La Liga

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This weeks results

Thursday 4 May   
Racing Santander 2 Real Madrid 3
   
Wednesday 3 May   
Athletic Bilbao 1 Real Zaragoza 0
Atletico Madrid 0 Osasuna 1
CD Alaves 2 Real Betis 0
Cadiz 2 Real Sociedad 2
Celta Vigo 0 Barcelona 1
Espanyol 1 Deportivo La Coruna 2
Mallorca 2 Valencia 1
Sevilla 3 Getafe 0
Villarreal 2 Malaga 1

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Spanish Primera Liga

Team P W D L F A Pts
Barcelona  35 24 7 4 75 29 79
Real Madrid  36 20 9 7 64 33 69
Valencia  36 19 11 6 56 30 68
Osasuna  36 20 5 11 46 40 65
Celta Vigo  36 19 3 14 42 31 60
Sevilla  35 17 8 10 45 34 59
Deportivo La Coruna  36 15 10 11 46 42 55
Villarreal  36 13 14 9 45 36 53
Getafe  36 14 9 13 51 47 51
Atletico Madrid  36 13 11 12 43 35 50
Real Zaragoza  36 9 16 11 42 48 43
Mallorca  36 9 13 14 33 48 40
Athletic Bilbao  36 9 12 15 35 44 39
Real Sociedad  36 11 6 19 46 62 39
Espanyol  36 9 11 16 35 54 38
Real Betis  36 9 11 16 31 49 38
Racing Santander  36 8 13 15 34 46 37
CD Alaves  36 8 12 16 34 51 36
Cadiz  36 7 12 17 30 49 33
Malaga  36 5 9 22 36 61 24

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The weekends games:

Saturday 6 May
Barcelona v  Espanyol 19.00
Malaga v  Sevilla 19.00
Valencia v  Atletico Madrid 21.00
Sunday 7 May
Getafe v  Cadiz 16.00
Racing Santander v  Osasuna 16.00
Real Betis v  Mallorca 16.00
Real Sociedad v  Celta Vigo 16.00
Real Zaragoza v  CD Alaves 16.00
Real Madrid v  Villarreal 18.00
Deportivo La Coruna v  Athletic Bilbao 20.00

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SEVILLA LOOK TO EUROPE
Sevilla coach Juande Ramos is keen to secure a place in Europe for the 2006-07 campaign even before they face Middlesbrough next Wednesday in the UEFA Cup final.

The side from the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium have a four-point advantage over Deportivo La Coruna and so can ensure at least a sixth-place finish by beating already relegated Malaga on Saturday night.

That would mean they would play in the competition next season even if they lose to Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

The Andalusians took a big step towards their goal with a comfortable 3-0 win over Getafe in mid-week which greatly harmed the Madrid side's own chances of Europe.

They can complete the job on Saturday although Malaga are already relegated and will be eager to bow out on a high note in front of their home fans - and may play with less pressure now that their fate has been decided.

As the match is an Andalusian derby it means that there is also greater spice to the occasion.

"When you get towards the final everything becomes more intense and tension rises but at the moment we are fully focused on the game against Malaga," said Ramos.

"It's a tough game because of the rivalry which exists between the two teams and they will try and give some joy to their team.

"We will have to see whether we can repeat the good performance that we gave against Getafe because we want to get another win so as to be sure of a place in the UEFA Cup before next Wednesday, that it is the objective."

Ramos will make changes to his side but he added he is fully confident with whichever players he puts out.

"The players in the line-up are guarantees. Each time that they go out they give a tremendous response and so I am not concerned which players begin the match," he said.

"At the moment the question of personalities comes second as the team is the key thing and achieving our goals," he said.

Malaga battled hard to lift morale against Villarreal despite already knowing they will be playing second division football next season.

They came off second best but coach Manolo Hierro says that the team will still play for its pride.

"It is hard to play games after you have been relegated but we will face with dignity and honesty the two that remain. We will stay united, resigned and calm but we will work to face the challenges ahead of us," he said.

"The reality is that now we will be in the second division next season and so a lot of changes will be made to the team. We will try to create a team which is solid and intelligent."

One player who is expected to leave in the summer is Sergio Duda and he has already played his last game of the campaign after a serious leg muscle strain against Villarreal.

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Spanish clubs face stiff penalties if season is extended

MADRID, May 5 (Reuters) - A postponed Spanish league match between Barcelona and Sevilla is causing a fixture conflict due to FIFA's directive that the season must end by May 15.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has threatened stiff penalties for a breach of the directive allowing national teams time to prepare for the World Cup after the league (LFP) asked FIFA for an extension until May 20.

"Those clubs that don't turn up to play the final round of matches as originally planned (May 13/14) will have to suffer the consequences," RFEF spokesman Jorge Carretero told sports daily AS on Friday.

"We follow FIFA orders. We approved the calendar and the LFP cannot modify it. If clubs don't turn up they will be treated as having lost the game 3-0 and be deducted three points.

"They will also receive fines of between 3,000 and 12,000 euros."

