Bilbao pre-preview
We are down to the last two games of the season and it has been quite a long one already. We still do not know where La Liga title is heading and this week probably will be decisive as far as the league title is concerned as Real face Athletic Bilbao at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in 21:00 CET game on Saturday and Barça face off against Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.
King of Mallorca, the leader, our hope
He is one of the best professionals I’ve seen. He’s a winner, someone who does not want to miss a game. He says what he thinks, but he also has a mindset that is focused on the collective.
He is the first to arrive and the last leave training. I see him and say to myself, ‘I have to train harder’. He’s a wonderful guy, a total leader.
– Raúl González on Cristiano Ronaldo
When someone like Raúl has that to say about you then you are definitely worth all the money in the World. And Cristiano Ronaldo is! The Portuguese single-handedly demolished Champions League chasing Mallorca by scoring a brilliant hat-trick at ONO Estadi on Wednesday in a 4-1 win for Real. It was his first hat-trick for us and they were his 23rd, 24th and 25th goals in the league this season and made brought his tally to 5 goals this week alone. His first two goals were provided by Sergio Ramos and he spoke about them on Punto Poleda:
Our first goal against Mallorca came from a sort of play we pull off often. I noticed Cristiano was leaving his markers behind and the bounce of the ball suited his speed. The second goal was similar. The ball went straight in both cases and we luckily scored.
And both will play a very vital role if we are to win tomorrow night against Athletic – Cristiano in offense and Sergio Ramos in defense. As Higuaín put it Bilbao will not be an easy game and we need to show the World how much this title means to us yet again this weekend.
Athletic Bilbao have a long history of success and they deserve credit year in and year our. We need to win this game to show how bad we want to win the league. We hope to go to Malaga as the top team in the table even though all we are thinking about is winning our next two matches.
Warnings galore
As much as we are aware of the threat they possess their players have already sent out signs warning us that they are ready for us. First up it was Ander Itturaspe who said:
We will have plenty to say at the Bernabeu. They have players of the highest standard in the world in attack. They are players who, if they get their chances usually are not forgiving
And then David Lopez:
This season we have already played very well against good teams and we have shown that we know how to cause them worry. We already won against Real Madrid at home; why can’t we do the same there? We are going to do our very best to take the three points or a draw.
Yet another team with a European dream
Athletic Bilbao are looking to qualify for Europe next season. They are currently eighth on the table, one point shy of reaching their goal. Considering their dismal away record this calendar year it doesn’t seem like happening in the next game. Bilbao have won 10 of their 18 games as locals, losing just 4 but have taken only half of those points on the road. They’ve only won 4 away games this season though but none of them in 2010.
Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao have clashed 78 times in la Liga, resulting in 50 victories for the Whites, 15 draws and 13 wins for the Basques. Real Madrid defeated them 3-2 at the Bernabeu last season thanks to two goals from Higuain.
Lass and Marcelo return; a few worries for Bilbao
Marcelo returns to Manuel Pellegrini’s squad list to face Athletic Bilbao following last week’s suspension. Lass has recovered from his back injury and has also made the cut. Raul, Van der Vaart and Pepe are the only ones who will miss the match due to injuries. No Castillla player has been called up.
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek
Defenders: Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Albiol, Garay, Metzelder
Midfielder: Gago, Diarra, Kaka, Lass, Guti, Drenthe, Xabi Alonso, Granero
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuain
Probable Starting XI: Real Madrid
As far as Bilbao are concerned apart from having a few long term casualties on their injury list including the likes of Ion Velez and Aitor Ocio there are doubts over the fitness of a few regular first teamers such as Koikili, Pablo Orbaiz and Javier Martinez.
ATHLETIC CLUB SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Iraizoz, Armando
Defenders: Koikili, Ustaritz, Amorebieta, San Jose, Iraola, Iturraspe
Midfielders: Yeste, Gabilondo, Susaeta, Gurpegi, Javi Martinez
Defenders: Toquero, Llorente, Muniain, De Marcos, Etxeberria
Probable Starting XI: Athletic Bilbao
And here we go again…
Transfer speculations have begun all over again as the opening of the transfer window nears. Edin Dzeko, Steven Gerrard (!), Juan Manuel Vargas have all been linked to the club while Van der Vaart (to Liverpool) and Higuain (to Chelsea should they fail to get Torres) have been linked out of the club. I guess its time to start Season 2 of Ins and Outs.
Prediction: Real Madrid 4-2 Athletic Bilbao
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
It isn’t easy – Mallorca pre-preview
No time for Siestas.
It is not going to be easy. I am not talking about tonight’s game of course. I am talking about the post I am about to make here. Today I have Mallorca (D’oh!), Stats, History, the squad lists, Joan Laporta, Esteban Granero, Karim Benzema, Manchester United, Angel Di Maria and Dani Parejo before I round off this pre-preview with my prediction.
Lots at stake for both teams
Real Madrid face off against Real Club Deportivo Mallorca at the ONO Estadi in the final game of the midweek matches tonight in the 22:00 CET kick-off. Mallorca has been the surprise team of the current season as it sits in fourth place in the table with three matches to play. The Bermellones need to win to retain their hold on the final Champions League berth even though they only need two points to clinch European action while Real have to do so in order to stay in contention for the title as Barça breezed past Tenerife last night with a comfortable 4-1 win.
Terrific home form
Their current position in the league table can be attributed to their home form. ONO Estadi has been a key factor to the team’s success. Mallorca are the best home team in La Liga after Real Madrid and Barcelona having won 14 games, drawn one and lost two on their own turf. Only Sevilla and Barcelona have returned home with three points in tow.
History favors Bermellones
Gregorio Manzano’s men haven’t lost in six straight matches and most recently defeated Athletic Bilbao 1-3 at San Mames. Real too are on a good run considering the fact that they haven’t lost since the dreadful night against Barcelona at home. But playing at home, history is in favor of Mallorca against Real Madrid. The teams have met on 24 occasions where the hosts have won 12 times, drawn seven and lost five. Last season, however, Real earned a victory.
Drenthe makes the cut; nothing to worry for Manzano though
The eighteen players named by Manuel Pellegrini for tonight’s match has only one change from the one that was named against Osasuna. The Dutchman Royston Drenthe has recovered from a strained/torn left thigh muscle and has been given the green light to play and he replaces Marcelo who is unavailable after seeing his fifth yellow card on Sunday. Castilla’s Juanfran, who made his first team debut over the weekend, made the cut once again. Raul, Van der Vaart, Lass and Pepe are still unfit and will stay in Madrid.
Pellegrini should play the same side that he fielded against Osasuna at the weekend despite the poor performance. Garay will replace the suspended Marcelo. Granero must retain his place but what about Kaka? Isn’t he better coming off the bench? Nah! He will start.
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek.
Defenders: Arbeloa, Garay, Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Metzelder.
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Gago, Drenthe, Granero, Guti, Kaka, Diarra, Juanfran.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain, Benzema.
Probable Starting XI: Real Madrid
Manzano doesn’t have any injury problems to cope with ahead of the game. He will be without Tuni and Ivan Ramis who are sidelined by injury.
MALLORCA SQUAD LIST:
GOALKEEPERS: Dudú Aouate, Lux
DEFENDERS: Mattioni, Josemi, Nunes, Rubén, Ramis, Ayoze, Corrales
MIDFIELDERS: Varela, Julio, Martí, Mario, Borja, Pezzolano, Bruno China, Castro
FORWARDS: Aduriz, Keita, Víctor, Webó
Probable Starting XI: Mallorca
Winning is mandatory
Joan ‘Cunt’ Laporta feels that his Cules have done their job and it is now up to Mallorca to do theirs against us tonight. He wants Mallorca to give him more joy so that it would ease some pressure off them as they prepare to meet Sevilla away at the weekend.
Our team has done a good job and has put pressure on Madrid so that the Mallorca game is now a decisive match. I think the Sevilla game will be crucial. Hopefully Mallorca can give us a wonderful joy, they are having a season worthy of the Champions League and if they are as good as we saw in San Mames then Madrid will be under a lot of pressure.
Esteban Granero spoke to Marca about what is left of the season and his contribution to the team to date. He had the same thing about we having to win the rest of our games and that we have to make Barcelona feel the pressure. But more importantly he spoke about his position in the team. He said:
I know there is a lot of competition on this team and earning a spot in the starting eleven is very difficult. I think that every time I have played I have earned that right. The same goes for when I haven’t. I control whatever good or bad things happen to me.
Exactly the point that I made in a post a couple of weeks back. If he is the best in training he has the right to replace anyone in the side. Prove your worth Pirata! We love you!
Karim Benzema while speaking to bwin prior to the game, stressed on the importance of winning not only this game but the other two as well. That is true especially considering the fact that Barça won last night meaning that they are now ahead of us by four points. The Frenchman also said that his confidence is returning slowly now that he is seeing some action again. The former Lyon man is also confident that Barcelona will slip up sooner rather than later. Either ways it has to be in either of the next two games. Even if they don’t all we must aim for is to lose the title by a single point just to emphasize the fact that they gap between us and them isn’t that much at all. Considering the fact that we’re a fairly new team that shouldn’t be a bad feat at all at least not a failure.
