Villarreal flying high

Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini believes any club in Spain would be right to envy the achievements of his players.

Solari welcomes new Real Madrid signings

Santiago Solari says he welcomes the prospect of several new arrivals at Real Madrid in the summer.

Fiore's agent in Valencia talks

The agent of Stefano Fiore is currently in Spain for talks with Valencia over the midfielder's future.The Italian will be fined for comments last week criticising coach Antonio Lopez and accepts that he is likely to leave the Mestalla in June.

Silva backs Deportivo

Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Mauro Silva is confident the Galician outfit can claim a UEFA Champions League berth. Despite being ninth in the table, Deportivo are just five points behind Villarreal who currently hold the final qualification place in fourth.

Aragones: Raul not dropped

Spain striker Raul was not dropped for his country's World Cup qualifier against Serbia and Montenegro, coach Luis Aragones has said. The Real Madrid captain was instead left on the bench for Wednesday's goalless draw because an injury to his left foot rendered him unable to play 90 minutes.

Xavi Thinks Puyol Will Cause Madrid Surprise

Xavi believes that Barcelona’s instrumental captain will surprise everyone and annouce himself fit to play in the hotly-anticipated clash against Real Madrid.

Barcelona's Puyol set to miss Madrid match

FC Barcelona captain Carles Puyol is likely to miss his team's match against archrival Real Madrid because of sprained ligaments in his left ankle.

Luxemburgo confident of Real Madrid future

Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has dismissed claims he is under pressure to keep his job next season.

Valladolid sack Croatian coach Kresic

Spanish second division Valladolid have sacked Croatian coach Sergio Kresic after their bid for a return to the top flight hit problems with a weekend home defeat to struggling Almeria.

Luxemburgo admits Real weakness

Real Madrid coach Wanderley Luxemburgo has admitted that he warned club officials about the weaknesses in the squad when he was appointed in December.

Ranieri to sue Valencia - World Soccer News

Claudio Ranieri will open legal proceedings against former club Valencia after failing to reach an agreement over his pay-off following his sacking as coach last month.

Serbia & Montenegro grind out 0-0 Spain draw

Serbia & Montenegro ground out a 0-0 draw with Spain in an evenly balanced World Cup Group Seven qualifier on Wednesday.

Real Madrid v Bar�a: History, Finance & Intrigue

Barcelona and Real Madrid have their bitter hatred of each other rooted in history and politics, but these days keeping the rivalry is as much about financial gain and publicity.

Spain under pressure against Serbia-Montenegro

Serbia-Montenegro captain Savo Milosevic says his team will look to capitalize on Spain's apparent fear of playing away from home when the teams meet in a World Cup qualifier Wednesday.

Agent: Raul would never attack Real Madrid pal Owen

The agent of Real Madrid captain Raul insists the striker did not issue teammate Michael Owen an ultimatum over the weekend through the English press.

Luxemburgo promises changes

With his side lagging behind Barcelona in the Primera Liga title race, Real Madrid coach Wanderley Luxemburgo has already started looking ahead to next season and admits there will be changes to his side.

Eto’o Charged For Dangerous Driving

The African Golden Ball Winner was involved in a car accident over 5 months ago in Mallorca.

Bitter Helguera Asks For Explanation

The Real Madrid defender wants Spain’s national team coach, Luis Aragones, to explain why he was left out.

Barça Ready To Make Changes

Barcelona want to bring in four new faces in the summer and reports in Spain suggest that seven players could leave the club at the end of the current campaign.

Ron's Madrid woes surface in Brazil

Ronaldo said last week that club and country are different matters and his troubles at Real Madrid would be cast aside when he pulled on the famous gold shirt of Brazil.
But, if anything, his recent performances at international level have been even worse.

Aragones to appeal fine

Luis Aragones has confirmed he will appeal the fine dished out for his remarks over Thierry Henry

Gronkjaer Loving Life At Atleti

Jesper Gronkjaer has announced that moving to Atlético Madrid has given him a new lease of life.

