Your Monday Transfer Papers: Forlan Denies TFC Move, Notable European Switches.

Could Diego Forlan soon be wearing red in MLS? (Guardian.co.uk)

I don't do transfer gossip here on the blog, and there's a reason for that: so much of it is total BS.  Generally I try to stay away from transfers altogether until a player is officially unveiled by his new club.  Last night, MLS social media exploded prior to the end of the weekend's matches with a report from The Globe and Mail that Uruguayan star Diego Forlan was set to join Toronto FC and could be on the pitch for the Reds this week against Sporting KC.

Not so fast, my friends.  Multiple sources, including the Toronto Star, have now confirmed that Forlan, his current club, and his agent have all denied that this was the case.  Forlan himself cited his remaining contract and his desire to stay in Brazil through the 2014 World Cup.  Indeed, a switch to TFC might severely hamper Forlan's usefulness to his national side.

What I personally find hilarious is the reaction to this denial by various MLS fans and outlets.  "Oh, they're just denying it because they want more money.  He's definitely coming, this happens all the time." It smacks of the same line that was put out about Frank Lampard, who was supposedly a done deal to come to the Galaxy.  Now, I'm not saying this isn't the case, maybe he does show up, but you know what else happens all the time?  Transfer gossip gets blown out of proportion by media outlets and ends up being total BS.  In fact, I'd say this probably happens a lot more than players issuing false denials.  Perosnally, I don't think Forlan does that much for TFC if he does show up, but we'll wait and see.  Don't put all your eggs in the red basket just yet.

That being said, a couple of notable moves have gone down today in Europe.  First off, Barcelona striker David Villa will moving to Atletico Madrid, where hopes are that he can replace the goals taken away by the recently departed Falcao.  Villa was always likely to be deemed excess by Barca since the arrival of Neymar, and Barca's website has confirmed that the deal is worth up to 5.1 million euros.

Another Champions League caliber attacker is on the move today on the continent.  German international Mario Gomez has left Bayern Munich to join Italian Serie A side Fiorentina.  Bayern confirmed the departure today, saying it was the "player's wish to go to Florence."  The deal is set to be worth about 16 million euros.  Personally I think it's a great move for Fiorentina.

Ancelotti Takes Over at Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti will be the new manager at Real Madrid.

It has finally been confirmed.  The eyebrow will coming to Madrid! I kid, I kid.  Real Madrid finally ended speculation as to their new manager today by announcing that Carlo Ancelotti will take over for the departed Jose Mourinho.  Real will make things official in it's royal box on Wednesday by formalizing the signing, then Ancelotti will have his first presser.

The Italian has been the front runner in media speculation ever since it was made known that Mourinho was out.  HoweverHe remained under contract with French Champions PSG, and it is not known at this point whether or not Madrid paid PSG to spring Ancelotti from his contract.  For their part, PSG have announced that former French International manager Laurent Blanc will take the helm for them next year.

Ancelotti's experience and record are second to very few, both in league play and in Europe.  He won the Champions League twice with AC Milan and won league titles with Milan, Chelsea, and PSG.  In 2010 he won the FA Cup/Premier League Double with the Blues.  He was also a winner of the Champions League with Milan as a player in 1989 and 1990.  He also played in the final with AS Roma in 1984.

Expectations will be high for Ancelotti.  Last year Madrid failed to capture either the Copa Del Rey or the La Liga title, and they once again came up short in their Champions League bid, which Mourinho had claimed was his priority.  Ancelotti will be immediately expect to rejoin the battle with Barca for the league title, oh and probably win the Champions League too. 

No pressure, Carlo!

Sevilla Handed Europa League Spot In Place of Malaga, For Now.

There was some interesting, and frustrating, news coming out of Spain today for fans of La Liga side Malaga.  The Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland has dismissed their appeal to set aside their ban from European Football and play in the Europa League next season.  Their spot will now go to Sevilla, provisionally.

Last December UEFA banned Malaga from European competitions for two years after they were found to be in violation of financial fair play rules.  That ban was later reduced to one year.  Malaga spent much of the 2012-2013 campaign fighting for the fourth and final Champion's League spot, but faded toward the end of the season.  In addition, the court upheld the fine of 300,000 euros leveled by UEFA, which Malaga will now have to pay.

Eighth place side Rayo Vallecano had hopes of being granted the Europa League spot should Malaga's ban be upheld.  However, UEFA have not granted them a license for European competitions.  This being the case, the spot will go to ninth place Sevilla.  Rayo is still hopeful of a decision from the same court in the favor, which would grant them that spot in Europe.

Barcelona's Sanchez Injured on International Duty

Barca's Alexis Sanchez picked up a foot injury on Wednesday

Bad news for Barcelona fans out of the international break.  Alexis Sanchez picked up a foot injury during Chile's 3-1 friendly loss to Serbia on Wednesday.  He is expected to miss up to four weeks.  The injury occured in the 20th minute on a challenge from Serbia's Luka Milivojevic.  The damage itself has been diagnosed as a strained ligament in his right foot.

