So, El Clasico has come and gone and life has almost returned to normal. We have the usual analysis of the match all over the place, which goes down to the finest of details, but the media furore is well and truly over and the rest of the teams in La Liga can expect the odd article in the first ten pages of the sport dailies. A couple of things that have got my goat in the aftermath were Pelligrini claiming Madrid were the better team and deserving of a win and Marca getting all hot and bothered over a possible penalty on Ronaldo when he bumped into Piqué. Real Madrid played well but they certainly weren't the better team, whilst that penalty shout was dubious at best. Let it go.I found it quite funny when Cristiano Ronaldo stated before the match that he wouldn't sign one player from Barca for Real Madrid. Many crazy things had been said from both sets of players in the build up, but for me that topped the lot. Tongue in cheek or not, does he really expect us to believe he wouldn't sign Messi, Iniesta or Xavi given half a chance? Florentino Perez has made it abundantly clear he would sign quite a few today. Just as well Cristiano isn't holding the Bernabeu chequebook.
Speaking of Iniesta, it has been revealed what was as the root of his rage when he squared up to Cristiano Ronaldo in El Clasico. By all accounts the Portuguese star had told Andrés to cut the diving; enough to make even the most mild-mannered of players to see red. Iniesta is without doubt one of the most technically gifted footballers in the game right now, and this show of anger has only placed him higher in my estimation. Good lad.
Sergio Agüero seems to have made up his mind that this season will be his last as an Atlético Madrid player. Fair enough, a player of his calibre deserves better than group stage elimination in the Champions League and a rough time of it in La Liga. Yet it was his excuse for his possible future exit that caught my eye. 'I´ll go but only because Atlético need the money'. Honourable enough but I don't buy it.
Ex-Spain coach Luis Aragones has been featuring quite a lot in the press recently, with the odd quote and interview here and there. Especially so in Real Madrid's feature newspaper Marca. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he is Madrid manager before the season is out. Considering Pelligrini is given the boot of course.
David Silvas injury isn't as bad as first feared and he could be back playing within four weeks. Brilliant news. The little guy is a joy to watch and another of Spain's current breed of small, classy midfielders, in the same mould as Xavi and Iniesta. Unfortunately for Valencia I can't see him being at the club this time next year.
Sergio Agüero seems to have made up his mind that this season will be his last as an Atlético Madrid player. Fair enough, a player of his calibre deserves better than group stage elimination in the Champions League and a rough time of it in La Liga. Yet it was his excuse for his possible future exit that caught my eye. 'I´ll go but only because Atlético need the money'. Honourable enough but I don't buy it.
Ex-Spain coach Luis Aragones has been featuring quite a lot in the press recently, with the odd quote and interview here and there. Especially so in Real Madrid's feature newspaper Marca. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he is Madrid manager before the season is out. Considering Pelligrini is given the boot of course.
David Silvas injury isn't as bad as first feared and he could be back playing within four weeks. Brilliant news. The little guy is a joy to watch and another of Spain's current breed of small, classy midfielders, in the same mould as Xavi and Iniesta. Unfortunately for Valencia I can't see him being at the club this time next year.