The Catalan Derby

     This weekend, the two teams from the radically segregated sector, Cataluña will face each other: Espanyol vs. Barcelona. Emotions run high between both teams, while Barcelona is obviously superior skill wise. Espanyol is currently in fourth place in the league, while Barcleona is in first place. The fans are simply divided as these two teams face off. Regularly, these two team's fans are always in conjunction against other sectors in the area.
     Victor Valdes, the goalie for Barcelona, explains that Barcelona his team will come out playing full throttle, holding nothing back! He praised the Espanyol team's new method of playing and their improvement from last year's horrific season.

Carlitos Tevez

     The Manchester City striker is fed up with his club team. He simply can't stand the thought of being incorporated in Manchester City any longer. There have been racist comments about him, but the fans are simply begging him to remain in the club. The club offered him a five million euro bonus to remain in the club, they offered him a higher payed salary (highest in the club), and he would maintain his position as captain of the squad. This is not a monetary motivation as he has declined these incentives to remain in the club. 
     Currently, both teams Real Madrid and Barcelona are looking at this possible addition to their club. Personally, Madrid's style is will accommodate Tevez better as he will be playing with fellow Argentinian striker Higuain. His raw power and speed wouldn't fit in with Barcelona's fast-paced game.
   
 
    

Madrid and Barça's Delight

      As the final match of the group stage of the Champions League came to a close, both Madrid and Barcelona comfortably enjoyed taking the first place in their respective groups even if they lost. Both teams came out playing with their second string team full of youngsters and some experienced players. Barcelona refrained from playing with Valdes, Messi, Xavi, Puyol, Alves, Iniesta, Villa, and Pedro. Madrid only absented Casillas, Di Maria, Ozil, and Khedira (Pepe, Ramos, Alonso all had red cards or accumulation of yellows). Nevertheless, both teams took satisfying wins over international club teams. Barcelona beat Rubin Kazan 2-0 and Madrid scorched Auxerre 4-0.

World's Best Player 2010

     The shortlisted was posted of the three candidates for the FIFA player of the year for 2010. The winner will be announced next week voted by players and coaches world wide.
     Lionel Messi is the strong horse in this competition scoring a total of 34 goals in this year's season; however Messi's dry spell in the World Cup with his Argentine national team puts him at par with the other two players.
     Andres Iniesta was also nominated for scoring the decisive goal in the World Cup Final against Holland. His artistic style and constant efficient passes are what makes him a top favorite among viewers. Nevertheless, Iniesta has a tendency to score very few goals; he sort of "chokes" in front of the goal posts.
     Xavi Hernandez is the final nominee for the year's prize. Xavi is the perfect mixture between Iniesta and Messi. He is visually beautiful with his skill work and has a tendency to pass and shoot at perfect moments.
     These three nominees however all come from a trifecta konwn to every soccer lover in Barcelona's top team. These three players make art and sheer beauty out of a simple found ball. Without one of them, the others would fall. Messi needs passes from Xavi and Iniesta, and Xavi and Iniesta always need someone to pass it to! Also, all three players come from Barcelona's academy youth teams signifying its importance and efficiency in it's program. Whoever wins will take the prize, but all three will take the honor.

Madrid Digs a Deeper Ditch

     The UEFA has fined Real Madrid for its unsportman-like behavior in its victory over Ajax 4-0. Apparently, José Mourihno secretly told Dudek to inform Casillas to inform Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso to receive red cards on purpose. This was done to relieve the accumulated of yellow cards for the second round of the UEFA Champions League. Both Ramos and Alonso received red cards by stalling a free kick three minutes from each other.
     UEFA has fined both Xabi Alonso y Ramos with 20,000 euros each. Casillas has been fined with 10,000 euros and Dudek with 5,000. Also, the team has been fined with 120,000 euros. In total, the squad will have to pay 215,000 euros for its forced red cards.

5-0 Ouch!

