A year ago, Barcelona struggled mightily to take down Atletico Madrid and wound up losing the Spanish League title on the final day of the season because of this weakness. Barcelona will of course remember being eliminated from the Champions League in the quarterfinals against Atletico as well. A year ago, Los Cules simply had no means of passing around the defensively structured Atletico side.But this season, the Catalonian club is finding a lot of luck against its emerging rivals. A 3-1 win in the league a few weeks ago was one big story, but the 1-0 win on Wednesday only added to Barcelona's resurgence. How have they done it? Is there a formula for success brewing here?
Throughout the history of the Ballon d'Or, only five South Americans have managed to win the big award. Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the only two of this quintet to win the award more than once, while Brazilians Rivaldo, Kaka and Ronaldinho each won the award once. Which means that only two South American countries have claimed the Ballon d'Or as their own in the history of the award.
Colombia had not made it to a World Cup contest since 1998, and many wondered whether the return competitor would be more than a participant. Colombia proved to be a true contender, and most of that came about because of one superstar shining on the biggest stage -- James Rodriguez.
After a woeful start to 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi sought out new means to get back on track. Over the last two weeks the two players have gotten opportunities to pad their numbers in the Spanish League and Copa del Rey.
19 Weeks of the La Liga season are complete, and the elite teams remain on top. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are all fighting for the Spanish league title this season as expected. Latin Post.com breaks down Week 19 with updated standings.
Mats Hummels has been linked to a move to Manchester United. The Red Devils are reportedly willing to spend up to £47 million to acquire Hummels, but the veteran defender insisted that he is not planning to leave Borussia Dortmund despite their recent struggles.
Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud led Arsenal to an important 2-0 win against defending English Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
During the 2013-14 season there was no doubt that Keylor Navas was the best goalie in the Spanish League. The Costa Rican almost singlehandedly saved Levante from relegation with one brilliant performance after another.
"Remontada" or bust is what they were saying. Over turn a 2-0 deficit or walk away embarrassed in front of fans at the Santiago Bernabeau, almost washing away the good will built over the last few months. For Real Madrid this was the situation heading into Thursday's meteoric tilt with rival Atletico Madrid.
Week 19 of the 2014-15 La Liga season kicks off with Córdoba and Eibar on Friday afternoon. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid should have easy week against their opponents. Latin Post.com previews and schedules the entire La Liga weekend.
Everyone and their mother has probably dreamed up the scenario at some point in their lives. But few would ever have even brought the conversation up as a serious talking point if Cristiano Ronaldo had not said the following during his Ballon d'Or press conference: "It would be nice to have the three of us together on the same team. That would be a good thing!"
On Monday Cristiano Ronaldo continued to cement his legacy as one of the best players of all time by winning his third Ballon d'Or and second straight. It was a feat that the superstar celebrated with an emphatic shout during his acceptance speech, drawing ire, joy and confusion from fans the world over.
James Rodriguez has won the 2014 FIFA Puskas Award for his outstanding goal against Uruguay in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Lionel Messi may be the best soccer players in the world, but many believe Rodriguez is the future of soccer. Take a look at the goal that gave Rodriguez the 2014 FIFA Puskas Award.
It was another great soccer week in La Liga. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona picked up big wins, but Atletico Madrid lost. For the first time in a long, Cristiano Ronaldo was held scoreless. Latin Post.com breaks down Week 18 of the 2014-15 La Liga season.
Chelsea regained the top spot in the Barclays Premier League table after scoring a 2-0 win against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, while Manchester City settled for a 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park.
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer. In just a few days time, their fates as Ballon d'Or candidates will be determined. And then in 365 days, the world will be looking at another three candidates, possibly two of the same trio vying for that same award. Of course many have wondered whether decline is imminent for both superstars due to injury woes, overuse and in the case of Messi, a declining team. So the big question is: Will Ronaldo and Messi still be favorites to lift the Ballon d'Or in 2016?
Week 18 of the La Liga season is set to kick off with Levante and Deportivo playing each other on Friday. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are both coming off losses last week, and will look to get back on track this week. Latin Post.com provides a full La Liga schedule for Week 18.
Luis Suarez's time in Barcelona has not been what most have expected. And as a result, the Uruguayan, who already has a target on his back every time he steps on the pitch for his biting antics, is under ever increasing scrutiny at one of the most challenging places to play in the world - the Camp Nou.
