By the looks of it, not an overly dazzling weekend in any of Europe’s big leagues – but there were some good matches and here they are:

Calcio:

Okaka played the hero in his final match in giallorosso.

AS Roma 2-1 AC Siena - With Roma hosting the last-placed team in Serie A at the magical Stadio Olimpico, it was easy to get ahead of oneself and assume that a victory was in the bag. When everyone’s favourite Ginger (excluding ‘Pool fans) scored a wicked volley on 29′, it seemed that those assumptions were justified. Yet Siena fought back, and just before the half Simone Vergassola equalized from close range after a corner kick. Roma came out in the second half looking for blood, but were steadily worn down by a Siena side that looked determined to head home with a point. By the 80th minute, it seemed as though our makeshift strikeforce of Julio Baptista and soon-to-be-Fulham-loanee Stefano Okaka just did not have what it took to seal the deal. However, as Juventus learned last week, Ranieri’s Roma do not say die, and in the 88th minute it was Adrian Pit who supplied the ball to Okaka for a wonderfully back-heeled goal which claimed all three points for Roma and catapulted us to tie Milan at 2nd in the Serie A table. Not a bad parting gift from the young Italian; and best of luck to him in England as well.

AC Milan 1-1 AS Livorno – Milan may have looked to be flying high at the start of the New Year, but at the end of January they look to be struggling once again. A resounding defeat in last week’s Derby della Madonnina and crashing out of the Coppa Italia must have done some damage to i Rossoneri’s confidence, as they were forced to settle for a draw at the San Siro this afternoon. Massimo Ambrosini and Cristiano Lucarelli scored their respective sides’ only goals.

Inter – Parma FC - Postponed due to heavy snowfall in the region of Emilia-Romagna.

SSC Napoli 0-0 Genoa CFC – The two European hopefuls spurned the chance to advance their position in the Serie A table by battling to a nil-nil draw at the Stadio San Paolo. Though Fabio Quagliarella returned from suspension for the Neapolitan side, he was unable to provide the distance in what became a tooth-and-nail battle for control in midfield. The ultimate result was that neither side advanced their table position; though Napoli remain firmly nestled in fourth place.

Football:

Chelsea 2-1 Burnley – Chelsea cemented their Premiership lead on Saturday by dispatching Burnley at the Turf Moor. Despite the personal troubles of team captain John Terry, the Blues pulled through for a narrow away victory which Mr. Chelsea certainly had a hand in. Nicolas Anelka opened the scoring for the visitors on 27′, slotting home after a run and brilliant cross from Florent Malouda. Steven Fletcher brought the home side level just after the restart, beating Chelsea defender Alex and volleying home past Petr Cech. As for the match-winner, the Blues left it late – a corner won on 82′ found the head of (who else?) John Terry, who nodded home to seal victory for his side and silence the jeering Burnley fans. It’s unlikely to clear his mind of the tabloid storm surrounding him these days, but it is likely a welcome positive in a weekend of negatives.

Liverpool 2-0 Bolton – Speaking of positives, Liverpool finally managed a win this weekend, dispatching Bolton with ease at Anfield to bring hundreds of Koppites off of suicide watch and keep their desperately flagging hopes alive. Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring in the first half, receiving the ball in the 6-yard box from Alberto Aquilani, whose headed pass was banged in by the Dutchman on 37′. Liverpool caught a bit of a lucky break (their first of the season?) when Emiliano Insúa’s shot, veering well wide of the goal, was deflected in by the outstretched leg of Kevin Davies. Yesterday’s victory means that Liverpool trail Tottenham by a mere point in the race for 4th place.

Rooney continues his bid to be the EPL's top scorer.

Manchester Utd 3-1 Arsenal FC - Arsene Wenger’s side were taught a brutal lesson in the importance of defense today by Manchester United. The scoring was opened in the 33rd minute; Nani’s skilled run culminated in a chipped effort, which Manuel Almunia inadvertently flapped into his own net. Just four minutes later, Wayne Rooney doubled his side’s lead after a brilliant counterattacking run and clinical strike for his 100th career goal. After the restart, the Red Devils continued to find plenty of space to work around the Gunner’s back line, which Ji-Sung Park proved with a strike of his own on 52′. Thomas Vermaelen managed to pull one back on 80′ when his optimistic overhead kick took a huge deflection off of Johnny Evans. For the last ten minutes, Arsenal poured on the pressure, but were unable to take another back from their visitors. Ultimately Manchester United took all the spoils home from the (surprisingly voluble) Emirates Stadium, leaving them 1 point shy of Chelsea and Arsenal in their dust behind them.

Futbol:

Pedro made the difference for Barça.