     Monday, November 29, 2010, will live dearly in the hearts and souls of the Catalán people. Processions of parties rallied through Barcelona with flags bearing not only a team but a country inside it. In Madrid, dead silence seeped through the eyes of Real Madrid fans and followers. All around the world the weight of the loss, or should I call it the defeat, was unbearable and embarrassing. The scoreboard read 5 Barcelona - 0 Real Madrid.
      El Clásico proved to be a monotonous, one sided game. It appeared as if the souls and mentality of Mourihno's squad had been sucked out entirely! I even believed they Barcelona was dancing around them at one point. The Camp Nou was as festive as the Fourth of July, or even more.
     Xavi, Pedro, Villa (2), and Jeffren scored seemingly simply on Casilla's goal posts. Madrid being confused and dazed (almost seemed drugged) began feeling some sort of desperation and fouls were committed left right up down. Sergio Ramos received his second red card in a week after forcefully kicking Messi (man of the match) and shoving Puyol and Xavi, members of his own national team.
     Barcelona takes the lead in front of Madrid for La Liga, yet two points is no less than the suffering honor of the Madrid players. Monday was history.

Jose Mourinho Banned

Jose Mourinho, head coach for Real Madrid, was sent out of the game against Murcia last Wednesday for arguing repeatedly with the referee. Mourinho was sent from the dugout in the 38th minute. He will miss the match-up against Sporting de Gijon and Atletic de Bilbao which means......HE WILL BE BACK FOR EL CLASICO!!! Expectations are high for this epic classic game Real Madrid vs. Barcelona. Definitely the climax of the entirety of my blog!

Ibrahim Afellay

Recently featured, Ibrahim Afellay a Dutch 24 year-old playing for Dutch club PSV has signed a contract to play for Barcelona this upcoming winter transfer season. "PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona have reached an agreement on a deal to bring Ibrahim Afellay to Barca, subject to successfully settling personal terms between the player and the Catalan club over the coming weeks," read PSV's website. The annual pay for Afellay is yet to be decided but the prestige will be invincible. Afellay played in the World Cup Final for his native nation of Holland against his now upcoming home: Spain.

Dani Jarque R.I.P.

As the remaining minutes of the World Cup Final came to a close, Andres Iniesta scorched a rearing goal into the lower left angle of the net. What he did next was legendary. Lifting his national Jersey, an under armour shirt revealed the message "DANI JARQUE SIEMPRE CON NOSOTROS" (You will always be with us, Dani Jarque). Jarque, a young player of Espanyol, had tragically deceased during a soccer match  of a heart attack. He was beloved by fans and players alike.  The shirt and it's loving messgae became unique as Andres Iniesta lifted the trophy with Jarque's spirit.  Today, Espanyol has asked Iniesta for the gift of being able to keep the shirt, and Iniesta respectfully agreed with much sentiment. Here is a video in Spanish of the Press conference.

Cataluña Elections

Cataluña is a rebellious area in Spain who denies their relationship with Spain. They speak another language and eat completely different foods. Apart from differing cultures, Spain has fought to maintain Cataluña under it's wing for many many years. Turns out, Barcelona is the capital of Cataluña, and Madrid is the capital of Spain.What's more, Cataluña will have Parliamentary elections on the Saturday, November 20, the same day as The Classic Game (Real Madrid vs. Barcelona)! The LFP (Liga Futbol Professional) wants avoid at all costs for this soccer match to turn into a political battlefield. You see! Soccer is a political event as well. To avoid any real manifestations of violence, the LFP has decided to move the soccer game to Monday, November 23 at 3:00 ET. Prepare for a legendary match up!

Recap: Barça's Goliath

As I have already done a recap of Madrid's season so far, Barça's season is not been an easy one to describe. Last year they were crowned champs of the Spanish League, third in Champions League, and fifth in the Spanish Cup. Aside from that, Messi received the Golden Boot (top goal scorer in any league). After selling a useless giant like Ibrahimovic and buying a legend like David Villa, Barça seemed to be breaking top quality limits once again. When nothing could go wrong, Barça received shocking news of José Mourihno's arrival to Real Madrid. Ever since then, it seems stress, anxiety, and pressure has elevated to their heads! Currently, Madrid stands in first place by a point ahead. Anything can happen from here on out. I will like to announce that these two teams (El Clásico) will happen November 28, 2010. That will be the climax of this blog.

Recap: Madrid's Rising Team

It's now my duty to update my fans on Madrid's season so far and how much they have accomplished in so little time. The puppeteer, the man behind the actions, Real Madrid's head coach José Mourihno has been instructing his talented stars to achieve perfection. With only 6 League games, 3 Champions League games, and 1 Spanish Cup game, the 'Mou Team' is bringing style and beauty back into Madrid's soccer. Who can forget the embarrassing game against Alcorcon last year, when Real Madrid lost 4-0 to a second division team? Now, the 'Mou Team' is erasing the past and writing a great future where they are first in the League and in Champions League. Cristiano Ronaldo, the elite Portuguese striker, is top scorer in the League and Di María, the Argentinian lefty, is winning the hearts of the fans. The Dark Ages have disappeared from Real Madrid and the Renaissance of soccer emerges. Here we go! 