Carlos Alberto: Owen mad joining Real Madrid

Brazil 1970 World Cup winner Carlos Alberto says Michael Owen was crazy joining Real Madrid last summer.

Villarreal chief: Barcelona's Riquelme must decide own future

Villarreal chief Jose Manuel Llaneza admits Juan Roman Riquelme will ultimately decide whether he will join them permanently from Barcelona in the summer.

Canada ace De Guzman: I chose Deportivo over Spurs, Schalke

Deportivo La Coruna signing Julian De Guzman has revealed he turned down offers from Tottenham and Schalke 04 to sign with the Spanish Liga club.

Aragones happy with display

Spain coach Luis Aragones was pleased with his side's 3-0 friendly success over China on Saturday.

Raul: Leave if you must, Owen

Raul has told Michael Owen to quit Real Madrid if he is not totally committed to the club.

Navarro pulls out of Spain squad

Valencia defender David Navarro has strained his left thigh and will miss Spain's World Cup match with Serbia and Montenegro, news reports said Sunday.

Barcelona's Eto'o slates Chelsea again

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o has again slammed the behaviour of Chelsea after their Champions League clash earlier this month.

Spain downs China 3-0 in friendly

Fernando Torres and Xavi Hernandez scored first-half goals Saturday to launch Spain to a 3-0 victory over China in the teams' first-ever friendly.

Barcelona consider Morocco-based academy

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed they could introduce a football academy in Morocco.

Raul to be ready for Spain

Spain are hopeful that Raul will be fit for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Serbia and Montenegro on Wednesday.

Owen: Best yet to come

Michael Owen has again spoken off his happiness at Real Madrid, and insists he has still to show his peak form for the Spanish giants.

Eto'o inaugurated UNICEF ambassador

Cameroon and FC Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o has a new role: UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

Robinho: I hope Luxemburgo continues at Real Madrid

Robinho says he wants to work again with his former Santos coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

Guti rejects upheaval talk

Real Madrid ace Guti does not believe the squad needs a massive overhaul next season.

Who’s Next Through The Bernabeu’s Revolving Door?

The lessons of recent history show that when Real Madrid perform poorly, it is the coach who must shoulder the blame.

Ronaldo Admits Goal Drought Is Tough

Ronaldo is confident that he will come through his current goal drought at Real Madrid, but admitted he is finding things tough at the moment.

Gerard Wants New Barça Deal

Gerard is hopeful that Barcelona will offer him a new contract, but revealed that he has plenty of offers on the table should the Catalans decide not to keep him.

Irureta to extend Depor stay

Javier Irureta has revealed he intends to stay on as Deportivo La Coruna boss next season - the club's centenary year.

Aragones in exit threat

Spain coach Luis Aragones has revealed he will quit his post if he does not secure qualification for the 2006 World Cup.

Villarreal agree terms on new deal with Jose Mari

The former AC Milan and Atletico Madrid centre-forward's previous deal was due to expire in 2007, but he agreed terms this week on a one-year extension taking him through to 2008.

Real Madrid No1 Casillas admits Buffon concern

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is demanding to know of the club's interest in Juventus No1 Gigi Buffon before he commits himself to a new contract.

Spurs target Scaloni demands Deportivo La Coruna talks

Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Lionel Scaloni is demanding to know his future from club president Augusto Caesar Lendoiro.

Luxemburgo fed up with Ronaldo

Marca says in recent weeks the situation between Luxemburgo and Ronaldo, which wasn't strong to begin with, has deteriorated markedly.

Ronaldo Admits Difficult Moment

The Brazilian star has failed to find the net regularly during this season and is passing through one of the worst periods of his career.

Casillas seeks assurances

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is looking for assurances over his first team place before agreeing to sign a new deal with the club.

Luxemburgo stands by Beckham

Real Madrid coach Wanderley Luxemburgo has strongly defended the work of David Beckham amid criticism from fans following the side's recent poor results.