Barcelona 1-0 Sporting de Gijon – Barça consolidated their place atop the La Liga table by edging a victory over Los Rojiblancos at the Estadio El Molinón yesterday. The only goal of the match came when Barça took a go-ahead free kick from the wrong position, and youngster Pedro raced ahead to slot home on 29′. The home side protested the goal, but it was allowed to stand by referee Paradas Romero. Despite going ahead, the Blaugrana looked anything but convincing, and last-ditch defending was often needed to parry Gijon’s counterattacks. In the end, Barcelona came away with an unsurprising 3 points, but might be surprised how hard they had to work for them.

Real Madrid 3-1 Deportivo La Coruña – Apparently there was some sort of curse which plagued Real Madrid at Deportivo’s Estadio Riazor – they hadn’t recorded a victory there in over 18 years. Los Merengues managed to break that curse yesterday via the efforts of Granero and Karim Benzema, who combined for 3 goals to lift their side well clear of their hosts. Both sides were missing key players: Cristiano Ronaldo was serving the suspension he picked up last weekend, while Deportivo were playing their first match since Felipe Luis’ horrific injury. Madrid’s victory keeps them within 5 points of league-leaders Barça – Deportivo’s only goal was scored by substitute Riki on 87′.

Fußball:

They're all smiles at the Allianz-Arena these days.

Bayern Münich 3-0 Mainz – Bayern were able to take temporary command of the Bundesliga table again on Saturday by defeating midtable side Mainz by a comfortable 3-goal margin at the Allianz-Arena. Though it took nearly an hour to materialize, the goals did come to die Roten eventually, with a second-half flurry in which Daniel Van Buyten, Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben each found the back of the next in fairly rapid succession. Robben in particular was outstanding for the home side; since hitting his stride he has pulled the strings of Bayern’s attack with ruthless finesse and has been crucial to their upswing in form.

Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 SC Freiburg – Leverkusen wasted no time this evening in regaining their position atop the Bundesliga table. Like Münich, Bayer’s 3 goals all came during a brief frenzy; this time, it was 3 goals within 4 minutes at the snowy BayArena. Stefan Kießling, Eren Derdiyok and Sami Hyypia scored on 36′, 37′ and 40′ respectively to give their side a 3-0 commanding lead just before the half and drive Freiburg ever closer to the dreaded relegation zone. Felix Bastians pulled one back for the visitors in the 66th minute, but his effort was not enough to haul his side back into the game. Bayer Leverkusen again sit atop the table by a margin of 2 points, while Freiburg hover one point above the red.

Mönchengladbach 4-3 Werder Bremen – Bremen suffered another blow to their Bundesliga hopes this weekend, falling to die Fohlen at Borussia Park after an absolute frenzy of first-half goals that saw them down 4-1 at one point. Playing the long ball, Marco Reus, Roberto Colautti and Raul Bobadilla all scored in the first 20 minutes, putting their side ahead by a devastating 3-0 lead. Mesut Özil pulled one back for the visitors on 26′, only for Raul Bobadilla to increase his side’s advantage once more on 35′ after Bremen keeper Tim Wiese made an error outside his area and gave up the ball to the marauding Argentine. Claudio Pizarro made it 4-2 with a diving header on 40′, and Torsten Frings converted a spot kick on 85′ to cut the home side’s lead to a single goal, but ultimately the home side held off for an outstanding victory.

Jornada 20 / 30/01/2010

Espanyol – Athletic Bilbao 1-0 (0-0).L. García ‘58.
Sporting Gijón - FC Barcelona 0-1 (0-1)./Pedro Rodríguez ‘29.
Deportivo La Coruña - Real Madrid 1-3 (0-2).Riki (pen)’86/E.Granero ‘13;K.Benzema ‘40,’90.
31/01/2010
Xerez CD - Mallorca 2-1 (0-1).Carlos Calvo ‘52,’79/Webó ‘24.
Villarreal CF - CA Osasuna 0-2 (0-1)./Juanfran ‘15,’84.
Real Valladolid - UD Almeria 1-1 (0-1).César Arzo ‘81/A.Crusat ‘12.
Getafe CF - Racing Santander 0-0.
Tenerife – Real Zaragoza 1-3 (0-0).Juanlu Hens ‘48/H.Suazo (pen)’76;Adrián Colunga ‘79;A.Lafita ‘83.
Atletico Madrid - Malaga 0-2 (0-1)./Duda ‘3;Francisco López ‘72.
Sevilla FC - Valencia CF 2-1 (1-0).Álvaro Negredo ‘21,’69/D.Navarro ‘90.