Sanchez could miss up to eight matches in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, including Barcelona's clash with Atletico Madrid in a few weeks.  Despite the fact that Barca seems to have a lack of "true" forwards or wingers,  I don't think anyone really doubts that they will continue to score goals in the coming weeks.

Ronaldo Out of Portugal Squad With Eye Injury

Cristiano Ronaldo will be undergoing tests on his eye after this injury (Mirror.co.uk)

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo suffered the above eye injury during a 2-1 win at Levante on Sunday.  In the third minute of the match Levante defender David Navarro caught Ronaldo in the left eye with his elbow, resulting in the bloody injury.  Ronaldo would continue and eventually score a goal in the match, but he was eventually subbed out at halftime.

According to Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, Ronaldo had trouble seeing out of the injured eye throughout the first half, and then by the halftime break we was dizzy and having trouble seeing from either eye.  He was due to undergo medical tests upon his return to Madrid.

The bad news extends to Portugal's national team, as the injury has forced him to withdraw from this week's international match. They'll play Gabon in a friendly on Wednesday, but I'm sure both Portugal and Real Madrid would rather have him get the medical help he needs.

The Puddle wishes Ronaldo a speedy recovery and return to the pitch.  It's truly a gruesome injury.

Strong Finish Lifts Barcelona Over Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona celebrate Cesc Fabregas's late goal at Rayo Vallecano (Getty Images)

It was a windy and chilly day yesterday when Barcelona brought their show to Madrid, not to face Real or even Atletico, but going up against Rayo Vallecano at Estadio Teresa Rivero.  Prior to the match, Rayo's manager Francisco Jemez had indicated that his side intended to go toe to toe with Barca, and they pretty much did, holding their ground until late in the second half.

It really took Barca a few minutes to even get a foothold in the match, and Rayo tried desperately to take advantage and hit them early.  Unfortunately for them, they couldn't really get their sights on goal, and rarely tested Victor Valdes and his somewhat makeshift Barca back line.  Jose Carlos got a grand look after a corner in the very first minute, but screwed his shot wide of the goal.  He really should have done better.  He would try his luck again, dialing up a shot in the 17th minute but again failed to hit the target.  Despite the Rayo pressure, Barcelona really didn't look like they were going to break.

Slowly Barca got their feet under them and finally made Rayo pay for their missed opportunities in the 20th minute.  Cesc Fabregas picked out David Villa, who was making a superb late run into the penalty area.  Villa cleanly one touched the ball past the Rayo 'keeper and into the net to make it 0-1 to Barcelona.

Rayo responded pretty well though, and had a great chance to equalize the match prior to halftime.  In the 44th minute Javi Fuego dumped a ball over the top of the Barca defense that dropped to Andrija Delibasic in the area.  The Serb got his shot away, and on target, but Valdes was up to the task, corralling it and preserving his team's 0-1 lead going into the interval.

Barcelona came out in the second half and immediately put a little more daylight between themselves and the home side.  In the 48th minute Lionel Messi took a ball from Martin Montoya and smacked it into the top corner of the goal to make it 0-2 to Barcelona.

Rayo still didn't go away though, and really deserved a lot of credit for hanging in the match as long as they did.  The continued to create chances and half chances, but still really could not get their shots on frame.  In the 78th minute Sergio Rodri got a great look at goal off of a set piece, as the ball fell to him just on the side of the six.  However once again he failed to test the 'keeper and the home side failed to cut into the lead.

That was the last opening Barca would need as they would add three more goals over the course of the final twelve minutes.  In the 78th Jordi Alba found Xavi in the center of the box, and he promptly slotted home Barca's third.   Cesc Fabregas volleyed in a cross from Pedro to make it 0-4 in the 80th, and Messi finished the night with a clinical finish from a tough angle to make it 0-5 at full time.

In the end, Rayo probably didn't deserve to get put to the sword quite so badly, but their missed opportunities came back to haunt them as they failed to capitalize on Barca's vulnerable back line.  It wasn't always vintage Barcelona, but it was more than enough.

La Liga: Malaga Beat Levante In Style.

Malaga's Javier Saviola tallied a goal and an assist Saturday morning. (Reuters)

La Liga matchday kicked off in style Saturday as Malaga hosted Levante in front of 22,000 fans on a warm Spanish afternoon.  The home side, newly minted in the Champion's League group stage, looked to continue their unbeaten start to the season against a Levante squad that faces Europa league action later on in the month.

The home supporters were anxious to see Malaga's newest arrival, Javier Saviola, who signed for the club as the transfer window drew to a close a couple of weeks back.  They weren't disappointed either, as Saviola contributed mightily to a rather dominating victory.

The opening minutes were rather subdued from both sides, as temperatures hovered around 86 degrees at kickoff.  However it was clear right away that Malaga were going to have the better of the run of play.  In the 8th minute Joaquin woke up the Levante 'keeper, rifling a shot right at him for the day's first chance.