Real Madrid president Perez hits out at Bolton's Hierro

"Hierro is part of the history of Madrid, but he speaks from resentment," rapped Perez to L'Equipe. "He had problems accepting that his time was over... it is normal.

Del Bosque slates Real Madrid president Perez

"What amazes me is that no-one challenges Perez over his errors. Florentino continues justifying himself and giving explanations that are hard to believe.

Barcelona president: Valdes best keeper in world

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has backed skipper Carles Puyol's comments that young goalkeeper Victor Valdes is "one of the best in the world".

Di Vaio committed to Valencia

Di Vaio has been linked with a return to Serie A, but he said: "If I had to do it all again, I would sign for Valencia. Absolutely no doubt about it!

Real Madrid to take stake in Chinese club

Spanish football giant Real Madrid plans to buy a 30 to 40 percent stake in Chinese club Beijing Guo'an for 30 million yuan (3.6 million dollars).

Brazil coach Parreira backs Ronaldo

Ronaldo, out of sorts with his club Real Madrid, was given the backing of Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira on Tuesday.

Raul and Marchena could miss China friendly

Spain striker Raul and defender Carlos Marchena are both injury doubts for Saturday's friendly against China and Marchena might miss the World Cup European Zone Group Seven qualifier against Serbia & Montenegro next Wednesday.

Deportivo Pandiani Exit

Deportivo keeper Gustavo Munúa has admitted that the Galician side are missing Walter Pandiani.

Zidane Refuses To Write off Madrid

Zinedine Zidane has not written off Real Madrid's championship chances and sees a win against Barcelona as just the tonic his team need.

Garcia has Spain hope

Liverpool forward Luis Garcia is hopeful of being fit to play a part in Spain's upcoming fixtures with China and Serbia & Montenegro.

Di Vaio Vows To Stay

Marco Di Vaio has denied rumours that he wants to leave Valencia in the summer and head back to Italy.

FIFA vows to end racism at soccer stadiums

The president of soccer's governing body stressed Monday that racism must be eliminated at stadiums, his comments coming one day after Real Madrid star Ronaldo threw a water bottle at fans for insulting him and his mother.

Ronaldinho: More to come

World Player of the Year Ronaldinho celebrated his 25th birthday on Monday by warning opponents that he feels he can still improve as a player.

Amoroso May Quit Malaga

Marcio Amoroso has warned that if he is not given a regular starting place in the Malaga side then he will quit the club.

Ronaldo sorry for losing his cool

Real Madrid striker Ronaldo apologised for throwing a plastic water battle into the crowd after being abused by fans during his side's narrow 1-0 home win over Malaga on Sunday.

Real stay in contention

Real Madrid kept the Primera Liga title race alive by beating Malaga 1-0 in the Bernabeu on Sunday, reducing Barcelona's lead at the top to 11 points.

Rijkaard: Not time for Barcelona to celebrate

"Look, this is football and anything can still happen," Rijkaard said. "There are still nine games to play and until it is mathematically impossible to be caught we must continue to fight."

Real Players Braced For Stormy Greeting

Real Madrid’s players are bracing themselves for a hostile reception when they take on Malaga on Sunday – from their own fans.

Baraja blow for Valencia

Valencia have confirmed that midfielder Ruben Baraja will be out of action for around five weeks through injury.

La Liga Wrap

Barcelona stretched their lead at the top of the Spanish League with victory at Deportivo, while Real Betis moved into third spot after beating Albacete and Espanyol and Real Sociedad shared four goals in Montjuïc.

La Liga Preview: Barcelona face Deportivo

Barcelona can take a commanding 14-point lead at the top of the Primera Liga on Saturday if they can overcome a resurgent Deportivo Coruna at the Riazor.

Spain Has Five New Faces

Luis Aragonés has introduced five new names to his Spain squad as he prepares for a tough encounter away at table toppers Serbia & Montenegro on March 30.

