Category Archives: Porto

Jackson Martinez: A change back to the familiar for Simeone as Atletico sign the Porto star

  By O-Posts Team | July 9, 2024 - 22:06 | , , , , , ,
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How mightily relieved Atletico Madrid must be that they tied Diego Simeone down to his new contract back in March. The coach that delivered their first title in 21 years in 2014 has seen that squad, which also lost the Champions League so narrowly to neighbours Real in Lisbon, gradually dismantled but while players can be replaced, it is hard to imagine how potentially damaging the loss of El Cholo would be to Atletico.

After selling Diego Costa, top-scorer in that La Liga winning campaign, to Chelsea along with Felipe Luis last summer, Ateltico have waved goodbye to Arda Turan, to Barcelona for £24 million, and Miranda, who joins Inter Milan on loan, this time around. Mario Mandzukic, signed from Bayern Munich as a replacement for Costa has switched to Juventus after a disappointing 12 months in the Calderon.

Simeone can still call on the likes of Gabi, Tiago Mendes, Koke, Raul Garcia and Diego Godin who formed the reliable backbone of that superb 2013-14 campaign and they are now supplemented by the fresh impetus of Raul Jimenez, Christian Rodriguez, Saul Niguez and Oliver Torres.

With David Villa and Thibaut Courtois having also both departed it is a very different squad from two years ago but one that will not lose the importance of the collective and spirit of togetherness that is drilled into them.

It is why Simeone has gone back to what he knows best this summer by dispensing with Mandzukic, the Croatian striker who never quite got to grips with Simeone’s demands of a high work-rate despite a return of 20 goals.

The spritely young Argentinean Luciano Veitto has been signed from Villarreal for £14 million and his exuberance, partnered with Antoine Griezmann building upon an impressive first season in which he scored 25 goals, will go some way to compensating for any loss of intensity their attack may have suffered last term.

The £24.8 million capture of Porto’s Jackson Martinez though has the potential to be Atletico’s most significant deal and the one that could restore them to genuine title challengers.

Griezmann’s haul made him Atletico’s top-scorer as they finished third and qualified once again automatically for the Champions League but the French winger was not initially signed to become a goal-scorer but to be the energetic link-up between midfield and attack in the void left behind by David Villa.

Costa was the rabid bundle of passion and zeal that relentlessly harassed defenders and led Atletico’s lightning counter attacks with effective power and drive, but with Mandzukic operating more as a target man some of the bite was notably missing as Simeone’s team were forced into a year of transition that involved more possession, slower and more intricate build-up and the more assertive, open style, involving advancing full-backs and a higher defensive line, cost them.

Atletico would score less, concede more and finish 16 points adrift of champions Barcelona.

However Martinez arrives with a record of 92 goals from 132 games with Porto and will bring with him his deadly eye for the net as well as a natural capacity to adapt to the high-pressure game Simeone urges.

Lethal in front of goal and full of hard-running, the Colombian is more of a natural replacement to Costa than Mandzukic and will fit perfectly into the succession of Atletico’s recent prolific South American strikers; Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero, Radamel Falcao, Diego Costa and now Martinez.

The 28 year old, scorer of 32 goals for the Portuguese champions last season, including seven in the Champions League as Porto very nearly knocked Bayern Munich out in the quarter-finals, sees himself capable of replicating the devastating form his countryman Falcao achieved during his time in the Spanish capital.

“I hope to be another Colombian as successful as Falcao was there” says Martinez who had agreed to join AC Milan before changing his mind, “I have had a great progression, always learning, always growing, and now I’m going to Atletico where I hope to help the team and also continue to grow as a player.”

Athletic, quick and a cool finisher, so dangerous when operating on the shoulder of the defender, Martinez will be capable of playing as the central striking component of a 4-3-3 or supported by Griezmann in a 4-2-3-1 or in Simeone’s favoured 4-4-2.

The Argentine though has acknowledged that his team will have to undergo a slight shift in style in that system for this coming season as they aim to contend with another off-season of change.

Simeone has been signed up to lead a different-looking Atletico into a new era and it can be certain that none of the communal drive or ferocity in the squad will be lost. Martinez will be quick to sign up to that and will also provide a regular source of goals.

