Fm 2011 - Moving Around?

Basically guys - here's the plan.

I got so bored of playing as a static manager and then starting a new save when I wanted to be part of a new club. So I decided it was about time I man up, load more than one country, and start moving around during one save.

Never had a thread on here before but thought this would be the ideal time to start one.

So let me run through some of the details.

Manager Name: Adam Lynch

Nationality: English

2nd Nationality: Irish

D.O.B: 30/04/1991 - although the game insists I am 25..

Past Experience: International Footballer.

Playable countries: England, Holland, Germany, Spain, Italy. (All these are to the 2nd Professional League apart from England which is loaded to NPower L2).

Me and my friend, brFM2011 (who is basically doing the same as me) selected a number based on a few personal details for me to hit the "Pick League and Club for me" button. The number was 9.

I was pleasantly surprised with Europa League Holders and Spanish Capital giants - Atletico Madrid.

As mentioned, I plan to move around quite a bit in this save - so as my manager signed a 2 year contract with the club, I will probably just see this out before moving on depending on how well I do - if a better offer/opportunity comes along I might be inclined to take it - obviously I will use this to keep any followers informed!

A very modest starting budget of £4.3m with a wage budget of £925k (£66k remaining) and an expectation of continental qualification through league finish.

The squad? Of good salt.

3 obvious names sprang to mind before I even looked at the squad - David De Gea, Diego Forlan, and Sergio 'Kun' Aguero.

I immediately assumed most of time would be spent building the squad around these 3 players. Surprised as well to find a well known name in English football around 5 years ago; Jose Antonio Reyes. As well as solid 24 Uruguayan Cb Diego Godin with Spanish youngster Dominguez, also 2 experienced central midfielders, Paulo Assuncao, Tiago (formerly of Chelsea). This also backed up with some solid players yet to hit their peak - Raul Garcia, Ellias, Mario Suarez and Juanfran - this suddenly felt like an easy task.

My fullback area was one my assistant highlighted as a potential pitfall, particularly Rb. 3 players, names you may or may not know - Thomas Ujfalusi, Lucas Perea and Juan Valera - solid players, could this really be a problem? I decide to play without signing any major names...

My only signing of the closed season was a young left winger called Martin Zeman. He has great technical and speed stats, with some creativity to back it up and aged just 21.

Young Brazilian Romario (half star current ability, 4 star potential) will sign in January for a modest £240k - Thank you low buy-out clauses.

Also a personal recommendation from aforementioned brFM2011 - Moussa Sissoko will sign in January for £15m - monthly installments over 48 months - same length as my contract...no link, I promise .

Other than that, no signings worth mentioning - a few other kids I won't mention yet, however I will let you know if they turn out to be amazing and you can go sign them for yourselves.

After all this waffling time to move on! I will update again to let you know how the preseason results went! And then will try to update with posts (bi-monthly game wise).

Enjoyyyyy.

As per usual my assistant suggested the Intra-Squad friendly.

Why not? I saw this mostly as an opportunity to see if there were any good players in my reserves! There weren't...

At. Madrid 3-0 At. Madrid 'B'

Aguero (29), Dominguez (59), Tiago (90+2)

Formation - 4-4-2.

A simple enough game. Exactly 60% possession in my favor. 29 shots, with only 6 on target (potential concerns?).

One stand out player was Aguero. Despite only scoring the one goal, he won the corner that resulted in the 2nd, and got an assist for the 3rd. His pace and dribbling ability was a constant threat through the middle latching on to balls from Forlan who had no problem in holding up the ball and bringing others into play.

De Gea looked steady in net, only having 3 on target shots to deal with, he caught them all comfortably and any crosses/corners were dealt with ease.

A good run out for the lads but no real idea of our quality just yet.

Pfullendorf 0-2 At. Madrid

Forlan (2), Aguero (32)

Formation - 4-3-3.

Good to see both of my strikers getting on the score sheet - but in truth a poor match for me. Evenly balanced game against a German non-league side. Again a good game for the fitness of my players and nice to be able to experiment with the formation slightly.

Although Aguero is not comfortable playing wide right, he was again a constant threat, scoring 1 and setting up Forlan for the opener.

In summary - another good run out, but no real tell of quality.