Real's problems started with Monaco defeat

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says the club's woes started with last season's quarter-final Champions League exit against Monaco. Nine times champions Real, who had built a 4-2 lead in the first leg at home, stumbled to a 3-1 defeat in the second leg.

Valencia Deny Coach Search Rumours

Valencia have issued a statement refuting rumours that they are actively looking for a new coach.

Barça Announce Japan Trip

Barcelona have announced that they are to play two games in Japan as part of a busy, yet lucrative, pre-season campaign.

Beckham unclear about Real future

England captain David Beckham has reiterated his desire to stay at Real Madrid but admits their lack of success may lead to his sale in the summer.

Casillas Wants Ten In A Row

Iker Casillas sees no reason why Real Madrid cannot embark on a run of games that could lead them to the Spanish league title.

Málaga Offer Juanito New Deal

Málaga have offered their highly-rated defender Juanito a new deal, only three months before his current contract expires.

Champion Driver To Be Next Real President?

World Champion rally driver Carlos Sainz is reported to be giving serious consideration to mounting a bid for the presidency of Real Madrid, the club he adores.

Raul offers to quit Madrid if necessary

Real Madrid striker Raul Gonzalez says he will leave the club if it helps the troubled soccer giant end its two-year slump.

Luxemburgo not worried by uncertain future

Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo said he is unconcerned by media speculation that he will be fired because of the team's poor form.

Gravesen Defends Madrid Transfer Policy

Thomas Gravesen has defended Real Madrid's transfer policy and believes that the club needs time to build a team capable of challenging for all the major honours.

Fernandez in the frame

Luis Fernandez is in the running to take over as Valencia coach, according to sources in France.

Hierro defends Galacticos

Bolton Wanderers defender Fernando Hierro has spoken about the crisis at Real Madrid.

Malaga fines Wanchope for fighting with fans

Malaga fined forward Paulo Wanchope for scuffling with supporters who were insulting him.

Atletico Madrid fined for fans' racist abuse

Atletico Madrid was fined an undisclosed amount by the Spanish soccer federation on Tuesday for its supporters' racist taunting of Valencia's Malian midfielder Mohamed Sissoko.

Real confident of Woodgate return

Real Madrid are hopeful that Jonathan Woodgate will make his long-awaited debut at the beginning of next season.

Becks: Real exit hard to take

David Beckham has admitted that the passion of Real Madrid's fans makes their early exit from the UEFA Champions League hard to take.

Real Sociedad send Lee back to South Korea

South Korea forward Lee Chun-soo is to rejoin his former K-League club Ulsan Tigers after failing to impress at Spain's Real Sociedad. Ulsan will pay 2 million Euros for Lee after selling him to Sociedad for 3.5 million Euros in 2003, the Korea Times reported on Monday.

Falling Stars: What Will Become Of Real Madrid's Fading Galacticos?

"There will be a revolution," boomed Spanish sports daily Marca after Real Madrid crashed out of the Champions League last Wednesday at the hands of Juventus. "One day people will remember," it eulogized, "that in Turin a legendary team, made up of the brightest stars in the footballing firmament, came to an end."

La Liga goals

Barcelona-Athletic Bilbao 2 : 0

Deco

Giuly

Laporta: Barcelona played the best football in world

Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits he can't see his team losing the La Liga title this season.

Motta Realistic About Bernabéu Dream

Thiaggo Motta is dreaming about making his long-awaited comeback in the glamour clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid, but knows he may miss out.

Gravesen Aplogises For Crocking Gabi

Thomas Gravesen has apologised for the tackle that on Gabi that has ruled the Getafe midfielder out for the rest of the season.

Perez vows to battle on at Real helm

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez will not walk away from the club despite their failure to challenge leaders Barcelona in the Primera Liga and their exit from the Champions League.

