La Liga Overall News

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Ronaldinho and Miroslav Klose are, without doubt, the reference points in their respective teams. The effectiveness and in the area of the German striker and the magic and creation of the Brazilian has seen both playes net ten goals this term to top their league's scoring charts.


After his two goals at the weekend, Klose became the top scorer in the Bundesliga, following on from his success in the World Cup when he wo the golden boot. He is partnered in attack for Werder by Diego, who has seven goals himself this season. Ronaldinho has meanwhile assumed the role of goalscorer at Barça, following the injuries to Samuel Eto'o and Javier Saviola, and he has proven that he is clinical in and around the area too.

The new Barça hitman

The injuries to the frontmen at Camp Nou, as well as to Leo Messi, had many asking where the goals would come from in their absence, but Ronaldinho has filled the gap with some tremendous goals. He has scored with his head, with an over-head kick, from the penalty spot and has helped keep Barça top of the table and himself at the top of the scoring charts. While Ronaldinho, who missed the game against Levante, has ten along with Sevilla's Frédéric Kanouté, Diego Milito has nine goals this season and Ruud Van Nistelrooy has eight.

Klose is the pure striker

The Werder Bremen goalscorer is the classic centre forward. He is tall, strong and has a killer instinct for goal. The Polish-born German international is good in the air and has incredible ball control on the ground. Klose is also top scorer in the German top flight and he has formed a lethal partnership with Diego in the team.

Table toppers

Like FC Barcelona, Thomas Schaaf's side are doing very well in the table as they are both number one in their respective leagues. Werder are joint top of the Bundesliga alongside Schalke 04, while Barça are one point clear at the top of la Primera. The two teams have been close to the top of their tables since the start of the season and both have improved as the campaign has progressed.

Recent meeting

Just over a year ago, also in the Champions League, FC Barcelona and Werder Bremen met in Camp Nou. The Blaugrana ran out 3-1 winners that night in a game that saw ROnaldinho score. Both teams ended up going through to the knockout rounds. The two sides also met back in the European Super Cup in 1993 and that time Barça were also victorious with a 2-1 win in Camp Nou.

Both on 30 points

FC Barcelona and Werder Bremen have the same points as each other in their respective leagues, with 30 apiece. They are also both top of the table, but there is a difference in the fact that it has taken Barça 13 matches reach this tally, while Werder have played 15 games.

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Frank Rijkaard must ensure that FC Barcelona do not slip up in Camp Nou, a stadium where Werder Bremen have never managed to record a victory. More than ever a home win is vital.

With history on the Blaugrana's side, this is the first decisive game of this season's Champions League. The home team are favourites to win and continue their good run against Werder, who have lost on each of their last three visits. In 1968 the Germans were beaten 3-0 in the Gamper Trophy, they then lost 2-1 in the European Super Cup in 1993 and were also beaten 3-1 in the Champions League group stage last season, a result which saw Barça through to the last 16.

Away day blues

The record books also show that Werder have beaten Barça, with the Blaugrana winning four times and drawing three in the seven meetings between the two sides. Two of those may have been friendlies, but the facts are there. Werder have also struggled to perform away at at some of Europe's biggest names. In the last three campaigns, Werder have won only three times away from home in 11 games and have lost at such places as Inter, Lyon, Barça, Chelsea and Juventus.

Juve knockout
Against Juve last season, Werder were eliminated after they were beaten 2-1 by the Turin-based club thanks to an unlucky late goal that allowed the hosts to edge through to the next round. Playing that day for the Italian outfit were Lilian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta.

Barça in Europe under Rijkaard

Curiously, Juve are also the last team to taste victory in Europe at Camp Nou. It was in the second leg of the quarter finals in 2002-03 that the Barça side, coached by Radomir Antic, lost 2-1 at home after drawing 1-1 in Italy. Marcelo Zalayeta netted the winning goal that night. Since then Barcelona have embarked on a run of 16 games without tasting defeat at home in Europe under Rijkaard. The team has chalked up eleven victories and five draws in that time.


A full house


The game against Werder Bremen will be spectacle thanks to the expected full house for the encounter. The interest is huge and the Camp Nou will be full of atmosphere on the night, which will help lift the home side immensely. Another reasons for so many fans will be the fact that supporters that cannot go can have their seats filled using the Sient Lliure scheme.

The highest attendances for games this season have both topped 90,000 at Camp Nou. The league game against Sevilla saw 91,220 people there, while in the Champions League some 90,119 saw the draw against Chelsea.

