Fuerteventura 2-3 Real Madrid Castilla
Real Madrid Castilla appeared to be headed to another defeat on Sunday after conceding two goals, but the Whites managed to recompose themselves and with a strong second half performance led by Szalai turned the score in their favor. The Hungarian striker scored a brace as Castilla ended their skid and returned to their winning ways.
MATCH SUMMARY:
Fuerteventura: De Dios; Alberto, Richard, Jose Antonio, Casquero; Silvano, Fuli (Samuel, 62’), Suso, Aday (Angel, 67’); Pedrito, Texe.
Castilla: Adan; Villafañe, Agus, Gary, Marcos Alonso; Tebar, Mateos (Palanca, 53’), Zamora (Szalai, 55’), Vazquez; Acuña, Denis (Bueno, 53’).
0-2, Suso, 50’.
1-2, Acuña, 57’.
2-2, Szalai, 64’.
2-3, Szalai, 84’.
Pepe press conference
Pepe believes Liverpool won’t be as defensive in Anfield as they were in Madrid and that the Whites should take advantage of that.
What did you think of the derby?
We needed points and we eventually took one. Everything counts in the fight for the league title.
Do you think your absence was very noticeable in defence?
Atletico deserve credit. Their forwards are very good. We had to work hard against them and we suffered a bit.
Do you still believe you can win the league title?
Barcelona have to play at the Bernabeu. Defeating them in Madrid would leave us three points behind. The league is open and we will fight to the end.
Do you think it was a mistake to bench Higuain?
We should be prepared for anything. The coach wanted to save his strength for the match in Anfield because he is a very important player. We should support the coach in the decisions he makes.
What will be the key to win in Anfield?
The return leg will be different. I don’t think Liverpool will focus so much on defending. We should take advantage of that.
Are you worried about Gerrard?
I’m really worried about the team as a whole. They all work hard and know exactly what they have to do. They are all quality players and they didn’t really miss him in Madrid. We will have to concentrate hard on the game.
Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid and Atletico put on a great show that thrilled the crowd at the Bernabeu. The exciting match ended in a draw thanks to goals from Forlan and Huntelaar.
Despite the absences of Pepe and Sneijder, Juande Ramos had no trouble coming up with a strong starting line-up. Lass took on right back duties and Guti returned to the starting 11. The new face on the Atletico front was Camacho, who played instead of Maniche.
The game was very tight and players plagued midfield. Guti created the first chance with a cross into the box that Ramos picked up, but Leo Franco cleared his shot with his fists. Guti tried again seven minutes later with a powerful shot that hit the keeper and produced a corner-kick. Robben later had a great chance. He dribbled past several defenders, but his finishing touch was again met by Franco.
The match grew quiet and both teams had fewer chances. Robben again dribbled the ball brilliantly past Ujfalusi and Antonio Lopez, but his shot hit the keeper (21′). Aguero was the first Rojiblanco to come close to scoring a goal. He faced Iker Casillas alone and the keeper’s great reflexes saved the day (35′). Suddenly things changed for the Whites. The ball landed at Aguero’s feet after a corne-kick served by Real Madrid. The Argentinean began a fierce counterattack and gave a brilliant pass to Forlan, who defeated Casillas and put Atletico in the lead (37′).
The Madridistas looked for an equaliser at the start of the second half. Juande replaced Guti and Heinze for Higuain and Salgado, positioning Lass in midfield and Marcelo as a left back. The goal came soon after the substitutions. Higuain sent the ball to the front edge of the box, where Huntelaar controlled it and scored a brilliant and precise goal (57′). The game opened up again and Atletico had the next chance when Forlan’s shot from a pass by Aguero hit the near post (58′). Raul responded by seneding the ball over the crossbar a few minutes later (69′).
Both teams put on a great show as they looked for a winning strike. Atletico’s attack was vibrant and dangerous, but inconclusive. Real Madrid were more poised and organised, but they also failed to score. Raul nearly did from an amazing bicycle-kick on the 80-minute mark, and a free-kick from Van der Vaart nearly went through the top left corner of Franco’s goal, but the encounter continued to be a tight affair and ended with a 1-1 score.
Lineups:
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Marcelo, Heinze (Míchel Salgado 56′), Lass, Gago, Robben, Guti (Higuaín 56′), Huntelaar, Raúl (Van der Vaart 85′);
At. Madrid: Leo Franco, Pablo, Ujfalusi, Antonio López, Heitinga (Perea 81′), Paulo Assunção, Simao, Ignacio Camacho (Maniche 70′), Maxi Rodríguez (Sinama Pongolle 62′), Agüero, Forlán;
Goals:
0-1, 38′ – Forlan;
1-1, 58′ – Huntelaar;
Referee: David Fernández Borbalán.
Booked: Míchel Salgado, Fernando Gago, Paulo Assunção.
Notes: Matchday 26 in La Liga.
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Attendance: 78,000.
Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid | Spanish Primera Liga | Round 26 | Preview
tletico haven’t won a derby at the Bernabeu since 1999, but they recently defeated Barcelona in an impressive game. The crowd will surely witness one of the tightest derbies in recent years.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will clash for the 144th time tonight at the Bernabeu (20:00 CET). The Whites need a victory to stay in the fight for the top spot of the table, while the Rijiblancos need it to keep climbing and reach the Champions League qualifying positions.
