Real Madrid Crushes Atletico’s Dream… Again

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

My pint glass of Sam Adams has seen its last drop, and what little is left of my voice was used to call out of work on account of “food poisoning.”

Yes, one of the strangest seasons in club soccer history came to a thrilling and unpredictable end yesterday evening.

Your La Liga Postseason Awards

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

It was a heck of a ride, but La Liga is out for the summer, so here are our end of the season award winners.

Player of the year: Luis Suárez (Barcelona)

No, you’re not drunk.

It's true, someone other than Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi is actually the La Liga player of the year.

Barcelona Narrowly Avoids Historic Collapse to Capture La Liga

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

Like so many others before, Matchday 38 ended in familiar fashion.

The Big-3 of Spain trouncing the opposition with a combined aggregate of 7-0. Only this time, the results meant a whole lot more.

Barcelona are champions of Spain once again, their 24th title overall. 

For the sixth time in eight years, the Liga trophy will make its way to the cava soaked party in Plaza Catalunya. Luis Suarez again netted a hat-trick, his 6th of the season, more than any other player in Europe’s Top-5 leagues. He finishes the league year with 40 goals, the most scored ever in La Liga by a man not named Messi or Ronaldo.

In retrospect, it seemed so easy, but the end of this season was a different story. A victory would guarantee Barcelona a title that most had thought was already secure six weeks ago. But, with the slightest slip, a Real Madrid team many had left for dead after the first month of the season, would win the title.

Your Champions League Semifinal Primer

Can Ronaldo carry Real Madrid to a Champions League title?

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial) and Alejandro Vargas (@callmejandro)

The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals saw two huge upsets as Barcelona and PSG crashed out of the tournament, setting the stage for a fascinating, yet unpredictable round. The draw kept apart the two teams from Madrid, and denied Pep Guardiola the opportunity to face his club for next season, Manchester City, at least until a potential final.  

Who will be able to fight off their nerves and progress to the final in Milan? Alejandro and myself examine… 

Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich / 1st leg April 27th 2:45 PM in Madrid/ 2nd leg May 3rd 2:45PM in Munich.

Overview

League standing: Bayern Munich 1st, ahead by 7 points. Atletico Madrid 2nd, even on points with 1st.

Diego Simeone's Atlético have reached the last four for the second time in three years, while Bayern are appearing at this stage for the fifth season in a row. This is Atlético's fifth European Cup semifinal appearance, and their record is a respectable 2-2. The Spanish side have not lost at home in a European Cup semifinal and are unbeaten in their last five home matches against German clubs. Bayern have won only two of their last 12 trips to Spain, and have not won any of their last seven knockout games away from home.

Did you know?

Simeone and Guardiola were regular opponents as players, playing in ten club matches when Simeone was with Atlético and Sevilla FC, and Guardiola was at Barcelona. Simeone recorded three wins to Guardiola's four, although the Argentinian did come out on top in the 1996 Copa del Rey final, with Atlético winning 1-0 after extra time.

Probable Starting XI

Atlético Madrid: GK Jan Oblak RB Juanfran CB Jose Gimenez CB Stefan Savic M Saul M Gabi LW Yannick Carrasco RW Koke F Antoine Griezmann F Fernando Torres

Bayern Munich: GK Manuel Neuer RB Philipp Lahm CB Medhi Benatia CB Javi Martinez LB David Alaba M Arturo Vidal M Thiago M Douglas Costa M Mario Gotze F Thomas Muller F Robert Lewandowski

The La Liga Title Race is Officially On

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

It took only seven months to get here, but we did it -- We finally have a title race.

On behalf of soccer fans everywhere, thank you.

1st place and 2nd place are separated by 6 points or more in all of Europe’s Top-5 leagues, except one: Spain's La Liga.

Your Champions League Quarterfinals Primer

Antoine Griezmann and Atletico will look to replicate their 14’ UCL triumph over Barcelona.

 By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial) and Alejandro Vargas (@callmejandro)

We have finally reached the meat and potatoes portion of the Champions League, where true contenders reveal themselves. This round sees familiar heavyweights crossing paths, while relative newcomers look to pull off titanic upsets. Without further ado let's take a look at the matchups. 

Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid / 1st leg April 5th 2:45 PM/ 2nd leg April 13th 2:45 PM

Overview

These sides' only previous European tie came at the same stage of the 2013/14 competition, when Atlético became the only team to prevent Barça from reaching the semi-finals in the past eight seasons, and one of only three clubs to have eliminated them in a Champions League quarterfinal, along with Paris Saint-Germain in 1994/95 and Juventus in 2002/03. Barcelona have absolutely dominated this matchup of late, with Atletico’s Diego Simeone now a putrid W1, D5, L9 against his club's Catalan rivals.

Players to watch

An Odd Clasico

Could this be Cristiano Ronaldo's final Clasico?

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

Sitting here, just a mere three days from one of the world’s biggest games, and something feels off.

That burning sensation of anticipation at the depths of my core? Gone.

Getting my jersey ironed and ready? Too lazy.  (Ed. Note- You iron your jersey? That's commitment)

Prepping my sangria and spirits list? Ok, well that’s still alive and well.

Is It Time for Real Madrid to Sell Cristiano Ronaldo?

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

Fresh off another comprehensive defeat at the hands of cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo begrudgingly stepped into the mixed zone, armed with some razor sharp commentsfor the unsuspecting reporters.

"It annoys me that they say that Cristiano has dropped his level, and that is why Madrid have dropped their level," Ronaldo said, with third-person usage that would make Floyd Mayweather Jr. proud. "If they were all at my level, we would be first."

Ronaldo later clarified that he had been referring to the side's injury issues this season, and that in singling out Mateo Kovacic, Jese and Lucas Vazquez, he was merely referring to the absence of key players from several games this season.

"I don't know if it is for bad preparation at the start of the season, but we are having many injuries and that is hurting us," Ronaldo said. "I don't want to knock anyone, no teammate, but when the best are missing... I like to play with [Gareth] Bale, [Karim] Benzema and Marcelo. I don't want to say that Jese, Lucas [Vazquez] or [Mateo] Kovacic are not good players -- they are very good -- but ... to win a competition, you need to have your best players."

Making excuses, or refreshing honesty?

That’s for you to decide.

What is not up for debate, is that any sliver of hope for a Real Madrid title suffered a slow and arduous death Saturday.

Title Races Taking Shape Across European Soccer

Leicester City continues to roll the competition.

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

What began as a fairy tale has slowly morphed into reality.

Exceptional performances have now become routine, as Leicester strolled through the Etihad against Manchester City and turned it on it’s head. From start to finish it was the Foxes' game to lose, as they sent a clear message of intent to those who still doubt they have the quality to become champions.

It took only three minutes for Leicester to get on the board, as poor marking allowed defender Robert Huth to sweep in on Mahrez's free kick, before heading it home past the unsuspecting Joe Hart.

It was then deja vu for the hosts, as Leicester struck again three minutes into the second half on a breathtaking goal by Riyad Mahrez. It was the play maker's 14th goal in a hugely impressive season, that will no doubt attract the interest of big clubs come summer time.

The 3-1 win puts Leicester 5 points clear at the top through 25 games played. It’s a stark contrast to the 5,000-1 odds bookmakers gave Claudio Ranieri’s men of becoming champions at the beginning of the season.

For perspective, this is pretty much the equivalent of the Philadelphia 76ers winning the NBA title (ok, maybe not that crazy, but you get the point).

The real question is when, exactly, will those at the top of the Premier League start to take them seriously?

Remember Us? Don't Count Juventus Out

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

Just over three months ago it looked all but certain that Juventus’ reign as champions of Italy would finally be coming to end. Sitting in 14th place after a defeat to Sassuolo, there were more questions than answers, but you know what they say? Heart of a champion.

Back from the brink of death, Juve came into Sunday night's game riding a 10-game winning streak. Roma, on the other hand, came in sputtering, recently sacking manager Rudi Garcia in an attempt to revive their title hopes. After all, it was this same Roma side that defeated Juventus on the opening day of the season, proclaiming themselves as the new sheriffs in town. Instead, they just tripped over their own heels, catching a case of “draw-itis” that saw them drop precious points, opening the door for their competitors.

This game presented an opportunity for a statement from the Giallorossi -- We’re down, but not out.