Jornada 21 / 06/01/2010

Valencia CF – Valladolid 2-0 (2-0).E. Banega ‘8;David Villa ‘29.
FC Barcelona - Getafe CF 2-1 (1-0).L.Messi ‘7;Xavi ‘67/R.Soldado (pen)’90.
Real Madrid - Espanyol 3-0 (2-0).Sergio Ramos ‘5;Kaka ‘30;G.Higuaín ‘90.
07/01/2010
Malaga - Deportivo La Coruña 0-0.
Athletic Bilbao – Xerez CD 3-2 (1-2).Iker Muniain ‘2;F.Llorente ‘64,’86/Vicente Moreno ‘10;Mario Bermejo ‘41.
Mallorca - Villarreal CF 1-0 (0-0).J. Nunes ‘81.
CA Osasuna - Tenerife 1-0 (0-0).Carlos Aranda ‘48.
Almeria – Sporting Gijón 3-1 (2-1).A.Crusat ‘15;Domingo Cisma ‘43;Guilherme ‘81/Diego Castro (pen)’13.
Zaragoza - Sevilla FC 2-1 (2-1).M.Contini ‘31;Álvaro Negredo (OG)’42/F.Kanouté ‘34.
Racing Santander - Atletico Madrid 1-1 (1-1).Gonzalo Colsa ‘36/D.Forlán ‘24.

First round of Primera Division and table here.

What you missed while Bill Gates was following Ashley Tisdale’s Twitter feed…

• Aston Villa is through to the Carling Cup final after coming from 2-0 down to beat Blackburn 6-4 (7-4 on aggregate). Sam Allardyce claims that Martin Atkinson was “a major part” of Blackburn not making the final, but one would have to suspect that a defense that allows seven goals over two games might also be to blame.
• In Premier League action, Arsenal came from behind to beat Bolton 4-2 while two goals from Dirk Kuyt put Liverpool up over Tottenham 2-0.
• Arsenal’s win was tempered by William Gallas’ brutal challenge on Mark Davies, which Bolton manager Owen Coyle has described as “akin to assault”. In spite of that, Gallas will receive no FA sanction over the incident because Alan Wiley didn’t call the incident as a foul on the field. Every time this comes up, I remember how much I hate that rule.
• For those of you playing at home, I’ve almost referred to Owen Coyle as Burnley’s manager two separate times in writing this already. New Rule: When a manager changes clubs, the new club has to sound different than the old club.
• While it’s on my mind, Burnley Bolton weren’t able to come to a decision on American midfielder Stuart Holden when he was at the club on trial last week.
• Manchester United defender John O’Shea will miss the rest of the season with a blood clot problem.
• Not to be outdone, Arsenal have lost Kieran Gibbs for the season as his fractured foot failed to heal and now requires surgery.
• Authorities at Eastlands confiscated darts and golf balls from Manchester United fans prior to Tuesday’s Carling Cup Manchester Derby.
• Portsmouth’s transfer embargo won’t be lifted until they start paying Udinese for Sulley Muntari.
• Leeds, who beat Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup, are aiming for another upset against Tottenham on Saturday.
• Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini would like to add either Mathieu Flamini from AC Milan or Fernando Gago from Real Madrid. Because, really, why not?
• Real Madrid took their Shaun Merriman impression just a little too far in a friendly against newly promoted Albanian side Gramozi last night (yes, that’s a cross-sport joke).
• Sevilla midfielder Aldo Duscher has said that he doesn’t see what’s so funny about his last name, dammit! Sevilla will need to play with more patience against Deportivo in the Copa del Rey.
• River Plate beat Boca Juniors 3-1 in a preseason friendly yesterday.

I’m really having trouble finding the energy to put in a worthy Sunday 360º post, partially because I feel like there aren’t many exactly waiting expectantly for it and partially because it’s January and that is enough to sap all positive energy from my soul. However, the fact that the Bundesliga hasn’t returned from its winter holiday and the fact that all Premiership games but two were cancelled on account of bad weather means that I am having a hard time justifying not reporting on the games that did go on. So let’s hop to it.

Calcio:

AS Roma 1-0 Chievo Verona – This one gets, and deserves, its own article.

SSC Napoli 1-0 Sampdoria – Former Sampdoria manager Walter Mazzarri was reunited with his old club today and managed to climb to 4th place in the Serie A standings by defeating them 1-0 at the Stadio San Paolo. Gérman Denis scored the match’s only goal; although both squads’ lively attack forces got at their opposing goals fast and furiously, only the Argentinian would break the deadlock with a headed goal on 71′. The goalscorer only came onto the pitch after his countryman Ezequiel Lavezzi was forced off with injury; though Napoli extended their unbeaten streak to 12, it came at a price.

Nesta: Rossoneri hero since they were sponsored by Opel.

AC Milan 3-0 Juventus – What Adriano Galliano called “the real Derby D’Italia” started off as a disjointed, physical match in which neither side could get ahead. When i Rossoneri found the lead from a corner kick, through an unmarked Alessandro Nesta on 29′, the home side weren’t flustered; they battled back and looked to be closing on their foes as the halftime interval approached. After the break, however, a fog settled into Juventus’ stadium and dampered both their floodlights and their hopes. The introduction of Alessandro Del Piero couldn’t turn the match around, and as Juventus began to crumble, Ronaldinho would bag a second-half brace to see (or not see) his side to an impressive victory that stoked the flames of their scudetto hopes.

