Latest La Liga News

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BARCA FACING MOURINHO CLASH

Holders Barcelona must face Inter Milan in the group stages of the Champions League.

As well as Inter, bossed by Jose Mourinho who was a member of the Barcelona coaching staff early on in his career, Barcelona will also play Dynamo Kiev and Rubin Kazan in Group F.

Barca and Inter were involved in one of the summer's biggest transfers when Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic moved to the Nou Camp and Samuel Eto'o moved in the opposite direction in a part-exchange deal.

AC Milan were drawn against nine-times winners Real Madrid, Marseille and FC Zurich in Group C.

The clashes between Milan and Madrid will be among the most anticipated in the group stages, and will see the Spanish side showcase their star-studded line-up, among them Cristiano Ronaldo and former Rossoneri attacker Kaka, the Brazilian who made the move to the Bernabeu during the close-season.

Bayern Munich were joined by Juventus, Bordeaux and Maccabi Haifa in Group A.

Manchester United, last year's losing finalists, were drawn to play CSKA Moscow, Besiktas and Wolfsburg in Group B at the draw in Monaco.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told ManUtd.com: "These are difficult ties, especially the trips to Russia and Turkey.

"CSKA have developed strongly in the last few years, and games in Turkey are always difficult.

"We also know the quality that we're up against with Wolfsburg, with what they achieved in the Bundesliga last season."

Chelsea, beaten in the semi-finals last year by Barcelona, were grouped with Porto, Atletico Madrid and Apoel Nicosia in Group D.

Liverpool face Lyon, Fiorentina and Debreceni in Group E and Arsenal tackle AZ Alkmaar, Olympiacos and Standard Liege in Group H.

Sevilla, Stuttgart, Rangers and Romanian champions Unirea Urziceni featured in Group G.

Real Madrid sporting director Miguel Pardeza welcomed his club's draw.

He said: "It's clear that this competition means a lot to Madrid and the fans, and this year there is a special incentive because the final is at our stadium.

"We are going to face the competition with the highest hopes and with highest demands.

"The two matches against Milan are the standout games of this first phase. They are one of the greats of European football, a team of the highest level against who we will face two intense games."

With regards to Marseille, he added: "They are an emerging team who have returned to the elite after several years of dominance by Lyon. It will be a very attractive duel, especially because of the presence of two ex-Real Madrid players in Fernando Morientes and (Gabriel) Heinze.

"Marseille are a powerful opponent from one of the strongest leagues in Europe, so we have to be careful."

On Madrid's other opponents FC Zurich, Pardeza said: "Zurich are the least known team, but they also present a danger. I'm sure that they are going to have a lot of enthusiasm, especially when they visit our stadium. We cannot underestimate our opponents."

Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness knows the German giants will have their work cut out, but insists reaching the knock-out stages is the minimum target.

While Juventus are likely to be their main rivals, Hoeness said: "We have some really tough opponents.

"But the important thing is to get into the next round to move closer to our dream of one day reaching the final again.

"There is no team which cannot beat any other."

Bayern will begin with a trip to Israel on September 15 before hosting Juventus at the end of the month.

A double-header with Bordeaux is followed by a home game with Haifa before perhaps the decisive group fixture in Turin on December 8.

"That is not an easy group," commented captain Mark van Bommel on Bayern's website.

"Anybody can beat anybody else."

 

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CASILLAS: BARCA HAVE SET THE STANDARDS

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas believes Barcelona are still the team to beat heading into the new Primera Division season despite his side's huge summer outlay on new players.

Madrid have splashed out over 250million euros in under three months after returning president Florentino Perez promised a "spectacular sporting project" to try and get the club back amongst the elite of European football.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the biggest signing of the summer, and indeed of all time, after Madrid paid Manchester United a world-record £80million for his services, but he was not the Whites' only big-money addition with Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso also costing sizeable fees.

However, with eight additions to the Madrid squad this summer and around a dozen departures, it remains to be seen just how well, and how quickly, the new-look Madrid gel under former Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini.

In contrast, treble winners Barcelona have only added Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Maxwell to their all-conquering squad, and although Shakhtar Donetsk defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy is set to join within the next day or so, Pep Guardiola's side should be able to pick up where they left off last summer.

Casillas believes Barca are favourites to retain their title, but is confident his club have built a team capable of challenging their arch rivals on all fronts this season.

"They (Barca) are the champions of three competitions and they have a team that knows how to play," he said.

"We failed in the three competitions we played in last year and I want to get rid of that feeling. We want to play well and make the fans happy.

"The club has made a great effort to sign excellent players and we must all now do our best to win."

Madrid start their Primera Division campaign against the same opposition as they did last season, Deportivo La Coruna.

The capital club lost that match but it was played at Depor's Riazor home - a ground Madrid have not won at since the 1991/92 season - whereas this weekend's game will be played at the Bernabeu, where Madrid have won 32 of 39 league meetings between the two.

Barca, who last weekend completed a 5-1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao to add the Spanish Super Cup to their growing list of trophies under Guardiola, start their title defence at home to Sporting Gijon.

That match takes place on Monday night as Barca are in action in the European Super Cup against Shakhtar tomorrow night.

Last season, Guardiola's side took just one point from their opening two games against Numancia and Racing Santander - the club's worst start to a league campaign in 35 years - but they bounced back to become the first Spanish team to win the treble of league, cup and Champions League.

It is fairly certain that most interest will be focused on events at the Bernabeu and Nou Camp, but arguably the biggest match of the opening weekend takes place at the Mestalla where Valencia play host to Sevilla.

That game will pit two of the best attacks in La Liga against each other, with Valencia having so far managed to keep hold of their star trio of David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata this summer, while Sevilla have added Alvaro Negredo to a strikeforce that already includes Luis Fabiano and Frederic Kanoute.

Both those sides will be hoping to fight for a Champions League berth at the end of the season, as will Atletico Madrid, who could be the biggest challengers to Barca and Madrid at the top of the table.

