Re: Jornada 36 - Primera division

Getafe manager Cosmin Contra insists that his team are heading to the Camp Nou this weekend, looking to take three points, whilst believing that for them to survive the relegation battle, they’ll need six points from their remaining three games.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s encounter against Barcelona, Getafe manager Cosmin Contra acknowledged that the Camp Nou isn’t the best place to be going, given their desperate need for points to avoid slipping into the relegation zone.

“In the situation we’re in, it’s not exactly the most suitable place to be going, but we have to go there to win, get out there on the pitch and give the best of ourselves for ninety minutes. Then we’ll see if Barca hit a bad day and ourselves a really good one, because it would be great if we could get something there.”

There are no doubts in the mind of Contra, that his team are going to experience a very challenging game against Barcelona and they’ll have to be at their very best, if they’re to take any points.

“I hope that the lads are aware we’ve got much to gain. That’s the idea we’ve tried to convey to them, given we’ll have to go there to play the best possible game we have and do a lot of running.”

“For my part, hard work is non-negotiable, because there, if you don’t work you don’t win. In recent weeks our team has worked hard every day and has been better each game. In our last match against Málaga at the Coliseum, the team did what they had to do with ten men. In the Camp Nou, they’ll have to do even more and each player has to give something extra for us to have a chance.”

With defending at set-pieces highlighted as a weakness for Barcelona, that’s something Contra believes can work in Getafe’s favour.

“We have good set-piece takers and good headers of the ball, so that’s what we’ll be trying to utilise. If we have corners and set-pieces, then we’ll try to put them under pressure from those.”

Asked what will be the keys to Getafe causing an upset, Contra insisted that they must make the most of their own hard work, remain faithful to the task and hand, whilst also hoping that fortune also smiles favourably on his team.

“I hope my team will go out there with some bite and to get a goal as quickly as possible, so that they can play with the score in their favour. We’re going to play all our possibilities until the the end of La Liga and I’m sure they’ll go our there with bite and to win.”

“For us, the keys are our hard work, that we have a good day and they have a bad day. Luck too will play its part, because to win there, you’ve got to have a little of that, such as when the ball strikes the crossbar or if a goal creeps in from a half-chance we might have. The keys to the game will be hard-work, belief and having a little luck.”

Into the final three games of the campaign and with everything still to play for, Contra highlighted that there’s still six teams fighting to avoid the drop and as such, everything will remain wide open, right to the final game of the season.

“There’s six teams fighting to avoid the two remaining relegation places. That’s good because there’s also games between direct rivals. There are teams playing for their lives and we could take advantage of that. We’re depending on ourselves and taking six points from our three remaining games, which will save us. That’s the goal I’ve set.”

Re: Jornada 36 - Primera division

Levante midfielder Rubén García enthused that all eyes will be on their game against Atlético Madrid this weekend, knowing his team can make a direct impact on the title race in La Liga, if they beat their visitors.

Ahead of Sunday’s game against Atlético Madrid on Sunday, Levante midfielder Rubén García warmed things up a little, by suggesting that his team could throw a spanner in the works for Simeone’s side.

“We can screw up La Liga for them, that’s what we’ll be trying to do. If they beat us, La Liga is practically theirs. That’s the mentality they’ll be coming here with, but we’ll make things difficult for them.”

García did acknowledge that he sees Atlético as one of the best teams around this season, but still hopes his side have got what it takes to claim the win at home.

“Atlético right now is one of the best teams in the world. They’re at a very high level of intensity and quality. They’ll be very difficult to stop, but I’m sure we’ll be able to do so.”

Clearly enthusiastic about what the match can potentially signify, García is looking forward to getting on the pitch. When asked who he fancies most for the title though, he was on the fence as to who he prefers.

“It’s a wonderful game to play in, it’s epic and almost everyone in the world will be watching it. All of Spain is waiting on the outcome of this game, becaues they know what’s at stake. La Liga is being played out between Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid and I hope the best team wins it.”

The game is also important for Levante, added García, who pointed out it’s an opportunity for his team to mathematically secure their permanence in La Liga.