If the Colombian adjusts quickly, then Atletico will be challengers once again.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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FIFA 16: Three Major Changes in the latest FIFA Installment

  By O-Posts Team | July 7, 2024 - 17:18 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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We expect big changes from the new FIFA 16 as EA has promised a better game after the failure of FIFA 15.

We do not know all the changes that EA has done to improve the game, but we know some of the major changes that we will see in the upcoming new sensation (according to EA at the E3 conference).

 

Women’s Football

Women’s Football is the one big change we are going to see in FIFA 16. EA has announced that they have added twelve women’s national teams in the game and has focused on the female gameplay to make it more accurate as possible.

This is a milestone for FIFA as well as Women’s Football. There are only a very few people who completely follow Women’s Football, but after this everyone buying the game will have a chance to explore it.

Also, it has been reported that EA are planning on making a separate FIFA game for females only from next year. It will only be a great success for the future if the initial Women’s Football in FIFA 16 is as good as the EA claims.

 

New Tactical Defense with Improved Goalkeeping

When EA initially released the first gameplay trailer we were worried that again they were only focusing on adding new features, not fixing previous errors. But then they released the second trailer suggesting they have made some serious changes in the interference engine of the game. These improvements includes a new tactical defending and a more realistic goalkeeping.

The Tactical Defending includes more animatic moves like diving clearance and triangle traps giving the video game simulation a more real life like feel. There are not much changes in goalkeeping, however they have fixed previous bugs like air ball glitch.

 

More Animations and Graphics

We have already talked about more animatic moves in previous section but that is not all there is. The developers have added new stadiums, celebrations, skill moves, interactive crowds, and many other new graphics and animations to make the game compatible with the new interactive engine.

Other graphics includes new menus and modes, which have not been revealed yet.

 

Written by Charchit Dahal

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Portugal’s Primeira Liga: A Team of Transfer Targets from Portugal

  By O-Posts Team | June 16, 2024 - 16:32 | , , , , , , , , , ,
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Portugal is not only a popular destination for holiday-makers during the summer months. Professional football clubs across Europe often turn to the Primeira Liga to boost their squads ahead of the new campaign.

Whether it’s a proven performer or a bargain-basement buy, there are plenty of high-quality options available for every club (and every budget) in Portugal’s top flight.

Portuguese football expert Tom Kundert brings you a viable transfer target for every position that could just be the footballer needed to improve your club.

 

Goalkeeper: Adriano Facchini (Gil Vicente)

It may seem odd singling out a goalkeeper from a team whose season ended in relegation. But towering Brazilian custodian Adriano once again showed he deserves a much bigger stage than one Gil Vicente can offer him, time and time again coming up with miraculous saves thanks to sharp reflexes, athleticism and his commanding 1.87m frame.

Having recently turned 32 he’s probably got another five years of good service in him.

Probable price: Free (out of contract)

 

Right-back: Cédric (Sporting)

Sporting’s attack-minded full-back has made steady progress in recent seasons, making it all the more surprising that the Lisbon giants let contract renewal talks drag on to a point of no return.

Already a full Portugal international, the improvements made in his defensive game allied to his natural inclination to support the attack effectively (his pin-point crossing a speciality) have drawn suitors from England with Southampton and Stoke said to be close to signing him.

Probable price: €5 million

 

Left-back: Alex Sandro (FC Porto)

“It didn’t surprise me that Danilo went to Real Madrid, and it won’t surprise me if Alex Sandro follows him,” said former Porto coach Vítor Pereira, a statement that is testament to the Brazilian’s quality.

Sandro is a tenacious defender with enviable energy levels as shown in his willingness to bomb forward when the opportunity presents itself and physically imposing. His big move will surely not be long in coming.

Probable price: €20 million

 

Centre-back: João Afonso (Vítoria Guimarães)

Plucked from the lower leagues, Afonso took to the Portuguese top flight effortlessly, putting in a series of near faultless performances throughout the season.

A classy defender who packs a punch – he is a real danger at the other end of the pitch at set pieces.

It would be no surprise to see the centre-back move up the ladder after just one season in the Primeira Liga.

Probable price: €3 million

 

Centre-back: Paulo Oliveira (Sporting)

Captured from Vitória Guimarães one year ago, the centre-back looked shaky at the start of his Sporting career but after establishing himself got better and better and ended the season as the undisputed boss of the Lisbon club’s back four.

