Referee"s Always Favour Real Madrid - Valencia

Benzema had a goal allowed when he was clearly in an offside position from the first shot, “eres un cagón” shouted the front page, basically “you shat yourself” – the words spoken by Valencia’s Rodrigo to the ref that led to his expulsion.

Karim Benzema (9) in an offside position as Ronaldo crossed a ball to the French striker

The replays show the French striker was offside, then onside, and that goal gave Real Madrid a 2-0 lead after Ronaldo had opened the scoring, breaking yet another record. Valencia “struck the fear of God into the madridistas”, as the Valencia paper puts it, putting Real Madrid’s unlikely title hopes in jeopardy when Rodrigo and André Gomes pegged the hosts back to 3-2.

Real Madrid won 3-2 against Valencia to move into second place ahead of city rivals, Atletico

Los blancos were whistling for full-time as extra-time seconds ticked on but managed to hold on and keep a flickering hope alive that Granada can do them a favour on the final day of the season, as Atleti crashed and burned at the final hurdle against Levante.

It was a “dignified defeat” said Andres Godella for the valencianistas, in Superdeporte, lamenting “What would it be like, just once, to visit the Bernabéu without some refereeing injustice”.

Referee"s Always Favour Real Madrid - Valencia

Wakaso Scores on Return from Injury

Spain based Ghanaian midfielder Mubarack Wakasu made a scoring return for Las Palmas after a lengthy spell on the treatment room.

The crocked midfielder opened his Liga account with the rejuvenated Palmas as they spanked Espanyol 4-0 on his return to first team action.

Wakasu, who has missed the last 9 matches for Palmas, came on as a 65th replacement for Lemos Mauricio but only needed 10 minutes to add to the goal feast.

The much travelled Ghanaian midfielder connected a delicious pass from William Jose to register his personal first in the league and his side’s fourth of the night.

Initial strikes from Nabil El Zhar Jonathan Viera and Pedro Bigas ended the clash as a contest before Wakasu completed the demolition exercise.

Wakaso Scores on Return from Injury

Barcelona Unveil Plans to Redevelop Nou Camp Stadium

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu unveiled plans for the redevelopment of the club’s Nou Camp stadium.

The project, designed by a Japanese firm, will increase the ground’s capacity from 99,000 to 105,000 spectators and install a roof.

Redevelopment is set to begin in 2017 and finish in 2021, with the bulk of the work taking place in the off season to avoiding affecting Barcelona’s home games.

‘A club like ours needs the best stadium, we all win with the new Nou Camp,’ Bartomeu said.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez said he felt ‘privileged’ after scoring four goals against Deportivo La Coruna to move ahead of Brazilian Ronaldo’s tally of 48 goals in a season for the club.

 

The Uruguayan, who moved on to 49 goals in 48 games in the campaign, inspired Barca to an 8-0 rout of Deportivo, ending a run of four games without a league win and reigniting their bid to retain the La Liga title.

Barcelona Unveil Plans to Redevelop Nou Camp Stadium

Barca Appologizes For Coach’s Comment

Barcelona have finally apologized to a journalist who was unfairly snubbed by coach Luis Enrique at a press conference.

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique was visibly upset last Sunday when his side went down 2-1 to Valencia in La Liga.

Following the defeat, the Catalan giants found themselves level with Atletico Madrid and one point ahead of their rivals Real Madrid.

The result blew the title race wide open, something that angered Enrique, judging from his mood at a post-match press conference.

During the press briefing the 45-year-old boss was asked by a journalist named Victor Malo about the fitness of the team.

Here is how the conversation went down after the question from the sports journalist:

Luis Enrique: ”What was your surname?”

Journalist: ”Malo’’.

Luis Enrique: ”Correct, next question.’’

It should be noted that ‘’Malo’’ in Spanish means ‘’bad’’ and Enrique’s comments were probably meant to inform the journalist how bad his question was, or how bad he was at his job.

The assumptions aside, Barca reportedly sent an apology to the journalist’s employers, according to Sport.

Confirming the incident, Malo revealed:

“Nobody from the club has called me to apologise directly, but they called the newspaper to do so.”