No regrets
Likewise feels Benzema with regard to his first season with Real Madrid. He to L’Equipe:
I can’t see my first season at Real as a failure. Of course, I would have preferred it to go more smoothly, but I played. And when you see a man like Raul on the bench you learn a lot. I didn’t come for one season. I signed for six years and everyone at the club trusts me.
He also added that he has no regrets about turning down Manchester United in favor of us. He said that he is here to prove a point which is really good to hear. The guy is young and wants to stay and prove his worth at a club which he has dreamed about all his life. Give him some space I’ll say. He said:
Do I regret not signing for Manchester United? No. I dreamt about Real, that’s all. It was a first season to learn. I didn’t know what a season abroad was. Now I know, and next term, from the very first day, I will be at my very best. I don’t want to leave. I don’t think the club wants to see me leave. I want to make a name for myself.
Shut your TV Andres!
Responding to Andres Iniesta’s comments that Madrid play unattractive football, Sergio Ramos decided to give Casper a piece of his mind.
Madrid do not play poorly. I am very happy with our style of play and someone who does not like it can very easily turn off the television.
And finally, when asked about his imminent contract extension, Ramos said what all Madridistas would have loved to hear.
My principal objective is to play well. I am very happy at Madrid and if they call me to renew my contract, I would do it with my eyes closed.
Di Maria is already a Madridista and Parejo to return?
Absolute rubbish. At least the first one about SL Benfica’s Argentine winger Angel Di Maria already signing with Real Madrid goes. Not even Marca or AS are aware of such a deal and they generally are the first to report such stuff. It comes from a Portuguese news daily called Ole. The news either was lost in translation or is just another way of making more money from the sale of a player. Man City and other similar teams are after him but I doubt if he will fit into our side. We need a left sided player. No doubt. But Di Maria doesn’t fit the bill if you ask me. But even if we are to sign him I think we should wait till the World Cup. His worth will be proven then.
And as far as the news about Dani Parejo returning is concerned it is a possibility definitely simply because we have a clause that enables us to re-buy the player whenever we want for the next couple of years. He is in fine form but I think one more year there will really help him. But with the likes of Diarra and probably even Lass getting ready to leave in the summer I wouldn’t be surprised if we resign Parejo as a squad player.
Prediction: Mallorca 1-3 Real Madrid
The game will be a good contest between a team that is doing above its capability and another team which is managing to win even when under performing. But Real’s quality should see them through.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Osasooner rather than later – Osasuna pre-preview
Time to leave them sitting ducks
C.A. Osasuna a.k.a Los Rojillos are placed 12th in La Liga with 39 points, seven clear of the relegation zone and can confirm their status as a top-flight club with a win in tomorrow’s 19:00 CET kick-off against 2nd placed Real Madrid C.F at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.
Osasuna with their über-cool 4-2-3-1 formation arrive in Madrid having scored the second fewest goals in La Liga – a meager 30 from their 34 games. Real Madrid on the other hand have scored more than any other team in the league – a humongous 89 from the same number of games.
More stats, Real Madrid have won 37 and drawn 14 of the 63 matches played against Gorritxoak. And at home the Whites have won 24 out the 31 ti,mes they’ve played them. And in the current season Osasuna have only notched points in six of their 17 matches away from home.
But all that will not matter when eleven of our men take on ten of theirs and Walter Pandiani. All that will matter is the performance on the pitch. And that means we need to be at our best in order to have any kind of chance of winning the league. Barça play Villareal at El Madrigal in the late kick-off on Saturday and going by what happened midweek against Inter, when they were tactically played out by Mourinho’s men, they wouldn’t be in the best of mindsets thus giving us a very good chance of going ahead of them in the table. Either way, irrespective of whether they win or lose, we must get to the 98 point mark. Its unequivocally mandatory. Kaká could not have agreed more with me. Speaking to bwin.com he said:
This weekend’s match is very important. It’s another final for us. Osasuna are seven points clear of the relegation zone and have a lot at stake. They need to win as well, which is why I think it’s going to be a good match. A one-point difference is very little in a competition as challenging as La Liga. We will have a good chance of being champions if we win our last four matches.
And with reference to the Barcelona-Villareal game:
Barcelona visit a Villarreal team that is fighting for a spot in Europe. They are in a special section of the table and it will be a very difficult match. We know just how tough it will be. I don’t think Barça will have an easy time at all. There are four matches left and we must do our share.
Team news now and Osasuna first. With Javad Nekounam’s availability still in question, Puñal may get the nod as the defensive midfielder along with Ruper or Vadocz while Monreal will suit up for Jose Antonio Camacho’s team after serving a one-match suspension. The exact squad list will be posted in the proper preview to the game.
Their strategy is quite simple and well known to all. They attack using their quick wing-backs and wingers. Keeping tabs on them will stop the supply to the brawny Pandiani thus preventing them from scoring. Ricardo is in fine form and we must remember that we haven’t scored against them this season. They are the only other team apart from Bilbao and Barcelona in Spain to have achieved that.
Probable Starting XI: CA Osasuna
As far as we are concerned we will definitely be without the services of Raúl, Pepe, Van der Vaart and Drenthe. The latter though participated in full training today but will definitely not make the cut. The other three are missing for obvious reasons. We also have a few niggled players in Diarra, Arbeloa (niggled left patellar tendon), Lass (lower back pain) and Guti (strained left hamstring) who completed specific recovery protocols in the gym. Saturday’s session, scheduled for 10:30 CET, behind closed doors will be when the final squad is decided.
I think Kaká, Benzema and Ronaldo will start. I am not fielding Guti, Arbeloa and Lass and am keeping Granero along with them on the bench again. But it isn’t me but Manuel Pellegrini who will make the final decision. So let us just wait and see.
Probable Starting XI: Real Madrid C.F
The game should be a walk in the park for us. More of a formality than a task. We are in the right spirit with a good win last weekend. We seem to have players in form. And more importantly this is a home game. I am sure we are up for it. If we play like we do every week we will come out victors. We just need to keep it simple.
In other news, as most of you must already be knowing, Russell Crowe visited the Valdebebas yesterday and managed to take quite a few snaps with our stars during his promotion of Robin Hood in Madrid. Also, Veterans of Real Madrid and AC Milan will be clashing once again this season, this time for a good cause. Click here to learn more about it.
Transfer news and I sincerely request all you young Real Madrid fans to not believe the rumors about Carlos Tevez or Wayne Rooney coming to Real Madrid. They are as fake as David Villa accepting a move to Barcelona. On the other hand, the rumor linking Mahamadou Diarra to Manchester United might just be true. Momo is getting no time to play here and might as well feel like plying his trade in some other country now that he is nearing the end of his career. With Metzelder already leaving, Raúl and Guti contemplating whether to honor their contracts or not and Diarra planning to move – Dudek might be the only real veteran in our squad. Casillas, Ramos, Xabi and Kaká all have experience but then again age wise at least these are the players with the real major experience. The latest news regarding Guti is the rumor about him playing in Dubai.
And as far as José Mourinho managing Real Madrid is concerned, you’ve got to admit that you are flattered by the prospective. He is a special man and with a special talent as a manager. But then again, it all comes down to what we want. Do we want to win irrespective of the way we play? Or do we want to win the Real Madrid way? If you don’t understand my point then take this for example. Chelsea was a good club playing some real good football that almost all football fans loved watching before Mourinho took over. The only thing that they did not do was win titles. And then came Mourinho. Fans all over the world started hating Chelsea complaining about their style of play and their tactics. But that wasn’t the only thing that changed. They started winning titles. Even though they missed out on the Champions League they did make it to the last four more than once. It all comes down to what we want. Going by the dry period and the investments from Florentino we must agree that we are in desperate need for silverware. But thinking again, we are Real Madrid and we have a brand. Is Pellegrini maintaining our brand name?
If yes, we have to give him time – at least one more season. He now knows where his team is lacking and what needs to be done to improve them. Who knows, we might just have our best season next year. Pellegrini’s team has only shown signs of improvement. Drastic improvements so to speak. The only thing that needs to be corrected from this season is playing in do-or-die situations. We don’t seem to have enough number of big match players. Not big name players but big match players. The ones who can step up to the next level when the situation calls for it. We do that and we might just be the next set of invincibles. Far fetched or just a possibility?
If no, then we fire him and silverware is still not guaranteed next season. Every manager needs his settling-in period – even the special one. Also, he will definitely tinker with the team composition as much as he wants to so that it fits his game plan. And that means more money spent. Then, his team needs time to adapt thus taking more time. It is only then that we will win titles under him.
Also, there is the major factor about the players wanting to play under him. He is a man who is known to have the magical power of controlling big egos. Pellegrini seems to be doing a good job as far as that is concerned and at the same time is keeping his players happy. Will Mourinho be able to do the same? Ask Balotelli.
Ultimately it all comes down to what we want. What do you want?
I want it sooner rather than later.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
All days are not Saturdays – Valencia pre-preview
Time to step over Valencia
¡Hola!
El perfecto Domingo. The perfect Saturday. I had a good morning, a good lunch, a good siesta and a great workout. It all went so fuckin’ smooth. So smooth that I am wondering what’s in hold for me on Sunday. Whatever it is I am hoping it isn’t going affect either Espanyol’s win over Barcelona or our win over Valencia.
