The air of invincibility that surrounded Barcelona prior to the first Clasico of the season has faded. Real Madrid didn’t just beat Barcelona; they dominated and humbled them. The performance from Los Blancos was reminiscent of some of the hidings they received during Pep Guardiola’s spell at the Camp Nou: controlling and appearing relaxed at all stages in the match. Even at 1-0, Madrid looked content. Perhaps Ronaldo and Benzema summed it all up. Some intrinsic passing created a chance which the French striker – who had an almost telepathic understanding with his Portuguese teammate – sent crashing into the stands. Rather than being frustrated, the pair traded smiles and waited for the next chance. That kind of dominance is indicative of one team being in a greater league than the other, and Barcelona are not used to being the weaker rival.
Obviously, going on overall form, Barcelona should annihilate Celta Vigo. On paper it’s a foregone conclusion. But a team on the end of such a sudden and surprising score-line might be in psychological turmoil – almost too desperate to score and too afraid at losing their position to Madrid. It’s difficult to change a team’s mentality.
Barcelona did benefit from an easier start to the season than their rivals. Luis Enrique had time to instil his values – although not much different from their own – before their Clasico clash last week. He hadn’t had to face the defensive Atletico or the rampant Valencia. Their form and clean-sheet record was a mirage. Madrid exposed the same defensive problems that have plagued Barcelona since 2012, and there have been questions about the form of Pique, Alves, Iniesta and Messi – all major players in the Guardiola era. Did Messi peak in 2012? Is Alves past-it?
This is the ideal time for Celta Vigo to visit the Camp Nou. Eduardo Berizzo has done a magnificent job at replacing Enrique; making small changes to the style and bringing the best out of the players at his disposal. Among those are Joaquin Larrivey and Nolito. The Argentine striker notched another two goals against Levante last week, taking his tally up to six in league. One behind him is the former Barcelona attacker Nolito. The pair are forming a potent partnership; both in scoring goals and creating chances. The inconsistent Pique and Mascherano are error-prone at the moment, and that’s the perfect time for the Celta pair to try and add to Barca’s problems.
CAN INVERNESS COMPLETE THE DOUBLE?
Perhaps no match reflected Celtic’s early-season woes and Inverness’s surprisingly strong start more than their meeting at the Caledonian Stadium in August. Ronny Deila’s side bombarded Dean Brill and the Inverness defence, but Caley Thistle stayed solid, and a comical own-goal from Eoghan O’Connell handed the hosts three points. It’s been a familiar theme this season for Celtic. Hamilton also escaped Parkhead with three points after 90 minutes under the cosh.
But something seems to have changed in recent weeks. Games against the bottom sides are no longer close struggles – 11 goals against Ross County and Partick Thistle confirm that – and the Bhoys looked both comfortable and confident as they beat an in-form Kilmarnock. One of the points made after their loss to Inverness was the amount of fresh faces in the line-up – this hasn’t been the case in recent games. Deila has almost finished forming his starting eleven, and his style is beginning to produce results.
Inverness have looked decent after their stuttering form through September. Losses to Partick and Aberdeen, and a draw in the Highland derby, knocked them off their pedestal, but tight wins over St Mirren and Dundee United have sent them second, level on points with Hamilton.
It’s hard to look at this game and not see a comfortable Celtic win. Inverness have shipped 11 goals in their previous two visits to Parkhead with no reply, and Hughes has been criticised for showing the reigning champions too much respect. Three points for Celtic will also send them to one of the top three spots – depending on how Hamilton and Dundee United fare – and with a game in hand.
CAN LEVANTE PICK UP FIRST WIN UNDER AGAINST ALMERIA?
Levante are rock bottom of La Liga. Even winless Cordoba are above them thanks to a stronger goal difference. Their terrible form brought about the sacking of Jose Mendilibar, who took over at the club just two months ago. Lucas Alcaraz has been brought in as his successor, but he could do nothing to stop Celta Vigo strolling to a comfortable 3-0 win last week.
Almeria are the perfect side for Levante to kick-start their campaign under Alcaraz. The Andalusian club are 13th in the table but haven’t won since their 1-0 victory over Deportivo in September. They have also lost three of their last four encounters against Levante – a 2-2 draw last year being their best result – and didn’t score in those three games. There’s also the factor that they don’t score many goals – this isn’t going to be a barnstormer – so Levante’s crumbling defence shouldn’t be tested as much as it was last week.
The hosts are going to be missing Loukas Vyntra and Hector Rodas, but Pape Diop should return after a brief knock in mid-week. This game should be a tight encounter, the teams separated by one goal, and so it’s up to the Levante front-line to make their chances count.
Real Madrid ended Barcelona’s undefeated start to the La Liga season and earned the Clasico honours to bring themselves within one point of the league leaders.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 16th league goal of the season – from the penalty spot – equalised after Neymar opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. Madrid created more chances than their rivals, and in the second-half goals from Karim Benzema and Pepe secured three points for the hosts.
Barcelona weren’t aided by some questionable selections from Luis Enrique. The suspect partnership of Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique re-united in the centre of defence; the ever-present Jeremy Mathieu dropped to left-back as Jordi Alba started on the bench. Considering neither Pique nor Mascherano have impressed being rotated in the team since the start of the campaign – and as Mathieu has looked solid and consistent in that role – it seemed an odd time to reform that duo. It’s also strange that Alba fell out of the team, while Dani Alves retained his spot despite being caught out on numerous occasions against Eibar.
And as much possession as Barca retained in the match, the old criticisms came to the fore: the visitor’s had one system and didn’t change despite being dominated; Alves and Pique endured a torrid game, and neither offered enough to counter Ronaldo’s threat; and there was a disconnect between the front-three and the rest of the team. Neymar, Messi and Suarez were isolated and, except for the early goal and a couple of chances, the three were mostly anonymous.
