- The clamor and clang of the penalty that wasn't continues to thump dully around the aether in Europe. At some point, legitimate grievances aside, the players and coaches must start focusing on a Sevilla squad that has not lost in the month of October.
- Medieval towns in Aragon, history lessons beautifully interlaced with quality football insight, Zaragoza rowdies,"Pea Mountain" Illarramendi...it could only be the Clasico filtered through the sensibilities of the the great Phil Ball.
- Zonal Marking's tactical analysis of the Clasico is up and certainly worth a read. Particular points of interest, include the impact of Gerardo Martino's decision to alter Lionel Messi's usual positioning and have him essentially switch with Cesc Fabregas throughout the match, the battle between Andres Iniesta and Sami Khedira, the baffling, ill-fated decision to try and pressure the iron-lunged Sergio Busquets with the unfit Gareth Bale and Real's steady improvement in the 2nd half.
- Sevilla defeated Osasuna 2-1 yesterday for their 3rd straight league victory. Osasuna went down to 10-men in the 34th minute and were never able to recover. Sevilla have scored at least twice in their recent league winning streak and will look to test Los Blancos as they are a solid counterattacking side.