More on Valencia later but let us start with the one Cristiano Ronaldo, who seems to be having his periods right now. Couple of days back he decided to file a lawsuit against the buggers who went on air saying that Ronaldo partied both before and after the Clásico. He then went to Almería and scored an absolute peach of a goal that showed why he is still the best in the World. Yesterday he broke his own 10 seconds record in some training grid set up by his sponsors. After the event, while speaking to the press, he told them about a lot of things including his menstrual cycle but that is not of our concern. He spoke about the coach and his situation with the club and was quoted as saying:
We are very happy with the coach. I am also happy with my teammates. I don’t want to play with anyone else, although there are many talented players out there.
Just when we thought all is well at the club, Sky Sports reports that Ronaldo believes Jose Mourinho would be the ideal man to take charge at the Bernabeu. Speaking about Jose, Ronaldo has told Sky News:
He is a special coach. He has shown that he is one of the best in the world so maybe the people don’t like him because he is top, his character, he is a special person. I know him very well. I like him a lot – I know his character, he is a winning guy. This is why the people don’t like him. Madrid he’d change a lot – he’d buy new players, new coach.
With the menstrual cycle taking a toll on the 25-year-old, the player admits that the team are desperate to win silverware this season. He said:
We are out of the Champions League, the Copa del Rey,
so we are not very happy of course. We are still in the league to fight so it’s possible to win. We’ll be very frustrated if we don’t win anything. A team like Madrid has to win something every year.
I still believe we can improve in the next games, the next months, the next year, we’ll be much stronger than we are at the moment. So if we don’t win this season, definitely we will win next year.
Even though I am not sure how those comments mean that Ronaldo thinks that Jose Mourinho is the ideal manager for Real Madrid I too feel that Mourinho will do a lot of good if he were to be appointed. Of course he is a good manager – a proven winner as well. But not even he can guarantee us a treble in his first season in charge. Similarly, Arsene Wenger would be the ideal man to take charge of Castilla, whereas Wayne Rooney, Filipe Luis and David Silva are the ideal players to replace Pipita and Marcelo and whoever-plays-on-the-god-damned-left-wing in the starting line up. But this isn’t the ideal World. In an ideal world Barcelona would be facing Castilla in the Segunda Division. That isn’t happening, is it?
By saying that, I do not mean that Pellegrini is not good enough. He has done a splendid job. We’ve always remained in the title race for the league throughout the season. Cup defeats do happen. None of our previous managers since 2004 were able to take us past the last 16 in the Champions League in their first season. And before they could have another shot at it they were long gone. Pellegrini is not like anyone of them. He is clearly better. His credentials are known to all. He took a team like Villareal to the last four of the Champions League. He can hell even win the title with a team like ours. Just give him his fuckin’ time. We’ve spent a lot of money. Yes. But football isn’t a shop where you get your stuff as soon as you throw in the money. Patience is a virtue that we need. It is a virtue due to the lack of which Perez went through a miserable period earlier this decade. Hell I am tired of going through this again and again. Basically, we do not need Mourinho right now. At least one man agrees with me.
On to the game tomorrow and it is Valencia who are visiting the Bernabéu this Sunday in the 21:00 CET kick-off. And before I could do the pre-preview, the players themselves did it for me through several interviews across the media world. First I’ll start with Rafael van der Vaart who pointed out the fact that we generally perform well against Valencia on Bwin.com. But as important as our win is the Espanyol-Barcelona Derby which if in favor of us will do a lot of good. He pin-pointed that as well.
The match against Valencia will be difficult because they have great forwards, but we always play well against them. We are strong and we’ve lost just one home game this season. We fear no one at home.
It is important for us Espanyol defeat Barcelona tonight. A derby is always important.
Like me, St.Iker too believes the team can win the league title. Unlike last season we came out of a Clásico with a hard fought victory against Almería at Almería which is something that even Barcelona couldn’t do. Casillas then spoke about Valencia, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses in an interview with AS:
Winning in Almeria was another step towards our goal to win the league title and take as many points as possible. We could have scored more goals, but I’m glad we took three points.
Valencia have fast, short and cheeky players we will have to watch out for. They have problems in defence, but the match will be complicated. We have to win.
VALENCIA SQUAD LIST
GOALKEEPERS: César, Moyà.
DEFENDERS: Bruno, Alexis, Maduro, Marchena.
MIDFIELDERS: Albelda, Baraja, Éver, J. Alba, Vicente, Joaquín, Pablo, Mata, Domínguez.
FORWARDS: Zigic, Silva, Villa.
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST
GOALKEEPERS: Casillas, Dudek
DEFENDERS: Arbeloa, Ramos, Marcelo, Albiol, Garay
MIDFIELDERS: Gago, Diarra, Lass, Guti, Granero, Xabi Alonso, Van der Vaart
FORWARDS: Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain, Benzema, Juanfran
Pellegrini would ideally stick to the starting line up from midweek but I doubt if Guti will start so soon again considering his age. Granero has fallen out of favor not for the first time this season. With Garay’s return I think Marcelo will shift up the field especially considering the likes of Joaquín, Mata and Silva loving to play in the wings. I doubt if Benzema will start the game but will definitely come on at some point. Gago went off injured half way through the game midweek. Lass and Diarra are both fit and should play depending upon the Argentine’s fitness. I’m happy to see Gago back as first choice again I must say.
Probable Starting XI: Casillas, Ramos, Albiol, Garay, Arbeloa, Gago, Xabi Alonso, Marcelo, Van der Vaart, Ronaldo, Higuaín;
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Valencia
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
MRIs Galore – Almeria pre-preview
UNLEASH THE KRAZEN!
The worst hangover a Madridista can have is the post-(title-hopes-deciding-Clásico-loss) one. And what makes you feel even worse is to see a host of players on the injured list just when you think that the whole team is finally recovering from injuries and suspensions. This week is one such and I am still recovering from the hangover. And before I could recover we seem to have yet another game to play, this time against Almería at the Estadio del Mediterráneo.
The week started in a lousy fashion as usual. Sunday was given off to the players and they returned to training on Monday when the news came out that an MRI performed on Raúl González at Sanitas La Moraleja revealed that the player has post-traumatic inflammation of his right meniscus; an injury that is expected to keep him sidelined between two and three weeks. El Siete along with Rafael van der Vaart, Kaká and Pepe worked out in the gym while the sole consolation was that Royston Drenthe seemed to have recovered from his injury. The wing-back was seen jogging at a normal pace along with his team mates.
The same day Valdano went on air with Cadena Ser and reassured us fans that the team is committed to winning the last seven games. He emphasised the fact that should that happen the 98 points we finish with will be historic. But what he didn’t mention would be the fact that if Barça too go undefeated they will end up with 101. But that isn’t how a Madridista thinks is it?
He then spoke about his hopes about our €56 million summer signing Ricardo Kaká coming back and making a big impact in the remaining seven games of which he might play only four or five probably.
Once Kaka returns we hope he can provide some answers… big answers. He has improved quite a bit. Let’s see if he is able to help us down the final stretch.
What he then said was the best part of the whole interview. While Marca had gone on and on about replacing him at the helm, Valdano simply killed all the nonsense talk, saying:
We are not looking for a new coach. Despite last weekend’s disappointment he always stays calm and has the strength to continue. Every Monday is the same for him whether the team wins or loses. He always confronts each week with peace of mind, which is quite a blessing when coaching a team like Real Madrid.
And that restored some peace in my head. It didn’t hurt as much as it did earlier in the day.
Then came Tuesday and yet another MRI was performed. This time it was on Christoph Metzelder after he abandoned Tuesday’s training sesssion. It was confirmed that the player is suffering from acute tendinitis in his right patelar tendon ergo is expected to miss two to three, during which he will undergo medical treatment and physiotherapy. Rafael van der Vaart returned to train with the rest of the group as did fellow Dutchman Royston Drenthe whereas Kaká and Raúl continued to train indoors. While Van der Vaart was expected to make the cut for tonight’s game the other three weren’t.
Wednesday was the usual closed door session and the focus had officially shifted to Almería. Juanma Lillo took over from Hugo Sanchez in Week 16 and the team now sits in the middle of the league table. With 37 points, Almería are nine clear of the danger zone with seven matches left to play. This year they have lost only two times at home, where they earned an important victory against Atlético Madrid and drew against Barcelona.
Though we won 4-2 in the home game against them since changing their name to UD Almeria they have not lost at home to Real Madrid. One victory and one draw against the Whites in the last two years show how tough the ground really has been for us. Almeria though are without a win in their last three league matches making predicting this game’s outcome a bitch.
Lillo has a full-strength squad to choose from aside from the injured Chico.
Real Madrid are coming out of their first loss at home this season. Los Merengues lost 2-0 to Barcelona in what might turn out to be the turning point in this season’s title race. It was the first time this season that we dropped points at home and the tide now favors Barcelona as far as La Liga is concerned. Sergio Ramos pointed out perfectly in his preview for the game in bwin.com that it would be a mistake to dwell on our last match because the league is still in play. Mathematically we are still in it and the last seven games will show us the real difference between the likes of Juande Ramos, Schuster etc. and Manuel Pellegrini. Last season we lost several consecutive games on the trot after the loss to Barcelona in the Clásico even though we were still in the race. This time we are in a similar situation and are now six points behind with a game in hand. The title race in England, Germany, Italy and France have shown us that anything is possible in football and we must be ready to take it when they come by. Ramos concurs:
We need to capitalize on the opportunities we are given. Almeria haven’t spent many years in Primera Division, but they always show up to play and we have a lot of respect for them. They aren’t by any means a pushover, but we have our weapons and hope to earn the win.