“Achieving our permanence against Atlético Madrid would be a great cause for celebration for us. Our form hasn’t been good, but our stadium has to be like a fortress.”

Re: Jornada 36 - Primera division

Celta Vigo manager Luis Enrique insists he’s not interested in the rumours and speculation suggesting he’s in line to succeed Tata Martino at Barcelona, pointing out that all he’s focused on right now, is the remaining three games of the season with his current club.

Much has been the the debate about whether Barcelona are making moves behind the scenes, to replace current manager Tata Martino, with Luis Enrique ahead of next season.

Enrique himself, whilst always proud to be associated with Barcelona, insists that it’s nothing but speculation, which clearly wasn’t helped by some of his own players at Celta Vigo, such as Nolito, who is convinced that he will be the next Barca boss.

“I think it’s wonderful, fantastic, that they’re talking about my future, but I’m living in the present and it’s all speculation. I can understand some of the news and the rumours and you never know what the future holds, but nothing is going to take my attention away from my job. I’m focused on these three last games.”

Enrique also pointed out that his contractual situation with Celta Vigo is no different to when he first joined the Galician club, amidst rumours that there is an escape clause, should Barcelona come calling.

“Speculation about any club that have a manager under contract are just that. Speculation. I don’t know why everyone is interested now in what my contract is here at Celta. It’s the same as it was when I first came here and nothing has changed.”

Despite all the interest in his future, Enrique insists it’s not a debate he wants to add any more words to, explaining that he’s focused fully on his current job and nothing more.

“I’m not going to get into this sort of game, as it’s one I know very well after so many years in football. All I’m interested in is the game against Osasuna.”

Re: Jornada 36 - Primera division

Málaga manager Bernd Schuster is expecting a tight encounter against Elche on Saturday, but one that could provide a positive result for his team, permanence in La Liga and make negotiations about his future at the club, much easier.

Heading into Saturday’s game at La Rosaleda against Elche, a positive result can mathematically secure permanence for Málaga, with manager Bernd Schuster keen to see his team provide a positive display for the home fans, following last weekend’s disappointment away at Getafe.

“We’re in a better situation than they are, but we want to be completely sure. Whenever we talk about the maths, we’ve seen enough in football not to trust anything. I wasn’t happy at all with our performance last weekend at Getafe, particularly after such a good game against Villarreal. The team was poor, but we have another opportunity tomorrow. We’ve worked hard this week and spoken about it. I’m convinced that we’ll see a Málaga that everyone likes.”

Schuster expects just as tight a game against Elche as the last time his side faced them, during the first half of the season at the Martínez Valero.

“They’re a complicated opponent. They’ve also had their problems taking their chances and winning games, but it’s also complicated by the fixtures they have. We can’t take anything for granted though. They’re a team that don’t have many ups and downs during games. Last time we played them, we won 0-1 and they didn’t gift anything to us. We played really well in defence and we took advantage of a set-piece, so they know just as well as ourselves, that anything could happen at this stage of the season.”

Regarding numerous questions about his future beyond the end of this season, Schuster explained that there have been no talks as yet, which he understands will not take place until the team secure their permanence in the Primera.

“I think that on the part of the club, they also need us to secure our permanence. It’s important for us to resolve that, but if we don’t tomorrow, we will do in a week or two. All we’re really focused on is the games. Everything else could be sorted out at any moment. When they’re ready, they’ll sort out everything that needs sorting out.”

Schuster also explained that whilst there’s been no specific squad planning ahead of next season, dialogue remains open with sporting director, Mario Husillos and always has.

“We’re clear about how we are as a team. We’ve been talking throughout the season, everything has been open and most of all when Mario Husillos came, who is the one responsible for the sporting directive. We’ve spoken plenty of times about the team.”

As an example, Schuster pointed out that Mario Husillos has been trying to negotiate a more permanent deal with Galatasaray, for winger Nordin Amrabat.

“I know he’s been in Istambul to see if Amrabat can stay with us. He’s told me that there are good sensations and possibilities. I think the player himself would be delighted. If his club is open to that as well, then that will be important. I don’t think negotiations have reached any final conclusions, but there are good sensations, we’ve been told.”