Like Valencia, Atletico have seemingly managed to ward off potential suitors for their star players Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan, and having also reinforced their much-maligned defence, Abel Resino's men could be set for a good year.

Atletico winger Simao Sabrosa, whose side face Malaga first up, said: "We have a very strong team and we're going to fight to be in the top positions.

"You never know what can happen in La Liga. Our goal this season has to be to take a step up, reach third place in La Liga and play a good role in Champions League."

Elsewhere this weekend, promoted clubs Real Zaragoza and Tenerife face each other at La Romareda, while Segunda Division champions Xerez's first-ever top flight match is away to Real Mallorca.

In the other games, Espanyol, who have made Ivan De la Pena captain following the tragic recent death of Daniel Jarque, go to Athletic, Almeria are at home to Real Valladolid, Villarreal face Osasuna and Racing Santander host Getafe.

 

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BEGIRISTAIN FINDS FLAWS IN CALENDAR

Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain's heart sank after finding out his side's lot for the group stages of the Champions League, where the reigning champions must face Inter Milan, Dynamo Kiev and Rubin Kazan.

It was not the mouth-watering showdown with Italian giants Inter that has caused Begiristain the most consternation though, but the long winter trips to Ukraine and Russia to face Dynamo and Rubin.

In terms of travelling, Barca could barely have asked for a better start to the defence of their title as they start in Group F away to Inter, before successive home matches against Dynamo and Rubin.

However, it gets much trickier after that as Barca have to travel to Kazan in November before completing their group campaign in Kiev in mid-December - something Begiristain would rather have avoided.

"I don't like those matches. We have the experience of playing against Shakhtar, where last season we had it very bad," said Begiristain, recalling last October's trip to Donetsk where Barca needed goals from Lionel Messi in the 87th and 94th minutes to snatch a 2-1 win.

"They are long trips and at a bad time of this year. This means we will have to be careful.

"You'd like to start and finish at home, but that isn't the case either.

"We have three games in a row, against Kiev and Rubin Kazan, where we have to make a big push to assure ourselves of qualification.

"But I don't like it, finishing in Kiev is something I don't like at all. It forces us to have to have everything ready so as not to suffer."

The matches against Inter presents Barca with different challenges, and will see a number of old boys come up against their former employees, including new Barca defender Maxwell, plus Inter coach Jose Mourinho and midfielder Thiago Motta.

The most obvious area of interest, though, involves Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto'o, who swapped clubs this summer with the Swede moving to Barca in a deal which saw 46million euros plus Eto'o - valued at 20million - go to Inter.

Barca president Joan Laporta said after being paired with the Italian side: "I was pretty convinced we would draw them, sometimes destiny throws up such things.

"It will be special. Samuel will be especially motivated for his return to the Nou Camp, but we will also have a very motivated player when Ibrahimovic goes back to the San Siro."

Begiristain added: "Samuel will want to do well and score goals, but not because it's against Barca but because it's his life and he would do the same against any other team."

 

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ROBBEN COMPLETES BAYERN MOVE

New Bayern Munich signing Arjen Robben could make his debut in Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Wolfsburg after completing a move from Real Madrid to the record German champions on Friday.

The Dutch winger was given the number 10 shirt last worn at Bayern by his compatriot Roy Makaay after he passed a medical and signed a four-year contract in Munich.

The two clubs have agreed an undisclosed fee for the 25-year-old who could figure in Louis van Gaal's side immediately.

Robben was Van Gaal's number one transfer target this summer and his arrival should spark the Bavarians into action after a lacklustre start to the season.

A 2-1 defeat to Mainz last weekend ensured the worst start to a Bundesliga campaign in 43 years with just two points obtained from the first three matches, but that should now change, according to Van Gaal.

"I am very happy to have another creative player," said the Bayern coach. "He is an explosive player."

Since Van Gaal has been tracking his compatriot all summer, he knows exactly where he will fit in his jigsaw, although he will not be restricted to the right-wing berth for which he has been earmarked with Franck Ribery on the left.

"I don't think we are restricted to only a 4-3-3 system. With Robben and Ribery, we can play different systems.

"We just need time in training to get the right blend."

Robben will not have that much time to settle in if he is thrust straight into his debut on Saturday at the Allianz Arena, but Van Gaal insists he would have no qualms about playing him just 24 hours after he arrived in Munich.

"He is in a good condition so it is possible (that he plays)," said Van Gaal.

"I will first have a word with him."

Robben said Bayern had "given me a good feeling" from the moment they first signalled their interest in signing him.

"I feel very welcome here," he told the club's website.

"This is a big club with a great history and I am delighted to be here now."

Robben's chances of being a regular in Real's star-studded side appeared to have reduced when Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka were both signed this summer, but the former Chelsea winger still seemed keen on giving it a go.

That was until Bayern firmed up their interest and offered him the opportunity to play on a more regular basis.

"Everything went so quickly," he revealed. "There were a few things that I had to consider and in the end I decided that I would like to transfer to a big club like FC Bayern."

 

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SHAKHTAR HANDED PLUM DRAW

Europa League holders Shakhtar Donetsk look a good bet to progress to the last 32 of this year's competition after being pitted against Club Brugge, Partizan Belgrade and Toulouse in the group phase.

The Ukrainian side, bankrolled by billionaire Rinat Akhmetov, won what was then the UEFA Cup last season by beating Werder Bremen in the final in Istanbul.

They had been hoping for a decent run in the Champions League but lost out to Timisoara over two legs in the third qualifying round.

Now they will aim to emulate the exploits of Sevilla in 2006 and 2007 by retaining the cup, and will be expected to win Group J where they face Club Brugge, who were third in the Belgian league last season, Serbian champions Partizan and Toulouse, who were fourth in Ligue 1 last year.

Villarreal, who have performed well in the Champions League in recent years, head a tough-looking Group G which also features Lazio, plus the champions of Austria (Red Bull Salzburg) and Bulgaria (Levski Sofia).

