La Liga 2016/17

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The run is incredible but if their season ends without major trophy, it will have been for nothing. So far they look good in the league, their defence gettin better (or not) will be the key.
 
carvajal said:
Marca publishes an article about Zidane's record of victories. Curiously during the streak the most used player has been Lucas Vázquez (has been in the starting line-up 20 times and Madrid have never lost).
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Last season he started most games after losing 0:1 to Atletico. This season he is more of a sub, but featured every league game except against Eiber (1:1). A hard working teamplayer player. Zidane seems to care little about flair and style, but about substance, which is perfect for Madrid.
I always have to think about Zidane's comments about Makélélé. His management aproach reflect his experience as player; especially having (defensive) players who are able and willing to have the back of the star players, so the stars can create a bit of magic to decide games. He is very pragmatic by acknowledging the value of defensive minded players. The consistency is also testament to the fact, that most players are comfortable and happy with this approach. Former Madrid managers would have struggled to make good use of a player like Vazqzez.
 
I rate Lucas Vasquez. He's actually quite intelligent in the way he plays, nice little fella to have in your squad.
 
El Clasico assistant referee SUSPENDED for 'being too friendly' with Barcelona players

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/el-clasico-assistant-referee-suspended-9435904

  • bunch of offside goals in last few games
  • clear on side goal cancelled for La Real just so Barca can stay in the game, which they did and pulled a point in the end
  • clear penalty on Vasquez not given in the classico
  • Oh and looking at his Barca career, Mascherano is either a GOAT in managing to somehow get away with clear penalty fouls or it's referees just not watching closely enough

La Liga Uefalona is what you can call it.
 
Iborra with a second one. Hopefully, that should be it. Very good attacking performance from both teams. Nasri, Rico, Iborra, Ben Yedda (despite being wasteful) all with great performances.
 
gaucho_10 said:
El Clasico assistant referee SUSPENDED for 'being too friendly' with Barcelona players

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/el-clasico-assistant-referee-suspended-9435904

  • bunch of offside goals in last few games
  • clear on side goal cancelled for La Real just so Barca can stay in the game, which they did and pulled a point in the end
  • clear penalty on Vasquez not given in the classico
  • Oh and looking at his Barca career, Mascherano is either a GOAT in managing to somehow get away with clear penalty fouls or it's referees just not watching closely enough

La Liga Uefalona is what you can call it.
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Damn
 
PedroMendez said:
Iborra with a hattrick as sub! (pen.) Hopefully that gives him confidence for the rest of the season.
The 3:0 is harsh for Celta, but Sevilla deserves the three points.
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First half was truly entertaining; the teams were exchanging chances, but Sevilla felt slightly heavier, stronger. Second half was nice as well. Interesting sub, to bring in Iborra and take off Pareja, already at HT. And what a sub that turned out to be:lol: Was this Iborra's first hat trick in his career ?!

Even though I feel sorry for both of our strikers, Sevilla needs to bring back Bacca in january. Bacca visited the guys last week in training and there are rumours about his comeback, and he is exactly what's missing with this Sevilla team, in order to be complete. Since Vietto is a struggle and Ben Yedder has still not settled in properly, we basically have no strikers at all.

Both are our best goalscores, with 4 goals each...1 more than Iborra, for instance.

Vitolo, Sarabia, some other winger -or as in this case- a christmas miracle of Iborra, has bailed us out most part of the season, but it can't go on like this. A team that aspires to be top 4 in La Liga should have a dependable striker. Soon to be halfway through the season and we are still waiting for either of them both to finally step up. :(
 
SfcNervion said:
First half was truly entertaining; the teams were exchanging chances, but Sevilla felt slightly heavier, stronger. Second half was nice as well. Interesting sub, to bring in Iborra and take off Pareja, already at HT. And what a sub that turned out to be:lol: Was this Iborra's first hat trick in his career ?!

Even though I feel sorry for both of our strikers, Sevilla needs to bring back Bacca in january. Bacca visited the guys last week in training and there are rumours about his comeback, and he is exactly what's missing with this Sevilla team, in order to be complete. Since Vietto is a struggle and Ben Yedder has still not settled in properly, we basically have no strikers at all.

Both are our best goalscores, with 4 goals each...1 more than Iborra, for instance.