The Spanish tactician’s temper was quite understood given the fact that Los Blaugrana blew away their 7-point lead at the top of the table in a matter of weeks, and are now cornered by two Madrid giants.

The Camp Nou outfit have now gone three matches without a win in the league, their worst record since 2011

Barca Appologizes For Coach’s Comment

Raul To Play For Real Madrid Again

Raúl González will pull on the white shirt of Real Madrid with which he is synonymous again in the seventh edition of the Corazón Classic charity match at the Bernabéu on June 5 , when Ajax will be the guest opposition.

Raúl’s agent, Ginés Carvajal, confirmed to AS that the presence of the legendary number seven is 95 percent assured. Raúl has a couple of entries in his diary to attend to in the US in his role as LaLiga ambassador but, all being well, he will line up for Madrid again three years after his last appearance at the Bernabéu during the Trofeo Bernabéu, when Al-Saad were the invited team. During that game Raúl, who was at the Qatari club at the time, played for both sides.

The match on June 5 will serve as an homage to

Johan Cruyff , who passed away on March 24. Among the other players lining up will be Roberto Carlos, Fernando Hierro, Luis Figo, Patrick Kluivert, Clarence Seedorf and Edgar Davids

Raul To Play For Real Madrid Again

Innaki Williams On The Brisk Of UEFA Europa League Exit.

Basque based Ghanaian attacker Innaki Williams saw his dreams of lifting the 2015/16 UEFA Europa league hit a snag after suffering a dreadful home defeat at the quarter final stages of the continent’s elite club competition.

The Spanish born Ghanaian attacker returned to the side after over one month out with an injury, but was powerless to prevent Seville from earning a first leg advantage ahead of the trip to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuain.

Ariz Aduriz opened the scoring for Ernesto Valverdo’s men but further strikes from Timotee Kolojiejzack and Vincente Ibora won the game for the reigning champions at the fully packed San Mames.

Williams enjoyed a blistering season with the Basque outfit despite his injury blighted campaign. The Ghanaian was replaced by Michael Susaeta on 63 minutes in his 29th appearance of the season.

The talented forward reportedly turned down overtures from Spain ahead of a place in the Black stars set up.

Innaki Williams On The Brisk Of UEFA Europa League Exit.

Atsu Earns Malaga A Point In A Six Goal Thriller

Spain based Ghanaian attacker Christian Atsu played a crucial role for his club side Malaga as they snatched a late point at the Riazor on Saturday night.

The on loan Chelsea winger urged his name into the heart of the Rosaleda outfit fans in the six goal thriller with commanding performance for Javi Gracia’s men.

The 24 year old much travelled Ghanaian failed to add to his debut strike for Malaga but proved pivotal across in the 90 minutes at the Riazor against the rejuvenated Deportivo La Coruna.

The former FC Porto wing wizard introduced himself to Spanish football fans with impressive performances that could entice their head coach to make his loan spell permanent at the end of the season.

Atsu came within inches of pocketing his second strike for Malaga but was denied on two occasions, first from the goal line clearance and a wicked goal keeping from German Lux in post for Deportivo La Coruna.

Goals from Celca Borges, Fede and Lucas look to have won the three points for Depor but Malaga snatched a last minute point thanks to an own goal from Alejandro Aribas, and further strikes from Ignacio Camacho and the prolific Charles.

Atsu joined Malaga from Chelsea in the winter transfer window and has since managed one goal in his opening three matches for the La Rosaleda outfit in Spanish top flight football.

Atsu Earns Malaga A Point In A Six Goal Thriller

Razak Braimah"s Heroics Restores Cordoba"s Qualification Hope In Spain

Black Stars shot stopper Abdul Razak Braimah steered Cordoba back into the qualification zone with a vital win at Ponferadino.

The veteran custodian manned the sticks with precision for his Segunda division as they ended their poor run of results in the second tier league.

The nation’s number one shot stopper kept his side in the game in the opening half with series of jaw dropping saves before the visitors succumbed to defeat on Saturday night as they posted a 1-3 away win.

Cordoba headed into the fixture on the back of disastrous run of results that has seen them relinquish their place at the top of division and dropped into fifth place.

