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Iniesta, Valdes To Make Cup Final Debuts

Barcelona appeared in the Copa del Rey final as latest as 2008, where they won 4-1 against Athletic Bilbao but strikingly, a third of the squad have not played the cup final for Barca. Maxwell, Jeffren Suarez, Andreu Fontas, Victor Valdes, Andres Iniesta and two of the recent signings, Javier Mascherano and Ibrahim Afellay could…

LEAKED: Barcelona 2011/2012 away shirt will be a normal color

Just like the Barcelona 11/12 home shirts, there have been two leaks of the Barca away shirt. Shirt # 1: Although this particular shirt was leaked some time ago but I have already disregarded it as a training shirt or a normal black t-shirt in the Barca 11/12 home shirt post but as of yesterday,…

Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona: Catalans Close in on the Title, But Mourinho’s Men Rejuvenated

Barcelona practically wrapped up La Liga with a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu, but there were few celebrations fron Pep Guardiola’s men as Real Madrid appear to have gained a big psychological advantage going into the three remaining Classicos.

Cristiano Ronaldo Interview: ‘El Clasicos’ Ahead

Real Madrid’s convincing win over Tottenham saw them cruise to the semifinals all thanks to the conman-like Jose Mourinho. But the upcoming month for the Galacticos is something like you have probably come across in FIFA or Football Manager. Back-to-back matches against the same opposition in different competitions. Well, the video games have just been…

Why Manchester United Will Be Celebrating Champions League Glory Come May

The Champions League has reached the semi final stage and if the quarter finals are anything to go by, the games involving the final four will be something very special. Spain’s La Liga is still double handed in the competition with great rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona squaring up over the two legs whilst German…

Stat Attack: Messi beats Ronaldo in every single competition

Castrol Performance data shows that Lionel Messi has been involved in more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo in the top five European leagues this season. Both have surpassed everyone this season in terms of goal involvement. Having scored one more goal than Ronaldo, Messi has also been far more creative with 17 assists, more than twice…

Why Victor Valdes is better than Iker Casillas

In the build-up to this weekend’s Clasico, the stats speak for themselves. Castrol Performance data shows that Victor Valdés has saved 81% of shots he has faced this season in the Spanish top flight, whereas national hero Iker Casillas has only managed to save 73%. Casillas v Valdés – Liga 2010-11 Player Iker Casillas Víctor…

Real Madrid v Barcelona: Comparing Carvalho v Pique

Castrol data shows Ricardo Carvalho surpasses Gerard Piqué in terms of ground duels success; however the Barcelona player has been more clinical in the air. Both defenders share an eye for goal: Carvalho having found the net on three occasions this season in the league, while Piqué has scored twice. The Portuguese has converted 33%…

Real Madrid v Barcelona: Alonso v Xavi stats and the art of playmaking

Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that Xabi Alonso has conceded 38 fouls this season in La Liga, while Xavi has conceded only four. The statistics suggest a deeper role occupied by Xabi Alonso, with fewer shots, chances created, crosses or dribbles, but more tackles, clearances, blocks and interceptions. Xavi is central to Pep Guardiola’s system,…

Xavi, Alonso And The Secret Of Great Playmakers

Oh, how Liverpool miss Alonso. Before he left, Liverpool were looking champions elect for 09-10. Afterwards, Liverpool fell spectacularly from grace as they paid the price for blooding Lucas Levia into the squad in his place, when Aquilani was blighted by injury. Such is the way of a playmaker – he is a key foundation…