Xabi Alonso to Hala Madrid
Xabi Alonso is the most recent Madridista to sit down with the club’s magazine, Hala Madrid.
How are you adjusting to your new city and team?
Very well. I love Madrid and knew I wouldn’t have any trouble. My family and I are comfortable here. The club has made it very easy. Whenever we travel I realize how significant this team is.
What kind of football do you like most?
I like offensive teams that control matches and never wait for the opponent before responding. I think what we have here is what I tend to like.
Which of Pellegrini game plans do you like the most?
He has used different systems, but we have a lot of liberty in all of them. There also has to be balance on defense. It doesn’t matter which game plan is used because we have enough players for every position.
You have started in all of them. Do you like feeling like an important member of the team?
I have played a lot. The coach asks that I give balance to the midfield and that I search for solutions for my teammates. I am pleased with the role I have been given and I hope things continue to go well.
Are you more comfortable playing alongside a player like Lass or a play-maker like Guti?
No matter who plays we have to make sure that one isn’t just playing offense and the other defense. If we play with two central midfielders we have to be as complete as possible and dominate in both facets.
It was said that you were signed to restore order. Has that been the case so far?
One player cannot restore order alone. We have to do it together with one idea. I have that job when playing as a central midfielder because I am closest to all my teammates and need to be the one to communicate with them.
Get me Filipe Luís Kasmirski
After 5 days of voting we voters have decided that Filipe Luís Kasmirski is the right man to take the left back position come January. Several reasons can be quoted behind this choice like he is good, Barca wants him, he is not cup tied and of course he is a former Madridista (though only on loan).
Profile:
Date of Birth: 9 August, 1985
Place of Birth: Jaragua do Sul (Brazil)
Nationality: Brazil/Italy
Contract: 2006 – 2013
Transfer: 2.2 million Euros (2008, buyout option from Rentistas)
Career: Deportivo (2006-now), Real Madrid Castilla (2005-2006), Ajax Amsterdam (2004-2005), Figueirense (2000-2004)
Buy-out Clause: 20 Million Euros
Height: 182 cm
Weight: 70 kg
Position: Defender/Midfielder (Left)
So, now that you have both his picture and his profile, get me Filipe Luís Kasmirski!
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
P.S: Get me both of them on the picture to earn a bonus point. 
International Friendlies | Madridistas round up
Brazil 1-0 England (International Friendly)
Wayne Rooney’s first game as England captain ended in defeat as a severely depleted side were beaten by five-time world champions Brazil in Qatar.
Fabio Capello’s side fell victim to a goal early in the second period from Nilmar to leave England still without a win in eight matches on neutral territory against the Brazilians. Fabiano also missed a penalty for Brazil, who unsurprisingly dominated possession.
They were aided by an England midfield which gave the ball away far too easily and consequently the front two of Rooney and Darren Bent were starved of any worthwhile service. But this was no vintage performance by Brazil and their trickery was largely confined to in front of the back four and goalkeeper Ben Foster, apart from an impressive spell after the break.
Capello will now have four months to reflect on how many of his fringe players pushed their claims to be part of his World Cup plans before the next international in early March. Only Aston Villa winger James Milner, who was making his full debut, could feel he furthered his cause on the left wing to any significant effect.
Capello’s squad had already been decimated by the absence of David James, Glen Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Beckham, Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott and Emile Heskey. But he was forced to further reorganise when skipper John Terry lost his battle to recover from an Achilles problem and midfielder Michael Carrick was ruled out with an ankle injury. It meant Gareth Barry and Rooney were the only first-choice players in the starting XI, in contrast to Brazil who were virtually at full strength.
FIFA World Cup 2010 | Qualification | Madridistas round up
Portugal 1-0 Bosnia (Play-offs; First Leg)
Portugal will take a slender advantage into the second leg of their FIFA World Cup™ qualification play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina after Bruno Alves scored the only goal of tonight’s match in Lisbon.
A tightly-contested encounter was decided on the half-hour mark when Manchester United winger Nani crossed to the far post where Alves was on hand to head home.
Nani, who deputised on the wing in the absence of the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, was Portugal’s most enterprising player. However, the hosts’ hopes of finding a second goal were continually thwarted by a disciplined display from Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The visitors showed why only Spain were able to defeat them in the group stage and they could even have taken an away goal into Wednesday’s second leg a minute from the end when Edin Dzeko headed against the crossbar before substitute Zlatan Muslimovic hit a post from the rebound.
While Bosnia-Herzegovina would have been enthused by their display, their hopes in the second leg will be undermined by bookings picked up by Emir Spahic, Elver Rahimic and Samir Muratovic which rules them out of Wednesday’s game.
Portugal went into the game without star winger Ronaldo and his attacking craft was missed as they struggled to break down the visitors in the early stages when they gave away possession cheaply. Chelsea schemer Deco was most culpable as his usual creative influence deserted him while Simao Sabrosa and Liedson also failed to impart an influence.