Madrid, on the other hand, looked a complete outfit. James, Marcelo and Ronaldo looked dangerous on the flanks and the defence, criticised in the earlier games of the season, looked solid against what must be, on paper at least, one of the potent attacking trios in football. Tactically, the experienced Carlo Ancelotti outsmarted his opposite number and kept the visitor’s on a leash; allowing them to keep possession but stopping them from doing anything with it.
Suarez, returning from a four-month suspension and making his debut for the Catalan side, made an impact just three minutes in. The summer signing from Liverpool hit a cross to Neymar on the edge of the box. The Brazilian settled the ball and charged along the line before curling a shot past an outstretched Iker Casillas.
Madrid ended Barcelona’s almost uninterrupted spell of possession after the opener and began bombarding the visitor’s defence. Karim Benzema had a couple of chances to equalise. He reached a through ball but didn’t have enough space to find the net from a tight angle, and Marcelo’s brilliant cross through the six-yard box slipped inches behind the Frenchman’s run.
The closest chance from Benzema came in the 10th minute. He headed Ronaldo’s cross but it bounced off the crossbar, and his rebound effort thundered into the stands. A goal for Madrid seemed imminent as the league leaders struggled to contain their rampant attacks. The next chance, however, would fall to Messi. Suarez whipped a low cross into the area, which the Argentine striker sent wide from six-yards-out. The miss came back to bite him.
Madrid amped up the pressure again, Ronaldo penetrating the box from the left-flank. One such attack led to Marcelo cutting inside and attempting a cross. Pique blocked it using his arm, and the referee had no thoughts other than handing Ronaldo the chance to grab his 16th goal of the season. Barca’s clean-sheet record had come to an end in the most important match of the season so far.
As the second-half began Madrid continued to dominate in terms of creating chances. Although Barca kept the ball, passing it around the final third, they lacked the spark to create something. One such spell brought about the second goal for Madrid. Los Blancos nicked the ball after a loose pass, Benzema and James linked-up at speed, but Ronaldo’s final shot was palmed out for a corner. Pepe met the cross and, unmarked in the centre of the box, headed the ball into the bottom-left corner.
The home side pressed for a second. James, who has found his place on the right in recent weeks, and Isco, who seems to be filling Angel Di Maria’s space on the left, caused trouble for the visitors, and both tested Bravo with long-range efforts.
The third came from some stunning passing and a determined run from Isco. Countering a corner; the midfielder charged 40 metres to meet a long-ball clearance, forced a poor pass from Iniesta that he then ran onto, and then released a quick pass for Ronaldo. The league’s top scorer spun and passed to James. Benzema darted past the offside trap to meet a through ball, and hammered a shot into the bottom-left corner. It was a moment that highlighted Madrid’s attacking chemistry, and added credence to the claim that they have the most dangerous attack in football.
Barcelona were bereft of ideas. They continued to do the same: pass…pass…pass…lose the ball. Their weakness had been highlighted again in front of the hundreds of millions watching on TV, and any thoughts that this was the classic team of 2008-12 reborn had been quashed. The same issues remain.
Pedro replaced Suarez to end the Uruguayan’s debut. The Golden Boot winner offered glimpses off his usual brilliance – the assist for the opener and the golden chance for Messi – but Sergio Ramos, to his credit, kept Suarez in his pocket any time he tried to get into the box. Ramos and Casillas – as much criticism as they have received this season – were fantastic, and the former demonstrated a confidence and dominance of his area that has been missing at certain times this campaign.
The remaining 20 minutes continued in the same vein: Barca kept the ball but did nothing; Madrid hit sudden counter-attacks and forced late tackles or desperate saves. It was evident that Ronaldo and co were enjoying their football, and the home support lapped it up, chanting ‘ole’ as their team strolled to the 3-1 result.
Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Rodriguez, Modric, Kroos, Isco; Benzema, Ronaldo
Subs: Rakitic (Xavi 60) Pedro (Suarez 69) Sergi (Iniesta 72)
CELTA’S MIDFIELD LIMIT LEVANTE
There are comparisons to be made between Barcelona and Celta Vigo. The latter adopted a similar style to the Catalans under Luis Enrique – who returned to the Camp Nou during the summer – but their transition under Eduardo Berizzo has been a simple one. Berizzo hasn’t made huge alterations, unlike some coaches, who would feel it necessary in order to stamp their own image on the side, and Celta have benefitted from this in the opening stretch of the campaign.
A couple of the more apparent resemblances are Celta’s dedication to pressing, both on and off the ball, and their use of simple triangle passes. Obviously they don’t boast talents as technical as Xavi, Iniesta or Messi, but they have followed their commandments strictly: the movement and passes are quick, and they could also be criticised for lacking a second strategy when the first doesn’t work.
Their focus on tiki-taka was evident in their first goal: Santi Mina used his pace to find space and found Hernandez, who slipped an immediate through ball to Larrivey. The Argentine striker slipped the ball into the bottom corner for a simple opener.
After the opening goal the hosts continued to dominate possession and chances. Levante didn’t create clear opportunities, almost scared to start from the back in case of losing the ball again, but that fear didn’t help their efforts, as long balls over the top just landed back at the feet of the expectant Celta defence. Retaining possession, the hosts progressed as a unit, pushing Levante back into their half and searching for those chance-creating opportunities.
Nolito put in another great performance for the hosts. His speed and technique troubled Pedro Lopez on the left flank, and he instigated some of Celta’s best attacks. Levante improved in the second-half and should have equalised as Ivanschitz’ thunderous effort bounced off the crossbar.
