La Lambretta Radio: La Liga Bilingual Podcast #10

The Roundtable guests today: the Miami "vice", Edu aka @lalambretta, elblaugrana.com's Inma aka @inmazv, Antonio the "real" Málaga Sheik aka @Ant_Lambretta, Valladolid fanatico Eugenio aka @EUGENIOJGASCON, Seattle's very own Ravi aka @aupasubmarino, and yours truly, Forza Futbol's very own, Mando aka @forzafutbol, debate and discuss Spanish football!!


Some of the podcast highlights:
o Champions League Final preview and focus
o Antonio's Lineups
o Individual player matchups
o Man United & FCB team analysis

Plus much, much more.


A great way to learn Spanish or English on the topics we know and love!


Listen below, on itunes, ivoox or here.

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Betis Float Up!

Special Guest Writer Adam Boyle from the awesome Ooh Ooh Betis Blog is chufed, stoked, and over the moon that Betis is back in La Primera!

Fabulous Pictures courtesy of Selu Vega from Manquepierda Blog. Enjoy!


Fans of Real Betis are walking on air. Their club is back in Primera, free from dictatorship and fun to follow again. It’s been a wild year in Seville!

A couple of years ago, a report emerged declaring the citizens of Costa Rica to be the happiest people on earth. (This is usually put down to a uniquely winning combination of great beaches and no army.)

But, with all due respect to the good people of the little country between Nicaragua and Panama, at 6.52pm on Sunday May 15th the baton passed. The most contented humans in the universe are now to be found mostly (but not exclusively) in the green and white half of Seville, Andalucía. They are the inhabitants of Planet Betis.

To be honest, Béticos (as we like to be known) had been anticipating promotion back to Primera for several months, but it wasn’t until Alcorcón scored their second goal against Granada (at 6.52pm on Sunday etc) that the matter was put 100 per cent beyond doubt. And boy, was the moment sweet. The players (and several hundred fans) were on a high-speed train back from a game that morning up near Barcelona when they heard the news; the vigour of their celebrations even interfered with the running of wheels on the tracks and delayed their arrival by half an hour.

By the time they got to Seville’s Santa Justa station, a crowd of 10,000 were waiting to greet them. After a crazy open-top bus trip around the city, they were met by a further 20,000 in front of a stage outside the Estadio Benito Villamarín. Cameroonian striker Achille Emaná painted his head green and white. Adored coach (and former Betis striker) Pepe Mel told the crowd sheepishly, “I’m embarrassed that you love me so much.” There was singing. There was dancing. There was clapping. There was scarf-waving. Mucho alegría, mucho Betis.

A week later, the euphoria had died down, but the gentler feeling that replaced it was probably even dandier. Before the next home game, a 6pm Saturday kick-off against Huesca, the atmosphere in the bars and streets around the Betis stadium was one of perfect contentment. Hyperactive kids in full verdiblanco kit were running everywhere, mingling with chuckling grandmothers in green blouses, and snuggly couples in brand new matching his-n-hers “Siempre de Primera” T-shirts. It reminded me of Northern Soul club night I was taken to in London back in the early 1990s; after I naively remarked to my friend how super-friendly everyone was, he gently pointed out that Ecstasy was pretty big with this particular crowd. Ah.

But there’s nothing artificially induced about the happiness of Béticos right now. We’re just high on goals. If promotion with three weeks of the season still left wasn’t enough, Pepe Mel’s side just need to score three more times in their last two games to break the Segunda record for a season. Emaná, Rubén Castro and Jorge Molina have more Liga goals between them (55) than half the teams – yes, entire teams – in the division. Betis this season have played with joy and verve and poetry; take away one bizzarely inexplicable five-game losing run and it’s just been a dream.

And there’s more to it all than simply what’s happened on the pitch. Last summer, Sevillana judge Mercedes Ayala decided that Manuel Ruíz de Lopera, the club’s eccentric owner for the last 18 years, should answer charges of embezzlement and so froze his 51 per cent shareholding. By Christmas Betis was being run by a passel of good guys, including new president Rafael Gordillo, the club’s single most popular ex-player, who man led a 60,000-strong march against Lopera through Seville two years ago. Betis may still be burdened by €80million-worth of debts – Lopera’s most damning legacy – but at least the club is free from dictatorship at last.

In fact, the financial problems may yet be a blessing in disguise because at least the technical staff can’t be tempted to break-up 2010/11’s much-loved team. They simply can’t afford to. And anyway, there’s every chance Pepe Mel’s Betis will do well back in Primera.