Spain 2-1 Argentina
Xabi Alonso struck twice to fire Spain to a 2-1 win over Argentina in a star-studded international friendly.
The Real Madrid midfielder put the reigning European champions into a 16th minute lead, the midfielder stabbing home a rebound after Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero could only parry away a shot from David Silva. Spain underlined their status as one of the favourites to take next year’s FIFA World Cup™ with an array of sparkling attacking moves which had Diego Maradona’s Argentina on the back foot for much of the first half.
On 30 minutes, only Fabricio Coloccini’s goalmouth clearance kept Argentina from slipping further behind after David Villa got in a shot after Romero struggled to contain Andres Inesta’s charge. Seconds later, Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez set up Villa with a sweet through ball with Villa’s shot trickling wide.
Argentina had their own chances to level, notably on 39 minutes when, with only Iker Casillas to beat, Benfica winger Angel Di Maria clipped his shot over the crossbar. Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque introduced Raul Albiol for Barcelona’s Carles Puyol at the start of the second half as Argentina came out with all guns blazing.
In the 53rd minute, Lionel Messi lobbed over the Spanish defence to find Gonzalo Higuain but the Real Madrid forward was adjudged to be offside by Irish referee Allan Kelly. Argentina, who grabbed the fourth and final automatic qualifying place in South American qualifiyng, were hitting top gear and deservedly levelled on the hour mark. The equaliser came after Atletico Madrid winger Maxi Rodriquez, playing at his home ground, was felled in the box by Albiol, with Messi sending Casillas the wrong way from the spot.
Arsenal playmaker Cesc Fabregas came on to replace Xavi shortly after as Del Bosque looked to regain the upper hand. After a flurry of late substitutions Spain secured the bragging rights against the South American giants when Xabi converted an 85th minute penalty. Kelly awarded the spotkick, which was smashed into the top right-hand corner, after a handball by an Argentine defender.
Spain vs Argentina | Friendly | Preview
The Spanish FA celebrates its centenary on Saturday, the same day Iker Casillas will earn his 100th cap for La Roja, with a high-profile friendly against Argentina.
Seven Madridistas will be on the sidelines for the special encounter. Casillas, Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Albiol and Xabi Alonso will suit up for Spain, while Higuain and Gago have been called up by Diego Maradona.
Only 28-years old, Iker Casillas willl earn his 100th cap with Spain in Saturday’s match against Argentina. Only two other Spanish players have reached that number: Zubizarreta (126) and Raul (102). Casillas will become the 164th player to earn at least 100 international caps. Others are legends such as Matthäus, Beckenbauer, Zidane, Maldini, Cannavaro and Hagi.
Other goalkeepers in this select group of players are Dino Zoff, Peter Schmeichel, Edwin Van der Sar, Kasey Keller, Jorge Campos and Taffarel. The goalkeepers with the most international caps are Saudi Mohammed al Deayea and Mexican Claudio Suarez (177 each). Casillas will wear a special pair of gloves to commemorate the event.
On the other hand, Iker Casillas will probably play his 100th match in the Champions League on 25 November, when the Whites are set to face FC Zurich.While La Roja won their ten World Cup qualifiers and have notched 17 victories in their last 18 games, Argentina defeated Uruguay in the last round of qualifiers to clinch their berth in South Africa.
Spain have played Argentina eleven times and won four times, drawn once and lost five. They first met in 1952 in the Bernabeu and last squared off in 2006. Only once have they played in official competition; the 1966 World Cup in England.
News round up: Random stuff
Real Madrid Honorary President Alfredo di Stefano has been named Sports Ambassador by Argentina for the Republic’s 200th anniversary in 2010. The act took place in the Argentinean Embassy of Madrid and was attended by notable personalities from the Spanish and Argentine FAs. Besides a commemorative plaque, Don Alfredo also received Argentina and Spain shirts signed by all the players of each squad.
Argentinean Ambassador Carlos Bettini presided over the act, which was attended by notables such as Argentina FA President Julio Grondona, Spanish FA Vice-President Juan Padron, Spanish FA Director of Institutional Relations Carlos Bilardo, Real Madrid Director General and Presidential Aide Jorge Valdano, and Real Madrid Director of Institutional relations Emilio Butragueño.
Lorenzo Sanz was arrested on Wednesday and charged with the illegal export of artworks linked to his failed bid to buy Italian club Parma in 2005, Spanish media reported.
The investigation into Sanz, who led Real from 1995-2000 when they twice won the European Cup, began a year ago and is ongoing, El Pais and other media reported, citing unidentified sources close to the investigation.
The 66-year-old is accused of using artworks valued at 7.5 million euros as part of his attempt to buy the Serie A club. Spanish police were not immediately able to confirm the reports. Sanz was also arrested in September 2008 after a complaint from a financial institution but released without charge.