Vaya cómo está el Bilbado.

Re: Jornada 36 - Primera division

Athletic Club Bilbao defeated Rayo Vallecano 3-0 on Friday night to secure a fourth place finish in the La Liga table and a spot in next season’s Champions League for the first time in 16 years.

Athletic Club Bilbao arrived in Vallecas needing a win to guarantee a fourth place finish in the La Liga table and Champions League play next season. It was a game that saw visiting fans come in the masses, and they would not be disappointed.

The match in Vallecas got off to a late start after fans took part in a paper throwing which took 20 minutes to clean up, but it was all action after the opening whistle sounded.

Rayo Vallecano quickly set the tempo by pressing high up the pitch and taking advantage of space to utilize long balls. However, the visitors started to take over possession and were in complete control of the match 10 minutes into the game.

There were no clear chances in the first 30 minutes of the match, but set-pieces would be the avenue which goals came through.

At the 20 minute mark, Athletic were awarded a corner and took full advantage. Susaeta’s curling cross found Mikel San Jose who, falling away from goal, clipped the ball with the back of his heel to volley the ball past the oncoming keeper. The player began to feel that the Champions League spot was almost theirs and the fans who had made the long voyage were chanting as loud as they could.

It only took 10 minutes for Athletic to double their lead, and it came from yet another set-piece. Susaeta’s corner fell to Aritz Aduriz who tried to settle the ball until a defender poked it away. The ball rolled to Oscar De Marcos who saw his chance to blast a shot at goal and took it. The ball somehow made it through the mass of bodies and under the arm of the Rayo keeper.

Now up 2-0 the players could taste that their season-long goal was within reach. Even the fans began to celebrate in the masses as a section of the stands unhinged a guard rail in front of the player which resulted in some fans falling over. The players would help the fans back to their feet and security quickly fixed the guard rail.

The first half soon came to a close with Athletic still leading 2-0 and only 45 minutes separating them from Champions League play.

The second half was full of action from the very beginning with both sides trading shots in the opening minutes. The defense held strong on both ends and play began to settle down.

When it looked like the game was going to play out until the end without another goal, Athletic struck from yet another set-piece. Los Leones were awarded a free kick just outside the box and Ander Herrera stepped up to the spot.

The midfielder sent his shot around the wall just tucking his shot inside the near post to give Athletic the 3-0 lead with less than 20 minutes left to play. Ernesto Valverde then responded by bringing on three substitutes, but there would be little time to make an impact.

Soon the final whistle came with Athletic Club Bilbao having won 3-0 to secure a fourth place finish and Champions League play for the first time in 16 years when they last competed in 1999.

Re: Jornada 36 - Primera division

Fans of Athletic Club Bilbao had to be treated for injuries while celebrating the club’s second goal against Rayo Vallecano after a guard rail collapsed allowing the section of fans to fall.

It was a historic night for Athletic Club Bilbao on Friday when the Basque giants defeated Rayo Vallecano 3-0 in Vallecas to secure Champions League play for the first time in 16 years, but it was also a dangerous night for the traveling supporters.

After winger Oscar de Marcos scored the club’s second goal of the night in the 30th minute, the players ran over to a section of traveling fans to celebrate which resulted in unexpected injury for a few of the Athletic supporters.

While the traveling fans were leaning on the stand’s guard rail to celebrate the goal, the railing snapped due to the pressure allowing several fans to fall forward which resulted in a few fans having to receive medical treatment for injuries that have yet to be revealed, while two fans in particular were taken to the hospital.

Luckily for everyone involved, the section where the railing gave way was located only a few inches above the ground level.

The Athletic Club players immediately stopped celebrating and rushed over to where the fans had fallen and began to help fans to their feet while stadium security also helped and made sure that the visitors were alright.

After several minutes of security failing to put the railing back up, the section was soon roped off and guarded so as to protect fans from further possible injury.