Inter 4-3 AC Siena – Meanwhile, at the San Siro yesterday, Inter had a much tougher time dealing with lowly Siena. I Nerazzurri twice found themselves trailing the cellar-dwellers as a result of strikes from Massimo Maccarone. One of those strikes opened the match on 18′ However, Diego Milito negated Siena’s lead with a cross-box strike not 6 minutes later; Mourinho’s men were unlikely to roll over and die in deference to minnows like these. Wesley Sneijder awarded his side the lead on 36′ from a free kick, only for Albin Ekdal to restore parity within 60 seconds. When Maccarone’s second goal came on 65′, il Robur themselves seemed stunned to have the lead, and seemed content to put 11 (10 after Cribari was sent off) men behind the ball. However, another Wesley Sneijder free kick levelled the score with only 2 minutes left to play, much to the dismay of the visitors. However, their misery would be further compounded in the fourth minute of added time, when Walter Samuel, roaming deep into enemy territory, put the final, fatal goal past Gianluca Curci.

Capocannoniere count: 12. Diego Milito eat your heart out.

Udinese 1-1 Lazio - To find the only Serie A draw of this weekend, we travel to the Stadio Friuli in Udine, where Udinese Calcio were held to a 1-1 draw by a resurgent Lazio. The match’s account was opened on 16′ by Sergio Floccari, who has been an absolute revelation for the lesser half of Rome since joining them not weeks ago. However, an Antonio Di Natale free kick sailed beyond the reach of Fernando Muslera not 11 minutes later, and the balance was restored. Neither side could best those early goals, though Lazio really should have taken the lead in the dying moments, but Stefano Mauri lost his footing while alone in the box and was unable to put away what should have been an easy lead. For my part, I can’t say I feel too sorry for him.

Football:

Landycakes: Dressed to impress.

Arsenal 2-2 Everton - Interesting that both Premiership games held ended up as draws. But not all draws are alike; Arsenal and Everton battled to an exciting 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium in a match that featured Landon Donovan (or as I like to call him, Landycakes) making his Premiership debut on what was to be a very snowy London evening. The American got off to a good start; it was from his corner kick that Everton’s opener was headed in on 12′ by Leon Osman. Denilson managed to equalize for the home side in the 28th minute, and after that David Moyes’ and Arsene Wenger’s men found themselves at a stalemate. The deadlock was only broken in the 81st minute, when Steven Pienaar scored what he must’ve thought was the winner for his side, lifting his shot over a hapless Manuel Almunia. However, Tomas Rosicky’s late strike in the third minute of added time ensured that points were split at the snowy Emirates and kept Arsenal within 3 points of league-leaders Chelsea (whose match was cancelled).

Birmingham 1-1 Manchester United -The only other match to be played on in spite of the weather was at St. Andrew’s Ground, where the hometown boys squared off against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United. Surprisingly, it was the home side’s Cameron Jerome who opened the scoring with a close-range shot after Lee Bowyer’s initial attempt was deflected. This was 39′. The visitors battled back hard, but could only restore parity via an own goal from Scott Dann, which found its way into the back of his own net while Wayne Rooney was noticeably offside and certainly involved in the play. Nevertheless, the goal stood, and the the rueful mistake brought United level on 63′. The Red Devils smelled blood, but their efforts to take the lead were dampered by Darren Fletcher’s sending off in the 85th minute. Despite Fergie’s boys getting the usual 6 minutes off added time, they were forced to settle for a point and missed their opportunity to climb above Chelsea in the table – however temporarily.

Futbol:

Atlético Madrid 4-0 Valladolid – Well, it’s a new year, and Los Colchoneros seem more than happy to put an ugly 2009 behind them. At Valladolid’s Estadio Zorrilla, Quique Sánchez Flores’ men ran rampant, with Jurado, Diego Forlán, José Antonio Reyes and Sergio Agüero each adding their names to the scoresheet with a goal apiece. I for one will be taking this as a signal that Atléti are back in action and ready to look at the second half of their season as a fresh start. The only question is, can any resurgence, no matter how dramatic, repair the damage that was their disastrous first half? Oh and you’ll have to forgive me for getting ahead of myself; Valladolid are of course just hovering above the relegation zone themselves.

Real Madrid 2-0 Mallorca – Kaká was able to make his return from injury to appear in the famous white shirt just in time to witness Los Merengues reach their goal at the summit of the La Liga table. Briefly. Real Madrid’s Caribbean-cruise of a victory, inspired by goals from Gonzalo Higuaín and Granero (8′, 50′), allowed them to leapfrog above Barcelona at the top of the table, at least for a few hours, as they awaited eagerly their Catalonian foes result against Tenerife…

Those orange shirts aren't flattering, but the scoreline is.