Rideing with Style!

Car company Audi has sponsored Barcelona since 2006. As a gift to their constant support and honor, Audi has taken the honor and personally handed a brand new Audi A7 Sportback to each member of the 22 player squad in Barcelona! The players were given the luxury to ride freely to test the maneuverability and direction of their new automobiles on a professional race car track. All members of Barcelona happily accepted this generous offer except for head coach Pep Guardiola who refused his Audi out of solidarity for the other coaching staff who didn't have the 'right' to a car.

Wayne Rooney!

Talented Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney,  just released yesterday his burning desire to leave his childhood club. Topping of charts and scoring unbelievable upper 90 goals, every club's desire is to sign this legendary player into their starting 11. It's as if you threw a juicy piece of steak into a pit full of angry lions. In addition, not only does Rooney want to leave his club, he wants also to be the highest paid professional soccer player, that's $14 million/year we're talking about. Currently Cristiano Ronaldo holds this record at $13 million/year. What does this have to do with Real Madrid or Barcelona? They will be play the auction game for Rooney once the market reopens in December; whoever bids the highest will have the privilege of owning England's superstar, Wayne Rooney!

Bojan Krkić

In my blog I believe we must honor the young players more than the elder, more experienced ones because in the end, they're going to be the ones who shape football for it's greatness. Bojan Krkić, at age 20, is a stellar representation of Barcelona's youth implemented into its attackers. Actually, Bojan is famous for being young after being the youngest player to score in Barça's history at age 17! That's my age! Bojan is very skillful with his technique and his speedy approaches to the goal has not been left unrewarded. Playing with the heart of a soldier in battle, Krkic has scored very important goals under Guardiola's reign; however, because of his youth, Bojan isn't put into the games until the very end most of the time substituting Pedrito, Messi, or Villa. Even with the few minutes he received in playing time, he still managed to score 11 goals for Barcelona. Be on the lookout for this rising mischievous player.

Pique, or Piqué?

Today, I encountered a vocab word "pique" meaning "verb: to arouse an emotion or provoke to action"! Does anybody see the connection! Gerarde Piqué! The great defender for Barcelona. Classy, stylish, solid the defender who rose literally from zero to hero in one year! Coming from being a nobody in Manchester United, Piqué quickly began scaling the ladder of international success in Barcelona. With his extraordinarily strong physical body and the ability to travel forward with the ball, Piqué is sometimes referred to Piquembauer (after Franz Beckenbauer) because of his natural talent to score goals as well as defend. He has become a regular pair with Carles Puyol, and the both of the have become unstoppable forces. Last year alone, he scored 7 goals, won the World Cup with Spain, and held the Spanish Premier League title in honor. 

Pique's Greatness Video

Sergio Ramos

Today's spotlight is on the acclaimed Sergio Ramos, star defender for Real Madrid! At merely 17 (my age) Ramos was already a starting defender in the most famous club of the world. His youth stages began in the club of Sevilla in Andalucia. Such was his passion and determination that not only did he succeed in earning a contract in 2004, but remains today a highly honored defender (at the age of 24!). Ramos continues to impress, being a starter for the Spanish Team as well. Although his brother René is his agent, nothing keeps young Sergio from a great pay! Since 2005, Ramos, a defender, has managed to score 22 goals for Real Madrid and 2 goals for Spain! Talk about a well rounded player. Personally, one of my great inspirations and motivations in my soccer career, here is a link to show you in video what I'm really talking about!

Who are they to speak?

     Who are they to speak of Madrid poorly!? No One! As doubtful fans and critical Barcelona fans had harshly beat and pounded on Madrid moral, this weekend the elite Madrid team striked back beating Deportivo de la Coruña 6-1! Unthinkable! All doubts of head coach Mourinho were lifted; all fans who were hiding their Madrid jersey are wearing it proudly; all the haters and nonbelievers, here IT IS! Madrid is back in the game as royal power in worldly competitve soccer. The drought is over and this team will definitely, no doubt, satisfy an international Madrid population.
      Early on CR7 scored a searing header in the 4th minute. Goals would continue coming back to back by Ozil, the Argentinan duo Dí María and Higuain, an own goal, and the faithful Cristiano Ronaldo closed the game with a daring 6-1 on the scoreboard. Such was the embarrassment that the head coach of Deportivo de la Coruña even admitted, "We are the worst team in La Liga." How degrading!

