Spanish Football thread

[m_vaughan]

Agreed. One of very few not cribbing about higher wages and Champions League. It would be so much better if Torres could take Atletico to the Champions League next season. I wouldnt mind that even though I'm a hard core Madrid fan!

[sachin]

How can you be hardcore anything when you support four clubs?

[edgarisapimp]

What do you all think about the van Nistelrooy transfer to Madrid? Personally, I don't think that it was necessary to get another striker, unless Ronaldo is on the way out (which wouldn't be the worst thing in the world ). At the moment, Real has Ronaldo, Robinho, Cassano, and Raul - and still have loads of young talents like Soldado (who has been loaned-out to Osasuna to get some playing time). Real needs more help in the midfield than up-front.

[Ritwik]

I doubt Ronaldo would be on his way out, he is hugely marketable (in fact the second highest footballing grosser after Beckham) and we know how important that aspect is for Madrid.

And I would pay to watch Ronaldo any day over Van Horseface.

[edgarisapimp]

I would imagine that Capello would play Ruud and Ronaldo up top with Raul behind them to link up with the midfield and distribute the ball (between the three of them, they have scored 619 goals in the last 10 years ). Robinho is certainly very deadly off the bench with his tremendous pace. I'm not sure where Cassano fits into all of this - but he will inevitably see playing time when Ronaldo gets hurt again (or just becomes too fat to play ).

[m_vaughan]

I think Capello will alternate between Ronaldo, Cassano and RVN, playing any two at a time.

[m_vaughan]

Pablo Aimar has joined Zaragoza for just over 11 million euros.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...374616&cc=3888

Juan Carlos Valeron, who missed the World Cup, has been ruled out for four more months.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...374624&cc=3888

Real Madrid only managed draw with English side Fulham.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...374630&cc=3888

[sachin]

Well the Zaragoza chairman must be happy at the Pablo Aimar signing!I'm not surprised at the Real madrid result...Pre-season matches don't mean much.

[edgarisapimp]

YAY! Spain tops the UEFA rankings (for another year )! The UEFA rankings show the strength of the nation's domestic league, and Spain has a healthy lead over Italy and England. La Liga has been very consistent through the years and is always at or near the top. SPAIN #1!

http://www.uefa.com/uefa/Keytopics/k...feed&att=index

[sachin]

I hope your not implying that La liga is the strongest league?

In the last couple of years England,Germany and Italy have improved the most out of the top five nations...

[edgarisapimp]

Originally Posted by sachin

I hope your not implying that La liga is the strongest league?

In the last couple of years England,Germany and Italy have improved the most out of the top five nations...

Yes, that's exactly what I'm implying - and UEFA backs me up on this . I agree that England and Italy have improved a lot recently (dunno about Germany - haven't seen buch of the Bundesliga recently), but Spain is still the best. I admit, England has more world-class teams than Spain - but Spain is a better league top to bottom. A team like Southampton wouldn't even make it in La Segunda.

[sachin]

Don't be ridiculous!The only league that you could possibly say is better than the EPL is Seria A.Though i agree La liga is better for diving cheaters,and individuals...

[m_vaughan]

Champions League Winners- Barcelona, Spanish Team

Uefa Cup Winners- Sevilla, Spanish Team.

Most successful club in Europe- Real Madrid, Spanish Team.

Even the best players play in the Spanish League. Since 2001, all the winners of the FIFA World Player of the Year award, have been ones playing in Spain.

Just have a look since 2000:

Uefa Champions League
2000,2002- Real Madrid
2006 - Barcelona

Spanish teams have dominated Europe, and that is the direct indication of the strength of the domestic league.

Calling the Serie-A better than anything is simply stupid.

The Premiership is good, but doesnt have the flair and excitement that the La Liga offers.

[Sureshot]

And the La Liga doesn't have the passion and strength of the Premiership.

Serie A is a farce, for goodness sake even the Championship got bigger crowds.

[evertonfan]

I think the La Liga is a better league than the EPL; There is just a lot more excitement in La Liga games. I'm not saying that the EPL is boring though, I just think La Liga is a better league.