La Liga 2008/09: Depor menang lagi!!

1hb Disember 2008

Sekali lagi Deportivo merakamkan kemenangan walaupun persembahan yang dipamerkan kurang menyekat.

Jaringan Juan Verdu (dalam gambar) pada minit ke-74 sudah cukup bagi mengubati kegagalan beliau menyempurnakan sepakan penalti lima minit sebelum itu.

Kemenangan ini sekaligus mengekalkan kedudukan Deportivo di tangga ketujuh, berkongsi mata dengan pasukan Athletico Madrid.

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www.deportivo-la-coruna.com

01 Dec 2008

Deportivo prolongs its good moment on the season as it clinched it second away victory in la liga.

It was poor game in which both teams did nothing in the first part, but things were defined in the second half as Negredo was sent off and as Verdú missed a penalty and later scored the winning goal for Lotina’s squad.

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BEFORE THE GAME

No surprises in the lineups presented by both coaches, Lotina was keeping the 4-2-3-1 system used on the season with Joan Verdú, Angel Lafita and Andrés Guardado as the main references in attack, this time they were joined by Mista.

At Almeria, coach Arconada was trusting in Alvaro Negredo while he allowed the comeback of Albert Crusat, winger that was attacking by the side of Manuel Pablo.

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FIRST HALF

As it usually happens when Depor plays away from home, Lotina’s squad was looking pretty harmless in attack.

Joan Verdú was carrying with the weight of Depor’s game, always trying to move the ball behind the defensive line of the rival. However, Depor was not able to make a shot on target in the entire first part.

The problem was that the connection with Lafita and Guardado was not working, while Mista was lost on the pitch, as a demonstration of this is to mention the fact that the ex-Valencia was caught in offside just seconds after the kick-off, it was during a long pass of Antonio Tomás.

But a similar thing was occurring at the other side of the pitch, because Negredo, Piatti and Crusat weren’t appearing and Depor’s defence was also enjoying of a pleasant night. The home side was only able to make a shot on target throughout the game. With those arguments is possible to realise how poor was the game, especially during the first half.

The whole offensive proposition made by Deportivo during the first half can be resumed in three wide shots, the first one made by Mista after a pass of Lafita (6’), the second of Antonio Tomás after a pass of Verdú (16’), and the last one taken by Mista after a counterattack (41’).

The best collective play of Deportivo occurred at minute 26, it was a series of passes between Guardado, Verdú and Lafita, but this last one missed to connect with Mista and the ball ended in the arms of Diego Alvés. It also seemed dangerous a cross of Guardado that Alvés intercepted (34’)

At Almeria, things were not too good, Negredo was not finding any opportunity mainly because Depor’s defensive line was really focused. Like the case with Deportivo, the home team just had three attempts to score during the first half.

The first one at minute 6, it was a wide shot of Crusat after a pass from Negredo, the second was a shot of Negredo after a pass of Ortiz, and it also ended out. The last one was the lonely shot on target made by both teams in the first part, it occurred at minute 39 and it was made by Juan Manuel Ortiz, but Aranzubia stopped the ball without any problem.

It was one of the most boring first halves on this season, the connection up front was simply inexistent and Depor didn’t have any occasion against Alvés. At least the defensive zone was working as Almeria was also out of the game.

SECOND HALF

The excitement was bigger in the second part, though the level of the game continued to be poor. Depor had its first occasion in the game at minute 49, it was combination on the left between Mista and Lafita that ended with the Aragonian firing on target, the ball hit the body of Alvés and then Lafita had a second chance, but his final shot went over the crossbar.

Just one minute later, Alvaro Negredo was sent off for elbowing Lopo in the head after both players were fighting for the ball, the true is that the call of referee Iturralde González was polemic, because it seemed that it wasn’t intentional. The exit of the only attacker at Almeria facilitated the things to Depor, though the home team tried to maintain the initiative in the game.

However what changed the game were the modifications made by both coaches. Gonzalo Arconada decided to be conservator as he replaced Juan Manuel Ortiz with Juanma, a modification that was putting more contention in midfield.

Meanwhile Lotina was replacing the striker at his formation, this after Riki entered for Mista. The modification refreshed the offensive line at Depor as the Madrilenian was more active and participative.

Actually it was Riki who created the play that ended in the penalty for Depor (68’). The ex-Getafe started the play at the border of the area, he passed the ball to Verdú who returned the ball to Riki when he was entering to the box by the left wing, then Carlos García tackled the Madrilenian when he was near to send a cross to the box.

Referee Iturralde González called the penalty and Joan Verdú took the shot, but the Catalan missed the chance as the ball hit the crossbar and then went to the ground before ending cleared by a defender.

It seemed that Depor was missing the big chance to take the three points, but Joan Verdú came back five minutes later to claim for redemption as he scored the winning goal for Depor.

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The play was again started by Riki who had the ball at the centre, he assisted Guardado on the right wing, then the Mexican tried to send a cross to the box, but the ball hit a rival and Riki fought for it, somehow he managed to make a pass to Guardado who entered to the area by the right side to drill the ball to the penalty spot, Verdú was there to fire on target, Carlos Garcia contained the shot with his chest, but Verdú collected the dead ball to score the goal from close range.

The goal broke the game and gave more confidence to Deportivo, actually the Galician team had two clear chances to increase the score within the final minutes, while the goal killed an Almeria who didn’t have the way to respond. Lotina made his final substitutions allowing the entry of Cristian for Lafita and De Guzmán for Antonio Tomás.

Riki, who was the ‘revulsive’ during second half, was the one who enjoyed of the final two occasions, first with a drilling shot that went close to the left post of Alvés after a solo-play made by the Madrilenian (88’) and later after he missed to connect the ball when he was alone against Almeria’s keeper (90+1’).

AFTER THE GAME

Important victory for a Deportivo that didn’t shine but that took advantage of its opportunity, Joan Verdú missed a penalty but he came back five minutes later to score the winning goal for his team.

The work in defence was also pretty good and Lotina’s side added its 7th clean sheet in 13 liga games, something remarkable as no one else at Primera División has achieved that mark.

