Football in Spain | GlobalPost

Football: Valencia edge closer to Champions League

Agence France-PresseMay 18, 2013 19:15

Valencia took another significant step towards securing Champions League qualification for next season with a 1-0 win at Getafe. Jeremy Mathieu got the only goal of a disappointing game a minute before half-time as Ernesto Valverde's men made it three wins in a row. Roberto Soldado and Sofiane Feghouli missed good chances to double Valencia's advantage after the break, but Los Che held on to move three points clear of Real Sociedad in fourth with the Basques travelling to face Sevilla later on Saturday night.

Football: My worst ever season, says Mourinho

Agence France-PresseMay 17, 2013 21:30

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho described his side's season as the worst of his trophy-laden, colourful career after Atletico Madrid edged a 2-1 extra-time Spanish Cup triumph. Real have already surrendered their La Liga title to Barcelona and were eliminated by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals, leaving the former Chelsea boss to lament a return of just the Spanish Supercup in terms of silverware.

Atletico Madrid wins Copa del Rey

Agencia EFEMay 17, 2013 20:48

Madrid, May 17 (EFE).- Atletico Madrid won its 10th Copa del Rey championship here Friday with a 2-1 upset victory in extra time over Real Madrid. Atletico's first triumph since 1999 over their wealthy, title-laden crosstown rivals came before a crowd of 85,000 at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The Blancos took a 1-0 lead with Cristiano Ronaldo's header off a corner kick in the 14th minute, but Atletico pulled even 21 minutes later thanks to a goal by Diego Costa.

Football: Mourinho, Ronaldo off as Atletico stun Real

Agence France-PresseMay 17, 2013 18:46

Atletico Madrid won their 10th Copa del Rey as goals from Diego Costa and Miranda saw them beat Real Madrid 2-1 in extra-time as both Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo were sent-off. Real had been unbeaten in the previous 25 meetings between the two rivals dating back 14 years and Mourinho's men got off to the perfect start when Cristiano Ronaldo headed in Luka Modric's corner. However, Diego Costa levelled for Atletico 10 minutes before half-time and Los Rojiblancos then rode their luck as Mesut Ozil, Karim Benzema and Ronaldo all hit the post for Real.

Football: Chelsea set for huge spending spree, says Benitez

Agence France-PresseMay 16, 2013 12:32

Chelsea will splash out on new players and return even stronger next year, interim manager Rafael Benitez predicted after leading his team to Europa League victory. Speaking to Spain's Onda Cero radio after their 2-1 win over Benefica on Wednesday night, the outgoing Benitez predicted a bright future for the team. "It is clear to me that Chelsea will be much better next year because they will spend 100 million, they will sign three or four players, and the foundation is there, it is a foundation that works well and has a big future," he said.

Football: Pochettino threatens Saints walkout

Agence France-PresseMay 16, 2013 06:15

Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino has threatened to walk away from Southampton after just four months in the job if executive chairman Nicola Cortese leaves. Cortese is believed to be considering his position at the Saints due to frustrations over the backing he receives from the owners for his plans to consolidate the club's Premier League status. And now Pochettino has claimed he will follow Cortese out the door if the Italian businessman walks.

Football: Real bid to extend derby supremacy in Copa final

Agence France-PresseMay 15, 2013 20:46

Real Madrid will hope to end a difficult season on a high when they face Atletico Madrid in Friday's Copa del Rey final, with Los Blancos aiming to continue their long-running dominance in meetings with their city rivals. An acrimonious campaign marred by on-pitch failure and behind-the-scenes unrest is set to end with manager Jose Mourinho leaving Madrid, but the Portuguese will hope to bow out with one more piece of silverware.

Football: Malaga deny allowing Pellegrini to leave

Agence France-PresseMay 15, 2013 12:45

Spanish outfit Malaga on Wednesday denied reports that they have allowed coach Manuel Pellegrini to leave the club at the end of the season amid speculation that the Chilean will join Manchester City. British Sky Sports television have named the former Villarreal and Real Madrid coach as one of the favourites to replace the sacked Roberto Mancini at City and it had been reported that Malaga would let Pellegrini go without demanding the 4 million euros ($5.1m, £3.4m) compensation detailed in a clause to cover the remaining two years of his contract at La Rosaleda.

Football: Abidal to discuss Barca future with president

Agence France-PresseMay 15, 2013 10:01

French full-back Eric Abidal is due to have a meeting with Barcelona president Sandro Rosell to discuss his future with the Catalans, club spokesman Toni Freixa said Wednesday. The 33-year-old has missed most of the last year after contracting liver cancer and his current playing deal comes to an end in June. Barca have not revealed whether Abidal's offer is to continue playing or for some other role -- although a month ago they suggested it was an ambassadorial role -- but the Spanish champions are keen to keep him on.

Messi out 2-3 weeks with leg injury

Agencia EFEMay 14, 2013 10:45

Barcelona, May 14 (EFE).- FC Barcelona striker Lionel Messi strained his right thigh and will be out of action two to three weeks, the Spanish team said Tuesday. Messi could still play in some of the remaining Spanish League matches, FC Barcelona said. The 25-year-old star player underwent tests this week at a clinic, where doctors diagnosed the injury, which forced him to leave the field during Barcelona's 2-1 win over Atletico de Madrid over the weekend.