And that is what we must do. Respect but demolish Almería.
Manuel Pellegrini announced the names of the 18 men who will travel to Almeria later this evening for tomorrow’s match. Real Madrid Castilla’s Mateos and Juanfran made the final cut, while Garay was left out due to suspension and Raul, Metzelder, Kaka, Drenthe and Pepe remain unavailable due to injury.
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek.
Defenders: Arbeloa, Ramos, Albiol, Marcelo, Mateos.
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Gago, Lass, Diarra, Guti, Van der Vaart, Granero.
Forwards: Benzema, Higuain, Cristiano Ronaldo, Juanfran.
Probable Starting XI: Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Albiol, Marcelo, Gago, Xabi Alonso, Granero, Van der Vaart, Higuaín, Ronaldo.
Prediction: Almería 1-3 Real Madrid
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
We’re the underdogs – El Clasico pre-preview
We Madridistas would’ve rarely come across the word ‘The Underdogs’ in our prolific history. Irrespective of the opposition Real Madrid have never been the underdogs in any clash and in any competition. We’re always the favorites to win anything that is at stake. But today that isn’t the case. We’re the underdogs as we get ready to play the mother of all games – Él Clásico.
Realmadrid.com’s Juan Tapiador was not kidding when he called Barcelona a team with great quality and creativity. He wasn’t lying when he said that their excellent ball control, elaborate efforts, capacity to keep possession and effectiveness on goal makes Pep Guardiola’s boys a ‘Dream Team’ – a term that isn’t as common as ‘The next Maradona’. They do have the likes of Lionel ‘Jesus‘ Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta in their ranks apart from Henry, Keita, Puyol and Pique. Goalkeeper Victor Valdes is currently the least defeated goalie in La Liga. They are like amoeba changing formations whenever they want to depending upon the situation. Guardiola has done well to groom youngsters who can fit into the first team’s style with ease. The likes of Bojan, Pedro and Jeffren have been the pick of the lot. And this Barcelona have snatched 34 points away from the Camp Nou this season, drawing just four and losing one on the other side of Madrid at the Calderon. They have as many points as we have but are in second place only because we’ve scored more goals than them. A win tonight would see them leapfrog us not only on points but also on the head-to-head that matters so much when the points are tied at the end of the season.
Barcelona come to our fortress missing only Abidal and Ibrahimovic through injuries. The rest of them are fit and are just coming out of a quarter-final victory against Arsenal in the Champions League. Bojan is considered to be the replacement for the Swede in their starting line up though they might even use Pedro.
BARCELONA SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Valdes, Pinto
Defenders: Pique, Puyol, Alves, Milito, Marquez, Maxwell, Chygrynskiy
Midfielders: Toure, Keita, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Jeffren, Pedro
Forwards: Messi, Henry, Bojan
The only thing that separates Real Madrid and Barcelona in the league this season is the one goal the latter scored at Camp Nou in the first leg. This will be the 80th Clasico since the first was played in 1980. Real Madrid defeated their eternal foe in 50 of their 79 clashes in the Spanish capital, drawing 14 games. The Whites have so far netted 169 strikes against Barça in Madrid, conceding just 87.
But all that will not matter tonight as Real face the strongest Barcelona side in the history of the Catalan club. Real too have stars of their own but they will go into the game as underdogs considering the fact that they’re relatively new and just gelling into a team. Also, Barcelona currently sport the best player in the World in Lionel Messi and stopping him is supposedly impossible as the press around the World puts it. Arbeloa concurs. Speaking to AS he said:
If there was a way to stop Messi he would not have scored 40 goals this year. He is growing a lot this season. Now he is much more mobile. Before he stayed close to the wing and he is now moving very freely in the middle. There is hardly a way to man-mark him because he is in constant motion.
And that is a fact. He has more goals in this season than anyone else and it did seem impossible at least for the likes of Valencia, Arsenal and Zaragoza to stop him as they all saw the Argentine net a hat-trick past them. We too have conceded a hat-trick to him in the past but that was a different Real Madrid to what we have now. Now we do have in our ranks one the best players of this current generation in Cristiano Ronaldo and he too says the same:
We are demonstrating that we have a very strong attack, but it would be wrong to say that the attack is the most important part because we have a complete team. We are in good shape, confident, both in front of goal and in defence, midfield and forward. The team is getting better, we understand each other better. The team changed much from last year to this one, with new players and so we have to change some things.
This team is totally different to the one that started the game in the 2-6 defeat last season. We only had a few good men from this team in that side. We are much stronger in all aspects now than we were last season. But still we enter the game as underdogs as it is a Barcelona side that has been developed over a few years now unlike Real which is somewhat in a transition state. We too have our own injury worries with Kaká, Drenthe and Pepe down with injuries. The Brazilian hasn’t played for more than a month now.
Nineteen players have been tabbed for Clasico duty, two of whom were not included on last week’s squad list for Racing Santander. Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos, who served one-match suspensions, make their returns in place of Marcos Alonso and Mateos.
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek
Defenders: Arbeloa, Albiol, Ramos, Garay, Marcelo, Metzelder
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Gago, Lass, Diarra, Guti, Van der Vaart, Granero
Forwards: Benzema, Higuain, Raul, Cristiano Ronaldo
The starting line up would see Xabi come in place of Momo Diarra, Garay in place of Metzelder and Sergio Ramos in place of Marcelo. Arbeloa will play as our left back. Gago will continue his fine run in the team as will Van der Vaart. Guti, who mostly is playing his last game against Barcelona for Real Madrid, will be used as a sub as he was in the previous games. We need to keep it tight and hold on to the ball as long as possible. Giving them possession will see them suck our blood like a leech slowly and steadily. Messi needs to be guarded but as important as him is Xavi who will create the chances for them. There isn’t much that I can add that hasn’t been said already. I really do think we’re the underdogs here and we need to prove a point. The stage is set for us to show the World that we are Real Madrid and there is a reason why we’re the best club in the World.
Probable Starting XI: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Garay, Arbeloa, Gago, Xabi Alonso, Granero, Van der Vaart, Higuaín, Ronaldo;
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
The return of Benzema – Santander pre-preview
Tired of sitting out is Karim Benzema
Barça 4 Athletic Bilbao 1,
Seeking three points are Real Madrid from the sixteenth placed Racing Santander – a team that has won just one match, drawn five and lost four in the second half of the season for a total of eight points. They are only six points clear of the relegation zone and have gone winless in seven straight weeks. They aren’t any good at home either having won only twice scoring 10 and conceding 22. In all it should be easy picking for us.
Racing manager, and former Madridista, Miguel Angel Portugal is likely to be missing Oriol through suspension. Torrejon and Henriques have been ruled out for the rest of the season through injuries.
RACING SANTANDER SQUAD LIST:
GOALKEEPERS: Coltorti, Mario Fernández
DEFENDERS: Pinillos, Crespo, Christian, Moratón, Morris, Diop
MIDFIELDERS: Colsa, Lacen, Toni Moral, Serrano, Arana,
FORWARDS: Munitis, Canales, Bolado, Tchité.
While Racing have a problem getting the ball into the back of the net, Real have scored more goals than any other team in the league. We have broken the league record of scoring three or more goals every game for 10 consecutive weeks and are currently on the right track to beat our own record of scoring 107 goals. And going by stats the visit to El Sardinero will not be much of a hindrance to us.
Team news now and Karim Benzema has recovered from the sports hernia that kept him sidelined for eight consecutive matches and thus has been called up. Fellow Frenchman Lass will also travel with the team after missing both the derbies as will Garay who has recovered from a strained left thigh muscle. Guti travels despite the niggles he suffered during the week. Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso will stay in Madrid to serve their one-match suspension after receiving their fifth booking thus clearing themselves to play the Clásico. Pepe, Kaká and Drenthe, meanwhile, are still injured and unavailable.
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST:
GOALKEEPERS: Casillas, Dudek
DEFENDERS: Albiol, Arbeloa, Marcelo, Metzelder, Garay, Mateos, Marcos Alonso
MIDFIELDERS: Diarra, Gago, Lass, Granero, Van der Vaart, Guti
FORWARDS: Cristiano Ronaldo, Raúl, Benzema, Higuaín.
So that’s good news all around. Benzema just needs to get some much needed match fitness ahead of the Clásico as he still hasn’t played a single minute since the first leg against Lyon. Someone else who has also been affected by Lyon is Kaká who hasn’t seen action since the second leg. Drenthe who was initially out for three weeks too is still in the Real Madrid infirmary. Hopefully Pepe should be the only one whom we’ll miss for the big game next week.
As far as attitude problems are concerned I am unsure whether Lass is really having a problem with the management or not. Like the press have been saying, he hasn’t played ever since he got substituted at half time against Sporting two weeks ago. I hope all such minor problems are resolved. Hey, this is a team that has benched the likes of Kaká and Benzema and above all Raúl himself. Lass should just look around and learn that no one is indispensable in this team.
Something that has also concerned me in recent weeks is the lack of clean sheets we have in our pockets. We have conceded at least one goal for nine games in a row in all competitions and that is something that we really need to avoid considering how close the title race is and El Sardinero will be a good place to start.
