Barca defend disappointing Suarez

Barca defend disappointing Suarez

Barcelona have defended club-record signing Luis Suarez after the former Liverpool man endured another disappointing night in front of goal against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Suarez, who cost the Catalan club £75m when he moved from Merseyside last summer, has managed only five goals in 16 outings with Barca and has failed to reproduce the stunning goalscoring form of his final two seasons at Anfield.

The Uruguayan laboured against Atletico during his side’s 1-0 Copa del Rey win on Wednesday and wasted a fantastic opportunity in the first half when he fired over the bar after being played in by Ivan Rakitic.

However, Suarez still retains the support of figures at the club, with Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu and coach Luis Enrique confident the goals will start to arrive on a more regular basis for the 27-year-old.

Bartomeu said: "We have very high expectations, he is a great player. He has the support and the affection of the people."

Meanwhile, Enrique added: "Perhaps he didn’t have the fortune to score today but he fixed himself to the centre-backs very well, he gave us solutions, he was a danger near the area. The goals will come, there are no doubts with him."

Real announce Odegaard deal

Real announce Odegaard deal

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Norwegian teenager Martin Odegaard, subject to a medical.

A deal has been struck with Stromsgodset for the 16-year-old midfielder, who has already been capped at international level and was linked with several other top European clubs.

Odegaard watched Real in Copa del Rey action earlier this month and will have his medical in Madrid on Thursday.

All being well, he will face the media at 12.30pm (UK time) alongside the club's sporting director Emilio Butrugueno.

United second to Real in rich list

United second to Real in rich list

Manchester United may have had their worst season for two decades last year but they have reclaimed second spot in the list of the world's richest football clubs..

Only European champions Real Madrid stand ahead in terms of income, while Barcelona by contrast are struggling to keep pace financially with their Spanish rivals, United and Bayern Munich.

The Football Money League compiled by Deloitte sees Real established at the top of the tree for the 10th year in succession, with revenues of £459m, while United are on £433m, Bayern £407m and Barcelona £405m.

Manchester City remain in sixth position behind Paris Saint-Germain, with Chelsea and Arsenal sustaining their seventh and eighth places and Liverpool up to ninth.

Wenger: Paulista talks ongoing

Wenger: Paulista talks ongoing

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Arsenal are holding talks with Villarreal over the signing of defender Gabriel Paulista.

The 24-year-old centre-half has a £15m release clause in his contract with the Spanish club.

Wenger refused to confirm if Arsenal are willing to meet that in January, but concedes he is keen to secure the Brazilian.

“The talks are progressing quite well. I don’t think there is need to say much more,” he said. "We are talking at the moment, whether we can find an agreement or not, I don’t know.

“We are slowly progressing, but there is a chance. At the moment we are talking. The 20 million is euros, it’s £15m to transform the amount

“We are ready to pay the price we think right for a good player, no matter what the price is. If we think it’s the right price we will pay.

Arsenal have already signed midfielder Krystian Bielik from Legia Warsaw, although the teenager is not expected to be rushed into the first team.

Wenger said: “He’s just come from Poland, he’s just turned 17, he’s not fit because they had the winter break in Poland. That is quite long, so he’s at the start of getting back to full fitness, he’s not ready for three weeks.”

Although Bielik can play in a defensive role, Wenger insists he will play as a holding midfielder.

”Defensive midfield, without any question,” he replied, when asked on his plans to utilise the Pole.

Atletico Madrid keep heat on La Liga front-runners with win vs. Granada

Atletico Madrid keep heat on la liga front-runners with win vs Granada

Atletico Madrid climbed back into third place in the Primera Division standings thanks to their 2-0 victory at home to Granada on Sunday.

Mario Mandzukic gave Atleti the lead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute, after Abdoul Sissoko fouled Diego Godin in the box, before Raul Garcia headed in the second with less than two minutes remaining to seal the win.

The result means Diego Simeone's men leapfrog Valencia and are now four points adrift of league leaders Real Madrid, who returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory at Getafe on Saturday.

In contrast to Atletico's push for the top, Granada remain rock bottom of the overall standings after the defeat, two points adrift of Almeria in 17th place.