Spanish Soccer Leading Goalscorers

Leading goalscorers Sunday in the Spanish soccer league after 28 rounds of matches

Guti: "League Practically impossible"

Real Madrid have no chance of making up an 11-point deficit on Barcelona to win the league title following their 2-1 defeat at Getafe. "The league is now practically impossible," Spain midfielder Gutil told reporters after his side slumped to their third defeat in five league games.

Real slumps further

Brief reports of Primera Liga matches played on Sunday

Luxemburgo in heated talks with Real Madrid chief Sacchi

Read also Real Madrid's Raul: You can't win anything with 3 coaches in season

Karpin rejects extra season

Valery Karpin regrets staying on for another season with Real Sociedad and wishes he had retired last summer.

Cuper concedes pressure

Mallorca boss Hector Cuper has admitted that if his side were lose to Racing Santander on Sunday then they would be in serious trouble.

Baraja injury blow for Valencia

Valencia midfielder Ruben Baraja faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after tearing a muscle in his right thigh during training on Saturday.

Barcelona erase CL blow

Barcelona erased the painful memory of Tuesday's Champions League exit with a pedestrian 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou. The victory puts the Catalan giants 11 points clear of Real Madrid, who play Getafe on Sunday. In the other match, Betis recorded a precious 2-1 away win at Malaga.

Rijkaard Calls On Barca To Bounce Back

Frank Rijkaard has called upon his Barcelona team to bounce back from their Champions League exit when they meet Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening.

Raúl Wants To Stay At Madrid

Raúl is determined to stay at Real Madrid after several critics began to question whether or not he should leave in the summer.

Alfonso future in doubt

Real Betis legend Alfonso may have to retire from the game after struggling to shake off a troublesome knee injury.

Mostovoi makes return

Russian midfielder Alexander Mostovoi has signed for Spanish Second Division side Alaves.

Liga Round-up: Real revolt

Real Madrid's short-suffering fans vented their anger on Wednesday night after the club's Champions League exit at the hands of Juventus. Angry supporters branded the Real stars "mercenaries" and "unfit to wear the shirt", while calling for the resignation of club president Florentino Perez.

La Liga Weekend Preview: Will The Bridge Burden Hamper Barca?

Blaugrana players will still be feeling the mental strain and anguish of controversial Champions League elimination at Stamford Bridge, when they host Athletic Bilbao.

Valencia hand coach Lopez two-year director's contract

Valencia have secured coach Antonio Lopez to a new, two-year agreement as the club's sports director.

Real Madrid fans turn on players: You mercenaries!

Supporters who had travelled to the game in Italy jeered the players as they were spotted at Turin airport. Only three escaped the supporters' wrath - Thomas Gravesen, Iker Casillas and Ivan Helguera.

La Liga Weekend Preview: Will The Bridge Burden Hamper Barca?

Blaugrana players will still be feeling the mental strain and anguish of controversial Champions League elimination at Stamford Bridge, when they host Athletic Bilbao.

Butragueno calls for calm

Real Madrid director of sport Emilio Butragueno has urged the club to remain united following their UEFA Champions League exit to Juventus.

Garcia slams 'worst ever' ref

Osasuna midfielder Pablo Garcia has launched a scathing attack on referee Fernando Teixeira Vitienes.

Perez Denies Parma Take-Over Reports

Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez has denied the reports that surfaced out of the Italian media this morning that indicated the Spanish giants are thinking of taking over financially-torn Parma.

Zenga fancies Athletic post

Steaua Bucharest boss Walter Zenga has admitted he would relish the opportunity to take over at Athletic Bilbao next season.

Spanish anti-racism committee mooted

The Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) have presented a motion to create a commission to combat racism in sport.

Valencia coach Lopez discards Italian trio

Valencia coach Antonio Lopez has dumped predecessor Claudio Ranieri's Italian signings from his first team plans.

Guerrero Welcomes Laudrup Rumours

Julen Guerrero has welcomed the news that Michael Laudrup could become Athletic Bilbao's next boss.

Albelda:Valencia Better Without Ranieri

David Albelda has claimed that Valencia are better off without Claudio Ranieri and praised new boss Antonio López.