We will start with Casillas on goal. Arbeloa should retain the right back spot as will Marcelo on the left side of defense. Garay has recovered and should be given some match time against his old suitors. In midfield it Gago will definitely get another game after a couple of impressive games in the Madrid derbies which saw the Gago whom we all knew return. Lass is 50-50 as I doubt if Pellegrini will employ the double pivot against a team that finds it so hard to score. The same applies to Momo Diarra. If Guti is fit enough then he must start. Granero and Van der Vaart will be obvious choices to fill up the rest of the midfield just as the spots up front will be occupied by Ronaldo and Higuaín.
I am going for a big win here as should Real so that they enter the Clásico on a high note.
Probable Starting XI: Casillas, Arbeloa, Albiol, Garay, Marcelo, Gago, Guti, Granero, Van der Vaart, Ronaldo, Higuaín.
Prediction: Racing Santander 0-5 Real Madrid
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Forcing the fifth booking – Atletico pre-preview
Ramos (foreground) to Xabi (background): "Do something like this and we'll be cleared for the Clasico!"
The whole world has already started up build up for the upcoming Él Clasíco at the Bernabéu. I say so because more than El Derbi Madrileño itself the fact that is bothering everyone is whether Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos would force a fifth booking that would see them suspended for the visit to Sergio Canales’ Racing Santander at the Sardinero next week instead of risking an appearance at the title deciding game on April 10/11.
What we must not forget is the fact that Atlético Madrid are the only Spanish team still alive in all three competitions even though they aren’t exactly in contention for the league title. They will play in the Copa del Rey final and they recently qualified to face Valencia in the quarterfinals of the Europa League. None of their players are suspended for the derby against Real Madrid and Tiago was the only one niggled but is now deemed fit to play.
ATLETICO MADRID SQUAD LIST:
GOALKEEPERS: Asenjo, De Gea
DEFENDERS: Valera, Antonio López, Juanito, Ujfalusi, Domínguez, Perea
MIDFIELDERS: Tiago, Camacho, Jurado, Assunçao, Salvio, Reyes, Simao, Rubén Perez
FORWARDS: Forlán, Agüero, Ibrahima
José Antonio Reyes and strikers Sergio Agüero and Diego Forlán are in fine form despite Atlético’s current eighth position on the table. Their league form has been full of crests and troughs but Thursday’s victory against Bilbao can only indicate that they’re in fine nick. But what Real Madrid can rely on is the fact that Atlético have never performed in a weekend clash that has fallen after a midweek game. But they are only five points away from reaching Europa League qualifying position, which seems feasible given the fact that they are yet to host games against three relegation threatened sides and have to clash with direct opponents as well.
Their coach and former Madridista Quique Sanchez Flores took over in October and the changes in style he made are just beginning to pay off. The team is more creative in attack now and better on a tactical level. Youth teamers De Gea and Dominguez have become key players and Ibrahima has pulled rank in crucial moments for his team. Then again, the fact that they’ve only won two games (Valladolid, Xerez) and drawn three (Valencia, Tenerife, Racing) on the road favors us.
But St.Iker was spot on with his description of our local rivals. Speaking in a fair play event in the city recently, he said:
Atletico are unpredictable. They are capable of playing the best football around. They’ve pulled through in their decisive games this season. The three points at stake are vital to us to continue aspiring to win La Liga.
Casillas also accepted that Daniel Parejo did nothing wrong in a clash that led to Getafe’s first goal on Thursday night despite Pellegrini labelling him disloyal. He said:
When you dedicate yourself to this sport there are some heated moments and yesterday was one of them. I have nothing to complain about with regard to Parejo. He did what he had to do and he wasn’t at fault at all. He took the ball off me cleanly and the rules are clear. A player doesn’t have to kick the ball out if the referee is right there on the spot.
And frankly our players would’ve done the same thing as Parejo did in a similar situation. Fair play people.
After missing matches against Sporting and Getafe, Mahamadou Diarra has recovered from his injury and is available for action on Sunday. But Pellegrini and co. will be without Garay, Benzema, Drenthe, Kaká and Lass – all of whom remain in sick bay. Castilla’s Mosquera and Marcos Alonso have also been called up. Garay was injured during Thursday’s game and will miss up to 10 days.
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST:
GOALKEEPERS: Casillas, Dudek
DEFENDERS: Albiol, Arbeloa, Ramos, Metzelder, Marcelo, Marcos Alonso
MIDFIELDERS: Gago, Diarra, Guti, Xabi Alonso, Mosquera, Van der Vaart, Granero
FORWARDS: Cristiano Ronaldo, Raúl, Higuaín
As far as my advice to the team is concerned, I don’t have much to add. The Madrid derby is as freaky as it can get but one thing is clear Atlético can never beat Real in the Bernabéu.
Probable Starting XI: Casillas, Arbeloa, Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Gago, Xabi Alonso, Granero, Van der Vaart, Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuaín;
Prediction: Real Madrid 4-2 Atlético Madrid
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Freaky injury worries galore – Getafe pre-preview
Kaka to Diarra: "Welcome to the lame-ass-injury league." Drenthe: "DUDE, Wait for me!" Benzema (to himself): "Where the hell are Guti and Lass?"
¡Hola!
In what one can call a Madridista’s nightmare, Real Madrid are going through a phase in which all its players are either falling injured or having “gastroentitis”.
On Monday and Tuesday Kaká, Diarra, Benzema and Drenthe worked out in the gym along with Pepe. Lass also trained indoors on Monday but on Tuesday was sent home with gastroenteritis. Marcelo has missed every session this week as he has traveled to Brazil to attend to personal matters. And when we thought things couldn’t get worse Guti suffered a blow to his left quadriceps and now has a contracture on the muscle. Yesterday, things got even worse when we heard that an MRI performed at Sanitas confirmed that Lass has left ankle synovitis, which will require medical treatment and physiotherapy until it has healed. So that just means no Lass, Kaká, Benzema, Guti, Marcelo, Drenthe, Pepe and Diarra for Getafe leaving us with a very few choices.
And that means, Chelsea’s £10m target Rafael van der Vaart will get yet another deserved start at the Coliseum. He discussed what is left of the season for Real Madrid with AS. After speaking about the title hopes and the game against Gijón, he said this:
I love hearing that people want me to continue playing here. I want to stay on and help this team win titles. I returned home on Saturday with the noise of all the applause still ringing in my ears. I can play well when I play frequently. I am playing often now, but I know I can improve.
Abel Hernandez (Palermo, ITA) and James Rodriguez (Banfield, ARG). Ever heard of them? They’re linked with Real.
And over to Getafe, our most dangerous Derby rivals, a team even more dangerous than Barça themselves at least according to Marca. A busy week of Derbies starts when Real Madrid face Getafe at El Coliseum on Thursday at 20:00 CET. The derby against Atletico will follow at the Bernabéu on Sunday at 21:00.
Generally when I write a preview for any Real Madrid-Getafe game it’d generally have a lot of “its the return of…” or “… will play against his former club” stuff. But this time I’ve chosen not to do so. Getafe will be without Miguel Torres, Roberto Soldado and Cata Diaz – three of their most important players.
GETAFE SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Óscar Ustari, Jordi Codina
Defenders: Mané, David Belenguer, Mario Álvarez, Fabio Celestini
Midfielders: Jaime Gavilán, Juan Albín, Manu del Moral, Rafa López, Pedro Ríos, Daniel Parejo, Derek Boateng, Miku, Pedro León
Forwards: David Cortés, Javier Casquero, Adrián González
Real like I mentioned earlier are set to miss out on Lass, Kaká, Benzema, Guti, Marcelo, Drenthe, Pepe and Diarra. So that means Lady Gago might make a start. AS reports that Lass is upset because he was substituted during the break on Saturday and which is why he hasn’t trained this week naming several lame injuries as the reason. Guti, who was almost as pathetic as he was against Alcorcon, too might miss the game through a lame ass injury. But I have a strange feeling he won’t. And we all know why Benzema and Kaká are not playing these days. Pepe is genuinely injured. Diarra, well, who gives a damn about Diarra anyways. And that leaves little Marcel. I wonder what has gone haphazard with his life. I just want him to settle everything and get back to training ASAP. We need him.
Manuel Pellegrini will name the squad list later in the day, but it is kind of obvious who will make the cut now. All I want to know is whether he will risk Marcos Alonso tonight.
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST (Unofficial):
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek
Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Garay, Metzelder, Arbeloa, Marcos Alonso
Midfielders: Gago, Granero, Xabi Alonso, Van der Vaart, Mosquera
Forwards: Raúl, Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuaín
Barça won last night and Ibra scored, so strange things can happen in the league. And that means we are second and there is added pressure on us. We need to stay focused and have got to do the job against Getafe. The last time we played there it ended up being a nightmare. We lost 3-1. Schuster was fired. Sneijder, Pepe and Miguel Torres got injured. And Javier Saviola scored. By no means it is a happy hunting ground for us. We just have to go out there and win the game irrespective of all that has happened before. Its time to bury our past and look ahead. Three points is what we need.
As far as the line up is concerned, I would love to see Raúl start instead of Gago. But I don’t see that happening. Higuaín is in fine form. Ronaldo wasn’t all that good on Saturday but I don’t see that form continuing. Xabi has been pivotal and will continue to be. The defense has been good except for minor slip ups and more importantly luck has favored us. Lets hope the players utilize it and get us back to where we belong – the top of the table.