Excellent sense of anticipation and extremely strong in the air – at both ends of the pitch – and an ability to learn and develop augur for a bright future.

Probable price: €15 million

 

Defensive midfielder: Danilo (Braga)

Currently shining brightly at the U20 World Cup in New Zealand, the 19-year-old Brazilian enjoyed a fabulous debut season in Portugal, putting in hugely impressive displays as a near ever-present for Braga despite the fact he is still a teenager.

With remarkable positional awareness for such a young player, a rugged but fair tackler and an accurate passer, there is little doubt Braga are sitting on a goldmine.

Probable price: €17 million

 

Right-sided midfielder: Bernard Mensah (Vitória Guimarães)

The young Ghanaian has enjoyed a highly productive season and is a big reason for Vitória’s strong showing.

Tall but mobile, able to pick out a pass and a goal threat in his own right, Mensah has a bright future in the game ahead of him.

Probable price: €7 million

 

Left-sided midfielder: Nico Gaitán (Benfica)

Supremely talented midfielder who oozes class, it is something of a surprise Benfica have been able to keep hold of their magical Argentine for so long.

Chiefly used wide left, but equally incisive when playing in the middle, Gaitán has the skillset to open the tightest of defences with a piercing throughball, unstoppable dribble or perfect shot.

Having given five years of outstanding service to the Lisbon giants, Gaitán is expected to move on this summer, with Manchester United rumoured to be the likely destination.

Probable price: €35 million

 

Attacking midfielder/false nine: Carlos Mané (Sporting)

The speedy and skilful Carlos Mané is another gem produced by Sporting’s famed Alcochete academy.

Marked his debut with a spectacular goal against Marítimo in 2013/14 and has continued to make good progress this season.

Initially used as a winger, he has proven equally comfortable in a more central position, and despite only recently turning 21, Mané already has 66 first-team appearances and 12 goals to his name.

 

Striker: Marco Matias (Nacional)

A late bloomer, Marco Matias enjoyed a wonderful season at Nacional, scoring 17 times at a better ratio than a goal every two games in the Primeira Liga to become the top Portuguese goalscorer in the league.

His strong, direct and single-minded approach has been too much to handle for most defences in Portugal.

Probable price: €4 million

 

Striker: Jackson Martínez (FC Porto)

Top scorer in each of his three years in Portugal, Colombian striker Jackson Martínez is at the very peak of his game. Brimming with power and guile, it is an open secret Porto’s goal machine will not be in Portugal next season.

Reported to be close to signing for AC Milan, but with transfer talks dragging on there may yet be time for a late gazump.

Probable price: €35 million

 

Written by Tom Kundert

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Jackson Martinez: What can the highly-rated goal-getter offer to AC Milan

  By O-Posts Team | June 15, 2024 - 16:16 | , , , , , ,
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Porto’s Colombian striker Jackson Martínez has agreed to join AC Milan, FC Porto’s president, Pinto da Costa confirmed last week.

“I learned just now that Jackson has chosen Milan. This is what he wants, the destination is irrelevant as far as I am concerned. I want him to be happy.”

The Rossoneri look set to beat a host of potential suitors, which included the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

Here is a deeper look at the 28 year old who will cost the Italian giants €35m.

 

Background

Jackson Martinez, full name - Jackson Arley Martinez Valencia was born in Quibdo, Colombia. His career began with first division side Independiente Medellín.

The year 2009 was his standout season when he became the top goalscorer for the season, netting 18 times. That form earned him a move to a Mexico to compete in a better league - He joined Liga MX side Chiapas.

Jackson had a successful 3 year stay in Mexico, he scored 28 goals in 58 games and was named captain in 2012. His performances were noticed across Europe and FC Porto signed him for US $11 million.

Martinez has scored an impressive 92 goals in 133 appearances for the Portuguese side, winning the title in 2012-13 and a couple of domestic cups since.

He netted an impressive total of 28 goals in league and Champions League matches last season.

 

What can he offer AC Milan?

For Milan, it’s a purchase that represents a major statement of intent. The Italian giants have fallen in recent years, dropping out of contention for league titles and failing to qualify for Europe in consecutive seasons - mainly due to their financial constraints. With investment due to arrive from China, the side need to show Italy and the world that they are serious to compete once again.