English FA Cup runners-up Everton will face Portuguese giants Benfica. The Lisbon club have a strong historical European pedigree having won the European Cup in 1961 and 1962 and reached the final of the UEFA Cup in 1983.

They are no longer top dogs in Portuguese football however and finished third last season behind Porto and city rivals Sporting - but should provide a tough test for David Moyes' men.

The Toffees, who beat Czech side Sigma Olomouc 5-1 to reach the group phase, will also face Greek side AEK Athens and BATE Borisov from Belarus in Group I.

Fulham face a trip to Italy to take on Roma and must also tackle Swiss side Basle and CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria in Group E.

The Cottagers overcame Russian side Amkar Perm to qualify for the group phase and now have a trip to the Stadio Olimpico to look forward to to take on Francesco Totti et al.

Celtic, who dropped out of the Champions League at the play-off stage after a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal, are up against Hamburg, Israeli side Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Rapid Vienna in Group C.

Hamburg finished fifth in the Bundesliga last season under former Tottenham boss Martin Jol, who has now returned to his homeland to coach Ajax. They are second after three games of the new season with two wins and a draw.

Rapid Vienna underlined their strength by beating Aston Villa on away goals in a play-off to reach the group phase.

Holland meets Belgium in Group A, with four-times European champions Ajax set to face 1982 UEFA Cup winners Anderlecht. Shakhtar's Champions League conquerors Timisoara of Romania and Dinamo Zagreb round out the group.

Valencia, winners of the competition in 2004, are the top seeds in Group B where they will also face Lille, Slavia Prague and Genoa.

Sporting Lisbon head up Group D where they are joined by Dutch side Heerenveen, Hertha Berlin and Latvians Ventspils.

There is a tasty clash in Group F where Greek side Panathinaikos are up against Galatasaray of Turkey. The teams are led by the former coaching double act at Barcelona, with Frank Rijkaard the boss at Galatasaray and fellow Dutchman Henk Ten Cate in charge of Panathinaikos. Dinamo Bucharest and Sturm Graz of Austria are the other sides in the pool.

Steaua Bucharest, European champions in 1986, are in a group with Turkish giants Fenerbahce, FC Twente and Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova.

PSV Eindhoven are the big names in Group K and the 1988 European champions will be up against FC Copenhagen, Sparta Prague and CFR Cluj of Romania.

Group L is headed by last year's runners-up Werder Bremen, with the Germans taking on Austria Vienna, Athletic Bilbao and Nacional of Portugal.

The first round of matches will be played on Thursday, September 17, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the last 32, where they will be joined by the eight third-placed teams from the Champions League group phase.

Full Group Draw:

Group A:

Ajax
Anderlecht
Dinamo Zagreb
Politehnica Timisoara

Group B:

Valencia
Lille
Slavia
Prague
Genoa

Group C:

Hamburg
Celtic
Hapoel Tel-Aviv
Rapid Vienna

Group D:

Sporting
Heerenveen
Hertha Berlin
FK Ventspils

Group E

Roma
Basle
Fulham
CSKA Sofia

Group F

Panathinaikos
Galatasaray
Dinamo Bucuresti
SK Sturm Graz

Group G

Villarreal
Lazio
Levski Sofia
SV Red Bull Salzbug

Group H

Steaua Bucuresti
Fenerbahce
FC Twente
FC Sheriff

Group I

Benfica
Everton
AEK Athens
BATE

Group J

Shakhtar Donetsk
Club Brugge
Partizan Belgrade
Toulouse

Group K

PSV
FC Copenhagen
Sparta Prague
CFR Cluj-Napoca

Group L

Werder Bremen
FK Austria Vienna
Athletic Bilbao
Nacional

 

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INTER MILAN SWOOP FOR WESLEY SNEIJDER

Inter Milan completed the signing of Wesley Sneijder from Real Madrid.

Shortly after Madrid announced they had accepted an offer for the Holland midfielder, Inter confirmed the transfer had gone through with Sneijder passing a medical in Italy.

The 25-year-old has signed a four-year contract at the San Siro and is tied to the Nerazzurri until June 2013.

Sneijder joined Madrid in 2007 after five years with Ajax, and in his first season in Spain helped his new club win the Primera Division title.

No fee has been announced by Madrid but reports in Spain suggested the transfer will cost Inter in the region of 15million euros.

Sneijder is the latest in a long line of players to leave Madrid this summer in the wake of the club's phenomenal spending spree that has seen them splash out over 250million euros on players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema.

Aside from Sneijder, his fellow Dutchman Klaas Jan Huntelaar has been sold to AC Milan, Alvaro Negredo has gone to Sevilla, while the likes of Javier Saviola, Michel Salgado, Gabriel Heinze, Fabio Cannavaro and Javi Garcia have also bid farewell to Madrid this summer.

Another Holland international, Arjen Robben, has also left Madrid after today agreeing a four-year contract with German giants Bayern Munich.

Inter, who drew their opening game of the Serie A season at home to Bari, have been searching for a playmaker but appeared to have missed out on Sneijder when the Dutchman said he wanted to stay at Madrid.

The reigning Italian champions had also previously been unsuccessful in their bid to sign Deco from Chelsea and had recently been linked to Sampdoria's Antonio Cassano, the former Madrid player.

However, the Nerazzurri have finally got their man and joins a squad that has already been boosted by the arrivals of Samuel Eto'o, Diego Milito, Lucio and Thiago Motta this summer.

Inter coach Jose Mourinho believes the club has all the weapons it needs to challenge for honours in Italy and Europe following the arrival of Sneijder.

"Sneijder completes my team," said Mourinho.

"I had asked for a central defender, midfielder, a playmaker and a forward. Everything has arrived, we are now complete.

"It is a pity that it didn't take place earlier as we would have had one and a half months to get ready in pre-season.

"As it is, we have a new squad with potential that will need time to gel but that has more potential and more balance than that of last season."

