Not much to talk about
With a round of pointless international friendlies coming up, there is not much to talk about. Unless you consider Marcelo’s venture into social networking as something worth discussing. Then of course there is the whole Cantera issue that has been going on and on for weeks now and has started getting to me as much as to Mourinho. Apart from that we can maybe ponder over whether Pepe really taunted Ballesteros or not. But in essence there is nothing worth talking about. Before you start questioning the intent behind this post let me get started.
Eight of our players have been called up by their respective national teams for friendlies most of which would be conducted on Wednesday. Nacho and Varane play on Tuesday for the U21s. Casillas, Ramos, and Albiol are in Central America, Pepe in West Africa, Di Maria is in East Asia, and Kaká in North America. With so much travel and the fatigue that is bound to be incurred I am confident that we will have yet another injury crisis as the rest of the team prepares to face Bilbao at home in the weekend and Man City away next week. That said, we had some good news at the Valdebebas with Khedira training with the first team. Benzema, who is still recovering, trained on the sidelines and would most probably stay out of the team for the weekend’s fixture. Higuaín, Özil and Ronaldo too are their respective nursing injuries. I am unsure about who would and wouldn’t be ready for this weekend’s game but I am sure I can give you a better idea in a day or two.
Marcelo is now on twitter. After his latest entry into instagram the Brazilian left back is now catching up with the rest of his up to date team mates on the mini blogging site. You can tweet him @12MarceloV. Rumor has it that he followed Cristiano before even LilWayne. Staying on the social wire and with Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar uploaded a pic on instagram and facebook reassuring fans and warning teams that he would be back as soon as it was possible for him to see with both eyes. Knowing him, the world’s third best player, who now looks as though he got into a spat with bruce lee, should be ready to challenge Lil’ Lionel for the Pichichi this weekend.
Talking about trophies, Casillas, Ramos, and Alonso were chosen as the best goalkeeper, defender, and midfielder by the coaches in charge of the teams in the league last season. They collected their rewards in the weekend. Messi though continued to beat Ronaldo when it came to winning prizes. It now seems like a competition between the teacher’s pet and the class bully (considering how CR looks now).
Real have released an official statement about the exemplary behavior displayed by us post-game at Valencia. Levante’s overaged players complained about being taunted by Pepe in the tunnel and there were even rumors that Pepe and Ballesteros went at each other in the presence of CR while he was receiving treatment. I haven’t seen anything more petty in my life and will hence not deign to talk about it.
Till tomorrow,
Para Siempre Blanco!!
Hala Madrid!!
It is not only about football, at least not anymore
Its no longer about football alone.
Real Madrid lost 3-2 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate to eternal rivals Barcelona, ergo the Supercopa de España. Lionel Messi, as always, was the chief architect behind the Catalan success scoring two goals out of almost nothing, the second coming in the dying moments of the game, all this after setting up Andrés Iniesta for the first. Real came twice from behind through Cristiano and Benzema respectively but were unable to grab the third goal that would have turned the tie towards the better team on the night with barely anytime left. The match ended on a bitter note with two of our players sent off in Mesut Özil (who was not on the pitch at the time) and Marcelo (for a tackle on new boy Cesc Fàbregas). David Villa, who too was on the bench, was sent of as well with the game ending in a melee.
José Mourinho decided to field the same line up that lost 5-0 here in La Liga last season but for one change. New signing Coentrão started at left back, replacing Marcelo. Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, made a host of changes to his side as Xavi, Busquets, Pedro and Pique replaced Thiago, Keita, Aléxis Sánchez and Adriano from the first leg, thereby reverting back to his best starting XI available. Cesc Fàbregas was on the bench. The initial stages of the game saw both teams share equal possession and the ball sticking within 25 yards of either side of the half way line. Neither team was able to break through the opposite defense when Messi sublimely put Andrés Iniesta through on goal 1v1 with Casillas. The midfielder chipped in the ball to give Barça a 1-0 lead. Real now had to score two. But that would change within 5 minutes. Mesut Özil swung in a corner from the right which ultimately fell to Karim Benzema on the far post. The on-song Frenchman squeezed in a ball through a crowded area which was tucked into goal by Cristiano Ronaldo. There were doubts about Ronaldo being offside but replays acquitted him of such claims. It was CR7’s 100th goal for Real Madrid and his first at the Nou Camp. But for the goal and a shot that Valdes could only deflect on to the crossbar, the overall performance of Ronaldo last night was below par. He was trying too hard to flatter the Catalan crowd with his dazzling step overs only to hinder the attack of his own team. Real had the better chances of the game throughout the night but Lionel Messi was more efficient. Just before half time the little Argentine played a clever one-two with the demented Gerard Piqué to beat Iker Casillas yet again and give Barça the lead after 45 minutes of play. Messi was simply sublime last night one has to admit. Every run of his troubled our defense. One other sight which worried me especially was Coentrão’s defensive credibilities. The Portuguese at left-back was totally out of sorts and was found AWOL most of the times. Fortunately, since it was Pedro who played on the right, Barça failed to capitalize.
The second half began in similar fashion with Barça unable to play their normal tiki-taka thanks to the incredible pressure that they were under. Marcelo replaced Khedira and Coentrão moved to midfield alongside Xabi Alonso. Unlike previous encounters Madrid was not rough on them but made sure that the pressure they applied on those Catalans was immense. Xavi of all people stuttered. Piqué, Abidal, Alves were all forced to clear the ball and thus were taken out of possession. Messi hardly saw the ball. Madrid were better than any side that has ever faced this team. Özil almost pegged us level when he was put through with only Valdes to beat. The German tested the keeper but definitely should have done better. I felt there was too little sting in the shot. The game crossed the 80th minute mark. Kaká and Higuaín had come on for Özil and an out-of-sort Angel Di María. It was the Brazilian’s corner that ultimately fell to Karim Benzema through Pepe and Real were back on level terms and the match was going into extra time. Barça panicked. The fans were silent as Cesc Fàbregas came on to make his debut. Just two minutes was left for normal time to end. Fàbregas played Adriano through on the left and his cross was volleyed in by Lionel Messi to hand Barcelona the lead and an inevitable victory. The volley was too good even for someone like St. Iker.
Özil and Villa, both in the picture, were sent off from the bench.
The game ended but match didn’t end there. Marcelo made a completely unnecessary challenge on new boy Cesc which the catalans made too much out of. This invoked the Catalans and finally the inevitable brawl began. Marcelo was sent off but so were Özil, who was completely furious about some incident, and David Villa were sent off. Mourinho too was involved having a go at Tito Villanova in his usually cheeky manner capping off what has been one of the best two legged games that I have ever seen.
This defeat, as sour as it is, definitely is a sign of improvement. We were the better team over two legs and if we had been a little more efficient in front of goal we would have definitely walked out winners. The rivalry between the two sides is turning out be more bitter than ever. Piqué has had a few harsh words to say about José. The latter belittled the Supercopa by calling it a tiny little trophy. Its no longer only about football and that’s what is making this whole affair even more special.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Sporting Gijon 0-1 Real Madrid
Bring it on!
Real Madrid battled past 19 fouls, 6 yellow cards, a red card and an extremely hostile atmosphere at El Molinon to grab three points thanks to a solitary Gonzalo Higuain goal to silence Manolo Preciado and the Sporting fans and regain the top spot in the Primera Division table. It was once again Karim Benzema who played the super sub role as it was his effort that led to the eventual goal eight minutes from time. Iker Casillas proved for the umpteenth time that he is still the best goalkeeper in the world by making yet another top notch save from a David Barral header which could have easily been Sporting’s equalizer. We were jeered, booed and whistled continually by the crowd but the players remained focus to finish the job off which was particularly important considering all the happenings prior to the game.
Valdano said it all about the game when he remarked that the match had more fighting than actual playing in it. Preciado’s men’s attitude was crystal clear. They went for the players from the word go and it looked as though the only place where they wouldn’t foul was their own penalty box. But that failed to bother our men as they proved that they too had mettle and the first chance of the game came within the first ten minutes. Ozil’s lay off from Pepe’s pass found Higuain’s run perfectly but Pipita’s low drive across goal met the post and went straight to Juan Pablo’s hands. And that was as close as we would get in the first half as Sporting failed to let us settle. But we did trouble their defense constantly with Ronaldo and Di Maria doing a fair bit of dribbling going past three to four defenders at a time only to be fouled by all three or at least one of them. Real then tried the aerial route with Di Maria repeatedly crossing in from the right but sadly all of them were cleared easily by Sporting’s defense. One other disappointment were our set pieces. There were a lot of free kicks that we won and from a few good positions. The fact that we were not able to materialize any says a lot about that side of our game. Real continued to attack and Sporting continued to throw whatever they had at us. Hell, even their fans started throwing stuff. But Real saw them all off. The game was still 0-0 with a half to be played.
Following the interval, four minutes into the second half, Di Maria brought out the best from Juan Pablo from a wonderful shot that was going into the top corner after he had cut in from the right. All this reminded me of last season when Real were repeatedly denied by Juan Pablo as Sporting held on to a 0-0 draw. The game did have a lighter side to it, believe it or not, when Sergio Ramos was asked to leave the field for sporting number 4 on his jersey and number 3 on his shorts. How he ended up wearing Pepe’s shorts, I dunno. With 63 minutes gone Real brought on Karim Benzema for Angel Di Maria to give a different dimension to our attack. Di Maria was active when he was on the field but I am sure the management had the physical nature of this game in mind when they made the replacement. Juan Pablo continued to save the blushes for Sporting as he brought about yet another splendid save this time to deny Gonzalo Higuain who only had the keeper between himself and the goal. Sporting would have gone ahead a minute later when Sangoy fired just wide of the far post after being put through. But that was just an one-off chance as with quarter of an hour to play Juan Pablo was made to deny Real again this time through Benzema’s shot from outside the box. It did look like one of those nights when things didn’t go well and Sporting made a couple of changes bringing in Barral and De Las Cuevas for Carmelo and Sangoy.