Here's a quick recap of the games goals!  :

Real Madrid 6 - 1 Depor. Coruña

Golden Boot

     Today, September 30, remarks as a day of grandeur and cherish for the life of Leo Messi and of all his supporters. The Golden Boot, an award given to the top goal scorer of Europe, was awarded to the young Argentinian for scoring 34 goals last season which helped Barcelona retain its Spanish League Title. Luis Suarez scored 35 goals last season, yet was annulled the prize because the Holland League is simply easier than the top leagues: England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France. "Lionel Messi is a humble character," exclaimed Carles Puyol, Barça's captain.

The Golden Glove

     In this years Fifa World Cup, the Golden Glove award was rewarded to none other than Madrid's own Iker Casillas; an award given to the best goalie of the tournament and, in turn, the world! Currently resting comfortably as the captain for both the Spanish International team and Real Madrid, Casillas boasts an heir of assurance and respect among the football community.
     Nonetheless, it wasn't all fame, glory, and a gorgeous wife for Iker. He had a few opportunistic chances to prove himself in the highest leagues of soccer. In 2002 Korea-Japan, when the star goalie Canizarez was injured weeks before the international spectale, young Casillas had to step up, and with the grace of a leaping monkey allowed Spain's far-fetched trajectory in the tournament.
     Casillas can be easily categorized between the top three goal keepers of the world; while many other keepers follow close behind like Barcelona's Valdes. Personally, Casillas has been far greater than Valdes will ever be, yet who knows, Casillas is turning 29 and his golden years have past. Who will prove to be as worthy as this king?

Champions!

The strongest rivalry out there exists between Barcelona and Madrid fans; however, they all come together during the matches of the Spain National Team. Their differences must be put aside, and they must become friends just for a little while. Currently on the squad of the Spanish team there are 5 Real Madrid players and 8 Barça players. Who is the better team then? It doesn't matter because we must all be friends (for a little while)! Anyways, since the World Cup title rests calmly on Spain's shoulders, most players on Madrid and Barça are truly great friends, yet the fans don't necessarily have to be!

The Lost Captain!

All time scorer in La Liga! That title isn't simply just handed to you for being a good citizen! Raul Gonzalez Blanco is so widely known that they call him by his first name, Raul! Most player are named by their last name..if you didn't know that already. Having been playing in Real Madrid for 16 years, Raul is an idol for many young soccer players not only in Madrid but all over the world. Humble, endearing, fighter..Raúl became the one of the only players never to win a red card in all his years playing soccer! What more can I say? All time leading scorer in Champions League along with having scored the most goals for Spain; however, the greatest man in Real Madrid history has just signed a contract with Schalke 04 and plays in a German club to many people's dismay...He is a legend..An inspiration to those of us perusing greatness.

Click HERE to view his greatest goals!

El Clásico

     The streets are deserted, yet the couches aren't. In Spain, the day Real Madrid and Barcelona face each other is a day of national importance, ceasing almost every activity in the nation. Bets are aimed high at this competitive match, regularly falling twice a year. Tickets have been sold out almost for 8 months prior. Anyone that is anyone will kill for a spot in that stadium. As the eleven starters step out onto the fields the hooligans become a choir of hooting supporters. No action will be missed; the stage is set; who will take the win?
     Every Clásico begins this exact same way! Throughout the course of history, there have been only 160 rivalry games, of which Real Madrid has won 68, Barça has won 62, and there have been 30 ties. The teams train yearly basically for this competition. And since the league is normally harshly disputed between these two all-star teams, the winner of these matches regularly take the season cup back home.
     A 2007 survey by the Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas determined that Real Madrid was the team with the largest fan zone in Spain. 32 % of the Spanish population supported Real Madrid, while 25% supported Barça; however, Barcelona in turn is more popular in Europe than Madrid. According to a survey made by the German research agency Sport Markt in 2010, Barcelona has approximately 57.8 million fans around Europe, while Real Madrid has 31.3 million fans. Globally, Real Madrid is the most popular football club in the world according to a study performed by Harvard University in 2007, with over 228 million supporters worldwide.
     This year, El Clásico lies November 28, 2010, @ Barcelona and April 17, 2011, @ Madrid.