However, their momentum didn’t last, and Celta secured all three points in the final ten minutes. Nolito and Larrivey linked up to put the hosts 2-0 up, before a speculative shot from Alex Lopez caught Marino off-guard to complete the scoring.
Can Kilmarnock continue their good run of form at Parkhead?
Kilmarnock are in the best run of form in the league – over the last five matches. Let that sink in for a second. 12 points from games against St Mirren, Partick Thistle, Dundee United and St Johnstone – and a point against the league leaders, Hamilton – has elevated Killie to fourth in the table. Their opponents this weekend are the mid-table outfit Celtic, who are three points behind Kilmarnock but have a game in hand.
Obviously, I jest about the mid-table tag. We all know Celtic are still going to win the league. Some even suggested that last week’s 5-0 demolition of hapless Ross County is the beginning of something, that Ronny Deila has finally found his system and his team. I’m careful about making statements like that: people said the same after the 6-1 thrashing of Dundee United in August.
As for Killie’s record at Parkhead: it’s not the strongest. The last couple of games hosted by the league champions have ended in comprehensive wins and an 8-1 aggregate score – although Killie did pick up three points around this time in 2012 at Celtic Park. There’s also the point that Kilmarnock are far stronger than last season, and there’s a different aura about playing Celtic at the moment.
Hamilton went to Celtic Park, played in their usual style, and came away with a surprise three points. If Killie can demonstrate the same confidence, couldn’t they do the same?
Will ‘El Clasico’ bring Barcelona’s clean-sheet record to an end?
The stats would certainly say so. The last time Madrid didn’t score in ‘El Clasico’ – in the league – was on November 29, 2010, when Barcelona hammered them 5-0 with a performance helped cement their legacy as one of the greatest teams ever. In the seven games since then, Madrid have scored 12 goals – perhaps more surprising is the fact that Los Blancos in a league game between the two since 2007.
The scores are tied from their last five meetings: two wins each and one draw. The Basque club have emerged victorious in the last two matches, including a stunning 4-3 win in the corresponding fixture last season. A hat-trick from Lionel Messi sealed all three points in the 84th minute – such a brace on Saturday will propel him past Telmo Zarra as La Liga’s top scorer of all time.
As solid as the stats indicate Barcelona are, the evidence also suggests there are still problems. It’s quickly worth pointing out that Gerard Martino’s side last season didn’t lose in the league until the 15th round – a 1-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao – so just because Luis Enrique has had a good start doesn’t mean that all their problems are sorted. Malaga shut them out last month and Eibar should have taken the lead in their game last week – Capa exposed some calamitous defending but missed an open-goal (albeit from a tight angle). There’s also the fact that both PSG and Ajax have scored against them in Europe, and the Parisian club beat them in an entertaining game.
There are also still questions about Gerard Pique’s form and Dani Alves’s future at the Camp Nou – both look shambolic at times. It’s a criticism that has also been directed at Madrid this season. However, the hosts this weekend are looking fantastic at the moment: Ronaldo is on fire – 15 goals in seven league starts – and Madrid are scoring for fun.
I’m predicting a big scoreline, and an end to Barca’s impeccable start.
Can Cordoba end Arrasate’s reign at Sociedad?
A dejected Jagoba Arrasate looked on as Yoda scored the second for Getafe to complete a late, and demoralising, comeback. Boos rang around the Anoeta as the referee ended the game. Hervias, on as a substitute, had converted Carlos Vela’s cross, and a more optimistic atmosphere surrounded the stadium. However, that had turned toxic by the time the referee blew his whistle. Two late goals from Yoda lifted the visitors to tenth and sent the hosts crashing to 16th – three goals better off than their Basque rivals, Athletic Bilbao.
Cordoba, on the other hand, are still seeking their first La Liga victory. They were comfortably beaten by Malaga last week, but came close to ending their barren spell at Getafe the week before – a late Baba Diawara strike salvaged a point for the hosts.
Despite this poor spell, Cordoba looked decent in spells and could capitalise on Sociedad’s lack of confidence. The teams have never met in the league, so there’s no form to go on. Cordoba should be without Jose Crespo and Eduard Campabadal, while Sociedad are missing Alberto de la Bella, Ruben Pardo and Gorka Elustondo.
I’d hazard a guess that this isn’t going to be an exciting game.
A late double from Karim Yoda earned three points for Getafe and put Jagoba Arrasate’s future at the Anoeta in doubt.
Real Sociedad had taken the lead in the 81st minute, the substitute Pablo Hervias converting Carlos Vela’s cross from close-range, before a curling shot from Yoda levelled the score as added-time approached.
The home support, audible in their frustration throughout, might have been pushed over the edge in the 93rd minute, as Sammir’s dazzling dribble set-up Yoda for a simple decider.
Sociedad entered the match suffering their worst start-of-the-season form since their relegation eight-years-ago, forcing Arrasate to spend his pre-match press conference deflecting questions about his future at the Basque club.
The visitors looked the better side in the opening minutes, exploiting the space Sociedad offered them. A couple of minutes in Sammir used a long throw to catch out Joseba Zaldua. He charged behind the defence but Inigo Martinez, closing the space, forced a weak shot that Zubikarai blocked easily. The frustrated figure of Arrasate looked on in despair.
Sociedad settled into the game but struggled to crack the robust and organised Getafe defence. The second decent chance of the game fell to the visitors, who again found space along the left flank. Fredy Hinestroza, although isolated, continued to trouble Zaldua and managed to put a cross to the far post. Neither Yoda nor Pablo Sarabia could convert, highlighting Getafe’s major problem this season: they controlled the midfield and found space in the attacking third, but Cosmin Contra’s side lacked the classic striker needed to capitalise on the chances.
