Re: Jornada 19 primera division

Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano fought out an evenly contested encounter at Anoeta, with few clear chances on goal. It was the towering presence of Manucho who made the difference however, who leapt higher than all around him at a corner inside the final ten minutes, powering in the winner for the visitors.

Rayo Vallecano showed the most control and attacking impetus in the opening stage of the game, but despite their dominance, they couldn’t forge any clear chances on goal. Real Sociedad were the first to get a strike off on goal in the 13th minute, but that was deflected away for a corner by Abdoulaye.

The key battle for possession and territory was in the middle of the pitch as the game continued and the next opportunity didn’t come until the 21st minute, with Agirretxe and the homes side. The striker cleverly cut inside his marker Zé Castro and struck powerfully, but that effort was saved by Rayo keeper Toño.

After a half-chance for Rayo with a header from Zé Castro sailed wayward, the home side enjoyed a good break forward with Canales at top speed, who fired in a dangerous cross for Agirretxe to strike first-time, although it was to the middle of the goal and Toño was there to claim with ease.

Beyond the half-hour the game remained finely balanced and with few real chances. But inside the final minutes of the half, Real Sociedad were forced to defend as Rayo forged themselves good opportunities. Trashorras almost caught out Rulli with a spectacular effort from way out, but fortunately Íñigo Martínez was alert to clear that. A corner from Trashorras was met with a powerful header from Bueno in the 42nd minute, which ended up just a fraction wide of the target. The best chance of the game so far however, came from a lovely ball from Kakuta in first-half stoppage time and into the danger area. All Manucho had to to was make the connection, but he’d momentarily switched off and didn’t attack the ball, with the goal at his mercy.

Rayo opted for a change at the interval, sending on Quini for Tito. Real Sociedad came out looking to start the second-half with more rhythm and intensity to their game, but unable to craft any openings, they too made their first change of the encounter in the 53rd minute, as Rubén Pardo entered the fray in place of Markel Bergara, with Moyes looking for more craft from his midfield.

The visitors threatened with Kakuta rapidly looking to get through on a deep ball forward in the 54th minute, but was only just beaten to it by La Real keeper Rulli, who managed to clear to safety. At the other end a moment later, Agirretxe saw a shot deflected as the home site sought to step things up a gear.

On the hour Rayo made their next change, with Álex Moreno replacing Aquino. La Real had another good chance in the 66th minute after a long ball forward found Xabi Prieto, but he couldn’t get all the way around visiting keeper Toño and the opportunity was lost and the game remained deadlocked.

Álex Moreno was guilty of going solo and squandering a good attack for Rayo in the 76th minute, shooting weakly instead of passing to a team-mate, before the visitors made their third and final change, as Jozabed replaced Bueno.

Looking to find the right edge, La Real sent on Chory Castro for Aritz Elustondo in the 82nd minute and Moyes showing the intention of getting his side to throw everything forward. That however worked decisively against them just a moment later, when Rayo took the lead. A corner from Trashorras saw Manucho tower head and shoulders above everyone around him to power the ball beyond the reach of Rulli.

Throwing on another attacking player, Moyes replaced Granero with Finnbogasson for his final change in the 85th minute, but try as they might, Real Sociedad simply couldn’t find a way through, as Rayo held on tight to secure all three points.

Real Sociedad 0-1 Rayo Vallecano

Re: Jornada 19 primera division

Córdoba’s Florin Andone made history on Friday evening when he scored the fastest goal of the 2014-15 La Liga season against fellow newly-promoted side Eibar, a nine second goal which also became the fourth fastest goal scored in La Liga history.

Eibar kicked off to start the match but Córdoba came in aggressive with Florin leading the charge, but it was Fede Cartabria who promptly blocked a clearance which landed at the head of Florin, who headed it back to Fede, who in turn, headed it back to Florin.

Florin was hacked in the box but the Romanian kept his composure and fired in a perfect shot to the bottom right corner.