Rangers 1-0 At. Madrid

Diouf (33)

Formation - 4-3-3

I won't dwell on this too much mostly out of embarrassment. Also conceding a goal to my least favourite player of all time (about time Fm brought a 'Kill' option as well as going in hard).

Aguero again a ridiculous threat in a very poor team. A lot of kids run out in this game but I had hoped most of them would be capable of performing.

Beginning to think there are too many weaknesses in this formation too. The width is working very well, but there wasn't enough of a threat through the middle - and I have to consider the possibility of Aguero being more of a goal threat making his amazing runs straight through the heart of the team.

Albacete 0-3 At. Madrid

Reyes pen. (20), Aguero (85), Forlan (90+1)

Formation - 4-3-3

I refused to give up on the desired formation! A comfortable win over lower league opposition and a return to the starting line up for my better players.

I figured our poor performance against Rangers could have been an issue of personnel? Well if this match was anything to go by I could be right?

Possibly an overreaction considering Albacete are 'lower league' opposition - but we outclassed them all over the pitch, limiting them to 1 shot off target (and none on target) and they were very lucky to only concede 3 - the last 2 coming in the last 5 minute showing how they couldn't hold us off forever.

Catania 1-2

Gonzalo Bergessio (90), Ujfalusi (10), Juan Valera (82)

Dominguez S/O(89)

Formation - 4-4-2

A good result! 2 nil up and cruising until some rash defending from Dominguez (a lack of experience perhaps but he will learn from such mistakes).

Their penalty well taken, but in the last minute didn't count for much. Catania were pegged back by our great possession play and I honestly think the switch to 4-4-2 greatly aided us.

Allowing Juanfran and Reyes more width and creative freedom created a lot of chances for Forlan, as well as Aguero ripping the defence to pieces with his skill.

All in all - a good preseason I think.

A great chance to experiment with formations and players and everybody got a good run out and are fully fit for the season ahead.

A few knocks here and there but nothing major - and an already congested fixture list next with the European Supercup Final against Internazionale 3 days before the Spanish league season kicks off!

See you in two game months!

D.O.B: 30/04/1991 - although the game insists I am 25..

This bugs the **** out of me, to the point that I use FMRTE to get my age to the correct figure when I start.

Good luck to you!

Lynchyyy

Good luck at Atletico Madrid.. Jammy git ,

Moussaaaaa! XD

This bugs the **** out of me, to the point that I use FMRTE to get my age to the correct figure when I start.

Good luck to you!

I'm 23 now, won't be too long before it has my real age anyway

As promised! I will now update you with the results of the first 2 months of competitive football!!

Euro. Super Cup

Inter 2-0 At. Madrid - 27/08/2010

Eto'o (108, 115)

Stankovic S/o (61). Godin S/o (84)

As you can see from the score, a disappointing end to what was a fairly even game. Even possession wise, but we easily had the better chances. Forlan missed a few chances to put us ahead while Aguero had one brilliant long range effort saved by Cesar. A good start performance wise - I was feeling confident about the season ahead.

At. Madrid 1-1 Sporting - 30/08/2010

Forlan (36). Cuevas (39)

A very disappointing start. A game everybody expected us to win, and for a first half of pure domination, the goal felt like it was the beginning of many. But when they equalised just 3 minutes later the tables turned.

We were under the cosh for good periods of the game, and we looked slow and static in defence - De Gea rescued a point in truth.

Athletic 0-1 At. Madrid 13/09/2010

Forlan (31)

A great game for us, the scoreline barely reflecting the true performance. 7 shots on target. Each a good save from their keeper, we really threatened in the final 3rd. Tiago was playing very well as the creator, his killer balls splitting the opposition defence. Aguero set to Trequartista meant that he was dropping into the space between their attack and midfield creating a lot of space for Forlan, Juanfran and Reyes to really threaten.

EURO Cup Grp A

Lille OSC 0-0 At. Madrid - 16/09/2010

A good point for us considering the performance. We were well and truly out played. Lille were quicker, stronger and smarter than us. We rarely threatened going forward, and only for an impressive performance from Diego Godin saved us from an embarassing defeat. De Gea again impressing between the sticks - his £17.25m buy-out clause no longer feels like enough...

