European Football Thread

[The Lusophone]

Anyone know what Atletico's finances are like? I feel like we're either on the cusp of a new era in the La Liga or that they'll do a Valencia have to sell all their best players.

[Jimmy]

Considering they were rumoured to be unable to pay a couple of mil for Courtious to play in the CL, I'd say they're not great.

[Gazz]

Unable or unwilling?

[Jimmy]

The president came out and said they couldn't afford it. Which doesn't confirm anything, and could've all been politics, thinking of it.

[DavidMarrio]

Isn't the TV deals in Spain part of the reason for the gap between Madrid/Barca compared to everyone one else. Don't they sell them on an individual basis compared to the prem where it's a collective meaning Real and Barca make millions compared to the smaller teams.

[Colly]

Yes.

[stokeriño]

A comparison in TV money distribution.

Premier League:

La Liga:

[Colly]

Ooh, grafix.

[Cymbols]

That is outrageous, Norwich get more money than us!?

[stokeriño]

That is outrageous, Norwich get more money than us!?

That will have been largely dependent on league position in whatever season that was.

Although apparently the divide between Real/Barca and the rest is being cut down......very, very slightly: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1955018-la-liga-to-benefit-but-only-slightly-as-madrid-barcelona-tv-money-pared-back

[Cymbols]

It looks like last season's, so it kinda makes sense that we're so low down actually. In all seriousness though, how come Malaga are so low down compared to Seville and Getafe? I thought they were pretty heavily invested in recently...

[EddieG]

It's also weird 'cause most teams make it on Spanish television as they rarely play at the same time.. Malaga have played a lot on Friday and Monday evenings this season for that exact reason.

[Colly]

But Real and Barca charge more.

[METALMAN]

I honestly don't understand how either of those TV models could be justified. Surely what broadcasters want is a highly competitive competition in order to create a more interesting product? But by giving more money to the top teams they're just widening the gao. Obviously England isn't as bad as Spain but it still seems a bit counterproductive.

[brenchill]

That is outrageous, Norwich get more money than us!?

Their twice yearly demolishing at the hands of Suarez does make good TV.

[The Lusophone]

I honestly don't understand how either of those TV models could be justified. Surely what broadcasters want is a highly competitive competition in order to create a more interesting product? But by giving more money to the top teams they're just widening the gao. Obviously England isn't as bad as Spain but it still seems a bit counterproductive.

The La Liga brand just isn't worth that much for broadcasters, such has been the dominance of Real/Barca. It's telling that this is an amazing season in Spain because 4th is closer to 1st than last for once.

On the general subject of individual TV deals, clubs like United and Liverpool could make so much more money if they negotiated individually.

[GoN_]

So, if we win today's match, we win the Portuguese League.

[GoN_]

33rd League Title.

Edited April 20, 2014 by GoN_

[Johnny Latino Heat]

Wish I could've gone to the stadium and the square to celebrate, but had surgery Tuesday. Still, awesomeness.

SLB, SLB, SLB SLB SLB, GLORIOSO, SLB, GLORIOSO SLB

[Baddar]

Berbatov's goal though.