Barcelona 5-0 CD Tenerife – So, Madridistas were disappointed. Ballon D’or winner Lionel Messi proved that he is worth his weight in gold (tehe!) with a hattrick at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere. Not only did the diminutive Argentinian score three goals of his own, but also set up team captain Carles Puyol to put his side well clear of Los Chicharreros. The final goal came from Tenerife defender Luna, who inadvertently put the ball into his own net after some slick build-up from Thierry Henry and (Tenerife native) Pedro. Damn. So Barça go back atop the table, two points clear of Los Blancos and with a masterclass performance from perhaps their finest player under their belts. Who dares doubt the Messiah?

Racing Santander 2-1 Sevilla FC – Sevilla dropped to 5th place in the La Liga standings after a shock loss at home at the Estadio Sánchez Pizjuán. An early double from 18-year old Sergio Canales lifted the Verdiblancos over their hosts, and despite a second-half goal from Sevilla’s Ivorian midfielder Romaric (shouldn’t he be in Angola?), there was to be no comeback from the hosts. Sevilla’s stumble allowed Deportivo La Coruna to climb above them in the table and Mallorca to draw level.

So that’s that, then.

There is really only one result I care about this evening, and I reckon I’ll give it its own post in the morning – so you’ll have to excuse me if it seems like I’m phoning this one in.

Calcio:

Juventus 2-1 Inter (Derby D’Italia) – Perhaps the most important game either of these teams have played yet this season, the Derby D’Italia is always a heated and highly-anticipated match between two of the peninsula’s best-supported sides. This match in particular had the potential to have an immediate effect upon the scudetto race; either consolidating Inter’s position atop the table or reviving Juventus’ flagging title hopes. What resulted was an intense and exciting match by which Juventus managed to steal a crucial 3 points from i Nerazzurri; ensuring that this year’s scudetto race is well, a race. La Vecchia Signora opened the scoring in the 20th minute on a set piece when Felipe Melo inadvertently volleyed a Giorgio Chiellini header past the fingertips of a flailing Julio Cesar and across the line. Juventus went up 1-0 and to top it off Jose Mourinho got himself sent to the stands after this play for sarcastically applauding the referee for awarding the free kick. It didn’t take long for the visitors to equalize though, with Samuel Eto’o leaping onto the end of a Dejan Stankovic cross to head past Gigi Buffon and restore parity in Torino. The sides went into halftime level and would remain that way until the 58th minute, when Claudio Marchisio scored what I wouldn’t doubt is the greatest goal we have seen from Juventus yet this season. Momo Sissokho fired a speculative long-range effort at Julio Cesar, who parried but couldn’t hold on to it. Enter Marchisio, who dashed to the loose ball, turned Walter Samuel inside-out with some slick footwork and then buried the ball neatly overtop of Cesar and into the back of the net. In the remaining half-hour of play, tempers flared, with Mario Balotelli elbowing Felipe Melo and then going to ground when the Brazilian retaliated, drawing the midfielder the red card. Balotelli’s ugly side showed through with the constant jeering from the Juventini and perhaps the crowning moment of the match for the home crowd was the young striker lining up to take a free kick and falling firmly upon his behind. Even Gigi Buffon, normally the most level-headed man in the Bianconeri shirt, allowed his temper to get the best of him at the match’s end, nearly getting into a quite physical altercation with Thiago Motta. In the end, Juventus grabbed the 3 points, while Jose’s men merely grabbed some added incentive for these sides’ next meeting at the San Siro.

Gigi descends from the heavens as Juve celebrate their Derby D'Italia win.

AC Milan 3-0 Sampdoria – Speaking of the San Siro, the Rossonero half of Milan were able to reassert themselves among the top of the table by drubbing Antonio Cassano & co. at Milan’s famous stadium this weekend. Marco Borriello, Clarence Seedorf and Alexandre Pato each found the back of the net to pile misery upon i Blucerchiati, who began the season in red-hot form but have fallen upon hard times lately. By cruising to this easy victory, il Diavolo rise to second place in the Serie A table, and with the favour done to them yesterday by Juventus, they are only 4 points adrift of the league leaders. A far cry from the Milan squad who struggled so profoundly at the beginning of this season – Leonardo and his men have grown into themselves as a consistent and dangerous squad – and it’s all because they beat Roma 2-1 a couple of months ago. Froci.

Fiorentina 2-0 Atalanta – The funny thing about calcio is that due to the nature of the language and the culture, sometimes two different teams will share the same nickname. Therefore, while one Nerazzurri squad tops the table, the other Nerazzurri are the league’s veritable whipping boys. Last week Atalanta fell at home to Roma (woo!) and this week they provided an easy three points for La Viola in Firenze. Juan Manuel Vargas and Alberto Gilardino provided the pair of goals that separated i Gigliati from their visitors – the Tuscans now sit in a 4-way tie for 5th place with Roma, Genoa and Sampdoria. They trail Parma by a point.