Playing the match, postponed on April 23 due to a waterlogged pitch, would be difficult with Sevilla meeting Middlesbrough in the UEFA Cup final on May 10. Barcelona face Arsenal in the Champions League final on May 17.

The two full rounds of matches remaining in the Spanish league season are scheduled for this weekend and May 13/14.

FIFA did give permission for the Sevilla-Barcelona match alone to be played on May 20 without World Cup players but the result could have a bearing on European qualification. The LFP have lodged an appeal against FIFA's decision in a Zurich court.

The clubs want the match played on May 13 and the final round of games to take place the following weekend with the involvement of international players.

They complain Sevilla would have an unfair advantage on May 20 because champions Barca will be shorn of most of their first-team squad who are involved in the World Cup.

Carretero said that league referees would not officiate at a full round of matches played on May 20.

For the first time in years i agree with the RFEF. Play the games when scheduled. Why mess up 18 clubs and god knows how many NT's for 1 game??

They're going to meet on monday (The RFEF and the LPF) and things are expected to get ugly

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Depor starlet signs on

By Mark Kendall - Created on 5 May 2006

Promising midfielder Iago Iglesias has signed a new contract with Deportivo La Coruna.

The 22-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a deal that ties him to the Galician outfit until 2008.

Iago, as he is known, has made the breakthrough to Depor's first team this term after coming through the youth ranks at the club.

He has made a total of ten appearances, but has cemented a starting berth in recent weeks with a series of strong performances.

He has also chipped in with a couple of important goals and Depor have now decided to reward his progress.

His new contract runs until June 30, 2008 and sets his release clause at ?12 million (£8 million).

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Torres: ?It hurts me to see what?s happening with the team at the moment"

Fernando Torres attended the Nike press launch at the Circulo de Bellas Artes in Madrid to present the new Nike Total 90 Supremacy boots that he?ll be wearing for the World Cup in Germany. The rojiblanco player stressed that power and precision were the two characteristics of the new boots from the American Multinational. These shoes are also supported by Rooney, Roberto Carlos and Gilardino.

After the event, el ?Niño? spoke at a press conference and commented on the situation of the team: ?it hurts me to see what?s happening with the team at the moment, I?m very disappointed and all that?s left is to see how far up the table we can get and give a little bit of happiness to the fans.?

On the season so far, Fernando was clear in saying: ?Time has helped me see that when things went wrong it wasn?t Bianchi that was the problem, it?s not the fault of the coach, it?s more the fault of the players than the technical staff. The worst is that we have spent several years seeing history repeat itself and this is annoying. Now the most important thing is the World Cup.?

There are many people who expect the rojiblanco striker to leave the Club after the World Cup. However, Torres declared: ?every year they always talk about me moving on. I have spent five years here and always lived through these rumours. I always say that I want to stay, even though every year ends up the same. Maybe you year more this season about my exit after the World Cup, but I haven?t signed anything with any other Club.?

?At the end of each season we hear about a great project for the next year, this is what has happened in the previous years and yet we haven?t managed a good campaign. At the moment, we?re trying to make a big effort with the signings of Rosicky and Aguero. However, I have always said that I want to be here when the team returns to where it should be??

Moreover, he made it clear that in Germany Spain won?t fail and will accomplish what?s expected of them ?with the coach and the team that we have we are convinced of what we?re to go and do,? concluded Fernando Torres.

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Man Utd, Liverpool ponder bids for Getafe star Riki

tribalfootball.com - May 5, 2006

Manchester United and Liverpool are continuing their interest in Getafe attacker Riki.

The left-sided striker has been watched several times by United chief scout Martin Ferguson during the second-half of this season, while Liverpool have also asked for more information from the youngster's representatives.

United see Riki as a potential long-term replacement for veteran Ryan Giggs and Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is considering the prolific forward should the Home Office block Mark Gonzalez's work permit for next season.

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Llorente follows Subirats out of Valencia

tribalfootball.com - May 5, 2006

Manuel Llorente has followed sports director Javier Subirats out of the door at Valencia.

Barely 24 hours after president Juan Soler has announced the termination of Subirats' contract, it was confirmed that general manager Llorente had also resigned.

Valencia's veteran Italian defender Amedao Carboni is being linked with one of the two positions made vacant in the last 48 hours

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Valencia ? Atletico Madrid

Having finally conceded the title on Wednesday, Los Ches prepare for mid-table Atletico after the bizarre sacking of leading director Javier Subirats the following day.

BACKGROUND

It seems highly unlikely that club President Juan Soler was keeping his fingers crossed that Valencia would somehow snatch the title before taking this decision, so the incident has probably been brewing for some time.

Subirats was recruited to help lead the club to a period of success after the Ranieri project dismally failed, and he certainly talked the talk ? something that for individuals in his position is crucial. It is unclear exactly what happened, but meetings were held, and out he goes.

Rumours suggest the soon-to-retire Che hard man Amedeo Carboni could take his place. A coaching role was always in the offing, but it seems he could be starting an official backroom role in a more elevated position.

Controversy aside, Valencia obviously still have the important automatic Champions League qualification to play for ? a somewhat more difficult goal to achieve after Real leapfrogged them with victory at Santander on Thursday.

