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November Review
Results
01/11/15 - Teneriffe v Celta
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A solid performance away at Teneriffe. We destroyed them in the first half and the game was over at half time. Barcelona youngster Dongou grabbed one back, but it was nothing more than a consolation. A great away performance.
05/11/15 - Celta v Malmo FF
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Only won by 1 goal, but we did field a team of reserves again in Europe, with an important game in Seville against Betis just a few days from now. Jese played up top and he grabbed the first and only goal. They never really threatened our goal. This result meant that we needed only a draw in Turkey against Trabzonspor to guarantee qualification with one game remaining.
08/11/15 - Real Betis v Celta
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A tough game against the in form Real Betis. We went 1-0 up however they were the better team for most of the game, and when they went 3-1 up it seemed the game was over. 17 year old Kevin Tello came on to score his first ever goal for Celta, however it wasn't enough as we lost 3-2. Not a bad performance from us, but Betis played very well. Maksimovic got himself sent off which was disappointing, and would keep him out the next game against Sociedad. Nono MOTM for Betis.
22/11/15 - Celta v Real Sociedad
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Sociedad have improved so far this season, and are looking like they will challenge for a place in Europe. I thought this would be a tough home game, but we completely blew them away! Rafinha scored a worldie in his way to bagging a brace, along with centre back David Costas who was brilliant for us. Barbosa couldn't get on the scoresheet perhaps a slight disappointment, along with Nemandja Radoja picking up an injury..
26/11/15 - Trabzonspor v Celta
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We knew that we only needed a draw in Turkey to qualify, with the possibility of topping the group now pretty much out of reach. I did field the reserves again though. We went 2-1 up just before half time and seemed to be cruising to qualification, but Cabral who hasn't had a look in got himself sent off. We set up defensively, they pulled one back, but we hung on to qualify for the knockout-rounds in 2nd place.
29/11/15 - Athletic v Celta
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Although Athletic are struggling, I identified this as our hardest game of the month, But we turned in a top-class performance! Barbosa won and scored a penalty in the first half. They pushed for an equaliser, however we were brilliant defensively, and they hardly had a chance. A huge win for us, it is already looking unlikely that Athletic will challenge us for a place in Europe this season.
Liga BBVA
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We are still 3rd, now 4 points off of 1st Barcelona. More importantly though, we are now 9 points above 5th place, meaning we have built up a nice buffer into the Champions League places. Although I can't really see Sociedad, Getafe, Rayo or Betis challenging for a top 4 spot. Our rivals are Sevilla (9th), Atletico (12th) and Athletic Bilbao (13th). They have all struggled so far this season, Atletico lost Simeone in the off-season and their new manager Miguel Angel Portugal has already been sackef. We have built a gap of 13 points to Sevilla, 17 to Atletico and 19 points to Bilbao. Surely another good month, and none of these teams will be able to catch us for a place in the Champions League?..
Fixtures
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A fairly quiet month coming up in December. We finish our Europa League group at home to Zenit, however that game is pointless as we have finished 2nd and they have finished 1st no matter what. We kick-off our Copa Del Rey campaign against lower league Huesca. We only have two league games, both at home, so I am aiming to win both.
Injury News
Bruno Zuculini - Sprained Ankle
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Bruno Zuculini picked up an injury right at the beginning of the month, which kept him out for the entire month. He has been key for us, so this is a blow.
Nemandja Radoja
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Nemandja wasn't a key player for us last year, but this season he is starting as our anchor man this season and has turned into a key man for us. He will now not be back until mid-March, a huge blow for the team, especially as he doesn't have a direct replacement. He has also been progressing well, which will now be halted by the injury.
Transfer News
Again like last year, quite a few clubs are interested in our players, and it is unsettling them:
We have done well to hold on to these players so far, hopefully we can keep hold of them in January. However if any of these clubs put in a ridiculous offer, I am sure I will consider it.