Levante Kit 2011-2012

Levante UD came out with their new kits for 2011-2012 today; announced as you can see at the Valencia Aquarium. The microfiber material blend is from kit provider Luanvi, a local sportswear company from Valencia, Spain, and the Valencian Community is their shirt sponsor. The club have also added a logo commemorating their 100th anniversary "Fundación 100 anys" to all variations of their kit.
Primary Kit: the color order has been switched and the blue returns to a much lighter tone. Secondary Kit: the vertical stripes are gone, and the shirt goes to all black with one large vertical white strip over the badge. The third kit is similar in  tone to the first or primary kit, but the flag of Valencia sits right in the middle of the shirt, and the goalkeeper's kit is pink with black shorts.

Reflection: It's a nice kit. I like local sportswear companies when they design kits. They get the details right with just the right amount of innovation and it never seems like they created the kits off of a stock design.

La Lambretta Radio: La Liga Bilingual Podcast #8

La Tertulia guests today: Mix Master Emcee, Edu aka @lalambretta, Writer extraordinaire from elblaugrana.com, Inma aka @inmazv, Ravi aka @aupasubmarino from Seattle via India, el Colchonero y cantador from @thisisatleti and @estoesatleti podcasts, Ricky, and yours truly, Forza Futbol's very own, Elisa, debate and discuss Spanish football!!


Some of today's highlights:

o Does Quique v Forlan remind us of Pellegrini v Riquelme?
o Is Málaga the Manchester City of Primera La Liga?
o Is Valencia's Vicente the misunderstood genio or a rebel without a cause?
o Is Bojan due for a transfer to a club with less pressure?

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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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 LaLambrettaRadio Bilingual La Liga Podcast no 1a & 1b

We had the pleasure of doing a LIVE bilingual Internet Radio show on La Liga today with our friend Edu Pérez Suárez from La Lambretta Radio.

Topics covered:

o Live commentary on the March 20th La Liga early fixtures of Jornada 29
o Chatting about the historic potential El Clásico guantlet - 4 games in 3 weeks
o Discussing the exciting relegation battle that covers half the La Liga table.

The podcast is for English learners and Spanish learners. We hope to do more of this including roundtables in the near future.


You can also find LaLambrettaRadio and our bilingual podcasts at their site and on itunes. Enjoy!

PART 1~
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PART 2~
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P.S.

Some of the Lambrettinas having a great time at the Malaga game. I think the sheik with the suitcase has some influence over the players :P.





Holy Crap the Sheik made the big time on El Dia Despues! Awesome!

Welcome to La Otra Liga

More than halfway through the season in La Liga and surprise, surprise, Barcelona and Real Madrid are at the top of the league, with very little chance of dropping any points. Hence the title race in Spain is over for any other team but the duopoly.

Other rumblings on my facebook page/community are complaining about the Spanish league getting boring, non competitive etc. Especially today, there were three games, and quite frankly the first two, Valencia - Sporting Gijón and Real Madrid - Levante were snorefests.

At least Real Zaragoza - Atlético Madrid had spice, physicality, counter attacks, scoring opportunities, grit and a fairly even game. Los Blanquillos most probably will feel hard done by, as they so easily could have won that game. Leo Franco was amazing against his old side in goal, Gabi the captain and playmaker was brilliant and Nico Bertolo completely changed the game when he came in as a sub. But Atléti played a solid tough game too. Ujfalusi and Perea were hard men in defense. Reyes was sublime and created space for his forwards and Kun Aguero stepped up his game and scored the winner.

Back to the first two borefests, well what do you expect? Valencia is coming off a midweek Champions League game, while Sporting is fighting tooth and nail for every point. The Asturian club will continue their La Liga catenaccio style until it fails to produce results. Hey it worked on Barça! We will see more small teams play a physical, anti-football game.

Real Madrid steamrolled over Levante at home. After the first two goals, Levante, after a mini meeting, basically packed their bags, agreed to keep it respectable, but don't let anyone get hurt, cause their is a relegation battle to be had. Scratch this one off as no chance. May I remind you about the TV Revenues deal and the fact that Real Madrid earns the most and has the biggest budget in Spain, if not World football, while Levante has the smallest. We will see more teams, do the same. I see it as a form of protest too. Can't compete, why bother.

Now, I still believe that La Liga has the best quality on the pitch, juego bonito, technique, tactics, etc. It also produces so many fantastic young players locally and those brought in from overseas, that can flourish and have every opportunity to fight their way into the first team. Each team has their cantera or quarry and maintain paid reserve teams (see B and C teams). The B teams are playing competitive games, day in and day out, in either Segunda B aka the reserve league or Segunda A, which is an extremely vibrant contest, just below Primera, where you can find Villarreal B and Barça B.

