Naughty naughty, don't you know the Basques are very sensitive...



Its not that bad, after a bad start Athletic seem to have kicked into some sort of gear. But if Llorente gets injured they're screwed.

Aye, true. Distinct lack of goals from elsewhere. But overall, it's settled down a bit. The defence - still young - look more composed and we seem able to manage without Yeste and Etxeberria, the fellers who were carrying the side in the past. Javi Martinez looks a belter in midfield as well. Obviously, issues remain, but it's glass-half-full at the moment, even with a sponsor's logo on the shirt.

dear me penguin! i saw that but let it ride


athletic's academy is one of the best in the country. they need a few to step up asap in my opinion as the current first team squad look short of ideas.

if you're going to wind up the opposition make sure you can back it up!

[urlhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7823355.stm[/url

He was very close to the sack earlier in the season and, barring an unlikely turnaround in the cup, must be at that point again now. Maybe the CL will save him but if Atlético go out to Porto that could well be it.

Friends in Madrid seem to think that the dressing room is split into three or four different cliques which is causing a lot of trouble, but then again they just went 15 games unbeaten, so how bad can it be.

At least the Malaga away game I am going to in a fortnight might have a bit more meaning to it now, a battle to the end for a UEFA Cup spot awaits.

I rate Raul Albiol over him myself, but I'm sure many others would disagree. I also think Marquez is looking back to his best this year, I also feel he's a much more 'solid' defender than Puyol.

I'd probably say Pepe at Madrid is better as well.

I do like the look of Caceres, he's very quick and will have a massive future in years to come.

I do apologise, just typing Atletico and Athletic gets seeimgly difficult

Huntelaar and Diarra aren't allowed to play in the Champions League after Real appealed against this. Both had played in the UEFA cup previously.

What's the deal with the white hankeys?

when the team are playing poorly

Pepe hasnt stood out, fair play though he's had injuries.
if you're going to talk about caceres you have to give pique a mention. had some great games this season.

Yes... but what do they signify? Disgust? A symbol of a white flag, i.e. they have given up hope on the team...?

not 100%... spanish booing

Pique has been class, but I think Caceres has a bit more about him. I think he'll be the better of the two, but Pique has been good.

I think Pepe needs good coaching really, the way Schuster had them defending, school boy defending wasn't even that bad. But when you see him play, he's quick, strong and loves to play the ball, maybe too much at times.

I don't rate Pique. Never looked much cop at Man United and IMO hasn't shown anything special since going back to Barcelona. Puyol and Marquez far more reliable. Caceres had a superb spell at Recreativo Huelva last year but I've seen little of him since his big money move. Pepe is an old favourite of mine from his Porto days but he's prone to brain farts.

He's a central midfielder by trade but I thought the Dutch lad, Maduro, looked very solid at the back for Valencia against Atletico t'other week. Not bad for a Koeman signing.

He and the rise of Mata are about the only positives to come from Koeman's time at the club.

Saviola could be an option to help Madrid buy Valencia from Wigan.

he'd never agree personal terms. If he's going anywhere it will be elsewhere in Spain or Italy, can you imagine a bloke like that salivating at the prospect of living in Lancashire?

I've always thought when interest came from England for Saviola, I thought he would end up and Newcastle. Don't know why though.

What is up with Saviola?

Why is he so out of favour?

I remember when he first signed for Barca and he looked a massive prospect, and I also remember seeing him at the WC in 2006 and he looked quality then, but he never got much of a sniff at Barca, and Madrid have just shut him out completely.

Is it a lack of ambition from Saviola? Poor attitude or just not good enough?

whelan wouldnt pay his wage demands

Atletico losing 3-1 (5-2) and Kun off injured.

Long end of the season if Kun isnt able to come back swiftly, Aguirre under mega mega pressure.

Copa Del Rey results:

Deportivo 0-3 Sevilla (1-5 on agg)
Valladolid 2-1 Sporting (4-3)
Espanyol 1-0 Poli. Ejido (3-3 on agg, Espanyol go through on away goals)
Real Betis 1-0 RealUnión (2-0)
Almeria 1-1 Mallorca (4–2)
Valencia 3-1 Racing (aet) (2–4)
Barcelona 2-1 Atlético (5-2)

the second leg of Athletic-Osasuna is this evening.

when is the draw?

Marca reporting that Ramon Calderon will resign tomorrow over the recent assembly rigging or something.

Surely not?