The promotion chasing side however held off early threats from Ponferadino to pick the three points with a heavy away win and returned to the top three.

Cordoba now remains four clear adrift of leaders Alaves with 15 matches to play for im the division.

The veteran custodian leads the division with nine clean sheets under his name after a strong start to the season.

Braima has been the number one shot stopper for Cordoba on his return to Spanish football as they push for a place in the Spanish La Liga.

Razak Braimah"s Heroics Restores Cordoba"s Qualification Hope In Spain

Wakasu brothers secure vital wins for their respective clubs

Alhassan Wakasu and Mubarrack Wakasu inspired their respective clubs to vital three points in their respective clubs.

Mubarack Wakasu starred prominently at the middle of the park for Las Palmas in their surprised 2-1 triumph over Celta Vigo whilst his younger brother Alhassn Wakasu cushioned Rio Aves past Setubal in the Portuguese top flight.

Both Las Palmas and Rio Aves moved further away from the drop after a torrid start to their respective leagues in Europe.

The junior brother, Alhassan Wakasu played the entire 90 minutes for Rio Aves as they went past Setubal to join the top half in the Portuguese league over the weekend.

The defensive midfielder bagged his 22nd appearance of the season as goals from Marcelo and Tarantin won the game for Rio at the expense of the much fancied Setubal.

Mubbarack Wakasu equalled his brothers’ feat with an 82 minutes classy display for Las Palmas at home to Celta De Vigo in the Spanish La Liga.

The 25 year old Black Stars attacking midfielder gradually made himself an undisputed starter for his side after a poor start to life to Spain.

Las Palmas defied all odd to register a hard fought but well deserved 2-1 win over Celta thanks to goals from Jonathan Viera and William Jose on the stoke of full time.

Wakasu brothers secure vital wins for their respective clubs

Braimah"s expulsion cost Cordoba second place in Spain

The experienced shot stopper  Razak Braimah was shown the red card very late into the game as Cordoba suffered a 2-3 home defeat to surrender their strong hold of the second automatic qualification slot in the second tier league.

Cordoba welcomed third place Leganes to the Neuvo Acangei with their sight on first place in the league but ended up dropping a step back in a game marred by a flurry of cards.

Raul Thormas opened the scoring for Cordoba from the spot midway into the first half but Alexandeer Szymanowski’s equalizer two minutes into the recess drew party for the visitors.

Unai Martinez then opened the floodgates for an eventual three red cards with a 67th minute sending off. Cordoba capitalised on their numerical advantage and duly went ahead through another spot kick from Raul with 20 minutes to go.

Razak Braimah became the second casualty to be sent off in series of cautions leading to his departure. The black stars shot stopper was given his marching off orders with seven minutes to go forcing Cordoba to concede 2 goals in one minute. Omar Ramos Suarez scored twice within 60 seconds to turn the tie on its head as Leganese leapfrogged their host into the second slot.

Hector Rodas Ramirez joined his goalkeeper in the dugout moments later in a game dented by 13 cards and 5 goals.

Braimah"s expulsion cost Cordoba second place in Spain

Inaki Williams strikes but crushes out of Copa to Barcelona

Inaki Williams continued his impressive goal scoring run for Athletic Bilbao with his eleventh goal of the season in their Copa defeat to FC Barcelona.

The 21 year old forward celebrated his new four and half year deal with an opening goal for his Basque side in a thrilling 3-1 defeat to the reigning Spanish champions.

The much sought after Basque born Ghanaian attacker recently swerved a switch to English football to sign a contract extension that will see him stay at the San Mames till the summer of 2021.

Bilbao lost the opening leg at home 1-2 to their Pamplona based European heavy weight but Williams 12th minute strike levelled the tie earlier at the Camp Nou. The 21 year old feasted on a sumptuous ball from Aritz Aduriz to silence the roaring camp nou after a sustained pressure from Ernesto Valverdo’s men.

Barcelona returned from recess in class as Messi teed up Luis Suarez for the equaliser eight minutes into the second department of the game. The pendulum swung away from the 2015 Copa del Rey Finalists in the last few minutes as Neymar and Pique scored late goals to end the match 3-1 as Barcelona progress to the semi finals on a 5-2 aggregate.