Another challenge for the Madridistas is to earn their eleventh straight victory in La Liga, something only the 1962/63 squad coached by Miguel Muñoz managed to pull off. Pepe and Wesley Sneijder will miss the game due to suspensions, but the infirmary is empty, meaning Julien Faubert and Fernando Gago will be able to face the eternal foe. Royston Drenthe has also made the squad list.
Atletico defeated Barcelona 4-3 las weekend, but the haven’t won at the Bernabeu in ten years. Aguero and Forlan will try to lead their team to victory with their incredible skills in attack, but the team has many problems in defence.
Raul will surely be the most danegrous man for Atletico. The captain has scored 11 goals against them in 24 games and his partnership with Higuain in the attacking front is as strong and Aguero’s and Forlan’s.
This isn’t just a game. There’s more at stake than just three points. This is a derby.
Eighteen men have been chosen to be in the derby. Fernando Gago and Julien Faubert return to the list after recovering from their injuries. Royston Drenthe has also returned to the coach’s list. Pepe and Sneijder will miss the clash due to being suspended. Parejo, Garcia, Saviola and Torres have been left out for coaching decisions.
SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek;
Defenders: Salgado, Ramos, Cannavaro, Heinze, Marcelo, Metzelder;
Midfielders: Lass, Gago, Robben, Guti, Drenthe, Faubert, Van der Vaart;
Forwards: Raul, Huntelaar, Higuain;
Juande press conference
Juande Ramos wants his team to earn its 11th consecutive league victory this season in the derby.
How is Gago doing?
He’s made the squad list and we’ll decide if he can be a starter just before the game starts.
Is either of both championships a priority?
Both competitions are very important and we need to win our next two games to keep everybody excited about La Liga and the Champions League, in which we risk being eliminated. We have to do everything we can to reach as far as possible in both.
Will you give some men time to rest tomorrow in order for them to be fit for the game in Liverpool?
All my men are very excited so I don’t believe it really matters who plays. They are all ready to perform well.
How do you expect Atletico to play tomorrow?
They haven’t won at the Bernabeu for years and they are fighting to reach the top spots of the table. They are a great team. Derbies are always special and both teams will try to perform well.
Does Raul act like a sort of coach on the pitch?
He is a magificent footballer that knows his team very well. He knows how to read a game and he is always ready to help. The only difference with the rest is that he is the captain, which gives him certain influence over the rest.
Has his role been important in the team’s comeback?
Raul has lived through many difficult situations throughout his career and he knows you must always be ready to help out and to try to keep the team’s spirits up. He’s done this perfectly well.
How does Faubert feel?
He has recovered and will be able to play. He will play down the right wing either as a forward or as a right back whenever I need him.
Atletico are strong in attack, but they have problems defending. Do you think your team could take advantage of this weakness?
Every system has its perks and hindrances. It happens on every team. We will have to try to make it difficult for them to showcase their virtues and take advantage of their weaknesses.
Do you think Atletico may be influenced by their lack of victories at the Bernabeu?
Some situations are hard to explain. Some teams find it hard to win at certain stadiums. It happens to all of us.
Real Madrid seem to find it harder to win at home. Do you think Guti could play a crucial role tomorrow?
Every game unfolds in a different manner. It’s important to score an early goal in order to force our opponent to redefine its system. That’s the difference with away games. Guti is a proportional part of the squad. You always have more chances to win when all your men do their job well. Every player’s talent should be used to serve the team.
Does Pepe’s suspension alter your plans much?
Pepe was playing very well, but suspensions are a common element in football. We’ll have to work aorund it. His replacement will perform well. I’m not worried about it because we have a very versatile squad.
Do you think Aguero and Forlan form one of the best attacking fronts in Europe?
They are magnificent players that compliment each other. We will have to keep an eye on them.
Robben to ABC
Arjen Robben said in an interview to ABC that he has immense desire to play his first derby as a player of Real Madrid and rojiblancos which is a team with great players. The Madridista recognized this as a great moment for the whites.
I very much want to play my first derby. I’d hardly been here three months in the first one that took place after my signing and I was injured in the following two. It will be special
The coach never said the team played better without me. I spoke to him about it and he told me he didn’t mean that. I focus on one-on-ones or on dribbling past two defenders, which entails some risk. I don’t pass the ball as much as players like Gago or Guti. I’m a different kind of player.”
The team has performed as usual without me. I don’t think my absence changed the way in which the team defended or attacked. We won in any case and that’s what counts.
I didnt’ watch the Atletico-Barcelona game because I was with my family. I’ve been told it was a magnificent match with many goals. Atletico are good team and we have much respect for them. It will be a special clash for all of us. We are confident and hope to win.”
Atletico have many good players, but their four forwards -Maxi, Simao, Aguero and Forlan- are probably their most dangerous men.
Atletico will want to play a good game. Every team in Spain tries to do well in attack. It’s different in Engalnd; sides there, such as Liverpool, focus more on defending and staying in their half of the pitch.
I can play down either wing, but it’s important that defenders don’t know where I’m going to come from. I’ve been playing down the right wing a lot in the last few months and I feel comfortable there.