Barcelona recovering prestige around Europe

FC Barcelona has recovered most of its prestige around Europe, leading the Spanish league by eight points.

Perez Confirms Luxemburgo For Next Season

The Brazilian coach will remain at the helm of the club, irrespective of the team’s results in the Champions League.

LA LIGA ROUND-UP

Espanyol moved into third place in La Liga with a gritty win over Levante, while Villarreal had to settle for a point from their trip to basement boys Numancia.

Real Madrid's Luxemburgo happy to escape Valencia with point

The result is the one that is at the end of the ninety minutes and you can't talk of justice or injustice. That is what it already is. The important thing was not to lose."

Real injury concern for Beckham

England captain David Beckham is doubtful for Real Madrid's Champions League game against Juventus after suffering a back problem.

Rijkaard praises Barcelona "sacrifice, mentality"

It may not have been the most convincing of victories for Barca at struggling Osasuna but after being held to draws by rock-bottom Numancia and 10-man Espanyol in the last week, but the Catalan giants will simply be happy to return to winning ways.

La Liga Saturday Wrap: Barcelona Take A Step Nearer The Title

Barcelona's victory at Osasuna saw them move eight points clear at the top of the table after second-placed Real Madrid were held to a draw at rejuvenated Valencia.

Barcelona squeezes past Osasuna to increase lead; Madrid draws with Valencia

Samuel Eto'o scored his 18th goal of the season Saturday to earn Spanish league leader FC Barcelona a 1-0 win over Osasuna, while second-place Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Valencia.

Sevilla boss banned

Sevilla coach Joaquin Caparros has received a one-match touchline ban for straying onto the pitch during his side's Uefa Cup win over Panathinaikos.

Puyol sees future away from Barcelona

Barcelona skipper Carles Puyol has rejected the idea of signing a contract for life at the Nou Camp.

Casillas: I want to play out career at Real Madrid

"I have been with the club since I was eight years old and I am still excited about playing for them. I have won many trophies here and have experienced some very tense moments, I can't see myself playing anywhere else."

Clubs could be banned over racism

Uefa has warned it could exclude clubs from their competitions if their fans are found guilty of racist behaviour.

Casillas: "Up for it"

Real Madrid's Iker Casillas believes that if his side manage a victory against a revived Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday the alarm bells will start ringing at league leaders Barcelona. The Catalan giants also have a tricky away match at Osasuna.

Real Madrid insist Woodgate could play this season

Real Madrid have denied English press reports that defender Jonathan Woodgate won't play this season.

Giuly out of Chelsea clash

Talented midfielder Ludovic Giuly will miss Barcelona's UEFA Champions League clash with Chelsea.

Real Madrid galacticos rebel against Sacchi

ABC says Real's leadership group rejected Sacchi's training program ahead of major games against Athletic Bilbao and Juventus last month. Only Roberto Carlos backed Sacchi, but was overruled by the rest of the senior group.

Beckham 'to end career in Spain'

David Beckham tonight vowed to end his playing days in Spain and told Real Madrid: `You've yet to see the best of me.'

Owen Wants More Goals

Michael Owen has expressed his delight after scoring the opening goal in Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Betis, but admitted he could have scored more.

Liga Weekend Preview: Madrid On Mestalla Mission

After cutting Barcelona’s lead at the summit of La Liga to six points in midweek, Real Madrid face an uphill task to build on the Betis triumph when they visit the home of the champions.

Luxemburgo Defends Jeered Ronaldo

Real Madrid coach Wanderley Luxemburgo insists he has faith in the out-of-form Ronaldo who was jeered and whistled by sections of the crowd in the 3-1 win over Betis on Wednesday night.

Spanish Scoring Leaders

Valencia see off Man Utd, Newcastle to secure Caneira

After securing Carlos Marchena to a new deal this week, Valencia have also re-signed fellow Portuguese defender Marco Caneira to a contract extension.