Both clubs have since announced that no one suffered any serious injury

Re: Jornada 36 - Primera division

Athletic Bilbao’s Ander Iturraspe was euphoric following his side’s 0-3 win over Rayo Vallecano on Friday evening, to secure Champions League qualification for the first time in 16 years.

IturraspeIn his post-match interview with El Correo, Iturraspe was barely able to put into words the immense joy he felt.

“The Champions League is a major milestone for the club and the fans, who were incredible. This is a marvelous moment for us and we are grateful for the fan’s support. It’s tremendous to have so many people by your side and feeling like we’re playing at home is amazing.

“This is a very important step. The club, after two finals, needed something massive and this is really massive. We kept working. To have this locked down with two weeks to go is significant, very difficult. But we did it. We’re very optimistic with respect to what’s to come in the future.”

Re: Jornada 36 - Primera division

A touching tribute to Tito Vilanova commenced the match between Barcelona and Getafe in the Camp Nou. The Catalans looked set to gather all three points, but a late header from Lafita ensured the spoils would be shared.

Barcelona were dominant in their meeting against Getafe, but failure to convert more of their plentiful chances left them exceedingly vulnerable and proved to be their undoing. Messi put the home side in front before Getafe drew level through Lafita just before half time. Cesc Fabregas came on in the second half to create a chance for Alexis Sanchez to score, but it was not enough for the victory as Barcelona had no time to respond as Lafita completed his brace in the 92nd minute of the match.

It took 9 minutes for Barcelona to carve out a genuine opportunity, although Adriano had registered a shot on target earlier in the match. Alexis’ low cross streaked dangerously past the face of goal, but there were only green Getafe shirts in attendance, with no Barcelona players to provide the necessary touch to turn the ball in.

Rafa’s attempt to get on the end of a corner ended in a collision with Pinto, and provided Barcelona with the opportunity to spring a quick counter attack. Fortunately for Getafe, Escudero accompanied Messi up the pitch and was able to nick the ball off the Argentine to keep danger at bay.

But Messi could only be kept out for so long. The 23rd minute saw Barcelona pull ahead, as Xavi picked out Alves on the right and continued his run down the middle. However, it would be Messi who got to the cutback first, making no mistake in slamming the ball into the back of the net for 1-0.

There were a few fluttering hearts around the half hour mark as Getafe were awarded a free kick which was to be taken with both Busquets and Mascherano off the pitch receiving treatment. Sarabia squandered the temporary man advantage that his team had by going straight for goal, with an effort that was far off target.

Sarabia would be at the heart of Getafe’s equalizer just minutes later, though. The Getafe player surprised Barcelona with a free kick that was scooped high above the defensive wall in the 36th minute. As the ball came down, Lafita was able to latch on to it and fire a shot neatly past Pinto to draw his side level. The linesman appeared to rule the goal out for a handball from the goal scorer, but was overruled as the referee awarded Getafe the goal.

The Catalans could have yet gone into the interval ahead in the game, but Messi was unable to make contact with Alexis’ cross in the 48th minute of the match and the Chilean’s attempted assist rolled out for a goal kick.

Upon the restart, Barcelona wasted no time in searching for their go-ahead goal. Julio Cesar spilled Messi’s shot and the Barcelona player picked up the pace to pounce on the rebound. He looked to be moving quicker than the goalkeeper, but Getafe’s Alexis was quicker than both of them as he slid in to concede a corner.

Amidst plenty of quick passing, there was limited penetration of the visitor’s defence up until an effective substitution by Tata Martino in bringing on Fabregas for Mascherano.

Fabregas had only been on the pitch for a couple of minutes, but very quickly made his presence felt as he laid the foundation for Barcelona’s goal in the 67th minute. The midfielder delivered a cross that created sufficient chaos in the box to allow Alexis to score after Pedro’s initial shot had been blocked.

Julio Cesar was crucial in keeping his side in the match as he raced out and made himself big to put Messi off as the Barcelona player came storming towards goal one on one, leaving Getafe defenders in his wake.

Not to be outdone, Pinto temporarily silenced his many critics as he produced a spectacular save to deny Sarabia on the volley as the Getafe player looked certain to score.