The la Liga showdown between Barcelona and Real Madrid later this month will be shown in cinemas, broadcast rights holder Mediapro said on Thursday.
The match, known in Spain as El Clasico, is provisionally scheduled for Sunday November 29 and will be shown in Kinepolis, Yelmo and Cinesa theatres for the same price as a regular cinema entrance fee, the company said.
Real Madrid have agreed a four-year sponsorship deal with Saudi Telecom (STC) that will give STC clients access to news, photos, video and video games linked to the La Liga giants.
The deal was announced at a presentation at Real’s Bernabeu stadium on Thursday with club president Florentino Perez, STC chairman Muhammad bin Suliman Al Jasser and Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Real said on their website. The club gave no financial details about the deal.
Casillas on the verge of a century as the football world mourns the loss of Robert Enke
The world of football is today mourning the death of German international goalkeeper Robert Enke, who was hit by a train on Tuesday evening near his home at Neustadt am Rubenberge in Lower Saxony. A statement confirming the 32-year-old’s passing was announced by police just hours after the tragedy occurred.
Enke played for Germany eight times in his career, including five qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010. In addition to the Bundesliga, where he played for Hannover 96 and Borussia Monchengladbach, Enke also had spells abroad with Benfica, Barcelona, Fenerbache and Tenerife, among others.
Enke, who had been suffering from depression, had only recently recovered a mysterious bacterial infection and had been omitted from the squad for their upcoming friendlies against Chile and the Ivory Coast next Wednesday. The German Football Association (DFB) has announced that the friendly with Chile on Saturday has been called off following the incident.
At the Camp Nou, Barça held a minute’s silence in his memory on Tuesday night before their Copa del Rey match against third-tier Cultural Leonesa. Wearing black armbands, the players stood with heads bowed as classical music played in the background.
RIP Robert Enke.
Our own custodian, Iker Casillas, though is on the verge of earning is 100th cap for Spain, which he attributes to the performance of Real Madrid. He spoke to the press ahead of Spain’s friendly against Argentina.
Raul press conference
Real Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez asked Madridistas to forgive the team in a press conference this morning.
Was yesterday’s result a fiasco?
It’s obvious that the team didn’t perform as everyone had expected. It has been very disappointing to us and our fans. We must accept this blow and move on. We hope what happened becomes a turning point for us to start doing things better because I believe this team can achieve important things.
Was it the most embarrassing match you remember?
We felt powerless yesterday, but I think we had great spirit when we took the pitch. We looked to score the opener and grew anxious when we failed to do so. Alcorcon played their game, while ours lacked flow. We are frustrated about that. We made a bad impression and earned a bad result.
It’s been four months. Why does the team still give bad performances?
It’s hard for things to work out at the start in a new project. We are a team in constant evolution with many new players who need time to adapt. It may be taking too long, but we have faith in the coach and we won’t give up. We must continue to work hard because we know we can do better.
How you do you feel on a personal level? You look very serious…
If the day ever comes in which I’m not angry or serious for not playing I should retire. There’s no problem; we have to accept things as they happen and I always knew this would be a complicated year for me. As I’ve said several times before, the team as a whole is what really counts. You can imagine I didn’t sleep too well last night after what happened yesterday.
How’s Pellegrini doing?
Real Madrid has managed to pull through several complicated situations in its history. When things don’t go well there isn’t just one person in particular who’s to blame; it’s all of us. We still have faith in the coach and in his work. He is capable of getting us out of this with his ideas. The crowd was disappointed and we are all to blame for that.
Don’t you feel something’s going on in the Club? Guti’s case is peculiar, Sergio Ramos’ suspension was unclear, the players are the ones who have to explain the situation…
No. We feel protected by the Club in that respect. There was a misunderstanding regarding Sergio Ramos’ suspension and the Club will explain that. It’s nothing important. The important thing here is that the team failed to perform. That’s the serious problem that concerns us and we have to do something about it. I hope we work with excitement once our international team-mates return.
Post-match comments
Director General Jorge Valdano commented on the fans’ support and reaffirmed his confidence in the team’s work following the match. Manuel Pellegrini offered his thoughts following Real Madrid’s elimination from the Copa del Rey. Pepe was visibly upset after Real Madrid was knocked out of the King’s Cup on Tuesday. Raul Albiol expressed his dissatisfaction after Real Madrid’s elimination from the Copa.
Valdano:
I want to thank the 80,000 people who came to support us. It wasn’t an easy night and the fans always stood by the team. We can’t think about it too much. The team tried hard in both matches. We have a lot of work ahead.
Things that appear impossible can happen in this sport. We played well and had our chances, but we lacked continuity. We weren’t fluid enough to stage the turnaround. Anxiety can perhaps betray in matches like these. We have complete faith in Pellegrini and there is no other option. We need to continue working with humility to reach the level we desire.
The fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is hurt is bad news. The situation was almost like a war between Portugal and Real Madrid, when the only problem was an injured player. He would have probably played had he been somewhat healthy. We hope he recovers soon.
Guti hasn’t been called up recently. There is no underlying issie. The coach has said that he will have a place on the team when he is ready. We are waiting for him with open arms because we need him.
Pellegrini:
The crowd was mad when Lass was taken out. I understand because he was playing well, but I thought it was the best move for him. He has been playing a lot and he pushed himself to the limit. I thought it was in his best interest and that an injury was possible.
We try to work with two formulas. In the first half we tried to recover the ball with speed and retain possession. In the second we brought in Van der Vaart to try to change the tendency. We lacked mobility and football in attack. We did what we thought was best, but the first leg made it an uphill battle.
I knew the crowd wouldn’t like it when Lass came out. I think it is important that he doesn’t sustain any injury. I put the players and team before myself.
Everyone can give their own grade. We were eliminated by a team from Segunda B. We can feel regret, but it’s over. I know the players are on my side. It is hard to turn around a 4-0 because there are so many factors. I would have loved to continue, but it is the start of a season that will end well.
I don’t regret the lineup. I think they are the players who belonged on the pitch. I said it from the start: I have faith in the whole squad, not just the team. The squad is deep enough to have continued, which is why I have no regrets.
Van Nistelrooy has been training with the team for two months. He played several minutes during the first leg. He is important, but he will not recover if he doesn’t play.
Real Madrid 1-0 Alcorcon
Real Madrid tried hard to turn around their first leg defeat against Alcorcon, but had no luck. They dominated the match and had countless chances on goal throughout the entire game, but imprecisions in attack, up to three shots to the posts and goalkeeper Juanma’s excellent performance thwarted their chances and only allowed them to net one strike. Alcorcon made history at the Bernabeu by reaching the Last 16 of Copa del Rey.
Alcorcon had the same lineup as in the first leg, while new faces were on the Real Madrid starting eleven. The Whites wanted to do their best to thrill the 80,000 fans that gathered at the stadium, but Alcorcon were well positioned and managed to thwart their incessant bouts in attack.
Van Nistelrooy had two shots on goal; Arbeola pulled off a powerful low shot; a cross from Albiol was cleared by the defence; Juanma saved a shot from Lass; the defence cleared corner kicks served by Kaka and Higuain… Real Madrid lacked precision in their many chances, while Alcorcon proved to be dangerous with shots from outside the box and in set pieces.
The Whites’ intensified their game after half-time and had seven shots on target in the opening seven minutes. Pepe tried with a header; a long shot by Van der Vaart slightly missed the mark; Van Nistelrooy hit the crossbar; Van der Vaart hit a post; Van Nistelrooy crossed a shot; Juanma cleared a shot from kaka; Higuain tried again from outside the box… Nothing worked.
The match carried on this way until the end. Alcorcon did their best to withstand Real Madrid’s onslaughts, which finally found their reward when Van der Vaart scored from outside the box with then minutes to go to the final whistle. This wasn’t enough and Alcorcon qualified to play in the Last 16 of the Copa del Rey despite Real Madrid’s victory. The Santiago Bernabeu crowd gave Alcorcon a standing ovation at the end of the encounter.
Lineups
Real Madrid: Dudek, Albiol, Pepe, Arbeloa, Gago, Kaká, Lass (Marcelo 72′), Diarra (Van der Vaart 48′), Higuaín, Van Nistelrooy, Raúl;
Alcorcón: Juanma, Nagore, Iñigo López, Borja Gómez, Rubén Anuarbe, Rubén Sanz, Sergio Mora, Ernesto Gómez, Fernando Béjar (Vara 75′), Diego Cascón (Carmelo 60′), Borja Pérez (Jeremy 81′);
Goals:
Real Madrid vs Alcorcón | Copa del Rey | Last 32 | Second Leg | Preview
No one can forget the first leg of the Last 32 match played on 27 October in Santo Domingo Stadium. And it is precisely the biggest motivational factor Real Madrid need heading into tonight’s match at the Bernabeu, where the Whites need to turn around the 4-0 defeat from two weeks ago.
Home-field advantage will play a huge role and the sell-out crowd will act as the 12th man for the sixteen men have been called up for elimination match. Raul Albiol is once again available after missing the derby to suspension. Sergio Ramos meanwhile will sit this one out after being sent off against Atletico. Casillas, Benzema, Xabi Alonso are being rested by Pellegrini and will watch from the stands, while Guti, Drenthe and Metzelder weren’t called up by the coach.
AD Alcorcon are on the verge of making history and can do so by eliminating Real Madrid for a berth in the Last 16, but the Segunda Division B side will have to defeat a confident team and raucous fans.
