Higuain to AS
Gonzalo Higuain is very excited about joining the Argentinean national team. The forward said Real Madrid have a quality squad and that the defeat against Sevilla wasn’t too important.
You are about to jump on a plane to Buenos Aires to join the Argentinean national team.
This is a dream come true. I am very excited. This is what I’ve wanted for a very long time and I have to make good use of it.
It doesn’t seem to be the best time to make your debut with the team…
The situation is complicated. We hope the atmosphere on the team improves both on and off the pitch. That will help us reach the World Cup.
Who called you to tell you you made the cut? How did you feel?
I was very anxious. I’ve tried to stay calm because nerves can sometimes play against you. I am very happy and I hope I’m not dropped from future squad lists.
Have you already forgotten about the match in Seville?
No. It was a tough game. The crowd there supports the team so much that it doubles Sevillas’ efforts. They are a very strong home side. We shouldn’t think about it more because we did our best.
The team seemed unable to react…
We did until the score was drawn. We were unable to use the weaponry we showcased in previous games. It was our first defeat following a great run…
Sevilla 2-1 Real Madrid
Sevilla handed Real Madrid their first defeat of the season in an epic battle at the Sanchez Pizjuan. Despite the defeat, the Madridistas can be proud of their performance having had several opportunities to score the equalizer.
Raul returned to the starting eleven after sitting out against Tenerife and Olympique and Mahamadou Diarra got the nod for the first time in ten months. But it was Sevilla who came knocking first. Former Madridista Negredo crossed the ball into the small box where Luis Fabiano was stopped short by Iker Casillas (min. 14). Marcelo responded with a long distance strike that nearly grazed Palop’s left post (min. 16). Real Madrid gained momentum and possession of the ball despite Sevilla’s midfield pressure. In an attempt to undo the logjam, Kaka found Raul with a deep ball and the captain turned it over to Marcelo on the left wing. The Brazilian had another attempt only for Palop to make the save (min. 17). Raul later assisted a wide-open Benzema, who didn’t get enough power behind his shot (min. 22).
Sevilla weren’t willing to see Real Madrid take total control and found an ally in the flanks of the Madridista defense. The first goal was a product of a change in ball direction by Renato. Perroti recovered the ball and slipped it to Fernando Navarro, who subsequently crossed into the box where Jesus Navas connected with his head (min. 33). Real Madrid found themselves down on the scoreboard for the first time this season and had no choice but to seek the equalizer. Casillas made several key saves in the latter stages of the first half and prevented Sevilla from extending the lead.
Casillas stepped up to the task again to open the second by snatching a ball out from under Perotti when the Sanchez Pizjuan had already started cheering for the second goal. The Whites quieted the crowd one minute later when Pepe headered home a free kick curled in by Guti (min. 48). The score gave momentum back to Real Madrid, who were finding it easier to penetrate the Sevilla midfield, but a defensive mistake eventually allowed the hosts to again take the lead. Navas scooped the ball over the back line and Renato connected (min. 65’). Madrid went on the offensive in search of another equalizer while Sevilla used counterattack measures to try to seal the victory.
Sevilla tried to slow the tempo, but Real Madrid continued to press forward. Higuain was successful in finding Raul, but the captain’s shot sailed wide (min. 76). Sergio Ramos nearly struck gold following another cross by Xabi Alonso, but Dragutinovic managed to deflect the shot (min. 80). The defender had the final opportunity of the match three minutes into added time only to see his shot fly over Palop’s goal. The Whites fell for the first time this season against one of the league’s main title contenders.
Sevilla vs Real Madrid | Spanish Primera Division | Round 6 | Preview
It is one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season. Sevilla look to earn their spot among La Liga’s elite on Sunday when they host a Real Madrid squad riding a seven-game winning streak. The Sevillistas have won four straight in domestic competition and sit third in the league table.
Including their two Champions League victories, Sevilla have won six consecutive games and scored a total of eight goals in their last two matches. No team has won in the Sanchez Pizjuan since 26 April, but the last to do so was Real Madrid, who managed to subdue the likes of Luis Fabiano and Kanoute in attack and Jesus Navas and Adriano along the wings.
Cristiano Ronaldo is unavailable due to injury, but Manuel Pellegrini’s faith in his rotation policy and the depth of his squad ensures that Granero, Raul or Van der Vaart are up for the occasion. After all, the Whites are the top-scoring and least-scored upon team in the league. Eleven of their 16 goals have been scored in the second half, and seven of those eleven in the last 15 minutes of the match, making Real the deadliest second-half team in the competition.
