City have 2-1 lead over Europa Champions

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

Manchester City will hope star striker Kun Aguero has the same influence in the second leg as he did in the first. Sergio Aguero hit a dramatic late winner as Manchester City came from behind to beat holders Porto 2-1 in the first leg of the last 32 Europa League tie. City trailed to Varela’s close-range effort following a powerful run and cross by Hulk. Man City deservedly equalised when Alvaro Pereira deflected Yaya Toure’s cross into his own net off his shoulder. They sealed victory when Aguero tapped home Toure’s cross. It turned out to be a very good night’s work for Manchester City in their first European game since being knocked out of the UEFA Champions League. Manchester City face a similar game to the first leg against holders Porto but Roberto Mancini has spoken of his determination to win both a continental title and the Premier League. City hold a 2-1 first-leg advantage over Porto after coming from a goal down at Estadio do Dragao last week, when the game was shrouded by alleged racist chanting. Porto who finished third in their Champions League group, have not been beaten in a two-legged tie in the Europa League, or the previous UEFA Cup, since 2000/2001. City are unbeaten in 15 European fixtures at home and with the chance of facing Manchester United in the Europa League, it provides a bigger morale boost of hopefully beating United in the Premier League and in Europe which would surely silence the red half of Manchester. City have no injury concerns for the second leg, but there will be no return for Tevez, despite his apology as he is not registered for the competition. Yaya Toure made his comeback in the first leg after missing eight games at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Mario Balotelli also featured after suspension. The odds are are firmly stacked against Porto who have never beaten an English side away in European competition.

Can Manchester City make athier first European final under manager Roberto Mancini? or can Porto defy the odds and win on English soil for the very first time?

At Soccerbox.com we supply football shirts for Premier League teams including the new Manchester City Away Football Shirt. Our football shirts are available in kid’s and adult sizes and are 100% Official supplied to us directly from the manufacturer.

Share
Posted in Manchester City, Manchester United, Porto | Leave a comment

Chelsea face a tought trip in Napoli

Posted on February 21, 2012 by admin

Chelsea face a difficult task tonight as they take on Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo. Chelsea travel to the intimidating ground in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League and will be hoping to at least secure a point in the first leg to take back to Stmaford Bridge. Tonight’s game will have a hostile atmosphere which will be difficult for the Chelsea players to ignore. Recent rumours had suggested that Abrambrovich was due to sack Villas-Boas if Chelsea are ultimately knocked out of Europe after a five-game winless run. Villas-Boas has come under severe pressure throughout a disappointing season, but he has stayed confident that he can succeed. At his pre-match press conference, Villas-Boas gave an excellent, fighting speech and insisted he has the full support of Chelsea’s board. Napoli sit sixth in Serie A but have been this season’s surprise package in the Champions League and finished above Manchester City in Group A. City failed to win at the Etihad Stadium before losing in Italy aftercoming unstuck against  Napoli’s star trio of Ezequiel Lavezzi, Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik who are quickly gathering a wide reputation of potential buyers. John Terry is missing fro tonight’s game. He was already a major doubt but had travelled with the squad.  Villas-Boas is more optimistic about Ashley Cole recovering from a calf problem, while Didier Drogba looks set to start in attack in place of Fernando Torres. Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis is expected to start against Chelsea. Hugo Campagnaro has been included despite being forced off with a calf injury against Fiorentina. Eduardo Vargas is also out with a twisted ankle. Villas-Boas will be hoping his squad will pull out a big performance for him tonight and take the spotlight away from Napoli’s Edinson Cavani, Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi. If these three play well tonight and cause a major upset tonight, it could spell the end for Villas-Boas. Chelsea have won just two of their past 10 league games and have slipped outside the top four of the Premier League, who even Villas-Boas admits not all players believe in his “project” and they failed to beat Championship side Birmingham in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Withis out-of-form Chelsea side rise to the occassion? or will the intimidating atmosphere in Napoli help them to cause a major upset?

At Soccerbox.com we supply football shirts for Serie A teams including the new Napoli Away Football Shirt. Our football shirts are available in kid’s and adult sizes and are 100% Official supplied to us directly from the manufacturer.

