More La Liga news

Barca want even more in 2016, says Luis Enrique

BARCELONA (Reuters) – Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is still not satisfied despite winning five trophies in 2015 and is aiming to do even better next year. The Catalan side have been rampant in attack and a 4-0 victory over Real Betis on Wednesday set a new Spanish record of 180 goals in a calendar year […]

River Plate v FC Barcelona – FIFA Club World Cup Final

Media campaign against Real Madrid: Benitez

MADRID (Reuters) – Under-pressure Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez believes there is a campaign against him and the club and that the team is not playing as badly as is being made out ahead of the La Liga game against Real Sociedad on Wednesday. Speculation has been rife in the Spanish capital over the future […]

Real Madrid’s coach  Benitez reacts during a news conference a day ahead of their “Clasico” soccer match against Barcelona at the Valdebebas training grounds outside Madrid

Villarreal’s Suarez on Barca’s radar, says Luis Enrique

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has been impressed by Villarreal winger Denis Suarez and could try to bring him back during the January transfer window.

Real Madrid’s expulsion from King’s Cup confirmed

MADRID (Reuters) – Real Madrid’s expulsion from the King’s Cup for fielding an ineligible player was upheld on Monday by the Spanish government’s Disciplinary Committee for Sports (TAD) following an appeal by the 10-times European champions. Real included Denis Cheryshev in their starting lineup in a last-32, first-leg game at third-tier Cadiz in early December […]

Barcelona go to CAS after UEFA turn down appeal

BARCELONA (Reuters) – Barcelona will go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after UEFA dismissed the club’s appeal against a 40,000 euro fine imposed after its fans chanted in support of Catalan independence at a Champions League match in September. European governing body UEFA, which takes a tough stance against political messages, acted […]

European roundup: Festive joy for Leicester, Real on fire

LONDON (Reuters) – Shock leaders Leicester City are certain to go into Christmas at the top of the table in England while champions Chelsea began the post-Jose Mourinho era with a 3-1 home win over Sunderland. Bayern Munich, who announced Carlo Ancelotti would be replacing Pep Guardiola as coach in the summer, enter the Bundesliga’s […]

Chelsea v Sunderland – Barclays Premier League

Celta and Villarreal disturbing La Liga order

MADRID (Reuters) – Sevilla and Valencia were expected to challenge La Liga heavyweights Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid this season but it is surprise packages Celta Vigo and Villarreal who are hot on their heels. Fourth-placed Celta stayed two points behind Real, who are third, thanks to a 2-0 win at Granada on Sunday […]

Barcelona v River Plate: Talking Points

Lionel Messi broke the deadlock and Luis Suarez scored twice in the second half to give Barcelona a typically emphatic 3-0 win over River Plate in the Club World Cup final on Sunday. EssentiallySports brings you the main talking points of the match. Intense Pressing from the South American club: River Plate displayed the typical […]

River Plate v FC Barcelona – FIFA Club World Cup Final

Neville still winless after Valencia held by Getafe

Valencia held to a 2-2 draw as Gary Neville stays winless in La Liga

Beating Getafe would be best Christmas present – Neville

MADRID (Reuters) – Gary Neville’s perfect Christmas gift would be a victory over Getafe on Saturday followed by a welcome break over the festive period, the new Valencia coach said on Friday. Neville takes charge of his first home La Liga game and is looking for a first win in Spain’s top flight after his […]

Valencia’s new coach Gary Neville greets the public during his first training session in Valencia

Messi misses training, passes kidney stone

Lionel Messi passes kidney stone and could be fit for the Club World Cup final

Barcelona’s soccer players Messi reacts during a training session ahead of their Club World Cup semi-final soccer match against China’s Guangzhou Evergrande in Yokohama

Partey time as Atletico advance to last 16

By Tim Hanlon (Reuters) – Thomas Partey scored his first goal for Atletico Madrid as they reached the last 16 of the King?s Cup with a 1-0 home victory over third-tier Reus on Thursday that secured a 3-1 aggregate success. It was relatively plain sailing for Spain’s top flight clubs as Villarreal, Celta Vigo and […]