At. Madrid 0-1 Barcelona - 19/09/2010

Villa (25)

Sergio Busquets (15)

The early sending off was in truth a god send. I admittedly started this game in fear, I dropped my 'wingers' to 'wide midfielders' and changed starting philosophy from 'attack' to 'control'. The idea being, the more we had of the ball, the less Barcelona could destroy us. With Busquets off I fancied a sneaky win, and would have settled for a draw. But when Villa scored, I knew it wasn't meant to be. We couldn't make the extra man count and although Barca didn't threaten much after the goal, we couldn't pull it level. At least we weren't suffering a demoralising spanking from the league defenders.

Valencia 1-1 At. Madrid - 27/09/2010

Aguero (16). Soldado (66)

Annoyed at only drawing after being ahead. Although Valencia were the better team and probably deserved the win. Aguero was amazing throughout the game, unfortunately his team mates were of no help. De Gea again solid in goal. A mistake from inexperienced Dominguez letting Soldado run clear, hopefully he'll learn from this mistake!

At. Madrid 2-0 Zaragoza

Reyes (37,41)

A quick-fire double from Reyes, two simple tap ins set up by great play from Aguero (credited with only 1 assist! annoying!). A comfortable win felt almost routine as we finally seemed to settle into the rhythm I had been looking for from the team. Good attacking football with a solid defensive display. De Gea had very little to do in goal. 58% possession sums up the performance. Midfielders Ellias and Tiago were impressive. A problem that we lost Diego Costa and Juanfran to injury? We'll see!

At. Madrid 2-0 Timisoara

Forlan (2), Aguero (59).

Comfortable win away from home and not a lot to say about the game. Total domination against unknown opposition and the scoreline didn't reflect the performance. I sent my scout out on their keeper (Taborda) for future reference as he was incredible in goal. Saving 11 on target shots to make up for the 2 that got through. Insanely, 71% possession to us, industrious midfield outstanding once again!

In all, a good month! ,

Slow to start maybe, but got it together in the end, with only losses to Inter and Barcelona (last years Champions League Semi-finalists). 1 good league point1 against tough opposition away from home (Valencia) although the draw with Sporting at home was a disappointment.

Up coming fixtures include:

Sevilla (A)

Getafe (H)

Besiktas (A)

Villarreal (A)

Benidorm (A)

Almeria (H)

Besiktas (H)

R. Madrid (A)

Benidorm (H)

Ossassuna (H)

R. Sociedad (A)

Espanyol (H)

Lille OSC (H)

Update coming soon!

It's been a decent month

Good draw in France , + out of those upcoming fixtures.. i'd say 7 or 8 should be wins .

Gonna have to hope my next 2 months in Germany are better then the first lol

oh, good luck at Real

A great month for me!

Sevilla 1-1 At. Madrid - 03/10/2010

Fabiano (3). Aguero (5)

Perea S/o (58).

Had "thriller" written all over it from kick-off. Two early goals made me think it would be a high scoring match - and it should have been! Lots of chances for both teams. Great goalkeeping from De Gea to keep us in it. Poor finishing from Aguero and Forlan who hit too many shots off target.

At. Madrid 2-0 Getafe - 18/10/2010

Aguero (45, 67)

A routine win for us. Solid performance from the back line and two goals from the impressive Aguero who looked a threat every time he got on the ball. Aided by Forlan's strength and ability to hold up the ball, Aguero was put in twice for simply goals he just tucked into the bottom corner.

Europa League

Besiktas 1-2 At. Madrid - 21/10/2010

Bobo (78). Forlan (4), Dominguez (89)

An impressive performance away from home. Besiktas scored with their only chance of the game - annoying. Dominguez emphatic headed winner lifted me out of my chair! A great performance from a hard working midfield. Tiago in particular was amazing - tackling, passing, and an assist. Well worth his M.O.M. award.

Liga BBVA

Villarreal 0-0 At. Madrid - 24/10/2010

Marchena S/o (42)

A game we were widely expected to lose - I would have taken a draw before the match. However, with the sending off just before half time, I switched my philosophy to 'attacking' and told the lads they could win the game! They took to it well. Creating a lot of chances and dominating possession for the next 45 minutes. However we couldn't apply the winning touch to the game, and we paid for it. A point won, or two dropped?