Football:

Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea – All good things must come to an end. Carlo Ancelotti’s men had been flying high in the Premiership, having sealed victories over each of their fellow ‘Big Four’ teams with a 3-0 victory over Arsenal last weekend. Who would’ve thought that it’d be the Citizens, who had not been able to do better than a draw in their previous 7 league fixtures, that would finally burst the Blues’ bubble and bring them back down to earth. However, things initially started off pretty well for the visitors in the Eastlands. Only 8 minutes into the match Frank Lampard fired on Shay Given’s goal only for the Irish keeper to deny him and then Nicolas Anelka; on the third rebound, however, Given’s parried ball struck the back of Emmanuel Adebayor, defending on the touchline, and this time the keeper was helpless to keep the ball out. 1-0 Chelsea. The big striker got the chance to atone for his sin just under half an hour later, however, when Shaun Wright-Phillips’ shot took a deflection in Chelsea’s box and fell at the Togolese hitman’s feet – this time he directed the ball into the right goal to make it all square at the City of Manchester Stadium. Things really started to go south for the visitors when Carlos Tevez’s rather tame free kick was able to beat the wall and Petr Cech to give the home side the lead on 56′. But the disaster was not complete yet. On 81′ Didier Drogba was fouled within City’s area – as always, Frank Lampard stepped up to the spot. By this time, however, tempers were flaring and Lamps was visibly unsettled as he took the kick. His effort ultimately was poor, and Shay Given saved it quite easily. Manchester City went on to hold out for the remaining 10 or so minutes and Chelsea dropped three points that would have given them a commanding lead of the Premiership table. If there are two things that are costing Chelsea right now, they are: a) conceding on set pieces and b) failure to convert penalties. And believe it or not, those two factors are costing the team in a way that not even Roman Abramovich’s bottomless pockets can repair.

It was a battle of the big spenders, and who'd've thought that Chelsea would lose?

Manchester Utd 4-0 West Ham – With Chelsea stumbling it the front of the pack, it seemed almost as though United smelled blood; they were quick to capitalize on the league leaders’ mistakes by doing their very best to catch up with them. While the Blues were facing defeat at the City of Manchester Stadium, the Red Devils were completing a rout of Gianfranco Zola’s West Ham at Upton Park. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men knocked four goals past a sorry Hammers side, with Paul Scholes, Darron Gibson, Luis Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney each finding the back of the net to keep West Ham hovering just above the relegation zone and cut Chelsea’s lead to only 2 points.

Arsenal 2-0 Stoke City – Arsenal bounced back from last week’s defeat to Chelsea and a midweek loss to  Manchester City that saw them knocked out of the Carling Cup by defeating Stoke City 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners had a chance to take control of the match on 20′ when Andrei Arshavin was taken down in Stoke’s area, but Cesc Fábregas failed to convert the resulting penalty. Arshavin would nevertheless put his side ahead just a few minutes later, when on 26′ he completed an angled run into the box and slotted a low strike home to beat Thomas Sorensen. The home side nearly doubled their lead minutes later when a shot from Fábregas rattled off the post. It would be substitute Aaron Ramsey who would finally put Arsenal two up in the 79th minute, again with a run into the box followed by a low shot to beat Sorensen. This victory sees Arsenal retain their 3rd place spot above Tottenham Hotspur by a single point.

Liverpool 0-0 Blackburn – Liverpool failed once again to get themselves back into the Premiership race by drawing what is an admittedly difficult fixture away at Ewood Park. Sam Allardyce’s men were able to grab a valuable point off the visiting Merseysiders, with Paul Robinson playing the hero for the home side and rejecting the myriad chances that Liverpool were given to attack the Rovers’ goal. It’s difficult to say who provided the Reds’ best chance on the evening (though Daniel Agger’s late 30 yard screamer is a contender), but easy to say that England-hopeful Robinson was at the very top of his game and simply would not be beaten. Seriously, Rafa Benitez unemployment watch anyone?

Futbol:

Messi bagged a brace to secure victory for Barca

Barcelona 3-1 Deportivo – It was the Lionel Messi show as the Blaugrana dismantled Deportivo La Coruña away at the Estadio Riazor. The diminutive Argentine proved that they don’t hand out the Ballon D’Or for nothing by scoring twice and menacing the home side’s backline throughout the entirety of the match. Messi opened the scoring on 26′ with a supreme individual effort before Deportivo were able to equalize after defensive errors saw Adrián through on goal. The deadlock would last until the 79th minute, when again it was the Ballon D’Or winner, this time scoring from a strong header to restore his side’s lead. Zlatan Ibrahimovic would put the icing on the cake, blasting into the top corner of the net on 87′ to seal victory for Barcelona and secure their position atop the table.

