La Liga 2018/19

[Peyroteo]

Who can do better that 4 in 23? As a guaranteed starting central striker in Barcelona? Seriously? Better question would probably be who could do worse, and it would take some doing...

The only reason I picked 2016 is because 2015/16 was comfortably his best season, after which he started tailing off fairly obviously. Criticising him for anything before that would be moronic, because he actually was superb. At this time it's painfully obvious that he is nowhere near the player he was 2.5 years ago, whether he's still top 5, 10, 20 whatnot I don't really care TBH.

Now for the starting argument, I'm not saying that he shouldn't start, or that he is bad. When he is clicking, I feel he is still the best clear #9. Thing is, he is clicking less and less often, and his "base" performance level has dropped off steeply. The way you rave about him, he's still on the level that made him probably the only player in Barcelona since 2006 or so for whom a legitimate claim could be made that he has outperformed Messi over the scope of a single season (2015/16) whereas it is completely obvious that he is nowhere near.

I know he’s nowhere near as good as he once was. He’s still absolutely incredible nevertheless and arguably the best striker in the world.

I don’t rave about Luis Suarez, I just argue about the complete and utter nonsense that people have been arguing about him for the past couple of years.

 

[::sonny::]

Barca signed Murillo, Botaeng now they want Mata

I expect them to sign Phil Jones and Jojo Shelvey as well

 

[Mb194dc]

Sevilla should really be ahead, missed good chances. Wondering if they'll regret in the second half.

Guess not, lovely goal.

 

[Santi_Mesut_Alexis_87]

Unless something bad happens, Seville are nailed on the 4th spot. To be sure to secure it they should improve their away form that is very poor compared with their home's though.

 

[Mb194dc]

Very dominant second half from Sevilla 5 goals including two pens and could have had more. Ben Yedder missed big chance in 3rd minute but came back strongly and lovely first goal. Zero shots on target for Levante , they did hit post via deflection.

Sevilla should finish in top 4 easily playing like that.

 

[Samid]

 

[FootballHQ]

On loan Villareal man Cheryshev scores for Valencia against.....Villareal.

Didn't celebrate at least.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

On loan Villareal man Cheryshev scores for Valencia against.....Villareal.

Didn't celebrate at least.

Villarreal are in serious trouble.

 

[DavidDeSchmikes]

Valencia win 3-0 and move up to 7th

 

[sideshow_bob]

Wow this Joan Jordan guy is having a pretty decent season

 

[Mb194dc]

Big game this afternoon Girona V Barcelona. The Catalan derby which was originally meant to be played in the US. Luckily they canned that rather crazy idea, would destroy the integrity of La Liga.

It's at Estadi Montilivi as usual. Reverse game ended in a 2 - 2 draw, although Lenglet was sent off in the 35th minute, making a bit easier for Girona.

Atletico will be hoping Barcelona drop some points. Atletico have been in better form last few games, looking more fluid and clinical, and have Morata seemingly on the way to strengthen further, who I think can also play in the champions league? Barcelona seem to have done some rather baffling January business bringing Kevin Prince Boateng in. Hopefully we'll get a real title race this season.

 

[Tommy]

 

[Mb194dc]

Referee ruined the game with ridiculous second yellow for Espinosa. Suarez rolling around like shot, barely any contact. Not sure if second yellows can be VAR reviewed, ref didn't check. Scandalous descison. Worst descison I've seen this season in la liga.

Girona unlucky, Pique cleared off the line, they really should have scored before going down to 10. Barcelona not looking great to say the least. They need Umtiti and Dembele back. Lyon will have a good chance in CL tie if Barcelona play like that.

 

[Peyroteo]

Referee ruined the game with ridiculous second yellow for Espinosa. Suarez rolling around like shot, barely any contact. Not sure if second yellows can be VAR reviewed, ref didn't check. Scandalous descison. Worst descison I've seen this season in la liga.

Girona unlucky, Pique cleared off the line, they really should have scored before going down to 10. Barcelona not looking great to say the least. They need Umtiti and Dembele back. Lyon will have a good chance in CL tie if Barcelona play like that.

Lyon aren't very good this year, don't think it will be any problem for Barca.

Ref ruined the match today. Happens way too often in La Liga.

 

[Mb194dc]

Lyon aren't very good this year, don't think it will be any problem for Barca.

Ref ruined the match today. Happens way too often in La Liga.

Thinking Fekir / Memphis will game raise in shop window. Don't think Barcelona improved since last year, at least not in last few games I've seen them, definitely not without Dembele / Umtiti. Think Lyon could be threat like Roma last year.

 

[SCP]

Thinking Fekir / Memphis will game raise in shop window. Don't think Barcelona improved since last year, at least not in last few games I've seen them, definitely not without Dembele / Umtiti. Think Lyon could be threat like Roma last year.

No. This Lyon team at best can cause trouble to them in France. They didn't beat the weakest version of Shakthar under Fonseca in 2 games. Also didn't beat Hoffenheim. Their high point of the season was vs City. No chance at all. And I am not a Barcelona lover.

 

[Don Alfredo]

I am watching Athletic - Betis and it's the best I've seen Athletic for quite some time and the reverse is true for Betis. They can't create any openings in the box.

Lo Celso is quality however, no idea why Tuchel sent him away. Especially when you look at PSG's demand for midfielders.