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wish i could be there with the 90 thou.. id scream my lungs out

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Diego Maradona has backed Internazionale's interest in Argentina starlet Lionel Messi. Inter's managing director Ernesto Paolillo recently refused to rule out a summer move for Barcelona's 19-year-old forward.

And Maradona believes that the purchase of Messi could turn Inter in to the dominant force in world football.

"Is it true that Moratti wants Messi?" Maradona said in Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I can't see Barcelona letting Messi slip away, but if I was to recommend someone to Moratti then that player would be Messi, the most exciting player on the market today.

"I wouldn't think twice about it. With Messi, Inter can become one of the strongest teams in the world."

Eurosport - AS - 05/12/2006 09:57

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Villarreal defender Pascal Cygan will be out for the next three weeks after sustaining a groin injury in his left leg during his team's 2-0 victory over Gimnastic Tarragona on Sunday.

The Frenchman hobbled off after a quarter of an hour of the game, and scans have now revealed he is unlikely to be back before the new year.

The injury is a recurrence of one that has troubled Cygan already this season, putting off his debut for the 'yellow submarines' until a month into the new season.

Villarreal currently lie eighth in the Primera Division, and travel to Balaidos to take on Celta Vigo next Sunday.

Eurosport - Michael FitzGerald - 04/12/2006 19:11

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Barcelona midfielder-cum-defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst will sign a one year extension keeping him at the Camp Nou until 2008. His original deal was due to expire in the summer of 2007. "Gio" joined the Catalan giants from Arsenal in 2003.

Gio, 31, is expected to sign the contract this Tuesday in a deal with similar conditions to that which Sylvinho recently signed.

Both former Arsenal players are deemed crucial to boss Frank Rijkaard's plans for their ability to play on the left side of defence and, if required, midfield.

The Holland international came to prominence at Feyenoord, followed by three seasons at Rangers in Scotland before moving to Arsenal, where he won the Premiership and FA Cup.

He has won two Spanish titles and the Champions League with the Primera Liga side.

Eurosport - RM & AT - 04/12/2006 20:09

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Athletic Bilbao are to appeal against the red card shown to striker Aritz Aduriz during their 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday.


The 25-year-old was given his marching orders for an elbow on midfielder Mahamadou Diarra in the 74th minute.

Aduriz is set to miss the clash with Recreativo Huelva in San Mames next Sunday, though will be able to play should the appeal be overturned by the Spanish FA>

The dismissal was Aduriz's second of the season, as was also sent off in a game at Getafe last September. The rojiblancos also appealed that decision, though were unsuccessful, and the player missed the clash against Barcelona the following week.

Eurosport - Michael FitzGerald - 04/12/2006 20:26

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Cash-strapped Espanyol are set to offload players several players next summer, with keeper Carlos Kameni first in line for a move away.

The 22-year-old's contract expires in 2010, but the Catalans should be able to cash in on the highly-rated Cameroonian before then, with several Premiership clubs interested in taking him to England.

Manchester United received favourable reports from the scouts sent to watch Kameni last year, although a possible summer move to Old Trafford eventually broke down.

But now Tottenham and Portsmouth are thought to be leading the hunt for the shot stopper, with Palermo also interested in securing his services.

"I am happy in Barcelona and also I have signed a contract with my club but if the propositions are good, anything is possible," Kameni said.

"I am a professional and I do not would to lose an option. England? It is one of the best countries to play to football in.

"I say that several clubs are interested in me but I have not received any offers directly.

"Manchester United was a excellent opportunity in the past but I still do not know the real motive for not having sealed the deal. I believe the English were not convinced by my youth.

"Now I am more mature. Today only I am interested in playing each match for Espanyol. The summer still is far away."

Eurosport - MH & AT - 05/12/2006 11:49

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Florent Sinama-Pongolle has admitted he does not want to return to Liverpool after his loan spell with Recreativo Huelva.

The Frenchman is enjoying life in La Liga and is not keen to head back to Anfield to try and earn a first-team place under Rafa Benitez.

"For me, it is clear," he told RMC. "I do not want to go back to Liverpool.

"In Spain, I have found the sort of game which relates well to me. Everything's going well for me here, the quality of life is great, the quality of football as well.

"The record number of goals for a player of Recreativo Huelva in La Liga is 10. I already have five, why not aim even higher?"