Fernando Torres, who rejoined the club from AC Milan earlier this month, was caught offside twice in the opening minutes as the home side looked to take the attack to struggling Granada.

Granada striker Robert had a good effort blocked by Atleti defender Jose Gimenez in the 26th minute before midfielder Manuel Iturra forced the first real save of the match from Atletico goalkeeper Miguel Moya shortly after.

It was the home side, though, who took the lead when Mandzukic converted from the penalty spot.

Sissoko brought down Godin and Croatia international Mandzukic fired into the top right of goal to give Los Rojiblancos the lead.

Arda Turan had a good chance to put Atleti further ahead four minutes later but his drilled strike was kept out by Granada defender Jean Babin.

Atletico went in at the break 1-0 up and they had the better of the chances in the second half too, with Mandzukic heading over from 12 yards shortly after the hour mark.

Antoine Griezmann forced a fantastic save from Granada keeper Olazabal Oier in the 70th minute and Koke put a chance over the bar from 18 yards out five minutes later.

Another goal appeared to be coming for the home side, and it was substitute Garcia who found the net in the 88th minute from close range, less than five minutes after he came on from the bench.

There was no time for Granada to alter the result and they extended their winless run of games in the Primera Division to 15.

Cristiano Ronaldo: rivalry between Messi inspires both player

Cristiano Ronaldo: rivalry between Messi inspires both player

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo believes that he and Lionel Messi are motivated by the long-standing rivalry they have shared.

The 29-year-old Real Madrid star or his Barcelona foe have won every Ballon d'Or since 2008, with the Portugal international claiming his third last week to close in on the Argentine's tally of four.

"I'm sure that the competition between us is a motivating factor for him too," he is quoted as saying by AS. "It's good for me, for him and for other players who are keen to grow. Messi has four Ballon d'Or awards, I have three. This is all good for the world of football."

Ronaldo went on to say that he is currently working on improving his set pieces, having been less successful from dead ball situations of late.

"I'm currently trying to improve my left foot, my acceleration and my direct free kicks," Ronaldo said. "I've not had a great deal of success recently with them. I know that it will come back. It's just a question of having enough humility to know that without training hard, things won't progress.

"Working on my game is my guide. If I'm able to play more than 60 games per season, it's because I look after myself. I sleep well, I eat well. In these ways I look for perfection too. If not, one can't keep this rhythm of playing 

Barcelona president: Luis Enrique will have 'long career' at Camp Nou

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has launched a staunch defense of Luis Enrique, saying the current coach will have a "long career" at Camp Nou.

Luis Enrique's future at the club has been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, with speculation he was set to be fired after a reported feud with Lionel Messi came to a head when the Argentine was left out of the team for the defeat to Real Sociedad on Jan. 4.

Both the coach and Messi have since denied rumors of tension in the camp and four convincing victories in a row — along with Bartomeu's decision to call for early elections — have provided temporary respite at the club.

Bartomeu says the club was always comfortable with Luis Enrique's managerial approach and is expecting him to have a lengthy reign in charge.

He told Barca TV: "Luis Enrique is the ideal coach. He will have a long career at Barca. We hired the coach with the aim that he would make things right. He is integrating the players well and with Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, we possibly have the best attack in the world. They are the envy of other clubs.

"We know Luis Enrique very well and we know how demanding he always is. He and Messi denied everything that was said. The idea of our play still remains the same."

Bartomeu reiterated there was no prospect of the club considering selling Messi, a man he thinks should always win the Ballon d'Or despite Cristiano Ronaldo's second straight triumph this month.

"Messi is perfect in every way," the president said. "They would have to give him all of the Ballons d'Or for how he is and how he plays football. He is the world's No. 1, although the awards were handed to others. He has a huge desire to win it all this year. I was with him and he is happy. He is having a magnificent season. He is our leader and acts as such. We have Messi for many years and I see no option to sell the player, nor any of his teammates."

Barcelona faces Atletico Madrid in the first leg of a Copa del Rey quarterfinal series Wednesday at Camp Nou

Atletico Madrid: China's Wang Jianlin buys 20% stake

Chinese billionaire Wang Jianlin is buying a 20% stake in Spanish football club Atletico Madrid for €45m ($52m; £34m) as he looks to diversify his business empire further.