So La Liga fanaticos, let's admit that this is a three-tiered league and that the reason we love La Liga is for the style of play and beauty on the pitch. It's time to inundate ourselves in La Otra Liga or the Other League. La Otra Liga is 3 races. The race for the 3rd and 4th UCL positions, which quite frankly looks like Valencia and Villarreal are in the driver's seat. As well as the battle for the Europa League, which is 5th - 7th place this year, due to the duopoly presence in the Copa del Rey final. Anything goes in this race, as 3rd - 11th all have a chance of earning those spots. 3rd and 4th, am I crazy? Well, there are 14 more La Liga games, fixture congestion for those involved in Europe, meanwhile any bad patch, (see Angel-less Villarreal), and you just never know. The relegation battle is on! This year, like last, is one big huge mess! Mathematically, teams from 12th - 20th are treading on thin ice. Expect more catenaccio, physical play, anti-football, draws, and even snoozers. It's a dog eat dog points game, my friend.

All in all, there are no foregone conclusions or easy rides. This is far from an egalitarian league. You want equality, go watch MLS or the Mexican playoffs. This is La Liga, with the haves and have nots, the juego bonito, the passes, the dribbling, the wingers, the false nines, the defenders who attack, the attackers who defend, the playmakers, and the young stars who grow and excel in front of your very eyes.

Is their an imbalance and a risk of the league losing it's lustre? Indeed. Is there a need for drastic change and a tv revenues revolution? No doubt.

But this is La Liga and I love it.

La Liga Team of Round 23

Round 23 was very exciting and a hard fought bunch of games. There were several relegation 6 pointers, as well as some difficult away fixtures for the top 4 teams. Only 22 goals this week and 4 clean sheets. Here is my best of the weekend:

Goal Keeper: Dudu Aouate (Mallorca)

The underrated Israeli had another solid game. The Barrallets managed an early goal. Soon afer, the three pronged attack of Iker Muniain, Javi Martinez, and Fernando LLorente pummelled the Mallorca goal. Dudu made save after save.

Defenders: Marc Torrejón (Racing Santander), Pepe (Real Madrid), Jose Angel (Sporting Gijón)

The ex Espanyol defender, Torrejón, was immense this weekend as he lead the 10 man Racing Santander defense against Sevilla. His best game to date. His team garnered 3 golden points in operation salvation.

Pepe returned after injury to the Real Madrid starting 11, against a very determined Espanyol After the early sending off of Iker Casillas in goal, Pepe stayed calm and was quick to intercept many threats on goal. He deserves that contract renewal asap.

Young canterano Jose Angel was a threat for Sporting Gijón, in defense and attack. He utilized his pace to full effect and contained the best right back in the world, according to many, Barçelona's Dani Alves. Who says you can't play Jose Angel and Roberto Canella!

Midfielders: Juan Rodriguez (Deportivo), Kennedy (Racing Santander), Francisco Farinós (Hércules), Francisco Portillo (Málaga), Joaquin (Valencia)

So difficult to choose one midfielder, so I picked 5. La Liga is midfielder heaven.

Juan Rodriguez, who is rumored to be going to Getafe in the summer, was instrumental in Depor's upset over Villarreal. He was a constant danger on the right and made sure that his team took all 3 points in operation salvation.

Kennedy has been a revelation in the midfield for Racing this year. He was extremely impressive, as he contained the Sevilla attack.

The veteran crack, one of the top Spanish transfers in the modern era, from Valencia to Inter Milan. Farinós,the old timer, now at Hércules, initiated the come back against follow relegation rival Real Zaragoza, with a goal and an assist to Trezeguet. His first start this season was one to remember.

The Málaga canterano, Portillo, with very limited primera experience, was instrumental in the midfield. He was key in the comeback against Getafe that ended with a point. Definitely one to watch.

The veteran winger, also one of the most expensive Spanish transfers, is finally playing to his potential. Joaquin, the captain and ex Betico, led the comeback against Atlético Madrid away, and netted two quality goals for the win.

Strike Force: Raúl Tamudo (Real Sociedad), Felipe Caicedo (UD Levante)

Basque derbies are extremely physical and rife with anti-football. But it was only a matter of time that La Real, with all their chances, would score. Tamudo came through with a cheeky goal. His first attempt was blocked, but on the rebound, he managed to pull off a hospitable ball into the back of the net, with his back to goal.

Felipe Caicedo has been immense for the Valencian team, who are now on a bit of a run. A 6 pointer against Almerîa, with controversy. Caicedo came through with the only goal. Clinical.