Sneijder said: "Inter is an incredible team, one of the best in the world.

"The road has been long but I am very happy to finally be here."

The 25-year-old knows expectations are high for the Nerazzurri.

"I know what pressure is like and how to deal with it," said Sneijder. "I have played for Real Madrid.

"I can't wait to play and to show my worth in front of my new fans."

Sneijder will have a baptism of fire in an Inter shirt if he plays this weekend because the Nerazzurri take on city rivals AC Milan in tomorrow's derby.

"I would love to play in it," said Sneijder. "It's a great game but the coach will have to decide."

 

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EDRO STRIKE SINKS SHAKHTAR

Barcelona's megabucks signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic failed to impress as the Champions League winners claimed a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Super Cup.

Ibrahimovic, who moved from Inter Milan for £40million plus Samuel Eto'o, was completely overshadowed by Lionel Messi, who created the only goal for Pedro Rodriguez in the 115th minute.

The Swedish striker will need to do much more to justify his price tag, especially with the likes of exciting young striker Bojan Krkic pushing for a place.

UEFA Super Cups, the annual match between the winners of the Champions League and UEFA Cup, have rarely been classics and this was no exception.

Barcelona had complained about the state of the pitch in the Stade Louis II stadium and with some justification - it was dry, rutted and horribly bobbly.

Even so, and even without the injured Andres Iniesta, Barcelona still dominated against an unadventurous Shakhtar side packed with hard-running Ukrainians and only mildly spiced up by their four Brazilians.

Shakhtar did not create a single opening in normal time while Barca at least showed some intent.

Thierry Henry looked hungry and he was the first to threaten, a trademark dipped shoulder confusing his marker before he struck a rising shot which whistled over the crossbar.

Dmytro Chygrynsky, playing his last game for Shakhtar before joining Barca, gave the ball away to Messi and then went in hard on the diminutive Argentinian to regain possession.

A quick free-kick from Xavi saw Messi sting the fingers of Andriy Pyatov in the Shakhtar goal and the keeper recovered quickly to deny the lurking Henry.

Barcelona claimed for a penalty after Messi's direct free-kick struck Olexandr Kucher's arm but the referee was unimpressed.

If the first half had been disappointing, there was little to lift spirits in the second.

Daniel Alves produced a hopeless blast into the stands and then Ibrahimovic produced his major contribution to the game, falling like a sniper victim under Olexiy Gai's challenge and bringing a yellow card for the defender.

With the game drifting towards unwanted extra-time, Barcelona tried to step up a gear.

Messi hit a fierce left-foot effort that Pyatov could only parry, and when the ball drifted out to Henry by the left touchline he took deliberate aim to loop a shot into the far corner but the Shakhtar keeper climbed just high enough to turn it over.

Ibrahimovic continued to frustrate, failing to pass to Henry when he was clean through and then collapsing in the area theatrically under a fair challenge.

Messi lit up the match with a Maradona-like dribble past four challenges only to be thwarted at the very last moment. Furious, he became involved in a pushing match with Kucher and both were booked.

In the 98th minute Victor Valdes made his first save, diving low to keep out Julius Aghahowa's goal-bound shot.

Bojan, on for Henry, could have wrapped it up with two chances before, having barely threatened, the Ukrainians were denied a blatant penalty when Ilsinho was felled.

Shakhtar coach Mircea Luscescu stormed onto the pitch in fury but it was all in vain as Messi's brilliant pass set up Rodriguez.

 

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XEREZ BOSS WANTS TO ENJOY TOP FLIGHT

Xerez coach Jose Angel Ziganda wants his players to enjoy the experience as the Andalusian outfit make their bow as a Primera Division team on Sunday.

Sixty two years after the club was founded, Xerez finally earned promotion to the top flight last season after winning the Segunda Division title, and they start their new adventure away to Real Mallorca.

Ziganda has plenty of experience of life in La Liga both as a player and coach, but few of his squad have played more than a handful of seasons at this level, and many will be making their Primera Division debuts along with the club.

With that in mind, Ziganda has urged his team to make the most of tomorrow's match against Mallorca, saying: "I hope there aren't any nerves, and that we play football. The plan is to try and play football and enjoy this debut."

Ziganda took charge of Xerez in July following the departure of title-winning coach Esteban Vigo.

The Jerez de la Frontera-based club have enjoyed a successful pre-season, picking up four wins from their six games with their only defeat coming against local rivals Sevilla.

Ziganda added: "The squad has spent a lot of time working with one clear objective - to be ready for this game.

"Then, at an individual level, every player has fought their own battle to be in the team. We are keen to do something great on Sunday. We are going there to try and win the game."

He added: "I'm very focused on us, I don't know how Mallorca are. The only thing that concerns me is this team.

"We need to be well prepared and go into the game with the desire to compete and show the best of ourselves."

While Xerez are preparing for their first season amongst the big boys, Mallorca have been a fixture in the Primera Division since 1997, finishing third twice and also claiming fifth spot in their first year after promotion.

That record looked to be under some threat last season though as Mallorca badly struggled following the departure of many of their top stars in the summer, and in February they were bottom of the table.

However, they turned things around in the final months of the season and, after losing just three of their last 17 games, ended up in ninth spot.

Only Real Madrid won more points during the second half of the campaign and coach Gregorio Manzano will be hoping his side pick up where they left off this weekend.

However, the danger is that Manzano, who is now the longest-serving manager at a single Primera Division club after Manuel Pellegrini left Villarreal to join Madrid, will have a similar problem to the start of last season after again losing a number of key players this summer, including Juan Arango, Jose Manuel Jurado, David Navarro and Miguel Angel Moya.

"We are playing for three very important points (against Xerez). The three points would help give a more relaxed atmosphere for the next week's work with the players who have been brought into the squad at the last minute," Manzano said.

 

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SANCHEZ HOPING FOR FORTRESS AGAIN

Almeria's home form was amongst the best in the Primera Division last season and coach Hugo Sanchez is understandably keen for more of the same this term, starting with Sunday's clash with Real Valladolid.