The current squad comprises mostly decent players in their late 20s who have simply never had a chance to show what they can do at the top level. Names like Chechu Dorado (a supernaturally composed central defender), Salva Sevilla (the best midfield passer in Segunda for two seasons now); and Jorge Molina (a classic No 9 in every sense, except the “19” on his back), won’t mean much to the man on the Getafe omnibus right now, but I’m betting they will in six months’ time. Add a smattering of interesting youngsters - like our own mini Xavi, 23-year-old Beñat – and the future looks bright. Realistically, Béticos would settle for a comfortable mid-table position and four points from the two Seville derbies, but Pepe Mel is already talking about aiming for Europe in the not-too-distant future. That shouldn’t be out of the question.

Nor will it only be on grass that Betis could make their mark in Primera. One of the more remarkable aspects of their two seasons in Segunda has been the away support they are capable of attracting. In the last month or two it has not been uncommon for visiting Béticos to outnumber home fans, not just in places near at hand like Córdoba, but as far afield as Barcelona as well. Every Monday YouTube braces itself for another avalanche of Bético fan videos. Watching every clip of Betis fans singing along to the accordian riff on Euro dance athem Stereo Love would pretty much take you to the start of next season on its own.

Traditionally, Real Betis have always been thought of as everyone in Spain’s “second” team, so it was sad to see this accolade being lost somewhat in the last few years, while Lopera’s rule grew increasing antagonistic, the in-fighting got nastier and the players became ever more over-paid and under-performing.

But Béticos would like it to be known that we’re ready to be liked again. Crazy fans? Check. Humble footballers who “get” it? Check. A management team that understands what the club is about? Check. A place at Spanish football’s top table? Check. See you in August.

The Sad Demise of Super Depor

Saturday May 21st, and the end of a dream happened as Deportivo La Coruna were relegated from La Liga, just eleven years after winning the title. That side, nicknamed "Super Depor," had some outstanding players, the likes of Jacques Songo'o in goal, Naybet in defence, a Brazilian midfield of Conceicao, Djalminha, Mauro Silva and Donato, and the excellent dutchman Roy Makaay upfront, with Pauleta as an alternative, not to mention Turu Flores and Fran.

It really was a superb quality team and squad, and they played some excellent football. They topped the table in week 12, and stayed at the summit for the rest of the season, beating both Real Madrid and Barcelona at La Riazor along the way. In fact there biggest win of the season came in their home matches against Sevilla and Real Madrid, beating both sides 5-2. Roy Makaay ended the season with an impressive 22 goals in 36 matches.

The following four seasons saw reasonable success, with two second place finishes, and two seasons where they finished third. They also reached the quarter finals of the Champions League two seasons running, in 2001 and 2002, and one step better in 2004 where they lost to FC Porto in the semi final.

In the years that followed, though, they started to slip down the table as the squad broke up, and they finished eighth in 2005 and 2006, before slipping to thirteenth the following year. They had a brief revival with three top ten finishes in a row, before finally being relegated on the final day of the 2010-11 season following a 0-2 home defeat to Valencia, coupled with wins for Getafe and Zaragoza.

It has been sad to see a once vibrant team decline over the years, but it has been coming. The team have not been playing good football for a while, and have been posting some poor results, including a home defeat to Levante and losing away at Hercules.

My fear is that they probably won't come straight back up, and it may be some time before we see them back in top flight Spanish football. They lived the dream, and it was a great ride, but all good things come to an end. Let's just hope they get the opportunity to live it again, as they were a great side just a few short seasons ago.

Alcorcón: A Division Below But Leagues Ahead

Today we have a very special guest writer from MadridAtleticos, Gary Madrid, on assignment at the Alcorcón match, from this past weekend. With the playoffs looming it's time for some Liga Adelante aka Segunda A action. Enjoy!

Just outside Madrid, on one of the main motorways that leads to the south of Spain there is a turnoff. A special turn off it is not and where it leads to is nothing special. Alcorcón became headline news last year when they knocked out Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey. They became most Anti Madridista’s 2nd club and the clubs yellow scarves were sold outside stadiums including Real’s city rivals Atlético de Madrid. But, for all their success in the Copa Del Rey the team were determined to climb up the leagues using Getafe as an example. Last year they came up to the 2nd Division and some wondered would they be able to hack it. On Sunday they secured enough points to remain the 2nd Division for another year but the club haven’t stopped there and now are looking upwards to the playoffs where they are only 4 points off the last spot.

Alcorcón have a stadium of only 3000 but quiet it is not. It is very easy to park around the ground. The press officers of the club are friendly and accommodating and journalists and fans interact like old friends. The team play at Municipal Santo Domingo and have the full support of the town council because after all this is a community club. The club reached out to the locals and although Madrid has clubs like Real, Atleti etc. Alcorcón feel there is room for more. This season they have surprised quite a few people and a playoff place would be a just reward for all the hard work done by everyone at the club. Should they get promoted and Getafe stay up there would be 5 teams from the province of Madrid in the 1st Division.