It still isn’t known who Juan Antonio Anquela will field. Cascon and Borja, the latter who scored a brace in the first leg, didn’t play in last Sunday’s game against Cacereño. Iñigo Lopez may be unavailable as well after abandoning the team’s last league match, which Juanma, Anaurbe, Bejar, Ernesto and Ruben Sanz sat out to rest for tonight’s showdown.
Sixteen men requested for Alcorcon
Manuel Pellegrini has announced the 16-man squad list for Tuesday’s Cup match against Alcorcon. Raul Albiol is able to play after serving a one-match suspension against Atletico Madrid, while Sergio Ramos must sit out after being sent off in the derby. Casillas, Benzema, Guti, Drenthe, Xabi Alonso and Metzelder did not make the final cut due to a coaching decision.
SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Dudek, Adan.
Defenders: Arbeloa, Pepe, Marcelo, Albiol, Garay.
Midfielders: Gago, Diarra, Kaka, Lass, Van der Vaart, Granero.
Forwards: Raul, Van Nistelrooy, Higuain.
Now, who’s the man?
We all know that the weakest link in our team is the Left Back spot – a position that was once occupied by the likes of the legendary Roberto Carlos, not so legendary Gabriel Heinze and a fairly decent Raul Bravo in the past decade or so and now there is Marcelo, Drenthe and Arbeloa who to be fair to them are not real Left Backs.
If there should be any reinforcements in January then it definitely should be to that position in our team. Most of the crucial goals that we have conceded have been because of the lack of a major presence on the extreme left hand side of the defence or so to speak.
Marcelo is great in attack. No doubts about that. And R.R.Drenthe can do a lot of Dutch rap. No doubts about that as well. What we need is a player who can defend in that position and can support the attack by whipping in crosses and not try and dribble into the center and smack goals into the opponents goal. No thats not what we need. We have enough people to do that.
That brings us to today’s poll.
Pellegrini press conference
During Monday’s press conference, Manuel Pellegrini appeared absolutely confident in his team’s ability to turn around Tuesday’s Cup tie against Alcorcon.
Are you confident that your team can eliminate Alcorcon?
Coming back from a 4-0 deficit it always hard, but we know we can do it. We have the talent.
Queiroz called Cristiano up to be with Portugal.
I was asked about it last week. Everyone has their own interests in mind. Whatever, happens, there are medical records that need to be looked at.
What team will you field against Alcorcon?
Several of the players who played them the first time. We will put on players who can recover the ball and who are offense-minded. Benzema will rest because he has played several consecutive matches.
How do you see Cristiano Ronaldo?
He is following a specific treatment protocol. No player likes to miss playing for his national team, but the doctors should have the final say.
How do you think Alcorcon will play?
It is impossible to say. We are very anxious to get out there and to play with intensity. We cannot rush ourselves and we need to make Alcorcon feel like they are playing against the entire Santiago Bernabeu.
Is qualifying for the next round mandatory?
Mandatory is a complicated word in football. We have the willingness and team spirit, and we need to show it on the pitch.
How is Guti?
He will be called up when he and the coaching staff think he is ready. We want him to be like he was at the start of the season. There is no punishment and there is no fighting.
Scarecrow – Alcorcon pre-preview
SIXTEEN NAMES
Manuel Pellegrini has announced the 16-man squad list for Tuesday’s Cup match against Alcorcon. Raul Albiol is able to play after serving a one-match suspension against Atletico Madrid, while Sergio Ramos must sit out after being sent off in the derby. Casillas, Benzema, Guti, Drenthe, Xabi Alonso and Metzelder did not make the final cut due to a coaching decision.
ONE HERO
Among the names on the list, one stands out. An enigmatic Brazilian named Kaka, call sign: SCARECROW. (Its funny Kaka means crow where I live). Kaka was on the pitch of the Bernabeu on Sunday morning and talked about Tuesday’s match. He said:
Our victory in the derby has boosted our morale to make a comeback on Tuesday. Our history and our pride force us to make a comeback The fans’ support will be very important. Players and fans must unite. The Bernabeu will be like a pressure cooker. The crowd must be the team’s twelfth player.
I can here the Madridistas say “Your wish is our command master.”
NO LIMITS
Real Madrid find themselves in need of a major turnaround in Copa del Rey action come Tuesday, but on two previous occasions the team has been able to bounce back from 4-0 deficits.
On 4 May 1947, a hat-trick by Crias and a goal by Pineda for Betis put Madrid in a major hole, but in the return leg at Metropolitano Stadium, Barrinaga scored three goals and Vidal, Molowny and Pruden had one each to turn the tie around. The Whites went on to win the competition against Español with two added-time goals by Vidal and Pruden.
Then in 1974/75, Real Madrid fell 4-0 to Las Palmas in a quarterfinal match up in the Canary Islands. Two days later at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Whites staged an epic comeback with goals Roberto Martinez, Santillana (3) and Pirri. The team also went on to win the Cup this season after a penalty shootout against Atletico Madrid.