La Liga Midweek Wrap: Madrid Back In The Frame, Villarreal In Top Four

Real Madrid closed the gap at the top of the Spanish league to six points as they defeated Real Betis in El Bernabéu, while Villarreal moved into the Champions League positions after beating Mallorca.

La Liga: Real close the gap on Barca

Real Madrid closed the gap on leaders Barcelona to six points at the top of the Primera Liga on Wednesday when they out-gunned Real Betis with a 3-1 win at the Bernabeu.

Luxemburgo issues rallying cry ahead of Betis clash

"This is a highly important week for us, it is a key moment," said Luxemburgo. "If we can get a decent result that will set us on the right track for next week's [UEFA] Champions League meeting and I want to see sacrifice and commitment from my players in both competitions."

Aragones: 'Fine is unfair'

Spain coach Luis Aragones has criticised the Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) decision to fine him 3,000 euros ($3,964) for remarks about France's Thierry Henry, saying he did nothing wrong.

A Real Revolution In June

President Perez has threatened his players that no one’s place at the club is guaranteed for next season.

FOXSports.com - La Liga- Woody doesn't need another op

Real Madrid have claimed defender Jonathan Woodgate is unlikely to play again until next season, but the Spanish giants have denied reports he needs another operation.

Liga Wednesday Preview: ‘Must Win’ For Real After Barca’s Derby Doze

The Merengues surely must overcome the substantial challenge of Real Betis at the Bernabeu to harbour hopes of lifting the championship. Cutting Barca’s lead to ‘only’ six points after the Blaugrana’s tempestuous derby stalemate would give them a slim chance, although a tough trip to Valencia is pending this weekend.

La Liga: Barca Held Again

Barcelona again failed to beat local opposition as 10-man Espanyol held them to a goalless draw at a sparsely-populated Camp Nou in the Catalan derby.

Marchena signs new Valencia deal

Spain international Carlos Marchena has signed a six-year contract extension with Valencia.

Larsson looks ahead to comeback

Henrik Larsson has played down reports that he will be able to fit to play again for Barcelona this season.

Fran: Deportivo president has blanked me for 12 months

Fans favourite Fran has revealed he has not spoken with Deportivo La Coruna president Augusto Caesar Lendoiro for 12 months.

Beckham: Don't blame Real Madrid coach Luxemburgo

David Beckham says the players, not coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, are at fault for Real Madrid's two consecutive defeats.

Spain boss handed Henry fine

Spain coach Luis Aragones has been fined €3,000 for racially insensitive remarks he made about Thierry Henry.

Liga round-up: Ayala: "We're back"

Valencia's Fabian Ayala explains Valencia's newfound energy, while FIFA World Player of the year Ronaldinho has been cleared to play in the Catalan derby on Tuesday night, along with compatriot Juliano Belletti, but Frenchman Ludovic Giuly has been ruled out.

Cúper Confident Of Mallorca Survival

Héctor Cúper is optimistic about Mallorca's chances of staying up this season as they prepare to face Villarreal on Wednesday.

Liga round-up: Zidane and Raul out injured

Zinedine Zidane and Raul both ruled out for Real's match against Betis with injuries... Irureta about to bow out in La Coruña after seven years in charge... Barcelona's assistant coach reveals Ajax snub refusing to fill out Koeman's vacant place.

Ronaldinho doubtful for Espanyol match

Barcelona forward Ronaldinho has the flu and is doubtful for Tuesday's Spanish league match against Espanyol.

Laporta: Barça Will Win The Title

Joan Laporta has announced that he firmly believes that Barcelona will go on and win the Spanish title for the first time since 1999.

Jol happy to stay at Spurs

Martin Jol has played down reports claiming he might quit the club in favour of a return to Holland and the vacant managerial post at Ajax.

Beckham laments lack of consistency

David Beckham has admitted Real Madrid need to be more consistent if they are to have any hope of catching Barcelona at the top of La Liga.