Eurosport - AM - 05/12/2006 11:57

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Bolton Wanderers midfielder Ivan Campo is keen to quit the club in order to return to Spain with Athletic Bilbao.

The popular Spaniard was left on the bench for Saturday's defeat to Reading, although he did come on as a substitute in the 1-0 reverse, and it has emerged that he is eyeing a switch to Bilbao.

The Basque club are seeking a replacement for Pablo Orbaiz, who is out for eight months after rupturing knee ligaments.

"In England, I have returned to enjoying playing football but I already have a desire to return home," the former Real Madrid man told Marca.

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is unlikely to want to part with the influential 32-year-old but talks are planned for the coming weeks ahead of January's transfer deadline.

Eurosport - AM - 05/12/2006 15:02

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Valencia are set to offload out-of-favour striker Francesco Tavano, with "at least five Spanish clubs" interested sealing his signature according to the club's sporting director.

The Italian marksman has failed to acclimatise to life in La Liga since his arrival in the summer from Empoli and has hardly been used by coach Quique Sanchez Flores.

A move back to Serie A had been mooted for the player, particularly with Milan desperate to reinforce their strike force, but now a loan deal somewhere in Spain seems the more likely option.

"There are at least five Spanish clubs that are interested in Tavano's services," said Amedeo Carboni.

"Milan? I don't want to specify any names out of respect," Carboni continued. "In January we will evaluate the offers that might be important for Valencia, who own the player, as well as for those who are after him."

Despite the 27-year-old's failure to find the back of the net in Valenica colours, it is thought a number of top European clubs would like to have him on board, with Torino, Napoli, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham all reportedly keen on him.

Eurosport - Mike Hytner - 05/12/2006 12:20

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Real Madrid travel south on Saturday to face Sevilla in a top-of-the-table clash, while Barcelona host Real Sociedad keen to keep their place at the top of the league and Valencia play Deportivo.

Madrid, who are point behind Barcelona, have an injury doubt over Francisco Pavon for the big match in the Sanchez Pizjuan, while Cicinho is a long-term casualty and Guti is suspended.

Ronaldo will look for a start and to continue his excellent form after scoring last week against Athletic and bagging a brace against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League in midweek.

Sevilla, a further point back, may be missing Fernando Sales and will definitely be without Enzo Maresca and Jesus Navas thanks to knee injuries.

Barca centre half Rafael Marquez is struggling with an ankle knock, while Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o are injured until well after Christmas. Igor Jauregui is out indefinitely with a stomach problem for Real and Fabio Felicio may also sit out the Saturday match in the Camp Nou.

Valencia are still reeling from their long list of injuries and have hired a psychologist to help their players deal with the casualty list ahead of their meeting with Deportivo, the headlining clash on Sunday.

Jose Luis Mora, Fernando Morientes and Marco Regueiro are all doubtful, while Edu, Emiliano Moretti, Jaime Gavilan, David Albelda, Carlos Marchena and Asier del Horno are out for some time to come.

Depor must still cope without Jorge Andrade, though the defender will return to action soon after several months on the sidelines. Also likely to be out are striker Rodolfo Bodipo and playmaker Juan Carlos Valeron.

Atletico play at home to Espanyol with a cloud hanging over the participation of Pablo Ibanez. Martin Petrov and Maxi Rodriguez are to miss the majority of the season with knee injuries. Espanyol striker Luis Garcia also has a knee problem that will keep him out till Christmas.

Athletic Club welcome Recre to the San Mames minus only one player, Tiko, who has an ankle knock. The visitors have two men missing, Fernandez Serrano Poli and Antonio Sanchez de la Calle.

Getafe duo Ruben Pulido and Cosmin Contra are suspended for the visit of Betis to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Veljko Paunovic and Juan Albin are injured for the Madrid satellite town.

There are no doubts for Betis, only long-term absentees Antonio Doblas and David Odonkor.

Nastic are missing Oscar Lopez and Levante Ian Harte for their match in Tarragona.

Celta have a host of doubts for the match with Villarreal, who in turn have no new injury concerns. In other matches Osasuna host Mallorca and Racing welcome Zaragoza to Santander.

Eurosport - Jonathan Symcox - 08/12/2006 18:47

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Atletico Madrid have rejected a loan bid from River Plate for Argentine winger Luciano Galletti.

Reports suggest that Galletti's agent was in Madrid to discuss a potential loan move back to Argentina until June 2007, but Atletico have decided to hang onto the 26-year-old.