Copa Del Rey 4th Round 1st leg

Benidorm 0-3 At. Madrid - 27/10/2010

Godin (20) Forlan (42) Zeman (71)

An easy enough game for us. With Reyes injured in training through the week it was time for youngster Zeman to make the step up on the left wing. He did so impressively, showing good pace and control to cause constant problems down the left flank. A set-piece specialist too, his corner setting up Godin, and his own goal a 30 yard curling free-kick to seal the win. Another good game for Forlan, who certainly seems to have dug out his shooting boots.

Liga BBVA

At. Madrid 5-1 Almeria - 31/10/2010

Ujfalusi (23) Dominguez (26) Juanfran (43) Costa (60) Forlan (90+1). Uche (29)

A morale boosting win for us! We carried on our goal scoring form from the Cup game previously and stormed the Almeria defence. A great possessional game for us (66%) and restricting Almeria to nothing but long-range efforts - including their stunning goal from Uche.

Europa League

At. Madrid 3-2 Besiktas - 04/11/2010

Elias (3) Forlan (42) Aguero (53). Nobre (62, 90+2)

Scorline flattered Besiktas. We dominated proceedings and they were lucky with both of their goals. 60% possession tells the true story. For long periods of the game Besiktas could barely get the ball out of their own half as once again Elias and Tiago bossed the midfield - a great partnership forming.

Liga BBVA

Real Madrid 1-0 At. Madrid - 07/11/2010

C. Ronaldo (48)

Perea S/o (83) C. Ronaldo missed pen (84)

Lucky lucky Real. Their goal was a result of poor marking by the inexperienced Dominguez. Their penalty decision was fair, and De Gea did well to parry a shot that looked destined for the top corner. However in open play, we had equally as many chances to score - but looked nervous! Forlan and Aguero both putting easy chances wide when they should have at least tested the so called worlds best keeper.

Copa Del Rey 4th round 2nd Leg

At. Madrid 4-0 Benidorm - 10/11/2010

Aguero (1, 53) Forlan (pen 9, 81)

A simple enough win to tie up the 5th round qualification. Nice to see both strikers getting goals. An all round good performance from the team with little to say. Except for a debut for youngster Pichu Atienza who gave a solid account of himself.

Liga BBVA

At. Madrid 4-0 Ossassuna - 13/11/2010

Forlan (5, 77) Juanfran (15) Dominguez (80)

A great return to league football! Bouncing back from the Real game and bagging the all important 3 points. A good effect on our goal difference too which may come in handy further down the line. Juanfran particularly impressive with 1 goal and 2 assists for the Forlan brace. The stats show an even game - the scoreline perhaps a little flattering on us this time.

Real Sociedad 2-4 At. Madrid - 22/11/2010

J. Llorente (32) Estrada (72)

Forlan (20, 80) Zeman (39) Aguero (84)

Another 4 goals and a good performance. Sociedad flattered by the scoreline - our defence didn't deserve to concede two goals. Another solid performance from both De Gea and Dominguez. Aguero, Zeman and Juanfran creating a hand full of chances for the team.

At. Madrid 4-0 Espanyol - 28/11/2010

Elias (30) Forlan (40, 74) Ujfalusi (81)

Another impressive display from the hard working midfield partnership (Elias and Tiago) allowing Zeman and Juanfran to really support the two strikers! The creative freedom that I've given Aguero really bringing the best out of him. Dropping into space behind Forlan and distrubiting the ball into great areas for both wingers and Forlan.

13 games into the league season and the table is taking shape - as is the scoring list!

LIGA BBVA Table

LIGA BBVA Scoring List

Quick side note! As I personally believe Ronaldo to be a better player than Messi - and a few people disagree.

As my friend brfm2011 pointed out on this scoring list..."Where the **** is Lionel Messi!?!?!"

Them goals in the league will come in handy if Barce/Real slip up !

Love my little mention too

Quick change to the way the thread is done! I've decided to do December and January as separate updates due to the transfer window in January.

Europa League

At. Madrid 2-0 Lille LOSC - 01/12/2010

Forlan (49, 87)

Wasn't fully aware of how good a result this was until after the game. Prior to this, Lille had not conceded a goal in the Europa League group and had scored in every game. So to stop them scoring, and then to put 2 past them felt like an impressive victory. Forlan again proving himself to be a brilliant goal scorer.

