Robbed ... Manchester United - Real Madrid

Well the football match of the year took place last night - the score Manchester United 1 Real Madrid 2.

The sending off of Nani in the 56th minute caused an uproar and there are a lot of disgruntled Mancunians this morning. Alex Ferguson the United manager was so angry he could not allow himself to attend the press briefing after the match.

Until this sending off United looked like they were heading for a victory.

So they will have to now wait until next year but that is no consolation....


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Snow..

Yes anyone sitting on the beach in sunny Spain may be interested to know that yes it is snowing in the UK.

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Real Madrid v Manchester United

Old rivals Manchester United and Real Madrid have been drawn to play in the last 16 of the European Champions League.

This will mean the first return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford since he was sold to Real Madrid in June 2009.

The rivals last met in the 2002-03 quarter finals when Real Madrid won 6-5 on aggregate.

The first leg to take place February 12/13 or 19/20 and the return March 5/6 or 12/13/

Looks good ........

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Ventana de foto

Just added a new addition to my list of Spanish Blogs - Ventana De Foto

This Blog has some very good photographs and is based around southern Spain - Sevilla / Segovia and other places in Andalusia.

Enjoy.

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Benidorm 2009

No current photos of Spain / this year we've had to remain in the UK - however here is a picture of Benidorm taken in 2009.

I doubt if much has changed in the last 4 or 5 years.

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Catalonia

Today important regional elections will be held in Catalonia.

Polls indicate that the nationalist parties will do very well - the election is focused again on the question of independence plus a row with central government over funding.

Should the nationalists gain a good proportion of the vote they will be demanding a referendum on the question of independence something the central government will resist.

Exciting times ahead.

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Real Madrid

Not a very good start to the La Liga season for Real Madrid this year.

A defeat 1-0 to Sevilla yesterday sees them 11th in the league with one win, one draw and two games we will not mention - a total of four points.

This is a situation that can not be allowed to continue - heads will roll.

Tuesday sees Manchester City visit Madrid in the Champions League - this game I shall be watching on TV and I would imagine it will be good as both teams are evenly matched.

Perhaps it will end a draw - 1-1 / that is my prediction !!

Enjoy.

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Hot !!!

 I see from the weather forecast that tomorrow will have a high of 97F. in Guardamar.

Somewhat a little hot for me - I'm finding it hot here in the UK and we are 20 degrees lower.

It's no wonder many expats go back home in the summer months.

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New residency requirements

As from the 9th July new rules apply with regard to nationals of the European Union who wish to reside more than 3 months in Spain - Order 1490.


Residents must prove they have sufficient income so as not to become a burden on the state and are either covered by private health care or covered by the National Health system of their originating country.


I'm sure this is going to become a logistical nightmare for some people and I can not ascertain from the documents I've read whether this applies to people already living in Spain who have residency documents already.


In the short term it will deter people from entering Spain to live and no doubt have an effect on the property market.

We await further news ..

Guardamar fiesta

For full details of this weeks fun and games in Guardamar see 


http://www.guardamardelsegura.es/recursos/fiestas-2012.pdf


Have fun


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Euro 2012 Final

The final of Euro 2012 on Sunday and Spain are there..


The opponents Italy in what would appear to be a very interesting match.


No doubt there will be a lot of screaming and shouting in the bars up and down the Costa Blanca.


I think our Manchester City player Mario will be a deciding factor  - either a couple of goals or a red card and an early bath.


We'll see....


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Central heating

As you lounge on the beach with the sun beating down just think on that in the UK we still have the central heating on. 


As I write the rain is bouncing down in bucket loads.


So nothing new here then...

Euro 2012 Spain - Italy

The venue Gdansk Poland


Score Spain 1 Italy 1


Not the best start for Spain. Torres came on as substitute in the second half but failed to score even after being given great goal scoring opportunities.


Must admit my eyes began to droop but that may have been caused by numerous glasses of wine.


Better luck next time


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Eurozone Aid

Spain's finance minister has confirmed that they will seek financial aid to help prop up the ailing banking system.


Madrid insists that this is not a rescue and not all banks need money.


A formal request has not been made but her eurozone partners would be prepared to lend them up to 100bn euros. Two independent audits of the banking system should be published 21st June and that will reveal how much cash is needed.


We home owners will now have to wait and see what happens next to property values and taxes.


Watch this space.....


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La Liga

Real Madrid have clinched the title of La Liga after a 3-0 win over Athletico Bilbao.

This is their first league title since 2008.

Manager Jose Mourinho has now won titles in four different countries after triumphs with Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan.

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