Probable Starting XI: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Garay, Arbeloa, Gago, Granero, Xabi Alonso, Van der Vaart, Higuain, Cristiano Ronaldo
Prediction: Getafe 1-2 Real Madrid
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Cesc, Vargas, Agüero… – Gijón pre-preview
Marca apologised to its fans on behalf of everyone involved with them as they couldn't Photoshop this picture of Cesc into the one in which he is sports a Real Madrid jersey.
What is common between Cesc Fàbregas, Juan Manuel Vargas, Sergio Agüero, Jesús Navas, Diego Perotti, David Villa, David Silva, Franck Ribery, Andres Iniesta, Steven Gerrard, Romelu Lukaku, Fabio Capello, Rafael Benitez, José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti? The answer is quite simple. These are the players/managers who have been linked with Real Madrid by dear ol’ Marca in the past few months. And the list will continue to grow for the next 12 weeks until it reaches its all time high by August when we will be linked with almost every single soul on the planet. Bullocks!
In the latest shyte produced by Marca, its Cesc and Vargas who have topped this weekend’s list of Top 10 players who have been linked with Real Madrid for next season. While Cesc is pleased that someone like FP wants to sign him, he wants Real to wait till the summer when he will assess whether or not to remain in Arsenal. And the best part about this rumor was that Cesc found out about it through a friend of his who is close to Real Madrid. OMFG.
Juan Manuel Vargas was the next target and this time its not only Marca. AS too confirms the speculation that Real have been joined by Juve and Man City in the fight to sign Viola’s 26-year-old left-footed wing-back. The Peruvian is a highly talented youngster who is at the peak of his career. No doubts about that. My only question is whether we need another Marcelo in the team? They also say that if we miss out on him we still have Evra, Kolarov, Clichy, Andre Santos, Luis Filipe, David Luiz and Ashley Cole to target.
On to tomorrow’s game now as Real Madrid get ready to battle Sporting Gijón at Fortress Bernabéu – a team against which we dropped points earlier in the season. Sporting, who are currently 11th on the table with 32 points, held us to a 0-0 draw at El Molinon on Matchday 7.
They are managed by Manuel Preciado who is in his fourth year at the helm of the team and he’s been a fan favorite ever since he got the team promoted to the First Division in 2008. Preciado only had kind words for his Real Madrid counterpart and namesake as he said that Pellegrini sadly is being a part of a witch hunt and that he has done a remarkable job for Real. He also went on to say that Sporting have everything to gain and very little to lose through this game and that they will do all that they can to stop Cristiano Ronaldo and co. even if it has to be done the Nivaldo way. Considering their dismal away form I doubt if they can do the job tomorrow. As a visiting team they have only won two games and drawn three games. Sporting will be without Ivan Cuellar, Milan Smiljanic and Francisco Maldonado.
SPORTING SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Juan Pablo, Raul
Defenders: Sastre, Botia, Gregory, Canella, Jose Angel, Ivan Hernandez, Gerard
Midfielders: Rivera, Carmelo, Lora, Diego Castro, Camacho, De las Cuevas, Pedro, Kike Mateo, Matabuena
Forwards: Luis Moran, Bilic, Barral
Real on the other hand will be without the likes of Kaká, Benzema, Diarra, Pepe and Drenthe. Pepe and Drenthe have been out for sometime now. Kaka is still nursing his injury, while its deemed too early for Benzema to play again as his injury has to look genuine and hence he has been given yet another week off. Diarra has a bruise on his right knee. I guess someone pulled a Nivaldo on him. Marcos Alonso has been picked again. But I’m sure he’ll feature for Castilla this weekend as well. I wonder why Mosquera’s name isn’t on the list.
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek
Defenders: Ramos, Albiol, Arbeloa, Metzelder, Marcelo, Garay, Marcos Alonso
Midfielders: Gago, Lass, Xabi Alonso, Granero, Guti, Van der Vaart
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, Higuain
I am looking at the same line up that started against Valladolid except for probably one change as Garay might come in for Arbeloa. But since Sporting have a few good wingers at their disposal I wouldn’t be surprised if Eze G is omitted yet again. As much as I’d love to see Gago given a go, I feel that Manu Pellegrini will be hesitant to risk dropping any points whatsoever. He will be forced to play his best team and changes will be far and few in between. So I guess there will not be too many changes in the line up. Three points and a 100% winning streak at home is at stake and its up to us to go for it.
Probable Starting XI: Casillas, Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Marcelo, Lass, Xabi Alonso, Granero, Van der Vaart, Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuaín;
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-0 Sporting
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Finale Madrid – Lyon pre-preview
If this team cannot turn the tables, then no other team can which is why I am going with a Real Madrid victory.
Les Gones will be bygones by this time day after tomorrow. And with that hope I start this post of mine today.
Its a do-or-die clash against the French giants Olympique Lyonnais in the second leg of the first knockout round of the Champions League. Real Madrid are required to overturn a 1-0 deficit on home turf, their fortress, the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The fans believe they can do it. The players believe they can do it. I believe they can do it. The game probably will be the turning point of our season irrespective of the result. Good or bad it will turn our season around.
Its time to abase our critics by abating the anathema that has been laid upon us. In anathema, I mean the solemn curse that has been haunting us for almost a decade now – the curse of the UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid C.F. have more European cups to its name than any other club in the World, nine in all, and are looking to make it ten this year especially with the added advantage of playing the grand final at home. And with our current form there needs to be very little doubt as to whether we are good enough to do the job when needed.
Real are finally fulfilling the expectations of the fans and the linchpin behind all this success, President Florentino Perez, who turned the club on its head after becoming the club president for a second term last summer and injecting more than €250 million on getting in Los Galacticós.
Our previous game against Sevilla spoke a lot about the team as a whole. Overcoming a 2-0 deficit, they not only displayed the strength of the squad but also displayed what we Madridistas call Madridismo – spirit of Real Madrid. The result was 3-2 when the final whistle was blown and it saw Real become leaders by virtue of a superior goal difference over Barça. With the second leg of Él Clasíco to be played at the Bernabéu our destiny lies in our own hands. Now with La Liga future secured its time to focus completely on securing Champions League progression.
We need some more ketchup – Sevilla pre-preview
I want more ketchup!
Sevilla. Good team. Fourth in the table. 16 points behind us and 3 behind third placed Valencia. All that they want is 3 points. As simple as that. They got what they wanted last time we played them and are known to make life tough for us.
Real Madrid. Better team. Second in the table. 2 points behind league leaders Barcelona and might be five behind before kick-off as Barcelona play Almeria before our game. All that we want is three points as well. Our advantage is that we play at home. But generally Sevilla have never felt like they are away from home at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid vs Sevilla. 22:00 CET kick-off. Expected to be one helluva game by the neutrals as it generally involves a lot of goals. I’m gonna watch the game. Don’t miss it.
¡Hola!
Welcome to today’s post. Its all about ketchup. If we have loads of ketchup and the opponent doesn’t we are guaranteed 3 points. If its the other way round then they get three points and we get zilch. Confusing isn’t it?
Ruud told me that goals are like a bottle of kethcup. Sometimes they don’t come no matter how much you push, but later they all come out in one hit.
So said Gonzalo Higuain in his interview to La Sexta. Its all about getting the ketchup. The Argentine has been getting it right this season just like he did last season and took his form with Real to Germany where he traveled with his national side to earn Diego Maradona’s side a valuable win by scoring the only goal of the game proving himself yet again as to why he deserves an improved contract. He spoke about his contract as well, saying:
I hope an agreement is arrived upon as soon as possible, but this is something that pertains to my family and my agent. I am dedicating myself to playing football and that’s what I enjoy the most.
I too hope so. HE DESERVES A DAMNED RAISE! ARE YOU LISTENING Sr.PEREZ?
Tenerife pre-preview
Happy Birthday Pepe,
Pepe turned 27 today. Woah! TWENTY SEVEN. I never knew he was that old. Anyhoo, the injured Portuguese was surprised at the Valdebebas today by his team-mates and he told us about it and a lot more. The lot more part doesn’t matter. But this is what he told us about the surprise:
Upon arriving today, my team-mates told me I had to come out for the coach’s team talk. I thought it was a bit strange because I never join them for that. I asked the coach about it and he told me I had to be there because I am part of the team. I started to talk to everyone and I didn’t notice Raul, Iker, Sergio and Guti were missing. They suddenly came up behind me singing Happy Birthday. It was a very moving surprise.
Spaniards love Spaniards. Ramos likes Navas and Cesc likes Canales. While Navas is being strongly linked with a move to the Bernabeu this summer, Canales is already heading there. This is some real good news. Wooo. Ramos said that he would choose Navas over Ribery any day whereas Cesc had this to say about Canales:
It’s good to see a Spanish team spending money on Spanish guys. I’ve noticed that [Canales] has scored some nice goals, but I haven’t seen him enough to know him really well.
Sticking to Spaniards, Vicente Del Bosque announced his squad for Los Rojos’ midweek clash against France in France. Five Madridistas and one other Madridista on loan made the cut.