La Liga Week in Review 01/16

Garreth shows love to the Bernabeu, and finally receives some back.

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

Who's rising and who's falling in the world of Spanish soccer? Find out below.

 
Stock Up      



Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) 

Over the past week, rumors were aplenty that Rafa Benitez’s dismissal deeply angered the Welshman, to the point he was pondering a summertime exit from the Bernabeu.

Under Benitez, Bale was featured in his preferred central role on the pitch. With the change in manager, he was concerned it would result in him returning to the wing. In his first game as manager, Zidane kept the status quo, resulting in Bale possibly having his finest all-around display since joining the club.

Gareth scored three goals in a 5-0 victory over Deportivo de La Coruña, leaving the pitch to a standing ovation from the Real Madrid faithful (hell has frozen over) and departing the stadium with the match ball under his arm, signed by his teammates. It was his second hat-trick in four games and his 10th goal in seven. For good measure, his 7 assists are tops in La Liga as well.

If Bale can keep up this form and Cristiano can regain his shiny scoring boots, Madrid could pose a real (no pun intended) threat for La Liga title in the second half.

Rafa Benitez Had No Chance at Real Madrid

By Justin Sherman (@JShermanOfficial)

The Rafa Benitez era is over.

Seven months and 25 matches in, Benitez was sacked by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez on Monday. It was at this very same podium, just six weeks ago, that Perez himself called a press conference in order to deny reports that a sacking was imminent, instead blaming the media for seeking to “destabilize” the club.

“Rafa has just started his work; let him work. He needs time,” Pérez said then.

Failing to heed his own advice, Florentino has again put the scapegoat out for slaughter, but honestly, I can’t blame him.

From the beginning, Benitez’s appointment made little sense.

The fans knew it. Madrid knew it.

La Liga Midseason Awards

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

Writer's note: A little over four months ago, I had the pleasure of joining the SuiteSports community as a man with his soccer thoughts and no one to share them with. I had absolutely no experience writing articles (other than my lazy attempts at research papers in college) and even less of an idea of the hard work, research and dedication needed to appear somewhat informed.

From the bottom of my heart, I just wanted to say thank you to Joe and the rest of our great writers for giving me a chance and welcoming me with open arms. Finally, and most importantly, I would like to thank my readers for their continued support and countless feedback. You guys are the reason I do this, and I look forward to bringing you more content in the future. Happy holidays and a wonderful new year to you and your families.

Ok, enough of all that mushy stuff, let’s get to the awards!

Ed. Note- Aw, we're happy to have you too Justin! Now, onward and upward!

Player of the First Half: Neymar (Barcelona)

Coming into this season, Barcelona fans knew that their team's success would be decided by the play of Leo Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. In a late September game against Las Palmas, Catalonia’s collective heart stopped, as Messi crumpled to the ground clutching his knee. Though it wasn’t as serious as initially feared, the Argentine would be on the sideline for 6-8 weeks, leaving the Catalans with a massive void. 

Needing someone to fill it, Neymar stepped up superbly.

La Liga Week in Review: 12/4

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

Ed. Note- Our soccer correspondent Justin Sherman is doing double-duty today, with articles on Leicester City's underdog run, and his weekly La Liga recap. You can check out his story on Leicester here, and find out who is rising and who is falling in Spanish soccer below.

 
Stock Up      

 

Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao) 

At the age of 34 most strikers are slowly edging towards the twilight of their careers. Their experience, leadership, and positioning are characteristics that are most looked upon when determining the outcome of matches.

Just don’t tell that to Aritz Aduriz.

White House Down: Real Madrid's Faithful Turn on the President's Box.

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

Incompetent. Lacking foresight. Dominated by the people we hate.

These were just some of the words splashed over all of the papers describing a president and the white house he rules with an iron fist.

Only this time, they weren't coming from a Donald Trump rally, or your “patriotic” friend on Facebook cluttering your timeline with impending armageddon.

Barcelona won Saturday's Clasico 4-0, seemingly undressing Real Madrid in the process, leaving their flaws exposed for all of the world to see. From the second the ball was kicked off from the center circle, Barcelona were in control.