LIGA BBVA

Levante 0-2 At. Madrid - 05/12/2010

Forlan (1), Munua o.g. (46)

Another simple win against the team bottom of the table. A little disappointed that we didn't score more considering the amount of chances we created, but shouldn't complain about the 3 points. We're showing ourselves as consistent performers away from home as well. On a personal note, early into my managerial career I am starting to get noticed for the impressive run of form we're currently on.

At. Madrid 2-1 Deportivo - 12/12/2010

Aranzubia o.g. (35) Forlan (62). Riki (58)

A tough game for us. 4th (us) vs 5th with nothing but goal difference separating the two sides before this match. We needed to make the home advantage count - and luckily we did! Another important goal from Forlan, aided by the lucky own goal. Solid defending from our back-line restricting them two 5 shots in total, 3 off target.

Europa League

Timisoara 0-2 At. Madrid - 15/12/2010

Forlan (31) Pichu Atienza (90+2) Teko Modise S/o (60)

A good away win. Dominated proceedings from the beginning and two simple goals. Aided by the sending off which ensured Timisoara were never a goal threat in the last 30 mins of the game. Already qualified for the next stage of the competition so I rested a few key players (Ujfalusi, Tiago, Aguero).

Europa Leauge Group A Table

Very happy with the way this finished. Draw for 2nd round against Ukrainian side Dnipro. The following round against the winners between Celtic vs Man City - exciting 3rd knockout awaits! Hopefully we'll beat Dnipro.

LIGA BBVA

Malaga 1-3 At. Madrid - 19/12/2010

Raul Garcia (1) Forlan (pen 21, 60) Manu (59)

An impressive performance and Malaga didn't really deserve their goal. Midfield dominated with Garcia (in for suspended Tiago) really staking a claim for a regular first team appearance. With Moussa Sissoko joining in January - our midfield is really starting to take shape. Juanfran and Zeman impressive down the wings. Will be difficult for Reyes to get back into the team when he returns to fitness.

Copa Del Rey 5th Round 1st Leg

Xerez 2-4 At. Madrid - 22/12/2010

Costa (28) Zeman (58) Aguero (82, 89)

Nieto (64) Bermejo (74)

Our last game of 2010. No goals from Forlan - shocking I know. Costa started on the right hand side for Juanfran (rested 52% condition) performed well. Cutting inside and slotting a great finish into the bottom corner. In the team talk before kick-off I gave Aguero the "Pressure is off" speech due to his lack of goals and lesser form in the last two months. No goals at half time and I told him I had faith in his ability.

To be 2-0 and then have Xerez pull it back was very annoying! An inspired substituion in the introduction of Tiago on the 75th minute turned the game around as he twice put Aguero through to score the final two goals. My team talks had worked - could this be a return to form for the young Argentine? Two strikers scoring...Real and Barcelona should be looking over their shoulders .

LIGA BBVA League Table

Really happy to be 3rd even at this early stage. Our goal difference almost on par with Barca and Real. Although 10 points off the top you there's plenty of time for Barca to slip-up. Real already have, and I don't think a 2nd place finish is off the cards for us yet!

LIGA BBVA Scoring Table

Really pleased with Diego's form, only the unstoppable Villa besting him at the minute. Aguero hasn't got a league goal since I last updated - which I am hoping will change very soon!

Slighty unrealted..but spotted something in match build up against Hercules...

Dodgy shape yes..but count it, 10 players?

No wonder they're bottom of the league!!

January - 2011.

Some fresh blood - always nice for any team.

Especially useful considering a very congested fixture list in January - 9 games in 4 weeks. Including a difficult future cup tie.

Semi-final against Barcelona assuming they overcome their quarter final and so do we...

Transfers

Moussa Sissoko (Cm) - £15m

Isco (C/Am)- £800k

Santos Miranda, Marcos Vinicus (Gk) - £375k

LIGA BBVA

At. Madrid 3-0 Racing - 02/01/2011

Aguero (16) Forlan (20, pen 31)

A simply victory and maybe should have scored more. Racing were never a threat and only some solid goal keeping kept this from being a complete whitewash.

