Analysis

Barcelona have been involved in numerous scandals and controversies in past years. Going to court on two separate occasions over lawsuits that arose from the signing of Neymar. Neymar himself suing Barcelona for unpaid bonuses, with the club then counter-suing for breach of contract. The previous board under Josep Maria Bartomeu's presidency were said to have hired several companies and paid some journalists to discredit Barcelona players while favoring the board. Something which led to Bartomeu's resignation. However, the latest scandal could not only have serious consequences for Joan Laporta's presidency, but the whole club as well. As reported by Cadena SER Catalunya, Barcelona paid a total of €1.4 million (£1.2m; $1.3m) to a company that belonged to then-referees committ...

Rumors have been quietly rumbling all throughout the MLS off-season that league executives were considering changing the MLS playoffs' structure. First, there were reports that the league was looking to capitalize on the World Cup’s popularity and introduce a postseason tournament with a group stage and knockout competition to decide the league's winner. Then, there were reports of a best-of-three series to replace the win-or-go-home one-game playoff format MLS fans have grown to love over the last four years. Now, reports have emerged that MLS is closing in on changing its playoff format to the best-of-three format originally discussed along with the addition of a play-in game for the 8th and 9th best team in each conference. The result of these changes would lead to more team...

It’s remarkable how drastically Sevilla has changed in only a year. Last season, Sevilla were seen as outside title contenders to win LaLiga. Now, the six-time UEFA/Europa League winners are currently fighting to stave off relegation. Julen Lopetegui, who won them their last Europa League title and qualified 3 consecutive seasons for the Champions League, was sacked midseason and replaced by Jorge Sampaoli. Sampaoli has not made much of a difference since taking over and the team is still in the realms of the relegation battle, which is making Sevilla fans even more on edge. If that wasn't bad enough, their cross-city rivals (Real Betis) are battling to get into the Champions League and won the Copa del Rey last season. It's hard times for Sevilla, but how did a side competing for the lea...

To many, Rayo Vallecano is just one of the “other teams” in Madrid. The club isn’t as glamourous as their neighbors Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, but it’s arguably more interesting. You might not believe us now but keep reading and see for yourself what makes this working-class football club so special. Rayo Vallecano’s rise back to LaLiga Rayo Vallecano were promoted from the Segunda Division in 2021 through the division’s promotion playoff. Rayo were the lowest-seeded team in that playoff after finishing sixth in the league that year. Rayo defeated Leganés and Girona in successive two-legged ties to gain promotion. They accomplished this without one of their most important players. Starting goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski was busy representing North Macedonia at the 2020 Euros, ...

Many of the most acclaimed managers in world football have made their names in Serie A. From Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid to current Tottenham manager Antonio Conte (formerly of Chelsea), there are plenty of former Serie A managers who have found success abroad. There are even those who excelled in Serie A, left for successful stints elsewhere, and are back in Calcio as elite managers, Maurizio Sarri and the incomparable José Mourinho come to mind here. But who are the current best managers in Serie A? Where do the likes of Sarri and Mourinho stack up among the top managers in the league in 2023? Before I continue, though, I would like to give an honorable mention to Simone Inzaghi. He has done great things for Inter Milan and was an absolute star while in charge of Lazio. But h...

Serie A continues to grow and get more credit for being an incredibly entertaining and unpredictable league, shedding the stereotype that it is highly defensive in the process. But while players like Rafael Leão and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are getting major mainstream plaudits, there are so many wonderful players in Serie A who remain underrated. That includes players at top clubs like Napoli, the current league leaders. Here are five of the most underrated players in the Italian top flight. They are not the only undervalued players, but they stand out for being top-quality footballers who receive precious little recognition from the average fan of European football. Monza CB Armando Izzo Monza center back Armando Izzo has long been one of the most productive defenders in the Italian...