Tonight’s match promises physical, high octane football. It will define the course each team takes in the future. Excitement has returned with this new Real Madrid, so what better way to maintain it than by taking the Sanchez Pizjuan by storm.
Cristiano, Van Nistelrooy, Gago, Arbeloa and Lass out; Metzleder returns
Manuel Pellegrini has released his 18-man squad list for tomorrow’s match against Sevilla. Cristiano Ronaldo will stay in Madrid having not recovered from a sprained ankle and he will be joined by Van Nistelrooy, Gago, Arbeloa and Lass. Metzelder and Van der Vaart will travel with the team.
SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek.
Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Albiol, Garay, Metzelder, Drenthe.
Midfielders: Diarra, Guti, Granero, Van der Vaart, Xabi Alonso.
Forwards: Raul, Kaka, Higuain, Benzema.
Pellegrini press conference
Manuel Pellegrini confirmed during today’s press conference that Cristiano Ronaldo is unavailable for tomorrow’s match against Sevilla, but that there are enough players who can play just as well.
How is Cristiano Ronaldo?
He trained on his own but wasn’t able to recover and will therefore not play tomorrow.
What kind of work is being conducted that has made this the Real Madrid squad to concede the fewest goals in recent years?
From the very beginning we’ve sought and acquired a style of play that allows opponents to rarely reach our box while also giving us a strong attack. This is why we are winning matches. There are still a few concepts we need to introduce but it isn’t easy with so many new players. That said, I am very happy with the team. The season has begun very well.
Casillas played a big role against Tenerife and Marseille. Is that what you call solid defense?
Casillas saved an important first-half one-on-one against Marseille and in the second was subjected to a few mid-range shots, but I don’t think it was a lot for a Champions League match against a team like Marseille. I think the statistics reflect how infrequently opponents reach our box.
Was Ronaldo’s absence purely a medical decision or did the fact that Sevilla is a hard team to play against at home influence it?
The only issue was Cristiano Ronaldo’s ankle. He tried playing yesterday and today and everyone, including the medical staff, believes he isn’t ready to play.
Are you worried that the team will note his absence?
Every player is important, but we have a good squad and sufficient alternatives.
When will Madrid perform its best?
The team is putting forth its best effort and the results prove it, but the team has to continue improving. We cannot try to play in a manner that does not correspond to our players’ characteristics.
Trash-talking Andalusians – Sevilla pre-preview
Tonight in a highly anticipated clash we meet a Sevilla team, at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, that is just one victory away from us. Sevilla have won 4 out of their 5 matches after losing to Valencia on the opening day of the Primera Division. With Barça already winning last night, 1-0 at home to Almeria, the pressure is now on us to win and ergo catch up with them. But Sevilla is no simple task. Despite the fact that we beat them away at Sevilla last time out thanks to a Raul hat-trick and with the injury plagued team we had, it will still remain to be a tough game for us and probably our first test after the Villareal game turned out to be a cakewalk.
First up some team news – we will be without the services of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lass apart from the injured Gago, Arbeloa and Rutegrus. Ronaldo didn’t pass his fitness test and Lass is still recovering and hence both of them will stay back in Madrid and should mostly feature against Valladolid next weekend. Gago and Rutegrus will be out for a while. Van der Vaart and Metzelder though will return to the squad. As far as the probable lineup is concerned I shall go with…
Casillas
Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Marcelo
Mahamadou Diarra, Xabi Alonso
Granero, Kaka
Higuain, Raul
Last time out my prediction was a tragedy. Hell, I’ve just started doing this so stop blaming me.
Alvaro Negredo, yes our very own canterano, now serving Sevilla, has been bad-mouthing us ahead of the match. He while revealing his frustration with Real Madrid’s decision to buy a new striker during the summer rather than keeping their assurance that he would be given a chance to shine has he had high hopes of remaining at the Santiago Bernabeu after being re-signed from Almeria. He told reporters in Spain:
I was told that they rated me, but ultimately I did not ever play and that’s why I decided to leave. They should have trusted me, rather than Karim Benzema. They preferred to spend money and bet on him becoming a star rather than a player from Castilla.
Lass press conference
Lass may play again on Sunday against Sevilla. The French midfielder analysed the forthcoming match, stressing that it is “very important” to the team.
How do you feel?
I’m getting better each day. The match in Seville is important to us. We are preparing well for it because we want to earn a good result.