Just as it seemed like Barcelona had done enough to register yet another narrow victory, their luck ran out as Lafita rose the highest in the Barcelona box to turn Gavilan’s cross into the net.

In a week’s time, Barcelona will face what now looks set to be a fairly inconsequential match for them as they travel to face Elche. Getafe meanwhile will be buoyed by the point picked up in the Camp Nou, and will continue in their fight against relegation as they host Sevilla in Madrid.

Re: Jornada 36 - Primera division

Elche and Malaga both came into Saturday’s match at La Rosaleda desperate for three points and the security of knowing they will play in the Primera Division next season and while it make be considered a disappointing season for Malaga after making the Champions League quarterfinals last season, it’s definitely an accomplishment for Elche, who look to play in their second consecutive season in the top flight after 30 years.

Both sides came out aggressive, but it was Elche who stepped up and applied pressure to Bernd Schuster’s squad with Boakye’s shot being handled by Malaga’s Willy Caballero, only to have Garry Rodrgues fire an incredible highlight reel goal past the Argentine to give Elche a slender lead on the road.

Following the goal, Malaga started to respond with Roque Santa Cruz getting a good look and forcing Elche into several quick yellow card fouls, allowing the Andalusians to play may freely,while Elche has to exercise caution.

They both traded blows, but Elche suffered a scare at the close of the second half as a foul by Iakovenko on Elche goalkeeper, Manu Herrera left the veteran on the ground, but luckily, Manu was able to continue and close out the half.

The second half was were things got really interesting, as Bernd Schuster made three changes all in an attempt to stimulate a stagnant attack, while Elche remained firm on the defense.

Following what looked to be a foul by Antunes on Rodrigues, backup goalkeeper, Tono was seen holding the ball on the bench and when Antunes approached him to retrieve it for a throw in, the two men got into a scuffle with the former Granada keeper being sent off with a straight red card and Malaga captain Duda seeing a yellow.

The tension failed to disipate following the red card, as Malaga turned desperate for points and seemed to get their break when Elche centre-back, Alberto Botia was given a red card, Elche’s second of the evening, for a foul on Iakovenko which the referee interpreted as aggressive when it was really a series of unfortunate events.

Either way, Elche were down one-man, with 10 minutes to go and hanging by a one goal lead.

Elche got just one more scare as Manu Herrera went down with injury again, but was unable to come off due to the fact that his backup Tono had been sent off earlier.

Luckily, Elche held firm in the five minutes of extra time and claimed the three points in what was one of the most bizarre matches in recent memory.

Re: Jornada 36 - Primera division

Nolito was on fire in the first-half for Celta Vigo, with two clinical strikes and two assists from Orellana. Nothing was working for Osasuna and try as they might, they simply couldn’t make any of their own attacking moves count. In the second-half, there were chances for both sides, but no more goals. Celta Vigo continue their strong finish to the season, whilst Osasuna keep looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone.

Osasuna went into the game with the intention of playing for their lives, in front of the home fans at El Sadar. However it was visiting Celta Vigo, safe from relegation, who started the game looking like they were the side that had more to play for.

Much was the pressure from Celta in the opening moments, as Nolito and Fontás came close. Eventually Osasuna started to apply a little pressure of their own, but without consequence in the final third as the game progressed.

As play began to balance between the two sides and switch from end to end, Krohn-Dehli had a good chance in the 18th minute, but his effort from distance was held well by Andrés. At the other end and not to be outdone, Celta keeper Sergio got his hands safely on a strike from Roberto Torres for Osasuna.

In the 20th minute though, the Osasuna offside trap was breached, as Orellana picked out Nolito, who timed his run to perfection, raced through with the ball and fired the opening goal past Andrés.

Osasuna tried to show a response, but still they couldn’t make any real impact once they had the ball around the Celta area. Two corners the closest they came, but unable to do anything from those. In the 33rd minute though, they really should have had the equaliser. Oriol Riera and De Las Cuevas both with shots in a matter of seconds, but saved by superb and agile keeping from Sergio in the Celta goal. After that pressure from the home side and in the very next minute, a textbook counter attack from Celta, saw them double their lead and Nolito volley in his second goal with yet another assist from Orellana.