We didn’t mind when we were 12 points behind Barcelona and don’t mind now. We have to focus on ourselves. We are playing well and we are also confident. We are a quality team that is winning its games. We just have to wait for Barcelona to make mistakes.
I feel honoured to play with Raul. He is a great captain and a great professional. He is far from finished.
I guess I’m having my best run since I arrived here. What’s important to me is to be fit. I’ve been playing non-stop since December and that’s great. I am able to showcase my skills better when I don’t get injured so often.
Cannavaro to AS
Fabio Cannavaro gave an interview to AS in which he talked about tonight’s derby with Atletico. The defender also praised Aguero and Forlan.
There’s no euphoria on the team because we know we haven’t achieved anything yet. Barcelona still have a four-point lead. We have to keep working, stay quiet and prepare for each game at a time. People forget about things too easily in football. Excuses and doubt take over when things don’t work out.
Pepe will miss the derby. That Portuguese guy has some nerve(laughs)! He wants to rest for the Liverpool match! He is an impressive defender and he is playing very well, but this team has many players capable of being starters. He will be a great loss on an individual level, but I always think about the team and I believe even you could play for us if we perform well!
Kun Aguero is very good at one-on-ones, but he still needs a little extra to be a superstar. I don’t really want to say this out loud because I’m sure he’ll score two goals if I do, but I think he sometimes misses too many chances for a striker. He is young and he still has to learn. He will be a superstar. He reminds me of Romario in his style, but Romario scored more goals.
I think Forlan is great. He runs a lot, shoots with both feet, puts pressure on defenders, he is intelligent and very fast… It’s hard to defend against both of them (laughs). I will defend against the one who attacks down the left, but I prefer to defend against counterattacks because I prefer to anticipate a team’s play.
Raul to AS
Raul believes they can still progress to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Despite needing to win the return game in Merseyside, Raul knows Real will have chances against Rafa Benitez’s side and has urged his team-mates to believe they can still progress. Raul wants boss Juande Ramos to be given a long-term contract after working wonders at the club.
We know that we will have chances and that we must not stop believing. That is how Madrid have to play and we cannot wait for the game. This team can win at Anfield.
He (Juande) has done a great deal. The team improved a lot after losing in Barcelona and we are still going from game-to-game.
In January we worked very hard and we played like every game was a final. His work is there for all to see and he has been very good and could be in charge of Madrid for a long time.
Guti press conference
Guti says the team’s morale is high and that it believes in its chances to win both competitions it plays in.
How does the team feel after such a positive weekend?
Morale on the team is high. Three weeks ago we were 12 points behind Barcelona, but we are now just four behind. That makes us happier and it also strengthens our belief in our chances.
How do you think the derby will unfold?
It will be a compliacted match for both sides. We’ve just had a great run and we want to keep it up. Atletico have had a few complicated weeks during which they’ve signed a new coach, but their victory against Bartcelona boosted their morale. It will be a beautiful and fun game.
What chances do you think you have of winning La Liga and the Champions League?
La Liga is open right now. We have more chances of winning, but we must remain calm because Barcelona still have the advantage. We earned a bad home result in the Champions League and the return leg will be complicated, but this team is good enough to make a comeback. Liverpool didn’t do much over here. Their strength relies on set pieces and an organised defence. We will try to score an early goal to draw the tie as soon as possible.
The President seems very optimistic. Have his latest comments bothered the squad at all?
Optimism is always a good thing. The President wants to send out a confident message and he wants the team to feel comfortable and be calm in order to do well. Everyone will give his own opinion in the end. This team is very confident in its chances.
Did you watch last night’s match between Barcelona and Mallorca?
It was a complicated game for Barcelona. The match was marked by Mallorca’s missed penalty. Messi pulled through in the end. They had a positive result from the first leg, which explains what happened.
Do you think they are giving signs of weakness?
They may be a bit nervous and they may also be lacking the flow they had at first. The same thing happened to us last year; we had a great start to the season, followed by a drop in our performances. It’s hard to give 100% all the time.
Would you like Barcelona to continue in the Champions League?
I always prefer Barcelona to lose. Nevertheless, I would welcome a longer run of theirs in the Champions League if it helped us catch up with them in La Liga.
Can Real Madrid withstand playing in both championships?
We plan every season out in order to be strong in every competition at the end of the year. This squad is strong enough to play well in every championship.
Would you like to be in Barcelona’s shoes?
I would like to be in their position in La Liga, but I wouldn’t change this squad for theirs. Our ten straight victories allow us to be strong now.
Why do Real Madrid make teams so nervous?
I don’t know. Our opponents’ game is always altered when we earn many consecutive results. I don’t think they fear us; I think it’s respect. Opponents respect us more when we have a good run.
All polls say Real Madrid are now favourites to win the title.
They are just polls, nothing more. We have chances to win the title and we will fight to win this championship, which everyone said would be Barcelona’s three weeks ago.
Would not making any of the starting line-ups against Atletico or Liverpool bother you?
The only thing that would bother me would be not winning against either team. The coach decides who plays.
Despite winning 30 points in ten games the team isn’t playing very well.