However, whilst the former Mexico boss is eager to pick up three points, he admits he could do without a repeat of last season's corresponding fixture at the Estadio Juegos Mediterraneos.

Although Almeria eventually beat Valladolid 3-2, they had to do it the hard way after falling 2-0 down inside the opening 22 minutes and also losing two players to red cards before Alvaro Negredo netted the winning goal 11 minutes from time.

"We want to win, but I would like to do it without the suffering of last season against the same opponents," Sanchez said.

"That is a game which we can use as a form of motivation because it was epic where we fought back from 2-0 down with two players less."

That victory was one of 11 recorded by Almeria at home last term - the best record outside the top six - and their home form was the main reason they finished out of trouble in 11th place, picking up just two wins away from home.

"We want to show the same fortitude that we had in our stadium last season and we hope to be able to count on the support of the fans, who are our 12th man," added Sanchez.

"Although it is the first week we are playing for more than three points against Valladolid because they are going to be, in principle, a rival at the same level as us. It will be very important to start with a win. We are ready for the first battle."

The big question mark for Almeria is how they will cope up without the services of their star striker from last season, Negredo.

Including his late winner in that Valladolid thriller, Negredo netted 19 league goals out of side's overall tally of 45.

Negredo is no longer at the club though, as he returned to Real Madrid this summer before then moving onto Sevilla.

Almeria have lost more key players in Mane, Bruno Saltor and Iriney Santos, and the man who was brought in to replace Negredo - the former Valladolid striker Henok Goitom - is set to be out for three weeks through injury.

Losing Goitom on top of the departed players is a concern for Sanchez, but he insists he already knows who to replace the Swedish striker with.

Valladolid had a mixed season last time, and for much of it they looked like possible challengers for a European berth. However, a dreadful end to the campaign almost ended up costing them their Primera Division status.

Jose Luis Mendilibar's side took just four points from a possible 33 in their final 11 games, and only guaranteed their survival after recording a 1-1 draw against Real Betis on the last day, sending the Andalusians down instead.

Mendilibar said: "I hope it will be a good season and we can build a base from which to do something a little better. We have a good-looking team, with good players, but now we need to make them play well as a team."

 

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DE LA PENA: WE'LL HONOUR JARQUE

Espanyol will look to put their turbulent pre-season behind them when they face Athletic Bilbao in the first round of the Primera Division on Sunday.

The Barcelona-based side unveiled their new stadium earlier this summer with an impressive 3-0 win over Liverpool, but were rocked by the death of their captain, defender Dani Jarque, less than a week later following a heart attack in Italy.

Huge tributes from fans and players followed, and the Espanyol players all wore shirts bearing the name and number (21) of their former team-mate and friend in a recent friendly win over Second Division side Girona.

Veteran midfielder Ivan De La Pena has since taken over as captain, and the former Barcelona player hopes Espanyol can be successful this season in order to dedicate their campaign to Jarque.

"It is sad to confirm that I am the captain because we all wish Jarque was here," he said

"But it is an honour to represent this club and all of us will strive to have a great season and dedicate it to him."

De La Pena misses Sunday's match through injury, but new signings Facundo Roncaglia and Juan Forlin are available.

One of the two, both signed from Boca Juniors this summer, will have the unenviable task of replacing Jarque.

Luis Garcia believes tomorrow's match is a must-win affair for Espanyol.

"The three points are fundamental and to get a positive result would be great so we can relax in the week off afterwards," he said.

But the Spain forward expects a difficult match.

"Athletic might not be the most attractive team to watch, but they are difficult to beat," he said.

"They know what their weapons are and they exploit them."

Athletic's season has already started. The Basque side advanced to the group stages of the Europa League following a 1-1 draw at Norwegian side Tromso on Thursday night.

That result gave Joaquin Caparros' men a 4-2 aggregate victory and will boost confidence ahead their La Liga opener.

Defender Aitor Ocio played with an injury in Norway and will not be fit to face Espanyol. His place will go to the experienced Ustaritz Aldekoaotalora.

Pablo Orbaiz and Xabi Etzeita are also out, but Athletic nevertheless have a strong squad available for the match against Espanyol.

The mood is good in Bilbao following the club's passage to the group stages of the Europa League, but Caparros wants his side to switch their focus to the domestic competition and tomorrow's clash with Espanyol.

"We are delighted to be in the group stages, it is a big achievement for the club and we are looking forward to those games, but the league is our most important competition and we must not forget that," he said.

"I want us to start with three points and a professional performance on Sunday."

 

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ATLETICO CAN STAY WITH BIG GUNS - JURADO

Midfielder Jose Manuel Jurado is confident Atletico Madrid will still be able to compete with city rivals Real and Barcelona this season despite the pair's extensive summer spending.

Abel Resino's side kick off their Primera Division campaign with a trip to Malaga on Sunday, as they look to build on their fourth-placed finish from last season.

A place in the top two looks a tough ask, though, with Real now boasting Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka within their ranks and Barcelona acquiring Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Atletico sealed their place in the Champions League group stage in midweek with victory over Panathinaikos and were paired with Chelsea, Porto and Hapoel Tel Aviv in the draw on Thursday.

But Jurado's focus is now firmly on the start of the domestic season.

Jurado, who spent last season on loan at Real Mallorca, told Atletico's official website: "We have our first match this season on Sunday and we're going to La Rosaleda and really want to bring home the three points.

"We hope to earn our first victory in Malaga, although our mentality is to win in every stadium.

"The rivalry that exists in La Liga is clear. Both Barca and Madrid have strengthened themselves well, but we also have a great team.

"Atletico Madrid are working to get better and better and take steps forward, and to do that we have to compete with the other Spanish teams that play at that level."

On a personal level, Jurado is hoping to make an impact at the Vicente Calderon this term.

He added: "I'm very happy at Atletico. I only have the desire to work hard each day and contribute to the team as much as I can.