The result is leaving Deportivo in the 7th spot, tied in points with Atlético Madrid who defeated Racing Santander (4-1). On the next weekend Depor will host Malaga FC at the Riazor (17h00), another important game against a direct rival that’s also trying to reach the European places.

But before that, Depor travels to Poland in order to face Lech Poznan (Thursday 20h45), match that could mean the pass to the next round in the UEFA Cup.

MATCH STATISTICS

Almería: Diego Alves - Bruno, Carlos García, Pellerano, Mané - Juanito (Corona 77’), Julio Álvarez - José Ortiz (Juanma Ortiz 57’), Piatti (Natalio 75’), Crusat - Negredo.

Deportivo: Aranzubia - Manuel Pablo, Lopo, Zé Castro, Filipe - Juan Rodríguez, Antonio Tomás (De Guzmán 85’) - Lafita (Cristian 78’), Verdú, Guardado - Mista (Riki 62’).

Goal: 0-1: (74’) Verdú.

Referee: Iturralde González. He showed yellow card to Lopo (16’), Lafita (47’), Crusat (51’), Mista (58’), Carlos García (60’), Antonio Tomás (77’), Pellerano (87’) and Riki (88’). Negredo was sent off with a direct red card (51’)

Venue: Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos (9,776)

Other statistics: Ball possession (46% - 54%);

Total shots (5 - 13);

Shots on target (1 - 4);

Saves by the keepers (2 - 0);

Corner-kicks (6 - 1);

Offsides (2 - 5);

Fouls committed (13 - 17);

Accuracy in the passes (87.20% - 85.06%)

La Liga 2008/09: Depor biso semulaa!!

24hb November 2008

Setelah gagal merakamkan kemenangan dalam beberapa perlawanan terakhir, The Super Depor akhirnya dapat mengubat sedikit kekecewaan peminatnya dengan kemenangan 3-1 ke atas lawan mereka.

Walaupun menghadapi lawan yang tidaklah sehebat mana pun, tetapi tiga mata yang dipungut sudah cukup untuk memastikan penguasaan di tangga ketujuh dalam Liga Sepanyol musim ini.

Jumlah mata yang sama dengan pasukan yang dibarisi pemain-pemain ternama seperti Athletico Madrid sudah cukup untuk menggambarkan betapa seriusnya Deportivo bagi mencabar perebutan tempat teratas liga negara ini.

La Liga 2008/09: Depor 'kena' lagi sekali!

27 Oct 2008

Nightmare week for Deportivo. Lotina’s squad wasn’t able to pass little Racing seven days ago, it was crushed by CSKA in Moscow and now humiliated at the Riazor by Sporting, club that was the worst defence at Primera División but that achieved a clean sheet at Depor’s territory. The Galician team was terrible in this game, it wasted its chanced and fell down against a Sporting that knew how to take advantage of the opportunity.

BEFORE THE GAME

Coach Miguel Angel Lotina sent the expected lineup with Angel Lafita performing as the playmaker, also with Pablo Alvarez and Andrés Guardado on the wings, and with Riki as the reference in attack. Manuel Pablo also started the game despite the fears of Lotina about his physical condition.

The surprises were at the side of Sporting. Coach Manolo Preciado rested his top goal scorer, Mate Bilic, and allowed the entrance of David Barral while Neru continued in the centre of the defence. Another surprise was to see Luis Morán covering the right wing despite he was not fit enough due to a thigh injury. 4,000 fans of Sporting were at the Riazor, something remarkable since only 18,000 local fans were supporting Depor.

FIRST HALF

Maybe this has been the most weird game in recent times judging by how the things started. And it’s that Deportivo have enough chances to take the lead in the score within the first twenty minutes, more in concrete five opportunities that were all wasted by Lotina’s squad. The first one just seconds after the kick-off as Riki sent out a cross of Filipe that was previously deflected by a rival.

But Sporting sent his first warning at minute 8, Diego Castro made a great play on the right and he assisted Michel, but the final shot went out. Just a first look of what the Galician striker would do later. After this play, the other four chances of Deportivo occurred. At the 12th minute, Diego Colotto headed a corner-kick from Sergio, keeper Cuellar was defeated but captain Rafael Sastre was in the right place as he cleared the ball in the goal line.

Two minutes later Angel Lafita had his chance after a pass of Pablo Álvarez, the Aragonian was alone in the area, but his shot was deflected by a defender and went to a corner-kick. Then it was time for Andrés Guardado, at minute 15 the Mexican had an attempt to score after a pass of Riki, but his shot was stopped by Cuellar.

And the must clear opportunity for Depor occurred five minutes later, again with Guardado as the main protagonist. The ex-Atlas found the ball in the area after a big error of Sastre, the same defender that saved Sporting minutes before, but despite been alone against the keeper, the Mexican missed the opportunity as his shot went over the crossbar. As it usually occurs in the cruel world of football when a team misses so much chances, the visitors scored their first goal in the next play.

David Barral sent a shot that Aranzubia barely deflected, the ball was left in front of the Basque keeper and the same Barral tried to reach the rebound but he was pulled first by Albert Lopo. Referee Teixeira Vitienes called the penalty. Barral himself came to score his second goal on the season beating Aranzubia with a shot that went into the centre of the goal.

And just as it happened in Moscow, when Depor allowed two goals in a matter of three minutes after a good start, Sporting Gijón replied with a deadly counterattack that showed the miseries at Deportivo. And it was the same David Barral who started the play, the Cádiz-born player run all over the right wing after a his team mates intercepted a bad pass of Lopo, then he sent a drilling and perfect cross that found Carmelo González alone in the penalty spot, Lopo tried to clear the ball but the Catalan didn’t reach it, instead the Canarian beat Aranzubia just pushing the ball in. And as it happened against CSKA, Depor was now facing a rival that was playing with deadly counterattacks against the fragility of its defensive zone.