Vitolo, Sarabia, some other winger -or as in this case- a christmas miracle of Iborra, has bailed us out most part of the season, but it can't go on like this. A team that aspires to be top 4 in La Liga should have a dependable striker. Soon to be halfway through the season and we are still waiting for either of them both to finally step up. :(
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look at the bright side: We are doing great without actually having any decent striker. :lol: I agree with you - getting Bacca back would be brilliant -, but I am also somewhat encouraged by Ben Yedder. I think he has a lot of goals in him. I am really happy for Iborra. He is always giving his best, but has a rough time to find his place in the team.


When is Monchi leaving the club? Next summer or in 2018? replacing him will be tricky.
 
PedroMendez said:
look at the bright side: We are doing great without actually having any decent striker. :lol: I agree with you - getting Bacca back would be brilliant -, but I am also somewhat encouraged by Ben Yedder. I think he has a lot of goals in him. I am really happy for Iborra. He is always giving his best, but has a rough time to find his place in the team.


When is Monchi leaving the club? Next summer or in 2018? replacing him will be tricky.
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Haha, you're absolutely right, we are doing very well without a striker.:) I should be enjoying this, before it is gone tomorrow.

Ben Yedder does at least show some striker instincts by being at the correct spot most of the time, which is something that Vietto really struggles with. It has been too often when someone crosses the ball into a perfect spot in the penalty area, and for some reason Vietto is usually too far away from the situation, or completely abscent from the situation. Ben Yedder does at least make the correct runs and positions himself correctly, I think that is very positive. But so far Ben Yedder has not been involved as much during the few games he has played, except for a few missed chances. The only thing that speaks for him is that he has only had a few games to prove himself.

Vietto actually comes off as a great winger; he got pace, and the skills that would remind you of a true winger, but he has been way too weak as a striker. It has gone so far that even Sampaoli put him aside before today's game.

Yeah, Iborra got great leadership skills, and ít always looks as if he is one of the most popular characters among the players. I think the coaches that he has had (as well as Sampaoli) loves having his type, as he can play most positions in the central midfield (attacking as defensive). I think he is at his best when he is the destructive defensive midfielder, or as a two-way midfielder and I always get slightly worried when he is positioned as an attacking midfielder. But I think he has been struggling because he has been moved around in the central midfield a lot and never really had the consistency to establish himself. Iborra has just not been good enough to be a starter for most of the gameweeks, while other players have really grown and taken the chance when opportunity was given (N'Zonzi, Krychowiak, etc.).

However, he was ice cold today with the second goal, as if he is a true striker, as if he was in his own back yard. Hope Ben Yedder and Vietto took notes.

I don't know with Monchi's situation. He has already caused drama with declaring that he is leaving - in two different occassions - before doing a 180 degree turn around and signing a new contract with the club (both times). I think there was an interview with him during last month, where he admitted that he is sometimes daydreaming about working somewhere else, and he hinted that there is already a certain club in mind, but he did not want to say which one. He expressed that he got plans for Sevilla that the board don't agree with, and that the board got plans that he doesn't agree with. But he stated that there is mutual respect between him and the board anyway, so he is still sticking with Sevilla - for now. There are rumours of him being recruited by PSG already during the upcoming summer, or during 2018...:nono::(

When that day comes, I just hope his scouting architecture and most of the scouts still remain in Sevilla.

Have you heard or read about any other transfer rumours concerning Sevilla, in january? Except for Bacca..

What are your hopes for the CL-draw tomorrow?
 
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@SfcNervion

Vietto is a bit of a weird one. He is talented, but it is hard to pin-down a position, that would suit his skill-set. I think he might work well in a old-school system with two proper strikers. Using him as winger would be interesting, but I am not sure that he could really make it work.
I totally agree with your view on Iborra. I think he might want to leave at some point, because I doubt that he'll become a regular starter. I just hope we can keep him at least for one more season, because he is such a fantastic character and a great squad option.
I just pray that Monchi stays at least one more summer.....because we'll have another very active transfer window. He might be the most important person in the club, so PSG should keep their their filthy hands off him :mad:. It is one thing to buy our top players (for their bench) and pinch our manager, but Monchi would be one step too far.

The CL-draw against Leicester is good, but also dangerous. They are the weakest team in the competition, but we shouldn't underestimate them. They struggle in the league, because they lack intensity/motivation, but they'll be fired up in the CL. Their lightning fast counters are extremely dangerous. I hope, that Sampaoli takes that into account.
Mercado and Sampaoli are both banned for the first match, which sucks. Now that we missed qualifying for the EL, we need to win the CL. So I am fairly optimistic that we are going to reach the next rounds.