There are no limits in this world.
The race is on and the pace is frantic as Real fight for their survival in the Copa del Rey, in the process demolishing Alcorcon, a team from Segunda B (the third tier of Spanish football) who stunned us in the first leg two weeks ago, in a result that raised questions over the future of coach Manuel Pellegrini.
We have won the European cup nine times, more than anyone else, and the League 31 times. This time it is different.
Because this time we are doing something that no one expects us to do.
P.S: The above format was drawn from the teaser of Scarecrow, a Matthew Reilly novel.
Cristiano called up
Carlos Queiroz has announced his 23-man list for Portugal’s World Cup playoff against Bosnia on 14 and 18 November. Among those included are Cristiano Ronaldo, who is still recovering from injury, and Pepe.
But Real Madrid have announced that they will not allow Cristiano Ronaldo to travel to Portugal, as playing could see him risk his entire career. Real’s doctors have told the player that if he plays the play-offs he could suffer a major setback in his rehabilitation from an ankle problem. Marca have revealed that Real are digging their heels in and have sent all the relevant medical reports to the Portuguese Football Federation regarding the ankle injury, which they claim will take another month to six weeks to recover from.
I am not sure whether he would really travel or not. We will just have to wait and see.
Cristiano Ronaldo meanwhile spoke to Portuguese newspaper A bola amongst other, his life at Real Madrid. The Portuguese heart-throb said:
Whenever you have a new ‘girlfriend’ you want to please her more and do as much as you can for her. I feel well at Real Madrid and, despite having missed some games, playing at a new stadium with a new crowd and meeting different teams and players motivates me… I like to learn, so this is very stimulating, but it doesn’t mean my former team wasn’t.
Whatever.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Real Madrid Castilla 4-2 Gimnastica Torrelavega
Fran Rico was the only new face on this week’s starting lineup due to the suspension of Mosquera. RM Castilla needed a victory this morning and got it thanks to their drive, quality and the incredible support of the crowd. Overcoming the bad fortune of conceding an own goal (1-2), Castilla scored three more strikes through Juan Carlos and Fran Rico (2, from penalties).
MATCH REPORT
REAL MADRID CASTILLA: Adan; Velayos, Gary, Mateos, Marcos Alonso (Cristian, 80′); Raul Ruiz (Juan Carlos, 71′), Cordero, Fran Rico, Vazquez (Juanan, 71′); Acuña, Szalai.
R.S GIMNASTICA TORRELAVEGA: Ivan; Abraham, Mario, Alberto, Zalo (Nando, 64′); Bubu (Cusi, 45′), Dani Cobo (Del Olmo, 69′), Siro, Cris; Collado, Javi.
GOALS:
1-1 (52′). Collado
1-2 (57′). Mateos (own goal)
2-2 (87′). Fran Rico (penalty)
3-2 (89′). Juan Carlos
4-2 (92′). Fran Rico (penalty)
Referee: Iñigo Azkue Otegui.
Booked: Vázquez (14′), Collado (14′), Cris (15′), Siro (40′) and Abraham (73?). Gary and Cordero saw double bookings and were sent off. Del Olmo, Cusi and coach Jose Gomez Garcia saw a red card each.
Notes: Second Division B, Matchday 12.
Venue: Alfredo di Stefano Stadium.
Post-match comments
Manuel Pellegrini earned his 100th victory in La Liga in his 200th match in the competition. The coach was very happy with his team’s victory against Atletico Madrid. Iker Casillas was one of the best players in the derby. The goalkeeper was very satisfied with the team’s victory. Marcelo starred in the match against Atletico by scoring the team’s second goal. Pepe, Ramos and Arbeloa were all very happy with Real Madrid’s performance in the derby.
Pellegrini:
We scored three goals and had several chances to net more. We controlled the game until Ramos was sent off. Atletico Madrid have very dangerous men and the final minutes were very difficult for us and didn’t reflect our superiority during the rest of the game.
The entire team is adapting to a new dynamic. There’s still much to improve on, but we are earning good results nonetheless. I am satisfied with the job we are doing in that respect. We are making progress and I hope we continue to do so.
The key to our victory was that we went for it from the start, avoiding to speculate about our opponent. We put a lot of pressure on them and we were creative enough to score goals and have many chances.
I am very happy with the work we’re doing. We’ve earned important victories and I expected some ups and downs to happen. We’ve sorted out our drawn matches, our defeat in Seville… We are doing rather well in the Champions League and we hope to make it to the next round. We have to come back from our defeat in Alcorcon.
We must be coherent and strive to create ball movement and keep possession as much as possible. We should play with midfielders down the wings as opposed to using fixed wingers all the time. Real Madrid must strive to do something different and we are on the path to achieving this, but we still have much to improve on.