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Then things became worse with the pass of the minutes. Pablo Álvarez, who was doubtful all over the week due a hamstring string, was replaced by Juan Carlos Valerón at minute 37. It isn’t clear if it was a tactical change or a modification caused because the ex-Sporting was not feeling fine. The true is that Lotina used the change trying to solve the mess on the pitch. Valerón became the playmaker at the squad and Lafita passed to cover the right wing. But the shock became bigger one minute before half-time as Diego Colotto saw a direct red card after a doubtful foul over Barral. The Argentinean was the last man, but it’s also true that Barral was also committing a foul.

It was an incredible scene at the Riazor. During the first minutes it seemed that Depor had all in favour in order to take a comfortable victory, but instead it was losing by two goals after the first forty five minutes, and to make things worse it was now forced to search the comeback with only ten men on the pitch. Curiously, of the four home matches of Depor in the current liga season, this is the third time in which Lotina’s squad suffers an expulsion.

SECOND HALF

The smell of the defeat was everywhere at the Riazor. A squad that had barely scored on this season was now forced to conquer two goals in 45 minutes and with only ten men on the pitch. Lotina tried to recompose the scheme as he kept playing with the same men in attack and with only three defenders at the back, something that opened the holes to Sporting. That’s why the visitors were the better side during the second half. Always insisting with the deadly duo Luis Morán-Diego Castro on the wings and with Barral waiting at the centre.

The second half started with Juan Carlos Valerón falling inside the penalty box after he was trying to receive a pass from Riki, but referee Teixeira Vitienes didn’t have the guts to call the penalty. At minute 60, Guardado had an attempt to score as he sent a shot from mid-distance, but his final effort went directly to the hands of Cuellar. These couple of plays represents the only chances of Depor within the first 20 minutes in the second part, just a demonstration of how terrible was Depor playing.

Sporting Gijón was feeling more comfortable with the pass of time, and the true is that they had enough chances to score more goals, but Daniel Aranzubia appeared with three important saves. First miraculously saving a short-distance effort from Diego Castro after a corner-kick (62’). Later it was a one-to-one play against Luis Morán (67’). And finally a direct free-kick of Diego Castro (71’).

It was clear that Depor was broke. Lotina tried to refresh the things with the entrances of Mista and Juan Rodríguez replacing Riki and Sergio, but things continued the same. The Galician team was lost in attack and its defensive line was imprecise, starting with Albert Lopo, player that again had a terrible night as he was involved in the two goals of the Asturians.

At minute 68, Depor finally had a chance to reduce the distance in the scoresheet through a shot of Guardado after a pass of Valerón, but again the ball went directly to the hands of Cuellar. Five minute after this action, Aranzubia appeared again to make an important save, once again against a direct free-kick of Diego Castro.

It was now clear that Depor would not achieve the comeback, the squad was broke in two and the lack of ideas was evident. At least the players were trying to score a goal. At minute 76, Lafita sent a dangerous shot that passed inches away from the post, and four minutes later the referee disallowed a goal of Mista after an offside.

But the holes left in the defensive sector were bigger enough to allow a new goal from the visitors. First Aranzubia stopped a header of Bilic, who entered replacing Carmelo some minutes before. And then it came, it was a masterpiece from Sporting. A great play of Camacho ended with the goal of Diego Castro, Michel had the ball in the left corner and passed it to Camacho in the centre, then Depor was trying to use the offside trap, but the drilling pass of Camacho beat the trick and left Castro alone against Aranzubia, the Pontevedra-born player just had to drill the ball to the right side of Aranzubia. There was no time for more as Depor’s fans left the Riazor defeated and as the 4,000 visiting fans were dancing at the stands.

AFTER THE GAME

A new 0-3 score for Deportivo, the second in just three days. It was an unbelievable match, Depor had the chances to define the things since the start, but the lack of goals is now killing the team as Lotina’s players wasted all the occasions just to end the first half with a disadvantage of two goals and with one less man. The second half was just a complement in which Depor was only a shadow against an ordered Sporting.

This is Depor’s first home defeat of the season and the first one in five months, the previous one was the 0-2 against Villarreal in the closing match of the past liga campaign. The result leaves Depor in a complicate situation, with just nine points and now only three points above the salvation. To make things worse, the squad has now to face two away games in the next seven days (Elche in Copa and Betis in liga).

MATCH STATISTICS

Deportivo: Aranzubia - Manuel Pablo, Lopo, Colotto, Filipe Luis - Sergio (Juan Rodríguez 72’), De Guzmán - Pablo Álvarez (Valerón 37’), Lafita, Guardado - Riki (Mista 72’).

Sporting Gijón: Cuellar - Sastre, Gerard, Neru, Canella - Camacho, Míchel - Luis Morán, Carmelo (Bilic 66’), Diego Castro (Omar 87’) - David Barral (Matabuena 80’).

Goals: 0-1: (22’) Barral (penalty), 0-2: (26’) Carmelo, 0-3: (84’) Diego Castro.

Referee: Teixeira Vitienes. He showed yellow card to Neru (36’), Camacho (40’), Aranzubia (43’), Lopo (71’) and Míchel (72’). Colotto was sent off (43’)

Venue: Riazor (22,000)

La Liga 2008/09: Important win for Depor

www.deportivo-la-coruna.com

06 Oct 2008

A single stationary play was enough to conquer the second victory in la liga for Deportivo. Lotina’s side made a decent first half and had a couple of chances to define the game, but in the second part Numancia pushed and the big effort done against Brann left Depor against the ropes. At least the defensive zone was solid this time and Lafita’s goal earned three important points for the Galicians.

BEFORE THE GAME

Lotina surprised with the appearance of Angel Lafita as the playmaker in the formation. Neither Verdú nor Valerón were starters and the Aragonian was responsible for the creation of game at Lotina’s team. Pablo Alvarez appeared as the right winger and Colotto made his debut in Primera División covering the absence of Zé Castro.

Manuel Pablo was also reappearing after surpassing the injury that left him out of action for a couple of months. In Numancia, coach Kresic was presenting the expecting formation, with Felipe Guréndez covering the suspended Juan Carlos Moreno.

FIRST HALF

The things started slowly at the Riazor. Everybody were fearing the physical and mental effort done in the past Thursday’s game would affect the squad, something that seemed like a reality during the first ten minutes of game, but the true is that neither Numancia did anything against Aranzubia’s goal, at least during the first twenty minutes.

