Valencia travel to Atletico Madrid trying to overcome on and off-the-field problems in the Spanish league this weekend.
Valencia have collected just two points from their last six matches and have not won a league game in two months. They have 27 points and trail leaders Real Madrid by 17.
FC Barcelona are seven points behind Madrid in second place with 37 points, followed by Espanyol with 36 and Atletico Madrid with 34.
After dropping veterans Santiago Canizares, David Albelda and Miguel Angel Angulo, Valencia coach Ronald Koeman loaned Manuel Fernandes, who was signed in the offseason for 18 million euros (US$26.4 million), to Everton on Thursday. Nicolas Zigic, also signed in the offseason, has been linked with a move to second-division side Real Sociedad as Koeman looks to mold Valencia's squad into his own.
There have been more off-field problems at Valencia. Ever Banega, who signed from Boca Juniors last Saturday in a deal worth 18 million euros, is reputed to be nude in a video on the Internet.
Banega trained with the team before the 2-1 Copa del Rey win over Real Betis on Wednesday. He could provide a boost if he makes his debut at the Vicente Calderon stadium tomorrow.
"That was the first match we played at a higher level," said Koeman, whose only league win since arriving was over Betis. "The best medicine is to win games, taking four or five matches without a loss would be the best way forward."
By contrast, Atletico are free from controversy and, after a 3-0 rout of Deportivo La Coruna last week, are in the final Champions league spot of fourth place.
Fullback Yiourkas Seitaridis and midfielder Thiago Motta are still injured, but could return for Atletico's local derby against Real Madrid next week. With Portugal midfielder Maniche reportedly set to be loaned to Inter Milan, Motta's recovery will determine whether Atletico look to the transfer window with the club also featuring in the league and UEFA Cups.
"The team is entering a very important stage. Were playing for a lot in a little amount of time," coach Javier Aguirre said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely