Sunday, September 29, 2013

Diego Costa the toast of Madrid after derby upset

Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Isco, David Villa and Arda Turan were all on show in the first Madrid derby of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu.

But it is Diego Costa who is the toast of the city after his goal saw Atletico upset their big spending rivals on Saturday night.

Costa broke free and stroked the ball past Diego Lopez after just 11 minutes at the Bernabeu to score his eighth goal of the season.

Carlo Ancelotti introduced Bale for his home debut at half time, but the former Tottenham man could not change the game as Atletico maintained their perfect start in La Liga.
Sunday, September 29, 2013 12:00

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Real 'robbery' gets Spain up in arms

Controversy reigned at Elche on Wednesday night as Real Madrid snatched the latest of winners from the penalty spot.

The home crowd, who had sang songs of Madrid's supposed cheating all evening, were incensed when referee Cesar Muniz pointed to the spot after Pepe took a tumble in the 94th minute.

Cristiano Ronaldo duly converted, leaving Elche captain Albucar to brand it a robbery, Gerard Pique to make his disapproval known on Twitter, and the Spanish police to reveal that they had received more than 120 complaining tweets from disgruntled fans!
Thursday, September 26, 2013 12:00

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Suarez 'champing at the bit' to make Liverpool return

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is set to return from his 10-match suspension to face Manchester United in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday evening.

The Uruguay international has missed the opening of Liverpool's campaign after he was suspended for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic but Brendan Rodgers insists the striker is "champing at the bit" to return to action.

“You’ll find out that once he gets that strip on, he’ll work his socks off. He’s received nothing but affection and love from the supporters," Rodgers told reporters.

“They deserve no less than 100 per cent and, knowing Luis, that’s what he’ll give them. He’s really champing at the bit to help the team. I am sure once he gets back on the field he will show his top quality.”
Wednesday, September 25, 2013 07:20

Donkey derby for Moyes & Manchester United

David Moyes' first taste of a Manchester derby ended in defeat on Sunday as his United side were thrashed 4-1 by rivals City at the Etihad Stadium.

Moyes' men were never at the races as Manuel Pellegrini's City stallions raced ahead after just 16 minutes through Sergio Aguero.

The home side had a second goal on the stroke of half time as Yaya Toure stabbed home from close range, before Aguero added a third after the interval.

Samir Nasri scored a fourth to put the game well and truly beyond doubt and, despite Wayne Rooney's sublime free kick late on, Moyes and United were left with very little to cheer about.
Monday, September 23, 2013 11:45

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Flying pigs and hell freezing over: Mikel scores for Chelsea!

Jon Obi Mikel scored his first Premier League goal in seven years at Chelsea on Sunday, a rare feat indeed.

So look out everybody, because pigs might fly, hell may have freezed over, and aliens may be on their way!

Sunday, September 22, 2013 12:00

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Swans take flight in Europe


Swansea City's start to their Europa League group campaign could not have fared any better at the Mestalla on Thursday.

Michael Laudrup's side were given a boost in the 10th minute as Valencia saw Adil Rami sent off, while Wilfried Bony's opening goal four minutes later was added to by Michu and Jonathan De Guzman in the second half.

Friday, September 20, 2013 12:00


Rooney & Ronaldo lead Champions League scoring spree

It was raining goals on Tuesday night as the Champions League returned to action with a bang, and European football's biggest names were all on song.

Real Madrid were rampant in Turkey, scoring six in a comprehensive victory over Galatasaray as Cristiano Ronaldo netted a hat-trick.

While at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney scored twice as Manchester United beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-2.

United's rivals Manchester City were also among the goals, as Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero led Manuel Pellegrini's side to a 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen.

And the reigning champions Bayern Munich scored three of their own, cruising past CSKA Moscow at the Allianz Arena, with big-spending Paris Saint-Germain putting four past Olympiakos.

With the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund still to play, there could be plenty more to come on Wednesday.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013 11:30