Williams boast of the highest scoring player in Europe top five leagues under the age of 21 years.

Inaki Williams strikes but crushes out of Copa to Barcelona

Nasiru Mohammed commends Atsu on his Malaga switch

Ghana youth international Nasiru Mohamed has commended Christian Atsu after the latter’s switch to Malaga.

The BK Hacken attacking midfielder tipped Atsu to blossom at the Rosaleda after his turbulent time in English football.

Atsu joined Malaga on a six month loan spell from Chelsea as he continues to search for playing time.

Mohammed, 22, dubbed Atsu’s switch to Liga outfit as the best move for his career development as a footballer.

The BK Hacken utility man highlighted the importance of Atsu to the national team and the need to enjoy regular playing time after a torrid time with Chelsea.

Nasiru Mohammed told sports crusader, “Atsu’s move to Spain is a very good move for him as it will help bring him back his best form. He has very good qualities and the right mind set for the game of football.

He will help promote the name of Ghana and create chances for upcoming players too as well. I personally wish him the best of luck and hopes he shines very well in Spain”.

Christian Atsu joined Chelsea in the summer of 2013 from FC Porto has since been shipped to Vittese Anhim, Everton and AFC Bournemouth before his Rosaleda switch in the winter transfer window.

Nasiru Mohammed commends Atsu on his Malaga switch

I am Honest And Responsible - Mascherano On Tax Fraud

Javier Mascherano has released a statement after he was found guilty of tax fraud and sentenced to a year in prison and fined €815,000 (£625,000) for two tax offences

Mascherano published an open letter after the verdict in which he insisted he was an ‘honest and responsible person’.

He wrote: ‘I am a professional athlete, I have no great knowledge of tax and legal issues. Therefore, I’m helped by people that handles these issues, which for me are complex.

“Throughout my career I was an honest and responsible person, respecting my colleagues, the clubs I represent and the countries in which I lived.

“This situation I’m going through is another experience, from which I will come out stronger, and very calm as I am once again within the law.

‘I reserve the possibility of action against those who advised me badly by recommending me something which was not right.’

Mascherano is not the only Barcelona star who is having financial problems, with Messi set for a court appearance in May after he and his father were also charged with tax fraud through image rights arrangements.

Source: Daily Mail

I am Honest And Responsible - Mascherano On Tax Fraud

Mubarrack Wakasu provides crucial assist to seal Copa Quarters for Las Palmas

Black stars midfielder Mubarrack Wakasu bagged a crucial assist for Las Palmas at home to Eibar to book a last four slot in the Spanish Copa Del Rey.

The 25 year old much travelled midfielder reinstated Palmas into the tie after setting up Momo for the equalising goal in the return fixture of the cup match.

Las Palmas shook off Eibar in a thrilling 3-2 triumph to extend their cup dream.

The nomadic Ghana international shrugged off a 37th minute caution to end his night with a crucial assist for his side.

Las Palmas won the first leg 3-2 away to Eibar but soon found themselves on the brink of elimination eight minutes into the second half.

An own goal from David Junca on the stroke of half time was cancelled out by two strikes Borja Ekizza and Sergi Enrich in a space of one minute to turn the tie on its head.

Wakaso then teed up Momo for the equalising goal on the hour mark to tie the match and put Palas ahead on aggregate scores. David Garcia then replicated the first leg scoreline with an 83rd minute winner to end the match at 3-2 and the tie 6-4 in favour of thd home side.

Wakaso returned to Spain for the second time after spells with Villareal and Elche. He has since managed 12 appearances for Las Palmas with one goal to his name since arriving at the Estadio Gran Canaria from Russia.

Mubarrack Wakasu provides crucial assist to seal Copa Quarters for Las Palmas

Clifford Aboagye Stars for Granada B in Spain

Ghana Youth international Clifford Aboagye capped a productive performance for Granada B with a sumptous assist in the lower tiers of Spanish football.

The Black Satellites attacker lasted the full throttle of the game and set up his side’s only goal in a 2-1 defeat to Real Murcia in the third tier.

The dribbling maestro continued his battle for fitness as he nears return to the senior side of Granada in La liga.