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Reina, Diego López
Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Piqué, Puyol, Marchena, Albiol, Capdevilla, Arbeloa
Midfielders: Senna, Xabi Alonso, Busquets, Xavi, Cesc, Iniesta
Forwards: Mata, Silva, Navas, Villa, Torres, Güiza, Negredo
Pablo Hernandez, Fernando Llorente and Iraola are the key players missing from the squad. It is being rumored that this will be Del Bosque’s squad for South Africa but the coach says the door is still open for other players.
And now – tomorrow’s game.
Champions League is back – Lyon pre-preview
Hola,
Now that its just down to two points between us and the league leaders Barcelona, its time to focus on the Champions League fixture. That’s right Liverpool fans. The UEFA Champions League. The mother of all club tournaments.
It will be Olympique Lyonnais vs Real Madrid in the 20:45 CET (1:15 IST) kick off at Stade Gerland as the home side will be looking to complete a hat-trick of home victories when the teams contest the opening leg of their first knockout round tie. Lyon beat Madrid on the last two occasions the clubs met in France although Real are unbeaten away in this season’s competition.
Real, as we all know very well, are seeking their first quarter-final place since the 2003-04 season and have already won once on French soil this season, coming from behind to defeat Marseille 3-1 in the final group game which ensured first place in Group C. Like us, Lyon too claimed 13 points in their section but finished second behind Group E winners Fiorentina. The French side have been knocked out at this stage in the past three seasonss, going down to Barca last year.
Coincidentally or should I say tragically Real have lost their last three two-legged contests with French opposition – going down on away goals to Monaco in the 2003-04 quarter-finals and losing to PSG in the last eight both in the 1992-93 UEFA Cup and the 1993-94 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
Manuel Pellegrini though has had better luck with his counterpart Puel whenever they’ve faced each other. He got the better of Puel when they met previously in the Champions League in the 2005-06 group stage. Pellegrini’s Villarreal earned a goalless draw at Puel’s Lille before a 1-0 home win earned them progress as group winners and eliminated Lille. Puel has had little joy against Spanish sides, suffering a 4-2 aggregate defeat by Mallorca in the 1999-00 UEFA Cup fourth round while at Monaco. With Lille though he enjoyed a 1-0 win against Sevilla in the 2004/05 UEFA Cup group stage but suffered a round of 16 elimination by the same opponents in the 2005-06 edition. As a player too he hasn’t had that much luck against Spanish opposition.
Lets beard them – Xerez pre-preview
Hola,
First of all some team news. I cannot make it tomorrow. I am down with a calf strain. And let me tell you it hurts like a bitch. Moving on, we’ve got a lot to talk about today. Actually its about tomorrow, but since we’re talking today and because we’ve got a lot to talk about we’ve got a lot to talk about today. Haha.. jokes apart, we have got a lot to talk about.
Real Madrid will play the bottom of the league side, Xerez in the 20:00 CET kick off on Saturday. This is a team that defeated the great and mighty Mallorca and is under new head coach Gorosito.
Xerez is one of the most scored upon teams of the league. Hence they played the 4-2-3-1 and still the tradition follows. At the other end though Carlos Calvo, Moreno, Bermejo and Momo have all scored in the last four games, the latter two teaming up to become a force to be reckoned with.
They have only won two of their eleven matches played at home. But still have made the tickets for Real Madrid’s arrival there the costliest so far this season for a home game at the Chapin. The last team to visit them, Mallorca, lost the game 2-1.
Now for some team news. Guti, Benzema, Dudek, Metzelder and Pepe have been ruled out from the squad list. The vice-captain suffered a sprained right ankle and it is yet uncertain whether or not he will miss next week’s Champions League game against OL. Benzema has Enthesitis on the left adductor muscle like mentioned yesterday/day before/the day before that. Jerzy Dudek, who has picked up a contusion in his knee, is bound to miss the game.
Nineteen men have made Manuel Pellegrini’s squad list. Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension is over and he will be able to face the Andalusian side. Garay has recovered from his injury and will travel with the team. Youth teamers Mosquera and Adan have also made the cut.
C’mon you Whites: Espanyol pre-preview
First and foremost a very happy birthday to Cristiano Ronaldo. May he live long and win more and more red cards… damn… I must have meant titles. Anyhoo, that’s all about Cristiano in today’s post. Perdone! Fans de Cristian!
Espanyol! I love Espanyol. They’re a very freaky side. One season they’ll topple us with a freaky Tamudo goal and in the other they’ll fall for a Raul brace or a Guti free-kick. They are entertaining as hell either ways. Moreover, they too hate Barca which makes them like us (Foe of a foe is a friend, isn’t it?). Moving on, Espanyol it is come tomorrow and we can have a jolly good time at the Bernabeu from 22:00 CET.
Manuel Pellegrini conducted his second to last training session on Thursday in preparation for this weekend’s match against Espanyol. Lass and Van der Vaart joined their teammates after jogging in solitary on Wednesday. Arbeloa, Guti, Metzelder and Garay, meanwhile, worked out in the gym. Pedro Mosquera, who has become a common sight around the first team’s training pitch, participated in yesterday’s session as well.
So basically, Sergio Ramos should partner Albiol in central defense again while Lass will drop in at right back and Marcelo on the left should Arbeloa stay in the gym until Monday. Van der Vaart or Gago most probably will replace Guti in central midfield and that will see Granero take up Guti’s role. But then again that is only if Guti is deemed unfit for the game. Higuain and Benzema to play upfront. You-know-who is suspended in case you didn’t know who was suspended.
Enough is enough! Its time for a change – Deportivo pre-preview
Its been a while. The best statement to get you back to date if you are a blogger. Just say its been a while and you’ll feel like you have been there all along. Well it isn’t the case – reality check. I have not been blogging nor following Real Madrid (which is basically the world of football to me) for the past month or so as I used to way back in 2009. It seems like a long time back to me when I had everything about Real right on my finger tip. You can surely find Real’s DNA strands still somewhere there if you search properly. Anyhoo that isn’t the point. The points lie at Riazor where Real travel next, mind you with a depleted squad, to do something that they haven’t been able to do for the past 18 years and that is to come back with 3 points. And this year if they fail to do so then they will be giving Barcelona the chance to go up by 11 points which can be considered as good as conceding the title considering the fact that other pussies in the league aren’t even willing to put up a fight against those damned Catalunatics and their glorified cunt in Leocunt Pussy. Ah! Now I am back in business. My Real Madrid senses seem to be perfectly in tact.
But Guti, who WILL stay at the Bernabeu, thinks it still ain’t over yet. Though my heart agrees with him my brain seems to cogitate the truth in the statement. While speaking to you-know-who, he said:
There is still half a league to be played and we can turn it around. Our goal is to lose as few points as possible and to try to capitalize on any Barcelona mistakes.
We are surely off target if that is our goal. We should have won at Pamplona and San Mames if we had intended on putting what you call pressure on the leaders. We couldn’t. And now it seems way tougher especially when you consider where we are playing and the resources currently available. Guti concurs but feels that crossing these hurdles is what makes champions.
Riazor is a tough place to play in and I have never won there. We will see what the game plan is, but I know we will try to win. League titles are won at the Bernabeu, but also in hostile environments like the Riazor.
He then spoke about the Champions league and that the team would do all that they are capable of to win it. They have to. They have no choice whatsoever.
Sergio Canales makes me forget the five point gap – Malaga pre-preview
Real Madrid have virtually signed Sergio Canales. The 18-year old Racing Santander starlet is considered to be one of the hottest properties in European football of late as the likes of Manchester United, her evil-twin-sister Manchester City, Chelsea, Barcelona, Sevilla etc have all been on the trail of the youngster vying for his signature. Such interest made it virtually impossible for Racing to convince the youngster that his long-term future lies at El Sardinero. They could, however, benefit from the agreement reported to have been struck with Real Madrid. Real are said to have agreed a five-year contract with Canales, with Racing set to receive €6million compensation for a player who would be out of contract in the summer.
Real are also believed to have agreed to send the youngster back to Racing on loan for the next two seasons, with regular first-team football needed to help aid his development. While the other European teams were prepared to offer a better financial package to player and club, the Spain Under 19 international feels a move to Madrid is the best choice for his career. Angel Canales, father and agent of the player, said:
The decision was Sergio’s and he thinks that Real offer the best option in a sporting sense.
I am delighted. I really am. This kid is absolutely brilliant. He is quick, intelligent and talented having everything that Real Madrid are looking for in a striker. He is the complete package. Well, I hope he is. And also, the two year loan spell means once El Siete has retired our front four will comprise of Higuain, Benzema, Negredo and Canales. Woah! Who needs Wayne Rooney!?! No we don’t. My sincere advise to all Madridistas: Do not trust these articles. They are just fabricated in order get Rooney more cash.
Fitness is a concern – Bilbao pre-preview
Real Madrid travel to Bilbao to play the home side in the Anfield of Spain, commonly known as San Mames. More than anything else the main concern will be the injuries to Rafael van der Vaart and Gonzalo Higuain who will most probably miss the next three league fixtures including this one. They join Pepe and Van Nistelrooy on the treatment table. Xabi Alonso, who was injured until yesterday, has now recovered and will travel with the team as will Ezequiel Garay and Christoph Metzelder.
Rafael van der Vaart lasted only for about half an hour in the game against Mallorca last week. The Dutchman tore his calf muscle thus ruling him out until February. The reported Liverpool target once again reiterated his desire to stay on at Real. He, while speaking to Radio Marca, said:
I have the skill and quality to play for Real Madrid. Pellegrini told me in pre-season training that I was a very good player, but he did not have much room for me because they had Kaka, Raul, many players. I said OK, but I will not leave Madrid, I want to fight, so let’s see. I am very happy in this team.