The capture of a player with the calibre of Martinez represents a timely dose of renewed ambition. Milan have been lacking attacking presence since the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Martinez should give this team a physical presence at the point of the attack, he is a wonderful target man and a brilliant technician. His physical characteristics are the typical features of a “classic” center-forward in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, but he’s much more than this kind of player.

He has a great feel for the game and he’s a better passer than he’d seem at first sight (14 assists in 3 years), so that makes him a great fit as a second striker - or even CAM - in a 4-3-1-2 or 4-4-2 formation.

Last season in Serie A, Milan’s forwards (Menez, Pazzini, Cerci and El Shaarawy) registered a combined 24 goals. Martinez alone scored 21 league goals and a further 7 in the Champions League.

He is approaching his 29th birthday, therefore with his high fee, he will be expected to perform well at the San Siro. Should he bring his goal scoring form to Milan, the forward is the kind of character who will quickly be adored by the fans.

 

Written by Serie A Writer

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Guido Carrillo: Estudiantes’ powerful number nine ready for big Europe step-up

  By O-Posts Team | June 11, 2024 - 00:02 | , , , , , , ,
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Name: Guido Carrillo
Club: Estudiantes
Date of birth: 25th May 1991
Position: Centre Forward

Who is he?

After a match winning brace in the Copa Argentina last week, an emotional Guido Carrillo told reporters: “I cried because this was probably my last match in this shirt that I love so much.” The Estudiantes striker has come through the youth ranks and developed into not only a club icon but one of the best centre-forwards in the Primera. After staying in Argentina considerably longer than most in the modern game, the time has now come for Carrillo to make the step-up to European football.

Born in the town of Magdalena, south along the banks of the Rio de La Plata from the city of La Plata, Guido Carrillo found himself growing up in the catchment area of the Platense giants, Estudiantes and Gimnasia. Thankfully for El Pincha, Carrillo ended up in the red and white and rapidly gained a name for himself in the youth ranks as a striker of considerable potential.

After coming through the various youth divisions of Estudiantes, Carrillo made his first team debut as a second half substitute against Huracan at the tail-end of the 2011 Clausura under interim boss Luis Ceferino Suarez. As a 19-year-old chances were hard to come by but in the following season Carillo notched his first senior goal in a 4-3 win over Argentinos Juniors and gradually over the next year he began to see more and more Primera action.

Up until August 2013 Carrillo had netted 10 times in 60 appearances for the club having largely to settle for a place as back-up to the talented Colombian Duvan Zapata, but when the player signed for Napoli that summer it left Carrillo as Estudiantes’ obvious number nine.

With the new responsibility, Carrillo appeared to develop at a far greater rate and in the 2014 Final, Carrillo netted a career best nine league goals in the 19 matches, only beaten by Mauro Zarate to the title of leading scorer. Rumours already began to surface of interest from abroad given the nature of his performances and this season they have intensified further.

Injuries have hindered his number of appearances domestically but Carrillo led the side to the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores and despite being eliminated in the last 16, he is still among the leading scorers with seven goals from five matches.

What type of player?

Without wanting to wheel out the old cliché ‘he has good feet for a big man’ – Guido Carrillo does in fact have an underrated technical ability to go with his obvious physical advantages as a centre-forward.

At 6 foot 3 inches (1.91 metres) Carrillo is a powerful number nine, capable of playing with his back to goal and bringing others into play but posing a real threat in the penalty area from crosses and set-pieces.

His presence in the attack makes him ideal to play as a lone striker, as has often been the case for Estudiantes in the past year, but he could just as easily play in a 4-4-2 alongside another striker with wingers providing width and delivering crosses into the box.

In the past two weeks, Carrillo has given perfect examples of what he does best with two late headed goals to give Estudiantes a Copa Argentina victory over Santamarina and another towering header to pick up three points against Defensa y Justicia this week. However, to label him simply as a lumbering target man would be to do him a disservice.

His build-up play is good and his movement and positional sense around the penalty area is excellent. Smart runs and being alert around the six-yard box have made Carrillo equally dangerous with the ball into his feet in the penalty box.

Additionally, Carrillo has emerged as a real leader on the pitch for Estudiantes and has captained the side on a number of occasions. He has thrived under the responsibility but importantly for perspective clubs he has shown a mental fortitude that will stand him in good stead for a potentially testing move to Europe.

What next?

