Tables turning in Spain?

[Éanna]

probably only wishful thinking on my part, but results tonight (http://skysports.planetfootball.com/list.asp?hlid=248803&CPID=23&CLID=&lid=2&title=La+Liga+Round-up&channel=Football_Home) have changed things a bit. Real somehow came away from the Vicente Calderon with a 3-0 win over Pathetico Madrid, while Barca were absolutely destroyed by Villarreal- 3-0 again. Diego Forlan getting two, and on-loan Barca player Riquelme having a blinder. here's hoping its a sign of things to come.


premiershi* fans may be interested to know that morientes came on as a sub for real......

[Closed Account 2]

To be honest I wasnt too impressed with Real, with the expection of Casillas who was amazing, and Ronaldo who was fairly quiet but has to given credit for taking his 2 chances. Atletico were, as you say, very poor on the night - especially in their finishing. Only one of their players - Perera - impressed me. Ibagaza and Gronkjaer were ok, but Ibagaza could have done better if he'd stayed on his feet, the rest of their players were pretty woeful especially Sosa. I'd hoped they would have put up a better performance, esp given their home record this season.

Villareal are a pretty decent side at home, but even so Barcelona were sloppy and never got into their stride. I wouldnt write them off yet tho. I wouldnt write off Valencia just yet either, they seem to be picking up a bit of form.

[Gary]

Good wins for both Barca and Real last night. Owen scored again for Real after coming on as sub, and really should have had a second.

Still 7 points difference between them, but with barca having to go to The Bernabeu, its far from a foregone conclusion.

Ronaldo is certianly beginning to score alot again, as Eto'o is drying up somewhat.

It should be an interesting run in!

[Longfordian]

What's more unbelievable for Premiership fans is Diego Forlan's scoring form 7 in 5 seemingly, he's thirds top scorer in the Primera League

[Ruairi]

yeah he was pretty impressive against barca last week...

Real will just get stronger as the season goes on, whereas Barca rely to heavily on Ronaldinho, an injury there and their season goes up in smoke...

[Éanna]

thomas gravesen tra la la la la :)

Real are on a good run since luxemburgo took over, and hopefully they'll strengthen a bit more over the transfer window and then...... champione champione ole ole ole

[Gary]

Graveson did very well in his little foray last night. The Real (not to mistaken with real! :p ) fans took to him instantly, with his bullish style of play. If anything, he tried a little too hard to impress, but certainly on last nights showing, Real have a right gem.

The only thing Id worry about for Graveson is his style is probably a bit rougher than what Spanish footy is used to, and will probably get more than his fair share of red cards (much like Vinny Samways at Majorca?).

[Slash/ED]

Barca apparently had an intense training programme during the winter break and are expected to start slowly before getting back into the swing of things, which is what's happening. If they get back to pre christmas form Real thankfully will win nothing again.

[Éanna]

The only thing Id worry about for Graveson is his style is probably a bit rougher than what Spanish footy is used to, and will probably get more than his fair share of red cards (much like Vinny Samways at Majorca?).
the fact that he looks like a rough player will count against him, more than his rough style. he's technically good, and not afraid to mix it, which is exactly what real need. anyway, Hierro was a good man for the roughhouse tactics and he wasn't banned all that much- samways went mental over there by all accounts