The last ten minutes brought about all the exciting moments of the game. Firstly we went ahead in the 82nd minute when Karim Benzema powerfull headed Sergio Ramos’ cross which Juan Pablo could only scupper leading to Higuain tapping in from inside the six yard box. A minute later Iker Casillas showed the world why we call him St.Iker when he reacted in a lightning quick manner to deny a darting header from David Barral. That sapped out all the confidence that Sporting had of scoring. Lass came on for Higuain in the 84th minute to stabilize the defensive side of the midfield and Arbeloa replaced Ozil in the 88th minute further solidify the defense. Three minutes into added time Botia made a deliberate foul on Ronaldo to earn a direct red. Ronaldo clamored “Mas, Mas” in the bring it on sense but that was as much as what was left in the game. Our players celebrated the sending off as much as they celebrated the goal and the game ended 1-0 in favor of the good side.
Following the game Ronnie spoke about the coach:
The coach gave us the right instructions despite not being with us on the pitch. He deserves the victory. We scored late, but we scored. It was a tough game ad we showcased a good attitude. We had many chances on goal. We played to win and we don’t care about anything else that may have happened. We are proud of this victory.
And the captain spoke about the crowd and the coach.
The game was complicated for many reasons, such as the comments made before the match, the atmosphere at the stadium… We stepped up to the challenge and earned three vital points. In all fairness, the atmosphere tonight was hostile. The home crowd supported its team 100%, which is normal. We responded well to that. Regarding what was said, I limit myself to defending my coach. I respect other opinions, but I do not share them. I stand by my coach, who is the best.
But to me it was Higuain who summed it all up perfectly.
It was a very tough game given the atmosphere at the stadium and everything that happened on the pitch. We expected it, but we won and took three vital points. We knew Barcelona didn’t drop points yesterday and we had to win. This is a very important victory because points like these may decide the title. It’s important for us to be leaders when we play at the Camp Nou. I was substituted soon after scoring, but that’s up to the coach. What matters is I’m very happy with my performance.
It couldn’t have been better written. We needed three points from a crucial game. We knew that it would be tough. We also knew that it is games like these that win you titles. And we did a good job. The only worry coming out of the game would be that Carvalho picked up an ankle knock during the course of the game and the extent of the niggle remains to be seen. But I doubt if it would culminate to be anything serious.
Right then, the international break is on and with Portugal playing Spain and England playing France it should be fun to watch. The players have been given a well deserved rest for a couple of days and should be back by Tuesday. But that’s not gonna stop me from writing. Before I sign off here are the match stats.
Match Stats:
Lineups:
Sporting de Gijón: Juan Pablo, Lora, Gregory, José Ángel, Botía, Rivera, Diego Castro, Eguren (Luis Morán 88′), Carmelo (De las Cuevas 73′), Nacho Novo, Sangoy (David Barral 80′);
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Marcelo, Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Özil (Arbeloa 91′), Cristiano Ronaldo, Di María (Benzema 66′), Higuaín (Lassana Diarra 86′);
Goals:
0-1, 84’: Higuaín;
Referee: Turienzo Alvarez
Booked: Diego Castro Gimenez (11), Gonzalo Higuaín (35), Gonzalez Carmelo (45), Sami Khedira (45), Sebastián Eguren (72), Alberto Ramos (82), Miguel de las Cuevas (89), Luis Morán (89)
Sent Off: Alberto Botía (90)
Notes: 2010/2011 Spanish Primera División
Played at: El Molinón
Men of the match: Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid 5-1 Real Murcia
And finally the curse is broken!
Real Madrid avoided yet another calamitous Copa Del Rey exit with a resounding 5-1 win over Real Murcia at the Bernabeu. The match was full of incidents right from the sending off of our manager Jose Mourinho in the first half till Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso getting their names on the scoresheet. Real also ended up with 10 players with Alvaro Arbeloa being sent off towards the end of the game.
Mourinho made his line up more Spanish than ever by naming 7 Spanish players in his starting XI. The two others apart from the 9 already revealed yesterday were Diarra and Higuain with the latter being paired up with Benzema up front for the first time this season. Mourinho had reiterated that this was game should be used by the fringe players to prove their mettle and Esteban Granero made an immediate impact by scoring a blinder just four minutes into the game. Sergio Ramos, who started as a center half along side Albiol played a diagonal to Pedro Leon on the right. The former Murcia man laid the ball perfectly for Granero to curl in an unstoppable shot into the top corner from outside the area. El Pirata had a point to prove and that was one heck of a way to do so. And post-match he admitted it.
We were fortunate to score early. I am happy that I was able to help the team. I wanted to play well. We are Real Madrid and we know what is expected of us, but we are all professionals and we all try our hardest to earn a spot.
Real, I felt were far more dynamic than they were in the first leg of the tie. I don’t know if it was because of the change in strategy or because of the lack of players who prefer dribbling passing (like Ozil, Di Maria and Ronaldo). The passing was good and Real maintained possession well. Murcia needed the ball to score and Real clearly had other ideas. And having gotten the all important first goal Real were looking confident and comfortable. Granero and Pedro Leon to me were a class apart from the rest.
The match reached the half hour mark and Real had not created that many chances apart from the goal itself. There were fouls all over the park and two of our players were booked in the first 15 minutes. It was six twenty minutes later and then it happened. Mourinho, who was furious with the refereeing for a while now retorted both at the fourth official as well as Paradas Romero resulting in his expulsion from the game. JM was clearly outraged by what was going on in the center of the park and as he decided to express how he felt about the referee. As expected the post-match presser was full of questions with respect to the referee. This is what the manager had to say regarding the referee:
I cannot say he was a bad referee. I would make a terrible referee. All that matters is that we won.
Just look at this referee’s statistics. It is in his nature. I’m not saying he is good or bad. I am not one to judge him, but I do usually analyze referee statistics. This one has officiated about 50 matches in Primera and has shown more than 250 yellow cards; an average of more than six per match. He booked ten players in his last match. I knew once I was sent off that I couldn’t stay where I was, so I looked for the best vantage point and didn’t have a problem.
The sending off didn’t hamper the spirits of neither the fans nor the players. The Madridista faithful went on chanting Jose Mourinho and the players ensured that the team was in a comfort zone going into half time. The first attempt at that was when Higuain shrugged off a defender to shoot way over the bar from just outside the six yard box and the second attempt was the goal itself. Marcelo’s cross after a short corner fell straight to Higuain at the far post who slotted the ball in for Real to go 2-0 up on aggregate. There was a lot of confusion with respect to the legibility of the goal as Sergio Ramos was in an offside position when Higuain shot the ball. While the Murcianos felt that his presence affected the play, the referee felt otherwise. The goal stood and Real went into half time two goals ahead. Personally I felt that the goal shouldn’t have stood.
The second half saw Mourinho make two changes to the side that started the game. Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Canales came off for Xabi Alonso and Cristiano Ronaldo. The manager’s intentions were clear. He wanted the team get as many goals as they can. But he also mentioned that he was not at all happy with the way Sergio Canales played. Well, I don’t know how exactly he wanted the youngster to play. As far as what I could see he was doing fine. The only bad thing that I could get out of his performance was his positioning. It looked as though he didn’t know his place on the pitch. I am sure he didn’t have a free role in the team as we were playing with two up front.
Anyways, Real continued their domination of the game as expected. The first chance of the half fell to Pedro Leon after a penalty box scramble involving Ronaldo and Benzema. The Spaniard could only fire wide when he definitely should have scored. Cristiano Ronaldo had the next chance after some clever interplay between Pedro Leon and himself. Ronaldo shot on the volley but the shot went just wide of the post. The match was closing the hour mark when Sergio Ramos’ beautiful through-ball found Arbeloa’s run perfectly but the latter was unable to cut the ball back to our forwards. Even though we dominated the game the number of times we had tested Dani Hernandez was far and few. Meanwhile, Murcia brought on Chando for Abraham Quesada. Real almost had their third when Pedro Leon played a beautiful/cheeky lob to catch Benzema on the run perfectly. The Frenchman’s shot hit the underside of the crossbar and fell to Ronaldo who was offside. And I was beginning to think if Benzema would ever score!
In the next minutes there were three changes made. Two for Murcia and one for us. Miguel Albiol, Raul Albiol’s sibling, made way for Camara while Rosquette was taken out for Canadas. Real brought on Di Maria for Pedro Leon who won a well-deserved ovation from the Bernabeu faithful. And the Argentine immediately tested the keeper which was probably why he was brought on. And while all this was happening Mourinho was sitting in the front row issuing orders to Aitor Karanka as animated as ever.
The third goal did come and as expected Di Maria was the creator. Xabi Alonso found a free Di Maria on the right whose low drive with the outside of the left foot found Ronaldo inside the six yard box. All that the Portuguese had to do was be there. Someone who wouldn’t be there in our next Copa game would be Alvaro Arbeloa who was sent off after being booked for the second time in the game. Real were down to ten men for the last 10 minutes. From the resulting free-kick Murcia won a penalty. Yes folks, it was all happening out there. Xabi Alonso was adjudged to have handled the ball and Pedro stood up to take the resulting penalty. He sent St.Iker the wrong way and the score was 3-1. Real have had a history of being knocked out on away goals and this seemed like one of those days.
But that wouldn’t be the case. Angel “The Angel” Di Maria came to our rescue winning a penalty for us. And to everyone’s surprise it wasn’t Ronaldo or Alonso who were tugging to take the kick. Benzema placed the ball on the spot and stepped and slotted the ball home confidently delighting not only the fans but also the players and the media so much that the headline on AS read “Even Benzema Scored!”. Benzema though was more happy with the way he was feeling as each day passed saying:
Scoring is always important, but what is even more significant is that I feel better and better each day.
The Madridistas would feel even better soon as Real Madrid won a free-kick just outside the box after yet another hand ball. Xabi Alonso shot low and the ball went in off a Murciano. Xabi of course was given the goal. Even Xabi Alonso scored, I thought.
Game, set and match, Real Madrid.