I am very happy in this team. Did you get that cunts?
Xabi Alonso was injured with a bruise on his left fibula but has not recovered in time for the game at San Mames. The player spoke to The People about this exit from Liverpool and stated that the pursuit of Gareth Barry was the final nail in the coffin.
The return of Kaka and Guti – Mallorca pre-preview
La Liga returns to the Bernabeu for the first time this year as Real Madrid are all set to face Mallorca in the 19:00 CET kick off. After a frustrating 0-0 draw last week at Osasuna, Real will be looking to pile on some pressure on Barca who play at Tenerife later in the day. If we win we will go top (something that should have happened last week itself) at least until Barca do the honors and finish their game with three points.
As far as team news is concerned, Kaka and Guti have recovered from their injures and made Pellegrini’s squad list this morning for tomorrow’s match against Mallorca. Lass and Sergio Ramos are suspended for the game. The injured Van Nistelrooy (strain on the left triceps surae) and Pepe (recently had surgery on the right knee) will miss the clash. Mahamadou Diarra is currently with Mali preparing for the African Cup.
Back to business – Osasuna pre-preview
Firstly, Happy New Year to all.
Finally we have some Real football to look forward to. After a good end to 2009, we enter 2010 with lots of hopes and expectations – a case that wasn’t exactly a year ago. Anyhoo, thats that and we have a whole new year ahead. On Matchday 16 we visit the Reyno de Navarra to face the 12th placed Osasuna side. Although we have enjoyed a fair amount of success in Pamplona (think #31) Osasuna are definitely a force to reckon.
Coached by Jose Antonio Camacho and starring Pandiani, Osasuna make a formidable line up especially at home. With Ricardo, Azpilicueta and Monreal they not only have of a strong line of defence but the wing-backs also add great depth to the team by helping out in attack. In the center of the defense is Josetxo, who is unavailable and will likely be replaced by Sergio Fernandez, and Miguel Flaño. The Osasuna midfield has Nekounam, Masoud, Juanfran who can be a handful while both attacking and defending. It was recently announced that Portillo has signed for Hercules, thus taking the former Madridista out of the equation. Pandiani, Aranda and Camuñas can be deadly in attack if given room to work with.
But then Real Madrid are far better.
Now stop talking about Lyon will you? – Zaragoza pre-preview
Real Madrid will face Olympique Lyonnais in the last 16 of the Champions League. The first leg of the tie will be played at Stade de Gerland and the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid’s Director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueño was responsible for drawing the balls out of the pots. Yes, Karim Benzema and Mahamadou Diarra return to Lyon. Qualifying as group leaders has given the Whites the home advantage. The first leg will take place at their opponent’s stadium either on 16, 17, 23 or 24 February. The return leg will be held at the Bernabeu on 9, 10, 16 or 17 April.
Note: Real Madrid and Olympique have met on four previous occasions in Champions League play. L’OL own the upper hand having defeated the Whites twice and earned two draws. The French side has scored eight goals against Real, who have only netted three against OL.
Verdict: This team knocked the stuffing out of Liverpool. Their style of play is brilliant – quick passes involving quick players. In all a tough draw.
Manuel Pellegrini, Jorge Valdano, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Gonzalo Higuain, Esteban Granero and several other Madridistas offered the team’s first reactions after learning that their next Champions League opponent is Olympique Lyonnais.
Pellegrini:
They are a difficult opponent just like all the other possible teams we could have drawn. All that matters is what kind of shape you are in heading into a match. We hope to be in top form and to qualify for the quarterfinals. Past history is important and you must take it into account, but it is not a decisive factor. Lyon have won the Ligue 1 many teams in recent years and have performed well in the Champions League. Any opponent at this stage would have been tough, so I am fine with the outcome.
We don’t play for another two months so we should be focused only on Zaragoza. We cannot think about the Champions League or our vacation time. Zaragoza won’t be easy because they aren’t doing that well and they have a new coach.
Kaka + Ronaldo = Silva – Valencia pre-preview
As much as it pleases the neutral I too have always found Real playing Valencia at the Mestalla one of most entertaining fixtures among all games. Infact I think if not as fierce, it is definitely as entertaining as El Clasico itself. That said, the game is considered to be battle of two rivals ever since the fierce quotient was added to this fixture after Mijatovic’s move from Mestalla to the Bernabeu. The Mendieta controversy and most recently the David Villa controversy all have spurred this game into a mini derby itself.
Anyhoo, enough with the background and stuff and moving on to the game itself, this will be the first time we will playing in the league without both No.8 and No.9. Xabi Alonso who was a doubt for the fixture cleared the air and said that he is perfectly fit for the game and went on to discuss the game during a blood drive organized by the Spanish Red Cross, the Spanish FA and ADIDAS. He said:
I am fine. I feel much better. I don’t think I’ll have a problem playing against Valencia. I have been training well in recent days. Villa, Mata, Joaquin… They are all dangerous. We are teammates on the national team, but we are opponents on Saturday and I want to win the match.
He went on to speak about the Champions League and said that the if we want to win the Champions League we need to play against the best teams and that the lesser known teams still present a huge threat, like in the group stage. He too, like all Madridistas, preferes the goal Cristiano scored this weekend over Messi’s. How obvious was that?!?
Just another Madridista
Hala Madrid 
D-Day edging closer
Demented Dani: Is your Derby still sexier than me?
Hi all,
With just one day left before the Madrid derby kicks off I sit here thinking what would you call a Turkish-born German. Would it be a Turkan or a Gerkish? I think I’d call him Ozil. And Super Mesut is what I am going to start with. I had a dream last night. It was about Kaka returning to the squad one fine day. Probably Ozil might be 30 by then and Jamaica would have won a World Cup but nevertheless Kaka returned to the side and that’s what matters. No, I cannot tell you how many games he lasted before going back to the gym and posing on the cycle or the pool but I can assure you that he returned and did touch the ball in the game that came in my dream. Hypothetical but true. So yeah, what should be done if Kaka returns to full fitness? Must. Not. Laugh. Would Ozil be benched to honor the Brazilian? Considering the position in which Kaka generally plays it is no different from where Ozil is playing now. It will be a like for a crocked like sort of switch. But class wise maybe they are at par for sure. What should be done? Stupid question I admit. Obviously the player who works harder must be given the game. But what if both of them work equally hard? Hypothetical question I admit. Obviously if that happens we use the rotation system. Then, what if one of them is unhappy because of the fact that he is not playing despite working hard? Ridiculous question I admit. The player is being simply stupid.
In all seriousness, I cannot wait for Kaka to return. Return he will but I am more concerned about Kaka becoming the Kaka we all know. He is right now more of a pseudo-Kaka or the evil-twin-but-Jesus-loving brother of Kaka. I want the Kaka who can stroll past defenders as though they were never there. I want the Kaka who can score goals from anywhere on the pitch. I want the Kaka who can inspire even a lousy Atletico team to win a derby. I want the Kaka who can even knock sense into Louis van Gaal’s head. I want the Kaka who can silence Sir Alex. I want the Kaka who can even make Liverpool win the league. Is that possible?
Mesut Ozil though will not give up his place on the team that easily. He said:
So what have you got that Kaka doesn’t have? The Brazilian can fake full fitness and play the World Cup. Can you?
Interesting answer. Can you make Atletico win a derby?
Haha. Good one Mesut. Cheers. Oh btw, you can have your place in the team. No hassles there.
OK. Time to shift my focus on the derby then. As you all know very well already, Real and Atleti face off at the Bernabeu tomorrow night at 21:00 CET. Albiol did the little preview that players generally do prior to the game for bwin this time. And like it has been for the past few years he picked out Kun and Diego as the danger men.
Clean sheet is what I am looking at. We need to make keeping clean sheets as a habit. Something that we were able to do until we faced Hercules. Milan was disastrous that way. If we can keep Aguero-Forlan quiet we can definitely keep most of the other attacks in the world quiet. And the person who would probably help us the most in doing that would be Ricardo Carvalho. The Portuguese center half met up with Forlan to play FIFA 11 in a promo-like thingy for EA. He said:
And St.Iker too has a vital role to play. We need him to be at his best throughout this month. He spoke to the press after yesterday’s training session. He emphasized the importance of a derby game to Madridistas despite the fact that it has been dead rubber since 1999 and also had kind words for De Gea, their goalkeeper. He then spoke about Forlan and Kun Aguero but since I’ve covered enough about those two lads, I’ll move on. He finally spoke about the Clasico.
Anything can happen. Anything. I mean ANYTHING.
One person who will be unable to help us beat Atletico would be Pope Dudek. Did I say Pope? I meant Pole. The Dudek suffers from lower back pain and will be subjected to medical treatment apparently. Massage maybe?
All said and done a Wonderful derby is awaiting us.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
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November 6, 2010 | Categories: Comments, News, Pre-preview, Press Conference | Tags: Atlético Madrid, Diego Forlan, El Derbi Madrileño, Iker Casillas, Jerzy Dudek, Kaká, Mesut Özil, Raúl Albiol, Ricardo Carvalho, Sergio Agüero | 1 Comment