Share
Posted in AC Milan, AS Roma, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Italy, Manchester City, Manchester United, Napoli | Leave a comment

Barca face tough trip to Leverkusen following defeat

Posted on February 14, 2012 by admin

Barcelona’s hopes of a fourth successive La Liga title suffered a major setback as they slumped to defeat at Osasuna on Saturday, leaving Real Madrid seven points behind leader Madrid having played a game more. Barcelona suffered a 3-2 defeat away to Osasuna. Real Madrid did not play until Sunday and faced Levante who have been La Liga’s surprise package this season. With Ronaldo’s sixth hat-trick of the season completing a 4-2 victory sent Real Madrid 10 points clear and nearly out of sight. For Saturday’s game at Osasuna Pep Guardiola left Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas on the bench ahead of Tonight’s UEFA Champions League trip to Bayer Leverkusen. Barcelona were 2-0 down in the space of 22 minutes as Dejan Lekic scored a brace and even though Alexis Sanchez reduced the deficit early in the second half, Raul Garcia immediately responded to restore their two goal advantage. Cristian Tello grabbed another for in the 73rd minute, but they could not find an equaliser, with Lionel Messi seeing a goal ruled out for offside. They will try to put Saturday’s shock loss to Osasuna behind them when they continue their Champions League defence on Tuesday. They travel to face Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their last-16 tie. However Leverkusen have played down their own chances, sporting director Rudi Voeller saying: “We’re not dreamers but realists The first leg is at the BayArena that is attracting the most attention, following Barcelona’s 3-2 defeat by Osasuna, which leaves them trailing Real Madrid by 10 points. Captain Carles Puyol has insisted the Catalans are focused on all competitions. “We’ll fight to the end in all three competitions, whoever thinks the opposite is wrong. We have to give everything every game, and we’ll do this until the end of the season.” Pep Guardiola rested midfielders Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez on Saturday but they are both are likely to start tonight. Sergio Busquets is a doubt after missing two games but will travel with the team. Leverkusen have problems of their own at present having won only one win from their last seven games. The club are also at odds with midfielder Michael Ballack after managing director Wolfgang Holzhaeuser described his transfer back to the club as a “failure”. Ballack will not play tonight after tearing a calf muscle in training on Sunday and he is joined on the sidelines by Sydney Sam and Eren Derdiyok.

Can Barca return to winning ways in tonight’s game and aim to be one of few sides to retain a European trophy? or can Leverkusen inflict a second successive defeat on the catalans?

At Soccerbox.com we supply football shirts for Primera Liga teams including the new Real Madrid Home Football Shirt. Our football shirts are available in kid’s and adult sizes and are 100% Official supplied to us directly from the manufacturer.

Share
Posted in AC Milan, Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Levante, Osasuna, Rayo Vallecano, Real Betis, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Spain, Valencia, Villarreal | Leave a comment

Manchester United face Liverpool at Old Trafford

Posted on February 10, 2012 by admin

Saturday’s early kick off sees Liverpool make the short trip to Manchester United. This fixture has always an added spice with there usually being one sending off especially with Liverpool welcoming the return of Luis Suarez. Suarez has completed his eight-match ban and could return to the starting line-up after missing out for allegedly racially abusing Patrice Evra. All the attention in the pre-match press conferences has been towards this incident with neither manager really wanting to get involved. Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has declined to comment over what treatment striker Luis Suarez can expect in tomorrow’s game. Sir Alex Ferguson claims to have given no thought to a potential pre-match meeting between Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez. Queens Park Rangers recently cancelled the usual pre-match handshakes against Chelsea in order to avoid further inflaming a race row involving Anton Ferdinand and John Terry. Both managers seem firmly set on just the football tomorrow and nothing else. Manchester United are two points behind Manchester City heading into Saturday’s fixture and with a win could be top for 24 hours until City face Aston Villa on sunday. United’s home record has seen them make 29 wins from their last 33 Premier League games at Old Trafford. However, they have lost four of their last seven top-flight meetings with Liverpool and came also got beat recently in the F.A cup meeting. Things point to a very tight and cautious game tomorrow with neither side really wanting to get beat. Liverpool will be confident going into tomorrow’s visit to Old Tafford and will sure to pressurise David de Gea’s if he plays in goal after he was blamed for the first goal in the F.A Cup tie. Liverpool’s form of late is not brilliant with only one win in their last five in the league. They sit seventh in the table, four points adrift of the UEFA Champions League places. Liverpool tend to raise their game against United, with only Chelsea claiming more wins at Old Trafford on more occasions than Liverpool in the Premier League. Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Tom Cleverley will be involved at some point. He has been sidelined with an ankle injury since October, but he is expected to make the bench. Chris Smalling is returning, but Nani, Phil Jones, Anders Lindegaard, Nemanja Vidic and Michael Owen are all out. Liverpool have no fresh injury or suspension concerns. Jose Enrique is hoping to return after missing the Tottenham game. Suarez could start. Lucas remains the only long-term absentee.

