SPAIN: La Liga

The Real Madrid board of directors, which met today, Monday 11 March 2019, has decided to terminate Santiago Solari's contract as first-team coach, whilst Real Madrid have offered him the opportunity to remain at the club.

Real Madrid wish to thank Solari for his work, commitment and the loyalty that he has always displayed towards this club, which is his home.

The board of directors also agreed on the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as head coach of Real Madrid with immediate effect for the remainder of the season and the next three campaigns, until 30 June 2022.

The Real Madrid president will address the media alongside Zinedine Zidane at 8pm (CET) tonight in the Santiago Bernabéu media room.

About as good as it gets for Madrid getting Zidane back, this will be crucial for them in signing players. Perez must be ecstatic

Everybody is happy about this move especially Isco who was destroyed on the bench with Solari. Probably sad news only for clubs who have talented players because this summer Real Madrid will definitely hunt something bigger. Hope so for Hazard or Mbappe.

Marcelo and Isco instantly back into the line-up in Zidane's first game back

Isco goal, Marcelo assist, Navas clean sheet sheet, 2-0 win. Zidane off to a good start

11’ Celta Vigo 0-1 Villarreal
15’ Celta Vigo 0-2 Villarreal
50’ Celta Vigo 1-2 Villarreal
71’ Celta Vigo 2-2 Villarreal
86’ Celta Vigo 3-2 Villarreal

Villarreal would've been 7 pts clear of relegation zone had they won, yet they blow a 0-2 lead and lose and are just 1 pt clear of 18th Celta Vigo. CRAZY how one half can change your situation

Benzema came up clutch today for Real Madrid. Unlucky to Huesca though what a point that would've been for them in their first trip to Bernabeu

Gaizka Garitano effect. Athletic Bilbao were 18th in La Liga after 14 matches and after a Garitano appointed as a new manager now Bilbao are 4th with 3 points below for Europa League spot. Tremendous job.

‪12’ Villarreal 0-1 Barcelona‬
‪16’ Villarreal 0-2 Barcelona‬
‪23’ Villarreal 1-2 Barcelona‬
‪50’ Villarreal 2-2 Barcelona‬
‪62’ Villarreal 3-2 Barcelona‬
‪80’ Villarreal 4-2 Barcelona‬
‪91’ Villarreal 4-3 Barcelona ‬
‪94’ Villarreal 4-4 Barcelona

OH MY GOD.

La Liga 2018-19 – Valencia vs Real Madrid Betting Preview



Red hot Valencia look to take another step towards the top 4 as they host a Zidane led Real Madrid at Mestalla in a massive game for the home side!

Currently Valencia are 6th in the table, however with a win they could move into 5th and get within 1 point of 4th places Getafe who are currently occupying the final Champions League spot.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid aren’t exactly playing for much more than 2nd place. Currently placed 3rd in the table, Madrid could move within 2 pts of their City rivals Atletico in 2nd, but other than that they’re not in the title race as they’re 13 pts off the top nor are they in danger of falling out of top 4 as they’re 10 pts clear. Real Madrid are really just playing for nothing other than try to get some confidence heading into the next season.

Full preview - betblog.com/previews/foo...-madrid-betting-preview/

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Betting Preview



The top 2 in La Liga face off at Nou Camp in a pivotal game in the title race which could basically be decided here!

Currently with 8 games to go, Barcelona seem to be safely ahead of Atletico by 8 points, however the job isn’t finished yet and they need to get a result otherwise the gap could get cut to 5 points if Atletico were to win and the title race may re-open up again. With a win, Barca would go 11 pts clear and pretty much put any questions to bed concerning the La Liga winners. This really is a MUST win for Atletico if they want any shot to catch Barca.

Full preview - betblog.com/previews/foo...-madrid-betting-preview/

What an entertaining first 30 mins between Barca and Atletico, but Costa just got sent off what a silly time to get sent off. Barca’s game for sure now

Oblak is dropping an absolute masterclass, save after save. Unreal performance

What a goal by Suarez and then MESSI follows up with a cheeky finish. Title race done and dusted now surely. Unlucky for Atletico they played well but Barca are just different class man

Suarez couldn't have got it anymore perfect. Incredible finish

And of course Messi. Just when they thought they stopped him, he pops up with this cheeky finish 😄 THE GOAT

Barcelona are now unbeaten in 19 consecutive home games against Atletico (12W 7D), no defeats since 2006

Lionel Messi has been directly involved in 13 goals in his last 6 apps for Barca in all comps (10G 3A). Ridiculous form

Diego Costa handed eight-game ban for insulting referee's mother



Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has been banned for eight games after being found guilty of abusing referee Jesus Gil Manzano during his side's 2-0 loss to Barcelona.

The Spain international, who rejoined the Madrid club from Chelsea in 2018 -- four years after leaving Diego Simeone's side for Stamford Bridge -- insulted the official's mother, according to Manzano's match report from the La Liga fixture on April 6.

His post-match report stated: "In the 28th minute, number 19 ... Diego Costa was sent off for the following reason: saying to me loudly, in the following terms: 'I s**t on your w**** mother, I s**t on your w**** mother!'"

The suspension, which has been handed down by the Spanish Football Federation on Thursday, rules the 30-year-old Costa out of Atletico's remaining domestic league games this season. He will also miss one game next season.

Atletico is second in the La Liga table, 11 points behind leaders Barcelona.

Half of the ban relates to the verbally abusive comments, while the other four matches are the result of Costa grabbing the referee's arm.

Costa has also been fined $6,769. He has the right to appeal the sanctions.

Karim Benzema has scored 8 goals in his last 5 games for Real Madrid and has also become the first ever player to score 8 consecutive goals for the club without anyone else scoring one

vs Huesca - 1G
vs Valencia - 1G
vs Eibar - 2G
vs Leganes - 1G
vs Bilbao - 3G

He's absolutely on fire

Barcelona are just one win away from securing their 8th league title in 11 years. Unbelievable dominance by them