My men of the match choices were pretty easy. Pedro Leon until he was there was involved in all of our plays. He was simply fantastic showing us fans why he deserves to play more regularly. He was replaced by Angel Di Maria who showed us why players like Pedro Leon are still on the bench. Both of them were sensational and made a huge impact on the game. I know that Granero too had a good game but I doubt if it was a MVP-esque performance. The same applies to Karim. Sergio Ramos was actually brilliant. The fact that he is able to adapt so quickly wherever he plays simply amazes me every time it happens. He made sure that Carvalho was not missed. Arbeloa and Marcelo virtually had no work in defense. All their duties were offensive ones. Diarra was solid. He played a good destructor. I’ve already spoken about Canales so I’ll skip him. Alonso and Ronaldo were simply Alonso and Ronaldo. Enough said. Higuain was elated by the fact that he scored finally. His reaction to the goal displayed relief more than joy actually.
As far as the overall match is concerned, one of the positives that we can take out of the game is that we did not lose possession cheaply. We had the ball and we looked like we wanted to have the ball. The ideal way to play knock-out football if you ask me. After the game Pedro Leon told us why he thought we dominated the game:
This team’s attitude is great no matter who plays. Murcia really fall back to defend, but the first goal made them change strategies. We were given more space to work with and the chances came one after another.
That sums the game itself actually. Real went ahead virtually even before the game had started. And that piled on the pressure on the Murcianos. They had to score to stand a chance. They moved forward and Real capitalized. As simple as that. Mourinho was appreciative of our opponents though, saying:
It was a good match. Murcianos can be pleased with their team’s performance. They put Real Madrid in a bind. Madridistas can also be happy because they got over the Alcorcon and Real Union debacles. Now we must wait and see who we draw in the next round.
Match Stats:
Lineups:
Real Madrid: Casillas, Arbeloa, Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Granero, Mahamadou Diarra, Pedro León (Di María 71′), Canales (Xabi Alonso 47′), Benzema, Higuaín (Cristiano Ronaldo 47′);
Real Murcia: Dani Hernández, Mario Marín, Gotor, Amaya, Góngora, Isaac, Urzaiz, Albiol (Cámara 65′), Rubén Rosquete (Cañadas 69′), Pedro, Abraham Quesada (Chando 60′);
Goals:
1-0, 4′: Granero;
2-0, 44′: Higuain;
3-0, 76′: Ronaldo;
3-1, 83′: Pedro (Pen);
4-1, 86′: Benzema (Pen);
5-1, 90′: Alonso;
Referee: Paradas Romero
Booked: Granero (10), Diarra (37), Canales (14), Alonso (80), Urzaiz (86), Miguel Albiol (23), Gongora (46), Mario Marin (56), Canadas (89)
Sent off: Mourinho (38), Arbeloa (30, 78)
Notes: Last 32 of the Copa Del Rey. Real qualify to last 16 on a 5-1 aggregate
Played at: Santiago Bernabeu
Men of the match: Pedro Leon & Angel Di Maria
Ruthless Ronaldo and Milan
Watch out for the bad odor!
Happy November to all!
The Golden Month of October is over and what a beautiful month it has been especially for football’s version of Shawn Michaels – Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese HBK has had a tremendous October and probably one of the best he will ever have at least when it comes to the footballing point of view. He might score a lot more socially but 13 goals in nine games is no easy feat. Real too have been in scintillating form, winning all their La Liga and Champions League games and drawing the Copa tie away at Murcia. We have scored 6 goals in a single game twice this month and have beaten a quality Milan side comprehensively at home. Anyhoo, continuing what I was saying about Sexy Boy, he just needs one more goal to beat Puskas’ record of 13 goals in 9 consecutive matchdays which I am sure he will.
November will be a really crucial month for us. We start this month’s fixtures with a trip to the San Siro tomorrow where we will face off against Milan again in the Champions League. On Sunday will be the first El Derbi Madrileno of the season when we welcome (well, not exactly) Atleti to the Bernabeu. Next midweek will be the return leg of the Copa against Murcia, the consolation being that the game is at home. Following weekend we travel to Gijon – those with a good memory should remember what happened there last time around when we could only manage a point with their keeper being in the form of his life. This time around a draw would not suffice especially considering the fact that our next three fixtures in the league would be against Bilbao at home, Barça away and Valencia at home (which falls in December). If all is well then come the second week of December we should be through to the next round of the Champions league and the Copa Del Rey and should be comfortably sitting on top of the La Liga table having beaten two of our closest rivals. Fingers crossed for that.
But its of course better to take one thing at a time and our most immediate worry should be Milan. The players got together yesterday at the Valdebebas to train for the fixture. I would have loved to give you more information about the same but the session was closed to the media. But later in the evening, it was Carvalho’s turn to entertain the press and the Portuguese concurred that Milan would be waiting to avenge the pain that was inflicted upon them by us mid-October. The veteran defender rightfully said that securing pole position in the Group is critical and that’s why its important to get a good result in Italy.
He said:
It’s important for us to be group leaders after our game in Milan. Our goal is to secure the first position as soon as possible and that’s why it’s important to earn a good result there. We were better than them at the Bernabeu and they will want to prove they can defeat us.
As usual the club’s website came up with the necessary permutations and combinations that it generally comes up with at this stage with reference to the possibilities of Real sealing the passage to the next stage.
The boys were of course better than Milan. The aging midfielders that the Rossoneri had was no match to the creative strength and the young legs that Real possessed. Allegri was completely out-witted and his team was outplayed so to speak by JM and his players. But this time around it probably would be different. Its a whole new situation and a whole new playing field. Milan is no stupid team even though they possess smelly cunts like Gattuso and Ibrahimovic. They can beat any team on their given day. Considering the form that Khedira was in against Hercules (concurred here by Jose himself) we must be having no problem in midfield again. But at the same time the way the defense dealt with Hercules’ wingers we will probably have problems at the San Siro if we continue the same way. Robinho/Ronaldinho/Pato are the dirtiest of Brazilians there have ever been. As miserable as they are, the trio is dangerous, not only because of their ape like natures (nothing racist here), but also because of the cunt-like trickery that they possess. If Ramos or little Marcel try to attack too much we might really have a pain in the backside (pun intended). Now, Madridistas might raise a point saying we should probably go for Arbeloa over one of the two as he provides us with the defensive stability that a full back needs. Point taken but its Jose’s decision to make. Considering the fact that Pato was completely silenced by Arba the last time the two sides met in Milan it wouldn’t be a bad choice after all.
Talking about last time, Karim Benzema was the one who scored our only goal in the 1-1 draw that we managed at the San Siro last year in the same phase. There had been a lot of talking going on over the last week regarding the Frenchman’s death but all that was silenced when he walked in a quarter of an hour before full time at the Jose Rico Perez and produced two assists that won the game for Real in what was a poor game for the team as a whole. Carvalho, like the rest of the team, was quick to praise the former Lyon striker as well, saying:
We are all very happy for Benzema. I believe he is in good form. It’s important for a player to build his confidence and these games help to do so. He played very well yesterday and he is training well too.
I doubt if he has done enough to earn himself a starting spot. But I do believe that he will definitely be playing a role later in the game as an impact player. Considering Milan’s age, there will be a lot of tired legs on the field in case Allegri decides to line up his has beens again and Benzema could really do them with his speed and agility.
Like I already mentioned November is going to be one hell of a month. Xavi has already waged a war against us and it is our duty to respond. Of course they are no match for us off the field. Mourinho’s bad mouthing can not be matched. Its all about what we can do on the field now.
In case you are looking forward to the complete press conference to be posted here, I am sorry to disappoint you. There shall be no more pressers posted here on Hala Madrid here on. I am thinking of revamping the whole structure of the website as I am looking at an improvement in the ratings. As a fellow Madridista I request you readers to recommend this site to fellow fans and others as well. I hope you will. If you don’t, then I hope at least you will continue reading.
Until next time,
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Hercules CF 1-3 Real Madrid
Karim Benzema (#9) produced a stellar performance in the 13 minutes that he was given.
Real Madrid remain at the top of the table and will remain there until next week at least as a late brace from Cristiano Ronaldo helped Los Merengues stage a marvelous comeback after going a goal down just three minutes into the game. Trezeguet’s header in the second minute was neutralized eight minutes into the second half when Calatayud spilled Ronaldo’s shot from range only for Angel Di Maria to tuck in the rebound. Real had to wait till the eighty second minute to take the lead through Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese was assisted by Karim Benzema who played a pivotal role after coming on late in the second half. Ronaldo sealed the victory with another goal through yet another assist from Benzema three minutes later making sure that Jose Mourinho’s men left the Jose Rico Perez with all three points in the bag.
Jose Mourinho made seven changes to the side that started against Murcia midweek in the Copa Del Rey with Carvalho, Marcelo, Khedira, Alonso, Ozil, Di Maria and Higuain replacing Albiol, Arbeloa, Diarra, Granero, Canales, Pedro Leon and Benzema respectively. Real stuck to the usual 4-2-3-1 formation with the trio of Ronaldo, Ozil and Di Maria playing behind Higuain. Hercules deployed a similar formation which saw Trezeguet play the central role up front just ahead of Valdez, Tiago and Thomert.
Hercules dominated the first couple of minutes and were given a dream start when Cortes’ cross from the right was met by a waiting David Trezeguet. The former Juventus man’s looping header defeated Saint Iker raising questions as to why there wasn’t a single white shirt challenging for the ball inside our own box. And as a result Real Madrid went down by a goal for the first time this season. A comeback was mandatory if three points had to be taken.
The fan support for the Alicante club was tremendous as the crowd tried their best to make sure that Real never really got into the groove. Credit, though, must be given to Hercules for not trying to sit on their lead and for making it a compelling contest. I felt that Real were losing the ball quite easily unlike the previous games. Hercules though didn’t capitalize on it and continued to give the ball back. Real slowly started looking like the side that beat Santander 6-1 and started making use of the superior possession as the game progressed. Hercules were happy to have little possession of the ball and it looked as though their plan was to counter attack Real on the break. But the tiring legs of Trezeguet and the Valdez’s agility was well matched by the Portuguese central defenders.
