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

Jornada 15: Atlético de Madrid 2 Real Betis 0

Two quality goals and only two points away from a Champions spot.

We haven’t been ahead of Real in the league table since the 98/99 season! Precisely a decade.

Good first half for us with plenty of goal-scoring opportunities. Maxi scored our 1st goal– a beauty. Betis were hardly lying down, though: they had enough quality up front to equalise at any moment. Good goalkeeping by Leo Franco kept us alive.

Leo Franco; Perea, Heitinga, Ujfalusi, Pernía; Assunção (Raúl García 72’), Maniche, Maxi (Luis García 83’), Simão; Forlán, & Kun Agüero (Banega, 81’).

We play Espanyol on the 21-December and then there’s the much-needed holiday break!

Champions: Marseille 0 Atlético de Madrid 0

Well, we didn’t deserve to win, but at least Marseille didn’t win either. Their supporters have been incredibly rancid since the incident at our stadium.

The result doesn’t bother me much. Yes, we didn’t top our group, but we still qualify for the next round of Champions.

Positives: Strong defensive performances by Coupet & the defence. Stand-out moments by Banega. Kun continues to impress with his brilliance, and the overall teamwork in a foreign environment.

Negatives: The draw itself. No goals scored. De Las Cuevas and Camacho continue to warm the bench. Sinama–hello… yoo hoo!

Anyway, Looking Ahead:
The draw for the First Knockout Round will be on 19-December in Nyon.

So far, we could draw Roma, Panathinaikos, Barcelona, or Liverpool. More games to be played tomorrow (Wednesday),  of course, so we shall see who else we could play against. (I hope we avoid Liga clubs…) Who would you prefer?

Reminder: First knockout Round Dates
24/25 February 2009
10/11 March 2009

So, that’s that.

Rumour-Mill
We’re apparently interested in Betis’ Juanito. Not a bad player, in fact, he’s a better player than a couple defenders we currently have, but…he’s also 32 years old. Not exactly a long-term signing, if it happened.

Agüero is still linked with a move to Manchester City.

Anything missing? Thanks to those who left comments on the game! Ace.

Jornada 14: Sporting de Gijon v Atlético de Madrid

Yes, Sporting have gone on a very good run recently, but I believe we have enough quality to leave with 3 points tomorrow. Historically, we have a very good record against Sporting in their home stadium. There’s still a little piece of me that worries about fixtures like these, though– this is the type of club that could complicate our lives if we don’t keep our guard up…

Here’s our Starting 11: Leo Franco; Seitaridis, Heitinga, Ujfalusi, Pernía; Assunção, Maniche, Maxi, Simão; Forlán & Kun Agüero.

Here’s hoping for a positive result!

Unfortunately, this game won’t be available (en vivo) in the USA.

Anything missing?

Jornada 13: Atlético de Madrid 4 Racing Santander 1

Leo Franco; Seitaridis, Heitinga, Ujfalusi, Pernía; Assuncao; Maxi (Banega 85′), Maniche (Raúl García 85′), Simao (Luis García 85′); Kun Agüero 7 Forlán.

A crucial three points which helps us climb the table and keeps our European dream alive (5 points from a Champions spot).

Heitinga: Good God, man, STOP conceding penalties.

The dynamic three saved us from a home defeat: Simao, Forlán, Agüero.

Agüero, in particular: Ended his goal drought. Hopefully this will reignite his goal-scoring form.

The Forlán Show: He scored two and assisted the other two goals.

Defence: Any thoughts on our weakest links?

Aguirre, why: He didn’t make any substitutions until the 85′. Three of our key starters received yellows in this game.

All in all, I’m happy with the 3 points, but the performance, particularly when Racing had 11 men, left much to be desired.

Next up, in-form Sporting…