Florin was immediately mobbed by his teammates, who has been dealt their fair share of bad luck this season and were greatful that things were swinging back in their favour.

Florin’s goal sets Carlos Diarte and Mariano Armentano back a space, having beaten their record of 10 second goals by one second.

The following is the updated list of the fastest goals in the history of La Liga:

1. Joseba Llorente (Valladolid-Español, 2007-2008): 7.3 seconds

2. Seydou Keïta (Almería-Valencia, 2013-2014): 7.6 seconds

3. Darío Silva (Málaga-Valladolid, 2000-2001): 8.2 seconds

4. Florin Andone (Córdoba-Eibar, 2014-15): 9 seconds

5. Carlos Diarte (Valencia-Elche, 1977-1978): 10 seconds

6. Mariano Armentano (Rayo-Osasuna, 2001-2002): 10 seconds

7. Morten Skoubo (Real Sociedad-Valencia, 2005-2006): 11 seeconds

8. Rommel Fernández (Albacete-Cádiz, 1992-1993): 12 seconds

9. J.Ángel Ziganda (Athletic-Real Madrid, 1997-1998): 12 seconds

10. José Antonio Reyes (Sevilla-Betis, 2012-2013): 13 seconds

11. Iván Zamorano (Sevilla-Real Madrid, 1994-1995): 13 seconds

Re: Jornada 19 primera division

Espanyol look to capitalise on their current form while Celta Vigo are desperate to end their devastating run of poor results, which sees the Galicians edging closer to the bottom three with each passing week.

It was a battle of two giant-killers but neither side could get anything moving in the first half, as Celta continued to struggle with their goal-scoring form, despite breaking their over 700 minutes without a goal last week.

Espanyol, realising the attacking potential that could be unlocked at a moment’s notice, played safe and kept a healthy amount of players close to the box to prevent any possible mishaps.

Both sides went into the break with a 0-0 draw, despite trading blows, they just weren’t able to connect due in large part to the efforts of their goalkeepers.

In the 63rd minute, Espanyol had their best chance of the game, as a free kick fell to Cristian Stuani, but the Uruguayan put it just over the crossbar.

Celta Vigo immediately responded on the other end when Joaquin Larrivey beat the defense but couldn’t control the ball in time to beat the in-form Kiko Casilla.

Celta Vigo continued to retain possession and test the Catalan defense, but they refused to give way and consistently blocked, took away and cleared the ball every time the Galicians edged closer to the box.

In the 76th minute, Espanyol took out Stuani, who had caused the most danger up to that point and brought in Caicedo, whose efforts in their midweek tie against Valencia, eliminated Los Che from the Copa del Rey.

Caicedo immediately made his presence known as he got into the mix to steal the ball from Celta and passed it off to Sergio Garcia, who fired a brilliant shot that just grazed the cross bar.

As is customary in a 0-0 draw, both sides were scrambling to create a scoring chance in the final five minutes of the match, but it was Caicedo with a brilliant strike to rob three points for Espanyol at the death and Celta continue their downward spiral.

Since beating Barcelona 1-0 on 1st November, Celta have a record of 0-2-7.

Espanyol 1-0 Celta Vigo

Re: Jornada 19 primera division

Marcelino’s Villarreal side continued their excellent form with a well deserved win over Athletic Club Bilbao this evening, thanks to goals either side of half time from Denis Cheryshev and Bruno Soriano.

Despite the struggles of Ernesto Valverde’s team in recent times, Athletic got off to a respectable start at El Madrigal – a place where many have simply perished this season.

They were the first team to go close in the game, when a scrappy Aduriz attempt was saved well by Asenjo from point blank range. After the ball stayed alive inside the box from a corner kick, the veteran striker reacted quickly but found an even quicker reaction from the man in Villarreal’s goal.

Following a positive opening 15 minutes or so, Athletic then started to become rather overrun by Villarreal’s vibrant attacking core. Vietto was causing all sorts of problems for the visiting backline, and was denied by saves from Iraizoz and late blocks by Laporte on a handful of occasions as the game ticked past the half hour mark.