Depor’s only approximation within the first ten minutes was a cross from Pablo Álvarez that Lafita controlled near the box, but he wasn’t able to find Juan Rodríguez and the danger was cleared. Suddenly, the goal of Deportivo arrived after a foul of Juanra over Felipe Luis on the left wing.

Sergio took the free-kick and he sent a cross to the box that Ángel Lafita headed when he was almost backwards the goal, his high header turned into a volley that entered near the far post, Juan Pablo could only saw how the ball was entering into his goal. That would be Depor’s only shot on target in the entire game.

It was exactly what Deportivo needed: an early advantage in order to face the rest of the match with more calmness, something missed in the previous home game with RCD Mallorca. The goal didn’t awake Numancia since the team from Soria continued locked in midfield. The first approximation from the visitors was a mid-distance shot of Brit that went over the crossbar (18’).

One minute before this action, Pablo Álvarez had to leave the pitch injured, his place was taken by Riki. Curiously the Madrilenian attacker was whistled by the Riazor when he entered to the pitch, a sign of reprobation coming from the fans after been sent off in the game with Brann Bergen. The modification sent Guardado to the right wing while Riki was now occupying the left side.

Since Numancia was not doing anything in order to tie the game, it was Deportivo who pushed for the second goal, and all the danger was coming in set-pieces. The Galicians had three clear chances to score in a matter of three minutes. First Guardado took a free-kick that Riki found in the box, but his final shot went high (20’). One minute later the second opportunity arrived as Guardado made a run on the right wing that ended with a cross into Omar Bravo’s path, but visiting goalkeeper Juan Pablo was able to clear the danger into a corner.

In the next play Omar Bravo found the corner-kick of Guardado inside the box, but the Mexican couldn’t sent a shot on target and the danger was cleared by Numancia’s defensive zone. These were the best moments of Depor in the game.

The first and only clear chance for Numancia in the first half came at minute 23. Lopo pushed Barkero on the left side and Mario took a free-kick, the midfielder sent a pass to the centre and Nagoré sent a shot on target that Aranzubia saved. The next fifteen minutes were very calmed for both goalkeepers, Numancia was trying but its players weren’t able to surpass the wall of Deportivo, while the Galicians were reserving strengths.

At minute 37 the home fans reclaimed a possible penalty after Filipe was pushed inside the area, but referee Álvarez Izquierdo didn’t whistle anything. At minute 42 Sergio had a new attempt to score, the Catalan stole a ball in midfield and later sent a drilling shot that went out. The first half ended with a great play of Guardado, he made a great run on the right wing and passed the ball to Riki who sent a cross to the box that didn’t find a receiver.

It was a decent first half of Depor, the Galician team didn’t present the same intensity than in the past game with Brann, but the defensive line was focused and didn’t allow any chance to the visitors. The key was the early goal of Lafita, something that gave confidence and calmness to a squad that hadn’t won since the opening game in liga.

SECOND HALF

Sergio Kresic sent Del Pino to the pitch in order to replace Mario, Del Pino was one of the alternatives tested by the Croatian manager in order to replace the absence of Moreno. With this move Kresic was trying to give more strength to his attack, especially on the right wing.

However the second part started with a great chance for Deportivo. Just one minute after the pause, Riki had the opportunity to define the game after he made a solo-play that left him alone against Juan Pablo, but his final effort was deflected by the keeper.

Then the best moments of Numancia arrived, at minute 53 the visitors were near to equalise the score during a counterattack after a free-kick taken by Sergio. It was a fast play in which Barkero assisted Bellvis inside the box, but Aranzubia made the save. One minute later Lotina decided to move the striking zone sending Mista to the pitch in order to replace Omar Bravo, the Mexican didn’t have a good game this time.

It seemed that Numancia was now decided to make an effort in order to conquer the equaliser, but then Depor had a double chance at minute 59. First Lafita sent a cross from the left that was cleared by a defender, then Sergio found the ball near the penalty zone, but his shot went out. At minute 67 Kresic replaced Bellvis with Juan Quero and the modification proved to be a right move as the Madrilenian winger started to give a lot of troubles to Manuel Pablo with his velocity.

The best of the chances generated by Quero occurred at minute 73 as he assisted Brit who later sent a dangerous cross to Del Pino’s path, but his right-foot effort went out. Then Lotina decided to refresh the playmaking function sending Verdú to replace Angel Lafita. The Aragonian was definitely the best man in the home team, not only for the goal but because he was constantly creating danger against the rival.

After Del Pino’s chance, Deportivo responded two minutes later with a long-distance shot of Guardado that went out. Then Numancia had a new opportunity with Gorka Brit firing from mid-distance, but once again Aranzubia was there to make the save.

Between minutes 50 and 77, Numancia gave a lot of problems to Deportivo, especially after Juan Quero entered to the game, the visitors were pushing for the equaliser while the Galicians were holding at the back waiting for a chance to define the game. But Numancia released the pressure for the final ten minutes and Depor had a couple of chances to score the second goal. At minute 79 Mista headed out a good cross from Riki. Five minutes later Verdú sent a wide shot after a personal manoeuvre.

At minute 85, Numancia had its last chance as Depor lost a ball in midfield, but the shot of Brit, after the pass of Barkero, went out. The last opportunity for Depor came three minutes before the end, it was an acrobatic shot of Guardado after a cross from Verdú coming from the right side, but the effort of the Mexican winger went out. The game ended with a Deportivo that was holding at the back against a Numancia that didn’t find the ideas to open a well placed defensive line.

AFTER THE GAME

Important win for Deportivo that allows Lotina’s side to reach the ninth place in the table, the Galician side didn’t present the same intensity of Thursday’s game in UEFA, and once again the squad presented the same lack of aim that caused the goalless game with Mallorca, but at least this time Lafita was able to find a ball in the box that meant an early advantage for Depor.

Curiously and despite that Depor generated a lot of occasions in the game, the header of Lafita was the lonely shot on target made by Depor in the entire game.

