La Liga 2013/4

[Stuttgart88]

Is there a La Liga 2013/4 thread? I didn't notice one.

What a game tonight. Barcelona win 4-3 at Real.

Barca right back in it and Atletico stay top. Atmosphere, tension, context, skill, great goals, marginally controversial refereeing. Everything.

I actually think the ref got the big calls right. I'm not fussed if Alves's foul was just outside the box. It was a clear foul and it looked a penno all day long. The ref had to call it and I can't fault his decision - made in real time. And "morally" I don't think it matters. A foul inches from the line when a player is running at pace itowatds goal is just as serious as a foul inches inside the line.

I think Neymar is as cunning as a fox and made sure he was clipped. Again the ref got it right and the red card wasn't his fault, it's the rule.

And I think Alonso has no grounds for complaint. It was a clear foul.

And what a joy the TV punditry was. Two Spanish players with better English than English pundits. Scott Minto is a TV natural. The analysis was articulate and spot on: a game determined by the players, not the coaches.

Neymar is a problem for his team though. He doesn't fit well.

[geysir]

I had Ray Hudson as co commentator :)
A brilliant game, thoroughly enjoyable.
Neymar did well to nip in ahead, a 100% genuine penalty I though, not contrived, he won the ball cleanly. The ref was my man of the match, got the dives, the fake head butts and the penalties, right, well almost right, but you can forgive him for being distracted by Ronaldo actually being tripped, that the margins got blurred on that one.
I though Madrid handed it on a plate to Barca but that's El Classico, things happen there which are outside the boundaries of what we understand to be normal competitive derby game.

[Stuttgart88]

I forgot to say that Gerry Armstrong's instinctive opinion is, yet again, shown to be the most reliable contrary indicator. He's effing useless.

I thought Neymar sensed the challenge coming and left his left leg hanging a fraction longer than his natural stride would have left it. Either way, definite clip and ref was absolutely right.

[The Fly]

Best match I've seen in years. Barcelona were very fortunate to get to half-time level, overall Benzema could've scored 4 or 5 and should've put away the chance he had in the first 15 minutes that he put over the bar. Messi's pass to Neymar which lead to their second goal was simply sublime; just mouth-wateringly good. I can only guess at Ray Hudson's reaction, but no doubt a Youtube search will bear fruit in a day or two.

I don't think the match told us anything we don't already know: both teams are suspect defensively, Messi really makes the difference for Barcelona, Bale and Neymar are not quite there yet (Bale in particular), Madrid have too many hotheads in the side, and despite the victory...Barcelona do look jaded.

What channel did you watch it on Geysir?...Bein Sports?

[Charlie Darwin]

I'm not fussed if Alves's foul was just outside the box. It was a clear foul and it looked a penno all day long. The ref had to call it and I can't fault his decision - made in real time.
Did it look a peno in real time? I know I had the benefit of TV angles and all, but my first reaction was that it was outside the box. I thought Ronaldo was clipped, then took a step and fell. The slomo backed that up. And I'm really not the most observant person in the world.

[Stuttgart88]

I thought it did!

[The Donie Forde]

Why is it considered a derby, when it's clearly not?

[geysir]

Why is it considered a derby, when it's clearly not?

It's an established Spanish derby, not a local derby.

[Charlie Darwin]

Is there any rule that a derby has to be local? I thought it just referred to any fiercely-contested regular rivalry.

[geysir]

What channel did you watch it on Geysir?...Bein Sports?
Yeah that's the one.
Ray's tap just flows non stop during the game, I don't notice the commentator at all.
Benzema 'with every chance, he fills his pants'.
Messi 'the thunder at the end of lightening',
'works harder than a one eyed cat watching 3 mouse holes'.

[The Fly]

Yeah that's the one.
Ray's tap just flows non stop during the game, I don't notice the commentator at all.
Benzema 'with every chance, he fills his pants'.
Messi 'the thunder at the end of lightening',
'works harder than a one eyed cat watching 3 mouse holes'.

Is it an American channel? How do you receive it?

[Charlie Darwin]

Is it an American channel? How do you receive it?
It's Al-Jazeera's sports channel. I think they operate mainly from France, but I assume geysir was watching the American one piped in from somewhere.

[OwlsFan]

I forgot to say that Gerry Armstrong's instinctive opinion is, yet again, shown to be the most reliable contrary indicator. He's effing useless.

I have to agree there. He thought every refereeing decision was harsh even when shown in slow motion and his co-commentator was as bad. Please God he never becomes a referee. I only saw the last hour of the game and barely noticed Bale. Good game ok.