I have read a lot of rumours, but almost all of them are about forwards. I guess we'll try to get Bacca and if that doesn't work out, we look somewhere else. Lukas Teodorczyk (Anderlecht), Lucas Pratto (Atl. Mineiro) and Moreno (Espanyol) are some of those names that are floating around as alternatives...ehm...not particularly impressive...
 
Atletico 2 down against Villarreal.
Looking like the end of the cycle imo, this upcoming ban could kill off Atletico
 
cyberman said:
Atletico 2 down against Villarreal.
Looking like the end of the cycle imo, this upcoming ban could kill off Atletico
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Been watching it. Villareal playing really well

Hope this could open the door of Griezmann coming to United
 
Atlético down 2-0 away at Villareal. Trigueros scored the first after a terrible hospital pass from Tiago to Godín is intercepted and punished. Tiago gets subbed shortly after.

Dos Santos with the 2nd after Oblak spills a cross on to his path. Atléti are in deep problems defensively which is uncharacteristic of them. And Griezmann, the great player that he is, cannot influence matches enough to be considered alongside Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar etc.
 
The way inter and their fans go about simeone, you'd think he wasn't openly mockin them on 5/5/2002 :lol::lol::lol:
 
Santi_Mesut_Alexis_87 said:
:lol: No :D. However, he can try a last-man standing in the Champions League, seeing how there isn't a true favourite atm.
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I'd rather live in my fantasy bubble and believe that we are all out favourites to sign him, on the sole, but "solid" factual basis that his brother is a Man Utd fan :lol: oh and that he wants to play with Pogba :D Man's gotta dream :boring:
 
SirAnderson said:
I'd rather live in my fantasy bubble and believe that we are all out favourites to sign him, on the sole, but "solid" factual basis that his brother is a Man Utd fan :lol: oh and that he wants to play with Pogba :D Man's gotta dream :boring:
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Do you think Josè is already heading out?
 
You get the feeling those two CL final losses to Real in 3 years has had a lasting effect on Atletico. Full-time 3-0 Villarreal.
 
PedroMendez said:
@SfcNervion

Vietto is a bit of a weird one. He is talented, but it is hard to pin-down a position, that would suit his skill-set. I think he might work well in a old-school system with two proper strikers. Using him as winger would be interesting, but I am not sure that he could really make it work.
I totally agree with your view on Iborra. I think he might want to leave at some point, because I doubt that he'll become a regular starter. I just hope we can keep him at least for one more season, because he is such a fantastic character and a great squad option.
I just pray that Monchi stays at least one more summer.....because we'll have another very active transfer window. He might be the most important person in the club, so PSG should keep their their filthy hands off him :mad:. It is one thing to buy our top players (for their bench) and pinch our manager, but Monchi would be one step too far.

The CL-draw against Leicester is good, but also dangerous. They are the weakest team in the competition, but we shouldn't underestimate them. They struggle in the league, because they lack intensity/motivation, but they'll be fired up in the CL. Their lightning fast counters are extremely dangerous. I hope, that Sampaoli takes that into account.
Mercado and Sampaoli are both banned for the first match, which sucks. Now that we missed qualifying for the EL, we need to win the CL. So I am fairly optimistic that we are going to reach the next rounds.

I have read a lot of rumours, but almost all of them are about forwards. I guess we'll try to get Bacca and if that doesn't work out, we look somewhere else. Lukas Teodorczyk (Anderlecht), Lucas Pratto (Atl. Mineiro) and Moreno (Espanyol) are some of those names that are floating around as alternatives...ehm...not particularly impressive...
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@PedroMendez I totally agree about the draw. I think both Leicester and Sevilla should be happy with the draw, since both could have got a lot tougher opponents. Sevilla may be the favourites, but the form of the teams, as well as the injury list, will set the tone of this 1/16-final in februari.

I have no idea who these guys are (Teodorczyk, Pratto, Moreno), are they really that bad? Or are they poor choices next to Bacca?:)

@Santi_Mesut_Alexis_87 Glad to see you here; it was about time:)
 
@SfcNervion
I don't really know any of them. Over the month a lot of other names were mentioned (e.g. various Seria A stikers). They come and go. I guess that indicates, that we are looking for another striker and if we can't get Bacca, we'll take a punt on a rather unknown one. I trust Monchi, but I am not really comfortable to do that with a striker in January. If we buy someone in the winter transfer window, the player should be able to perform right from the start.