In the end, what people really want is a title. Fans enjoy key moments in every season, but a campaign with no titles is judged as poor both at Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Are you taking precautions to avoid an excess of confidence?
The derby pits us against a direct opponent from the same city. A derby is always interesting and all of us are motivated for it. Winning will be important to take a step further in La Liga and to gain confidence for Tuesday’s match.
Do you think Raul may be called-up to be Spain’s third or fourth striker?
Raul can be a striker on any team.
Which Atletico men would you rather not face?
Aguero and Forlan because they are their most decisive men. The former has great quality and can score goals, and the latter is a killer striker in the box, one of the best in the championship.
Ronaldo will play for Corintians again. What can you say about him?
He is the best striker I’ve played with. I wish him all the best. Football misses him and I hope he recovers and plays as well as he used to.
Santillana to Grada Blanca
Carlos Alonso Gonzalez, Santillana, was 17 years at Real Madrid, during which he faced Atletico 15 times at the Bernabeu, scoring 9 goals in total.
You played 27 games against Atletico, 15 at the Bernabeu…
Just imagine how many derbies I was in during the 17 seasons I played for Real Madrid. These are beautiful games because of their great rivalry. They are a delight in a crowded stadium. Derbies are a celebration of Madrid football and of the sport in general.
No-one has been in as many derbies at the Bernabeu as Gento and yourself. You scored more goals than anyone else.
I didn’t know that. I find out about these things when journalists ring me up and tell me. I am very happy about having been able to contribute a little to Real Madrid’s great history with goals and many games. It means I performed at a high level.
Is there a match you remember especially well?
I remember one of the first games I played at the Bernabeu. We won 1-0. I remember I was marked by Iselin Santos Ovejero, who came on for Martinez Jayo due to injury. I was lucky enough to score the winning goal from a header.
Well, that was your first goal in a derby.
That was the first? Well, first goal in a derby… I remember it was a very happy day. It was my first season at the Club.
Sergio Ramos to RealMadrid.com
Sergio Ramos shared his views on the derby and talked about the pressure the team is putting on Barcelona.
Atletico have a great pair of strikers in Aguero and Forlan. They are dangerous in attack and we’ll have to keep an eye on them, as well as on Simao and Maxi. They all help each other out and do something different for the team. Forlan is a killer striker and Aguero is more technical. They are very good against centre backs and we’ll have to be concentrated and motivated in defence. I think we can win 2-0 or 2-1.
Our defensive line hasn’t changed; we are the same players. I think we were more distracted before. We pay closer attention during free-kicks and work on strategy.
Juande’s work on a physical and tactical level has been very important. We used to be weaker, but we perform at a higher level now.
We still haven’t achieved anything yet. We are second four points behind Barcelona. We must work on each game at a time. Barcelona have the advantage. We have to try to take as many points as we can. We are showcasing great character and putting much pressure on them, something other teams wouldn’t do. People should respect Real Madrid. Being chased by Real Madrid is not the same as being chased by any other side. We will showcase this drive as long as there is a mathematical chance to make a comeback. That has always been the defining element of this team. That’s why it’s won more titles than any other side.
Higuain to AS
Gonzalo Higuain has scored 14 goals this season, 12 of them at the Bernabeu. The Argentinean told AS he will try to score against Atletico as soon as he “steps onto the pitch.”
Last weekend was great for the team…
Yes, last weekend was amazing. It’s been incredible to get eight points closer to Barcelona in just three weeks, but we have to continue in this line of work because getting here was very hard work. We have an important game on Saturday against Atletico and we must stay on the path to success.
Did you believe Atletico could defeat Barcelona?
Yes. We all believed it could be a great game. Thank God it was. Atletico’s victory kept us just four points behind Barcelona.
Don’t you think December was a bit too soon for people to say Barcelona were going to win the league title?
It was because there were still six more months left in the championship. This is very long and everything can suddenly change. We will put more pressure on them if we win our vital game on Saturday.
Did the squad believe it could win the title when the team was 12 points behind Barcelona?
We knew the championship was far from over. The squad was a bit hurt by the defeat at Camp Nou, but we knew there was a lot of time left. Things constantly change in football. People said we wouldn’t win the title, but we never lost faith. Perseverance has allowed us to be were we are now.
It was impossible to imagine this team would win ten consecutive victories…
It was never impossible because excitement never left the team. We’ve conceded very few goals in the last ten games, which says a lot about our defence. The team is well balanced and we are strong in attack. The important thing is that we stayed calm when we were in that situation.
Did you watch the Atletico-Barcelona clash?
I just watched parts of it.
Were you watching when Atletico scored their fourth goal or did someone tell you?
I watched the end of the match and we were all very happy when Kun scored because his strike allowed us to be closer to Barcelona.
Real Madrid have improved a lot since January…
We have. Our results prove we are a complicated opponent. We are having a great moment and we must keep it up in order to win titles this season.
Atletico will receive hell at the Bernabeu…
The crowd will be very much into the game because it knows we are in the fight for the title when we were 12 points behind just a few weeks ago. Adrenaline hits centre stage when you reduce the distance by eight points in just three weeks. The crowd supported us when we were 12 points behind and it will surely support us now. We want to make Madridismo happy on Saturday.