Lotina’s team had enough chances to define the game in the first half and it ended suffering in the second part as Numancia pushed strongly during 20 minutes, but the defensive sector made a good job and achieved a new clean sheet at the Riazor.

La Liga reaches now a pause as a long list of World Cup qualifiers will take place during the next week and a half. The competition restarts in two weeks as Deportivo will pay a visit to one of its favourite stadiums: El Sardinero in order to face Racing Santander (October 19).

MATCH STATISTICS

Deportivo: Aranzubía - Manuel Pablo, Lopo, Colotto, Filipe Luis - Sergio, Juan Rodríguez - Pablo Álvarez (Riki 16’), Lafita (Verdú 71’), Guardado - Omar Bravo (Mista 52’).

Numancia: Juan Pablo - Juanra, Palacios, Boris, Cisma - Nagore, Felipe Guréndez (Goiria 61’) - Mario (Del Pino 46’), Barkero, Bellvis (Quero 67’) - Brit.

Goal: 1-0, (13’) Lafita.

Referee: Álvarez Izquierdo. He showed yellow card to Cisma (23’), Palacios (31’) Lopo (43’), Del Pino (63’) and Colotto (66’).

Venue: Riazor (14,000)

Other statistics:

Ball possession (47% - 53%);

Total shots (13 - 10);

Shots on target (1 - 3);

Saves by the keeper (0 – 2);

Corner-kicks (4 – 4);

Offsides (1 – 3);

Fouls (25 – 15);

Accuracy of passes (80.85% - 83.53%)

La Liga 2008/09: Depor 'karam' di Mestalla

Mestalla Stadium

29hb September 2008

Walaupun mendahului seawal minit ke-12, namun kehebatan jentera serangan Valencia amat sukar untuk dibendung dengan dibarisi oleh David Villa, Fernando Morientes, Joachim dan Mata.

Jelas sekali Skuad Galician ini amat memerlukan pemain inspirasi di barisan pertahanan seperti Nourudine Naybet, Donato dan Mauro Silva pada masa lalu.

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http://www.deportivo-la-coruna.com/

REVIEW: VALENCIA 4 – DEPORTIVO 2 (LIGA)

29 Sep 2008

A disappointing Deportivo wasn’t able to stop Valencia’s machinery, especially during the second half, part in which the Galicians leaked three goals. Like it happened in the game with Villarreal, Lotina’s scheme only worked for the first half an hour, time in which his team dominated the actions and even took the lead in the score. But three assists from Mata plus two goals of Villa showed the sadness of this Deportivo.

BEFORE THE GAME

Lotina sent to the pitch the expected 4-2-3-1 formation, with Juan Rodríguez and Antonio Tomás in midfield, and with Mista returning to the starting eleven trying to break the lack of goals at Deportivo. In Valencia Unai Emery was trusting in the combination between Mata, David Villa, Joaquín and Morientes.

FIRST HALF

All eyes were on Mata and Villa, players that were representing the 75% of the goals scored by Valencia on this liga season, but the true is that neither of these two men touched the ball within the first fifteen minutes, the cause was the strategy of Depor, a squad that was ordered and that was moving the ball with fast and short passes, that’s how Valencia didn’t have a chance against Aranzubia within the first thirteen minutes. The order was the main characteristic of Lotina’s Depor, because everybody was helping in the defensive tasks, especially Pablo Alvarez, player that was highly involved helping Laure to control Mata.

Actually it was Depor who was creating more danger over Renan’s goal. At minute 3, Guardado sent a cross from the left that nobody in Valencia could clear, the ball reached Mista in the far post, but the striker couldn’t control it and when he did it, there was no angle to send a shot. Three minutes later Guardado was again searching for Mista with a long ball, but Renan arrived first.

Then the reward for the initial effort came at the 11th minute, a long ball of Verdú to the right corner was run by Pablo Alvarez until the end, then he faced Emliano Moretti and sent a cross that hit the defender first, then the ball hit the ground and when Renan tried to cleared it, instead the Brazilian pushed the ball in.

The goal didn’t awake Valencia as Deportivo continued dominating the actions with its short passes and its anticipation over the movements of the rival. The first approximation of Valencia came until minute 13, it was a ball lost in attack by Depor that ended with a long-distance drilling shot from Joaquín, and the ball went wide. But Depor continued insisting, Zé Castro couldn’t head a corner of Guardado (15’) and later a cross from Pablo Alvarez was cleared by Valencia’s defenders (16’).

At minute 20, it seemed the game would change, because a double action for the locals almost ends with the equalising goal. The first action was a drilling cross from Joaquín that Villa found inside the box, his shot was blocked by Aranzubia and then Morientes fouled the keeper. The second opportunity was a new cross from Joaquín that Mata found in the entrance of the area, but his final shot was too high.

Despite this double opportunity, Deportivo continued dominating the game, without creating danger against Renan, but neither suffering any dangerous attack from the Valencian squad. But things changed at minute 35 as Emery’s squad achieved the equaliser. A new cross from Joaquín, this time a high one, was found by Juan Manuel Mata in the far post as Aranzubia couldn’t clear the ball first, the resulting header went to the back of the net passing between Zé Castro, Laure and Morientes.

The goal didn’t cause the expected ‘avalanche’ of Valencia over Deportivo, but the Galicians lost the concentration since that moment, suddenly the order was gone and neither Antonio Tomás nor Verdú were appearing in order to put the pause in midfield. However the attacks of Valencia weren’t occurring, it was until the final four minutes when the locals started to push forward searching for the second goal.

And the occasions created by Valencia were caused by the own mistakes committed by Depor’s players. At minute 41, an error of Laure when the youngster was clearing a ball inside the box almost end in goal, but the shot of Joaquín was deflected to a corner. Two minutes later Verdú lost a ball in the border of the area, Mata made a quick pass to Villa, but the final drilling shot from El Guaje went just centimeters away from the left post of Aranzubia.

The first half resulted to be an entertaining show between a Deportivo that struck first and that controlled the actions in the first half an hour, but a later reaction from Valencia equalised the game and even put Emery’s squad close to the victory. The whole Depor’s’ squad seemed focused, tough in the final minutes the first signs of tireness appeared.