Getafe controlled possession and passed the ball around the attacking third looking for a chance. Yoda had a shot blocked on the edge of the box, which led to a corner. The pressure continued: Sarabia’s curled effort bounced off the post and Hinestroza’s attempt on the rebound was pushed out for another corner – the fans inside the Anoeta sounded their anger at the disappointing performance.
Sociedad’s first real shot came on the half-hour mark: Gonzalo Castro found space on the left edge of the box as Vela and Xabi Prieto passed around, and his hard shot cannoned off the woodwork. David Zurutuza had another effort moments later, linking-up with Vela before sending a thunderous shot over the crossbar.
As half-time beckoned, the hosts began to offer more in attack and restricted Getafe’s attacking play. However, like their opponents in the first half-hour, Sociedad couldn’t seem to find that crucial final ball and lacked an out-and-out striker – Alfreo Finnbogason often drifting back to aid the attacking midfielders.
Sociedad looked re-energised as they re-emerged for the second-half, and a quicker tempo didn’t suit the visitors, who immediately found themselves on the defensive. Like the opening minutes of the first-half, the match descended into a series of counter-attacks leading to nothing, both sides offering little inside the box. Finnbogason had the best chance of the game at that stage, a close range shot forcing a save from Guaita, as Sociedad started to apply significant pressure on the Getafe back-line.
Getafe’s first chance of the second-half fell to Yoda, whose hard, curling shot was palmed away by Enaut Zubikarai. In an interesting substitution, Arrasate replaced the striker Finnbogason with the attacking-midfielder Sergio Canales, almost shifting his team from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-2-4-0, with no striker leading the line.
The match entered a quiet spell in the 55th minute, one that didn’t seem to end until Michel’s shot in the 71st minute. A quick counter-attack and a fine back-pass from Yoda put Michel in open space, the goal to his left. His hard shot skimmed the grass and Zubikarai didn’t have to alter his stance to block the effort. The Sociedad keeper remained alert a couple of minutes later, tipping a long-range shot around the post for a corner. The increasingly frustrated home support jeered their team’s inability to capitalise on their earlier possession and chances.
Hervias had an immediate impact upon his introduction, his pace and energy troubling the tired back-line. Then, in the 81st minute, he broke the deadlock. Canales produced a superb back-pass to find Vela; the Mexican cut inside, took his time dribbling along the line, and placed a cross that sliced through the defence; and Hervias, waiting on the far-post, made a simple tap in from close range.
Contra brought on Baba as a late substitution, his last outing being another late substitution that ended up with him snatching a late equaliser against Cordoba. The Senegalese striker, however, didn’t snatch a late equaliser on this occasion. That moment fell to Yoda, whose curling effort from the edge of the box slammed into the bottom right corner and silenced the home support.
The KO punch came in the 93rd minute. Sammir dragged the ball around Martinez, rolled the ball across the box, and Yoda blasted the ball into the empty net for the three points.
Subs: Michel (Sarabia 61) Lafita (Hinestroza 69) Baba (Lacen 85)
EIBAR’S GAMEPLAN ALMOST SUCCEEDS
Little Eibar’s visit to the Camp Nou had all the signs of a David versus Goliath encounter: they were a third-tier team just two years ago; Barcelona were undefeated and hadn’t conceded; and all the pre-match focus was on Lionel Messi, who was celebrating the 10th anniversary of his La Liga debut and needed three goals to overtake Telmo Zarra as the league’s all-time top scorer.
The Basque club altered their usual approach to counter Barcelona’s strength. A three-man defence was introduced – and that’s for a club that already had one of the strongest defensive records. However, with 13 goals between Messi and Neymar, and with Barcelona having not conceded, it made sense for them to weaken the attack in order to bolster the defence.
Eibar made 35 succesful clearances as Barcelona bombarded their box (FourFourTwo Statszone)
The Catalan club tested the visitors in the opening minutes: Messi burst into the box to receive a through ball, but Eibar were quick to put the ball out for a corner. The Argentine then charged along the left side of the box, but again Eibar dispatched the ball and neutered the attack as quick as it began. In the 12th minute some tantalising link-up play and tight passing set Barcelona on a sudden counter-attack. Wave-after-wave of blue shirts retreated back to the box, and the attack ended up coming to nothing.
As structured and composed as Eibar had been, they still hadn’t threatened and seemed reliant on packing the box – a dangerous strategy, that one fortunate strike can render useless.
A Neymar pass penetrated the Eibar box, and Messi pulled past Abraham. However, the time he’d used to beat one defender, three others had jumped in his path. He should have broken the deadlock a couple of minutes later, cutting inside but smashing his effort straight at Xabier Aranzamendi. Despite him missing, the space he’d been in acted as a warning to the defence.
One moment that summed up Eibar’s attacking set-up came in the 26th minute: Aranzamendi released a long throw that Saul Berjon retrieved on the line; he sped past his marker and dribbled past another; but it became clear as the picture widened that he was isolated – one blue shirt in a sea of green – and he eventually conceded possession.
Eibar settled as the match passed the 30 minute mark; Barcelona had a reduced number of chances and thus Eibar alleviated some of the pressure on their back-line. Los Armeros tried to capitalise on a nervous clearance from Gerard Pique, closing space and doing what Barcelona had been doing to them, but the hosts remained comfortable and found the space to exit their third of the pitch.
Ander Capa had the best chance to end Barcelona’s clean sheet record: Pique and Dani Alves didn’t handle a through ball; Capa dragged the ball past an onrushing Bravo; but his final shot slammed into the side-netting. It should have been 1-0, and Barcelona could count themselves fortunate to remain on equal terms. Those chances don’t occur on a regular basis at the Camp Nou, and Capa should’ve finished. Another defensive error handed Saul another chance for Eibar as half-time loomed: he caught Alves out of position but Bravo kept cool and pushed his effort out for a corner.