What do you feel against Atletico? You always seem to score against them…
I’ve been lucky to score in every game I’ve played against them, both in my first derby when Capello was coach and at the start of this season; I missed both derbies last year. You get a great feeling by scoring against the eternal foe. I will try to score against them on Saturday as soon as I step onto the pitch.
Everyone believes you should be a starter on the team…
I know, but there are 24 players available to the coach. We are all proving to be fit to play in any game. Every player that gets a chance does well, and that’s very important. We are a true team. We are united and it’s great to be this way at this crucial stage of the campaign.
The match with Atletico will surely be like a final because a defeat would practically destroy everything you’ve achieved…
Sure it would. It will be like a final. The game is very important because a defeat would render everything we’ve done so far practically useless. This is a final and we are out to get them.
How far ahead would you like Barcelona to be when they come to the Bernabeu?
It would be perfect to be in the situation we are in now. Winning against them would leave us just one point behind. Nevertheless, I wish the distance is even shorter when the day comes.
What do you think the final score will be on Saturday?
I don’t like to guess scores. I know we will try hard to win and that the match will be great for all to watch.
Iker Casillas vs. Leo Franco
Iker Casillas and Atletico’s Leo Franco presented two bottles as a symbol of fair play for the forthcoming derby. Both keepers believe neither team is a favourite to win the match.
Iker vs. Leo
How does an elite footballer manage to withstand the pressure?
IKER CASILLAS:
By respecting his opponent. Our intention is to defeat Atletico on Saturday, but we will try to do so in a correct and sportsman-like manner. I think many people, including many children, will set their eyes on us. That’s why we should play with respect and admiration for each other. Those children will be the stars of these games in the future.
Iker, do you think it would be fair for Atletico to win their first game at the Bernabeu in ten years?
IKER CASILLAS:
I think it’s strange that they haven’t won in all this time. I’ve had good results against them in the ten years I’ve been playing in the First Division. They’ve deserved to win some matches, but didn’t in the end. I hope our streak continues and that they don’t win at the Bernabeu.
LEO FRANCO:
This is just a streak. It won’t be the first time Atletico win at the Bernabeu.
Iker, do you feel more pressure when you face Atletico?
IKER CASILLAS:
I don’t think so. For years I’ve heard people say it’s about time they win at our stadium and I’m sure some day they will. But you shouldn’t be obsessed about winning and taking three points in a game like this; you have to strive to play well and realise where it is you are playing. We just want to continue to win more games in order to keep are options to win the league title.
LEO FRANCO:
I don’t feel pressure either. These games are different and they have different players in every season.
Leo, do you dream about Raul this week? Iker, do you dream about Aguero?
IKER CASILLAS:
You can’t just focus on one player. They have great men like Simao and Forlan that are proving to be decisive and capable of making trouble in no time.
LEO FRANCO:
I dream about my team winning the game. I think both sides have powerful forwards and a strong attack in general. We don’t really think about our opponent; we just think of ourselves and dream about winning the derby.
Pepe will miss the game. Is that an advantage for Atletico or a disadvantage for Real Madrid?
IKER CASILLAS:
Pepe is proving to be a very important player for us, but I think some other player on the squad can perform as well as he does if given the chance. I think the team is very strong in the centre back position and that men like Sergio Ramos or Gabi Heinze can cover that spot. I think we have enough players to make up for Pepe’s absence.
LEO FRANCO:
I think the same. Real Madrid have many reinforcements. Ramos and Henize could play as centre backs. It’s always good when a defender that has been a regular on the rival team misses the game, but I don’t think Real Madrid will feel his absence.
Whose morale is stronger for the derby?
LEO FRANCO:
Real Madrid’s is because they’ve won ten consecutive games and we’ve just won one.
IKER CASILLAS:
We’ve been rewarded for our efforts by getting closer to Barcelona. Our distance with them was still the same three weeks ago and we finally managed to reduce it to just four points. We want to catch up with them and Atletico will want another victory, especially if it’s against us.
Does the home advantage make Real Madrid favourites to win the clash?
IKER CASILLAS:
I think it is something to take into account, but I don’t really think there is a favourite. Atletico turned the score around against Barcelona in a very difficult game and they could do the same at the Bernabeu.
LEO FRANCO:
There are no favourites in derbies. Stats say they’ve won at their stadium against us for ten years, but as I said before, they are a different team from that of last year; they have new players and their situation is also different.
Would you like the game to see few or many goals?
LEO FRANCO:
I just wish Atletico win and that none of my team-mates get injured.
IKER CASILLAS:
I wouldn’t like the game to see three goals. We’d be happy with a 1-0 victory.
Alipio to RealMadrid.com
Realmadrid.com visited landmark sites of Madrid, such as the Royal Palace and Cibeles, with Castilla’s 16-year ols Brazilian star, Alipio Duarte, who shared with us his impressions on the city, the Club and personal experiences.
My mother used to tell me I started to kick around in her tummy before I was born. ‘This kid has to become a football player,’ she used to say.
I played all over the street; on sidewalks, in parks… Anywhere and with anyone; it was the thing I loved the most.
European and South American football are very different. Football here is more team-based and orderly, especially in defence. South Americans focus more on attacking, scoring goals and putting on a show.
