If Chelsea’s setback at Everton over the week-end was not cause for alarm, the performance against Basel definitely revealed a problem – not the result as much as the uninspired, confused display of a Chelsea group that finished last season…
Category: Europe
Super Cup Win Steadies Real Madrid
Two defeats and a home draw in its first three official matches left Real Madrid visibly bitter and frustrated coming into the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup at the Bernabeu. Yet the Merengues showed no lack of confidence…
What’s Behind the Basque Mess?
Athletic Bilbao won fans everywhere last year with a dynamic style of play that always entertained. Led by the mercurial Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, Bilbao featured a great blend of young starlets (Javi Martinez, Iker Muniain) and experienced players (Andoni…
How Does Luka Modric Fit in Madrid?
Real Madrid spent about $42 million to bring the little Croatian to the Bernabeu, so a little bit of thought must have gone into this move. At the moment, it appears that Luka has a comfortable place between Cajellon and…
Tottenham Gets Some Moussa
Excellent signing for Spurs from a Fulham side that inexplicably failed to raise his 15 million pound buy-out clause. Moussa Dembele has been the subject of much admiration and speculation over the past few weeks. He played particularly well in…
Midnight Raid
Bayern Munich’s signing of Javi Martinez was a smart ploy, sure to have a profound impact. Bilbao should not be too upset; after all, the player activated his $50 million buy-out clause with German cash, something that both Man City…
What Van Persie Signing Means for Man Utd
Sir Alex Ferguson has made an exception to his rule for an exceptional talent. Manchester United’s manager has moved away from his zealous investment in the younger market to sign Robin van Persie. Ferguson’s transfer mantra in recent seasons has…
At First Look, Capello Fits Well in Russia
Fabio Capello, known as a strict disciplinarian, is on the verge of being appointed new Russia manager following the Russians’ disappointing Euro 2012 campaign. The 66-year-old Italian, who quit as England boss in February, said he was happy to work…
Another Milan Rip-off. New Transfer Market Idiot: PSG
According to multiple reports, PSG is about to pay Berlusconi’s Milan 62 million euros for 30-year old Zlatan Ibrahimovic and 27-year old Thiago Silva in what constitutes a heist of laghable proportions. Paying 20 million euros for a declining star…
Euro 2012 Set to Kick Off
(AFP – June 8, 2012) Host nation Poland is set to meet Greece in Warsaw’s National Stadium in the inaugural match of the 2012 Euro tournament. Poland is hoping for an opening win on home soil while opponents Greece is…
Race Tightens Across Europe
ENGLAND Manchester United all but sealed a 20th English title as they opened up an eight-point lead over Manchester City with just six games left to play. United beat Queens Park Rangers 2-0 at Old Trafford while Mikel Arteta’s goal…
Man City Discovering What Chelsea Learned and PSG Will: Money Is No Guarantee of Success
With Manchester United closing in on a 20th English championship title, Manchester City is discovering that not even investing more than $1-billion on players can guarantee success over a unified and settled squad. Man City had been predicted by many…
Liverpool Completes Magical Week
Liverpool gave its long-suffering, passionate supporters a massive dose of euphoria, eliminating eternal rival Manchester United from the FA Cup just a few days after eliminating Man City in the Carling Cup. This is as positive a moment as ever…
Xavi: Madrid Bad Losers, Animals
Associated Press Sports updated 10:45 a.m. ET Jan. 27, 2012 BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has labeled Real Madrid’s players bad losers and animals after his club won their latest ill-tempered matchup. Barcelona eliminated cup holder Real Madrid…
Another Clasico, Same Result. Madrid Rues Missed Opportunities
Even with a less than stellar performance, Barcelona scraped into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 4-3 aggregate win over Real Madrid despite letting a two-goal lead slip at Camp Nou and sweating the final quarter hour…