Zidane and Ronaldo match against poverty

Around 30,000 turned out to see the match against poverty, charity football game at the Roselada Malaga on Monday night.

More an exhibition of footballing skills than a competitive match, the teams ended with a draw at 2-2. Zidane received a standing ovation before the game had kicked off, while support for Ronaldo seemed quite muted. In fact second biggest cheer of the night, went to Michael Schumacher who came on as a sub for Ronaldo's team.

It was great entertainment from all involved, and an excellent last chance for me to see the player that has been the best footballer in the world for many of the past seasons, Zinedine Zidane.
A privilege!

Malaga stay on top

On a cold evening at the Roselada, Malaga and Racing Ferrol managed to raise the temperature in the stadium, with a thrilling game. Both teams created chances throughout the first half and Malaga were unfortunate to trail by 2-0 at half time.

The second half was equally exciting with Malaga getting a goal back from the penalty spot, and the Hidalgo heading the equaliser just two minutes later. Malaga's third goal looked to be well offside, but the fourth was a lovely goal from substitute Peragon, wrapping up an excellent 4-2 victory.

Schumi still the one to beat

Over 3000 Formula 1 fans turned up at Barcelona's Catalunya circuit onTuesday, to watch ex world champion, Michael Schumacher put the new Ferrari through its paces.
Schumacher managed the fastest time of the day, forcing Britain's David Coulthard to quip, "It looks as though he's got talent. He will make his way to F1."

"It's good to see I'm still able to do it. It was great fun and I really like it a lot," said the German.
Schumacher has no intentions of returning to racing however, and is enjoying his position with Ferrari as technical advisor.

Malaga go top

Malaga beat third placed Sporting Gijon away from home 1-0, on Sunday. With top place Numancia losing to Sevilla Atletico by the same score, Malaga moved back on top of the league.

Malaga are playing tonight in the Copa del Rey 4th round, first leg tie against la Liga premier team, Racing Santander.

I wont be at the game, but will be back for the league game on Saturday, against Racing Ferrol. I will be returning to La Roseleda on Monday night for the charity game Zidane and friends vs Ronaldo and friends.

"Live" Buckaroo

A Picture from the recent "live" Buckaroo competition in Malaga.

The Jam in Spain

Just saw this advert on a local gig guide, The Jam will be playing in Granada, on Saturday 10th November, minus Paul Weller!

It appears that former Jam bass player Bruce Foxton and drummer Rick Buckler have hired help from Russell Hastings and Dave Moore to recreate the sounds of the Jam.

After testing the water in the UK, the band sold out 20 dates in May in just 2 weeks. The gig in Granada will be followed by another 20+ over the next few weeks, ending at the Brighton Centre, on 21 December, coinciding with the original bands last show at that same arena some 25 years ago.

If I was in Granada I might be tempted, but really Jam without Paul Weller, what can I say?

Free Soul Band

A couple of times during the summer, I was fortunate enough to visit La Tortuga Rock Bar in La Vinuela. The bar is tucked away in the old village next to the Vinuela hotel.
This is an excellent music bar, with videos showing outside on a huge whitewashed wall. Live music is available inside the bar and if no live acts are on, a good selection of mainly English music is played through the sound system.

The first time I went to the bar to see the Free Soul Band, who were due on stage at midnight. The band eventually arrived at about 2 am and played through til about 4am! They were so good that i returned to see them again.

The band play a lot of old r&b and soul stuff, in the style of James Brown and the Blues Brothers and create a real party atmosphere. I'm not really sure how many there are in the band as the stage is too small to accommodate them all, the sax and trombone players were in amongst the crowd!

Here is a sample of what to expect, and needless to say, if you get a chance to see them take it!