Hopefully tomorrow’s game will be remembered for the football and not for any bad blood that still exists over the recent race row? Could Luis Suarez come back and silence Old Trafford?

At Soccerbox.com we supply football shirts for Premier League teams including the new Manchester United Away Football Shirt. Our football shirts are available in kid’s and adult sizes and are 100% Official supplied to us directly from the manufacturer.

Share
Posted in Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur | 1 Comment

United face Chelsea at the Bridge

Posted on February 3, 2012 by admin

The game of the weekend sees second face fourth, when Chelsea take on Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea against Manchester United may not look like a title decider this year but Chelsea are actually a point better off than at this stage last season and will want their say in this season’s Premier League. John Terry will be absent through injury which caused him to miss the midweek draw at Swansea and will keep him out of sunday after being stripped off the England captaincy for allegedly racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. A decision has now been taken regarding his future as captain and he will not take the armband for the game with Holland at Wembley. He was informed of the decision by FA chairman David Bernstein in a phone call at 1000 GMT. He is due to stand trial in July for the incident with QPR’s Anton Ferdinand.  It would have been Terry’s first on-field appearance since his court denial of alleged racism and it could have delivered a meeting with Rio Ferdinand, brother of Anton and another possible snubbed handshake. Chelsea are almost definitely out of the title race after falling 12 points behind leaders Manchester City and United, who are only separated by goal difference but they will have a big say in who claims the title. Chelsea are now in a fight for fourth place and the last UEFA Champions League spot with Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle. A win against United is  a must to just keep Chelsea’s noses in front. With all the attention of Sunday’s clash firmly focused on Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men can aim to inflict another home defeat on Chelsea at the bridge, with this season has not been the fortress it has been in the last few years. Having played Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in quick succession, and another meeting with Liverpool in the league coming up, United are entering a pivotal time in their season and cannot afford any slip-ups to allow Manchester City to again pull clear after hauling themselves level on points with their city neighbours. United enjoy a good overall record against Chelsea having won five of their last six matches in all competitions, but in the league, United have not won in their last nine visits to Stamford Bridge. Gary Cahill is likely to make his debut in a reshuffled defence also missing the suspended Ashley Cole.  Ramires damaged knee ligaments in the FA Cup win over QPR and is missing which could see a recall for Frank Lampard. Anders Lindegaard is ruled out for at least four weeks with an ankle ligament injury and Ben Amos started against Stoke and could keep his place ahead of David de Gea. United are hoping Wayne Rooney, Nani, Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young will be fit to return to the squad. Chelsea are unbeaten in 2012 in all competitions. It is now 1,076 minutes (17hrs 56 mins) – spanning 17 matches since Fernando Torres scored for Chelsea. United have the best away record in the Premier League, collecting 26 points from 11 matches and losing only once.

Can Chelsea manage to hold onto fourth place and gain three valuable points? or will United get the win they need to push on for the Premier League title?

At Soccerbox.com we supply football shirts for Premier League teams including the new Manchester United Home Football Shirt. Our football shirts are available in kid’s and adult sizes and are 100% Official supplied to us directly from the manufacturer.

Share
Posted in Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Swansea, Tottenham Hotspur | 1 Comment

Arsenal face another tough trip to the Reebok.