Just 12 of Barcelona’s 45 attempted crosses reached their intended target
One issue that made Eibar’s task easier was that most of Barcelona’s offensive moves came from the right flank. Alves continued to find space on that side; his final balls, however, were disappointing, and there wasn’t enough movement to challenge the three central defenders. Crosses and headers became a more familiar sight in the second-half for the home support, who became increasingly frustrated. Such an impotent performance wasn’t what Barcelona fans needed one week prior to El Clasico – especially after Madrid’s second-string-team demolished Levante 5-0.
Then the floodgates opened.
Xavi broke the deadlock: he cut into the box to meet a Messi through ball and curled it into the bottom left corner. Not one Eibar had marked his run, perhaps indicating the tiredness affecting the visitors’ defence. Barcelona took advantage of this situation and continued to pile the pressure on the Eibar. The Basque side had been collecting yellow cards, tiredness started to limit their attacking potential, and Raul Albentosa became the focus of all set-pieces – all signs indicated a team running out of ideas and running on fumes.
Minutes later Neymar added a second: Alves’ cross reached the Brazilian, who slammed a shot straight past Aranzamendi. Messi then came one closer to Telmo Zarra’s record. He linked-up with Neymar, charged into the box, and curled a shot that bounced off the far post and went into the net.
The 3-0 scoreline doesn’t represent the nature of the game: Eibar had limited Barcelona for 60 minutes before fatigue became a ruling factor.
SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP
DUNDEE END POOR FORM AT FIR PARK
A dominant performance from Dundee United brought their rivals’ unbeaten run in the league to a crashing climax. The Dees, a structured and organised outfit before the clash, then struggled to regain their form and lost successive matches against both Ross County – rooted to the bottom of the table at the time – and Aberdeen. This weekend’s trip to Fir Park offered them the chance to pick up a vital three points against a team in complete disarray, in Stuart McCall’s Motherwell.
Dundee took just three minutes to go ahead: the Steelmen’s defence didn’t clear their area despite numerous opportunities; Gary Harkins’ header eluded the back-line, finding David Clarkson in space; and the former Well striker hit a thunderous half-volley straight past Dan Twardzik. For the home support, such moments must have become frustratingly familiar sights.
The visitors then extended their lead on the half-hour mark. Stewart cut inside and, although his tame effort bounced off Twardzik, Harkins capitalised and slammed in the rebound.
Clarkson and Paul McGowan had a couple of opportunities to add more, but Twardzik kept the score at 2-0 as the referee called for half-time. A chorus of resounding boos greeted the home side’s atrocious first-half performance.
Motherwell offered a little more threat in the second-half, penetrating the Dundee box but not finding that all-important goal. Despite this improvement, their defence appeared fragile, and Dundee added a third in the 59th minute: Clarkson crossed to an unmarked Stewart – not one Well defender covered the centre of the box – and he tapped the ball past a despondent Twardzik.
Henrik Ojamaa reduced the deficit a couple of minutes later, kicking the ball off the underside of the crossbar and into the net. The hosts did look better in the second-half, but an abysmal first-half performance and not creating enough chances in the second cost them the chance to challenge Dundee.
It’s difficult to judge Dundee’s progress based on this performance. The Dees took their chances and defended competently, although the Steelmen offered little attacking threat. The hosts were a shambles – as they had been against Hamilton – and there were far too many defensive lapses.
THISTLE CONTAIN UNITED FOR 84 MINUTES
The difference between title winners and contenders is often a team’s ability to scratch out a win even when they’re not playing well. It was an attribute that helped Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United dominate the Premier League for so long – getting all those late goals when other clubs would have surrendered two crucial points. Obviously the Arabs were disappointing in their 2-0 loss to Kilmarnock, but t
Partick, based on their performance, deserved a point – if not three – but United escaped Tannadice with a victory that keeps them second and chasing Hamilton. Thistle had the best of the early chances: Kris Doolan forced an acrobatic save from Radoslaw Cierzniak and Christie Elliot also tested the Polish stopper with a grounded shot.
United couldn’t seem to conjure their usual attacking magic. Stuart Armstrong and Nadir Ciftci both had decent enough opportunities, but the link-up play wasn’t there and the defensive pairing of Danny Seaborne and Conrad Balatoni limited the hosts to half-chances. Their first-half performance was greeted by boos as the referee blew for half-time.
Partick have been perhaps the most inconsistent team in the Scottish Premiership this season. Against United they pressured when off the ball and forced mistakes; they kept the usually-dynamic Ciftci quiet; and appeared the more likely to break the deadlock. One glaring problem for the visitors was the absence of the injured Kallum Higginbotham, who has been central to Partick’s attacking play so far this season.
Jackie McNamara attempted to rectify United’s problem in the second-half, replacing Paul Paton with Ryan Dow. The move, however, had little effect. While the Arabs’ best chances came from quick counter-attacks – even they were few-and-far between – Partick created more chances from open play, and they could have gone ahead when Elliot’s long-range curled effort bounced off the crossbar.
While Partick supporters might feel aggrieved with the result, they’ll feel even more so about the questionable penalty. In the 84th minute Ciftci charged ahead to meet a through ball; Seaborne took him out in the box; and the Turk converted from the spot after the defender’s sending off. There have been calls that Ciftci was offside, but the counter-argument was made that ball had touched Abdul Osman’s leg – it didn’t look like that on the highlights.
Hamilton secured top spot in the Scottish Premiership – and a cool £20 for me – thanks to a 1-0 win at Celtic Park. Perhaps it says more about Celtic’s current struggles that the result didn’t come as a huge shock, but Hamilton still deserve much credit; not only for pulling off the result and collecting all three points, but for continuing to use their style and not reverting to a park-the-bus strategy.