A really cheeky move would be a bid for Alcacer. I rate him quite highly and he'd suit our system very well. He is probably too expansive, but I'd try that.
 
Santi_Mesut_Alexis_87 said:
Look at who is here! Glad to see you again @SfcNervion and thanks mate :).
What do you think of your Champions League draw?
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Haha cheers mate:) Just like @PedroMendez have mentioned earlier I think Leicester was the best possible alternative for Sevilla. I believe Monaco was a trap, they look like a good choice to have as an opponent on paper, but they actually have great defence and are vicous with their counters. For instance; I rate them as tougher than Lyon, and the games vs Lyon were already quite tough for both Juventus and Sevilla. I am glad that we were not drawn vs Napoli, or Arsenal and especially vs Dortmund - although Sevilla would have nothing to lose in those games, which would have given us some kind of an edge.

I think both Leicester and Sevilla should be happy with the draw. Sevilla is probably looked as favourites, rightly so, because we have got an impressive season so far (despite no established striker), and Leicester have been a roller coaster. Leicester is an entertaining side to watch when they are in their zone, but some games during this season, they have collapsed too easy when letting in the first goal. For instance; the game vs United. It looked pretty even until United scored the first goal, and they were beaten very easily after that. They have had too many games that have been similar like the United game.

However; the form of both teams, as well as possible injuries on key players, will probably affect the outcome in February. If they would have met today I think Sevilla would have reached their first quarter final in a CL competition, but it may become a different story depending on the circumstances in February.

@PedroMendez
I think you are absolutely correct about the winter transfer window. It is hard to find quality in January, or clubs that are willng to negotiate about their key players in the middle of the season; but Monchi and his men have a great hit rate when it comes to succesful transfers out of nowhere, despite the Immobiles and Llorentes. But as you mention, the striker should be able to perform right away, and that narrow adaptation period will be a challenge as well.

Haha, I do not rate Paco Alcacer at all. :wenger: I think his reputation is mostly aided by him being from Spain. Even if he has had ok stats in Valencia, I just never convinced myself to rate him. Most of the times he reminds me of a poor version of Negredo. I rate Aspas higher (for instance) and I think it is a shame that he never succeded at Sevilla.

However. N'Zonzi will be a cule next season (surprise, surprise:boring:), so that would give us a great opportunity to get Aleix Vidal back. If not getting him back already this January. He was phenomenal winger in Sevilla, and he is misused and not wanted in Barcelona. I am ready to claim January as one of the strongest silly season's Sevilla ever had if we manage to get back Bacca and Vidal in the same window. To dream is for free right?:lol:
 
Simeone doesn't have the same glow as previous seasons, and as the pilars of his philosophy are passed their peak (Tiago, Gabi, possibly even Godin), Atletico seem to slowly regress to the good ol' days, before Simeone, back to being Las Pupas. They have been quite disappointing, I thought they would be stronger than ever this season. Their hit rate with signings have been awful, just like it used to be before Simeone took charge. Savic, Gameiro, Gaitan... Is Simeone misusing these players or what is going on? For instance; Gameiro is not THAT bad as he has been in Atletico so far, and that goes for Gaitan as well, who seem to have disappeared from the surface of the earth?

I also believed both Jackson Martinez (what an awesome name) and Mandzukic were underperforming in Atletico, but always took for granted that their style of play just did not fit in, in Atletico's philosophy. Since both are the type of strikers that starts running only inside the penalty area. But I thought a player like Gameiro would fit their philosophy perfectly, since he is the type of striker that got high work rate, who always runs deep, and who runs fast.

And Griezeman have not scored for a long while, has he?

Now they have Oblak injured - and the first reports said he would be gone for several months. A shame, I feel for him. :( And with the upcoming transfer ban, I wonder how they will pick themselves up from this mess.

At the same time, my feelings are mixed for their club. In one hand, I can't help but to be a bit 'Schadenfreude' with their situation... All the 'We are always victims' - pretending have come true for Simeone. In the other hand, I have lot of respect for what they have accomplished and always rooted for them in battles vs the bigger teams, as Bayern, Real or Barca.
 
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