Real Madrid 4-2 Almeria – Both Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo had a bit of a rollercoaster night at the Bernabéu on Saturday. After Sergio Ramos opened the scoring for the home side on 30′, Almeria were able to respond with Soriano and Kalu Uche scoring twice in the span of 5 minutes to put their side ahead of Los Galacticos. Ten minutes later, a goal from Higuaín assured the home crowd that Manuel Pellegrini’s men were not finished yet. Near the 80th minute, Madrid were offered the chance to get ahead again when Cristiano Ronaldo was downed by keeper Diego Alves. CR9 stepped up to the spot, but failed to convert the penalty, and in a display of poor showmanship was seen to be sulking even after Karim Benzema tapped in the rebound to put his side ahead. Ronaldo would make up for his error on 85′ when a beautiful play from Higuaín gave him the perfect opportunity to put his side up 4-2. The game wouldn’t end on a high note for Ronnie, however, as he was sent off just minutes later for his second yellow of the match. As I always say, all’s well that ends badly for Cristiano Ronaldo!

Fußball:

Bayern München 2-1 Mönchengladbach – Mario Gomez and Holger Badstuber were able to provide the difference for Bayern as they worked back to their winning ways at the Allianz-Arena on Friday evening. Gomez gave his side the lead on 19′ with a well-executed turn and shot into the bottom corner of the visitors’ net. However, Roel Brouwer would equalize for die Fohlen less than 10 minutes later, when a bad defensive mistake allowed Michael Bradley’s pass to slip through the Bayern backline; Brouwer only had to slot home past Hans Jörg-Butt. Butt was Bayern’s best man on the pitch for large stretches of the evening, pulling off a string of incredible saves to stop the likes of Juan Arango and Jean-Sébastien Jaurès. Arjen Robben made a substitute appearance in the second half and was immediately effective; his daring runs won a free kick for the home side just outside the 18-yard box which Holger Badstuber duly launched into the back of the net on 75′. Friday’s victory sees Bayern at 4th in the Bundesliga standings and finally starting to gain ground on the leaders after Die Roten got off to a dismal start to the season.

]]> http://elstatto.wordpress.com/2009/12/03/riazor-light-depors-golden-touch/ Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:20:42 +0000 elstatto http://elstatto.wordpress.com/2009/12/03/riazor-light-depors-golden-touch/

Deportivo may have had some good luck recently but they are unbeaten in 5 and just 3 points behind big spending Real Madrid in 5th place.

Next up is Barca in what promises to be a mouth-watering fixture on Saturday night. The loss of  Lassad Nouioui  to injury will not help matters but Depor are sure to put up a fight against a Barca side seemingly invincible again this year.

Juca may well start his first game in two months or at least make an appearance as Lotina contemplates a bold 4-3-3 formation in his quest to defeat the Blaugrana.

Brazilian Filipe faces the side that tried so hard to sign him in the summer and will no doubt be looking to impress against his suitors.

Gaurdiola has a Champions league game against Kiev in the week and may well rotate his squad once again with this in mind.

Get the beers in for this one, it promises to be a cracker!

I have said for a while that I think that Ligue 1 is the best league in the world from top to bottom. Thomas, our other contributor on here, has written a few articles saying the same thing.

But, as of today, Ligue 1’s site has come out and said it. So, therefore, it is game on between the Ligue 1 and the other leagues.

Here is what is on the front page of the Ligue 1 website:

So, there we go. Ligue 1 has thrown down the hammer. I think it is quite interesting that Ligue 1 did an article like this, but I am glad they did. And with two teams already in the Champions League, I think they are making a reasonable argument.

El Atlético de Madrid debería ir pensando en ganar los 12 partidos (lleva sin ganar uno desde el 3 de octubre) que le quedan para sumar los 42 puntos que tradicionalmente marcan la salvación. Ese debe ser el objetivo. Futbolísticamente y por intención el Deportivo mereció ganar el partido de Riazor antes del penalti en el descuento que le costó la derrota.

El Atlético sólo es el Kun. Cinco goles, cuatro de ellos en dos ratos, ha marcado Agüero en los últimos tres partidos que ha jugado. El argentino es hoy por hoy, hasta que Forlán resucite, todo el equipo. Jugarse un balón en plan Beckenbauer delante de un argentino salido de un potrero es una osadía que te puede avergonzar. Colorado y de cartón se quedó Lopo cuando se dio cuenta con el Kun le había robado la cartera y bajado las medias antes de marcar el primero. Hacía meses que el Atlético no empezaba con un partido tan de cara. Pero no supo jugar con la ventaja teniendo el balón y se acurrucó enseguida.