Casillas:
We made mistakes we can’t afford to make again. We worked hard for the victory and we have to get more chances on goal. We were slightly hurt by the red card and we made mistakes, but that’s no excuse. What’s important is that Madridistas enjoyed the victory. We won at a complicated stadium and we must now focus on playing a good game in the Cup against Alcorcon.
Aguero had a great chance, but I was lucky and managed to clear the ball. We were a great opponent for Atletico Madrid. We know what a derby is like so it was normal for us to be so focused from the start. Our defence was tight and Ramos’ red card hurt us. They took advantage of that. It will help us correct our mistakes in the future.
We suffered at the end of the second half. It was hard, but we deserved to win in the end. We are solid in defence and the red card distracted us. Atletico capitalised on two chances and had several others.
Our last three games have been difficult. We now hope to defeat Alcorcon on Tuesday. Team and fans must unite to help us reach the next round. The great thing about this squad is that every player on it gives 100%. Anyone can make the starting lineup.
We are anxious to play the game on Tuesday and win. We must reach the next round.
Atletico Madrid 2-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid once again proved they aspire to win every title at stake this season. The Whites played brilliantly during 80 minutes at the Calderon despite Atletico’s push in the final ten minutes. Kaka and Marcelo scored in the first half, while Higuain followed suit after half-time. Forlan and Aguero put the locals back in the game close to the end with one strike each, but the Madridistas eventually snatched the victory.
Real Madrid pressurised from the start. The central midfielders constantly supported the full backs, who in turn helped out as much as they could in attack.
Four minutes into the game, Lass lost the ball only to recover it again and pass it to Kaka, who scored from a phenomenal shot right outside the box. Pepe tried to score a second strike with a long shot (19’), Ramos tried from the edge of the box (21’) and Marcelo eventually netted the team’s second strike on the 24-minute mark.
The goal was the result of excellent touch on ball and precision; Ramos and Benzema combined passes inside the box before finally giving the ball to the Brazilian, who scored with his right foot despite hardly having an angle from the goal-line. Benzema came close to netting a third (33’) and Forlan hit Casillas’ post (30’). Simao had the last chance of the first half.
Aguero came on in the second half and Atletico tried to make a comeback, but within fifteen minutes Real Madrid managed to score again through Higuain (64’). The Argentine dribbled past Perea and defeated Asenjo in a one-on-one.
Ramos saw a red card one minute later for tackling Aguero outside the area and Forlan used this to cut distances short (79’). One minute later, Aguero thrilled the crowd by scoring a second strike for his team, but it was too late for the locals to make a full comeback and Real Madrid won again at the Calderon; the Whites haven’t lost there in eleven years.
Lineups:
Atlético Madrid: Asenjo, Ujfalusi, Pablo (Sinama Pongolle 90′), Perea, Antonio López, Cléber Santana, Raúl García, Reyes (Maxi Rodríguez 60′), Jurado (Agüero 47′), Simao, Forlán;
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Garay, Arbeloa, Lass, Xabi Alonso, Kaka (Van der Vaart 86′), Marcelo, Benzema (Gago 70′), Higuain (Raul 67′);
Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid | Spanish Primera Division | Round 10 | Preview
The first derby of the season between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid will take place tonight at the Vicente Calderon Stadium. The Whites have great motivation thanks to their brilliant performance in the first half of their match against Milan in San Siro. Atletico are also optimistic thanks to their improved performances of late.
The Madridistas haven’t lost at the Calderon in a decade, earning six victories and two draws (Atletico spent two years in the Second Division). Ruud van Nistelrooy and Gonzalo Higuain scored the strikes in Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory at the stadium last season.
Barcelona will face Mallorca at Camp Nou before the derby. If Barça fail to win, Real Madrid could snatch the top spot of the table by defeating Atletico.
Ezequiel Garay and Christoph Metzelder are the new faces on Pellegrini’s squad list, while Raul Albiol will have to miss the match due to being suspended as a result of the red card he saw against Getafe. Midfielder Assunçao (suspended) and defender Juanito (injured) will be the absences on Atletico’s camp. Former Madridistas Jurado and Reyes will have a chance to face their former team.
Garay and Metzelder called up
Manuel Pellegrini has announced the 19-man squad list for Saturday’s derby against Atletico Madrid. Garay has found his way back after missing the last two matches due to tendonitis, as has Metzelder, who last played against Alcorcon. With the Sports Discipline Committee yet to reach a verdict on the red card Albiol received against Getafe, Pellegrini had also called up the Spanish international. But he will be suspended for the game. Cristiano Ronaldo is unavailable due to injury, while Adan, Drenthe, Guti and Diarra were left off due to a coaching decision.
Casillas to AS
Iker Casillas talked to AS about the derby against Atletico Madrid.
What do you think the match against Atletico will be like?