As Carrillo himself said, he has most likely now played his last match for Estudiantes so the transfer appears almost certain but the question remains , where to? There is no shortage of interested clubs in the 24-year-old from across Europe.

Porto at this point appear to lead the chase as the Portuguese giants perhaps prepare for life after Jackson Martinez but they are joined by Inter Milan, Monaco, Olympiakos, Anderlecht and Borussia Dortmund.

Few could argue that it is not time for Carrillo to make the move. At 24 years of age, over four years since making his first team debut and over 100 appearances to his name, the striker has earned his move.

In an era where most are snatched up in the teens with only a handful of first-team appearances, Carrillo has developed the right way at his boyhood club to the point where he requires the step-up to continue in his progression.

 

Written by Peter Coates

Follow Peter on Twitter @golazoargentino

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Football Quiz: Can you name the teams that have participated in the Champions League since its inception?

  By O-Posts Team | June 6, 2024 - 17:47 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Portugal’s Primeira Liga: 2014/15 Team of the Season

  By O-Posts Team | June 6, 2024 - 14:05 | , , , , , ,
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Over the course of the Portuguese football season you are guaranteed an abundance of sublime quality, along with the odd forgettable match and a considerable dose of controversy.

Here we dwell on the first of the three aspects from a 2014/15 season that provided no shortage of memorable moments. Portuguese football expert Tom Kundert picks his Primeira Liga team of the season.

 

Team of the Season Formation and Line-up (4-3-3)

 

GK: Matheus (Braga)

A newcomer to Portugal, the 22-year-old Brazilian wasted no time in making a positive impact. Big, strong, brave and with excellent reactions, Braga have a big talent on their hands.

 

RB: Maxi Pereira (Benfica)

The tireless Uruguayan right-back again proved a key component in Benfica’s defensive and attacking game. He was directly involved in 13 goals in 32 league matches (5 goals, 8 assists) for the champions – incredible stats for a right-back – even more so considering he also fulfilled his defensive duties with distinction.

 

LB: Tiago Pinto (Rio Ave)

Tiago Pinto began his career as a left-sided midfielder but it was upon being moved to left-back that he is finally making a name for himself as a high-quality player in his own right rather than being known as the son of ex Benfica, Sporting and Portugal striker João Pinto. Although 27 years old, his tenacious defending while providing solid support when venturing forward may yet earn him international caps.

 

CB: Luisão (Benfica)

The Benfica captain is like a fine bottle of red wine – he just gets better and better with age. The beanpole centre-back led his defence masterfully and upon winning his fourth Primeira Liga championship, Luisão became the non-Portuguese player with the most Liga titles ever won at Benfica. Richly deserved.

 

CB: João Afonso (Vitória Guimarães)

Cash-strapped Vitória Guimarães have done an incredible job putting together competitive teams in recent years despite having to rely on their youth ranks and scouring the lower leagues. João Afonso is an example of the latter.

Having been plucked from Portuguese third tier club Sport Benfica e Castelo Branco, the northerners seem to have hit gold again, Afonso seamlessly adapting to top-flight football with a series of classy and powerful displays at the heart of the defence.

 

MD: Danilo Pereira (Marítimo)

Rock solid defensive midfielder Danilo Pereira has been tipped for a big future ever since being part of the Portugal side that finished runners-up at the U20 World Cup held in Colombia in 2011.

Spells abroad in Italy, Greece and Holland followed, but it was this season that he truly “exploded” onto the scene, exuding strength, mobility and intelligence in the holding midfielder role, and earning his debut for the senior Portugal side. No wonder big clubs at home and abroad are said to be queuing up to sign him.

 

MD: Nicolas Gaitán (Benfica)

Quite simply the best creative midfielder in Portugal over the past three seasons at least. Nico Gaitán again spread his particular brand of Argentine magic and was often the key to finding a way past the many teams who inevitably chose to park the bus when facing Benfica.

 

MD: Óliver Torres (Porto)

The Spaniard interpreted Porto’s newly implemented possession game to perfection, showing remarkable ability to retain the ball even in the most congested of midfields and with time at a premium, always choosing the right moment to play a simple accurate pass or an incisive throughball, as well as being a potent goal threat.

Porto are desperate to try and extend his loan period from Atletico Madrid.