"King of the Hill"

      Chocolate or vanilla? Blue or Green? Maradona or Pelé? All these questions can be answered in one word, this next question cannot: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Two of the top footballers in the entire world are constantly being compared exclusively almost every weekend. Being the top dogs, the "creamé de la creamé", the King of the Hill both Messi and Ronaldo take lead positions on rivalry teams Barcelona and Real Madrid. Their performance influences almost directly with the overall performance of the team and the outcome of the game after the 90 minutes are over.

      Sexy, cunning, arousing, flirtatious. Cristiano Ronaldo (referred to as CR7) is a "stud and a half" which causes teenage girls to faint at the end of a match when he takes off his shirt. He's a sex icon, but underneath it all there lies the greatest talent of Real Madrid. At 25 years of age, CR7's quick pacing cuts and changes of direction demonstrate the most picturesque soccer ability; scissor moves, cut backs, chest passes, Ronaldo is an expert when it comes to giving the camera a beautiful portrait. However, his style of play proves very effective. Searing past any defender and lofting beautiful swerving crosses, the opportunities to goal are endless when he is at his paramount. In 2008, he achieved winning the Champions League and was named the FIFA World Player of the Year. At times CR7 seems selfish in his style of attempting to tackle every player by himself, or even making the simplest pass the most complicated way. Nevertheless, Alex Ferguson, his ex-coach, describes him as, "the best player in the world. He is better than Kaka and better than Messi. He is streets ahead of them all. His contribution as a goal threat is unbelievable. His stats are incredible. Strikes at goal, attempts on goal, raids into the penalty box, headers. It is all there. Absolutely astounding." Did I mention Madrid paid €80 million for his transfer?

     Short, long haired, slumped over. Messi was not made for the photo camera. Towering at 5 feet 7 inches, Lionel Messi began with humble beginnings in Rosario, Argentina. After receiving devastating news that the young footballer had a growth problem, Messi was forced to look for every means possible to pay for the medication. In the mean time, a scout from Barça was in Argentina and spotted the young Lionel. He promised a life of opportunity and glory for the young player and promised the Spanish club would pay for his medication. What a wise decision! After a couple of years, Lionel Messi debuted on the the Primer Team at 17 years of age. Ever since then, he has gone on to win almost everything: an Olympic Gold medal,  FIFA Player of the Year in 2009, two Champions League, three Ligas, and a Supercopa. His slithering manner of passing defenders in impeccable, as he races down the field he is unstoppable. And his clutch is always on in the most needed moments. Humble, and hardworking Messi is an idol for many young soccer players. The only critique anyone can ever say about him is his lack for proving himself internationally with the Argentinean soccer team. In 2006, he was benched in the last few games, and in 2010, he didn't even score a single goal. However, Maradona himself says "Messi is my Maradona!"

Check out these great videos:
Messi's Top 10 Goals
Ronaldo's Top 10 Goals

Visça Barça

For starters, Visça Barça, means all hail Barcelona in Catalán! fun fact i guess. Well recognizably Barcelona is known as the best, most fancy, beautifully skilled team in the world. They have nothing left to prove because they have proved worthy enough! However, every game is abundant with an elegant style of soccer and a bitter opposing team after the 90 minutes. In fact, out of their 11 starters, 8 of them play on the Spain international team! Basically, they play well, they're always playing, and the crowd grows fond of them! It is inevitable to speak about Barcelona and not mention Lionel Messi, or simply Messi, the best footballer in the world! This Argentinian play maker and striker never ceases to push boundaries and perform the unthinkable! Though short in size, he is big in passion and Barcelona owes their success to this young superstar...I'm speechless!

Madrid, in a Jist!

Real Madrid is at it again! They may not have won any tournaments last year, but they have enough money to stir up an audience! Spending multiple millions, Madrid is now reinforced with some of the biggest names in futbol. The new season began with the sacking of Pelegrini (an ex-coach) and the introduction to arguably the most talented head coach in the world. JOSE MOURIHNO! The highest paid member of the team. With the addition of a millionare squad, Madrid's president, Florentino Pérez, bought six new players: Carvalho (the elder), Canales (the youngster), Khedira (mad ugly), Ozil (German legend), Pedro León (who is he?), and Di María (such class). This new year opens with high expectations for the Madridista fans, but the true question is: will they be able to please the critics?