Posted on February 1, 2012 by admin

Arsenal face another difficult trip to the Reebok Stadium tonight where they will take on Bolton. The Gunners will be hoping to gain a valuable victory after three successive defeats in the Premier League against Fulham, Swansea and Manchester United. They can regain fifth spot after Liverpool won 3-0 at Wolves last night. At the minute they sit sixth and six points away from the UEFA Champions League qualifying places. The gunners will be in good spirits after a sensational second-half performance to come from behind and beat Aston Villa in the FA Cup. Arsenal will face a resurgent Bolton side who have won their last two fixtures at home against Swansea and Liverpool. Bolton’s recent form has seen them climb out of the bottom three and into safety for now but could slip back into the relegation zone if Blackburn win tonight against Newcastle. Tim Ream is not expected to make his debut after joining from the New York Red Bulls. Ream’s transfer was confirmed last week but he has been back in the USA sorting out passport issues. Tyrone Mears could make play and goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen may return to the team after both were on the bench against Swansea having both recovered from injury. Arsenal will have Johan Djourou available. Bacary Sagna returned from four months with a late substitute appearance in the 3-2 FA Cup win over Aston Villa. Thierry Henry and Mikel Arteta are now both available. Full-back Kieran Gibbs has returned to training but Carl Jenkinson, Andre Santos and Abou Diabyare still out while. Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho are away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Arsenal are without star midfielder Jack Wilshere who has suffered a stress fracture in his foot and has suffered a setback in his recovery from a long-term injury. Arsenal had hoped that he would be back in contention well before the end of the season, allowing him to play a leading role for his club before pushing for inclusion in England’s Euro 2012 squad but this could signal the end of his season. Bolton have made a couple of signings in the January transfer window, they have signed Watford striker Marvin Sordell on a three-and-a-half year contract and loan signing of Japanese midfielder Ryo Miyaichi from Arsenal. Sordell who has scored eight times this season moves for an undisclosed fee. Owen Coyle insists there was competition for the striker’s signature, stating the youngster has great potential. “I am delighted to have brought Marvin to our club, as there were a number of other Premier League clubs tracking him,” Coyle told the club’s official website. Ryo Miyaichi who is yet to make a league appearance for Arsenal, has agreed a deal until the end of the season. Miyaichi joined Arsenal 12 months ago and already been on loan at Feyenoord. “He’s a very talented young player, who is quick and exciting. He had a great spell on loan at Feyenoord last season.” said manager Owen Coyle. Tonight’s game will be difficult test for Arsene Wenger’s side but with the Van Persie still  scoring goals, they may prove to have too much quality if they can match Bolton’s fight and spirit. Arsenal have won eight of their last nine league matches against Bolton. The Trotters are unbeaten when scoring first this season.

Can Robin Van Persie carry on his amazing goalscoring form this season and clinch Arsenal a precious away victory? or will Bolton maintain their resurgence up the Barclays Premier League and distance themselves from the bottom three?

At Soccerbox.com we supply football shirts for Premier League teams including the new Bolton Wanderes Home Football Shirt. Our football shirts are available in kid’s and adult sizes and are 100% Official supplied to us directly from the manufacturer.

Share
Posted in Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United, Swansea | Leave a comment

Everton host Man City

Posted on January 31, 2012 by admin

Everton and Manchester City face each other tonight at Goodison Park with City looking to extend their lead at the top. Both sides have transfers to be completed on deadline day in the January transfer window. As the clock ticks down on the January transfer window there is always some last minute unexpected transfer activity. Manchester City will be firmly setting their sights on securing the club’s first Premier League crown. They have been knocked out off every other competiton in the last few weeks with defeats by Manchester United in the F.A Cup and Liverpool in the League Cup. City have won just one of their last five games on the road, with that solitary success coming against bottom club Wigan. Everton need to improve their league form, having won just one of the last six they’ve played in the top flight. Strangely for Everton, winning at home has proved especially difficult this season, with only three Goodison Park successes against Wigan, Wolves and Swansea.  Everton have only taken two points taken from their last four matches. They have done pretty well against City in recent times, with seven victories in the last nine meetings. They have also lost only one of their last 13 games against City at Goodison Park winning on eight occassions. Everton are still without a number of key players. Shane Duffy could continue in central defence in the absence of Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka although Tony Hibbert is fit. Seamus Coleman, Leon Osman and Jack Rodwell are also still missing. Manchester City welcome back captain Vincent Kompany from suspension. Mario Balotelli is missing still through his four-match ban. Defender Kolo Toure and midfielder Yaya Toure are away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations. Manchester City have managed just two wins at Goodison Park in 14 Premier League visits. City are set to start February as Premier League leaders – the last eight Premier League titles have been won by sides who topped the table at the start of February.

It seems Everton could be bringing one striker in and letting one striker go. With Jelavic rumoured to be closing a deal and Tottenham thought to be ready to buy Louis Saha at a cut price. Tottenham Hotspur have lined up a deadline day bid for Everton striker Louis Saha. Spurs have made an approach and are understood to have agreed a deal until the end of the season with a view to an extention. Louis Saha has been told he can leave with the immiment arrival of Rangers star Nikica Jelavic. Louis Saha has not scored a Premier League goal for 942 minutes. Spurs are keen to offload Roman Pavlyuchenko before bringing in Saha, so it is not a done deal. Everton have confirmed they have agreed a fee with Rangers to sign Nikica Jelavic. The Croatian striker has been linked with a host of clubs this month following a string of impressive performances. West Ham and West Brom were both interesed in Jelavic, but Everton are the club who have agreed a deal. Jelavic has now travelled to Merseyside to hold talks and undergo a medical.