He heads China's biggest property company Dalian Wanda, which has been buying up big foreign brands amid a weak domestic real estate market.

This includes US cinema chain AMC and luxury British yachtmaker Sunseeker.

It will be the first Chinese company to invest in a top European football club.

"This investment will not only provide a golden opportunity for young Chinese players sent overseas by Wanda to be selected by leading European football clubs," Mr Wang said in a statement.

"It will also strengthen the quality of Chinese football and narrow the gap between the rest of the world."

Negredo's header helps Valencia defeat Almeria in La Liga thriller

Spain striker Alvaro Negredo came off the bench to head in the decisive goal as Valencia beat his old club Almeria 3-2.

Valencia had seen first-half goals by Dani Parejo and Rodrigo Moreno cancelled out by two strikes from Almeria's top scorer Tomer Hemed and looked to be heading for a third successive game without a win -- until Negredo sent a header crashing into the net with seven minutes left. Winning this game in such dramatic fashion will be a shot in the arm to Nuno Espirito Santo's side after exiting the Copa del Rey to Espanyol in midweek, and they remain well in the race for a Champions League spot after picking up the three points.

Valencia had taken a first-half lead in six of their previous games at Mestalla and wasted no time in going in front here. Eleven minutes were on the clock when Parejo charged towards the area and played the ball wide to Antonio Barragan before racing raced into the box to steer his team-mate's cross in at the near post.

The difference between this game and the majority of matches at Mestalla this year is that instead of building on their lead, Valencia were pegged back by their opponents and found themselves level two minutes later. Arsenal loanee Wellington Silva was allowed to skip down the left wing and cross for Hemed, who moved unmarked across the six-yard box to poke home at the near post.

Valencia re-took the lead shortly before the half-hour mark. Andre Gomes released Paco Alcacer with a low ball into the box and the forward, perhaps meaning to shoot, squared the ball to Rodrigo, who slotted into an empty net. But just as before, Almeria hit back five minutes later. Famed heading expert Hemed rose to meet Verza's cross but got a touch of fortune as the ball deflected off the head of Gomes to wrong foot Diego Alves and land in the top corner.

The Israeli forward then came close to grabbing a hat-trick, heading another corner from Verza off the bar. Valencia were far more dominant in the second half and began peppering the visiting goal straight from the re-start.

In the first minute of the second period Gomes saw a shot from the edge of the area saved by Julian Cuesta, and then the midfielder headed just wide. Desperate for the three points, Nuno threw on Negredo with half an hour remaining, and the forward was quickly involved, testing Cuesta twice in the space of a few minutes and then driving a shot just wide of goal.

But the 29-year-old -- who was a big hit during a two-year spell at Almeria earlier in his career - was eventually rewarded for his efforts. Jose Luis Gaya used his pace to beat a defender on the left hand side and sent in a hanging cross to the back post, which Negredo powered into the net with his head.

Ronaldo, Bale ignore critics to inspire Real Madrid rout of Getafe

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice either side of a Gareth Bale strike asReal Madrid ran out 3-0 winners over Getafe in La Liga on Sunday.

The Champions League winners were dumped out of the Copa del Rey following a 2-2 draw (4-2 on agg) defeat to Atletico Madrid on Thursday night, but bounced back immediately in La Liga on Sunday.

Getafe belied form which saw them enter the game without a win in eight league games, although Toni Kroos' half-volley rattled the crossbar just before the break to signal Real's intent.

Needing a win to guarantee top spot with Barcelona playing later in the day, Real eventually found their feet in the second half, with Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo tapping home after good work from James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema.

The Colombian also set-up the second, nodded home by Bale, before Ronaldo benefitted from another James assist, taking his tally for the season to 36.

Looking to put their Copa exit behind them, Madrid were quick out the blocks with Benzema and Marcelo going close in the opening stages.

Getafe gave them few troubles, but the visitors also struggled to find a breakthrough, despite their dominance of possession.