With a little over twenty minutes gone Real had their first real chance on goal. Cristiano’s shot from distance was parried by Calatayud and his save fell right into the feet of Higuain whose low curling shot went straight to the keeper. And almost instantly Hercules almost had their second goal. Cortes released Tiago Gomes on the right hand side of midfield and Gomes’ searching cross fell to Thomert on the other side of the box. Thomert somehow managed to cross the ball over to Trezeguet to the center of the six yard box and thankfully his header was directed straight at Saint Iker. Close call and yet again Trezeguet was left unmarked. JM clearly was upset.
Trezeguet seemed to provide Hercules with what Real currently lack. Aerial Prowess. Throughout the game one can see several crosses from the likes of Di Maria, Alonso and Marcelo fall into no man’s land as only Ronaldo has the ability in our front four to meet such crosses. Higuain as we all know cannot head to save his life. Either Real should stop wasting possession by crossing or go out there and get a real #9.
Half an hour had gone by and some good passing by Real led to Higuain crossing for Ronaldo to shoot into an open goal only to be blocked Cortes in a last ditch effort. It wasn’t the best of chances but that was all that we had. Hercules’ wide players and especially Thomert was posing a serious threat to the Real defense. Sergio Ramos unlike Arbeloa was concentrating more on attacking duty that defensive ones. Real on the other hand had failed to make any use of the possession that they had and the game was nearing the halfway mark. It looked as though Hercules were playing to Esteban Vigo’s script. A minute was added on to the first half and Real’s last attack would be Marcelo’s low shot which went wide. It was half time and the Alicante crowd went frantic.
The second half started with no changes made by either side but that wouldn’t last long as Olivier Thomert was stretchered off after the Frenchman had pulled a muscle or so it seemed. Sendoa replaced him and in the meantime Di Maria had tested Calatayud twice within a span of 60 seconds. A minute later the Argentine got the better of the custodian as Cristiano’s shot from range was too hot for the keeper to hold. But the spill would be costlier. Di Maria tucked in the rebound and Real were level with a little more than 40 minutes to play. Real should have rightfully gone ahead when Xabi Alonso’s beautiful long ball left Ronaldo one on one with the keeper but the number 7 was adjudged to be offside when in fact he wasn’t.
The match was sixty five minutes old when Xabi Alonso was booked for stretchering off Abel Aguilar. The player was hurt but was fit enough to continue and Vigo then decided to make his second change of the game. One veteran for another and Francisco Rufete, the former Valencia and Espanyol winger was brought in for the goal scorer Trezeguet. Real continued to dominate possession and had several half chances but it looked like one of those days when you dominate a game but still end up with nothing. A few minutes later an Ozil corner was headed straight at Calatayud (I just love typing that name) by Sergio Ramos and that was as close as we could get. Hercules then brought on former Madridista Javier Portillo on for Nelson Valdez who was injured by the ball and had to be stretchered off.
A change was on the cards as Karim Benzema suited up on the sidelines. He was brought in for Pepe (when everybody thought it would be Higuain who would be taken off) showing how intent Real were on bagging three points. But why Benzema I am sure many Madridistas wondered. The French striker was coming under immense criticism for underperforming and was coming out of a poor show against Murcia in the King’s Cup game. And just then the number 9 played a quick exchange with little Marcel inside the Hercules box and took a shot which Calatayud spilled straight to the waiting Cristiano Ronaldo who was happy to slot home his 11th goal in 8 games this month alone. Benzema had made an immediate impact against a team at a ground in which he scored a brace only a couple of months back and his team mates clearly showed how happy they really were with him.
JM immediately brought in Arbeloa and Albiol for Ozil and Higuain with Marcelo moving to midfield and Sergio Ramos was playing right back again. The clock struck eighty five minutes and a Sergio Ramos stole the ball from Hercules and released Di Maria who set Benzema free into their box. Ronaldo was waiting inside the box and Benzema made the right pass for the Portuguese to score his 12th goal of the season making October 2010 the best ever month in his illustrious career. Benzema’s second assist in ten minutes of coming on. Game, set and match Real Madrid. Ronaldo should have and could have scored his third of the night when a combined effort from Di Maria and Benzema put Ronaldo through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat which he did but shot high over the bar. It wouldn’t matter as Real completed a well fought victory over a very good side which fought right till the end.
Mourinho had this to say about the match:
The first half was very complicated because our opponent was aggressive. I didn’t like Hercules’ goal because I talked to my players about efforts such as the one it came from. We were practically alone playing football during the second half. We increased our defensive efforts. The most important thing is we took three points that keep us at the top of the table for another week.
Hercules are having a good run in the championship and they have players who are very good at playing this sort of game. Their fans were very supportive of them, adding intensity to their game, which relied on fast ventures in attack. We took risks and everything tastes better when you risk and also win. We had to win this game.
He was quick to appreciate Benzema’s performance and also commented on the fact that Mano Menenzes did not call up Marcelo for Brazil’s upcoming friendly against Argentina in Doha.
Benzema didn’t score, but he created three goals: the first, the third and a possible fourth Cristiano could have netted. He was an extra help in attack and became a new problem for Hercules to solve. He completely changed the game’s dynamics. He may not have scored, but his influence on our game was enormous. This performance will be good for his morale. I am very happy for him.
Marcelo has been playing fantastically well since the start of the season. He has more time to recover because he hasn’t been called-up by Brazil. This is better for us but worse for Brazil, who miss out on having a full back of his quality. This may help him play the whole season at this level.
Director General Jorge Valdano shared his satisfaction with the victory.
We played a tough match tonight. Hercules defended well and had strong counter-attacks during the first half. We controlled the game better in the second part and won thanks to our insistence. This is the first time we’ve had to turn the score around this season and it will be useful to boost our confidence and to carry on working the way we do.
Hercules scored early in the game and we grew anxious. We controlled the game better after we scored our first strike. We pulled through thanks to our insistent attitude.
The players then commented on their performance with Ronaldo heaping praise on Benzema as well as talking about his current rich vein of form. He revealed that it was Mourinho’s half time talk that changed things around. Di Maria too was delighted with the win and said that the team will shift its focus to Milan.
Cristiano Ronaldo:
I’m in great form and having a phenomenal run. I scored goals and I’m happy because we are still leaders. The team played well after half-time, doing the never-easy task of scoring three goals. I am also very happy for Benzema. He played a decisive role and assisted me in our third goal.
Mourinho gave perfect and correct orders during half-time that changed the team. Everything has to work on the pitch, it isn’t enough to attack well. Everything we did in the second half was perfect and that’s why we won.
Di Maria:
I am very happy. Winning was what really mattered. We deserved it because we changed in the second half and did our best to win. These are the games that help you win titles. We had to win whatever the cost. I’m happy because the fans support me. I always try to do my best. I play to help the team do well. I’m happy for the victory and we will start to think about Milan tomorrow.
Along with Xabi and Iker, Benzema too spoke to the media post-game. While the captain was appreciative about the roles of Mourinho and Benzema, Xabi insisted that the team should now try and seal their passage to the next round of the Champions League with a win over Milan midweek.
Benzema:
Whenever we speak, Mourinho always tells me I can do much for the team on the pitch. People will realise I am a good player, I just need to play. Before the game, I told the coach I was going to work to play more.
Casillas:
The important thing is we continue to win and to be at the top. Real Madrid were different in the second half from the team they were in the first. Our mentality changed. Our reaction to losing against a difficult opponent was also important. We played at a small and complicated venue.
We are all very happy for Benzema. He deserved to play this well after having to listen to endless comments about him during the past week.
Mourinho is a phenomenon because he controls each half very well and always knows how to say the right thing at the right time. Our reaction in the second half was due in part to what he said in the dressing room and to the successful substitutions he made.
Alonso:
We know every point dropped could eventually be decisive. That’s why these three are so important. We will also try to seal our pass to the next round in the Champions League in Milan this week.
In all it was a good win. A new kind of victory somewhat so to speak as this was our first comeback win of the season. The rarer the better I’d say. I am very happy with Benzema’s performance in particular. He came on and worked hard for the ball and almost whatever he did was productive. I hope he continues to work the same way and give Pipita a good run for his money. Its time to focus on Milan now as Real heads to the San Siro on Tuesday. A win there would take us through. A draw should also do. But I am looking at revenge and hence I would love for Real to get all three points when they get back home.
Match Stats:
Hércules: Calatayud, Cortés, Pamarot, Rodríguez, Peña, Abel Aguilar, Fritzler, Tiago Gomes, Valdez (Portillo 82′), Thomert (Sendoa 51′), Trezeguet (Rufete 70′);
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Carvalho, Pepe (Benzema 77′), Marcelo, Alonso, Khedira, Ronaldo, Ozil (Arbeloa 85′), Di Maria, Higuain (Albiol 85′);
Goals:
1-0, 3′: Trezeguet
1-1, 53′: Di Maria;
1-2, 82′: Ronaldo;
1-3, 85′: Ronaldo;
Notes: La Liga, Matchday 9.
Venue: Jose Rico Perez
Referee: Mr. Clos Gomez
Booked: Carvalho, Marcelo, Alonso;
Man of the match: Karim Benzema
The Red Carpet
Its thanksgiving season isn’t it. This is the time of the year when the World of Football thanks the best players and coaches over the past year or so by showering accolades on them. Blah Blah Blah.
Good day to all,
And today its all about the awards and the nominations that our players have earned. Let me get straight to the point.
Firstly Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso, Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo have been included in the 23-man shortlist of finalists to win this year’s Ballon d’Or. The winner will be anounced in Zurich on 10 January 2011. FIFA announced the nominees on Tuesday, following an agreement between the entity and France Football to merge their Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player awards. It is to be noted that there is no Englishman in the final 23. On December 6th, FIFA and France Football will announce the three players to receive the most votes from male and female national team captains and coaches, as well as representatives from the media appointed by the French magazine.
Secondly, Jose Mourinho has been included in the 10-man nominee list for the 2010 FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football. The winner of the award too will be announced in Zurich on 10 January 2011.
And finally Xabi Alonso was presented with the Lan Onari award on Monday by the President of the Basque autonomous region, Patxi Lopez. The Lan Onari acknowledges the merits of Basques who have achieved extraordinary distinction through their dedication, perseverance and initiative in the course of their professional activities.