3-5-2: AOUATE; TORREJON, PEPE, JOSE ANGEL; JUAN RODRIGUEZ, PORTILLO, FARINOS, KENNEDY, JOAQUIN; TAMUDO, CAICEDO

Best of Jornada 22 in La Liga

Time to pay homage to those players that really impressed this past week.


GOAL:

Just for that awesome save that was just out of this world, My hat goes off to Vicente Guaita from Valencia. Incredible piece of skill and timing against Hercules in the derby Valenciano. What vision! What reflexes! What a stretch! Mystifying.


DEFENSE:

Kudos go to a player out of position (Eliseu), an over the hill veteran (Ballasteros) and one who stepped up to the captaincy (Fernando Navarro).

Normally a left winger, Eliseu was asked to play at Left Back for Pellegrini in the Andaluz derby against Sevilla. That said, he was solid and handled his defensive and offensive duties with ease. Shame the finishing by the anchovies was lacking.

Big, thick, over the hill, these are some of the names often heard by Sergio Ballasteros, but this week the central defender had a massive game (no pun intended). He was part of the five man defensive wall, that coach Luis Garcia played at the back against the red hot Villarreal in El Madrigal. The Granotes surprised the Yellow Submarines and Ballasteros did the same. Quality display.

Fernando Navarro was one of the few shining stars for Sevilla in the Andaluz derby. He came through with some critical tackles to halt the Malaga attack and the Euro champion let his actions speak, as he allowed very little goal penetration by the opposing side.


MIDFIELD:

Brasilian superstar, Rikki Kaka had one of his best games with Los Merengues this season. He played with calmness, stealth and velocity. He opened the flood gates, with the opening goal against Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu. The best man on the pitch without a doubt.

After a poor run of form and a consecutive string of losses, Getafe came back to life and trounced Deportivo La Coruña. The one man who was involved in nearly every single play was Jaime Gavilan. Incredible game.

Solid in the center and even bagging a goal, Hernan Bernardello has been a key player for Almería over the past few games. The ex-Newell's hard man has really made the difference for the little Andalusian club. He was instrumental in holding the win against a very difficult Espanyol.

The trickster, el travieso Iker Muniain has been playing out of his skin. The 17 year old enganche received his first call up tothe Spain U-21s and was eager to show Coach Milla that this was not a fluke. Against Sporting Gijon, he started on the wings, but moved into the middle and became the sublime playmaker. I love watching this kid grow and fulfill his potential at Athletic, in front of our very eyes. He is the real deal. It was fantastic to see him play with Ander and Javi Mar in the U-21s this week, as well.


UPFRONT


Messi, Messi, Messi - hat trick king extraordinaire now tied with Cristiano Ronaldo for the pichichi. He ran rampage over Atletico de Madrid with ease. Doesn't he link up so well with Alves, El Guaje Villa and Pedro?

Cristiano Ronaldo was fit to be tied. He is obsessed over that pichichi trophy, so he netted two against Real Sociedad. Incredible drive and skills.

Finally Getafe's coach Michel plays two strikers upfront and brings back Adrian Colunga into the starting eleven. Well, the ex-Recreativo striker proved his worth by scoring a brace and spurring the team on to win in the process. Colunga started off the season slow and nervy, but it looks like the mighty mite has finally found his groove. Stupendous game.


GUAITA (VALENCIA); ELISEU (MALAGA), BALLASTEROS (LEVANTE), FERNANDO NAVARRO (SEVILLA); KAKA (REAL MADRID), GAVILAN (GETAFE), BERNARDELLO (ALMERIA), MUNIAIN (ATHLETIC); MESSI (BARCELONA), RONALDO (REAL MADRID), COLUNGA (GETAFE)

LA LIGA Team of Round 21

Let's go with a 4-3-3 this week. Yes finally 4 defenders! This week is a tribute to some of the journeymen in La Liga.


IN GOAL: DIEGO LOPEZ (VILLARREAL)

The Spanish International was on his game, in a thrilling 0-1 win at fortress Cornellá Prat. This was a very important win, as Villarreal had been shakey away, in the first half of the season. The shotstopper produced several critical saves on Callejon, Javi Marques and Verdú.


IN DEFENSE: IRAOLA (ATHLETIC CLUB), SERGIO (OSASUNA), ABIDAL (BARCA), CANELLA (SPORTING)

Iraola has been performing at an extremely high level. He is one of the reasons that Athletic Bilbao is vying for a European spot this year. Two assists to Toquero that resulted in a brace. Add to that, solid defending in ACB's away win at the Vicente Calderon.

Osasuna's Sergio had an amazing game keeping Benzema, Cristiano and Adebayor at bay. Numerous shots on goal, but the team from Pamplona refused to budge. He was a wall.

With the injury to Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal needed to step into the center of defense and pair up with Pique. No problem for the French International. It took awhile for the blaugrana to breakdown Hercules, but the speedy defender never faltered.