Signing for Real Madrid was a dream come true. I think this is the best Club in the world. I couldn’t believe the news when I heard they wanted me.
I am proud of wearing this crest. I gradually feel more comfortable on the pitch and it is wonderful to play at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium. The crowd is great.
I’ve been taught that you achieve things only through hard work and that you must always keep your feet on the ground.
Madrid is the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen. I love the Gran Via, the Royal Palace is beautiful… But my favourite place is Cibeles. I hope Raul visits her again this year. I also hope we get promoted.
Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos are my idols. I also think Raul is impressive. I also look up to my friend Pepe now. He always tells me to be patient and to work with excitement.
Gago press conference
Fernando Gago said he believes his ankle will be completely healed by Saturday and that he will therefore be able to play in the derby with Atletico.
How’s your ankle?
I will be able to play in the derby. We’ll see what progress I make these next few days, but I believe I will be able to play in the derby.
What do you think of Atletico Madrid?
Atletico are a very good team, but we must think of ourselves in order to keep up this streak of consecutive victories.
Do you think you should avoid getting into an atmosphere of euphoria?
We depend on more victories to cut distances shorter. We should also think about the game in Liverpool.
Are Barcelona having a crisis?
I only think about us. We should carry on winning and avoid thinking about them. I didn’t watch their game against Atletico; I found out about their defeat later. We should just worry about ourselves because we are currently in great shape.
You’ll have a down slide at some point…
I hope we don’t. We should stay calm and prepare one game at a time. The match with Atletico will be great and we’ll have to take three points in order to keep the distance or cut it even shorter.
President Boluda said you are really just one point behind Barcelona because you’ll win against them at the Bernabeu…
You can’t win a game before it’s taken place. Playing against them at home will give us the advantage, but we should think about Atletico first because they are our next opponent.
What’s the key to the team’s success?
You have more chances of winning if you are psychologically strong. We must continue to have this mentality. Winning is all that counts.
Do you think this situation is similar to the comeback you had with Capello?
The dates are similar, but the championships were very different from each other. Each edition of the league has a different flavour. They aren’t very similar because we are currently the defending champions, whereas we hadn’t won anything in a few years back then.
Will you work especially hard to defend against Kun Aguero, as you did against Messi?
We knew Barça were having an amazing moment back then and that Messi was an unsettling player. Kun is dangerous and we’ll try to keep him under control, but we must play our own game, especially at home.
What’s easier to win, La Liga or the Champions League?
We’ll have to think about both while there’s a chance to win either of them. As a Real Madrid player I always want to win. We should aspire to win both titles.
How well do you think Raul did against Espanyol?
He’s been playing at a very high level for weeks. We all know how important he is for the team. He always works hard and runs after the ball when things don’t work out.
What will you do if you win La Liga?
I will enjoy the moment with my fanily and friends. Winning the league title is very important to us.
Juande to AS
In an interview to AS, the coach said the team won’t give up the fight in La Liga and in the Champions League.
We are four points behind the leaders now and people seem to think our work is over, but this has only just begun. Those who think we’ll easily catch up with Barça are wrong. This is going to be very long.
The merit belongs to my players. The distance was still 12 points after our sixth consecutive victory and in a meeting in Valdebebas they said to me, ‘Don’t worry coach. We’ll catch up with them if we continue to play like this.’ My men never gave up and that is precisely the key to our success.
The team’s mentality is to always try to win despite injuries, suspensions, opponents or who’s favourite in the bookies. The only thing that matters here is to win. My men and I were soon in agreement over that.
Raul’s work is amazing. I was forced to use him between lines and his surprise ventures in attack allow him to score more goals.
We will fight with Barcelona for the league title and with Liverpool to reach the next round in the Champions League. We won’t give up my friend.
Boluda on Punto Radio
The President talked about the current situation at the Club on Punto Radio.
We must keep our feet on the ground both in La Liga and in the Champions League. We must all realise the toughest part of the season is at hand and we must remain calm. The players must be concentrated. It is impossible to improve on this squad and the players must realise the moment they are going through.
I am worried about there being too much euphoria surrounding the team. This is the time to be calm. Each game will be more complicated than those before it. Saturday’s clash will be very difficult and there is much pressure on us.
Juande Ramos is an intelligent person, a football expert and a hard worker. Things eventually work out for great people like him.
Robben is a magnificent player. The only thing Juande said was that the team is also capable of playing very well without him. I think Robben is great and I believe we need every player on the squad. Sneijder is a magnificent player that currently isn’t performing at the high level we associate with him, but I’m sure he’ll be in optimum form again. We all have downsides.
A 1-0 victory against Barcelona at the Bernabeu is enough for me. I believe we’ll win in Anfield, but by how much I don’t care.
I’m convinced we can pull through, but in order to do so we must avoid euphoria and work very hard. We must be well aware of the situation we’re in.
I’m not thinking about carrying on as President. I’m here for a few months and I must end what I’ve started in a correct manner and leave Real Madrid were it deserves to be.
I arrived at a complicated time for the Club both on an institutional and a sporting level. The Board decided that the best way to normalise the situation was to do the things we are currently doing.