Over to the Valdebebas and Jose Mourinho allowed those players called-up for the King’s cup match at Murcia to have the day off. On the other hand, Xabi Alonso, Ozil, Marcelo, Carvalho and Adan (who was called-up) were requested to train with Castilla. Real face off against Hercules at the Jose Rico Perez on Saturday in what will be a crucial clash with respect to the title race despite being so early in the season. It is indeed important to win clashes like these as in the end it is games such as this one which make the difference. Right now Real sit on top of the league by a marginal difference of one point over Villareal for which we might have to thank Hercules. Their 2-2 draw against the Yellow Submarine earned us the advantage. Villareal will be hoping that something similar happens to us.
Going by the Murcia game we are not in the finest of form though the game last weekend may suggest otherwise. We have an important clash in the Champions League next week and we must ensure that we are in fine nick when we travel to the San Siro. A win at the San Siro will ensure us a spot in the knock out stages and that should help us concentrate on the league until February.
Also in the news is the talk about the Clasico being conducted on a Monday. The players don’t like the idea of it and we fans don’t want it that way either. Ideally I would have preferred a Saturday but that has been ruled out. So I am hoping that it will be on a Sunday. Talking about derbies, LFP has announced that the time for the Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday 7 November. The game will kick off at 21:00 CET.
And that’s about it. Short and sweet wasn’t it.
Anyhoo until another day,
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Cristiano Ronaldo press conference
Cristiano Ronaldo is confident things will improve and has a feeling the team will win a title this season.
"We have all the necessary ingredients to win the competition, but we have to take one step at a time and avoid putting pressure on ourselves"
Champions League:
This club, as always, has the ambition to win the Champions League. I have a special feeling about this season. We can win, but we cannot put pressure on ourselves. We have all the necessary ingredients to win the competition, but we have to take one step at a time.
Osasuna:
We are happy with our game on Saturday. Our goal was to win the match and take three points. We can play better and score more strikes. I’m sure we’ll do better, we’ll grow more confident and we’ll win. We are going to win this year. I have a feeling we will. I am abitious and I want to win. Mourinho is the best coach in the world and I’m sure we will win and create spectacle.
Style:
At times it isn’t possible to play well and be spectacular. It’s better for the fans to help us and motivate us to play well. Our supporters have fun when the team plays well and scores goals, but we can’t thrill them with brilliance all the time. It is on occasion convenient for fans to thrill players as well. All of us at the stadium want what’s best for Rreal Madrid and, together, we can make this a feared team at home.
Ze Brand Kaka
Sidelined (forever)
With rumors going about that Real Madrid will be selling Kaka in January, the club has decided to promote the brand that they bought for £56million from the other side of Milan last season – Kaka.
Kaka was brought in from Milan as a part of the new project and was Don Florentino’s first signing after his heroic comeback as the President of Real Madrid. By buying a player who had had a torrid injury plagued season, Senor Perez was indeed taking a risk. The former World Player of the Year and Balon d’Or winner does indeed have all the credibility to play for a club like ours, but that alone is not enough, is it?
Kaka’s injury worries only compounded following his move from Italy to Spain. He was coming into a newly built Real Madrid squad after a tremendous show in the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa in which he won the Gold Medal with his national side. Being the main entity of his side Kaka spearheaded Brazil through the tournament raising hopes of thousands of Madridistas that Milan were only being foolish to sell a player of such quality. But that’s when things started to change. Even though the player got himself into the score-sheet via a penalty in a league game against Villareal his performances weren’t up to the benchmark that he had set for himself. Then came the twin legs against his former employers and despite playing both the legs and trying his best, Kaka failed to impress. His best game for us till date, though in a losing cause, came against our eternal Catalan rivals away from home and that’s when the whole Sports Hernia issue cropped up. Real accused Milan of selling an injured player whereas the rest said that the joke was on Real as they had earlier sold Sneijder and Robben as a part of accommodating Kaka. Rafael van der Vaart too would have paved way if not for his resilience.
Kaka did not play until the return leg against Lyon at home which we drew 1-1 thus getting knocked out of the competition. And immediately Kaka was injured again and would not play until towards the end of the season at La Rosaleda against Zaragoza. He came on as a substitute and scored the winner keeping us in the title race – his most important goal for us till date.
He was then included in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup and after getting knocked out by the losing finalists – The Netherlands – Kaka was injured again, this time the left knee for which he needed surgery that would rule him out for up to 4 months.
A week after the surgery, the player had began an intense phase of rehab that requires almost six hours of work each day. The club’s official website today says that though it is still a long way out, the Brazilian midfielder is poised to make a comeback stronger than ever. The article went on to describe what Kaka does every day from the moment he enters the Valdebebas till he leaves stating that the player just cannot wait to play again.
The club’s medical team consisting of Juan Carlos Hernandez and Carlos Diez too are happy with the progress Kaka’s knee is making saying that the recovery not only concentrates on his knee but also on his groin which is as trouble making as the other. Like school teachers, they commended Kaka’s performance…
Kaka is very meticulous with his work. He likes to tackle things within the deadline and it is a pleasure to work with him. He always wants to work more and we have to rein him in to avoid him making things that could be detrimental.
They went on to say that even if it takes a year for him to comeback they would take the recovery process step by step and not rush him into playing:
We want to be careful because this is the second operation he’s had on that knee. It would be a mistake on our part to force his re-entry in the team if the isn’t 100% fit to play. After healing the knee we have to heal the groin, which more or less indirectly affects the entire recovery process. We are very satisfied with the progress he’s making.
If that doesn’t rule out the sale of Kaka, nothing else would. Why would any club want to make a player of Kaka’s class 100% fit in order to sell him to a competitor club?
An Italian newspaper had claimed on Wednesday that the Nerazzurri were hoping to bring Kaka to the San Siro from Real Madrid in January. But President Moratti insists the idea of signing the midfielder, who formerly played for Inter’s fierce local rivals AC Milan, did not stem from his club.
I read about it in this morning’s papers. It’s a wonderful idea, but it doesn’t come from us.
Sure it didn’t come from him. Massimo, as much as he buys, does not buy players by their brand value but by their potential. Real though are different. We at least were until last season. Kaka, I feel, was merely brought because of the brand name that he carried. Several years from now we can say that the legendary Kaka was a Madridista. But how successful was he? That remains a question mark.
Issues
Discussing issues with the man himself
When you are a fan of a club that is managed by Jose Mourinho you hardly run out of things to talk about. And right now I do have enough on my hands to put forward whatever I have in mind. Then again, more than what’s in my mind whatever Jose Mourinho says is always more interesting. But what the hell, this is my blog; I say what I want to say. So I guess the best solution is to combine the two. What I will be doing here is, well, why don’t you find it out yourself?
The first issue that Jose and I would be discussing would be about missing out on signing another striker for the squad. Real Madrid currently has exactly two strikers in Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema and a pseudo striker in Crisitiano Ronaldo. I wanted us to sign another striker, not exactly a star, but someone who could play whenever needed and score the occasional goal or two given a chance. Even though Drogba, Dzeko, Tevez et al. wouldn’t fit my bill, someone like Negredo or Llorente would definitely have. All that we needed was back up.
Mourinho does not differ with me in his opinion about signing another striker. He admitted that Real missed out signing another striker but then said that being Real Madrid making deals are not that easy.
I wanted another striker; Higuain and Benzema are not enough. Transfer dealings are not easy with Real, if you move a finger a storm breaks out.
That’s that and we shall move on. And since we are talking about new signings, the best place to go would be the issue surrounding Ozil and Khedira and the rumors that they are not comfortable at all in Madrid. Reports emanating from Madrid say that Khedira and Ozil are finding it real hard to adapt to life in Madrid as they know zero Spanish and there aren’t many German speaking staff at Real. Some say that it was a mistake from Real to have gone and bought the two German youngsters. Well, I don’t think so. What about you Jose?
These two are good players, young, and they were in the last year of their contracts. We paid €25million (£20.7m) (for the pair), that’s a competitive price.
Ha!
Next on the agenda, is the game at Mallorca. It was definitely not the brightest of starts. Real lacked almost everything. No class, no coordination. And that in turn has caused a lot of pressure – both on the club and on Mourinho. Unfair pressure I would say. Guardiola too started off with a loss – that too at Numancia. They wrote him off then. But look at what he is capable of now. Let’s see what Jose has to say about the pressure he is facing.
This is Madrid and you can’t change it. If you can’t live with this pressure its best not to accept the job.
At this stage of my career it was the best time for such an experience. After Chelsea and Inter Milan, after 10 years of success and big clubs, after a demanding league such as Italy, I have the right age and maturity. I have to be prepared tactically for the possibility that we lose the ball and we get jeered. And then find some solutions to open up closed defenses.
And since I brought Pep into the topic, I shall go ahead and talk about the cunts for the first time this season. Did I say cunts? I meant the cules. Anyhoo, after going two seasons without a win against my favorite enemy FC Barcelona, I cannot wait to do something about it. Kidnap Messi maybe? Well, Jose has other, far better ideas.
It is possible to neutralize Barcelona by imposing your own style. In order to defeat them you have to feel no fear and fight them in midfield.
So what’s that style going to be? You played Samuel Eto’o at left back the last time you played them. What are you gonna do this time around Jose? Play Ronaldo as a center half? And what about going beyond 2-0 in your matches?
My Real Madrid will try to win every game and will always take risks. No one should doubt that. My Real Madrid will not be afraid to lose. My Chelsea scored more goals than any other team in Premiership history until last year, which saw Chelsea breaking their own record. We also won more consecutive games than anyone else.
If we are gonna score as many goals as Chelsea did last season then there is one man in our team who probably would have a vital hand in helping us achieve it. No, I am not talking about the new and revitalized Karim Benzema. I am in fact talking about CR7. But then again, seeing him against Mallorca, I too like the rest, felt that he was a bit out of sorts. He looked tamed and very restricted somewhat – as though he had lost the independence Pellegrini had given him. What say Jose?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s football upringing is British. He respects fair play. He has nothing to prove to me in a game because he shows me what he is capable of during each training session at Valdebebas. More or less goals will never make me doubt his quality because it is unquestionable. He may look too anxious, but I just think he is extremely high spirited during each game.