Benzema got behind the defence to square for Marcelo from the byline, but the Brazilian's effort was well blocked by Emiliano Velazquez.

The lively French striker saw an angled shot denied by the legs of goalkeeper Jordi Codina, who also had to be alert to tip Isco's speculative 30-yard strike over the bar nine minutes before the break.

Marotta: Ancelotti not honest regarding Real's interest on Pogba

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has accused Carlo Ancelotti of telling a "white lie" and claims Real Madrid are interested in Paul Pogba.

The Juve star has been heavily linked with a move away from Serie A in recent months with Madrid one of the few clubs who could put together a financial package big enough to tempt him from Turin. Ancelotti, though, has ruled out the possibility of his side making a move for the highly-ratedFrance international, insisting they have no interest in bringing him to the Spanish capital.

"I think Pogba is a great player," he told Sky Italia. "He can play in any team in the world, but not for Real Madrid because he is not a player who interests us."

However, Marotta insists the Madrid boss is telling a "white lie," claiming Ancelotti has already approached Juve to ask about the former Manchester United midfielder.

"Ancelotti asked me some questions about Pogba," he said to Sky Italia. "He says he's not interested? Well, that's a white lie. I'm sure he has his reasons to say it's not true."

Marotta stressed Juventus will do all they can to ensure the player stays at Juve for as long as possible, but is realistic over the potential salary the midfielder could command elsewhere.

"We will do everything within out limits to hold on to Pogba, but we must not forget Italy is a country in transition," Marotta added. "The problem we have is that of offers coming in from other clubs offering him a salary that we are not able to match due to our financial situation. At the moment, there's no reason to believe that Pogba will definitely leave Juventus for another team, but we have to bear in mind that we cannot compete with the wages that are being paid elsewhere. We have our limits."

Figo adamant Messi, Ronaldo would not have been best in his time

is Figo believes Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo and hisBarcelona nemesis Lionel Messi would not have been the best players around during his time as a footballer.

The former Portugal international feels the Fifa Ballon d'Or holder and the Argentine forward are head and shoulders above everybody else at the moment, but has questioned whether this would also have been the case had they been playing in the 1990s and 2000s.

"If I were a manager I would try to sign Messi or Cristiano, two great players who are head and shoulders above the rest," Figo was quoted as saying by AS.

"But I was fortunate enough to play with some fantastic players - both in my teams and as opposition - who were quite possibly even better than Cristiano and Messi."

The former Madrid winger then went on to discuss this year's Champions League favorites and made it clear that he does not expect any surprises.

"The Champions League? This will be the year of either Real Madrid, Barca, Bayern, Chelsea..."

Figo also had his say on the Liga title race and he has little doubt either Barcelona or Madrid will emerge victorious again this term after Atletico Madrid's success last season.

"La Liga? There is certainly a clear domination by the two traditionally strong teams, Barca and Real Madrid."

Arsenal interested in Paulista

Arsenal interested in Paulista

Arsenal are interested in signing the Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista – but the Spaniards will only sell in this transfer window if a club meets his buy-out clause of around £15m, according to Sky sources.

Other sources say no deal between the two clubs is imminent.

The player has claimed his agent has been talking with the Gunners, but said: “Whether I go to Arsenal or stay at Villarreal, I won’t lose my head. I’m very calm.

"My head is at Villarreal and I’m very focused. My agent is working on making sure I continue being calm.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said last weekend that signing a defender is his priority this month.

The Brazilian, 24, started his career in his homeland with Vitoria, before moving to Villarreal in August 2013, signing a five-year contract

Valencia confirm Otamendi bid

Valencia confirm Otamendi bid

Our Spanish football expert Guillem Ballague has been told that Manchester United made the bid.

But this is being strongly denied by sources inside Old Trafford, and Valencia also say Otamendi will stay at the club in this window.

The 26-year-old, who has won 18 Argentina caps, started his career in his homeland Velez Sarsfield before moving to Porto in 2010.

Valencia signed him in February last year and immediately loaned him out to Atletico Minero in Brazil.

But this season he has been in superb form for Valencia, scoring the winner in their 2-1 victory over Real Madrid earlier this month which ended the European champions’ 22-match winning run.