The General Assembly will take place again because the previous one unfortunately had people that shouldn’t have been there. The important thing now is to sort out a couple of things and support the coach and the players. We have to create a normal atmosphere.
There are always things we can improve on. People criticised the voting system in the previous Assembly, so the next one will have a modern and transparent system. I hope people don’t scream and insult each other again. I want respect to rule throughout. People should vote for what they believe in without pressure and with total liberty.
The current absentee voting system will not be used because it has been contested several times. That means it doesn’t work. We are studying how to use it this time around.
It is very difficult to be President of Real Madrid. You not only have to be a good President and a good administrator; you also need good results.
I wouldn’t like Real Madrid to become a corporation. The fact that it belongs to all of us, that you don’t just feel like a fan, is delightful.
Van Nistelrooij to The Sunday Mirror
Ruud van Nistelrooy is eager to bury the hatchet with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
I’m so looking forward to seeing him again. I want to talk and make up, clear the air between us. After all this time I can’t believe or understand what it was really all about. Why did it have to be such a big thing? I think we were both to blame. It just exploded between us. Because we had such a smashing relationship, I just though, ‘What on earth are you doing to me? I was so upset. As a professional player you never get so attached to our club or manager that a clash will hurt you that much. But in this case it did. It got very personal.
Gracias Atlético!
Barcelona’s wobble continued as they lost a seven-goal thriller against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon to leave Pep Guardiola’s side only four points clear at the top of the table. Three weeks ago, a free-scoring Barça enjoyed a 12-point lead over us, but two losses in three matches, coupled with a ten-game run of victories for Los Merengues, has whittled the Catalan club’s advantage down to four points.
Thierry Henry fired Barca in front in spectacular, long-range style on 19 minutes and Lionel Messi added a second on the half-hour mark following a jinking run. Atletico, though, came storming back as Diego Forlan blasted in on 32 minutes and Sergio Aguero equalised on 56 minutes. Barca – who defeated Atletico 6-1 at the Camp Nou in October – reclaimed the lead through an Henry tap-in with just over quarter-of-an hour remaining, but an 80th minute Forlan penalty and another Aguero goal with 60 seconds left on the clock earned revenge for the home side
Thats four points now.
Gracias Atlético!
With another win next week at the Bernabeu, it’ll be down to a point mostly.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Universidad Las Palmas 2-1 Castilla
Real Madrid Castilla lost 2-1 against Universidad Las Palmas. They scored the opening goal through Vazquez on the 9-minute mark, but the locals turned the score around thanks in part to an nonexistent penalty.
MATCH REPORT:
Universidad de Las Palmas: Santi Lampón; Medina, Deivid, Ojeda, Martin; Sergio, Pollo, Yahve, Ariday (Javier, 77’); Fabricio (Yebra, 81’), Michel (Garcia Granero, 71’).
Castilla: Adan; Velayos, Agus, Mateos, Marcos Alonso; Tebar, Mosquera (Zamora, 61’), Palanca, Vazquez; Bueno (Denis, 79’), Szalai (Acuña, 61’).
GOALS
0-1, Vazquez, 9′.
1-1, Yahve, 14′.
2-1, Ariday, 54′.
Post-match comments
Juande Ramos and Sporting Director Pedja Mijatovic shared their views on the match with the press. Marcelo and Higuain were happy with the victory and said the team will never stop fighting for the league title. Both captains pulled rank against Espanyol and scored the two goals that gave the team three crucial points.
Juande Ramos
We knew the game wasn’t going to be easy because Espanyol’s spirits were high after their victory over Barcelona last week. They wanted another victory tonight before their fans. The first half was very tight, but they left more open spaces after Guti’s goal and that enable us to have more chances.
There are many games left in the competition and anything can happen when things are so tight. Tonight’s three points are very important; it was important for us to win a game after our defeat against Liverpool in order to go back to how we were before Wednesday.
Both sides wanted to win in the first half and the match was a bit crazy. Both teams played tighter in the second half and we benefitted from using Guti. We had two strikers positioned in front of Raul, who had to act as a link between them and midfield. I think his performance was magnificent and he sealed it off with a goal.
We’ve earned several good results in the past few weeks. The team was extremely excited about this before the match with Liverpool, which hurt us. We’ve tried to go back to normal in the last couple of days and that’s why tonight’s victory was so important. But we shouldn’t forget what I said about the Champions League tie being 180 minutes long. The result of the first part was 1-0. Real Madrid is capable of winning at any stadium.
I’m not worried about tomorrow’s Atletico-Barcelona match. It is our duty to win and we did that tonight.
Pedja Mijatovic
The team played a great game. We knew Espanyol would be strong after their victory over Barcelona, but we managed to calm them down tonight. We must now prepare for our next match.
Robben is a very important player for us and for all Madridismo. It’s always nice to see him play and I’m sure he will help us achieve our goals. Juande is very happy with him.
Faubert had some muscle problems a few days ago and we want him to recover well.
Guti has a contract with the Club and he proved just how important he is for us with that amazing goal. We all know he is a quality player.
Higuain
We are very happy because it was very important to win tonight. It’s good for us to make Barcelona aware of how close we are and let them know we won’t give up the league title. We are having a great streak and what happened on Wednesday shouldn’t distract us. We must now prepare for the derby and move on.
