Weekend News & Notes

Vein of Form would like to congratulate PSV Eindhoven for winning the Dutch Eredivisie today. PSV finished level on points with Ajax - 75 - but were crowned champs because of being one better on goal difference than Ajax. Coming in to the final match day AZ Alkmaar were on top and only need to be Excelsior to win the league. However, in one of the more remarkable choke jobs in recent memory, AZ lost for the first time since 1985 to Excelsior. Just as crucial, they lost out on automatic entry into the Champions League and are now going to have to win in the playoffs to earn the 2nd Dutch entry.

In Spain the top four clubs all won. Barcelona stayed top of the table with a less than impressive victory over bottom feeder Levante. Sevilla stayed within a point of Barca by dominating Espanyol 3-1. The VoF crew watched that match and came away convinced Sevilla are regaining their early form, but worry that several bad results could cost them the title. Real Madrid thumped Athletic Bilbao 4-1. RVN had two goals and David Beckham had a brilliant free kick assist on the Sergio Ramos headed goal. Valencia managed to not be totally counted out of the hunt by winning 2-0 against Recreativo Huelva. Next weekend though, Real Madrid v. Sevilla should be the match any respectable football fan watches.

In England, the big news was Bolton manager Sam Allardyce resigning. Big Sam has done quite the job by raising Bolton to a level of respectability in the EPL. The club looks set to once again qualify for the UEFA cup. I can't help but wonder if his resignation had something to do with the funny little tie he wore during the Chelsea match.

Finally, the Rome derby today was a snooze fest. Roma had some good chances. Lazio had some good chances. Yawns all around.