Roberto Canella has earned back his starting place at left back for Sporting Gijón. Against the Barallets, he was a dangerous threat on the left, even forcing Kevin to score an own goal. The kid's kind of special.


IN MIDFIELD: CAMUNAS (OSASUNA) JAVI MARQUES (ESPANYOL), BERTOLO (ZARAGOZA)

The underrated Camuñas was a constant threat to the Madrid backline and wings. He played with stealth, speed and intelligence and earned the game winning goal. Tremendous work rate.

Not sure why Pochettino took off Javi Marques in the 60th minute against a very difficult Villarreal, as he was the best player on the pitch. He consistently pushed the team on, to attack Diego Lopez' goal. Marques is one of the many young revelations at the club.

The on loan Argentine striker from Palermo, Nicolas Bertolo, played hard and eked out the equalizer against Málaga. It was the adrenaline shot that spurred on los Maños to an eventual away win and 3 golden points, in operation salvation.


UPFRONT: CAICEDO (LEVANTE), TAMUDO (REAL SOCIEDAD), NEGREDO (SEVILLA)

The player with the highest rate of success in front of goal this season is Felipe Caicedo. On loan from Manchester City, he garnered another fabulous performance for the struggling Valencian side. 3 essential points against a free falling Getafe at home, was a necessity. Caicedo produced a lovely assist and a goal to top it all off.

With the recent back injury to Joseba Llorente, the ex Espanyol veteran Raul Tamudo, finally got a start for La Real. He came out flying. Initially taken aback as the referee failed to call two clear penalties. The Spanish International took fate into his own hands and produced an assist and a goal. The latter in the midst of a torrential rain storm. No matter, 3 points for the Basque club puts them ever closer to safety.

A red card to Andres Palop early in the game and going two goals down by the 60th minute, one might think that Sevilla were going to go home without any points. But Alvaro Negredo fought tooth and nail and earned a brace. The first goal was very opportunistic, while the second goal that put 10 men Sevilla ahead, was a bit of class. At the end, Depor's Laure equalized, so they split the points. But the ex Rayo Vallecano canterano put on an amazing fighting display.

La Celeste in La Liga – Week 5 Levante Catenaccio

So far there are no clear cut leaders nor extremely poor teams in La Liga. As we continue to feel the after effects of a World Cup year, I expect to see more injuries, upsets, and unpredictability. This past week was no exception….
Player of the Round: RCD Mallorca’s Chori Castro is returning to form. He was an instrumental part of the 2-0 home win against Martin Lasartre’s lackluster Real Sociedad. Chori was lethal, controlled the left side, and extremely dangerous in attack. His best game of the season so far.
To read more go to: http://www.lacelesteblog.com/?p=3489

Financial Problems in Spain's Second Division

Running a Football club is extremely expensive. Most clubs in La Liga, are run at a loss. Some clubs still choose to expense their debt over future periods, rather than as they are incurred. This is extremely misleading and doesn't show the clear financial picture of a club. In addition, La Liga continues to allow clubs to negotiate their own Television rights locally and globally. This means the big clubs get the lion's share of the local and foreign revenues, whereas the smaller clubs are fortunate to get their games on the air.

The Spanish second division is even more precarious. Prior to the start of each season, the Spanish RFEF reviews the clubs to ensure that they have met all their financial obligations, including payments to players. This year the deadline is July 31st. If they cannot meet these obligations, they will be relegated. How do clubs avoid this punishment? Well, they file for protection from creditors under the Spanish "Ley Concursal", similar to the U.S. equivalent of Chapter 11. Currently, both Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad are far behind in their payments. But unlike in other countries, in Spain, they can avoid any sporting penalty, if these two club file for protection under Ley Concursal. Las Palmas and Alaves both filed under this law, avoided relegation and the court sided that they could not pay their players while under administration. Sound fair? What about the players? Levante could follow suit. Salamanca, Elche and Albacete, among others have been reported to the player's association (AFE) for non payment of wages and salaries. How many other clubs will fall and file for protection? No wonder the players are threatening with a strike.

The big clubs and star players are fine, but what about the career of the workman players, the regular joes trying to make end's meat. And what about the future stars? . How can they pay their bills and support their family? The disparity is appalling. What can the Spanish RFEF and Player's Association do to improve this situation? What about TV revenue sharing similar to the Premiership and soon Serie A? Will this help at all? What about stronger financial oversight, accountabily, and assistance? What about a sporting penalty IE relegation or deducting points for any club that files for protection, similar to Serie A? Isn't the strength of the top league and youth system, depend largely on the strength of the Second division? Or is it survival of the fittest in a global economy? What do you think?