Their first post-internationals fixture sees in-form Aberdeen visiting New Douglas Park tonight. Derek McInnes’ side had a stuttering start to the season, but 10 points from their last four matches has helped them rocket up the league. One point behind both Kilmarnock and Inverness, a win tonight would probably send them second – above Dundee United on goal difference – and leave them one-shy of first-place Hamilton.
The Accies, however, are also in startling form. Since their opening day defeat to Inverness, Alex Neil’s side have gone on a nine-game unbeaten run in the league and have won six of those matches. They also boast a good record against the other top-six clubs: three points from Celtic Park and points from games against both Dundee United (at Tannadice) and Kilmarnock (at home). There’s also the fact that three out of the top five league scorers belong to Hamilton: Crawford, Antoine-Curier and Andreu are joined by Killie’s Obadeyi and United’s Erskine.
We can look at the clubs’ head-to-head record – Aberdeen picked up ten points from their four league meetings in the 2010/11 season – but, considering both clubs have made substantial changes in that time, these stats don’t mean anything. With both teams in great form it’s difficult to predict the outcome, but it’s certainly a game worth watching.
Hamilton claim the best defensive record in the league, having conceded just five goals – two of which came in the loss to Inverness on the first day – and have the joint-second best attack. They are joined on 16 goals by Aberdeen, although they have also conceded 12 – only the bottom three teams have worse records. Hamilton are certainly a more balanced outfit than their opponents, with McInnes struggling to find the right defensive line-up. From their last four games, two have ended 3-2, and one ended 2-2. There’s no doubt the Dons are benefitting from a resurgent David Goodwillie, but their defensive record needs to improve if they hope to mount a serious title challenge.
Team News
Hamilton: Darian MacKinnon returns from suspension, as does Martin Canning, after his knee injury; and Jon Routledge isn’t quite fit enough for first-team game yet.
Aberdeen: Russell Anderson returns from injury but it’s unlikely that he’ll start; Clark Robertson and Ryan Jack are still out, but could be back in the coming weeks; and Jonny Hayes might make a return on the left flank.
BARCELONA V EIBAR
Saturday 18th – Sky Sports 5 – 19:00
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October 16 2004: Frank Rijkaard’s Barcelona are 1-0 up against Espanyol, courtesy of a 9th minute goal from Deco. The recent signing from Porto is taken off and he’s replaced by a debutant: 17-year-old Lionel Messi. It was an unspectacular start to his La Liga career; he was outmuscled by the imposing defenders, although a couple of nice, if unproductive, dribbles showed glimpses of his potential.
October 17 2014: Messi is three goals from surpassing Telmo Zarra as La Liga’s all-time top scorer. The Argentine, celebrating his 10th anniversary at the Catalan club, has amassed 249 goals in 284 appearances in La Liga. Over the past couple of years he and Ronaldo have broken pretty much every scoring record standing, and, finally, Athletic Bilbao’s legendary striker is in his target. Zarra, who featured for the Basque side between 1940 and 1955, scored 252 goals and collected the Pichichi Trophy six times – due to Ronaldo and Messi’s duopoly (the diminutive Argentine has three and the Madrid striker has two) it’s unlikely either will surpass his record.
Eibar, despite their positive start to the season, are the sort of club Barcelona demolish. The Basque side have a decent away record – four points from three games – and lost by just one goal to Atletico Madrid. Barcelona’s league and home records are immaculate: three home wins, 11 goals scored, none conceded. There’s no denying that Eibar are a tough team to break-down. They have the joint-third best defensive record in the league – their hosts and Valencia are the only teams who’ve conceded fewer – and have adopted an almost-English style of playing. However, a trip to the Camp Nou is something else, and Barcelona’s front three are in tantalising form.
Neymar is chasing Ronaldo in the scoring charts, six behind on seven after his return from the injury sustained at the World Cup. The Brazilian has made a brilliant start to his second season at the Camp Nou, and has a cemented role alongside Messi in the front-three – Pedro and Munir are trading the third place before Luis Suarez’s suspension ends. He and Messi should be hoping for a glut on Saturday.
Team News
Barcelona: the hosts are still without the suspended Suarez, who could make his debut against Real Madrid next weekend. Vermaelen remains on the injured list.
Eibar: the visitors are missing the injured Manu, although he’s not a big loss due to being utilised as a sub so far this campaign.
A late strike from Baba Diawara earned a point for Getafe and denied Cordoba their first La Liga win since 1972.
Albert Ferrer had referred to the match as ‘another final’ as Cordoba began the game rooted to the bottom of the table with three points. The result lifted them out of the relegation zone for a brief time, but cost Getafe a chance to take 7th in the table.
Patrick Ekeng’s solo effort in the 77th minute put Cordoba in touching distance of their first three points of the season, but, with two minutes of normal time remaining, the dangerous Sergio Escudero hit a first-time cross, which the Senegalese striker poked in for the equaliser.
The small travelling support of Cordoba provided the atmosphere, their chants booming around the Alfonso Perez as the referee signalled for the kick-off.
The hosts looked to create chances early on: Pablo Sarabia and Diego Castro linked up on the left, the Cordoba defence struggling to handle their movement and quick passes. Escudero got in on the act, cutting inside and testing the visiting full-back Adrian Gunino, and forcing the first corner of the game.
The effort came to nothing, and Frederico Cartabia ended up charging into free space. Abdoul Yoda’s cynical challenge conceded a free-kick, and Cordoba spent the subsequent minutes attempting to penetrate the Getafe defence. Nabil Ghilas used his pace and strength for a one-man counter-attack, bursting into the area and preparing for a strike. A well-timed tackle from Juan Valera rid him of the ball and a small deflection meant he didn’t even get a corner.
