In the off-season, despite the wave of cash and new signings, I had one serious concern: could Manuel Pellgrini balance the all-star egos in the locker room? And could he impose the Villareal short-passing approach on Madrid?
He has done neither. And he has succeeded with fantastic aplomb.
The Alcocorn hiccup aside, Madrid trails Barcelona by [...]
So, yeah, Junito. My little Junito. My precious Junito. I had dreams for him, goals, all attainable with a bit of huevo and a lot of esperanza. But sometimes the universe conspires to dismantle our carefully crafted plans.
So we conquered the Soccer Ninja together. Junito scored his first goals. But Junito has betrayed me [...]
Just when you think the debt crisis and stupid national associations and horrific terrorist attacks can ruin the sport you love, a game, a performance, a single act can part the gray clouds hovering over your little plot of land. This game had every season to suck – Madrid had lost at Riazor since before [...]
“Rosa Parks” by Outkast
Every star player’s career starts as a collection of trite similes. If fortune smiles upon this young man, he will play for a top club and be compared to the ghosts of European Cups past. But then, one day, his performances will cast away the fog of history like the sun rising over the mornings’ [...]
Tom Waits – “I’m Still Here”
Real Madrid produced a fairy tale for merengues by Hansel & Grettling the relegation-destined Zaragoza. In particular, the brothers (not in the literal sense) Diarra showed a strong proclivity for completing ten foot passes to one another. At times, this abdication of responsibility frustrated the fans and appeared a narcissistic attempt at some sort of [...]
This weekend the Premiership proved it’s competitive equity with vengeful mid-table sides auditioning for “The Jedi Strike Back.” Meanwhile, across the channel, La Liga’s two horse race continued with a plodding Swede and light footed Argentine grabbing the spotlight.
Yes, a picture says a thousand words. But I really don’t have the energy to play [...]
When we view Alfredo Di Stefano in his current state at public events, we are reminded that the uncompromising currents of time leave no shore untouched. Di Stefano, the “Golden Arrow” from Argentina, was once the physical embodiment of footballing perfection. His tandem with Puskas inspired fear, respect, and admiration around the world. And the [...]