"At the moment, I can make a positive assessment. I've played in the two matches in the Champions League and that gives me confidence."

Malaga finished an impressive eighth last term in their first year back in the top flight, but will be anxious to avoid second season syndrome.

And boss Juan Ramon Muniz, who returned to the club at the end of last campaign after a year in charge of Racing Santander, knows his team face a tough start to the campaign.

Muniz told the Malaga official website: "Atletico are one of the better teams in the league, but we are not going to throw in the towel and we will try to do things as well as possible."

The hosts' most difficult task tomorrow is likely to be containing perhaps the most lethal strike force in Spain in Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan.

The pair scored 48 league goals between them last term and their form will be central to Atletico's hopes again this term.

"A plan for 'Kun' (Aguero) and Forlan?" Muniz added. "The best plan is that they don't have the ball."

 

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VALENCIA BIG GUNS READY TO FIRE

Valencia begin the new Spanish season on Sunday relieved to have got through the summer with their squad intact.

The club's financial problems meant they were expected to be hit by the loss of their star players over the last couple of months.

However, Los Che have kept hold of the likes of David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata, with defender Raul Albiol the only significant departure as he joined Real Madrid.

Boosted by the avoidance of any mass exodus at the Mestalla and with the worst of their financial problems seemingly behind them, Unai Emery is expecting his side to push for a Champions League spot this season.

Ahead of tomorrow's opener at home to Sevilla, Emery told AS: "The players must live up to what is required for Valencia, which is to be fighting to be in the top four."

Emery's side cruised into the Europa League group stages with a 7-1 aggregate qualifying victory over Norway's Stabaek this week and besides the result, the most pleasing factor for the coach was a hat-trick from Venezuelan striker Miku in the 4-0 second-leg win.

"He has done very well and can play in several situations," said Emery.

"Every game is an opportunity to prove one's abilities and today Miku was a star. This will be good for his confidence, and for the team."

Emery admits the Mestalla pitch, ravaged by an unrelenting Spanish summer, is a matter for concern.

"We knew it has suffered, but it's not in good condition and was not easy to play on but you can't make excuses about the grass," he said.

Captain Carlos Marchena is expecting a tough start against a strong Sevilla outfit.

"They are in the Champions League on merit," he told valenciacf.com.

"You have to admire their season last year and their good team has been strengthened so it seems this season they will be up there again."

Marchena is certain Barcelona and Real Madrid will be the top two again this year.

"Barcelona and Real Madrid are predestined to rule in this league by obligation. They are two good teams, and from there will be the other teams."

Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido has sought to ease the pressure on his side ahead of the new campaign by playing down their title chances.

He said: "The title is a very complicated objective; those who have to win this title are the biggest teams, with the biggest budgets.

"However, we have a competitive team which should be able to fight with the biggest.

"We are able to fight with every team but I stress the fact that the teams who have an obligation to win titles and Real Madrid and Barcelona. We have to keep our feet on the ground."

Versatile winger Adriano is Sevilla's only major doubt while Villa, absent from Valencia's European squad, is expected to return to the fold.

 

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MANDIA READY FOR TOP FLIGHT DEBUT

Racing Santander coach Juan Carlos Mandia is wary of the threat posed by Getafe's strikeforce for Sunday's Primera Division opener at El Sardinero, but still believes it will be his side celebrating the three points at full-time.

Getafe escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, finishing in 17th place and level on 42 points with relegated Real Betis, but despite their troubles last time out, Mandia is determined not to underestimate the club from the outskirts of Madrid ahead of the game.

Mandia's big concern is the attacking potential in the Getafe side, which may have lost Esteban Granero and Ikechuwku Uche this summer, but has retained the services of Juan Albin, Jaime Gavilan, Manu del Moral and last season's top scorer Roberto Soldado.

However, while Mandia is keen to show Getafe the utmost respect, he remains confident that his team can pick up a three-point haul against Michel's troops.

"They are a team with very dangerous players in midfield and up front and they are well led by their coach, but I'm convinced that if we play with intensity and confidence we are going to record our first win of the season. We want to dedicate a win to our fans in our stadium," said Mandia.

The match will be Mandia's first as a coach in the top flight, with the former Hercules boss this summer replacing Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz, who stepped down after just one year at El Sardinero before returning to former club Malaga.

Having a new coach on the bench at the start of the season is becoming something of a habit for Racing, and Lopez Muniz's predecessor Marcelino Garcia Toral only stayed in charge for one year before resigning as well.

Under Garcia Toral, Racing had arguably the best season in their history, finishing in sixth spot in La Liga - earning the club their first crack at UEFA Cup football - while they also reached their first-ever Copa del Rey semi-final.

Last year was a disappointment in comparison to that, with Racing ending in 12th spot, but Mandia hopes to bring the good times back to the Cantabrian club this season.

He stopped short of promising as memorable a campaign as Garcia Toral provided, but at his presentation Mandia revealed his goal was to ensure the fans were entertained.

"I would like to convey to the players that the fans come to the stadium to have a good time, to enjoy themselves and our mission will be to have a team that gives everything for the shirt and the badge on the pitch," he said.

Mandia's counterpart at Getafe, Michel, is also lacking in experience of top-flight management, but he made an impressive start to his tenure at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez last season.

Brought in with five games to go and Getafe on a downward spiral, Michel guided the club to two wins and two draws to help them escape the drop.

Survival is likely to be the club's main objective this time around, although Michel believes the arrivals of Mane, Dani Parejo, Pedro Rios, Derek Boateng and Pedro Leon this summer has made the squad stronger.

"The new signings have brought more competition and that's healthy for the club," he said.

 

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VILLARREAL GOING FOR GOALS

Villarreal will look to carry their freescoring pre-season form into their opening Primera Division match on Sunday when they travel to Osasuna.

Despite seeing experienced Turkey striker Nihat Kahveci return to his homeland and his fellow hitmen Guille Franco and Jozy Altidore also leave, Villarreal have not found goals hard to come by during the summer months - far from it.