His form has sparked interest from around Europe – and now a big-money bid - but sources at United insist it is not them who have made it.

Paper Talk: Real eye de Gea

Paper Talk: Real eye de Gea

the latest headlines as Madrid are linked with a world-record £35m bid for Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea

Two-match ban for Moyes

Two-match ban for Moyes

Moyes was sent off in Wednesday's Copa Del Rey game at home to Villarreal.

He made light of his first dismissal since taking over in San Sebastian in November by leaping over a fence into the stands to watch the rest of the match before accepting an offer of crisps from a girl sitting behind him.

He was cautioned for protesting a decision in the last 16, second-leg match and was booked again and sent off for complaining about an offside with around 10 minutes remaining.

Villarreal held Sociedad to a 2-2 draw and advanced to the quarter-finals 3-2 on aggregate.

Moyes was suspended for one game for the sending-off and one for climbing into the stands.

"I shouldn't have argued with the referee but I thought both of the decisions were incorrect," Moyes said, ahead of Saturday's La Liga game at home to Rayo Vallecano.

"But I left the dugout and I went to watch the game in the stands. I am a football supporter as well and I wanted to watch the game with the supporters.

"I've been a supporter all my life. I go to a lot of football games and I though the supporters were very good. So yeah it happens and whatever comes around I'll have to accept."

Sociedad are 12th in La Liga with just under half the season played on 19 points from 18 matches.  Moyes was sent off in Wednesday's Copa Del Rey game at home to Villarreal.

He made light of his first dismissal since taking over in San Sebastian in November by leaping over a fence into the stands to watch the rest of the match before accepting an offer of crisps from a girl sitting behind him.

He was cautioned for protesting a decision in the last 16, second-leg match and was booked again and sent off for complaining about an offside with around 10 minutes remaining.

Villarreal held Sociedad to a 2-2 draw and advanced to the quarter-finals 3-2 on aggregate.

Moyes was suspended for one game for the sending-off and one for climbing into the stands.

"I shouldn't have argued with the referee but I thought both of the decisions were incorrect," Moyes said, ahead of Saturday's La Liga game at home to Rayo Vallecano.

"But I left the dugout and I went to watch the game in the stands. I am a football supporter as well and I wanted to watch the game with the supporters.

"I've been a supporter all my life. I go to a lot of football games and I though the supporters were very good. So yeah it happens and whatever comes around I'll have to accept."

Sociedad are 12th in La Liga with just under half the season played on 19 points from 18 matches.  

Cordoba held by Eibar

Cordoba held by Eibar

Florin Andone's lightning-quick opener was not enough to secure Cordoba their third straight Primera Division victory as Eibar fought back to secure a 1-1 draw.

Miroslav Djukic's men had put together back-to-back wins to leave the relegation zone and Andone's goal inside 10 seconds looked like boosting the promoted club towards the top half of the table.

Both sides lost a man to red cards in the second half, though, Eduard Campabadal and Federico Piovaccari's dismissals destabilising Cordoba's game plan and allowing Mikel Arruabarrena to notch a headed equaliser.

The point helps the Andalusians climb one place to 14th while Eibar remain in eighth position.

Cordoba may still have been riding the wave of enthusiasm generated by their Monday night victory at Rayo Vallecano but they will not have expected to hit Eibar so early in their next appointment.

There were only 9.8 seconds on the clock when Federico Cartabia's ball forward was chested down by the bustling Andone and surprisingly flicked into the visitors' net.

It was the fourth fastest goal in La Liga history - behind those of Joseba Llorente, Seydou Keita and Dario Silva - but Cordoba were not prepared to get caught cold celebrating with at least 89 minutes still to play.

Fausto Rossi soon shot straight down Xabier Irureta's throat and goal provider Cartabia fizzed a speculative shot just wide of the mark on 15 minutes.

Piovaccari produced Eibar's best half-chance of the half but nothing would touch Andone's shock opener.

The odds were evened up, briefly, 10 minutes after the break as Campabadal, booked in the first half for fouling Eibar's Manuel Lillo, impeded Eneko Boveda to earn his second yellow card and his marching orders.