Alright then, the Champions League now and more importantly AC Milan; Ibrhimo-bitch and Robin-whore have both combined to make AC Milan look even more similar to a brothel than Berlusconi already did. They do look threatening, don’t they? The front four of Ronaldinho, Pato, Robinho and Ibrahimovic combined with the cheap-fucks like Gattuso, Nesta and Ambrosini along with a few normal players like Pirlo and Seedorf – well they do provide us with a mix. What do you think of them?
With Ibrahimovic and Robinho, this is another Milan. Robinho and Ibrahimovic are among the best in the world. Certainly Milan is much stronger than it was a year ago. The Rossoneri are among the teams that can win the Champions League.
I no concur. They suck even more this season. They now have a bunch of heavy headed whoremongers who are ineffective unless they are shown a lot of green. But considering that Berlusconi spends most of his green on Viagra and whorehouses I guess Milan would continue to be a pack of cunts that they were. Do you miss kicking their butts? What about this Allegri dude? Bah, I care not.
OK. Now the other side of Milan and first and foremost – what the hell is going on between you and Moratti?
I do speak to [Inter Milan president Massimo] Moratti every week. We are friends. He is part of my history just as I’m part of his.
Whatever dude. Now that fat Rafa is their incharge, what are your hopes for them? Avoid relegation perhaps?
I hope with all my heart that Inter wins the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and the FIFA Club World Cup, but not the Champions League. But I am a professional and when I end a chapter, I end it without regrets.
Thank you Mr.Mourinho. It has been a pleasure talking to you.
And before I round off this post a little more on what I had touched upon earlier in the post – Sami Khedira’s life at Real. I would be lying if I write here that Khedira is having good fun out there away from Momma Khedira. He is finding it tough but what’s good about it is the fact that he knows that is how it will be and he has to fight with it if wants to play for Real Madrid. He admitted that whatever is happening here is very foreign indeed to him but that he and his compatriot Ozil are coping with it.
Everything must be perfect. Definitely, the first few weeks are not easy. When you get to a new country and do not speak the language and your team is criticized by the media in the first game, you wonder what you have let yourself in for.
You have to be extremely strong to bear it, but for me it was clear from the beginning that if you go to Real Madrid, you have to contend with the highest of standards.
The way Real Madrid play is completely new to me. I can’t change the way I have been playing for almost twenty years in just three weeks. However, I know I am doing well and improving.
His other issue was the language. The German admitted that his coworkers are helping him out.
What’s most remarkable is that the team is packed with international stars but there is still a down-to-earth atmosphere. Cristiano Ronaldo has already given me advice. Xabi Alonso speaks perfect English. Diarra, who is my main competitor for a place in the midfield, has already told me about the nature of the game in Spain.
My Spanish is getting better. After the match with my national team, I will take three Spanish lessons a week. If you play for the best club, everything has to be perfect. I am fully aware of this fact and so is Mesut Ozil.
Until later,
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Real Madrid 3-2 Club América
The Whites win first preseason match
Mourinho’s unexpected 4-4-2 formation to start the match saw Canales in attack with Benzema and Cristiano and Pedro Leon glued to the wings, but Canales and Ronaldo on several occasions switched positions and it was the Portuguese who would join the Frenchman as the most advanced player.
Real Madrid’s game plan was quite obvious during the opening minutes of the match. Players relentlessly chased the ball and pressured the opponent. Once the Whites had the ball in their possession, they would send it to one of the two wingers or cross it from one flank to the other. It was a perfect reflection of what had been worked on during training.
Already wearing the number ‘7’ shirt, Cristiano Ronaldo had the first scoring opportunity of the match but Ochoa managed to clear with difficulty. Real Madrid had clear control of the game, while America hoped to pull the upset by way of counterattacks. Benzema could have given the Whites the lead 15 minutes before halftime, but his header struck the crossbar.
A brilliant combination between Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema and Canales resulted in the first and best goal of the match. The ball was stolen in an advanced position, Cristiano curled it into the box and Benzema lifted his head and passed to an unmarked Canales, who tapped the ball into the back of the net. A goal that combined speed and precision and did justice to what had been seen on the pitrch.
The second half began with several new faces on the turf as Higuain, Granero, Diarra, Drenthe, Adan, Di Maria and Nacho came on for Canales, Benzema, Pedro Leon, Marcelo, Juanfran, Gago and Dudek. The game plan was still the same as Granero filled in for Canales and ‘Pipita’ replaced Benzema. The changes, however, resulted in some players not covering their positions and Esqueda capitalized for America. The Mexican side advanced and on a counter took the lead with a goal by Sanchez.
Having to come from behind, Higuain pulled Real Madrid level by beating Navarrete on his first touch of the ball. Real Madrid loosened up and regained control. With ten minutes left on the clock, Cristiano Ronaldo struck gold off a set piece and sent the 47,000 spectators into a frenzy. With the game in the bag, Mourinho brought in youth teamers Tebar, Alex and Morata for their few minutes of glory.
Cristiano Ronaldo press conference
Cristiano Ronaldo addressed the media following Real Madrid’s first training session in Los Angeles.
Cristiano Ronaldo: "Mourinho's training sessions are spectacular; we are all very happy to have him"
Mindset:
We are very excited and working very hard. We have to keep this level of excitement up in order to win titles.
Raul:
Raul was always an important player to Real Madrid. He made the decision that best suited his interests. He is a great professional and I’m sure he will play at a very high level.
Mourinho:
I already knew Mourinho well. His training sessions are spectacular. They have great intensity. We are all very happy to have him. We don’t feel tired because we are extremely motivated.
Mourinho is a winner. Real Madrid has attacking players, so we will be an offensive team. The priority right now is to get back in shape as soon as possible.
What they say about Raul
Real Madrid squad members agree that Real Madrid is bidding farewell to a one-of-a-kind captain, player and legend. Here is what they had to say about Raul.
"Raul is an icon and will forever be a part of Real Madrid"
Iker Casillas:
Raul is a symbol of Real Madrid. A great captain is defined by ups and downs, knowing how to always make the best of any situation. Raul is an example of professionalism and he helped me grow as a player and person. The incredible histories of clubs are written by great footballers, and Raul is one of them.
Cristiano Ronaldo:
Playing by Raul’s side has been an honor. I always dreamed of doing so as a kid. It was an honor to share the same dressing room and I wish him all the best.
Xabi Alonso:
Raul represents the values of Real Madrid. He is a symbol and a part of this club’s history. It isn’t easy to play for Real Madrid for 15 years, but he did because is a magnificent player.
Kaka:
Raul is an amazing player and an important member of this club. Raul will forever be a part of Madridismo and his leaving is a sad day for fans and teammates.
What they say about Guti
Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas, along with his teammates had nothing but kind words for departing teammate Guti on his last day as a Real Madrid player.
"One of the greatest footballers and a role model for Real Madrid academy players is leaving and we will really miss him because he is an exceptional person"
Florentino Perez:
As President of Real Madrid, I wish to thank Guti for everything he’s done for the Club these past 24 years. Spending a lifetime defending and fighting for our team shows the degree of loyalty and passion he has for Real Madrid. I will never forget the incredibly important offer Guti received from great club AC Milan when I entered office for the first time in 2000. He nevertheless chose to remain with us.
Guti was and is a different player who has exceptional talent. That’s why he has always had a special room in the heart of all our fans worldwide.
His career has unquestionably become part of Real Madrid history. His contribution to the title success the team has had these years proves just how lucky Madridismo has been to have him. Real Madrid will forever be his home.
I had the chance to talk to him this mornring and, as President, thanked him in the name of all Madridistas for everything he’s given us, for his talent and for the imagination he’s showcased on the pitch.
Guti begins a new stage in his life and I’m sure he will continue to prove his quality. I wish him luck in this new venture. He knows Madridismo will never forget him.
Iker Casillas:
Guti is a great player, a great person and a great captain. He leaves us now but he will always be part of Real Madrid. As a footballer, he has always been one of the most talented players I have ever seen in my life. As a person, I have known him from the past 10 years. He is very kind-hearted and I consider him to be a good friend. I am never going to forget his moves, passes and superb matches. He will always be part of Real Madrid’s history and I will miss him very much.
Raul Gonzalez Blanco might just leave Real Madrid
Just as AS claimed a move to Schalke was imminent, Schalke boss Felix Magath confirmed today that the club is in talks with Raul. El Capitan with one year remaining on his contract at Real is said to be on the for a move away from the club this summer due to a lack of playing time. Several English clubs were after him during last season but Magath has now said he is hopeful of completing a deal and it appears as though the forward wants to delay any decision on his future for several weeks. Magath told Bild:
We are interested in him and are negotiating with his agent. The player has not decided yet and wants time, until the end of July, to make up his mind. It would be a huge signing for Schalke and the whole Bundesliga.
Christoph Metzelder, who left Real Madrid for Schalke on a free transfer this summer, is said to have encouraged Raul to make the move. Magath said:
We have Christoph’s friendship with Raul to thank for the chance of us signing such a player.
In other news, Cristiano Ronaldo now has a reason to smile, despite a disappointing World Cup after recently becoming a father. The Portuguese star announced on Sunday that he had exclusive custody of the baby boy, born in June to an anonymous American.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Portugal 7-0 Korea DPR
Portugal turned on the style to thrash Korea DPR 7-0 at Green Point Stadium and take a huge step towards a place in the Round of 16.
Portugal notch magnificent seven
Only a Raul Meireles goal divided the teams after a closely contested first half but it was a different story after the restart when Portugal devastated the North Korean defence with three goals inside eight minutes before the hour from Simao, Hugo Almeida and Tiago. With the clock ticking down, Liedson, Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiago again compounded their opponents’ woes to produce Portugal’s biggest FIFA World Cup™ victory and the widest winning margin so far in South Africa.