The first 20 minutes passed and neither team had offered much in attack – perhaps not a surprise considering their pre-match collective goals tally was six. The teams traded possession as the match got bogged down in midfield. Poor decision making, inaccurate final passes and non-existent runs made sure that half an hour passed with the deadlock still unbroken.
The first good chance of the match came in the 33rd minute: Castro surveyed the final third and sprayed a pass out to the right flank; an awaiting Valera hit an impressive and immediate volley cross into the box; but Yoda, unmarked after bursting into the area, couldn’t control the pass and clipped the ball just over the crossbar.
Ghilas capitalised on a mistake, beating one defending, but curling his effort past the left post. The ball had clipped Naldo’s heel, the referee didn’t notice, and Getafe escaped with a goal-kick. The on-loan striker offered Cordoba’s most potent threat – comfortable on the ball and using his pace to trouble the experienced but sluggish Naldo – but often found himself isolated and without options.
Some quick and divisive passes in the attacking third set up Yoda for a chance. He found himself coming in from the right, the Cordoba defence dragged to the left and him in space, but his hard shot kept a straight course and Juan Carlos had little difficulty stopping it.
Crespo and Lopez Silva summed up the half in added-time: they linked-up on the right but the final through ball ran out for a goal-kick. A scattering of claps greeted the whistle.
Getafe started the second-half the stronger of the sides, pressing the back-line and forcing an early corner. Sarabia’s initial cross was dealt with, however, his second attempt curled into the area – Valera came within inches of opening the scoring.
Fede Vico made a poor start after his substitution: Silva’s replacement conceded a free-kick on the edge of the box after holding the charging Sarabia, and then dodged the ball as part of the wall.
Getafe should’ve been ahead in the 61st minute thanks to one Escudero’s troublesome runs: He forced a corner; Naldo leaped to header the ball towards the right post; Lafita stretched to push it over the line; but the referee denied them the goal and called for offside instead. Initial criticism was aimed at Lafita for his touch – it appeared Naldo’s header was going in – but replays highlighted that he was, in fact, onside.
Fredy Hinestroza had a shot from a tight angle that cried out for a final touch – none came, and the ball ran out for a goal-kick.
70 minutes passed and the score remained the same. Despite some encouraging individual performances – Escudero and Castro for Getafe; Ekeng and Ghilas for Cordoba – both teams had lacked the crucial final ball, and competent defences limited the good chances.
The moment the Cordoba fans had been waiting for came in the 77th minute: Ekeng collected a loose ball outside the Getafe box; he burst past a desperate tackle from Emiliano Velasquez; and he hammered his shot into the bottom left corner. The small Cordoba contingent erupted. The goal marked the first time the promoted side had scored the opening goal. Could they hold out for the remaining 13 minutes?
A tense atmosphere enveloped the Alfonso Perez – one that became increasingly so over the next minutes.
Diawara charged and the Cordoba defence couldn’t rid him of possession. He cut a grounded through ball that darted past the Cordoba keeper and into the path of the onrushing Hinestroza – he couldn’t stretch far enough and ball passed him. The Colombian came agonisingly close for the hosts again a minute later, a shot thundering off the post and causing a couple of heart palpitations for the travelling support.
For the Cordoba support – and the footballing romantics – it wasn’t to be: Escudero, dangerous throughout, cut an immediate cross into the box, and Diawara converted from close range to equalise.
Cordoba held out for the point – an important one, nonetheless – but it was hard not to be a little disappointed.
Subs: Vico (Silva 56) Pinillos (Crespo 58) Rossi (Cartabia 80)
SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP
Width splits Highland derby
Jim McIntyre had organised his Ross County side to counter Inverness’s style: they applied pressure in their half of the pitch to halt Caley’s short passing game, compacted in defence due to their rivals’ preference to attack through the centre, and attacked from the flanks, stretching them out.
Marley Watkins and Greg Tansey had a habit of drifting inside rather than challenging the full-backs. This limited the hosts’ threat and allowed County to nullify their attacks with relative ease. Aside from an early chance from Billy McKay, which tested Mark Brown, Inverness offered little else in the first-half. For a team that had conceded 20 goals before the game – the most in the SPFL – McIntyre found attack offered the best defence.
Ross County’s attacks all seemed to be aimed along the right flank, where Joe Cardle was often in the middle of things. County had the best chance to go ahead: Ross Draper’s soft back pass exposed Dean Brill and Filip Kiss should’ve done more from the opportunity. He seemed unnerved by the sudden pressure, and the Inverness stopper blocked his initial outstretched effort – his second was offside.
Considering Cardle had been the source of County’s attacking threat in the opening 20 minutes, it’s ironic that the opener came from the right. Rocco Quinn hit a quick cross that found Yoann Arquin in the box. His header tucked into the bottom right corner and silenced the home support.
Cardle continued to be the main creator for the visitors, although his poor decision making invalidated his movement and speed. Quinn missed a fantastic chance to score a second. Jackson Irvine weaved through the Inverness defence and attracted the back-line to his position. Quinn stood on the right side of the box, unmarked, but he smacked his effort straight at the keeper. Arquin had a similar opportunity minutes later, and again poor finishing meant the score remained 1-0. The home support appreciated Brill’s performance, but boos greeted County’s dominance and chances.
Inverness’s struggle in the first-half couldn’t all be blamed on width – or lack of. Poor passing and a failure to deal with the pressure County applied caused problems, and these were issues Hughes had to address during the break.