However, Piovaccari soon followed him down the tunnel as flaring tempers saw the Italian go in hard on Andone.

Andone made good use of the extra space to cut into the box in the 71st minute, but his shot from close range was parried by Irureta.

Eibar capitalised on the wasted opportunity immediately, racing up the other end to score.

Saul swung in the ball from the right and Cordoba goalkeeper Juan Carlos was left flapping as Arruabarrena headed home from six yards out.

The hosts were visibly incensed having let their lead slip away and twice went close to restoring it before full-time.

First, Cartabia headed Abel's free-kick over the bar and, in stoppage time, Jose Angel Crespo nodded the ball into Irureta's gloves as Cordoba piled forward en masse.

Ancelotti belief in Real defence

Ancelotti belief in Real defence

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti says his side will stay strong in defence when they look to preserve top spot in the Primera Division on Sunday.

Los Blancos head to mid-table Getafe in Sunday's morning kick-off on the back of losing their Copa del Rey crown.

The cup holders were dumped out by a Fernando Torres-inspired Atletico Madrid on Thursday, drawing 2-2 and slipping out on aggregate after a first-leg loss.

Real have found the going tough since the winter break and have seen their lead at the top of La Liga reduced to a point, but Ancelotti is confident they will be up to speed this weekend.

"We would be concerned if we did not have chances to score, but (against Atletico) we produced attractive play with quality, tempo and intensity," the Italian told his club's official website.

"I'm not concerned about that, we scored two goals. The concern comes from the mistakes we made at the back in bringing the ball out, which I don't think we will make again."

First home defeat for Moyes

First home defeat for Moyes

Former Manchester United striker Manucho struck late for Rayo Vallecano to inflict a first home defeat on Real Sociedad manager David Moyes.

Paco Jemez's side had been the second-best team for large periods of the game but the Angola international headed in a corner in the 81st minute to give the Madrid side a second win in three matches.

The fact his side had performed well will be scant consolation for Moyes, however, and after eight league games in charge of the Basque outfit the former Manchester United manager has just two wins to his name.

The Scot's side had the better of the early stages of the game and created two chances for striker Imanol Agirretxe, but on both occasions Rayo goalkeeper Tono was equal to them.

The visitors grew into the game as it went on, however, and created four opportunities in a rampant five-minute spell before the break - the best falling to Manucho. Gael Kakuta pulled the ball across goal and all the Angolan striker had to do was stick out his left boot to nudge the ball home, but instead tried to control the ball, allowing a Sociedad player to get back and block.

The hosts also played well for most of the second half without truly scaring Rayo.

Agirretxe misfired over the bar, Carlos Vela had a penalty appeal turned down after a challenge from Abdoulaye Ba, and Tono played with fire by coming out of his area in pursuit of Xabi Prieto, but the veteran midfielder was unable to take advantage of the situation and Rayo cleared their lines.

Rayo had been spectators for much of the game but found themselves in front with nine minutes to go. Roberto Trashorras sent in an outswinging corner and Manucho rose highest to glance the ball in at the far post, scoring his second goal in as many starts for the Vallecas club.

La Real dominated the final stages of the game but only created one more clear chance - Jon Ansotegi heading a corner just wide of the near post.

Granada confirm Tiago Ilori capture

Granada confirm Tiago Ilori capture

 

Spanish side Granada have moved to confirm reports they are set to complete the signing of Portuguese defender Tiago Ilori from Liverpool.
The youngster has agreed to join los Rojiblancos on loan until the end of the season in an attempt to gain much needed first team experience.
Granada sporting director Juan Carlos Cordero has revealed that the player is set to undergo a medical before completing the deal.
“There is an agreement between the three parties,” Cordero confessed to O Jogo, adding that Ilori was set to arrive in Granada on Saturday to sign the necessary documentation.
Tiago Ilori came through the youth ranks at Sporting Lisbon and went on to make 11 league appearances for the Lions before signing for Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
He has, however, failed to make a single appearance for the Reds this season and was in turn allowed to leave on loan.
Liverpool play host to Aston Villa later today in an attempt to cement the fourth position in the standings, with the Reds 2/9 to emerge victorious.