There were few parallels to draw with the teams’ previous meeting on the world stage, their 1966 quarter-final in England when Eusebio – watching from the stands in Cape Town – so famously struck four goals as Portugal retrieved a three-goal deficit. There will be no repeat run from the North Koreans this time, their second defeat in Group G confirming their elimination. Portugal, by contrast, sit second in the section, with a three-point advantage over Côte d’Ivoire – and overwhelming gulf in goal difference – ahead of their final game against Brazil.
Carlos Queiroz’s men made a positive start with defender Ricardo Carvalho nodding Simao’s corner against the far post after seven minutes. As against Brazil in their opening 2-1 defeat, Korea DPR looked in no way overawed, however. With the rain teeming down, the Koreans pieced together a slick move on the fast surface that almost let in Jong Tae-Se only for the No9 to fail to control the through-ball. Otherwise, when they had the chance to shoot, they took it. Cha Jong-Hyok speared an effort just wide from distance, then Hong Yong-Jo arrowed in a shot from the right that Eduardo parried, Pak Nam-Chol failing to keep his header down on the follow-up.
Indeed Portugal coach Queiroz might have been forgiven a short sigh of relief when midfielder Meireles gave his side the lead in the 29th minute, timing his run into the North Korean box perfectly to meet Tiago’s pass and drive the ball low past Ri Myong-Guk. A goal to the good, Portugal ended the half on top. Meireles sliced a shot wide before Fabio Coentrao teed up Hugo Almeida with a low centre but the big striker’s attempted flick failed to come off.
Portugal did not have to wait long to double their advantage after the restart. Korea DPR custodian Ri Myong-Guk had already tipped over Tiago’s shot when Simao made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute. There was some impressive build-up play as Almeida backheeled to Meireles who played in Simao to slide the ball past Ri Myong-Guk. Within three minutes it was 3-0, Tiago sending Coentrao down the left and the full-back crossing for Almeida to nod past the goalkeeper. Portugal were now tearing them apart and by the hour they had their fourth goal, Tiago finding the net from Ronaldo’s lay-off.
Meireles and Coentrao missed chances to underline their dominance, before Ronaldo rattled the crossbar with a spectacular strike. Yet in a late flurry, Portugal forced open the floodgates once more. Ri Kwang-Chon’s mistake let in substitute Liedson to smash a shot high into the net. Ronaldo then opened his account after Liedson took advantage of some sloppy play in the Korean defence to play in the Real Madrid star – trying to pass the goalkeeper on the edge of the box, the ball bounced up off Ri Myong-Guk and on to Ronaldo’s back before dropping from his head to his foot for an easy finish. Tiago’s header one minute from time completed a magnificent seven.
The focus shifts to South Africa
With yet another thrilling season of La Liga completed and having crowned FC Barcelona as Champions yet again the focus now shifts to South Africa where the FIFA World Cup 2010 will take place. Madridistas taking part in this edition of arguably the World’s biggest sporting event will include Iker Casillas, Raul Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Kaka, Gonzalo Higuain and Rafael van der Vaart. Lass and Benzema will miss out on helping France due to an injury and a strategic decision respectively while Metzelder too has been excluded from the Germany side chosen to represent the country.
The World Cup kicks off on June 11th with Spain being tipped as the favorites to win considering their impeccable run in to the trophy having not dropped a single point during qualification. Like all the other players, Albiol too is excited about the World Cup. Speaking to the press with reference to the same he said:
Spain are favorites, like some of the other teams are. We have to prove this. We must be humble and work hard to win our games. Every Spaniard dreams about winning the World Cup.
Compatriot Xabi Alonso though is keen to avoid the favorites tag. Alonso told GQ:
We have a good opportunity . We don’t think if we’re favourites. What does it mean to be favourite? It doesn’t add anything. The team is in a good way, but we learned at the Confederations Cup that if we had a bad day we were out of the race.
In this sort of competition you have to be really consistent and it’s very important that the players arrive in good shape. This year we have a lot of determination and conviction; there are reasons to believe that we can win the World Cup.
Argentina, Brazil, The Netherlands and Germany go in as the other favorites while Portugal, Italy and France are not as strong as they were in the previous versions of the prestigious trophy.
The road to the World for the various Madridistas can be summarized as follows. The Reds began preparing for the championship on 24 May. Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Albiol and Xabi Alonso joined their Spanish team-mates in Las Rozas. The team’s preparation will follow three stages: Spain, Austria and Spain again. Higuain’s national side started preparing for the World Cup on 20 May in the sports grounds of the Argentinean FA. The team will travel to South Africa on 28 May. Kaka’s team met on 21 May at Atletico Paranaense’s training facilities. They will leave for Johannesburg five days later. Their flight will have a stage in Brasilia, where the team will be received by President Lula da Silva. Cristiano Ronado and Pepe are currently with Portugal, who got together on 14 May. The team will leave for Johannesburg on 5 June. Van der Vaart’s national team will remain in Seefeld, Tyrol (Austria), between 19 and 31 May. They will face Hungary in their last pre-World Cup match on 5 June.
No surprises as far as which team I will be supporting. It will be Spain and Hala Madrid will follow The Reds throughout their campaign right from their pre-World Cup friendly on 29th May against the Saudi Arabians.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Cristiano Ronaldo to Punto Pelota
Cristiano Ronaldo discussed his first season as a Madridista on Tuesday evening’s program Punto Pelota.
"We have to believe we can still win"
Getting signed by Real Madrid was my dream. This club is what I am all about. I identify with it, its history, its philosophy and its past players. Real Madrid is my club and my home. I want this to be the last time I ever play for. I love this city. When I left for Lisbon when I was only 11 I would cry every day, but the sacrifice paid off to be where I am today.
I like having responsibility. I have a strong personality. I sometimes make mistakes, but I learn from them. I accept defeats becase I also know they help in the growing process. I am a normal person.
This is a great team. We have a lot of fun and there is a great atmosphere. Guti is an exceptional player and working by his side is an honor. Higuain is a great partner in attack. Kaka is a good friend and I am sure he will succeed here. Benzema hasn’t had such an easy time adjusting, but he will take off soon. Raul is a role model and a great professional. I love working by his side every day, which is why I hope he stays many more years.
I work out every day in the gym, where I lift weights, stretch, prevent sports hernias and other injuries, sit-ups… But not 3000! I wouldn’t have any lower back muscle. Once I am home I rest, which is just as important. Once vacation comes I will have time to have fun.
My hat-trick performance against Mallorca wasn’t my best. I have had some good matches and would have trouble picking the best. Scoring three goals isn’t always enough, although scoring makes me feel good. Real Madrid always respects its opponent, but we have conceded the first goal on too many occasions this year. This club should not suffer. Fortunately we have been able to mount comebacks.
Winning is the most important, but if it can be complemented by good football then even better. I am pleased with my season, but the team is all that counts. You cannot accomplish anything on an individual level without a team. We need to continue battling because I have faith in this squad.
Real Madrid 5-1 Athletic Bilbao
Real Madrid notched their 31st victory on Saturday by drubbing Athletic Bilbao in what was the Whites’ final home match of the season. With one game left to play, Higuain and Cristiano have combined for 53 of the team’s 101 goals this year.
One victory shy of 98 points
Winning was all that counted for Real Madrid if they were to keep their title hopes alive and make it to the final week of action with a chance to notch 98 points on the year. Only four minutes had ticked off the clock when Cristiano Ronaldo put Iraizoz to the test. Five minutes later the Madridsta sent another shot just wide of the post. Caparros surprisingly left Fernando Llorente on the bench, but it didn’t prevent Athletic from putting on their own pressure.
Amorebieta was sent off on 21′ and Cristiano fired home the ensuing penalty kick to put Real up 1-0. The Whites took complete control of the match with a one-man advantage and Athletic retreated in search of a deadly counterattack. Despite their numerical superiority, Real Madrid slowed their pace and Yeste managed to capitalize by beating Casillas. The teams headed into the dressing room level and one goal apiece.
Kaka stepped in for Gago at the restart, but Athletic remained well-positioned and Real couldn’t successfully complete the final pass. Granero looked in dismay as his shot from distance struck off the corner of the crossbar. Athletic grew confident and Yeste nearly gave his side the advantage, but Casillas made the frantic save.
Pellegrini replaced Granero with Benzema in search of more fire power with only 23 minutes left to play. Higuain was lucky on his third attempt and put a header by Iraizoz following a corner kick. Pipita’s 27th goal in league action was all the Whites needed to keep their title hopes alive, but they weren’t done yet.
With nine minutes left in regulation Sergio Ramos dribbled through defenders to put the third on the board and one minute later Benzema hammered home the fourth. Athletic Bilbao had been done in, but Marcelo got his name of the score sheet on 90′ after a mistake committed by the defense. The 98-point objective is now only one win away.
Lineups:
Real Madrid: Casillas, Arbeloa, Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Xabi Alonso, Guti H., Gago (Kaká 47′), Granero (Benzema 67′), Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuaín (Diarra 83′);
Athletic Club: Iraizoz, Iraola, San José, Koikili, Amorebieta, Gurpegi, Iturraspe, Javi Martínez, Yeste (Gabilondo 66′), De Marcos (Susaeta 54′), Toquero (Llorente 75′);
Goals:
Referee: Mr. Muñiz Fernandez
Booked: Guti, Gago, Arbeloa, Iraizoz, Iraola
Sent off: Amorebieta
Notes: Week 37 of La Liga played at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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!!
Post-match comments
Director General Jorge Valdano praised his team for earning a crucial victory in Mallorca tonight. Manuel Pellegrini was very satisfied with his team’s victory. The coach pointed out his men performed better in the second half. Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano declared that the difference between Real Madrid, Barcelona and the rest of the Primera Liga is “astronomical.” Afterwards, Manzano acknowledged the superiority of Los Merengues and in particular Cristiano Ronaldo. Delighted with the victory and his hat-trick, Ronaldo shared his thoughts on the match with the media. The Real Madrid squad was delighted with the victory.
"We improved considerably in the second half and won a difficult game"
Valdano:
We were somewhat uneven in the first half, but we showcased our dominating skills in the last 45 minutes. We concentrate on the job at hand and we always show our professional character and excitement to win this title.
