bagged his second of the match in the 23rd minute, but was just wide of the post with his shot. Amrabat too came close, into the side netting with his finish in the 25th minute.

Past the half-hour mark, still all the threats were coming from Málaga, as Antunes and Duda had chances. Villarreal seemed unable to get any rhythm into their game, or to string any flowing passes together and as the half concluded, still the home side were causing them great problems defensively, especially down the flanks.

Villarreal manager opted for a change at the interval and as play resumed in the second half, Giovani was on in place of Trigueros, his team switching from 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-2. It didn’t seem to make much difference as far as Málaga were concerned though, as Dude tried a blockbuster from miles away, almost catching out Asenjo in the 47th minute. Then Amrabat fired just wide in the 49th minute.

The pressure kept on coming from Málaga and in the 53rd minute, they more than deservedly extended their lead. Amrabat once more opening up the Villarreal defence, hit the byline and sent in a perfect ball for Darder to score, having lost his marker in the middle.

Once again, Villarreal looked for a response from the bench, as Marcelino sent on Óliver Torres for Cani in the 55th minute. Giovani had a good chance moments later, one of very few attacks completed by the visitors all night, but Willy was able to trap the ball without any difficult.

Still unable to cause Málaga any serious problems, in the 65th minute the final Villarreal change came, as Jonathan Pereira replaced Perbet in attack. The home side were always looking comfortable though and in the 69th minute, Schuster made their first change of the night, as Duda left the pitch to an ovation from the crowd, replaced by Portillo.

Amrabat had been a thorn in the side of Villarreal all night, but in the 73rd minute, he let his mouth get the better of him. Unhappy and feeling he should have had a free-kick, the winger gestured to the referee he needed glasses. After collecting a yellow for that, he immediately collected a second and the red from Álvarez Izquierdo, for continuing his protests and insults.

As the game settled back down again, even with ten men, there were no signs of Málaga suffering any problems from Villarreal and in the 81st minute, Schuster made his second move from the bench, as Eliseu replaced Samuel.

The home side really should have had the third following a set-piece in the 85th minute, but Angeleri made a hash of his finish with just the keeper to beat, as the ball came into the area. A moment later and the best chance of the night came for Villarreal to pull one back, as Óliver Torres had a great opportunity with a header, but sent it the wrong side of the post.

Málaga made their third and final change in the 88th minute, as Santa Cruz left the pitch to be replaced in attack by Rescaldani. The game was well over as a contest by then though, as the home side comfortably saw out the remaining moments and stoppage time, claiming three points that effectively secures their status in the Primera.