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Here I am with my first post of the year. I hope this is the first one of many to talk about victories. Indeed, this is one of them. There is nothing like winning your match on Saturday and having a quiet Sunday… Besides, the Three Wise Men visited our house on the 6th of January, as they do every year. This time they brought me a victory in the FA Cup, and also several books, movies and some music; a good mix, isn’t it?
I love the FA Cup. Not only because of its age –it’s the oldest competition in the world–, but also because of the atmosphere in every match, in every round. And it brings me very good memories: this was my first title last season! Playing at Wembley is a wonderful experience, and this year we are one step closer thanks to our victory at Southampton, with two goals from Demba Ba (what a debut!).
Also, we will be closer to Wembley if we beat Swansea on Wednesday, this time in the Capital One Cup. The calendar in English football is like that: on certain weekends the Premier League has to wait! I like this break in the routine…
On the contrary, in Spain, the Christmas break is over and la Liga is back with new excitement and goals. Definitely, ‘turrón’ and other Christmas sweets –always a headache for every team’s medical staff– haven’t had negative effects on the players 
In fact, there have been great matches, and teams such as Betis or Levante keep their winning streaks in the new year. Also Valencia has had a good start in 2013 with a comeback at Granada!
There were goals on Sunday, and plenty of them! Real Madrid and Barcelona scored four each at Bernabéu and Camp Nou respectively, all very different: superb goals from Pedro and Cristiano, back-heel from Khedira, Messi from the penalti spot, Xavi with elegance, and a clinical finish from Benzema. Yet Xabi Prieto was so unlucky… He scored three goals at Bernabéu but Real Sociedad couldn’t grab any points! 
Indeed, the best news of the weekend was not on the pitch but on the bench: Tito Vilanova is back with Barcelona. I’m very happy for Tito, we keep supporting him! :-) His players won the three points for him to distance themselves from their main rivals; it’s a considerable gap already…
At least this is how I see it from London, a city that keeps amazing me between one match and another. Last week I went to one of my favourite places, the Royal Albert Hall. This is one of the most emblematic theatres in the world and is now hosting the Cirque du Soleil, with its show ‘Kooza’: unbeatable. It’s on until the 14th of February, in case you fancy going there. Me, I will go back… 
I also recommend Westbourne Grove, between Notting Hill and Bayswater. It’s a very long street but there are several areas with shops, restaurants and even a Pop Art exhibition that you may like!
A big hug and see you next week!
PS: As I said, the Three Wise Men brought me some books, one of them ‘Un derbi solidario’, that I have read already. The book is a nice way to cooperate for a good cause and to know the rivalry between Real Oviedo and Real Sporting with respect and a look to the past. I also recommend it! I know I’m a ‘bore’ with so many recommendations, I promise to keep doing that
