Football | Ghana

Asamoah © Action Images

Essien's headache, Kwadwo's history

by Gary Al-Smith 24 December 2012, 15:18

Ghana midfielders Michael Essien and Kwadwo Asamoah are experiencing contrasting fortunes this season in Spain and Italy.

There was more pain for Essien this weekend as Real Madrid's disappointing season got even worse following a 3-2 loss at Malaga on Saturday that saw them slip 16 points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

The combative midfielder on-loan from Chelsea played all ninety minutes for the Spanish champions but could not stop their more determined hosts.

Meanwhile younger compatriot Kwadwo achieved history in the Serie A after starring all 90 minutes for Italian champions Juventus in a 3-1 victory over Cagliari also on Friday night.

The year-ending win saw Juve set a new Italian league record of 94 points in a calendar year eclipsing their own record of 93 points set in 2005 under their former manager Fabio Capello.

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