Yes, the games with Atleti would be tasty.

Personally, i don't see Atleti maintaining this charge - of course i would like to be wrong.

The scary thing for me is that i think this Madrid team under Ancelotti is only playing with 70% of their capacity. Whilst i don't expect Barca-esque dominance, this Madrid team is destined for great things and i tip them for the La Liga this season actually.

Bloody tough set of games. At least they'll some of the players can get a rest against the cannon fodder like Getafe, Elche and Shalke.

I think Barca will win La Liga as I can see Madrid going further in the CL (I fancy them to win it this year) and so they'll have a slight advantage.

Athletic away is going to be a tough challenge for starters. Tonight was their first defeat at their new stadium and they beat Barça there earlier in the year.

I'd like to think Madrid cold snatch it, but I think Martino's administering his squad very well and Messi's absence has helped him address their over-dependency on him. Cesc, Pedro, Sanchez, Neymar, a variety of players have stepped up to the plate for them and will probably feel more important for the team now. Xavi's really taken it easy in the first half of the season and is now finding his form. Iniesta and Neymar will be back soon enough...I can't honestly see past them if they're on song in the second half of the season.

That's effectively my thinking, ioag.

I think if Madrid keep Ancelotti for a few years they can definitely go places in the next few years.

You been happy with him this season?

Always been one of my favourite managers.

I see your point IOAG but RM are no slouches. One point behind Barca - and RM have had as much injuries as Barca.

I like Ancelotti. Though he often strikes me as a 'Yes man'. But still, a top manager.

It is funny whenever Bale plays and does a few things- the favourable reportage he gets in the British press. I have watched every Madrid game this season and Bale has been below average. The goals/assists that come up in highlight reels mask the fact that is struggling to adapt on the pitch.

Of course injury has not helped and the lad has talent. But this season is effectively a write-off for Bale IMO. Next season is the make/break of his RM career IMO.

You been happy with him this season?
--

Delighted. Mind you, I'd have been happy with Frank Spencer at the helm this season.




RM have had as much injuries as Barca
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True, but all of them to Bale.

On Bale, the local media is pushing Jesé's case at every opportunity. That's the nature of things, but if Bale had cost 8.5 instead of 85, he'd be benched by now imo.

ioag

Pick me upppppppppp give me some food to eeeeeeaaaat.

Lots of rumours tonight suggesting that Atletico Madrid are in talks with Valencia over the signing of Ever Banega for €8 million plus €1.5 million in add ons.

He's been left out of Valencia's squad to play Barcelona on Saturday.

He's been offered to Inter and his agent has been speaking to Dortmund as well according to Di Marzio.

apparently Racing are going to refuse to play tonight because they haven't been paid for 6 months just going to come out onto the pitch and not compete for the ball

They will only play if the board members hand in their resignation it seems.

only 15 minutes until Kick Off

Fire sale at Valencia.

Canales heading to La Real for less than €5 million.

Having medical tomorrow morning.

The supporters are behind the players on this too.

i really liked the look of Canales at Racing, he reminded me a bit of Guti, ive still got hope for him

this is interesting

Rumour is he mght join R Sociedad

i really liked the look of Canales at Racing

-----------------------------------------------

Me too.

Wow

very comment
much kentspur

racing

what a bunch of cantabrian nutters

Filipe Luis is out for 6 weeks

bad news for atleti

he has become an important player for them

I'm not sure they have proper cover for him either. They've got Manquillo as backup for Juanfran, but who do they have on the left?

Insua