County almost scored 20 seconds in. Arquin collected a quick ball along the right, teased Warren – whose slide tackle sent him past the striker – but the shot thundered over the crossbar. Inverness attempted a counter-attack moments later, but the same frustrations emerged: they tried to pass through the centre of the attacking third rather than putting in crosses or getting behind the full-backs. This allowed County to pack the box and stop any potential chance.
Watkins equalised in the 49th minute. Christie charged along the left flank and put in a cross – one that took a slight deflection – and Watkins converted using his head from close range.
As the match progressed Doran began to use his pace on the right, sticking to the touchline rather than attempting to cut inside. Inverness gained confidence and took control of the match in the same way their rivals had dominated the first-half. Watkins had a fabulous chance to take the lead: he burst along the right, cut inside, sped at the keeper, but opted for a driven shot rather than a cross or pass into the area. Comparisons could be made, not only with the use of width, but also with the poor finishing between the two sides in their dominant sections of the game.
Doran became instrumental as the game reached the 70th minute. He charged ahead of his markers, cut inside, pulled back a pass for Watkins and Brown had to make a good save to push the effort out for a corner. So, with Doran influencing the match and threatening on the right, what should Hughes’ next move be? Substitute him, of course.
Ross County seemed to regain some composure around this stage. They began to restrict Inverness’s movements again, pressured them as they attacked, and created more chances. With 20 minutes remaining, both teams decided to go for it.
Brown had to pull off some remarkable saves just after the 80th minute – both keepers had good games – denying efforts from McKay and Draper, and County spent the final minutes all men in the box. In the end, though, both teams had to settle for a point.
One of these clubs are second in the Premiership table, demolished Motherwell 4-0 and boast three of the league’s top five scorers; the other are fourth, just managed to defeat 11th place St Mirren 2-1, and have struggled to find any rhythm. If Celtic were playing as they were last season, this would almost be a foregone conclusion, however, Ronny Deila has chopped-and-changed his squad so many times that it’s difficult to understand either his best-eleven or his preferred tactics. Hamilton are in good form and coasted to a dominant victory over their Lanarkshire rivals last week, and, despite the match taking place at Parkhead, they will go into the match full of confidence and desperate to take another scalp.
Alex Neil said mid-week: “We’ll try to impose our game on Celtic. I’d be doing myself and the team a disservice if I tried to change that for any game.”
A win for Neil’s side will send them six points clear of the reigning champions. The last time the clubs played in the league was during the 2010-11 campaign, at the end of which Hamilton suffered relegation. Celtic picked up six points from the two home games, although it’s hard to make comparisons as the visitors have already earned as many points this season as they did during the entire 10-11 campaign.
Hamilton have the advantage of Celtic’s mid-week Europa League tie, so it’s likely that Deila will be toying around with his team.
Valencia v Atletico Madrid
This match once meant nothing more than the battle for third place. Atletico’s La Liga success has changed that. Diego Simeone’s side are now one of the big three – even if they still lack the financial clout or individual talent that Barcelona and Real wield – and their accomplishments have inspired fans of teams like Valencia and Sevilla. The glass-ceiling – as mentioned by Unai Emery during his spell at the Mestalla – appeared impenetrable. Atletico shattered it, and have helped others realise there’s nothing stopping them from doing the same.
Valencia are second after their 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad. They had usurped the top spot for a brief spell after Barcelona’s stagnant performance at Malaga – the latter’s defence kept Messi and co quiet for a goalless draw – and their thrashing of Cordoba, but struggled at the Anoeta. The unrelenting chants and cheers during the Cordoba match signalled a more optimistic tone this season, and with the likes of Paco Alcacer, Rodrigo and Gaya all in superb form, it’s difficult to bet against the hosts.
Atletico looked a different side after Simeone’s touchline ban expired. His presence at pitch-side inspired both the team and the fans as they decimated Sevilla, who were in great form heading into the clash. The 4-0 win the league sent Los Colchoneros third in the table – behind Valencia on goal difference – and was followed up by a tight win over Juventus in the Champions League – the match had one shot on target, which was Arda Turan’s 74th minute decider.
In the five meetings since Simeone’s arrival at Atletico, there have been two draws, one win for Valencia and two for his team. More importantly, those wins came in the previous two meetings. That being said, Valencia struggled to find any consistent form last season and had a huge over-turn in players over the summer.
Mario Mandzukic made his return last week after suffering a broken nose, which leaves Atletico with a clean bill of health. Alvaro Negredo is still injured, but the tantalising form of Alcacer means he’s not been missed.
AZ Alkmaar v Twente
The Eredivisie’s fifth and sixth place teams meet at the AFAS Stadium on Sunday, with a win for either team likely to put them back in a challenging position. The top of the table is still tight thanks to PSV’s recent poor form: Phillip Cocu’s side, Ajax and PEC Zwolle all have 15 points, and the next three points separate that group from the next five teams – Heerenveen, Twente, AZ, Cambuur, and Groningen.
The big news for AZ is that this marks the home debut of new manager John van den Brom, who took over from Marco van Basten after he stepped aside due to health concerns. There will be a lot of attention put on the relationship between van den Brom and van Basten, and whether the latter can acclimatise to his role as assistant. Has van Basten spent too much time as a manager to now settle for having the second most important opinion on the bench?
Both teams are in great form with four wins out of their previous five matches – AZ lost to Heerenveen and Twente drew with Feyenoord. Twente come into the match with a far better record than their opponents. They’ve beaten AZ in their last four matches, including back-to-back 3-0 victories.
AZ are still missing first-choice keeper Esteban and back-up Yves de Winter, meaning Sergio Rochet will probably start between the sticks. They are also without striker Steven Berghuis. The visitors won’t have either Felipe Gutierrez or Kasper Kusk due to injuries.
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