A Nation Divided: The Past, Present and Uncertain Future of Barcelona and Real Madrid's Classic Rivalry

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

ri·val·ry
ˈrīvəlrē/
noun
noun: rivalry; plural noun: rivalries
  1. competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.

Twenty seven miles outside of Madrid in the small pueblo of Yuncos, I woke up, sun shining on my face. On most Saturdays, I would be awoken by the yells of my uncle Juan, “Churros are here chaval!” - but this wasn’t most Saturdays.

Ever since the age of three, my parents made it a mission that I travel to Spain. Three weeks to entire summers were spent under the watchful of eye of my grandmother Eusebia. During the summer months club teams observe their offseason. Because of this, I generally missed out on the games, passion, and legend that was birthed from within them. With my parents wanting me to experience the holidays in Spain, I packed my bags and headed for Madrid, winter be damned.

The date was January 8th, 1994 and it was my first taste of El Clasico - The classic.

La Liga Week in Review: 11/12

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

One of the most entertaining match days of the season saw Real Madrid drop their first game of the year, Barcelona rise to the top of the table, and incredible goals all across the league. Who’s rising and falling in La Liga: Find out below

La Liga Week in Review 11/5

Barcelona’s players did more than just scare their opponents Saturday night.

 By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

It was another bizarre week in La Liga, as headlines made off the pitch again took center stage. Who’s rising and who’s falling? Find out below.

 
Stock Up      

 
Alen Halilovic (Sporting Gijon) 

For newly promoted sides, the talent gap between themselves and the heavyweights of the league can be astronomical. Homegrown talent can only get you so far, and with transfer budgets so low, loans are vital to survival. Strapped with huge potential, Alen Halilovic is just the latest Croatian sensation to hit world football.

At the tender age of 19, Barcelona decided it was time to increase the competition level needed for a player's progression.  Instead of having him featured in Barcelona’s second division B side, they decided to loan him out to the highest bidder. In stepped Sporting, and the return couldn’t have been better.

He has started eight games for his new side, scoring twice, while assisting three directly for his team-mates. His strike over the weekend gave Sporting a 1-0 win over Malaga, securing three precious points for the Asturians. If he can continue to develop, Halilovic could have a real chance at first team football with Barcelona next season.

La Liga Week in Review 10/30

Yannick Carrasco stole the show for Atletico in their win against Valencia.

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

This week in La Liga saw title favorites Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico separate themselves from the pack. Who’s rising and who’s falling in Spanish soccer? Find out below.     
 

Stock Up



 Keylor Navas (Real Madrid) 

Forget the resume, wage, or trophy cabinet. No goalkeeper is playing better in all of world football than Keylor Navas. Forced into the starter's role after the disastrous David de Gea transfer fiasco, Navas has Madridistas seeing Iker Casillas reincarnated.

According to Spanish sports daily AS, Navas has conceded only three goals through nine league games, 12 games in total. He has faced 113 shots, more than any goalkeeper at the top of Europe’s big five leagues.

This weekend he did it again when the two final unbeaten teams in Spain met. Real jumped out to an early 2-0 lead before more crisis struck for Celta. They went down to ten men in the 56th minute and it appeared the game was all but over. Instead, Celta turned up the pressure, sending shot after shot that would've beaten almost any other keeper.

Not this game, or this season.

Navas put on an absolute show, leaving players and fans in disbelief. Only Nolito ended up beating him with a cracker of a shot into the top corner. At the final whistle the score was 2-1, and Real Madrid sat atop the standings.

La Liga Week in Review 10/21

With Lionel Messi out, Neymar has stepped his game up for Barcelona.

By Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial)

It was a wild week in Spanish soccer's top classification, with some megastars soaring and others falling back to Earth. Who's rising and who's falling in La Liga?

Find out below.  
    
 
Stock Up

Neymar (Barcelona) 

When Leo Messi and his boat load of goals went down via injury, the team as a whole was asked to pick up the slack. Taking it to heart, Neymar has pretty much done it all by himself.

With Barcelona’s defense struggling again against Rayo Vallecano, and a 1-0 deficit to climb out of, Neymar transformed into his Brazilian national side version. During the next 48 minutes, Neymar would go on to score four goals, effectively ending any hope of a heroic upset.