SECOND HALF

If the first part was a lesson of order by Depor, the second was a disaster. Because Lotina’s squad was a soulless team that didn’t know how to defend and neither how to attack a rival that searched the victory since the beginning. Just four minutes after the pause, David Villa appeared to capitalise a new ball lost by Depor in attack, but the hero in the play was Mata, because the youngster was the one that put the long pass to his team mate, Villa just had to elude Zé Castro and beat Aranzubia with a drilling shot that hit the leg of the keeper first.

The order at Deportivo was gone, and everything was now reduced to witness attack after attack by the local team. A minute 52 Valencia was close to score again as a new cross from Joaquín didn’t find a receiver inside the box. With Verdú and Antonio Tomás disappeared, the only way in which Depor was able to create danger was with set-pieces, that’s how the Galicians had their first chance in the second part. It was a free-kick that Verdú sent to the box and that Zé Castro couldn’t connect in the near post (53’). Four minutes later it was Guardado who was close to score with a direct-free kick that Renan saved in his left post.

But it was Valencia who was having the best occasions. At minute 59, Mata, definitely the best player in the home team, sent a new cross that Albelda found in the border of the area, his final shot was saved by Aranzubia. The resulting corner-kick was also near to enter as Edú headed a ball that passed near to the right post. The third goal of Valencia seemed a matter of time.

Lotina saw that his team was broke in two pieces, that’s why he decided to make a double substitution with thirty minutes remaining in the clock; he sent Omar Bravo and Lafita to the pitch while Mista and Antonio Tomás left the game. The double move meant a tactical chance as Verdú delayed his position on the field and as Lafita started to perform as playmaker. But the modification didn’t work and Deportivo continued to be a ghost over the grass.

Actually it was Valencia who scored again nine minutes later, once again the play was started by Mata on the left wing as Deportivo lost a new ball in midfield, the drilling cross of Mata was found by Joaquín inside the box, the ex-Betis just had to push the ball in passing it through the legs of Aranzubia. It was over for Deportivo. Lotina’s men were laying defeated, running without knowing where. It was the part of the game in which Valencia enjoyed the most as its strikers started to have several chances to increase the lead.

At minute 73, Lotina made the final modification sending Riki for Guardado, with this modification Riki took the right wing, Pablo Álvarez the playmaking function and Lafita the left wing. But it was too late as the will of the players disappeared since a while ago. The only chance for Riki was a wide free-kick at minute 76.

Valencia even increased the humiliation with a fourth goal; once again the last pass was coming from Mata. The play started with a long ball of Manuel Fernandes, who replaced Edú twenty minutes before, later Mata controlled it and drilled it to the far post, David Villa just arrived to push the ball in. With these two goals, Villa is the current Pichichi in la liga with six goals in five matches and it also meant the ninth goal of El Guaje against Depor.

At least the Galicians were able to clean a little bit the humiliation with a new goal. And it was a strange one. Pablo Alvarez won a ball in midfield, but it was immediately fouled, referee Pérez Lasa allowed to continue the play as Lafita received the ball tough his assistant was lifting the flag. The situation created confusing in Valencia’s defensive sector, because Albelda thought the referee would whistle and did nothing to stop a Angel Lafita that faced Renan in a one-to-one action. The Aragonian scored the goal in a coal way: drilling the ball under the body of the Brazilian keeper.

Lafita even had the chance to score the third goal for Depor a couple of minutes later, but his shot inside the box was deflected to corner. But it was Valencia the side that had the last chance of the night, and it was the endless nightmare of Deportivo who created the occasion: Juan Manuel Mata. He put a new golden pass that left Joaquín alone against Aranzubia, the winger eluded the keeper but Laure arrived and cleared the danger in the last second.

AFTER THE GAME

Deportivo showed two different faces in the game, the best one in the first part as Lotina’s side controlled the actions and even took the lead in the score. But the strategy of Lotina only lasted half an hour, just as it occurred at Villarreal. The worst face of Depor was seen during the second half, period of time in which the squad was totally surpassed and humiliated by a Valencia that continues to be the leader of Primera División.

Deportivo still living in mid-table in la liga, now Lotina’s squad will try to achieve the comeback in the UEFA cup series with SK Brann Bergen, the Galicians need at least a two-goal victory in order to reach the extra time. Maybe the only good news in the game with Valencia is that the squad found the goal after four official matches scoreless. The most worrying thing is without doubt the passive face showed in the second half, an image of impotence.

MATCH STATISTICS

Valencia: Renan - Miguel, Albiol, Alexis, Moretti - Joaquín, Albelda, Edu (Manuel Fernandes 63’), Mata - Villa (Angulo 82’), Morientes (Vicente 68’).

Deportivo: Aranzubia - Laure, Lopo, Ze Castro, Filipe - Juan Rodríguez, Antonio Tomás (Omar Bravo 60’) - Pablo Álvarez, Verdú, Guardado (Riki 72’) - Mista (Lafita 60’).

Goals: 0-1: (11’) Moretti (O.G.), 1-1: (34’) Mata, 2-1: (49’)Villa, 3-1: (68’) Joaquín, 4-1: (82’)Villa. 4-2: (85’) Lafita.

Referee: Pérez Lasa. He showed yellow card to Filipe (24’), Laure (74’), Moretti (85’) and Albelda (85’).

Venue: Mestalla (45,000)

Other statistics:

Ball possession (56% - 44%);

Total shots (24 - 7);

Shots on target (9 - 3);

Saves by the keeper (0 – 3);

Corner-kicks (5 – 9);

Offsides (2 – 0);

Fouls (11 – 16);

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Accuracy of passes (88.12% - 84.12%)

La Liga 2008/09: Depor first defeat of the season

http://www.deportivo-la-coruna.com/

15 Sep 2008

First official defeat on the season for Deportivo as the defensive strategy of Lotina only lasted twenty seven minutes at El Madrigal. Villarreal had countless chances to score more goals, but Aranzubia and Zé Castro saved Depor. The game of Lotina’s squad improved for the second half, but the chances to score only appeared in the final five minutes of the game.

