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Messi vs Ronaldo - Can Ron Rule Out a Messi Night in Madrid?

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Messi vs Ronaldo - Can Ron Rule Out a Messi Night in Madrid? It's that time of year again. El Clasico is upon us and in turn the prospect of perhaps the greatest match-up in club football. Amongst their ranks the two sides have some of the world's greatest players, though two undoubtedly shine out above the rest, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo again ...

Why Guardiola May Opt for a 3-man Backline in El Clásico

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Why Guardiola May Opt for a 3-man Backline in El Clásico There is a lot of speculation surrounding Barcelona’s defensive system, and whether Guardiola would dare to line-up in the Clásico with three defenders at the back. Considering the fact that Real Madrid have scored 49 La Liga goals this season and are deadly on fast breaks, it is hard t...

Old Lady Needs A Hand: Gentlemen, Are You Ready?

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Old Lady Needs A Hand: Gentlemen, Are You Ready? Mirko Vučinić divides opinion even more readily than he could ever slice through a defence, his languid playing style - often so relaxed it makes Dimitar Berbatov look dedicated - frustrates as many observers as his incredible skill enraptures others. The Montenegrin striker goes from being 'Big Gam...

Player Focus: Real Madrid Assisted by an Angel

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Player Focus: Real Madrid Assisted by an Angel As usual, Jose Mourinho called it right. The Special One has always insisted his second season should be the one that defines him and so far, at least, it’s looking good for Real Madrid. Three points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga and with a game in hand, winning all five of their Ch...

Podolski Epitomising the 'One-Man Team' Phrase?

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Podolski Epitomising the 'One-Man Team' Phrase? When it comes to so-called 'one-man teams', and indeed one-team men, Lukas Podolski ranks as one of the very best. A product of FC Cologne's youth academy, Podolski did attempt to make the step up in the biggest possible way in domestic German football, joining Bayern Munich in 2006. Having endured ...

Chelsea, AC Milan and MGladbach End Rivals' Runs

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Chelsea, AC Milan and MGladbach End Rivals' Runs Newcastle and Genoa both lost at home for the first time this season. Dortmund’s run of four straight wins came to an end as their top of the table clash at MGladbach ended in a draw and allowed Bayern Munich to sneak back to the Bundesliga summit. WhoScored’s usual Monday look at those ...

Battle of the Borussias in Top Two Showdown

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Battle of the Borussias in Top Two Showdown As the goals flew in from every angle and the clean sheets kept on rolling, many had already written off this year’s Bundesliga title as the property of Bayern Munich. The return of Jupp Heynckes to the Allianz Arena was meant to herald in the good times once again and after a temporary openin...

How Can Liverpool Cope Without Lucas?

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How Can Liverpool Cope Without Lucas? Considered a liability by many for much of his early career with Liverpool, it is indicative of the progress made by Lucas Leiva that the recent confirmation of a knee ligament injury set to keep the Brazilian out for the rest of the season has hit the club and it's fans so hard.Tipped as the next D...

Udinese’s Losses See Them Become A Cliché

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Udinese’s Losses See Them Become A Cliché Lazy stereotypes. Admit it, we've all done it. Writing about German football without using the word efficient is the journalistic equivalent of eating a doughnut without licking your lips. Italian football is slow, dull and built on playing not to lose rather than going for the win. England's player...

Player Focus: Mata Motoring Despite Poor Start from Chelsea

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Player Focus: Mata Motoring Despite Poor Start from Chelsea Adapting to a new environment can often take time. Whether it be a different style of play, a language barrier or coping with greater expectations on the back of a huge transfer fee, there are a number of reasons as to why the first season at a new club can so often be cited as a nothing more than a...