 

FW: Marco Matias (Nacional da Madeira)

The top Portuguese goalscorer in the Primeira Liga with 17 goals in 33 games, the 26-year-old enjoyed a wonderful season. Direct and single-minded, Matias was a terror on the loose for any defence to deal with – most couldn’t stop him.

 

FW: Jackson Martínez (Porto)

The Colombian striker finished top scorer in Portugal for the third straight season, and this year also thrived in Europe, netting 8 times in 10 Champions League games. The perfect combination of power, guile and efficient movement, Jackson is at the very top of his game and a move to a giant from one of Europe’s major leagues surely awaits him this summer.

 

FW: Jonas (Benfica)

Picked up on a free transfer after he was released by Valencia, the silky-skilled Brazilian striker exceeded all expectations. Scored goals galore (30 in 34 appearances), but his superb link-up play was just as important in propelling Benfica to their championship triumph.

 

Coach of the season: Jorge Jesus (Benfica)

Guided Benfica to their first back-to-back championships in 31 years despite having lost most of his starting line-up from the previous season in last summer’s transfer window.

Jorge Jesus has now led Benfica to three Primeira Liga triumphs, but this one is undoubtedly his greatest achievement.

 

Written by Tom Kundert

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Football Quiz: Can you name the football clubs with the most top division titles in each country?

  By O-Posts Team | May 27, 2024 - 19:03 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Football Tip: How to Avoid Being a Sports Widow

  By O-Posts Team | May 17, 2024 - 19:49 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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When you dread seeing the leaves fall from the trees because it signals the start of football season, or cringe when the first crocus pops its head out of the soils because it means baseball is just around the corner, you may be a sports widow.

Sports widows are women who feel that their life and their needs take a backseat to their husband’s interest in sporting events. Rather than mourning the loss of your husband’s company during the sports season, why not join him in his interest and share some special together time?

 

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em

While you’ve probably found ways to entertain yourself while your husband watched sports in the past, you may not have considered joining him in his enthusiasm. Even if you find sports mind-numbingly boring, there are ways to focus on other aspects of the festivities and draw your own enjoyment from the event.

This year, inform your husband that rather than complaining about his obsession with sports, you’d like to join him in his love of the game. Just stand back when you make your announcement in case he passes out from shock.

 

Dress the Part

Before the start of the season, go shopping. Buy yourself some new duds to wear while you watch the game. Team-oriented apparel is mandatory to put you in the proper frame of mind. If you’ve never worn a t-shirt with your team’s name emblazoned on it, you may be surprised how doing so can raise your enthusiasm level.

Check out the official team sites for apparel, or visit your local big box store. Grab a baseball cap and situate it atop a jaunty ponytail, or buy an oversized football jersey and wear it with a sexy pair of leggings or tights.

 

Block Out Your Schedule

In order to be able to enjoy game day, you may need to plan ahead. Clear your schedule, and ensure that there’s nothing else tugging at your attention while you settle in for quality time with your family. It’s hard to immerse yourself in the moment when the sink is full of dishes, you have laundry to do or you can’t quit thinking about how you need to balance your checkbook.

Get your work done ahead of time and free yourself to really watch the game with your attention on it.

 

Learn the Rules of the Game

While you don’t have to be an aficionado, you may want to gain a rudimentary understanding of the rules of the game. Visit a website, or pick up a book that breaks the game down into simple, understandable terms.

Better yet, ask your husband to explain the finer points of the action to you as the game goes along when he doesn’t mind.

 

Enjoy the Extras

Even if you find that you really can’t immerse yourself in the sports action, you can still enjoy a special day with your family and friends. Focus your attention on creating special dishes for the game. Make a cheese ball, spicy bean dip, a football-shaped meatloaf or any other recipe you choose for everyone to enjoy while the game is on. Women’s magazines and recipe websites abound with game-time treats.

Decorate the room where you’ll watch the game. Blow up balloons, and hang streamers in the team colors to surprise your family. They’ll be thrilled at your show of team spirit.

Even when sports aren’t your favorite activity, it’s still possible to turn any athletic event into valued family time, rather than isolating yourself from the action. Once you put forth the effort, you may be surprised at the results and actually find yourself looking forward to game day.