[geysir]

Is it an American channel? How do you receive it?
The world wide web, where it's possible to link to a stream of beIN Sports( the US version), they cover a lot of the top european league football.
Just keep clicking on the english language streams, until you get to Ray.

[DeLorean]

I have to agree there. He thought every refereeing decision was harsh even when shown in slow motion and his co-commentator was as bad. Please God he never becomes a referee. I only saw the last hour of the game and barely noticed Bale. Good game ok.

He wasn't brilliant but he wasn't the worst either, I think he was better than both Neymar and Ronaldo on the night. He was involved in the build up for Madrid's first two goals and made two bursting runs, one which should have led to Benzema scoring but Valdes saved. He did little or nothing once Madrid went down to ten. His game has changed a lot since his explosive winger days at Tottenham. He hangs around almost lazily now and can be out of the game for long spells. He still tends to be involved in an awful lot of the good things Madrid do but you'd probably expect a bit more from the most expensive player ever. That said, given the injury problem and pressure of a drawn-out high profile move, he can be happy enough with his first season. Being a part of a Madrid side that end up winning something significant would help him no end. Not surprisingly, his best games have been when Ronaldo was not playing... he's more a feeder than a finisher when he is.

As good a game as it was, it only served to make Bayern even more favourites than they already are to retain the CL, in my mind anyway. Both sides will have to tighten up immeasurably to even get a crack at them but hard to see that happening, especially with Barcelona. Surely Varane is a better bet than Pepe in Real's defence? I know Sergio Ramos is a time bomb also but he's got serious big game experience and can be inspiring at times, plus he's got the coolest name in World Football which has to count for something.

[geysir]

Real Madrid are a refreshing change since cleaning out the stain of Mourinho from the team.

[DeLorean]

Ancelotti is a class act to be fair. Amazing how under the radar he remains regardless of the profile of his job. Even at Chelsea he practically strolled in and out unnoticed but left as League Champions and FA Cup winners. Still though, it takes all sorts. It would get boring if they were all like Ancelotti and Messi... you need your Jose's and Ronaldo's to crank it up a notch.

[Stuttgart88]

I didn't see tonight's Real result coming though. Despite being a long time Barcelona admirer I'd like to see Atletico win it. Very interesting.

[geysir]

Sack useless Ancelotti :)

The game of the night was Sevilla v Madrid, Ronaldo did not look a happy Madrid camper in the last 15 minutes. I'll look forward to seeing that Seville player Bacca, play for Colombia in the World Cup.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Another weekend, another penalty for Barcelona. 1-0 up against Real Betis.

Pity that the amount of penalties they and Real Madrid are gifted this year/every year will probably end up being the difference between another La Liga crown or the neutrals should be favourites Atletico Madrid coming out on top.

[DeLorean]

Delighted for Gareth Bale last night, he really needed that. Ridiculous pace after it seemed Bartra had done a pretty good job in obstructing him by the touchline. His second touch was actually quite poor I think but it put him in a position to head straight for goal instead of teeing up Benzema in the centre.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qS-OFRYP0Q

[Stuttgart88]

I couldn't believe he scored from that position, although Pinto's legs were so far apart he could barely fail to nutmeg him.

I thought it was funny how Bale was down injured at 93 minutes, grimacing, but the final whistle blew and the grimace immediately turned into a smile. I enjoyed the game but it was played in a bitchy nasty spirit by several players on both sides. More clear dives in punished by cards unfortunately.

[BonnieShels]

That game has gotten nastier and nastier over the years.

A compelling watch though.

[Stuttgart88]

Tito Vilanova R.I.P.

[DeLorean]

Poor guy, thought he was supposed to be on the mend. Didn't realise he was only 45 either. RIP.

[DeLorean]

Massive win for Atletico away to Valencia. That was by far their biggest banana skin left before the final day. Two more wins and they're Champions before going to the Nou Camp. Real's game in Munich has taken on even more importance now in a way.

[Stuttgart88]

Atletico go one down early away to Levante. This'll be a test of character.

They are ahead of Real on the head-to head results if they finish level, yes? So, as DeLorean says, just two more wins...

[DeLorean]

Yeah that's right. A draw is kind of the same as a defeat today. Basically they need to drop points in two of their remaining games. This could give us the final day drama a computer generated fixture like Barca Atletico deserves though!

Edit- actually a defeat for Atletico would be better because it would keep Barca in the picture. They could move ahead of Atletico with a win over them. They would need Real to lose to win the title but better that they'd have something to play for.

[DeLorean]

2-0 Levante... I don't think I've ever seen a goal so against the run of play!

[Charlie Darwin]

Drama :o

[DeLorean]

I think Atletico's small squad is catching up with them :)

[Stuttgart88]

So no chance of Barcelona doing a Kilmarnock then?

