Getafe-Barcelona

Michael Laudrup, Getafe's Danish coach, has been under pressure after taking over the job as Getafe's head coach; they were outstanding last season, qualifying for the UEFA Cup, but this season's start has been difficult.
It was therefore interesting whether Mr. Laudrup could muster his troops for a clash with FC Barcelona, where he played himself, with great success, during the 1990's.
Getafe last season eliminated Barcelona from the Spanish Copa del Rey, and there was some talk of Barcelona needing to get some kind of revenge.
However, a disappointing Barcelona side didn't seem like they were overly motivated against a well-organised Getafe side. Although Barcelona had more possession and some chances in the first half, Getafe took the lead before halftime. I had been expecting Barcelona to come out attacking, but second half was one of the most pathetic displays I have seen from Rijkaard's Barcelona side. Without Deco, Ronaldinho and Messi injured/uninspired, the rest of the team seemed poor: the youngsters Giovanni and Bojan were spineless, and Henry still seems to need more adapting to the team.
In the end, a frustrated Zambrotta got a deserved red card for a headless tackle, and Getafe made a second goal on a counter-attack, to win a well deserved victory, although against a disappointing opponent.

With Real Madrid winning an apparently spectacular game 4-3 against Mallorca the Merengues are firmly on first spot, followed by Villarreal by one point, and then Barcelona and Valencia tied with 24 points.

The Spanish League seems to be as exciting this season as it was in last, with Real Madrid looking strong, but definetly not undefeatable. I am certain we have a lot of more exciting games to come!

Spanish League end of year

In the last game of 2005 in the Spanish League, Real Madrid ended a horrible year by losing 1-2 at home to Racing Santander. As thorughout the year, Real Madrid was pathetic, a team without spirit, that doesn't even inspire respect any more. The Real Madrid fans were not happy. It will be a sad Christmas in Real Madrid!
On the other hand, Christmas will be great in Barcelona. They ended the year with a comfortable 2-0 victory against Celta Vigo. Barcelona is playing amazingly, and many of it's players are on the top of their career at the moment. Barcelona is formidable, and heading straight to a new Spanish title in 2006, and they are certainly the team to watch in 2006!
My own favourites from Valencia have been improving lately, and they finished the year with a good 3-0 home victory against Mallorca. This puts them on third spot in the League table, and the team is sure to continue ahead in 2006, although to threaten Barcelona in any way must remain in the realm of hope.