Do you think it will be toughest game so far in the season?
Yes, I think it will be a rather important match and one of the toughest. The clash with Villarreal was also complicated, but we ended up ok. We’ve played well so far, but Sevilla have also had a great start to the season and we can’t rule them out.
Cristiano Ronaldo risks not making it to the World Cup with Portugal next week. Would you risk making your injury worse by playing if you were in his situation?
I can’t put myself in his situation. All I can say is that he is taking great care of himself and that he is a great professional. He does everything he can to be fit to play. He will play if he must, but he will also focus on recovering if that’s what he has to do. Good health comes first.
Do you think some players should receive special protection from referees?
Ronaldo and Messi are more exposed to receiving fouls due to their position on the pitch. There are 22 players on the pitch in every game and we should all receive the same treatment. We are all the same.
Why is there so much tension between the French national coach and Karim Benzema?
I can’t answer that because I don’t know what’s going on between them.
Guti press conference
Guti brought the press up to speed on the start of the season and also commented on the team’s objectives during today’s press conference.
The team is seven for seven, but there is still something missing. What does the team need to play more fluid football?
The team is still gelling. We have a lot of new players who are very talented, which is why we are winning. But we still need to find our game. The different game plans ensure that we all get a chance to play.
You are off to a good start. What has Pellegrini given you that prior coaches didn’t?
Confidence from day one. Staying here was tough because so many good players were being signed and some of us had to leave. But he gave me the confidence to stay on for another year. The only way I can thank him is by playing my very best.
Is this the best Real Madrid squad you have been a part of?
Not just based on individual talent, but based on the entire squad. It doesn’t matter who plays. The team is not affected. We have undergone many changes through seven matches but we keep winning.
The other day you said that you would hang up your boots if you won the Champions League at the Bernabeu.
I am going to play the two years I have left. And I want one more. That is what I am asking Florentino for right now (laughs). Winning the Champions League at home would be a great ending. There is little left to win after that. I have one year left and I want to see it through because I am very happy here.
Does the lack of enthusiasm here in recent years make players want to contribute more?
Another reason I decided to stay was the project. It is an exciting project that includes great players. The club made an effort to bring in Europe’s best players. Seeing the team improve generates confidence because this squad has a great future in store.
Raul on Cadena Cope
Raul became the player with the most official games with Real Madrid against Olympique Marseille. After the match, the striker reviewed his career on Cadena Cope.
Records
I am very happy about all the records I’ve established, and I am especially delighted with the one regarding how many games I’ve played. Manolo Sanchis and the team’s veterans protected me when I made my debut. They also gave me advice. I never thought I would reach their numbers. I’ve been here for 15 years and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’m happy because I’ve always worked hard. This year’s project is fantastic and we are having a good start to the season. We are enjoying ourselves.
Career
I think each event has its own time and place. Sanchis, Chendo, Hierro, Laudrup, Zamorano, Alkorta… They all treated me like a son. I tried to learn from them. I played with Manolo until 2001 and ‘ve always learned something from the veterans. It is now my turn to help newcomers adapt to the team. Real Madrid has always been united. It is paramount for the team to achieve its goals.
Atletico Madrid has always been a special team for me because of the stint I had there in the past. I have great respect for the club and wish them all the best.
Public image
I don’t usually talk more than I should. I prefer to talk on the pitch. Everything I’ve ever done has had some sort of significance, but I’m used to that now.
Memories
I have important memories, but I’ll need time to examine everything in detail. I will use one of the rooms in my house to display certain objects I will have to select. I have many shirts and I hope to get some more.
Successor
It’s hard to choose a player in particular. He will have to have character and drive. I hope we end up having someone who’s better than all of us; it would be good for the Club.
Post-match comments
Manuel Pellegrini was very satisfied with his team’s performance against Olympique Marseille. Guti played as the team’s captain against Olympique Marseille. The midfielder was delighted with the victory. Kaka and Xabi Alonso hisghlighted Real Madrid’s team-work against Olympique Marseille.
Pellegrini:
I think we played a balanced game throughout and that gave us the upper hand. Marseille are a strong team in defence and they have dangerous men in attack. I think our technique and tactics made a difference.
I would like to highlight my men’s patience. We couldn’t possibly believe we could solve all the defensive problems Marseille were setting too soon, but we kept trying until we found the two or three decisive plays we needed.