Can Everton heap more pressure on Roberto Mancini’s side as inflict another defeat on City? or can City get through this bad patch and show that their squad has more than enough quality ot handle the pressure?

At Soccerbox.com we supply football shirts for Premier League teams including the new Arsenal Home Football Shirt. Our football shirts are available in kid’s and adult sizes and are 100% Official supplied to us directly from the manufacturer.

Share
Posted in Arsenal, Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur | 1 Comment

City and United open up lead at the top

Posted on January 23, 2012 by admin

Sunday provided too very different games in term’s of scoreline and entertainment but both had late goals to snatch victory at the death. Manchester City faced Tottenham Hotspur in the early kick off on Sunday afternoon and it was City who narrowly came out on top after Spurs should of gone home with at least a point. Mario Balotelli scored a last minute penalty to give City a 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium. Spurs looked set to become the first side to take some points of leaders  until Ledley King was fowled Balotelli and him stepped up to beat Brad Friedel. The game burst into life in the second half with four goals in 10 minutes. Firstly David Silva’s played in Samir Nasri who fired home, then momentsa later Nasri’s corner from left was flicked on by Edin Dzeko and bundled over the line by Joleon Lescott. Spurs hit back immediately when Younes Kaboul’s long ball caught out the shaky Stefan Savic, allowing Jermain Defoe to run clear and go round Joe Hart and slot home to bring Spurs right back into the game. Gareth Bale levelled the scoreline with a curling 25-yard shot that left Joe Hart helpless. Jermain Defoe came within inches of securing a last-gasp victory when Savic gave the ball away agai to Bale who burst past Lescott to a cross for Defoe who narrowly couldn’t reach the ball. Only for City to snatch the win the last minute of injury time thanks to a Mario Balotelli penalty. The victory leaves Spurs now eight points adrift of top spot and puts a dent in their title ambitions.

The 4pm kick off saw fifth play second as Arsenal took on Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. Danny Welbeck grabbed a late winner for United to keep their Premier League title dreams alive. Leaders Manchester City beat Tottenham earlier to pile pressure on United heading into another Manchester versus North London clash. Manchester United dominated the first half with crisp passing and great movement. They created a few chances as Nani gave Djourou a tough first half which saw him substituted at half time. United finally took the lead in typical fashion, right on the stroke of half time as the ever present Ryan Giggs crossed for Antonio Valencia to head home. Top scorer Robin van Persie pulled Arsenal level 20 minutes from time, scoring after a great pass from the young Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was very impressive on his first start in the Premier League, which was made more clear by the crowd when he was substituted for Andrei Arshavin and Arshavin was booed as Chamberlain was cheered. Welbeck saved the day in the 81st minute after goalscorer Valencia turned provider, allowing Wellbeck to slot home from close range. United throughly deserved the win and probably should of had the game wrapped up no the first half. The game was not as open as the earlier kick off but United got the win they craved to stay three points behind their Manchester neighbours and still in the Title hunt.

Are Manchester City strong enough to hold Manchester United and win the Barclays Premier League? or will United show their true quality and claw back the three point gap to cement their authority as Champions?

At Soccerbox.com we supply football shirts for Premier League teams including the new Arsenal Home Football Shirt. Our football shirts are available in kid’s and adult sizes and are 100% Official supplied to us directly from the manufacturer.

Share
Posted in Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur | Leave a comment