@Ecstatic @BBRBB Why was Lo Celso shipped out?

 

[DomesticTadpole]

I am watching Athletic - Betis and it's the best I've seen Athletic for quite some time and the reverse is true for Betis. They can't create any openings in the box.

Lo Celso is quality however, no idea why Tuchel sent him away. Especially when you look at PSG's demand for midfielders.

@Ecstatic @BBRBB Why was Lo Celso shipped out?

Why was Oscar de Marcos sent off?

 

[BBRBB]

I am watching Athletic - Betis and it's the best I've seen Athletic for quite some time and the reverse is true for Betis. They can't create any openings in the box.

Lo Celso is quality however, no idea why Tuchel sent him away. Especially when you look at PSG's demand for midfielders.

@Ecstatic @BBRBB Why was Lo Celso shipped out?

Difficult to know, probably personnality issues. Some vague rumours about a clash with Lassana Diarra but nothing of substance.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Good win for Bilbao. Up to 11th.

 

[Don Alfredo]

Why was Oscar de Marcos sent off?

I haven't paid attention closely during the whole match, but I think it was because of a dangerous tackle.

Difficult to know, probably personnality issues. Some vague rumours about a clash with Lassana Diarra but nothing of substance.

Thanks. He should have binned off Diarra instead. I'm still not sure about Lo Celso's passing range, but I really like his ability to keep the ball under pressure and he will be a big part of Argentine's midfield in the future. Betis can buy him after the season and I think after a season or two he will make the step up again to a club playing in the CL.

 

[Pocho]

That loses against fkin Sevilla without Messi? Yes, great side.

 

[NieThePiet]

Ramos is a king. Another beauty header from him.

 

[Don Alfredo]

I hate those red shirts.

On a side note: Benz is on fire.

 

[Ecstatic]

I am watching Athletic - Betis and it's the best I've seen Athletic for quite some time and the reverse is true for Betis. They can't create any openings in the box.

Lo Celso is quality however, no idea why Tuchel sent him away. Especially when you look at PSG's demand for midfielders.

@Ecstatic @BBRBB Why was Lo Celso shipped out?

PSG thought 1) Rabiot would renew his contract 2) they would recruit Kanté 3) it was necessary to sell players due to the FFP

But 1) Rabiot didn't renew his contract 2) PSG didn't acquire a defensive midfielder 3) Lo Celso is better than management would have thought

 

[izec]

PSG thought 1) Rabiot would renew his contract 2) they would recruit Kanté 3) it was necessary to sell players due to the FFP

But 1) Rabiot didn't renew his contract 2) PSG didn't acquire a defensive midfielder 3) Lo Celso is better than management would have thought

massive blunder, he really has some quality. The Kante bit is also baffling.

 

[NieThePiet]

Benz is playing so good.

 

[Don Alfredo]

PSG thought 1) Rabiot would renew his contract 2) they would recruit Kanté 3) it was necessary to sell players due to the FFP

But 1) Rabiot didn't renew his contract 2) PSG didn't acquire a defensive midfielder 3) Lo Celso is better than management would have thought

Thanks
I've read some reports that Henrique is close to getting the sack Any truth in that?

 

[Vato]

Bale gets his goal a few minutes after he comes on.

 

[Ecstatic]

Thanks
I've read some reports that Henrique is close to getting the sack Any truth in that?

Certainly at the end of the season

 

[Vato]

Benz is playing so good.

He really is. Hope he stays on and gets his hat trick today, he deserves it.

 

[Vato]

Oh boy, red ror Varane. Stupid boy.

 

[Don Alfredo]

Certainly at the end of the season

Just make sure it won't be Tuchel making the transfer decisions. He will sign Andre Schurrle again for 35m

Arsene Wenger as DoF would be funny, although I can't see him being a ruthless negotiator with superstars, "super-agents" and other clubs who hope to sell their players for big money to PSG.

 

[giorno]

Benzema is a fecking artist when he's on

Also, that was a work of art by Bale

Also, i really don't like some of the rules

 

[Ecstatic]

Just make sure it won't be Tuchel making the transfer decisions. He will sign Andre Schurrle again for 35m

Arsene Wenger as DoF would be funny, although I can't see him being a ruthless negotiator with superstars, "super-agents" and other clubs who hope to sell their players for big money to PSG.

Since 2011, I read some articles linking Arsène to PSG, so I don't know if it is really serious.

If Schurrle can play defensive midfielder, why not

 

[Don Alfredo]

Marcelo is 5 mins on the pitch and he's at fault for Real conceding

 

[Santi_Mesut_Alexis_87]

Despite still defending like crap, Real look to improve. Think they are still a threat for the Champions League, imo.

 

[Daysleeper]

That loses against fkin Sevilla without Messi? Yes, great side.

Sevilla have been on fire at home and Barca clearly weren’t putting as much stock into CDR this year.

 

[Javi]

Despite still defending like crap, Real look to improve. Think they are still a threat for the Champions League, imo.

Because they won against an even more crap defense or because they beat an out-of-form Sevilla or because they nicked a win against Betis? Madrid still are unconvincing. Benzena was unstoppable tonight though.

 

[Javi]

Wonder what Solari has on Vazquez the guy does nothing and still ends up playing all the time.