Apologies!

Life got in the way of blogging again.

I might have to recruit a person or two to help me maintain this blog during those busy times.

Jornada 23: Abel’s 1st Home Game

Atlético de Madrid v Getafe

A Madrid derbi against neighbouring Getafe.

No word on our starting 11 until Sunday morning, as stated on the club’s official website.

This is a must-win game. Here’s the table as of this moment:

1 Barcelona 60
2 Real Madrid 47
3 Valencia 38
4 Sevilla 38
5 Villarreal 37
6 Málaga 36
7 Atlético 35
8 Deportivo 35

Vamos!

Jornada 22: First 3 Points of 2009

Unfortunately, I was working this Sunday, so I couldn’t follow the game.

Still, a few things interested me about it:

1- It’s our first victory of 2009.

2- It’s Abel’s first victory as manager.

3- Kun & Forlán scored the goals.

4- Abel’s starting 11: Leo Franco; Perea, Pablo, Ujfalusi, Pernía; Sinama, Assunçao, Raúl García (Maniche 78), Antonio López; Forlán (Banega 80) & Agüero (Miguel 90).

Interesting tactic to use Sinama & Antonio López on the wings.

5- It’s still too soon to tell if we can label this a ‘Resinolution’, but it’s certainly promising, no?

Next up: home to Getafe! The other Madrid derbi. Abel’s first home game as manager.

Jornada 22: Abel Resino’s First Test

This Sunday marks Abel’s first game as manager and, frankly, I’m both excited and nervous. Why? Change is good, but the man has a tough string of games ahead him.

Our next 10 games:
-away to Recre.
-home to Getafe.
-away to Sevilla.
-home to Porto.
-home to Barcelona.
-away for Madrid derbi.
-away to Porto.
-home to Villarreal.
-away to Mallorca.
-home to Osasuna.

No word on our starting 11 yet for this Sunday’s game.

According to a couple news sources, Abel is keen on assessing the physical and psychological condition of the players before announcing his team for the game against Recre.

Also on his agenda? Re-educating the defence on not committing the same errors that they did under Aguirre’s reign.

Plus, he intends on enforcing a stricter code of conduct– in terms of teamwork, particularly.

So far so good, yes?

I look forward to Sunday. Change is good. Here’s hoping for a fresh start to our campaign.

(I’m trying to update the ‘08/09 Goals’ section on the left-hand margin, but I can’t seem to remember where I left off…bear with me a bit on that!)

New Entries in the Works

After a bit of a ‘hiatus’, I am back to regular blogging– starting this evening!

Thanks to all those who continue to leave comments & opinions on our club.

Saludos.

Rancid

No, I haven’t died or anything. I’ve just been in total disgust over our miserable run of form since the start of 2009.

So, a replacement for Aguirre…finally. Who will it be? Apparently we’ll know soon enough.

The Month of January…

has been a dismal, downright ugly, one.

Liga: Valencia 3 Atlético de Madrid 1

Copa: Atlético de Madrid 1 Barcelona 3

Liga: Atlético de Madrid 2 Athletic Bilbao 3

Copa: Barcelona 2 Atlético de Madrid 1

Next up…away to Almeria in the league this Sunday…here’s hoping this game doesn’t lead to more misery. I don’t think I can stomach anymore.

Thinking out loud: Mediocrity abounds in our team (certain players, in particular), but, in terms of Aguirre, is the reason why he’s still around because the club can’t find a suitable replacement?

Jornada 17: Valencia 3 Atlético de Madrid 1

New year, same shit. Once again, we fail to beat a top side in the league. Mediocrity, ahoy.

Holiday Break

Jornada 16: Espanyol 2 Atlético de Madrid 3
Two goals by Maxi and one by Kun. That’s four consecutive wins for us and a nine-game streak without a loss.

We find ourselves back in a Champions spot, thankfully:
1 Barcelona 41
2 Sevilla 31
3 Atlético 30
4 Valencia 30
5 Real Madrid 29
6 Villarreal 29

Statistic
According to AS, 76% of our attempts at goal have come from Forlán, Agüero, Simao y Maxi. 29 of our 38 goals. We are, at the moment, the fifth team with the most goal-scoring: Barcelona (48), Anderletch (43), Hoffenheim (42) & Bayern Munich (39). Good company!

January’s Fixtures
Liga 3: away to Valencia.
Copa 7: home to Barcelona.
Liga 11: home to Athletic.
Copa 14: away to Barcelona.
Liga 18: away to Almeria.
Liga 25: away to Málaga.

Enjoy the holiday off!

Champions: Ola, FC Porto!

Not a bad draw for the first knockout round, all things considered.

IMPORTANT DATES
1st leg: 24/25 February
2nd leg: 10/11 March