The home side seemed crestfallen and nothing was working out for them at all it seemed. They finished the half strongly, but the Celta defence held firm until a corner presented Osasuna with a great chance in the 44th minute, but Arribas headed his effort just wide of the post, after losing his marker.

Osasuna needed something to change and as the sides came back out following the interval, Gracia had made a change, sending on Acuña for De Las Cuevas. Briefly the home side applied the pressure they needed to, but still lacked penetration and precision in the final third. Oriol Riera eventually came close in the 57th minute, but once again, Sergio was secure in the Celta goal.

Krohn-Dehli could have had the third Celta goal in the 62nd minute, but although he caught his volley sweetly, it whizzed a fraction wide. At the other end a moment later, Acuña got a shot on target, but there was Sergio again to save. The Celta keeper in fantastic form and in the 66th minute, another good save to deny Oriol Riera again, after a low strike from the Osasuna striker.

In the 70th minute, Celta made their first change of the game, as youngster Santi Mina replaced veteran Bermejo in attack. Osasuna also made their second change at the same time, sending on Lobato for Armenteros. More changes followed shortly after, as Celta brought on Madinda for Augusto in the 73rd minute, then Osasuna made their final move, with Cejudo for Roberto Torres. The final move from the Celta bench then came in the 76th minute, Fontás was replaced by Goldar, on for his début in the Primera.

The last several minutes dominated by all those changes and stoppages, play started to flow once more. Osasuna started to press, but fell foul of the offside flag. Lobato was furious with the linesman in the 78th minute after he broke through, but the flag was raised on the touchline, when he’d looked to have timed his run perfectly.

Still looking for a way back as the game headed into the final ten minutes, the El Sadar crowd began to whistle their discontent, their side still not able to make any breakthrough. Lobato was wayward with his finishing, then Cejudo had a good effort in the 86th minute, but once more, Sergio in the Celta goal was there to make a comfortable save.

Celta were also comfortable in the final moments of the game, with Osasuna seemingly devoid of any more inspiration or ideas, ahead of the final whistle that was greeted with boos and whistles from the long-suffering home supporters.

Re: Jornada 36 - Primera division

Barcelona's Primera Liga title hopes suffered a huge blow as they drew with Getafe, while there were wins for Elche, Celta Vigo and Real Valladolid.

Second-placed Barcelona will find themselves six points behind Atletico Madrid if the league leaders beat Levante on Sunday, with the two sides set to meet on the final day of the season, after a stoppage-time goal from Angel Lafita snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw for Getafe

It looked like Barca would claim an important win when Alexis Sanchez fired home in the second half after Lafita had earlier cancelled out Lionel Messi's opener.

But struggling Getafe grabbed an unlikely point with another equaliser from Lafita - 90 seconds into stoppage time.

Nolito's brace handed Celta Vigo a 2-0 win at El Sadar Stadium to plunge Osasuna deep into relegation trouble.

The Spanish forward made it seven goals in four games to continue his hot streak and leave Javi Gracia's side embroiled in a fight for their Primera Liga lives in the final couple of weeks.

Real Valladolid boosted their survival hopes in the day's late game with a 1-0 triumph at home to Espanyol to move level on points with Osasuna.

Antonio Rukavina netted the crucial goal with a shot from outside the area after 20 minutes, and Espanyol's efforts to get back into the game were hindered when Pizzi was sent off midway through the second half to leave them with ten men.

In Saturday's remaining match, Garry Rodrigues' early strike was all Elche needed to claim the points in a 1-0 victory over Malaga at La Rosaleda.

Rodrigues struck after 11 minutes to clinch three much-needed points for Fran Escriba's side in their attempt to beat relegation in their first season back in the top flight, although they were made to fight all the way as Alberto Botia's late red card saw them play out the final minutes with 10 men.