On Sunday I attended the game and was surprised by the organisation of the club. Stewards and staff were surprised that any foreign writer would be interested in their club and at 1st they thought I was there to cover Granada. After assuring them that I was there to cover Alcorcón they showed me to the press area. It was perfect. The crowd came early to cheer the team on as they warmed up and Granada brought a decent away support. Fans knew that a point would guarantee their place in the division next year but they were there to enjoy their day in the sun. As the team sheets came hot off the printer, and I mean that literally, there was a shock as lead scorer Quini had been dropped. Journalists and fans conversed over the reasons for this and there was a good atmosphere all round. The game kicked off and all the fans were in full voice and then something amazing happened.

A player was lying on the floor after being tackled. A section of fans started to chant a famous chant that is sung across Spain: Pisalo (Stamp on him). A chant that is so common that nobody really notices it anymore. Within in 15 seconds an announcement was made asking fans to refrain from making any chants of a racist or violent nature. The whole ground applauded the announcement. I was taken by surprise by the level of disgust from the fans. ‘It’s a family club, why do these idiots come’ was what one fan told me at half time. ‘This type of thing is embarrassing to the club’ said another. I asked one employee of the club was it mandatory to make such announcements and he told me no but that Alcorcón wanted to set an example. The example was one that all Spanish clubs should follow because in this respect they are years ahead of most teams in Spain.

The game was played at a high tempo and the ref allowed the game to flow. Although Granada had little chance of automatic promotion they were not giving up without a fight. A defeat would lead to promotion for Betis. As the game went on the lack of goals did not take away from the enjoyment of the game. Just before half time Alcorcón got a penalty and slotted it home. At half time fans and journalists mixed again and exchanged views on the match. The 2nd half saw Granada really come out of the boxes and raring to go. Alcorcón rode their luck in the 2nd half but some good defending and luck saw them maintain their lead. As the game entered injury time they broke away on the counter attack and scored to make it 2-0. The whole ground broke in song. Nobody leaves here early as there is no point, there is no traffic. I had attended a few games in La Segunda and have always enjoyed them. The lack of press coverage they receive is a disgrace. Leaving the ground I made a promise to myself to return. Hopefully it will be in 2 weeks.

La Lambretta Radio: La Liga Bilingual Podcast #7

Roundtable guests today: The man at the controls, Miami Sound Machine aka Edu, Real Valladolid fan boy aka Eugenio, and La Jefa aka resident Malagueña, Inma, from La Lambretta Radio de España. La Lambrettinos are joined by Villarreal groguet Ravi aka @aupasubmarino now sleepless in Seattle, el Juez Jose aka Sportinguista Judge Joe, living in Madrid, and yours truly, Forza Futbol's very own, Elisa, to debate and discuss Spanish football.


Some of today's highlights:

o Saturday's relegation battles: where Malaga rocked Atletico, Racing striked back, Getafe showed they are not dead, and Sporting brought Depor to tears.
o We said adios to Almeria and Hercules.
o We pondered whether Xabi Prieto is a one club man?
o And we consoled Ravi as he recalled the Europa League match.

Plus much, much more.


A great way to learn Spanish or English on the topics we know and love!


Listen below, on itunes, ivoox or here.


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La Lambretta Radio: La Liga Bilingual Podcast #6

Today, la tertulia or gathering grows when el conductor Edu, el Real Malaga Jeque (aka Sheik) Antonio and el Pucelano Eugenio from La Lambretta Radio, join Villarreal fanatico Ravi aka @aupasubmarino from Seattle, and yours truly Elisa to talk about the following topics:

o Saturday's games and the shock losses of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, por que? (To quote Mou)
o Is it coincidence that el Kun always turns it up at the end of the season?
o Is 43 points the golden number for salvation?
o Will we see an exodus of Spanish players abroad this summer?

and much more.

A great way to learn Spanish or English on the topics we love!

Listen below, on itunes, ivoox or here.

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Old friends to return?

As the season is drawing to a close, I thought I would try and find out a little bit about the Spanish Segunda Division. Being based in England, you have to go hunting for info on the second tier, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to educate myself further on Spanish football.

Upon looking at the league table, with 35 of 42 games played, the first thing I notice is that we should be welcoming back an old friend into next year's Primera Liga. Real Betis, based in the Andalucian city of Seville, currently sit top of the table, ahead of Rayo Vallecano, themselves former members of the top flight, on the head to head rule. The top two are nine points ahead of another legendary club, Celta de Vigo. Barca Athletic sit fourth, currently in the playoff positions. However, under Spanish football rules, a club's "B" team cannot play in the same division as the senior team. Therefore, as it stands, the team in seventh, currently Valladolid, would enter the playoffs.

I for one will be delighted to see Real Betis back in the big time. Relegated in 2008-09, they are in their second season in the Segunda. Ironically, they were relegated from the top flight on a head-to-head record with Getafe, and in their first attempt at promotion, they missed out thanks to inferior head-to-head records against Levante and Hercules.