Shouts of discontent from the home players and supporters arose in the 18th minute though, as Malaga were denied a penalty appeal.  Levante's Sergio Ballesteros came up behind Saviola in the box and appeared to clip him, sending the attacker to the ground.  The referee wasn't buying though, and play continued.

Saviola left little up to the referee in the 27th minute though.  Isco found him streaking into the middle of the box and hit him with a wonderful through ball.  The Levante defense had a split second chance to cut it out, but the defender couldn't get a foot to it, leaving Saviola with an easy chance, which he promptly slotted to give Malaga the 1-0 lead.

The Malaga crowd was again asking for a penalty on 36 minutes when Sergio Sanchez went to the floor in the Levante area.  This time the referee not only denied the appeal, but showed Sanchez the yellow card for diving.  That card would come back to haunt him, but Malaga still held the 1-0 lead at halftime.

The lead didn't last long though as Levante managed an equalizer right after the break.  In the 46th minute Michel saddled up on the end of a clearance and streaked up the pitch toward the Malaga goal.  He hammered his shot from just outside of the area sending the ball into the upper netting to level the match at 1-1.

Unfortunately for the visitors, the rest of the match's chances presented themselves to Malaga.  In the 59th minute Saviola took center stage again, hitting Joaquin with another gorgeous through ball that was clinically finished to restore Malaga's lead at 2-1.

Some hope almost emerged for Levante late on as Sergio Sanchez was hit with his second yellow card of the match on 87 minutes.  However, they were unable to muster an attack and Malaga iced the match in stoppage time.  In the 93rd minute Francisco Portillo got on the end of a cross from Duda and volleyed it home from close range to make the full time score 3-1. 

Alex Song Officially Joins Barcelona

Alex Song has completed his medical and arrival at Barcelona

The exodus from the Emirates continued today as Arsenal midfielder completed his medical evaluation paving the way for his official arrival at Barcelona.  The move is rumored to be worth about £15 millon.

Song is a 24 year old midfielder from Cameroon, who has spent the last seven years in North London.  He has signed a five year deal with the La Liga giants, where he hopes to provide them with a bit more of a physical presence.  I think it's a good move for both player and club.

Song did not play for Arsenal when the Gunners hosted Sunderland this last weekend.  Immediately after the end of the match, which finished scoreless, they announced that they had agreed to terms with Barca for the transfer.  Song appeared in 204 matches for Arsenal, scoring 10 goals in the process.

Congratulations to Real Madrid, 2012 La Liga Champions

Congratulations to Real Madrid, who tonight clinched the 2012 La Liga title with a 0-3 win at Athletic Bilbao.  The Blancos got goals from Higuain, Oezil, and Cristiano Ronaldo in the match, though Ronaldo did miss a PK early on.

The title is a record 32nd league crown fro Madrid, but their first in four years.  A couple of weeks ago they pretty much locked it up with the Clasico win at Camp Nou, but as of tonight, it's official!

I like this even more, of course, because at least one of my European clubs will bag a trophy this year.  On the other hand, let's make sure Sergio Ramos doesn't get anywhere near it.

Pep Guardiola Will Leave Barcelona

Pep Guardiola holds the European Cup in 2011.  (guardian.co.uk)

Today marks the end of an era, at least of sorts, at Camp Nou.  Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has announced at a press conference that he will not be returning to the La Liga giants once his contract expires at the end of the season.  It's been a tough couple weeks at Barca, losing El Clasico at home to Real Madrid and being knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Chelsea.  Still, rumors have been swirling about this for months, and apparently Pep himself has been thinking along these lines for awhile.  According to RivalsDM, Guardiola met with Barcelona leadership on Wednesday and told them he wanted to leave.  The club asked him to reconsider, but he stuck with his choice.

Guardiola had a remarkable run as manager at Barca.  He began his coaching career at Barcelona B in 2007, and became first team boss in 2008.  Since then he has won the Champions League twice, La Liga three times, the Copa Del Rey, three supercopas, two UEFA Supercups, and 2 FIFA Club World Cups.  That's pretty impressive no matter how you slice it.

He also had a stellar career as a player for Barcelona, winning the Champions League, the Copa Del Rey, and multiple La Liga titles.  He also played for Spain when they won Olympic gold in 1992, during which he scored a goal in the final.

Guardiola will certainly leave his mark at Camp Nou, and once again Barca have gone inside the club to replace him, announcing that his assistant Tito Vilanova will manage the club next season.  It's been a popular move.  The rumor mill didn't even really have time to get started, but some names that were bantered about were: Ernesto ValVerde, Laurent Blanc, Marcelo Bielsa, and failed Chelsea project Andre Villas Boas.  Barcelona clearly has the formula though, and they stuck with it by promoting from within.

The Puddle would like to congratulate Guardiola on his stellar success at Barcelona and wish him well in the future.  He is certainly a top manager and one of the good guys in world soccer.

Puddle's Goal of the Weekend: Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Levante

Caught this match on ESPN 3 yesterday, and was glad I did. Ronaldo had a hat trick, including a blistering penalty and this beautifully struck masterpiece.