Marseille played well in the first half and marked us efficiently, but players get tired as minutes go by. We scored three clear goals and we came close to netting three or four more. We played 45 tight minutes, but we dominated in the latter 45.
It’s important that we didn’t lose focus despite the many fouls we sustained. We didn’t argue with the referee. We simply played and waited for his decisions. I think it shows maturity.
Guti:
Tonight’s was an important match and the first at home in this competition. Olympique proved to be a complicated, strong and tough rival, especially in the first half. We luckily scored three goals in the second half and things were easier for us. I wore the captain’s armband today, but Raul is our true captain.
Cristiano Ronaldo is an unbalancing player. That’s nothing new to us and that’s why he is one of the best players in the world. It is a relief to have him on the team because he can break through any defence. That’s what he did tonight.
We are watching Milan’s games on television and they aren’t playing well. They seem to lack confidence. I think the result we earned in Zurich was tricky because they proved to be a good team, with good players in attack. I knew FC Zurich would end up pulling off a surprise and they did so against Milan tonight. The latter’s defeat is good for us and leaves us in a comfortable position, but we still have to face them. I hope we can qualify as asoon as we can. It is important to us because we play in three competitions this year.
We now have to face Sevilla in Seville, where games always prove to be difficult. We are having a good streak and we have confidence in ourselves. We will play our game in order to win.
Kaka:
The entire team should be congratulated for the victory. We don’t always play easy games. The match was complicated in the first half, but we were patient in the second part and opened up the scoreboard with Ronaldo’s first goal. We are leaders with two games to go. We depend on ourselves, which is very important. We have to qualify as soon as possible.
Xabi Alonso:
Every game is complicated, but they are more demanding in the Champions League. Marseille defended firecely in the first half and it was hard for us to break through, but we scored two goals in a very short time. That helped us win. This victory is the result of team-work. It is easier to play with men like Raul, Kaka and Benzema. I think it is very important that we didn’t concede any goals. Milan’s defeat helps us on our way to the next round and to be group leaders with a three-point cushion is excellent, but there is still a long way to go. We must perform equally well in every competition.
Real Madrid 3-0 Olympique Marseille
Real Madrid showcased their power again by defeating Olympique Marseille 3-0 in the Champions League. The victory makes the Whites leaders of Group C. Cristiano Ronaldo netted two strikes and Kaka scored one goal.
Real Madrid tried to win the match from the start. Manuel Pellegrini devised a 4-3-3 system in which Xabi Alonso took on central midfielder duties, Gago and Guti -who had great liberty throughout the match- shared the midfield, Cristiano Ronaldo ran down the left wing, Kaka down the right and Benzema was the striker.
Olympique tried to up the pace in the opening minutes with with a fast and vertical game; Fernando Morientes and NIag pulled off a dangerous venture in attack in which the latter put Iker Casillas’ prodigious reflexes to the test.
Real Madrid gradually started to dominate in midfield and Guti began to serve excellent passes to the Kaka-Ronaldo-Benzema trident. The French striker had the clearest chance when he came close to scorting from a bicycle kick.
The Whites found that extra finishing touch they needed in the second half and scored on the 57-minute mark when Ronaldo, who received a long pass from Pepe after running past the defence, managed to defeat keeper Mandanda with a low shot. The Portuguese star then controlled the ball in midfield, dribbled past two defenders and was brought down inside the box, getting a penalty for Real Madrid that Kaka converted. Cristiano scored the team’s third in the 60th minute after receiving a great pass from Benzema, who had previously triangulated beautifully with Kaka.
Real Madrid came close to scoring more goals, but three sufficed to give them their seventh straight victory and make them the leaders of Group C.
Just another Madridista
Post-match comments
Jorge Valdano was satisfied with Real Madrid’s performance on Sunday despite the defeat against Sevilla. Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini was disappointed that his team lost but assured that it would immediately right the ship. Real Madrid’s two center backs admit that the two goals conceded to Sevilla were products of defensive mistakes. Raul and Kaka considered Sunday’s match to be a hard-fought battle that was decided by isolated plays. One of the positive things about Real Madrid’s game in Seville was the return of Mahamadou Diarra to the starting lineup.
Valdano:
Pellegrini:
Albiol:
(more…)
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October 5, 2009 | Categories: Post-match Comments, Spanish Primera División | Tags: Jorge Valdano, Kaká, Képler Pepe, Mahamadou Diarra, Manuel Pellegrini, Raúl Albiol, Raúl González Blanco, Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla FC | Leave A Comment »