Aboagye continued his impressive performance on his return to competitive actions with another vintage display in an undeserved defeat against Real Murcia.

The 20 year old Granada B play maker zoomed past his markers with sheer delight before setting up Fran Morante for the opener away to Real Murcia with 8 minutes to recess.

The Black Satellites attacker again came close himself but his feeble shot was not enough to double the lead.

Clifford Aboagye Stars for Granada B in Spain

Razak Braimah surrenders top spot in Spain

Black Stars goal keeper Abdul Razak Braimah suffered a home reverse defeat in the Segunda division to surrender their lead at the top of the table.

The Cordoba shot stopper lasted the full duration of the game as his side endured two successive defeats in front of their fans.

Mirandas inflicted a 1-2 reverse away to the then table topping side in Spain second tier league to blight their brilliant run of results.

The experienced and nomadic shot stopper lasted the full throttle of the game but could do little to prevent Cordoba from dropping points in their quest to consolidate the slim lead at the top of the division.

Mirandas shot into a well deserved lead seventh minute after kick off and built on it for the rest of the game. A striker’s goal from Nestos Salinas destabilise the defensive orientation of the high flying home side.

Junior Lago then compounded the missery of the puzzled home side with a second for the visitors before Xisco registered his routine goal in a well deserved win for the visitors

Cordoba dropped into second place in the segunda as Alaves surge top of the top. Braimah has since managed division best 9 clean sheets in his 16 appearances in the second tier league.

Razak Braimah surrenders top spot in Spain

Mubarack Wakasu makes injury return for Las Palmas

Spain based Ghana international Mubarack Wakasu made a winning return from injury for Las Palmas in the Spanish top flight.

The tough tackling midfeilder inspired the struggling liga outfit out of the button for the first time this season.

Las Palmas spanked Granada 4-1 in front of the vociferous fans at the Estadio De Gran Canaria.

Las Palmas headed into the festive fixture on the back of one win in the last fixtures in the top flight.

Quique Setienes men however races into a 32nd minute lead courtesy of Tana.

Sergio Araugo doubled the lead for the rejuvenated side five minutes into the second half before Adalbeto halved the deficit for Granada six minutes later.

Quique Seteine then unleashed Wakasu from the bench to beef up the attacking impetus of the home side and the Ghanaian duly responded with oozing attacking threat since arrival on the 77 minutes.

Jonathan Viera converted an 80th minute spot kick to kill the game as contest before David Lomban put through his own net to make it 4 -1.

Wakaso went into the referee’s note book after an altercation with Christian Biaraghi with four minutes to go as the latter was sent off.

The nomadic Ghanaian has been battling fitness since arrival in spain with 8 appearance to his namePrince Buaben Strikes To Seal Third Place For Hearts In Scotland.

Black Stars midfielder Prince Buaben found the back of the net for Hearts in a five goal thriller at home to Dundee United.

The 27 year old Ghana international capped a perfect night for Heart of Mithlothian with his second goal of the campaign to send the Scottish giants third on the log.

Hearts edged out Dundee United in a nervy 3-2 win to put themselves back in contention for the domestic championship.

The homeside needed an improved performance to salvage their season after a slum in form and duly kept the three points at home in a five goal thriller.

Dundee United shocked their opponents with a second minute spot kick from Billy Makay after a blistering start at the Tyn Castle Park.

Gavin Reily drew parity for the homeside 18 minutes into the first half after series of relentless attack from the home side.

Prince Buaben then shot Hearts into well deserved lead midway through the first half to complete the perfect turn around for the rejuvenated homeside.

Sweden international Osman Sow doubled the lead for Hearts four minutes after Buaben’s screamer to make it 3-1 with 15 minutes to recess.

The first half flurry of goals was extended by the visitors Scott Fraizer who added glamour to the score line in a mad rush for goalx in the opening half.

Hearts held their nerves in the second department of the game to grind out their tenth win of the season.

The title hopefuls now remains 7 points adrift if the top jointly occupied by Celtic and Aberdeen on 43 points each. Prince Buaben has been an ever present fixture for Hearts of Mithlothian with 22 appearance under his belt.

Mubarack Wakasu makes injury return for Las Palmas