Quique Flores entiende que su primera misión es cerrar la hemorragia defensiva del equipo. Sumar aunque sea de uno en uno, pero no perder. Jugar en el alambre. En Riazor permitió que el Deportivo se lo comiera. El equipo de Lotina, en la grada por sanción y más ofensivo que de costumbre con dos delanteros (Mista y Riki) y Lassad en la media punta, superó fácil a un blandito centro del campo y sólo colgando balones, dañando por el costado de Luis Filipe (el que defendía Perea) dejó en evidencia a la defensa rojiblanca.

El Atlético había renunciado al partido. Por arriba, Sinama (los siete millones peor invertidos en décadas) fue un espectro y Jurado empujado a la banda no apareció. Lo mismo que Maxi. Y por abajo, una defensa teatral retratada con el empate de Colotto. A partir de ahí, el Atlético recuperó su peor versión. Perea volvió a quemar una traca de las suyas y Domínguez despejó en la raya el que iba a ser el segundo gol del Depor, que mantuvo sometido al equipo de Quique hasta el descanso.

‘Bondades’ defensivas

En las “bondades” defensivas del Atlético también participó el árbitro. Pitó un penalti a favor del Depor después de un regalo de Pablo, que anuló medio minuto más tarde porque el asistente le marcó un fuera de juego de los de larguísima discusión. Así empezó la segunda parte, dentro del área de Asenjo, que le sacó un paradón a Juan Rodríguez en el minuto 60 y otro a Lassad en el 75. El equipo coruñés hacía una ocasión de cada falta lateral o balón al área.

Quique metió a Simao y recuperó el dibujo lógico. Cada uno en su sitio. Así, el Atlético sacó algo la cabeza, probó el balón y equilibró la insistencia del Depor. En el último tramo el partido se instaló en un ida y vuelta que culminó en el penalti en el minuto 94 (también de Pablo) que castigaba la racanería del Atlético y premiaba la insistencia del Depor.

Fuente: Noticanarias

Athletic Bilbao 1 – 1 Barcelona

Real Madrid consiguio la victoria ante el Racing de Santander

Tenerife vs Sevilla

Deportivo La Coruña Vs Atletico Madrid (2-1)

 

Copa del Rey 2009

A pesar de su victoria ante el AD Alcorcon, el Real Madrid no consiguio avanzar a la siguiente fase.  Alcorcon un equipo de la Segunda Division logro eliminar al Real Madrid con todo y sus Estrellas.

El marcador global fue de 4-1

Barcelona Golea al Cultural Leonesa 5 goles a cero.  (7-0 global)

Getafe avanza a los Octavos de final venciendo al Espanyol   (3-1 global)

Atletico de Madrid golea al Marbella 6-0, asi consigue su pase a los Octavos.  (8-0 global)

Tabla de Goleo

Asi es como jugaran en los Octavos de Final…

La Liga Española

El Mejor Futbol de España traido por Killuminati2012

Barcelona 4 – 2 Mallorca

Atletico Madrid 2 – 3 Real Madrid

Tenerife 2 – 2 Malaga

Getafe 0 – 2 Deportivo La Coruna

Racing de Santander vs Athletic Bilbao 0-2

Almeria vs Osasuna 2-0

Sporting Gijon vs Espanyol 1-0

Valladolid vs Xerez 0-0

Valencia vs Zaragoza 3-1

LIGA
Nella 9.a giornata del campionato spagnolo ottiene un prezioso successo il Valencia che risale al 4.o posto in classifica liquidando per 1-0, fuori casa, il Malaga grazie ad una rete di Navarro. Si risolleva anche il Villarreal con un 5-0 ai danni del Tenerife in cui trova gloria anche Giuseppe Rossi. Per quanto riguarda le altre gare Espanyol e Valladolid impattano 1-1, mentre il Maiorca batte di misura il Racing Santander. Il Saragozza batte l’Ameria 2-1. Nel posticipo infine 1-1 tra Deportivo La Coruna e Sporting Gijon.

BUNDESLIGA
Colpo dell’Hoffenheim a Friburgo (1-0 firmato da Maicosuel) in un match giocato per l’undicesima giornata della Bundesliga. Nell’altro match, l’Eintracht Francoforte ha sconfitto per 2-1 il Bochum (vantaggio di Caio, autogol e poi riscatto nella porta giusta di Franz). Bayer Leverkusen sempre in testa con 22 punti a +1 su Werder Brema e Amburgo e a +2 sullo Schalke. Con 20 punti segue l’Hoffenheim e a 19 punti c’è il Bayern Monaco.

PREMIER LEAGUE
Unica  gara in programma nella domenica di Premier League. Il manchester City non riesce ad andare oltre uno scialbo 0-0, in trasferta, contro il Birmingham City. I Citizens raggiungono il Tottenham al 4.o posto in classifica a -3 dall’Arsenal terzo e a -8 dalla capolista Chelsea.