As the British parliament prepares to vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal on January 15th and as the March 29th deadline swiftly approaches, it is worth considering how Brexit will affect the European soccer landscape. Brexit, the United Kingdom’s landmark decision to abandon the European Union, has left many things in flux, from trade deals … Continue reading The Post-Brexit Soccer Landscape
From boring 0-0 draws, to unexpected upsets, to spectacular thrashings, the final gameweek of La Liga before the international break had it all. While the Friday fixtures started slowly, Celta de Vigo’s 2-0 victory against Atletico Madrid on Saturday jump started the weekend. Real Madrid brushed away Leganes 4-1, as Benzema seemed to rediscover his … Continue reading La Liga Team of the Week 3
On a torrid and torn up pitch, Barcelona defeated Valladolid 0-1 away from home in a strange match. Former Barcelona keeper Jordi Masip kept the Blaugrana at bay in the first half, as both teams struggled to establish any rhythm because of the bumpy field. In the second half, a tactical switch from Ernesto Valverde … Continue reading Valladolid vs Barcelona Recap: 0-1
Barcelona kick off their season with the Supercopa de España against Sevilla at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier Morocco. The Supercopa pits the winner of La Liga against the winners of the Copa del Rey; however, because Barcelona won the domestic double last season, they instead face the runners-up to the Copa in … Continue reading Barcelona Prepare for Sevilla in Supercopa
Heading into the 2018-2019 season, Valverde has a squad with the flexibility to play a number of formations including a similar 4-4-2 or the historic 4-3-3. Although there could be some growing pains without the brilliance of Iniesta to call on, starting the season from the off with Philippe Coutinho, who arrived from Liverpool in January, and Dembele is huge, and the additions of Malcom, Arthur Melo, and Clement Lenglet provide great depth. Now let’s take a look at a few of the different ways Barcelona can lineup this season.
Real Madrid have put together an incredible run in the Champions League the past three years, vanquishing every opponent they’ve faced in the knockout rounds. However, so much of Madrid’s identity hinges on Cristiano Ronaldo, the world-class winger who has ostensibly been challenging Lionel Messi for the moniker of best player in the world over … Continue reading Real Madrid Play an Unfamiliar Game: What to do Post-Ronaldo
In the 2011 Champions League Final, Barcelona eviscerated Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley Stadium. For the second time in three years and the third time time in six years, the Blaugrana reigned as champions of Europe. The starting XI for Barcelona in that game consisted of seven homegrown players, from Valdes at goalkeeper to … Continue reading The Tragedy of Thiago Alcantara
In 2011, the prodigal son returned to Barcelona when Cesc Fabregas left his Arsenal captaincy to rejoin his boyhood club. Although the trio of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets remained at their imperious best, the addition of the Spanish expat was met with much fanfare. However, his penchant to lose form in the second half of … Continue reading Paulinho, the Midfielder Fabregas Wasn’t
Barcelona’s purchase of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool stoked the January transfer window into life. The Brazilian’s move from Merseyside was the latest in a number of expensive transfers for the Catalan team. However, one club that has remained unusually dormant this month is Real Madrid. Even though the capital side find themselves dangerously adrift of … Continue reading Barcelona and Madrid’s Role Reversal
Corner Kick 