Spanish Football thread

[sachin]

Well even if Real do improve it's still unlikely that they'll get to close to Barca,who are absolute class,a good deal above the rest.I would personally like to see Valencia make a charge for the title.

 

[m_vaughan]

I believe if Real play at their best, they'll beat Barca. The last time Barca won the league in consecutive seasons, they dint win anything after that for the next four years.

 

[sachin]

Are you being absolutely reasonable...I mean if they play their absolute best,they might beat Barce in one game,but a whole season?Don't think so...Valencia are more likely to beat Barca to the Premiership.

 

[edgarisapimp]

But if Valencia lose Ayala, then I would have to disagree. With the additions that Madrid have made in the offseason, I think that Madrid will challenge for the treble (not necessarily winning any of the trophies, though) and surprise a lot of their critics. I would imagine that the 2007-2008 season would be even better, as the team will certainly be playing like a unit by then with Capello at the helm. They will be a lot firmer in defense than before with Cannavaro and secure in the midfield with Emerson and Diarra. In any case, things for Madrid will only get better.

 

[sachin]

The only way they could surprise the critics(like myself),would be if they got relegated....I'm sure they'll do well,they have of course alot of potential.Diarra is a key signing.

 

[m_vaughan]

Not sure if we are going to return this season. Lost to Sevilla in a 7 goal thriller.
But then its only pre-season (in Spain).

 

[sachin]

When does the Spanish league start again?Taking a while!Anyway,pretyy much a three horse race this year:Barca,Valencia,Madrid.

 

[m_vaughan]

Team to watch out for though is Sevilla.

La Liga kicks off on the 27th of August.

Real's first game is against Villarreal at the Bernab?u.

 

[edgarisapimp]

Joaquin to Valencia!

He joins Valencia from Real Betis and signed a 6 year contract. Great move by Valencia, getting him while Madrid had their eyes elsewhere. So now the title race heats up even more.

And after seeing the Bernabeau trophy match yesterday, there is much to hope for with Madrid this season. Diarra looked good, and so did RVN, Raul, Cassano, Robinho, and the defense looked good. Capello will continue to mould this team into a unit and they should get better as the season progresses.

 

[sachin]

That price is a little inflated~!I wouldn't say he was close to good enough to warrent such a price.

 

[m_vaughan]

I would say you dont know him well enough. He is one of the best right wing players in the world today, if not the best. I was so hoping that he'd come to Madrid. But Valencia it is, and they do have a very strong squad now.

Anyways am currently watching Madrid's game vs Villarreal. Still 0-0. First half was pretty good imo. Cassano looks a lot better than he did last season, so credit to Capello.

 

[Sureshot]

If he was that good he'd be a Spain regular but he isn't.

Joaquin hasn't been as good the last 2 seasons. Raul shouldn't be near the Madrid team, nothing like the player he was.

 

[m_vaughan]

Aragones doesnt pick the best eleven players in his starting team. He likes playing a system. Whenever Joaquin gets a chance, he delivers. I'm sure he'll be noticed and appreciated more at a club like Valencia.

I thought Raul had a good game yesterday. Remember, he is playing behind the two strikers, and put in quite a few nice balls/passes into the box. Villarreal defence was rock solid, especially alvarez.

 

[Bala]

I thought the defence was solid for Real. Once their forwards start getting the goals, you get one good team fit enough for the La Liga title. Betis have lost both Joaquin and their opening game to Valencia.

 

[sachin]

Well Joaquin may be good,but to go as far as saying he is possibly one of the best right side players in the world is an exaggeration.