We used to be twelve points behind and we had to fight hard to make a comeback. All these games have been equally important. We should never lose faith and hope.
We are proving we can win the title. It isn’t easy to win ten consecutive games. We must remain calm. I think Barcelona know they can’t afford to make mistakes because we are currently just four points behind them. We will put pressure on them while we still have mathematical chances of winning the title. Wednesday’s defeat was a harsh blow, but this team is good enough to win in Liverpool.
Marcelo
I feel fine and I am training very hard to play for this team as much as possible. I think pressure is stronger each day, but we keep a cool head and we know we simply have to take all the points we can. That’s why it was so important to win here tonight.
The team is playing well. We’ve always believed we can catch up with Barcelona. We are closer to them now and I believe they must be a little nervous. I think we are doing a good job away from home.
We are fighting hard. We have to take three points in every game. It will be great if Atletico lend us a hand tomorrow.
Raul
Since our defeat in Barcelona we’ve achieved our goal in every game; taking every point to cut distances short between us and Barça. We are in a good position to make things difficult for them now.
We kept up a great pace tonight. The team played very well in every position, which is impressive having played a tough match on Wednesday. We will now rest and enjoy this. We’ll watch the Atletico-Barcelona fixture on TV. We shouldn’t forget Barça are a great team. They have a great coach and every game against them is difficult.
Guti
We are very happy with the game we played tonight. I scored when we needed a goal. Raul’s strike allowed us to relax a little. We are calm and we also hope Atletico win tomorrow.
Espanyol 0-2 Real Madrid
Real Madrid achieved their goal of taking three points in Montjuic against Espanyol, who made things difficult for them by defending well until Guti scored from a brilliant free-kick. Raul scored the second strike a few minutes later and sealed the victory for the Whites.
Both sides presented somewhat different line-ups to those of last week. Juande decided to use Sneijder in midfield due to Gago’s injury, while Pochettino played Roman Martinez and Moises Hurtado also in midfield.
Espanyol were fiercer at the start of the clash and De la Peña looked for an opening from which to hurt Real Madrid, whose defence stood firm to thwart all of the locals’ ventures in attack. De la Peña served balls to wingers Nene and Luis Garcia. Espanyol had their first chance on goal on the 5-minute mark when Roman Martinez tried to head in a corner kick, but Iker Casillas saved the day. The Whites soon began to dominate the match thanks to Lass, who marked De la Peña closely and stole many balls from him. The French midfielder was supported by Raul, who fell back in order to get the ball from him and therefore became Madrid’s most creative man throughout the first half.
The captain created many of the best chances his team had. Robben came close to scoring from one of his passes in the 17th minute; he took a powerful shot facing the goal from outside the box that missed the left post by inches. Sneijder tried a similar shot a few minutes later but also missed. Real Madrid controlled the game but couldn’t find the way to break it, while Espanyol concentrated on trying to counterattack occasionally. None of their chances were dangerous save for a strong off-target shot by Nene that went over the crossbar.
The intensity of the match diminished before half-time and both coaches decided to make some changes to their line-ups. Guti and Marcelo came on for Sneijder and Higuain in the second half, and Tamudo replaced Ivan Alonso. Guti played a crucial role by scoring the game’s first goal from a free-kick on the 66-minute mark; the ball went through the top left corner of the goal.
A few minutes later, Raul scored from a powerful shot right outside the box that grazed the left post. The captain has reached Quini as the league’s fifth all-time top-scorer with 219 strikes. Raul sentenced a match in which his team took three crucial points that leave them just four points behind Barcelona, at least until the eternal foe faces Atletico on Sunday.
Lineups:
Espanyol: Kameni, Sergio Sánchez, Jarque, Pareja, David García, De la Peña, Nené, Moisés Hurtado (Lola Smiljanic 85′), Román Martínez (Coro 76′), Luis García, Iván Alonso (Tamudo 64′);
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Cannavaro, Heinze, Lass, Robben (Saviola 77′), Sneijder (Guti 60′), Raúl, Huntelaar, Higuaín (Marcelo 60′);
Goals:
0-1, 67′ - Guti;
0-2, 72′ - Raúl;
Referee: Mejito Gonzalez
Booked: Pepe, Wesley Sneijder, Raúl, Moisés Hurtado, David García;
Notes: Matchday 25 of La Liga
Played at: Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, Barcelona;
Attendance: 30,000.
Just another Madridista
Post-match comments
Juande Ramos analysed the derby for the press. Gonzalo Higuain and Arjen Robben shared their views on the derby when the match was over. Fabio Cannavaro believes Atletico missed too many of their chances. The defender stressed that the team must now focus on Liverpool. Sergio Ramos said the derby was “very open” and that the team must now concentrate on winning in Anfield.
Juande Ramos:
Gonzalo Higuain:
Arjen Robben:
Fabio Cannavaro:
Sergio Ramos:
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March 8, 2009 | Categories: Post-match Comments, Spanish Primera División | Tags: Arjen Robben, Atlético Madrid, Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Fabio Cannavaro, Gonzalo Higuaín, Juande Ramos, Sergio Ramos | Leave A Comment »