BEFORE THE GAME

No surprises in the lineups of both sides. Lotina sent the expected defensive scheme with three pivotes working in midfield: Antonio Tomás, Sergio and Juan Rodríguez. Cristian started covering the left wing while Pablo Alvarez repeated his appearance on the right side. In Villarreal, Pellegrini was stepping out with Guille Franco and Llorente upfront and with Cazorla commanding midfield. Edmilson was debuting in la liga with the yellow submarine.

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FIRST HALF

The initial fifteen minutes were highly disputed, with both sides trying to take control of the actions. And it was Deportivo who started in the best way. With Sergio searching for Lopo in a direct free-kick (1’), and later with Pablo Álvarez sending a cross to the hands of Diego López (4’). Depor’s good moment continued when Laure was searching for Mista with a cross from the right, but Gonzalo cleared the danger (7’). The best chance for Deportivo in the first half came at the 15th minute, Juan Rodríguez sent a dangerous shot after a corner, but Diego López was there to save Villarreal.

It seemed the approach of Lotina was working, with Juan Rodríguez switching his functions between defence and attack, and with Antonio Tomás trying to act as the link between Cristian, Pablo Alvarez and Mista. The game reached a pause as four yellow cards were showed in a period of nine minutes. First for Guille Franco for simulating a penalty (8’), later for Senna and Juan Rodríguez after they started a fight (11’ and 17’) and also to Antonio Tomás for a tackle over Senna (15’).

And it was Villarreal who begun to dominate the actions after this crazy nine minutes, mainly because Santi Cazorla started to shine. The Asturian midfielder appeared for the first time at minute 18 with a dangerous cross that Aranzubia intercepted and six minutes later with an individual effort that was stopped by Depor’s defensive line. In the middle of this, the Galicians had a chance as Laure crossed to Cristian who later tried to assist Mista, but the pass was blocked.

The lonely goal of the game came at minute 27, and it was scored by the best player on the game: Santiago Cazorla. Ibagaza sent a pass from the left wing and the Asturian found the ball a couple of meters behind the edge of the area, then he released a drilling shot that hit the ground first and that later entered by the right side of Aranzubia, the Basque keeper tried to clear the ball with one hand, but he couldn’t reach it.

The goal mentally affected Deportivo, because since that moment Villarreal took total control over the game. And it’s that the home side had countless chances to increase the lead. In the next five minutes after the goal, they had two clear chances. First with Llorente sending a strong mid-distance shot that Aranzubia repealed (29’). Later with Senna sending the ball out after a series of rebounds inside the area (32’).

And at the 36th minute, Villarreal was once again close to score after a combination between Guille Franco and Llorente ended with this last one shooting on target, again Aranzubia saved Deportivo. The first half finalized with three new chances for the home side. First Edmilson sending the ball out with a mid-distance attempt (38’), two minutes later Fabricio Fuentes headed a corner of Ibagaza, but the ball was cleared by the defensive zone. The final opportunity was a shot of Guille Franco that Ze Castro cleared throwing himself to the ground (42’)

The ‘trivote’ of Lotina worked for twenty seven minutes, a time in which Deportivo seemed very solid at the back and with some danger in attack. But after Villarreal’s goal, the whole Galician squad fell down and Villarreal had at least six chances to increase the lead.

SECOND HALF

Pellegrini replaced Guille Franco with Altidore after halftime, the Mexican had a muscular problem and that’s why he left the game. Lotina just waited four minutes in the second half to make his first substitution. He replaced Antonio Tomás with Valerón in an attempt that was trying to revive the connection with Mista. In this way Depor’s formation returned to the classic 4-2-3-1 figure, with Valerón as the playmaker and with Juan Rodríguez and Sergio playing as the two pivotes.

The true is that Depor’s image improved with the introduction of El Mago, but Villarreal continued to be the most dangerous side on the pitch. At minute 56 Llorente was again near to score after receiving a good pass from Altidore, and once again Zé Castro cleared the danger. Two minutes later Lotina sent Omar Bravo to the pitch replacing a disappeared Mista. The final change of the Basque coach was the entrance of Lafita for Cristian. The modifications gave more mobility to Depor, especially with the velocity of Lafita on the left.

Villarreal tried to catch a second air as Robert Pires replaced Ibagaza. The home side was speculating now with the velocity of Altidore. Meanwhile, Lotina was putting his most talented men on the pitch. At minute 73 Altidore made an impressive run, but Laure was able to clear the ball. Depor wasn’t finding the holes and it was Villarreal who seemed more near to score the second. At minute 78 Senna took a free-kick and his cross was cleared by the defensive line, two minutes later Aranzubia was stopping a new mid-distance shot from Cazorla.

It seemed that Deportivo was harmless against the runners-up of the past season, its image was better now but the chances to score weren’t appearing. However a small reaction was seen within the final five minutes. At minute 85 Sergio had the clearest chance of the night for Depor. The Catalan eluded a couple of rivals to end shooting on target, but his effort hit the post. Three minutes later the same Sergio assisted Omar Bravo inside the box, but the Mexican wasn’t able to connect the ball properly. The reaction of the Galicians arrived too late and Villarreal even had the chance again to score the second goal with a new opportunity for Cazorla, but the ball was cleared to corner.

AFTER THE GAME

Twenty seven, that was the number of minutes in which Lotina’s strategy worked, a period in which both sides were trying to dominate the game. But after the goal of Cazorla, Depor fell down and there’s was only one side on the pitch. The Galicians improved for the second half with the entrances of Valerón, Omar Bravo and Lafita, but the chances to score arrived until the final five minutes.

This defeat should help Depor’s players to realise the should always have both feet on the ground, and also is a warning to Lotina about making experiments in la liga. Because Deportivo seemed better when he put his most skilful men over the grass. Now Deportivo travels to Norway in order to face SK Brann in the first-leg of the first round in the UEFA cup. On the next Sunday the Galicians will host Mallorca at the Riazor for la liga (17h00).