With just five minutes of the half to go, Unai López passed up a glorious headed chance when he timed his run perfectly to meet a De Marcos cross from the right hand side. Unfortunately for the youngster, he glanced the well-hit cross wide, and it proved to be a doubly painful mishap just a few minutes later.

In the 42nd minute, Cheryshev brought down a clipped Victor Ruíz pass in behind the Athletic defence, before rounding the goalkeeper and smashing home to open the scoring – a deserved opener for the hosts right on the stroke of half time.

The second half brought much more of the same threat from Cheryshev and Vietto, with the latter setting Cheryshev up with a nice cross in the 52nd minute to head an attempt off the post. Villarreal then thought they’d made it 2-o just moments later, when Uche tapped home from close range following a Jonathan Dos Santos corner – although he had leaned just slightly offside.

Pressure from Marcelino’s team remained constant despite the half-time break, while they were caused little problems at their own end. Asenjo did have to save an Iñaki Williams strike in the 78th minute, but apart from that, Villarreal’s goalkeeper remained largely untroubled.

In the 82nd minute, Marcelino’s side were presented the chance to seal the game from the penalty spot. Substitute Giovani had drove at De Marcos, while his attempted cut inside was deemed to have been handled by the Athletic right back. Stepping up from the spot, captain Bruno slotted past Iraizoz to seal all three points for the Yellow Submarine.

Villarreal 2-0 Athletic Club Bilbao

Re: Jornada 19 primera division

Valencia had the control and the initiative, taking the lead twice against Almería in the first-half, but they refused to buckle and hauled themselves level within minutes on each occasion. The second-half saw Valencia pepper the Almería goal with chances, until finally Negredo left the bench and managed to grab the winner with his fourth clear chance of the encounter.

The opening moments at the Mestalla were a frantic affair, with play switching rapidly from end to end, but with little precision from either side until it was Valencia who took the advantage in the 11th minute. The Almería defence unable to stop a flowing move from the home side, with Barragán and Parejo combining well, before the midfielder drove his unstoppable finish beyond the visiting keeper.

Almería didn’t seem deflated by that however and just two minutes later, they were back on level terms. Wellington Silva moving from the wing and into the area, beating Mustafi with a low cross back towards Hemed, who struck the equalising finish first-time, with Orban unable to make the block, nor Diego Alves the save.

Whilst it was Valencia clearly dominating possession as the game continued, Almería were always dangerous on the counter, but couldn’t mike the final connections Gayà served up a good chance for Alcácer in the 17th minute, but he couldn’t get enough power behind the finish to trouble Julián.

As the home side tried to make the most of their control of the ball, Parejo had a pop at goal from a free-kick in the 25th minute, though without enough behind it to find a way past the Almería keeper. The next opportunity did bear fruit however in the 28th minute, as Valencia restored their lead. André Gomes sending a good ball between the visiting midfield and defensive lines for Alcácer to receive and strike, though without much conviction, but Rodrigo was able to take control and make the finish.

Once more however and in the 33rd minute, Almería hauled themselves back on level terms. This time it was from a corner from the right, with Hemed rising highest to meet the cross, heading in the finish with a slight deflection off the arm of a Valencia defender. The Israeli striker could have completed his hat-trick three minutes later too, another corner causing the home defenders problems to deal with and this time only the woodwork denying Almería the lead.

Valencia were far from comfortable and sections of the crowd began to whistle, as they found it difficult to create any more openings in the tightly packed Almería defence. For their part, the visitors still remained a threat on the break. Just before the interval, Nuno was forced to make his first Valencia change, with Barragán suffering a muscle problem and replaced by Cancelo.

After the restart and with Valencia setting themselves out to attack once again, it was Almería who had the first real chance of the second-half and again following a corner. Though the home side cleared the first ball into their area, it wasn’t far enough from danger and Corona just outside the area managed to strike, but whizzed his finish a fraction over the crossbar.