It’s the first time in a very long time in which the situation is uneven for both teams because of the positions we both have on the table and of what’s been happening at Atletico recently. They may be going through a difficult time, but we have also been criticised this season. The fans always get excited about the derby. Everything will be the same as always once it starts.
Is it better to face an Atletico in crisis?
It may be worse because they have a new, intelligent coach who knows how to motivate players and wants to make the fans happy after everything that’s happened. I haven’t lost at the Calderon in ten years.
It’s a stadium in which you earn good results against them…
We also do that at the Bernabeu. We lost 3-1 against them at the Calderon the year in which they were relegated, but I only played 20 minutes in that game.
You have always performed very well at the Calderon.
I’ve done well there. I like to play at that stadium. I think their fans cheered my name last year because of my good relationship with Luis Aragones. I am grateful to them for that. I noticed the rivalry with Real Madrid in my first year; Kiko was still on the team. I guess one of my fondest memories is the 4-0 victory we earned in 2003. In 2005, Torres despaired because he had many shots on goal but failed to defeat me.
Is it strange to see Atletico in the latter positions of the table?
Yes. I would like them to be contenders for the title every year. They are a great team. Back in the day, the three greats were Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico.
Pellegrini press conference
Manuel Pellegrini offered today’s press conference on the eve of his first derby as Real Madrid head coach.
Will Raul start?
We will decide on the starting eleven tomorrow. Raul has played a lot and his performance speaks for itself. The team has played well without him at times. He is always a starter in my book. He is very important to this team.
In what kind of shape is the team with respect to what you are looking for?
We’re on the right track. We’ve figured out in what direction we want to head towards and the team has adjusted well. There are still some adjustments to make, but everyone is okay with that and I hope we continue improving.
Is it just a coincidence that the team got off balance after the penalty in Milan?
It was tough because the team found itself with a score that wasn’t in its favor even though it was the superior side. But we reacted and I think we played a good match.
What are your thoughts on the Cristiano Ronaldo situation?
The player is concerned as to be expected. The doctors are the ones who have to examine his progres. He is an important player to the team and to his national team. He knows he isn’t fit to play. Otherwise we would have used him.
Saturday may result in your 100th victory in what will be your 200th match in Primera.
I don’t tend to count. I am only concerned with the football aspect.
Is the rhythm displayed against Getafe and Milan that what you want to see from your team?
Playing with ten men implies more wear and tear. The team looked more like what we want from it against Milan. We pressured well and were very mobile. We are using the wings well.
Is Guti fit to make the squad list?
No, and I would like to repeat that he is not punished. I try to call up the 18 men who are in best shape.
Its El Derbi time! – Atlético pre-preview
Its El Derbi time! The first proper derby game of the season and the first one in Florentino’s new era. It’ll be Kaka’s first Madrid derby and it will be the same for Benzema, Xabi, Garay and Granero. It, though, won’t be the case for three of our new players.
The first one is Raul Albiol, who is serving a one-match ban after being sent off last week against Getafe at home. The appeal against his red card was rejected by LFP.
The second one is Alvaro Arbeloa. He has already played in an El Derbi before and is expecting a tough game against Atletico. Speaking on Real’s official website, he said:
I’ve played once against Atletico Madrid and we won 3-0. It was a tough game, they had a lot of chances and Fernando Torres had a great match. We had Ronaldo and Figo, we had three chances and scored three goals. I’m sure it will be difficult.
It will be the first El Derbi for former Madridista Quique Sánchez Flores as the new coach of Atletico. The former Benfica, Valencia coach replaced Abel Resino last week after the latter led Atletico to a dismal start to the campaign. Arbeloa had a few words about Quique as well:
Anyone who knows Quique knows that he is a great coach, that his teams are very reliable and are very well worked. We’ve noticed that, with the little things he has brought, Atletico have improved a lot. We will have to be very orderly and play close together because I’m sure it will be a hard game for the defence.
Kun Aguero concurs with the above thought. Talking about Agüero, Arbeloa considers their attacking players as a threat to our defense. Of course. No one can disagree. Arbeloa continued to say that in all it will be a difficult match for us.
I’m concerned about all the attacking players. They are fantastic footballers who have pace, quality, imagination and self-belief. If we are not focused then they will punish us. Defensively they have improved, and the Calderon will have a special atmosphere. It will be a difficult match for us.
The third and the biggest of them all is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Just another Madridista
Comments round up: Its all about Guti
Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his desire to being playing again during the presentation of the Real Madrid-STC sponsoprship deal.
Iker Casillas talked to Radio Marca about his forthcoming 100th cap with Spain and Real Madrid.
One year and one day after having surgery in Colorado, Ruud van Nistelrooy talked to Spanish newspaper Marca about his ambitions.
(more…)
Share this:
November 14, 2009 | Categories: Comments | Tags: Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Jorge Valdano, Kaká, Manuel Pellegrini, Ruud van Nistelrooy | 3 Comments »