 

Written by Amie Taylor

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Alberto Bueno: Ex-Real Madrid prospect firing on all cylinders with the Vallecans

  By O-Posts Team | May 6, 2024 - 17:05 | , , , , ,
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It may be a slight on the lack of strength in depth of La Liga that its most poverty-stricken clubs can fight competitively to continue to demand a place in Spain’s top league. It is a miracle that Eibar, the city with a population of 28,000 and the club whose stadium hosts just 5,200 fans, even reached La Liga for the first ever time last summer and now possess a chance of surviving with three games left.

Elche have failed to pay their players since January amidst crippling debts that may yet see them relegated, but they sit 10 points clear of the relegation zone. Getafe, Levante and Almeria are the other clubs on miniscule incomes who are again set to beat the drop, following the standard set by Rayo Vallecano in the fight to get to by on meagre resources. Promoted back to the Primera in 2011 after an 8 year absence, Rayo have battled to finish 15th, 8th, and 12th and now currently lie in 11th place despite again going with a squad patched together with free transfers and loans.

It is fifteen years since Vallecano last spent money on a transfer, £1.76 million to bring in Elvir Bolic from Fenerbahce in 2000, but continue to punch their weight in a league that boasts the luxury of Neymar, Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale. Of that list, Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar, occupy three of the top four spots in La Liga’s goal-scoring charts while Antoine Griezmann, who cost Atletico Madrid £24 million last summer, is third. Suarez cost Barcelona £75 million and has scored 16, a figure that only puts him joint-6th together with Alberto Bueno, one of the many players begged, stole and borrowed by Vallecano and their manager Paco Jemez over the years.

Bueno’s 16 goals means he has chipped in with 40% of Rayo’s total goal horde so far in a remarkable campaign for the striker who before moving to the Vallecas in 2013 had never managed more than seven in a single season. Jemez’s ability to produce the best form out of journeymen and unwanted cast-offs has again been present in Bueno, who has now hit 27 goals across his two seasons with Vallecano after previously scoring 18 across three terms with Real Valladolid and a season-long loan with Derby County.

The fifteen-minute four-goal blitz against Levante, in which he notched a perfect hat-trick in the space of 6 minutes, remains the scarcely believable highlight of the season for Bueno but a brace in a 2-2 draw with Deportivo, winners over Celta Vigo and Villarreal as well as goals in recent games with relegation rivals Eibar and Granada have been hugely important to Vallecano’s fate. He has laid on 4 goals for others, a stat only bettered in the Vallecano squad by Gael Kakuta, while the French winger and Roberto Trashorras are the only players to create more chances than Bueno’s 24.

Nobody has more shots than Bueno’s 86, with which the 27 year old has been accurate with almost 50% of, and they are stats that have been produced with Bueno not even playing as a conventional striker. Jemez has preferred Bueno in a support role to the more physical Leo Baptistao but with the Brazilian only managing seven goals so far, the true star of Vallecano’s season has undisputedly been the Spaniard that had previously been written-off.

It will be a shame for Vallecano to lose Bueno to Porto at the end of the season (Bueno’s contract expires in the summer), but with Rayo acknowledging they simply can’t offer the same terms as the Portuguese giants, they are likely to step aside and watch him go, full of appreciation and gratitude for his two years of service in the outskirts of Madrid.

Colombian Jackson Martinez is primed to leave the Estadio Dragao on the back of his own impressive goal-scoring exploits of 88 goals in 128 games in three seasons with Porto and while Bueno may not be a designated replacement, he will be a cheap and attractive addition to the squad having finally shown his ability to score consistently in a top European league.

The transfer to Porto will see him reunited with Julen Lopetegui, the coach who was in charge of Real Madrid’s Castilla when Bueno was in his last year with the club in 2008-09. Fabio Capello fast-tracked the striker to train with the likes of David Beckham and Luis Figo in 06-07 but despite making his league and Champions League debuts two seasons later, it quickly became apparent he would have to move elsewhere to forge a successful first-team career.

That season also proved to be the end of a promising youth career that saw Bueno win the 2006 under-19 European Championship with Spain before competing in the under-20 World Cup in 2007. His transformation into senior football hasn’t quite gone with quite the same level of success, but now at the age of 27 he is starting to rediscover his talent. Jemez has helped him to do that at Vallecano and now Lopetegui is poised to carry the job on with Porto.

 

Written by Adam Gray

Follow Adam on Twitter @AdamGray1250

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