Cristiano Ronaldo showcases the Club’s trademark winning spirit. He is an extraordinary player, but I don’t think it’s fair to say the team depends on him.
We will have to win our match this weekend regardless of what happens between Barcelona and Sevilla. We must play a serious game, like we did during tonight’s second half, and wait for our chance.
Pellegrini:
I think there was a considerable difference between our performances in the first and second halves. We suffered a lot in the first against Mallorca’s counterattacks. We were better organised in the second part and managed to tip the scales towards us.
We knew we were going to have a rough time. We all know what Mallorca are capable of, especially as locals. We luckily managed to win the match and to do so decisively.
We all know Cristiano is an extremely important player. This team plays in regard to the quality of its men and Cristiano is one of them. He plays a crucial role. Nevertheless, the team responded well when he missed two months because of an injury.
We need to defeat Athletic Bilbao and Malaga to reach the 98-point mark. There’s much at stake for both sides. We feel strong and confident both on and off the pitch, but we still don’t depend on ourselves, so we have to avoid mistakes and wait for Barcelona to make some.
Manzano:
For 60 minutes we played a very good game. We kept the order, nullified Madrid and we created chances but the second goal affected us in terms of mindset. Then, we opened up looking for an equalizer and Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in individual actions. He is very dangerous with the ball at his feet.
It is very difficult to take the ball off Madrid, despite the enormous physical effort we made. The difference between Madrid and Barcelona with the rest of the teams is astronomical.
Mallorca 1-4 Real Madrid
Real Madrid earned their 30th league victory tonight, reaching the 92-point mark. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Mallorca, who had previously only conceded 11 strikes at their stadium. The Madridistas continue to head towards the 98-point mark.
- Cristiano Ronaldo showers Mallorca with goals
Mallorca had a strong start and scored the opener 15 minutes into the game through Aduriz, forcing Real Madrid to make another comeback.
Ten minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo magically controlled the ball, sprinted towards the goal, leaving his marker behind and defeating the goalie with a lobbed shot (25′).
The striker gave Real Madrid confidence and they began to dominate the encounter despite occasional dangerous counterattacks from Mallorca that put Casillas’ reflexes to the test. Gago responded to this with a long pass that Higuain tried to head in to no avail.
The Whites pressurised more in attack after half-time. Within five minutes, Ronaldo assisted Higuain, but the Argentine missed the target. Both men pulled off a similar effort two minutes later, but this time the keeper intercepted Cristiano’s pass. Several minutes later, Sergio Ramos served a great ball for Ronaldo, who controlled it with his chest in the box and defeated the keeper again with a subtle and elegant shot (56′).
Pellegrini wanted his team to dominate more in midfield and decided to bring on Guti and Kaka. It worked and Mallorca, who still hadn’t recovered from the blow of conceding a second strike, deflated.
Ronaldo was clearly still hungry and soon scored his third goal after controlling a divided ball and defeating Aouate in a one-on-one. This was his 25th strike in La Liga this season.
Gonzalo Higuain clearly wanted his share in the glory and netted an amazing goal on the 81-minute mark, sealing the victory and also tallying his 25th league strike in the campaign.
Lineups:
Mallorca: Aouate, Josemi, Nunes, Rubén, Ayoze, Julio Álvarez, Borja Valero, Martí (M. Suárez 61′), Castro, Aduriz (Webó 79′), Víctor (A. Keita 61′);
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Garay, Arbeloa, Gago, Xabi Alonso, Granero (Diarra 76′), Kaká (Guti H. 60′), Higuaín, Cristiano Ronaldo (Benzema 84′);
Goals:
Referee: Mr. Clos Gomez
Booked: Josemi, Nunes, Valero, Aduriz, Arbeloa, Granero
Notes: Matchday 35 of La Liga
Venue: ONO Estadi
Post-match comments
Director General Jorge Valdano was very happy with the team’s victory over Osasuna, admitting the game had been “strange” because the team gave an “uneven” performance at times. Manuel Pellegrini admitted the team “suffered to win,” but was overall happy with the victory. Osasuna coach Jose Antonio Camacho was pleased with the effort of his players despite going down. Cristiano Ronaldo (2) and Marcelo scored for the Whites this evening. The squad expressed its satisfaction with the victory over Osasuna.
"That mental strength, combined with the crowd's support, is vital in the final stage of the competition"
Valdano:
My heart is pounding. It was a strange game because we were uneven, managing to sentence the match only at the end. Real Madrid never give up the fight and the crowd has been there for us. We hope to write a new chapter in this fight, which everyone used to think we had already lost.
The title would have been practically unreachable had we drawn the match, but the team would have kept on fighting to the end. This victory will help us keep Barcelona on edge. It’s never the same to face a game knowing that another team is also putting pressure on you.
Cristiano Ronaldo is very much like Real Madrid and the crowd notices. We have players with great character and Cristiano is one of them. He brings life to the team. It always seems something is about to happen whenever he gets the ball.
Juanfran seemed quite at ease in his debut. He was fast and confident with the ball. He read the game intelligently, knowing when to up the pace of the match and when to slow it down.
Our next three games will be tremendous. Barcelona must be going through the same as us. It will be a clash of titans. We hope to win the title in the end.
Pellegrini:
I think tonight we saw the worst defending we’ve done all year. We were weak at the back.
It is impossible to deny Cristiano Ronaldo makes a difference. We are lucky to have him.
I think the team is very strong, especially on a psychological level. This is vital in the final stage of the season. The crowd’s support is always great. They know as well as us that it is very important to take three points in Mallorca.
We can’t draw early conclusions now. We must stay strong to force Barcelona to take 99 points if they want the title.
Camacho:
We can take something positive from this defeat. The players are hurting but we must continue fighting.
If we play in Wednesday’s game with this level of intensity, then we must get a result.
The goal that Masoud has failed to score, I thought it was so easy that I have looked away and I saw that there hadn’t been a goal. Fate was not with us on this occasion.
Just another Madridista
Hala Madrid 
Levante 1-2 Real Madrid: The boy with the golden touch
It was ugly. It was brutal. It was wet. Hell, there was even blood! But yet we came out with three points in the bag in what was Mou’s first ever win at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia. It was the kind of game that we would have lost if it had come earlier in the season. The conditions were harsh on us, the opponents even more so. Xabi Alonso missed a penalty. Cristiano Ronaldo played only one half of the game and almost all of it seeing through only one eye. Levante could have done us and ceased all our hopes of retaining the title. But then again that did not happen. Thanks to a certain Álvaro Morata and his first touch after coming on as a substitute which ended up in the back of the net.
It was raining cats and.. no.. hippos and mammoths in Valencia. The pitch was water logged thanks to the remarkable drainage system that was not present in the stadium. The referee felt that the game could still go ahead and it did as per schedule. After three weeks of suffering without a recognized left back, Fábio Coentrão returned to the line up with Arbeloa returning to right back. Sergio Ramos and Pepe were paired in the center despite speculations that Varane could be used to give the Spaniard time to recover from an injury that he is carrying. Essien partnered Alonso in midfield like the second half against Dortmund and had yet another excellent game. On a side note, I wonder if its just Mourinho who makes him tick. Callejon too started alongside Özil and Dí Maria just behind Ronaldo.
It took only three minutes for the war to begin with David Navarro elbowing Cristiano on the face while challenging his own team mate for an air ball. Cristiano, bleeding profusely, required five stitches to keep his left eyebrow from coming apart. He remained on the pitch and gave us the lead through a brilliant volley after catching Levante’s defense napping following a Xabi Alonso free kick. It took us around 20 minutes to adjust to the pitch as several times the ball refused to roll irrespective of how insistent players were. Once we went ahead we were happy to play long balls hoping to out run our opponents. We didn’t have that many memorable chances in attack but we did somehow manage to maintain a fairly decent amount of possession given the nature of the game.
Half time arrived and Ronaldo was substituted after temporarily losing vision in both his eyes. Surprisingly, it was Rául Albiol who replaced him and the center back took his place in the middle of the park with the team (or should I say lake) with the team shifting from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3. Levante made a change around the hour mark and it worked for them immediately. Ángel was brought on in place of El Zhar and the super sub expertly chipped the ball over an on rushing Casillas from a marginally onside position after being sent through by Martins. The goal came just after both our center halves had hit the cross bar from successive corners. Unfortunately, the scores were still level and we were without a striker. Kaká immediately replaced Arbeloa and we shifted to a 4-4-2 with Albiol taking his compatriot’s position.
The conditions being as abysmal as they were played 12th man for an aging team that would have struggled otherwise against the speed of our players. We couldn’t afford to make quick passes nor were we able to dribble. We therefore continued to resort to old fashioned long balls that made the game look more like water polo than football. That said, the team responded well to the challenge as Mourinho concurred in the post-match presser:
Luck favors the brave they say and it actually seemed true. In the 73rd minute, we were awarded a penalty after Callejon was fouled on the edge of the box by Juanfran. Xabi stepped up to take it and went for the bottom corner only to meet Munua’s dive. The score remained level and nothing seemed to work for us.
To critics it might seem as though Mourinho had no other choice. Its partially true. But then again Morata is no proven striker and the situation wasn’t ideal for any manager to try out youngsters. We desperately needed three points and for Mou to send out the kid when the team needed a goal more than anything else was real gutsy and it said a lot about our manager’s confidence in him. The kid responded brilliantly nodding home from close range from yet another Xabi Alonso free kick with his first touch. The goal knocked the stuffing out of the home team and the game ended in our favor. Following the game there was a lot of banter with Juanlu claiming that the referee favored us whereas Ramos felt otherwise. There are also rumors that Ballesteros and Pepe went head to head while visiting Ronaldo after the game. More on that tomorrow.
All that aside it was a game which could have gone either way but went in favor of us. We are still behind our rivals in terms of points and we need wins of all kinds if we have to catch up.
Until next time,
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
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November 12, 2012 | Categories: Match Reports, Post-match Comments, Spanish Primera División | Tags: Álvaro Morata, Ángel Luis Rodríguez Díaz, Ciutat de Valencia, Cristiano Ronaldo, José Mourinho, Levante UD | Leave a comment