Copa Del Rey 5th round 2nd Leg

At. Madrid 2-1 Xerez (6-3 agg) - 05/01/2011

Forlan (pen 2) Aguero (58). Redondo (14)

Scoreline flattered Xerez. Their goal an amazing long rage effort. Only 1 of their 2 shots on target. We had 11. Their goal keeper again keeping them in this game. Zeman adds another impressive performance to his debut season in Spanish football.

LIGA BBVA

Heracles 2-4 At. Madrid - 09/01/2011

Valdez (4) Drenthe (76)

Forlan (pen 11, pen 53) Juanfran (20, 60)

A tougher game than this should have been. We were comfortable in possession but often caught on the break (resulting in 2 soft goals conceded). Thankfully the ever deadly Forlan slotting away two penalties and and impressive performance from Juanfran sealed the points.

Copa Del Rey Qtr Final 1st Leg

At. Madrid 1-0 Racing - 12/01/2011

Forlan (24). Pinillios S/o (80)

A win yes, but a disappointing one. We dominated from start to finish and having beaten them comfortably (3-0) in the league I expected more. We easily played better this time around + the late sending off it would have been nice to put the tie beyond doubt so I could rest some players for the congested fixture list.

LIGA BBVA

At. Madrid 3-0 Mallorca - 16/01/2011

Forlan (14, 51) Aguero (80)

Tie was much closer than the scoreline suggests. Our defence looking tired already and plenty of games left to play. The difference between the two sides? Clinical finishing! Forlan and Aguero winning us another important 3 points.

Copa Del Rey Qrt Final 2nd Leg

Racing 2-3 At. Madrid - 19/01/2011

Roesnberg (9) Serrano (51)

Aguero (3) Forlan (27) Diego Costa (79)

Great way to make this tie even more difficult. Twice giving away soft goals with a mixture of poor defending and even worse passing. Both goals came from giving the ball away in midfield.

LIGA BBVA

Sporting 1-1 At. Madrid

Sissoko (36) Mate Billic (90+1)

The first time we've dropped points in quite some time. Even more disappointing to have lost the goal so late on - however on reflection a game we didn't really deserve to win.

Copa Del Rey Semi-final 1st Leg

Barcelona 1-0 At. Madrid

Alves (14)

Disappointing result, a real weird game. The goal conceded early emulated Barca's possession but it was a soft goal coming from a free-kick just on the edge of the area, low in the bottom corner - De Gea almost getting hands to it. Elias injured on 81 mins with all 3 subs made meant we had to finish with 10 men.

That seemed to fire the lads up. Those remaining 10 minutes we dominated and only 2 brilliant stops from Valdes prevented Forlan from equalising.

LIGA BBVA

At. Madrid 1-0 Athletic

Zeman (18)

Shaky performance from a tired team. The final game in January and the congested fixture list has taken its toll and there's still a busy February left to play.

Zeman took his goal well to win the game. Fernando Llorente had a goal ruled out for a foul on our keeper - in all honesty, looked like it should have stood. Lucky to win.

Summary

Tough month. Some good results that we made difficult for ourselves. The lads are getting tired and as a result are making a few mistakes. 2nd leg against Barcelona will be a real tell of our true potential. Europa League games start up soon as well. Board would like me to reach the semi-final - but with our current fitness and performance levels it will be interesting to see how far we actually get.

LIGA BBVA League Table

Very happy to be 3rd in the table. Would be nice to see the gap between us and the top 2 close a little bit though.

LIGA BBVA Scoring Table

Impressive Diego Forlan still managing to keep pace with David Villa. Aguero's current record of 7 a little disappointing.

Copa Del Rey Semi-final 1st Leg vs Barcelona

The stats which prove we weren't all that far away from an upset.

Slighty unrealted..but spotted something in match build up against Hercules...

Dodgy shape yes..but count it, 10 players?

No wonder they're bottom of the league!!

That's very strange. I assume they have a full roster of players?

Moussaaaaa Sissoko!!!!!

the possession against barce is looking rather juicy!

Still in tact with the top 2.. thats encouraging at least + only dropped points once

Yeyeye ShanghaiNugget

It was a small glitch. When I got to the opp.instruction screen they had 11 players for me to choose from so...