Liverpool FC announce new £150m kit deal with Warrior Sports

Posted on January 19, 2012 by admin

Liverpool Football Club have announced a new kit sponsorhip deal with American based sports company Warrior Sports. Liverpool have signed a six-year deal with Warrior Sports to make the club’s home football kit, away kit, third kit and training wear from June. Warrior Sports is a company, owned by New Balance will replace German manufacturer Adidas who first made Liverpool’s kit between 1985-1996 and then from 2006 until the present. Warrior are associated with ice hockey and lacrosse in the states will make one of the most popular replica shirts in the modern game. Richard Wright, general manager of Warrior, said: “We are here to shake up the world of football”. Warrior Sports Inc and Liverpool Football Club today announced the deal which is reported worth £150million. Warrior Sports are owned by Boston based New Balance, this move represents the starting point for Warrior Sports in global football partnering with one of the biggest club sides in the history of the game. They will keep the history and heritage of Liverpool FC kit and has employed industry experts in design, development, marketing to ensure that the brand has the best people on hand to support the Partnership. Ian Ayre, Managing Director of Liverpool Football Club, added: “Liverpool FC is thrilled to be able to announce this fantastic Partnership with Warrior Sports for the 2012-2013 Barclays Premier League season onwards. This is another landmark deal for Liverpool Football Club and once again shows the value of the Club’s brand globally.I believe that Warrior have some outstanding people we can work closely with to continue to deliver quality products to our fans around the world.” Adidas have said that Liverpool’s lack of European success is the reason why they have ended their association with the club. The club announced an £150million deal with US company Warrior Sports after Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer claimed the club did not offer value for money. The five-time winners of the European Cup have failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League in the last two seasons and look set to miss out this season. He said: “We thought what Liverpool were asking and what they were delivering was not in the right balance.” Liverpool’s £25m-a-year deal with Warrior over the next six years will double the money the club currently earns from Adidas and is now the biggest in the Premier League and English football after surpassing Manchester United’s £23m-a-year deal with Nike.

What are your thoughts.. are you sad to see Adidas leave Liverpool after some the significant kits that have been manufactured throughout the great Liverpool sides of the 80′s? or was it time for a change and move forward with Warrior Sports after the club was taken over by new owners John Henry?

At Soccerbox.com we supply football shirts for Premier League teams including the new Liverpool Home Football Shirt. Our football shirts are available in kid’s and adult sizes and are 100% Official supplied to us directly from the manufacturer.

Share
Posted in Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Stoke City, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion, Wigan Athletic, Wolverhampton Wanderers | 1 Comment

Real Madrid face Barca in the Copa Del Rey

Posted on January 17, 2012 by admin

The next round of the Copa Del Rey see’s Barcelona facing their arch rivals Real Madrid for two more El Clasico matches. These games are of high intensity with both sides trying to secure a famous victory over their biggest rivals. Barcelona and Real Madrid meet for the fourth time this season on Wednesday night. This game can produce anything, from exciting to terrifying to the genius. The Copa del Rey quarterfinal first leg is at the Santiago Bernabeu with Real Madrid having home advantage. This tie will see these two rivals facing each other four times this season at the least. In the previous meeting Barca gave a fantastic performance against to turnover an early 1-0 Madrid lead to win 3-1 thanks to goals from Alexis Sanchez, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas. Real Madrid are top of La Liga and know that they can cause Barcelona problems with the likes of Ronaldo, Di Maria, Higuain and Karim Benzema and playing well. Real Madrid at the moment are playing the best football and hold a three point lead over Barca with the return league meeting at the Camp Nou still to come. Jose Mourinho who has brought success wherever he has managed does not have a very good record against Pep Guardiola’s team. His record is Played 8; Won 1; Drawn 3; Lost 4. However Real won last season’s Copa del Rey final thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s extra-time winner. This Barcelona team has had incredible success over the last few seasons with the patient but progressive passing system, that leaves team hanging on whether the press and try to win the ball but without being ripped apart by Xavi and Iniesta’s vision and timing. Real Madrid will need to take a lead to the Camp Nou for the Copa Del Rey second leg in hope they can hold on and secure passage to the semi finals. Mourinho spoke to the press ahead of tomorrow’s Copa del Rey quarterfinal saying “The best possible result against Barcelona is to win the tie. The team that’s eliminated from the Copa del Rey will play two less games in February and we actually want to play those two fixtures. It will be a great match and we’re going to go all out for a victory.” This game is a rematch of the last season’s final and is the eighth meeting between the sides in just 13 months and was the only one that Madrid won. In 17 cup meetings over the years, Barcelonahave managed 9 wins and Madrid 8. Madrid got here by beating Ponferradina 7-1 on aggregate and Malaga 4-2. Barca defeated L’Hospitalet (10-0) and Osasuna (6-1).

Who will come out on top – will it be Xavi, Messi and Iniesta wearing their famous red and blue Barcelona Football Shirts or Ronaldo, Benzema and Higuain be able to guide Los Blancos (the whites) to a priceless second leg lead?

At Soccerbox.com we supply football shirts for Primera Liga teams including the new Real Madrid Football Kit. Our football shirts are available in kid’s and adult sizes and are 100% Official supplied to us directly from the manufacturer.

Share
Posted in Arsenal, Atheltic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Portugal, Rayo Vallecano, Real Betis, Real Madrid, Spain, Valencia, Villarreal | 1 Comment