I've just come back from doing family stuff and wasn't keeping up to date. Very surprised and disappointed at that result.

[TheBoss]

If that result happened in the EPL, you would hear such phrases as, "Only in the Premier League"

[DeLorean]

So no chance of Barcelona doing a Kilmarnock then?

Well it depends on results between now and the final day but if all goes to plan they'll have a remote chance of the title, and a very real chance of finishing second. I'm not sure how much this will motivate them though... they could view Real beating Espanyol as a formality and not really care whether they finish second or third. Real seem to be going over and beyond in their recognition of the passing of Vilanova. Proper order indeed but is it too cynical of me to recognise how they would have invisaged needing a favour from their great foes in a couple of weeks?! Probably.

[DeLorean]

Wasn't it Dunfermline that rolled over at Ibrox that time? Kilmarnock were busy time wasting to prevent Celtic adding to their 4-0 lead!

[Stuttgart88]

Yes, a bit too cynical but I have to admit the same thought crossed my mind in 1989 when Arsenal went to Anfield in that famous last game, and when the Arsenal players threw bouquets of flowers into the Kop as a Hillsboroigh gesture. I think I was being way too cynical back then, but then again George Graham was manager.

[Stuttgart88]

Wasn't it Dunfermline that rolled over at Ibrox that time? Kilmarnock were busy time wasting to prevent Celtic adding to their 4-0 lead!

Whatever. I still hate them :)

[Charlie Darwin]

Valencia 1-0 at the Bernabéu oh my

[Charlie Darwin]

2-1 Valencia with six minutes to go.

[DeLorean]

Wow! Only in La Liga!!

A brilliant Ronaldo equaliser in injury time saves Real and keeps them in the title race.

[Charlie Darwin]

Ronaldo bails Real out again.

edit: dammit DeLorean

[Stuttgart88]

What a goal too, and yet he missed a great chance straight after, as did Morata. Quality fare.

So, permutations: a win over Malaga and a draw in Nou Camp wins it for Atletico? That'd give them 92, the most that Real can get. And that point for Real means that Barcelona need Real to at least draw one of their remaining 3 games to still have a chance. Yes?

[DeLorean]

It's pretty messed up but in a way I think Real's equaliser might help Atletico. Before that Barca knew two wins and they were champions, against all the odds after their terrible result yesterday. It doesn't change things too drastically for Real but now they need Barca to beat Atletico instead of just taking points off them. They really needed that point to keep things in their own hands over Barca. The head to heads were killing them otherwise. Hopefully there'll be no more twists and we'll have a blockbuster final day but I can see why neutrals would just want Atletico to wrap it up.

[Stuttgart88]

Yep, it's a bit like when Ireland blew a 3-1 lead in Poznan to Poland in 1991, keeping Poland in contention meaning if they beat England we'd go through if we beat Turkey. Simple really. Ok, they drew and we went out.

I honestly think growing up as an Irish football fan has done wonders for my problem solving skills!

[Charlie Darwin]

Yep, it's a bit like when Ireland blew a 3-1 lead in Poznan to Poland in 1991, keeping Poland in contention meaning if they beat England we'd go through if we beat Turkey. Simple really. Ok, they drew and we went out.

I honestly think growing up as an Irish football fan has done wonders for my problem solving skills!
It's a bit of a double-edged sword though. Sometimes when I'm faced with a problem I sit back comfortable in the knowledge the Scots will bail me out at the last moment.

[geysir]

La Liga blown wide open for now.
RV1 RM1 5mins plus to go

[Charlie Darwin]

Choke choke choke choke

[geysir]

Madrid did just kinda freeze in the 2nd half, well they did freeze - no 2 ways about it, but it's not as if Valladolid really went for it, somehow they managed with ease to keep possession around the RM box with 5 minutes to go, won a corner, which looked like the limit of their attack but the corner was flicked home. Cue camera on Ronaldo's agonised stunned expression on the sidelines, he was taken off after 10 minutes for some reason.

The title decider is likely now to go to the last game in Barcelona, as was the case before the top 3 teams just went walkabout.

[Charlie Darwin]

Ronaldo was injured early on. I was thinking as I watched the first half that the worst thing Valladolid was equalise early. Real was really stung by Valencia going ahead and always looked likely to get one and maybe two back. When they're a goal up they tend to slack off a bit, especially when Ronaldo's not there.

[DeLorean]

La Liga blown wide open for now.
RV1 RM1 5mins plus to go

Kind of the opposite really though? That's Real gone so looks like it's all down to the Barca Atletico match now.

Bale wasn't in the squad either, they really need at least one of himself or Ronaldo.