In their opening two pre-season friendlies the Yellow Submarine recorded wins of 27-0 and 10-0 against regional clubs, while they put four goals past Italian giants Juventus in another match.

The goals continued to flow and Villarreal also recorded a 9-2 aggregate victory over NAC Breda in the Europa League play-offs, thrashing the Dutch side 6-1 in Thursday's second leg at El Madrigal when all six goals were scored inside the opening 61 minutes.

Now Villarreal, under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde after Manuel Pellegrini left for Real Madrid, turn their attentions to the league, where they will face Osasuna in Pamplona on the opening weekend for the second successive season.

Last year's match finished 1-1, and Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez doubts his side will get an easy ride against an Osasuna side that went unbeaten in their 10 pre-season matches.

"After seeing how they've done in pre-season they seem a much stronger team than last year," said Lopez.

"It's a difficult ground to go to, but we need to think about winning."

Following their draw 12 months ago, Villarreal went on to win their next five fixtures as part of an 11-match unbeaten streak to start the season.

The east coast club were unable to keep that form going, finally finishing in fifth and outside the Champions League places, but they will be expecting a top-four spot this time around, especially after spending a club-record fee of around 11million euros on new striker Nilmar.

The fact Osasuna are even lining up for a Primera Division fixture this weekend is something akin to a miracle following their remarkable escape last season.

After taking just two points from six matches, Osasuna had slumped to 18th place heading into their final two games of the season - which were against top two Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Relegation looked almost inevitable, but Osasuna managed to beat both clubs to finish the season one point above the drop zone.

Osasuna were somewhat fortunate though, as Barca had already won the league and fielded a team of reserves, while Madrid ended the season with a string of defeats as the club's title hopes evaporated.

Having secured survival, there is renewed hope for Osasuna this term, especially after their impressive pre-season, which including a 4-2 win over Deportivo La Coruna last weekend.

One of the club's new signings, midfielder Javier Camunas was part of the Recreativo Huelva that finished bottom of La Liga last season, and he hopes - and expects - to avoid a similar experience this time around.

"I want a calm year, away from the relegation zone, and I think we can do well," he said.

 

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REAL EDGE TO VICTORY IN OPENER

Cristiano Ronaldo was on the scoresheet as Real Madrid got their Primera Division campaign off to a winning start tonight, but they were given a few scares along the way before seeing off Deportivo La Coruna 3-2 at the Bernabeu.

Manuel Pellegrini selected seven of the club's eight summer arrivals in his starting XI, including superstars Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema, but it was one of their existing and less heralded players, Lass Diarra, who earned Madrid the spoils.

Diarra fired home a low 25-yard shot on the hour mark to secure victory for Madrid after battling Depor had twice drawn level to cancel out goals by Raul and Ronaldo, the visitors scoring through Riki and Juan Carlos Valeron.

It was not the most convincing of performances by Madrid, who spent more than 250million euros on new talent this summer, but they will settle for the win, especially having lost 2-1 against the same opponents on the opening game of last season.

Usain Bolt, fresh from his record-breaking exploits in the 100m and 200m at the athletics World Championships, was presented to the crowd prior to kick-off, and the Jamaican sprinter would have been impressed at how quickly Madrid flew out of the blocks.

However, the first-minute move that saw Kaka break through on goal before dragging his shot wide of the far post proved to be something of a false down for Madrid, who looked disjointed in the opening stages.

Despite that though, it took the new-look Madrid just 26 minutes to break the deadlock when two of their new boys combined to give old warhorse Raul the simplest of finishes.

Kaka's through-ball put Benzema in behind the Depor defence and, although the Frenchman's low drive was deflected onto the near post by Daniel Aranzubia, the rebound fell kindly to captain Raul to slot into an empty net.

That was just the boost Madrid would have wanted after an uncertain start, and Ronaldo should have made it 2-0 three minutes later when he climbed highest in the box to get on the end of Xabi Alonso's curling free-kick, but the £80million man failed to keep his header down.

Ronaldo really should have made the most of that chance, and his disappointment would have been compounded 60 seconds later when Depor equalised from an almost identical situation.

Juca launched a free-kick into the box and Riki, the former Madrid youth-team player, got in between two defenders to direct a header past Iker Casillas from seven yards.

That was an unexpected setback for Madrid and one that certainly did not fit with the script on what was supposed to be a memorable season opener for the new 'Galacticos'.

However, that goal did serve to spark Madrid into action and they then enjoyed a purple patch that resulted in Ronaldo putting the home side back in front and a host of near-misses.

Ronaldo's goal, like two of his previous three since his summer move from Manchester United, came from the penalty spot after Raul had been sent sprawling by Aranzubia.

The pressure was on Ronaldo, under the spotlight after a fairly low-key pre-season, but the FIFA World Player of the Year showed no signs of nerves as he drilled his spot-kick just inside the post.

Madrid should really have extended their lead before half-time, with Raul denied by Aranzubia following a fine run by Ronaldo, Ezequiel Garay seeing a header cleared off the line and Kaka firing just over from the edge of the box.

And those failures came back to haunt Madrid at the start of the second half as Depor drew level through Valeron just seconds after the interval.

Andres Guardado's cross to the edge of the box found Valeron unmarked and the 34-year-old had all the time in the world to control the ball and drill a low shot past the unmoved Casillas.

Valeron then missed a much easier chance 12 minutes later to put Depor ahead, the former Atletico Madrid player volleying Guardado's cross wide from six yards.

That looked a certain goal, but Madrid survived and within three minutes they were back in front thanks to Diarra, whose low 25-yard shot crept inside the far post.

With so much attacking talent on show, few would have expected holding midfielder Diarra to earn Madrid the points, but that proved to be the case as Depor could find no way back for a third time.

And it was Madrid who looked more likely to add to the scoreline in the final half-hour, with Benzema again seeing a shot deflected onto the woodwork by Aranzubia and Ronaldo being denied by the Depor custodian following a darting run.

