After two consecutive campaigns of Barcelona strolling to the La Liga title, former Real Madrid players Michael Owen and Steve McManaman are expecting the most competitive title race in recent seasons. The duo told The New Paper yesterday that the signings Real, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have made will make for a keenly contested title race. Champions Barcelona have been practically in a league of their own, winning the title at a canter the last two seasons. Last term, they finished 11 points clear of second-placed Atletico and 19 points in front of Real, who were third. The season before that, Barcelona ended 14 and 17 points ahead of Atletico and Real respectively. McManaman, 47, who made over 150 appearances for Real from 1999-2003, said: "Barcelona won the league easily the last few years but, this year, you can't really say who is going to win it. "Barcelona looked really average without (Lionel) Messi in the opening game. Atletico looked really good in their opening game. … [Read more...] about Expect tight La Liga title race this season, say Owen, McManaman
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Barcelona travel to Bilbao in La Liga opener
MADRID: Spanish champions Barcelona kick off their La Liga defence with a tricky clash at Athletic Bilbao on Aug. 18 while Real Madrid are at Celta Vigo as the 2019-20 fixtures were announced on Thursday.Barcelona, who eased to the title with 87 points, were held to draws by Bilbao in both league matches last season.Atletico Madrid, who finished as runners-up last season, welcome Getafe to the Wanda Metropolitano when the new campaign kicks off next month.Third-placed Real and Barca will play the first Clasico of the season at the Nou Camp on Oct. 27 while the return fixture at the Bernabeu will be on March 1.Zinedine Zidane's Real travel to local rivals Atletico on Sept. 29.(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond) … [Read more...] about Barcelona travel to Bilbao in La Liga opener
Five talking points from the last La Liga weekend
BARCELONA: Valencia won 2-0 at Real Valladolid on Saturday to finish fourth in La Liga and seal qualification for next year's Champions League, while Girona were relegated after a 2-1 defeat at Alaves.Here are five talking points from the final weekend of the La Liga season.BARCA DOMINANCELa Liga champions Barcelona saw out the season with a 2-2 draw at Eibar on Sunday, while Real Madrid, third, lost 2-0 at home against Real Betis.The points difference between Spain's two biggest clubs ended up being an unprecedented 19.While Barcelona's eight league titles in the last 11 seasons have made their domestic dominance clear, this new low for Real illustrates the scope of the rebuilding job coach Zinedine Zidane has on his hands.NO GOODBYE FOR GARETHWelsh winger Gareth Bale is one of several Madrid players who may have played their last match for the club.The record signing was not even given a chance to say goodbye to supporters by Zidane on Sunday, with the Frenchman leaving Bale on the … [Read more...] about Five talking points from the last La Liga weekend
Atletico captain Godin to leave La Liga club after nine years
Sport Atletico Madrid captain Diego Godin will leave the club after nine years when his contract expires in June, the Uruguayan defender said at a news conference on Tuesday as he fought to hold back tears. 07 May 2019 07:35PM Bookmark MADRID: Atletico Madrid captain Diego Godin will leave the club after nine years when his contract expires in June, the Uruguayan defender said at a news conference on Tuesday as he fought to hold back tears.Godin, 33, has played 387 times for Atletico since joining from Villarreal in 2010, scoring 27 goals and famously clinched the club's first La Liga title in 18 years with a header in a 1-1 draw at Barcelona in 2014.Godin did not state where he is going.(Reporting by Richard Martin, editing by Pritha Sarkar) … [Read more...] about Atletico captain Godin to leave La Liga club after nine years
Barcelona turn attention to Liverpool after securing La Liga title
After sealing their eighth La Liga title in 11 years, Barcelona are shifting their sights to a third Champions League crown in nine seasons. The Catalan side secured their 26th domestic league title with a 1-0 win over Levante yesterday morning (Singapore time), thanks to Lionel Messi who came off the bench to score in the 62nd minute. In the process, Barca have closed in on Real Madrid's record tally of 33. But Barca midfielder Ivan Rakitic is hoping that the players don't let their title victory get to their heads. "The players and the fans should enjoy this night without going over the top," he said. "When we wake up tomorrow, we have to prepare for what comes next, we have to think about Liverpool, who have an incredible team and a brilliant coach." The Croat was referring to the Champions League semi-final, first leg with Liverpool at the Nou Camp on Thursday morning. With an eye on the match, Barca coach Ernesto Valverde started with Messi on the bench, along with Sergio … [Read more...] about Barcelona turn attention to Liverpool after securing La Liga title