February = Amazing. For one reason. At home, I bested Barcelona...

Copa Del Rey Semi-Final 2nd Leg

At. Madrid 2-0 Barcelona (2-1 agg) - 02/02/2011

Dominguez (27) Costa (90+3)

Stats weighed heavily in my favour as we dominated from start to finish. Possibly aided by Xavi injury - otherwise a full strength Barcelona side. Whether it was the home advantage that won it, or simply the decision to attack rather than counter - an incredible victory and a great platform to take the cup.

LIGA BBVA

Barcelona 0-0 At. Madrid

Villa S/o (76)

Ujfalusi S/o (90+1)

Possession was ours, 55%. Unfortunately, only 3 shots all of which were off target. The tactics again proved useful imo. The decision to control the game rather than counter - the main aim was to keep the ball so they couldn't use it against us proved to be a useful idea - one you should consider using if your team are comfortable with it.

At. Madrid 3-1 Valencia

Forlan (46) Zeman (63) Aguero (66)

Soldado (89)

Disappointed to not keep the clean sheet. But an impressive attacking display with good possession and an excellent display from Sissoko in midfield. Juanfran returning to excellent form down the right hand side - and Zeman proving me right to allow him to keep his place ahead of the now fit Reyes.

Europa Cup 1st KO Round 1st Leg

Dnipro 1-4 At. Madrid

Aguero (3, 25) Forlan (35) Dominguez (60)

Strinic (30)

Always tough to play in Eastern Europe particularly given the harsh weathers at this time of year with a team used to playing in a considerably warmer climate. An impressive performance from Reyes (Zeman cup-tied) and a return to goal scoring form for Aguero. Domiguez rock-solid in defence, and helped further more by a great diving header goal.

LIGA BBVA

Zaragoza 0-2 At. Madrid

Aguero (25) Forlan (58)

A simple win for us against the team 2nd bottom. Dominated possession. Took a risk giving 18 year old Isco a run in the centre of midfield and he did not disappoint. Given the 'deep-lying play-maker' he played with freedom. He found excellent space, made time for himself on the ball and played some great passes.

Europa Cup 1st KO 2nd leg

At. Madrid 2-1 Dnipro (6-2 agg)

Seleznyov (4)

Martin Silva o.g. (17) Aguero (36)

Easier win than it sounded. Early goal came as we were hit on the break and it spurred them on for about 10 minutes of pressure - but then we hit them on the break. Their goalkeeper unlucky to concede the own goal - ball bouncing back of the post from a Sissoko shot and hitting him on the back. Aguero finished the match off soon after and that was that. Dnipro never threatened again.

LIGA BBVA

At. Madrid 3-1 Sevilla

Sissoko (52) Godin (72) Juanfran (90+1)

Kanoute (55)

A solid win for us. Plenty of chances in the first half and unlucky not to score. Another amazing long-range effort from Sissoko to open the scoring. Unhappy to see Kanoute hit back almost instantly. Godin's goal settling my own nerves. Juanfran's goal late on sealing the points. A good home win against tough opposition.

Summary

Another good month for At. Madrid and myself. As we head into March the fixture load begins to lighten. Also with the CDR final over a month away I can turn my attentions to the Europa League. With some slightly easier league games approaching it might be worth resting some - difficult 2nd round KO tie against Manchester City.

LIGA BBVA League Table

Very happy with the way this is shaping. 7 points clear of 4th and 9 behind 2nd. We're somewhat comfortably sat in 3rd. With our expectations to reach Continental Qualification via League Finish - we're solidly on course for the last Champions League spot.

LIGA BBVA Scoring Table

Forlan still keeping pace with Villa. Aguero start to climb up the table now - and not as disappointed with his current record as a lot of his goals are coming in the cup competitions. Just as important.

Sissoko and his love for long shots.. ahh..

um, sorry.. got carried away for a second, just remembered his debut hat-trick for me XD

Trying to get as far as possible in the Europa League + winning the cup would be the best choice, rather then even attempting to push for the league.

Let's hope City struggle

Well - sad to report the save file became corrupted :\

So this is the end to this thread! Keep your eye out for something similar for when I calm down, and forgive Fm

OUCH - worst feeling ever sorry man

Where's that Celine Dion song..