Valencia ?s defeat in Mallorca brings considerable pressure, with only two games to play and a point to make up.

The same cannot be said for poor Atletico, whos season has fallen a country mile wide of the mark. A post-Bianchi resurgence improved proceedings temporarily, but UEFA qualification is now well beyond them. There is little at stake for Los Colchoneros, and morale is low.

There will be no let up for the Mestalla men, but second place is now an uphill task. It may prove an impossible one, should they fail to win here.

TEAM NEWS

Valencia. Captain Albelda is again an option after returning from injury. If he returns, Albiol should drop back into defence. Edu, Mista and Viana are all strong candidates should Flores opt for fresher legs after the Son Moix loss.

Atletico. Changes are guaranteed after their midweek defeat, where playmaker Ibagaza picked up a suspension due to his late dismissal. Galletti and Molinero are also suspended, while Valera is injured.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Valencia. David Villa. The hit man has work to do with Sami Eto?o two goals out ahead in the Pichichi race. Villa must start scoring, and maybe even hope that Rijkaard rests the Cameroonian for the Champions League final

Atletico. Fernando Torres. After another hugely disappointing season for his beloved club, plus more rumours of suitors with bulging pockets, this could be one of Torres?s last appearances in the red and white - despite what he might say.

PROBABLE TEAMS

Valencia (4-2-3-1): Canizares, Miguel, Marchena, Ayala, Moretti, Baraja, Albelda/Albiol, Angulo, Aimar, Regueiro, Villa

Subs: Butelle, C Torres, J Lopez, Edu, Viana, Mista

Atletico (4-4-2): Franco, Perea, Garcia Calvo, Pablo, A Lopez, Maxi, Luccin, Gabi/Zahinos, Petrov, F Torres, Kezman

Subs: Cuellar, Sicilla, Velasco, Del Moral, Colsa, Marques

PREDICTION

Valencia 2 ? 0 Atletico

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Riquelme: Lay off Forlan

By Patricio Figueroa - Created on 5 May 2006

Villarreal's Juan Roman Riquelme has again affirmed his commitment to the club, but feels the fans should lay off under pressure striker Diego Forlan.

Riquelme and Forlan guided the Madrigal outfit to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Arsenal this season, and despite missing out on the European crown the Argentinian insists he is going nowhere.

"I am very proud to hear that many important European teams are talking about me and are interested in having me in their teams, but at the moment the only team in my thinking is Villarreal," he stated.

"I still have a long contract here, and I am very happy to be here, so I don't think about anyone else."

Former Manchester United striker Forlan, meanwhile, who has only scored 11 times for the club this season, was berated by the fans in the 2-1 home win against Malaga.

And the Argentine playmaker wants everyone to remember the role his South American team-mate has had in the club's success.

"I think the supporters have been unfair to Forlan," Riquelme continued.

"They have to remember that last year Diego was the top scorer in La Liga and his goals gave Villarreal the chance to play in the Champions League this year.

"I don't like it when any of my team-mates are treated in that way by the supporters, but Forlan especially didn't deserve the criticism.

"He is a great person and an excellent footballer who has contributed a lot to Villarreal," he said.

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Real Betis eyeing Atletico Madrid pair Franco, Velasco

tribalfootball.com - May 5, 2006

Real Betis have approached Atletico Madrid about the availability of goalkeeper Leo Franco and midfielder Juan Velasco.

If Betis can beat relegation they will make formal their interest in the Atletico pair, though may face competition for Argentine Franco.

Along with the Seville club, AC Milan have also asked Atletico about Franco in recent weeks.

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Elche striker Nino welcomes Depor interest
tribalfootball.com - May 5, 2006

Deportivo La Coruna are chasing Elche striker Nino.
Depor president Augusto Cesar Lendoiro has already held talks with the forward's agents and Nino said: "It's exciting to know a great club such as Depor is following you.

"All players want to play in the Primera."
 
 

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Sevilla's Daniel Alves reveals new Barcelona offer
tribalfootball.com - May 5, 2006

Sevilla star Daniel Alves has revealed an offer has arrived from Barcelona for his services.
 
The Brazilian fullback has been a long-term target for Barca president Joan Laporta and was discussed during Sevilla's loan deal last summer for Javier Saviola.

Daniel Alves revealed last night: "The president of Sevilla has told me an offer has arrived from Barcelona. I am happy here in Seville, but I cannot close any door regarding my future."

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Osasuna coach Aguirre step closer to Atletico Madrid
tribalfootball.com - May 5, 2006

Osasuna coach Javier Aguirre is expected to move to Atletico Madrid in the summer.
 
After ending Atletico's European hopes this week, Aguirre also has all but ended the chances of Pepe Murcia continuing as coach next season.

Aguirre has already declared he's leaving Osasuna, but Atletico won't unveil the Mexican as new coach until his contract expires on June 30. Atletico are keen not to upset Osasuna and will respect their agreement.

The Mexican owns a house in the centre of Madrid and fueling talk that he will be joining Atletico is news that he's already begun renovations in recent weeks.