Valencia still had practically total control of possession and created a good opportunity in the 52nd minute. Cancelo with his first contribution since coming on as substitute, an excellent low cross from the right, but André Gomes unable to make the most of it at the far post.

Looking to shuffle things around and add more of an attacking edge to his side, Nuno made his second Valencia change on the hour mark, replacing holding midfielder Fuego with striker Negredo, who almost made an immediate impact. In the 63rd minute he met a good cross from the right with a header, but without being able to steer it beyond the hands of the Almería keeper. Then another in the 66th minute as Valencia kept pressing, Cancelo with the cross, but again Negredo unable to find the beating of Julián. Agonisingly in the 70th minute, Negredo fired into the side-netting following another potent attack, but with a difficult effort from the narrowest of angles.

More than conscious it was Valencia doing all the attacking, JIM took a defensive stance with his first substitution in the 71st minute, sending on centre-back Mauro Dos Santos for winger Wellington Silva. After a brief chance came and went for the visitors, the pressure was all from Valencia, insistent with their attacking but always finding a stubbornly solid defence before them, until a good cross from Gayà found André Gomes well positioned inside the area, but only to steer his finish over the crossbar.

In the 80th minute came the last substitution from Valencia, as De Paul replaced André Gomes. Almería made their second meanwhile, with Soriano on for Thomas, but it was the home side who at last made the breakthrough in the 82nd minute. Gayà advancing well down the left, hitting the byline and sending in the cross. Negredo won the aerial duel with his marker to head in the third Valencia goal.

JIM hid little else to do but make his final Almería change in the 86th minute, sending on Dani Romera for Corona, but with their next attack, Soriano couldn’t make the most of a good opportunity inside the Valencia area. The visitors pushed hard as the game headed into stoppage time, but despite winning corners, they couldn’t find a way back this time and the home side had the points.

Valencia 3-2 Almería

Re: Jornada 19 primera division

West Bromwich Albion reportedly sent scouts to watch Elche striker Jonathas in last weekend’s 1-2 win over Athletic Club Bilbao and the Premier League side could make a move for the Brazilian in the midst of Elche’s internal turmoil.

According to the Mirror, new West Brom manager Tony Pulis has informed club owner Jeremy Pearce that he needs as striker if the team has any chance of staving off relegation and sent assistant David Kemp to watch Jonathas in Bilbao.

Jonathas, who is on loan from Italian side Pescara, has fallen victim to Elche’s recent financial crisis, as they have not been able to pay their players for several weeks and could be forced to give up the 25-year-old in order to reduce their budget as they await a €10 million investment.

Jonathas leads all Elche goal-scorers with 7 goals and will try to add to that total on Sunday when his Elche side face Levante at home.

Re: Jornada 19 primera division

Levante have announced the signing of former Real Zaragoza and Colorado Rapids midfielder José Mari on an 18-month deal after passing his required medical on Saturday morning.

A statement by Levante confirmed the signing of the midfielder, who is making his way back to Spain after a disappointing spell with MLS side Colorado Rapids.

Following his successful medical, Mari trained with the squad in their Saturday session ahead of this Sunday’s La Liga clash against Elche and could even feature on the squad list.

In an interview with the club’s website, Mari expressed his joy at coming back to Spain and the Primera Division and insists he’s going to give everything for the club.

“I’m going to give my all for this shirt. I’m very happy to be here and everything has been made official. They have a phenomenal group of guys. They’ve made me feel very comfortable. They’ve welcomed me and wished me the best.

“I’m very eager to get to work, help my teammates and do great things.”

Mari then discussed his decision to rescind his contract with the Colorado Rapids and return to Spain.

“I had three years left on my contract, but I wanted to come back to Europa and La Liga, which I think is the best in the world. When I was able to, I signed for Levante. Now I’m feeling really good.

“I’ve been training a double session with a personal trainer for the past two months. I’m missing the regular training sessions and the competition. I’m working to work extremely hard in order to reach the fitness levels of my teammates.”