Re: Jornada 36 - Primera division

Real Valladolid secured a priceless three points against Espanyol, with a first-half strike from Rukavina enough to make the difference between the two teams at the José Zorilla. Espanyol pushed hard in the second-half and Real Valladolid had to hold tight, but the job got harder for the visitors, when Pizzi was dismissed with eighteen minutes left on the clock.

Real Valladolid headed into the game in desperate need of a win, but they were almost undone by the very first attack from Espanyol. Sergio García losing his markers and getting clean through on goal, only to be denied by brave keeping from Jaime. The visitors then maintained their early pressure and Pizzi came close, but Jaime was there again to make the save.

Valladolid were trying a more direct approach, looking to get crosses into the area for the towering figure of Manuco. In the 6th minute, he managed to get onto the end of one of those crosses, almost scoring the opening goal of the game, but denied by Casilla, who needed two goes to get the ball under control

Whilst Espanyol were were the more dominant side in terms of possession, Valladolid looked to be making better inroads when they got themselves forward. As the game continued, then it was Valladolid who started to gain more control and patiently, they began to see more play in the Espanyol half.

The patient approach from the home side seemed to work better and in the 20th minute, they took the lead. As the ball broke on the edge of the area and with Espanyol unable to clear their lines, Rukavina was there to drive an unstoppable finish past Casilla.

Espanyol started to show more dominance once more as the game progressed and there were three good chances for them in the space of five minutes, around the half-hour mark. Sergio García first, forcing a save from Jaime, then Víctor Sánchez and Pizzi unable to hit the target, after good moves. Still the visitors pushed and it was backs to the wall for Valladolid.

Running up to the interval, play switched in the opposite direction and in the 41st minute, Manucho was there with a typically powerful header, but unable to get it on target, just wide of goal.

As the second half began, it was Espanyol who sought to take control of the game, looking for an equaliser. Valladolid seemed content to let them have the ball, parking the bus defensively and waiting for their opponents to make mistakes, so they in turn could break on the counter.

After all the play was in the Valladolid half, still Espanyol couldn’t find a way through on goal and in the 60th minute, Aguirre made his first change of the game, opting to bring on a second striker and Córdoba on for Álex. After a brief spell of attacking from the home side brought them no rewards, after their first real venture outside their own half in the second period, Espanyol made their second change, with Lanzarote on for Simao in the 66th minute.

Around the same time as the Espanyol substitution, there was concern from the Valladolid bench as Manucho landed awkwardly and immediately clutched at his knee in pain. Unfortunately for the Angolan striker, that was the end of his game and in the 69th minute, after he was stretchered off the pitch, he was replaced by Jeffrén. After Guerra fired a finish uncharacteristically well wide of the mark, Valladolid made their next change in the 71st minute, with Rueda on for Rossi.

In the 72nd minute, Espanyol were down to ten men. Pizzi with a clear handball, deliberately stopping a Valladolid counter and already on a yellow card, referee Muñiz Fernández promptly showed him his second, followed by the red.

Espanyol really had their work cut out for them, heading into the final ten minutes and a man light. Valladolid had more control of the ball and it was difficult for the visitors to get themselves forward at all, with the home side trying to keep possession and looking for the killer blow themselves.

After Valladolid made their final change of the game, with Baraja replacing Víctor Pérez, the home side then had defending to do in the final moments, as Espanyol caught their second wind and attacked. Lanzarote had a great chance in the final moment, but though he struck well from the edge of the area, his effort whistled just wide of the post.

With the three points, Real Valladolid gain themselves an important lifeline. They’ll head into their game against Real Madrid in midweek with more confidence, even if they don’t expect a positive outcome, but this result will serve them well for their remaining two games to follow. Espanyol on the other hand, continue to disappoint and Aguirre will be far from impressed, as their dismal conclusion continues.

Re: Jornada 36 - Primera division

Le está costando mucho trabajo al Atlético...sigue 1-0 antes del descanso...como pierda me da a mi que vuela la liga pero queda mucho partido.

Costa no para de gritarle de todo al árbitro y ni una tarjeta...es que es de cachondeo.