"Galletti has a contract with us and is a player who is very important for Atletico," said a club spokesman.

Coach Javier Aguirre is said to have played a key role in vetoing the deal, and is eager to add players, as opposed to let anybody go, in the January transfer window.

Eurosport - AT - 09/12/2006 16:42

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Barcelona were frustrated in the first half against a stubborn Real Sociedad side, but won through eventually thanks to a controversial goal from Ronaldinho. Victor Valdes saved their blushes with a fine save in injury time.

Eidur Gudjohnsen was interfering with goalkeeper Claudio Bravo when the finish from a Ludovic Giuly cross slammed home.

La Real had not won a match all season when they arrived in the Catalan capital, no one giving them a chance against the Liga leaders.

Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard made five changes to the team that beat Werder Bremen in the crucial UEFA Champions League clash in midweek. Juliano Belletti, Lilian Thuram, Sylvinho, Xavi Hernandez and Edmilson came in, an indication of the depth of the squad.

The first chance was brilliantly orchestrated. Giuly was overlapped by Belletti, who passed to Edmilson. The Brazilian flicked a delightful ball over the top to Ronaldinho on the left, whose chest down and volley was just tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Bravo.

Darko Kovacevic, seeking his first goal for 13 months, attacked a cross on the quarter hour, but Thuram did enough to put him off.

The crowd were incensed when the assistant referee then disallowed two goals in three minutes.

In the 20th minute, Xavi passed to the feet of Gudjohnsen, who turned expertly and smashed into the corner of the net. Unfortunately for him, he was marginally offside.

If that was a good decision, the one following was poor. Giuly and Gudjohnsen joined forces to send a ball to the feet of Xavi. Instead of controlling the ball on the edge of the box, the Spain midfielder dummied to allow Ronaldinho a free shot on the left.

It duly came towards the far bottom corner and Bravo could only push it to the feet of Xavi, who tucked it away. He was level with a defender, but the flag went up and Barca were denied.

Captain Carles Puyol was brought off as a precaution after he overstretched, Oleguer Presas arriving in his place.

Sociedad had a great chance to score on 28 minutes. Kovacevic went for the ball with Thuram and it fell kindly for the arriving Uranga.

With Valdes making himself big, Uranga shot, but a last-ditch dive across from Belletti deflected it over the bar.

Ronaldinho came very close to another wonder goal when he anticipated a cross from danger man Giuly. He flung himself into an overhead kick and the stadium held its breath as it flew a fraction wide.

Barca struggled to regain a grip on the match immediately after half-time. Sociedad had a period of possession, but could not create any chances.

The home team came into the match again and on the hour mark got their goal. Giuly took the ball down the right and put in a low ball for Ronaldinho to score with a neat finish.

In a twist of fate, Gudjohnsen was stood in an offside position and in the line of sight of goalkeeper Bravo, but the officials allowed it.

Deco showed some lovely touches, as did his replacement Andres Iniesta, but another goal was not forthcoming.

The game ended on a sour note as Sylvinho was shown two yellow cards in a minute. First he was booked for time-wasting, which was fair, but then Xabi Prieto went down easily on the halfway line.

Deep into injury time Prieto headed at goal from a free-kick and Valdes was forced to tip over right in the top corner to give Barca the points.

Eurosport - Jonathan Symcox - 09/12/2006 23:42

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Barcelona announced on Saturday that they will be taking legal action against French daily Le Monde for alleging that the club had links to the doctor at the centre of a Spanish doping investigation.

The European and Spanish champions reiterated that they had no relationship with Doctor Eufemiano Fuentes who has been accused of offences against public health following raids on a number of addresses in Madrid and Zaragoza in May this year.

Le Monde said it had accessed documents suggesting that Fuentes, who has collaborated with several cycling teams, had been involved in the physical preparation, including possible use of illegal substances, of the Barcelona and Real Madrid teams via their respective medical departments.

"Doctor Fuentes is not linked nor has ever been linked with the medical services of FC Barcelona neither officially nor unofficially," the club said in a statement.

"Barcelona have not used any unauthorised medical practices, nor have they used any unauthorised product or substance and as a consequence the information in the article is untrue."

Le Monde asserted that Barcelona had approached Fuentes to collaborate with the Primera Liga side in 1996 and 2006, but although the club admitted there may have been an approach in 1996 they said there had been no contact since 2003.

Barca demanded that Le Monde issue an official apology before initiating legal action.

Reuters - - - 09/12/2006 23:40