Gonzalo Higuain, last season's top scorer who found himself on the bench at the start of the game, also had a chance but he blazed over from close range.

 

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ZARAGOZA SNEAK VICTORY

Real Zaragoza began life back in the Spanish top flight with a narrow 1-0 win at home to fellow promoted side Tenerife in the first round of the Primera Division on Saturday night.

Javier Arizmendi struck the only goal in a lively encounter 17 minutes from time to secure three precious and rather fortuitous points for Marcelino Garcia Toral's side.

Jermaine Pennant made his competitive debut for Zaragoza on the right of midfield and the home side sought to impose themselves early on.

But Tenerife, who finished third in the second tier last term, one place below Zaragoza, began brightly and Alejandro Alfaro almost gave the visitors the lead after just five minutes.

Alfaro was a key figure in the team's promotion last season, but left to join Sevilla earlier this summer.

However, the player was left without a place in the Sevilla squad after the Andalusians signed Alvaro Negredo from Real Madrid.

Tenerife move quickly to get the forward back for the start of the season and he shot wide after Nino had flicked on Marc Bertran's cross.

But Zaragoza began to look dangerous soon afterwards and Abel Aguilar shot over the bar after 12 minutes.

And a minute later Tenerife goalkeeper Sergio Aragoneses made a fine improvised save to keep out Gabi's deflected shot which was headed for the top corner.

Four minutes later, Aragoneses once again kept his side on level terms when he got down well to parry Jorge Lopez's sharp volley.

At the other end, Tenerife defender Ezequiel Luna saw his header deflected wide after 21 minutes.

A goal seemed imminent now and as the half wore on Tenerife looked the more likely to go in front.

Richi, Nino and Alfaro all missed excellent chances in the last 10 minutes of the half as Zaragoza were left to hang on until the half-time whistle.

The second half began slowly and the first chance arrived after 62 minutes, when Aragoneses saved well from Leonardo Ponzio.

After that Tenerife threatened once more.

Richi saw his effort cleared off the line and Alfaro headed over from close-range with 20 minutes left.

But Tenerife were left to rue those missed chances as Zaragoza took the lead with 73 minutes on the clock.

The away side failed to clear the ball in the area and Arizmendi pounced to power an effort home and put the hosts in front.

That goal completely took the wind out of the visitors' sailors.

They did not threaten again to leave Zaragoza to celebrate a winning return to the Primera Division.

 

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BARCA SEE FAB AS SPECIAL CASE

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has identified his club's pursuit of Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas as a "special case".

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been unimpressed by the Catalan side's attempts to sign his captain this summer.

And Laporta said: "I apologise if I bothered Mr Wenger, because I respect him very highly and the job he is doing.

"But he knows perfectly that the case of Cesc Fabregas is special.

"He is a Catalan player from our youth team and it is not a secret that we love this player."

Fabregas missed Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Manchester United because of a hamstring injury.

 

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TOURE HAPPY AT BARCA

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure says he has no immediate plans to join his brother Kolo at Manchester City.

Toure has regularly been linked with a move to the Premier League after impressing for Barca and there have been rumours of interest from big-spending City.

However, while the Ivory Coast ace has not ruled out a switch to England in the future, he is currently happy playing for the European champions.

"I heard some things like that being said [about City's interest in him]," Toure told the Sunday Times.

"All I would say about it is that I have always said I like English football.

"You never know what might happen in a few years' time, but for now I'm part of a great team."

Kolo Toure left Arsenal for City earlier this summer and his brother admits it was a tough decision for the defender to make.

He added: "For a while it was a difficult decision for him.

"After Emmanuel Adebayor made his choice to go to City, that maybe helped make up my brother's mind. They are both Africans, and knowing that he would have Manu there was encouraging.

"It also showed City are buying very good players. I think City are building a team that should be capable of winning the league.

"But then you look at Chelsea and Man United and you know that my brother's got a lot of work."

 

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ALONSO: WIN WAS MOST IMPORTANT THING

Real Madrid may not have produced the five-star performance they would have been hoping for on their Primera Division bow against Deportivo La Coruna in a 3-2 victory, but Xabi Alonso insists the main thing is that they got off to a winning start.

Madrid splashed out over 250million euros on new players this summer, and seven of the eight additions were included in Manuel Pellegrini's staring XI for last night's curtain-raiser against Depor at the Bernabeu.

With so many new faces in their side, Madrid understandably looked disjointed at the outset and their defence, which was missing first-choice duo Pepe and Sergio Ramos, was found wanting on various occasions by a Depor side keen to match their win over the capital club in the opening game of last season.

Despite that though, Madrid managed to pick up a three-point haul after Lassana Diarra's 25-yard strike on the hour mark sealed a 3-2 win, and for Alonso that was the most vital thing.

The recent recruit from Liverpool believes that while the team may be having some early teething problems, they are moving in the right direction.

"The important thing was to win the match and we achieved that. It's normal that we weren't on top form because there are so many new players. We are not at 100% yet but you can see we are improving," he said.

"We have all just started, so we need to take things bit by bit. We played at a good pace throughout the 90 minutes and with more games we will do even more.

"We all played some minutes during the pre-season, but less than we would have wanted. We are gradually getting to know each other and things will get better."

Alvaro Arbeloa, who also swapped Liverpool for Madrid this summer, added on his club's website: "The most important thing were the three points. We will gradually play better but the key thing was to win this match.

"It's clear that with such an attacking team we will concede goals. We will work hard to improve in defence."

 

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EVERTON CLOSE IN ON HEITINGA

Everton boss David Moyes has confirmed the club have agreed a fee with Atletico Madrid for defender Johnny Heitinga.

The Toffees have offered £5million for the Dutchman, but Moyes admits there is still work to be done before the deal is finalised.

He said: "We have not as yet agreed personal terms.

"I hope we will be able to do that soon, but we have not as yet concluded that part of the move."