MATCH STATISTICS

Villarreal: - Diego López, Javi Venta, Gonzalo, Fuentes, Capdevila - Cazorla, Senna, Edmilson, Ibagaza (Pires 68’) - Guille Franco (Altidore 46’), Llorente (Cani 80’).

Deportivo: Aranzubía - Laure, Lopo, Zé Castro, Filipe Luis - Sergio, Antonio Tomás (Valerón 48’), Juan Rodríguez - Cristian (Lafita 68’), Pablo Álvarez, Mista (Omar Bravo 57’).

Goal: 1-0: (27’) Santi Cazorla.

Referee: Daudén Ibáñez. He showed yellow card to Guille Franco (8’), Marcos Senna (11’), Antonio Tomás (15’), Juan Rodríguez (17’) and Fabricio Fuentes (67’),

Venue: El Madrigal (20,000).

Other statistics:

Ball possession (57% - 43%);

Total shots (19 - 6);

Shots on target (8 - 2);

Saves by the keeper (2 – 3);

Corner-kicks (10 – 3);

Offsides (2 – 6);

Fouls (16 – 14);

Accuracy of passes (83.29% - 86.13%)

Deportivo 'hentak' barisan bintang Real

Deportivo La Coruna..2 Real Madrid..1

Riazor Stadium, Coruna [1hb September 2008]

Spanish La Liga 2008/09 - Minggu 1

Catatan sejarah masih lagi kekal dengan Real Madrid masih belum dapat merekodkan kemenangan mereka di Riazor semenjak 1991.

17 tahun.. Angka tersebut telah menjadi pembakar semangat bagi barisan pemain Real Madrid untuk dihapuskan. Namun begitu, hal sebaliknya berlaku.

Seawal minit pertama, skuad belang biru putih ini melancarkan serangan bertali arus ke arah kubu lawan. Sehinggalah pada minit ketiga, Mista menampan bola ke arah gol hasil umpanan lintang oleh Laurie tetapi malangnya bola terkena palang gol.

Namun begitu, Mista berjaya menyudahkan hantaran sepakan percuma dengan tandukan sebelum separuh masa pertama tamat.

Bermulanya separuh masa kedua, Ruud Van Nistelrooy menyamakan kedudukan dengan jaringan rembatannya di kala berlaku kekalutan di dalam petak penalti.

Tidak sampai empat minit jaringan penyamaan tersebut, pemain pertahanan Deportivo (Lopo) yang dikawal ketat, masih berjaya menghasilkan tandukan yang padat sekaligus menewaskan Iker Casillas untuk gol kemenangan.

Spanish La Liga 2008/09: Aksi baru bermula

Tidak lama lagi, bakal bermulalah satu lagi Liga Bolasepak yang terunggul di Eropah iaitu Liga Sepanyol.

Kehangatan liga ini bakal menggegarkan peminat bolasepak dunia dengan senarai pasukan-pasukan yang digeruni di Eropah seperti Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, deportivo la Coruna dan Athletico Madrid.

Aku amat berharap pasukan pilihan hati iaitu Deportivo la Coruna bakal menggugat kedudukan atas liga di samping berusaha untuk layak ke kejohanan Liga Juara-Juara Eropah musim depan.

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Dengan rekod tanpa kalah 18 perlawanan pada penghujung musim lalu, diharapkan pasukan ini dapat mengekalkan prestasi mereka dalam musim ini.

Perlawanan pembukaan di antara Deportivo dan Real Madrid di Riazor hujung minggu ini bakal menentukan hala tuju prestasi pasukan kesayanganku ini.

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http://www.soccer-spain.com/

Fixtures 2008/09 - Day 1: August 31, 2008

First division

Athletic v Almería

Atlético v Málaga
Espanyol v Valladolid
Betis v Recreativo
Sporting v Getafe
Racing v Sevilla
Numancia v Barcelona
Deportivo v R Madrid
Osasuna v Villarreal
Valencia v Mallorca

Real Madrid won Spanish Super Cup

http://www.soccer-spain.com/

Spanish Super Cup
Second leg - 24 August 2008

Real Madrid 4 - Valencia 2

Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Heinze, Miguel Torres (Drenthe 63'); Van der Vaart, Diarrá, Guti (De la Red 78'); Raúl (Higuaín 80'), Van Nistelrooy, Robben. 4-3-3.

Valencia: Hildebrand; Miguel, Raúl Albiol (Morientes 81'), Alexis, Moretti; Baraja, Albelda; Joaquín (Pablo Hernández 67'), David Silva, Mata (Vicente 70'); David Villa. 4-2-3-1.

Goals:

0-1. 32. Silva. Received pass outside area and drilled low shot wide of Casillas.

1-1. 49. Van Nistelrooy (penalty). After Albiol blocked ball with arm inside area.

2-1. 77. Ramos. Force shot past Hildebrand after Diarra header came off bar.

3-1. 85. De la Red. Won ball in midfield and caught keeper off line with long shot.

4-1. 88. Higuaín. Intercepted Alexis back pass and beat keeper from wide angle.

4-2. 90. Morientes. Ran on to Villa through ball and turned shot past Casillas.

Real Madrid beat Valencia 4-2 in an event-packed second leg to take the Spanish Super Cup for the eighth time in their history.

The visitors were defending a 3-2 lead from last weekend's first leg, and they went further ahead when David Silva drilled a shot past Casillas on the half hour mark.

Van der Vaart got himself sent off for a hard foul on Mata soon afterwards, and although Van Nistelrooy equalised from the penalty spot four minutes in to the second half after Albiol blocked his header with his arm, things looked bleak for Madrid when Van Nistelrooy was also shown the red card for a second bookable offence a few minutes later.

Valencia self-destructed after that however, Sergio Ramos the fastest to react after Diarra's header from Guti's corner came back off the crossbar to put Madrid ahead.

Schuster brought on De la Red and Higuaín, and within a few minutes both had their names on the scoreboard, the former catching Hildebrand out of position with a long shot which the keeper couldn't stop, and the latter intercepting a sloppy back pass from Alexis to round the keeper and score.

It was all over, and a last minute goal from Morientes came too late to save the day. Madrid had their name on the cup, and Unai Emery's side had let slip the first piece of silverware of the season.