The stadium, Estadio Benito Villamarin, has always been a hostile and uncomfortable place for visiting teams to play. With a capactiy of over 52,000, it will be the fifth biggest stadium in La Liga (there are two unused stadiums in Spain that hold more: Lluis Companys, Espanyol's stadium until last season, holds just under 56,000, and Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville, which holds 57,619). It certainly is a formidable sight, especially when the locals are all decked out in the team's iconic green and white stripes.

So, what are their chances next season if they do seal promotion in the coming weeks? Well, their squad seems pretty strong on the face of it. They have a very good goalkeeper in Inaki Goitia, and some strong defenders, with the likes of Miki Roque, Isidoro and Jose Dorado all playing important roles this season. There is a lot of experience in midfield, and up front, they have two of the top scorers in the Segunda this season. Ruben Castro, especially, is an ever present player this term, and has 19 goals in his 35 appearances. Also chipping in with goals are Jorge Molina (15 in 27) and Achille Emana (13 in 24).

If they can maintain the nucleus of their squad, and with the right additions, they should be able to cement a place in the Primera Liga for some years to come. They have been missed for these last two seasons, and every fan of Spanish football should welcome them back with open arms.

Friends of Forza Futbol 2.0 the Podcasts

I am a podcast addict. I have a long commute in LA and I need my daily fix of Spanish Football news, drama, and game talk. If I can't get it daily, I will take it weekly.

I want to take this opportunity to recommend my favorite podcasts on Juego Bonito in Spain. Of course numero uno is our very own Forza Futbol podcast: game talk, spanish virtual pub, round tables and interviews.

But enough self promotions, one of my favorite club podcasts is new to the pod world. This is Atleti is hosted by Ricardo Menendez (California Boy), Gary Nunn (from www.madridatleticos.com) and Derek Maaijen (from www.atleticofans.com). These Colchoneros have great chemistry, wit, and truly express what it is to be an Atletico de Madrid fan. I love their passion and hope, as well as their in depth experience on the club. You can find these guys weekly on itunes and from their respective websites. Quality act.

Another one of my favorites in the Spanishfootball.info podcast. This is also a fairly new pod and normally comes out once a month. British expats, not living in Spain, Jamie MacGregor, Richard Martin, Kieran Canning, and Dave Cartlidge provide a much needed neutral perspective, in depth analysis and really know their stuff. I hope to see the pod released more frequently.

One of the veterans of Spanish Football podcasting is La Liga Weekly formerly known as Real Madrid Talk. Kevin, Corey, Mark, and Isaiah are wild and crazy guys. They tend to focus on the eternal rivals, but have a wealth of knowledge on La Liga. The podcast normally comes out once a month. It used to come out more frequently.

I have to highlight our bilingual podcast that we are producing with La Lambretta Radio, on Sundays live on the internet and via podcast. This is a great way to develop your spanish or english skills on topics we know and love. Edu and Inma, regulars of La Lambretta's daily spanish internet show and podcast combine with yours truly forza futbol, along with other special guests. La Liga and Liga Adelante rule.

Lastly, my favorite podcast directly from Spain is Punto Radio's El Mirador. It is available on itunes or directly from their website, or live on the radio. I just love Augustin Castellote, his editorial views, as well as la tertulia or roundtable gathering where pundits argue about the topics of the day. The podcast is available Sunday through Friday. This man talks about all the clubs, all the issues, primera and segunda. He is neutral and tells it like he sees it. The podcasts are in Spanish, but it is the best of the best.

Forza Futbol & La Lambretta Radio - Spanish Football Bilingual Podcast no 3

Today, Edu from La Lambretta Radio, el Doctor Julio from Santander, and yours truly Elisa talk about the following topics:

o Relegation battle and remaining fixtures
o Edu's trip to Madrid to see Sporting v Real Madrid with Inma
o Where should Fernando Llorente play?
o Is it fair that B teams cannot get promoted to Primera division?
o The Marcellino revolution at Racing Santander
o Liga Adelante


and much more.

A great way to learn Spanish or English on the topics we love!

Listen below, on itunes, ivoox or here.


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Forza Futbol on La Lambretta Radio - Spanish Football Bilingual Podcast no 2

Today, Edu from La Lambretta Radio and yours truly Elisa talk about the following topics:

o USA v Argentina friendly
o Spain v Czech Republic Euro Qualifier
o Second Division in Spain - La Liga Adelante
o Edu's trip to Madrid to watch Real Madrid v Sporting Gijon
o La Liga
o Upcoming friendly USA v Spain in Boston

and much more.

A great way to learn Spanish or English on the topics we love!


You can find it here, on ivoox, itunes or www.lalambrettaradio.com

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